A Tale of Two Foxes: (Kogitsune X Mikazuki)

A Tale of Two Foxes - Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

"Are you sure you don't want to come?" Tsurumaru asked, pouting adorably.

"Positive," Mikazuki answered, smiling weakly at the small white-haired male.

"But it'll be loads of fun! The whole house is going. It won't be the same if you're not there."

"I'm sure everyone will be just fine. Besides, you guys go into town without me all the time."

"Yes, but today is special! We're celebrating the safe return of Mitsu-kun and his team!"

Mikazuki laughed, tugging a strand of Tsurumaru's hair playfully. "I thought you all celebrated their return last night."

"No, that was for their victory in battle. This is completely different."

"Obviously," Mikazuki replied sarcastically. "I'm surprised you all don't celebrate the rising and setting of the sun."

"That's not a bad idea," Tsurumaru replied, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Although, it's not good to drink sake so early in the morning."

Mikazuki laughed again, ruffling Tsurumaru's hair. "Like I said, I'll pass. I've had a long day and all I want to do is shower and go to bed."

"Alright, alright," Tsurumaru conceded. "I'll let you off the hook for tonight, but only if you promise to go out with us next time."

"I'll think about it," Mikazuki replied.

"You always say that," Tsurumaru groaned, "which basically means no."

Mikazuki smiled guiltily. "What if I promise to meet you for tea tomorrow afternoon? Would that be a fair trade?"

"It's a deal!" Tsurumaru exclaimed. "You make the best tea," he grinned sheepishly. "Perfect for hangovers."

"I'll meet you at the tea house around noon then. Don't be late."

"I won't," Tsurumaru saluted. "See you tomorrow!"

With that, the cheerful male skipped away.

Mikazuki breathed a sigh of relief. It was always hard to say no to Tsurumaru. He was the epitome of cuteness, all wide-eyed and bushy-tailed. It didn't help that he had a streak of mischievousness. Combine that with his adorable looks, and Tsurumaru could get anything he wanted from whomever he wanted it from.

Now free for the rest of the night, Mikazuki made his way to his room. He'd grab his shower supplies and then head to the bathhouse. His fellow Swords would be in town for the next few hours, so he would practically have the entire house to himself. He was looking forward to a hot bathe, a soothing cup of tea, and the comfort of his bed.

He'd had a trying day to say the least, and having spent most of the afternoon locked in his room, drowning in embarrassment, Mikazuki was definitely in need of a temporary escape. If anything, he needed time to figure out what he was going to tell Kogitsune. After the debacle earlier that morning, Mikazuki was still at a loss.

There was no denying the truth now. You can't exactly explain away a full on arousal, especially after being caught lurking inside someone's closet like the clothes sniffing pervert he was. Explanations would have to be made, and no matter what Mikazuki told Kogitsune, it would likely end in exactly the same way: With pain and rejection. Mikazuki suddenly felt cold, his arms craving the warmth of his little black fox.

Kuroi had been a gift from the heavens; a friend Mikazuki had come to rely on more and more each day. True, Kuroi was a fox. And yes, animals couldn't talk. But the comfort Kuroi provided was exactly what Mikazuki needed. To be able to confess all the troubles of his heart, to have someone to hold even though no one wanted to hold him... It was a comfort few would ever understand. Like salve on a wound that would never quite heal, Kuroi's quiet companionship took away the sting of Mikazuki's loneliness.