"How's your arm doing?"

Yuki's gentle voice jostled Kouga out his daydream; the wolf demon peers up at the teen, noting the concerned expression before he looked down at the gash on his arm. It was healing nicely thanks to Yuki's medical treatment, and Yuki's "gentle" coercion to rest. Kouga tried to explain to the teen that he was a demon, and he didn't need medical attention for such a puny wound, but Yuki was as stubborn as he, and insisted he rest for at least a few days. Kouga figured if it made him happy, he'd be willing to abide for a few days. Especially since things seemed to have gone back to what was considered normal in the tribe. The wolves reclaimed the land that the birds stole from them, and patrols went out daily without being attacked as badly as before.

"It's the same as it was yesterday, fine," Kouga replied, trying not to sound as annoyed as he felt. He wasn't annoyed at Yuki for worrying and taking care of him, but he's still sulking about how humiliating it was to get his ass saved by that half breed. He could smell human on the dog, it's an embarrassment for Koga to be saved by someone who's half mortal, "I told you not to worry anymore, didn't I?"

Yuki let out a sigh and sat down next to him on the fur palette, it was nighttime, the den was only lit by moonlight. Most of the wolves were asleep, some quietly murmuring amongst each other. He and Kouga were further back against the cave, in Kouga's private chambers, hidden from view from the tribe. Yuki sits close enough that their thighs' brush, and a rush of heat spreads throughout Kouga. He knew the teen probably did it unconsciously, but Kouga was only a demon and he has been holding back on his desires for, in his opinion, far too long.

"I know you're strong," Yuki's melodic voice drags Kouga out his fantasies, and he forces himself to pay attention again, "But that doesn't mean that you should push yourself, okay?"

Kouga nods in understanding, pretending like he wasn't imagining how Yuki's voice might sound in the heat of passion, moaning and whimpering under him, 'control yourself.'

"I told my tribe that they're no longer allowed to hunt humans."

Yuki looks up from his lap, hazel hues locking with Kouga's ocean blue eyes, "Y- You did? Why?"

Kouga shrugged, looking away from that beautiful gaze to look down at his lap for a moment, "You said you didn't approve of it, and after I thought about it, I decided that you're right. I'd have a problem with my kind being slaughtered too."

"K- Kouga…"

Kouga's head snapped up when he heard the tremor on Yuki's voice, his keen nose caught the scent of salt, "H- Hey you're crying?!" he quickly turns to fully face the human, hands up in surrender, "Don't cry, come on, what did I say wrong?"

"You didn't say anything wrong," Yuki wiped the tears on his eyelashes, he was smiling, "I'm just really happy. Happy that you're willing to change your ways for me. Thank you, Kouga."

Ba-dump

The statement was met with a comfortable silence, Kouga could feel heat rushing to his face, his heart hammering in his chest. He was unsure at first, but now he knew, he knew he loved this boy. He wanted to protect him at all costs, take care of him for the rest of his life. He was strong, and had a big heart.

"Yuki…"

Yuki looked back up at him, "Yes?" he was caught a bit off guard by the intensity in Kouga's eyes, they looked like cold fire. His breath hitches as Kouga cups his face with one hand, leaning close to him, so close that Yuki could feel his breath on his face, "K- Kou-"

Before he could get the words out, Kouga drew him closer and clashed their lips together. Yuki was surprised at how soft Kouga's lips were, his own lips part despite his doubts. He's never been kissed before, and he never thought that his first kiss would be taken by another man. The teen doesn't even try to resist, mesmerized by the feeling of Kouga's lips gently pressing against his own; the wolf was always so rough, which was why his nickname was 'brute'. But… Kouga kissed him with such tenderness.

Yuki snapped out his haze and pulled out the kiss, "Wait…" he murmurs, forehead pressed against Kouga's. This was all happening too fast, and Yuki didn't know how to process it. He didn't completely hate it, which was where his confusion was stemming from. Kouga's hands clutched Yuki's arms, preventing him from pulling away.

"You brute, you caught me off guard…" Yuki managed to detach their faces and lean back a bit, his cheeks blushing a bright red.

"Maybe, but you were enjoying yourself," Kouga replied, refusing to release his hold around Yuki's waist.

"Kouga- I-"

"It's okay," the wolf demon quickly reassured him, his hold on Yuki's waist loosening a bit as he continued, "I know, it came out of nowhere, I just… I've never been good at ignoring my desires."

Yuki blushes a deep red, he had no idea how to respond to that. The wolf demon smirks at his flustered expression, his left arm releases the teen's waist, his hand going up to cup Yuki's flushed cheek, "I love you, Yuki."

Yuki looked away, blush deepening, "St- Stop saying that."

"I'll say it however many times that I have to, until you fall for me," Kouga could feel in his heart that Yuki held a semblance of the same feelings for him, but he could see that the boy was not yet ready to accept it. He couldn't say that he understood why, but he needed Yuki by his side, the war proved that.

"Sleep with me tonight."

"K- KOUGA!"

"You fool, I don't mean it like that!" Now even Kouga's blushing, tanned skin stained red as he released him fully, "I meant sleep on my furs with me, brat!"

Yuki was a bit overwhelmed, just the thought of lying in bed with Kouga made him blush up to the tips of his ears, he didn't even respond to the flaccid insults, "Oh… I- I don't know…"

"Come on Yuki," Kouga's voice was like silk, pulling Yuki closer again, "I promise I'll keep you warm."

Yuki rolled his eyes, "You're not going to give up, are you?" he asks with a reserved sigh, hazel hues meeting blue.

"Nope."

"Fine," Yuki gave in, he was too tired to argue further with the demon, and he knew he'd end up doing what he wants anyways.

He wasn't too dissatisfied with the situation, as Kouga pulls him close against his chest and they lay down against the soft fur together. Yuki was sure the demon could hear the pounding of his heart, and perhaps he could hear the butterflies in his stomach as well. Kouga's hands stroke his back, his arms, and his hair. It sends shudders down Yuki's body every once in awhile, and the teen was sure that he's not getting any sleep tonight.

"Goodnight, my love."

Yuki blushed again, "Goodnight… Kouga…" he replies with his head buried in Kouga's chest, and despite how nervous he felt, he soon found himself drifting into a deep sleep.

A/N: consider this a "filler" chapter. Just a cute, short moment between these two before we get back to the actual plot. Hope you enjoyed the cuteness because i'm about to ruin it. Please review!