(A/N: Translation- Itai: An exclamation of pain, similar to the english ow. )
Chapter 2
Living Together is Fun
The cave system was extensive, but Kurama had blocked off almost all forks in the tunnels with vines that would drop down, thicken, and sprout sharp looking thorns. The thorns glistened and dripped with a vicious looking liquid, no doubt some sort of poison. Kuroune sighed, tossing the towel over his shoulder. A bath would be nice, though it disturbed him a little how clean he was, for what Kurama called just a dousing. Clean in places the kitsune had no right to clean. He rolled his eyes, rounding yet another corner as he searched for the bath. The youko Kurama was known for being a legendary bandit, but there were a few more things he was known for. Kuroune didn't want to cater to some odd sexual scene the kitsune might cook up.
"Finally," he breathed as the tunnel opened to a large cavern, a pool of water in the center of it. Across from the pool was a furnace, the chimney keeping the smoke from billowing into the cavern. Removing the robes Kurama had given to him and tossing them into a wooden chair he eased his aching muscles into the bath. The warm water eddied and pulled at his wings. He wadded to a wall, running his fingers down the smooth stone. A large hole was at the bottom, and once Kuroune inspected the pool more closely, he noticed the it was on a slight incline. The water would come in one side and then rush out the other, keeping a steady stream of clean water.
There were bags of sand that clumped together easily was slightly oily, what was usually used for washing, along the side of the pool. Some smelled too sweet for Kuroune's taste, he preferred scents that didn't make him feel like a flower. After taking enough time to scrub over the parts of his body that didn't hurt like hell he sank under the water until it was even with his chin, letting his mind drift.
It took him a couple of hours to inspect his body, not really trusting the kitsune's assessment. Unfortunately what Kurama had said was true, Kuroune might not have full use of his wings.
Soon he'd have to figure out a way to escape from his small prison with out the kitsune noticing. That would be next to impossible, considering the intricate weaving of predatory and protective plants with in the area, the exit would almost more than certainly be guarded by even larger and more ferocious plants. He turned his head to examine the small opening in which the water flowed. Even if he didn't have his wings, he wouldn't be able to easily squeeze through before air became an issue. Kuroune sighed, leaning his head against the back of the tub. Kitsunes were known to have multiple exits to their homes, but it'd be next to impossible to even get near one in this blasted maze Kurama called a home. Nails clinked at the sides of the stone pool as he wracked his brain for an answer. Even if he killed Kurama, the plants would still be there... And if he couldn't escape then he couldn't eat, and he'd slowly starve to death. "Damn it, how the hell am I going to get out of here?"
"So my hospitality isn't good enough for you?" Kuroune jerked his head around to see Kurama leaning against entrance to the cavern. "I've offered you a safe home until you were fully healed, one where you'll be fed, and I ask nothing from you in return." Kurama shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant but his constantly twitching tail said otherwise, as well as the cold glare the kitsune turned upon him. "When's the last time you've been offered any of those three?" The silver youko didn't bother giving him enough time to answer. "Look, I really don't know why I should keep you around in the first place. Don't make things worse..." Kurama pushed off of the wall, retracing his steps back up the tunnel as he mumbled, "youkai these days, not even a little 'thank you for saving my ass'..."
As much as he hated to admit it, Kurama had a point. Kuroune didn't know if this was just another game to the kitsune, but on the off chance it wasn't... the deal was a good one. It took a lot of will power to yell out, "thank you". Even more will power was needed to hold back from launching a heavy bag of sand at Kurama as the kitsune yelled back a snotty reply. Kuroune grit his teeth, climbing out of the pool of water. The sooner he left snobby youko, the better.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
There was nothing better to do so Kuroune decided to explore his temporary home. So far, the only three caverns open to him were the one he was awoke in, the small cave that appeared to be a bathroom, and the bathing cavern. He retraced his steps back to the room he started in then took the right path instead of the left. It didn't take him long to come across the largest cavern he'd seen yet, and the most comfortable one. Two intricately carved wooden chairs sat in a semi circle around another fire place, along with a large black leather bag filled with what felt like very small smooth stones, and a glass table that separated the two wooden chairs.
The glass table was amazing, it seemed to be made out of one flowing piece of glass, almost water like in appearance. The legs curved delicately to the floor, the feet curling into a ball that had a crest like a wave. There were no seems, from what Kuroune could tell, between the legs and the table top. An icy white, where as the legs and most of the feet were a cool blue, the top caught the light from the fire and glinted brightly. The top was smooth and evenly flat, cool to Kuroune's touch.
The scent of meat caught Kuroune's attention as he turned around slowly, locating a smaller room to the left of where entered. Ignoring the other interesting baubles Kurama had set about the room on tables, Kuroune strode purposefully into the room. What he saw made him freeze, then snicker. "You cook?"
Kurama turned from the make shift stove, his eyes narrowed. "Yes. Have a problem with that?"
Kuroune held up his hands, chuckling to himself. "Not really." He started to poke around the kitchen, looking for something edible.
"Well excuse me if I don't go out killing things and eating them raw."
"No, of course not. Because that would be normal." Kuroune sneered as he snatched a piece of meat from the sizzling frying pan. "Itai..."
"Tch, not to brilliant are you? Of course it's going to be hot."
Defiantly Kuroune tossed the morsel into his mouth, ignoring how the meat burned his tongue. As it cooled in his mouth, Kuroune chewed it a little more slowly to enjoy the flavorful tidbit. The kitsune had added what tasted like garlic, a rare item in the Makai, as well as the native rethic and fenz. There were a few other flavors he couldn't quite identify, but all in all he enjoyed the unique taste. "How did you get your hands on ningen herbs?"
"I bribed a lower class demon to sneak into the human world and steal a few things for me. Seeds weren't the only thing, but they've proven the most valuable." Kurama speared another piece with a long tonged fork, then offered it to Kuroune. "Blow on it first this time, it's easier to enjoy the subtle flavoring when your tongue isn't burning."
Kuroune took the fork from Kurama, nibbling at the meat as he watched the kitsune cook. He opened one steaming pot, exposing white rice that looked like it was done cooking. Kurama grabbed another frying pan from underneath a shelf, then placed it over a burner. Water was poured into the pan, then Kurama fiddled with a knob on the front side of the stove. Fire sprang up under the pan, licking the bottom of the it eagerly. The kitsune left the water filled pan alone, moving on to pick up the pan that held the meat. He jerked it twice, neatly flipping the small pieces of meat and surprisingly kept all the morsels from falling outside the cookware. On the last fourth burner was another pot, which Kurama peeked into, then removed it from the heat. It was full of tiny green dots which Kurama stirred then poured into a blue bowl. Returning to the pan full of water, he grabbed an egg from a basket and cracked it, dropping the contents into the pan. It sizzled, bubbling up from the underside. Kurama grabbed two more eggs and cracked them as well. All three cooked quickly, the under sides bubbling and waving around. Kuroune moved to the side as Kurama grabbed something behind him, bring out yet another bowl. He scooped up the meat and tossed it into the bowl, then drizzled over the meat the sauce that was left in the pan. Placing the bowl next to the one with the green round things, Kurama carefully removed an egg from the water then placed it on a plate he had already waiting. He took out another plate and added the second egg to it before turning off the burners. In a easy swiftness Kurama grabbed a wooden spoon then scooped up some rice, making a ball out of the sticky white stuff then placing it onto a plate. He repeated the action, setting another ball onto the other plate. The youko put a metal spoon in the bowl with the green things, and one into the bowl with the meat, then stepped back. "There, finished." He gestured to a plate as he smiled, "guests always go first, or so they say."
"What-"
"They're called peas. Try a few, they're very tasty when cooked right."
Kuroune spooned a small bit of peas onto his plate then took a large helping of meat. The kitsune was already serving himself by the time Kuroune was done. Delicious odors drifted up to his nose, making his stomach utter a protest. Kurama smirked then grabbed two forks and headed into the main cavern. He handed a fork to Kuroune before he curled his feet under him in one of the large wooden chairs. Kuroune took a seat in the other one, picking up a pea and popping it into his mouth. Sure enough, the squishy item tasted very good so he made a mental to go back for more when he was done with what was on his plate already.
They ate in silence, the only sounds heard were the scrapes of fork meeting plate and the fire crackling and popping as it met with moisture in the log. The kitsune rose and went back into the kitchen, brining out two long stemmed glasses and a bottle of red liquid. He filled both glasses, taking one for himself as he finished off what was left on his plate. Kuroune twitched uncomfortably at the site of the glasses and what smelt like red wine. His father was always drinking that, and in the exact same style of glasses. Pushing angry thoughts of his father out of his mind, he took a sip of the wine. It was slightly tangy but otherwise good. Kurama put his plate on to the glass table, shifting in his chair. His elbow rested on the arm of the chair, his head leaning against his hand as one finger tapped against his cheek. The youko's silvery tail flipped into his lap, his free hand absently petting it as he started at Kuroune.
After a few minutes of being stared at Kuroune couldn't ignore it anymore. "What?!"
"Well, it's not like I have guests over a lot and if I do they're definitely here for something better than food..."
"So?"
Kurama sighed, glaring at Kuroune. "So? I don't cook for anyone but myself, it'd be nice if you would tell me if it was good or not."
The dark haired demon sneered. "I'm not nice."
"I've noticed," Kurama snapped, his eyes narrowing while both ears flattened back against his head.
Kuroune closed his eyes, biting back a scathing reply. It wouldn't do to make his host angry, if he was going to spend a large amount of time here the least he could do was be civil. If only Kurama felt the same way. "Fine. It was good." The youko grabbed his plate and stood quickly, stalking off towards the kitchen. Kuroune sighed and mumbled, "the peas were pretty good too."
Kurama paused, glancing over his shoulder at the demon who had his back to him. "Of course they are, I grew them and cooked them myself. To be anything less than delicious would be unimaginable."
Kuroune's wings twitched as he tried his best not throw something sharp at the kitsune. "Gods, I hope I heal quickly." He muttered under his breath as soon as the kitsune was out of hearing range.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
The next few days Kuroune did his best to avoid Kurama. He only left his room to eat and walk around the tunnels, stretching his legs. On the fifth day Kuroune took a whiff of himself and decided that bathing might be a good idea. Carefully he peeked into the bathing pool, looking for Kurama. After a quick look he decided the kitsune wasn't there and started to undress. He had almost undid the knot in the sash that kept his pants up when something burst out of the water. Silver hair gracefully arched as Kurama threw his head back, the wet hair making a wet smack as it collided with his back. He edged his way to the shallow end, his ears drooping a little as he noticed Kuroune. The water reached his waist, but the black stone was a stark contrast against the light skin and even lighter tail. Kurama cleared his throat and Kuroune noticed guiltily that he had been staring at the well built kitsune.
Kuroune turned his head to the side, clutching at his falling pants. "Sorry, I didn't know you'd be in here."
The youko scoffed as he got out of the pool, not bothering to hide his nudity while he toweled himself off. "Of course you didn't, or you would have left. Like you've been doing lately." Kurama wrapped a towel around his waist then rubbed furiously at his long hair. "By all means, don't let my presence keep you from a bath."
With a smirk Kuroune shrugged, "okay." He let his pants fall to the floor then stepped out of them, stretching his arms over his head as well as his wings, to the fullest he was able to open them. Not bothering to use the steps, which were being blocked off by Kurama, he jumped in, wincing as the water hit him a bit harder than he had intended in sensitive places. Kuroune shook his long leathery wings, only moving them a few inches as he cleared the water from them.
"Impressive."
Kuroune looked up at the kitsune and nodded. "I've been working with them the past few days... I might get more movement out of them then we both had thought."
"While your achievement with your wings is rather amazing, I wasn't talking about them." Kurama grinned devilishly then turned and left. "Oh, and Kuroune? If you can manage to tolerate me for a little while longer, I promise to behave." The kitsune left, chuckling to himself.
The winged demon flipped an obscene gesture at the retreating kitsune's back, growling to himself. "Behave my ass... Still..." Kuroune sighed as he stomach rumbled. As much as he hated to admit it, Kurama's cooking was rather good, and would be a hell of a lot better than just sneaking bits and pieces of food. He dove under the water, making sure his long black hair was completely wet before coming back up for air. It was for a good cause, if he ate well then he'd have more energy to devote to healing his wings. At least that's what he kept telling himself.
Chapter 2
Living Together is Fun
The cave system was extensive, but Kurama had blocked off almost all forks in the tunnels with vines that would drop down, thicken, and sprout sharp looking thorns. The thorns glistened and dripped with a vicious looking liquid, no doubt some sort of poison. Kuroune sighed, tossing the towel over his shoulder. A bath would be nice, though it disturbed him a little how clean he was, for what Kurama called just a dousing. Clean in places the kitsune had no right to clean. He rolled his eyes, rounding yet another corner as he searched for the bath. The youko Kurama was known for being a legendary bandit, but there were a few more things he was known for. Kuroune didn't want to cater to some odd sexual scene the kitsune might cook up.
"Finally," he breathed as the tunnel opened to a large cavern, a pool of water in the center of it. Across from the pool was a furnace, the chimney keeping the smoke from billowing into the cavern. Removing the robes Kurama had given to him and tossing them into a wooden chair he eased his aching muscles into the bath. The warm water eddied and pulled at his wings. He wadded to a wall, running his fingers down the smooth stone. A large hole was at the bottom, and once Kuroune inspected the pool more closely, he noticed the it was on a slight incline. The water would come in one side and then rush out the other, keeping a steady stream of clean water.
There were bags of sand that clumped together easily was slightly oily, what was usually used for washing, along the side of the pool. Some smelled too sweet for Kuroune's taste, he preferred scents that didn't make him feel like a flower. After taking enough time to scrub over the parts of his body that didn't hurt like hell he sank under the water until it was even with his chin, letting his mind drift.
It took him a couple of hours to inspect his body, not really trusting the kitsune's assessment. Unfortunately what Kurama had said was true, Kuroune might not have full use of his wings.
Soon he'd have to figure out a way to escape from his small prison with out the kitsune noticing. That would be next to impossible, considering the intricate weaving of predatory and protective plants with in the area, the exit would almost more than certainly be guarded by even larger and more ferocious plants. He turned his head to examine the small opening in which the water flowed. Even if he didn't have his wings, he wouldn't be able to easily squeeze through before air became an issue. Kuroune sighed, leaning his head against the back of the tub. Kitsunes were known to have multiple exits to their homes, but it'd be next to impossible to even get near one in this blasted maze Kurama called a home. Nails clinked at the sides of the stone pool as he wracked his brain for an answer. Even if he killed Kurama, the plants would still be there... And if he couldn't escape then he couldn't eat, and he'd slowly starve to death. "Damn it, how the hell am I going to get out of here?"
"So my hospitality isn't good enough for you?" Kuroune jerked his head around to see Kurama leaning against entrance to the cavern. "I've offered you a safe home until you were fully healed, one where you'll be fed, and I ask nothing from you in return." Kurama shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant but his constantly twitching tail said otherwise, as well as the cold glare the kitsune turned upon him. "When's the last time you've been offered any of those three?" The silver youko didn't bother giving him enough time to answer. "Look, I really don't know why I should keep you around in the first place. Don't make things worse..." Kurama pushed off of the wall, retracing his steps back up the tunnel as he mumbled, "youkai these days, not even a little 'thank you for saving my ass'..."
As much as he hated to admit it, Kurama had a point. Kuroune didn't know if this was just another game to the kitsune, but on the off chance it wasn't... the deal was a good one. It took a lot of will power to yell out, "thank you". Even more will power was needed to hold back from launching a heavy bag of sand at Kurama as the kitsune yelled back a snotty reply. Kuroune grit his teeth, climbing out of the pool of water. The sooner he left snobby youko, the better.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
There was nothing better to do so Kuroune decided to explore his temporary home. So far, the only three caverns open to him were the one he was awoke in, the small cave that appeared to be a bathroom, and the bathing cavern. He retraced his steps back to the room he started in then took the right path instead of the left. It didn't take him long to come across the largest cavern he'd seen yet, and the most comfortable one. Two intricately carved wooden chairs sat in a semi circle around another fire place, along with a large black leather bag filled with what felt like very small smooth stones, and a glass table that separated the two wooden chairs.
The glass table was amazing, it seemed to be made out of one flowing piece of glass, almost water like in appearance. The legs curved delicately to the floor, the feet curling into a ball that had a crest like a wave. There were no seems, from what Kuroune could tell, between the legs and the table top. An icy white, where as the legs and most of the feet were a cool blue, the top caught the light from the fire and glinted brightly. The top was smooth and evenly flat, cool to Kuroune's touch.
The scent of meat caught Kuroune's attention as he turned around slowly, locating a smaller room to the left of where entered. Ignoring the other interesting baubles Kurama had set about the room on tables, Kuroune strode purposefully into the room. What he saw made him freeze, then snicker. "You cook?"
Kurama turned from the make shift stove, his eyes narrowed. "Yes. Have a problem with that?"
Kuroune held up his hands, chuckling to himself. "Not really." He started to poke around the kitchen, looking for something edible.
"Well excuse me if I don't go out killing things and eating them raw."
"No, of course not. Because that would be normal." Kuroune sneered as he snatched a piece of meat from the sizzling frying pan. "Itai..."
"Tch, not to brilliant are you? Of course it's going to be hot."
Defiantly Kuroune tossed the morsel into his mouth, ignoring how the meat burned his tongue. As it cooled in his mouth, Kuroune chewed it a little more slowly to enjoy the flavorful tidbit. The kitsune had added what tasted like garlic, a rare item in the Makai, as well as the native rethic and fenz. There were a few other flavors he couldn't quite identify, but all in all he enjoyed the unique taste. "How did you get your hands on ningen herbs?"
"I bribed a lower class demon to sneak into the human world and steal a few things for me. Seeds weren't the only thing, but they've proven the most valuable." Kurama speared another piece with a long tonged fork, then offered it to Kuroune. "Blow on it first this time, it's easier to enjoy the subtle flavoring when your tongue isn't burning."
Kuroune took the fork from Kurama, nibbling at the meat as he watched the kitsune cook. He opened one steaming pot, exposing white rice that looked like it was done cooking. Kurama grabbed another frying pan from underneath a shelf, then placed it over a burner. Water was poured into the pan, then Kurama fiddled with a knob on the front side of the stove. Fire sprang up under the pan, licking the bottom of the it eagerly. The kitsune left the water filled pan alone, moving on to pick up the pan that held the meat. He jerked it twice, neatly flipping the small pieces of meat and surprisingly kept all the morsels from falling outside the cookware. On the last fourth burner was another pot, which Kurama peeked into, then removed it from the heat. It was full of tiny green dots which Kurama stirred then poured into a blue bowl. Returning to the pan full of water, he grabbed an egg from a basket and cracked it, dropping the contents into the pan. It sizzled, bubbling up from the underside. Kurama grabbed two more eggs and cracked them as well. All three cooked quickly, the under sides bubbling and waving around. Kuroune moved to the side as Kurama grabbed something behind him, bring out yet another bowl. He scooped up the meat and tossed it into the bowl, then drizzled over the meat the sauce that was left in the pan. Placing the bowl next to the one with the green round things, Kurama carefully removed an egg from the water then placed it on a plate he had already waiting. He took out another plate and added the second egg to it before turning off the burners. In a easy swiftness Kurama grabbed a wooden spoon then scooped up some rice, making a ball out of the sticky white stuff then placing it onto a plate. He repeated the action, setting another ball onto the other plate. The youko put a metal spoon in the bowl with the green things, and one into the bowl with the meat, then stepped back. "There, finished." He gestured to a plate as he smiled, "guests always go first, or so they say."
"What-"
"They're called peas. Try a few, they're very tasty when cooked right."
Kuroune spooned a small bit of peas onto his plate then took a large helping of meat. The kitsune was already serving himself by the time Kuroune was done. Delicious odors drifted up to his nose, making his stomach utter a protest. Kurama smirked then grabbed two forks and headed into the main cavern. He handed a fork to Kuroune before he curled his feet under him in one of the large wooden chairs. Kuroune took a seat in the other one, picking up a pea and popping it into his mouth. Sure enough, the squishy item tasted very good so he made a mental to go back for more when he was done with what was on his plate already.
They ate in silence, the only sounds heard were the scrapes of fork meeting plate and the fire crackling and popping as it met with moisture in the log. The kitsune rose and went back into the kitchen, brining out two long stemmed glasses and a bottle of red liquid. He filled both glasses, taking one for himself as he finished off what was left on his plate. Kuroune twitched uncomfortably at the site of the glasses and what smelt like red wine. His father was always drinking that, and in the exact same style of glasses. Pushing angry thoughts of his father out of his mind, he took a sip of the wine. It was slightly tangy but otherwise good. Kurama put his plate on to the glass table, shifting in his chair. His elbow rested on the arm of the chair, his head leaning against his hand as one finger tapped against his cheek. The youko's silvery tail flipped into his lap, his free hand absently petting it as he started at Kuroune.
After a few minutes of being stared at Kuroune couldn't ignore it anymore. "What?!"
"Well, it's not like I have guests over a lot and if I do they're definitely here for something better than food..."
"So?"
Kurama sighed, glaring at Kuroune. "So? I don't cook for anyone but myself, it'd be nice if you would tell me if it was good or not."
The dark haired demon sneered. "I'm not nice."
"I've noticed," Kurama snapped, his eyes narrowing while both ears flattened back against his head.
Kuroune closed his eyes, biting back a scathing reply. It wouldn't do to make his host angry, if he was going to spend a large amount of time here the least he could do was be civil. If only Kurama felt the same way. "Fine. It was good." The youko grabbed his plate and stood quickly, stalking off towards the kitchen. Kuroune sighed and mumbled, "the peas were pretty good too."
Kurama paused, glancing over his shoulder at the demon who had his back to him. "Of course they are, I grew them and cooked them myself. To be anything less than delicious would be unimaginable."
Kuroune's wings twitched as he tried his best not throw something sharp at the kitsune. "Gods, I hope I heal quickly." He muttered under his breath as soon as the kitsune was out of hearing range.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
The next few days Kuroune did his best to avoid Kurama. He only left his room to eat and walk around the tunnels, stretching his legs. On the fifth day Kuroune took a whiff of himself and decided that bathing might be a good idea. Carefully he peeked into the bathing pool, looking for Kurama. After a quick look he decided the kitsune wasn't there and started to undress. He had almost undid the knot in the sash that kept his pants up when something burst out of the water. Silver hair gracefully arched as Kurama threw his head back, the wet hair making a wet smack as it collided with his back. He edged his way to the shallow end, his ears drooping a little as he noticed Kuroune. The water reached his waist, but the black stone was a stark contrast against the light skin and even lighter tail. Kurama cleared his throat and Kuroune noticed guiltily that he had been staring at the well built kitsune.
Kuroune turned his head to the side, clutching at his falling pants. "Sorry, I didn't know you'd be in here."
The youko scoffed as he got out of the pool, not bothering to hide his nudity while he toweled himself off. "Of course you didn't, or you would have left. Like you've been doing lately." Kurama wrapped a towel around his waist then rubbed furiously at his long hair. "By all means, don't let my presence keep you from a bath."
With a smirk Kuroune shrugged, "okay." He let his pants fall to the floor then stepped out of them, stretching his arms over his head as well as his wings, to the fullest he was able to open them. Not bothering to use the steps, which were being blocked off by Kurama, he jumped in, wincing as the water hit him a bit harder than he had intended in sensitive places. Kuroune shook his long leathery wings, only moving them a few inches as he cleared the water from them.
"Impressive."
Kuroune looked up at the kitsune and nodded. "I've been working with them the past few days... I might get more movement out of them then we both had thought."
"While your achievement with your wings is rather amazing, I wasn't talking about them." Kurama grinned devilishly then turned and left. "Oh, and Kuroune? If you can manage to tolerate me for a little while longer, I promise to behave." The kitsune left, chuckling to himself.
The winged demon flipped an obscene gesture at the retreating kitsune's back, growling to himself. "Behave my ass... Still..." Kuroune sighed as he stomach rumbled. As much as he hated to admit it, Kurama's cooking was rather good, and would be a hell of a lot better than just sneaking bits and pieces of food. He dove under the water, making sure his long black hair was completely wet before coming back up for air. It was for a good cause, if he ate well then he'd have more energy to devote to healing his wings. At least that's what he kept telling himself.