A Tale of Two Foxes: (Kogitsune X Mikazuki)

A Tale of Two Foxes - Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

Mikazuki stared at his reflection in the mirror, pressing his fingers to the dark circles beneath his blood shot eyes. He'd been awake since the moment Kogitsune had come barreling into his room, his mind replaying the scene over and over as he'd stared anxiously out the window, waiting for the brooding male to return.

Around sunrise, Mikazuki managed to pry his stiff fingers from the window sill and hobble down to the Healing room. He was covered in scratches and bruises, some of which were in strange places. The Healer had been particularly puzzled by the large purplish bruises on the inside of Mikazuki's thighs. When asked how he'd sustained the injuries, Mikazuki had stammered through an excuse involving a horse-riding incident gone horribly wrong. Needless to say, it was the most awkward conversation Mikazuki had ever had.

Treated and bandaged, Mikazuki had returned to his room, taking shelter within the safety of the four walls ever since. Just before lunchtime, he'd considered wandering down to the kitchen for a bite to eat, but the mere thought of food made his stomach turn violently. It was hopeless. He couldn't sleep, he couldn't eat, and his every thought swirled around the one person he wanted to see, but didn't have the courage to face.

From the moment Kogitsune had left him naked on the bedroom floor, Mikazuki hadn't been able to get his body to stop trembling. Last night's revelation had set his heart galloping in his chest, racing towards a truth he still couldn't believe. Kogitsune wanted him...

That fact alone should have given Mikazuki the courage to confront Kogitsune. He'd seen the desperate longing in the male's eyes, felt the heat of Kogitsune's desire with every ounce of his being. And with the memory of their passionate embrace still burned into his mind, Mikazuki couldn't shake the steady ache of need coursing through his veins.

"Alright," he said firmly, nodding to himself in the mirrored glass. "You can do this. All you have to do is walk up to him, look him straight in the eyes, and... and..." Mikazuki dropped to the floor, pressing his forehead to his knees to keep from passing out. "Nope, no you can't," he muttered weakly.

He chanced a peak at his reflection again, groaning inwardly as he scooted closer to his image.

"You're such a coward," he whispered. "You can slay a thousand men in battle, yet you can't confess to the man you love. What's wrong with you?"

"What's wrong with whom?" Tsurumaru asked, appearing suddenly.

Mikazuki jumped to his feet. "Haven't you heard of knocking," he hissed.

"I did knock, but you didn't answer. I heard talking, so I came in."

"Maybe you should try knocking harder next time."

"Perhaps I will," Tsurumaru shrugged innocently. "But I probably won't. Now back to my original question. What's wrong with whom?"

"It's none of your business," Mikazuki answered flatly

Struck with the sudden urge to flee the Sword's questioning gaze, Mikazuki made a beeline for the exit. He didn't make it very far. Tsurumaru was light on his feet and fast as a jack rabbit.

"Ah, ah, ah," Tsurumaru replied, closing the door and pinning Mikazuki with a stern gaze. "I'm your friend, and as far as friends go, I'm the best. I know you're new to this concept, but when things are bothering you, there's no one better to talk to than your best friend. So sit down, relax, and tell me everything."

"This doesn't concern you, Tsuru-chan. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to..."

Tsurumaru locked the door, crossing his arms and giving Mikazuki a look that said, "Try and leave. I dare you."