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To say that Yakumo wasn’t used to being on the receiving end of affection was an understatement.
The serpentine man was so used to being a sense of comfort and support for the people in his life. For his grandparents, and many lovers that had belonged to him in the clan. Yakumo was used to being supportive. A pillar of care, warmth, and love for the people who loved him – and that he loved in return.
He’s held multiple of his boyfriends closely before; their heads against his chest, and his hands gently rubbing circles along their backs.
He had been used to the gentle affection that he himself had given others. Being the person that was sought after for comfort for his multitude of lovers.
This was a role that Yakumo felt comfortable in. Valued in. Yakumo wouldn’t have changed his spot for the world. As long as his circle – his beloveds – were safe and loved, then he would be content.
Yet, when the roles were reversed, Yakumo couldn’t help but feel his heart begin to ram against his chest. Pale flesh was dyed a vibrant red hue as blood rushed to the serpent’s cheeks.
His eyes, as half lidded as they were, couldn’t help but stare over at the ashen-haired man laying on top of his body. Yakumo could feel the other’s arms wrap around his torso comfortably; not too loose to be dangling, but not too tight to asphyxiate him. In fact, it felt like a child hugging their favourite stuffed animal. Their favourite person.
His body couldn’t find the energy to push the other man off, or to move his head over so that he could see the researcher’s eyes. Rei’s body laid upon Yakumo’s like a boulder, far too heavy and stubborn to move out of the brunette’s way. Usually, Yakumo would have the might to sit up, at the very least. He would have the life in him to prop himself up against the couch’s arm, and pull the other’s body closer. Maybe, if he had the courage to, he’d even press a soft kiss upon the soft flesh on their forehead.
If only he hadn’t done all of those errands earlier. All of that shopping, cooking, and care around the village that he had called home.There was a festival happening tomorrow, and Yakumo wanted to lend his grandmother a hand. That wasn’t mentioning the dog that happened to steal his basket of groceries earlier that day, which he and Eiden had chased after for who knew how long.
Or, the Essence replenishing that Yakumo needed after his levels dropped to a new low – one that even he didn’t expect would be possible.
After such an eventful day, Yakumo tried to look as if he still had that same energy as before. That he would be able to help with whatever was needed of him, or provide company to some of his lovers.
The only person who seemed to clock his exhaustion immediately was no one other than Rei.
Rei, who had grabbed Yakumo by the wrist earlier, and led him to the couch.
Who had turned the serpent to face him, and then lightly push his form onto the furniture.
And, who laid on top of the taller man as a means to join him on the couch. Or to keep him in place.
The brown-haired serpent didn’t have the energy to even refuse his blunt lover at the time, or protest. The only noise that he had made was a squeaky, pitchy “Eep–!”
There he was now, his head laying against the cushions of the couch as Rei’s head nuzzled against the crook of the snake yokai’s neck.
His cheeks grew more colourful, dusting themselves into a bright red. It almost matched the red fabric of the couch.
“M-Mr. Rei,” Yakumo began, earning an opening eye from his lover. “Is this… mandatory? You-You don’t usually … lay like this on me.”
Even in his exhausted state, it didn’t stop Yakumo from questioning the scientist just a little bit. As a hand shakily - nervously - began to stroke the other man’s back, he continued. “Are you… trying to conduct an experiment? Is your condition flaring up? I can–”
“Shh.” A soft, yet curt shush drew from the other’s lips. Yakumo swore that he saw the golden hue narrow slightly at the tired yokai, too.
With a low grumble, Rei lifted his head to rest his chin on the serpent’s shoulder. “Tired people don’t talk. Take a nap, Yakumo.”
The brown-haired man’s mouth hung open for a moment or two, as silence filled the air for a heartbeat or two. His body stiffened at the response; Yakumo was sure that he had put on a decent mask of competence. Of alert awakeness that made him look available.
Had it not been foolproof enough?
“I–I’m not tired, I assure you. I’m…” The serpent tried to lie , to make some sort of excuse to explain his current, weaker behaviour. Something that could be able to make sense of his lack of resistance, or prior, slower movements.
Then again, what would be able to deflect the fact that he was stumbling down the halls earlier today? Or, his near mistake of putting salt in a pastry rather than sugar? Those were traits often associated with exhaustion - or at least, general tiredness.
Yakumo cleared his throat. “I just had a busy day. That’s– That’s all.”
“And that results in you almost tripping over your own two feet?” While shooting back his own argument, there wasn’t a sense of venom in Rei’s voice. Instead, there was a soft, barely hidden hint of concern layering in Rei’s tone. The man sighed, and shook his head slightly. “Don’t act as if I didn’t notice. You looked like you were about to collapse.” He added.
As the ashen haired lover lifted his head upward, his voice fell into a whisper. “You do so much for everyone. Too much.” He murmured, the once sharp gaze softening as he spoke. His arms wrapped a tad tighter around Yakumo’s torso. “You deserve to be paid back tenfold for everything you’ve done.”
Yakumo’s eyelids raised upward by an inch or two, his eyes widening at the remark. He’s been told this many times before, again and again. The serpent was told that he had deserved to take breaks before for his own wellbeing. That he was deserving of the same kindness and love that he provided to others.
And he believed them each and every time. Of course he had! What reason would he have to disagree with his lovers about something that was, in all forms, true?
It was the first time those words came from Rei, however. The first time that Rei told Yakumo that he was deserving of such affection and care. Of soft loving, and tenderness from his lovers. From him.
“A-Ah, Mr. Rei…” Yakumo’s voice cracked as he addressed his partner. Tears surged towards the corners of the serpent’s eyes, which prickled among the corners. One could argue that the tears made his eyes shimmer lightly among the emotional reaction. “You’re so… kind to me. Th-Thank you…” He began to sniffle, a smile lifting up the ends of the man’s mouth.
As he gazed down at the resting man, Yakumo watched as Rei’s gaze softened further. It was almost doe-like, if only for a moment. There was a genuine, caring part of Rei that seemingly reflected a softer underbelly to the researcher. Something that was hidden behind banter, harsh words, and blunt speech.
For a rare moment, Yakumo got to look at the nature that hid under Rei’s own mask. A part of the man that people had to work to even see a sliver of. Just the sight of that human, loving display was enough for a couple tears to slip down Yakumo’s cheeks.
One of Rei’s arms unwrapped itself to reach up at Yakumo’s face. The gray-haired man’s hand gently brushed against the serpent’s skin, wiping away the tears that had spilled from his teary-eyed boyfriend. He handled the brunette’s flesh as if he was made of porcelain. As if Yakumo would shatter from even the harshest touch.
“You don’t have to thank me.” Rei’s voice whispered, his words gently tickling the serpent’s ear. “This must’ve been the first time you’ve gotten a break today, hm? Let me take care of you.”
Once Rei finished wiping up the remaining tear, he pulled his arm higher to reach Yakumo’s head. Without any warning, or notice, he began to run his fingers through the soft, silky strands of his hair. The researcher’s fingers treated each strand like an angel’s wings, keeping his touches light yet affectionate.
It was comforting how Rei stroked Yakumo’s hair. How he treated his body like a delicate doll in his tired state. He felt safe in Rei’s arms. Secure. It was the soft moments that he lived for; the pampering and soft touches that he gave his boyfriends. And now, what Rei was gifting him with.
“It–It is. I haven’t been able to… rest properly at all.” Yakumo admitted, his head leaning into the soft touches as they continued. His eyelids sauntered into a half-closed state once more, as his smile tiredly lingered on his face. “I… I have to repay you for this. What can I... do for you, Rei?” His own voice softened further, sleepily slipping into a low mumble.
Humming, Rei reached his head over to Yakumo’s cheek. His lips hovered over the warm, reddened part of Yakumo’s face, a soft smile resting on the man’s features. “There isn’t anything you need to repay me with.” He responded, his lips pressing against the serpent’s cheek afterward, as if he was sealing his answer with a kiss.
A low chuckle rang from the ashen man as Yakumo’s cheeks reddened further. How he loved flustering his sheepish, shy boyfriend.
“But, since you’re offering, and so adamant,” Rei continued, his voice taking on a teasing lilt. While twirling a lock of Yakumo’s hair around, he arched his lips upward to the shell of the brunette’s ear. “I ask that you stay with me, my darling serpentine~.” He purred.
Tilting his head lower, Rei pressed another soft kiss against Yakumo’s cheek. His lips grew into a light smirk, listening to the soft gasp that breathed from Yakumo.
The gray-haired man seemed pleased with the reactions he had earned from the tired snake. Another bout of soft laughter rang from him like windchimes. “You’ll stay here with me, won’t you, Yakumo?”
Yakumo’s heart felt as if it was about to pound out of his chest. That it would break the bones protecting it, and thump outside of his body all cartoonishly. Despite his exhausted state, he wasn’t immune to the effect that the researcher had on him. Rei’s gentle touches. The kisses pressed against his cheek. And oh, that damn teasing tone that he had. It made Yakumo’s mind go crazy. Flustered, blathering thoughts danced in his mind, causing the poor snake to flush further.
Just how did he get so lucky to date someone who was as teasing as he was sincere?
“I–I Ah-Well–” Words bumbled from Yakumo’s flustered lips. His other arm wrapped around Rei’s figure, and squeezed the man lightly. Not enough to make Rei wheeze; the last thing Yakumo had was strength to even constrict his lover like that.
Instead, it was more of a secure hug. Something that strapped Rei’s body against his, and refused to let the other man go. Like Rei was the only thing that was grounding him to this moment here and now.
His head nodded, lightly nuzzling against Rei’s face. “I– I will..!” Yakumo's voice tried to exclaim, to accept it like it was a marriage proposal. Yet , the best that came from it was a sleepy croak. With a clear of his throat, the serpent giggled softly. “I’ll stay here with you, Rei…”
The brunette tilted his head up an angle, and slowly pulled his head over to Rei’s cheek. His lips pressed against the skin in a soft, quick kiss. Only to be followed by another peck. And another.
With each kiss, Yakumo watched as Rei’s smile grew into something more… sappy. Something soft and saccharine, that would’ve tasted like the finest maraschino cherries if it had a flavour.
“Hah, good.” Rei breathed a curt laugh, his head lowering down onto Yakumo’s shoulder once more. His eyes glinted as he made eye contact with Yakumo’s. “I wasn’t going to give you a choice either way.” He added playfully.
At least, Yakumo thought it was playful. Maybe he didn’t hear the undertone of seriousness beneath Rei’s tone.
He couldn’t think about the inflection for long enough, however. Not when a short, soft yawn began to slip from his lips.
“Yaa-awwn.” Yakumo’s head lifted up for a moment, then bobbed back down to meet Rei’s gaze once more. Despite the curtains of his eyelids sauntering lower, he did attempt to try and make further conversation with his partner. “Ah… I-I’m sorry about… that.” His voice droned, softening into a barely audible whisper.
Rei hummed once more, his face nuzzling against Yakumo’s neck. If he had paid further attention, he was sure that the researcher had breathed in his scent. “Don’t apologize for falling asleep.” Rei whispered back, “I’m getting tired, too. Not going anywhere else but here.”
As his blush died down, Yakumo’s smile sleepily grew a centimetre or two. His eyelids slowed to a close, leaving the sight of his attractive, dearest lover behind the blinds. “Mmm, I’ll keep you close…” He rumbled out a mumble. “So you don’t … slip away…”
“Hah. Thank you.” Rei’s hushed voice began to drift off as the serpent was being carried off by sleep.
The last thing that was heard was gentle and fond. “I love you, Yakumo. Sweet dreams.”