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She did it. Panting, her body trembling from pain and fatigue, Kaguya stood in the middle of the room, staring where her foe had just been standing. Clarice truly was a powerful opponent but the earth dancer still beat her. She swung her twin swords as though carried by the wind, as quick as a storm and sharp like winter storms. She was unstoppable, and her pugnacity was what led her to defeat the fallen princess, though she didn’t make it out without sustaining injuries. It didn’t matter, she thought, these would heal, but a certain someone would not miss the chance to lecture her for being so reckless. She smiled at that thought, knowing she would see him soon.
“Are you alright?” Murasame enquired, walking over her as he put his sword away.
“Yes,” she replied. “Nothing that a good bath can’t fix. Thank you for coming with me.”
“Of course. I never turn down a good fight. It was my pleasure to help a friend.”
Kaguya smiled despite herself. Murasame was a good man and a good friend. She worried about the spirit in his eyes, though… One day, she would repay all of his kindness and help him break his contract with that dangerous entity.
Glancing at her other friends, she called for them. “Subaru, Cuilang, are you two alright as well?”
“I’m alright, don’t worry about me,” her childhood friend replied, even though he was holding his dominant arm close to his chest.
“Checking vital signs. Checking complete. Five minor injuries registered, two medium, no major one. A few repairs should suffice,” the red-haired calmly replied.
“Send me the list of the materials you require, Cuilang. And as for you two…”
Kaguya’s friends gathered around her as she took out the Sacred Drum and started playing it. Wounds slowly faded as she gently slammed her hand on the instrument’s surface. Relief coloured their faces as they exchanged a smile.
“Thank you, Kaguya,” Subaru said, bowing. “Don’t mind us, though. You have someone very important to see, don’t you?”
Kaguya blushed. Her friendship with Subaru had been greatly affected by his contract with the black dragon, and talking to him was somewhat difficult, but he proved to be a good supporter of her relationship with Kurama, despite having yet to meet him. “If your heart chose him, he’s got to be a good man,” he had explained with a smile.
She took a deep breath and nodded. “Yes. Let’s go home.”
Woobly suggested they take the night to rest, which Ulalaka approved. It meant Kurama and Kai would have more time to recover, which wasn’t a bad thing. They would meet in the morning, she promised, giving Kaguya a friendly, comforting hug. This nightmare was over… At the very least partially.
Very reluctantly, Kaguya agreed to wait until the next day. She spent it working in the fields and making sure to earn some profit at the end of the day, then she visited Kusatsu’s inn before having dinner at Yachiyo’s restaurant. It was painfully quiet without Kai around… Even Kotaro mostly kept to himself, despite his attempts to make the earth dancer laugh. He too missed the gods.
Once her belly was filled, Kaguya walked to the Dragon Shrine of the autumn village, and promptly fell asleep.
She woke up at dawn the next day and got ready at once, putting on fresh clothes before she hurried to the Dragon Shrine in the winter village. Her feet were the lightest they had been in a long time, as though she was being carried by the wind, a holy wind only a god could create. She ran, sending snow flying around her, rushing despite knowing she was going way too early. She would most likely be waiting for the two gods to show themselves for a few hours, especially Kurama who wasn’t a morning person and who had been greatly injured barely a few days prior.
Nonetheless, she couldn't stop herself, so she ran.
Ulalaka’s smile was as beautiful as cherry tree flowers, and her giggle sounded like a chirping bird. “As expected, you’re here early.”
Kaguya felt her cheeks burn. The goddess of spring was especially involved in her friends’ relationship, encouraging them with her whole heart and overjoyed that her withdrawn godly friend had found himself a significant other. She laughed sheepishly, teasing her about the upcoming reunion until Matsuri, followed by Kanata and Fubuki, joined them. The earth dancer had hoped the teasing would end here, but she should have known better.
“So today’s the big day, huh?” Matsuri chirped, her hands on her hips. “Bet you barely slept at all! Wanna duel me so you can fully wake up?”
“Oh, I doubt this will be needed,” Kanata teased. “I am certain that our dear friend here is fully awake, tense as she is! A true nervous wreck!”
“Guys,” Kaguya pleaded, hiding her face in her hands. She loved teasing others, but being the centre of attention like this was truly embarrassing. She glanced at the winter god, and joined her hands, her tone pleading. “Please Fubuki, tell them to stop…”
“I’m afraid there is no way to stop my sisters”, the white wolf shyly replied. “Though I implore you to reconsider and spare Kaguya. She is stressed enough as it is.”
The goddesses very vocally expressed their disappointment, wishing to continue to make fun of the earthmate. Sadly for them though luckily for Kaguya, they had to stop for Kai and Kurama finally made their entrance. The earth dancer’s heartbeat fastened, its rhythm frantic and loud. She watched as he walked behind the Oni god, as composed as ever although she caught him glancing in her direction and giving her a small smile. It took her all of her willpower not to rush to him and throw herself in his arms. The situation, even though currently stabilized, was still a dire one. So, she kept for herself and stood where she was.
“Looks like the gang’s all here,” Kai commented with a wave of his hand and a smirk on his face.
“You’re LATE!” Matsuri reproached him, angrily stomping her feet.
“Especially for someone in particular,” Kanata chided, and Kaguya’s face felt even hotter. A quick glance in Kurama's direction proved to her that she wasn’t the only one feeling bashful.
The autumn god coughed. His hair length couldn’t fully hide his cheeks which were as red as his bangs. “My apologies. The spirit of competition burned brightly today,” he tried justifying himself.
“Hey, just so you know? That last round didn’t count, you damn dirty cheater,” Kai retorted.
“Nonsense. Your inability to execute even the simplest wakeup reversal is what most refer to as a “skill issue”.”
“WHAT?! That’s it - I want a rematch!”
“Ah… I see Kurama’s love for games hasn’t waned in the slightest. Though I was expecting otherwise for once,” Kanata said, staring directly at Kaguya and earning a chuckle from Ulalaka.
“I agree, but I’m also happy to see him back to his usual self.”
Everyone nodded, including the earth dancer who, deep inside, wished the autumn god would put games on the side for once and hurry…
The meeting came and went, the matters serious enough to gather everyone’s attention, and despite a few teasing here and there, their next move was clear: Kaguya was to train with Murasame until she was strong enough to oppose Clarice and clear Murasaki's curse off of her. It was easier said than done for the earthmate, who was expected to become more powerful than the six gods together. It would certainly be no small feat… Kaguya was worried she would not be able to carry such duty, and to think she had not only to defeat Clarice, but kill Fubuki’s evil twin brother… Her wolf friend’s expression was unsurprisingly a dark one, his blue eyes clearly reminiscing a brother long lost to madness.
“Fubuki.” She walked over to her friend and spoke to him with a gentle tone. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine, I assure you,” he replied in a murmur. His attempt at a smile made him look even more pitiful, and his soft voice was almost husky. His suffering was even more painful to watch and yet, he gathered himself and offered her words of reassurance instead. “You need not worry about me. I must thank you, though.”
“Why thank me? I have done nothing yet.” The earth dancer shook her head.
“But you did. You saved me once already, as well as Sister Spring, Sister Summer, and Brother Autumn. We were able to meet here today because you worked so hard to help us. Please, forgive me for asking this of you, but will you help us one last time?”
“Of course, Fubuki. You can always count on me.”
“Good,” the winter god chuckled. Though he was the deity of frost and snow, his beam was as gentle as Ulalaka’s, bringing warmth to all those lucky enough to witness it. He was like a little brother to Kaguya and she wanted to help and support him in this difficult time.
She wanted to say something more, but a light tap on her shoulder made her turn her head. Ulalaka smiled at her and gave her shoulder a light pressure. “Don’t worry, we’ll take care of him. Besides, you have somewhere else to be right now, don’t you?”
Kaguya’s eyes moved to lock with Kurama’s. The autumn god’s gaze was burning. Standing arm-crossed near the fence, he was blatantly ignoring the provocations of Kai and Kanata, who had decided to tease him to get a reaction out of him. They were growing increasingly upset by the lack of retort from the feather-headed man. By all means, he looked as impatient as Kaguya felt before the meeting.
It wasn’t that the Earth Dancer had forgotten about him, quite the opposite actually, but her love story mattered less than the well being of one of her dearest friends. Nonetheless, she bid Ulalaka and Fubuki goodbye before she finally walked over to the person she wanted to see the most.
“Kurama…”
Kai and Kanata went quiet and, after exchanging a look, they smirked and left together. The Oni God patted his friend’s shoulder, and whispered something to him that apparently ruffled Kurama’s feathers since he harshly dismissed him - or perhaps it was just their usual bickering.
“Do not tell me what to do!” Was all that the Earthmate could hear of their exchange, and she did not pry further. The intensity of Kurama’s eyes made her speechless, and once again heat spread through her face. They stood nervously in front of each other for a moment, unsure of what to do or to say.
“Do you -,” they said at the same time, and Kaguya laughed and waved her hands.
“Sorry - You go ahead.”
“No, no, ladies first," Kurama replied. “I insist.”
“Ah… Thanks. I wanted to know if you wished to spend some time with me…? We could go to the Dragon Shrine…”
“Yes, I… I would like that,” the autumn god replied with a cracking voice.
They held hands all the way to the Dragon Shrine. Kurama was the one who grabbed Kaguya’s - not that she had any complaint - and he held it fast without a word. His large palm and slender fingers were warm and kept the earth dancer’s petite hand safe from the bitter cold. It filled her with calm and comfort, to know her lover was here by her side.
They hurried to the shrine to protect themselves from the shivering ambient frost and let out a relieved sigh once they were sitting around the fire. The cracking of the wood resonated in the otherwise large, quiet room, and none of the two people inside dared breathe too loudly, less they broke the peace. Kaguya lowered her eyes. Not even once did Kurama let go of her hand, and he was still firmly holding it even now. A small smile crossed her face. She had missed him so much… His presence was like fresh air - she couldn’t breathe without him. So she closed her eyes and simply enjoyed the warmth she was being provided with.
When she opened her eyes again, she was a little confused. The sky looked much darker now than it was before, and after blinking a few times, she realised it was because the sun was setting. She had fallen asleep from exhaustion at some point, hence the late hour.
Then, she noticed something else. She didn’t feel cold at all. Quite the opposite, in fact. The gentle warmth she felt all around her made her want to close her eyes again and allow herself to drift asleep once more and she almost indulged herself.
“Did you sleep well?”
Kaguya’s eyes widened at that question, and she looked up, only to furiously blush. Kurama was bent over her, his yellow-green eyes fixated on her as he held her against his large chest, arms and legs wrapped around her. How they ended up in this position and for how long was a mystery, one she was currently too shy to investigate. The autumn god’s hand gently moved from her waist to caress her hair, the bangs sliding between his fingers. Kaguya’s heart skipped a beat, and she softly gasped when she felt his lips on the back of her head.
“I - I’m sorry!” She exclaimed as she sat straighter, breaking free from his embrace to nervously fix her hair with trembling hands. “Was I out that long?”
“No, a few hours at most,” came Kurama’s surprised answer.
The heartmate felt even more nervous. She had been sleeping in his arms for hours ?! How embarrassing! Not that she minded being in his arms, and it wasn’t like it had never happened before, but she was mortified that was how their time was spent upon being reunited. She wanted to talk with him and tell him how deeply she had missed him, and everything that had happened lately, only to fall asleep and be an inconvenience.
“You must be thirsty,” Kaguya babbled. She jumped on her feet at once, almost knocking Kurama off, and she stumbled toward the chest. “I must have some tea leaves somewhere… I hope I didn’t leave them in another shrine, since I’m never sleeping at the same place… I’m sorry, do you mind waiting? I can get some at the Izayaka -”
“Stop that.”
Kurama wrapped his arms around her once more and embraced her from behind. He sighed, and the air he softly exhaled tickled the back of her neck. The both of them were wearing several thick layers of clothes yet she swore she could hear his heart beating in unison with hers. Her lover tightened his hold.
“Ahh… Your warmth… It’s so nice… I could fall asleep in your arms…”
“Ah… Kurama…!”
“I missed you too, you know. And I also know how hard you fought to bring all of us back… It’s no surprise your body needs to rest. I don’t need anything but you right now…”
Kaguya squealed inwardly. How could he be so smooth?! This man was supposed to have no experience in romance and yet, he always found the mushiest way to express his fondness. The earth dancer was always at loss for words with him.
Leaning back against him, she sighed. “I can never win with you.”
Her divine boyfriend laughed at that comment and nuzzled her. “How about we dine at Yachi’s, hm? And then, you can… come to my place afterward…?”
“I would like that,” Kaguya replied.
“Wow, you’re really here? I thought you would have spent the night snuggling and smooching!" Kai laughed at them. He was already drunk as a slunk and threatening to fall off his seat.
“Yeah!” Matsuri stuttered. She squinted her unfocused eyes and grinned. “Did you even get to s-”
“ENOUGH!” Kurama screeched. His pale skin turned as red as the tips of his hair, and his eyes glowed with fury. “I didn’t expect you to be so LEWD! Behave yourselves, or do you need me to smack some sense into you?”
“Booh! You’re no fun!”
“Now that you’re here, how about you join us?” The Oni God offered, but the god of autumn vehemently refused.
After a much more animated dinner than they had expected, the two lovebirds walked hand in hand toward the autumn shrine, their pace slow and their heartbeat fast. Kaguya glanced at Kurama’s outfits. The poor lad was covered with sesame seeds after a battle against Matsuri and Kai. They only stopped throwing food at each other when Yachiyo got angry, and they were scolded for an hour, Kaguya included since she had been unable to break the fight. They were only saved by Kotaro’s mischief and, as soon as the cook was busy with the little tanuki, everyone scattered. It was only once they made sure the kitsune wasn’t after them that Kurama and Kaguya stopped running, and they exchanged a relieved sigh.
Kurama’s room was warm. The earth dancer sat at the table as her boyfriend made some tea and gathered some sweets he was keeping. She picked some shogi pieces displayed on the wooden game board surface resting on the table and put everything away, just in time for Kurama to put down a tray with their drink and dessert. He poured them both a cup of tea they drank in silence. The night had since long fallen.
Kugaya didn’t know what to say, so she stuffed herself with dangos instead. They weren’t bad, but she definitely preferred fresh ones. She would have to take Kurama to Iroha’s teashop soon; they could have a date there…
They reached for the last one at the same time, hands brushing against each other, and they shared a look. Kurama pushed the last dango toward Kaguya, insisting she ate the last piece and refusing to touch it himself.
“Ladies first,” he said. She shook her head and picked the dango to offer it to him, pressing it against his mouth.
“You need some strength!” She argued. His jaw was resolutely clenched, and he even turned his head to avoid giving in to the temptation. The earth dancer let out an exasperated sigh, and moved closer to the man, determined to feed him. “Don’t you be so childish! You were severely injured just yesterday! You may be a god but this kind of wound takes time to heal!”
Kurama grabbed her by the wrists, stopping her in her tracks. His hold was strong, but not enough to hurt her. “Please stop,” he said. “How about we share instead of fighting like this?”
“Oh, huh… Sure.”
She tried to separate the dango in two equal pieces but Kurama stopped her once more. “How about… we share it like this?” He said, and he guided her hand to his mouth to bite the sweet while staring at her. Though he was trying to look confident, his flushed face betrayed him. They were both blushing profusely and sharing the same sentiment of embarrassment. Yet, Kaguya leant in and bit the other half of the dango, her hands resting on her lover’s chest. The sweet taste filled her mouth, and she made sure to fully enjoy it. However, she wanted more than this. Filled with a sudden urge that was most likely due to the intense emotional rollercoaster she had recently gone through, and encouraged by the god’s brazen behaviour earlier, she wrapped her arms around Kurama’s neck and pulled him close to her. His eyes widened at the sudden proximity, and his apparent coolness fell apart at once.
“Kaguya, what are you…”
He gasped at the touch of Kaguya’s lips against his cheek, and she felt his stiff body going limp. His trembling hands found their way on her back and they clutched her clothes as she left a trail of kisses along his jaw down to his neck.
“I don’t feel like talking anymore…” She murmured against the soft skin that was getting warmer by the minute.
“Me neither…”
Kurama’s voice was shaking as much as his body. Their eyes locked, and both leant in to share a tender, loving kiss.
Their discussion could wait. Love was calling, and Kaguya was ready to answer that call.