Reichkun's comment: I decided not to continue that review thing. When I was typing the story, I realized that the slave thing can't push through since Tsuzuki was still sick. Next chap I promise...for now, please wait for it longer and enjoy the appetizer.

Chapter 12: Playing Doctor, doctor

"Can I eat something else aside from this...thing?" Tsuzuki made a face as he swallowed the mushy delicacy. Muraki raised his brows as he scooped the last remains of the oatmeal in the bowl. "I thought you would like it. It's choc-flavored."

"But it's not the same as eating a bowl of chocolate pudding. This one is just plain yucky. I feel like an old man eating this thing."

"You are old. Dead to be exact." Tsuzuki scowled.

"And you're my over-joyous attendant willful to make me suffer to the very end."

"Would you rather I inject it for you?" Muraki asked exasperated.

"Still, I'm not eating it." he declared, turning his head side to side with his eyes closed and arms folded like a kid refusing to take a bath.

"You have to if you want to be better." Mother-like. Muraki raised the spoon for the take-off. The grubby brown mush hovered dangerously towards Tsuzuki's protesting mouth. "You do want to eat my honey spare-ribs I cooked just for your dinner?" He added as a matter-of-fact. One eye peeked open. Smiling, Muraki descended the spoon towards his mouth. "And here's comes the airplane."

Muraki stood at the balcony, gazing at the velvet sky sparking with tiny diamonds and one white button. Calm silence filled the atmosphere, quite contrary on what's happening inside of him. Turmoil thoughts raged around his head, each trying to overlap over each one. Toying with the twig he took from a nearby bush, he pondered on what Tsuzuki had told him. Clearly, he's troubled at the past near brushes with his co-workers discovering what he was up to and he had to make things clear. He can't afford to make mistakes now that other people are aware of it.

But first, he had Tsuzuki's health to attend to.

Tsuzuki's having an on and off fever going and he's a bit worried. Normally, he knew his body would cope up, but as of now, he's not entirely sure what's happening to him. After finally giving him a sedative, he's all tuckered out, sheets and all. He hoped the medicine is taking its effect on the sleeping beauty. As of now, that is all he could do. Muraki sighed.

Soft paws jumped on the balcony unnoticed. Miko rubbed at Muraki's arm, startling him from his revere. He looked at those innocent little eyes pleading him to get some sleep and smiled.

"What is this?" Muraki pointed out as Miko protrude her tiny head over the sheets, meowing excitedly.

"A monthsary gift?" Tsuzuki answered. (sweat-drop)

Muraki tilted his head for further clarification.

"Look, I know it's not exactly what you had in mind. I promise I'll find you a better one. But Miko-chan needs a home and I would love to have her if only it was possible." Tsuzuki explained, downcast. He then looked at him, those amethyst eyes pleading. "Will you keep him for me?"

Muraki sighed. "I hate it when you do that."

Tsuzuki grinned. "Arigato Kazukata-kun" He gave a quick kiss.

Muraki motioned for Miko to follow. "Bed."

Muraki woke up with a cramp. Groaning in annoyance, he sat up from the couch and massaged his neck. Sunlight seeped merrily on the flowing curtains, bathing the room in a pleasant ambience. He put on his glasses and stared at the empty bed beside him. Immediately, he stood up and frantically searched the rooms. The aroma of bacon and fresh brewed coffee wafted from the kitchen and he quickly descended.

A half-clad figure wearing an apron was humming merrily while flipping pancakes. The breakfast table was nicely prepared complete with a bouquet of flowers and checkered tabletop. Outside, birds chirping and dancing gaily in the fountain. For once, Muraki was reminded of home.

"Ohayo Kazukata-kun!" A smiling Tsuzuki greeted him as he plopped two pancakes and poured a generous offering of syrup on them. "Did you slept well? I was wondering why you were sleeping on such tiny sofa when you've got another bed on the other room."

"Isn't it obvious?" Muraki sat down.

Tsuzuki grinned. "Touching." He sat down beside him and began cutting a slice from the cake, held it up and offered it to Muraki. "Say ahhhh..."

"What are you doing?" Muraki asked as he gently swatted his hand in embarrassment.

"What does it looks like?" Tsuzuki asked back as he placed the fork down. "You've been awfully good to me and I think you deserved a little credit to be pampered. So it's my turn to give you my remedy." He stood up and gave a sample massage to let him understand what he was talking about. Muraki sighed in contentment. Tsuzuki bend down and whispered. "Shall I give you now my real gift?"

"But my clinic opens at—"

"I called your office at told your secretary you're taking a day off. I called mine. I think I'm developing a stomach ache to your hard-boiled eggs and oatmeal." Muraki couldn't believe what he is hearing and chuckled in amusement.

"So I guess we've got the house all by ourselves...alone," Tsuzuki hinted mischievously. "I also told your butler to take a nice day off. A reward for being such a dedicated servant to your household." He brushed his face past Muraki's.

"Now before you thank me, you forgot something." Tsuzuki pointed out at his Kiss the Cook' apron. Muraki rolled his eyes and gave him his thanks with a nice long smack.