A Tale of Two Foxes: (Kogitsune X Mikazuki)

A Tale of Two Foxes - Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

Mikazuki pushed the linen cart down the hall, stopping at each Sword's room to collect their dirty clothes and bedding. He was on laundry duty and this was the ideal time for pick up since most of the inhabitants were either having breakfast or out for morning training.

When Mikazuki reached Kogitsune's room, he paused outside the door, his hand hovering above the knob. A wave of excitement and anxiety washed over him, and all the butterflies in his belly were suddenly desperate to escape.

Mikazuki liked Kogitsune. Not just as a friend, and not just as a comrade and brother-in-arms. He liked him more than that. Much more... He liked Kogitsune in the romantic sort of way; the way a girl likes a boy. It was the kind of like that involved hand-holding, stolen kisses and racing hearts. The kind of like that would ultimately evolve into love, transforming those gentle touches and hesitant kisses into passionate embraces and carnal desires. Mikazuki liked Kogitsune, but he could never tell him so...

Mikazuki turned the knob, pushing open the door and pulling the cart inside. The room was one of the larger ones in the house, and even though Kogitsune wasn't the most responsible Sword, he kept his room in immaculate condition. If Mikazuki had to guess, it was probably because Kogitsune never spent his nights alone.

Mikazuki let go of the cart, bending down to pick up a pair of white lace panties off the floor. They were tiny and feminine and most likely belonged to one of Kogitsune's temporary lovers. How lucky she was, Mikazuki thought, tossing the panties into the trashcan by the door.

Mikazuki moved to the bed, pulling off the soiled sheets and shoving them into the laundry bin. Reaching under the cart, he pulled out a fresh set, and dressed the bed with extra care. It was then he noticed a second pair of panties shoved under the bed, and a third trapped between the mattress and the frame. Mikazuki sent up a silent prayer, hoping he wouldn't find a fourth pair. He wasn't sure how much more his already broken heart could take.

Mikazuki had arrived at his master's house only recently, and despite his being what others would consider shy and standoffish, all of the Swords had accepted him with open arms.

In truth, Mikazuki was neither shy nor standoffish. He was, however, different, and that simple fact made it difficult for him to relate to any of his comrades. He wasn't loud or boisterous, and since he hated both alcohol and large crowds, he never went into town to drink and socialize. But what truly set him apart, what made him feel like a true outsider from the group, was his sexuality.

Unlike the other Swords, Mikazuki had no desire to find a woman to warm his bed at night. He didn't know how to sweet talk the opposite sex, nor did he want to learn. When his friends exchanged stories of their latest sexual conquests, Mikazuki would just smile and nod, and sometimes offer an awkward high five or half-hearted "good job." It wasn't that Mikazuki didn't appreciate the fairer sex. He found women to be exquisite creatures worthy of both praise and adoration. Just not from him.

Until now, Mikazuki had kept his sexuality secret from his fellow Swords, but not out of shame or fear of judgment. His friends would accept him regardless of his preferences, a truth he was absolutely certain of. But for Mikazuki, admitting his desires aloud would force him to face certain realities he himself wasn't ready to accept. One of them being his undeniable attraction to Kogitsune...

Mikazuki finished relatively quickly, pushing the cart towards the door to leave. On his way out, he noticed the closet door propped open. Even with the light off, Mikazuki could see the line of clothes hanging neatly in a row. Unable to resist, he released the cart and walked to closet.

He switched on the light and stepped through the wide doorframe. Lifting his hand, he walked down the line of clothes, gently running his fingertips across the fabric of each garment and savoring the feel of the soft woven threads. When he reached the end, he took hold of one of the sleeves and brought it to his lips. He placed a chaste kiss to the cuff before closing his eyes and inhaling deeply.

Kogitsune's scent still clung to the vibrant yellow fabric, the fragrance a combination of wild masculinity and tempered rage. It filled Mikazuki's senses, bringing with it a feeling of warmth and protection. He buried his face in the material, desperate to breath in more of the intoxicating scent.

"Is someone here?"

Mikazuki jumped at the sound of Kogitsune's voice. He released the garment and practically ran out of the closet.

Mikazuki found the towering male standing beside his bed and eying the laundry cart suspiciously. He was shirtless, his broad chest and muscular arms glistened with a layer of moisture. His long white hair was pulled up into a messy bun atop his head, tiny tendrils plastered to his forehead. He looked magnificent and fierce, and though he appeared calm and relaxed, Mikazuki could tell the red-eyed male was ready to strike if necessary.

"G-good morning," Mikazuki stammered, bowing to Kogitsune. "I came to p-pick up your laundry."

Kogitsune frowned. "Why were you in my closet?"

"I-I... I was just checking to see if there were any, uh, dirty clothes."

Kogitsune's eyes narrowed on Mikazuki, his expression skeptical. His fiery gaze moved up and down the length of Mikazuki's body, pausing just below Mikazuki's waist. He was about to make a reply, but he was interrupted by the dark-haired female who suddenly swept into the room.

The girl was Chiyo, the assistant to the newly appointed Healer. She was a stunningly beautiful woman with long raven locks she wore braided down her back. Blunt cut bangs framed her heart-shaped face, and her eyes were so blue, one couldn't help but think of the ocean when staring into their fathomless depths. She had lips full and lush, perfect for kissing, and a body that would make even the most stringent of men fantasize about the prize between her thighs.

Her arrival had nearly incited a riot, pitting every male in the household against each other in a "friendly" competition. Bets were made to see who would claim the beauty first, and by the looks of it, Kogitsune was about to win.

"I don't have much time," Chiyo said, practically tearing off her clothes and throwing herself into Kogitsune's arms, "so we have to..."

She gasped softly when she caught sight of Mikazuki, trying to hide her half naked body behind Kogitsune's wide frame.

"M-Mikazuki-san," she stuttered. "I-it's not what you think! I was just..."

"No need to apologize," Mikazuki said quickly, making a beeline for the cart. "I only came to pick up the linen and such. Forgive me for intruding."

Mikazuki was almost out the door when Kogitsune's voice called out him. "Hey, Jiji!"

Mikazuki glanced back, meeting Kogitsune's amused expression.

"You may want to handle that before you finish your chores," Kogitsune suggested, gesturing below Mikazuki's waist.

Mikazuki's brow furrowed in confusion. He glanced down, realizing immediately what Kogitsune was talking about. His dick was hard as a rock, tenting the fabric of his pants. Heat flooded Mikazuki's cheeks, sending him scampering out the door. He didn't stop until he'd reached the safety of his room, locking himself and the laundry cart inside.