This man's drunk. Dead drunk! [Shuu]

[Sagasu Yume]

((Continuing from here))

Kicking off the breaks, she takes hold of the rails and wheels their way into the outpatient centre. Business was routine from there as they already knew that he wasn't so drunk as to be incapable of consciousness. A clamp was placed on one finger and soon his vitals were being monitored for pulse, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and core temperature. For the first little while, Yume checked his pupils and listened to his breathing every five minutes while filling out his admission papers, extending that time to the quarters after 20 minutes. She had kept to a business like tone through the ordeal but now she motioned for Shuu to follow her and departed to an alcove down the hall that contained a coffee machine and a few padded arm chairs. She poured herself a cup and offered one to Shuu before settling into a chair with a groan.

Forgive me. I had just left here two hours ago. It's been... hectic since the attacks started. I'm glad that Sousuke spoke kindly of me. I wouldn't expect less from our Steward but it's pleasing all the same. You said he offered refugee status, has something happened to Kirigakure?

For all of her exhaustion, the curious mednin focused intently on Shuu, cradling her cup of coffee as if it were her most prized possession, taking tentative sips while curls of steam warmed her face. The moment they had reached the hospital, CuRua had taken his leave to curl up under the reception desk of the outpatient centre. The area would be quiet until morning and made for an ideal place to hide from the hubbub of the rest of Omni-Prime; which was all the better for keeping their conversation private.

 

[Kendori Shuu]

As they wheeled the patient in Shuu meandered in, watching Yume work. While she was far more experienced then the girl, she also knew--unlike many with a savior complex--that she couldn't do everything. Besides, part of her job was not just to treat patients, but to teach others how to do so to the best of their ability too, and that meant knowing what they could do first. As she watched Yume's medical procedure she said nothing but simply observed, and when she invited her back to the break area, she watched the girl with curiosity, her violet brow knit just barely in obvious concern and thought. When she offered Shuu a cup of coffee She took it gratefully, offering thanks and sipping it gently. The Yume she just now witnessed was a bit less formal than the one she'd seen on the streets by the way she sank into the chair with a groan as though it were the most comfortable thing she'd had the luxury of experiencing. She wasn't really that surprised by that fact, and indeed welcomed it. Most people tended to be a bit more stiff around her when they learned she was a Sennin, unless she'd had time to soften them up properly. It seemed either Yume didn't care as much or exhaustion had already done the softening, which was honestly just as well.

"What attacks? Oh, but I'm sorry things have been so busy for you. You really need to rest, Yume-chan. Don't push yourself too hard if you can avoid it. I know it seems like the Medical Branch has been suffering a bit from a clear lack of leadership, but I plan on holding it together until someone worthy can properly pick up the role, so relax. I've got this,"<i></i> she grinned playfully. When she brought up Kiri though, Shuu flinched for a moment, then sighed. It was still fresh, and even though she was adjusting to being in Suna with incredible speed, it still surprised her how wounded she felt from it all. She adapted and survived, that was what shinobi did, but that didn't mean that she was immune to suffering. She had remained standing, and even as she remembered it all she found her body tensing and coiling like a spring, which she had to force herself to relax, her shoulders visibly drooping a bit as she relaxed the muscles.

"Kiri...was once an island paradise. It was gorgeous. People treated our village as much as a vacation spot as a shinobi village. Recently though...I don't know the exact details, and honestly the only reason I think I survived was because I was out travelling at the time..."<i></i> She closed her eyes and memories of her home flashed through her head, still fresh. Not even a few weeks ago she'd been trading playful barbs with her successor's brother, and helping her father plan trade negotiations for the village. Now...

"Kiri is a barren wasteland of cold now. Completely frozen over, something drastic happened to turn it into nothing but ice, snow, and tundra. Thousands were frozen where they stood, only a handful made it out alive. I still don't know the exact details...I don't know that anyone does at the moment. All we know is that my home is uninhabitable and everyone I've ever known and loved is either missing or dead with the exception of the few surviving stragglers I found and brought here for treatment and safety. Part of my deal with Sousuke-kun was that I would temporarily offer my services as medical professional and possibly shinobi to him in exchange for refugee status for myself and the civilians I escorted with me. He didn't ask it of me, of course. He's not that kind of man. But I offered all the same because it only felt right to give back to those helping us...and to be honest, something to keep my mind off of the insanity is welcome, if not necessary."<i></i>

She sighed, sipping her coffee, the bitter taste coaxing her insides. She normally liked sweets, but happily made an exception for coffee and tea, as they helped her think and do her job more efficiently and on less rest where necessary. She looked up to Yume and offered a wan smile.

"But I'm not the pity-party type, so don't think this'll send me into a spiral of depression. I am a survivor. I always have been. I will find my way. But in the meantime Suna makes a great second home, given how welcoming Sousuke-kun and Uri-boya have been. I met the Boya on my travels...we had a night of drunken debauchery together. We were fast friends. When Kiri was gone, in my shock coming here on his recommendation that I come visit was all I could think of. Always the welcoming charmer, that one."<i></i> She chuckled quietly as she took another sip, only finally sitting down herself. As she settled into the chair, she let all her muscles relax as she had done her shoulders a moment previous, and her eyes flicked closed as she realised she'd been keeping her muscles tensed so long that it actually hurt to relax them. After a long moment though she opened them again, her brilliant sapphire gaze locking onto the young kunoichi who had been so agreeable and pleasant so far with focused intent.

"Yume-chan...I can see how you push yourself. With your home in crisis I can't blame you, it's been pretty hectic around here apparently, but you'll wear yourself out if you don't make a point of making some serious time for yourself. Any good leader knows that downtime is just as important as training to ensure their people perform at their peak. Make a point of making some time for you. The circles under your eyes will thank you for it,"<i></i> she winked, grinning teasingly.

 

[Sagasu Yume]

About a week ago, I was called to investigate an explosion. There were projectiles that appeared to be magnetized and gravitational in nature. I managed to have the polarity reversed and we could treat the patients, but since then we have been inundated with wounded. I haven’t been able to find out if there is something is being done about it, but I can only assume that the Main branch is pulling their weight to get to the bottom of it. It would be one thing if it only affected shinobi however most of the injured are civilians.

You’re completely correct about the leadership. We haven’t had a sennin in awhile, not since the last hospital was destroyed by a djinn. I’d rather not talk about the incident, but I would welcome any expertise you have. I have, well, we all have been doing our best to pull together, but we need a dedicated leader. I’d step up, but I’m dedicated to my research and I don’t think I have the experience to lead an entire medical division.

She listened with the same rapt attention she had given Uri when he explained what the surface was like. Once more she tried to imagine what snow was like. She had performed some ice jutsus and had made snow fall but it was simply too warm in Suna and it didn’t stick around. Just like her affinity with water, Yume understood how any element in excess was a bad thing. A small smile spread over her lips at Shuu’s description of the sort of person Sousuke was, agreeing to her sentiments with a nod. Her smile was soon changed into wide-eyed embarrassment as a blush seized her cheeks.

I…I had no idea that Uri was… that sort, er, that he was into such things. He is quite the welcoming sort; stepped in to help build the hospital within days of his arrival.

Her eyes gazed into the half drank cup that was clutched between her palms. Her lower lip trembling but any other expression of sadness was void from her features. Drawing in a long breath, she let it out just as slowly, forcing a smile to respond to the teasing.

I’d like to think that we’re a little similar; survivors, I mean. I haven’t seen as much as you or Uri, but I’ve lost both of my parents and I am vastly different from my brother, though we’re close. There’s only one person I know who I can even remotely relate to. I’ve lived my life by getting back up and smiling every day because everything happens for a reason and if it doesn’t kill you, it makes you stronger… but there has to be more than this, right? We’ve only been in this pit for 20 years, there has to be a surface worth going to. And I do make a point of having down time. I was studying at the library before the call came in tonight.

She chuckled a little at the last bit. When most people think of down time, they assume it would be spent with friends, going shopping, or seeing a show, or having dinner. These were all things that Yume enjoyed but she didn’t find purpose in them. She’d never done anything for herself in the strictest, most selfish sense of the phrase; she’d never gone on a date for that matter. Perhaps it was time to be a little selfish.

If you don’t mind me asking, while you are in Suna, would you be interested in teaching me what you’ve learned? The only knowledge I have from outside sources is from books. There’s one that I’m particularly fond of that documents the abilities of a water adept, such as myself. I used one of her techniques to remove the diamond sands from the Steward’s lungs nearly six months ago… but I haven’t been mentored since my Mom died.

 

[Kendori Shuu]

At mention of gravitic and magnetic anomalies, Shuu frowned thoughtfully. She'd certainly never heard of anything like that, but it sounded like the hospital had been full lately because of such attacks. With a curious tilt to her head she made a mental note to investigate the issue later. For now she was enjoying some time with the young med-nin learning more about her. When she spoke on the Medical Branch's issues she grinned and shrugged.

"I certainly don't plan on pulling of a coup or anything, I just know I've got the knowhow to keep the branch in one piece until someone proficient and deserving can step up to the role."<i></i> When Yume blushed profusely at mention of Uri and her's night of fun, She lifted a brow as she gazed at the blue-haired girl in amusement. A mischievous smile curled up her face as her eyes grew slightly lewd.

"Oh goodness. You like him, don't you?"<i></i> She let out a slight chuckle and leaned back a bit, sipping her coffee. "Well don't worry. He was as gentlemanly as you could imagine. It was more we got into some trouble than did anything...untoward. It was a first for him too. So the man of your fantasies is still intact, I promise."<i></i> She winked playfully. Even if Yume didn't have a thing for him, teasing her a bit was still a blast...but she had a pretty good nose for such things. Having amazing eyes that missed no detail for hundreds of yards helped too, so the trembling lip did not go amiss. When she spoke further on herself though the Violet Sage listened with rapt attention and her expression immediately softened once she heard the rather saddening tale of the girl. She was only just on the cusp of adulthood and yet since a teen she hadn't had any real guidance. How sad life must have been for her. Instantly Shuu's motherly instincts--which had always been strong, as the Koizumi twins could attest--kicked into high gear and she immediately felt the same type of responsibility for this girl that she felt for the Koizumi pair.

Immediately Shuu realized two things when Yume mentioned being in the library and 'a surface worth returning to'. One, Yume was a studious girl who enjoyed putting her nose in a book, but had never truly been selfish and done something just for her in her life. Two, she was incredibly sheltered, naive, and inexperienced. Not just as a ninja, but as a person in the ways of the world. Desipte her Chuunin-level rank, she had spent most of her life, missions included, inside of the village. Mostly in her home, the hospital, and the library, probably. When she heard the girl's story immediately she likened it a bit to her own, but more related it to the Koizumi than herself, and perhaps her immediate affection for this girl stemmed from her striking similarity to Kano and Kyoko.

"That's it. I'm making it my mission to get you on a date with Uri-boya."<i></i> She grinned playfully, enjoying the thought of the studious young med-nin and the happy-go-lucky chuunin out together. He would be good for her. As she thought on it, what happened next caught her slightly off-guard, but in a good way. The surprise registered on her face, but was immediately followed up by a warm smile.

"Absolutely. I'd be happy to teach you. Perhaps even mold you into the leader this branch needs. I've got a very wide variety of skills and abilities, and a laundry list of jutsu I can help teach you. I had a very hard teacher who made my life miserable when I was learning under him, but he made me the best. I promise I won't be a dick like he was, but I suspect I do have some things I can pass on. "<i></i> She let a sentimental smile flicker across her face as she spoke again, eyeing the young girl who was literally about half her age.

"Don't be surprised if I start crossing boundaries too and act like a mother. I've had people tell me I tend to do that. I'll be the kind who makes sure you're eating healthy and getting rest and slapping your wrist for poor manners and such. I can be quite the nosy busybody, I've been told. So be prepared for that,"<i></i> she teased with a wink. It wasn't entirely untrue, but she just liked to word it in an amusing fashion.

 

[Sagasu Yume]

Her inexperience would yet again become apparent as she balked at Shuu’s assessment. Cheeks aflame, she struggled to enunciate her objections without seeming rude or imparting information the might be too personal. One hand gripped her cup so that it wouldn’t fall as the other waved back and forth as if she could wipe away the erroneous assessment.

No ma’am. You misunderstand; I like him but not in such a way. He accompanied me to dinner after the first day working on Omni Prime but it wasn’t a date as such. Forgive me for being bold, but the man of my fantasies is very much still intact. That is, if I were prone to such things as fantasies.

Deciding that it would be best if she stopped talking, her coffee found its way to her lips as she chugged the black beverage, her sight eventually finding the bottom of the disposable cup. Swallowing the dregs in her mouth, she sputters and coughs as she tries to compose herself once more, affixing her gaze into the drained cup.

It’s not that I don’t have my eye on an interest; it’s just that one must act with prudence to avoid the appearance of favoritism when they wish to pursue someone of such… high profile in the village. It’s not even his station, in fact I would rather less public but that’s not my choice. It’s his mannerisms; he’s a gentleman, noble, logical, studious. I could listen to him ramble for hours, if he would let me.

Her long-winded explanation would be derailed when Shuu accepted her proposal. Her eyes donned a sparkle that had previously been extinguished from fatigue.

I wouldn’t mind. I could use the discipline. Not that I lack discipline, but it doesn’t have the same effect when it’s self-imposed. If you insist on being motherly, I do warn you that it may exceed a professional commitment. I never had the opportunity to be the unruly teenager; my brother Shinji does enough of that for the both of us. Swearing, drinking, flirting, womanizing… I don’t really understand it myself. I understand the theory and possibly the why, but not the how, the moral aspect. I would be too worried that I would never recover if I wandered down a path of such shadows. It is enough of a struggle to keep the vixen within at bay, I doubt I could cage her again should she ever be allowed out.

Hmmm, yes. Perhaps a lack of discipline masked and controlled by fears.

 

[Kendori Shuu]

She listened quietly as the girls spoke at length about the one that she had true feelings for after explaining that Shuu's suspicion was erroneous. Suddenly her eyes widened as a catlike grin spread across her features.

"A whole lotta things just made a lot of sense."<i></i> As far as she could figure it, there was really only one person the medic could possibly be talking about. Despite all the clues she received, the one that was most blindingly obvious I've been the one she whizzed past the quickest. Her words, expression, and tone, when Shuu had discussed Sousuke.

"Lookit you, digging on the man in charge! You weren't kidding when you said high-profile! You do realize you're mooning like a schoolgirl, right? Change of plans, I'm going to get you a date with Sousuke-kun."<i></i> As the discussion turned to the elder medic's motherly ways, she chuckled openly, offering only a shrug.

"What a coincidence, I've never been one for a whole lot of professionalism anyway. Feel free to call me Shuu. As for being an unruly teenager, I've dealt with a few of those before. A couple of water adept jokers for starters. The girl wound up going on to become my star pupil and my replacement, her brother being her assistant and right-hand man. I did decent job with them, I should be able to handle you, Yume-chan."<i></i> She used the familiar diminutive on purpose, as though she were already a close relative of the girl.

The way that she spoke and the dog that followed her everywhere made it very clear that she was an Inuzuka. She spoke a fear of the feral woman within, and to a degree the older woman could understand. Everyone wrested with darkness sometimes, some just found it in places where truly didn't exist.

"It's important that you understand this, Yume-chan. Denying her is denying part of who you are. While letting anything go unchecked for too long is definitely a bad thing, you will never truly be whole until you no longer fear her either. You must except that it is part of you, and that so long as you have people that you can trust to help you keep her in check, it's okay to let her out to breathe every once in a while. I'm not saying go hogwild, but you can't live your life in fear of who you are either. If he cannot except all of you, then perhaps he's not truly right for you, but to be honest if anyone would understand I believe it's him. He is dictated bi logic above all else. So long as it is presented to him logically and he knows to expect it, I think everything will be fine. He is a very intelligent man after all, and he would have to be an idiot to pass up such a good thing as you."<i></i>

In reality this girl was quite the conundrum. She counterbalanced wild ferocity with tight control and propriety rooted in fear. The formal side of her seems very similar to him in that fashion. And yet being the walking contradiction that women are, her other half was completely illogical and solely instinct. Like a raw nerve, emotion bubbling at the surface. In many ways it was the antithesis of him... But that is not always a bad thing.

She sighed, shaking her head at herself.

"Here I am already putting my nose in where doesn't belong. Sure didn't take me long to butt into your life did it?"<i></i> she sighed again finishing her coffee.

"Feel free to tell me when I need to mind my own business, not that I'll always take the advice anyway."<i></i> she chuckled gently as if to laugh away the comment, but in reality she was already feeling guilty for being so quick to put herself in the middle someone else's life without invitation.

 

[Sagasu Yume]

The mention of a water adept pair from Mist made her wonder for a moment if they were talking about the same people but she quickly dismissed the notion. There was no record of what happened to her heros after leaving the village and Kirigakure was more likely to have people familiar with the aqueous elements than Suna; it was reasonable to assume that there were many water adept siblings there. Her eyes were wide with fear while she listened to Shuu’s reassurances that she should accept the woman within. Her teeth chewed the inside of her lower lip as she organized her thoughts. Certainly she didn’t mean to give into her fantasies? No. That wasn’t what she was saying at all. She made it sound like coming to terms with the inner beast was a form of ascension. It was who she was after all, right? She was neither fully human, nor truly and animal.

Please don’t. I’m rather enjoying having someone care enough to meddle. This isn’t meant to draw pity but as I mentioned, my mother died when I was 14. She was an Inuzuka and rather vivacious. I envy her control. I haven’t had a woman figure to teach me that, I’ve only had my brother. He treats me as one would expect an older brother to treat his sister however my observations of the women he’s attracted to makes me a tad nervous to… experiment with my carnal nature. Not because of how he is, but because of how they are. Is that the sort of person men expect? That can’t be right because he intends to leave them in the morning, so logic would dictate that I want to be the opposite of that. I trust my brother but I can’t really have these discussions with him. He still wants to see me as his baby sister. It… it caught him off guard when I had Sousuke over for cooking lessons.

There she would go again, squirming in her chair as the butterflies in her stomach threatened to escape if she opened her mouth again. Her lip would be pulled into her mouth as she continued to gnaw, one canine poking out as the memory of him admitting to liking her flooded her cheeks with a blush. Her pause was only a matter of seconds, an emotional soda volcano bubbling in her chest until it exploded with a squeak.

Eeek! But he’s so pretty, and sweet, and well mannered. What if I scare him? How am I supposed to explain her to him when I don’t even know her? I’m seriously afraid that if I let her out that he’d see me as some sort of harlot with what she’d want to do to him. I understand anatomy and how babies are made and the theories of attraction and pheromones and how that all works but I wouldn’t know the basics of how to put any form of seduction in play… not that it’s the end all be all of getting to know someone, that’s not it at all but when she starts whispering all she talks about is how she would push him against a wall and take a bite out of him and… Ohmy… ohdear… that… that was inappropriate.

Once she realized the frenzied words that came from her mouth, she grabbed handfuls of her turquoise hair and pulled it in front of her face to hide her shame. Her breaths would transition from short gasps to long slow draw to calm her back down. Her fists would drop her tresses and sweep them out of the way once more with a gentle cough to clear her throat.

I shouldn’t have said any of that. I’ve just met you and that was a little crazy. Perhaps a stimulant layered on top of fatigue was a poor choice.

 

[Kendori Shuu]

As Yume mentioned an appreciation for Shuu's tendency to meddle, the Violet Sage shrugged and offered a resigned smirk.

"Don't say I didn't warn you, Yume-chan. You're opening this box...no going back."<i></i> She offered a sly wink and contemplated how to handle Shinji. Honestly he sounded like the kind of guy she took on for a drinking buddy. Perhaps he would become that. At the moment, though, Yume was the former Sennin's primary concern. "You won't receive any pity from me, but listen, and this is important: Men only expect what you teach them to expect. Prior to that they expect nothing. There's nothing wrong with using your wiles to your own advantage. It's the fault of the man involved if he starts putting expectations on you, and I'm not telling you to let her run wild and unchecked. I'm saying letting her out to play once in a while with those you trust to see her would do you a world of good. You know what I can do, I think you got a taste of how strong I am back in that alleyway. You can trust me to have your back. I can keep your feral side from going overboard even if it means I knock your ass out and have you sleep it off. So Shinji-kun can go suck a lemon. You won't be a little girl forever. Hell, you're already long past being that, you just haven't been taught otherwise yet."<i></i> She crushed the cup in her hand and tossed it without turning her head to look, making it clean into the trashcan effortlessly. supervision had its perks. She crossed her legs, one full thigh sitting atop the other, her top foot bobbing up and down slightly as her hands clasped around the top knee.

"We'll get you past that bit, though. If you're too scared to understand yourself, how the hell do you expect someone else to understand you, or you them? If you want to move forward with Sousuke-kun you need to be in a place where you can accept yourself. Your whole self. That means understanding the part of you that terrifies you. She just needs to--"<i></i> Shuu froze, pausing a second, then made a screwed up face as though she just saw something she couldn't possibly explain, then her face burst into the broadest smirk yet.

"Waitwaitwait. Go back. I need to make sure I heard that right. You had Sousuke-kun over for cooking lessons?"<i></i> As the aqua-locked kunoichi had what could only best be called a fangirl squeal, Shuu froze as she watched Yume, paralyzed by what was happening until the med-nin finished. At this point the more-aged medic burst out laughing. This was not gentle, polite laughter. This was the full on, belly-clutching, most satisfied-sounding laughter one could possibly imagine coming from her rich alto timbre.

"OH MY GOD!"<i></i> She died, almost falling out of her chair in laughter, still giggling like crazy even as she tried to pull herself together, wiping away a tear, "Can I just put you in my pocket and keep you forever? You are so goddamn adorable! I love that part of you! Definitely show Sousuke-kun that! He'd have to be as mechanical as the previous Kitchy to be completely unaffected by that!"<i></i> She let out several more insane-sounding giggles before eventually calming down, gasping for air and wiping away more tears.

"Oh Lord, I haven't laughed that hard in a long time, thank you I needed that. I promise I wasn't trying to hurt your feelings...you're just so cute the way you fangirled all over the place just now. I didn't mean to be insulting, I just thought you were the cutest thing ever."<i></i> She sighed and leaned back in the chair a bit before speaking up, the mirth still dancing in her vocalizations.

"Yume-chan, you have it bad, that much is obvious. If you wanna make this work--and I think you do--you need to work on being comfortable with yourself before you can be comfortable with him. How could you hope for him to accept you if you don't?"<i></i> She shook her head slowly, her expression becoming more serious. "Once you get a handle on her I really think she'll be good for you, but the trick is learning how to moderate her...and I think we can work on that. For the next while, you're going to be going out with me. I'm going to work with you on learning how to tame that tricky vixen within, and in the process prime you to win the heart of the man you're so obviously head-over-heels for. One of the biggest things holding you back, after all, is this wilder part of you, I assume...unless you have something else you haven't disclosed? And don't worry, I can handle it. I've dealt with a lot. You remind me of the Koizumi twins pretty strongly...even your hair color. It was closer to Kano-chan's than Kyoko-chan's, but still."<i></i> She tapped her lip as she thought on the twins. Hadn't they originally started their shinobi career in Suna? Maybe someone here had heard of them. It didn't matter, though...for all she knew the twins were dead and gone. A lot had changed, and Shuu truly had no idea who had survived and who hadn't.

"One thing is for sure, Yumecchi, I'm not letting you out of my sight for two reasons. One because you're just so disgustingly adorable, and two because I have a hard time not trying to help those who I'm drawn to...and I can't explain it, Little One, but I feel kinda drawn to you. Not in a creepy sense...just that I like you and I want to see you succeed, despite having just met you."<i></i> It was clear Shuu was getting more familiar with the younger medic every minute...but strangely, neither of them seemed to mind. She wouldn't call her an embarassing nickname like 'Yumecchi' in front of others if she could help it, but it just seemed to fit the girl when they were talking just between...well...friends.

[MFT]

 

[Sagasu Yume]

The closest I’ve come to being outgoing or daring was a really pretty party dress I wore to the Christmas party. I was a little outspoken to a couple people… I have the outgoing nature, I just get shy when it comes to being playful. I sort of told them off for being irresponsible and a little dangerous with their jutsu in a public place. I ended up being dragged to meet Sousuke under the mistletoe. He kissed me on the forehead and I nuzzled under his chin. It was rather chaste but I’d rather not display my first kiss with someone for the public to see. To be honest, I fainted after my first kiss so I was a little timid to say the least.

You-you’d do that for me?

Shuu’s encouragement helped Yume to perk up a little, revealing her curvaceous form as she straightened her back. The work to turn her from an ugly duckling into a swan was entirely mental as her physical appearance was at worst a little primal. He shoulders were a little wider than most but as a ninja, that was expected through upper body strength. An unmask-able grin showed her delight at her mentor’s offer. Her fingers fiddled with a few strands of her hair out of nervous habit. Her eyes widened a little at the nickname as her expression clearly showed her ponder over it’s potential meanings.

Yumecchi… Yume ecchi? Perverted dreams… that… is almost fitting. Ohgoodness. You might not have meant that though.

It was a struggle to keep her hands from hiding her face once more as she verbalized what she thought was sound logic and understood that it was probably just Shuu being sweet and not meaning anything more by it. To keep from sinking back into the abyss of uncertainty, she quickly replayed the conversation back in her mind until she caught onto another part that had tickled that back of her mind. Falling out of her chair, she came to land on her knees at eye level with Shuu’s thigh. Grasping the older lady’s hands between both of hers, she gazed up in earnest.

I look like Kyoko-sama? Really?????

Taking her hand, she would pull Shuu into standing and beckon her to follow, tugging her hand the entire time like a child that urgently needed to show something to a parent. Up a level of stairs and down a few hallways they came into a neat office marked with her name plate. An aloe plant thrived on the desk while one corner was sectioned off by a biambo that hid a small cot and a bookshelf. Pushing the divider a side, she plucked out a leather bound journal that was held shut by a thong. Undoing it she opens it to the front page where the personal details of the previous own would stare back.

Koizumi Kyoko. Water adept and medical genius. I had only learned basic medical techniques when I found a collection of these journals in a box in the office I was given at the old hospital. No one knew who they belonged to so I kept them.

Pressing it into Shuu’s hands she would indicate one of the chairs that sat opposite her desk for her to sit in while she pulled herself up to sit campfire-style next to her water cactus. Not meaning to jump subjects so much, she decided to make one final remark about their previous conversation before letting it drop in favour of learning about her heroine.

My fox… CuRua… he was the one that initially got Sousuke and I to start talking. The steward had absconded with him for observational purposes. Something about how CuRua and I could talk to each other fascinated him so he wanted to study the fox a little more. I followed their scent to Keystone and we started talking. CuRua’s been with me since I was three and we used to play together as children. He would take on a human form we had developed together. We thought it would be weird that he was a boy but looked like my clone… any way. When my dad died, we didn’t play as much and by the time I was 12 he stopped changing all together. We never talked about it but it was around the time that I came of age that he started acting more professional, more proper and uptight. It might sound depraved but I’m pretty sure he had a little crush on me and didn’t know how to deal with the whole “I’m a fox, and she’s a human” thing. Regardless, it meant a lot when he changed in front of Sousuke to show him his human form. He thinks I didn’t notice but I heard him urge Sousuke to compliment me to see if he could make me blush… ‘for science’. Science? Really? He just wanted to prove to the Steward that I liked him in a way that he could understand.


[MFT; WC:849]

 

[Kendori Shuu]

Shuu's expression softened as she heard Yume talking about her chaste Christmas experience with Sousuke. It was actually quite endearing. She was talking about her first kiss and wanting to keep it private...then immediately said she almost passed out from it. For a moment Shuu was confused, then tilted her head to the side like a curious canine.

"You...you realize that doesn't count as a first kiss, right? It was on the forehead. A first kiss is lip-to-lip contact, preferably for longer than 2 seconds."<i></i> Yume was adorable in her naivete. It just made Shuu's mothering instincts kick in that much stronger. That this girl could grow to full-grown adulthood and still maintain that level of innocence in spite of losing her parents...she was very appreciative.

"Of course I'd do that for you! How many other women friends do you have that you can honestly trust to do that for you? By looking at the state of things I'd guess not many is an understatement."<i></i> As Yume perked, sitting straighter, Shuu eyed the girl's form in all its glory for the first time, really. She was actually quite a beautiful woman, with a very curvaceous and toned body, one that any guy would be lucky to have. As the cerulean-maned girl contemplated possible translations of Shuu's nickname, the woman quirked a violet eyebrow in amusement.

"Sure, we can go with that. I just thought it sounded cute. Didn't put any thought into what it might mean...but now that you mention it that's all I can think of!"<i></i> She flashed a feline grin as she reveled in just how easy this girl was to tease, finding it rather enjoyable honestly in a good-natured way, but then Yume literally fell from her chair. Startled and concerned at first, Shuu almost bolted to her feet but Yume squirmed over to her in wide-eyed fascination, which made the more experienced medic frown in confusion.

"You know of Kyky-chan? How do---WOAH, okay."<i></i> She let the girl drag her around the hospital and up to what she presumed was the girl's office. When she entered she glanced around while the Inuzuka rummaged around on her desk for something. It was rather homey, almost as much an apartment as it was an office. That was true of many med-nin, because they usually spent more time in their offices than their homes. When she presented the leatherbound journal Shuu took it, listening to Yume's words as she opened it up, flipping through. Kyoko had worked under Shuu long enough that she'd recognize the girl's handwriting anywhere. This was her alright. How odd that she'd find such a notebook reminding her of home here of all places; where the twins began their shinobi lives. They'd trained in private to a strength surpassing jounin before ever stepping a foot in any village, but this was where they first dedicated themselves as shinobi. To find something of Shuu here made the middle-aged woman tremble a moment, her eyes starting to dampen. Strange how the smallest things could remind her of what she'd lost.

"She was talented when she came to Kiri, more talented than any healer I'd ever seen...but didn't know much about being a leader. She started her career in Suna, actually, showing up fully trained and ready to work, but after an incident she found a distaste for life here and was allowed to leave. From there she and her brother went to Kiri. When they arrived and were allowed to work for the village, accepted as Kiri shinobi, it took her only five years to go from stranger to Sennin when I was forced to retire due to a grievous injury that at the time I wasn't sure I'd ever recover from. I had never met a more kind-hearted and loving soul than hers. She cared only of taking care of others. She was a sweet child, and only a few years older than yourself."<i></i> She sat down opposite Yume, smiling sadly. "She was one of the best I'd ever seen. Had the potential to surpass even me. I still wonder if they ever made it out of Kiri and are wandering somewhere, just like they used to do, healing random strangers and helping those in need that cannot help themselves. That was just the kind of kids those twins were. Kyoko-chan was the one who lovingly tended to anyone at any time for any reason, including her enemies, while Kano was the sword and shield that protected her through it all and kept her safe and sheltered so she could keep that kind of gentle soul without letting the world's darkness damage who she was. He shouldered a lot for her. He would have done anything for her. Nothing else mattered to him. Nothing and no one. Those two were inseparable."<i></i> She sighed, wondering not for the first time the fate of the twins she'd grown to love as her own. "They had experienced a lot in their lives, but loved each other like no one I'd ever seen, and in many ways were still undisciplined and inexperienced in how to fit into a larger organization because they spent so much time doing things their own way with no one else to answer to. That was their biggest hurdle, not their skills. Their skills were amazing. I taught her some tricks only another mednin could teach her, but her jutsu were already top-notch; She had some healing skills even I didn't have, born of her unique link to the water element."<i></i>

When Yume spoke on her fox, Shuu looked up and knit her purple brow, finding the vulpine's possessiveness amusing but not uncommon for one so closely bonded to a human.

"Maybe he was trying to help you along in your relationship with Sousuke-kun...but jealousy over humans by animals is by no means anything new...but I don't know enough about CuRua-kun to make that judgment. I'd need to spend some time talking with him one on one to get a better grasp of how he thinks, most likely, but another possibility is that CuRua-kun saw himself as your protector, especially after you lost your father, and so was trying to take his job as your overseer more seriously and seem less like he was playing around. I don't know for sure, just general guesswork, but as I said, to know better I'd need to get to know CuRua-kun better."<i></i> She leaned back, her hand absentmindedly stroking the soft, worn leather. It was obvious that Yume had very dearly loved these journals, work that Kyoko had left behind to help edify future mednin in hopes that her experiences might aid them. That was so like Kyoko. Helping even after she had left. Where was the young prodigies now, she wondered. The girl had been justifiably amazing, and her brother equally so, just in a different way. And here she had someone who idolized the twins that Shuu had helped raise into full-fledged and competent medical leaders.

Fate, it seemed, wasn't done using the former Sennin as its plaything just yet. Hadn't she earned a reprieve from being the gods' toy? It seemed the answer was 'not just yet'. But if it meant sharing Kyoko and Kano's legacy, then Shuu would happily endure a bit longer.

 

[Sagasu Yume]

The misunderstanding of her first kiss presented an almost terrifying prospect to the shy young woman; she would have to correct Shuu on a matter that she was hoping to move away from. Her lips pulsed against each other as she chewed on the words to use as the woman fondly caressed the book that had been pressed into her hands. She spoke as a mother would speak of her children, the way that Kara had spoken of her and Shinji when they were a family. It comforted the mednin to know that her idols had their own discipline issues. Perhaps trials like that were what made great people. Her description of Kano bringing a fond smile to her cheeks, knowing exactly what a brother’s love could do when it came to protecting his sister.

I… I must correct you on one thing, Shuu-sa… just Shuu. Sousuke wasn’t my first kiss. I haven’t rightly kissed him yet, though a nuzzle can be an intimate act to an animal. My first kiss was in a cavern near the Starlit Lake. I was swimming and met a guy who had a magnetic charm about him. He turned me into art… painted on my skin. I… I hesitate to say I rather enjoyed myself for fear of sounding promiscuous. I tried to let the vixen out but he talked me down from it, said that he didn’t want me doing anything based on pretense. I mentioned that I had never been kissed and he kissed me and then a fainted.

Yume kept the rest of the story to herself. Not because she was worried about what Shuu would think about it, but because she wasn’t certain what to think about it herself. He had taken her home, placed her in his bed until she woke up, fed her dinner, and walked her home. After that, she never saw him again and word of mouth said that he had left the village. It was certainly the closest she had come to letting the vixen out but still wasn’t certain if she was wise to have gone that far.

The violet tressed matron tried to explain the fox’s possible reasoning for why he acts the way he does, which only caused Yume to return the favour of an endearing smile. It was true that perhaps there was something that Shuu was missing, and yet again it was something the Inuzuka had left out; The fox had admitted his feelings to her openly. She was simply modest enough to keep his secret as a presumption rather than a fact. Wiggling her nose, she dismissed any further thought on the matter.

You’re correct in your assumption that I don’t have many woman friends. In fact, I have none. I used to spend time with Nekozuka Kimi and I occasionally have been in the company of Okibi, the Steward’s ward, but I’ve never had ‘girl time’. What could you teach me? As a medical professional or otherwise?

The office door would squeak and CuRua would drag his dreary form through the gap, his tail dragging on the ground in testament to his low energy. Her rear would shake a little as he crouched and sprang into Yume’s waiting arms, settled down onto her lap and quickly went back to sleep while her nails scratched deep into his fur.

My ears were burning… you two talking about me?

They were not. You were listening. Don’t worry. Your secret is safe. I wouldn’t tell a soul.

 

[Kendori Shuu]

As Yume detailed her encounter at the like Shuu blinked at her and stared, her mouth slightly agape. The encounter certainly didn't sound anything like the girl she'd been talking to...though it did sound a bit like the vixen she so feared. Magnetic charm, painting on her skin, and being the perfect gentlemen...something sounded off with this guy, but then again he was 'never to be seen again', so one never knew, especially since she talked about Sousuke in a completely different way. She admired Sousuke and looked up to him. Idolized him even. But this other man...it sounded like he'd honestly aroused a more sensual part of her where the attraction with Sousuke was more cerebral in nature. Either way it sounded like Yume had become rather smitten with him. It probably would have become serious if they had been allowed to continue. Shuu looked Yume in the eye and sighed quietly.

"Yumecchi, you must never hesitate to tell me anything so long as it's true. If you want this to work I need to know. I need to know it all. Besides, enjoying a kiss is not promiscuous. Having your way with him four times under the moonlight on your first meeting and then leaving without plans to ever speak with him again...that is promiscuous. That didn't happen. You're safe."<i></i> She offered the girl a knowing grin, one that was without judgment or criticism. When they spoke on her lack of female friends Shuu nodded, honestly not surprised. Much of the girl's social aspects were stunted due to her abnormal childhood conditions. When she asked what Shuu could teach her Shuu offered a shrug, her grin excited.

"Quite a lot. My repertoire of healing jutsu is pretty significant, I've got medical and procedural knowledge that is surpassed by few, and you could use a stiff drink at a club where you're taught to dance like you don't care who's watching. I can get you into all manner of trouble, my dear, just as I did Uri-boya...but beyond that I can show you that spending time with a woman you trust can be more relaxing, rejuvenating, and encouraging than you could have possibly imagined."<i></i> She grinned and offered a shrug.

"Up until the end Kyoko-chan and Kano-chan would come to me for just about anything. I was their go-to confidante. Whenever they had a problem they needed to talk out on any subject, they usually did it with me. Ditto if they just wanted to rant for a while about something bothering them. I can do the same for you."<i></i> At this point CuRua walked in and Shuu glanced over at the fox, who settled easily into Yume's grasp, at which point Shuu smirked.

"I think he knows we've been talking about him, don't you?"<i></i> She looked over to CuRua, looking the fox square in the eye. She was not stupid enough to treat him as anything less than intelligent; an act many others missed.

"CuRua-kun, one of these days you and I must have a very long talk in private."<i></i> she eyed Yume intentionally. If they were to talk about that kind of thing, Shuu was confident it would make the fox uncomfortable to discuss that with Yume present. Shuu was trustworthy, and could protect CuRua's secret just as well as Yume could. She knew CuRua would never trust her on anything approaching the same level, and rightfully so. That didn't mean she couldn't earn a modicum of the fox's confidence, however, which she earnestly hoped to do. Then she eyed Yume giving a feline smirk and a wink.

"And as for Girl Time...I'd say we're already off to a decent start, wouldn't you?"<i></i>

 

[Sagasu Yume]

As one could expect, Shuu's description of what promiscuous meant gave Yume a renewed embarrassment and she had to choke back her reaction, but it wasn't enough to stop her eyes from going wide. For a brief moment, her mind wandered to how things might have gone if Asagao had simply allowed the vixen to do as she pleased; she wasn't entirely certain that Shuu was far from the mark. Perhaps she and her brother were indeed more alike than the Inuzuka cared to admit. She was glad for CuRua's interruption when it came as she could distract her emotions by tousling his fur with her digits.

I can dance... I have danced... at home in my room and the kitchen when I'm cooking. And I've drank a little. I had some spiked eggnog two years ago at the Christmas party and Shinji carried me home. I felt really cuddly and warm. Last year, I stole Shinji's drink because I was getting a little... upset with Okibi and Tama. I have made a point to not drink so much. I usually see it as a method of self-medication and a way to remove one's inhibitions. My inhibitions are well and good right where they are, though it might be nice to experience it in a controlled environment. I'm not certain about the trouble though.

Her naivety would be painfully obvious to her by this point as she heaved a resigned sigh. There was only so much that being smart could do for a girl, the rest it seemed required a motherly figure to teach it. Her thoughts were disrupted by the feeling of four eyes staring intently at her. Like a deer caught in headlights, she glanced between the two of them as the wheels slowly picked up speed and she understood what they were getting at, or at least what CuRua was getting at.

Yes... Of course it has... but I should check on our patient. CuRua, you stay here and keep Shuu company... and mind your manners. Don't be rude.

Popping off the desk, she placed the fox where she had been sitting and gave a bow to both of them before sweeping out of the room to check on the man that should still be unconscious in his room. Once her door had clicked shut, the fox would be replaced by a flame-haired boy in baggy kakhis, plain t-shirt, and similarly sand-colored jacket. Where his ears should have been was bare as his long fox ears remained a top his head, just as a tail remained behind him, swishing a little over the desk's surface. His feet were bare as they swung back and forth as Yume's had but his relaxed demeanor as he leaned back with his arms outstretched showed that he wasn't interested in formalities. He eyed Shuu suspiciously, glancing from her toes to the top her head and back again. His voice didn't waver as he spoke in an almost bored tone. It was painful obvious that he was trying to stay calm and keep cool, but there was a fire in him that matched his hair. As a fox, he was normally even more proper and conformed to the rules than Yume as his sense of awareness made him more than a mere animal, however as a human his canine nature was apparent.

Ohoya, Obasan. You wanted to meet me.

 

[Kendori Shuu]

Shuu chuckled at the way the young naive kunoichi responded. It sounded like she couldn't hold her liquor, and worse, she feared herself when its effects were in full swing. She offered a mild shrug and a grin.

"I promise to protect your virtue at all times, Yumecchi, so you can trust me, I promise!"<i></i> She offered a thumbs up as she winked, a move that was likely not convincing at all and even a little comical, but truth be told she would ensure that Yume and her innocence remained safe from any influence, including her own darker impulses'. "You're cute, Yumecchi, but you have a lot to learn about the ways of the world. What if someone spiked your drink and you were out in public and not expecting it? You need to be able to keep yourself in check at all times and behave in a fashion that is required of one in your station. Knowing how to handle such circumstances may be vital one day, so best to learn it in a controlled environment where someone you trust can keep you safe."<i></i> She offered a wolfish grin, but this one was likely more reassuring despite the playfulness; a confident gleam suggesting she would not let the Inuzuka down.

When she did retreat to check on the patient, Shuu looked completely unsurprised when CuRua transformed in front of her. When he called her 'Obasan', suggesting she was an old woman, she simply quirked a thin violet brow. She looked at least ten years younger than she was, but truth be told compared to pretty much everyone she'd met in Suna, she truly was an 'obasan'. She was not so vain as to insist he call her onee-chan like some woman would have. She was comfortable with her age and wore it as a kind of honor; that she'd lived to experience so much without her body giving up on her. It had come close a time or two, but she always stood back up fighting. Now, to the foxboy, she tilted her head to the side and offered him her reply in a calm and friendly voice.

"CuRua-kun...I apologize in advance for the candor I'm about to demonstrate, but we don't have much time and I believe this is a private matter you'd have a hard time discussing in front of your partner. Yume-chan is a very innocent girl. I know this. Seeing her I'm reminded of someone else who has been in my charge for several years...almost like my own child, or a niece. Makes me want to protect Yume-chan in a similar way...which I believe I will, when push comes to shove. As such, I promise you, what we say will never leave us...but for her sake I have to know. Do you have feelings for her?"<i></i> her eyes were as sharp as eyes could be, and she knew that sometimes what wasn't said was just as important as what was...the question was, how honest would CuRua be, both in word and in behavior?

 

[Sagasu Yume]

The boy tilted his head as he eyed her reaction. The flick of her eyebrow wasn’t lost on him but the topic quickly moved towards the matter at hand. He had been listening to her talk with his companion and as beautiful as her words were, he wasn’t certain what he wanted to tell her. Leaning forward, his elbows rest on his knees and his fingers come together in a pyramid, pointing towards the inquisitive woman.

Neesan told me to play nice, but nice is a relative term. If you care about her half as much as you say you do then this conversation will go well. She’s smart and her mind is sharp but Yume trusts everyone, which is part of her charm. I don’t. I’m less charming than she, which is why I don’t usually talk to people. She translates for me so that what I say sounds better than what I actually said to them. Point being, why should I trust you, especially when it comes to her? And don’t worry. We have a little time. She wants us to talk, so she’ll be with the patient for awhile, probably even fall asleep.

His ears went flat as his suspicion didn’t dissipate in the slightest. He knew he was being rude but when it came to Yume, his reputation meant nothing as long as she was safe. By the way she handled herself with Asagao the fox knew that she was too innocent but he didn’t know what he could do about it. He knew that one day she would grow up, she had to, but until then it was his duty as her companion to protect her; loving her as best he could without crossing that line.

 

[Kendori Shuu]

Shuu let out a large laugh when CuRua spoke to her, her tremoring alto dancing with mirth, and it took a moment for her to recover. When she did, she eyed the boy with a calm smile.

"I would expect nothing less from her partner. I don't blame you for not trusting me. I agree that her naive innocence is part of what makes her so adorable. But there's value to be found in frankness and honesty, CuRua-kun, and I see that from you as well. I can see that you doubt me, and you are wise to do so. Letting down your guard in regards to her safety wouldn't make you a very good protector, would it?"<i></i> She sighed, trying to determine what she can do to help CuRua understand.

"I have no proof to offer. Not right now. You'll see it over time, I'm sure, but at the moment all I can offer is my heartfelt and sincerest wish that her innocence and charm that we both adore be protected. I'm sure you'll agree that protecting that part of her is more important than a talk about feelings you might be afraid to face. Because if you harbor feelings for her, and you keep those bottled up, and they come out in an unexpected way it could do more harm than good, and harm to her, even harming her relationship with us, is something I think we both wish to avoid. Strong emotions are the hardest to control for obvious reasons. Love is among the strongest, which makes them even harder to control. If you get hot-headed and say something at the wrong time, or speak in an off manner, it may damage Yume-chan's happiness...something I know you don't want to happen, no matter how you feel about her. I know, because I feel the same way. The only way to ensure you don't is to know what's really going on so we can get a handle on it right out of the gate and I can set her up to be protected...unless you're suggesting that her feelings are less important than protecting yours?"<i></i>

Her sly smile suggested that she already knew the answer, and made it clear that hiding his feelings whatever they may be would only damage his case. Then again, it was possible that he was not a creature of rationality but of emotion, and if that were so, he may react in a volatile fashion to her words...something she sorely hoped wouldn't come to pass.

 

[Sagasu Yume]

Two fingers pinched the bridge of his nose as he sat up with a groan. He had to hand it to her, her logic made sense but it frustrated him that the confusion taking place was entirely due to his lack of communication. Everything would become clear to the violate sage once he told his story. His brain worked as fast as Yume’s, part of the reason they got on so well, and it wasn’t long before he conceded the point. The breath he had been holding escaped through clenched teeth with a slight whistle as he let it out slowly.

It’s not that at all. Her emotions, her feelings, her safety, all of it is paramount to anything I may feel or need. She knows this.

Rubbing his hand over his face, he grimaces a little from the odd sensation of not having a snout in the way. His hands found the edge of the desk at either side of his hips, rocking forward and back as he gathered his thoughts. He had already shown her his form which was a manner of trust on its own accord; it was only fair to explain himself to Shuu.

Yume and I have already talked about it. It’s unhealthy and I know it so I try not to think about it. Companions love each other, just not like this. If I were selfish, I would spend my time as a human and try and convince her that we could be something, but that is more depraved than torturing myself with the feelings I’m not entertaining. You want your answer? Yes. I love Yume more than anything in existence, but it ends there. I want her happy, and that means her finding a human mate. She’s caught in this limbo of being physically human but mentally a mixture of both psychologies and she needs to get a handle on that. I know she does, so I try and stay out of it. But when I see her with people like… like… that guy Asagao, the one she kissed… It makes me so angry. They don’t get her, won’t get her, because they don’t care. They won’t understand who she is, just that she’s unique; a novelty. She’s more than that.

His emotions were raw and as vibrant as his hair. He kept his eyes transfixed on Shuu’s, looking for any reaction, almost challenging her to reprimand him or dare to tell him that he didn’t understand what love was. This was his most held secret that only Yume knew of. Her aunt accused the siblings of forbidden love, but what would the clan have thought of him had they known? Or even Shinji?

 

[Kendori Shuu]

As CuRua was backed into a verbal corner, he let out his secret; the one that he'd vowed to never share. While she wasn't sure, it had been at least half guesswork right up until he admitted it. She went fishing and boy did she catch a whopper! Good thing that as a regular gambler, her pokerface was impeccable, not displaying that he'd just tipped a hand that until now she'd really not been sure if he had or not. Instead she listened with quiet calm and did not interrupt. When he finished Shuu spoke up quietly. This was betraying a very sacred secret, but Shuu believed that all things considered, the twins would approve.

"I am no stranger to forbidden love, CuRua-kun. I have never experienced it myself, but I mentored a pair of twins that held much deeper feelings for eachother than that of simple brother and sister or even the unique bond twins tend to share. They too endured ridicule and taunting for their affections, but never once did their hearts waver in pursuit of eachother's happiness, even at the expense of their own. So believe me when I tell you, I know something about the subject on which you speak. You're right in your words that she is a blend of the two, and the problem is that the animal in her is raring to get out, and she fears it. I want to help guide her to accept that part of herself, as ultimately it will benefit her...and I would like your support in doing so."<i></i> She knew it was a tall order, but he himself had agreed that Yume needed to grasp this particular problem.

"Next is a subject just as uncomfortable and I apologize in advance for this too. I know you're aware of her feelings towards Sousuke-kun. How do you feel about him, and about him and her together? I'm aware of your clumsy albeit cute attempt to help them link with one another, but how do you think he matches up with her as a person?"<i></i>

 

[Sagasu Yume]

Her explanation was sobering to say the least, and it allowed him to feel a sense of calm even if it was potentially false. His trust might not be there but he had to give her the respect of at least not judging him. That was more than most people would have done. He pulled a quick breath through his teeth as she directly asked for his support. In the back of his mind he had contemplated what he could do to help her, but it was completely selfish and he didn’t dwell on it for too long. It was painful enough to share her room; it was beyond immoral to share her bed. He was relieved when the topic transitioned in a different

I wouldn’t have encouraged it if I thought it would hurt her. He’s a gentleman, and he would actually care about her. He would want to understand how her brain works, if nothing else from a scientific fascination. I won’t say that it doesn’t hit me with a pang of melancholy to see someone else make her happy. I honestly don’t know how he would react to her if she came onto him in a more primal way. He’s as traditional as she is, which allows her to flourish as a rational mind. I would imagine that he would be interested in her clinically… I honestly hadn’t considered it…

For a moment the foxboy despaired at the realization that he hadn’t fully considered every aspect of Yume. He had been so set to encourage her to be less like him for his own selfish reasons that he wasn’t supporting who she was at her heart. She was both, and had to foster both.

 

[Kendori Shuu]

All it took was the heartbeat of despair that flashed across his face for her to read the whole of the circumstance. In that moment she understood completely. He might attack her for this--but honestly she was stronger than he, and could endure dozens of his attacks without flinching--but she came up to him and a look of completely maternal concern erupted across her serene, matronly visage, her stepping close enough to draw him into a tight hug.

"Oh, Rua-kun..."<i></i> she sighed, feeling so sorry for this boy lost between two worlds, and his partner who suffered a similar fate. His courtly love of her was something that was downright endearing, and in that instant she didn't see the smarmy foxboy, nor the false bravado he carried for everyone's sake, including Yume's. She saw the lonely, vulnerable kit that he was, and her motherly instincts told her to make it all better. She knew there was no happy ending for CuRua, but he could try to make peace with an acceptable ending, and he was trying his best to do just that, in spite of both his own flailing desires and morality. She hugged him tightly, offering herself as temporary shelter from the pain he was fostering with no one to help him through it.

"She cares for Sousuke-kun, so we will do our best to encourage and help that along, but first she has to accept all of who she is...this will be tough for her, but you place her needs above your own, that much is obvious. As painful as it is, I'm going to have to ask you to continue to do so...for her sake...but any time it becomes unbearable, I'll shelter you from it all without judgment so come to me whenever you need, okay?"<i></i> She hugged him fiercely, the Doctor whispering fiercely into his ear,

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry..."<i></i>