001. one year later

[hanikamu]

[The trees are clouds of pink and purple in the spring, wisps of petals whisked into the air by gentle winds as three of Karteria's foxes look for a spot in the park. Niki said today would be a good day for a picnic, and the other two were more than eager to have a nice picnic under the city's blossoming canopy. After Rinne lays down the mat and Niki lays out their meal, Takasugi plays a nostalgic song or two before Rinne applauds him with a loud,]

Gyahaha! Woooo! [The white wine in his cup sloshes around, spilling off the paper rim.] That's our Prez for ya! You sure know how to set the mood under the cherry blossoms, huh?

[The mood that Rinne ruined with his drunken cheering, probably.]

S'too bad Niki can't join in on our fun... I bet he'll like my super Rinne-kun surprise, though!

[He hooks an arm around Niki and gives him a tight hug! Or chokes him, if we're being honest about it.]

Comments

[hanabee]

[It really does feel like Takasugi has a completely different idea of what's happening here!]

Do you mean a den?

[Even so, Niki gives him the benefit of the doubt, letting him guide his arm. He doesn't have to, but it's cute that he's trying to help or be involved, or whatever this is. Niki brings the towel to his left ear and gently wipes the outer edge of it. He's cleaned Rinne's ears for him plenty of times before, and it's clear in the certainty of his touch. He never presses too hard, and he never gets too close to the inside of his ear.]

Don't worry, Prez. You probably won't even feel it. [After he wipes down his ear, Niki grabs a piece of ice between clawed fingers and brings that to his skin.] I'll treat you as gently as a baby egg~.

[Of course, Niki's not a professional, so it doesn't even occur to him to explain what he's doing. Takasugi probably won't remember all the finer details anyway, he thinks.]

[hanikamu]

[ Rinne snorts. ] Why's he gotta be food to make ya gentle?

[ Rinne has drunk two glasses of water by now. There's a languid quality in his gait as he approaches the bed, and he quirks his lip in amusement at every little thing they say, but Niki knows that's normal. Rinne is sober enough. ]

While we're at it, I'm pretty sure Shinsaku remembers what foxes do in dens whenever they make 'em.

[ The mattress sinks with every crawl of his knees. Soon, Rinne is above Takasugi again, his striking blue eyes on the careful preparation of the untouched ear. His gaze then shifts to its owner, commanding all attention — a distraction for the hand that gingerly wraps around Takasugi's own. ]

You should be glad it's Niki. He's real good at everything I tell him to do, whether he puts it in or takes it.

[takasugi]

Is that so?

( his gaze doesn't waver, all that blue swimming in a pool of pink that starts to lose its light. )

I wasn't aware you liked them so obedient, or that Shiina-kun would be so willing to listen through his persistence, for all he keeps trying to take me by the mouth.

( he angles his knee flat against the bed, only to then toss it against the thick muscle of rinne's side. it's a pretty weak move, all things considered. )

I'll keep that in mind.

( put flatly, even if takasugi doesn't try to wiggle his hand out of rinne's grip. )

[hanabee]

[aaaaAAAAA?? Niki's grip on the ice falters and it slips out of his fingers. His face is suddenly really hot!]

You did not have to say it like that. [Oh my god.] Can we go back to talking about stabbing, actually?

[This isn't really anything new for Niki, hearing Rinne say things like this in front of others. He's done it for years, even long before it was actually true. But it still flusters him just as much as the first time he heard him talk like that. Ahh!]

And what are you taking shots at me for, Prez? I'm totally innocent here! Besides, my stomach's still full, so there's nothing to worry about, I promise.

["What does his stomach have to do with it." Well, you know...

Niki lightly touches a needle to the skin in the same spot where the ice was.]

Do you feel anything?

[takasugi]

( good question. )

... Cold. Mostly cold.

( is this where he gets stuck? is it about to happen?

takasugi stiffens on reflex, and maybe it'd be easier to be ready for this if he could see it. or is it that it's supposed to hurt less when you can't? he doesn't know. he doesn't know as he's only done it on his own, like all planning, like even building a city in a completely different time period for a completely different result. for a man like himself to rely on others like this, was... takasugi tilts his head slightly so he doesn't have to look up, bangs falling gently. he curls his fingers inwards against his palm. )

I can just barely tell there's something drawing against the skin. But there are two ears you're doing, so you might as well get on with it before it wears off.

[hanikamu]

[Okay. Rinne deserved that. People usually aren't into him when he says these things. A pang of jealousy strikes him when Takasugi counters, the ache pricking his heart. He knows Niki can't help what he feels, though. No one can. When a samurai like Takasugi flinches in the face of a needle, it's only natural. He can't help that either.

Rinne grips his hand tighter.]

Eyes up here, Shinsaku. If Niki wants to eat ya up, that just means you're tastier than me. Even after everything you've been through, you still melt in our mouths. In my hometown, that's a compliment.

[Rinne hopes Niki knows what Rinne's doing. Niki will need Takasugi calm if they both want to get this over with.]

You ever been up north?

[takasugi]

No.

( funny, how the only thing that threatens to sober him is his own jealousy. the irritation he's loathe to show at any time, or even hint at its real intensity. )

Though there were plenty I knew who would eventually go as far as Hakodate, I didn't have the leeway or a reason to want to travel such a distance. Which is almost laughable, considering I had more freedom than most, for all I did what I wanted at my own expense. The war hadn't advanced that far yet at the time, and I...

( there's a pause, all the things he shouldn't say bouncing around in his head. "i was dead by the time they went there," isn't exactly appropriate in the face of two who were doing him a favor. the two who had taught him how to dance on their own terms, had brought him into the fold of their tighter bond and let him linger. so takasugi quits being stubborn, pressing his fingertips against rinne's palm as if to beg for a little squeeze. he tilts his gaze back, no longer being a complete brat as to say... )

I want to see a bear. A really, really big one.

( yep. he's still tipsy. )

[hanabee]

["Just do it," he says? Well, okay. Niki grabs a cork stopper from one of their bottles earlier and presses it behind Takasugi's ear. Then, he positions the needle in a good spot...

Takasugi doesn't finish his thought about travel, but the implication is clear, especially for Niki, given what he'd witnessed. A certain image flashes in his mind when he remembers it, but he shelves that thought just as quickly as Takasugi does. A distraction isn't much of a distraction if he just ends up stressed about something else.

So, instead...]

Oh, I wanna see a bear, too~. [He replies casually. And, just as casually as he agrees, he pokes the needle through his skin without warning. It's much easier to do with their fox ears than it had been with their human ones, back in the day.] They say bear meat is a pretty good source of protein, but it's not too easy to get your hands on most of the time.

[He's already planning to eat it!!]

[hanikamu]

[ Well, if Niki's going to talk about it like that... ]

Been a while since I've hunted bear. I ain't too keen on killing what we won't eat, but seeing one's gonna be a new thing for you guys. If you wanna see one here, I'll do some research and figure something out.

[ His grip on Takasugi's hand is tight. If Takasugi needs the strength to persevere, Rinne will gladly give it to him. Getting his ears pierced isn't a big deal. He should let Niki and Rinne handle this and take it easy. ]

[takasugi]

Did you use a bow? Like, one you carved yourself?

( he's successfully distracted now. no worries.

the only worry is, past the clean stab thanks to niki's piercing skills, the site stains red. the blood isn't clotting properly, and while bleeding is fairly normal for this kind of thing, a wipe or two of towel only reveals more blood at the puncture point. takasugi can smell it, but his brain isn't quite focused on where it's coming from just yet.

it's a good smell, anyhow. blood always tickles his nose with longing. makes him hungry. )

Because that's all pretty cool to think about. Bears are so huge... it'd be fun to get in a suit and try to wrestle one, maybe. Without hurting it, I guess. Though... I bet the three of us could handle a bear barehanded.

[hanabee]

[Niki's about to reassure Rinne that no part of the bear will go to waste, but...

He wipes the spot where the blood appears, the towel under his thumb, and then he wipes it again, and...

Why won't he stop bleeding... It hadn't been this bad with him or Rinne... This is definitely different!]

I wanna eat a bear...

[He's not following the conversation anymore. What should he do? He's not a doctor, and all he really knows about the human body is related to food. Hmm... This might be a problem!]

1/2

[hanikamu]

[Then they need to solve it.]

2/2

[hanikamu]

Yeah, me too. Ain't got time to carve a bow, though...

[Rinne shifts, leaning in and upward, hovering over Takasugi like a predator savoring the scent of his prey. They can't let Takasugi know the danger until they've tried to stop it, so they have to be quick. A firm squeeze and tug of Niki's wrist tells him to move his hand aside. When he does, Rinne's hot breath tickles the inside of Takasugi's ear as the smell of blood washes over him like a thick, heady haze. It's enough to make anyone go crazy.]

Kyaha!

[That's fine, though. Anything to save Takasugi.]

Tell me when to stop, Niki. Sometimes I just can't help myself!

[Without warning, he closes his lips around the bleeding spot and starts to suck. Then, a sweet sigh. Then, a hungry moan. Between each smack of his lips, he laps at the wound with wet, hot licks, determined not to waste a drop.]

[takasugi]

—?!

( as the flickering heat of a tongue claims his ear, takasugi freezes. he's stiff, knowing that this, at least, shouldn't be happening, a warmth climbing up his neck for every hot puff of air that seeks to clean the site. as his body broadens in a way that shamefully reminds him of where they are and what they're doing, takasugi struggles not to squirm. not to make a single sound, pushing canines against the thin of his bottom lip. everything draws in tight, the wound blooming wet as the skin starts to itch in a way that he's felt before, the sensation meant to stop pain rather than breed it.

his peach gaze drifts upward, and rather than avoiding niki's eyes, he struggles. almost like he's pleading for something. )

[hanabee]

[AHHHHH. Niki was trying very hard to act like everything was fine, but this is totally the opposite of that! This isn't fine at all!]

Um, like, now? Your mouth is full of germs, Rinne-kun. Please don't put it on an open wound.

[Oh my god. It's so gonna get infected. They're gonna ruin Takasugi's cute, fluffy ears and it's all Niki's fault!]

Sorry about him, Prez. [He's sure he doesn't have a problem with what Rinne's doing, but it's probably worrying, all things considered! So, Niki explains:] It's just, uh... You're kinda bleeding a little more than I expected. But it'll be okay.

[P... Probably. Probably!! He's trying really hard to stay cool about this, but deep down, he's a little worried that Takasugi's fears are actually coming true here!]

[hanikamu]

[ Rinne complies. A pool of red shines on his tongue before he swallows it down. What first looked like hunger has now turned into worry. Still, he strokes Takasugi's hair all the same, taming the safflower-colored strands until he can tame this wound. ]

The imprint's not working, [ he notes in a voice barely above a whisper. This never happened before. The only difference this time was— ] We shoulda done this sober.

[ He remembers reading about it in books. Alcohol thins the blood. That's why his wounds bleed more when he's drunk. He apologized so much the one night he stumbled into Niki's apartment and bled on his shirt... ]

Shinsaku, sit up. Niki, get me a towel. Let's stop the blood first.

[ Gone is the playful lilt in Rinne's tone. They're well past pretending everything is fine. Nothing bad will happen, though. Rinne should earn Takasugi's trust to believe in that much. ]

[takasugi]

( it's nice that they're both trying not to panic.

especially when all that was on takasugi's mind was to still the pleasure burning bright through his body, chest labouring for the way those sticky moans of blood being lapped up directly from the puncture point made him feel. they were all well beyond normal at this point, truly, but he could at least try. this isn't the time and place for thoughts like that, anyhow.

takasugi claws at the air, sitting up as he's told. the room spins lightly at first, bed creaking, but he's used to this: being surrounded by those trying to swallow their dignity as something about him goes wrong. )

Everything will be fine.

( a quick, sleepy gaze to check on niki. a reach and a pat alongside rinne's back, reassuring. )

Just take it slow. You've done this before. I'm holding still as possible, ... besides.

( if words of confidence will help, takasugi will deliver them in spades. )

[hanabee]

Nahaha... [He kinda wants to die right now!! But he still tries his best to smile.] You're right. It'll be fine. I was just surprised, that's all. But thanks for the vote of confidence, Prez.

[He offers Rinne a clean towel. While he takes care of that, Niki will pour a glass of water for Takasugi, too. It's a little too late, though... Teehee.]

I'd like you to keep as much of your blood as possible, so I'll try to be more careful. It's a good thing you're with us! We'll take good care of you. ♪

[He doesn't need to say all that. Takasugi doesn't seem worried... But he still wants to try and help them relax, both of them.]

Can you give me the earring, Rinne-kun?

[hanikamu]

Here.

[Rinne gives Niki the box, a little rushed. He quickly takes the towel right after, pinching the earlobe with it. He'll keep his hand here until the bleeding stops. Rinne feels stupid for letting Takasugi have his way, but it's nothing Takasugi would want to hear, so he stays quiet.]

It ain't your fault, Niki. I think the alcohol just made him bleed more. [Gently, he combs Takasugi's hair back in place, fondness clear in his eyes. This only happened because Takasugi was so eager. Rinne can't even blame him for it.] We'll get this done in a minute, Shinsaku. Niki's just getting ya some water.

[takasugi]

( water...

well, that figures. everyone is being so gentle, but. shouldn't the blame lie with takasugi for being so overzealous in the first place? they won't even admonish him for his habits, now that he realizes more properly just what's going on beyond the sudden assault on his ear. beneath the towel, the red starts to thicken and clot. the pierced flesh of his ear is warm, but at least the bleeding has finally stopped. he glances almost sheepishly up at rinne beneath tired lashes. )

It's my bad, Amagi-kun. For making your special gift turn out like this...

( takasugi, admitting he's in the wrong! agents of patho-gen will start raining from the sky soon. )

I can't ever seem to give the two of you a decent memory. If I had a little more self-awareness, then maybe.... or, no. I won't say anything stupid, for all I made you give me a reward you couldn't even enjoy. I'm just excited you're both going to be bound to me. That's all.

( he won't whine. but he kind of wishes he would... wishes he could. even while causing all this trouble, takasugi can't show that sort of frailty so easily. )

[hanikamu]

[Their boss can't be this cute. When was the last time Takasugi ever apologized for anything fun?

The look in Rinne's eyes softens, and he lets go of Takasugi's ear to set the towel aside and hold Takasugi's hand in both of his. Rinne's smile is usually sharp and oozing with confidence, but within the four corners of this room, it is gentle and warm.]

It's fine. What're you being so cute for? Don't even worry about it. If we didn't wanna do it, then we wouldn't even be here. Right, Niki?

[hanabee]

[Seriously, how is their boss this cute?! Niki's still a little flustered about nearly disfiguring(?!) Takasugi, but he holds out a glass of water for him despite that.]

Yeah, what are you apologizing for, Prez? [With that done, Niki busies himself with cleaning his hands on another towel. Then, he picks out one of the earrings.] If anything, this just kinda makes it even more memorable. It'll be pretty funny when we look back on this in a few months and remember how you bled all over me.

[It wasn't that bad. Maybe that's not the most reassuring kind of joke, either. Still...]

I probably should have been more thoughtful, too. [Sincerely. This is why he prefers not to tackle things outside of his area of expertise! But this isn't about that right now. All he can do is try to move forward, and...] But I'm just glad that you're excited about this. That makes me really happy. I'm excited about it, too~♪.

[While he talks, he reaches for Takasugi's ear again. Let's see... If the bleeding wasn't keen to stop, even despite the imprint, hopefully that means the hole is still open, too, so he can stick this earring in...]

[takasugi]

It's not cute.

( immediate, instant denial.

but he'll take the water and sip. imagine having designated drivers for any situation ever. though kusaka, ... he... no. no, let's not think about that right now.

the earring pushes through with a little effort, the leftover cool of the ice cube and his own want to calm down and get this over for their sake with making it easier. a bit of blood crusts on the edges of his ear, but it's nothing that another wipe of the towel can't handle. takasugi sits rigid and still, almost submissive(ly) so as to not interrupt their work. or maybe it's just to avoid showing any embarrassment over his hand being held like a child, when that embarrassment is coupled with joy. still, shinsaku. stay still. )

But when we're done, I'll get to look at this... every day. So. You're right. Before being summoned here, I was just magical energy, and... you could say my earrings weren't real in a sense. They were just whatever I wanted them to be, however I wanted them to be. This is tangible.

( another sip. it isn't often that he talks about not being a real boy, but they've long seemed to just accept whatever comes out his mouth. )

I can put the rest on later to match. Save my cute subordinates another scare, and sober up some.

[hanikamu]

[The reminder of Takasugi's origins makes Rinne's heart ache, but now's not the time to be overly sentimental. Takasugi is alive now. They should celebrate that.

Rinne's firm grip slides up from the samurai's hand to his bony wrist.]

Hold it, Prez. We ain't done yet.

[With a knowing smirk, he nods at Niki. His partner remembers Takasugi's reward, right?]

[hanabee]

[Takasugi says a lot of things that Niki doesn't quite understand, and while he is curious, the details of that aren't too important right now. What does matter is that Takasugi finds this gesture meaningful, and if he's happy about that, then Niki's sure Rinne will be happy, too. It's such a little thing... but it's another thing they all share, and really, that makes Niki feel satisfied, too.]

You don't need to go so easy on us, Prez. We can handle it. It's probably better if you don't bleed out, though...

[He's pretty sure that wouldn't happen. Still, for Takasugi's sake, it is probably better if they wait a little longer for the rest. Blood is so messy to clean up, and it's also... way, way too appetizing.]

A deal's a deal. Prez has been a really good boy, so he deserves a prize. [He waves a hand dismissively.] I'll let it slide this time.

["This time," like he hasn't let every single thing that's happened since he moved in with them slide!]