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Something was bothering Master Shunye today.
Uvlo Gahjewesfv watched his bondmate moving agitatedly around the Apothecary, checking the same inventory for the fourth time since that morning as if some thief or flood of customers had demolished their stock in an instant. This heightened, nervous energy was something the Viera rarely saw in his partner, normally so calm and laid back amdist the bustling Wachumeqimeqi Market. This wasn't the same as the days when the Shetona felt sad about the loss of his First Family, taken away so early in his life. The couple had discussed what helped most in those moments, but not this. As such, Uvlo was uncertain how best to proceed.
For now he decided the best course of action was to help where he could and maybe they could talk about it at home that evening. And so he dutifully threw himself into the day's tasks, helping their clients and making sure all their orders were packaged and ready to go. All in all it was a profitable day, their coffers growing fuller to the point the two had begun discussing what they might do to expand the business. This fact did not seem to improve Master Shunye's mood and instead seemed inclined to return home hastily.
As the pair entered their house, the Shetona set about picking up scattered items and dusting off his work station. Uvlo's eyebrow rose and he walked forward to put a kind arm around the other man's waist. "Who are you, and what have you done with Master Shunye?" he asked wryly.
"Hmm?" The apothecary's ears flitted about quickly but he allowed himself a moment to lean against the Veena's chest.
"You never clean the house on your own volition. It was one of the first things I started helping out with around here when we first met, remember?" Uvlo fondly reminded him, happily thinking about the path they had since started to walk together.
"Heh…fair enough observation, Skybun," Master Shunye acquiesced but there was still a twitch in his body, as if being held still was causing him agitation.
The blue-haired leporine gently let go and started helping out with the cleaning. "You know I would never overstep your boundaries."
"Indeed, there have been times where I've practically had to drag you across them," the other man quipped.
"…But if there is something that's bothering you I'm always here to help," Uvlo finished, setting a bottle of crushed saca sage onto the self. After a moment's silence the Shetona's head tilted back to his favorite arm chair. Intrigued, the wesfv went over to investigate. Perched atop it was a letter with a short message.
My Precious Sunbun,
My travels are taking me towards Tuliyollal. I would love to see you if you have the time.
-Mom
That single word at the bottom was enough to make Uvlo's ears stand straight up and he couldn't help but gasp. "Y-your mother is visiting?!"
Master Shunye nodded solemnly. "That letter arrived this morning, so I suspect she'll be at our doorstep in a few days."
"Does Uapyota know?" the Veena asked before smacking his forehead in remembrance. "Different mother, my apologies; you told that to me before…"
"Fret not, Skybun, I know Shetona custom is still something you're learning about. I was planning to tell her regardless, as a room can only be brighter when more of us gather. However, I do confuse the announcement of my mother's arrival does come as a surprise and there will certainly be much to discuss."
Uvlo self-consciously tugged at the leather collar around his neck while also running a finger along the vibrant green stone he wore on his wrist, the symbol of their bonding. "Are you…worried what she'll think about the two of us being together?" he struggled to speak the words. He knew what some people in his own village would think about their union and those uncomfortable thoughts kept him awake at night.
His bondmate's ruby eyes widened in shock. "Oh Uvlo…I'm sure she will absolutely adore you!" he insisted before rubbing his hands together in embarrassment. "It's merely been over fifty years since we had a face to face conversation. A lot has happened since then, not least of all the fact she might have lost her son forever.
The apothecary did not have to elucidate, images of a dusty mine and a desperate battle flashing in Uvlo's mind. He walked over and gave his partner a comforting hug. "I understand what it can be like to ruminate on what could have been. But this is an excellent opportunity!" he looked down with excitement. "I cannot wait to hear more about the Shetona way of life from here…and about you!" he said cheerfully.
There was finally a release of the elder man's tension and he returned the embrace with strength. "Thank you, Skybun."
"Speaking of…" Uvlo held up the letter and tapped the salutation at the top. "Sunbun?"
Shunye blushed. "It's part of my name. Many Shetona, in honor of the Mother Sun, have her included in some way. There was a lot of stress as the village healer that my mother had to deal with, but I gave her comfort. It's a layered term, but my name loosely means "Warming Sun," in the sense that it comforts or soothes someone."
Uvlo stared at him slackjawed. "So you calling me Skybun…"
"Is an echo of what she used to affectionately call me, yes…that's not awkward, is it?" Master Shunye's leporine nose twitched as he appeared ready to go into another bout of worrying.
"It comes from a place of love, how could I ever hold it as anything different?" Uvlo said with a chipper dismissal before swatting his partner playfully on the rear with the letter. "I will have you know, though, I'm cross that I've been missing out on calling you this the whole time and will be adding it to my terms of endearment henceforth!"
The apothecary gave him a smirk. "Oh my, this is quite the development! Is 'Master Shunye' ready to be retired?"
His bondmate affectionately nuzzled him. "Not on your life, Sunbun, but finding more words to say I love you can only be a good thing." He stepped back and clapped his hands together resolutely. "Now then, we have work to do if we're having company!"