Disclaimer: see previous chapters.

I don't like this chapter.

Belonging

Chapter 12

Jaken hummed to himself as he made his way to Kurama's room with breakfast. He was pleased not only at the kitsune's recovery rate, but in his master's improved disposition as well. The inu lord seemed relaxed and content, something Jaken hadn't witnessed in quite some time. Not since before he lost his parents.

As Jaken opened the door and prepared to greet his patient enthusiastically, his eyes fell upon the empty bed and he gasped, dropping the tray of food.

"Gah! Kurama!" He frantically began looking around the room, going so far as to look under the bed. "Kurama! Where are you, you stupid kitsune!"

"Is something wrong, Jaken?"

The smooth deep voice froze Jaken and he didn't turn to face his lord. He fidgeted with his hands and he could feel the sweat trickling down his forehead.

"Um….well, I don't really know yet, my Lord. You see, I came to deliver breakfast but Kurama….well, he's…..gone."

Sessho-maru held the chuckle in check that wanted to escape but not the smile. Jaken was not aware of the purpose of the charm that Kurama wore and Sessho-maru was enjoying the fact that the toad youkai seemed genuinely concerned about Kurama's whereabouts. He is affecting everyone it seems.

"Do not worry yourself, Jaken. I will go find him."

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It didn't take long for Sessho-maru to find Kurama. However, he was not happy with what he found. The kitsune had managed to make his way up to the next level to Sessho-maru's study and out onto the large balcony. But lacking his normal strength, he only made it past the doorway where he apparently collapsed from exhaustion.

Sessho-maru approached the kitsune and looked down to see golden eyes glaring at him. He couldn't help the satisfied chuckle.

"Don't you dare say a word."

"Whatever could I possibly have to say, Kurama?"

Kurama felt his cheeks getting warm as he heard the playfully mocking tone of the inu who was reaching down to assist him.

"You're a grown, albeit stubborn kitsune who is capable of making his own decisions."

Sessho-maru helped Kurama to his feet and over to the balcony ledge where he knew Kurama liked to stretch out and relax. This was as close as Jaken would allow Kurama to the outdoors until he was completely healed. And Sessho-maru was pretty sure the toad's reasoning had more to do with wanting someone around to fuss over than Kurama's actual wellbeing.

"I am assuming this was your original destination?"

Kurama eyed the inu suspiciously as he was helped, much to his embarrassment, up onto the ledge. He had wanted to see the sunrise from the balcony but never made it in time. But even now, the view was beautiful and calming.

"I'll have Jaken bring your breakfast here. I'm afraid you gave the poor thing a terrible fright by disappearing."

"Really? What about you?"

Sessho-maru stopped just as he entered the study and turned back to face Kurama. Of course he knew that Kurama couldn't just leave because of the charm around his neck. But when he'd seen that blade piece Kurama, he'd been faced with the real possibility of losing him and an intense pain stabbed at his heart. Even now, just thinking back to that moment Sessho-maru still felt that pain. Yes, Kurama. I am scared of losing you.

Kurama watched Sessho-maru turn away and disappear without a word and he bit his tongue to keep from shouting after the inu. You coward! Say it! Kurama saw it. He saw the fear in those golden eyes. Just like that night. He feels it too. But he turned away from me. What is he still scared of?

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They had eaten breakfast together then Sessho-maru left him to rest on the balcony while he retreated to the study to sift through several scrolls on his desk. Kurama listened to the birds and inhaled the fresh air and gazed up at the puffy white clouds floating by but none of them served as a strong enough distraction. Always, Sessho-maru would come to the forefront of his mind and he would get this intense flutter in his stomach.

Finally, after hours of fruitless attempts at relaxing, Kurama got up from the ledge with a growl. I'll make him tell me what's in that head of his! I'll hound him just like Jaken until he can't stand it anymore and finally tells me how he feels!

But as he walked into the study he was shocked by what he saw. Sessho-maru was nowhere to be found. When did he leave? Why didn't he tell me?

Kurama began the seemingly long journey back to his room, his frustration helping to bolster his energy and stamina. Once there, he burst into the room and collapsed on his bed with a huff. As he lay there, eyelids getting heavy with the exertion, his nose picked up a pleasant, but unexpected scent. He opened his eyes and rolled over, looking out into his room to find plants and flowers scattered throughout. He sat up and gazed in wonder.

"Who….?"

He reached out for a vase of lavender flowers that he missed sitting at his bedside when he first threw himself into his bed. He chose a choice bloom and brought it up to his nose, inhaling deeply. He didn't know the name of the flower, but it had become one of his favorites since arriving in this world. But they don't grow around here. Where did they come from?

"Oh good, you're back. It saves me the trouble of looking for you."

"Jaken. Where did all these flowers come from?"

The toad youkai sniffed and spared Kurama a dismissive look before reaching out for his hand. He closed his eyes and concentrated, using his energy to examine Kurama's health. After a few minutes he released Kurama's hand and scowled at the kitsune.

"Your little excursion this morning has put a strain on your ribs, you stubborn kitsune!"

"Speaking of which, I'm sorry for this morning. I didn't mean to worry you."

"Worry me! You didn't worry me! I have better things to occupy my time than you!"

Kurama stifled the laugh that bubbled up as he observed the flustered youkai wander around his room making imaginary adjustments to the various arrangements of flowers.

"Jaken. You never answered my question. Where did all these flowers come from?"

Jaken turned to face Kurama, his voice reaching a new pitch of exasperation. "Why must you question everything?"

"But, I---"

"I don't know everything that goes on around here. I just do what I'm told. Now shut up and rest!"

Kurama opened and closed his mouth twice before finally snapping it shut. Jaken looked back and sighed. "All I know is that it seemed pretty important to my Lord that you be surrounded by all these plants and flowers."

The door closed quietly and Kurama remained awake for most of the evening, twirling the lavender bloom wondering what could have possessed Sessho-maru to such an act. When he finally gave in and snuggled down into his bed to sleep, he drifted off with a smile on his face.

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Sessho-maru silently opened the door and only took a few steps into the room to gaze upon the sleeping figure. There was no light but he could see the peaceful face nestled in the silvery white hair, a pale bloom tucked behind one ear. A ghost of a smile passed across the inu's lips at the satisfaction of having his gesture appreciated. He knew Kurama was getting frustrated at not being able to do the things he normally did and one of them was to sit for hours in the small garden that Sessho-maru had long ago deemed Kurama's own. So he had given Kurama a temporary garden. Sessho-maru spared one more moment of voyeurism before leaving as silently as he entered. Sleep well, Kurama.

To be continued….