Nudity Warning!
(Inari's Song)
He's quite surprised when he gets home from work late, having stayed to finish a few things before the next morning he didn't want waiting for him, only to smell blood permeating this floor of the complex. Moving closer to his door, he realizes it's not just any apartment. It's in mine. Unlocking it swiftly, he steps inside and closes it quietly and re-latching the mechanism only to freeze in recognition. It's her blood! Flicking on the lights, although he really didn't need it to know that blood was all over his floors, he runs to the bathroom and finds it open. Quickly pushing his way in, he's startled to see the woman leaning against the tub's base, a blood soaked washcloth held to what he assumes is the wound. His shock is compounded when he realizes she's completely naked.
Swallowing and turning his head away, Kurama inquires, "Are you alright Mina-san? What happened?" The spirit fox hears her laugh quietly to herself before answering,
"Eh… I kinda got myself in a bind…" Huffing with laughter, despite the ominous situation, he chides,
"Yes, I noticed. What I want to know is do you need some help?" He must have surprised her, as there's silence for a moment before her warbled reply,
"I'm terrible at this, so yeah, I'm gonna… just. . ." her voice peters off, forcing the crimson haired kitsune to look back at her and swiftly catch her before she fell. Blood begins to soak into his white dress shirt sleeves supporting her limp body, her silky golden tresses roll softly over his arm, stained scarlet from her injuries. Kurama can feel a frown pulling his lips down, concern etched into his movements as he sets her carefully onto the tile floor, wrapping the towel around her waist and tying it. From the feeling of her energy, she was completely unconscious, so he felt safe to use his own to repair the majority of the wounds.
Rolling the dirtied sleeves up to his elbows and pressing calloused hands to her bare stomach, he pushes his youki into the injury and for a moment, he felt some resistance. A warmth pulses against his arm, her soul reaching out to caress him softly, sensually. The age old yôko stops, the powerful energy swiping his cheek playfully before laying to rest again, leaving him reeling. What is this energy? It feels so familiar… And better yet, how is she doing this? For most creatures, the ghost protects the soul, and yet she's able to bypass it and touch his own. I hadn't known anyone else could manipulate their soul to such an extent. Yet it's not the same as mine, it must be utilized in another manner.
Shaking his crimson locks aside, he focuses again on the weeping hole in Mina-san's side. There's no struggle this time, in fact, it feels almost like… she's deriving pleasure from this… Leaving him to once again struggle against the taste of hormones in the air. A gasp resounds from the still unconscious woman, her head turning slowly to expose her slender neck. Emerald irises fleck with cold honey yellow, pupils dilating as they lock on to the unprotected, smooth flesh seemingly submitting to him. She is going to drive me to madness… Kurama puts a lock on his roiling instincts while he continues to pour youki into her.
Going into a meditative state to push his senses that her spirit stirred aside, he ignores the physical stimulus surrounding him and picks apart what he knows of the situation. Her wound is far too wide to be a normal weapon, it looks more like… some sort of pole? Perhaps a spike? The only other major injury was the wound on her wrist that smelled of another demon's poison. Glaring darkly at the memory of the repugnant creature, the calculating vulpine ensures to disrupt the scent's signature and poison with his ki. You shouldn't have been involved… I'm sorry, Mina-san
When the wound is little more than tender, healing pink skin on the surface he slows his energy to a stop. Pulling away his hands he exhales through his mouth, and before the little temptress could ensnare him again, he stands and leaves the room. Going to the closet attached to the bathroom, he grabs some large towels and a washcloth, and goes back to her side. Putting a towel over Mina-san's midsection to give her some privacy, and avert temptation, Kurama reaches over and fills the tub with warm water while he puts the other one on the sink's edge for later. Slipping his arms beneath her back, he's careful to wrap the towel around her chest and waist, his other arm going under her legs and lifting her against his chest.
Placing her gently in the water, there was already some blood washing away making this grueling task much easier on him. Kneeling next to her and taking the wash cloth nearby, he soaks it easily with one hand, the other holding her upper body against him as he begins running the cloth gently over her. Starting with her shoulders, in hopes that the water would just wash the rest of the blood below away as he works, the careful yokai pauses when he examines her right shoulder. The claw marks should be here… there's not even a blemish, let alone any open wounds. It's only been two days, there should still be something. Turning the noble defender to rest more on his shoulder, he moves her waterfall of gold hair aside to peek at her back, noting no marks there either.
Leaning her back to rest easily against his arm, he can't help but note her soft countenance as he considers this new discovery. Perhaps she does have some sort of healer. It's been less than two days since I treated her. Calloused fingers prod the area on her neck gently, her head lolling toward him more followed by the curtain of satin, some strands curling sweetly against her pale cheeks. Gently sweeping the cloth across her face to wipe away any remaining dirt, Kurama's surprised by the amount of make-up she used on her face, but not just for beauty purposes. Incredibly dark purple bruising under her eyes reveals how she may have been injured so badly. How long have you been avoiding sleep, Mina-san? Better yet, why?
Feeling slightly exasperated at the trouble magnet, he can't help but smile tenderly at her aquisice to him for treatment. She knew she could heal elsewhere, and more so knew I wanted information from her. Yet she still indulged my curiosity. Finally closing his eyes and allowing himself to sigh aloud, the charmed botanist mumbles humorously, "You, Mina-san, are quickly becoming one of the most fascinating creatures I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, in all my years. That is quite the feat." Reaching over her with one hand, he gathers some soap he mixed himself on the saturated cloth and lathers her shoulders. The scent of tea tree, sage, rosemary, lemon grass, clove, and rose permeate the damp air, cleansing most of the air of her blood and pheromones to his relief.
I've seen many people, interacted with many, but I have yet to meet someone with her particular qualities. Perky, flirtatious, shy, determined, kind, fierce, protective, honest, and with her utilization of her own personality as a weapon, she's quite resourceful as well. After washing most of the blood off, Kurama pulls the stopper from the tub to empty the muddied water to fill it with a clear tap. However, her exhaustion has been her downfall, and now will likely take more time to heal. Frowning at the thought, Kurama slows his motions, emerald eyes going unseeing as he feels a chill go down his spine.
She would go so far to protect me as to fight while in this state… Likely knowing of the foolishness and still preceding. Once the tub was filled enough, he took the sprayer over her head gently, honey fringe swept back while avoiding getting too much on the Guardian of Love's face. Why would you risk so much to protect a veritable stranger, Mina-san? He's surprised by how distraught he's become over the thought, lips tightening along with his breath as he runs his fingers through her silky hair to ensure saturation. The ancient spirit kitsune finds himself relaxing from the motions, perplexing him further as the ball in his chest loosens.
(Sakura Flute Cover - Traditional)
(The Unknown - Bonnie x Clyde)
Interesting, I've only ever cared for my mother like this, and never to this extent. Kurama is torn between relaxing fully to enjoy the movement and pausing to analyze this new, bizarre feeling of contentment. Is it due to her soul touching mine? It feels like I lose control of myself with her. . . He studies her for a moment, Mina-san's soft features now at ease and breaths light through glossy parted lips. Had she truly tried to control me however, I would have known. No, her soul is only, curiously enough, nuzzling my own. But why? What could cause something like this? In all my years… wringing the water from her hair with his free hand, gathering the shampoo into his free hand, he begins messaging it into her scalp. I've never experienced something like this.
Lathering it into a foam, he slowly spreads it from the roots to the lightly stained tips, making sure not to tug too roughly on the strands. Bundling her sunny locks in his fingers and dipping her lower, the spirit fox rinses the soap out of her hair gently, and to his continued befuddlement, enjoying taking care of the bold warrior. Smiling wryly, he recalls what he told her before when the yokai had been seeking him out. Trouble indeed, but there are still many things I wish to know, and unfortunately for me… After ensuring all the shampoo was cleared out, he grabs handfuls of satiny tresses and gently wrings them out, ensuring not even residue remained from her blood. This incredibly distracting woman has a few of the answers I seek.
Switching to the conditioner, the spirit kitsune smooths it through her darkened, saturated hair, the motions easing him further. To his surprise, he hears her mumbling something in her sleep, an airy smile appearing on her lips as she nestles against his hand in her hair. Crimson lashes flutter for a moment, warmth curling around his demonic core steadily, a pensive yet soft look overcoming his concentrated features. When she stills, falling back into a deep slumber, Kurama analyzes his own reaction to Mina-san. I find a defense against her sensuality, and she rebuffs me with my species' equivalent of reassuring me. She can't possibly know what such things mean to a yôko, an enchanted fox. Deciding that taking his time would fray his control further, he rinses the conditioner out by dipping her into the still warm water.
When her hair is clear of all soap, he pulls the plug on the tub, the gurgling sounds echoing loudly in the previous quiet as he lifts her out. Sitting on the toilet seat, he grabs the towel off the sink and wraps it around her shiny locks, his attire becoming more soaked while he smiles wryly. I was planning on bathing when I got home anyhow. Now comes the hard part… Gently absorbing the water from her hair, the concentrated protector then wraps it around her shoulders as he lifts the one she bathed in. Tossing the drenched towel in the tub while he takes care of his puzzling guest, he pulls the drying cloth from her shoulders to wrap around her form. Sighing lightly when some of his wild crimson strands stick to her shoulders, he pulls his hair around his neck to the left side, before maneuvering her to settle easily in his arms.
Lifting the sleeping senshi from his lap, he stands easily and makes his way back through the closet, and back into the bedroom. Stepping up to his western style platform bed, the king size makes her slight frame look that much smaller in comparison as he lays her down on the top of his white bedding. Returning to the closet, Kurama grabs a spare dark blue yukata and moves back to her side, lifting her limp body up from her back. Juggling the clothes around, he manages to wrap Mina-san in the robe while keeping her modesty. Taking the soaked towel back into the bathroom, he puts the two towels into the sink, preparing to bathe himself.
Going back to her, he lifts her easily off the covers, shifting her to take all her weight in one arm, he pulls the covers down and lays her back down, pulling the blanket over her. Going back to his closet to grab a fresh towel, he looks back at the beautiful senshi resting in his bed, smiling lightly at the sight before turning and going back into the still damp washroom. Putting the dry towel on the toilet seat, he unrolls his sleeves and eyes the blood stains critically, deciding they could be removed in a little while. Methodically unbuttoning his dress shirt from the neck down, he untucks it from his work pants to pull the dirty attire off and drapes it over the sink with the towels.
Stepping out of his dress slacks, Kurama picks them up and lays them over the other clothes on the sink, he steps into the tub and turns on the shower head, exhaling into the warm water peppering his skin. Going through his bathing ritual by body memory, he turns his ruminations to a list of things to do when he gets out. Now that Mina-san's not facing the possibility of dying, I need to work on the stains in my clothes, nothing a little bit of demon strength soap can't take care of. Now that he's looking, he sees a pile of women's clothes beside the toilet on this side, blood covering every inch of them. And now I know why she was undressed. Running calloused fingers through his hair in both exasperation and to clean the rose locks of the conditioner he used. When the water runs clean from him, he turns off the tap and wrings his hair out, watching as the last few droplets land by his feet. Grabbing the towel on the toilet, he pats the dampness from his wild locks.
Walking into the closet, he dries himself off and grabs a t-shirt and pajama pants from a drawer, changing efficiently and making his way back in grabbing all the soiled clothes, hers included, and makes his way to the kitchenette. Plugging the sink, he turns the faucet on cold while the pragmatic businessman grabs a jar from one of the cabinets and measures it out. Dumping it into the slowly rising water, he grabs the pile of clothes and one by one, scrubs the mixture into the stains, watching as the blood lifts from them. Smiling lightly, he leaves them to rest in the homemade detergent after turning the spout off, drying his hands with the dish rag he kept near the sink.
(Emil, Sacrifice - Keichi Okabe)
Grabbing the cleaning spray, he gets to work on the ruby stains littering the hardwood floors. It's not a giant mess, but there's certainly splatters everywhere. Taking a dark washcloth, he begins to scrub the smaller spots first, spraying the bigger ones and leaving them to soak. Just as he was finishing up, Kurama startles when he hears a cry of pain from his bedroom, moving swiftly to gauge the cause only to find the courageous guardian twisting in torment. Moving swiftly, he pulls back the blankets in case she somehow managed to injure herself, but found no open wounds, and smelled no blood. Quickly looking back up at her face, he finds it scrunched in agony as she whispers brokenly,
"Kunzite… please don't… I don't want to…" Blinking in shock, the implication of those words… did someone… Please don't tell me. . . and I just… The caring yokai's stomach turns, fists clenched tight enough to bite his fingernails through his palms. Swallowing thickly, he calls out to her,
"Mina-san! Mina-san it's okay, no one will hurt you!" Her whimpers continue, forcing him to move closer to try and shake her awake. "Mina-san! Please-" He barely has time to react, one moment his hand was touching her shoulder, the next he had to block hers from striking his carotid artery. For a moment, Kurama doesn't breathe, a bead of sweat trailing his temple as astonished emeralds meet horrified azure. A glowing mark appeared on her forehead, the symbol for Venus from his limited knowledge of foreign mythology. The most shocking thing at the moment though, wasn't her striking out in her sleep. I didn't really need to stop her, she had realized I wasn't her attacker before she hit. Watching her carefully, he whispers gently,
"Mina-san? Are you alright?" If there is one thing in his life he never wants to see again, it's this woman's face consumed with abject horror. The hand near his neck is pulled away quickly, a flurry of merigold tresses all he can see for a moment as he hears feet pad swiftly to his balcony. Following the terrified guardian, he nearly shouts when he sees her unlocking and sliding it open."Mina-san! Please wait! I-"
"Please stay away! I might…" Her voice trails off, the melancholy he had seen before returning with a vengeance when she wraps her arms around herself, turning away and finishing brokenly, "It's not safe to be around me." His forest toned gaze widens as he comprehends her fear at the moment.
"I'm not hurt Mina-san. You don't have to worry about that." The waning moon frames her silhouette ethereally as she looks over her shoulder at him, tears at the corners of anguished irises.
"...I'm so, so sorry. I didn't mean-"
"I'm not hurt, Mina-san. Please, don't fret over that. What I want to know is what happened? Do you want to talk about your dream?" She shakes her head quickly and looks away, gripping herself tighter, effectively closing him out with her body language. Frown tilting his lips downward, the concerned kitsune continues to watch her back silently, contemplating his options quickly. I don't think touching her is a viable option, considering what the subject might contain. Talking with her isn't yielding many results, so that leaves… should I? Mina-san begins to move toward the balcony, forcing his hand earlier than he wanted. Pushing his ki to reach out to her, he tenderly strokes her cheek, making her gasp and look back at him in surprise, her hand covering her mouth.
Ocean blues roil with several emotions, thankfully the fear he saw earlier had lessened, and was replaced with something like awe. Smiling gently, Kurama murmurs, "There's nothing to fear from me, Mina-san. Whether that's hurting me, or being hurt by me." She turns toward him, a hand on her heart as she whispers in wonder,
(Emil, Sacrifice Cello Cover - Keichi Okabe)
"You… what was that?" Distraction success. Taking a few steps toward her, he informs her,
"I used my energy to grab your attention. I apologize if it was uncomfortable." Her cheeks flush slightly as she looks away shyly,
"It wasn't bad per say. It was…" The skittish soldier's other hand comes up, fingers spread while the index finger touches her lips, her blush deepening as she finishes, "It feels really intimate. I mean, we've kissed but-" She cuts herself off quickly, both hands coming up to cover her mouth as she flushes down her chest, inciting him to chuckle warmly.
"It is an intimate thing. Whereas most people interact physically, using our energy to touch one another is far more intimate. We're touching each other with what is essentially our souls, our essence, without any such barrier." He's nearly at arms length from her, her azure irises flit up to his verdant as she jumps slightly from his proximity. The cautious thinker stops before her, allowing her to come closer if she wants, but otherwise leaving space between them as he continues, "You were doing this to me before, don't you remember?" Blond lashes flutter, her head tilting cutely as Mina-san considers,
"I… did that?" As I thought, she wasn't doing it consciously. Smiling lightly at her, he holds his chin and teases,
"Yes, whilst keeping my mouth busy." The color in her face darkens, and to his shock, her nose bleeds as well before her knees buckle. He moves quickly, catching her by her back and behind her knees, sighing lightly before chiding, "You may be awake, but you've lost much blood, and now… you're losing a slight bit more. Please be more careful." Kurama is trying his damndest to keep from laughing as she puts her hand to her nose, as though not having realized it was happening. Picking her up easily, he walks to the bed and places her gently on the sheets, turning to grab a tissue from the box on his nightstand. When he faces Love's Guardian again, doe-like delphinium blues peep up at him from beneath side swept golden bangs, despite the dribble of blood around her fingers, it was an entirely too endearing image.
(The Unknown - Bonnie x Clyde)
Making sure to sear the sight into his mind, the caring apparition smiles tenderly at her as he hands the napkin to her, asking in the meantime, "If you don't want to talk about this, then how about how you were injured?" Wiping her fingers and nose with the tissue, she looks shyly to the side while mumbling,
"There was a guy, I guess a yokai? That's what the other one called him, he was waiting in my apartment for me… I let my guard down..." Running a hand through his red locks, he studies her carefully before pointing out,
"Your wound was conducive with that of a pole, although I'm not sure of the particulars." Hyacinth blue irises blink in shock for a moment,
"Wow, that was fast, Shuichi-san! Yeah, a pipeline went through me." Kurama sweat drops faintly, forest greens popping as he chokes,
"You… how in the world did you get yourself out of there?" Tilting her head and poking her cheek with a finger lightly, she responds,
"By teleporting of course. But it's weird… this is where I ended up, even though I've only been here once." He becomes pensive, deducing her choosing this place by nature itself.
"Since I treated your wounds and you touched my soul, you felt safe here I suspect. And I imagine in your sorry state, you unconsciously chose someplace you could heal easily." Mina-san's lips pop open, awe displayed on her visage as she squeaks,
"How do you know that!" Smiling teasingly, he replies cryptically,
"All creatures work by that logic. It's simply natural for you to do the same." Blushing brightly, she growls indignantly,
"Are you calling me an animal mister!" The wily gardener chuckles lightly before joking,
"Ah, so you are paying attention! I was afraid your mind had suffered from your impromptu nosebleed." He's quite elated when she tosses a pillow at him, the activity telling him she's feeling much better. Easily catching it, he's startled by his own bark of laughter when she hisses at him,
"Mou! You are such a jerk! I don't know why I thought I was better off here!" Huffing the last of his humor away, he counters easily,
"Had you truly thought that, we wouldn't be here, speaking now would we?" Her answering pout is too much, his shoulders shake as he turns away, nearly getting pelted with another pillow. "Alright, alright. There's no need to torment the furniture for my transgressions, is there?" Without missing a beat, the little devil answers glibly,
"Absolutely. Anything of yours will suffer with you." Running a hand through his bangs, he shakes his head at her while inquiring,
"You're the grudge holding type, aren't you?" Grinning impishly, she cheers,
"Yup! So don't make me angry!" Que her stomach growling, as though in agreement and eliciting more laughter from him, much to her chagrin. Smiling indulgently, Kurama turns and walks toward the kitchen, saying over his shoulder,
"Well, to avoid incurring your wrath, it would be best to give offerings wouldn't it? I don't have much on hand, but I have leftover fried rice and some eggs. How does omurice sound? It's easy enough to make." He hides the excitement he feels at her answering coloring, nor the subtle whiff of hormones she gives off that stirs his instincts into motion. It would be better to keep her from knowing about this part of me. Especially if she was assaulted in the past. His instincts would likely frighten her, and there was more to her story he wished to know. Smiling lightly, and knowing the reaction she'd have, he pulls a simple mellow yellow apron with spring green trim out of the drawer. He hears her gasp, before tinkling giggles fill the apartment as Mina-san asks,
"Where did you get that! It's so cute!" Chuckling warmly, he replies easily,
"My mother got it for me. When I asked why she got this one, she simply said it was cute, and no one would see me wear it. Well, now you have."
"Well, I don't know about anyone else, but you make that apron pop!" Pulling the rice, eggs, and ketchup from the fridge, he sets them on the kitchenette counter, pulling oil out from one cupboard down below and plates from one above.
"Thank you. I don't mind as it does its job well." He's about to crack some eggs to mix, only to raise a brow once again as she's by his side. Holding back from sighing aloud, the concerned vulpine admonishes her, "You should at least stay on the couch, although your wounds are healed, you're still drained from the blood loss." As though just remembering, she touches her stomach under the robe, which was also still exposing the deep 'v' of her ample breasts as she asks,
"Oh yeah, how did this happen? It was a pretty nasty wound!" Closing his eyes in an effort to stave off his own appetite, he requests,
"Could you fix your robe first? It's still parted Mina-san." A quick squeak followed by the most struggle he'd ever heard to close a simple garment ensued, making him sweat drop again. This woman is the very definition of chaos. However… he hears a small eep, more rustling, then finally the merigold whirlwind mumbles 'I'm decent.' He smiles to himself while he thinks, she's quickly becoming one of the most interesting people I've ever met, and I know quite a few characters. He almost didn't understand it, so surprised was he by her sudden admission,
"Aino, Minako. That's my name." Lush ivy irises grow and dart to her, her face pinks lightly as she looks away, one hand pulling her loose hair behind her ear before adding, "I mean, we've kissed, you've seen me naked, and you've helped me every time I've needed it," her morning glory gaze slides to the clock on his nightstand, numbers flashing three in the morning, making her grimace, "even on a work night. And now you're cooking for me, I think you've more than earned it." Beautiful Child of Love, that's her name. Releasing a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, Kurama confided quietly,
"It's nice to finally have a full name for you, Minako-san."
_ ~Minako~ _
The way he says my name, it should totally be illegal! Minako can feel her cheeks flushing again, blond lashes flutter as she looks away with her hands on her cheeks. And why is he so happy to hear my name? It's just my name, it's nothing special… azure gems flick back up to him, that absolutely gorgeous, warm smile on his lips while she states, "It's not that amazing… Shuichi-san." The expression he wears next has her heart stopping, before stuttering to a start again when he rebukes in that breathy baritone,
"On the contrary. Your name suits you so well, Beautiful Child of Love." Feeling faint, she's surprised when she feels his arms wrap around her, his clean and earthy, herby scent, which she now realizes that she smells on herself, drifts from him while a chuckle leaves his murmuring lips, "Perhaps I went a bit too far, hmm?" Pouting up at him, and the amount of power the pretty boy has over her, she sighs,
"It's not fair! I want to help you…" The media darling's dazed when he sets her in a nearby chair, meeting a beautiful emerald gaze, her cheeks ablaze while he smiles gently,
"You are by talking to me. Cooking is quite simple, so keeping me company is all I ask for." Is that really all he wants? Or is he… he moves easily, no hesitation and no sign of exhaustion at all, it's unbelievable. Distracting me? Ugh, why is this guy so hard to figure out! Pooching her lips out at him, and wanting to see him falter a bit, she inquires innocently,
"Really? You're way too nice, Shuichi-san. You must have a hundred girlfriends running around here." She decides giddily that seeing his taken aback expression as often as possible was now her new secret mission; as the absolutely adorable widening of his lush verdant gaze, and smooth lips part in shock at her bold statement was just too delicious to pass up. She's stunned when he recovers quickly, shaking that gorgeous scarlet colored hair in humor before turning toward the stove, responding airily,
"Afraid not, I'm not seeing anyone at the moment." Minako's jaw drops open, shock vibrating through her body as she squeaks disbelievingly,
"Wh-What~! No way!" The busy cook jumps slightly from her voice to her internal delight, as it caused the muscles in his arms and shoulders to bunch delightfully, before he looks at her with a sweat drop on his temple, chiding,
"It's three in the morning Minako-san, please keep your voice down." She nearly hops out of her chair to lean towards him and hiss,
"How can I be quiet when you're single! That's crazy!" Curling her fists in front of her chest and bouncing lightly in her seat, she continues heatedly, "That's like saying the universe is against ugly and beautiful single girls! It's devastating!" He turns toward her, the eggs sizzling steadily as the confusion on his face grows until he mumbles in bewilderment,
". . . I'm not sure given any amount of time, I'll truly understand where your thoughts and similes come from." Crossing her ankles, since she was momentarily forbidden from moving off the seat, she pouts at Shuichi while grumbling,
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean? I thought it was a pretty apt description!" The put out idol hears him sigh as he turns back to the omurice, flipping it deftly straight from the pan to a plate at his side as almost an afterthought, landing perfectly of course. Puffing her cheeks at him, the romance diva glares at his back indignantly as she gripes internally, is there anything this guy can't do good? This is the greatest curse to befall me, in any of my lifetimes.
"It means no matter how much time I'm given, it may very well be impossible to predict or fully understand anything you do Minako-san. I usually have a pretty good read on the people around me, and yet, you surprise me everytime we meet. Multiple times during our meetings." Honey lashes flutter in astonishment as she summarizes,
"You're upset you can't figure me out? That's silly. Even my friends for years can't figure me out." He looks startled at the revelation, as though she just stated the impossible before inquiring,
"You're so unpredictable, even your closest friends can't foresee what you'll do?" Shrugging easily, she turns lithely in the chair to sit on it sideways, lapis blues rolling up to the ceiling in contemplation,
"Most of the time. I just don't think the way normal people do. And I'll have you know, Mr. Smarty pants, it's saved me more times than I can count." Love doesn't really think, she feels. Minako hears a huff of laughter as the last omurice is tossed onto another plate, the stove fire turned off as he grabs the two plates and turns to the counter she's seated at. Setting the plates down and taking a seat himself after grabbing water and sets of chopsticks, he responds,
"I can imagine any opponent would find you difficult to fight. You certainly do have an interesting thought process, Minako-san." Puffing her cheeks out as she grabs the other pair of chopsticks, she gripes,
"You make me sound like a science experiment…" 'Mr. Perfect' chuckles lightly, shaking rosy locks and holding his own chopsticks as he assures,
"You aren't, Minako-san. It's just incredibly puzzling to keep up with your leaps in logic. And I want to understand you." Burning pink from his last statement, she turns away from beguiling ivy eyes, heart pattering she puts a hand to her cheek and queries,
(Still Learning - Halsey)
"Why do you want to understand me? Yeah, I'm Sailor Venus, but you…" He's only been interested in the supernatural and... He's been asking about me. Aino, Minako. After he somehow perfectly pops the food in his mouth, chews, and swallows his bite, Shuichi's breathy baritone caresses her ears when he responds,
"But you are Sailor Venus, not the other way around, correct?" The Sailor Soldier feels a jolt through her body, sea blues popping fully to swing to his gentle verdant. She's barely conscious of a hand coming up to her heart, cheeks flushed and mouth open to breathe,
"That's…" To be seen as me, not Sailor Venus is… she can feel tears building at the corners of her eyes, her head bowed down as she tries to control her breathing. Even us, as senshi, don't always differentiate between past and present. Sometimes I live as Aino, Minako who dreams of being a big star. But most of the time I have to abandon everything I've come to love once more to fulfill my true dream and duty. Gazing back up from under her side swept sunflower bangs, her heart panging when she met worried forest green, Shuichi's whole body strung as though he were preparing to leap from his seat to her side. Seriously, how can such a sweet guy be single! It's just not fair! To assure him, if only a little, Minako smiles sadly,
"It's… not that simple…" Looking toward the omurice before her, picking a piece of it and chewing slowly, she hums with a light smile as she compliments his excellent cooking. Gosh, can he be anymore perfect? All the while she contemplates how to tell him the complications of what she is. Swallowing the bite before he thanks her, she decides, "I am Sailor Venus, but at the same time, I'm not. Not the original anyway. I'm a reincarnation of the original Sailor Venus, the same soul, but now a different person than I was then. I've regained all my memories of that time, and added to who Minako is here on Earth." Taking another bite, she's not prepared for the exhale of breath across from her.
"One of your deaths. My apologies for bringing up such a dark subject." Shaking blond locks, she smiles wanly at him and soothes,
"It's alright, it's just… a strange situation for all of us. Sometimes it's hard to distinguish ourselves now from who we were then. Especially in the middle of a fight." A pang of recognition flashes across the caring heartthrob's handsome face as he recalls,
"Like how much more sensual you are when transformed. I suppose that's influence from your original self." Nodding and taking another bite, she adds,
"And how sometimes even in my civilian form I seem a little… eh… different?" His smile turns mischievous as he teases,
"Ah yes, like kissing strange men to keep your secrets." The surprise lip-locker's face and chest glow brightly as she squeaks,
"I… I wasn't thinking about what would happen after at the time! Hey!" She had leaned over the counter to slap his shoulder, but he leaned back while chuckling, looking entirely too gorgeous for her to be truly mad at him. Instead, she steals a bite of his food and sits back down and grumbles, "Mou! You are so rude sometimes!" Stuffing the stolen morsel in her mouth and looking off to the side, trying to stay angry as she hears Shuichi huff the last of his mirth away,
"No you weren't, and that's what puzzles me most about you. I have a few friends who act impulsively as well, but never have they done anything as brash as the pure chaos you seem to revel in daily." Swallowing the bite down roughly, Minako pooches her lips and glares at him while she puffs,
(Nature - Girls)
"Hey, I'll have you know it takes talent to live life as wildly as I do, and still fight crime and triumph over evil!" He chokes this time, startling her enough that she bursts out laughing at him, falling out of her chair and holding her stomach as she smacks a hand on the floor with tears at the corners of her eyes. Hearing him cough lightly to clear his throat, the struggling tease looks back up at him, wiping tears away as she grins impishly, adding, "Bit off more than you could chew?" She watches as the exasperated businessman runs a hand through his red bangs, showing off toned forearms as he sighs,
"Are you done eating? If so-" There's barely a beat before she leaps back into her chair, pulling her plate toward herself and quickly shoveling several bites in,
"Nomph! Mmph nomph dun net!" He looks incredibly panicked as he jumps up, hands reaching out as though to stop her,
"Ah! Please don't rush or you might-" Swallowing the mouthfuls down roughly, nearly choking as her glass of water is shoved into her hands, immediately she brings it to her mouth and gulps down the whole thing. Setting the empty cup back down to the table roughly and breathing out noisily, cheeks stained in both embarrassment and recovery from loss of air. Blinking to bring Shuichi back into focus, Minako sees he's right next to her, leaning on the counter with his eyes closed and sweat dropping with a hand covering his face. Blond lashes flutter as she watches him take a deep breath in and out, as though calming a frantic heartbeat. Did that really scare him?
"Are you alright?" He breathes out his nose, turning his face toward her to pin her with an incredulous verdant gaze as he admonishes,
"I'm the one who should be asking you. There was no need to come so close to actually choking, Minako-san. I wasn't actually going to take your food away." Pouting at him, she rebukes,
"I've stuffed my face more times than I can count when the teacher left for five minutes, I'm not gonna choke and die that easily! And besides," here she wags a finger at him, an ocean blue eye closed with a hand on her hip as the known connoisseur chastises, "You looked totally serious! And I'm serious about my food!" Leaning on the counter for support, his long, wild hair tilts with his head while he sweat drops more at her, eyes closed and eyebrow twitching as the rattled suit concludes,
"Yes, now I know just how serious you are about food." Sticking her tongue out at him, she turns back to the omurice and grabs a piece with her chopsticks, nearly finished now since she shoveled more than half of it away. Meanwhile, she hears water running, and when she peeks back up at him, another glass of water is sitting in front of her. Blinking in grateful amazement, she swallows her bite and thanks,
"Oh, arigatou!" Taking a few more bites, slower this time, Minako remembers her inquiry earlier went ignored. "Oh yeah! You never answered my question earlier! How am I not six-feet-under?" Seating himself down on the other side of the counter again, Shuichi looks at her in surprise, before smiling wanly,
"Ah, well, you probably wouldn't believe me even if I told you, I'm afraid." Raising a squigly sunny brow at him, she crosses her arms and declares,
"I've fought the servants of an evil consumed planet at the edge of the solar system, a malevolence that was born from the sun, and a dark agency trying to take over the world through idols. Whatever you've got is just another day at work for me." Grinning smugly, she feels just a little too much joy at his dumbfounded look as she waits for his answer. Regaining control of himself, the gorgeous-scarlet-haired-mystery-man looks pensive for a moment, before relenting,
(Himitsu - Yuki Kajiura)
"You'll have to regale me with those tales later. As for how your injuries are gone, I healed you with my own energy." The Avatar of Love's mouth gapes, breaths seizing for a moment as she considers this. He can… heal with his energy? Even with as dark as it is? Air flows back into her lungs as the long haired blond comes back to herself, gasping in surprise,
"You… you can heal with your energy!" He's a healer! Just like… her azure gaze becomes pensive as she retreats into her memories. 'Silver, shoulder length hair drifts lightly, matching silver irises set like stone within the caramel, frowning countenance. The general's uniform shifting softly with the breeze as he looked upon her wound, a calloused hand wrapping around her arm as he pushed energy into her.' No, he's not like him. Coming back to herself, Minako feels a hand upon hers and that gentle, breathy baritone she's coming to know,
"Minako-san… are you alright?" Cornflower irises darkly turbulent as she looks away from his worried gaze, stating,
"I was just remembering someone I once knew. Someone who could heal as well." Shuichi looks hesitant before pressing,
"Was his name Kunzite?" She can't help the jerk reflex associated with that name, confirming the redhead's thoughts as he continues darkly, "I know this may be difficult, but please, tell me he didn't… force himself on you." Wavering sea irises are nearly consumed with pupils as she corrects quickly,
"It was never forced! I..." A hand on her heart, she feels it slowly bleeding from the memories. Not allowing the pain to consume her, she asserts, "I meant it. What I said before. Associating with me is dangerous..." It's why I stopped talking to Hikaru. Naru-chan and the others have been involved in more instances than they had any right to be, and we don't hang out with them nearly as often as I did Hikaru. The beautiful thinker's curiosity hasn't abated in the slightest, to her mounting terror.
(Melodie - Yuki Kajiura)
"Your wording… I'm not sure…" Please… don't figure it out! Closing her eyes tightly, pressing her lips in a thin line, the leader of the Senshi doesn't comprehend the rest of his words, mind churning with nightmares she sees nearly nightly. 'Her princess lies upon the stone stairs, her pure white gown now stained a violent red. Her breaths freeze entirely, body becoming numb to physical pain as absolute agony seizes her soul, tortured screams shaking her to her core. Words are shouted, but her mind is beyond comprehending. All she knows… is that her dearly beloved is gone.' She feels tears streaming down her face, sunflower lashes closed tightly as the memory after becomes the nail in her coffin. 'Silver eyes glow eerily green, possession taking full hold over the general as his face twists into tortured wrath, turning his blade toward Venus. Feeling painfully hollow, she simply lets pure rage take over as she follows the motions, battle hardened instincts taking over as he-'
"Minako-san!"
Blond strands lay pooled in her lap, her face tilting down toward the redhead in front of her, apprehension lining Shuichi's gentle face as his calloused hand holds her cheek. Turbulent seas meet troubled ivy green, confusion overcoming her expression for a moment before realizing she was lost in a memory. It's just that stupid, an old memory. Way to go, letting something small get the better of you in front of Shuichi. He probably thinks you're a wimp now. She nearly jumps out of her skin when the feeling of comfort flows around her, forcing doll-like eyes down to his kneeling form next to her chair. She parts her lips to speak, but to Minako's consternation, it comes out lifelessly,
"I'm not afraid of being hurt or dying... I just don't want to lose any more people I love." There's a flash of indescribable pain on his face, a grimace twisting his features moments before she's tugged from her seat and into his lap on the floor. Her golden hair swirls around them like a halo, his arms slipping around hers, toned muscles bunching behind her back as the generous guy wraps her up tightly in his strong embrace. Lapis gems popped in awe at the immediate feeling of relief in her taut body. So warm…. And he smells so nice. Her body relaxes against him bonelessly, feathery lashes flutter closed as the dark memories are swept away, her cheek pressed gently against defined pecs. His breathy baritone taking on a forlorn quality,
"You may be surprised to know, but I feel the same. You aren't alone Minako-san. My sincerest apologies for making you relive something so terrible." Struggling to lift heavy limbs to return the hug, the comforted warrior feels her worries melting away, a stroking sensation begins along her back, but strangely, it wasn't physical. Vulnerability and strength war within her, days on end of fighting her inner demons wearing her thin. Will the nightmares stop if I stay here? With him? Nuzzling into his t-shirt and taking a shaky inhale, near silently she whispers,
"Can I stay here tonight?" There's an intake of breath next to her ear, before an exhale,
"Yes. I'll take the couch-" Shaking her head and snuggling deeper, she murmurs,
"I want to stay beside you." Tightening her hold on him as she takes a deep breath in of his earthy scent, "I trust you." She feels his hold loosen, the hesitance clear in his body as Shuichi breathes,
"How… Can you trust a stranger? We only met days ago." Cuddling further into his chest before pulling back, Minako meets his conflicted gaze confidently,
(Wink - Turn it into Love)
"Because even though your soul is incredibly dark," moving on instinct alone, the Embodiment of Love sits up higher and takes his cheeks tenderly in her hands, bringing his face down and pressing her forehead to his affectionately. Closing her eyes and exhaling gently, her voice never wavers as she finishes, "the love you feel is so pure, so tender… yet incredibly strong as well." Opening gentle ocean blues, they crash into shocked lush verdant. Smiling sweetly, she assures him, "Anyone who feels such a love so strongly could never be a truly evil person. Besides..." a teasing tilt tips her lips as she finishes, "I was at my most vulnerable here today, even so I don't feel anything wrong with my body." As though he were trying to get her to doubt him, the kind-hearted genius counters darkly,
"I healed you. Perhaps I healed more than you thought." He thinks he's talking to a normal, teenage girl. Lidding cornflower blooms from view, Minako exhales quietly. He's wrong. Sailor Venus wasn't my only incarnation. Smiling gently again, she whispers against his lips,
"You might not understand, but I would know if you did something to me, even if you healed the physical signs." He blinks, before inquiring curiously,
"... please explain." Once again, she wonders how such an innocent sound can come from such a gorgeous man. Revealing azure irises and smiling benignly at him, her voice husky as she declares,
"I am Sailor Venus, the Guardian of Love. My body would remember, even if I don't." Strangely, Shuichi seems to relax slightly, his lips moving nearly against hers.
"... you… can feel the love in someone's soul?" Nodding gently, her forehead still against his, she murmurs,
"Yes. And yours…" She stares tenderly into his eyes, small hands gently stroke his cheeks with her thumbs. The bewildered expression turns to slight reverence as she kisses his forehead gently, imparting confidently, "is particularly warm Shuichi-san." Thanks to being inside the Cauldron, abilities I lost in repeated reincarnation have returned to me, like this one. Moving away from his face to gaze deeply into his glittering emerald eyes, the earnest princess smiles heartfully, "Your love is incredibly beautiful," grinning happily, she adds, "Just like you are on the outside." She's delighted to see a flush rise along the bridge of his nose, and smiling warmly, she kisses his nose lightly, laughing freely at the look of astonishment on his face.
_ ~Kurama~ _
The enchanted fox feels his heart constrict, parallels with this girl becoming far too many to ignore. Perhaps I came to the wrong conclusion. She wasn't forced upon, but instead… she watched the one she loved die. He's incredibly shocked, however, when Mina asks him to sleep with her. Not in a sexual manner of course, but for comfort. Then she tells him what his love feels like, of all things, and he can't help the color across his cheeks. The words looping in his head for a few moments. "Yours is particularly warm, Shuichi-san… Your love is incredibly beautiful… Just like you are on the outside." It's to his personal embarrassment that he recognizes the signs of immense pleasure from her praise. Am I becoming so tamed as to derive enjoyment from such sentimentality?
To his greater shock, soft lips press gently against his nose, leaving the light peach smell of her faded lip gloss behind. Although not an incredibly terrible thing, his nostrils flare and twitch from the cosmetics remnants, prompting Kurama to burn brighter and rub his nose of the irritants. The embarrassment of being caught off guard, once again, far outweighing the minor physical ailment. Unable to leave it be, his mind works on a counter as the bewitching beauty watches him with a beaming grin, unknowing of the 'danger' she's in. Nothing too terrible, I still need to learn more, so perhaps… although it's quite childish… he smiles at her warmly, the look one he knows will win her over. Doe-like eyes blink several times, as though disbelieving of the image before her. It's then he enacts his maniacal plan.
Still holding her in his arms, the playful kitsune moves his hands slowly so as to not take her attention away from his visage, and once in place, presses his fingers lightly into her sides. "Ah!" Mina's whole body jumps, likely an attempt to get away, but he wraps one arm around her middle and pulls her back into his lap, grinning deviously as she squeals, "No-no-no-no! Stop that!" She wriggles mindlessly in an attempt to loosen his hold, her breasts bouncing softly against his chest, all the while he chuckles,
"Oh? But I've only just started Minako-san!" Admiring her flushed cheeks, open mouthed laughter, and tears in the corners of her eyes nearly distracts him from her rasp,
"S-Stop! I can't… if you don't I'm g-gonna p-p-pee~!" Smirking at her, he stops his fingers for a moment, grinning in satisfaction when she has to hold onto his shoulders while gasping for breaths. Her robe loosened, allowing Kurama a view of her ample cleavage, again. Holding back another sigh of exasperation at her inability to wear the yukata properly, un-wrapping the arm holding her as he quips,
"We may want to put you in something else, as you can't seem to keep the yukata together, Minako-san." He's surprised by the quick 'hmph' before the wild enchantress wags a finger in his face and fires back sassily,
"Like me and Usagi-chan say, 'your life can't fall apart if you never had it together!' That includes yukatas!" Kurama can feel himself sweat dropping immensely, his whole body slumping from the ridiculousness she's now brought to his life.
"...that isn't something you should be proud of." The maniacal giggle she tries to stifle sounds more like a chipmunk chittering than it should. This time unable to contain the sigh, he picks her up beneath the legs and back easily, placing her on the bed while the patient warrior looks for some old pajamas to wear. Going back into the living room of his apartment, he finds her still seated on the bed, her yukata fixed, to his inner relief.Smiling lightly he hands her the clothes, turning to clean the counter of their food when Mina whispers gently,
(To Nowhere - Yuki Kajiura)
"Thank you, Shuichi-san. I've never had someone take care of me before…" He blinks in confusion for a moment, tempted to turn and meet her eyes, to gauge the truth within them, but hearing the rustling of clothes keeps him from doing so.
"Really? You've never had someone take care of you?"
"I'm usually the one taking care of everyone else." Kurama nearly snorts with laughter at the thought, but remembers the absolutely adoring look on her face at the mention of her 'precious person.'
"Your 'precious person.' They are the one whom you care for." He hears the smile in her voice as he tosses the scraps of omurice out before putting the dishes in the sink, turning the water on and grabbing the washcloth and adding soap.
"Yeah, she's not good at a lot of things, but her heart is pure as gold. She needs all the help she can get!" All he can reply with is a quiet,
"I see." It reminds me of my mother. Although she has several of her own talents, whomever she speaks of sounds as though she doesn't have typical skills. "There must be something she can do well." The energetic knight answers with a happy pitch in her voice,
"She accepts everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from. Such a large, open heart needs to be protected. Adored..." His heart stutters, stomach dropping to his feet as the dismayed former thief murmurs,
"You love her."
"Yes. Dearly, but she is not mine alone. All of us love her, both of them, as they protect everything important to them as well." Strangely, his heart beats normally again, relief flooding his system. Why am I reacting this way?
"The other senshi."
"Yup! That's right!" Striding back toward the bed, gaze filling with the image of beautiful sunny tresses swirling around her hips, aesthetic, heart shaped face filled with blooming cornflower eyes wearing his pajamas, legs beneath her and off to the side. The image incredibly enticing as his brows furrow, unable to comprehend loving someone as she does,
"You love her like a lover, correct?" Nodding her head, Mina smiles up at him benevolently, replying softly,
"It's much stronger than that. It's a selfless love, one that continues to give and knowingly receives nothing in return." Emerald eyes widen, lips parting as he gapes,
"That's. . ." To love, knowing you may never have those feelings returned… she must have… "You have an incredibly strong heart yourself, don't you?" She flushes, nose and cheeks pink while she looks to the side, her countenance incredibly endearing as she answers embarrassedly,
"I wouldn't say that… I just do what I must to keep those important to me safe." Smiling gently, Kurama turns the lights out, switching the lamp on his night stand while he sits on the bed next to her, rebuking,
"And it's that thought process that strengthens your heart. You are stronger than you believe, Minako-san." Delphinium blues flower beautifully toward him, the awe within them tugging at his heartstrings as she innocently queries,
"Really? You think so?" What could have happened to make you doubt yourself so? Smiling genuinely, he replies earnestly,
"Yes, really." The blush spreads further, a dainty hand coming up to touch where her heart is, it's as though she keeps assuring herself it's there… He considers asking about it, but is interrupted when she bounces excitedly, face and mouth animated as the perky maelstrom cries out,
(Little Letters - Paper Aeroplanes)
"Ah! I've been telling you so much about myself, but I barely know anything about you, Shuichi-san! Where do you work? Do you know how to fight? Did you just move here?" Sweat dropping at the rapid fire questions, the indulgent yôko's smile twitches, trying very hard not to laugh aloud while he raises his hands in a placating manner,
"Whoa, one question at a time Minako-san!" She bobs impatiently, making him finally lose his composure and laugh heartily as she groans,
"Mou! You've asked all of the questions! I can't help I've got a bajillion of them at the top of my head!" Shaking crimson locks, he pulls the plain white blankets back motioning Mina to the other side as he replies candidly,
"I suppose it's understandable, but we can continue the conversation as we lie down, Minako-san. Although I must warn you my story isn't nearly as interesting as yours has been." She pouts at him cutely, inciting him to sweat drop more while she moves to the pillows on the other side.
"I'm not tired though…" que a yawn escaping her as she lies sideways on a pillow, his huff of humor making her sulk more as Kurama assures,
"Your mind might not be, but it's obvious your body is."
"It's not fair… why aren't you tired?" He smiles kindly, I've had much more time to learn to control my responses and impulses, Beautiful Child.
"I'm quite used to running on very little sleep. And you are still recovering from blood loss, so it's no surprise you're struggling, Minako-san." Pulling the blankets over them, he turns toward her as he recalls her questions,
"I work for my step-father's computer programming company. I do know how to fight a bit. And yes, I did just move here." Delicate lips press together in thought as she stares deeply into his verdant gaze, her voice like the sound of a crystal glass as she nods,
"Oh wow, so you're a really strong computer nerd? Cool!" The ruffled vulpine closes his eyes as he groans,
"I'm nothing of that sort. Don't compare me to such." The cosmic hero titters lightly, a hand covering her mouth as though to hide her snickers as she retorts,
"See, and you talk like one too!" Had she not looked so endearing hiding her laughter vainly behind a dainty hand, he might actually be a little aggravated. Smirking slightly, now knowing an interesting weakness of hers, he pokes her side lightly, enjoying the 'meep' that escapes her and the giggles that tumble from her lips as she scooches away.
"I see you want an encore of earlier." Tugging on her waist before it was out of reach, he pulls her back toward him as she squeals,
"No! I do not want an encore of-eh?" She blinks delphinium blues quickly, seemingly surprised when she's pressed closer to his chest. Unfurling his energy, he strokes her back with it gently, feeling the tension in her body leave steadily, he smiles warmly as he murmurs,
"This should help you with your nightmares, hmm?" Doe-like eyes widen as Mina gapes at him in shock, making him quirk his lips as Kurama reminds her, "Your nightmare earlier. And the dark circles under your eyes, the combination an indicator of recurring nightmares. And from your fading strength, I'd say this has been happening for a while." Her expression falls, pouty lips part in surprise as she goes quiet, looking unseeingly at his chest, making his heart clench. Pressing his face against her hair, he whispers, "It's alright. It sounds like your life hasn't been easy." Stray honey strands tickle his chin as she nods softly, another realization taking hold. "You haven't told anyone about this, have you?" This time, she shakes her head, causing him to sigh in exasperation. "May I ask why?"
(Crying Alone - Yuki Kajiura)
"I'm their leader. I'm supposed to be strong for them." Of all the childish things she's said and done, this one's at the top.
"A leader isn't always someone who's physically or mentally the strongest. A leader is only as such because of those who serve under them. Without the strength of their comrades, a leader is nothing." She flinches slightly, clenching fingers in his shirt as she whispers,
"But they're so happy, how could I be so selfish as-"
"Would they really be upset with you being honest? Would they want you to suffer like this?" She's quiet for a moment before mumbling,
"It's stupid though. They're memories; dead and gone. And yet…" small hands clench his shirt tighter as the tense guardian breathes, "It feels like I'm reliving those moments all over again. Compounding the helplessness I felt at the time. It's… It's almost more than I can bear." The pained demon's arms tighten around her as his heart throbs, the petting of his energy changing to simply embracing her along with the rest of him as he concedes,
"Sometimes it is. And that is why you should rely on your friends more. They can help you. I want to help you. I'm sure it's the same for them if they knew." He feels her body tremble, a wet spot soaking through his sleep shirt as she cries silently. "You don't have to be silent on my account Mina-san. If it hurts, let it out." She sobs softly, still holding herself back as he moves one of his arms to her head to pet the hair gently, whispering, "You have nothing to fear of me. I won't think less of you for this." Her keen of despair twists his insides, and although incredibly daunting, he holds her tightly as she lets herself finally heal, even if only a little. It takes a while, but she finally falls asleep, Mina's breaths calmer than before and the feel of her far more peaceful. Running his hand over her cheek, Kurama's gaze grows more adoring as he notices the rouge staining cheeks. I'm glad I could help, Beautiful Child.
Author Notes
So I hadn't realized how short chapter 5 was (4 and 5 were one chapter, but it felt better splitting it) So here's 6 early!
I'm taking a few liberties with the characters and story (obviously, I did label it as crack so…) My logic here, at least in regards to Kurama using his energy to heal, is his incredible precision and control over his soul. I mean, we're talking about a guy who literally pushed his own soul out of his old body, and reconnected with a new one. That shit sounds hella complicated. This ain't no tapestry, ya can't just take a piece of one cloth and sew it to another all willy nilly. But his crazy ass took something that's likely a concept, as no one else in the series references other characters being able to do it, and 'made it so!' As such, I don't see it being that far fetched that he can manipulate his energy in this manner.
Another thing is Yukina actually can heal humans with her energy, and although their powers are quite different, using energy to repair damage seems similar in universe. The biggest difference when Yusuke died the second time was the need to replace Life Energy. From the sounds of it, one is like taking a dose of placenta extract to speed up recovery (really, it's a thing, look it up!), the other is like an actual blood transfusion.
Another thing about Kurama is he'll put his body on the line to learn something about his opponent. (I. E. how every fight he's in he pretty much ends up handicapped somehow. ) I don't imagine he'd be much different when learning other things. He's not afraid to get hurt, and being as old as he is, he knows tricks to keep himself alive in the most dire situations. The only thing he really fears is losing the people he cares about. Several times he's been willing to die for others.
I imagine Kurama being like people who don't like strong perfumes, or are allergic to them. So, having a sensitive nose like he does, he'd probably make his own, especially while on his own. Herbal Shampoo and Conditioner Herbs - Chamomile, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Rose Petals or Leaves, Nettle Leaves. On top of that, he's incredibly practical, so for convenience's sake, he probably has a mixture of stuff to take out demon blood from salvageable clothes.
There's a lot of parallels to draw between Mina and Kurama (Honestly, until I started writing this, I hadn't realized either) Not where people would think, like history or anything, but with their convictions. Neither want to lose their loved ones, and will do anything to keep them safe.
Also, the memory of Kunzite is inspired by this amazing Venus x Kunzite fanfic called I Lived my Life in Silver/Gold. The story is split into two parts, one is from Venus' point of view (Silver) and the other from Kunzite's (Gold). It's awesome and if you're interested, you should totally look it up. The author is VenusUnchained.