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]

"Depends who those others are, dearheart," he said, chuckling. I can protect myself without weapons, if need be.

He'd come to the conclusion that, if Akabane appeared, either he wouldn't have any desire nor reason to attack Kuronue, and Kuronue would rather retreat than give in the the impulse that had faded to nigh obscurity that marked Akabane as someone who could hurt him real good, make him forget. He was wiser. Free, now.

"But, not often." Moving alongside Yukimura, he chuckled, tilting his head into the wind.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

Yukimura could follow Kuronue's train of thought and it reassured him greatly, that Akabane couldn't tempt Kuronue now when he knew that he had before, even somewhat after the whole thing in the Shrieking Shack. "No, and it's not often you want to be outside with me, either," he teased. This new form of their relationship would take a little time to get used to, but he liked the way it was starting.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

"It doesn't...bore you?" he asked, turning to look at Yukimura. They had reached the hill, and beyond was Hogwarts, looming, the lake and Hogsmeade. Then the Scottish countryside. Rolling green pastures, occasional deeper green trees. It was beautiful.

Yukimura seemed so natural here, to Kuronue. Like it was just...just was. Taking both of Yukimura's hands, he sat, crossed his legs beneath him and looked up at Yukimura, waiting for him to join him.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

Smiling and bending over Kuronue's hands a moment. "No," he said, turning as he sat so that their hands crossed over his head and he ended up against Kuronue's chest and their hands were across his body, "it doesn't bore me." He sighed, settling against his lover. "Do I bore you?" he asked.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Kuronue made a sharp, amused sound. "Never. I could stare at you for hours and still not be bored."

He shifted a little, pulling Yukimura a little more comfortably into his lap and then taking Yukimura's hands again. He tilted his head forward, taking a deep breath of the scents that were purely Yukimura. And other things, but yes, Yukimura.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

"You do say such very sweet things," Yukimura sighed, tilting his head aside enough to let Kuronue do as he wished. It caused him to smile, the way Kuronue was so visceral in his attentions, as though he needed to reassure every sense that he was there. This time, though, there was so much less desperation about the action and more simple joy of being together.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Indeed it was more of a want to be with Yukimura completely, to enjoy his smells, his warmth, to feel his love from the inside so easily, now that he could. They were connected, more as one than they had ever been. Dropping his head to Yukimura's shoulder and enjoying the light caress of the wind, the sound of the grass and trees swaying along with it.

It's how I feel, he said, not feeling like speaking aloud just then. I love you, will always love you.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

Yukimura sighed, relaxing into Kuronue's body, enjoying what was around them. And I, you, he whispered back. Always, even if I forget, I will love you. I truly believe that, even if I forget you when I return to live out the rest of my life in my time, that I will remember you after and I will search for you in the afterlife. You hold a part of me and I don't think that will change when we return, though I do hope that is a very long time away.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Me too, he replied, turning his face into Yukimura's neck and closing his eyes. He hugged Yukimura a little tighter for a moment. I don't think we can escape each other now. We've...become too connected. Even when you return...you have some of me in you, and that will stay.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

Bringing his hand up, Yukimura threaded his fingers through Kuronue's hair. I am pleased, he sighed. He closed his eyes a moment, enjoying the feel of Kuronue behind him and the sun on his face and body, the sounds of the day—just being. It had been a long time since he could just be and he was pleased for the opportunity again.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

After a good eternity, Kuronue raised his head and looked up at the sky, then back to Yukimura. "Shall we go back?" he asked, almost whispering.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

Reluctantly, Yukimura moved to kneel in front of Kuronue, holding his hand out for his lover. "When you're ready, love," he said, a soft smile on his lips. "Wherever you'd like," he added as he rose to his feet.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Smiling up at Yukimura gently, Kuronue rose, taking the hand offered and pulling him close into an embrace. He kissed Yukimura's cheek lightly. "Let's go," he murmured, yet he didn't step back just yet.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

Yukimura wrapped his arms around Kuronue's waist. "When you're ready," he agreed, rising on his toes to brush a kiss against Kuronue's cheek.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

He hummed and, after a moment, lifted his head and took a step back. He kept one of his arms wrapped around Yukimura, keeping him close as he turned them both to head back towards the castle.

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

Yukimura kept his arm around Kuronue's waist as they walked. "Today is quite pleasant," he murmured. "It would be nice if they had onsen here, not just in the room of requirement, but properly, outside," he sighed.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

"It would," he said, nodding. "Scenery is a bit different for an onsen, but it'd still be enjoyable. I liked our time in the room of requirement."

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

Yukimura smiled. "It was most pleasant," he agreed. "Where would you like to go?" he asked, leaving the question open enough that Kuronue could answer it for just then or for a trip or whatever duration he wanted to answer. "What would you like to do?"

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

"Now? I'd like to fly but I won't risk it. I want to be with you and I want to go...take you with me while I rob a bank." He grinned at Yukimura. "I want to have fun."

His hand slipped a little and he pinched at Yukimura's ass. "And you, dearheart?"

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

"A daimyou committing a crime?" Yukimura asked, appalled. "The very idea. Why, if a daimyou does something, it must be legal," he added, amusement beginning to ripple through his voice. He reached behind him and pulled Kuronue's hand back up to his waist, trying not to let the undignified sound escape his lips. "I think I should teach you some manners," he said. "But, it'd likely be an exercise in futility."

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Kuronue grinned wide, mischievous. "You're always welcome to try anyway."

He blinked, then licked his lips. "Another thing, I want to try, is also illegal, and I don't know if you'd like it, but I do know there are places in the human world that accommodate such fantasies these days. I want to push you down in a room full of people and fuck you while they watch. Watch, comment and touch, but never join." He laughed, though it sounded more like a giggle. His fingers were walking their way back down towards Yukimura's ass again. "My love, you knew illegal things were bound to happen around me as soon as we met."

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

Yukimura laced his fingers through Kuronue's and pulled his lover's hand back to his waist. "Why is it your fantasies involve showing me off naked and writhing in pleasure?" he asked. "And, by the Tokugura, I am a fugitive, so my very presence here is illegal."

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

He tilted his head in thought, holding back the huff at Yukimura trapping his hand. "Maybe I've a bit of an exhibitionist steak. And I like to dress you up and show you off in general, so this isn't any different, I guess." He was faintly aroused as it were, just from talking about it. Like an orgy only all the attention was focused on them, or, if he was selfish, on him.

Still, Yukimura break the law caught his attention. "Pffft. I've been a fugitive for hundreds of years. That's nothing. You didn't actually break the law. It's just political dick-waving."

[elegantsamurai.livejournal.com]

"Maybe?" Yukimura asked, his own hand moving down to pinch Kuronue's ass. Then in a teasingly mocking dramatic voice, "You only see me as your doll, a play thing to mock others with!" He sighed dramatically.

"And, law is law, even if it is political dick-waving, as you say." It was dick-waving that would get him killed as he sought to assert his dominance, to fulfill his family's destiny and die trying.

[prettypendulum.livejournal.com]

Kuronue made a surprised sound in the back of his throat at the pinch, looking at Yukimura with wide eyes. "I don't see you complaining about it at other times," he said, eyebrows jumping up and down a few times.

"Young grasshopper, I shall show you the thrill of taking things from others that doesn't involve armies and politics." Kuronue waved his free arm, gesturing before them. It would have worked better if they were still on the hill, but they were by Hogwarts entrance now.