(Lucky Ending - Vickeblanka)
(Blessing - Yuki Kajiura)
Kurama wakes slowly, curiously struggling for consciousness. No matter how late I've stayed up, I've always awoke before dawn. The only difference this time is… her scent reaches him before her visage does, or rather, the top of her golden crown. Her body is incredibly warm with sleep and pliant on his arm, which had fallen asleep sometime in the night, though with ease it's ignored. He presses his nose into her silky tresses and inhales gently, barely disturbing the strands with the intake. It's incredibly disturbing, how a human can smell so good, both in body and spirit. Pushing the last vestiges of sleep away, the enchanted fox looks behind himself toward the clock. 6:49 am, quite a bit later than I usually get up this time of year. Turning back to the blond snuggled to his chest, he smiles sincerely at her lack of reaction to his movements. Either she's used to me, or the trigger was the nightmare.
Gentle breaths stir and warm the air around his pajama shirt, and upon closer inspection, a line of liquid dribbled from her parted lips. Raising his free hand up to his mouth, he chortles lightly, having difficulty keeping from laughing aloud as he connects the pieces. She's definitely comfortable with me if she's drooling in her sleep. Shaking his head slightly at Mina's lack of decorum, he moves away from her to start his day, only to be latched onto by surprisingly strong arms. Blinking in bewilderment, he releases a shout as he's tugged back under the blankets by a rather soft and cuddly blond.
Sighing heavily, verdant irises search the face below his for coherence, and finds a happily sleeping countenance murmuring gibberish. Sweat dropping at the absolute obliviousness in the resting senshi, the spirit kitsune considers how to slip out of the trap he's managed to build for himself. Poke her in the sides, or try to slip away again? Feeling playful, he smirks marginally and pokes her waist, the reaction immediate and intense as she squeals and reels back. Nearly falling off the bed, he manages to catch and pull her back to him by a flailing arm, saving the dazed blond from a nasty spill onto the hardwood floors. This is one way to start my day.
"Good morning. Are you awake yet?" Dewed morning glories blink up at him in confusion, then much like the sun rising steadily in the morning sky, emotion grows and shines in affectionate eyes as she murmurs,
"It's... morning?" Chuckling lightly, he unwraps his arms from around her and moves to the edge of the bed, finally able to leave it's confines.
"A bit later than usual for me, but yes, it is." Walking toward the kitchenette, he nearly falls over laughing when he hears a groan and a resounding 'poof.' Looking back toward her, the fierce guardian has ensconced herself into a lump within the blankets, resembling a caterpillar cocooning more than a human girl. No longer holding it back, he lightly, his mirth rewarded with a low growl from the comforter fortress.
"You're way too chipper for this early in the day." Huffing the last of his humor away, Kurama continues to set up for tea on the stove as he inquires,
"Ah, you're not an early riser then, I take it?" An incredibly dramatic, muffled sigh emanates from the bedding as she gripes,
"Mornings are forbidden in my book. You can't possibly have a good morning every day!" Measuring the loose leaf tea from an unlabeled tin to his liking, he concedes,
"Certainly, but I very much doubt it's as obvious as it seems to be with you." He can just imagine the massive pout on her visage, making him smile wider as she grumbles,
"Hey! I'll have you know an honest heart is a valley of warblers* in itself!" A puff of laughter escapes him, shaking his head with a tilt still alighting his mouth. He looks back at the sulking young woman clenching his bedding around herself like a layered shell. Mina now sat up with her pinked cheeks puffed out petulantly, long sunny hair curling and sticking out in random places, vibrant delphinium blue irises glaring lightly at him, old pajama top the secret vulpine lent her low on one shoulder. It never ends with her unconsciously tempting me, does it?
"It's 'An honest heart is a kingdom in itself.' But yes, your earnestness is one of your more endearing traits." A healthy flush steals across her nose at the compliment, her body squishing into the cocoon as though to hide. Even by her scent earlier, I can tell she's recovered quite well, although it'll take a few days for her to get back to 100 percent. The water was near boiling now, so turning the switch to cut the flame, he leaves the kettle and strides toward the closet as she mumbles in embarrassment,
(Fake Wings Amalee cover - Yuki Kajiura)
(Blessing - Yuki Kajiura)
"I guess it can be said that way…" smiling to himself, he grabs a pre-ironed set of work clothes and walks into the bathroom, grabbing a wash cloth on his way. Hanging the suit set on the door hanger, he pulls the pajama shirt over his head, crimson tresses ruffling and tickling his skin as he grabs the cleaning cloth and runs warm water in the sink. Putting some soap on the rag, he washes his chest in amusement, still finding the messy beauty's sign of trust in him endearing. Trust… he stops his motions for a moment, considering himself darkly. She truly trusts me. Knowing and feeling how dark my soul is, yet not knowing exactly what it is. Kurama's buttoning his dress shirt as he comes back from the rumination, turning to grab the slacks from the hanger.
When fully dressed, he begins his grooming routine, looking at himself in the mirror. Rose lashes flicker over forest green irises, and although he got barely any sleep, he looked and felt well rested. Could she have touched me with her energy again while we were sleeping? His stomach twists slightly, a frown pulls the corner of his lips down as he finishes brushing his hair, darkness reflecting in his eyes. I should tell her. Mina's given me every opportunity to earn her trust, and yet… I haven't returned the favor. Vermillion fringe drapes over his face, hiding his reflection from view as he clenches his fists. But would she accept me for what I am? Would she befriend… a demon?
He can't help his hesitation, as the senshi's reputation was ferocious when it came to forces of darkness. They were said to eliminate anything they thought evil, or a threat to their princess. Looping the deep sea green tie and tightening it around his neck, he's finished preparing physically for a day at work. Would it come down to that? Surely she suspects something about me, but what conclusion has she come to? Should I. . . reveal the truth? He remembers her empathy over the demons who were poisoned, something that didn't align with the legends the ancient yôko had heard. Pressing his lips together tightly, he inhales deeply and pins the thought for further consideration later. For now, I have other things to worry about. Hearing a thump and squeak from the main room, he huffs in humor, like that.
Wondering what on earth the energetic blond was getting into now, he moves silently back into the living area. What greets him there has him lean against the doorway, laughing outrightly as the bundle of trouble is wound tightly in his comforter on the floor, squiggling in a bid for freedom. Trying desperately to regain his composure, he chortles, "Minako-san, what on earth are you doing!" The frustrated answering growl only serves to make his snickers resume as she shrieks indignantly,
"Quit laughing and help me you big jerk!" Shaking thick forelocks, a teasing light in his irises as he quips,
"Ah, such inspiring words from someone who needs my assistance." Marigold brows curl adorably, teeth grit in righteous fury as she flails harder, quickly using all the energy she had made up through sleep. Huffing lightly, he strides toward her, kneeling down at her side and lifting her up easily from lying face first on the floor. Pulling her against himself so she didn't fall as he unwrapped her, he pulled gently on the ends of the comforter to free a fully pouting Mina. Turning that mopy look on him, Kurama sweat drops, instead of inspiring guilt as he suspects it's supposed to, it instead emphasized her plush, pink lips.
Huffing and shutting crimson lashes to avert his diving attention, he asks, "Is there a reason you're so cross with me?"
"You laughed at me." He blinks in confusion for a moment. He recalls her fragile confidence, especially in this form, and feels his heart ripple. She took offense? What could have happened to make her feel so insecure at such a small slight? Taking her chin gently in hand, he tilts her face up to meet his sincere lidded eyes as he corrects,
"I laughed, but it was your situation that amused me, not seeing you suffer Minako-san. I wasn't belittling you." Her mouth parts in surprise, morning glories bloom beautifully as they capture his own verdant, her lengthy, silky tresses strewn carelessly around her neck and shoulders. A flush gathers on her cheeks as hesitant innocent features probe his,
"Really?" Pulling more fabric edges away, her confined form is slowly revealed to his unraveling control as he murmurs,
"I do not actively seek to hurt those undeserving of it. Please trust me on this." Trust… Her face is stained darker with red, mouth open and breathing heavily, reminding him of her weakness at the moment. Ivy irises narrow in consideration as the sweet seductress puffs with renewed conviction,
"I do Shuichi-san." This woman… his heart twists again, this deception hurting worse than any other as the warming yokai touches her maroon smudged cheek tenderly, her bright eyed expression incredibly charming. Pressing his forehead to hers in mimicry of what she had done to him the night before, he's nearly consuming her breaths as he whispers,
"Thank you, Minako-san." The urge to give in, to taste her and devour every ounce of her was strong, and all the more reason he quickly swept her legs onto his arm and picked her up bridal style. She squeaks cutely, her chest wiggling with vigor to his mounting distress as he places her on the bed, sans the comforter. Picking it up off the floor, he spreads it back over her, trying hard to clinically inform her, "You will need to call into work today, considering your struggle with the bedding just now. You used up quite a bit of energy in your little fight here. And," here he meets her gaze as he finishes with, "You can stay here for today, as I imagine you'll pass out if you make it a few feet out that door. Which means your teleportation is also out of the question then." Delphiniums bloom delicately, wide in surprise and lush with emotion, the color tempting him in many ways as he moves to continue his ritual preparation for work.
Kurama could feel her pouting ki, putting a tilt to his lips as he got out 2 cups and pours himself some ocha. Smiling fully when he looks over at Mina as he carries a cup with him, her eyes inquisitive and innocently beguiling as he explains, "I wasn't sure if you wished for a cup, but I thought I'd make one anyway. It's something I made myself." She takes the cup carefully, blond lashes flutter lightly as she stares at the character on the porcelain.
"Aww, it's so cute! It's a fox right?" Huffing with a laugh at the memory, he concedes,
"Yes, well, my friends got it for me as a joke. I thought you might appreciate it." Tilting her head curiously, she asks,
"A joke? Because it's a cute animal character and you're an adult?" Smiling mysteriously, he answers methodically,
"They like to tell me I'm fox-like, and get me gifts based on it." She hums slightly, looking back at the chubby fox face painted onto the yunomi pensively before giggling gently. Warmth permeating around her while the natural temptress grants,
(Elements - Lindsey Stirling)
"Yeah, I can see it a little bit. A wily fox, huh?" Her gaze becomes distant, as though seeing into a memory again as she whispers, "I've seen a few foxes at the zoo, but there was this one time one came up to me." The nature academic blinks in astonishment, although he shouldn't be considering their curiosity. His own rearing up at some insight into her perspective, he inquires,
"What happened?"
"Oh, it just sniffed me, and I guess I smelled safe enough because it just followed me for a while. I was visiting the temple with my family at Mt. Takaoi when I lost my parents. The fox stayed with me until I found the path leading back to the temple, where it just sat at the other end, as if to keep me from going back that way. When I turned back around to thank it one more time, it was gone." Holding his chin in thought, tea in his other hand, Kurama informs her,
"It was likely an apparition. How old were you?"
"I was 8 at the time, I think."
"You're lucky it didn't spirit you away." Tilting her head to the side, gold drenched hair drifting around her shoulders as Mina refutes,
"It didn't feel like something bad, in fact it felt friendly." So it wasn't a demon. More likely one of Inari's messengers. Now he's incredibly interested in her history, given what he's noticed of her.
"Do strange things like that happen often?" Sipping the tea he had given her, she nods, adding,
"All the time. Some of them are good, some evil. As senshi, we don't always react to bad situations quickly, but we prefer not to assume every weird thing that happens is out to get us." Kurama frowns slightly, gaze soft as he asks,
"You get taken advantage of for it though, don't you?" Drinking more of her tea, she sighs lightly and answers,
"Well, yeah. More often than not, we get ourselves into pretty bad messes. But it's worth it for the times we find friends rather than enemies. And even more when our Princess is happy." Verdant gaze widens when he catches the one word.
"'Princess?'" The bright guardian nods easily, blinking when she questions him,
"My 'precious person.' I didn't say she was a princess?" Pulling pensively on the tea, he watches her truly confused expression before setting his cup on the bedside table and folding his arms across his chest.
"No, I hadn't realized that's what she was. I see now why she is so important to you." Slurping the last of her ocha loudly, making him withhold a sigh as she finishes and nods, smiling brightly.
"She is. She is the one who we senshi live for." He pauses for a moment, heart clenching lightly as the worried kitsune inquires quietly,
"You do not live for yourselves? I can understand protecting someone important to you, but that's-"
(Simple and Clean Piano Cover - Utada Hikaru)
"Didn't I tell you Shuichi-san?" Her expression is solemn, grim determination prevalent as Mina continues, "We are soldiers, destined to die over, and over again. To always be reborn to keep our Princess safe. We accept this fate, and it is ours to uphold as we see fit." Her grin then was passionate, her soul full of warmth as she finishes while staring into his own. "We fight to protect this world our Princess loves so much, and good people like you who live in it. We take pride in being able to fight, even if it's for an eternity we'll keep going, or until someday we have to be replaced with new senshi. That's what it means to be a Sailor Senshi." Kurama is silent for moment, mind reeling from this information as he questions morosely from behind rosy bangs,
"You will do so until your soul fades away?" Without hesitation, she smiles and affirms,
"Yes, no matter how long we'll be here for. Because our princess… her power allows her to live eternally." Forest colored irises are wide in shock, mouth parted as though to respond, but he finds himself at a loss for words. His human heart nearly stops, and the benign expression on her visage is heartrending as he tries to process what she's just revealed. Their princess is eternal, so long as she is not killed, which is why the senshi protects her so fervently. His hand clenches his sleeve as he's caught viciously between admiring their pure nobility, and pitying such a miserable existence. Apparently seeing something in his expression, the beautiful warrior expounds,
"It might seem terrible, but really we'd have it no other way. It's our greatest wish to keep our princess safe." Releasing his sleeve slowly, the enchanted fox releases a breath through parted lips as he responds,
"I see. That is quite a noble view. Not many could withstand such an undertaking, and yet you do so with such grace and enthusiasm." Her beautiful cornflowers bloom, so full of emotion she looked close to bursting, cheeks tinged prettily before touching a hand to her face and looking away, murmuring
"Oh, that's-" A light beeping interrupts anything she was going to say, reminding him that he was behind on getting to work.
"Ah, apologies, but I need to get going. Please, remain in the apartment at the very least until you recover." Verdant irises remain on the bed bound woman until she nods lightly in assurance. He grabs the briefcase from beside the kitchen island and turns to grin gently at Mina over his shoulder, "Take care of yourself today and use this time to rest, Minako-san." To his amusement, she sighs and flops back onto the pillows, groaning,
"Hai~! Have a good day!" Turning to the door and twisting it open, Kurama pauses a moment to promise,
"I will, knowing you are well and safe now." Closing the door behind him, he strides down the hall confidently to begin the day, likely to be full of thoughts of the noble soldier who stole into his life.
_ ~Minako~ _
(Someday the Dream Will End - Nobuo Uematsu)
(First Light - Lindsey Stirling)
Minako sighs, a hand lying beside her face and flush prevalent in her cheeks as she mulls over his parting words to her. He's such a sweet guy! He feels unreal most of the time. Pressing her nose into the pillows, she breathes in his scent and burns redder. I'm becoming more and more perverted with him! Pooching her cheeks out while turning her face away from the fluffy headrest, she tiredly considers her options while lying comfortably under the covers. Putting her hand into the air, she tried to reach the little pocket dimension, but her energy was too weak to even spark it slightly. Pouting, she looks around curiously, trying to figure out where his phone was, and finding what she needed on the nightstand, she grins in triumph. Now to get over there…
Staring longingly at the device, she contemplates moving her noodle-feeling body closer while just absorbing the warmth in the comforters. Ugh, too much work, not enough energy. Fluttering blond lashes closed, she can almost feel his arms around her again, clutching her tightly in comfort. Nuzzling into the pillow, the Embodiment of Love can feel sleep tugging at her again when her watch begins to buzz. Eyelids beat blearly as she answers with a croak, "Uh, hello?"
"Mina! Are you alright?" Oh, Artemis! Smiling wanly, she mumbles,
"Yeah, I managed to make it."
"I've been trying to call for hours, Mina! Where are you?" He's been trying to call? Blinking some more, she sleepily admits,
"In a guy's apartment recovering, I guess."
"You guess? Mina, where in the world are you? I'll come right now and-"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! I'm alright Artie! He helped me out so I'm doing pretty good now."
"Mina, this is crazy, just tell me where you are!"
"No way! You'll ruin my peace! Let me rest for a few days and I'll be on that guy again later."
"What? No, Mina-"
"Bye Artemis!" Minako hangs up before he could say more, lashes flit in confusion when she thinks on it a little further. He's been calling for a while? But why did the signal come through just now? Deciding to think on that one a little later when she's better rested, she remembers the reason she was trying to move in the first place. Groaning in frustration, she pushes herself up on her elbows and pulls her sleepy form to the edge of the bed. Picking up the corded phone, she hears dial tone and begins punching the numbers.
"Keizen Talent Agency, Suki speaking."
"Hey Suki, It's Aino. I can't come in today."
"What~! First you're wounded, now you're skipping-"
"I am not! You should know better than that! I helped make that agency!"
"...Fine. Well what is it this time?"
"Have you seen the news yet?"
"The news?" The bleary idol can hear fumbling and tv static over the receiver before newscasters talk about exactly what she thought they would. "...Well then. I guess when you're doing better get the paperwork around and we'll work it out. But you know if you take an extended leave..."
"Yeah, yeah, you may have to find a replacement. Then I'll just have to make myself another spot!" There's a snort on the other end as Suki scolds,
"You are the craziest person I've ever met, and this business lives on crazies. Alright, I'll let Shacho know."
"Thanks Suki! You may be grumpy, but I can count on you!" The receptionist hisses,
"You better be! I've gotta deal with your antics!"
"You wouldn't know what to do without me!"
"Live in peace."
"Whatever, talk to you later!"
"Get well soon missy."
(Inochi no Tobira - Yuri Amano)
"Will do!" The mushy star hangs up the phone, eyes drooping before she thinks no more...
_ ~Dream~ _
It's different this time… A man with gorgeous white blond curls stands before her, a card drawn as his body dissolves into particles from the hole in his chest, his voice echoing eerily,
"I will read your love fortune…" He needn't have bothered, his words always hammering a nail into her heart, as damning to her as a death sentence while he reveals the face of the card. No! It was different this time, not the same as her memory because it bore Shuichi on the card, with a sword through his chest, eyes sightless, blood leaking from the corner of his mouth and his hand outstretched toward the symbol of Venus, his expression of pained hope.
"Ah!" Sitting up quickly, she pants while looking around wildly, looking for any remaining traces of the nightmare. That's all it was, Minako. A nightmare. Let it go. Gazing at the clock, it reads 4:17 pm, meaning Shuichi only had a few more hours of work before he got back. I should get up before then. Still shivering from the horrible imagery, Minako sits up quickly to try and shake the feeling off, repeating a weak mantra in her head. Just a nightmare… it was just a nightmare...
She's surprised to find her clothes from yesterday clean and sitting on the island stool. Picking them up, she blinks when she finds all the stains completely gone. How in the world did he do that! Oh wow, she flushes when she finds her silky, lacy orange panties and matching padded bra, no dark spots present on them either. He even got them out of these! Which means he… Ah! Steam escapes her ears as her hands fly up to her cheeks, knees pressed together to hold her up as she squeaks in embarrassment. Fanning her face to fight the heat in it, she gathers her clothes in her hand and just before she's going to hurry into the bathroom, she stops. Why am I changing in the bathroom? No one's here so… humming lightly with cheeks still stained, the bouncy blond nods lightly before giggling. A sudden bout of dizziness hits her, forcing the embodiment of love to sit back on the bed until it passes.
Huffing lightly, the weakened senshi gripes internally. Ugh, this sucks! I can barely walk right now! Why am I so weak? Setting the clothes on the bed, she looks down at her lap for a moment, letting her energy build back up to at least change. I already slept enough today! I wanna do something!
Finally able to stand, she unbuttons the pajama top the gorgeous redhead had lent to her, body suddenly incredibly sensitive to every brush against her skin. Flushing further, her bouncing breasts are slowly revealed, making her intake a greedy breath. Why am I getting so turned on right now! Glancing away from herself when she slips the sleeves off her shoulders, she takes in the furnishings in his apartment to distract herself, finding them a little bland for such an interesting guy. Maybe that's why I'm so excited. Now that's just sad, getting horny over being in a guy's apartment... Out of the corner of her eye, she sees what looks like a mirror covered by cloth against the wall. Why did he cover the mirror up? The one in the bathroom isn't. Now incredibly curious, she walks up to it and gently pulls the cloth off, revealing… It looks like an ordinary mirror.
(Himeboshi - Yuki Kajiura)
(Between Twilight - Lindsey Sterling)
However, when she looks at her reflection, Minako squeaks in shock as it shows off all her naked curves. I'm such a dummy! I'm still naked while noseying about Shuichi's apartment! Ears flaring with the rest of her, she hurriedly grabs her panties and bra, lamenting the sensitivity as she continues to pull on clothing. Nearly tumbling a few times, she manages to stay upright as she looks into the mirror again, her face as red as the owner's hair. But as she settles her gaze upon her face, her heart settles into her toes as she takes in her features. I'm so plain… I… I wish I was pretty… Smiling wanly, she sighs and closes her eyes, shaking her head. He'd never be interested in a girl like me anyway.
Pouting at herself in the mirror, she sighs and turns away, deciding to explore the apartment more. At least until he gets home. Looking around the heart of the apartment, only the basic furniture and some plants. Like Mako-chan's apartment! Similar to Mamoru-san's apartment, it was an LDK style with a separate studio style bedroom, only including a TV and armchairs, long, dark wooden rectangle table and matching wooden chairs. What she's really interested in though was… Time to take a peak at more of his style! Sneaking blatantly to his closet, she opens the door and steps inside, surprised by the spaciousness.
Turning about to get a good look at everything in the small room, because that's what it really was, absorbing the different outfits and styles the artistic fashionista found. I didn't know he had so many! She's in awe at all the different types of attire: suits obviously, but there are button up shirts in a variety of colors, long sleeved shirts in different patterns, khakis and tight jeans, leather and cloth coats, but her irises were set on the different styles of traditional clothing. A white outfit that looked like a da gua fu with gold trim, navy blue cuffs, and a pink belt. A beautiful sleeveless changpao inspired one in the same emerald color of his eyes, with a rolling ocean pattern along the shoulder. The undershirt and pants were an off white color with black cuffs and a yellow ribbon to tie around the middle.
(Ai no Kiseki - Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon)
Her cheeks turn pink at the thought of him donning the attire, a gush of heat rushing through her as she gently touches the emerald fabric. Wow, it's satin. I wonder what he wears them for? The diva in her looks for tags on where it could have been made, but doesn't find any. Even if it were custom, it would have had someone's signature on it somewhere, so that means… Oh wow, did he make it himself? Now she was really impressed, a guy who could cook, clean, and sew? Shuichi's like a unicorn! Even if most guys cook and clean, they can't sew! Sliding the fabric through her fingers, she exhales gingerly, gaze distant as she imagines him sitting quietly somewhere comfortable and sewing the garments. Giggling dreamily with her fingers curled in front of her mouth, she twirls away, forgetting for a moment that she had been dizzy earlier.
(Melodie - Yuki Kajiura)
Squeaking when things spin faster than she was, Minako falls over and into a set of drawers, a strange feeling tingling up her spine as a 'pop' resounds. Blinking the stars away, she sits up and turns to look at the wardrobe she crashed into, and finding one of the drawers had popped open. A gasp of horror escapes her, as there was a blood stained garment inside, and from the dirt faded color, it was supposed to be a light yellow. Reaching her hand out slowly, almost petrified to touch it, she gently grasps the fabric and pulls it out. Holding it up, it's another cheongshan looking outfit but without any patterns, just blood splotched in so many places… Is… this his? Walking back over to the other ones, she held it next to them, and it was only a few inches shorter.
Trembling, she pulls the ragged outfit to her chest, curling herself around it as she falls to her knees. He was younger when this happened… it looked like some of the edges were scorched… so either someone threw fire balls at him, or… explosives. The Goddess of Love could feel her blood boiling, knowing someone had hurt such a wonderful person so badly and may possibly still be out there. That's why he knows how to fight, because he nearly… Her nightmare comes to mind, his sighless eyes, blood running down from the corner of his mouth- Hugging the clothes closer to herself, her heart breaks knowing at some point he was probably alone, with no one to help him. Don't worry Shuichi-san, I'll keep you safe. Sighing out her stress, she folds the outfit back into the drawer softly, promising she'll ask about it at some point.
Putting on a brave face, she huffs and stands back up, recalling why she came this way. I should probably brush my teeth, I definitely don't want dragon breath anymore! Going into the bathroom, she looks under the sink to see if he had an extra toothbrush. Aw, no such luck. Resigning herself to violating his personal belongings even more, she begins her wake up routine of tooth, hair, earring, and body care. Finally feeling more alive than she has in the last day and a half, Minako makes a note to let him know she had to use his things. He seems like a pretty private guy. I hope he doesn't mind… but I suppose it's better than stinking when I talk. Exiting the bathroom, she walks back into the living area and checking the clock, sees an hour has passed.
Ugh, I'm starving! Sorry Shuichi-san, it's fridge raiding time! Moving quickly to the kitchenette, she opens the ice box door and peaks inside, glancing around for anything that might be edible. "Hmm, fresh veggies, a carton of stock, eggs, some sauces… aww, but nothing's ready for me to eat…" Humming to herself, the sporty media darling considers her options at the moment. I could order something to come here, but he's not supposed to be here today, so the neighbors would get suspicious… Plus I don't want Usagi or Mamoru to know I'm here either. Which left only one option… His kitchen may not survive… Oh well. But what should I make? "I guess soup will work, it's easy enough right?" Nodding to herself, she grabs the soup stock, the vegetables, some rice, and the chicken already sitting in the fridge. "Alright! Chef Minako is all fired up!"
_ ~Kurama~ _
Leaving work as soon as he can, Kurama makes his way quickly through the tram system, heading eagerly to his apartment where more answers hopefully await. And hopefully not a mess, if her delivery friends were anything to go by. It's when he's several meters from home he senses the demon whom she helped the other day waiting for him. "State your business."
"Geez, and here I was hoping for a nice warm greeting from a friend."
"I do when said friend doesn't bring trouble."
"I'm just giving yah a warning for your little lady, that's all." His voice pitches deeper as his instincts claw out.
"Warning?" The other yokai flinches from the sound, likely hearing the threat in his tone at anything coming near her.
"Y-yeah, I've been tracking that guy since we fought, and he's been scouring this area for any sign of your woman. Just yesterday he was snooping around over there." He points to three buildings away, making the protective herbalist tense as he continues, "I've been keeping an eye on this area since then, but he hasn't come back yet."
"Why are you helping us?"
"Why wouldn't I? She stepped in and saved my ass, and you helped with my investigation last night. Besides, like I said, you remind me of someone." Although wary of the apparition, he made some good points, however… "C'mon, what's the worst that'll come from heading this warning, being prepared early?" Narrowing emerald eyes at him, the guy puts his hands up in surrender as he sweats, "Anyway, that's all I really needed to say, just keep her safe Red."
"I don't need you to tell me that." The stranger chuckles before vanishing, leaving Kurama to make haste to Mina. Reaching the door to his apartment, he smells something cooking inside, which is strange, especially considering who was in there. Is she really well enough to cook? Opening the door, he calls out, "Minako-san? Are you alright?" Timed quite well, a trilling voice like sliding a finger along a glass rim responds,
"Hai! I made food!" Sighing in relief at her answer, he removes his shoes and strides down the hall to the living area looking into the kitchenette. She's sitting down at the table, a pan filled with soup in the center on top of an oven mit, two bowls on either end with her sitting at one. Smiling gently, he puts his briefcase against the leg of the table as he inquires
"So… may I ask what you've made?"
"Uh… It's supposed to be ojiya!" Pressing his lips together to keep from smiling, the keenly nosed fox nods, already knowing from the smell it was… not quite ojiya, more like a combination of zosui and ojiya with no salt and mushrooms added.
"I see, well, I'm sure you're famished having made it, so let's dig in shall we?" The lovely cook nods happily, about to grab the pan with her right hand only and tip it to serve, but he quickly intercepts,
"Ah, there's no need, I'll get this for you. You're tired and should've been resting anyway." She gawps at him, grousing,
"I'm not that bad you know!"
(Fake Wings - Yuki Kajiura)
"How many dizzy spells have you had today?" Her silence is answer enough, making him smirk lightly. "I had thought as much from your complexion. Please just rest, I know you wish to move about, but you are hindering your recovery." Kurama can feel her pout aimed at him when he gazes back into the kitchen, what he sees has him sweat drop in exasperation as he asks, "You only made this, correct? Why is there rice flour all over?" Turning back to gauge her response, she's become sheepish and is poking the table with a finger, an all together sweet gesture if it weren't for the mess in the kitchen.
"It… it fell on me when I was looking for pans…" Although that's what Mina said, he can hear the ring of a half-truth in there, leading him to conclude,
"You lost your balance, didn't you?" She flinches, making his worry increase as he kneels in front of her, taking her face in his hand he queries,
"Were you hurt?" Roiling ocean depths crash into his, surprise and fear the greatest emotions reflecting within. His heart twists, that she would think he'd simply be angry with her and nothing else. Frowning slightly, the patient ex-thief waits for her to reply quietly,
"No, I'm fine-"
"Please don't lie to me. You haven't moved your left arm since I've come in." There's amazement in them now, before a wan smile tugs her lips upward.
"You're really sharp. Yeah, it's just a bruise though, it should be-"
"Could you show me?" Pouting, the hesitant hero stares at him for a moment, contemplating something, before sighing and moving her arm so he could see. Leafy green irises narrow when they find the elbow mottled in a bruise, and when touched, she grits her teeth as he states,
"You had to put it back into place, didn't you?" She shrugs, pointing out,
"I've been vaporized before, bones popping out of place is just a little uncomfortable in comparison." Kurama's eyes widen in dread as he hisses,
"Vaporized?" Finally realizing some sort of mistake, she sweat drops before looking away, squeaking,
"I'm just saying! This barely even hurts! Just don't think too hard on it, Shuichi-san!" One of his eyes actually twitches with his mouth agape as he retorts,
"How can I not think on it, Minako-san!" Pooching her lips out, Mina responds dryly,
"Because what's done is done, nothing we can really do now, Shuichi-san." She really thinks we shouldn't- "Please, Shuichi?" It was heart wrenching, that beguiling voice begging for something when he's heard it deliver threats in defense of others. Sighing, he compromises,
"At least let me heal it for you." She blinks lightly, wonderment consuming her features as he stands to retrieve a chair and sit next to her. Finally allowing himself to after all the worrying, the discerning kitsune smells something he hadn't in a while, sending shocks down his spine. What in the world is my blood and dirt doing on her? And is that- That's when it clicked. Damn, she went into the closet! I thought she might, but I wouldn't have anything to worry about. It was sealed, so how did she... Perhaps an ability I have yet to learn about?
He has the urge to sigh, and although fought it off easily enough, it still didn't alleviate his apprehension. I've already seen she's a busy body, even when injured she continues to move about carelessly. She likely became bored and curious of me, and my sense of style apparently. Although quite irritated at her infraction of his privacy, he continues to heal her arm while asking lightly,
"So, other than dinner and injuring yourself, did you do anything else today?" The perky performer flutters sunny lashes at him, a dark expression passes over her face as she tries vainly to chirp,
"I… I saw your clothes. They're really cool! I like the changpao looking one that matches your eyes!" It's Kurama's turn to feel grief, knowing that she was incredibly concerned for his well being by her bouquet, but trying so hard to hide it. She told a half-truth… I knew it was foolish of me to keep it, but I couldn't bring myself to part with it. "Do you make those clothes yourself?" Rosy lashes raise toward her as he responds easily,
"I do."
"Wow, they're really well made! I'm actually super jealous!" He smirks lightly, replying,
"Thank you. Sewing is really quite simple, I could teach you if you'd like." And hopefully keep that busy mind of yours occupied. He can smell her hormones stir, and from her intake in breath, Mina's shocked by him again.
"... I don't know how good of a study I'll be, considering my patience level is nearly zero." Sweat dropping at her assessment, he retorts,
"You have patience, you simply need to expand it to other things." She's about to respond when the scrupulous vulpine interrupts, "Now how about we eat, since you went through the trouble to make it." She flushes as he pulls his hands away, unconsciously moving her arm as she whispers,
"Okay…" Although wanting to dig further into this, he also didn't want her efforts to go to waste. Pouring a serving into each bowl, he sets back down next to her and picks up a pair of chopsticks. It looked normal enough, with egg on top, green onions, rice, carrots, but instead of mushrooms, there was broccoli and water chestnuts. His lips tilt upward at her juvenile tastes, smiling lightly he asks teasingly,
(Prism - Lindsey Sterling)
"Do you dislike mushrooms?" The disgusted look on the cute starlet's face said it all, making him chuckle lightly as he continues, "So you are a picky eater then?"
"Not… usually. Mushrooms are just evil incarnate." Huffing with laughter, he needles,
"That sounds exceedingly childish."
"I guess I'm just a child then!" She sticks her tongue out at him, inciting him to grin mischievously as Kurama warns,
"Careful, show your tongue to the wrong person and they may take it." Doll-like delphiniums widen in shock, mouth gaping as Mina covers her lips in a squeak, mumbling from behind her hand,
"What does that mean?" Shrugging airily, he grabs some rice and veggies with his chopsticks while responding,
"Take it as you will." Popping the food easily into his mouth, he's correct in his assessment that she probably forgot salt.
"What? No! I need an explanation!" Smirking, he retorts cheekily,
"Perhaps that means you're too young to know then." Standing to go to the fridge, the experienced demon pulls out soy sauce and brings it back to the table, admiring her puffed up cheeks and pouty glare. Her arms pushing her chest together as she tries to make herself bigger in, an adorable really, but futile attempt of intimidation.
"I am not!" The body of a woman; the heart of a child; the training of a soldier.
"Your words and behavior thus far says otherwise."
"Mou~! You are being ridiculous!"
"Is that the pot calling the kettle black?" The struck diva gapes in shock, silent for a moment as he prods humorously, "Perhaps you should eat now." Pooching her lips out, she grumbles and shovels several bites into her mouth, chewing maliciously while staring pointedly at him. He can't help but laugh at the look of disdain that comes across her face as she looks down into her soup. Smiling playfully, he pushes the soy sauce toward her, making her glance up at him under blond bangs. Red stains her nose and cheeks as she grouses,
"Thanks…" Kurama lets a silence settle over them as they finish eating, and as he takes the dirty dishes to the kitchenette, he realizes it's far worse than he had thought. Closing his eyes and sweat dropping heavily, he wonders at the sort of struggle that happened here. She was wearing quite a few vegetables herself… Mina looks shy for a moment, poking her index fingers together as she squeaks, "Mmm, I'm sorry, but I had to use your toothbrush this morning… and probably tonight too." He nods easily, assuring,
"I thought you might, so think nothing of it for the moment." She sags in relief and breathes,
"I'm glad, I'm sorry I'm intruding so much."
"Had I felt that way, I wouldn't have let you stay." He's surprised at the look of determination that finally wins over her shyness, a bit worried what she's become resolute about.
(Passion/ Sanctuary Mree Cover - Utada Hikaru)
(Blinding - Florence + The Machine)
"Hey Shuichi-san? I got a huge favor to ask of you!" The bewildered yôko sweat drops faintly, the sparkles in her azure gems speaking volumes as he replies slowly,
"Alright… what is it?" The ecstatic troublemaker bounces excitedly in her seat while squeaking,
"I've been needing to see this since I found it, but could you wear that green changpao I found in your closet! Pretty please?" His first instinct is to preen, a beautiful, spirited woman admires me, yet history with fangirling humans gives him a sense of wariness from the request.
"Why do you need to see me in it?"
"Umm, why don't I need to see it on you?" She raises a hand and lists off, "For one, you're handsome, so not being seen in those beautiful clothes would be a tragedy for both of us. Two, I'm an idol and draw inspiration from everything, which includes other people's styles and how they came to be. And~ three, I'm a sucker for clothes, traditional included, but yours seems to be a new twist on the traditional styles, which is amazing Shuichi-san! So I need to find out more! What better way than to have the maker model them and explain the process!" Checking her over for any of the usual signs of trickery or falsity reveals none, making him falter. Kurama's astonished, and quite embarrassed to feel a moderate flush on his cheeks, and her earnestness wasn't helping the heat any. It was an incredible ego boost certainly, having the Guardian of Love and Beauty herself want to admire him in such a manner.
What takes him aback the most though, is the true desire to not just study his physicality, but the skills and definition that shaped his taste in attire. He's been admired for his looks worlds over, and occasionally mistaken for being effeminate, but Mina's not satisfied with just knowing the surface. She wants to understand me, as I wanted with her. For him, although he's known to be quite vain, the fact that she wants to learn more about him, as a person, has heat rushing through his body. A particular part of his anatomy reacts, forcing him to fight back the sensation else it shows in his clothes as he responds cooly, "I suppose I could." The stunned happiness shown like the sun on her visage as her exuberant aura encompasses the room.
It takes more concentration than he expected to curb the desire to touch her, pushing him to turn and say over his shoulder, "First I'd like to shower before dirtying my attire." Her incandescence glows brighter, leaving him in awe of the magnificent creature gracing his home. Even if it's unconsciously, she's literally baring her soul to me again. The honored tailor hurries to the bathroom to close the door, separating himself from temptation as he bemoans her efficiency in tilting his balance. Until her, I've never been so close to losing control. Sighing heavily, he tries to plan out the encounter as much as possible, all the while going through bathing motions without flaw.
Running a comb through his hair lightly, he walks back into the closet and picks the changpao inspired robe and it's matching under attire. Donning the clothes meticulously, he toes on the shoes and walks back out of the bedroom and into the living room where his audience awaits. Her gasp of awe was heartening as she stands and closes the space between them, her arousal full and present to his detriment. The magnificent guardian seems to be in a trance, reaching out unconsciously before stopping herself and locking morning glories with his verdant. "Um… can I touch it?" Depends, Beautiful Child, on what you mean… breathing out his nose, he replies simply,
"You may." Her palpable excitement is back, washing him in waves of radiant joy as dainty fingers lightly caress his arm. Pushing his senses away to help in meditation, he concentrates on the expressions flitting across her soft features. First it was awe, her touch running up and down the seam line of the sleeve, tugging on it lightly to test its strength. Petal peach lips part as she breathes,
"It's incredibly durable, yet it's so soft!" Kurama smiles affectionately at the slowly morphing look of exuberance, the pads of her fingers trailing up his shoulder to the changpao, sending shivers down his spine. When she trails her hand lightly down his chest, running the tips over the ocean pattern, he feels his instincts begin to clamor against his carefully constructed control. It's unconscious, really, when he grasps her hand before it descends to his nipple. Sea blue waves flit to ivy green in shock, only to widen and flush as Mina squeaks,
"Ah! I'm sorry! I can get carried away with texture and patterns." Breathing out through his nose, he replies mildly,
"Understandable. It didn't look like you were completely here." The color on her cheeks deepens, that passionate gaze trailing down to his hand grasping hers, then moving back up to his again. Glossy lips part gently, exaggerating the highly appealing texture, one he's felt several times now. Like smooth velvet, soft and luxurious, a sensation easy to get lost in. He hears a name from her lips, but it isn't truly his, and the spell is broken.
"Shuichi-san?" Shaking crimson forelocks, the sidetracked botanist returns,
"It's nothing. You're wondering about the pattern?"
"Yeah, it's ocean waves right?"
"Yes, nature is both a symbol of power and unpredictability, the ocean itself able to whittle away even the most fortified materials. It's patience is incredibly admirable." The admiring artist runs her fingers along the edge of the waves again, nodding lightly,
"So when you wear this, you're focusing that kind of energy?"
"Yes, the combination of elegance, strength, and patience is the center of my style." She smiles brightly, letting him bask in her sunshine for a moment while she giggles,
"It's exactly what I'd expect you'd want to wear. That describes you perfectly!" Rosy lashes flutter as Kurama echoes,
(Snow is Falling - Kalafina)
"Even strength?" Her expression sobers as she confides,
"You have a strength of spirit I've not seen in many others, and from what I've learned about you, a will to match." She reaches a hand up and gently cups his cheek, azure irises becoming melancholy as Mina whispers, "You have muscle definition in places you'd need for fighting, and the Sailor V game is designed to test a person's actual skills and abilities. The fact that you made it past the second stage without losing more than one portion of life means you have some incredible training." Emerald gaze widens as she pleads, "You had no choice, did you, but to learn to fight as you have." He remains quiet for a moment, contemplating what to say, and how to say it to reassure her without giving too much away.
"Yes, I've had to learn to fight, but it hasn't all been bad. Please don't worry about me, no one who has hurt me will ever do so again." Precious lapis gems look between his as she questions hopefully,
"Really? You're safe from those ones?" Grasping her hand gently, and without his input threads his fingers with hers as the compassionate yokai assures,
"Yes, I am." For now. He's shocked into silence when she presses herself against him, marigold locks float ethereally behind her as she exhales in relief, mumbling,
"I'm so glad. You don't deserve to be hunted by those guys, let alone anything else." He feels his heart twist at the worry he caused her. You're wrong, Beautiful Child. I've done many terrible things. Things that'd even turn the stomach of a powerful soldier like you. Although unsure at first, he eventually wraps an arm around her back, the other clutching her fingers a little tighter, as though to keep her from disappearing. The remarkable knight snuggles further into his chest, her whole body relaxing into him, making a warmth spread through his entire being. She's not even touching my soul at the moment, so what is this? It was different than when he hugged his mother, different from the one armed hugs he traded occasionally with Yusuke or Kuwabara. Something different than either, is it… a new form of love I'm experiencing?
It's when she tilts her head back to look at him, beguiling delphinium meeting his that Kurama knows which one, and bemoans his fate as she tears all his walls apart with a simple tilt of her head. Honey bangs curled to the left side cutely, soft pink lips open as she inquires,
"Are you alright, Shuichi-san?" He sweats lightly, forest green irises lidded as he responds calmly,
"I'm fine, Minako-san." His human heart stutters at her brilliant smile, gaze gentle with warmth as Mina chimes,
(In the Garden of Sinners - Yuki Kajiura)
(Quiet Romance - Yuki Kajiura)
(Himeboshi - Yuki Kajiura)
"Good! You're too gorgeous right now not to be okay, Shuichi-san!" The former bandit feels a tinge of pink color his cheeks at her blunt compliment, forcing him to move back and hide his eyes with vermillion fringe.
"You are something else, Mina-san..." And far too good for someone like me… "Such compliments coming from you means quite a bit." Her radiant, close-eyed grin was entirely too sweet to match up with the legends he'd heard. Yet I find it difficult to imagine that they're all false. The more I get to know her, the more I want of her. Taking the hand he held in his, he curls her fingers and presses his lips against the knuckles, deep verdant irises taking in the sweet flush across her nose, morning glories gape in awe as her mouth hangs slightly. Beautifully tempting, he finds it hard to keep from gravitating toward her, but does so regardless.
Rubbing his thumb against her back tenderly, he smiles when he sees blond lashes flutter half closed, her guard low enough to finally outwardly show her exhaustion. "Perhaps we should continue this another day. You've exhausted yourself in your excitement." And just as he figured the little enchantress would, her face perks back up, body hopping against his softly as she rebukes,
"No I'm not! I was just… uh, relaxing slightly! Yeah!" Continuing to move his thumb gingerly along her back, Kurama hides a grin when she shivers, her body telling him in touch and scent exactly what he needed to know. Pressing her closer to himself, he huffs into her flushing ear,
"I can feel your fatigue, Mina-san. Please, go get changed while I clean up."
"But I made the mess! I should be the one who-" Kissing her forehead delicately, as he knew it would distract her, he murmurs against her,
"How about next time you make a mess, I'll let you clean it then?" Mina sighs faintly before humming warmly, his energy stroking her back along with his thumb as he continues enticing her to his line of thinking, "Thank you for doing your best, it's not easy moving with so little energy, yet you made the effort anyway." The calculating fox can tell he's winning when Mina tilts her head back slightly, so his lips were pressed gently against the bridge of her nose as she mumbles,
"You don't play fair…" Smiling against her, he teases,
"What's the saying? 'All's fair in love and war?'" She moves back from him, pouting endearingly at him as he laughs lightly. "Alright, let's get ready for sleep before you find more mischief to get into." Using his hold to push her faintly toward his bedroom, and therefore the closet of clothes, all the while she sticks her tongue out at him again. Quickly, he catches it with a thumb and forefinger, grinning with mirth as he reminds her, "I told you to be careful with that tongue of yours." Releasing it easily, her whole body flushes as she runs to the room and jumps on the bed. Sighing at the noise, he turns back toward the messy kitchen and rolls up his sleeves, preparing to tackle the destruction quickly.
Swiftly cleaning the disaster, with not a spot on his attire, he turns when he hears the door open back up. The disaster master is dressed in another of his old pairs of matching pajamas, stains still high on her cheeks as she asks, "Do you need some help?"
"No, I'm done now. I'll be there in a moment." Drying his hands with a towel, Kurama moves gracefully through the door, smiling warmly when he sees her already snuggled under the covers. Going into the closet and changing quickly, he goes through his nightly routine before he comes back out to find her already asleep, lips parted slightly as she lays on her side. he reaches for a seed in his hair and grows it quickly and with as little energy as possible, taking a vial he had in the closet, he stores some of the pollen inside before stopping it. Storing the vial on his nightstand, he shrinks the plant back into a seed and stows it into his hair.
Sitting on the bed, careful not to wake her, he slips beneath the comforter and is startled by slender arms wrapping around his ribs and waist. Holding his breath, he's completely off guard when Mina snuggles into him lovingly, a sigh of relief leaving her lips as she settles. Softly releasing his breath, he blinks before wrapping his own arms around her, smelling her comfort increase with the action, he relaxes only slightly. I'm sure I'll have an unwanted visitor tonight. Threading his fingers through her golden locks, he lets his senses encompass him with her sweet scent, calming him enough to sleep lightly.
Author Notes
Keizen けいぜん - shining; radiant; bright.
Yunomi - A yunomi (Japanese: 湯のみ) is a form of teacup, typically made from a ceramic material, being taller than wide, with a trimmed or turned foot. Unlike the more formal chawan tea bowl which is used during the Japanese tea ceremony, the yunomi is made for daily (or informal) tea drinking.
Minako seems to have image issues in both series. She looks at her reflection in the mirror and always says, "I wish I was pretty." Never paying any attention to her body or admiring herself in any other capacity. It's a terrible way to live, especially as she's the guardian of love.
Mina the fashionista would probably know what Kurama's martial arts uniforms looked like. As such, I had to do research and honestly, his cool looking attire wasn't limited to one particular country or style. He really seemed to combine a few of them into one. So I went with what it mainly looked like.
Da gua fu is the traditional chinese tunic Donnie Yen wore in the Ip Man movies. If you haven't seen them, they're AWESOME!
A changshan (Chinese: 長衫; pinyin: chángshān; lit. 'long shirt'; [ʈʂʰǎŋʂán] (About this soundlisten)) is a traditional Chinese dress (or robe, long jacket or tunic) worn by men. In function, it is considered the male equivalent of the women's cheongsam (qipao). It is also known as a changpao (chángpáo 長袍, "long robe") or dagua (大褂, dàguà, "great jacket").
wiki/Changshan
Jokki (Korean: 조끼) is a type of vest, while magoja is an outer jacket. Although jokki and magoja were created at the end of the Joseon dynasty (1392–1897), directly after which Western culture began to affect Korea, the garments are considered traditional clothing. Each is additionally worn over jeogori for warmth and style.
wiki/Hanbok
For Zosui and Ojiya recipe. zosui-japanese-rice-soup/