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Kuya stared at the shelf intently before rearranging the items once more. These… knickknacks weren’t the most impressive but he felt oddly compelled to arrange them until they were perfect. Once mostly satisfied, he finally took a step back and reached for his pipe. His hand paused as he reached for his normal blend. Glancing back at the shelf, he stared at a small box before eventually getting up to fetch it. Inside was a different blend of leaves for his pipe. Sprinkling a bit into his pipe, he returned the box and turned away before he tried to rearrange the shelf once more.
Using magic to light the pipe, he settled down on some pillows before slowly smoking it. The taste was more coppery than he was used to but much to his annoyance, it wasn’t bad. There was also something nostalgic about it. Which was odd because he knew he had never smoked these leaves before.
A knock interrupted his musing. Frowning for a moment, he perked up when he recognized the essence outside. But he wouldn’t admit that. Instead he took his time getting up just to annoy the visitor.
“Old friend, what brings you here?” He asked with an amused expression at Quincy’s unamused one. Taking a small drag, he playful blew the smoke into the man’s face. Unfortunately that only earned him a pleased response.
“So you did enjoy Blade’s gift,” The blond responded with a gentle smile that annoyed the fox.
Kuya rolled his eyes. “Don’t read too much into it. I was curious,” He replied while stepping out of the way of the doorway. “Now what brings you here? Don’t tell me you too want to celebrate my birthday. I’ve had enough sweets and useless baubles to last me at least a decade’s worth of birthdays.”
Quincy stepped inside and his eyes instantly fell on the new shelf. He recognized the flower puzzle he had helped Eiden picked out along with the ring that was suppose to be in the middle. The other eight gifts had to be from the other clan members. Judging from their styles, it was easy to spot what came from who.
“If you don’t want anymore gifts, I won’t force it on you.”
The fox huffed softly at the obvious goad and held out his hand. “You know I’m not wont to reject gifts; especially from you. Hand it over.”
Quincy smirked slightly as he gifted a handmade bag. Even though Kuya acted nonchalant about it, his mismatched eyes lit up at the colorful pattern. Opening it, he paused for a second longer than normal.
“Jerky? I’m more into fresh meat,” Kuya scoffed but the other had already seen his initial reaction. “Did you make this?”
“You know I did.” That answer had a purple eyebrow twitching.
“And you know I hate stuff like this,” The fox sighed but waved towards the pile of pillows. “Make yourself comfortable. And take off your boots this time!”
Quincy did as he was told and settled onto the pillows while Kuya finished the rest of his pipe. He took his time coming over but the blond was patient. Finally he joined the other by sitting on his lap. “Lets see if living in the manor has ruined your culinarian skills.”
The blond just grunted as he stroked Kuya’s hair; specifically behind where he knew his ears were. Kuya leaned back slightly while letting his ears and tail free. Opening the bag, he paused a moment before offering the bag towards the other.
Quincy’s brow furrowed slightly in confusion before he understood what the fox wanted. Picking a piece, he held it up for Kuya to eat. A small smile tugged on his lips at the familiar sight. They had done this often when they were younger.
Kuya hadn’t showed his human form yet back then. Instead he acted like an innocent fox helping Quincy gather and hunt while taking scraps of food. They’d often sit by the fire at the end of the day. The fox lounging on the hunter’s lap as he was petted and fed pieces of meat spiced with Quincy’s special blend. His tail would always end up wrapped around the man’s ankle…
Quincy glanced down and noted Kuya’s tail wrapped around his thigh. Smiling fondly, he zoned out for a moment until Kuya nipped at his fingers. “Did you fall asleep, old friend?” He questioned while settling more against the other’s chest. His tail never letting go. “We can go to bed if you need to.”
Judging from that mischievous smirk, there was no way they’d sleeping if they went to bed. Quincy chuckled softly before grabbing another piece of jerky. “I’m enjoying this.”
“You’re too sentimental,” Kuya sighed but took the piece anyway. As fun as it was harassing others, it was nice to be able to relax like this. Especially with the only one he could let his guard down with.