The Habits of Lovers (Closed RP, Kusuriyuri/Kurama, probably NSFW)

[serrulata.livejournal.com]

"Now, if you've been mournful with me, your poor lover must have dealt with worse."

That was the thing about Yukimura... he always knew just the right thing to say to get Kurama thinking. He wasn't wrong, either. Kusuriyuri had seen Kurama break down completely, and had endured the melancholy with extreme patience. It hadn't yet occurred to Kurama that a very heartfelt thank-you was in order, but he realized the opportunity was knocking for what he hoped would be a rather spectacular appreciation.

When he'd snuck off to Japan with Mello and Matt, he'd bought yards of fabric; beautiful, high-quality stuff made just for kimono. He'd bought them with Kusuriyuri in mind, remembering the damage done to his "work clothes" after the first encounter with Karasu. While repairs had been made to the original outer kimono, Kurama had thought to surprise his lover with a second. He'd secretly put his considerable skills at sewing (being able to make and repair your own clothing was an invaluable tool, he always thought) to work, he'd worked out the second outer kimono in the style of the first, though embroidered with the patterns of wind and water and silvery falling leaves than the color cacophony of the first.

He folded the garment carefully and wrapped it in tissue paper, then setting off to find Kusuriyuri and present him with the gift.

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[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

Kusuriyuri was in his office, studying, trying to decide just how to break down his next lesson as there were still fifty-six cards still left to cover. He glanced up a moment in thought and saw that the wards spoke of Kurama's approach. He set water on to heat on the rather ingenious hot plate the house elves insisted he'd like and rose to open the door. "Itoshii," he murmured softly, a slight smile curving his lips at Kurama's appearance.

[serrulata.livejournal.com]

"Koi," he greeted, bending to kiss Kusuriyuri's cheek. He held the parcel behind his back for now, but he was sure his smile betrayed him. "Are you very busy?"

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

Kusuriyuri shook his head. "There is studying, but the class is not scheduled yet. Please, come in. Is there a tea Itoshii would prefer?" he asked, stepping aside so Kurama could enter. He was curious why Kurama's hands were hidden, but he could wait.

[serrulata.livejournal.com]

"Whatever you are having will be fine," he grinned, stepping lightly to keep the package still hidden. "You are still on the cards, yes? Which one?"

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

Kusuriyuri gave Kurama a curious glance before returning to his desk. "Yes, the cards. The ones they call the minor arcana. There are many and I am seeking a pattern to them for the sake of instruction." He knelt at his desk and began preparing a lemongrass sencha that he had been drinking.

[serrulata.livejournal.com]

Kurama knelt as well, setting the package down so only a corner would be visible from behind him. "A pattern in their meaning rather than their numbering, then?"

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

Kusuriyuri looked at the package curiously, wondering if he was to ask after it or if Kurama had something else planned. "It would benefit the students if this one could uncover both. The suits themselves have particular meaning, but this one has not discerned a deeper pattern, yet."

[serrulata.livejournal.com]

"That is, if there is a deeper pattern to be discerned at all," Kurama challenged with a little grin. "Perhaps they... are meant to be taken at face value. The deeper meaning being what the reader sees themselves."

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

Kusuriyuri raised an eyebrow. "If they are to speak of the truth, then there will be a deeper pattern." Implied in his tone was that he would continue to seek until he found it.

"And, you, Itoshii?" he asked, serving Kurama some tea. "Is all well?" He could sense the ease he'd been missing as well as a bit of sneakiness in Kurama's energy.

[serrulata.livejournal.com]

Kurama knew that tone of voice, bowing his head to concede. He didn't care much for the cards... they could be easily manipulated by the dealer, as with all card games.

"All is well, I should think," he answered, lifting his cup. "I feel... lighthearted."

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"Oh? Is that so?" Kusuriyuri asked, though he was very pleased to hear Kurama use the term 'heart' as he had been deliberately avoiding it. "This one is pleased to hear so. What has occurred?" he asked, using his tea cup to hide a smile.

[serrulata.livejournal.com]

"A friendly drink, a long walk, and a good accomplishment, in that order." At 'accomplishment' he glanced slyly to the little corner of the package, before taking sip of his tea.

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

It did seem that Kurama wanted him to play. Kusuriyuri schooled his features into a more serious mask. "A drink? So, then not Mello? Whom then?" he asked, deliberately avoiding what he knew Kurama wanted him to ask.

[serrulata.livejournal.com]

"Daimyo Sanada Yukimura graced me with his presence and amusing 'drunken' antics, quite intent on bringing me out of a melancholy state, as he felt quite a bit of compassion for you having to put up with my fugue." This he said with an air of the dramatic in his voice, and quite a bit of gesturing grandly with his free hand. he was coming into form now, much enjoying the game.

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"Ah, then I shall have to apologize to Yukimura-sama in your stead," Kusuriyuri said blandly, though he was grateful to the samurai for luring Kurama out of his funk. "It would seem he has rendered a large service and that I am now in his debt."

[serrulata.livejournal.com]

"Daimyo-sama is very generous in his kindness. He saw a pathetic creature and took pity on it as an act of charity." He bowed his head humbly. "I am in both your debt, the way you two put up with me."

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"At times, it is very difficult," Kusuriyuri agreed solemnly. "And where is it Itoshii walked?" he asked, proceeding to the next point.

[serrulata.livejournal.com]

"Such patience even monks envy," he nodded. "I went into the forest a ways, not as far as the mother tree. I thought I might re-acquaint myself with the area, having spent so much time indoors."

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

Kusuriyuri nodded. "Did you find anything of note, or were you merely frolicking?" he asked, his tone full of mock disapproval.

[serrulata.livejournal.com]

"I did notice new growths of wild herbs to the northeast of A's gazebo," Kurama replied, lifting his chin in defiance, still with a gleam of mischief in his eyes.

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"Is that so?" Kusuriyuri said blandly. "And, yet, you harvest none, nor tell me if they are near to harvesting, nor what they are." He picked up his tea cup to obscure the slight smile tugging at his lips from their game.

[serrulata.livejournal.com]

"Mm, I was hoping to surprise you with something different, but if you really want, I can go and get them for you?" He moved to rise, taking the package with him, as if he intended truly to leave.

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"You would leave without speaking of your accomplishment?" Kusuriyuri asked, his voice laced with concern. "Then, I must insist you remain as you are not yet recovered."

[serrulata.livejournal.com]

"Ah, if you insist," he paused, but did not quite yet sit. "But, if you think you might need them..."

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"Are they in danger of being without use in such a short period of time? If so, then they are not of use at all," Kusuriyuri pointed out. "For, if they will not survive you speaking of that which you have accomplished, they how is it they will survive until we are there to harvest them?"