Seedling ((EDDE))

[FavoredFox]

The sun had yet to rise and cast it waking light upon the inhabitants of the temple. Most of which were still nestled in their beds and sharing sweet dreams of varying fantasies; yet, one was up and silently walking along the patio that wrapped around the building. The fresh air was soothing to the redhead, who had not had a pleasant morning. Some sort of bug had been plaguing him for days, often waking Kurama in the middle of the night or the wee hours of the morning to perform an unpleasant purging of his stomach.

With silent foot steps, the shoe-less fox turned the corner towards the kitchen. Their kettle was set to boil, a particular set of herbs was crushed in the mortar and the powder was tapped into a cup.

While waiting of the water, Shuichi nestled himself on the floor in front of the table to ponder his illness. He was having difficulty finding an ailment that fit his symptoms: nausea, hot flashes, bloating, fatigue. With a sleepy sigh the fox began to slowly lower his head onto the cool wooden table.

Crickets chirped and an owl hooted. The relative silence was a blessing. The children of the temple could be more than a little loud, and it was relieving to have a moment of quiet.... Though, there was one particular voice he wouldn't mind. Kurama crossed his arms and nuzzled his nose into the crook of his elbow. Yusuke would return soon, of that he was certain. The only reason he wasn't there now, was of Kurama's own doing.

When the vomiting spells first began it was nearly impossible to get the man to leave him be. He didn't want to be seen, nor heard that way. Being left to suffer alone was best; and, in order to help Yusuke accept such a thing, Kurama sent him out on short quests to help. This time it had been to fetch a particular herb from his garden. He'd shown it to the man for that specific purpose.

Emerald eyes fluttered open and shut, before finally becoming too heavy to hold up. In moments, the fox was softly snoring.

 

[EDDE]

When Kurama's illness first hit Yusuke had made every attempt to join his husband in order to sooth his ailments to the best of his abilities. It was almost unheard of for either of them to be able to sleep for long once their mate had left their side. He had been turned down quite abruptly at every turn. When his fox would wake up through the night or in the wee hours of the morning he'd soon turned to rolling over and wrapping himself around the stray pillow that was almost never used. He almost always served as Kurama's pillow.

And he would lie there, aching to go sooth his husband and suffering with him; on a different level. Yusuke was a protector. He always had been. To be denied that role so heavily had been torturous.

But the redhead had caught on to his own woes. As the one person who understood him better than anyone else, he'd recognized the former detective's restlessness over this issue and, unlike how he'd been able to do, had found a way to sooth it. If he couldn't help him by being physically there for him, the next best thing was to be able to procure what he needed during or after.

The raven haired demon looked up into the trees as he walked, hearing an owl hoot and seeking it out. These little 'quests' were far from glorious, and sometimes rather boring. But they made him feel better regardless; because they, at the very least, seemed pretty important.

He stopped at the edge of the forest, seeking out his ailing human. There wasn't a time he could remember that Kurama had been sick like this. And it was really worrying him. He'd just started pressing his husband to at least allow Yukina to have a look at him the previous morning. And he would most likely push again today.

When making the attempt, it was never too difficult for them to find each other. And as he opened the door, the sight he was greeted with tugged at his lips and produced a soft smile despite everything he'd just been thinking on.

Opening the patio door to the dining room allowed what was left of the moonlight to pour in. With only the stove light from the adjoining kitchen to light the area it caused a beautiful picture of his now peace full looking redhead dozing sweetly against the table.

He was calm. And Yusuke was glad.

But he made his move quickly. He could hear the steam beginning to work at escaping the kettle. And he was lucky to catch it before it turned shrill.

Through almost perfectly silent movements the former detective carefully fixed the drink his fox had started cooking up. Not only was he attempting not to disturb him, but he neither added anything else to the drink despite his distaste for how it smelled. Because not only did the taste of these plants sometimes not match the smells they produced, but he didn't want to disturb a delicate constitution by changing it with sugar or anything.

Quietly, he set himself beside his husband in the same moment he set the cup down for him. In addition he set down the herb he'd grabbed upon recognizing he hadn't let go of the somewhat tight grip he'd had on them even while getting his drink.

And then he took his own drink; one of the peaceful look that had fallen over his redhead in dozing off. He wanted to bask in that look. And he did. But he knew it wouldn't be long before his husband felt his presence and roused because of it. A strong, gentle hand was placed over the fox's slightly curled on, the other reaching to land upon his head at the same time. "Shuichi..." It was quiet and as gentle as his touch. Concern was already pulling into his features. He really didn't want to pull the man from his slumber only to throw him back into the grasp of his sickness.

 

[FavoredFox]

Under normal circumstances the opening of the patio door would have been enough to wake him. As would the beginnings of the kettle's whistle, the nearly silent footsteps of his lover, the scent of tea and the gentle touch. Kurama would have been awake and aware a long time ago... But it was the gentle calling of his human name that stirred the fox from his restful sleep. His initial reaction was irritation. After all, he'd found himself in a very deep sleep that his body seemed to crave more and more of as of late; but it lasted less than a moment. Yusuke's soft touch and gentle word was enough to sooth away any displeasure.

Emerald eyes fluttered open to set a bleary gaze on his husband. The sight of him had his lips pulling into a lazy smile. "Yusuke," he returned, sitting up just enough to capture the man's lips in a soft kiss. It tasted strongly of minty toothpaste with the sharp alcohol of copious amounts of mouthwash. "I apologize, I must have dozed off," he offered as he pulled away, though it was hardly needed. Shuichi blinked, suddenly aware of the tea that had been set on the table. It's smell was not the sweetest, and neither was the taste; but, it wasn't terrible. Just a little bitter. The herbs his lover brought would sweeten it some. "Thank you for fetching this for me, Yusuke. It was quite helpful."

Carefully, the fox plucked off a few of the leaves and twisted them over the hot tea until a couple drops of sap fell in. The herbs set aside, Kurama wrapped his palms around the hot cup. It bordered on painful, but the tingling heat was actually quite soothing. He was just about to bring it to his lips for a quick sip... when he felt his stomach churn. Kurama could almost feel his face turn green and the cup was abandoned to place a hand over his mouth reflexively. With his eyes tightly shutting he muttered a quiet apology and an ever polite 'excuse me,' before he stood from the table with more urgency then he would have preferred.

The fox despised the fact that he knew he wouldn't make it to the bathroom in time, but he would be damn sure not to vomit across the temple floor. His first thought had been to dart outside, but even the bushes on the other side of the court yard seemed too far away. Shuichi turned on his heels to dart into the kitchen and grab the trash bin just in time, as the last remnants of last nights meal was forced from his belly. The sound he made was... The thought alone had the prim and proper fox cringing. It was violent, disgusting, and just as painful as it felt.

The redhead hunched over the bin, his hands grasping the edge until his fingers turned white. He spat each time the bile finished it's travel from his stomach to the garbage can. Kurama felt his eyes water, his nose run and gross drool hanging from his lips. Through panting breaths he began to calm, only to tense again as another heave wracked his form. This time, without anything in his stomach to expel it was nothing more than agonizing dry heaving. Nothing but a slick, green slime was sputtered free.

 

[EDDE]

Just as he was beginning to feel comforted by his fox's composure it changed. Of course he hadnt been able to help but smile back; or to run his fingers through flowing red locks. He was a bit captivated by that calm. Surely he'd get it later as well, but it looked great on him now, dammit. And he'd been just about to reply with a quirky comment toward an almost ever present appology for 'wrong doing' when that shift occured.

His face dropped instantly, his hands easily relinquishing their capture. The redhead was up and off in the wrong direction before he recognized as much. But the attempt to still himself when he did notice was valiant; though short lived. There was simply no way the overbaringly protective creature could stop himself from moving to his lover's aid without a familiar door in the way.

Still, he did show an amazing amount of restraint despite that. His travel was calm, almost non-chalant. And even as he gathered up pretty red curls into one hand and offered a light, carefully soothing rub across his shoulder blades, he didn't look down on him. Not because Yusuke didn't want to witness the horrible bout of sickness. But because he understood by now that Kurama didnt want him to.

He might have a great deal of foolishness under his belt, and sometimes more than a 'little' idiotic tendancies but he could, most of the time, read his husband like no other. There was areason Kurama didn't want his attention during these times. And even if he didn't know exactly what that reason was, it was still a good enough one for him to be able to respect... at least at the moment.

"The moon is still out," he mentioned. Pausing for the hurling sensation and giving a a short moment of recovery before continuing each time, the addition played out rather smoothly despite the circumstance as he kept his attention on the small window that lead there.

"It's real nice out too. I think we should go out and enjoy it before anyone starts waking up to ruin the mood." Not the mood currently, of course. The mood he was hoping the relief of fresh air would bring his husband.

"The air is cool but not cold, and there's only a little breeze. So the trees are kinda dancing right now." His lips pinched together as he thought about that. It sounded dizzying and the calm feeling he was attempting to convey shouldnt have that. "Well, the leaves are a little. It looks really neat."

There was no question in there. He couldn't even think of making his poor husband answer him in his current state. But as he lost his food and had little left to puke up, Yusuke quieted down a little and simply continued rubbing his back. Due to the inturruption of the vomiting he has nearly taken as long to suggest as much anyway.

 

[FavoredFox]

His usual dismissal of Yusuke's attempts to sooth him wouldn't work now, and he knew it. While there was a barrier between them, he could convince the man to leave him be, if only to gather him herbs. Without that separation, he knew for a fact that he wouldn't be able to send him away. That was why he didn't push when his husband pulled away his hair and gently rubbed his back. A low, pitiful groan left his lips between the heavy tensing in his body that was becoming more and more painful each time his body failed to excrete anything from his gut.

Ducking his head down and turning away, he tried to hide his face from view. He looked disgusting, disgraceful and all around horrible. The vanity of the redheaded fox writhed in agony at the thought of his appearance.

Yusuke's rubbing over his back was surprisingly helpful, and now he needn't worry about getting anything in his hair. Sweat glistened over his forehead, and the fox gripped hard enough of the bin that the plastic creaked and threatened to crack. He spat and heaved, groaned and tensed; but the offered scenario was a lovely one. The cool breeze would dry the sweat and leave him feeling chilly. A welcome respite from the heat that was building in him all over again. Hot flashes, bloating, vomiting... They were symptoms of any number of illnesses, but he lacked any other symptoms that would connect him to one. What on Earth was wrong with him? A stomach virus would come with a fever, not hot and cold flashes.... His thoughts were cut off with a violent spasm that had him nearly choking on the pitiful dribble of bile from his tongue.

"That sounds... Like a lovely idea," he managed to pant. Once more the fox spat, then again and again until he decided there was nothing else to rid his mouth of. The rest would be done with a tooth brush and mouthwash. Again. But Kurama didn't move. His stomach seemed to settle and the nausea was fading away (for now); but, he didn't yet trust it. So, the fox remained huddled over the trash bin, gripping it just as tightly as he had before. At least he wasn't puking anymore. "Would you mind terribly bringing me a wet washcloth?"

 

[EDDE]

Talking between the noise of his poor fox helped him to keep his eyes off him, but it was still incredibly difficult; he being so used to checking his condition while looking at him even if he wasn't necessarily relying on his eyes. He knew his condition. It sucked. But still it was hard..

He almost lost himself to the need, but a gasping response served as his stead. He hadn't wanted to make him talk, but he was comforted by it regardless. After all, if he was talking, it was way better than anything else that might be coming out of his mouth at the moment.

The question drew his attention to the kitchen sink. "Sure," he offered lightly. And still holding his hair he rolled his wrist teice; a loose, careful twist to his hair that might keep it back for a moment.

Yusuke was always careful with his husband's hair. It was a habit he'd gained ages ago for a very specific reason. One that he didn't so much think about at the moment more than it was always at the back of his mind when handling it.

He pulled a clean cloth from a drawer. It was a kitchen towel, but it should serve fine. Besides; he wasn't willing to travel any further from him than that. He wet it with cool water, wrung it out, and turned to hand it to him. And he managed to keep his eyes off him still, but his discomfort with it would be becoming clear were forest eyes to land on him.

"We could take that with if you want," he added in a somewhat teasing tone; only 'slightly' for the worry still etched across his features. Well, and for the fa t that he was perfectly willing to actually do it.

 

[FavoredFox]

Sweat had several strands clinging to his cheek and neck despite the careful twisting; but it allowed a nice flow of air against the hot skin that was usually hidden beneath the crimson mane. Yusuke's hand left his back and the fox spat once more into the bin. He missed the touch; the soothing rubbing along his spine, the careful hold of his hair. If it weren't for his vanity, the fox would have allowed Yusuke to care for him from the beginning.

But the deadly sin was deeply ingrained in the fox, no matter the form.

Shuichi slowly straightened his posture and released a heavy sigh. The swirling in his stomach was gone and his esophagus released the tension associated with such ailments. "Thank you," he murmured, glancing at the man and finding relief in the fact the brown eyes he adored were turned away. Shuichi was quick in cleaning his face. Starting with the sweat on his forehead, then the wetness in his eyes, the snot on his nose and the bile around his mouth. "I hope that won't be necessary," he answered after clearing his throat.

Gradually regaining his composure, the fox stood straighter and took a deep breath before releasing it in a slow billow from his nose. "I must clean up before leaving," he pointed out. Not only was the bin now filled with a terrible smelling substance, but his mouth was filled with a nasty taste that he simply had to wash away; but first, Kurama grasped the plastic trash bag to tie it shut.

 

[EDDE]

Strong, gentle hands covered the fox's all over again. "Ill take care of this so you can take care of you." The offer may be a bit late considering the want not to have him around for the issue in the first place. But his attention drew down to the bag immediately as it had been grabbed, stopping Kurama from the need to even bother, and still sparing him in case he didn't want him to look yet. "But I'm gonna come find you if you're gone too long." Another slight tease that wasn't necissarily a tease.

But at least his vain husband would have the door then. "If not, I'll just meet you on the porch and we can sit out there and enjoy the quiet." Well, comparative quiet. But the sounds of the night should be soothing.

He set to work himself quickly, wanting to give his fox his comfort still. He didnt plan on leaving him be in the least once he joined him outside. Everything in the raven haired man wanted to coddle his lover mercilessly once he could. His determination, while he might not have recognized it himself, had been strong enough and enough of a focus that the intense smell hadn't caused a sensitive nose to suffer; let alone any other part of him smelling it could have bugged. And when that bag was closed, there was practically no longer a scent to bother him. What lingered in the air would be gone soon. Especially with the patio door still open.

When he did return to the porch, he noticed a very early bird was chirping from somewhere in the tree tops a little way off. It didnt detract from the sound ofnthe night though. But even though he was trying to enjoy the cool night air, his eyes were travelling to the door every few moments in hopes of his husband joining him quickly. Quickly meant that he was doing better. And quickly meant that he could console him further. He'd even grabbed his cup after washing his hands, wanting that it wouldn't cool off too much by the time he was joined.

 

[FavoredFox]

He didn't complain. Yusuke tried to take the bag and Shuichi seemed happy enough to let him have it. "I will do my best not to leave you waiting." His tone was meant to be just as teasing, but his throat was rough and it became impossible to read. To make up for it, the fox placed his hand gratefully on the Temple Master's shoulder before taking his leave.

The trip down the hall to their bedroom and adjoined bathroom was short. His steps were quick and determined, yet quiet enough to go unheard. By the time he reached the sink he was feeling much better. In fact he felt hungry of all things! That was ignored for the joy of being free of a queasy stomach as he reached for the toothbrush.

Several minutes later the fox patted his face dry and looked into the mirror. The green tint to his cheeks was gone; but had been replaced with a slight flush. Another symptom he couldn't place, but one he didn't worry too much about. What he did worry about was his hair. Thanks to his husband it was spared any filth; but it wasn't exactly well kept. So he took several more minutes brushing out his hair before leaving to join the man.

With his mouth once more tasting of mint and his tongue tingling from countless cleansing with mouth wash, the fox slid open the door to the patio. He looked much better than when he had left. His hair was flawless and his face had been washed clean. "It truly is a nice night." Kurama's voice was still a little rough, but much better than before. The lazy smile from before returned; this time with enough effort to make his eyes shine with it. "Shall we retreat to the garden, or the forest?"

 

[EDDE]

Yusuke had never been one who could simply sit still for very long. While it had taken him a few minutes to dispose of the bag, Kurama still took longer than he would have liked. He was understanding of course, but never good at being patient.

By the time the redhead finally emerged he was no longer on the porch. But he was near it. He'd gone from staring at the night--with his eyes flicking to the door-- to fidgetting heavily. From fidgetting he'd moved to sitting on the porch and making designs in the morning grass's dew with his foot to distract himself. And from there he'd moved to sitting on the lowest step and leaning over to make more intricate designs he still couldn't really see all that well with his hand. Eventually he'd plucked some of that grass. And was standing in it playing with a few blades looking somewhat bored.

Enjoying the night with his fox was one thing. Enjoying it alone with worry on his mind was another; and nearly impossible.

But the one thing that could always quell his restlessness soon appeared. And his relief as chocolate eyes fell on it was palpable. As prim and proper as usual, his husband emerged. And a smile drew across his lips that was soft, yet still a little over exuberant; as was his nature.

"I dunno," he offered warmly as he moved back over. The cup was lifted from its place on the porch and pulled up between them in offering as he drew close; as close as he always did when he wanted to hold his mate (and he almost always wanted to hold him).

As he offered it, he added, "You feel up for climbing?" No way did he want to bring back tha queasiness. Heights, a swaying tree, and number of things could do this. So he wanted to leave the decision up to his fox.

The question however, begged to offer a specific sanctuary they both tended to enjoy. It was a spot high up in a specific tree Yusuke tended to favor over the rest of them since they'd found the spot, purely for the solitary lookout it provided. It was far enough away from the temple to be secluded and away from the chaos of it. But it allowed them a view of the grounds he tended to use in watching over the area as protectively as ever. It also offered a great view of the horizon and landscape that they knew from experience was a wonderful spot to watch the sun rise or set.

On the other hand... "Or maybe you can find something in the garden to get better?" They'd already had this conversation. Kurama couldn't heal himself without knowing what ailed him. But tha didn't meant Yusuke couldn't still be hopeful.

 

[FavoredFox]

The cup was taken graciously. His drink had cooled considerably, but it was still warm enough to be enjoyable. The fox released a thoughtful hum as he took a long sip. The moment he felt it reach his stomach it offered a soothing effect that would linger for several hours. The garden was closer, and the divot created by the branches for them to rest in were low to the ground; and thus, had much less sway. If any at all... But their perch among the tree tops was too much to resist.

"I cannot find a cure without first knowing the illness," he repeated as the cup was lowered from his lips. "The most I can do is treat the symptoms," he added while lifting the cup again. Several more sips and he'd finished off the bitter tea, then crouched to rest it on the porch once more. "Let us escape into the night," he teased, taking the man's hand in his own and guiding them to the temple entrance. "The dancing of the leaves will be soothing from the canopy."

 

[EDDE]

Yusuke was staring over his mate as he sipped at his tea. He stared often enough, but it was a little different currently; and lately. Because while not having looked at him through his ordeal had been gruelling, difficult, and gave him a need to watch him all the more at the moment, once again he was looking over his condition.

Even in the pale moonlight he could tell there was more color to his cheeks than usual. And he was glad to see, as he watched, that some light that had most likely dimmed forest eyes from his previous bout of sickness before he had to look away was returning to them. He was looking better even though he was a bit flush.

He hadn't noticed the smile that had graced his lips as he looked on, but he felt it pull tighter at his lips as the tease fell from the fox's. He would put his worry aside the best he could at the moment. Because 'escaping' with his husband was an awesome prospect; one that they weren't able to explore as much these days as either would like.

Her gotten better at splitting his time and attention more fairly than he'd been able to manage in the past. But with the other responsibilities he had these days it really never seemed to be enough. Thankfully, he'd also gotten very good at cherishing the time he did have with him rather than fretting over what lack there was.

In a time that seemed like ages ago there were times when they'd been able to spend every waking moment of several days together. And while they'd figured out ways to make it happen more often lately than it had been, it still never seemed to be enough. Then again, he could be glad to know that he'd never loose the want to be with his redhead. And when they were alone almost every bit of his attention tended to fall on the man. He never wanted to lose that obsession.

More bird were waking, so they wouldn't have long to wait until light started creeping into the sky for them to watch the sun rise. And an odd, but not so odd bout of appreciation he felt for the other prompted him to use the hold on his hand to tug him closer and wrap his arms around him and steal a peck of a kiss that wasn't pulled away from to stop something more. "I love you, Shuichi."

Just thinking on their escape had brought about that need for closeness. And not being a patient person, he didn't want to wait to sneak in a bit first.

 

[FavoredFox]

"Hnn?" Shuichi turned with the tug and the surprised exclamation became a delighted hum. Their lips met again; and he felt the usual spark between them. No matter how many kisses they shared they still left him melting in the man's arms. "I love you as well, Yusuke," the fox assured before closing the distance between them again. Long arms draped themselves around the Mazuko's shoulders to hold him close. He melded their lips together firmly and melted into the wonderful burst of emotion. Kurama yearned for the days he could have tugged Yusuke down onto the patio and make sweet, passionate love right then and there. It was a pleasant thought that was far out of reach... He wasn't as irritated by that knowledge as he used to be. Time had given them both patience... a little, anyway.

After suckling on Yusuke's lower lip for several seconds he pulled back with a soft sound. "Let us continue this elsewhere," Kurama suggested, hands grasping the man's shoulders and gradually rubbing down until he could gather the former detective's hands once more. "I am not sure how much longer it will be before the 'alarm,' goes off." The little brats still liked to bang their pots and pans in the morning. "And I would greatly appreciate a bit more rest."

 

[EDDE]

With his arms wrapping in a familiar hold at his fox's waist the former detective happily melted; against words, lips, and body. The intense want for closeness was nothing new really. So he wasn't surprised in the least as Kurama simply pressed forward with the attention he'd been seeking. A happy noise that fell from him bubbled between them as well.

The kiss they shared was almost innocent; relatively speaking anyway. It was incredibly difficult but he managed to still himself from pushing further. Managed to stop himself from sliding his tongue between those plush lips to lap at the roof of his mouth in a way he knew the redhead loved or exploring the chasm further for the millionth time. Because they were supposed to have headed somewhere. And because he was doing his best not to put anything extra on his fox. If Yusuke pressed harder for more, it would leave kurama to stop things because the raven haired demon lacked the fortitude to pull away from the being he obsessed so much over.

A small shutter tickled its way through him as his lips was captured and tugged at. A smile was pulled with it and the mention of the alarm. Not purely because the children were brought up, but because he couldn't help but be a little amused at the issue given how he was responsible for it. It was horrible, but still amusing when neither of them were on the blunt end of it.

"No problem. I can be your pillow." The offer wasn't odd even if, within their tree top paradise, Yusuke tended to use his fox as a pillow for naps. The reason for this had become clear to them over the many years they'd spent together. Mentioned not nearly as much as affected, the man simply still wanted to mollycoddle his sweet, sick human.

Although despite the offer, he hadn't moved to pull away in order to do so. That was an action that was almost always left up to the redhead to take. Yusuke had so much difficulty with it usually.

 

[FavoredFox]

"Lovely," he sighed. Even without a heart beat, Yusuke's casual breaths created a lullaby that never ceased to sooth him into a restful slumber. Despite their mutual agreement of leaving the temple, they found themselves glued to the ground. Neither of them wanted to pull away, and he found the thought humorous enough to lowly chuckle. Tilting his head down the pressed their foreheads together and shut his eyes; basking in the moment for just that. A moment. He could hear a few temple inhabitants shuffling around, and again he thought of the obnoxious banging of metal on metal. The thought had his ears ringing and his teeth aching. "Let us depart," he murmured finally. The fox kept hold of Yusuke's right hand, while releasing the other; and lead them away from the slowly waking house hold.

Yusuke had been right. The cool air was soothing on his flushed skin and the open space allowed him to breath more freely. The queasy feeling of before was gone and, if the pattern remained consistent, would leave him be until the night time hours. Replacing it was an empty hole in his belly that demanded to be filled with food despite how painful it had just been to purge it. The fox ignored it.

Their favorite tree wasn't far from the temple; but, it was far enough away that the banging alarm system would only be white noise at best. Standing at the base of the large pine tree, Kurama very reluctantly released Yusuke's hand. "After you," he offered quiet generously and in a playful tone.

 

[EDDE]

A soft smile permeated his features as he looked slightly up into those gem eyes. If they didn't get out of there they'd be sorry. Both knew it, but even the redhead was ha ing trouble letting go. Tethered together like this, there was no stopping that warmth from seeping out as he took in the close of view of his mate.

The second comment pinched together his lips, if only for the fact that it it tugged his fox away. "Yeah okay," he muttered lightly. It was okay, because he'd have his husband in his arms again soon enough. But it was still disconcerting to fall from the moment they were sharing.

It did allow him to focus some on the trees and waking animals as they walked some. Although his eyes didn't wander far from the man leading him; and didn't stay away long.

As they reached the tree his face had relaxed, but the chivalrous act brought that pinch right back to them. "I was gonna say that, ya know." He stepped past the redhead, but didn't venture up. Instead he looked back at him from over his shoulder as he brought his hands near his hips. "So now you gotta make it up to me."

It may be a flimsy excuse to take a bit of extra care of him, but there were only two ways Yusuke was going to go up. The first was if Kurama took the lead. And the second, and only way he was currently willing for his feet to touch that branch before his, was if he took the offer of the ride he was now poised for.

 

[FavoredFox]

With an upward curve of a scarlet brow, Shuichi watched on as his lover stood at the base of the trunk. It relaxed soon after and the fox found himself chuckling. He did not need help getting into the tree. In fact the very plant would likely extend its branches to make the climb more than easy for him. That thought brought him to another, reminding him of the games they liked to play and the attempts Yusuke made at racing him to the top. The tree was not nearly as kind to Yusuke in that regard.

"Honestly, Yusuke," he started. "It would be easier for you to find your position first. It would allow me to rest in your arms without much hassle." Still, Shuichi slipped up behind his husband and wrapped his arms over broad shoulders. While he never said so out loud, he enjoyed this position immensely. It allowed him to wrap himself around his lover in a blanket of warmth and nuzzle into the soft black hair that feathered over his neck. "But if you insist, I suppose I can indulge." The redhead hopped up to curl his legs around the hands that caught his thighs and took delight in the scent of his husband.

 

[EDDE]

Well that wasn't the point. And neither did Yusuke think the man couldn't scale the tree on his own. Mostly, it had to do with that closeness he was yearning. Before he could even begin to pout at the reprimand however, Kurama was climbing on his back.

Though he knew they both would appreciate it despite the way in which it was accepted. A warm chuckle left his lips as he captured his thighs. "Yeah, 'preciate it," he mentioned lightly.

Strong legs could have carried them up to the branch he was after easily. Not wanting to bring back that feeling from before, he took his time. It also offered them a chance to appreciate the current posution. But before long they were there anyway, and he was letting his fox's feet down onto the divotted branch.

As it always did, a feeling similar to pain drew through him at letting go and pulling away. So this time he was quick in finding his place against the trunk and opening himself fully to his redhead. "C'mon," he teased lightly. "We're almost late for the show."

 

[FavoredFox]

Yusuke was right, the leaves were dancing in the light breeze. It created a familiar rustling that soothed the fox into closing his eyes and enjoying the slow ride. Unable to help himself, Shuichi nuzzled his nose into the crook of Yusuke's neck; foregoing the view of the pinkening horizon for the scent of his husband. Only when the man's hands left his thighs did he pull himself free and rest the naked soles of his feet on the branch.

Kurama waited patiently for the temple master to find his spot in the curved branch. The spot that was usually his. More often then not, lounging in the tree with Yusuke found him holding his immature lover while he napped in the sun. This time, Kurama settled himself between Yusuke's legs and rested against his chest with a relaxed sigh. "I believe we are right on time," the fox countered as the glow of the sun climbed over the tops of mountains and trees to spread it's waking light upon the vast territory that once belonged to Genkai; and was now a safe haven for demon's crossing the worlds.

Black became orange and red, then cleaned into a brilliant blue dotted with fluffy white clouds. The lovers were offered shade by the leaves of their perch, but the heat of the sun was still welcomed by the tired fox. Who had gone lax with comfort in Yusuke's arms. "Thank you, Yusuke. I already feel much better," he assured.

 

[EDDE]

A sometimes rare quiet fell over them; well, it was certainly more rare for him than the other. Wrapping his arms protectively around his mate, he nuzzled in to him as he watched the sun rise and drew comfort from their closeness all over again. With Kurama calm, the feeling was wonderful. He'd stay like this all day if they were able.

His chin shifted eventually, signifying that he'd turned all of his attention down on his fox. "Speaking of," he started lightly. "Wouldja let Yukina have a look at you already?"

He paused only because that 'alarm clock' chaos of the temple rang from below. Children hollared and banged on things. And it made him chuckle lightly. "I ain't sayin let her mess with ya. But if she finds out ways wrong, then maybe you can fix it right? You said it yourself. You can't find a cure if you don't know what's wrong."

 

[FavoredFox]

He was falling asleep again. The warmth of the sun and the comfortable mattress that was his husband drifted Shuichi closer and closer to slumber. A grunt he disguised as a sigh came when Yusuke's voice popped him from the brink of a peaceful rest in order to suggest something that they had already gone over. "Her diagnostics require the same level of intrusion as her healing," the fox answered in what was supposed to be a short tone, but came out lazy.

Shuichi away from the sunrise that had passed, in order to rest a bit more comfortably in Yusuke's arms. His eyelids felt heavy, and he let them shut. "I will find the answer on my own. I must simply search hard for it." His mouth opened in a wide yawn, and Shuichi snuggled in for a nap. The banging was far enough away that it didn't bother him. In fact, it wasn't given any thought passed acknowledging its existence.

 

[EDDE]

A frown touched his lips for the response. "Yeah but..." He sighed, choking on a bit of noise as he did so. He wasn't arguing anymore. But that worry was seeping through him again.

He didnt wa t to disturb the slumber his fox was falling into. Still, he couldnt stop himself from asking the question as his grip tightened and he began petting through red tresses. "Which is worse?" He sighed a gain, and did his best to push that worry away. It was impeeding his ability to appreciate the warm body against him. But he couldn't shake the feeling that he might suffer less getting it over with than keeping the symptoms up for however much longer it took for the clever fox to figure it out on his own.

 

[FavoredFox]

He was quiet. Long enough that he could fake sleep if he wanted. That question had two answers. Yukina's intruding energy was far worse than the symptoms of this strange illness... But he could feel Yusuke's anxiety through the sound of his voice, the tension in his body, and even the rough fingers now gently smoothing over his hair. That was worse than the sickness, and it was worse than the uncomfortable intrusion on his person. "Alright, I will speak with her," he relented with a soft puff of air through his nose. "But at a later time," he added while nuzzling into Yusuke's chest.

Another wide yawn broke the calm of the redhead's face. "If that suits you."

 

[EDDE]

"I just hate seeing you suffer like this Shuichi." He looked down on him. "Let's just talk about it later. It's nice now. I wanna stay here like this for a while."

It was his form of dropping it; of allowing his mate to know he could simply relax as he wanted. With a sigh that was a bit warmer, he nuzzled back in to him. Even if the position was slightly uncomfortable, it was also insanely comfortable. So he returned to petting at his delicates hair in that manner that said he understood it was.

It kept up as he began dozing himself. He didnt need the sleep, but the warm sun and soft breeze always seemed to pull the relaxed state through him. Sometimes even when he wasn't holding his fox close; but almost always when he was.

 

[FavoredFox]

"Which is why I have agreed to speak with her," the fox pointed out. "I am simply... far too comfortable to want to move just yet." Shuichi nodded his head and turned his body until he could curl into his husband's arms as a child might. An action he allowed Yusuke alone to see. One that showed vulnerability and trust, and was a clear testimate to how much he loved this man. Shuichi hummed softly, the fingers of one hand curling into the fabric of the temple master's shirt. An imaginary heart beat lead the fox back into blissful slumber.

----

It was several hours before Kurama could drag himself from the iron grasp of sleep. It felt like pulling himself through a thick swamp just to open his eyes; and moving seemed impossible. Somehow, he was even more exhausted. "Yusuke?" The fox mumbled softly, shifting uncomfortably. He ached from head to toe and his skin felt both hot and cold at once; but, he was thankful his stomach was still calm.

"Are you awake?" He questioned with a slight shiver.