Chapter 4: Feverish Guilt
(by Hayama, added on 2005-10-15 10:33:25 AEST) [Discussion Topic]
Authors Note: Chapter 4 at last. This is the one I liked writing the best so far. Why? Because I like writing fluffy shonen-ai. SO! Here’s a little warning for you all. This chapter contains shonen-ai (Fai/Kuro) fluff and angst. If that’s not your cup of tea… don’t drink it.
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Kurogane picked Fai up as gently as he could and laid the unconscious magician on a soft pile of grass, covering him with his white cloak. He started a fire and once it was crackling softly he crouched down beside Fai.
Fai was breathing at least, and he was no longer cold. In fact, Kurogane realized as he slipped his hand under Fai’s bangs, he was starting to feel feverish.
“What’s wrong with you?” Kurogane growled in frustration. “You shouldn’t be in this state from just a few scratches.”
Suddenly something caught Kurogane’s eye. On Fai’s arm there was a different kind of mark. It wasn’t a scratch at all. Kurogane grabbed Fai’s arm and pulled the glove down. Kurogane ran his fingers gently across the wound. Bite marks… no… fang marks. Could it be? Was Fai poisoned?
It had to be. Fai was poisoned and there was nothing Kurogane could do about it.
Kurogane sighed and stood up. He went to the river and soaked a small cloth in the cool water, rung it out and returned to Fai’s side. He set the damp cloth on the magician’s forehead and sat down again.
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Hours had passed. Syaoran had not returned. Fai’s fever was down but not gone. Kurogane still sat at his side, gazing silently into the fire.
Slowly, Fai stirred. He opened his eyes.
“Kuro-min?”
Kurogane snapped his head around. “You’re awake.” He barely noticed that Fai used the usual diminutive name ending.
Fai smiled weakly and with some effort managed to sit up. “So I am.”
“What happened?” Kurogane asked.
Fai hugged his knees and stared at the ground. “Where’s Sakura-chan?”
“The kid went to find her.”
Fai’s fake smile faded and for the first time, Kurogane thought he was seeing the real Fai. “Then I didn’t protect her… how pathetic.”
“It’s not your fault. You were poisoned by that bite.”
“I should be stronger than that. Syaoran trusted me to protect the person most precious to him without a second thought and I couldn’t.”
Kurogane clenched his teeth. “I said it’s not your fault, damn it!”
“Kuro-ko?”
“There’s no doubt in my mind that you fought your hardest you could so don’t be such a melancholy idiot!”
Fai stared at Kurogane with wide, bewildered eyes.
“I mean that!” Kurogane growled.
Fai smiled, not his fake smile, but something… bittersweet. “I appreciate your concern, but…” Fai tried to stand but he faltered and fell.
Kurogane caught him.
“Are you insane?” Kurogane asked, taking the mage by the shoulders.
Fai looked away. “Maybe, but no words can change how guilty I feel. Just let me go Kuro-inu. I have to help find Sakura.”
Kurogane was really getting pissed off. “Stop acting so weird! You’re in no shape to fight again.”
“Syaoran and Sakura are in danger! I told you before Kuro-kyu, I don’t die very easily. Maybe I could survive that poison but what about those two?”
Kurogane was quiet for a long time. Then, without warning, he grabbed Fai by the chin, turned the sorcerer’s face towards his own and kissed him. He drew back slowly and glared at Fai fiercely. “I care about you, okay?”
Fai was shocked. “Kuro…gane…”
“Eh? You said my name and you didn’t… you know… mess it up with those silly suffixes.”
“I did…” Fai whispered. “Kurogane… why?”
Kurogane growled. “I just told you! I care about you! I was worried about you! I’ll always worry about you!”
“Kurogane…”
“Stop acting so dumbstruck!” Kurogane shouted. Then he sighed. “We’ll go help the kids as soon as the poison wears off enough that you can walk. I’ll protect you this time.”
Fai smiled. Not a fake smile. Not even a bittersweet one. It was a genuine smile. He tossed up his arms and embraced Kurogane. “Yay! Kuro-chi will protect me!”
“Don’t go back to that again!” Kurogane growled. Deep down, however, Kurogane was somewhat relieved that Fai was back to his usual self.
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