Disclaimer: I do not own Yami no Matsuei. And I'm not happy with that.
A/N: A little Muraki/Tsuzuki Valentine ficlet. This takes place after Realizations. Enjoy!
Home.
Two restful days and three sensual nights spent at the inn and now they were home.
Tsuzuki folded the last of his clothes and closed the drawer shut. Stretching his cramped muscles, he looked around the small bedroom, making sure everything was indeed packed away and the room tidy. The inn turned out to be a nice getaway after their fight, a chance to talk about the wedding and other things and to get much closer. The brunette stood up, gave one last stretch and headed for the kitchen, looking for a well-deserved snack and smiled in quiet delight at seeing his lover in the cozy kitchen with the same idea and sauteing something that smelled just too delicious.
"All done packing the last of it, Kazutaka. Need any help?" Tsuzuki offered.
Muraki smiled over his shoulder. "Thank you, Asato. Everything is just about done. However, the tea needs to be prepared," he said, dishing up a caramlized grilled tuna on a bed of fresh spinach greens.
"Sure!" Tsuzuki got down the pale blue teapot from the top cupboard and filled it with boiling water. Measuring out the fragrant leaves and humming under his breath, Tsuzuki poured hot water and let the mixture seep. Muraki, meanwhile, set down the dishes and silverware and glasses, then went to the counter to snap on the radio tuning it to a popular music station. Both men took their places, bowing their heads in thanks then picking up the metal chopsticks.
Picking through the fish and rice, Tsuzuki smiled around his mouthful, appreciating its delicate flavor. "Excellent!"
Muraki nodded and smiled gently, pleased. For several minutes they ate in silence. The silver blond watched his lover while sipping his tea. "Glad to be home, Asato?"
Tsuzuki nodded, swallowing. "Yeah. But I did like staying at the inn. I'll have to email Watari about it. He likes checking out new places and I'm sure he'll enjoy staying there. The tub alone is worth it!"
Muraki chuckled, spooning more rice into his bowl. "Indeed. Speaking of which, I'll call the contractor tomorrow about installing one in the garden. A smaller version, of course."
The brunette stared, the chopsticks halfway to his open mouth, succulent tuna dripping and waiting to be eaten. "Wow. That quick, huh?"
Muraki dabbed his mouth with the cloth napkin, nodding. "I don't believe in delaying when I want something."
Tsuzuki smiled. "That's true," he said lightly, blushing a little when Muraki looked at him knowingly.
**We interrupt our scheduled program to give you the latest on the upcoming storm that has been confirmed as heading to Kagamiya. There has been some speculation by meteorologists that this electrical storm would move southwest.
However, our reports indicate that by between the hours of eight and ten this evening the storm will, indeed, be hitting Kagamiya. We are advising our listeners that it is imperative to remain indoors and to secure all windows and doors, to avoid using electricity. And to use candles and flashlights instead. So far, by the meteorologists reports, high winds will be gusting at and perhaps over 90 miles per hour or more. This certainly suggests that Kagamiya will be hardest hit and the biggest one yet in past years. We will continue to follow this breaking story so please stay tuned to this station for information as it progresses...**
A storm. The biggest one yet.
All during the broadcast, Tsuzuki's heart pounded uneasily in his chest, coils of anxiety releasing in his gut. Muraki had set his bowl down, listening to the broadcast. When over, he stood up and rolled up his shirt sleeves, a slight frown hovering on his handsome face.
"It's approaching faster than I expected," Muraki murmured. Sipping his tea, the doctor made plans. "Now, I'll secure the windows in the east wing and make my way up to the other side. Asato, there are candles, matches, and flashlights in the pantry. Perhaps a fire in the fireplace would help..." As the doctor gave instructions, Tsuzuki couldn't move. He sat in dull shock, the words on the radio ringing in his ear.
Electrical storm...remain indoors...hard hit...biggest one yet...
Disaster...
"Asato?"
Startled, Tsuzuki looked up, violets focusing on Muraki's concerned face.
"Huh? What?"
"I was asking if you could help me secure the trees in the garden. Are you all right?"
"Yeah! Sure! I'm okay. I'm just processing what the radio said. Um, you said something about candles and matches in the pantry. I think they're on the top shelf..."
Tsuzuki scrambled up, the heavy chair scraping across the hard floor, and flew past before the doctor could so much as blink. Muraki's troubled eyes followed his lover's departing back for a long moment.
Tsuzuki sat up in the dark room.
He glanced at the fireplace, the red embers glowing still.
He could it hear it. Try as he might, he couldn't help but hear the rolling thunder and the whistling of the wind through branches of the trees become stronger and louder with each passing minute.
He had no trouble falling asleep. There was that cheerful bright fire in the hearth and his lover holding him so tight and securely and they talked prior so the guardian was sure he'd have no trouble staying asleep, thus, missing the storm's worst.
Tsuzuki tried so hard to be stoic and had busied himself with getting the house ready for the upcoming storm. The radio had mentioned it was one of the worst ones yet. He vaguely wondered what the poor garden would like in the morning. But when it came time for bed and the lights were turned off and Muraki gently slept beside him, Tsuzuki was left alone in the dark with his fear. And try as he might, it slowly engulfed and overwhelmed him.
Shivering, whether from cold or anticipation, he didn't know. He looked at his dozing lover next to him and couldn't help but feel envious at the blissful state the man was in. Biting his lip, he wondered whether or not to wake him. It was selfish, he decided, to worry Muraki with this. He could face it. He had to.
Those memories of that horiffic night so long ago...so much blood staining his hands...terroized screams and cries for mercy.
Swallowing hard, Tsuzuki buried his face in his hands, catching his breath, trying desperately not to wake Muraki and prove to himself that he could do it. That he could calm himself and cope. For a few minutes, he did just that. Taking great lungfuls of air, he breathed deep and with regulation, remembering what Muraki had told him not too long ago. His lover's comforting words and reassurances of love that Tsuzuki, at the time, clung to. When he felt somewhat calmer, violets eyes strayed to the partially open curtains, flinching and shivering at each flash and rumble, a wave of anxiety bubbling up.
Maybe...maybe if I see what it looks like...face it head-on...
The brunet looked over his shoulder at his gorgeous lover, at the silver hair rumpled against a large pillow, naked white torso gleaming like marble, and as carefully as he could muster, eased out from under the warm covers, scooting to the edge of the bed. Grabbing his robe and swinging his legs to the floor, he padded on the thick carpet, heart drumming a mile a minute.
The window suddenly seemed looming and foreboding. But swallowing hard, Tsuzuki gathered his courage and before he could change his mind, balled the heavy material in one hand and threw it open.
Bolts of lightening streaked across an ink black sky, flashes of blinding white. Gusts of wind bending branches of stripped trees, kicking up leaves and debris every which way. Some of the debris coming off the trees hit the glass causing the terrified guardian to flinch and take a cautionary step back. Goosebumps prickled his arms and he rubbed them hard, all the while violets wide and haunted on the scene before him.
It was bad.
It hadn't helped. Facing this head-on hadn't helped. Not at all.
Why did I think I could handle it? It's too much! I can't do this! I can't!
Paralyzed, rooted to the spot, Tsuzuki's slender body quaked, knees trembling.
What if it comes through the house? What if it blows the roof up and away?
Kazutaka...help me...Kazutaka...please...
Tsuzuki wanted to rouse his lover, shake him awake and let him know he was scared and to please, comfort him in those strong capable arms. But that stubborn streak surfaced, rooting him to the floor. He was so sure that he could handle it, confront this once and for all. Leave the past behind.
And with that resolve, Tsuzuki's hands clenched into fists, his heart strengthening. With a surge of inspiration he decided to grab a flashlight and read a book in the corner to occupy himself until this all passed, until the morning light crept over the horizon. He had just willed one foot in the direction of the doorway when a flash of white illuminated the bedroom.
BBBBOOOOMMMMMM!
Crying out, Tsuzuki dropped to his knees, pressing his hands to the sides of his head, sickening fear crashing his entire being.
KAZUTAKA!
Muraki stirred, silver brows furrowed in his drowsy state.
Asato? What is it? What's happening? Are you...are you calling me?
I'm dreaming...Asato isn't calling me...he's here...right next to me...
Sighing, Muraki reached an arm out, groping blindly for his lover's warm body to cuddle so he could go back to dreaming. But...
Feeling nothing but cold sheets, he forced himself to blink awake.
"Beloved?"
Sitting up, the silk sheets pooling in his lap, Muraki's light eyes strained in the semi-dark room, adjusting. "Asato! Where are-"
There.
Tsuzuki's small body, crouched on the rug, his dark head buried in his arms, his legs pulled up.
Alarmed, Muraki scrambled out of bed, rushing to his lover's side and placed both hands on the trembling body.
"Beloved? Asato...what's wrong?" he asked, keeping the panic from his voice, his heart pounding. He'd never seen Tsuzuki this way before.
"Asato!"
Lifting his head, Tsuzuki sniffled, violets unfocused. shimmering.
"Ka-kazutaka?"
He looks so lost!
Giving the room the once-over, Muraki didn't detect any hostile spiritual presence.
"Beloved, what's happened? Are you hurt? Tell me," Muraki pulled his lover's arms down, finding them rigid and rubbed them to soothe. "Tell me what's happened."
The brunet hesitated, shame flooding his soul. How could he explain being up at this hour and practically in a fetal position on the floor? He was so sure he could handle it, sure that he had grown stronger since last time they talked about it. But just then, another bright white flash and seconds later, a boom that rattled the picture windows, rattled the very house itself it seemed to the guardian.
Tsuzuki cried out, throwing his arms around his lover who caught him tight.
"Beloved, beloved," Muraki hugged the brunet, rocking him as though comforting a child. "I'm here, beloved."
For several minutes the doctor did his best to calm Tsuzuki, his long fingers tangled through dark hair, continuing to reassure that he was safe and that he, Muraki, was here. But the howling wind and rumbles from the fierce weather was all Tsuzuki could focus on. His arms wound around his lover's shoulders, he buried his face against the pale throat, his whole body rigid, unaware of the small sobs choking out.
Keeping his own composure as best as could, Muraki attempted to divert his lover's attention.
"Asato...come here," Muraki helped the trembling man up. Tsuzuki gulped, his legs wobbled, his grip on the silver blond tight.
"Asato, look at me," the doctor said more firmly.
Tsuzuki whimpered and focused hard on his lover's presence and voice, fixing his gaze on his lover's beautiful face in the semi-dark room.
Nodding, his eyes saucer-wide, he gripped Muraki's arms.
"Beloved," the silver blonde said, his voice turning gentle.
Placing a hand on the right side of his lover's cheek, he was dismayed that it was damp and cursed himself that he should have known that there was a chance his tender lover would be affected by the turbulent weather. But seeing Tsuzuki help in the preparation, in getting their home secure made the doctor believe his lover was coping quite well.
"The storm is fierce but there are barriers to protect the house, I've made sure. However, we can leave right now. We can go back to our home in town, all right?"
Swallowing, the violet-eyed man didn't seem to comprehend at first, only staring past Muraki. "Leave? I...I don't..."
"Come here," Muraki wasn't going to waste time. The silver blond was frightened himself now though he didn't show it. His lover was trembling and seemed to be in a state of shock. So no more hesitating. Tsuzuki was clearly distraught and out of himself. Protecting him was first and foremost. He pulled the smaller man close. "Hold me tight. I'll teleport us..."
"NO!"
With force, Tsuzuki pulled away, wrapping his arms around himself. Shaking his head, he took deep breaths to steady, ignoring his thumping heart. "Kazutaka...wait. I'll...I'll be all right...I just need a minute..."
The doctor frowned, taking a step forward. "Asato," he said, extending a hand. "You're not all right, I see that. The storm is triggering those memories, ne?"
Taking a huge breath and holding it for some seconds, Tsuzuki exhaled, seeming to do the trick in calming him by a few degrees. "Yeah..." He grabbed his lover's offered hand and squeezed. "I want to...face this, Kazutaka. Please help me in that. I...I don't want to...run away from this. I can't...I can't keep running."
Muraki nodded in understanding. His lover can be stubborn but quite courageous. If the brunet showed any signs that he couldn't cope, that it was too overwhelming, Muraki wasn't even going to ask. He would take it upon himself to whisk them both to safer ground. Taking Tsuzuki by the shoulders he guided him to the large bed.
"Let's be comfortable then. Come to bed and let me hold you." The brunet stood for a few moments before moving, his legs shaky as he made his way across. The silver blond pulled back the thick covers and slid between the them, reclining and holding his out arms for his lover who went into the circle of them, grateful. Muraki hugged Tsuzuki's lean body, kissing his sweet forehead.
"I'm...I'm sorry for being this way, Kazutaka," Tsuzuki whispered, his slender frame shivering when another bolt of lightening bolted through the sky. "I...I thought I had gotten past this. That I put those...memories to rest."
"Don't," Muraki scolded, his voice gentle, brushing away those unruly bangs from shimmering violets. "Don't apologize for your feelings. It's going to take time, beloved, for such memories to fade. Don't rush it. But by taking this step, by facing it, we will get through this. You did the right thing. The more you expose yourself to thunderstorms, the more you desensitize yourself. Soon, your memories won't be as intense."
The brunet closed his eyes and nodded, already feeling much better now that his lover was with him. Snuggling closer, Tsuzuki pressed his face against the doctor's warm throat, his lips grazing the smooth, salty skin, making it prickle. "I hope so, Kazutaka..."
"It will, beloved. Trust me in this." Muraki gathered the blankets, tucking their fleecy warmth around them both and again kissed his lover's forehead. A distraction was needed. He needed a way to distract the guardian, get him to talking.
Let's see.
They could talk about the inn and how much they enjoyed their stay. Or perhaps go over the schedule to that visit to the museum or amusement park that they were planning this weekend. There was always the plans Tsuzuki would come up with for the garden here. The brunet had mentioned something about building a small teahouse. And their wedding. They could discuss what arrangements to be made, what destination Tsuzuki would most like to honeymoon...
"Kazutaka, what's that you're humming?" Tsuzuki asked, peering up from the crook of his lover's neck.
"Humming? Was I ?"
"Yeah, you...you were. What is it?" Tsuzuki hummed back a couple of bars, brows knitted in concentration trying not to think of how close that rumble of thunder sounded. "I...I never heard it before. It sounds nice."
The silver blonde hadn't realized he had been humming, especially THAT tune from his past. "My...my mother sang that to me when I was a little boy...when I was afraid. It helped calm me."
"It's nice. Will...will you sing it for me, Kazutaka?" Tsuzuki asked, his hand catching his lover's hand, squeezing.
Muraki smiled. "All right." Threading his fingers through silk chestnut hair, the silver blond thought for a moment, then began.
Tsuzuki blinked.
The deep timber of Muraki's singing and the tone, reverberated throughout the guardian's being. Every note was melodic and pure. Even though it was softly sung and between the two of them,Tsuzuki could imagine how much more wonderful Muraki's voice would be at full volume. He shouldn't have been surprised, however, given that the doctor seemed to be talented in so many things, but he was. He truly was.
He made a mental note to have his lover sing for him again soon.
For his part, the silver blond was surprised how the words seem to flow from memory. It had been a long time since he had sung it in its entireity.
When the last note hung in the air, Tsuzuki closed his eyes, savoring it, not wanting it to end, afraid to say anything to spoil the mood. But when he did speak, it was in reverence. "Kazutaka," he breathed. "Why didn't you tell me you could sing like that?"
Warmth spread to Muraki's cheeks, pride blooming within his chest. "It's been many years since I've attempted it. Did you like it? Did it help soothe you, beloved?" he asked, pale hands gliding up and down his lover's naked back.
Tsuzuki smiled, his nerve endings tingling both from the beautiful song and from his lover's large hands on his body, warming him. "Yeah. Your singing...it's like an angel..." he gushed. "You have to sing to me more often and then when-"
BOOOM!
The guardian yelped and ducked his head into the covers, the pillows falling over him. Muraki waited a bit until the last reverbrations went through then lifted the edge of the blanket.
"Asato, here. Let me hold you," he said, encouraging his lover to come up. When the brunet laid his head on the pale shoulder, the doctor wrapped both arms around tight. "That seemed louder, ne?"
"Wh-what if it splits a tree or...or sets the house on fire?" Tsuzuki peered up, the violets shimmering. "I...I remember when so many houses were burned that night..."
Muraki shook his head, both hands pressing the brunet to him. "I've placed protective spells on the house and around the property. There will be debris to clean up the next day but that will be the extent of it. I promise you, beloved, the house is safe. Now, listen."
The silver blonde sang softly, a different song from his childhood. This one, in a minor key which sounded quite melancholy. Tsuzuki paid close attention to the words, moved by its content, striking a chord deep within him.
It was about a woman waiting for her lover's return from the sea, promising to wait. And each evening that passed, she combed her long hair at her mirror and prayed for his safe return. Would he return? Tsuzuki could just picture in his mind's eye a young maiden, brushing her long dark hair, her brown eyes gazing into the looking glass, sad and forlorn.
"So sad," the guardian murmured when the last note faded.
"Forgive me, beloved. It was a poor choice on a night like this, ne?" Muraki apologized, kissing his lover's temple.
"No, it wasn't! I liked it. Especially the way you sing, Kazutaka," Tsuzuki insisted. "I love the way you sing."
Muraki smiled, a flash of straight white teeth. "Thank you, beloved." When another crash of thunder shot through, Tsuzuki pressed his face against Muraki's neck, unconsciously gripping the man's forearms, his heart pounding double-time.
The silver blonde murmured endearments into his lover's ear, his hands stroking and patting the quaking slender frame. He needed another distraction. At any other time, the perfect solution would have been to distract his beautiful lover with a sweaty coupling that would leave them both sated and happy and content. In such a blissful repose, his lover's agitated state couldn't help but disappear. But Tsuzuki was simply too frightened for such a union. He could sing some more but the songs from his recollection were on the bittersweet side.
A story?
Muraki frowned at that. They had just finished the book they had been reading and to find another one would mean leaving Tsuzuki alone in bed shivering while he looked through the shelves, and even if he did manage to find something it was too dark to read since they needed to avoid using electricity. Perhaps reading by firelight?
The silver blonde didn't like the idea of leaving the warm comfortable bed and sit by the fireplace. Perhaps there was another way. He didn't know if he'd be any good at it but it was worth a try. And it would certainly aid his lover in his agitated state.
"Beloved...would you like me to tell you a story?"
TBC
A/N: Okay, I don't think it was too much of a stretch to have Muraki sing for his beloved Tsuzuki since the man is so talented in just about everything he touches, ne?
