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Chapter twenty-seven
Outside of the house, Kurogane was leaning next to the front door. He was texting Fuuma about what was going on his end and making sure nothing was being compromised. He though found a lone cigarette in his pocket and for the hell of it started smoking it. He's not a smoker despite how he seemed but he would on a rare occasion.
Syaoron bypassed him on his way out not long after waving before jogging to work.
Kurogane waved at the young man back before going back to smoking. However it wasn't long before he saw familiar woman walking past the house and dark red eyes locked onto his bright red ones.
"Well hello Kurogane~ What are you doing here so early in the morning?" She stopped in front of him smiling far to wide.
"..." This was the last person he wanted to see...next to Ioryogi. Taking the stick out of his mouth he let out a puff of smoke. "I'm relaxing...or so I was." He stated.
"Don't stop on my account. I had no idea you lived in such a nice part of town." She pretended to look around
"I don't." Kurogane shrugged as he put the stick back into his mouth. "I'm just staying here for a while."
"Oh yes, that boyfriend of yours. I didn't think Ioryogi paid enough for a large apartment." Yuuko mused.
Kurogane wanted to deny that fact but it was a fact. Sighing, he closed his eyes. "So, what are you doing here in this neck of the woods?"
"Enjoying the weather. Thought I'd go and grab a bite to eat since my cook is busy elsewhere today."
"Huh." Kurogane was at the end of his cigarette as he popped the end bit of it into his mouth. Then a puff of flame came out of it seconds later.
Yuuko shook her head at the display. "Care to join me? I could use a handsome man as company."
The dragon looked at her with skeptical eyes. But then again, he might need to move around for just a bit. "Fine. Let me text the moron's brother to let him know that I'll be out for a bit." He already got his phone out and texting him. He got a reply saying that it's alright as long as he's back by the afternoon to join him when they go to the hospital as he was going to Syaoron's place after that. Putting his phone away, Kurogane nodded as he he got off the wall. "Okay, now I'm ready."
"Wonderful~!" Yuuko smiled before hooking her arm with his.
Making sure he wasn't making a face, Kurogane clicked his tongue and walked along with the woman.
They arrived at Yuui's restaurant almost twenty minutes later since Yuuko had wanted to window shop a little on their way. When she stepped in she smiled bright. "Watanuki-kun~! I've come for you to serve me!"
"Oh man..." Kurogane breathed out. If he knew that he was going to eat with Yuuko in Yuui's cafe, he would have said no outright. He should really start thinking more before saying yes to things.
"Come now sourpuss." She smiled as there was a loud crash in the back causing people to stare. Yuuko waited by her chair waiting on Kurogane.
Blinking, Kurogane then sighed as he sat next to the woman. "You're something else. You realize that right?" He commented; feeling a bit sorry for Watanuki.
"And you're not much of a gentleman." She said before sighing and taking her seat. Watanuki was fuming when he walked out and Yuuko smiled coolly up at him. "Hello my dearest manservant." "Don't dear me, what're you doing here? I left you food."
"Yeah, like that'll stop her." Kurogane rolled his eyes; not deterred from the woman's comment. Can't deny what's fact, right?
"No ganging up on me now." Yuuko gave a pout before she looked back at the other man. "Now, go and fetch me something nice. I think I want some soup today, it's a bit nippy out. Some cider too."
"I'll have some clam chowder with a loaf of bread and some coffee; black." Kurogane nodded to the young man. Watanuki wrote the orders down. "Sure, I'll be back shortly with your food." He gave a roll of eyes to Yuuko before going back to the kitchen.
"So enjoy the new living arrangements?"
"It's fine, I guess." Kurogane shrugged as he patted his chest. "Can't do much right now with this damn injury and things are getting a bit antsy around here."
"I can tell. You have to stretch your wings or else you'll go stir crazy." She mused.
"Yeah well, right now I'm trying not to overdo anything." Kurogane countered. "Plus with my mother safe, there's nothing much I can do about it for now."
"Well dragons don't do well when they're out of the true bodies." She smiled brightly when Watanuki returned with their drinks and another glare for her.
"Thanks." Kurogane stated to Watanuki before he took his coffee and taking a big gulp. He liked how hot it went down his throat. "I know that. But if I shift any time soon, I have another pleasant trip to the hospital." He answered. "I'm still healing."
"Hmm...have you tried the drugstore down a few blocks? They have some quick healing ointments or you could have the wound laser shut."
"Hmm..." Kurogane considered that. He had heard of that place but he was so busy that he never set foot in it but now he had more than enough time. "I should. I'll go there after I go visit someone."
"What would you dear mother say about your lack of medical knowledge,"
"Well you're not mother so there's no way in hell you would know, right?" Kurogane rolled his eyes. "Besides, it's nothing that I couldn't handle before. Just have a blonde for worries for me now so it's getting harder to do so. Moron." He muttered the last part as a faint blush graced his face.
"Ah~ Young love. So sweet." She pinched his cheek for good measure. Yuuko had to wonder how much Kurogane even knew with the way he carried himself and behaved, wondering if his mother had informed him about certain things when it came to relationships.
Kurogane moved away from the woman's hands as he scowled at her for a brief second before their food was coming through the door. He wasn't very young and it might as well be love but he was being realistic about it. Fai may like him but hell others had said that before him and they never worked out. Though he was happy, there was a nagging feeling in the back of his head that this one may fail. He wasn't going to let it but the feeling will still be there.
"Oh don't look that way." Yuuko chuckled.
"Whatever." Kurogane then thanked Watanuki for the food before taking that loaf of bread and breaking it.
"I'll bring you some cake out, but not alcohol and only after you finish all of this." Yuuko frowned like a child. "But Watanuki~"
"Don't look at her, just walk away before she sucks you in." Kurogane warned as he ate some of his chowder. "If you want to have this day to end okay, that is."
Watanuki huffed before heading back to the kitchen.
"So mean." Yuuko pouted before she sampled her food.
Rolling his eyes, Kurogane ate some more. "So...what about you? Found someone of interest yet?"
Yuuko laughed loudly smacking the table a few times for good measure. "None at all, I like to keep my options open and I have a harem already."
"Geez, sorry I asked." Kurogane stated with wide eyes. He then went back to eating. "Well whatever, you do what's your business." He waved it off.
"You're a little green to be telling me about relationships."
"I never said anything regarding whoever you're screwing." Kurogane countered off-handedly. "I wasn't going to give you any half-assed advice or anything like that, I was just asking. Nothing more."
Yuuko laughed again. "I like you. You remind me a lot of your father, but with more scowl."
Kurogane's body slightly flinched at the mention of his father but shook his head as he continued eating. "You're not the first to say so."
"You're your own person as well and the resemblance is fleeting enough." Yuuko finished off her meal and before she began demanding cake Watanuki was there with a slice of apple pie for them both,
"...Sometimes I wonder." Kurogane muttered to himself as he finished off his meal. He then took his mug and drank slowly. He didn't like to be mentioned about how he looked like his father as he felt bad enough. His father's dead and his mother had him; the closest thing to seeing father again. He was so similar to him now that he thought about it. And he wasn't sure what to feel about that.
"While you're definitely his son, you're not identical." She explained. "A child is never the same as the parent."
The dragon glanced at the woman. He thought she stopped talking by now.
"So don't look so gloomy." She piped up before enjoying her dessert.
Kurogane narrowed his eyes as he let out a grunt before going back to his coffee. Like she would know what it'll be like to be in his position.
When Yuuko finished her pie she sat up with Watanuki handing her a cider to go. "Guess I'll let you sulk. Remember Kurogane, show a bit of confidence in yourself."
That got a reaction out of him. "Who said that I don't show it. I'm pretty damn confident already." Kurogane retorted.
"Uh-huh." Yuuko grinned before she turned and walked out of the place.
The dragon watched her leave; knowing that he'll have to pay for the food. Going back on his seat, he grumbled before getting his wallet out.
"You don't have to pay for her." Watanuki said, arms folded.
"What, you're keeping a tab for her?" Kurogane asked with a slight amusement in his voice.
"Yes and I'll get back at her later for skipping out." He sneered
"Good call." Kurogane was liking Watanuki already. "But I still have to pay for my own." He then paused. "And add some strawberry cake in the bill too, I'm bringing some back for...m-my boyfriend..." He explained with a very faint blush. "Or something..."
"Alright, I'll have it ready in a few minutes."
"Thanks." Kurogane then finished off his coffee before sitting around. Yuuko was a bit annoying but she wouldn't lie when it comes to being serious. But he was confident, more then any other person so there was no need to do what she suggested...right?
As if lunch wasn't weird enough, Kurogane along with Yuui hours later were walking to the hospital. Yuui had a big pot of ramen soup with plenty of noodles and veggies and meat. It was a bit weird considering that the two have been there only days ago but when they asked for the little dragon staying, it was an easy breeze from there.
"Hana?" Yuui knocked on the door where the young girl was staying. "Hana? It's Yuui and I brought a friend this time. May we come in?"
The door was quickly opened, showing Hana holding onto the door knob with wide eyes. She sniffed the air before staring curiously at the pot he was holding.
"Hey Hana." Yuui smiled. "I got some ramen soup with plenty of noodles." He then stepped aside a bit. "And here's one of my friends, he's a bit scary but don't worry. He's anything but." Giving Yuui a look, the dragon stepped forward. "Hey...uh...name's Kurogane. Um...nice to meet you...I've heard about you a little." He wasn't great talking to young children; dragon or human or otherwise.
"You're like me." She said but then was back to focusing on the food in Yuui's hands. "Can we eat now?"
Kurogane blinked. Wow, she's smarter then she looked. "Sure. May we come inside?" Yuui chuckled. "This pot's a bit heavy."
She nodded and pulled the solid wood door back to let the two in before scrambling back up onto her bed.
Holding the door for Yuui, Kurogane followed inside. The two saw that parts of the wall were covered with drawings and letters. Next to the girl's bed was a couple flower bouquets and cards. But what really set the room apart from the rest was a huge tv on the other side. Sounds like she was well off even in a hospital.
Taking a bowl that was on top of the pot, Yuui carefully served Hana some before getting a spare tray that was laying around. With a pair of chopsticks and a spoon, he carefully placed it on the girl's lap. "Here you go." He smiled. "But be careful, it's still a little hot."
She nodded before digging in slurping up noodles quickly, her eyes bright in delight.
Kurogane had to chuckle as he was leaning on the pillar bit of wall between the windows. "She sure loves noodles." Yuui smiled at the older dragon. "She has mentioned that, yes." He was glad to see Kurogane in a better mood the last night.
Hana finished of her small bowl soon enough and asked for more with a smile.
"Don't worry, there's plenty more." Yuui laughed softly before taking the tray and refilling the bowl. Slightly smiling, Kurogane sighed. "So, what're you in the hospital for? You seem pretty fine to me." "Now, now Kurogane." Yuui gently chided. "I'm sure it's something routine, nothing terrible I hope." He knew Kurogane didn't mean anything bad by it but he didn't want Hana to be upset.
"Hana gets sick easy. The doctors say it's a...weak system." She said trying to get the words out between mouthfuls.
"A weak immune system?" Yuui asked; now worried. "Oh dear." "Oh cra-oh I mean crud." Kurogane casually stated. He would have to train himself not to curse around younger ones. "How bad does it get?"
Hana shrugged. "Hana gets sick easy. So Hana doesn't go to normal school just in case."
Yuui's weak spot for children was showing and if Kurogane was a lesser person; he'd be bursting out laughing.
Hana sighed in content, smoke coming forth as she was still too young for flames. "Yuui is a good cook like he said."
Yuui couldn't help himself as he rushed forward and hugged the girl. "Oh it's nothing! I'm glad that you liked it~!" Kurogane looked at the scene with slightly wide eyes. He would have to ask Fai if that happened often.
Hana blinked un-phased by the affection. "Hana's full now."
"Okay!" Yuui took the bowl. "I'll have the cafeteria staff store the rest for you so you can have something to eat later." He looked to Kurogane. "I'll be right back. Watch Hana for a bit."
Kurogane shrugged. "Got nothing better to do."
"Okay, I'll be back." And with that, Yuui exited the room; leaving the two dragons together.
Hana stared at him unblinking after Yuui left, curious.
Kurogane glanced at the young dragon with a slightly unnerved look. "...What?"
"You're hurt too. I can smell it." She told him.
"...Yeah," Kurogane slowly nodded. He wasn't too surprised though she was rather young. "Yeah, I was."
"Yuui too." Hana added.
"..." Kurogane sighed. "Yeah, he was too."
She nodded in understanding. "You two will get better,"
"I know we will." Kurogane shortly answered. "You just concentrate on making sure you're better every day. It would be cruddy for a young dragon like yourself being cooped up in this place when you should be flying around or playing in a park somewhere."
Hana smiled. "Hana likes to fly and do flips in the air, though I can't go really high."
That got a chuckle out of the older dragon. "Really? I bet when you're older you could. And I'd to see it when you do."
"Do you fly a lot?" She asked curious and wide eyed.
"Yeah, I do." Kurogane smirked. "Up until recently I have. When I'm not working, that is. In fact I was flying very high when..." He trailed off right there; not wanting to say more then he should. He coughed. "A dragon like myself is a big thing but I feel awesome when I'm up in the air."
The tiny girl looked up with a bright eyed, bushy tailed expression. "Are you even bigger? Mommy always said that tall people meant bigger dragons than us."
"Well your mother's right." Kurogane nodded. "But it's half-true. That also depends on what type of species you are because I have seen adult dragons who are aren't any taller than say, maybe you." He slightly smiled. "Though that's out there, I can tell you'll be a grand dragon when you get older." He wasn't lying, it could happen. You just never know.
"Really?" Hana sounded unsure as she pondered the idea before nodded.
"Of course. If you work hard and grow some more, you might be right there with me in size." Kurogane grinned toothily. "Don't doubt yourself that you can't and ignore what other morons would say otherwise. If you want to be a grand dragon then go for it!" He didn't know why he was encouraging a child that he barely knew. Maybe it was his father speaking out through him; not wanting a tiny dragon to be sad. He hated to see a child sad regardless.
Hana gushed at the praise, face red.
Yuui came back in moments after seeing the girl practically jumping around. "...May I ask what happened while I was gone?" He asked with a big smile on his face.
Kurogane calmed down a bit before looking away. "Nothing much. Just talking to the kid."
"Uh-huh." Yuui wasn't convinced but was happy to see Hana so ecstatic and excited.
Hana was beaming in barely contained excitement,
Yuui then cooed a bit as he hugged the little girl once again only this time more gently. "Did Mr. Kurogane say something nice to you?"
Kurogane blushed a bit as he scoffed and turned his head away. God, Yuui was almost as bad as his idiot boyfriend.
"He said I'd probably be big and strong when I got older." Hana replied; still excited.
"Oh, he did, did he?" Yuui smirked the older dragon's way; getting a blanched expression in return.
Hana nodded fervently.
Looking between two dragons, Yuui got an idea. "Well I think the big nice dragon deserves a hug after being so nice to you." He smirked at the older dragon. "Wouldn't you say?"
"Oh no..." Kurogane shook his head as he backed off a bit. "That's fine. I don't want it..."
"Yes!" Hana hopped down from her bed before latching on to Kurogane.
"Hey what the-!" Kurogane swayed backwards a little at the added weight and force on his lower body.
As he just stood there with a red face, Yuui tsked. "Come on, Kurogane. When someone hugs you; you need to hug back." He soon smiled.
Glaring at the human for a second, the dragon soon sighed as he hugged back. Well he more like patted the younger dragon's head softly. "Mm..."
The girl pulled away after a few seconds, staring up at him with her near identical colored eyes.
Looking down, Kurogane gave the girl a very small smile He nodded as he gestured to Yuui. "I think he needs a hug too since he made that food, don't' you think?" That what he said that his eyes held another meaning; as if telling the girl to hug Yuui for something more then just the food.
Hana nodded in understanding before she went to Yuui next for his hug.
"Oh..." Yuui blinked in surprise before smiling as he hugged back. "There's no need to thank me for the food but you're very welcome." Of course the human wouldn't know what that hug meant but Kurogane soon thought after that it was better that Yuui didn't know.
"It was good." Hana stated with a slight tone of happiness.
Nodding, Yuui stepped back as the young girl pulled away. He checked his watch and almost gasped. "Oh my, it's that late already?" He sighed. "Kurogane, we need to go."
"Hm." Kurogane nodded. It was getting rather late. He turned to the girl and flashed a toothily grin. "We'll see you around, alright?"
Hana nodded as she stood in the middle of her room. "Hana will see Yuui and Kurogane later."
Hugging Hana one last time, Yuui gave her a friendly kiss on the cheek. "Have a good night, Hana." With Kurogane in tow, Yuui waved before the two left the room.
She waved in return telling both men goodbye as well.
As the two were outside the building, Kurogane hailed in a cab for Yuui. "I know you can take care of yourself but still, it'd still be dangerous."
"Don't worry." Yuui smiled. "I'll just be home for a bit before going to Syaoron's place. Oh tell brother that I might not be home tonight." He chuckled. "I'll see you later."
"Sure. See ya." Kurogane closed the door and watched the taxi go with Yuui in tow. Sighing, he then started walking to the drugstore to get something for his wound.
TBC
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