#( guuji kitsune ic. ) ⁵⁰⁰ ʸᵉᵃʳˢ ᵒᶠ ʳᵉˢᶤˡᶤᵉᶰᶜᵉˑ

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she's heard some juicy gossip. time to apply it to one of her light novels.

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She wasn't his concern, but even shrine maidens seem to have a moment where fate or life simply out to get them, even if it comes in the shape of rushing merchants hustling through the narrow streets of Inazuma's streets. With the sound of rushing footsteps and creaking of wood, the scholar's hand had quickly reached out to the shrine maiden's wrist, fingers wrapping firmly around its frame so he could pull her out of the way of the rogue cart (had he stopped and thought for a second, perhaps he could've deducted that this may, or may not, have been a part of her plan to test him). There'd be a tug, firm enough for their bodies to meet there Veritas side-stepped with an arm quickly latching around Yae Miko's waist.

Close, of course, and she would surely bask in it. Remind him painfully so of how quick he had been to conclude that this was the most favorable way of rescuing her; " - do not make a comment on this," he'd therefore be quick to state, a short-lived glance thrown down at her.

"I was merely doing Inazuma's shrine a favor, I hold no means of seeking out physical contact with you in any way." But of course, even the great Veritas Ratio couldn't help but to take note of her hands that seemed to press against his chest, fingers curling up on top of dark fabric. She was awfully present, a far greater reason for his gaze to remain on the vanishing cart. "It was this or pushing you out of the way, which only would have caused me more grief as you do hold a favor for complaining and whining about the most irrelevant things. Who knows what you would sound like if you were to scrape your knees."

Yet ... Veritas didn't seem to make a move in ... creating any distance.

   The rushing merchant’s cart that had nearly run her down ( not really, because with her reflexes, she could’ve saved herself ) was somehow something fateful that had Veritas, the all-knowing, tugging at her wrist and pulling her against him. Her hands against his chest, curling against the fabric there is the only thing that grounds her against the shock of it all. Maybe it’s because he saved her, but mostly it’s truly because she would’ve thought shoving her out of the way would’ve been easier with the way he treats her. Lips twitch into a faint smirk, because she knows he didn’t have to do this, and yet here he is, holding her against him. 

❝ ━ More grief than you holding me against you, y’mean ? If you wanted to hold me, I wouldn’t have told you no. ❞ Even if her own heart stutters at the way his arm is secure around her waist, Yae Miko will admit, she cannot let him just get away with being so cute. ❝ ━ Don’t tell me you worry about what I sound like when I’m hurt, or maybe it’s because you worry about me being on my knees, scraped up and hurt ? Would you care, Veritas ?  Would you carry me to safety ? ❞ Her voice is a whisper as she stares up at him, soft laughter in her words. 

There’s something about the fact that he doesn’t meet her gaze at all that makes the vulpine’s tails want to ruffle. It’s like he’s avoiding her after pulling a stunt like that and why shouldn’t she keep him honest? Reaching up, fingers grip his chin, directing his gaze back to her own, thumb gently tapping at his bottom lip,  ❝ ━ We both know your big brain would have calculated a way to do anything but you keeping me close like this. Let's be honest, you don’t want to let go.  ❞

A fanged grin, and yes, she’s teasing him again, but even she isn’t immune to this sort of closeness. She usually wasn’t the one being saved, nor being close to someone like this, and if she were being honest, Yae Miko doesn’t want him to let go. Tongue peaks out to lick over her lips and she hums, searching his gaze, ❝ ━ II’l understand if you’re not brave enough to let go, I am quite the catch. ❞

a lesson in futility and the teasings of a shrine maiden. | @avaere

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hm.

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plenty of work to do, but she might be thinking about a certain scholar. she needed a good footrest. mayhaps his lap ?

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❛ gods help anyone who dares to disrespect you ❜ veritas ratio to yae miko >:)

her foxes had been excited by the newcomer, for it meant some fine entertainment for the kitsune. another traveller, though this one held an air of knowledge and arrogance that intrigues yae miko. and anyone who caught her interest, for too long a period, was subject to know just a little fear. it was healthy ! and even her shrine maidens had caught unto such interest, slowly exiting and inching away from the pair with wary looks. pssh, she just wanted to have a little fun ! and he looked like the perfect man to bully, to break ( just a little, it was no fun if he broke so easily though ).

❝ ━ even this god wouldn't be able to help them. very few who have had the displeasure of getting on my bad side don't last very long in inazuma, ❞ an easy agreeance, and despite her pleasantries, she need not warn this particular male, ❝ ━ you look as though you've the, ❞ hand gestures toward him ( all of him), ❝ ━ means to stay on my good side. i would hate to have to show what good manners are. although, a lesson or two, it would be remiss with a man of your standing no ? ❞

what do these lessons entail ? oh, who knows ! it's not like she wouldn't be keeping him on his toes, on this lovely little detour of his, hm ? she turns on her heel, moving toward the inner shrine, pausing on the top step, wholly expecting him to follow, she turns to grant him a coy look over her shoulder, ❝ ━ come now, you know to follow instruction, yes ? there is a lesson to be taught.❞ / @avaere

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red eyes soften as scarred hands carefully lift up the fluffy furball that's been snuggling up upon his leg, carefully handling the tiny rabbit as though it would break from a single wrong motion as his expression softens, his smile turning nostalgic as antoine turns to face yae. "y'know, 's funny, ye'd assume when i was livin' in th' woods small critter 'n the likes would've avoided me, 'n yet rabbits always scuttled to me and slept 'round me 's if 'm some sort of rabbit guardian." he muses, smiles fondly when he scratches the little furball under its chin, gaze focused on the animal when he continues to speak, voice still soft, warm in a tender way that reveals the peace he feels right now.

"people usually react with fear when they first see me, 'cause i look like a brute. doesn' matter if i help 'em or not. it takes time for folks to warm up t' me, t' the point i used to think there was somethin' wrong wit' me. 's if 'm some sort of terrible monster." he explains, tone shifting into something along a sort of humming before he finally looks up, adoring gaze landing on the kitsune. "thank ya' fer provin' me wrong. 'n fer makin' me understand that i can love 'n be loved. thank ya' fer allowin' me t' love ya." he finishes, still gently scratching the rabbit underneath its chin as it dozes off in his arms.

as a kitsune, yae miko was quite aware just how animals treated people in their territories. they had a feel for those who meant them harm, those who needed the companionship and those who simply belonged. antoine belonged among them, sure he could be a little feral, but the gentleness he exhibited was inherent, he came across an animal and they instinctively knew he meant them no harm. and thinking back to their first meeting, yae miko liked to to think that she knew this, even when he wanted to fight ei, she didn't get any bad vibes from him.

and loving him ? being loved by him ? it was like being struck by lightning, all consuming and a zing through her blood but the gentle way he handled her, like she was something precious always took her breath away. his gaze is so warm and loving when he looks at her, and ears flick, teeth sinking into her lower lip, gaze dropping to the fluffy creature within his grasp. ❝ ━ people can be scared of many things. but not of you. you're wild, and they sense that, so maybe they're unsure, not scared. you've always struck me as some big, teddy bear. ❞ not that his bite wasn't worst than his bark, but antoine could probably pummel plenty but his hands were always gentle. ❝ ━ archons, don't thank me for that, you were always capable of being loved and loving someone. ❞ she's not blushing, absolutely not but archons, the nerve this man had to make her heart flutter so hopelessly. her ! the all elusive head shrine maiden ! ugh, he was making her so soft. not that she's complaining, not at all. only he saw this side of her.

sauntering over to him, yae miko gently ushers him down, lips pressing to his cheek, ❝ ━ and i do love you, antoine. and others do as well, just not as much as i do, because you're mine and loving you has bought me more joy in my heart than i've had the last 500 years and i want to thank you for that. for being in my life and giving me something to look forward to. ❞ / @msftsn

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❛   they could offer me anything in the world, and i would ask for you.  ❜   antoine @ yae

antoine had never hesitated in expressing how much he cared for her. yae still wasn't sure how to handle his devotion so she always encouraged it, allowed it to blossom in her presence because who else but her would ever deserve the way he loved her ?the kitsune says nothing for several moments, the expression on her features soften as she leans against his chest, lifting up to press a kiss to his mouth, over and over with a little, rumbling hum in her throat. ❝ ━ you'd choose me over anything ? ❞ had anyone said this, yae wouldn't had believed them in the slightest, but antoine is disgustingly earnest in his words and ah, how she melts at his honesty. ❝ ━ i'd give you the world if i could, if it meant i could continue to be happy with you. ❞

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he jolts upwards, crimson eyes wide as he blinks, trying to adjust to the darkness of the room. the only light source remains the moon shining through the window, illuminating the room with a dim light that he'd consider comforting if it weren't for the red staining his hands when he looks down. as if the color of his eyes dripped onto his hands; as if his own eyes are a vile reminder of a past filled with violence and death. his breathing is labored for a moment, and he hiccups when he forces it to calm, when he moves to wipe his hands against his pants.

he sits upright for a moment, hands coming up to hold his head while antoine tries his best to stabilize himself, to remember that the visions that plague his dreams are in the past; that they are no longer the reality of his life. and then, finally, after a minute or two he finally relaxes enough to look around the room. it's comfy, homey even despite the sparse decorations and furniture. there's trinkets from his travels there, some memorabilia that basile has sent him as he's continued to travel without antoine because that's just what his friend does; he travels and then he sends antoine things he thinks he'd enjoy. and then his gaze settles on the sleeping body next to him.

but it doesn't take long for him to realize she is awake; he's grown so used to her presence, has learnt to notice the small giveaways that reveal she's not as unaware as she pretends to be; that she's acutely aware of everything happening as she observes. because that's what she does, she scrutinizes everything until she can make a plan on how to handle the situation. and it's almost automatic that his hand reaches out for hers peeking out from under the futon and an almost tender smile curls scarred lips upwards, as tired as it is.

right. that's his life now. it's peaceful and uneventful and it's everything his childhood self would have never dared to dream of. he has a home to return to, he is safe. he has someone to spend his days with, someone who cares about him as much as he cares about them. and the realization of that is enough to ground him, to replace the terror he'd felt moments ago with a tender warmth that curls in his chest. his hold on her hand is soft, gentle, as if he's afraid of accidentally hurting her (despite the fact he knows he could never, even if he were to use more strength than intended - she would always be too strong for him, and that, too, is so comforting to know).

❛ sorry. 'm... 'm fine. ❜

his voice is quiet, tender. the words leave him as if he's trying to reassure her when really, he is just trying to remind himself that he is fine. he will be fine. he is no longer stuck in that cruel place, he no longer has to fight for survival and even if the memories he's fought to regain haunt him, they can't hurt him because that's all they are. memories. for a moment he glances at where his other arm would be and for a split moment insecurity washes over him, that maybe he isn't strong enough, that maybe he isn't good enough for her. but then he looks at her and he can't help the stupid, love struck expression that finds itself on his face.

and then he allows himself to fall back down, his hand still holding hers as he nuzzles his head against the kitsunes shoulder. a small breath escapes him once more, this one more tranquil and relaxed when he allows the tenderness to swoop him in, allows the softness to carry him into a state of relaxation. and then, so like him, he speaks without thinking, the words leaving his lips like they try to push past the weak defenses around his heart. but truthfully, there are no real defenses, not when he's around her; because no matter what, he's safe with her, and he knows it more than he cares to admit. and it means the world and more to him.

❛ thank you. for being here. for staying by my side. ❜

Yae Miko has been with Antoine enough to know that he suffers sometimes, sleep plaguing him and even when it does claim him, it’s never fitful. The kitsune thinks it’ll be like that no matter what, but some days are certainly better than others. The second he shot up, it had awakened her and she was more than content to lay with him until it passed, but it seems he handled it all by himself.

That didn’t mean he always had to. Regardless, she rubs her thumb over his hand, lashes lifting to stare at him quietly, ear twitching at his voice, wondering how someone who life had dealt a shit hand could be so tender ? So lovely like this ? ❝ ━ It’s okay not to be okay, silly. I wasn’t sure if you’d need me. ❞ He always looks at her like she’s hung the moon and stars for him and it’s a warm feeling that blooms in her chest, a small grin curling her lips. It will always make her a little speechless how he cares for her, loves her, sees him in such a light that she never has to question just how he views her. That she’s not just Guuji Yae, but Yae Miko, the woman, the kitsune with a life outside of the title.

❝ ━ How can you make me love you then thank me for being by your side ? ❞ There’s exasperation in her tone but also a neverending fondness that she’d never hope to hide.  ❝ ━ I’ll shurk my duties unto someone else for the day, let’s stay here and cuddle. I expect a dozen or so kisses to make up for my missed work. ❞ The truth was, she didn’t need a reason to stay by his side, to see his continued health, to know that he would be here when she reached for him.

The love she has for him is immeasurable, it will never be diminished, because even in the most simplistic moments, she remembers all they’ve been through, but she also remembers these simpler moment, laying  here in the silence, with him, unguarded. A soft hum escapes her as she shifts to laying on her side, free hand stroking his features as she hums a melody, searching his features with something akin to adoration, a love so pure that she doesn’t want to hide it. Because truly, what is there to hide from someone who knew her in and out ?

silly, silly antoine. | @msftsn

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the perfect time for an hour nap. writing another book has taken all her energy.

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ah, she's having so much fun.

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name: yae miko. guuji yae. element: electro species: kitsune nation: inazuma

yae oversees the grandshrine narukami shrine, as well as being the owner of yae publishing house. a rather mysterious indiviual who others see as kind. she loves stories, whether they’re told by others or herself. and because of this she tells quite a few herself, using the knowledge of her long life to spine stories that have both meaning and mystery behind it – secrets only she’s privvy to.

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❝ ━ my, my, are you intending to wound me with your words, sir ? i hardly think i'm being annoying, as of yet. i simply wanted to get to know you, to get close~ ❞

and close she does, with a wave of a borrowed fan and she's in his space, dainty hand tapping against his chest. ❝ ━ who will give you mouth to mouth should you drown ? surely you don't think i'd allow you to perish in my presence ? i've yet to teach you how to have a little fun. ❞ no, he would s u f f e r, and she would enjoy it immensely, for he was her entertainment.

tinkling laughter, akin to a fox's cackle leaves her, an electric glint in her gaze, ❝ ━ are you scared, veritas ? of lil' ole me ? i'm harmless.❞

" one does not have to be a remarkable genius to understand that you have taken liking to what i - personally - will deem nothing less than torture, but one can find themselves wondering of which degree in terms of annoying you plan to be tonight . will it be my papers , belongings or my personal space that , pray tell , shall be in utmost danger ? "

oh no , he will not fall for such simple taunting , especially not from a cunning fox like miss miko. there's a step backwards instead.

" absolutely not. such command , from you , is of no interest to me. i should have better luck not drowning if i sank myself into the ocean , mouth open , than for you to not have underlying intentions . "

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❝ ━ ah, i do so love when you use that brain of yours, my dear. ❞ and to think she hadn't needed to chase after him. pity, that would've made her afternoon. ❝ ━ come closer, i won't bite you. ❞ yet, remains unspoken.

" and i assume that this hm is going to become my woe ? "