He gives the boy another soft kiss, his thumbs rubbing gently over the cheeks beneath them. Pulling back just far enough to speak, his lips brushing over Ethan’s as he does so, he goes on. “I can only pray your confidence will grow, as such feelings you are growing into will give you strength and joy, brightening your days in a way I have never seen in your life.” He pulls back a little further so Ethan can see his smile. “I offer you my everything Ethan, and should you one day choose to pick it up, on to the final piece, I will be around to watch the result, and care for whatever you choose to put in my care. . .You are a kind person young one, and I trust you with my feeling. I can wait to see how yours turn out.” Leaning up he licks the boy's cheek playfully, his hands slipping from their place to the back of Ethan's neck where they lace together. He continues smiling brightly, his eyes still almost closed.

Ethan beamed at his lover, a part of him practically willing to give in to his emotions then and there. But he was not a youkai; he could not allow that part to rule him. The young man reveled in the loving caresses, the kind words. “I'm not that kind. And I don't really deserve someone as perfect as you are. You are somehow both innocent and wise, both loving and protecting. Maybe its your age; maybe I can never understand you because I am a mere infant compared to you. But regardless, thank you. Thank you for believing in me even though I cannot believe in myself. You are a rare gift, Yu,” Ethan replied, wrapping the smaller body into a deep and loving embrace.

Yu does his best to both accept the embrace, and not press against the wounds he can practically feel through the fabric of their clothing. [i]'Silly human, you deserve all I can give you and more, but right now I can see you are unable to accept that. I can wait, I have forever to wait for you, though you do not have forever to decide. I with pray you will decide long before the end however so your life can be as bright and happy as I can make it with you'[/i] He hums, rubbing his cheek against Ethan’s lovingly, enjoying the feeling of the warmth radiating of the youth. It is not just his body heat, Yu can almost feel the emotions themselves, and they are warm and comforting.

There is one point he must contest however and as he pulls back at the end of the embrace his smile takes on a teasing quality. “You are kind Ethan, and it is one of the things I love about you, for only a kind man would worry for the safety of one he just met over his own, even if he cares strongly for the other.” His eye finally open to normal width and he adds on, “And only a kind man would buy me a meal just to see me smile.” He coos and squeezes the boy's hand before pulling him back into the flow, wanting to get food and on to study before it grows too late. He is also eager to see Ethan and his friend interact now that he and Ethan have told one another their feelings.

“I'm only worried because I think the risk is greater to you. I'm afraid if you were found out then you would be captured and the government would dissect you or something. The worst I'm facing is a broken arm or a few cracked ribs. As far as buying you dinner, well, that's a selfish gesture. Your smile is intoxicating to me. Of course I'd want to see more of it,” he replied as they rejoined the crowd. The youth kept hold of his friend's hand as they walked.

Yu's teeth flash once more when he speaks so lightly of being hurt and in a soft voice he whispers, “I can take care of myself. Should I be discovered, I know how to fix things, and I would be able to keep myself safe. After all, I would not be betraying my people as no one even recalls that my kind exited, being disproved by science long ago. At the most, they would likely think me a mutant of some sort from one of your genetics labs or something.” He smiles brightly over at the human. “If you like my smile so much, then I will have to make sure you can always drink you fill of it. Just being around you makes me smile.” He coos again, squeezing Ethan's hand gently as they reach the other side of town.

Ethan bit his lip with the adorable and loving words, but then looked away. "Still, I don't want you to go to that kind of trouble on my account. It's much easier if you stay out of the spotlight. Speaking of which, your clothing really... draws attention. It's beautiful, especially on you. But if you want to avoid attention, it might be better to dress more like us," he pointed out tentatively. After all, Yu seemed to appreciate honesty, so he hoped the the youkai would not find the critique too insulting.

The youkai notices Ethan looking away and once more wonders if he's said something to upset the boy. He slows slightly, looking over at him curiously. A slow smile spreads across his lips. “As I am, in people's eyes, I am simply a human who dresses differently. I do not mind being looked at, especially by you, and if you find this beautiful, I wish to continue wearing it.” He hums softly, looking towards the food place in the distance. “However, if you wish me to wear different clothing, I can try and scrounge some up. These clothes were a gift from the wind and it takes them when I am not wearing them, however it will not take other clothing. I would have to find some and put them somewhere for safe keeping. . .” He thinks on this, wondering what would be a good place to find spare clothes should Ethan want to see him in them.

The young man looked at his new lover, ever-so-slightly exasperated. “I don't personally care what you wear. You will be handsome to me regardless. I just want to make sure you are safe, my friend. But you know the dangers to yourself better than I do. You seem so unconcerned for yourself, so I suppose I am in the wrong,” he replied, smiling weakly. “I shouldn't have even pointed it out.”

Letting Ethan's hand go he reaches up and ruffles the boy's hair. “You are concerned for me, and I suppose dressing differently would be safer in it's own way, and I may very well try it, however, for now, I will stay like this for as long as I can.” He steps in front of Ethan and twirls, causing his kimono and hakama to flutter about before dashing off playfully towards the eatery. He pauses every so often to make sure Ethan is following, making little “come hither” gestures each time.

Ethan nodded in understanding, and then watched as his friend laughed and danced on the sidewalk, fluttering about like the wind itself. Giggling, he chased after him, jumping about with a lot less grace, but an equal amount of joy. They continued like that for the last block until they reached the restaurant, before the human looked into his companion's eyes and said, “You're silly, you know that?” before kissing him on the cheek.

“Yes, I know.” Yu murmurs in response, clasping Ethan's hand in his own once more, the hum in his throat clearly one of joy and contentment. [i]'He looked happy, running about like that. I must bring him to the spring sometime, when he has time to be a little more silly. I know this 'school' thing can be quite a strain, and require a lot of work, so for now I will do what I can without hindering him'[/i] Once inside he watches as the handful of customers look at the entwined fingers, a mix of responses coming from their eyes, and not all of them bad. Victor comes out of the back with an armload of fresh bread and almost drops them at the sight of he and Ethan holding hands.


Ethan flounced up to his friend, seeming to lack a care in the world, “How are you today, Victor?” he asked, grinning brightly.

Victor burns with delight at the sight of those two together and can not stop the broad smile on his lips at the apparent pride and confidence now radiating off of his friend. [i]'I [b]knew[/b] those two were gonna make an item, I just knew it! And they look so cute together, even though that guy is dressed like some cos player from a hundred years ago'[/i] Setting down his load Victor slips over to Ethan and Yu, his grin still firmly in place. “I am doing quite well Ethan my friend! Care to introduce me?” He turns his award winning smile down at the smaller male and Yu smiles back languidly, letting Ethan speak to his friend before putting in his two cents.

Ethan bit his lip and smiled at his friend's obvious delight. "Victor, this is Yu. Yu, this is my friend Victor. We have been good friends since elementary school. In middle school, his parents used to like it when I came over a lot. We had a lot of fun back then." Of course, as he had grown older, he realized that Victor's parents were trying to protect him from his own.

Victor holds out his hand to Yu and it takes the youkai half a beat to recall what that was suppose to mean. He unlaces his fingers from Ethan and takes Victor's hand in a firm grip. The human is a little surprised, as Yu looks quite delicate, however he is equally delighted, a part of him hoping that this means he's strong enough to help keep his friend safe. In a soft voice Yu says as he lets go, “Ethan speaks very highly of you, as he does very few others. I am honored to meet you properly.”

“It is an honor to meet you as well,” Victor replied, shaking the strange man's hand firmly. “How did you two meet?” Ethan's eyes widened slightly at the question, but he could not think of an adequate answer. He hoped that Yu would have a good idea.

Yu's smile does not waver. “We met formally when I saw some less than intelligent boys and girls around Ethan's age being less than friendly with him and I scared them away, however I have seen Ethan around town for a while.”

Victor nodded and smiled, understanding the youkai's meaning. "I see," was all he said, for he did not wish to embarrass Ethan with talk of his bullies in such a public setting. [i]They always were after him, even more than the rest of us. I never quite understood why. But I'm quite glad that this Yu is looking after him. He doesn't look like much, but if he could scare off Matthew and the others, he must be very strong. And he must be something to get Ethan so damn googly-eyed over him.[/i]

"Well, you guys look like a lovely couple. What can I get you today?" he asked.

"A chicken sandwich for me, and another for Yu," Ethan replied, before turning to his lover. "Sorry, I mean, that is what you wanted, right?"



Yu nods smiling warmly both at the comment and at the fact that Ethan remembered. “Yes, a chicken sandwich, with hot chicken. Toasted.” He smiles up at Victor who smiles back with a nod despite finding Yu's mannerisms a little odd. As he slips behind the counter to work on their order Yu looks around the room, wondering where they will be sitting. “Shall we eat outside where you wish to study, or shall we eat in here and then go to study?” He looks up at Ethan curiously, blinking his eyes a few times cutely.

"Let's go outside. I know how you love the outdoors," Ethan replied, almost swooning at the cute way Yu blinked his eyes. [i]I really am lovestruck, aren't I?[/i] he thought, though he was too happy to be really annoyed with himself. He would have stayed in to invite Victor to join them, but he also knew that Victor would rather Yu and Ethan spend lots of "alone time" together, and that he would rather that than intrude right now.

Victor overhears this and bites his lip. [i]'I really want this to work out, but I need to talk to Ethan about. . .'[/i] He sighs, toasting the chicken carefully as he contemplates weather or not to tell Ethan about the underground now, or wait to make sre this relationship is working.

Meanwhile Yu nods, hugging Ethan carefully and murmuring, “You are kind Ethan. I will take you somewhere nice to study tonight.” He smiles up at the human, his eyes practically shining. Around the room a few people grunt in disgust, leaving their food unfinished at the table along with the bills to pay for their meal.

Victor decided to wait. After all, the pair did not seem in any need of secrecy, and there would be time to mention the underground later, when there were fewer jerks around. Ethan could not care less what anyone else thought at the moment, for he was too lost in Yu's fully human bright blue eyes. He returned the hug and rubbed the youkai's back casually. "That's kind of you. I'm sorry that my life is so busy that it cuts into our time together. On the other hand, I think having a life at all would cut into my spending time with you. Eventually you'll get sick of me, you know."

The youkai is honestly shocked to hear his new companion say that, and it shows on his face. He becomes rather still, wondering at just how to respond to that. [i]'Does this mean he is simply waiting for us to fall apart? Even with all the feelings I can see in his eyes, he looks to the future and sees only failure. That. . .How can. . . .It seems like a vision that would hurt so much, but he says it so casually, as if it is normal to think that way, as if it is the inevitability of this. . . .This feeling inside me. . . .'[/i] His face sinks on to Ethan's shoulder as he thinks these things, his forehead coming to rest in the crook of his neck.

His mind looks into that kind of hopeless thinking and he can feel it trying to swallow him. It seems a darkness that would take everything away, all the happiness of them now, and all the joy they will have. As if their very existence in the same space is meaningless because it will simply come to an end some day. True, he knows Ethan will die one day, but that is different. His soul will move on, and if Yu has his way, it will move on with Yu at his side. That is very different from just seeing failure as the irrefutable end of their relationship.

From behind the counter Victor spots the sudden change in mood and becomes curious, however he stays put, not wanting to burn anything for their order.

With a soft sigh Yu grips Ethan a little more tightly, still be very careful about his wounds. In a soft voice he says, “No on can know the future Ethan, and I know not what exactly will happen between us, however I give you my word that a youkai's heart is not so easily swayed, and as I see it, will not be swayed off of you no matter the time that passes, together, or separate.” He nuzzles Ethan's neck. “I will never grow sick of you as you put it.” He hums, his eyes closed, and simply holds the youth in his arms tenderly.

Ethan noticed the shock in his lover's eyes and immediately looked down at his feet. “I'm sorry. I am not a very optimistic person, and I did not realize how much that would bother you. I have lost many friends in my life, and I felt like I was just making conversation, stating the inevitable.” He hugged Yu close. “I'm sorry.”

Reaching up Yu takes Ethan's face gently in his hands, drawing his face up so he can look into the taller male's eyes. “Nothing is inevitable Ethan. Even death.” The youkai knows that death is one things that all mortal beings meet, except in a few cases where death has been either avoided by suspending life, or the act of dying was skipped over entirely. So in his mind, his words are true. He kisses the boy softly, now wanting to see him upset.

Ethan grinned, “I would disagree with you on the death thing, but I don't want to ruin the moment,” he said softly, returning the kiss tenderly. It was just then that Victor returned with the sandwiches, and a huge smile for the both of them.

“You guys really are adorable together,” he commented softly, as he calculated their total on the cash register. As he gave Ethan the change, he whispered to him, “Can you meet me here tomorrow, around seven?”

“Yeah, sure. I'm only working in the morning tomorrow. What about?”

“I'll tell you then. Just go and enjoy your evening with your cute boyfriend,” he replied, before striding off to the back of the restaurant before Ethan could ask anymore questions.

The youkai offers up a half smile, not begrudging the human for his belief about death, as he is sure only a handful of humans ever knew that not all humans have died and those men and women are long dead. He lets a touch of his magic trickle out into the kiss as it is returned before pulling back and looking over at the cheerful human presenting them with food. The smell of cooked meat causes Yu to openly lick his lips like a hungry cat. Victor spots this but chooses to ignore it, oddness seemingly normal around his friend's lover.

While Ethan deals with the money side of things Yu carefully makes sure the sandwiches and drinks are secure before slipping them into his sleeves, the magic that keeps his clothes from accumulating sweat, dirt, and other filth ensuring the drinks do not spill. He overhears the two talking about a visit tomorrow and Yu hums softly. [i]'I like this friend, he is a gentle soul'[/i] At the word cute he offers Victor a winning smile and he returns it in kind before vanishing to the back of the restaurant. Once Ethan is free the youkai takes his arm and walks with him outside. Once there he sneaks them to an alley, away from prying eyes, and with a warm smile he takes the taller male into his arms once more and takes off in a blur.

This trip is a little longer and is further along the sun's path, so they actually cross a few timezones into an earlier hour of the day before the dash is over. When he stops they are deep in a forest, the dark of it only broken by the high sun steaming down through the thick branches overhead in shafts that dance and quiver on the grass, the slight wind high above rustling the plush greenery. Despite the small amount of sun, the ground beneath them is thick with deep green grass, the kind that grows long but is soft and flops over instead of growing up straight. Along one side of the smallish clearing is raised stone that seems almost like a natural fountain as water pours forth from a large crack in it, feeding the stream that runs through the area and quickly vanishes into the sea of trees. The top of the stone rise can not be seen, being swallowed by the trees only a dozen feet up.

After giving Ethan a moment to adjust Yu sets his lover down and stretches, careful not to shake up their food. Looking around he smiles softly. [i]'Places like this are rare. With the humans ever expanding, and the youkai trying to remain hidden, a place unoccupied by both is near impossible, but not completely. .. Especially a place as beautiful as this. . .'[/i] Letting out a kitty yawn he settles down next to the stream and begins unpacking, his body shifting into his natural state. Looking over at Ethan brightly he asks, “So, what do you think Ethan? Can you study here, or is it too secluded?”

Ethan felt his breath leave him as he was, both literally and figuratively, swept off his feet. He was carried to somewhere that seemed very far away, though it was difficult to tell exactly where. When they stopped into the clearing, he set his bag down on the ground and looked around at the scene before him. It was, in a word, idyllic.

“If anything, it's so beautiful that it might be distracting,” he joked, wrapping his arms around the shorter male. “Where are we? It's a good bit brighter here. When you said you would provide light, I didn't know that meant taking me to another time zone. This is amazing! You're amazing.” Ethan was gushing and he knew it, but he did not particularly care either. “I'm sure I'll be able to study here. I'll only be missing music, since those jerks smashed my phone. But that's not a big deal, I can work without.” The young man paused for a second. “I'm sorry, I'm rambling,” he muttered, strolling over to where Yu was setting up the picnic.

Yu's ears droop a little as Ethan mentions how it may be too distracting, something he had not considered. He is so at peace surrounded by nature like this that it's more soothing than distracting, and he forgot for a moment that humans are not really the same way. His tail twitches gently as he responds, laying out the last bit of food on the soft grass. “Somewhere in what once was a game preserve in what once was Nevada. I am not sure if the name of this territory has changed since last I saw a map.” His tail pats the ground a few times as he look up at Ethan with a soft smile.

“If you really wish for music, I could ask the wind to sing with the wood. They are old friends and enjoy a good song when the occasion warrants it.” He tilts his head to the side slightly. “And I think my falling in love would constitute a proper occasion, do you not agree?” He shakes his head lightly. “No need for sorry, I like hearing you talk, especially with such enthusiasm.”

“It's still Nevada. It's just a little differently run than it used to be,” Ethan replied as he sat down next to Yu. To the youkai's next comment, he looked at him, shocked. “I'd like to hear it sometime, but I don't want you to waste such a favor on helping me study. I'll be fine without. There are a lot of soothing sounds here that will help me. I don't want you to go out of your way just so I can learn information that's ultimately useless to me,” Ethan replied. He blushed a little, at the realization that Yu had so easily said that he was in love, but the teen could only handle a few revelations at a time.

A shiver runs across his skin at the shocked look, only to become a pleasant hum at the boy's next words. Discounting the end of it for a moment he leans in close and whispers teasingly, but also innocently, “Well then, I will keep my eyes open for the right moment for the favor, when the situation is more suitable, and when it will make you the most happy.” He breath brushes over the boy's ear as he whispers, pulling back only a moment later to scoop up his sandwich and begin unwrapping it. Changing the subject with half a smile he speaks normally as he goes on to say, “It is good they still hold the same names. It makes things easier on me to identify locations.”

Ethan smiled broadly at Yu's gesture. “I hope to hear it someday, then,” he said, snuggling into Yu's side.

The flush on the boy's cheeks adds to his enjoyment of the moment and he takes a few sips of milk before elaying into his sandwich. [i]'He is easily pleased. It feels good to know that I am one who can do this for him, who can draw a quickened heartbeat out of him simply by being myself. It makes me feel all the closer, not having to change to make him happy. Even if he does have wishes for change, it is for my safety, not because he dislikes who and what I am'[/i] Cuddling up to Ethan's side he munches on his sandwich, swallowing a good sized chunk of mean before asking, “So, if it is useless why learn it? I know there is an idea of certain skills being useful to know even if it is not part of what you will eventually do for a living, however if you know it is useless, should they not change your learning to something that will be? I find it all a bit silly. . .”

The youth moved away slightly, saddened by the unintentionally depressing result of Yu's words. Frowning, he turned to meet the youkai's eyes, his own appearing morose, but resolute.

“It's not a useless skill in general, Yu. Calculus helps us understand a lot of things about the world, lots of scientific concepts that help humans comprehend things as best we are capable. It's only useless to me because I'll never have a job that uses it. In-valids are usually not allowed to work as engineers or scientists. In fact, odds are, I'll never have a better job than the one I already have. So, changing my schooling accordingly would be rather sad, actually. Effectively, it would have meant kicking me out by the end of 9th or 10th grade. It's bad enough that people like me can't go to college. I don't want to be deprived of any more education. I learn certain things because they are interesting to me, and Calculus happens to be one of them. Does that make any sense at all?” Ethan replied, a wave of sadness washing over him as he imagined a life that was somehow more depressing than the one he already had. Shrugging off the feelings, he too bit into his sandwich.

Yu can tell he “struck a nerve” as they say and carefully he sets his sandwich down. [i]'My own attempts at being nice fall in the face of my lack of understanding of this damnable society. . .Humans are such foolish things! This cast system is what keeps such kind and amazing people from rising in the world, and it really should be crushed. But not now, now, Ethan is what is important'[/i] Turning he carefully wraps his arms around the youth, burying his face in the human's shoulder while his tail comes forward to trace over Ethan’s back.

“I understand young one, and did not mean to say something so as to make you sad.” He nuzzles the shoulder. “I have long observed humans, and still I do not understand much of this foolish cast system that keeps people from their potential.” He squeezes a tiny bit tighter. “You can not tell me that the system is fair, that you are incapable of the jobs they keep from you.” He pulls back ever so slightly to look into Ethan's eyes. “And nowhere in history has there ever been greatness when everything was even and unchanging. As long as they keep out what is different, they will not progress.”

Ethan enjoyed the touch, the way Yu wrapped his arms around him. He returned the gesture, embracing the youkai, and then listened carefully to his words.

“Ahh, but you see, to them it's a meritocracy. You earn the jobs you get. It's just that your genetic profile is part of the system now. That's, of course not true, your genes, your socioeconomic background, even sheer luck all guide what you become. But the way they see it, anyone can move up. Still, In the minds of those in power, everyone reaches their full potential. If only that were so true. In any case, I may be capable of those jobs, but I will never be seen as equally capable to the other candidates. Maybe I'm not, I don't know. But it doesn't matter. I'm just one person. I couldn't change it even if I wanted to,” Ethan replied, meeting Yu's eyes and taking his hand.

Yu leans in and kisses those slightly sad lips. “One is the only number a person can offer, and one is the number everything starts with.” He smiles warmly. “It may not be your fight, but I pray one day someone does take up this fight.” He smiles a little wider. “But again, humans are no longer mine to care for on the whole, so I will do what I can with those around me, starting with bringing back your smile.” He reaches out with his free hand to tease the side of Ethan's moth, his finger drifting gently against the skin while his own lips spread into a Cheshire grin as if to show Ethan how it's done.

The youth closed his eyes for the kiss, and enjoyed the light touches that his new lover offered. Soon enough, he could not help but return the smile with one of his own. “On the whole, genetic engineering had promise with preventing major diseases. It's the fact that it created such a convenient, perpetual underclass that I have a problem with. In-valids can't get good jobs, so they can't afford the treatments for their own children, so the cycle continues.” He smiled again to let Yu know that he was not terribly upset by these revelations. “But, you're right, all that matters is the here and now. You are very kind to listen to my stupid ramblings.”

A deep purr rumbles through the youkai's chest, still pressed against the youth as he holds him close. It continues even as he murmurs sadly, “Such is the way of humans, to forever try to be better than others. . .” He offers the boy another kiss, loving his smile. “It will collapse eventually, as it always does. We can only hope that it will be better next time. And hopefully, kind ones like you will take the fore. And your words are not silly, nor are they rambling. They are your mind, and I like your mind.”

The youth nuzzled closer to his lover, and returned the kiss with an equally gentle passion.

“I wish I believed that it could be within my lifetime, but alas...” Ethan did not finish his thought. “Still, I hope that you will live to see humanity treat its own a little bit better than now.” As if to remind him of how cruel humanity could be, he felt several mild pains in his lower back, though he did not make a face at them. “I'm glad you like my mind, though. That's very kind of you.”

“And I am glad you accept me as I am Ethan. That is a kindness I have not seen, even from my own kind, in a very, very long time. . .” He settles back to sit next to Ethan, grabbing up his sandwich again. The wind rolls about them gently, reminding Yu that it has always accepted him. He rolls his eyes. ~From a corporeal being Master.~ The wind seems to accept this and simply trickles over their skin softly. Looking at the large bag he paws at it, sniffing.

Ethan listened, curious as Yu spoke to the wind in something almost resembling a language, and as the wind trickled over his skin. “You are strange to me, Yu. I will not deny that. But I am drawn to you somehow, even though I know that your very existence defies everything I have ever known.”

Yu smiles up at Ethan. “Well, now you know more, and you are adapting admirably.” Turning his focus back to the bag he paws at it once more. “There are, school books, yes? Bound knowledge. Wisdom forever sealed to parchment.” Yu enjoys books, even if he can't read the current language, he will sometimes find people reading aloud and will sit and listen to them for long periods of time. Nibbling at his sandwich he waits quietly, withdrawing his hand from the bag so Ethan can better reach it. His eyes remain trained on it however, his gaze curious.

“You have a very poetic way of putting it, and yes,” Ethan replied, grinning as he opened his book to a chapter near the back. “I have my Calculus and Physics books in there.” He nuzzled in with his lover, “I've never studied somewhere so idyllic before.”

Yu continues to purr, propping himself up in such a ways as to make Ethan more comfortable before looking carefully at whatever he's reading. He recognizes the numbers, but not the symbols and words around them. He knows a little, like “chicken” and “bread”, but none of those words appear in this seemingly number based book. So instead he reads the numbers, trying to put the combinations together. Like five hundred, instead of just seeing five zero zero. He chuckles, half to himself. “Math I suppose? It has always been lost on me really. . .And not knowing the words in between the numbers does not help with learning it either. . .I do not even recognize the alphabet, do you know the origins of this one? Seems. . .Latin almost. . .”

Ethan snuggled in with Yu and began to copy down the first problem, before looking up and realizing what the youkai had said. “You can't read?” he asked, looking back into Yu's golden eyes. “And yeah, the alphabet is largely based on the Latin alphabet, though there as some changes. I'm not entirely sure, it's not my expertise.” He had to admit, the youkai not keeping up with the modern language made sense in a way, but he still found it surprising.

Yu shakes his head a little sadly. “No, I have not kept up with it. The language in the land I lived in originally was very different when I crossed the seas, and for a time I tried to keep up, but from that first language, almost none others looked anything like it, so I simply took to listening and learning through picture association. I can recognize food names mostly.” He murmurs, not really seeming bothered by the fact that he can't read. “I listen to others read sometimes. I have heard some interesting stories. . .” He nods in understanding that the modern alphabet is like Latin and decides that maybe he should learn it sometime. [i]'May help me with being humanoid around Ethan'[/i] he muses, looking between what is on the page and what Ethan wrote while munching his sandwich.

“I could teach you sometime, if you want. Later this weekend, perhaps. But only if you want,” the young man said kindly. He turned back and worked the first few problems, which took about an hour. Occasionally, he would pause to look around at the idyllic scenery, or to play with Yu's hair. After the hour of work, he stood up. “I'm not finished yet, but shall we take a break and go on a walk? This stuff can be grueling, and I often need a few minutes in between to rest my poor brain.”

Yu coos happily and simply thinks on the idea for a while. He continues to watch between the book and the boy's hand, watching how it moves to make each mark. He begins to get the pattern, which stroke goes first when making each mark, and the precession of strokes afterward. [i]'Far simpler than my first language, that is for sure'[/i] He muses. His purr deepens each time the youth begins playing with his hair, that feeling one of his favorites, and fades back to a low trill each time he stops. He remains quite, know the concentration study takes and it isn't until Ethan himself breaks the silence that he moves from his spot.

Following the human to his feet Yu stretches, folding himself neatly in half to stretch his leg, giving them a hug for good measure. Standing back upright he smiles at Ethan. “A walk sounds lovely young one.” He murmurs, moving up to Ethan’s side and taking one of his arms in his own. With a hum he lays his head on Ethan's shoulder for a moment before setting off towards the woods. There is nothing but plush forest for a few miles so he feels safe just leaving their stuff there. [i]'At the most, some woodland creatures may run off with our wrappers. . .'[/i] He muses, purring happily to be with Ethan.

Ethan smiled as Yu took his arm and laid his head on his shoulder. [i]'I never thought I would have anyone. Not me, surely. I had put it out of my mind. This is so much more pleasant than I ever imagined.'[/i]

“So, where did you live, overseas I mean?” he asked as they walked together.

“Nihon. . .” he murmurs softly, looking at the trees and bushes around them almost dreamily. Then after a second he adds, “Oh, sorry, Japan is what the rest of the world called it. . .My family was originally from China, but two generations before I was born our clan made the move and my family with it.” He looks up at Ethan with bright eyes. “What about you? Have you always lived there in that city?”

“I see,” the teen replied, “That explains your kimono, at least. Yes, I've always lived in that city, with my parents and brother. I don't mind it too much. At least I can get around okay. The busses and trains are good, for people like me who can't drive.”

Yu chuckles. “And now you can see the countryside anytime you like.” he murmurs softly, looking up at Ethan with his usual glowing smile. “You should let me bring you to my old home some time.” He looks into the distance. “I wonder what happened where my blood was spilled . .” He purrs, nuzzling against the boy's arm. “Bad things have been known to happen, however I did not resent them, even as the blow fell, so I can hope that perhaps the earth took it as a kind offering. . .”

“How would you bring me to your own home?” Ethan asked curiously, as he ran a hand through Yu's perfect hair and caressed his neck and upper back . “You can run fast, certainly, but you can't walk on water, can you?”

Yu's lids drop low at the attention to his back, neck, and hair, and his purr takes on a deeper tone. “No Ethan, water is not my element. Air is.” His voice is low, please, and he glances up at Ethan with a mischievous smile.

“Okay... so you, what, ride the winds?” the young man replied jokingly, chuckling a little. “You're light, but surely wind wouldn't lift you. That would mean that, effectively, you can fly.”

With that smile still in place Yu let's out a chuckle of his own. With a spin he runs forward a handful of paces into a slightly more clear part of the forest and turns sharply to face his companion. The turn causes his kimono and hakama to flare out but even as he comes to a stop they seem to hover in the air as if he became frozen in time in mid spin. After an instant like this a low rustling in the bushes around them grows louder and louder until at last a breeze comes from nowhere in particular and races up to the youkai.

With a deep breath he holds out his arms and after a couple seconds, Yu is lifted off the ground as if he were a feather. The wind seems to take on form almost as blue swirls and patterns and with another chuckle Yu darts over to Ethan, racing around him in a quick circle before coming to hover in front of the boy, his feet bare inches off the ground. Yu holds himself at eye level and smiles warmly. “Why yes Ethan, I can fly.” he murmurs softly, reaching out to brush the backs of his fingers across the youth's cheek. The blue swirls dance about his body, ducking in and out of his clothing, and as his hand comes in contact with Ethan's cheek a few slip forward to play in the boy's hair before vanishing.

“Beautiful,” Ethan muttered, watching as his friend hovered. “Impossible, magical, against all the Physics I know, but beautiful.” He felt the fingers across his cheek and the wind in his hair, and he could not help but smile. “You are incredible, Yu.”

Another chuckle escapes Yu's mouth and he gently floats in a little closer. After a moment he leans in and kisses the youth, the magic dancing off his lips and down across the boy's body. The touch of it wrapping around his body works gently through his clothing and for an instant, Ethan would feel lighter. Pulling back slowly he looks deep into the youth's eyes. “Perhaps I will teach you new physics one day, hmm?”

Ethan returned the kiss gently, enjoying the way the magic worked around his body.

“Perhaps, my friend. I am starting to wonder how it works, though. Your kind have stayed hidden by necessity, but I imagine that there is some kind of particle or force or something that makes magic work. I mean, don't worry, I understand that its something that won't be figured out in my lifetime, but it's still an interesting question to me.”

Yu rolls his eyes, smiling playfully. [i]'Humans and their science'[/i] “What if magic operates outside you scientific law? What if it operates though the truth that we youkai have discovered and nothing more?” He drops back down to the ground gently and smiles of at Ethan teasingly. “What if there is no logic to be had? Simply the truth of the matter, where though, feeling, and the life of the world itself works in such a way that humans can not define?” He chuckles and shakes his head, giving Ethan a light hug. “I do not begrudge you trying to make human sense of things, but until you set those aside your understanding of it will never grow.” He shrugs, his hands on the taller male's shoulders. “It is actually quite simple to understand, if you are simply willing to accept it.” He giggles as the wind whips around them, telling him to 'stop teasing the poor boy'. ~I am not teasing him, I am just having a bit of fun Master.~ The wind pushes at his back making him press against Ethan. “Alright, alright, I am sorry for picking on you Ethan.” Yu nuzzles against the human's neck, purring deeply while his ear twitches from being brushed by Ethan's breath.

Ethan nuzzled his love close. “I'm not offended, my friend. In fact, I have an answer for you. If it falls completely out of our laws and definitions, then someday, we will change our laws and learn to define it,” Ethan replied simply. “Even those scientific concepts we hold most dear are not free from scrutiny when new evidence is discovered. But allowing the scientific community to discover your kind would be far too dangerous for you. So, I understand that for now, I must accept that this is how things are, and that I cannot understand it within my frame of reference. I do not begrudge the lack of understanding, my friend. There is still so much we do not know about the universe, and to me, the magic of your kind is merely one of those things.”

Yet another roll of the eyes. “So, you would invent a new scientific law rather than simply call it magic and learn the way we do?”

“Well, yes, but I don't see the two as mutually exclusive. I cannot accept that magic is inexplicable, merely that I do not know how to explain it. That doesn't stop me from appreciating it though, or wanting to learn it the way you see it,” Ethan pointed out, for once seeming to step out of the more innocent, shy, and awestruck role he usually played.

Yu pulls back a little and looks at his lover with a scrutinizing gaze, examining that little spark of something he's not seen before, or if he has he was too far away to recognize it. With a shrug he smiles and takes Ethan's hand, leading him towards the stream nearby. “Magic. . .has explanation, it simply does not have boarders. To me, defining something locks it into “This is what this is” when all form of known magic have no such barriers. Like. . . .Think of fire. Humans seem to understand fire fairly well, as one of the first gifts. What would you say if I told you have have seen a flame freeze a man solid, and another flame change a woman's hair color? Not through chemical reaction, but through the will of one wielding it.” Yu has overhead a lot about chemicals, once spending time with a chemist when he was sick from eating something odd. He's fairly sure the woman poisoned he and the other alley cats on purpose just to capture them for her experiments, but he does not hold it against her.

“Then perhaps it was an effect that simply looked like fire. Perhaps mental willpower itself translates into a form of energy that your kind can wield, and the way that energy is applied is what alters the effects. I don't know, Yu. I'm not going to pretend to. None of this changes how I see you, love. Honestly, I was just rambling, and if anything, it only makes me more curious about you and your world,” the young man replied, starting to feel slightly embarrassed.

The youkai refrains from giggling, instead just smiling at the man he loves. [i]'Oh no, it was fire, even fire as you understand it, it simply had its mind changed about doing all the things you have seen fire do'[/i] He lets out a sigh and looks tot he stream. “The world around you will change even more in your eyes once you realize that all elements have a mind of their own young one.” He murmurs softly, drawing Ethan down to kneel next to the stream with him. Leaning down he takes a quick drink directly fro the surface before looking up at the human. “Perhaps, before you head back to work, you would like to hear them for yourself?” Yu's ears are constantly filled with the voices of the elements as they speak to one another and the living creatures around them, the soft subtle sound very comforting to him, and quiet enough that he is not overwhelmed by the whispering.

“All the elements, does that mean every object? If I eat a tomato, does it feel the pain of death?” Ethan asked curiously, doing his utmost to remove amusement from his voice and to sound completely open and curious. True, all of this was strange to him, but he knew better than to allow his own preconceptions to stop him from learning.

Yu shakes his head, still smiling. “No human could ever hurt an element more than they could capture one.” Sitting up he leans against Ethan side happily. “That aside, you are speaking of Nature. Nature and Water work differently than Wind and Earth, and Life and Spirit more differently than that. Same with Fire, and with Death, though some of these elements have things in common.” Reaching down he runs his fingers through the long, hair like grass.

“Nature and Water both interact with humans in their own way, passing in and out of humans, converting into what a human needs to survive. They also interact with the minerals humans take in, but since Earth is no longer in those minerals, it is a rather one sided thing. Once the Water and Nature pass out of the humans, they return to their elements proper.” He chuckles lightly. “Humans never know they are there.”

“And you would allow me to speak with these... entities?” Ethan asked, “Even though I do not understand as you do?” There was some confusion in his heart, a sense of disbelief that the elements could be sentient. The young human had never been a spiritual person, and all of this seemed like such mysticism. But he was deeply attracted to Yu, falling in love with him in fact, so he did not want to close his mind. Besides, part of science was being open minded.

Yu shakes his head slowly. “No, you can not speak with them, nor will they speak with you. They, as they are, would simply murmur, as they always do, and you would be able to hear them. They may even speak of you, and if you listen closely, you may even hear the name they have given you.” He smiles and waves a hand. “Humans once used to call the name given them by the elements their “True Name”, but in all honesty they are more like nicknames to make talking about you easier.” He looks up into the human's eye, his own shiny with honesty. “They may speak to you, one day, but for now you are still part of a world they simply observe and live around. Wind only acknowledges you, because of how much I care for you.” He blinks slowly. “So, would you like to hear them?”

Ethan looked away, blushing. “I didn't mean disrespect. When you asked if I could hear them, somehow I immediately thought that meant they would be speaking to me. I did not mean to be so rude,” he said, stepping away sadly and staring at the lake, afraid that he had offended the youkai. For most of his life, he had been called rude, disrespectful, impertinent, insolent, for far less than a few misguided words, so it was no wonder that he was afraid now. It was clear that he was retreating back into his more reserved self, though that was still more open around Yu than anyone else.

Yu follows the human to his feet, sensing the retreat in the boy's continence and seeking immediately to rectify whatever it was that caused it. Gently he takes Ethan's hands into his own, a faint shushing noise on his lips. “You do not offend Ethan my love. The elements do not speak to anything they do not have something to speak about to. They know about you, and of you, but not about you, so they will not speak to you until you have something to talk about and they take an interest. You are free to try, and my Master may have a few things to say to you, but do not fear, you can not offend them. . .” He lifts Ethan's face up gently with a soft hand. “Nor me. . . .”

Kissing Ethan tenderly he reaches up with both hands, and as gentle as a sigh he runs his fingers along the shells of Ethan's ears. His magic trickles out, though this time, unlike before, it stays in place, and would feel like a warm sun is shinning just upon his ears. His fingers continue downward, across the back of the boy's jaw and along the sides of his neck, coming to rest in the hollow of his throat. The wind works with him, opening his ears to all the little voices around him. The grass speaks to the stream, the trees to the breeze, and all the little spirits rustling around in the foliage chatter non-stop to whoever will listen. Yu smiles up at Ethan, waiting to see his reaction to suddenly hearing a world more alive than he's ever heard before.

Ethan smiled a little and nodded at his lover's words, his eyes shining with love and admiration. He felt comforted by Yu's touch on his hands and chin, and nearly swooned at the kiss. [i]How are you so perfect to me?[/i] he vaguely wondered, gazing into Yu's eyes. The feel of touch and magic on his ears brought him somewhat back to reality. In mere moments he began to hear the life of the elements around him. But they did not speak languages as he understood them. He heard rustles, chimes, bells, and whispers in the light. They all sounded peaceful, bright, undisturbed. He smiled. “It's lovely,” he muttered. “More of a quiet nature-based symphony than any language I get though.”

The noises around them still for a moment before picking up again, slightly louder this time and Yu giggles lightly. “Your voice reached them. Do not be afraid, they are simply curious as to why they hear you better now.” Even as he says this the wind begins trickling around their ankle.

Moving slowly up there bodies the wind whispers gently, giving more the impression of words than words as humans understand them. ~Hello child. Yuralinni's spirit moves within you now. Careful his soft tongue does not sweep you away completely.~

Yu sighs at the sound of his nickname, once more wondering why it's longer than his real name. However his eyes narrow slightly at the warning. ~I see you have been drifting about the clan again. Feeling their worry.~

~I support your love Yuralinni, and I always will, but you can not ask me not to worry.~ It murmurs back before turning it's attention back to Ethan. It slips in and around his clothing before murmuring, ~You are a fine young man. . .~

Ethan smiled at the sound, a whisper that sounded almost like wind blowing and leaves rustling into vowel sounds and words. It was oddly beautiful.

“I will do my best to be worthy of your student,” Ethan replied quietly. “But do you have any advice on how to avoid being swept away? Yu does not make it easy,” he asked aloud, smirking slightly, rather embarrassed that he was asking the Wind for relationship advice. He wondered vaguely if Wind could understand human English, but decided that he surely could.

The trees and stream join in to laugh at the sudden faint flush on Yu's cheeks when Wind lets out a joyous chuckle. ~That right there proves you are still on solid ground child.~ Yu pouts a little, burying his face in Ethan's chest as another round of laughter passes through the area. In a slightly softer voice it adds, ~If he thinks you the right one, there is no worth in the matter. He follows his heart, more than any of my students, and it has never steered him wrong. He was not wrong trying to befriend the humans who wounded him, it was they who were wrong for giving in to their fear.~ With that the Wind drifts off leaving the area still, the other elements going back to talking about what they were talking about. Yu holds Ethan close, his clawed hands brushing gently over his lover's back.

Ethan raised an eyebrow, unsure if he could agree with the Wind's sentiment. The ground had seemed delightfully shaky of late, bearing all the sturdiness of a cloud. He looked up into Yu's eyes. “The first time I meet an element and I ask him for relationship advice. I really have no social skills, do I?” he whispered to the youkai. He felt the kind hand on his back and began to gently pet his lover's back in return. “It is only through a lot of self-control that I have not become completely smitten for you, my friend,” he said warmly.

A faint chuckle finds it's way out of the youkai as he looks up at his lover. His eyes sparkle lightly and with a fleeting kiss he draws his magic back from the youth. Humans are not meant to bear youkai magic for long. The purr in his chest deepens as he is pet and with a soft smile he leans up and kisses Ethan’s cheek, following it up with a lick to his jaw. His animal like tendencies threaten to drive him forward but Yu has long since learned to channel such feelings and instead slips away from his love and begins dancing around the area like a happy cat.

His claws lash out at passing leaves, his laugh echoes mutely against the trees, and every once in a while he pauses to kiss or hold Ethan. The wind picks up to dace with him, helping him “Blow off some steam”. Finally he pauses, pressing a much longer kiss to his lover's lips before pulling back to whisper, “Master likes you. Do not worry so much. Elements are not like people, you can interact with them naturally, as yourself, lie with me. . .” He adds with a slight pout, “As not being completely smitten with me, I may be losing my edge.” He laughs so the boy knows he's teasing before sliding back and taking his hand, drawing his love back towards where his homework is.

Ethan felt a sense of loss as the magic was drawn away from him, almost as if he were losing a tiny part of himself. He shook off the feeling as a side effect of youkai magic that surely was not foreshadowing anything significant. Yu's kiss merely served to distract him even further. He followed his lover back through the woods, longing to join his friend in the dancing, but also fascinated by simply watching his grace and joy, and enjoying the way he was kissed and held.

“Your edge? Really? Just how many have you smitten?” he asked teasingly as he took the hand held out to him.

“Quite a few actually.” Yu says softly, a faintly sombre look on his face. He looks to his love with a gentle, slightly unsure expression. “Long ago, I would consort with and enchant humans regularly, taking them away to speak on problems they may have, or to simply educate them on things that would make their lives or the lives of their village better.” Running his thumb over the back of Ethan's hand he glances at the ground. “I know humans have a tendency towards thinking the worst of things so I wish you make clear now that you are different, special, and what happened in the past is not what is happening now.” His voice is soft, and serious, but as he looks up at Ethan his unrefined love is all that shines through them.

“I m quite charming, and beautiful, and as it is best to deal with humans one at a time, I would use my charm to take a single human from a village so that I could speak with them properly. A few I would visit in their homes, but mostly I would take them away, for days, weeks, never more than a month, and return them unharmed.” He chuckles lightly. “The humans use to call it “Being spirited away”. I use the phrase myself, as I like the sound of it.” Settling next to the boy's bag Yu draws Ethan down to sit with him, slipping in close to wrap his arms around the youth's chest. His ear presses over Ethan's heart as he holds the young man, speaking in the same soft voice.

“So in short, I am sure many were smitten with me, and it normally took less than a day to draw any given human off with me with my charm and promises, all of which I kept by the way.” He nuzzles against Ethan's chest, wanting a few more moments with his lover before he is once more consumed by the words and numbers in his book. “I would not however promise love to them, and for those who began seeking me out, wanting to give their hearts to me, I would work from the shadows to find them someone more suitable, as I did not love them in return.” He looks up into Ethan's eyes, a faint question in his eyes that is not echoed by his lips. Instead he murmurs, “I never sought to capture hearts, not in that way. Those humans I loved in a very different way. . .” [i]'You believe me, right?'[/i]

Ethan listened and nodded, and enjoyed the touch. “I can certainly see how you managed it. I don't think I've ever met someone so naturally charming. Why did you not fall for any of them, though? As long as you have been around, I mean. What makes me different?” Ethan asked innocently, refraining from continuing his thoughts on how he was unworthy of the youkai.

Yu purrs at the compliment but his expression does not change. “That is, easy to say, but hard to explain.” He murmurs, flopping down on Ethan's lap and snuggling his torso against the boy like a dog looking for attention. “You, Ethan, move my heart in the direction of love, while the others moved my heart in the direction of loving protection and guidance.” He lets out a faint sigh. “It is as simple as that, for my heart at least. I did not love them, but I do love you.”

“That's not logical,” Ethan replied, smiling. “No, no, I know. Love is not logical and all, but still.” Smiling, he wrapped his arms around Yu for a few moments, casually tracing his fingers along his lover's neck and playing with his hair.

Yu practically melts under the attention, purring deeply and pawing at his lover's leg. However, his passion spent on frolicking, he keeps his wits about him and after a few minutes of this he carefully pulls back and settles next to Ethan rather than on top of him. Sipping at his now warm milk Yu gives the boy one of his winning smiles and glances at the work book before letting out a long sigh and resting comfortably again the youth's side, his focus on some far point in the distance that may or may not actually be within sight.

Ethan pulled his book back into his lap and snuggled next to his lover in a way that he could work but that they would both be comfortable. He wished that he could simply continue frolicking with his new friend, but it was important to him that he learn this stuff. Besides, it would be pointless for Yu to bring him across three timezones if he was not going to get a few hours of studying out of it. Presently, he began to hum and quietly sing as he worked. Though he had not often been told so, he actually had a pleasant tenor voice. His casual tones, while not polished, would not melt Yu's ears, even if they were just intended to help him focus.

The youkai's mind wanders in the warm comfort that comes from being in the presence of one whom you care about and trust. It has been a long time since he's had anything like this, his love for humans unwavering, but his trust untested until recently. His mind dances to earlier days, with the children of his youth, to the great meetings of his people, which he would promptly disappear from to chase a human, or a stray leaf. Every few seconds though his thoughts would jump forward to a small time he spent with Ethan and he'd feel his heart flutter lightly.

He is rather surprised that he didn't notice the deep affection earlier, but as it is, it's understandable. [i]'So long without the simple affections it was easy to mistake the happy for the feelings of the past and miss that they ran deeper. Still with the faint fear that I had made a mistake, still questioning what I really wanted. . .'[/i] He sighs softly, his thoughts slowly drawn from within to the world about him by a lovely sound. His eyes come back into focus and with a slight shift he looks up at Ethan. His eyes sparkle and his smile widens into a dreamy one as he listens to the youth sing. [i]'So lovely. . .But I will tell him when he is done working. I would rather not interrupt him. . .'[/i] His eyes remain fixated on the man he loves, that smile twitching everyone once in a while when he hits a particularly pleasing note.

Ethan enjoyed the comfort that being with Yu provided, but he was less focused on it than the youkai, due to thinking about his work and solving problems. It was another hour before he looked back at him. “Normally I'd be just about done, but I don't want to waste this gorgeous spot you so graciously found for me. On the other hand, the sun is setting, and I really want to enjoy it with you. Is that okay?” he asked, smiling cutely and staring into the youkai's eyes with barely suppressed longing.

Purring happily under that adorable face Yu nods slightly, leaning up to kiss his lover before coming to his feet. Before Ethan can move from his spot on the ground the youkai picks him up gently and with a small burst of his speed he takes the two of them to a large outcropping of rock sticking out of a cliff that overlooks the forest. The setting sun bathes the warm stone in it's fiery golden light and as Yu sets Ethan back down he takes a deep breath, as if drinking the light in with his breath. The setting sun has always fascinated humans, or so Yu has observed, so being asked to enjoy the sunset is not an unexpected request. Settling down next to the human Yu smiles, his tail curling around Ethan's nearest arm while he settles his head on the youth's shoulder. “Your singing was lovely by the way. I enjoyed listening to it a lot. . .” he murmurs softly.

Ethan bit his lip and grinned as he was, quite literally, swept off his feet once again. When they reached the outcropping, he looked out into the sky and could see the magnificent gold, orange, and purple painting over the tops of the tree line.

“It's gorgeous,” he muttered. “But I left my bag... And, well, no one has ever told me that my singing was good before. I'm surprised you think so.”

Yu purrs happily, smiling. “Your bag will be safe young one.” He cuddles into the other's side. “As for your singing, that surprises me. It does not sound like you sing professionally, but it is gentle, and smooth, the bounce in the back of it very pleasing. . .” His hand slides up Ethan's back, his claws scrapping gently down the back of his neck as he strokes the younger male's hair.

Ethan nodded at the mention of his bag and maneuvered his arm around Yu's waist. "I don't sing much around people, for one thing. And besides that, I'm an in-valid. I don't have the genes to be good at anything, remember?" he pointed out teasingly, thoroughly enjoying the touch to his hair and neck.

His eyes narrow at the mention of how he's not suppose to be good at anything due to genes or something, an involuntary growl rumbling out of him. “The whole gene business is foolish I say. You have a beautiful voice and if you practiced and trained with it you could make a wonderful, passionate singer.” He rubs his head gently against Ethan's shoulder. “But your voice is fine the way it is now. It makes me smile at least.” As if to prove it Yu looks up at Ethan with one of his quite smiles before looking back to the setting sun. The giant orb is half gone now, the colors darting out from it growing and fading in a slow exchange of light across the sky.

“Perhaps, but good luck getting the rest of the world to believe that,” Ethan replied, grimacing. But he did not feel particularly saddened by his words. As if to prove that, he continued. “But I don't think I care what they think. I just care about what you think of me.”

Yu purrs deep down, enjoying the sights before him all the more because he is viewing them with someone he loves. When at last the sun vanishes from view the youkai lets out a sigh. Checking his internal clock he murmurs, “We should be getting back. It is late.” He glances up at Ethan, making it clear he does not want to be responsible for Ethan being hurt because he got him home too late.

Ethan smiled, “I have a curfew, but I don't really follow it anymore. So long as I'm home in time to tidy things up and serve breakfast to everyone. I broke that rule long before I met you. I don't really like to live there very much,” he admitted.

Spotting a slight opening Yu runs his fingers tenderly across Ethan's cheek. “It is a pity that I am not as good as I use to be. I would give anything now to get you away from the horrors of that house. . .” His voice is soft and his touch gentle, the look in his eyes sincere and loving.

Ethan looked at the ground for a moment. "Horrors is a strong word, love. If it were really so bad, I would leave. As it is, I don't want to badly enough, I suppose. I just... I have no where to go. I make minimum wage, part time. That's not enough to keep a roof over my head, and it's hard to save for a place because my parents take half of what I do make and generally have me buy my own food. But... I mean, it's really not so bad. I have my own room and all," Ethan muttered, gazing into the youkai's eyes and enjoying the touch across his cheek.

New plans begin to fly through the youkai's head backed by a determination and love that would rival that of the ancient gods. [i]'I will get him out of there, I will help him see. He will suffer no moment longer than I can help. I will use everything I have to make his life the one he deserves'[/i] With a tender kiss Yu wraps his arms carefully around the youth, still very aware of the wounds his dearest will not let him heal, and rises carefully to his feet with Ethan in his arms while still kissing him. When at last he pulls back he murmurs softly, “The sun has said it's good-byes. Shall we depart as well? Or shall I ask the spirits if they would shed some of their light for you to study by?” His eyes are gentle and the soft smile playing across his lips is a bit playful.

Ethan returned the kisses generously, feeling his attraction and love for the youkai flow through him. He rose to his feet with him and looked out at the stars. “Yes, we should pick my stuff up and go, sadly. I wish I could stay here with you all night, but Adam will want to look at my wounds. I don't want to keep him up much later waiting for me.” He hugged the youkai again, wishing he could live a life where he would never have to leave the man's side.

With a gentle nod Yu hops carefully off the cliff, the wind rushing past them warm and gentle and he lands soft as a whisper on the forest floor. A few seconds later he reaches the spot where they left his things and he sets Ethan down so he can pack up. The wind around them suddenly picks up slightly and Yu stiffens. His ears begin rotating like radar dishes and he stares of into the forest with a fixed gaze.

Ethan smiled as he realized that was starting to enjoy these little rides. He picked up his strewn books and put everything into his bag, then turned back to Yu. But the youkai was focused on something that Ethan could not comprehend, and he simply stared at the man, then turned to the direction that the youkai was facing, utterly confused.

After a moment Yu relaxes and moves over to his lover. He pauses for an instant when he sees Ethan looking off towards what had caught his attention. Scooping Ethan up he smiles at the youth. “Do not fret. It is miles away. Just a car passing along the old highway along the edge of the preserve. The wind was just warning me that I should go around.” He hugs Ethan gently before racing off toward Ethan's home. Once in town the passing lights and buildings seem to be almost in slow motion until at last he pauses half a block from his lover's abode. Setting him down he whines gently, brushing a hand over Ethan's back.

In the back of his mind he imagines exactly what he wants to do to Ethan's family to make them stop hurting him. Every touch of pain he suffers at their hands is like a dagger to his heart, and a part of him feels he can not stand to send the man he loves back into that house. However, gazing up into Ethan's eyes he knows there is no way he could stop the youth. He does not have it in him to defy his lover so instead he sheds his non human traits carefully before getting on his toes and wrapping his arms around Ethan's neck. Placing a soft kiss on his lips he murmurs, “I wish you did not have to go. . .”

Ethan grinned brightly Yu ran them both across the landscape, and wondered vaguely just how fast they were actually going. When they stopped near his house, he finally gazed down into Yu's eyes with longing. “I wish I did not have to either. But my brother is very kind to me, and it would be unfair to leave him without an explanation. Besides, I need to get a decent amount of sleep some nights. It's midnight now and I'm supposed to be up at six for my morning chores.” The youth hugged Yu again. “Thank you for helping me study,” he said, smiling cutely.

Yu lets out a another whine, this one sounding human rather than his usual feline one. Nuzzling under Ethan's chin he plants a few light kisses to the youth's neck before letting him go and instead taking his hand. Rubbing his thumb across the back of the boy's hand he leads him out of the little alley he'd come to a stop in and off towards his home. “I will always help you Ethan. Do not forget that.” he murmurs softly, letting their intertwined hands swing slightly between them.

Ethan loved the feeling of being loved, holding another person's hand in the moonlight. He was perfectly content here, so long as he was with his lover. “I fear that someday I will love you so much that I will not have the strength to leave your side,” he muttered, though he had read enough about love and relationships to know that the insatiable attraction to be with Yu constantly would more likely fade with time. “Will I see you again tomorrow?” he asked.

“Tomorrow, the next day, and the day after, forever onwards my love.” Yu murmurs softly, looking to Ethan with rather enchanting eyes. He chuckles softly, “I look forward to that day young one.” The wind trickles around them, ruffling his clothing and reminding Yu to be careful. Yu knows he has to be careful, and intends to, but in this moment, he does not care.

With a mild sense of loss and dread, Ethan let go of the youkai and stepped back. “Then I will look forward to it all night,” he replied, smiling cutely. And with that, he turned and strode towards his house, sneaking inside with a quiet sigh.

Upstairs, he knocked quietly on Adam's door. Only in that moment did he realize that his clothes had a few grass stains and such from spending several hours outside.

Yu returns the smile and watches until his lover is out of sight. Once he can no longer see that lovely figure he turns and at the soonest possible shadow he is off. He feels a coward, running off, not knowing if he will greet his love the next day covered with fresh wounds he will yet again not be allowed to heal. A coward that he does not stay and defend the man he loves from all evils that befall him. [i]'What I do now is important too. If I can find enough, if I can gather enough, then maybe, I will be able to remove him in such a way that he will accept. . .. '[/i] Pausing he slips a paw into a grate near a fast food place and within a few seconds extracts a handful of coins and even a few bills. It is amazing how much cash is lost when your drive through has a slopping driveway.

~*~*~*~*~

The young man paces back and forth in his room, his brown knit with worry. All through dinner he had watched his parents glance at the door every few minutes. He could almost sense their growing anger, even if each time they spoke to him they seemed happy and pleased. He had won yet another prize from his school, had the praise of all the teachers and his coach, but it was clear that even this accomplishment was overshadowed by the fact that once more his dear brother had decided not to return home for evening meal.

[i]'What is Ethan thinking!? After what happened last night, he does it again? He is far too reckless with his safety, he knows how mother and father get when he does foolish things like this. . .And, he promised to come see me after dinner, to let me help him. . .'[/i] Light blue eyes glance at the door and a sigh, one of many that evening, escapes those perfectly engineered lips. In fact, everything about the boy seems perfect. His gait is even, his features fair, his limbs symmetrical. Even his stance each time he pauses boarders on military precision. It is a wonder he can stand at all however.

The burdens placed upon him by his parents is a considerable one. True, his body is up to the task, being so perfectly sculpted, and even his mind is more than ready to take on the challenge. But what his parents do not know about their wonderful little boy is that his soul may not quite be up to the task. So many Valids, he feels for his brother, the In-valid. Not just pity. Not that feeling of seeing a starving puppy and not having anything to feed it. He actually love his brother, and if his parents ever knew he knows that his already over burdened life with only become harsher.

The nervous boy nearly jumps out of his skin when at last he hears the sound he's been waiting for. He'd have waited all night if that's what it took, but glancing at the clock he is glad it didn't. Rushing over he opens it as quietly as possible, gesturing his brother in before closing the door behind him. Without looking at Ethan he rushes over to the bed to look over the supplies he brought to help treat his brother's wounds and it isn't until he's sure it's all still there that he turns around to look at Ethan properly. His brow rises at the sight of grass stains and leaf little hanging off Ethan and his bag here and there and can't help but ask, “Where have you been brother?!”

“I went to go study in the Hemingway Park. I have that Calc III test coming up in a couple of days, and you know how difficult it is for me to work here,” Ethan answered easily, a simple shrug hiding how slightly saddened he was by how easy it was to feed his brother half-truths. It was even a plausible lie, as he had gone to that park many times before. It was well-lit and relatively secluded, and Ethan actually enjoyed working there. “I am sorry I kept you waiting. I got carried away and didn't really feel like coming home. I would have texted, but my cell is broken.”

Adam does not question his brother's truthfulness, having no reason to doubt him. However as he guides Ethan over to a chair for him to sit down so he can get to work he looks at his brother curiously. “Your phone, broken? Mother and father will not be happy about that. . .” He bites his lip. “Does it's current state have anything to do with these grass stains? You're, covered in grass and leaves!” He's exaggerating and he knows it, but even Ethan walking through that door has not expelled all of his worries for the evening. Their parents may be in bed, but they may not stay there. . . .

“No, no. It was broken a couple of days ago. Matt smashed it under his shoe. I was fortunate that he didn't smash my face along with it, so I didn't care that much. Besides, it means Mother and Father can't call and yell at me over whatever. As far as the stains, I was just doing my work and enjoying fresh air. It was rather fun,” the elder brother replied, removing his shirt so that Adam could see the bruises.

“Son of a bitch. . .” Adam murmurs angrily at the news. “You are lucky. Last time he and his gang got a hold of you, you ended up with a broken finger didn't you? Mother and father were furious, having to take you to the hospital. . .Of course they'd worry more about you being see there than actually worry about you. . .” He smiles at the report that Ethan had had fun, not a report he gets to hear very often, but at the sight of the nasty looking bruises his smile vanishes. The younger brother is no expert at treating wounds, however having taken to trying to help out his brother when and where he can Adam has become quite good with dealing with bruises. As he sets to work he looks up at Ethan. Something about him looks different. He can't put his finger on it, but something tell him it's a good thing.

“I think the cost was most bothersome to them. They get a good settlement for me, but since I can't be insured, the visit was pretty expensive. But, if you think they were mad, you should have seen Mr. Eddington. He was furious, not at me, but at them. It screwed up my piano playing for a month. I got pretty good at playing the piano with only nine fingers though,” Ethan replied with clear attempts at light-heartedness. “On the bright side, at least that high hospital cost, and the potential cost to their reputations, stops Mother and Father from putting me in the hospital, ever since that one time,” The elder brother turned back for a moment, flashing Adam an amusing grimace in his own attempt at morbid optimism.

Adam scows and aims a swing at Ethan, clearly not actually going to connect. “It's not funny Ethan. You need to be more careful, or else it won't just be your finger. I really think you should give up wandering around town. At least with the 'rents you [b]know[/b] you won't end up in the hospital. . .” Adam knows the argument is pointless, and that asking Ethan to stay home all the time is silly as it would swiftly drive him mad, but at the same time he worries so much that one day it won't be his coming home late that will be the end of a day, it will be a phone call. . .

~*~*~*~*~

Yu quickly retrieves his bag and once more sets out hunting for dropped coins and the like. The bag grows heavier with each addition, but he hardly notices the weight. He's far stronger than he looks in feline form and far better at hiding.

Even though Ethan trusted his brother entirely, even though logically he knew that the swing was not going to connect, he still instinctively ducked away from it, hiding his face. When he sat up straight again, he was trembling, but he spoke clearly. “I still have to attend school, and go to work, even if I gave up my hobbies. There is plenty of time for them to get to me at school alone. And... and I'm not going to live my life indoors and with no fun just because our parents' beatings are marginally safer than the ones I might get for daring to be an In-valid in public. If I let them control my life like that, then they win, plain and simple.”

Spotting the slight shake in his brother's figure Adam immediately regrets taking a swing at him. With a 'forgive me?' look in his eyes he gasps Ethan's shoulder firmly where there is no visible injury. “I am sorry brother, I know you can't do that. . .I just can't help feeling that safer is better, even if it means no fun for you.” He looks down, going back to work. “There's nothing wrong with you as far as I'm concerned, except your eye, and you're the only person I can talk to around here without feeling like something's expected of me. . .”

“I'll take a few potential broken bones over completely despising my life, but thanks Adam. And I'm glad you see nothing wrong with me. As far as what's expected of you, I wish I could help you more there. You carry the burden quite well, though. I heard you won the science fair at school. Congratulations,” Ethan replied, smiling at his brother.

For the first time today an honest smile comes to the young man's lips at the congratulations for his accomplishment. The only praise that really mattered to him, the only opinion he was really looking forward to hearing, was that of his brother's. And he just got it. And life is good again. He smiles up at his brother and murmurs, “Thank you.” He continues working in silence until at lat he has on the final bandage and he stands, smiling at his work. “There you go. I used the good stuff so they should clear up quickly.” Carefully he leans in and gives his brother a firm hug. “You be more careful with yourself, please brother?”

“I... I will try, Adam. It's just, I gave up playing by Mother and Father's rules years ago. You know that. My compliance did not eliminate the abuse, only lessened it, perhaps. As far as Matt Corlani and those like him, so long as they are taught that its okay to hate people like me, they are going to keep doing this shit. Not just to me, to all In-valids. I can't fight back or I'll be expelled or arrested. With their enhanced genes and superior numbers, I can't run away fast enough. The only way to really prevent this stuff is for society to get fixed, for them to stop blaming in-valids for the world's problems. Unfortunately, I only see things getting worse, not better,” Ethan replied calmly, glancing into his brother's eyes.

Leaning back Adam gives Ethan a tired smile. “The world is a fucked up place, isn't it brother?” He loves his brother very much, and while he does not have a bias either way on the matter the fact that the current climate society makes him suffer daily pains him.

~*~*~*~*~

As Yu dashes around the city he can feel the Wind guiding him. The avian youkai is traveling around the city looking for something to eat and to avoid suspicion Yu would rather she not see him. Ducking into an alley and under a dumpster to hide form her wandering eyes, he begins planning where to check next.

“Yes, it is. But at least I don't have to watch you suffer it as much. I'm glad of that,” Ethan replied, placing a hand on his brother's shoulder. “Thank you for treating the bruises. With any luck, they will be healed soon.” Ethan hesitated now, hoping that Adam would not think that his elder brother was trying to push him away. “I'm planning on being very late tomorrow. You don't have to wait up for me, if you don't want to. And I have a feeling these will heal pretty quickly.”

Adam smiles, so proud that his downtrodden brother still shows such courage and optimism. He's not seen too much of what happens to his brother aside from what their parents do, but he's seen the aftermath often enough. He doesn't really get why they all pick on Ethan, though he's heard all about how he's supposedly superior to an In-valid like Ethan. However the fact that he'd not be making straight As without his brother's help seems to blow that crazy thought right out of his mind. Letting out a faint sigh he feels a faint rush of pride, assuming his brother's confidence in the swift healing process is because he thinks Adam himself did such a good job treating the wounds. “I hops they do brother.” Giving Ethan another hug he begins packing up his supplies. “And I have a meet with one of my clubs early every day this week, so I think I'll do just that and get some sleep. “He smiles brightly at his brother so he knows he does not resent Ethan for coming home late this night.

Ethan smiled genuinely. “Thanks again for waiting for me,” he replied kindly, before slipping out of his brother's room and into his own. There was a large part of him that wished he could tell Adam about his new lover, but he was certain that his younger brother would fear he had finally snapped. If he had not seen, heard, touched, tasted, smelled Yu with his own senses, he would still be doubting his own sanity.

As he changed into his bedclothes and set his alarm, Ethan felt wonderfully content. He fell asleep dreaming of his lover, all aches and pains forgotten.

Adam smiles wide at his brother as he leaves, a true trickle of pride running around his body at the knowledge that he was helpful to his most beloved brother. Turning out the light so that the only illumination in the room is the moon shining through the tall windows the youngest son strips out of his day clothes and lets out a long sigh. The pale glow of the moon makes his flawless skin seem almost inhuman, though different than the moonlight on a certain youkai's flesh. His so called “perfect” body looks good in any light, it wouldn't be “perfect” otherwise. Who wants a Valid lover who doesn't look good once the lights go off. Looking out at the moon Adam says a soft prayer for the health and safety of his family, to no one in particular, then climbs into bed, sleep swiftly claiming him.

~*~*~*~*~

Yu's night is a rather quite, and rather successful one. After spending most of it hunting for loose cash he races off to find some clothing, but not until after he tucks away his treasure. Half hour before Ethan normally leaves the house Yu returns to one of his hiding places with a full set of clothing. It is filthy, as it was pulled from the garbage, but each piece is in good condition. [i]'Honestly, I can not see why these were thrown away. A loose thread here, a slightly worn patch there, and not even in noticeable places'[/i] With a soft sight he calls upon Water and asks if it would be willing to take the clothing and cleanse it for him.

The element consents and with that Yu drops the bits of fabric into a rather scummy looking fountain and thanks the element before taking off towards his lover's home. He sprints along side streets, stopping only long enough to munch on a few stray mice and shrews. He arrives at his destination and by testing the wind confirms that his love is still inside. Settling into a spot where he can clearly see the door, and clearly be seen from it, Yu locks his gaze on the abode and waits for Ethan to come out. The only part of him that moves is the tip of his tail.

Ethan quietly worked from 5 AM to 8 AM, when his parents and brother awakened. When they awoke, the house was vacuumed, several loads of laundry were finished, the kitchen was cleaned with dishes put away, coffee was made, and breakfast for the others was hot on the table. There had been a time when his parents “politely requested” that he stay in all weekend, but he took care to schedule his work shifts on Saturday and Sunday mornings. It was a lot easier for them to stop him from leaving than to force him to come home.

After only some brief conversation, if it could even be called that, Ethan was out the door by 8:30, heading to work for his shift at 9. As he reached the street, he saw Yu, and immediately his mood lightened.

“Good morning, my friend,” he said quietly, winking at the cat.

That twitching tail begins to thrash happily as soon as Ethan leaves his house and as soon as he is able he dashes up to the human and mewls loudly, rubbing against his legs and purring. He lets out a few sneezes, the smell of dust from the vacuum and the pungent odor of dish soap stinging his nostrils. Rubbing his nose with a paw he goes back to dancing about Ethan's legs, propping up on his hind legs to lick at the youth's hand and butting it whenever he has the chance. His nose wrinkles as he smells something a little odd, his ears listening to the wind as it feels the breath coming out of Ethan being a bit off. Gazing up with his silver lamp like eyes he feels ripples of curiosity as to what's going on with the man he loves.

Ethan noticed the youkai's excitement and walked with his lover happily, though he did not notice the curiosity seeping off from the cat. “I have work this morning, until 3 pm. I'm sorry,” he muttered, looking down at his friend, clear fatigue showing through his eyes.

Noting the tired look in his lover's eyes Yu meows in concern but continues moving around his feet until they pass through an area away from prying eyes. Shifting into he natural humanoid form he gently presses Ethan into the nearest wall and gives him a proper “good morning” before pulling back and giving the youth a playful smile. “Good morning my love.” He murmurs softly, leaning in to lick gently at Ethan's jaw and neck. He does not intend to keep the boy long, knowing that work is important to him, but that does not stop him from giving the man he loves a few minutes of loving ministrations.

Ethan bit his lip and returned the ministrations, the combination of too much morning caffiene, the nice walk, and the lovely “stimulation” Yu was providing working to keep him awake and alert. “You youkai seem to have an interesting method of morning greeting, my dear,” he commented teasingly.

Yu smiles, gazing up into Ethan's eyes. “As I love you, I would greet you like this any time of day, as long as it does not make you uncomfortable.” The youkai purrs deeply, happy that Ethan so readily returned his affections, and does not seem to rebuff them. Rubbing his cheek against Ethan’s he purrs deeply, pulling back just far enough to look into his eyes. A clawed thumb comes over to run gently under Ethan's working eye. “You look tired Ethan. Did you not get enough sleep?”

Ethan grinned sincerely at the affectionate words, but then looked away at that pesky question. “You brought me home around midnight, and I fell asleep around 1:30am, after my brother helped me with my wounds. The problem is that I had to be up at five sharp for my Saturday chores, so I only got about three and a half hours. The past few nights, it's been between four and six, and that's not quite enough for me. So no, I haven't gotten quite enough sleep. But, that's okay. I'm used to a lesser amount. I have my ways of dealing with it,” the young man replied calmly, a kind smile crossing his face.

A scowl slowly slips into place and it stays even though he is delighted to see Ethan smiling. “You. . .Deal with less sleep. . . .?” His worried scowl deepens. “I may be ignorant of many human things, but I know the only way to do what you are saying is by using chemicals. Things not natural to your body. . .” He whines, shiny eyes locked on his clearly evasive boyfriend. He nuzzles under Ethan's chin. “You should sleep tonight. If not at home, I could take you somewhere peaceful. . . .” Shocks of real worry lace through Yu's system as he realizes that it may very well be his fault that Ethan isn't sleeping like he should. [i]'If he is getting up hours before I see him. . .'[/i] He whines again.

“It's nothing to worry about, Yu. It's just caffiene. Us humans have been taking it for a long time. I took a few pills of it this morning to get me jumpstarted. Three pills and half a pot of coffee. It's not a big deal. I have to get up early because if I finish my chores in the morning, then I can get out of the house without an argument or anything. It's just easier to get them done and then cook breakfast, and have everything ready to set the table when the others wake up,” Ethan replied, looking into the youkai's eyes as if begging him not to be concerned.

“Oh! Speaking of which, I got Adam to agree to not look at my wounds anymore. He wasn't even terribly upset or hurt that I didn't want his help. Which means, if you still want to, that is, you could heal them for me?” Still smiling, Ethan took it upon himself to continue rubbing Yu, scratching behind his ears, and generally continuing affections so that he might be rather distracted from the caffiene issue.

Reaching up Yu brushes back Ethan's bangs, looking deep into those pleading eyes. His scowl softens ever so slightly. [i]'Your begging alone tells me that what you are doing is not a good thing my love. I have watched humans for a long time, and I know when something is off. You are tired but your heart beats in a way as if you have been running. You are trying to distract me. . .'[/i] A deep purr sets up in his chest against his will and he sighs softly. [i]'Caffeine. Sounds nasty whatever it is. I will have to speak with Master about it later. If my Master is worried, then so am I. . . .'[/i]

The youkai lets the affections wash over him, knowing now is not the time to discuss these matters. He shivers slightly at the feeling of being scratch behind the ears and smiles at the thought of being able to heal the man he loves. He looks around, ready to heal Ethan right here and now, but he pauses after a moment. “You have to get to work.” He says sadly. Leaning up he kisses Ethan gently. “After work?” he whispers sweetly against the other's lips.

Ethan looked down sadly, not relishing the thought of working a six hour shift of heavy lifting while his back was in such pain. But he nodded, for he knew that his lover was right. He would be late to work if they dawdled any longer. Sighing only slightly, he took Yu's hand and started to gently lead him out of the alleyway. “Oh, I forgot. You will probably want to take a different form first,” he muttered, stopping and letting go of his lover.

Before Yu can ask why his lover looks so sad he is leading the youkai towards the populace. He smiles at Ethan and after a moment his clothes ripple into existence and his less than human features vanish. Reaching out he takes the human's hand and hums happily, moving in to walk close to his lover.

Ethan smiled, Yu's mere presence seeming to make his aches and pains go away. He loved just walking with someone, enjoying his lover's casual company, being walked to work by someone who cared for him so deeply. He was almost sad when he reached the store, exactly a minute before he needed to clock in. Smiling, he turned toward his lover. “I get out at three. I won't ask you to wait for me. You know how I feel about you revolving your life around me,” he said, looking down into Yu's eyes.

Reveling in the boy's sweet smile Yu hums even louder, nuzzling into Ethan's arm. There are still odd, disproving looks shot their way but the youkai does his best to not them them rankle him. He of course keeps an eye out for open hostility but they manage to make it to Ethan's work without incident. With a warm grin Yu props himself up on the balls of his feet so he can better reach his lover's lips with his own. His arms slide up to wrap around the boy's neck, holding him tenderly as he does his best to convey his best wishes through this simple act of intimacy. Sharing a long moment with the youth eventually Yu pulls back and murmurs, “I will be here when you are done my love.” The look in his eyes is very sincere. Licking the tip of Ethan's nose playfully he pulls back all the way and offers up a wide happy smile, waving.

Ethan smiled widely and nodded. “I will look forward to seeing you, then,” he replied, sneaking one last glance as he entered the store.

Work passed slowly, as Ethan was particularly jittery and tense that day. Upon one time that he felt his heart beat too fast, he found himself questioning it. [i]I've been on caffiene for years. It's the only way I've been able to maintain my own life without getting too tired. What's so bothersome now? … Well, I did kind of overdo it this morning... I have to be topping over 800 mg with that coffee I had... [/i] Still, even the jitteryness did not stop him from popping two more pills around noon to keep moving.

By the end of his shift, he was tired, nauseous, and aching. His bruised muscles were in no way ready to lift the boxes he had dealt with, but he had not really had a choice in the matter. At least no one had cared that his work was slower than usual. But all of that seemed to disappear when he saw Yu again, with his gorgeous hair and skin glistening in the afternoon sunlight. The young man was clearly too fatigued to run up to his lover, but his joy in seeing him there was written all over his face.

Yu's smile widens, and he continues waving until Ethan is at last out of sight. Knowing there are others who need him, and that his lover would be sad if he began ignoring them, as soon as he is sure the youth is completely out of sight he turns and in a flash races to a nearby spot completely devoid of prying eyes. And instant later he rushes out in feline form and is off to perform his self appointed daily duties. He manages to snag a few rodents for breakfast, and around lunch he spends an hour with the hot dog vendor. The old man seems to be able to tell that Yu is in a happier mood than usual and begins talking about being in love. Yu gets the oddest feeling that the old man has jumped to some very bizarre conclusions, seeing as he's never seen the feline with another feline, but he sets that aside, enjoying how happy the man seems talking about his own romances.

Once lunch is over he spends some time conversing with his Master, confirming his thoughts on the stuff Ethan is consuming. This makes Yu worry a little more, but he knows he can't force a change on his lover, and contents himself with the thought that he will be able to be a bit more informed now when talking to the youth about it. A good hour before Ethan said he would get off work Yu races tot he fountain he left his clothing in. potting a few people nearby he shifts into his clothed human form and wanders over. A few people look at him funny but for the most part don't seem particularly interested in what he's doing. After sitting on the edge of the fountain for a few seconds he reaches in and pulls out his now pristine clothing and heads back towards a narrow alley.

Once he's sure no one can see he dries the cloth quickly and pulls on his new clothing. The light blue button-up is a little loose, and the buttons stop around mid chest, the collar making a wide V shape that shows off a good portion of the youkai's chest. The buttons cause a little trouble but he figures them out rather quickly. Carefully he tucks the shirt into his pants. The skin tight faded black jean like material is rather flexible despite looking like the tough, unyielding jean fabric. Without touching it you would think it [b]was[/b] jean. Once the shirt is tucked in he does a bit of flexing, making sure the pants are easy to move in. [i]'These are not so bad. I am far more use to loose clothing, but the closest thing to what I am use to is a dress, and I think I would get even more funny looks in one of those. . .'[/i]

He struggles a bit with the cuffs but once they are in place he realizes that only if he really tries will the cuffs actually keep the sleeves from falling at least partially over his hands. That last bits, the socks and shoes, are definitely uncomfortable. He's never worn anything on his feet before, and for a while he considered continuing going barefoot, but then he decided if he's going to do this he may as well go all the way. Pulling on the black socks he pulls them all the way up before rolling his pants down over them. The shoes are Velcro so he doesn't have to worry about tying them. He made sure they fit properly the night before and once he figures out how tight they should be he looks at the clean black material that makes up the outside of the sneaker and gives a nod.

Standing up he tries looking at himself from every angle, even contemplating checking himself in the fountain, but after glancing at the sun he realizes he needs to get going. Not really sure how the clothes will affect his magic he wants to give himself enough time to get there so he can keep his promise. Looking himself over one last time he picks off a few bits of dirt that managed to get on the cloth when he'd set the pile down before. Shrugging slightly he figures that he looks normal enough now and with a smile races off towards where he knows his love will soon be emerging from. Arriving in the parking lot a good ten minutes before Ethan is set to come out Yu looks over his clothes again and again, wondering if Ethan will like his selection. While Yu himself could care less about looks and clothing, he knows humans are different and that wearing the wrong thing can put off your partner.

His head comes up when he scents Ethan and he smiles warmly at the sight of his lover. The smile swiftly shifts into concern however when he notices the fatigue on his beloved's face and without hesitation he rushes forward. [i]'What happened? What is wrong? Did they over work him?'[/i] Worries and inquiries tumble through his mind but because of how tired Ethan looks Yu keeps the questions to himself for now. Instead he wraps an arm supportivly around his waist, reaching up with his free hand to push the boy's hair back. The youkai is glad that Ethan seems so happy, but the aches and illness are not completely hidden to this keen observer of mankind. He whines softly, concern pouring from his glittering love filled eyes as he gazes deep into his beloved's fatigued face.

For a split second, Ethan did not notice Yu without his lovely kimono. He looked so strange in “normal” clothes at this point. But it was literally a split second. He smiled weakly at his lover, appeciating the new look, though he had to admit that Yu looked much more “himself” in his normal clothes. [i]'He'll be safer now'[/i], he thought vaguely, holding his lover tightly and nuzzling against his chest. [i]'I'm so comfy. I could just fall asleep right here'[/i].

Not even getting any form of audible greeting Yu's worries skyrocket. When Ethan presses in close the youkai combs his fingers through Ethan's hair, asking his master if anything happened in the building that he should know about. With nothing too worrying to report, other than consumption of some small candy like things the Wind called pills, Yu decides that the best thing is to just get the boy to somewhere he can heal, and rest. Sweeping Ethan into his arms he walks slowly out of sight before taking off at full speed.

[i]'His breathing is a little odd, but not bad, and the fatigue is understandable since he has slept so little, but I can not help and worry that the lack of sleep is not the only problem. . .'[/i] He whines softly as he moves across the continent at breakneck speeds. He goes out of his way to avoid populated areas so he doesn't have to slow down, until at last he races right up the side of a mountain and into a large cavernous opening in it's side. The cave mouth is fifty yards wide and twice as tall, making it look almost like a giant just came along and took a bite out of the rock face.

The ground is covered in thick, short cropped grass, kept like that by mountain goats that take one look at Yu and wander off to quieter areas of the cave like space. There are trees growing here and there, small squat things with lush green leaves, and the rim of the cave is lined with a mix of trees and bushes. A small pod rests in the middle of the area, a stream running from somewhere up above creating a small waterfall into another stream which feeds into the pond. The grass is dotted with flowers, boulder, and small bushes, making the whole scene look entirely unrealistic. And in truth it is. Carefully Yu sits down on the plush grass, settling Ethan down in such a way that the human's head is resting in his lap.

Smiling softly he watches as the fire flowers nearby open and look towards the visitors. Reaching down he runs his fingers through the tired boy's hair, his gaze soft and worried. “This is an elemental garden, a kind of safe spot for my kind. Any of us are allowed to use it, but I picked one of the less used ones. Even if someone else wants or needs to use it, my Master will warn of their coming. We are safe here Ethan, you can rest now. . .” He begins humming softly, hoping that the boy will simply let himself sleep instead of torturing himself even more by forcing wakefulness. “I can heal you when you wake. . .Please sleep?”

The young man became more alert as the adrenaline rushed through his system, a natural reaction to moving through the air at breakneck speeds. He smiled weakly when Yu set him down, appreciating the beauty of the garden, though perhaps not as much as he would have without the exhaustion.

“No, no, love. I'm fine. I just didn't sleep much last night, that's all. These late night adventures with you have been cutting into my schedule a bit. It was already a little over-packed, and I have to wake up really early to get my chores done so that I can get out of the house. It's fine. I'd rather stay awake and enjoy being with you. You're very comfortable,” Ethan replied, smiling up at Yu from his spot in his lap.

With a soft sigh Yu runs his fingers through the young man's hair, his worried expression only deepening. [i]'I understand his want to be here with me, awake and alert, but. . .He is not alert, and he is barely awake. . .I am causing him to suffer. . .'[/i] Yu lets out a little whine, leaning down to kiss his lover's forehead. Looking down into Ethan's eyes he blinks slowly, his golden eyes flashing silver for a moment. “I will be here when you wake, and I will be here for many years to come. One small time sleeping in my embrace so that you do not suffer needlessly is not too much you ask is it?” Pressing a kiss tot he spot he'd licked he whines softly. “I am not a passing joy, and missing a small time awake with me is not so terrible a thing. You may sleep sound here, and when you wake I will show you around. Please? For me?” His eyes shine slightly and he smiles softly.

Ethan smiled sadly, still unable to believe his lover's kindness and commitment. “How do you know that I'm not impossible to be around once you get to know me?” he asked in a joking tone, but deep down, he was looking for a reason not to trust Yu's love. But despite his flickers of doubt, he was already closing his eyes and drifting off, caught in a web of days of sleep debt and exhaustion. It helped that Yu's lap seemed perfectly comfortable, and that the ground of the cave was like a perfect down blanket, not too hard or too soft. It was perfect. Everything was perfect. It was only Ethan's downtrodden mind that could not accept such perfection.

Yu's smile widens slightly. “My heart, is yours, and nothing will stop me from caring short of my death.” He runs his fingers along Ethan's cheeks gently, gazing deep into his slowly closing eyes. “You are not a bad person, and your heart is kind.” He says each thing as if it's own blessing on the man he loves. His fingers slide up to trace over Ethan's brow as he begins to sing softly, letting the elements around him provide the music as they choose. A faint rustle here, a soft sigh there, the light clicking of a pebble tumbling over stone coming and going in time to the boy's heart beat.

“You're too perfect,” Ethan muttered grinning happily and falling asleep to the lullaby of his lover's voice and of nature around them. He felt perfectly loved and perfectly content, and it seemed nothing could change that.

Yu's smile fades ever so slightly at being called perfect, but he waits until it's clear that Ethan is asleep before murmuring, “I am nowhere near perfect my love. . .” The Wind comes and curls over his shoulder at this, caressing his neck and cheek. The youkai sighs as his master tries to comfort him, letting the soft caresses of the breeze calm him and restore a bit of his confidence. Time passes slowly, Yu singing on and off, his fingers dancing across his lover's face and neck as he sleeps on. Nothing else in the world even seems to touch the youkai's mind as he watches the man he loves sleep. It isn't until Ethan stirs that Yu moves other than to caress the boy. His head tilts from side to side as he watches the youth wake and once he's sure he's not going to fall right back to sleep he murmurs, “Did you sleep well my love?”

The young man's sleep was dreamless, and he awoke feeling almost magically refreshed. After stretching for a few moments, he answered. “Yes, better than usual in fact. I'm surprised you didn't move me off of your lap.”

“I enjoyed watching you sleep, and I did not mind serving as your pillow.” He smiles softly, watching the youth stretch from his horizontal position with light amusement. “I am glad you slept well. The elements as they gather here are gentle and wish comfort on all within this safe place. Likely it was they who made your sleep so pleasant.” He runs his fingers through Ethan's hair, gazing down at the youth fondly.

“That's sweet, of you and of them,” Ethan muttered, standing up to stretch for a moment. “Could we go for a walk? Sometimes it helps me wake up,” he asked, offering his hand for Yu to take.

Yu smiles and watches his lover stand, watching his body move and flex, taking in details humans normally can't see or choose to ignore. He lets each little thing soak in, letting himself enjoy what it is to be with the person he loves before his smile widens slightly and he takes the proffered hand. Lifting himself up with the leverage he embraces Ethan briefly before nodding and lacing his fingers through the boy's and leading the way deeper into the garden. Wind dances around them, offering a good morning which Yu translates softly. The fire flowers, burning gently on their stems, weave back and forth, watching them pass. The other elements manifest around them seem to take a vague interest as they begin their little stroll, each of them gentle and noninvasive.

Ethan walked along quietly with the youkai, smiling gently and delighting in the sights of the beautiful garden. He listened to Yu's translations with interest, keeping his fingers firmly interlocked with his lover's, a secret part of him perhaps wishing that they could interlock other body parts. He felt so happy, so alive, and he marveled in what it was to wake up to the man he loved.

Humming and smiling Yu swings the hand attached to Ethan and lets his eyes wander over the ground he has not visited for a long time. [i]'Not much has changed. I have heard many humans say that without human interference nature does not change. I do not know if they still hold to this belief, but it is quite wrong in many cases'[/i] Looking over he watches as the Water in the pond rises, twirling and twining with the Wind and a passing Spirit. The dancing white glowing light slips in and out the loops made by the Water before riding the Wind to the top of the cavern to join other Spirits. Death creeps along the ground like a free standing shadow, playing the age old game of tag with the Life as it stalks across the cave.

Yu smiles ans lifts his foot, watching Death slip past swiftly leaving a trail of dead greenery. Life follows right after, reviving the dead grass. [i]'Such a peaceful place. . . .I love humans, I will never leave them, however I think I should come visit with the elements in this free place more often'[/i] Humming he once more looks over at the man he loves, his smile softening and warming as he slides in a little closer to him. Purring deeply he can feel his fondness rise and as they walk his tail slips up around Ethan's arm, the tip sliding under his sleeve.

Ethan watched the Water and Wind elements play together, but he did not fully understand what was happening between them, and was almost blind to the presence of Spirit, taking the Elemental's presence as mere strangeness of the light. As he saw the game of tag between Life and Death, he merely saw dancing shadows, unaware of what they were. This was probably a good thing, however, for the presence of Death would have likely frightened him from his lovely stupor.

Feeling Yu's tail on his arm, he smiled, even though he was still not entirely accustomed to Yu's non-human attributes. Still, the tail and ears did not take away from Ethan's fondness, which only grew despite his human limitations.

“This is wonderful,” he commented quietly, lifting and kissing his love's hand.

His purr deepens as he feels Ethan's lips on his skin and his eyes drop to half mast. However the action reminds him of something important and he snaps out of his purring stupor. Shifting he steps in front of Ethan, turning to face him to bring him to a halt. Reaching up he brushes the fingers of his free hand over Ethan's chest, his eyes still gently and half closed. “I. . . Seem to recall. . . .Someone saying I could heal him today. . . .” Looking up at the youth he smiles warmly, his warm fingers brushing ever so softly over those bound bruises beneath the thin fabric of Ethan's shirt.

Ethan gazed at Yu curiously, wondering how he had forgotten about wanting to be healed. Oddly enough, he wasn't in pain at the moment, a fact that could probably be chalked up to the happiness he felt with his lover.

“Only if you are sure that it's not too much trouble, my friend,” he replied sweetly, wearing an adorable grin and he removed his shirt and let Yu guide him to a good position.

The youkai chuckles lightly as Ethan returns his concern with cuteness. [i]'Strange, he seems almost drunk off of his happiness, but still I can not seem to convince him that his home is not a good place to be. . . .Though I have not tried yet since he woke and I do not think I have seen him [b]this[/b] blissful before. . . .'[/i] Sighting softly he carefully settles Ethan on to his back, brushing his hands over the bandages a couple times before his claws come to rest gently just above the top bandage. Looking up into his lovers eyes he asks softly, “Do you trust me?”

Ethan grinned blissfully and answered sweetly, “Of course.”

Returning the smile Yu's claws snap down, barely grazing above the skin and shredding the bandages in an instant. Flexing his wind based magic the bandages fall back from his bruised chest gently and with a soft sigh he leans in and begins running his tongue over the still vivid, to his eyes at least, discolored skin. The magic leaks from that slick muscle into the wounded flesh and slowly begins the healing process, speeding up as he goes along.

Ethan shoved back his own fear at the way those claws cut the bandages without even touching his skin. It was impressive, but it could not help but tease the youkai. “I could have just unwrapped them, you know.” He could not help but enjoy the healing touch of that tongue on his skin, the feeling of being so loved and cared for, and sharing that caring with him.... It was not long before he realized that he was enjoying it perhaps a little too much, and showing the evidence of such in his nether regions.

Abruptly, the young man backed away. “Thank you, my friend. But I...” he didn't have an explanation that he could be sure would not hurt the youkai's feelings, and he could not be sure how much Yu had felt. [i]Damn that empathic ability,[/i] he thought, his cheeks turning a bright red.

Yu lifts his head and smiles at Ethan, chuckling. “I could have.” he murmurs, leaning back in to continue his ministrations. However, after not very long, he flinches back slightly as Ethan scuttles away from him. Fearing he'd hurt the boy he looks at Ethan’s face, trying to figure out what's wrong. Seeing the beet red cheeks and the way he's trying to his himself however the youkai figures it out quite quickly and sighs softly. [i]'I am glad I did not hurt him or something'[/i] Moving in closer to the youth he carefully helps him sit up before settling behind the young man's back.

He lets out a faint whine at the sight of a rather dark bruise glaring at him angrily and very carefully he leans in close. Resting on his knees his hands are settled on the grass on either side of Ethan's hips. He only runs his tongue over the are a couple times before shifting slightly and settling his chin on Ethan's shoulder. “While I do not claim to understand it personally, I do know how humans tend to feel about being aroused when not intending to be.” He presses a kiss to the boy's collar before settling his chin back down. “It does not bother me. I am not offended. It is a natural response and you should not be ashamed or frightened.” Shifting his head he settles his forehead where his chin just was. “And you do not need to fret. I will not act on my own arousal, not will I tease you for yours.” Gently he shifts back and continues his work on Ethan's back, careful to keep an eye out for any sign that he should just back off and give him his space for now.

Ethan smiled gently, “I just didn't want to offend you. I know you are doing this to help me and heal me, not make me aroused. I didn't want you to think that I had a dirty mind or something. You're really aroused too?” he asked curiously, as he relaxed slightly and enjoyed Yu's ministrations on the bruises on his back.

Yu smiles. “I am with the man I love. I am usually some degree of aroused around you. Being able to touch you just makes my feelings stronger, and smelling your arousal has me quite dreamy.” Settling down so his arms are crossed behind Ethan's backside, elbows on the ground, Yu takes care of a bruise just above Ethan's pants line. “And besides the taste of the medicine you taste divine.” As if to prove his point he drags his tongue along a little slower than usual before licking his lips. “So, to answer your question Ethan, I am quite stimulated at the moment. It is far easier for me to get like this however, since I can spell things you can not, and I want to let myself feel like this.”

The young man smiled, flattered by the thought of someone being aroused by him. “Sorry about the medicine. I'll try and taste better next time,” he replied jokingly.

Yu purrs deeply at this response and a moment later when he's finished with Ethan's back he slides around to the side, laying sideways with his head propped up on his hand. Looking up at Ethan he smiles warmly, “That gives me hope to think that next time I drag my tongue across your skin it will not be for healing purposes. . . .” His eyes rest at half mast, his gaze slipping down to the still wounded chest and arms of his lover. Reaching out with his free hand he runs his fingers over the areas, just a hair's breath away from the skin. Looking back up at Ethan his eyes are tinged with the desire to make the man he loves feel all better.

Ethan bit his lip at the image and grinned, taking Yu's hand and kissing his cheek. “I'm trying to think of a way that I could let you heal the bruises on my arms without arousing suspicion, and the only think I can think of is to wear long sleeves when I'm around others. Which... would not be such a terrible idea. Do you have any thoughts on it?”

Wriggling happily under the shows of affection from Ethan Yu smiles happily up at the man. Still holding Ethan's hand he sits up, scooting close to Ethan before placing his free hand in the grass on the other side of the boy's legs. In this position he can look up into Ethan's eyes cutely and with a deep purr he leans up and kisses his softly. “Anything that you can think of to make your life better is good in my book, and I will endeavor to make so. . .”

“The only way to truly make my life better would be to give me an affordable home to live away from my parents and to guard me from the assholes at my school who see an in-valid as easy prey to make themselves feel better about their pathetic lives,” Ethan replied, his voice only slightly bitter. “And, as much as I know you would want to, I can't ask you to do those things, and even if I could, I don't think they are within even your power.”

The young man paused for a few moments and glanced down at the ground.

“For now, would you be okay with healing the bruises on my legs? And my arms? If I wear long pants and long sleeves everywhere except in the machine shop? The robotics guys will think that I just healed over my wounds. They don't pay attention that much. The bullies and my family will just think I'm covering the wounds. I used to do that.” he asked tentatively, hoping that he was not abusing the privilege or putting his friend in danger.

Leaning in Yu gives his lover another kiss. “I would spirit you away in an instant if I did not know how much you desire to stay near to those whom you care about. Aside from that,” He nuzzles the boy's cheek. “I have things I can do to make those things better, if you would let me.” Lifting Ethan's hand he kisses the back of it gently before dragging his tongue across his wrist, his magic sinking deep to deal with a strain Ethan probably didn't even notice was their due to being so use to pain.

“I will gladly heal you wherever you are wounded my love.” he murmurs softly against the youth's skin. Drawing his hand back, still holding Ethan's, he straightens the limb so he can reach the wounds better.

Sensing the magic Life and Death slip in a bit closer, still looking like shadows and light on the ground. They watch, curious, without saying anything, and after a while Spirit too joins in, floating around the two biological beings and wondering about what's going on. Why this human is here, and why this youkai is the one that brought him.

“Despite everything that's happened to me there, I still want to finish high school and keep my job. I don't want to be another in-valid drop out, and I already have a decent job for an in-valid. If I ran away with you, I would be totally dependent on you, because I have no idea how to live away from society,” Ethan admitted, reluctantly removing his pants to reveal several bruises marking his thighs and shins, and making his levels of arousal a little more plainly visible. “I'm sorry, my friend. I guess I'm just stuck in my silly human ways.”

“I understand.” Yu murmurs. He's not lying, he understands. He gets what Ethan wants, and is actually quite proud at his lover's determination, but like any youkai in love there is a part of him that is more than willing to do exactly what Ethan is trying to avoid him doing. [i]'I would take care of you, no matter what. I would teach you how to take care of yourself, and we could move about freely. The pain you have now would be but a memory. . . .'[/i]

Sighing gently he shifts to the youth's other side and takes care of the relatively fewer injuries on his neglected arm. Once he's done he lets Ethan's arm go so he can get his pants off. The oh so pleasing smell rolling off of his lover grows stronger, deepening the purr in his chest as he smiles happily at the young man. Life and Death look to one another and after a moment they back off several paces before the light and shadow lift off the ground. They shift and twist until at last they settle into humanoid forms. Death, dressed in a black, sheer dress and taking the figure of a curvacious plump woman, smiles at the two of them before turning to her counterpart and poking him in the arm.

The older looking male, his shock white hair matching his long pants and open button up shirt, rolls his eyes at her before motioning off towards the pond. Like always he makes sure to keep up with her 'mess' as they move along, murmuring to one another. The spirit comes to settle on the grass, a light puff of smoke leaving it in the shape of a squirrel.

Yu chuckles at the interest of the elements. [i]'It has been a long time since youkai have had dealings with humans, and to bring him tot he garden. . .And so obviously because we care for one another'[/i] He does not mean their aroused bodies. That does not mean caring to the elements, they know better. It is more how Ethan is letting the youkai help despite his discomfort, and Yu helping with such gentle finesse.

The young teen's eyes widened as he noticed the spirits of Life and Death pass into their human forms. He had some idea that they must be either youkai or Elements, but no idea who they were. Still, his face turned a beet red and his eyes widened as he grabbed his shirt to cover the obvious bulge in his groin.

“... Yu? Who are they?” he asked tentatively.

Yu can not help but admire the sudden color shift, the red looking quite endearing to the youkai. Reaching up he runs his fingers over the youth's cheek, smiling softly. “They are Life and Death in manifest form. They likely got inspired to take human forms by our presence. . .” Upon hearing their earthly names the two turn and smile before continuing on their trek to the pond to play with Water. Yu seems completely unbothered by their presence, smiling warmly at Ethan before dropping his hand and moving down so he can begin working on Ethan's legs.

[i]Oh, it's just Life and Death seeing me like this, no one important or anything![/i] he thought with a frantic sarcasm. The look on the young man's visage fell from embarrassed to mortified in an instant, but he was too shocked to even put his clothes back on. And despite himself, he was still enjoying the healing attention from Yu.

“Should we … stop? To be respectful to them?” he asked.

Pausing in his ministrations Yu looks up at his lover, wondering just how to explain how the manifestations feel about the interactions between a human and a youkai who just so happen to be around today and being loving to one another. Just about anything he could come up with kept popping into his mind sounded like mortals mean nothing to the elements so after a few seconds he decides to reverse his thoughts. “They. . . Have no opinion on such things. Like asking a mouse what it thinks of your shoes, the mouse would not have an opinion.” He glances over at the elements in question.

“They know we are happily here together, and since I am on neutral terms with them, and they do not even know you at all, they care about us just about as much as a flower cares about a waterfall halfway across the planet.” Turning back to Ethan he smiles wide, leaning up to give his lover a calming kiss. Running his thumb over the boy's cheek as he pulls back he continues to purr happily. Leaning back down he continues what he's doing, moving slowly higher and higher on Ethan's legs with his healing licks.

Ethan smiled and nodded, trying to remind himself of Yu's words. His arousal continued, but more importantly, the aches and pains that seemed so much a part of him slowly disappeared. “You are very kind to do this for me, my friend. Thank you.” When the bruises on the front of his legs had disappeared, he rolled over on the ground, exposing his back and legs to the youkai.

The intoxicating aromas coming off of his lover make the youkai more content than he's ever been before. Something about being in love makes every little bit about the youth that he's willing to share a precious treasure he would not trade for the world. Despite his unease Ethan lets him continue and Yu can't help but offer a wide grin at the thanks. Licking his lips happily he looks up at Ethan and murmurs, “My pleasure young one. . . .”

Once he's done with the front and Ethan rolls on to his stomach the long haired male works quickly to ease his partner's pain, chuckling as the spirit races first across his ankles, then over Ethan's back as it chases around a flying insect. Once he is done with Ethan's legs and finishes checking his back for any injuries he's missed, Yu settles to one side and begins rubbing the boy's back, rubbing away the natural aches that come from using your muscles normally. As they are not an injury, his healing magic can't do much about it. His fingers are gentle, but firm, working their way along the muscles carefully. In the back of his mind he wonders if Ethan is more comfortable like this, seeing as his arousal can not be seen in this position.

“Wow. You're wonderful,” Ethan muttered, sighing with pleasure. “I can see how it was so easy for you to spirit people away from their lives. Your massages alone are intoxicating. You are too kind to me, my friend. I might start really getting used to it.”

Yu lets out a long happy coo at the happy note in his lover's voice, leaning over his back so his hair drifts forward, sliding against the human's skin. “I am glad you are enjoying yourself Ethan. I like being able to help you feel good.” He smiles softly, “And feel free to get used to them.” Once he's done with Ethan's back he moves to his lags, careful not to tickle the young man as he works. After a moment he asks, “Are you more relaxed now? More comfortable?” He glances over at Life and Death, sitting side-by-side next to the pond and talking softly to one another the way lovers do. The scene makes him smile, recalling how he and Ethan had done something like that before.

“I feel wonderful, better than I have in years, love,” the young man replied warmly, enjoying the way his new boyfriend's hair tickled his skin. Wrapping his arms around the youkai's back, he pulled him into a warm and loving embrace.

He glanced over at Life and Death as they kissed softly, with a quiet passion rather than the energy he felt with Yu. It was so strange, for aside from the magic emanating from the pair, they seemed almost like a “normal” couple.

“Is there anything I can give you in return, my love?”

Yu chuckles softly as Ethan suddenly flips over and lunches up into a hug. Returning the embrace he can feel joy racing through him as the youth seemed to pull that move off without feeling any pain. Purring deeply he presses his face against Ethan's neck, drinking in the scent of him and letting his hands roam across the other's back in a slightly more intimate manner than the massage from moments ago. [i]'You feel so warm here in my arms my love, your very life bringing me joy. I can ask for nothing more than what you are willing to give, and in this moment I can think of nothing to bring me even greater joy'[/i]

He too looks over at the couple on the pond side, their love something beyond even his understanding, their very existence so intertwined that nothing made of flesh and bone could hope to compare. [i]'It is a love, even understood, that all wish to experience with the one they love, even if they do not know it. What they have is the greatest of loves, and will never die. . .'[/i] Sitting up so Ethan doesn't have to worry about flopping back on to the grass when he let's go, Yu looks deep into Ethan's eyes and wonders about his future with this young man. Wonders what is in store for them, and how they will ride their love into what is to come.

Reaching up he caresses the taller male's cheek, just admiring that lovely face, that image that greets him every time he closes his eyes and makes him feel like all the world could fall away, leaving only the two of them, and he would be happy. “I will accept anything you are willing to give me,” Yu whispers in a soft, warm voice. “And I will never ask more than you are willing to give.” Purring he leans up and rubs his cheek against his lover's. “You do not need to repay me for anything my love. Simply knowing you are happy and healthy and do not hate me is enough to send me into the ocean of bliss I live in each day I am with you. . .” Licking Ethan's cheek he presses a soft kiss to the boy's lips before burying his face in Ethan's collar and holding him tight. The grass is warm beneath them, the breeze dancing around them as it passes through the cave likewise warm and inviting. His tail slips forward, coiling around the youth's middle as if Yu is trying to draw him in even closer.

At his love's kind and impossibly romantic words, and the tail's insistence that he come in even closer, he closed the short distance between them and wrapped his top arm around the youkai. Gently, he planted tiny kisses on his neck, for the moment forgetting his own inexperience and awkwardness and just reveling in the sensation of returning his lover's words with his own affection.

After a few minutes, he pulled back a little bit and gazed into Yu's eyes, smirking slightly, “I'm not really as eloquent as you are, love. It's really impressive actually, especially for someone who can't read English.” Sneaking another kiss on the youkai's cheek, he continued, “This is the only way I know how to show such affection, unless you would like for me to attempt horribly trite poetry.”

The purr deepens even further and Yu stills his hands. He drinks in the affection like a drug and lets Ethan do what he likes for as long as he likes. [i]'It is good to feel how much he cares. It makes me wonder so many things, but at the same time I wish for only this moment. This moment here, with him, is all I ask for. . . .'[/i] He stretches his neck out slightly, giving Ethan better access. His eyes fall to half mast, his gaze settled on the stones rolling about across the way playing some sort of skipping game.

When at last the youth pulls back Yu returns the smile, his body rather keyed up but under control. “I have been speaking longer than this language has existed, and have been speaking since I was a child. It is far easier to learn to speak than it is to read.” he murmurs, the eye above his cheek winking closed as Ethan applies his kiss. His smile widens at those next words and his tail comes up to brush across Ethan's chest. “You do what you do, and I will do what I do, and together, perhaps, we will find things that we both can do together.” Leaning in he kisses Ethan deeply before glancing out towards the sun. [i]'It is nearly time for it to set. . .And once set, I must bring him home to avoid him being late. . . .'[/i] With a soft sigh he looks at his lover. “Care to watch the sun set with me?”

Ethan smiled at the beautiful words and the wonderfully loving kiss, and nodded. “Always.” Standing up, with none of the aches and pains that he was so accustomed to now, he offered a hand to the youkai.

Taking Ethan's hand Yu stands, pulling the youth in for a quick kiss in the same motion before smiling wide and leading him towards the edge. Ringed with bushes as the lip of the cave is Yu takes a slightly tighter grip on his lover's hand before holding a few branches aside and carefully maneuvering them through to the edge not a handful of paces beyond. The scene before them is simply breathtaking. Yu takes a few steps forward before noticing that Ethan has stopped moving. Turning he looks towards his lover with a curious gaze.

Ethan caught sight of the gorgeous oranges in the sky as he stepped out of the cave entrance. It was indeed breathtaking... and also incredibly high, which rather detracted from the sight. The young man's eyes widened and his breath caught in his throat for a different reason. He had stopped short a couple of meters from the edge, as soon as he realized what the altitude was.

“It's very beautiful. And... high,” Ethan muttered, glancing at the ground in embarrassment. “How the heck did you get us up here? And how did I not remember, before?” he asked curiously.

Giving Ethan's hand a squeeze Yu smiles warmly. “I ran up here with the Wind at my back my love. Would you rather stay back here against the bushes? We can see fine away from the edge.” Moving in close to Ethan he nuzzles the youth's cheek. “I would never let you fall Ethan.” he whispers softly into his lover's ear. “And I will not do anything that makes you uncomfortable if I can help it.” He pulls back and smiles warmly, waiting for Ethan's decision.

Ethan nodded and walked a few steps further, trusting Yu, but still not eager to dangle his feet over the edge. He stopped short about a meter away. "Is this okay?" he asked nervously, leaning against his lover as if Yu could protect him from every danger in the world, including gravity itself.

Yu lets Ethan get to a comfortable distance before smiling and nodding. “This will do fine. I think we can see perfectly from here.” Giving Ethan's hand a squeeze his tail snakes out, tugging at him gently as Yu begins sitting down.

Ethan grinned uncontrollably, once again, and sat down next to his love. He held his arm and leaned against his chest, seeming once again perfectly content. “Everything about this evening has been perfect, my friend. It hasn't even occurred to me, until now, that I should be hungry. It's like nothing matters but you, and these amazing adventures we can have together.” He sat back slightly to gaze into his friend's eyes, a teasing air to his own, “You aren't using your charms on me, are you?”

The youkai is very pleased that Ethan is having so much fun, his love's happiness always at the forefront of his mind. However when he mentions food Yu decides to grab something before dropping the youth off at home. [i]'The hotdog vendor is normally out late into the evening, since he does not start selling his wares until noon. A lot of people on their way home like stopping by for a fresh hot quick to eat meal'[/i]

Looking back into his lover's eyes he smiles warmly. “No my love, I am not using any charm beyond what is natural to me. No magic. Just me.” He kisses that cute face in front of him before licking Ethan's forehead and nuzzling his shoulder with his cheek. He really does enjoy being close with his lover.

“I know, I know, I was just teasing,” the young human replied, grazing a light kiss against his lover's mouth. Smiling, he leaned his head on Yu's chest, shamelessly draping himself over the youkai, and stared at the gorgeous sunset. “I'm not making you uncomfortable, am I?” he asked, slightly worried.

Yu lets out a faint chuckle. “No young one, I am sturdier than I look.” he murmurs softly, settling into their cuddle position contently. The sun falls slowly behind the horizon, the shifting colors and air temperature signaling the beginning of night here near the west coast. [i]'It will be near to ten in the evening in Ethan's home town once the sun vanishes completely. It will take a few minutes to get back, and the vendor leaves around one in the morning. So, we can stay here a bit or head home. . . .It it up to my dear Ethan. . .'[/i]

His mind shifting once more back to his lover Yu lets out a sigh, purring deeply. He lets the rhythm of Ethan's heart beat move through his ears to his entire body, his own synching up with the soft, gentle beat. He nuzzles the boy's shoulder once more, nibbling playfully at his shirt sleeve before letting his purr slip from between his lips directly on to Ethan's neck. His lips dance playfully across the exposed flesh as his instincts urge him on to getting even closer to the man he loves.

Ethan smiled sweetly and reveled in his love's attentions. Biting his lip slightly, he eyed Yu for permission before removing his shirt and nuzzling in closer. “You are too sweet to me, my friend,” he crooned as he playfully and softly rubbed Yu's chest.

Quite pleased that Ethan is responding favorably to his ministrations Yu does no object when the youth removes the foreign covering and replaces it with his hands and face. He can feel the urge to continue forward with the affectionate exchange however, since he knows Ethan still has reservations, Yu holds those desires back and instead shifts and rubs the boy's back, humming softly. In a soft voice he murmurs, “You deserve every affection I can give you my love. . .” His hand daces playfully across the taller males, back, his tail slipping forward to brush gently beneath Ethan's own covering.

“You keep saying that,” the young man replied, his voice portraying a sort of teasing doubt, even as he enjoyed the loving affections.

The youkai's purr deepens. “I say it because it is true. It is what I believe, so I say it.” he murmurs warmly, trying the wash away that note of doubt with his pure love and affection.

Ethan turned to his love with wide eyes. "I appreciate your belief, even if it is... well, an unpopular one." He admittedly felt a selfish pride in his lover. Yu could have swept any human off his feet with his kind words intoxicating gestures, but he had chosen Ethan. He turned and kissed the youkai's neck gently. "I can't imagine how intoxicating you would be with magic."

Those adorable bright eyes turned on him make the feline melt pleasantly and he smiles back at them with his eyes nearly closed, a faint but overwhelmingly affectionate smile on his lips. He can't help but chuckle at the first part, muttering, “Good for me that it not popular as I would not be quite sure how to fight for your affections if you had as many people as you deserve after you.” His smile widens slightly. “Though I would fight a thousand undead hordes if it meant even a minute at you side. . .”

His purr becomes a faint growl as those warm lips press against his neck and his tail slides up further to brush against Ethan's shoulder blades. He returns the gesture with a gentle lick to the boy's forehead before whispering his reply. “The intoxication would be more fuzzy, less sure, and more in your mind than your heart. . .” He hums happily, nuzzling his love for a moment before adding on. “The sun is gone now, would you care to head back? I know somewhere we can pick up some food before you head home. . .”