CHAPTER 1

Mikazuki swept the windowed corridor of his Master's home for the fifth time. He was trying to look busy while secretly watching Kogitsune battle Mitsutada in the street below. The two males had been at it for almost an hour, and since neither of them looked ready to give in, there was no telling who'd be the victor.

Kogitsune had stripped off his top; no doubt for the benefit of all the females who'd gathered to watch, and even from Mikazuki's position, he could see the sweat glistening off the male's rippling muscles. Kogitsune's waist length white hair was pulled back with a strap of black cloth, and the look in his crimson gaze was positively feral. He was the embodiment of masculinity; all wild passion and tempered ferocity.

Mikazuki gripped the broom handle tightly as his eyes traced each and every line of Kogitsune's towering frame. To call the man's physique "impressive" would the understatement of the century. He was literally a wall of muscle; lean and toned from the top of his head down to the soles of his feet. Mikazuki's hands ached with need; desperate to run his fingertips over every inch of Kogitsune's sun-kissed flesh…

"See something you like?"

Mikazuki nearly jumped out of his skin, sending the broom soaring through the air and clattering to the ground.

"Geez, Tsuru-chan, you nearly gave me a heart attack!"

Tsurumaru giggled mischievously; his amber eyes alight with amusement. "You're so easily distracted, Mika-chan, it's almost shameful!"

"I wasn't distracted," he replied, straightening his ruffled clothing. "I was focused on my chores is all."

"Riiiiight," Tsurumaru said, picking up the broom and handing it back to him. "And do those chores include drooling over Kogi-kun like a lovesick puppy?"

"I was not drooling!" Mikazuki hissed, snatching back the broom. "And I'm certainly not lovesick over Kogitsune! I mean, he's hardly my type."

Tsurumaru snorted. "He's everyone's type. You'd be hard-pressed to find someone within a hundred miles who doesn't want to bang him. Male or female."

Mikazuki sniffed indignantly. "Well, I'm certainly not one of them. In fact, I find him decidedly unimpressive. He's loud, and crass, and… and…"

"And sexy as hell," Tsurumaru added, wriggling his eyebrows. "I can see right through you, Mika-chan. The more you try to hide it, the more obvious it is."

"I don't know what you're talking about," he replied, sweeping the floor with such vigor he nearly broke the broom.

"Would it help if I talked to him for you?" Tsurumaru suggested. "I'm quite the matchmaker, if I do say so myself. I'd be more than happy to…"

Mikazuki snatched him up by the collar, staring down at the male with quiet rage. "Say anything and I'll slit your throat in your sleep. Understand?"

Tsurumaru lifted his hands in surrender. "Ok, ok, I won't say anything. I was only trying to help, you know?"

"There's nothing for you to help with," Mikazuki replied, releasing him. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to finish my chores in peace."

"Fine, I'll meet you for dinner then."

Tsurumaru didn't wait for a reply, skipping down the hall towards the kitchen. Mikazuki sighed heavily, waiting for the male to skip out of sight before turning back to watch the fight. Unfortunately, the street had cleared and Kogitsune was nowhere to be seen.

Mikazuki huffed angrily, marching toward his room with the broom still in hand. He had finished his chores hours ago, and with the sword fight now over, there was no point in keeping up the charade. He stored his cleaning supplies in the closet then gathered his things to take a bath.

Their Master had built a communal bathhouse for the Swords to use. It was essentially a massive heated pool, kept clean and filtered for use at any point throughout the day. There were four showers built around the tiled bath, where one could wash off the sweat and dirt before soaking in the luxuriously scented water. It was quiet and peaceful, and exactly what Mikazuki needed after a long day of cleaning.

He had just settled in the bath when Kogitsune came sauntering into the bathhouse. The male wore only a towel which he removed the moment he set foot into the room. Walking to the nearest shower, he turned it on and let the water run over his head for several long minutes.

Mikazuki groaned softly, slipping as low into the water as he could without accidently drowning himself. He avoided bathing with Kogitsune for several reasons; his now rock hard dick one of them. He cursed inwardly. He should have known Kogitsune would come and wash after his battle with Mitsutada, and now he was naked and alone; trapped in a steam-filled bath with the man of his dreams.

Mikazuki tried to look away, he really did, but the way the water ran over Kogitsune's hard muscles… the way his large hands worked to wash his long white locks… How could he possibly turn away?! Kogitsune must have felt someone's eyes on him, because he turned to look in Mikazuki's direction.

"Oi, Jiji, right?" Kogitsune called out, turning off the water and walking over.

Mikazuki groaned again, hating the fact that his unrequited love knew him only by his horrible nickname.

"That's me," he answered weakly, forcing himself to keep his eyes on Kogitsune's face rather than the enticing bulge between the male's thighs.

"I don't think we've officially met yet," he said, sliding into the water and wading over to where Mikazuki sat. "I'm Kogitsune, but you can call me Kogi for short."

Mikazuki pulled his legs to his chest, hoping to hide his throbbing erection. "It's nice to finally meet you, Kogi," he replied, sounding surprisingly calm despite the fact his heart felt like it was about to explode.

"The others speak highly of you," Kogitsune went on, completely oblivious to Mikazuki's internal struggle. "Your battle record is impressive. I look forward to fighting by your side someday."

"That's…uh…very kind of you to say."

"You alright?" Kogitsune asked, coming closer. "You look like you might keel over any second."

"I'm fine," Mikazuki replied shakily, inching away from the male's approach. "I think it might be all the steam. It feels hotter in here than usual."

"Oh, let me turn the temp down then."

"No!" he exclaimed, accidently startling the poor male. "I mean, i-it's okay, I'll be fine. No need to trouble yourself."

The last thing Mikazuki needed was to get an up close view of Kogitsune's naked body. He'd either pass out or throw himself at the man, and neither were ideal scenarios. Instead, he'd avoid looking directly at Kogitsune, think of the least sexual thing he could imagine, and pray the male didn't stay long.

"Well, if you're sure," Kogitsune replied with a confused expression.

"I'm sure."

Kogitsune settled against the wall, resting his head on the tiled platform and closing his eyes. His long hair floated lazily in the water, and before Mikazuki could stop himself, he reached out to touch one of the strands. He didn't think the male would notice, but the moment his fingers brushed the silken locks, Kogitsune's eyes opened.

"I-I'm sorry," Mikazuki said in a rush, pulling his hand back. "That was rude, I shouldn't have…"

"No, it's alright," Kogitsune replied with a slow smile. "I like it when people touch my hair. It feels good. You can play with it if you'd like, I won't mind."

Mikazuki wanted nothing more than to thread his fingers through the snow-colored locks; bury his face in their softness and inhale Kogitsune's deliciously masculine scent. But that was a dangerous idea. Very, very dangerous…

Kogitsune laughed suddenly, causing Mikazuki to jump. "Here I am asking you to pet me and we've only just met."

Mikazuki tried to join him in his laughter, but the sound he made was more like a strangled cat. His dick sat heavy between his thighs; so hard it hurt, and the sound of Kogitsune's rich deep laughter was only making it worse. He needed to get out of the tub before it was too late.

"Are you sure you're okay, Jiji? You look like you're in pain."

Mikazuki nodded, trying to smile reassuringly, but grimacing instead.

"Why don't I help you out?" Kogitsune suggested, climbing to his feet. "Where's your stuff? I'll grab it for you then help you to your room."

Clearly Kogitsune had no qualms about being naked in front of others. He stood before Mikazuki completely unabashed; his cock now at Mikazuki's eye-level. There was no looking away. Not this time…

Mikazuki forgot how to breathe for several seconds; his vision tracing the lines of Kogitsune's abs as they narrowed into a "V" that lead straight to male's enormous length. Framed by narrow hips and muscular thighs, the sight unleashed a wave of desire so intense Mikazuki completely forgot himself. He reached out, licking his lips in anticipation.

Just before his fingertips brush the flesh of Kogitsune's leg, he snatched his hand back in muted horror. He looked up at Kogitsune, who was staring down at him with a look of absolute disgust. Mikazuki was about to launch into some ridiculous explanation for his actions, but then Kogitsune's eyes flickered to his rock hard length now completely exposed.

"I-I… I have t-to…"

Mikazuki didn't bother finishing his excuse. He jumped out of the bath, grabbing his things and slipping and sliding to the exit. Kogitsune called after him, but Mikazuki couldn't bear to face the man. He pushed the door open and raced to his room.

CHAPTER 2

Mikazuki locked himself in his room, too ashamed to face anyone. Tsurumaru had stopped by to get him for dinner, but he'd feigned illness and promised to meet him tomorrow for breakfast. Mikazuki couldn't risk running into Kogitsune. Not after what happened in the bathhouse.

After pacing the length of his room for hours, re-playing the horrible incident over and over in his mind, Mikazuki dug out the celebratory bottle of sake Tsurumaru had given him the day he'd first arrived. He didn't usually partake in spirits, which is why the bottle remained unopened, but after his encounter with Kogitsune, Mikazuki decided he needed something stronger than tea.

Sliding open the door to the small garden deck outside his room, Mikazuki set the tray down on the small table and took a seat on the bamboo mat. He poured a small amount of liquid into a cup and took a sip. The liquid tasted horrible, but it warmed his belly and took the edge off his nerves.

He was pouring his sixth cup when a glimmer of movement caught his eye. He threw back the rest of the sake then climbed to his feet. Taking up his sword, Mikazuki unsheathed his blade and made his way down the steps. He was a bit woozy and unsteady, but since it was likely one of the other Swords playing a trick on him, he wasn't entirely too concerned about his safety.

"Who's there," he called out. "Show yourself."

Expecting Yoshi or Tsuru-chan, Mikazuki gasped in horror when Kogitsune stepped into view.

"I thought this was your room," the male said, "but I wasn't sure."

"Wh-what are you doing here?" Mikazuki asked, looking to see if anyone else was with him.

"I was looking for you at dinner," he replied, taking a step forward. "Tsuru-chan said you weren't feeling well, so I came to check on you."

"And you decided to sneak around back like a thief?!"

Mikazuki wasn't sure why he was so angry. Perhaps it was the sake, or maybe the fact he wasn't ready to see Kogitsune just yet. It was likely a combination of both, topped with a hearty helping of embarrassment and self-loathing.

"I knocked on your door, but no one answered."

"So rather than leave, you came back here?" Mikazuki retorted in angry suspicion.

Kogitsune took another step forward, eyeing the sword warily. "Would you mind putting that down? It's making me nervous."

"Not until you answer my question," Mikazuki replied, taking a step back and adjusting his grip on the hilt.

"I know you like to sit out here," Kogitsune explained, continuing to ease forward. "I see you all the time."

"So you're watching me?" Mikazuki exclaimed.

"No," Kogitsune defended. "Well, maybe a little, but not in a creepy, stalker kind of way. There's a spot over by the river I like to visit from time to time," he continued, pointing to the tree line about a half mile away from the house. "I usually see you napping out here on my way back, which is why I never stop to say hello."

"Oh," Mikazuki replied; all his anger and aggression evaporating at once.

"Now will you put the sword down?"

Mikazuki bit his lip. Without his anger and the sword between them, there was only his shame and embarrassment. If only there was a hole nearby he could crawl into.

"I-I'm kind of busy right now," Mikazuki muttered, sheathing his blade.

"What? Drinking sake?" Kogitsune asked with a knowing smile.

"How did you…?"

"You should never drink alone," he continued, striding past Mikazuki towards the small deck. "Mind if I join you?"

The question was merely a formality. Kogitsune was already seated and re-filling Mikazuki's cup. "Do you have another for me," he asked as he poured.

"Uh… y-yeah, one second."

Mikazuki stepped into his room, forcing himself not to panic. He had the sudden urge to run for it, but where would he go? Tsuru-chan's room maybe? He could try Yoshi and Kunihiro's room as well since they were closer.

"Need some help, Jiji?"

Mikazuki spun around, surprised to find Kogitsune standing in the doorway. His ruby gaze studied him closely, almost as if he knew Mikazuki was about to make a break for it. He smiled a smile that made Mikazuki swallow nervously; like he was daring him to try.

"N-no, there's a cup right here," he replied, picking it up off the shelf and handing it to Kogitsune. "Sorry it took so long."

"No worries," he replied, taking not only the cup, but Mikazuki's hand as well.

Kogitsune pulled him back outside, waiting for Mikazuki to sit down before he took a seat beside him. Filling his own glass, he turned and smiled broadly.

"So tell me about yourself, Jiji."

Mikazuki scooted over a bit, trying to put some distance between him and the male. "Umm… what do you want to know?"

"Anything," he replied with a shrug, "everything. Why don't you start with how long you've been here?"

"I, uh, got here about 4 months before you did."

"And do you like it?"

"I do. It's busy and loud at times, but Master is kind and the people here are all friendly and gracious. Making a schedule has helped. I find routines keep me from getting too flustered."

Kogitsune chuckled softly, examining Mikazuki's stiff frame over the rim of his cup. "I'm starting to see why they call you Jiji."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Mikazuki asked; his brow furrowing.

"Nothing," he replied with a wink, "nothing at all. What about your hobbies? What do you like to do?"

"Uh, read, and write, and… drink tea, I guess. I never had much time for hobbies until recently. Before you arrived, I was always on missions with Master."

"I see. Yoshi-kun said something about you being benched for a while. I didn't realize it was because of me."

"It has nothing to do with you," Mikazuki said quickly. "I was injured during battle, and I..." he plucked the fabric of his kimono, staring blankly into his cup. "I almost broke my sword."

"I'm sorry, I didn't know. That must've been terrifying for you."

Mikazuki shrugged. "Comes with the territory, right? Anyway, Master decided it was best to let me rest for a while."

"Good idea. Probably scared the hell out of him, too."

"He did seem distressed at the time," Mikazuki replied thoughtfully, "but it's hard to picture Master being scared of anything."

"True," Kogitsune nodded. "But it's obvious he values us. I've had many masters, but none who've cared as much as he does. Feels good to be taken care of for once."

"Indeed," Mikazuki agreed. "Master is a wonderful man. I feel very fortunate to have met him."

"You like him a lot, don't you?" Kogitsune said; a bit of bite in his words.

"No more than any of the rest do," Mikazuki answered with a blush.

Mikazuki downed the sake in his cup in one gulp, reaching for the bottle right as Kogitsune did. He tried to pull his hand away, but Kogitsune grabbed it before he could.

"And what about me?" he asked; his bright red gaze darkening several shades. "How long have you like me?"

"I-I… I don't know what you're talking about," Mikazuki answered breathlessly.

His vision was swimming, and with Kogitsune's intense gaze locked on him, Mikazuki was finding it difficult to focus on anything but the male's inviting lips.

Kogitsune leaned in while pulling Mikazuki gently closer. "Liar," he whispered seductively. "I see the way your eyes follow me. I wasn't sure, but after today, I know it's desire hidden in those lovely blue depths."

Their faces were so close, their noses were practically touching. Mikazuki wanted to push him away and deny any such thing, but with him so close; with Kogitsune's scent wrapping around him like a warm blanket, such an idea seemed utterly foolish…

A strand of hair fell over Kogitsune's eyes, and before Mikazuki could stop himself, he brushed it out of the way.

"I love your hair," he murmured dreamily; his mind slipping into some kind of trance. "I've wanted to touch it for so long."

Kogitsune took Mikazuki's hand and brushed it against his hair. "I told you I don't mind. If you want to touch it you can."

Mikazuki threaded his fingers through the soft strands, combing all the way down to the feathery tips and repeating the action. Kogitsune's eyes closed, a deep rumble emitting from his chest almost like a purr. Mikazuki pulled his other hand free from Kogitsune's grasp, using both to stroke the long white locks.

"So soft," he hummed, leaning in to nuzzle Kogitsune's cheek. "I want to curl up in it and fall asleep forever."

"You can if you want," Kogitsune replied, nipping Mikazuki's ear with his teeth.

Mikazuki blinked in surprised, pulling out of Kogitsune's embrace. He wasn't sure what had happened in the last several moments, but he'd somehow climbed onto Kogitsune's lap, straddling the male's waist in a most inappropriate way. Even more surprising, Kogitsune had his arms locked tightly around him, making it impossible to move.

"What's wrong?" Kogitsune asked, realizing he was losing Mikazuki's attention.

"Th-this is a dream, isn't it?" he said, looking around as he tried to push Kogitsune away.

There was no way this could be happening. That was Mikazuki's first and only thought. It was too good to be true. He had likely drunk too much sake and was now passed out on the ground. Pleasant as the dream currently was, Mikazuki knew it would end with him waking up at the best part, his body bristling with need, and no one there to fulfill it.

"Do you want it to be a dream?" Kogitsune asked, tightening his grip.

"I… I…" Mikazuki was finding it hard to answer. He felt strangely dizzy; his body oddly light. "This is r-ridiculous," he replied, vaguely aware of Kogitsune adjusting him on his lap. "I'm not going t-to…to explain myself to a dream."

"And what makes you think this is a dream?" Kogitsune asked, slowly untying Mikazuki's obi.

"Because this can't be real," he answered, cupping Kogitsune's face and staring into his crimson gaze. "This could never happen. It's not possible."

Kogitsune pulled open Mikazuki's kimono, revealing a plethora of creamy white skin. "And why isn't it possible?"

"Because… there's no way you could want me. I'm a man, a-and… you're a man."

"A detail easily overcome," Kogitsune replied, feathering kisses across Mikazuki's bare chest.

"You want me?" he asked, threading his hands through Kogitsune's hair and forcing the male to look at him again.

If this wasn't a dream then Mikazuki wanted to be absolutely, 100% sure the male wanted him. He needed to hear the words straight from Kogitsune's lips; otherwise, he'd never be able to believe it.

"I've wanted you since the moment I saw you," Kogitsune answered, staring into Mikazuki's questioning eyes. "The first time I saw you sitting out here, I thought you had to be the most beautiful creature I'd ever seen." He pressed a chaste kiss to the tip of Mikazuki's chin before continuing. "I could never find the right time to approach you. Then I saw you in the bath, looking so innocent and unguarded. How could I let such an opportunity pass me by?"

"B-but I saw the look on your face," Mikazuki insisted; tears burning the back of his throat. "You were… disgusted!"

"That was not disgust," Kogitsune replied firmly, tugging off the kimono completely and tossing it aside. "Shock, maybe. Confusion, yes. But certainly not disgust."

Mikazuki pressed his forehead to Kogitsune's. "This is definitely a dream."

"Then I'll have to make it the best dream of your life."

CHAPTER 3

Mikazuki was surrounded by a sea of white; Kogitsune's long hair creating a wall blocking out all else around him. All he could see was Kogitsune's handsome face, his beautiful eyes and luscious lips. It was perfect…

"Are you in pain?" Kogitsune asked in a low voice. "How does it feel?"

"Amazing," Mikazuki breathed, spreading his legs wider for Kogitsune's questing fingers.

There'd been pain at first; a tightness that made Mikazuki's entire body clench in resistance. But then Kogitsune was there, feathering kisses across his neck and jawline, whispering reassuringly in his ear.

"Relax your body…"

"I'll find it soon…"

"I'll make it feel good, I promise…"

Mikazuki let the deep timbre of Kogitsune's voice wash over him; relaxing his mind and body, and after several tense moments, a wave of pleasure rippled through him. It started in his core, spreading slowly until it reached the tips of his toes and fingers. Such exquisite pleasure; dragging him deeper and deeper into a bottomless ocean of desire.

Mikazuki rolled his hips against Kogitsune's hand; his body craving something he couldn't quite reach. And the more he struggled to grasp it, the faster it slipped away…

"I want to be inside you," Kogitsune groaned, pressing his mouth Mikazuki's parted lips.

The kiss brought with it a rush of excitement; a way to quench the lustful hunger growing in Mikazuki's belly. He wrapped his arms around Kogitsune's neck, pulling him close and deepening the kiss. It was difficult to express his desires with words, so, instead, Mikazuki used his body to convey his need.

"What do you want, lover?" Kogitsune asked soflty, slipping his fingers from Mikazuki's body and sliding between his legs. "You want this?" He asked the question as he rubbed the tip of his dick against Mikazuki's entrance.

Mikazuki moaned against Kogitsune's lips, angling his hips so just the tip slipped inside. Kogitsune sucked in a startled breath, clenching his teeth as he bit back a curse.

"Easy, lover," Kogitsune grunted. "You're making it hard to be gentle."

Mikazuki threaded his fingers through Kogitsune's hair, scratching the male's scalp with his nails. He crushed their lips together in a painful kiss, hoping to express his insatiable need. He didn't want Kogitsune to be gentle. He wanted to feel the male inside him; feel the full force of his carnal passion. He wanted to be filled to the brim; torn apart and put back together over and over again by Kogitsune's masterful hands.

With their lips still pressed together, Kogitsune force his length into Mikazuki's body. Immediately, Mikazuki tensed, accidentally nipping Kogitsune's lip with his teeth. He felt the male's entire body shudder in his arms; not realizing that the simple, inadvertent act had tested the very limit of Kogitsune's restraint.

"You need to relax," Kogitsune groaned, pulling out ever so slightly before pushing further into Mikazuki's slender frame.

Mikazuki wrapped his arms around Kogitsune's neck, pulling him close and burying his tear-stained face into the male's soft, warm hair. He inhaled deeply; the delicious scent filling his senses and seeping into his bones. He relaxed in Kogitsune's arms, allowing the male to bury himself to the hilt.

"How are you doing?" Kogitsune asked in a tight voice, pulling back to search his lover's face.

Mikazuki let out a slow, shaky breath. "F-fine," he answered in a pained whisper.

"We'll take it slow," Kogitsune replied, lifting himself up on his hands, "so you can get used to me."

The muscles in Kogitsune's arms flexed and strained as he fought to maintain control. He watched Mikazuki intently, adjusting the speed and depth of his strokes to match his lover's response.

Soon, a familiar need blossomed in Mikazuki's belly. That need for more… In an act of boldness, he grabbed Kogitsune's backside, pulling him forward and forcing him deeper. Kogitsune hissed sharply, dropping to one elbow, and hovering just inches above Mikazuki.

"I'm at my limit," Kogitsune panted. "You're so… wet, and… tight… I can't."

Mikazuki lifted his hips from the ground, grinding against Kogitsune invitingly. "I'm ready for you," he whispered. "You don't have to hold back anymore."

Kogitsune slipped his right hand underneath Mikazuki, using the other to pull him up and into his arms. Mikazuki moaned softly as he settled on Kogitsune's lap. The male was so deep he felt like he couldn't breathe, and when he started moving Mikazuki up and down in a slow, hypnotic rhythm, there were no words to describe the wonder and awe.

This was what he needed…

Mikazuki clung to Kogitsune, tears streaming down his face despite his efforts to stop them. It felt so incredible. To be held by Kogitsune… to feel the male's strong arms wrapped tightly around him while they sought out pleasure from each other's bodies.

"What's wrong," Kogitsune asked, cupping Mikazuki's face.

"Nothing," he whispered in reply, increasing his pace as he rode his lover. "This is… just so… perfect."

Kogitsune kissed him sweetly, running his large hands up Mikazuki's back as he matched the pace.

"Are you close," Kogitsune asked; his lips somehow finding their way to Mikazuki's pert nipples. "I can feel you… tightening."

"Mmmm," Mikazuki moaned in reply; his head falling back as Kogitsune took hold of his leaking cock and began to stroke it leisurely.

"Cum with me," Kogitsune murmured, increasing his speed. "That's it… Just let go…"

Mikazuki's orgasm crashed into him with such force, it swept the air from his lungs. His vision shattered into a thousand tiny stars, reforming only to shatter once more. Kogitsune pulled him close, burying himself inside Mikazuki as he rode the wave of his own orgasm. He pumped his seed deep into Mikazuki's core, crying out his release to the clear night sky.

Mikazuki slumped forward in Kogitsune's arms, allowing him to pull them both to the ground. He settled perfectly into the crook of the Kogitsune's arm, resting his cheek against his soft hair.

"That was incredible," Kogitsune whispered, cupping Mikazuki's cheek and kissing him gentle on the forehead.

Mikazuki sighed drowsily, snuggling into his embrace. "I love you," he whispered.

The moment the words left Mikazuki's lips, he wanted to take them back. Every muscle in Kogitsune's body went stiff, and all Mikazuki could do was curse himself for his stupidity.

"I-I meant to say I love your hair," Mikazuki said quickly, pulling away. "I-it's your hair I love."

Kogitsune sat up, running a hand over his mouth. "Yeah, you said that earlier," he replied in a nervous voice, playing along with Mikazuki's obvious lie. "Here, let me help you get cleaned up."

"N-no, it's alright," Mikazuki replied, reaching for his kimono and doing his best to cover himself up. "I can handle it myself."

"Then I'll clean up the mess we made," he offered, gesturing to the overturned bottle and scattered sake cups.

"You don't have to do that either," Mikazuki said with a forced smile. "I like things a certain way, so I'll put everything up."

They stared at each other for several awkward moments. Gone was the haze of passion. No longer did the male stare at him with lust in his eyes. In fact, Kogitsune look so anxious to be away from him, that Mikazuki did the only thing he could do, he gave him permission to leave.

"You should probably go," Mikazuki said, forcing down the bile rising in his throat. "You have a sortie in the morning, right?"

"Bright and early," Kogitsune said quickly, almost as if he was relieved to have an excuse to go. "I should try and grab a few hours before we head out."

"Yeah, you'll definitely need the rest," Mikazuki agreed.

Kogitsune climbed to his feet, adjusting his rumpled clothing. He looked hesitant about leaving; like there was something he wanted to say, but he wasn't entirely sure how or where to begin. Mikazuki would have stood up as well, but at present, he didn't think his legs worked.

"Take care and be safe," Mikazuki said, trying not to sound overly cheerful. "Perhaps I'll see you when you get back."

"Absolutely," Kogitsune replied with an uncomfortable smile. "See you later."

"Bye," Mikazuki said with a small wave.

Mikazuki watched Kogitsune disappear into the night, waiting until he couldn't hear the sound of the male's footsteps any longer before collapsing on the cold hard ground. It hurt too much to move, and it had nothing to do with his physical pain…