The Reason
"Why not?"
"What makes you think I want to jump from one degrading relationship into another?"
"How am I degrading you?" Yusuke wanted to know.
"You are asking me to in essence belong to you, Yusuke. And for what? Because you're my friend and you need a favor? I don't want that."
"Well then what do you want?" Yusuke asked softly.
"I don't know, Yusuke. More than this at least. More than being used. I did it for Yomi because he threatened my family, that's it."
"I didn't mean to offend you, Kurama. I just thought-"
"I know. And I'm sorry that I was so harsh in my refusal, but I need true affection in any relationship I'm in."
"I do have affection for you," Yusuke protested weakly.
Kurama smiled. "I know that too, and you have no idea how much I wish it were the right kind of affection." He got up and headed out of the dining room.
A serving woman came out of the kitchen then to gather the dishes. She hesitated near the table, clearly wanting to say something.
The king sighed. "Spit it out, Chiyuka."
She bowed. "Forgive me, my lord king. But I think that you went about that all wrong."
"How would you have done it then?" Yusuke wanted to know.
"Yoko Kurama wants your affection, my lord, and I rather think you want his too. Perhaps you should go for a regular relationship, or at least let him know how you feel, before trying to get him to give his freedom to you."
He had to admit that that was a good idea, but did he want a relationship with the fox, or was he being opportunistic? Yusuke couldn't deny his attraction to the other male, but he wasn't sure how (or even if he wanted) to act on it.
Damnit, he thought. Being king was not supposed to be this complicated.