Journey into Recovery ((Sock, RP, Kusuriyuri, Yukimura, Kuronue))

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

What god-modding there is has been approved. Topic and action likely to wander to NSFW areas and possibly triggery.

It had taken him longer to recover than he expected, but Kusuriyuri had finally convinced Kurama that he was well enough to return to his office for the day. He had almost had to threaten his lover with wards to make Kurama go to the greenhouses. He was just finishing preparing to leave when there was a soft knock at the door. Frowning at the wards that thought about identifying the presence as Kuronue but wouldn't commit, Kusuriyuri opened the door, not surprised the knocker was Yukimura, though he was surprised to see the samurai.

"I am sorry to bother you so early," Yukimura said, bowing. "As well as at your home, but I have something I wish to speak with you about in private."

Kusuriyuri tilted his head and looked at Yukimura. A contented exhaustion overlayed a deeper sense of concern. He returned the bow and stepped back. "Please, come in. Good morning." He wondered how long Yukimura had been waiting to be sure Kurama had left for the day.

Yukimura smiled as he walked past the peddler, stepping out of his shoes easily before entering the main portion of the house. "Good morning and thank you for your indulgence."

Kusuriyuri led Yukimura to the living room and gestured for him to take a seat. He watched while the samurai knelt between the couch and the table. Kusuriyuri knelt opposite him and waited.

Boukensha crawled into Kusuriyuri's lap and Belophoebe sniffed at Yukimura before hopping up on the couch behind his head, turning to deliberately ignore him except for her tail that draped over his shoulder.

Yukimura reached up and brushed her tail, causing ti to twitch and then settle again on his shoulder. "First, I want to thank you for everything you have done for us, Kuronue and myself. Words only are not enough."

"You have done much for us, as well," Kusuriyuri murmured. He knew that Yukimura's relationship with Kurama and Kuronue helped the fox in many ways.

A smile crossed Yukimura's lips. "I also know that we are far more in your debt." He reached up and caressed Bel's tail, amusement in his features as her tail flicked around his neck, lingering, before settling on his shoulder again. His expression sobered as his hand settled in his lap. "And I am here to place myself more in your debt."

While it was expected, Kusuriyuri's eyebrow went up. "This one does not consider you in his debt," he said formally. "As to your request, this one is a medicine peddler."

"True, but as to whether what I ask is within your trade..." Yukimura protested, his hand coming up to caress Bel's tail again.

"Ease your mind, then, and make your request," Kusuriyuri suggested after watching Yukimura pet the cat's tail a long moment.

Sighing, Yukimura said, "It is a difficult thing, but Kuronue did agree to this." He looked at Kusuriyuri. "Kuronue is still having nightmares. He doesn't always recognize me when I try to soothe or wake him. While he has only snarled at me in his sleep, this is a newer development and I would not care to see it become worse."

Kusuriyuri bowed to Yukimura. "This is a difficult thing," he murmured.

Nodding, Yukimura continued, "And, neither of us is used to asking for help. But, I do not wish to have you obliged, either. I remember that thing Apos threw at you."

"Once this one's body accepted it, it has ceased to be a problem." Nor would it be one in the future with Apos trapped in the sinning tree.

"That is good to hear. I would not want you to come to permanent harm." There was genuine relief in the samurai's voice.

"What is it that you would ask of this one?" Kusuriyuri asked. "What you have said does sound as though it would be within the scope of a medicine peddler."

"It is more complex than that," Yukimura said carefully. "To allow himself to be open enough, he needs more than I am able to give him."

Kusuriyuri frowned slightly. "More?"

"Yes," Yukimura nodded. "Violence and sex are very closely tied in his mind. I tend to be more gentle unless he provokes me, and even then, I am not as harsh as he desires sometimes. But, when he receives such treatment, his mind is more open."

"Is that so?" Kusuriyuri murmured. "That may be why Akabane affected him so deeply."

A wry expression crossed Yukimura's face, his eyes hardening. "Perhaps, but we both would like him to reach a level of peace rather than just burying his heart again. I would rather he healed."

The image of Ro impinged on Kusuriyuri's mind. He'd kept his distance but he had seen how very weak and injured that part of Kuronue's mind had been. "Healing cannot be forced," he said carefully.

"I know. I also am aware that things between us may change. I also know that things may become worse before they improve." Yukimura held up his hand. "I trust and respect your judgement, both in regard to whether you'll accept and what you tell Kurama. If you will not, there will be nothing more spoken of this."

Kusuriyuri was silent a long moment, stroking Boukensha as he thought. "I would speak with Kuronue alone first," he said slowly. While he understood why Yukimura approached him—things between him and Kuronue were still somewhat awkward despite the recent changes in their relationship—he needed to know this was truly what Kuronue wanted, that he was prepared.

"Of course," Yukimura said. His eyes went unfocused for a moment and he rose. "He will be here soon," he said, bowing. "Thank you."

Kusuriyuri rose before returning the bow. "It is what is done," he said as Yukimura walked to the hall.

"By some," Yukimura said, turning as he stepped into his shoes. "Those who are indeed worthy of regard," he added with a bow, stepping out of the door.

Comments

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

He leaned back, looking puzzled. "Was this a sport? Or some kind of kinky show?"

He waved a hand, acknowledging. "Yes, of course I'll try," he said, chuckling.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

Yukimura took a bite of salmon and rice before answering. "It's something like sumo, but the goal is to pin your opponent to the mat rather than to move them out of the ring. The lack of clothing was to prove there were no hidden weapons and to prevent clothing from giving an advantage or another weapon."

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

So sport. Kuronue was fascinated. "I may have to see these books," he said, looking back over at the food. His body still felt odd, but the almost painful hunger has lessened, all but disappeared. In another few minutes his body would realise it was full.

"I think I'm full," he said, sipping at his tea. He smirked at Yukimura over his teacup. "Shall we go, then?"

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

"I'll bring them back to my room later so you may look at them," Yukimura said easily, setting his chopsticks down on the empty rice bowl. He took the last sip of tea. "Yes, let's go." He wanted to play, to enjoy Kuronue's presence while wrestling with him. It did sound like an interesting exercise. He stood and stepped over the bench, waiting for Kuronue to join him.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Competition was always good and such a close contact sport would be...most interesting, especially with the end goal of it all. Setting his cup down, Kuronue stood and curled an arm around Yukimura's waist.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

While he would usually, playfully, protest Kuronue holding him so close while they were walking through the school, being close to him now let Yukimura feel more fully just how different his lover felt and he wanted to enjoy it for a little while before his mind turned to trying to pin him and win their little game. He slid his arm around Kuronue's waist in return, for now, as they walked.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

It was nice. He liked being able to hold Yukimura while they walked, liked being able to stake his claim on Yukimura to all those around him and be loving and kind and bee accepted all at once. It was a gentility he hadn't often experienced or indulged in, if ever in Makai.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

Yukimura noticed Kuronue's possessiveness, but let it pass as something they could talk about when his lover was more recovered, to know what whether he wanted to change the framework of their relationship. But, right now probably wouldn't be the best time. Kuronue needed to know himself better first.

"I fully intend to fight you with all my strength," Yukimura said archly as they walked up the stairs. "I expect the same from you."

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Having caught the passing thought made him evaluate the reasons why he was holding Yukimura. But then, how to break the behaviour? Was he to not show any affection in public, at all? It didn't seem fair, and indeed just a little extreme.

Regardless, he let Yukimura slip free as they made their way up the stairs. "Ah, but you're only human, are you sure you'll manage to hold your own?" he asked, smirking over at Yukimura.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

Yukimura caught Kuronue's hand. He hadn't intended to push his lover away. Let us discuss it later. For now, do what is needed for your well-being, he said softly.

"I am quite certain I can hold my own against you," he said aloud, his tone arch, challenging.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Alright, he said, holding Yukimura's hand in turn. "Oh ho, so confident," he said, amused.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

"I have no reason not to be. I have defeated many, after all," Yukimura said, his voice full of playful pride. "Do you think you can truly defeat me when I know your weaknesses?"

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Alright, that had him pause for a moment. "You wouldn't!" he exclaimed, looking scandalised. "Surely that's against the rules or something..."

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

Yukimura smirked. "I start off with the advantage," he pointed out. "We'll be naked. From there, it really is simple to defeat you," he said, lifting his chin.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Kuronue raised his chin and watched his lover from to corner of his eye. "To think that you'd use such dirty tactics against me," he murmured, though he smiled straight after.

"I do have brute strength over you," he reminded, smile turning into a smirk.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

"Perhaps, but your strength is likely to be compromised," Yukimura teased. They reached the room. "Shall we see which of us will be better?" he asked, his tone arch, looking down his nose, as much as he could with Kuronue being taller than him, at his lover.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

It was quite amusing that; Yukimura trying to be taller than him with a single look. Somehow he managed it quite well, but it still didn't intimidate Kuronue.

He pushed on the heavy door to the room of requirement and let Yukimura enter first. "Ah, yes, we shall see, lover." He was looking forward to it. He wondered.

Small little swirls of lazy interest invaded all of his limbs all at the same time as his core sped up a little at the prospect of something new, something exciting. He hadn't sparred or anything close to it in a while, even if this wasn't technically befitting of the term 'spar' still his body reacted in two different ways.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

"It will be most interesting. The goal is to pin your opponent's shoulders to the mat in such a way that they cannot get up," he explained, untying his obi as he spoke. "This is a grappling sport, so holds on the joints are allowed, but it is generally discouraged to actually break anything." He folded his yukata over a bar between two posts. "And, do remember, you have to try and win if you want to have more intimate contact," he added, looking over at Kuronue as he stepped out of his pants.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Kuronue was halfway through untying his obi when Yukimura looked over at him and he gave him a look that was pure amazement and just a little bit of pride. It was a perfect taunt, in all reality.

Then he chuckled and slipped his obi free, the sound of silk and cotton against each other loud. He slipped his yukata off, folded it over on itself and lay it over the same bar as Yukimura. "So confident," he said, smiling.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

Looking down at his body and then over at Kuronue. "I don't see any reason I shouldn't be," he teased.

He flicked his hair over his shoulder and stepped into the center of the mat. He adjusted his stance to be steady on the softer surface. "Coming? Or will you stand there looking at me and forfeit?"

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Kuronue snorted lightly, having stood back only to watch Yukimura and the long lines of his limbs. Wingless creatures had an odd grace. Odd because of the arch of their spine, unweighted by wings.

He made his way over to Yukimura, held his own hands out to his sides, then remembered the leather coiling around his arms. It would be a likely disadvantage, but he refused to take them off. He turned his eyes back to Yukimura. "Do we start standing?" he asked, feeling the softness of the matt underfoot.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

"Oh, yes, indeed. That's part of the fun. You have to get your opponent to the mat and pin their shoulders to it." He shifted into a stance that looked like he was going to launch himself into a hug at Kuronue, though his expression was much more alert. He smiled, wondering just how long it would take Kuronue to be distracted by his nudity.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Humming quietly in thought, Kuronue sank down into a slight defensive crouch, one foot behind the other. His wings twitched, flicked almost eagerly as he watched Yukimura with arched eyebrows and a slight smirk. "Ready, then?"

He charged Yukimura without waiting for assent, arms wrapping around his waist with the intention of swinging him down.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

Yukimura bent with Kuronue's attack, twisting around, using his lover's momentum so that they turned fully around, still keeping their feet. He tried to keep them moving, working his foot behind Kuronue's, trying to trip him.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Wings were good in that case. He let himself fall, and he didn't have to put as much effort into twisting them around as he pulled Yukimura down with him. He grinned wide and laughed.