Fandom Pride Parade Day 7: Indigo, Serenity, Worldwide
Izayoi bit her lip as she punched the last digit into her phone. It really wasn't a big deal, especially compared to the merger Kimiko was trying to set up in Milan, but this couldn't wait. Her phone didn't even get through an entire ring before the connection clicked open, the daiyoukai's voice sounding on the other end.
"I do not care what your opinion is. Fix it or find another job." The business tone was clipped, which Izayoi disliked, and she breathed a sigh of relief when the surrounding noise faded away. "I was not expecting you to call until later," she said.
"I know, I'm sorry—"
"I was not looking for an apology." There was a muffled question that was too far away for Izayoi to hear, and Kimiko growled in response before getting back on the phone. "Did you miss me that much?"
She flushed, then blurted, "There was an accident." There was a pause on the other end, and Izayoi checked to see if her phone was still connected, frowning at the device before putting it back to her ear. "Kimi?"
"I shall be on the next flight home."
Brown eyes widened. "There's no need—" But the line was already dead. She groaned, twirling a lock of hair around her finger in agitation. This is why she hadn't wanted to call in the first place. She'd known that Kimiko would cancel any and all plans the moment Touga got hurt.
Kimi never fussed outright, and although they'd all been mated for years, she acted differently around Touga than herself. Izayoi knew being added to the mix had upset their dynamic, but Kimi had never argued it outright, so Touga must have said something to convince her to let her stay.
Biting her lip again, she looked over at her sleeping mate. He'd told her not to call her, but she knew it would be worse if Kimi came home to find him laid up in a hospital bed. He'd only broken a leg, but putting it back into place properly had taken more time than they'd expected, so they were keeping him overnight just in case.
They didn't want his youkai healing kicking in too early, so they'd suppressed his youki, which was the only reason he was out cold in the first place. He hadn't fought them on it, had still been in good spirits even after they'd wheeled him into surgery.
She'd been a wreck.
Izayoi had barely kept herself from calling Kimi right then and there. It wasn't an emergency, but she'd still been worried.
She'd still wanted her there for support.
She sighed, checking her phone. It would likely be another twelve hours before Kimi showed up, so she forced herself to get up from her chair to find something to eat.
Izayoi looked up from her book, frowning at the commotion in the hallway. Touga's head tilted before his eyes widened, and turned her way. "You called Kimiko."
She flushed but nodded. "I had to. She would've been angrier if—"
He shook his head, waving off her apology. "Did you tell her who was in the accident?"
Her frown deepened as the noise got louder. "Why does that matter?"
He chuckled, a smirk touching his lips. "It matters, love." He leaned back against the headboard. "She's about to bite the head off of the head nurse."
Izayoi rolled her eyes. "Of course she is. She's worried about you." His raised eyebrow had her faltering a moment before Kimi burst into the room. She was dishevelled—more so than Izayoi could ever remember her being. Her hair was in a loose braid, several locks having come loose around the bottom.
It looked like she hadn't slept in weeks.
Izayoi rose from her chair, words of reassurance on the tip of her tongue, but Kimi cut her off. She grabbed her shoulders, forcing her back into her seat. "Do not get up. You need to rest." Touga chuckled again as Kimi inspected her, pulling at her arms and chin to turn her head from side to side.
Izayoi eventually grabbed her wrists, blinking owlishly. "I'm fine. Touga is the one who—" She motioned helplessly at the bed, and Kimi growled.
"How did he convince you to share the bed when you are injured?" She whirled on their mate. "You have the audacity to try something when she requires care?" She started pulling at the blankets covering his legs, and Izayoi suddenly realized the fuss Kimi had caused in the lobby was because she'd thought she was the one in the accident.
Heat bloomed in her heart, colour creeping into her cheeks a moment before she grabbed Kimi's face, kissing her soundly. Kimi tried to pull away, no doubt because of her misguided concern for her well-being, but Izayoi held firm, hands delving into her hair. Fingertips brushed the youkai's ears, and Kimi finally relaxed—and responded.
Her arms wrapped around Izayoi's waist, pulling her close. Izayoi hummed softly, her hands slowly moving to cup her face as she broke the kiss. "I'm alright."
Kimi's eyes narrowed. "You are sure?"
She let out a warbled laugh but nodded, kissing the moon on her mate's brow. "Thank you for getting here so quickly."
"As if I would let anything stand in my way." They smiled at each other, though Izayoi's was wider, enjoying the attention and proximity.
A snort sounded behind them, Touga's hands resting behind his head. "Do I get that kind of welcome, too? I'm the one who's injured."
Kimi's smile instantly vanished. "If you are hurt, it is likely your fault." She raised her nose at him, then tightened her arm around Izayoi's waist. "Come. We are both in need of a bath."
Touga's eyes widened as she led her toward the door. "You're seriously leaving me here?"
Kimi paused, flipping her braid over her shoulder. "Serious as a broken leg." Unable to help herself, the stress from dealing with the surgery finally ebbing, Izayoi burst into giggles, giving Touga an apologetic smile as Kimi tugged her into the hallway.
"I'm glad you're home," she admitted softly.
Kimi nuzzled her temple. "As often as my work requires me to travel outside the country, I do not actually enjoy being away from you."
Izayoi laid her head on the woman's shoulder. "I'm glad."