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Seedling ((EDDE))

Either his distressed husband didnt get the joke or was too bogged down to be willing to play back. Distraction wasnt something that got to him that much usually, and devastation wasnt something he was used to being able to catch so easily either. But even without the lack in playing back he could tell how much this got to him even without the obvious signs. And his protective nature wouldnt allow him not to try to quell what little bit he could. Joking hadn't helped even though it wasn't the greatest joke. So instead he stepped up beside his husband as they began their trek out to the garden. And a protective arm curled around the small of his back while the opposite lifted to offer the support of touch only against the back of cupped hands. He didnt wanna jar the little thing.

Because the redhead spoke to Tori, and effectively, he didn't say anything himself. And he didn't add any further instruction to the rabbit he'd left in charge of their meal without actually addressing her. It was because he recognized his own distress. And, unlike in his younger years, he sometimes had a better understanding of where his mood were headed. If he said something to make her snap at him he might snap right back. It would stall things, and probably make things worse. It also wouldn't necissarily be fair to the girl if he were to instigate it. Despite how very upset he was over how very upset his husband was, he was glad this was a rare moment where he was able to keep himself contained. He didnt want to derail the situation. For all he knew that not rock would die or something if it were kept out of the soil any longer.

He was in control of himself, but exceedingly distracted as he checked and rechecked his fox's condition. There was an attempt to check on the bulb in his hands as well, but he knew before trying he probably wouldnt be able to. He was so distracted though, that he didnt notice as Keichi stopped in his tracks at the temple gate and tilted his head toward the odd scene nearing him.

The boy was also incredibly dirty and disheveled; a look that was uncharacteristic of the usually well put together boy. Well, for the most part. He tried to keep anything that made him less than perfectly put together out of sight of anyone else; quite like his redhead. But Yusuke had seen enough for himself. And he was more than sure Kurama had seen even more. After all, it was usually Kurama's doing that the young temple master had witnessed.

Despite the curiosity in amythest eyes Keichi didn't ask what was going on. Instead, catching some sense of urgency from the lot of them, he simply stepped out of their way to let them pass without inturruption if they wanted. Those large eyes landed on his redheaded Master though. He wasn't asking verbally, but his eyes certainly were. His best attempt not to inturrupt was probably a little more selfish than not though; which he'd have no problem owning up to on some level. Mainly because with his recent failure he didn't want to place all that much undue attention on himself. While he wouldnt deny his selfishness, he had an almost disgustingly, horribly difficult time admitting failure. The fact that they didn't seem to have the time for his stubborn nature put the slightest bit of ease in his shoulders.
 
Either Keichi's energy was depleted to nothing, or Kurama had been too distracted to notice him. Such a thought was unpleasant, he did not enjoy being caught off guard. Especially by an exhausted child not even trying. The fox kept the displeasure from his eyes when they met with his student's. "Wash up and aid Karasori in the kitchen. I look forward to hearing of your travels in the forest, over a warm meal," the boy wouldn't be able to escape his admittance of failure. After all, that was partially the point. For now, though, his attention was returned to the bulb in his hand and his lover walking beside him.

The group followed along the patio, and turned the corner towards his little garden. It was calm and quiet, and the fox could relax in silence while basking in the energy of the surrounding flora. A line of rose bushes decorated the wall, and a low hanging tree gave them just enough shade. The leaves were dark, and when the flowers bloomed the pollen had a distinct scent of blood. A demon world tree grown for the comfort of their casual visitor. Vines curled up the stone bench bordered by soft soil and flowers of various shapes and colors. His garden was a peaceful place for him to escape the screaming of children while still remaining within the temple walls. Escaping to the more dangerous herb garden in the forest wasn't always an option.

But it wasn't very peaceful now.

For a second Kurama's expression dropped into heart broken. The perfectly trimmed grass beneath and around the bench had been ripped up in several places. Piles of dirt were scattered around and four large holes gaped open, like wounds in the crust of the earth. Three in the grass, and two near his rose bushes. Bushes he took such care of; trimming and watering, carefully creating fertilizers to keep them alive in the hotter months without the use of his energy. Now one of those bushes had been so torn up the roots were exposed, reaching out into the open air while it cried for help. And stacked up in a pile were the iridescent bulbs that matched the one in his hand. They called to each other.

Rin laughed nervously. "Maybe it was... five?"

The redhead cleared his expression to turn a hard stare at the dragon whelp. It didn't last long, work needed to be done. "You will follow behind me," he very nearly spat. "I will plant the bulbs, and you will refill the holes. I'm sure those instructions are simple enough to understand?" Without waiting for an answer, Kurama entered the garden to gather another bulb. After kneeling beside a hole, the fox looked over each one carefully. They had already begun to grow, and burying them upside down wouldn't do. He found their roots, and placed them carefully at the bottom of the large hole, then carefully packed soil over the pair.
 
The boy had no qualms showing his distain for the instruction he was given through a slight narrowing of his eyes. But he said nothing despite a usual urge to complain more frequently than not. Not only was the redhead obviously not in the mood so that given his current lack in energy any punishment would be even worse than what it'd feel like otherwise; though probably harsh either way given the circimstance. But the thought of a warm meal was enough to quell him pretty quickly. Of course he wasn't so useless he couldn't keep himself fed in the wilderness. Nothing he could obtain out there could rival a warm home cooked meal though. So dispute his annoyance over the order he followed through with it pretty easily.

Confusion might have muddled the younger temple masters features if he hadn't take. Cue in following kurama's line of sight as he spoke to his apprentice. Instead he looked over the blonde. Yusuke actually hadn't taken much notice in the youngsters absence. Though that was mostly because his husband had all but claimed the stray as his own and t jjf e raven haired man didn't see him nearly as often as he used to. Not because keichi was never around. But because he had his own hooligan to attend to. A hooligan that was in deeper shit than she probably realized despite how hed treated her before leaving her in chargeof their lunch.

Keichi didn't offer him a second look. And even though he could tell purple eyed pupil of his fox was so utterly exhausted he was probably having trouble holding himself up, he'd learned pretty much to offer the same at these times. Although that was mostly due to the current predicament as well.

Yusuke said nothing as the two children were given their instructions. And he was glad to see that they were quick to follow order; even if tori had required a s horr stare down from him in order not to find an idiotic comment to spew out. He looked over their work for a few moments as Kurama led in replanting the bulbs. But as he got to the area near the rose Bush the former detective lent a good hand as well. Careful effort was placed in rebutting that bulbs, as well as covering the jutting roots of the exposed plant.

And while it might be rare for Yusuke not to have something to say under normal conditions he did realize that his mouth tended tonworsen tense situations sometimes. Plus judging by how detrimental the look that had crossed his husband's face had been when he'd seen what had been done to his small garden... well, it wasn't like anything helpful could fall from sour lips currently. Although once he filled in his own hole, he did finally open his mouth as he looked over his redhead. But asking if he was alright might be just as stupid as aggravating the children who were, by now, nearly as devistated as his fox as their wrong-doing had a chance to seep in further. Chocolate eyes landed on them for a moment before turning back to search out the forest hidden in kurama's emerald eyes.

It was a forest he could get lost in usually, but at the moment he saught to find his way through them; even as he closed his mouth and decided not to ask his rather stupid question. Besides. He wouldn't need to ask once he caught a proper glimpse of him. They'd never really needed words all that much despite his great capacity to over use them.
 
With obedient children and a helpful lover, Kurama's garden was carefully and quickly put back together. Once the holes were filled the grass grew quickly to cover the over turned soil, and with Yusuke's help his beloved roses were guided back into place. Shuichi offered the shivering flowers a gentle coo as the exposed roots were returned to the soil, and with a helpful boost of energy they dug down deep to ground themselves once more. Their fretful energy simmered down into a relative calm, though they still carried some distress. Roses were fragile; it didn't take much for the flowers to wilt and the bushes to die. It's what made them so difficult to grow without the use of demon energy. Even for Kurama. And for this particular garden he had done all he could to allow the foliage natural growth. They always seemed happier that way.

He couldn't stop himself from offering a soothing blanket of energy to aid in the recovery of his rose bush, but didn't give the same to the buried bulbs. Kurama patted the earth over the torn roots kindly before he stood. The fox was much more relaxed now. His little place of peace had been restored, and even knowing that the Toyaku flowers would not be blooming this winter, he was soothed by the calming atmosphere. When Yusuke met his eyes he found an eased fox. There were still smoldering embers, the remains of the forest fire that had raged in his eyes, but he was calm. He would have said as much, had he not been distracted.

"Kurama?" The dragon child cautiously tugged on the redhead's sleeve. "Why do they get planted in pairs?"

"Because if I had planted them separately, then there would have been twice as many holes in my garden." His tone was harsh, nearing a snap, and the whelp shrunk away. The fox blinked a few times and watched as she began to shuffle away with her scaly tail coiling around her waist. The sudden tension in the bridge of his nose relaxed and smoothed away wrinkles. "Rin," he started, looking down into those bright yellow eyes. None of the children had ever found any interest in botany, not even his own student.... Especially his own student. "The Toyaku plant is cowardly, and frail," he began, and Rin perked up eagerly. Kurama found himself slightly uncomfortable under her gaze, but only Yusuke would be able to pick up the subtle hints; a twitch in his charming, placating smile and the tips of his fingers.

To brush over the discomfort, he continued his 'lesson.' "A single bulb could take years, decades, even centuries to breach the surface; retreating at even the smallest of tremors. Together, however, they grow courage and strength. The journey to the surface becomes easier, and they fear much less."

"That's so romantic," the dragoness sighed, cupping her hands by her cheek with a dreamy expression. Occasionally, her heart shaped eyes would turn to Yusuke, but she continued to look away before he caught her. Or at least, she hoped he hadn't caught her. "I hope I find a Toyaka partner."

Tori gagged and Rin rounded on him with a pouty glare.

"I do hope no one tears you and your partner apart and from your home." The fox pointed out coolly, and Rin's bubbly pout turned into a frown.

"Are they going to be okay?"

The fox considered her for several long seconds. Time Rin spent squirming. "Yes. So long as they are not dug up a second time, they will be in full bloom by next winter." Her relief was palpable.

"Will they grow faster if you bury them in threes?"

With a shake of the head Kurama replied, "no. I have tried it in the past. Instead of growing stronger, they will fight amongst themselves."

"What if..."

The redhead cut her off. "If you would like to learn more I will consider enlightening you. For now, however," the scent of Yusuke's 'surprise special' had wafted out to them a little while ago, and his mouth was watering. "Lunch should be finished at any moment. Please take Tori in to wash up." Rin looked as if she were about to argue, but ended up doing as she was told, taking Tori's hand and pulling him inside.

Shuichi released a heavy sigh once they were out of sight. "I suppose we should do the same. It would be quite the contradiction to come to the table as we are." His tone was light and playful.
 
Chocolate eyes remained on the task at hand, but sensitive ears took in the conversation going on between the two. He did look when Tori joined in with his silly noises. And he couldn't help but chuckle. Though as dull as he could be, his lack in noticing the girl's attention on him came due to his attention on the ground. Even as the grass grew over the fixed up area he pet over the blades, wishing he could offer.some sort of soothing to the plants as well as he tended to be able.to for his husband.

Unfortunately the younger temple master knew from experience how very much he lacked any sort of green thumb. Hell, he was pretty sure he couldn't grow anything to save his life. So instead he stuck to what he was good with. And as the children scuttled off he was already making the move to stand so he would be able to approach his lover.

"Yeah it's too bad too." The tease was warm and chocolate eyes were warm despite the little smirk the following innuendo brought about his face as he did draw closer and wrap his arms around the small of his redhead's back to get him as close as he could. "You know how much I like it when you're dirty." That rather predictable cheekily breath chuckle followed as he took in his fox on as many levels as ever.

Keichi tilted his head as he looked over the bunny standing over their lunch. "Did you make lunch?" The question was riddled with skepticism of all sorts. After all the girl.was rather disheveled; he'd since cleaned up a bit of course. Though it had taken him linger than he would have liked to admit. His attention wasn't on that though.

Because how on earth did one get that dirty when making a simple meal? And given that line of thinking, what on earth had she put in it? Then again, he didn't think she was quite dull enough to attempt to make something as foolish as a mud pie.... then again, she had surprised him with her lack in cognitive faculties before.
 
The exasperation in his sigh was hardly serious. In fact it pulled his lips into a smile. The fox opened his arms to accept the hold, then draped them over Yusuke's shoulders in their usual embrace. Though, he kept his soil covered palms off of his lover's clothes and out of his hair. "You have a singular tracked mind, Yusuke," he continued in a mockingly chastising tone. "Though, admittedly," Shuichi touched their noses together, tilted his head, and teased the man with only an idea of a kiss. "I oft find myself in the same predicament."

As delightful as it would be to begin a pleasingly innocent make-out session there in his garden, the fox knew better. "But we really should get clean. I am quite ravenous, and the sooner lunch begins the sooner my hunger may be satiated." The innuendo was there, but Kurama said it so simply it was difficult to tell if he meant it as one.

Karasori bristled a little, her lips forming an amusing pout that resembled Master Yusuke's more and more each time she performed it. "So what if I did?" She snipped. "It'd be better than anything you'd make," she huffed, stirring the concoction. She could have paused a long time ago, but for fear of irritating the raven-haired man she refused to risk burning things. Her own agitated expression drew into a devious one. Again, just like Yusuke's. They were becoming twins, as Kurama had said on more than one occasion. "Didja get that fruit?" She taunted with a wiggle of her nose. "I sure hope you did, or you're in for some serious shit. Uncle Silver is pi~~ssed." And now with his student back, he'd have someone else to take out that anger on.
 
He knew Shuichi liked it when he had that single track for his mind to roll down. When that one track's path ended at him it tended to make his vain fox pretty damn happy, even. In the past, though more recently than not, the division of his attention had caused more than an issue or two for their relationship. That wasn't to say he couldn't correct the issue when the time came or anything. But still; his husband liked it when he lavished all of his attention on him. And Yusuke knew this because it was the same for him. He might not have the best track record , as it were, but he'd been doing incredibly well lately in keeping his divided responsibilities in better priority.

And his one track mind might have some splits in it, but it always drove back around to his redhead. Thinking of which, his attention shifted toward his redhead's appetite, and a little smirk crossed his features as his hands took their own cue in petting over him in his hold. They were mostly clean from his childish tactic of rubbing them over his own clothes to do so. But they weren't on their own enough to delve the bit of grit that remained there into soft red tresses. "Mmhm~" he agreed cheerily. "Dont worry. I got just the thing to fill you up." Even if he'd made the attempt to say as much as simply as Kurama had, that little growl in his tone when he was placing his own innuendo was undeniable. It gave him away easily. And if he weren't careful the want it pulled out of him was going to distract him again.

Actually, it was probably too late considering his happy petting continued and he leaned in to peck at his fox's lips again as he looked him over hungrily himself. This distraction was probably one of the fastest. He wasn't going to be able to deny the truth of his one tracked mind after this one. Even that protective flair in him halted his earlier attempts to make sure Kurama was doing better. So he'd probably have to be reminded again if Shuichi really wanted a pause for food.

An ever indignant air puffed into Keichi's features as the girl made an attempt at some sort of come back. He even took the small breath it would take to offer back a simplistically uttered retort that would either go over her head or cause her to bubble up even more. He was deflated from that rather quickly with her continuance however. A pinch took to his lips as she mentioned his Master's task and mood in one.

He'd been able to tell something was off outside. After a quick moment of thought on it however he ballooned right back up. "Please," he offered snootily. "With as constant a need Master Kurama has to set me up to fail, it isnt his mood that has me worried at the moment. It is what brought him to that state." He looked over the dirty girl and added just a little cheekily, "By the look of you, im assuming that should be yours as well."

The over confident air of his fsltered just a little as Rin and Tory brushed past the door frame to move further inside the temple, but he continued despite the nervous likt that touched his lips as he continued. "Even if it were something I should be more concerned with, I would have to say that Yusuke's current mood should have you thinking on your own business." He'd seen the look on yusuke's face after all. Although, he didn't know the half of it.
 
"I have an inkling myself," the fox purred in return before placing a kiss to Yusuke's lips that was just a bit more firm. Two hungers were demanding to be satisfied at once, and it seemed Kurama had chosen which one needed satiating first. After all, he was tugging his lover a little close, tilting his head to mold their lips together tighter, and just beginning to part his own pair when a painful flare in his stomach forced him to flinch. A snarl came from between them, a tight pinching in his stomach that reminded him that he had not only missed breakfast, but had purged his system of any remaining dinner early on in the day. "Neither one of us will be rocking before I have had the chance to fill my stomach, it seems," Shuichi spoke while pulling away and with an apologetic smile.

"Come," he started again, taking Yusuke's dirty hand in his own. "As I said before, the sooner we are ready for lunch, the sooner our hungers will be satisfied." A chuckle accompanied his words this time as the redhead began leading them back into the temple and towards the restroom to wash. Though, he did pause at the stairs to the patio to look over his shoulder at his garden... The bulbs were still crying. It would take them time to realize they were safe again.

Karasori scoffed. "The worst Yusuke can stomach is killing me, and I doubt that. Uncle Silver on the other hand..." The rabbit visibly shuddered, and it wasn't an act. She'd seen some things in her relatively short life. She was technically older that Yusuke in terms of living years, but that didn't equate to much when the temple master was concerned. "And I didn't do anything wrong. It's his own fault for planting poisonous stuff in the temple. So what if me, Rin, and Tory tore them out?"

Despite her brave words, the rabbit's nose was twitching in a way that obnoxiously showed off her worry. A damned tick she couldn't get rid of. "And just cause you keep messing it up doesn't mean he's setting you up to fail. It just means you suck."
 
A huff posed through the blonde's nose as amythest eyes narrowed on his counterpart. The foolish shot wasn't usually one he'd have any trouble brushing past. But the fact that her simplistic taunt was rather close to his own thoughts on the matter came a little too close to hitting home not to effect him.

So instead he shifted the attention back on her own blunder. "You will never cease to amaze me." The comment wasn't a compliment in the least, but he didn't point that fact out. Instead hisattention turned up and to the side; a version of the iinnocent look his master tended to pull off so well with his own little twist of self contrived air. "I wonder if Master Kurama would be foolish enough to introduce such dangerous aspects to the temple grounds," he contemplated in a way that was easily too obvious. "He might not care for children, but the effects of one of us falling ill at his hands could be devistating." After all, how would Yusuke take such a thing?

He left that last bit out for her to think about on her own. But she only got a moment for it. Because his features drew back into an abundantly serious look as purple hues slid back down to her. They were lit with curiosity. But anything else they had to offer, as far as he knew, were blocked by the icey sheen of a barrier he had so much practice in erecting. "Tell me," he added in as calm a tone as he ever produced when falling into that calculating stare. "Precisely how upset would you gauge the reaction to your ill fated attempt at saving us?"
 
"..." The rabbit's silence spoke volumes. The girl was never quiet, another trait she shared with her teacher. Kurama really did find the perfect match. One could almost see the little hamster wheel turning in her head. Karasori's features twisted with her thoughts, and eventually she settled him with an angry pout and a stomped foot. "No way! I remember that plant. I remember the way it smelled, and I didn't exactly check, but I remember the taste of it too."

Thump thump thump.

Karasori's foot continued its instinctual pounding. A reaction to perceived danger to warn her warren. "I was poisoned by that stuff when he planted it by my burrow." The thudding got louder... then came to a screeching halt, her black eyes going wide enough to practically step through. "Oh shit..." Her ears drooped and she fell to a bounce on her backside, back against the lower cabinet. "When I was a rabbit."

The girl grasped both ears and tugged on them in a panic. All sense of righteousness flew out the window. "Ever seen a man get skinned alive? Cause I have, and Kurama had waaaay too much fun doing it. I doubt he'd do it now. But still. Whatever it is he does, he's gonna like every second of it." She was so screwed. "And whatever it is, I'll bet he makes you do it, just to make it worse." She seemed to be in one of her panicked rants. As tough as she was, when she did get scared, it came with a ramble. And it was usually triggered by Kurama. After all, to a young rabbit, a fox was terrifying. Even if he were her ally.

"If he asks you to skin me only part way, stay away from the hands," she started. "And the ears. Go for the chest or the legs or something... Unless he tells you to scalp me!" Her filthy hands now pressed tightly to the top of her head to protect the grey mane hiding said scalp.

In a brief moment of clarity, she wondered how much of her Uncle Silver's past 'delights' Yusuke knew.

"We are so screwed."
 
Keichi sat entertained as the girl worked through her problem aloud. The smirk as she seemed to finally realize what she's done was short lived however. It was cut off by the sudden panic attack that was formed from what he could only deem as an irrational fear of the fox. And while it was actually pretty easy for him to believe what she had to say about skinning people he also knew she was wrong.

Any sign of worry was swallowed away the best it could be as he stepped closer to her. It was far too easy to heave a weary sounding sigh toward the scene she'd made despite the fact that it wasn't the majority of what he was feeling toward it. Taking a knee beside her Keichi tried to get her attention. "Karasori," he demanded short and stern. The only thing that softened it were his hands as one landed gently on her shoulder and the other found its place just above her knee.ad taken to calling her the ridiculous nickname her teacher had decided on unless the air of a situation suddenly became serious. And any time he said her real name it was almost always pointed and steady.

He continued on, hoping she was at least paying enough attention to soak up his words even a little. It was almost always quite hard to tell. Sometimes she could be staring intently right at you while you spoke to her and somehow not manage to catch a word of it. "Yusuke is too much of a push over to allow Master Kurama to mame you irreparably. There is also the fact that you are his student and he will most likely wish to punish you himself as they tend to do with us," he offered quietly. "And considering the idiocy he tends to exude on a normal basis I highly doubt he will be able to come up with anything as creative, well thought out, or put together as his Master Kurama."

A bit of a smile touched his lips. While he still had a great deal of difficulty pooling his emotions into his features most of the time, amythest eyes did light up just a little through the attempted offer. "Just wait and see," he assured her through an amused tone. "I'd care to wager he should have you running through the motions of your training excessively. Or perhaps he will get a little imaginitive and force some other trivial task on you such as hanging upside down for a long period of time. We both know Yusuke's heart bleeds far too easily for him to do something horribly atrocious to you himself. And that no matter how horribly you might act he wouldn't allow Master Kurama to go too far with you."
 
She was tugging rhythmically at her ears by the time her name was called. Her lips pursed together around her bucked teeth to stop her rambling, and her doll black eyes fell on Keichi's violate. It seemed that this time his words were cutting through her panic, and she carefully uncurled from her ball and even cracked a smile. "Yeah, you're right. The Old Man was looking for an apprentice for a while. He wouldn't let Kurama take me away now," she answered with a slight nod.

The touch to her shoulder was warm and soothing. Grounding her when ever the panic tried to bubble up again; because 'what if' continued to race through her mind even with his help.

Karasori gave him a wide grin. "Yeah, and that stuff isn't all that hard. The worst he's done so far is sleeping with snakes." She shuddered at the thought. She was a rabbit after all, and they were skittish creatures by nature. They were prey animals, and she definitely acted like one, even when pretending not to.

"You are partially correct, Keichi," came the smooth voice. Kurama came into view not a moment later, with Yusuke just behind. "Master Yusuke will likely punish her, but I have a consequence of my own." The rabbit cringed and once more curled on the floor. "And it is far worse than a quick skinning." Shuichi paused for a dramatic effect, and had to resist a smile when she once more unfurled and looked at him with utter terror.

"You wouldn't..."

"I would."

"No, please!" She cried, suddenly up on her feet and waving her hands at him in a desperate attempt at mercy. "Anything but that, scalp me instead!"

"Karasori, clean up for lunch... Then ask Rin to borrow one of her dresses. You will be wearing it to the table."

"Noooooo!"

Her over dramatic response did pull a chuckle from him. "And Keichi, you'll need to clean up as well before finding your seat. I'm sure everyone will love hearing of your endeavors in the forest. Surely you managed to find the Popou fruit?" That was the fruit he'd mentioned almost two months ago; and it was finally in season. The most recent request was the Uri-Umi berry, which wouldn't be for another three months... All things he would have known, had he paid attention in his botany lessons.
 
The blonde's head tilted curiously. He couldn't fathom what might be worse than being skinned alive. But he was given the chance to think on it long. The girl jumped up and in his weakened state he lost his own balance easily, landing hard on his butt. A small noise of discomfort and annoyance bubbled past his chest. And the annoyance in it grew as the ridiculous punishment was revealed.

With a short sigh he pulled himself together and back on to his feet. Keichi thought far too logically to feel the same way. He'd actually rather be forced to wear a dress than be scalped, but he was done caring about that anymore. And he was still annoyed with her response. "For your information," he began in a short tone. "I managed to procure more than a single thing you've asked me for in the past. You didn't honestly think I would return empty handed... again?"

Yusuke was busy goading a teasing smile down on his student, which had seemed to quickly turn into a face making match for their insurmountable combined abilities to become distracted. But his attention turned on the boy quickly for his snarky comment. "Better be careful Keichi." He indicated Karasori and her punishment with a light gesture toward her. "Or you might be next."

His giddy, teasing snicker did nothing for the purple eyed boy's mood. He simply moved right bAck to being annoyed. Though this time with the young temple master's idiocy.
 
"Go on then."

"But!"

"I can force you to wear a new dress everyday for the next week, if you'd like?"

"Nope!" Karasori jumped towards the entrance to the kitchen, then paused and turned back to her rival. With little grace, she scooped her hands under his arm pits and lifted him back up onto his feet in a silent thank you, before hopping off to do as she was told. Kurama chuckled quietly at the display, she reminded him so much of his husband it was painful.

His attention quickly returned to his own student. "Oh? I'm glad you've finally caught on. The order stands. Why not set your findings on the counter before washing up? We can add some of them into the stew," and the rest he would add to his small collection of herbs inside the temple. Most of them anti toxins for the snakes and various other venomous creatures around their home.
 
Keichi had quietly accepted the help up. He didn say anything toward it in thanks. Although it seemed he was usually grateful for help so long as he didn't start complaining or chiding in return. He was quick to loosen the small pouch that had been securely attached to his belt loop. And he was careful as he reached into it not to make too much of a mess while lying them out on the counter.

Without another word he hurried from the room. Joining Karasori as she made her way down the hall, he didn't say anything. But he did accompany her until she reached Rin's room before breaking off to do his own thing.

Yusuke moved toward the counter and lifted each item one by one. "So what'd he grab? Is it really all stuff you asked him for?" The raven haired demon always seemed to be inexorably interested in the goings-on between his husband and the young teen. One reason was because it was very close to all either of them did lately when they weren't together. So it was a good conversation starter. Another was just cause he was curious.
 
The fox approached the counter and took a moment to stir the stew to keep it from burning. He hummed at the question and looked over each item. After he'd finished with the stew, he picked up each fruit, berry, and herb Keichi brought home. "Most of them," he answered finally. "The Popou fruit isn't quite ripe, but it will still taste good," he assured, offering it over to his husband. "Here, take a bite." It was round and fuzzy, much like a peach, except its color was a bright purple, and the juice a pretty pink.

Kurama gathered a box from the highest point above the refrigerator, and placed it on the counter beside the gathered items. Several leaves were placed inside an empty vile, and a cork kept it in place. "These berries aren't edible, however. It seems he's mistaken 'Kour berries for Uri-Umi. They won't kill you, but you will not feel well for days. It's best we dispose of them, unless you have any devious plans you could use them for." Shuichi purred playfully while picking up another fruit. "I never told him to collect a Bushuri fruit, but it is quite delicious when cooked. We can add this to the stew and tell them it's a goblin brain, or something of the sort." It was a wrinkly looking thing, and the brightest pink one could imagine, nearing neon. It didn't look very appointing, but the moment it was cut the smell would be simply divine.
 
Yusuke looked over all the things curiously as his husband talked about them, happy to take the offered fruit. He did love to hear his husband talk though so it was nothing new. The guy was basically the only one between them that could make their conversations intelligent.

Although before he could take a bite of the one he was offered he noticed another and pointed. "Ooh. I know that one," he offered cheerily. "It's called a granadilla. It's not supposed to be native here." He picked up the slightly browned orange fruit in show. "They're at the base of a mountain around here though."

Looking it over he smiled lightly. "I like 'em cause when you peel 'em they look like nasty slimy bugs or something wrapped in bread." He chuckled lightly. "Plus they saved ass one time when I was training with Granny. She told me about 'em."

The little seeds that sat inside were sweet with just the slightest tang of citrus and they'd tasted so Damn good. And it wasn't even cause he was so freakin' hungry at the time. His smile turned the picture of cheery for the thought that crossed his mind involving the woman. Thinking about her since she'd left them usually left him pretty giddy.

His attention turned back to the one he'd recently been offered and he took a big curious bite. It was incredibly juicy and his big mouth acted against him because of it. "Mn!" The little exclamation came with a heavy suck on the fruit that produced a nice slurp. But he still had to catch the heavy dribble of juice that ran down his chin with his opposite hand. And he couldnt stop the heavy chuckle that bubbled in his chest as he munched on the large chunk he'd snagged up.
 
"I'm impressed, Yusuke," he stated in both surprise and pride. He did love when Yusuke showed his intelligence. The man as smarter than he realized, and Kurama was happy to let him know just how well he could use that brain of his. Just because he thought in a different way, didn't mean he didn't think at all... Well, there were a great many times he wasn't sure if that hamster wheel was turning or not. Like when he described the inside of the fruit.

The thought of the old temple master was one that came with both grief and joy. Over the years it had become more happiness than pain. He missed her calm conversations though, and he wondered how she'd feel about a gaggle of children living in her home. So lost in his thoughts, the fox was startled by the exclamation, and looked over at Yusuke with a blink and a huff. "What on Earth am I to do with you," he stated with mock exasperation.

A paper towel was snagged from beside the sink, and Shuichi was quick to clean the juice from his husband's chin to keep from making a bigger mess, then placed it in that open palm to allow him to wipe it off himself. "You're more of a child than the strays," he said with a small smile while his right arm encircled the other's waist to pull him closer. He waited for Yusuke to swallow before he laved his tongue over those juice covered lips, and hummed at the taste. "Better than I remembered," he teased before capturing those lips in a kiss.

The Popou fruit was sweet on its own, but when mingled with the unique taste of his lover, it became amazing. Kurama wrapped his other arm around the man to pull him closer, tilted his head to deepen the kiss, and slid his tongue inside the sweet mouth to savor the exquisite flavor.
 
His chuckles grew as his redhead took it upon himself to clean him up. It was for the better. Otherwise his chin most likely would have been wiped off by free hand. And wet hand would soon become sticky through the simple swipes of it to clothing. Kurama wasn't wrong after all. Although he didn't talk back while his mouth was full. But only because there was too much juice there and he didn't want to end up spitting it all over him.

When he did swallow his mind was still on that auestion. Especially as he melted so nicely into that hold against him and lifted his own arms to rest in what was usually his fox's favorite position folded over his shoulders. It stayed there even through the lick to his lips and comment.

"And I can think of a couple thi--" The snarky comment was ended abruptly and transformed into a pleased hum. Lazy arms shifted to wrap around his fox's more comfortably as his hands found familiar ground; one pressing between his shoulder blades while the other seated at the base of his skull. And another hum was his response to delving tongue as he melted that last little bit and played back at it happily.
 
A soft sigh left his nose, and Kurama was thankful that the hand cupping the back of his head was the clean one. They both knew hoe much he cared for his fiery mane. Pulling Yusuke closer, the fox ran the tip of his tongue over the roof of his lover's mouth in a mimic of his own desires, but it didn't stay long. That was his turn on, so he moved on to curling his tongue with the other slick muscle.

Shuichi's palms slid up to the small of Yusuke's back to pet the divot there. His finger tips traced up his spine, then back down to give a playful squeeze to muscular cheeks. They settled again on pointed hip bones, least he get too carried away. As it was, he was already turning his husband around to press his back against the counter, forcing the man to bend backwards and letting their lower halves push together excitedly.

He never noticed the sweet little maiden hiding her giggles in the sleeve of her light blue kimono. She found them like this now and then, and she never complained. The married couple hardly gathered time for themselves, and when they had the time for short moments like this, she was happy for them. She did note the change in their usual dynamic, which only made it harder to hide her amusement. It seemed this time Kurama was the impatient one.

Yukina began gathering bowls and setting them on the counter top, and began to scoop out the stew into each one after turning off the stove. It was rare for Kurama to be so reckless, and that only encouraged her to leave them be. Even when the fox sighed longingly into Yusuke's mouth.
 
The touch to the roof of his mouth drew a shiver straight to his bones. It was one of his favorite things to offer Shuichi for how very much the man liked it. And he still couldn't decide if his own reaction was based on his own sensitivity toward it or the percieved sensitivity of his husband. But it wasnt ever anything he dwelled on long enough to come up with an answer.

Because there was always a new distraction to that threatened to take away all thought. He molded to the movement, perfectly lost in a passion that welled up in him way too easy on any occasion. He didnt notice any happy noises that might have escaped him at that point. Instead he was focused on his great inability to hold himself back from returning the gesture of tongue over smooth ridges. Despite the fact that his mind wanted to dampen things by reminding him his husband needed to eat.

With varying pressures he offered thorough attention to the roof of his redhead's mouth. But it wasn't long before that invading concern of his was too loud to ignore anymore. And while he was insanely reluctant to do so, he tilted his chin and tugged away from locking lips.

What he had to say only bore his concern for those who knew him well. "I know you're hungry but if you wanted some uh that fruit you coulda just gone to the source," he teased. He couldn't help but notice that fruit had somehow found its way to the counter at some point.
 
He didn't want to pull away, and his lips found a sticky chin when Yusuke forced the end of their kiss. However, when his hunger was brought up the fox sighed and reluctantly backed away. He licked his lower lip clean of sweet juice and saliva and tried to ignore the growl from his stomach that agreed with his husband. "I suppose you are right," murmured with a hint of a pout. He cursed his own body, trying to will away it's need for food for just a little while longer. An angry snarl from his belly was his answer.

"Lunch is ready, if you'd prefer that," came the sweet voice. Heat filled Kurama's cheeks, but his reaction was as calm as ever as he released his lover and stepped away. "Thank you, Yukina. That sounds lovely. We'll help you bring out the bowls," he assured, already grasping two despite the heat they gave off. "Yusuke, once we've finished, would you fetch Lilly for Lunch? She may join us, but then must return to her room for the remainder of the day."

The ice maiden gave him a look and the fox shook his head. "She left the temple on her own," he explained, and her expression softened. She spoke kindly as they set the table. "Lilly is getting better at hiding her energy, we'll have to keep a closer eye on her. I don't want her to get hurt."

"Agreed." Though, his thoughts were mostly on his time alone with Yusuke being ruined even in their safe haven of the forest. He was selfish by nature, but he did have a heart and didn't want the child to be eaten alive by a demon. As good as she was at hiding her energy, she couldn't get rid of her scent, and she was the perfect size for a snack to a hungry beast. "We will have to be firm with her. All of us. Including Kuwabara, she does tend to listen to him more than me or Yusuke."

Yukina's expression grew more determined, despite the softness that was almost always present in her features. "I will do my best, Kurama."

"Thank you." The bowls were set as well as spoons and napkins, then Kurama knelt down with the slightest of grunts. He was exhausted all over again. The run home, the trauma of his nearly lost plants, the effort of fixing his garden and even the strength used to set the table had him nearly winded; he just hadn't noticed until now. And the fox wasn't about to head out to the yard and fetch the children, who would likely give him a hard time. They certainly enjoyed doing so.
 
If it werent for how closely his fox had been pressed against him there was easily a chance that Yusuke might have jumped completely out of his skin in surprise of the soft voice near them. As it stood, his reaction at least looked much calmer than it might have normally been. There was a sharp jolt to his body, but it would mostly be felt by Kurama, and not seen. The heavy heat and nearly babble of a chuckle was a little more obvious reactions. So was how his arms had quickly slid from around the redhead's only to quickly grasp at the material in the front. It tugged him forward as his redhead pulled back. Despite the almost hide that came just before that chuckle he did let go however. And he nodded warmly when he was first addressed.

The young temple master helped with the bowls; sneaking another bite of that frui into the process. But he didn't interrupt the two. It was an important conversation. Although he realized he probably should have joined it considering the topic. As it stood, what it looked like from the outside in was that the bubbly chocolate eyes man was simply smiling his way mindlessly through the task. And through that mindless smile of his it was always so hard to tell if his mindwas turned on at all. Yukina sometimes wondered if Yusuke had a secret mental radio station he tuned in to all on his own so he could simply listen to music any time he wanted.

Once the bowls were finished being laid out however he stopped next to his redhead and watched him sit down. With a lean and a quick peck to the top of his head he informed them both that he'd gather everyone. Although most of his attention was landed on Kurama. And a cheeky little question was posed as he looked down on him. "Maybe you're not in the mood for rocking," he teased only a little meanly. All that would mean was tha t it would be left to him if Shuichi weren't feeling up to task.

But he hurried off quickly so he wouldn't get himself more distracted... not that he wasn't listening for an answer maybe as he did so.
 
The fox hummed at the bit of affection, and glanced up as he was addressed. Though, the mean little tease was met with a mockingly insulted scoff. "If you keep up these attempts to get out of it, Yusuke, I will start to think you don't want me to do the rocking. Does the thought bore you? I should hope you haven't gotten tired of me after all these years." One might think he were upset, but the sparkle in his eyes proved otherwise to those who knew it. "I will be just fine after a hot meal," he assured. He knew the man was just worried for him, and the thought was warming. But that didn't mean he was going to give in to temptation. Yusuke's 'rocking' was, and always would be, amazing. However, switching their rolls was a treat he wasn't willing to give up today.

Though, maybe for round two they could return to the norm. Depending on how he felt.

Karasori had locked herself in her room and would refuse to come out. In retaliation for tricking her into digging up Kurama's beloved plants and not pretty gem stones, Rin had given her the frilliest of pink dresses that even she wouldn't wear. But no one turned down a gift from Kuwabara, he was too sweet. Except maybe the displeased rabbit now wearing said puffy pink outfit. "I refuse!" She spouted out to no one in particular.
 
As he neared the doorway he stopped to allow Kurama to finish his cute little rant and not just leave him talking to himself. Of course, that was nowhere near why he kept bringing it up. It wasactually just about half challenge and half worry. He chuckled lightly as he stepped backward through the frame. With no effort at all it was apparent to him that Shuichi was teasing right back. If only for how well he'd always been able to read those forest eyes.

Before his disappeared around the corner however, he offered a perfectly childish noise that accompanied his tongue poking out in just the same way. And then he was off to gather children.

Keichi was drained. He'd seriously debated taking a shower as that would be the optimal option to get himself clean. And eventually he'd decided on it. But he was by no means quick about it. Hot water soothed aching muscles and made his movement's just as slow as the need to shift to clean did.

Cooryn paused as she made her way past a hallway. Curiosity bubbled in her features as sensitive ears picked up the bunny's upset. She made her way over to her room silently, a happybubble of excitement hitting her. The imp's mind always tended to sway only one way these days. And her initial thought was that perhaps Keichi and Karasori had both gotten over themselves and were hiding away in her room. Well, it was more of a hope than anything.

She was quick to faze through the door just enough to be able to view its entirety; asking through the invasion, "Is someone in here with you?" It probably sounded as hopeful as she felt as long ears wiggled through her excitement and her tail swayed heavily on the opposite side of the door.
 
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