Two more weeks passed and Ikkaku was in top shape. Better than he's ever been in fact, that he decided to go and explore the forbidden mountain.
Yumichika was going to be out all day today, which was perfect; the smaller male never allowed Ikkaku to go off and wander too far away from the cabin.
It bugged Ikkaku that whenever he asked he wouldn't be told why, just that it's dangerous and that he wasn't allowed to be here in the first place— no human soul was.
Ikkaku wasn't the pushy type, so he never asked too many questions.
Ikkaku came to realize just how many spirits occupied the mountain. Most of them lived in the thousands of years old tree roots peeking out of the ground. Others were living underground or in rocks. But Ikkaku had a notion in his head that spirits weren't all supposed to be this little.
The spirits are known to be powerful beings, which didn't seem to be the case as far as Ikkaku could see. They were all cute little things that looked like they could barely defend themselves.
He decided to save that question until Yumichika came back.
Ikkaku had a pretty good Idea why the spirits were keeping the mountain for themselves as he ventured further to the opposite side of the mountain.
It was breathtaking. There were trees larger than he's ever seen during his travels, Flowers enough for someone to make a business out of, animals that were usually consumed just ran freely in the open. It was paradise mountain that's what it was.
But currently, Ikkaku had his eyes on the juicy looking fruits hanging from tree branches that he was just dying to taste.
The bald man placed his staff down and started climbing the tree. The skin of his palms was so rough due to hundreds of years of sparring and hard labor and definitely too rough for splinters.
It's been a while since Ikkaku had to climb something and he was just now getting reintroduced to the best method to climb.
The spirits occupying said tree didn't make it an easy task for him either; hissing and growling at him, aiming fruit seeds at his bald head to interrupted his climbing.
"Ya little punks better watch yourselves!" to which he only received incoherent complaints and tongues poking out.
Ikkaku was getting so close to the juicy goodness, stretching his arm as far as he could before he was bitten by one of the spirits on the calf, causing him to break the tree branch and fall jaw first on the ground.
"That's it ya fuckers!"
To say that he spent the entire afternoon chasing after the spirits would be an understatement.
Yumichika was glad to finally be home. He was very much looking forward to take a shower, eat dinner and chat with Ikkaku about his day.
And since he had the day off tomorrow, he was also looking forward to sparring with Ikkaku in the morning. It was only a week ago when Ikkaku proposed to Yumichika his idea of "fun".
Yumichika was utterly surprised to find out how much he enjoyed it. Fighting, sweating and letting off steam with Ikkaku— who would've thought, Yumichika the delicate, vain one to be such a brute on the inside.
And surely enough, the raven knew how to fight just as Ikkaku suspected. But actually enjoying such a savage act— Yumichika wasn't sure if it was Ikkaku's influence or a newly discovered hobby, but he was thankful for how much relief he didn't realized fighting brought him.
When Yumichika neared the cabin he could feel Hekma calling him. The calling always felt like invisible strings tugging and pulling on his body. A constant reminded of his bond with the ancient spirit.
Yumichika was wary when approaching the spirit. She rarely ever called for him unless it was very important.
He had a million thoughts crashing in his head. Mainly about the Qurban and Ikkaku. There was always room for doubt in Yumichika's head, and a month of being with the guy wasn't going to change that.
Hekma was smiling sympathetically when Yumichika approached. Similar to how a parent would when they're about to break some bad news to their child.
"what is it?" Yumichika wasn't wasting any time. He knew he was up for some bad news.
"calm down young man. You're stiffer than me." Hekma scolded softly. Yumichika had a habit of being anxious and demanding sometimes he forgot whom he was speaking with.
Yumichika let out a grunt of frustration; he couldn't handle being teased right now.
"don't do this to me Hekma," Yumichika whined. He just wanted to know what happened.
"It's about your companion." Of course it was. What else could it be about.
"and?"
"He went to the other side of the mountain."
Yumichika entered the cabin calmly. Lowering his cart down, and slipping off his getas.
His presence was acknowledged with a simple 'Welcome home Yumi' and that was it, as the spirits were gathered around the kotatsu, too focused on their game of cards.
"Ikkaku can we talk?" Yumichika started slowly.
Ikkaku took note of the smaller man's serious tone and sighed, dropping his cards on the wooden surface. "Alright guys, time ta beat it."
After the last spirit left, Yumichika immediately closed the door and glared at the bald man. "I can't believe this-"
"here we go."
"I thought I've made it abundantly clear! You are not to go to the other side ever!"
"so that hag snitched on me again-"
"Hekma keeps watch over you incase you don't listen to my instructions and you never listen!"
"ya keep naggin' like a woman, it's annoyin'."
Oh how Yumichika wanted to punch the man. "Ikkaku you need to tell me what happened there. Did you run into any trouble? Did you draw attention to yourself? Did-"
Suddenly, as if Yumichika's hands weren't full enough, the cabin door opened up abruptly, revealing a wide-eyed Bonzo.
Yumichika had been startled at the sudden interruption, making him unconsciously step back until he was next to Ikkaku who was now up on his feet, just as startled as Yumichika.
Bonzo's wide red gaze travelled between Yumichika and the unfamiliar man.
"the- the human!" Bonzo said pointedly.
Yumichika had no idea what to do or say at this point. As far as they care he just proved their suspicions right. Everything he's worked so hard to prove wrong.
"who the fuck are ya?" Ikkaku was utterly clueless. Who did that guy think he was? Barging in here and talking to him like that.
"Bonzo-" Yumichika tried.
"So it's true. You are sheltering a human." Bonzo smacked the door shut for effect.
"Yumichika ya know this guy?" Ikkaku knew Yumichika probably knows the beast. And judging from the raven's expression— not a very pleasant acquaintance.
Yumichika was now quiet. His gaze fixed on his feet.
"I shouldn't be surprised." Bonzo laughed bitterly, "This is exactly what's to be expected of a human. Unacceptable."
Ikkaku had no idea why Yumichika wasn't firing back at their intruder. He was despicable with his patronizing gaze and accusations. Ikkaku was starting to get annoyed.
Ikkaku ignored the menace by the door for now; he needed to get Yumichika to speak first. "hey, Yumichika" he said, placing a large, soothing hand on Yumichika's shoulder. "ya good?"
"That boy knows he's not. He's ashamed just as he should be." Bonzo said before his eyes traveled over Ikkau's frame and then adding, "could've at least brought someone with hair on his head."
Ikkaku blinked at the large spirit twice before huffing, "That's it, I'm getting my naginata."
Just then Yumichika moved, grabbing Ikkaku's arm to stop him. "no. we're going to talk like civilized beings."
"what's there to talk about? This human was running around like a savage attacking our kind and threatening to kill them." Bonzo had a look of disbelief on his face. As if he couldn't believe that the smaller man was actually trying to argue about this.
"I can't believe Hekma allowed this." Bonzo sighed.
"Hekma trusts me and my judgment!" Yumichika didn't want Hekma brought into this. Besides her believing in him, she's also a very old and wise spirit. Bonzo should be more careful when questioning her judgments.
Bonzo narrowed his eyes at Yumichika, "what about him?" the beast-like creature then turned his gaze to Ikkaku, "does she trust him?"
Ikkaku was about to speak, to say he didn't care what they had to hide or whatever it is everyone seemed to be so terrified about. But when he saw the way the smaller man was looking at him, all words and thoughts went out the window. There was a small moment of uncertainty that was quickly replaced with a determined expression.
"I trust him."
Ikkaku knew that statement wasn't true. Not when Yumichika still had Hekma keeping watch over his every move whenever the smaller man wasn't there. But for the sake of appearances, Ikkaku shrugged and threw a smug look at Bonzo before saying, "I'mma trust worthy guy."
Bonzo just looked appalled and angry. There was no way the spirit was allowing this. That much Yumichika knew. But he needed to not appear reckless in the very least which he definitely was.
"Three days. Three days and the human is gone." Bonzo said. His tone suggested no room for argument.
"I don't think you need me to tell you the 'Ifs' kid." Bonzo's red eyes were intense on Yumichika, full of threat.
"You humans disgust me." And with that, the spirit left the cabin. Leaving both males alone, downing the latest event in silence.
Ikkaku scoffed. Threats were as good as promises to him. He loved a good challenge, and that Bonzo sure looked like a fun challenge. But the way he spoke to Yumichika— it was so patronizing and demeaning, as if he were an unwanted outsider, the burden child, the itch that never goes away. No wonder the raven was so cautious and had his guard up all the time.
"what crawled up his ass?" Ikkaku mocked before looking in the younger man's direction. Yumichika was visibly fuming— his lithe body was shaking with frustration. "Yumichika-"
"Despicable, revolting, vile, ugly beast!" Yumichika was a whirlwind, kicking and breaking whatever was in front of him. He didn't know how else to release his pent up anger. He felt like he was a failure. Like whatever he does it's going to end up being the wrong thing.
Ikkaku didn't expect this from the dainty man. But he wasn't surprised. Ikkaku was smart enough to notice just how much Yumichika was keeping to himself. The only human on this mountain full of spirits. The black sheep.
So Ikkaku let him have his tantrum for a few seconds more before deciding to stop him lest he hurts himself.
"That's enough." Ikkaku tried
But of course Yumichika wouldn't listen. No— couldn't listen over his rage. His hearing trapped inside of his head for the moment.
"hey— hey!" Ikkaku then grabbed the smaller man from behind. Wrapping an arm around his middle and trapping his arms to his side, while his free hand kept a firm grip on Yumichika's hip.
Yumichika struggled for a short while before giving up and going slack in Ikkaku's hold, chest heaving as he struggled to bring his breathing back to normal. He had his head leaned back on the larger man's shoulder, his usually graceful features were now scrunched into a frown.
"It's all.. Your fault." Yumichika said between breaths.
Ikkaku couldn't help but chuckle. Even in a situation like this, the younger man was still trying to avoid any questioning on Ikkaku's part. He was clever about it too; deterring and shifting Ikkaku's attention to himself by blaming him rather than allowing Ikkaku time to ask any questions.
"Is it?" Ikkaku said in a low voice, humoring the smaller man.
Yumichika let out small "mhm." —it was about all he could muster at the moment.
He was slowly realizing his current situation, the way the older man was holding him, his hot, even breathing on his cheek, the slight rumbling in his broad chest when he spoke, his warmth, his presence— it was comforting.
So unbearably comforting that Yumichika wanted to punch the guy. It really was his fault that he was caught sheltering a human. And now Ikkaku was getting off easy— He really wanted to punch him now.
"I just really want to hurt you right now." Yumichika admitted.
Ikkaku raised an eyebrow at that, "tell ya what then," Ikkaku said, slowly letting go of Yumichika and turning him around to face him.
"let's fight." Ikkaku grinned. "fightin' is good for the nerves."
Yumichika sighed. Ikkaku was an insensitive brute. And Yumichika couldn't believe he was accepting his suggestion.
"damn man," Ikkaku was out of breath. That Yumichika was really something, wearing him out like that. They've been fighting for hours now and Yumichika wasn't letting out. He had crazy stamina when he got heated, Ikkaku noted.
"ya done?" Ikkaku asked, looking up at Yumichika who was now straddling him, pressing the end of his staff to the taller man's throat.
"that depends," Yumichika smirked at the man beneath him, "am I allowed to crush your throat?"
Oh? Bloodthirsty huh? Ikkaku couldn't stop grinning for the life of him. All he could do was cross his arms behind his head and grin up at the man above him. Even tilting his chin up a little bit, exposing his neck more for the smaller man, challenging him.
Yumichika simply scoffed. Dropping himself next to the bald man and gazing up at the stars. Ikkaku was right; the physical exertion did him well. He felt calmer now.
Ikkaku almost couldn't believe the amount of power the smaller man possessed. He would've gotten upset about losing without being finished off by his opponent, but this didn't really feel like defeat. No, this was just them being playful. A physical practice meant to take the edge off his frien- no, not that. -his host.
Ikkaku knew something was up with the mountain. Something that wasn't his business. but he could tell, it's as if he were a blind man that could feel the shine of the sun but not see it. He had no idea why that Bonzo guy hated humans and he had no idea why humans weren't allowed up here. and he wasn't trying to give himself excuses because god forbid he's feeling guilty- nope. But if only Yumichika had said something- anything- then maybe he would've been more careful. But then again, maybe he should've just listened to Yumichika.
Although Ikkaku wouldn't admit it, he was grateful for the kindness Yumichika had shown him. It wasnt the first time he'd received kindness from a stranger, he had encountered some during his travels but non of them had something to lose when they chose to help him.
On the other hand, It seemed as if Yumichika had a lot to lose and yet, he still allowed him to stay. not just that, but he cooked for him, cleaned for him, trained with him, took care of his injuries for him no matter how much Ikkaku protested, He even tailored him up some clothes!
Now that Ikkaku was thinking about it- why was the smaller man doing all this? Maybe he was shy about asking Ikkaku to leave? Like one of those situations where you get yourself into something you cant get out of.
The bald man then glanced to his side to the subject of his thoughts to find him staring at him, eyes thoroughly studying him. "You get these hideous wrinkles on your nose when you're thinking too deep did you know that?"
'Nah, he aint the shy type.' Ikkaku thought, amused.
It seemed he overstayed his welcome.