Archive of Our Own

“Ughhn..” Tsukasa complains, intelligently.

He drudges through the large front doors of the palace, adorned with winding vines and beautiful sprawling flowers upon its voussoir. He makes his short-strided way through the ground floor and does a non-zero amount of struggling up the stairs, battling with the cramping feeling where his legs meet his pelvis to keep going. He can’t quite put any real words to the feeling, just that he does not feel great, and wants to lay down.

He didn’t think something as simple as walking home would do someone like him such a disservice—he’s not unfit, in his opinion—just… The heels of his boots, the uneven, wet terrain, the long day. Everything in the day leading up had already thoroughly tired him out, and the rain quickly impeded his attempts to make light of his carriage-less situation. 

It’s just… His day is not going great, he’ll put it that way. He fights the urge to collapse onto one of the decorative lounges across the hallways, because he knows that if he does, he won’t be able to convince himself to get up again. Plus, is he really home until he’s in his quarters with his beloved? He thinks not.

He does, frankly, wish that his stride could be described as something better than hobbling, but with trying to minimize the pain and the lack of anyone else around to judge him, he is too exhausted to care. Tsukasa doesn't pause, because he’d get too tired, and not want to continue walking. Just one more flight of stairs, then a hallway, then his room will be right there waiting for him, and hopefully Rui will be there, and…

Tsukasa trails his hand along the railing as he turns for the other set of steps, putting a little more pressure on it than necessary, even though it doesn’t really alleviate the pain all that much. He shuts his eyes to focus on how little area he needs to walk, but he focuses again after hearing footsteps and some creaking sounds. Tsukasa doesn’t really pay them much mind, until,

“Darling?”

Hearing Rui’s voice, Tsukasa looks up. He smiles, shoulders relaxing slightly. “Good evening.” He says, then moves to walk up the stairs with a new goal in mind. Rui makes his way down the stairs, much faster than Tsukasa could manage, and meets him more than halfway. His face shifts as he gets closer, brows furrowing and lips turning downward in a frown.

“Good… evening,” he reciprocates, slowly, “What happened? You’re soaked– Please, let me take your jacket…” Ah, right, Tsukasa hadn’t felt like pausing and taking it off. Rui frets over him, but Tsukasa takes another few steps up the stairs. 

“It’ll just be a minute, if I stop walking, I don’t know if I could start again…” He smiles sheepishly, as Rui looks up at him. 

“Did you walk home in the rain?” Rui asks, concerned. “Take your shoes off at least,” He starts, but then stops. He smiles, and rejoins Tsukasa by his side. “Don’t worry about making it to the room. I can take care of it.” Rui walks up to him, wrapping an arm around his back. Tsukasa fights the urge to lean into his warmth, no matter how tempting it may be, because he can feel his rain soaked clothing pressing against them both as Rui pulls him closer.

“What? Huh?” Tsukasa can only barely get it out before Rui bends down and literally sweeps him off of his feet. Tsukasa yells and throws his arms around Rui, holding him tightly, even though he knows he wouldn't drop him. He sits there stunned for a minute before Rui starts walking again.

“Rest your legs, love.” Rui hikes him up in his arms to make sure he has a good grip on him, walking up the remaining steps. “I can handle it from here.”

Tsukasa can't deny that it feels extremely good to have his weight off of his feet. He relaxes into Rui, shutting his eyes gently and letting his legs fall limp. He simply enjoys not having to hold his own weight for a minute before he starts putting in effort and supporting himself against Rui's chest and shoulders. “.. Thank you.” And since it is so within his reach, Tsukasa places a kiss on his cheek. 

Rui giggles. He reaches the top of the stairs and turns, slowly so as not to make Tsukasa dizzy, towards their quarters. He makes the distance very quickly, much faster than Tsukasa would have. “Would you like me to run a bath for you?”

“Mmgh.” Tsukasa mumbles unintelligibly. He doesn't really feel like separating from Rui now, and he feels like a hot bath might just agitate his skin. He's soggy, and sweaty aside from that, and the humidity that comes from rain on a hot day makes him want to stay as far away from water as possible. He also really doesn't want to be on anything other than the soft cushions of their shared bed, unless it's part of Rui's body that he's laying on. But, on the other hand, his feet hurt, and he's sure he's got blisters, and a soak sounds like it could make them feel better. He can't have both, so he makes another noise of complaint. 

“No?”

“I'll skip today… It's much too humid, I'm already wet, I want to dry off, not get wetter.” He laughs to show his statement is light-hearted, and Rui returns it with a little chuckle of his own, opening the large door to their room. He slowly walks through it, taking care to make sure he doesn't accidentally hit Tsukasa's head. 

“I see.”

“But…” Tsukasa leans into Rui's neck, then huffs and stuffs his face into him, hiding from his problems. “My feet hurt…” He doesn't want to ask this of him, not wanting to be or sound annoying, but he did ask… This would be less trouble than setting a bath, probably. “Do you think you could wet some towels?” Wrapping his feet would feel nice, and would be much less annoying than a footbath. 

Rui brings him to the bed, shifting Tsukasa in his arms to be able to push aside the silk canopy. “I'll bring some wet towels, and some dry ones too.” He moves to put Tsukasa down, but he pulls against him. 

“Wait,” Tsukasa looks down. “I'll get the bed wet.”

“Hmm.” Rui turns, stands up straight again as he looks around. “And a large towel for you to sit on.” He smiles and nods to himself. “Though, I think you'll have to stand for me to put it down..”

“That's alright. Hey!” Tsukasa laughs. “I can still stand on my own! You were the one who wanted to carry me, were you not?”

“I saw that you needed assistance.” Rui shrugs, eyes crinkling as he smiles. “So I assisted you.” He moves to the attached washroom, again minding Tsukasa's head and legs as he walks through the doors.  He just reaches for one of their larger towels for now. 

Rui returns to the bed, instead placing Tsukasa on his feet on the floor so that he can spread the towel out. Tsukasa takes a step towards the bed, and Rui tilts his head. “Hey,” he starts, walking close. “I said I would handle it from here!” He begins taking off Tsukasa's coat. He shakes it off of its surface wetness and folds it over his arm, the two halves of the jacket hitting together with an uncivilized slap. 

Tsukasa can't help but laugh. “It's just a few steps!” he says, as he's leaning at an awkward angle, one that takes the pressure off of the pained parts of feet. 

“Steps that you need not take, my love.” He scoops Tsukasa up again, just to swing his arms and plop him down on the bed. “I'll be right back,” brushing up his bangs, Rui places a kiss on Tsukasa's forehead. Tsukasa brushes his fingertips against Rui's cheek. “Let me hang this up and warm some water for you. You should get out of these clothes while I'm gone… I'll bring night clothing for you as well.”

“Okay.” Tsukasa nods his head, smiling. “Thank you.”

Rui leaves, and Tsukasa rests for a moment. He decides it'll be best if he undresses, gets this wet clothing off of him, and especially these boots. Tsukasa unzips them, and the relief is instant, yet not all encompassing. It's only a pressure that comes off of him, not any pain, though it does feel nice. He sets them together and places them on the ground next to him carefully. 

Seeking similar pressure-related relief, he unbuttons his vest and shucks it off of his shoulders, then unclips his belt and corset, pulling them off as well. He sighs heavily, taking a breather and allowing his body to relax. He busies himself by straightening out his clothes—usually, he'd have folded them, but in their state, he feels like that would soak them more. He also removes his broach, unbuttoning the first and last buttons of his dress shirt. 

Tsukasa brings his feet up onto the bed to rest, unable to decide if he wants to take his socks off or not. It would be less constrictive without them, but that light, pleasant construction is sort of making it easier to exist. He decides to take them off, just to look at himself and see what sort of damage he did. 

He huffs, putting his hands down on the towel and resting his head. 

“I'm back.” Rui announces his presence softly. “I have towels.” He brings the wet ones first, and Tsukasa raises his legs to let Rui carefully curl the towels around his feet. The towels are soaked and warm, and the weight and coarseness feel very nice on his aching legs, actually. Tsukasa sighs gently. 

“And some for you.” Rui places a towel on one shoulder, then another on Tsukasa's head. He scrubs at his hair, then works to help dry him off. “To the bone, hm, love?”

“Yes.” Tsukasa laughs a bit as he speaks. “It wasn't much of a walk. I can't believe how soaked I got.”

“It's no worries now.” Rui smiles at him so tenderly. Tsukasa finally actually looks at his setup—he had the wet towels on one arm, and dry towels on the other with Tsukasa's night clothes underneath them. Rui brushes Tsukasa's hair out of his face, tucking some behind his ear. His hand trails to the back of his head, then cards his fingers down his hair, tugging at the ribbon holding his ponytail together til he sets the hair free. “Shall we call it a night? I'll get changed as well, and we can take an early sleep.” He plays with a few strands of Tsukasa's hair. “I'll bring some food up, so that you don't go to sleep hungry.”

“Hm…” Tsukasa's eyes honestly start drooping the moment Rui mentions sleep. “I'm not sure if I'll be able to stay awake long enough to take even a nibble.” He shakes his head slowly. “All I would like to do is lie down right now, and I'd like it if you would join me.” He reaches up and brings his hands around Rui's jaw, thumbs sitting in front of his ears. He pulls him down and kisses him between his eyes. 

“Of course. But you must get out of these clothes, or you'll catch a cold overnight.”

“I see.” He nods. Tsukasa shifts, and Rui moves out of his way. He knows it'll hurt to stand, but he has to in order to get undressed. He sort of underestimates it, though. He stands, then immediately stumbles, trying to balance on the parts of his feet that ache the least. It makes him wobble, and Rui takes his arms to support him. 

“Sit down again, love. You don't need to stand, I'll help if you need.” Rui starts unfolding his night clothes, giving the shirt to Tsukasa. 

“Thank you.” Tsukasa sits again, huffing lightly as the weight again leaves his legs. He nods, then finishes unbuttoning his shirt. Rui assists him in taking it off, then brings it (and, while he's at it, the rest of his wet clothes) to the bathroom. 

When Tsukasa finishes changing, he tries to bring his remaining clothing to Rui in the bathroom, but only gets a few steps before Rui realizes he's trying to wobble over. 

Upon a confused look from Rui, Tsukasa sinks into his shoulders. “If I don't walk, they won't end up feeling better.”

“You can walk for healing and resistance tomorrow, dear. Allow them to heal overnight so that you don't hurt yourself today.”

“If you insist.” Tsukasa teases, laughing lightly. 

“I do insist!” Rui pats the top of his head. “If you're too sleepy to eat, so be it, but we'll have an early and large breakfast tomorrow morning.” He sits next to Tsukasa on the bed. “Okay?”

Tsukasa nods. He pats his own back, twisting his arm. “Do you think I need to dry off more?”

“I don't think so.” Rui also pats his back. “It'll be fine.”

“But, the sheets?”

Rui shrugs. “They get wet every time we wash them! They can take a little bit of water.”

“That's true..” Tsukasa smiles and nods, then yawns. “Alright. It'll all be fine.” He shifts how he's sitting, takes the wet towels off of his feet and sets them to the side on the floor. Rui looks down at them as if he had some kind of a plan, like he was going to pick them up, but then gives up and retires to the bed instead. As Tsukasa pulls up his feet and moves to properly crawl into bed, Rui closes the curtains and follows him. 

When he's horizontal, Tsukasa lets out a big sigh of relief and sprawls out his limbs. He pauses his leasuring to flick his hair out from his neck, then continues leasuring immediately thereafter. Rui joins him, lying next to him on his side. Tsukasa pulls his arm in to allow him to snuggle up, and leans into his embrace. He is again reminded that his eyes are heavy, upon being presented with the ever wonderful opportunity to fall asleep in his love's arms. 

He shifts his position, rolling over to half-lay on his side, getting comfortable this way and wrapping an arm around Rui. Tsukasa simultaneously pulls himself towards him and pulls Rui closer to him, and he rests his head on his chest when he's able. Rui returns the hug and wraps his arms around him as well, fingers meeting in the middle and mingling in his hair. 

Tsukasa shuts his eyes, exhaling through his nose. His aches are still aching, and his sores are still sore, but it's all easier to bear when he's lying in a comfortable bed and in warm arms. He can hardly register how sleepy he feels til he's already drifting off, and Rui's hands in his hair doesn't help, but before he knows it, he's already half asleep. 

“.... Goodnight.” He mumbles, really only barely awake enough to get it out. “I love you.”

“Goodnight. I love you too.” Rui plants a kiss on the top of his head and begins braiding his hair. It pulls Tsukasa even further into the throes of sleep, and feeling so relaxed and sleepy is such a blissful feeling that he actively fights to stay awake just a little while longer. It dulls all other sensation, making him only dimly aware of Rui's warmth on his and his hands in his hair. 

Finally, he decides he'll allow himself to sleep, to drift while in the nicest and most comfy person and position ever. When he relaxes his body and allows his heavy eyes to settle, he's out just like that.

— — —

The first thing Tsukasa realizes when he begins to wake up is that Rui is no longer within his arms. He shifts slightly, moving his arms to try and hug something, as he finds he can't stand (and now can't sleep without, thanks to his Rui) to lay on his side with nothing or nobody in his arms. He feels a pillow upon his chest, which is nice, as it supports his upper arm. 

Still, when he shifts and pulls his hands away from their sprawled out place to hug the object, he hears a little human-made sound, and his fingertips begin to feel cold. Tsukasa tries to open his eyes, but he's still in such a state of sleep that he physically can't yank them open. He makes a tiny grumbling sound and pulls his fingers into fists to warm them.

He begins to slowly realize, though fuzzily, that he's aware that Rui is here with him somewhere in the room. He hears a patented Rui giggle, then weight displaces the mattress. Tsukasa fights the distraction, trying hard to stay asleep through the movement. Rui lays down next to the little ball of Tsukasa and wraps an arm around him, over his blankets. With the new warmth, Tsukasa makes a little grumbling sound and leans into it. 

He stuffs the crook of his nose into Rui's shoulder, trying to block out all of the light he can. Tsukasa also throws one arm around him, but keeps one around the pillow. Rui cards his fingers through his hair scratching against his scalp, and Tsukasa properly melts into him and the mattress, feeling no need to force himself to relax for the sake of slumbering a bit longer. 

Tsukasa exhales softly. The world seems to fade away as he shuts off his body, getting into a comfortable position and then resigning to it. He can hear Rui gently breathing, the sound of his soothing nails against his skin, and birds chirping slightly unfamiliar melodies outside their window. The sun is in his way, but as long as he has Rui's body to push his eyes into, it's all okay.

…

Bird songs?

Tsukasa tries not to focus on it, but at some point, he has to admit that he's just resting and cuddling, rather than actually trying to get back to sleep. As he's accepted that he can go back to resting at any time, he decides it's alright, and that he shouldn't go out of his way to suppress brain function. He thinks about those birds. 

That's a midday call… 

He forces his eyes open, pushing his forehead into Rui's chest instead to get his attention. “Darling?”

Rui gives a questioning hum in response. 

“What time is it?”

A beat. 

“Don't worry, it's not that late. You can go back to sleep.” And it sounds like he's not very sure of himself. The first part sounded like a question. 

Tsukasa lays his head more on his pillos than on Rui, so that he can look up at him. His eyes just won't open all the way, no matter what he tries… maybe it's just easier to listen to him and go back to bed……

He hears it again. No, no, that's not right! He forces his eyes open, pulling away from Rui with a little groan. He looks around, and the amount of light in the room sells it for him. 

“What time is it actually?” He starts to sit up, drearily. 

Rui rubs the back of his neck and smiles in a sheepish way, maybe in a scheming way. “Well, ah…” he clears his throat and shakes his head. “Not yet time to get up, my dear.”

Tsukasa laughs gently. “You said practically the same thing a moment ago…” He sits and stretches, then cracks his back. He's reminded that his feet are bothering him. 

“Well, I'm just not sure!” Upon Tsukasa's confused little head tilt, “But, I do know, it doesn't matter. You don't have work today. Nor do I-”

“What!!!” Tsukasa jostles, eyes snapping shut then opening wide. “What do you mean?? I most certainly do!”

Rui shows his palms. “Well, you did, but after the presentation you had yesterday, and with how hard you work for so long each week…” Rui reaches forward and twirls a little curl of Tsukasa's hair around his pointer finger. “You much, much more than deserve it, my treasure. I made the call and requested you be relieved from your duties for today.”

Tsukasa just looks at him for a while, expression changing every so often. It takes him so long to start talking, Rui starts to get a bit stressed. He was so sure it was what his love needed, and knew how much he'd enjoy himself, but he supposes he'd never actually asked him what he himself wanted. “Er, well, I'm sure that you could still go in if needed…”

Tsukasa shakes his head, and leans in to place a kiss beside Rui’s nose. He sighs affectionately. “Thank you very much.” He says, and Rui smiles warmly. “But I should really go in. And you should too!” And then Rui makes a sad face. “If I take today off, I’ll just keep wanting to take days off…” Tsukasa mumbles.

“What would be wrong with that?” Rui tries to tug him back into bed, turning their verbal battle of wits into a physical battle of will. 

“No work would get done, silly!” Tsukasa taps Rui on the nose. “Thank you for worrying, dear. But I'll be alright. It's only a few more days till the weekend, then we can lie in bed to your heart's content.”

“...” Rui tries to think of something to say. “But we're already here, aren't we? Isn't it so much easier to work from the comfort of your own home?” Rui keeps tugging as Tsukasa starts playing along, pushing at Rui's hand. He shifts himself to the edge of the bed, and Rui sits up with him. “You needn't not work. You just needn't commute.”

“While that does sound nice.. I'll just become complacent! I cannot allow that, or how will I be able to keep this palace the home of our dreams?” he reaches and touches Rui's cheek, brushing his hair away from his eye. “It's just one day.”

Tsukasa, feeling like he's made his point, brings his legs over the end of the mattress, dangling down. He hops off of the bed, and recognizes his soreness as he takes a step, but understands his soreness as his foot can't carry him, and he's headed for the floor. Rui scrambles off of the bed, stumbling as he throws his limbs out in an effort to catch Tsukasa. 

Rui's arms reach the ground just as Tsukasa's wrists do. Tsukasa lands on his knees, but the rest of his weight lands upon Rui's arm, pushing up against his chest preemptively to keep him from hitting the ground. It sort of jitters his head, but it's still helpful.

“...” Tsukasa puts his own hands on the ground as if he'd caught himself. With Rui's point proven: “... Maybe just for one day.” Tsukasa tilts his head up and to the side and kisses Rui on the cheek. “You win.”

Rui lights up. “Wonderful.” He smiles wide and returns the cheek kiss. 

Hanging halfway off the bed, one foot on the very end of the mattress and the other in the air in his panic to make it to the ground before Tsukasa, Rui tilts his head. He shifts himself and kneels, then pulls Tsukasa to his chest. “Well… With this done… Do you want to get back to bed for a bit? Or shall I make us something to eat?”

“Would that be breakfast, or lunch?” Tsukasa asks, and by the way he laughs, it's rhetorical. “As much as I'd like to, I didn't say my conditions yet!”

Rui tilts his head pointedly—the other way this time. “Oh? Conditions?”

“I have very important things that need to be done every single day!” Tsukasa points his nose towards the sky. “... But, I can do them from home. I'll bring the reports in tomorrow, simple as that.”

“I see. I understand, but only the necessary things! Well, actually… I don't see how each of our requests can't happen at the same time! How long will it take you, by your estimation?”

“Hmm… Not long…” Tsukasa thinks, trying to put a number down, like he knows his Rui always appreciates. “Maybe twenty… Thirty minutes..? I need to get some work done on a report. And write about yesterday.” he nods. “Probably twenty.”

“Sounds perfect.” Rui nods once. “Why don't I make us something to eat, like I promised last night? To fill our bellies.”

“For a long day of doing nothing?”

“Yes!”

Rui and Tsukasa both giggle at each other. They take another moment in each other's arms before separating. Tsukasa sort of wobbles as he stands, but leans back against the bed to support himself. 

“...” Rui stands as well, looking at Tsukasa with a nervous, awkward smile. “...uh, ah, are you sure you can..? Should I?”

“Nope!” Tsukasa crosses his arms. “You said I'd be able to walk for healing and resistance!”

“The issue isn't that I don't think you should, it's that I'm wondering if you can.” Rui puts his fingertips to his mouth and giggles. 

“I can walk! I just… I just tripped, is all.” 

“Fufu. If you insist.” He puts a hand on Tsukasa' shoulder, then begins to walk out of their room. “If you trip again, call for me, won't you! We're getting old to be falling!”

Tsukasa scoffs gently. “We're not that old.”

Rui shrugs. “Anyone out of their early twenties is too old to be falling down.”

“Yeah, that's true..” Tsukasa nods. “Okay. I'm following you.” he lets Rui know as he starts following him. He'll make the turn for his office when the time comes, but for now, he'll walk with Rui. He walks oddly, angling his feet off of his blisters, but can handle himself just fine. He just wasn't expecting to be so sore, that's why he fell, that's all! 

As he's walking, he notices. “...” He walks up closer to Rui, taking a breath in order to catch up with him. “Are you going to do that in your night clothes?”

Rui turns back at him, continuing to walk. At a noticeably slower pace than usual, but that's Tsukasa's current stride. “Hm? Well, you're working in yours, aren't you? They're comfortable! And besides, it's our day off, right?” Rui brushes Tsukasa's shoulder with his own. “If you want to wear your regular clothes, you can if you want, but I think it'll be rather pointless for lounging!”

Tsukasa puts a finger to his chin. “Hmm, you're right. We should wear leisurewear, then!” 

Rui laughs gently at him. “Why don't we change after we eat?” He tilts his head, stopping as he reaches Tsukasa's office. Tsukasa blinks, then smiles and nods. 

“That sounds perfect!”

— — 

When Rui is mostly finished with cooking, just making a rather simple sandwich with some cheesy and fruity odds and ends, he hears Tsukasa walk up behind him. He turns his head in acknowledgement, but keeps his eyes on the bread, currently toasting on the stone over the stove. “Hello. Get everything done?”

Tsukasa comes right up to him, then drapes himself over Rui's shoulders. “Mhm.” He mumbles, nodding into Rui's shoulders. Rui leans and gives him a little nuzzle. 

“It's almost done! Want to grab that plate, over there? I set it for you—and this one can be yours.” Rui looks at a bowl of veggies on the counter. It's not too late to add some lettuce to Tsukasa's sandwich… He'd probably like the crunch. But, honestly, Rui doesn't really feel like touching the stuff! “If you'd like anything else, I can add it, or you can once I'm done, if it shouldn't get warm!” 

“Hm.” Tsukasa makes a little noise, then pauses hanging off of Rui to peek over his shoulder at the sandwich. “You know, I can't help but notice that there's no green on this.”

“Fufu.” Rui giggles, then slips the spatula under the sandwich. He hikes it up, checking the bottom part of the bread to check how done it is. He lets it back down after a moment. “I didn't think they'd be very good or crunchy after being on the stove! I've only just added the fruits, I don't want them to get soggy.”

Tsukasa nods in understanding. He peels himself away from Rui and takes the plate he mentioned before, then brings it back over. When Rui notices, he picks up the sandwich again and slides it onto the plate. “Thank you.” Tsukasa smiles, gives Rui a kiss on the cheek, then moves to add the vegetables he knows Rui will complain if he has to touch, as if they were infested! Tsukasa giggles thinking about it. 

“What’s so funny over there?” Rui looks over at him as he gathers ingredients for his own sandwich. It’s already toasted, just decided he'd like some more fruit. 

“Nothing!” Tsukasa giggles. After checking what he was already given, he adds a good amount of lettuce and a few slices of cucumber. He takes a bite, and grins to himself. He really was hungry! “Mmh!” He covers his mouth as the chews. “This is really good. Thank you very much!”

Rui smiles. He picks up his own plate after adding some sliced fruits to the side. He walks with Tsukasa to the table. “Of course!”

Rui picks his usual seat across from Tsukasa and places his plate down. “Would you like something to drink?”

“Just water, please. Thank you!” 

Rui hurries to grab the two of them some water, then returns and places the glass next to Tsukasa's plate. He takes his seat, takes a bite from his sandwich, then looks up at Tsukasa. “How are you feeling? Better, I hope.”

“A bit.” Tsukasa shrugs. “You know how when one thing gets better, another gets worse?”

“Mm.” Rui hums in understanding. “I do.”

“Not cramping anymore, just sore now. It's better than it was this morning, which is nice. Hopefully it'll be gone by tomorrow.”

“Yes, I hope so too. A day of break should help you a lot to rest and feel better.” Rui nods. “You've really needed one.”

“Oh, stop.” Tsukasa rolls his eyes and flicks his wrist in light-hearted dismissal. “You say that all the time.”

“I say it so much because the circumstances of its truth never change!” Rui giggles. “If you took more breaks, I'd stop needing to say it!”

Tsukasa rubs his chin and looks down in thought. “That's a good point…. Flawless logic, I can't argue with that…” he feigns being serious for another moment, then glances up and meets Rui's eyes. He can't hold it together, and evidently, neither can Rui, as they both look away and start laughing. 

Equally satisfied with their amount of joking and conversation, they both move to eat almost at the same time. It's not a long lunch, nor quite as grand of a breakfast as Rui had promised, but it really hits the spot. Tsukasa hadn't realized how hungry he was until the food was on his plate in front of him. 

As much as he was teasing Rui, he's actually glad he put the veggies on himself after the fact, and that they weren't toasted! He really ended up liking the crunch that they provide, and the awkward-but-satisfying cold-vs-hot dichotomy. 

Rui seems to notice he's finished before even he does, and stands. He picks up his own dish, then moves around the table to pick up Tsukasa's as well. “Oh, thank you.” Tsukasa blinks. Rui nods, then walks away, back towards the counters. Tsukasa turns in his chair. “You didn't need to!”

“I wanted to.” He shrugs. Rui doesn't stay far away from him for long, likely putting the dishes down and immediately getting distracted. He comes back up behind Tsukasa, lightly putting his hands on his shoulders. “I was thinking of running a bath, if you want to have one now. You missed yesterday.”

“You're right, I did.” Tsukasa laughs and looks up at him, leaning back to be able to see. “Thanks for letting me.”

“I would've let you skip most things last night.” Rui shrugs. “Sometimes you just need to sleep.” He gives Tsukasa a little shoulder rub. “You've been working really hard recently. I know I've already said it, but you deserve a nice day off.” Rui bends down a little bit so that they can more easily look at each other. “I can stay with you, if you'd like, and wash your hair and your back. Or I could stay here and bake something, so that you can relax on your own.” he stands back up, playing with Tsukasa's hair. “Either is alright with me.”

“Hmm,” Tsukasa gives it a good think. “I… Hmm, that's a difficult question. Is there any way I could have both?” he tilts his head. 

“I don't see why not, ufu, I think that could be arranged.” Rui nods his head. “You should think about what you'd like to snack on while I warm the water and get everything ready.” He brings Tsukasa's hair into his usual (yet makeshift) ponytail, using his fingers as a hair tie. Then he lets it fall through and back against Tsukasa's neck. “I have that recipe book for you to flip through, if you'd like.”

Tsukasa leans into him, eyes shutting in contentment. “That would be great.” He nods. When Rui lets him go, he pushes out his chair and stands. Rui moves to collect his cookbook, then walks back to Tsukasa. 

Tsukasa waits for Rui to give it to him, then realizes they're going to walk back upstairs together. He nods a little to signal he understands, then starts walking. Rui walks alongside him. 

“I can't make you walk all the way back upstairs alone!” Rui giggles. “But, we’re going the same place either way.” 

As they walk, Tsukasa takes a glance at the book. “I haven't flipped through in a while. What sort of things have you written?”

Rui thinks for a moment, then shrugs. “It's all baked goods, and we should have all of the ingredients for most of the smaller things…” He rubs the back of his neck and gives Tsukasa a lopsided smile. “While I will make one of the larger recipes for you, I'd prefer to do it together! And, it would be rather difficult for me to bring you cake in the bath…”

“Hehe! No, that's all fine.” He shakes his head, and puts his hand on the railing as he reaches the top of the stairs. “I was thinking some sort of cookie, either way.”

“Well, there's lots of different types in here!” As they approach the master bathroom, Rui hands off the book. “Flip through, and I'll set everything up. Okay?”

“Sounds good.” Tsukasa nods, then steals a little kiss before Rui can turn around. Rui laughs, then walks and pushes the doors open.  

They close behind him without his input once he's far enough in, and good thing they do, because Rui wanted it to be extra special! 

Just a small part of his master plan… Fufu, he's still kind of reeling from Tsukasa almost not wanting to stay. After all he'd set up..! He'd have improvised, of course, but man, was it worrying. 

Still, all in the past, all alright now. 

Rui picks some flowers, a mini garden adorning the entranceway, practically for this exact purpose. He sets them aside, then moves to start the water. It doesn't take as long as it used to, thank goodness, after that lengthy construction period. It was terrible to wake up to, but not needing to bring water to a near boil just to have it warm enough to clean clothing in and have warm baths with (many times over, often) was extremely worth it. 

While it fills the tub, Rui checks each picked lily and washes them in the tap, bringing water over them carefully. 

Once he has them cleaned and checked, he sets the proverbial table. He decorates the edges of the tub, and, when the tub is sufficiently full of water, drops some petals and a flower into it. 

While looking for his shears, wanting to pick some flowers with longer stems to tuck into Tsukasa's hair, he spots a pot for incense. Of course! 

—

When Tsukasa finds the specific recipe he's been looking for, he closes the book around his finger. He figures he won't bother Rui until he comes out, but, with nearly perfect timing, Rui pokes his head out. “Hello.” He gives him the cutest smile, then walks out to meet Tsukasa at the decorative couch he'd picked. “Find something? 

Tsukasa nods. “Yep!” He opens the book to the page he saved, then tilts it so that Rui can see. Rui bends down to read, then takes the book from Tsukasa once he's offered it. 

“Hmmm.” He nods and smiles, then raises a brow and looks at Tsukasa knowingly. “Are you sure you actually want these, or do you just know they're my favorite to make?”

Tsukasa laughs. It was only a little bit of that! “They're my favorite kind!” He reaches up and pulls Rui down to his level, placing a little kiss on his jaw. “Maybe that's partially because of how much you like to make them, though. Hehe.”

Rui pets his hair, following it down to his neck and tracing up Tsukasa's jaw. He smiles pointedly, “Anything for my love.” He stands and offers his hand to Tsukasa, which he takes. “The bath is ready, do you want me to start baking now, or should I follow you?”

Tsukasa thinks about it. He wants Rui to be with him, he loves spending time with him, but he also enjoys alone time! He values both of them a pretty similar amount, so he tries to think about the most fair and logical compromise. “Hm, why don't you heat the oven and get everything inside to bake, then come and visit me? Oh– but please hold the salt on the cookies?”

“That sounds good.” Rui nods. He places one last kiss on the corner of Tsukasa’s lip. He heads back downstairs as they trade places, with Tsukasa stepping into the bathroom and Rui staying out.

As he realizes he'd forgotten, he decides to start the fire, then go to wash their dishes from earlier. He tends to the heat every few moments, but it's a very quick and easy cleaning of the dishes! Run water in the glasses, wipe down the plates, then douse them in soap and water and scrub. Easy. There's that needs to be scraped off, so it takes no time at all, and he sets them to dry. 

Rui works on the recipe. 

It's rather simple, so he falls into his thoughts as he's making it, contemplating logistics. 

Will this timing actually work out? Rui isn't sure. These cookies require him to watch them rather carefully while they're baking, he's not sure if he'd have enough time to check on Tsukasa. He doesn't want them to burn, or to not bake right. He's sure Tsukasa won't mind waiting a few extra minutes for him, in exchange for perfect and tasty cookies. 

One of the things he likes, though, about making these cookies is that they take no time at all. Few ingredients and a short bake time on relatively low heat. It takes care and attention, but not long of doing those things! They're baked and Rui is bringing them out of the oven before he knows it. 

He leaves them to sit on the stone for a bit as he reaches for a plate, aswell as a little dish. He transfers the cookies to the plate for them to cool, then takes a few off of the top of the pile and puts them on the little dish! These, while hot, he can bring to Tsukasa. Tsukasa likes eating things too hot for his own good, anyway. 

Rui hopes he hasn't taken too long, but he figures it's probably okay! He made it very nice in there, he wouldn't mind needing to wait a bit longer for his love if it was him! 

Still, Rui hurries to see him again, after also grabbing him some water to drink. Somehow, Rui himself always feels so parched taking baths. He walks upstairs and follows the path yet again today to the master bath, then pushes the door open with his hip. “Hello.” He says, softly, so as not to disturb or startle Tsukasa had he not been paying attention. 

Tsukasa is sort of half laying down in the tub, arms folded over the lip on the left side and resting his head on them like he's sleeping. He's likely just relaxing and resting, but Rui still walks up and tests if he's awake by tucking some hair behind his ear. Tsukasa peeks his eyes open and looks up at him. “Hello.” He smiles. 

“Fufu. Sleepy?”

“Just resting.” Tsukasa shakes his head slowly and lays back down. 

“Sorry I took so long.” Rui lowers his voice a bit, noticing how Tsukasa's movements had slowed. He doesn't want to disturb his relaxation! “I brought cookies. They're very hot, just came out of the oven.” He places the dish down on the ground, and the drink on the lip of the tub. Tsukasa sits up, slowly, not wanting to disturb the water too much. 

“Ha, I was wondering what was taking you so long.” Tsukasa reaches for a cookie, apparently having spotted where Rui place them down. He picks a part of one up, not minding the heat at all other than how it tears the cookie apart, and pops the bite into his mouth. He grins. “Mmh! So good, thank you.” He covers his mouth as he speaks while his mouth is full. Rui laughs at him gently. 

“Of course. Fufu, try not to get them wet!”

“I won't!” 

“There are more downstairs,” Rui changes the subject, wanting to mention. “But I wanted to let them cool. We just ate, I don't want any upset stomachs!”

“Mm, that's true.”

After a moment of silence, Rui reaches into the water. “Is it still warm?” He nods when he gets his answer, as it is still rather warm. He turns to Tsukasa, bringing his hand over him and dripping water on him.

“Yes, it's very pleasant.” He lays his head back down. “I didn't mind waiting for you, by the way. It was nice to wait for you.” 

Rui cups his hand and puts it back in the water, then brings it up and over Tsukasa's hair. Tsukasa shuts his eyes and giggles a little. “I'm glad it wasn't any trouble.” He repeats the gesture until Tsukasa's hair is well and wet, then reaches for the pot of soap. As he soaps up his hands, Tsukasa turns his body, moving his back to face Rui so that he can wash his hair easier. 

Rui scrubs at his scalp and scrunches the bottom of his hair to help stimulate his natural curls. He brushes his fingers through his hair once to carefully get any stubborn snarls out, then again to sort of pet him. Rui washes his hands by dipping them in the water, then brings more water up to rinse it off. “Did you already wash yourself?” Rui asks.

“Yep. I'm all clean.” Tsukasa nods slowly, then yawns. Rui can't help but find him being so sleepy the most endearing thing in the world. 

“Sleepy?” He asks, again. Tsukasa mumbles a wordless response of disagreement as Rui moves to get the stemmed white lilies. He starts weaving one into Tsukasa's hair, and if he didn't know better, he'd say he was putting him to sleep. “Fufu. You can take a nap, if you'd like. I just think you should make your way to our bed first, I don't want you waking up to a noseful of water.”

“Mmf… true.” Tsukasa, in a not very startling reveal, shows that he actually is sleepy. He's probably due for a nap, aswell! Sometimes sleeping for too long makes you even more tired than before, Rui gets him. “Okay…” he raises his arm and rubs his eye, then sits up. He stretches, and Rui stands as he gets his bearings, moving the dishes out of the way and grabbing a towel. He unfolds it, and takes a minute to appreciate their high amount of towels! No matter the rainy emergency, they don't need to worry about running out. 

Rui holds the towel in both hands and opens it for Tsukasa, when he stands up. Tsukasa steps out of the bath, and Rui wraps it around him. Tsukasa leans into Rui's shoulder and shuts his eyes. Rui laughs as he dries him off. “You can't fall asleep standing, either!”

“I wasn't.” Tsukasa shakes his head and laughs. “I'm just resting my head.” 

Rui lets go of the towel, letting Tsukasa twist it and situate it for himself. Tsukasa wrings out his hair, then cracks his neck to either side. “Well, that's perfectly fine.” He nods.

Tsukasa walks for the robes on the wall, of course embroidered with their initials, and switches around his towel usage. He moves his current one to his hair, then puts on the robe. He makes his way back to the tub to release the water, then picks up the plate of cookies from where Rui had stashed it. He takes a bite out of another one. 

“You should have one too.” Tsukasa offers the plate to Rui, and he starts to show his palm as a refusal, but thinks about it for a moment, and decides to take one after all. 

“Thank you.” Rui dries his hands before he takes one, but does take the last cookie from the plate. 

Tsukasa shakes his head. “You made them, after all.” 

Rui shrugs. “For you, though!” 

He starts making his way out, and Tsukasa hurries to hop and follow him. “Can't believe I want to sleep in the middle of the day.” he yawns again. “And that I think I'll actually get to sleep.”

“Happens to everybody. It was only a matter of time until it hit you!”

Tsukasa laughs conversationally. “I hope it doesn't become a habit.”

“In my opinion, it's not so bad if it does. Short naps can improve your sleep.”

“I bet you think that!” Tsukasa gently elbows Rui's sides. “You're always sleeping where you're not supposed to be.”

Rui reaches his hand out as they approach their own room. “I don't like to sleep the moment the sun sets! It's much more peaceful, it's dark and quiet, easy to focus. It's a very nice temperature too.” he pushes the door open. “You should try!”

“Thanks, but I have to wake up early for work! You should be, too!” Tsukasa tries, and fails, to hold back another yawn. He brings his hand to his own hair, brushing his fingers against the flowers still adorning it. He smiles warmly. 

After a beat of silence, Rui changes the subject momentarily. “Do you want to change your nightclothes?”

Tsukasa laughs at himself. “I can't believe I'm changing from my nightclothes to my nightclothes to sleep.”

“It's our day off!” Rui giggles. “Besides, it is not technically nightclothes to nightclothes. You're wearing a robe right now.” He looks forward. “I think I will. I'd like my nightgown.” 

Tsukasa blinks slowly. “Hey, I,” he pauses, confirming that what he's about to say is true. “That reminds me, I didn't hang up my clothes!” 

“Huh?” Rui turns his head towards the doors. “Oh, I suppose we didn't. Worry not, I'll take care of it.” He tilts his head and looks at Tsukasa again. “I'll do that, want to grab my night clothes for me?”

Tsukasa nods. “Okay!” Funny that they both turn to move to different bathrooms, but the bath they have attached to their room isn't quite as nice. Of course, Tsukasa doesn't mind it either way, but their attached bathroom is more for late night or early morning teeth care and other trips, whereas the master bath is more for dedicated ones!

The nice thing is, though, that they like to use the shelving space in the bathroom for their softer clothes. Tsukasa finds that they stay softer there, maybe it's because of the air! It's nice to have a place for them to be folded and politely put away, but still easily accessible. 

Not like how accessible their dress clothes are, hung up so that they dry properly and that don't get wrinkled or accrue smells, but more accessible than folded up and hidden in their bureau. Tsukasa decides to take their matching nightgowns.

As he goes to turn to move back to the bed, he catches himself in the mirror. He smiles.

Tsukasa brings his hand up again to brush against the flower, but he knows what it is this time. Of course, he wouldn't expect anything other than lightly colored flowers, especially lilies. Aside from the lilies, there are some cutely miniscule baby's breath, and some distinctly non-floral eucalyptus. He wonders if there's a specific meaning to this combination other than just what he knows the individual plants mean. 

Tsukasa can't stop smiling at himself, but has to tear himself away from his own reflection. He has to force himself to keep his hands away from the flowers, so that he won't mess up the arrangement, and opts to step into his gown instead of pulling it over his head for the same reason. He is happy at how much he dried off. He doesn't mind being in wet clothes nearly as much as Rui does, but he has acquired quite the taste for dryness after last night.

He stands near their shared bed for a moment, then sits down on the edge. He feels another wave of tiredness wash over him, but he refuses to settle or get comfortable yet, not without Rui by his side. 

After a moment, when Rui arrives, Tsukasa waves at him. “Hello.” 

Rui waves back. “Hi! I hung up your clothes.” as he walks closer, “and you got changed.” He comments. 

“I felt like matching.” Tsukasa holds up Rui's matching gown, his tone taking on a noticeably sleepy undertone, like it had a few minutes prior.

“Well, I can't argue with that, can I?” Rui giggles, and moves to the attached bathroom to move his clothes to the right place. When he comes back, Tsukasa has laid down, yet still stiffly to the edge of the bed. He's waiting for him quite staunchly!

Rui sits down next to him. He admires the flowers in Tsukasa's hair, but really, he gets off track and just starts admiring Tsukasa.

He reaches over him, leaning to close the curtains. Too bright out to have a good enough nap with the curtains open. It would be possible, especially if Tsukasa is sleepy enough, but it'll keep waking them. Rui personally would like to have a good nap, so that they're both alright with staying up a bit later. 

Rui lays down, and cuddles up to Tsukasa, putting an arm around him. He, again, goes right for his hair, looking for a spot to braid.

Tsukasa giggles a little, ticklish, as he snuggles against Rui and shuts his eyes. Again, and like most nights, Rui's hands in his hair put him to sleep so quickly, it's almost funny. With the dim light in the room, comfy clothes, Rui's body covering some of the remaining light, Rui's body warmth, and his hands, and the flowers, everything around him compounds and Tsukasa is lulled into sleep easier than easy.

…

When Rui thinks it's been a suitable amount of time to move and not disturb him, Rui carefully moves his arms. He takes the flowers out of Tsukasa's hair, so that he can move freely in his sleep without needing to worry about crushing them. 

Rui transfers the flowers and stray petals and other pieces to a flower pot on their dresser, placed there for this exact purpose. He always enjoys making a bouquet out of Tsukasa's head, that he can then make into a real bouquet when it comes time to take them out!

He thinks about getting up, going to work on his project, but really… The way Tsukasa scrunched up his face when he moved, his hands balling up, and his knees raising a bit, and his warmth as well… Rui can't just leave him. It would be cruel!

He lays back down, picking a spot with more care, as he knows Tsukasa will spread out and take up space! He has to give him that chance to move, while also giving himself enough of the bed to not immediately fall off upon waking up. He does tend to move less when he has something to hold, so Rui brings himself right up to Tsukasa's body, settling his chin on his hair and Tsukasa's head on his chest, wrapping his arms around him.

His surprise will have to wait. Probably not long! Tsukasa is a light napper… more of a cat napper, he has to fight to stay asleep during naps most times.

Hopefully, his presence will make it easier for him to rest.

Still, he should do something first… Now that cookies have been added to the mix.

— —

Tsukasa doesn't think he could name a time in his recent life where he was waking up this late in the day.

He could probably say night, to be honest, he just doesn't feel like separating from Rui's chest right now to check.

Sometimes he can pretend to be asleep a bit longer to rest, or even get back to sleep, or just take a teeny catnap, but today is not any of those days. Well, he supposes it was earlier in the day, but it isn't now, is the important thing.

He's not sure whether Rui is awake yet, and he doesn't want to disturb him if he is, so he stays where he is for a moment. Seeing as it's so dark, he tries to close his eyes and relax, making one more attempt to fall asleep, but it's in vain. 

It takes a few minutes of trying, then a little bit of trying not to try, but it clearly isn't working, so Tsukasa gives up. He shifts, turning to lay on his back instead. 

“... Are you awake?” Comes Rui's whispering voice, and a little shift in the weight on the mattress. Just moving his arm like that made Rui wake up? No, he must have already been awake.

“Yes.” Tsukasa nods. He sits up a bit, and Rui follows him. 

“Well, good morning.” Rui giggles.

“It's not morning,” Tsukasa smiles and shakes his head, guessing that this response was exactly why he'd said it in the first place. “Why are we whispering?”

“I'm not sure. I didn't want to wake you up if you weren't already awake.” Rui shrugs, continuing to keep his voice low. “But it is rather late.”

“I knew it.” Tsukasa sighs. “Why'd you let me sleep the whole day awa-ay?” He leans into Rui's shoulder, half joking. 

Rui puts an arm around him. “I'm sorry, love. You needed it.” He pats his shoulder. “But, think. If we get up and go out now, it'll be like we have the whole world to ourselves!”

Tsukasa thinks on it for a second. That does sound nice, especially since he's not at nearly as much risk of getting tired halfway through a late night walk. “And in the dark..” Tsukasa giggles. “But I suppose it could be nice. We could take a stroll through the garden.”

“What a wonderful idea!” Rui sits up further and finally resets back to normal volume. “You know, I was hoping you would say that.”

Tsukasa sits up on his own, to go and stands from the bed. “Hm? Any particular reason?”

“Well… not exactly.” Rui shrugs, then stands. He offers his hand to Tsukasa, to help him up, and he takes it with a little head bow of thanks. “I suppose we will just have to see!”

Tsukasa tilts his head, then raises one brow. “Okay.” He laughs a little, finding the sudden seriousness comical. “Lead the way.”

Rui does! And, he notices, Tsukasa seems to be walking much easier than he was earlier today. That's nice. 

They both know where the garden is (in fact, they know where all of them are, to be specific, because there really are a high amount of them just on this property), so Tsukasa is really walking alongside Rui instead of needing to be led somewhere.

The walk isn't terribly long, especially as they can simply enjoy each other's company to pass the time.

As Tsukasa moves to put on some slip-on shoes, “I can't help but notice I missed out on cookies.” he comments.

“Oh, I wouldn't worry about that!” Rui laughs, then upon a questioning look from Tsukasa, opens his hand in an offer of explanation. “We'll grab some on the way back, silly.”

“Ah, of course.” Tsukasa nods. 

As they approach the back doors to the palace, Rui breaks off from Tsukasa, preferring to dramatically step forward and push them open. 

With the way the back of the building is set up, there's a large set of double doors, then a large patio area, and past that, a large, flowering arch. Walls of thick leaves and bushes line the outskirts of the garden, but it's mostly visible from the front entrance.

There are a few places that get covered up by thick foliage and flowers, and by the looks of it, one of those places is where Tsukasa is being led.

“I was thinking about doing something like this for a while, but it seemed like today would be the best day. I thought it would be a perfect surprise,” Rui starts giving the backstory, so Tsukasa starts getting excited.

“I felt bad leaving you, but last night, I couldn't sleep, so..” When he passes by a certain wall of flowers, he opens his hand towards the cutest little ornate, metal picnic table. “I set up a little spot.” And adorned with a little water-bowl bouquet, and a plate of cookies and tea. 

Tsukasa doesn't even know what to say, stopping for a moment to take in the adorable little sight and Rui's cute explanation and expression.

“I saw this table in the shed ages ago. I'm not sure what it was, maybe at some point it was broken, or there never was a spot for it.” He walks closer and puts his hand against it, then giggles and looks back to Tsukasa. “Maybe, nobody has ever had as good of a reason as this to set it up!”

Tsukasa finally walks up and joins him, taking a slow seat in the chair closest to him. He observes the pitcher of tea, then reaches for it to pour himself, and Rui, a glass. “What kind is this?” he asks. 

“Green!” Rui takes a seat as well. “It's been stewing since this morning. I've been reading about cold teas more and more often, recently, and I wanted to try.” He gestures at some smaller dishes and containers that Tsukasa hadn't noticed before. “The recipe says two teaspoonfuls of sugar, but you can put in as much as you want.” He nods. “It's also supposed to be served over ice, but I wasn't quite sure when we would be out! I didn't want it to melt. I don't quite fancy ice in my drinks other than water, but if you'd like some, I can get some.”

Tsukasa shakes his head. “No thank you.” He puts the pitcher down, recognizing that there is a correct order to the ingredients. He fills his sugar according to the recipe, then pours his tea. He offers some to Rui, and pours him a cup as well. 

“Thank you!” Rui beams. 

Tsukasa laughs. “I should be the one thanking you!” He raises his glass and takes a little sip. It's very good, and he can't wait to taste it with those cookies… “You've set this up wonderfully.” Tsukasa half-stands in reaching over the table, taking Rui's face in his hand. He brushes away a few stray strands of hair. “Thank you very much.” He leans even further to give him a kiss on the forehead. 

“I'm glad that you like it, darling.” Rui also sits up, giving Tsukasa a kiss on the lips. “I'm very glad.” He sits again, and takes his glass. He raises it a little ways in front of him. “Now. Let's eat?”

“Let's eat!” Tsukasa laughs and quickly goes to sit down again and also picks up his glass, bringing it forward to clink against Rui's.