Work Text:
"You sleepy head…"
Kuya cracked open a golden eye ever so slightly. Fuyuko was smiling wryly to herself as she shook her head, missing his peek at her. Beautiful. The afternoon sunlight that warmed his feathers was playing across her strawberry hair. Like wisps of golden vines tracing a living pattern along each strand. Bathed in that warm and sleepy glow, he could almost convince himself she was a fleeting dream--the lovely warm kinds children had. But as she stopped down, soft fingers brushing the top of his head affectionately, nothing felt more real or solid.
“I guess it’s a good thing there’s so much sun here,” She murmured. “I hope you don’t nap out in the open in the winter.”
She started to straighten. Kuya snaked an arm out around her waist, giving a loud yawn. Fuyuko, predictable as ever, let out a squeak of surprise as he tugged her gently down beside him.
“Noisy,” He admonished softly.
“K-Kuya!” He cracked the golden eye a bit wider, a smile sliding over his lips despite himself. “How long have you been awake?” She grumbled, looking up with those green eyes.
“Just when you came over.” The tengu gave another yawn. “Sorry.” She leaned back against him, a hand reaching out towards his wings. “I didn’t mean to.” Her fingers paused an inch away. “Can I?”
“Sure,” Kuya shrugged, folding the wing over her. She giggled as the feathers brushed over her arms, a sound he found oddly appealing. Had it always sounded so light and cheerful?
“I really should be starting on dinner,” Fuyuko sighed as she stroked the underside of his wings.
“Five more minutes.” He murmured, leaning against the pillar, waiting for the protest to come. Her sigh was like a summer breeze, soft and a little carefree.
“Alright. I suppose I did wake you,” His lip curled again as he closed his eyes. Her fingers continued to smooth out his feathers, her touch light and soothing. It had tickled the first time--still could if she went the wrong way. It was a sensation he hadn’t thought he’d like as much as he did. Then again, Fuyuko was a person he didn’t think he’d care for as much as he did. Her hands slowed after a few minutes. Then they fell away.
Kuya cracked his eye open again. She was resting against him fully now, hands in her lap, while the sunlight did it’s dance across her features. Too many late night patrols then. Peace was on it’s way and Wraith incidents were low to non-existent with Akiyasu away. Still, Fuyuko did have a restless side. Yura had suggested it was an instinct of hers, and if something felt off to her, she should take it seriously.
Kuya reached over to brush a leaf from where it had fallen on top of her head. Tonight he’d go out with her to see what they could find. Flying would be easier, and they could be done sooner. But for now, best to let her nap. The tengu loosed a contented sigh, allowing his wing to blanket her. It was a bit like falling asleep on a summer day, nestling into dreams that he could never quite remember. With a soft sigh from Fuyuko, however, he knew it would be sweeter than any dream.