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

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"This one could prepare a set of his favorite," Kusuriyuri said. He gave Kuronue a slightly wry expression. "Kurama feels that massage is something he must do when I have extended myself. He does not accept no when he has decided on something. You should have him give you a massage." He reached up for Kuronue's cheek. "When you are less tender here," he said, touching his head and then over his core, "and ready, you will enjoy it very much."

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Kuronue laughed. "He takes good care of you," he said, rubbing his cheek against Kusuriyuri's hand. "When we aren't...you know, I'll ask him."

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"I am sure you will," Kusuriyuri murmured, letting his cheek come to rest against Kuronue's chest, his hands caressing his back, down to his upper thighs. "You have come far in a short time," he said softly. "Do not rush yourself, nor let others rush you. Do not worry if some days you feel yourself acting on old habits. Only when the habits become all you can act on should you worry, if you cannot stop yourself from acting on them."

He looked up at Kuronue again. "Come see me in three days, before if there is need or desire." He drew Kuronue down for a kiss, moving to stand on his toes, before kneeling to make sure the oil was off his legs.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

It seemed strange that Kusuriyuri was shorter that him. Felt like Kusuriyuri should have been taller than he. He knew so much, had done so much for him. That kiss, and Kusuriyuri's advice, was sweet and it was easy to let his eyes close and bend to aid him, follow after him even once he'd knelt. He pressed a hand to the wall, watched Kusuriyuri with a purely endeared expression.

He sighed. "Okay," he said, nodding. He ran his hand through Kusuriyuri's hair, amused that it still seemed so light in colour even when soaked through. When he was done with his legs he drew Kusuriyuri up and hugged him, turned them around so that Kusuriyuri got more of the spray than him. "Will you be okay to wash yourself? I have a samurai to hunt down and update."

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"I am capable," Kusuriyuri said dryly. "Send a note for Kurama, if you will, or I can find him afterwards." He reached once more for Kuronue's cheek. "I am pleased you have someone who cares so much for you now that he would seek help. It is good that you hold him above us, too." He pushed Kuronue gently away. "Go to him."

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

"Thank you for your hard work," Kuronue said, smiling. He stepped from the shower, took a towel to dry himself off. "I'll send Miyako to Kurama," he added as he made his way out of the bathroom.

Drying his hair, Kuronue wandered back into the living room and pulled his clothes back on. He left his towel folded on the couch before stepping out, whistling for Miyako as he passed by the windows of the castle. She came to him in her own time and he sent her to heard Kurama in Kusuriyuri's direction.

Yuki? Where are you dearheart?

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

Yukimura smiled a little at Kuronue's use of 'dearheart,' but that wasn't going to keep him from playing. That tickle needed a response, after all. In a window, he said evasively. That really didn't limit the number of places he could be, though, with as many windows as the castle had, both inside and out.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Unfair, he complained, feeling Yukimura out and heading in the direction the feel of his reiki led him. He wasn't too keen to use his wings just yet, so he walked instead.

Okay, he may have jumped a few flights of stairs and climbed some walls, but it wasn't flying.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

"Unfair would have been if I moved," Yukimura said as he saw Kuronue approaching him, his voice light. He held out his hand for his lover to join him. "Though, I almost expected you to catch me that way," he said, glancing out the window. "Is all well?"

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Chuckling, Kuronue lifted himself to the window beside Yukimura and leaned forward to kiss him. "Perfect," he said, lazy and very much pleased. He took one of Yukimura's hands and kissed it. "What have you been doing with yourself?"

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

Smiling at the kiss, Yukimura replied, "Becoming more acquainted with my shinobi and harassing a blond brat. And, you have been much pleased by the peddler," he pointed out. "I should think you'd have no need of me until after you'd eaten," he teased.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

He wiggled a finger at Yukimura. "You should take some time to spend an evening with him. He's...skilled." Grinning, Kuronue slipped off the window and tugged on Yukimura's arm playfully. He was a little hungry now that Yukimura mentioned it. he hadn't been before, but he'd just woken up then.

"Oh," he exclaimed. "I found out why my wings are aching. Well, what Kusuriyuri and I suspect it is." He looked utterly ecstatic.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

"I should think so," Yukimura said, following Kuronue. "He is older than Kurama and if he can please a kitsune, then he must be skilled. But, tell me, what about your wings?"

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

"I just didn't think he was skilled like that." He waved his hand at himself a little and made his eyelashes go all aflutter, then smiled at Yukimura.

"They're growing!" Kuronue barely restrained himself from skipping. His laziness from a mere half a minute ago had completely dried up.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

"You've never seen Kurama after, then," Yukimura said dryly as Kuronue fluttered. At his next statement, his eyes went wide. "Truly? That would be wonderful!" He knew that Kuronue had some resentment for his wings being small, in comparison to his size.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Kuronue laughed and wrapped his arms around Yukimura, swung him around. "I'll be able to carry you easily the next time a thunderstorm comes." Considering it was Scotland, it wouldn't be too far off from the next electric storm.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

Yukimura laughed at being swung around. "That would be most wonderful!" he laughed, wrapping his arms around Kuronue's neck. "It is so wonderful to see you so happy," he added, pressing his cheek to Kuronue's when his lover set him down.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Giggling a little, Kuronue pulled back enough to press a brief kiss to Yukimura's lips. "It's not solid yet, but we're pretty sure that's why they're hurting. Kusuriyuri is taking measurements, he'll measure them again in three days when I return."

He took Yukimura's hand again, lead him down towards the Great Hall, since it was the closest food source around. Not being able to fly between being in rooms for a long time made him feel a little claustrophobic as well, so he felt the need to spend some time in larger rooms for the moment to break up the monotony.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

Yukimura smiled again at the kiss, weaving his fingers through Kuronue's. "After we eat, we could take a walk on the grounds, if you'd like," if you can be taken away from expression your joy physically for a time, he added, teasing his lover.

Once inside the Great Hall, he requested a hot pot from the house elf, turning to Kuronue for his order.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

"Tamago kake gohan and miso. Also some tea and sake please," he said, nodding to the elf before it disappeared.

Sitting, Kuronue kept Yukimura's hand linked with his own and pulled it into his lap.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

"No answer?" Yukimura teased, letting himself relax next to Kuronue, squeezing his fingers gently. "Is that a no, then?"

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Kuronue looked at Yukimura and smiled. "I'd be good," he said, laying his head on Yukimura's shoulder. "Nice. I kind of miss the sky."

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

Yukimura let his cheek rest on Kuronue's head a moment before bringing up his free hand to ruffle his hair. "Then, let us go for a walk when we've eaten. Or a run, or sparring, or whatever else we decide to do."

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

"Alright," he said, nudging his way out from beneath Yukimura when food came. "It'll be good to enjoy the sun while it lasts," he said, smiling to himself.

Drawing his rice closer, he began eating, nudging the sake towards Yukimura. He reasoned that Yukimura could have sake because it was afternoon and because there was cause for celebration.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

"You're giving me sake?" Yukimura asked, his voice breathless with teasing surprise. "Why...I think I've truly gone to heaven," he gasped, amusement starting to ripple his voice. "This truly is an occasion." He took the bottle and poured some into the cup he kept in his obi, saluting Kuronue with it before he swallowed, sighing blissfully.