Archive of Our Own

As the wind outside howled, drops of rain splattered hard against your window, indicating that the anticipated storm had arrived. You were sitting in bed mindlessly reading when a flash of lightning caught your attention. You closed the book and escaped the warm covers of your bed. Living alone, you didn’t have to worry about disturbing anyone else in the house by walking around late. Although, the clock had just struck a quarter past nine, you considered this time to be late, having gotten used to the lonely nights out in the isolating woods. Going to sleep early was routine at this point. Maybe a way to distract yourself from the ever so suffocating solitude. After pulling the red velvet blanket off of yourself, you began venturing downstairs to grab a glass of water before bed.

Before you even had a chance of making it to the kitchen, the front door was knocked on. You wondered who it could be this late, and felt slightly bad for them, being outside in this horrible weather. The cold stone floor felt unpleasant against your bare feet which quickly moved to open the door.

“Hello?” You asked, not being able to see clearly. The dark night and harsh weather made it nearly impossible to discern who it was standing right outside.

"Pardon me, I’m aware of the time, however, I’ve gotten lost wandering around in this storm and could use a place to seek refuge from this weather tonight. Please help this humble medicine vendor. I promise I will not intrude for longer than you allow me to." It was a man’s voice, a bit hoarse and in a low tone.

Without second thought, you instantly opened the door wider, having felt immediate sympathy for the lone man. Kitsune, you corrected yourself as the light from inside your house lit up his frame, showing off two white, pointed ears on the sides of his head. You stepped to the side, allowing him to enter.

“Of course, sir. Please do come in. Quickly, we wouldn’t want you getting sick!” You replied, your voice relaying the urgency.

This fox certainly was odd. There was something familiar about him. You didn’t know what it was about him that you recognized. Maybe his tall and slender figure, his long dirty blonde hair, or his clothing in the fashion of a woman’s. Maybe the pointed white ears or the markings on his face? However strange he seemed, you couldn't just turn him away in this rain, especially since he had asked so politely. And truth be told, maybe you had your own reasons for accepting company.

The fox’s dark blue eyes were focused on you. You realized you had been caught staring. A slight smile appeared on his face as he stood, soaked by rain, in front of you.

“Oh, I am terribly sorry. You must be cold! Here, let me show you to my bathroom.” You excused yourself and led him down the hall after closing the front door. He diligently followed and thanked you as you handed him a towel and left him to wash up.

How strange. You hadn’t even asked his name but had still invited him inside. You tried to counter your naïve course of action with the fact that he had been alone in the storm outside. Why had you invited him in, really? Maybe it was the familiar feeling he gave you. But why was he familiar? You pondered, and pondered, and as the door opened to the bathroom and he stepped out, hair and clothes now dried and changed, it came to you. You didn’t recognize him from having met him before. You recognized him from stories you had heard. A medicine vendor in the form of a handsome fox spirit wandering through towns, healing the sick and banishing the lifeless. You had always thought such stories too good to be true. A fox spirit, known for their cunningness, helping others? At what cost? Indeed, it seemed too good to be true, however, you couldn’t help but hope the stories held some truth. Lord knows what you would have done for some of that supposed healing of his.

“What is your name? Who are you here for?” You asked as soon as he stepped out. Your guard was up and you felt the need to tread cautiously. What if it wasn’t the medicine vendor from the stories and just some random stranger?

"Whoever needs my assistance." He answered casually, avoiding your first question, glancing around.

After a brief pause he asked: "Are you alone?"

“I am.” You didn’t know if you did right in telling him that, however he was already inside your home now. The fox’s eyes lit up at your answer.

“Then it must be you who needs assistance. Hello.” He looked right into your eyes, tilted his head slightly, and gave you a warm smile. His hands were clasped behind his back and he really did look like a proper fox just then.

This had to be the medicine vendor from the stories you had heard. The one you had dreamed for to come. The savior to your one constant problem. The too good to be true fox spirit.

Still standing outside of the bathroom, the medicine vendor walked a bit closer to you. It was as if he was examining you, looking for something.

“Hi.” You answered him, still cautious, not entirely surrendering your guard to the familiarity and hope. Leaning against a wall in the corridor you looked at him, his figure illuminated from the light coming from the bathroom.

You continued: “Maybe it is me who requires your assistance. However, first we must get you sorted. Unless you mind, you can stay here tonight. The storm doesn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon. Fortunately for you, I have a spare room where you can sleep tonight. It’s right next to my own room.”

He listened diligently to you and nodded deeply when you were done talking.
“Thank you so very much for helping me.” There was a hint of relief in his expression as he thanked you.

“Although, I do have a request for a form of payment for your stay here.” You said. You felt your heart beat faster. This could be your only chance. To rid yourself of your problem for a while and live normally, if only for a few hours.

He tilted his head to look at you and listened to your words.
"Payment, of course." He nodded. "What can I do for you? Money? Medicine? My assistance?" He listed, looking intently at you, awaiting your answer.

“I assume you carry some sort of food with you?” You asked.

“I do.” He answered, clearly confused as to where you were going with this.

“Good. I haven’t gotten the chance to visit the market in a while. The first part of your payment shall be to provide me with some of the food you have brought, so that we can share breakfast in the morning.” You knew you were being tough, but it was true, you had barely any food left from last weeks groceries.

"Why not dinner as well?” His teasing tone caught you off guard.
“You're already being kind enough to house me, would there be such a great issue for us to share dinner as well?” His tone had completely changed and he was now looking at you through narrow eyes, a slight smirk having appeared. It must have been a joke of some sort. Although, as you realized, this sort of teasing was not unexpected of a Kitsune. Fox-like, you thought.

“Presumptuous of you to assume I’m doing it out of kindness. What if I just happened to be looking for something and the person with this thing in his possession came by asking for somewhere to stay? How could I possibly say no then, and pass up the opportunity of retrieving this thing? Maybe I’m doing it out of self interest?” You teased back, testing the waters. In return you received a nod from him, “touché” it seemed to say.

He countered: “What if I did have something that you'd want? Oh, but what if I didn’t?” His left index finger was tapping lightly against his chin in an exaggerated expression. He was toying a little with you. A fox’s typical games, you guessed.

“I know you have something I want.”
You answered him confidently. As you walked towards him you looked up at his face as he stood in the door opening.

“I remember hearing about you. Therefore, I’m making you dinner, breakfast, and providing you with a spare room. To get what I want. Anyway, I have already ate dinner, so I’ll heat up some leftovers. That okay with you?” You asked. A low growl coming from his empty stomach was enough of an answer and you snorted out a laugh.

“Now, let’s go to the kitchen so we can get you that meal, hm?” You smiled him.

You sounded more calm than you felt. On the inside your nerves were tingling. To think you might be this close to the thing you wanted most. To think that the thing you had dreamt of for so long could have turned up at your doorstep. It felt surreal.

The medicine vendor chuckled along with you. You moved away from the bathroom and he followed after you, walking in silence, towards the kitchen where he sat down at the dinner table. It was dark in your house due to you having prepared to go to bed right before he came. However, when you turned around from a cupboard where you searched for a plate, you noticed he had lit two candles. It looked rather cozy in the room now.

“Unfortunately, I only have some soup left from my dinner earlier. Here you go, hope it’s to your liking.” You examined him while handing him the soup. He started eating but you could sense his curiousness.

“You must want to know what it is I want form you?” You asked.

"Yes, I am quite curious about what I could possibly have that is part of a payment equivalent to a meal and a room for the night. It was quite odd for someone like yourself to invite a stranger you had supposedly heard about into your home so late at night. Let alone someone like me."

He took a spoonful of the soup and sipped it, giving you another look.

“Someone like you? Are you insinuating that you’re dangerous? Hah!” You just had to laugh. He was different from the stories you had heard but one thing was for sure. He was not dangerous. At least not in a way that he would hurt you. Your gut feeling told you so.

“Anyway,” you continued “I guess I have to tell you. What I seek is something I’ve wanted for a long time.”
Were you really going to open up to him? He was, in hindsight, a total stranger. But after today you would probably never see him again. Maybe you would feel relieved telling someone, and so you decide to tell him.

“You see, I’ve never felt attraction. Not romantic nor sexual. These feelings are described as wonderful and I desperately need to know what it’s like to experience it.” There, you said it, just blurted it out. And after a deep breath, maybe your shoulders didn’t sit so low anymore.

It may sound silly, but ever since you were a young adult and your peers started to court one another you had felt left out. Never even harboring as little as a crush on someone, you were desperate for that feeling of romance and love you had heard so much about.

“I’ve heard rumors of a medicine vendor carrying a medicine said to deepen and build attraction. An aphrodisiac, if you will. I assume you are this medicine vendor, mister Kitsune.”

After your brief explanation he was quiet for a moment, staring at you blankly. He looked at your expression, then at your eyes. They were unwavering and serious.

A few seconds of silence, and a scoff escaped from the medicine vendor's lips.

"You want an aphrodisiac? To experience the feeling of attraction?"

“Precisely. I do not understand why you sound as though you disfavor the idea.” You answered, a line in between your brows forming in confusion.

He returned his attention to the soup.
"An aphrodisiac is a very dangerous thing and not something to toy around with, trust me." The medicine vendor pointed out, drinking up a bit more of the soup.

“Really? How so? I would love to know since you sound like you have first hand experience.” You said, a hint of teasing in your tone. Nothing he could say would change your mind anyway. Not even an early death could stray you from your choice of taking this renowned medicine.

The medicine vendor chuckled, deeper than before, a smirk returning to his face.

"An aphrodisiac does exactly what its description implies." He said. "It increases blood flow, sensitivity, and sexual desire.” His voice was low and almost sultry. But then it became serious. “It's especially dangerous to use for the first time. It has certain risks." His eyes were now locked onto yours.

“Oh, so what? Doesn’t every medicine have its side effects? And the ones you’re describing don’t seem very unpleasant, according to what I’ve heard.” You were swatting away the serious tension he had created with his look and hoped to lighten the mood.

"It can cause dizziness, weakness and fainting, headaches, heart palpitations, tremors, chest pain, seizures, and vomiting." He stated sternly, not impressed by your attempt at lightheartedness at a seemingly serious topic, listing off some of the side effects.

You looked at him bashful. You felt as though you had just insulted his competence. But he just chuckled once more. "As I said, an aphrodisiac is a very dangerous thing. I'm sure you’re aware now, and I can see the lust for it in your eyes. I won’t stop you if an aphrodisiac is what you really want. After all, you have helped me tremendously tonight.” He answered to your surprise.

“Thank you. I frankly do not care for side effects if it will give me the results I want.” You said matter of factly. You leaned forward on the table so that your faces were now closer.
“So, do you have it? An aphrodisiac?”

"Quite the impatient one, aren't you?" He teased, eyes narrowed.
“But yes, I do have it. A powerful one, in fact. Are you absolutely sure you want to do this though?" Surprised by his question, so unlike the usual nature of vendors to care for their buyers, you nodded.

“I have not waited my whole adult life for this only to decline while it’s right in front of me. Yes, I am sure.”

The medicine vendor was silent, watching your every facial movement as he studied your expression once more. He looked you up and down before replying.

"Very well. If you're absolutely sure, then I will give you an aphrodisiac. But before that, do you even know how to use it?"

“I assume you will tell me anyway?” You teased.

He chuckled and answered:

"You would be correct. To use it, all you have to do is swallow the aphrodisiac, like cough medicine."

He paused, giving you a look to see if you were following, before continuing:

"I have to repeat, however. In the case of this aphrodisiac, it is an extremely powerful one, especially for a first time user. So I recommend that you use it in a comfortable place, or with someone you trust, at least."

“Oh.” You looked down a little at his words. Someone you would trust seeing you in such a state? You’d never had someone like that. Considering your estranged relationship to your family none of them were an option. And considering that it was an aphrodisiac you were going to use, you were sure you wouldn’t want any of them around anyway. As for others you trust. There weren’t many and no one you would want to spend such a vulnerable time with, according to what the vendor had said.

He noticed the slight change in your expression, watching silently as you looked down.

"Are you feeling alright, dear?" He asked searching for your eyes. "What’s that look for? Do you have no one to use it with?"

You felt heat return to your face at his words and at how he seemed to know exactly what you were thinking. Flustered, you responded: “Uhm, I hadn’t realized you had to use it with someone else. But I guess you need someone to be attracted to to feel attraction, so I probably should have thought about that.” You laughed awkwardly and scrunched your nose a little in embarrassment.

He chuckled under his breath in response to your words, as to not hurt your feelings. He seemed to find it slightly endearing, the way you switched between confidence and bashfulness.

"It is something you should have thought about before asking for one, yes." He pointed out. "Are you sure you don’t know anyone that you are attracted to?"

“As I told you, no. I have never known or seen anyone who has made attraction flare within me. But oh, I’m sure there will be many people who will attract my interest once I try the aphrodisiac. I can hardly wait.” A tingling sensation started forming in the pit of your stomach at the mere thought. You continued to tell him: “And, the only person around that I’ve talked to in the last month is you, mister Kitsune.”

“Is that so?” The vendor replied, moving a bit closer to you. “You haven’t talked to anyone else at all?” He asked as if seriously confused, brows furrowing.

It was true. “No. As you know, I live quite far out in the woods, isolated. I don’t have close relatives and I honestly prefer the solitude.” A lie. “I do have friends i meet occasionally, however, it’s been a while now. No need to worry though.” You gave him a reassuring smile. “Anyway, I’m doing alright now that you’re here with my aphrodisiac, mister Kitsune!” How pathetic you sounded. No family, barely any friends, isolated out in the woods. You said the last sentence to try and save yourself, but it only came out even more pathetic.

A scoff escaped from the vendors lips. He shook his head at your words. His eyes landed on yours.

“You’re quite the interesting one.” He stated before replying. “You say there’s no reason to worry, yet you’ve been all alone for the last month. Surely the solitude must be getting to you.”

You wondered if the worry in his tone was sincere and searched for an answer in his eyes.

You replied “I’m doing alright. However, I must admit that I quite miss conversing as we’re doing now. Also the touch of another is something I value deeply. I miss it but it’s not at all unbearable. I like being alone.” You admitted maybe too easily. Although, it was not the whole truth. Why would you even need the aphrodisiac unless the loneliness hadn’t gotten to you as it had. All day and all night you longed for feelings you had never felt, a touch you had long since experienced, and a welcomed one at that. The desire had become too much to bear.

“The touch of another, hm?” You were met with a pair of darkened eyes and a sly smile.

Oh no, he caught that, did he? The vendor, who had stood from his seat a while ago, moved closer to you once more, now standing only a few feet from you where you were leaning with you back against the table. He chuckled.

“Have you not felt any kind of touch for the last entire month? Not even a friendly hug?Or…a sensual bite from a lover? Perhaps you’re longing for more than just conversation.” He flashed a pair of sharp fangs and his eyes seemed to glimmer.

“Mister Kitsune,” You blushed intensively as you realized what you had just revealed.
“I do not mean touch in the latter way. The sort of touch you’re referring to was well over a few years since I last felt. And if I’m being honest, it wasn’t reciprocated by me.” You continued, bashfulness coloring you red all over. Why you were even telling him this you were not sure of. Presumably, it had to do with the credible and coercive ways of a cunning fox.

You tried to look him in the eyes, but it felt futile and you instead fixed your sight on the floor, your nape already overheated from embarrassment. “Due to my ‘problems’ with attraction I never felt the need for such interactions. However, now I’ve started longing for them. I don’t know why I’m telling you all this. I guess you’re right, maybe this solitude has gotten to me. I’m revealing things I’ve never said aloud before.”

It was strange, his way of making you reveal yourself. All while he had said nothing about himself, you realized. But it didn’t matter, as long as you got your aphrodisiac.

“I see.” He replied, the smirk growing on his face. “You’ve been depriving yourself of such things for many years, because you don’t experience attraction. And here you are, revealing it all to me. I’ll tell you something.”

The medicine vendor tilted his head ever so slightly.

“I do believe loneliness has gotten to you. It is evident that the longing for attraction is there as well.”

He took another few steps closer, now standing just a few inches away.

You tried to find a spot to fix your eyes on again but couldn’t land on anywhere except him as he was now standing so close to you that you felt his warmth radiating.

“Well sure, I know that.” You crossed your arms in a futile attempt at seeming confident. You continued:

“That’s why I need your aphrodisiac. Anyway, how do I solve the problem of not having anyone to share the it with? Since that’s something I supposedly have to do.” You rolled your eyes ever so slightly.

“It is endearing how desperate you are.” A smile grew on his face at your expression.

“But you’re correct on that front. You do need someone to share the aphrodisiac with. It’d be ineffective otherwise and you wouldn’t have anyone to feel attracted to. Hm. Such a predicament you’re in. What will you do?” And the smirk was back.

Dumb, stupid, cunning, teasing, fox.

“Stop with the teasing, mister Kitsune, you are just too much. Your words make me flustered and then you ask me questions like I’m supposed to know the answer. I can’t even think straight when you’re this close, you know!?”

You glared at him a little desperate. You didn’t know what you should do! That’s why you were asking him!

The vendor couldn’t help a small laugh escaping his lips, apparently finding your frustrated expression to be rather amusing.

“Teasing?” He asked. “Ah, perhaps. But I quite enjoy seeing your reactions as a result. Though I suppose it’s unfair to you, isn’t it?”

He hummed in thought as he watched your annoyed glare before replying.

“How about a deal?” He proposed with a glint flashing in his eyes.

“A deal? Consisting of what?” You hurriedly asked, intrigued as to what he would say next.

The medicine vendor chuckled at your question. He took yet a step closer and now stood right in front of you, having you backed against the kitchen table.

“I’ll give you the aphrodisiac.” He started, his smirk growing on his face slightly as he talked. “But with one little condition.”

With your back against the table you looked up at him startled. A condition. You wondered what it could be. Light irritation flared within you.

“Of course there’s a condition.” You rolled your eyes slightly and crossed your arms again. Foreseeable. You continued:
“I guess I could add another condition to our deal. Let’s hear it, fox.”

The fox spirit laughed, his smirk only growing more and more at your words, pointed ears moving slightly. He found your little attitude amusing, making one of his eyebrows raise.

“So feisty.” He said, his tone a bit sarcastic. “It’s almost as if you’ve gotten a bit annoyed with me. I only have one tiny condition. A small sacrifice you could say. Nothing major, hm?” He truly was toying with you now. He seemed to enjoy the type of interaction you were having. You wondered if he always behaved in this way, or if you were one of the few who got to see this side of him. It didn’t align with the stories depicting him as a calm, collected, and non-talkative man. But you were in no position to complain, not unless you were fine with gambling the opportunity of getting the aphrodisiac.

“Sorry, I’m not annoyed.” You said, looking at him apologetically. You just had to endure his teasing a bit longer. And it wasn’t that bad anyway. You had to admit it was kind of nice finally talking to someone again after all this time.
“What is this ‘small sacrifice’?” You asked, citing his previous words.

He leaned down even closer to you, face now inches away from yours.

“The little condition. For the aphrodisiac, would you be willing to give me another night in your presence?”

You were startled by his request. It had not at all been what you were anticipating. With big eyes and an open mouth you asked:

“I…I can make that happen, of course. But I must ask, what for?” His request really had surprised you.

He kept the smirk on his face, thoroughly enjoying reaction.

“Why? It’s a simple little deal. Give me one more night in your house and I’ll give you the aphrodisiac.” He stated nonchalantly.

He inched closer, leaned with both hands against the table, and trapped you against it as well.

“Come on, it isn’t much to ask for, is it? The storm isn’t letting up any soon anyway.” His fangs gleamed dangerously in the light of the candles.

No, you thought. You guessed it wasn’t that big of a sacrifice. Not for the sweet feeling of what you craved. Therefore, you told him:

“I’ll agree to it. You can even stay for as long as there are storm clouds in the sky. However, I would like to add another thing to our deal then.” You were playing a dangerous game altering the deal further.

The medicine vendor hummed in response, presumably finding your add-on to the deal interesting. You saw the curiousness in his eyes.

“Oh? Another thing, hm?” He paused. “What is it this time?”

“Before I tell you I must ask. Are you attracted to me, Mister Kitsune?” You blurted out your question out of pure curiosity.

There was a moment of silence before he replied, seemingly contemplating the answer to your question. The medicine vendor’s smirk grew wide on his face.

“You want to know if I’m attracted to you?” He asked, his voice low. “Is that it?” He sounded confused and also a bit amused, probably wondering where you were going with this.

“No I just have to know before I tell you my request. Now, are you attracted to me and is that why you want to stay with me?” You asked with a serious look on your face. To you it was an important question to asses this current situation.

The medicine vendor chuckled again, presumably amused by your bluntness. He reached a hand out, placing a slender finger on your chin.

“To be honest, yes.” He replied. “You could even say I find you endearing. But, I have a feeling you already know that, don’t you?”

You hummed. “I suspected attraction from the way you are looking at me. However, since I don’t know the feeling myself, I had to ask.” You shrugged, as if the conversation wasn’t at all out of the ordinary.

This was good. Your plan was in motion, all he had to do now was say yes to your last request.

“So, Mister Kitsune, since you’re attracted to me, could you maybe help me with filling the spot of the person I take the aphrodisiac with?”

It was a dangerous move, but someone had to do it and who better than him, right? The tingling nerves crept up your spine. Had you ever been this blunt before? You didn’t know, however, now was the time it really mattered anyway.

He chuckled again, seemingly finding your question to be somewhat unexpected, yet not at all unwelcome. His smirk grew even more, now a smug look forming in his eyes as he looked at you.

“Are you asking to share the aphrodisiac with me, darling?” He replied, his voice low once again. The pet name rolling of his tongue in a seductive voice.

“Yes.” You stated. Confidence from within radiating. “That is precisely what I’m asking. It would help the process, right? Sharing attraction, I mean. Once I take the aphrodisiac, I’ll become attracted to you. If you’re already attracted to me…maybe it would make the experience better, since you wouldn’t be coerced by the medicine to feel something for me. I’m asking because I…”

You had noticed a change in the air and in the way you felt around him during your talk. It was a new feeling. Only slightly there, but it was noticeable.

You continued from your pause. “I think I’m starting to feel comfortable around you, I’ve decided I want to spend my time under the aphrodisiac with you.”

The medicine vendor’s smirk only continued to grow the longer you talked, looking more and more amused by your words. Hearing that you had grown comfortable around him seemed to make him feel some type of way.

“So you’re starting to find me more comfortable to be around? You seem more relaxed around me.” He replied, looking down at you. “You don’t find me as intimidating as you did before, hm?”

His smug face and confidence prompted you to act in ways you never had before. You were treading on unknown territory not knowing what to expect.

“I was never intimidated by you, Mister Kitsune.” You replied matter of factly. “Merely reserved in regard to your presence. However, after speaking with you, I feel good. It’s honestly a new feeling but I think…” you paused and looked at him intensely “…no I know, that I want to spend the time affected by the aphrodisiac with you.”

The medicine vendor returned your gaze, his eyes never leaving you.

“New feeling, hm?” He asked with a smirk. “You’re starting to find me more comfortable instead of reserved now? Hm.” Interesting, he seemed to think, while repeating your words. As if tasting them.

He leaned in a bit closer. Those dangerous fangs on show.

“And you want to spend the time under the aphrodisiac’s effect with me? You’re a bit eager, aren’t you?”

He wasn’t wrong. Maybe you were a bit eager. But who wouldn’t be when the proposition of a lifetime presented itself in their kitchen? So you responded:

“Well, of course I’m eager to feel attraction. It’s the one thing I’ve wanted since forever. Can you blame me?” There was a pause and so you continued:

“So what do you say? Will you take the aphrodisiac with me? The storm won’t let up for a few days anyway, we’d have plenty of time and I’ve promised to let you stay.” You said, almost pleading.

The medicine vendor took a moment to think about your question, contemplating it.

“You want to take the aphrodisiac together, spend time alone with me for a few days, affected by something that makes you feel attracted to whomever you may be with at the time.” He chuckled. “You truly are interesting. Do you even understand what you’re asking?”

“Well of course I know what I’m asking of you.” You rolled your eyes at him. Although, you weren’t sure now that he pointed it out. Did you really know what you were asking for? What would truly go down once you had taken the aphrodisiac? You didn’t quite know. However, you wanted to find out.

“So what do you say?”

He hummed in response, his expression mostly composed, giving nothing away to what he was thinking.

The medicine vendor took in a breath, considering it. He looked down at you for a moment, his expression calm and collected.

“All right.” He finally answered. “I’ll take the aphrodisiac with you.”

Your heart fluttered and accelerated in speed. You couldn’t believe it. You were going to experience attraction for the first time. Finally. You let out a deep breath of relief once again.

“Thank you so much, mister Kitsune, I am deeply thankful!” You thanked enthusiastically, hands clutched over your chest.

The medicine vendor laughed, seemingly finding your different expressions endearing.

“Don’t mention it.” He replied, his voice almost a bit softer than usual and as he looked down at you, a smile appeared on his face. “No need to be this excited.”

“I’m sorry.” You said when you had calmed down again. “I’m just so happy! To think I will finally experience attraction! I wonder what it feels like! Come on let’s go up to my room so we can sit and talk more comfortably.”

He chuckled again at your excitement, somehow entertained by you. The medicine vendor nodded his head in response.

“All right.” He replied. “Lead the way.”

You lead him up the strairs and down the long hall to your room. It wasn’t a very big room, the bed taking up most of the area. You beckoned for him to join you on the bed.

“Come, please sit.” You tapped a spot on the middle of the big bed, a soft velvet blanket covering the sheets.

He stepped inside and looked around in the room. The fox’s gaze stopped upon the bed where you sat. He slowly made his way over and sat down on the spot you beckoned him to.

“Now, mister Kitsune, please tell me what I can expect from the aphrodisiac. What does attraction feel like? Tell me everything, please.” You asked eagerly while smiling at him.

He hummed in thought for a moment, considering what he should say. The medicine vendor looked back over to you, contemplating your questions.

“What does attraction feel like?” He paused for a moment, asking himself. “It’s hard to say. Attraction depends on the person, to some extent.”

You nodded, trying to understand to the best of your ability.

The medicine vendor took a deep breath, taking the time to find the right words. He continued:

“How does one describe it? It feels like wanting to be near them. Wanting to be in their presence. It’s a feeling of connection. Wanting to seek out and connect with that person.”

You tried to grasp his explanation. Questions bubbled within.

“Hmm. But then say, what is the difference between attraction and friendship, mister Kitsune?”

The fox hummed in thought for a moment. It seemed to be a question with a complicated answer. However, you had always pondered it to no avail. Trying his best, he answered:

“Attraction goes much deeper than friendship. Friends can be close without wanting anything more.” He paused. “Attraction wants more than just that. It wants…something deeper and a different kind of connection, in a way.”

“Interesting.” You stated. It was all you could say. Because truly you could not relate to the feelings he was describing. You were lost in thought but remembered something.

“You previously mentioned sexual attraction as an effect of the aphrodisiac. Could you describe it? I want to know since I’ll probably be experiencing it later.”

The medicine vendor looked at you for a moment, finding your question somewhat expected and to the best of his ability tried to remain professional seeing as you were so serious.

“Sexual attraction.” He started. “It’s more physical than emotional. It’s more…tangible. Almost like something that’s pulling you to the other person. You’ll want to be physically connected to them, like you can’t bear to be separated from them.”

You thought for a second.

“So I guess we’ll be joined at the hip these next few days, huh?” You asked jokingly laughing at your own remark.

The medicine vendor joined in on the laughter. His ears wiggled a bit as he did so.

“I guess so.” He replied with a slight smirk. “You’ll want to be close to me. You’ll want to feel me. Maybe you’ll want me to touch you. It’s hard to say.” His deep voice filled your ears.

“Interesting.” You stated, once again. Because it truly was. You couldn’t begin to imagine what it would feel like.

“So, when do you suggest we take the aphrodisiac? Now or tomorrow?”

“You’re eager to feel it, aren’t you?” He teased before pausing. “The aphrodisiac will take effect almost immediately when consumed. So, we could start now. If you feel ready that is?”

“Oh, I’m ready alright! May I just ask, how long does it last?”

“A full day, at most.” He replied. “You’ll be under its effect for a full day. Then it’ll start to wear off.”

Hmm. A pang of disappointment hit you in the chest. Only a day?

“Do you not have anything that will last longer? I want to feel attraction for as long as possible, since I’ve heard it’s a pleasant feeling.”

The vendor lifted a brow.

“Longer than a day, hmm.” He hummed. “The one I carry only lasts for a day. However, I know of one that lasts a whole week, though it’s harder to obtain. I unfortunately do not carry it with me.”

You released a breath. There was still hope for you to feel attraction, and for longer periods. That was good at least.

“Okay, I guess I’ll have to settle for a day this time. Anyway, I think I’m ready to take the aphrodisiac now. How are you feeling? Would you also be okay with taking it now?”

He nodded, “I’m fine. Are you sure you’re absolutely ready?”

“I am absolutely ready!” You exclaimed with the force of all the confidence you could muster.

Your excitement seemed to amuse him and he laughed softly before continuing:

“All right,” He reached over to his wooden medicine box, rummaging through it to pull out a small vial of a pink liquid. “Here you go, then.”

“Okay so how do we do this?” You asked, looking from him to the vial, puzzled. “I’m assuming you’ll stay in my room tonight. Feel at home, please. I’m ready so just tell me how I take this thing.”

The vendor uncorked the vial.

“All right,” He replied, handing it over to you. “Drink all of this, and the aphrodisiac will take effect soon after.”

You nodded. “And you? You have one for yourself as well right?”

The vendor nodded in response, taking out another small vial from inside his box.

“Of course.” He said, pressing the liquid filled vial to his lips. “Ready?”

You swatted the liquid around to get a better sense of the aroma. It was sweet, thankfully, unlike cold medicine. You lifted the vial and put it to your lips.

“Ready. One…Two…Th…” you counted down “Wait! Stop, stop, stop. Before we do this, would you mind telling me your name? I remembered I had forgotten to ask.” You said to him. With everything moving so fast you had totally forgotten that you didn’t even know this man’s name. It only felt right to at least know as much before taking this aphrodisiac with him.

“Kusuriuri.” He answered “That’s my name.”

You had never heard of a name like that. But it suited him, you thought. You smiled at him.

“Okay then, Kusuriuri, now I’m ready. Cheers!”

With a last glance at the fox sitting beside you, you closed your eyes and let the liquid pour down your throat. It tasted sweet as well. Instantly, a sensation of warmth spread through you, filling your whole body. With eyes closed you swallowed every little drop.

“All done?” The fox asked. “How do you feel, darling?”

You felt the warmth spread across your skin and inside your body. Blood rushing and head floaty. Hmm, his voice sounded different, enticing almost. It made your ears tingle. It hadn’t made you feel that way a mere seconds before. Strange. But you liked it, you thought to yourself.

“I feel good, for now. Drink yours too.” You opened your eyes just to catch him tilting the vial, spilling its contents into his own mouth. You watched his Adam’s apple bob as he swallowed it all, keeping his gaze on you the entire time.

His gaze felt like fire. So intense. So hot. You had to close your eyes to be able to think straight. Was he always this handsome? That face was literal perfection. His nose was tall and his eyes gleamed. The markings on his face, delicate and beautiful. His jaw so sharp. You felt the need to touch it and opened your eyes again to find him still looking at you.

You slowly reached out to feel his face, when suddenly you stopped yourself. Could it be…? This unfamiliar feeling of want and need. Could it be attraction? You looked at him with big eyes, taking in the glorious sight of him, and your heart started pounding. So hard that your ribcage might break. It strangely didn’t feel all too unpleasant.

You smiled brightly. “I feel it!” You exclaimed to him. “I feel…”

You were about to tell him something but shyness startled you. You had wanted to express that you felt attracted to him. Was this a side effect? Shyness in front of the one whom you were attracted to? Probably. You cursed inwardly. How embarrassing, you thought. How embarrassing you had been to bluntly talk about attraction and wanting to feel it towards him before. A blush so intense spread across your face. Not to mention…sexual attraction. If it was any more intense than this your heart would surely burst and your cheeks burn up.

The fox looked at you, awaiting your answer and as to not leave him hanging you said:

“I feel…attracted to you, I think.” Your cheeks reddened more than ever before. Admitting it out loud was even worse than it had been in your mind. How did normal people not die doing this with every person they fancied?

Out of curiosity you carefully managed to ask: “Do you…feel it too?”

“Of course. I feel it, too.” He responded. “Quite…intensely, too.” He squirmed a bit on the bed, looking almost uncomfortable. His eyes met yours and his pointy ears fell as in pleading.

At his words you once again felt an intense need to touch him. You noticed your breathing had grown heavier and your eyelids had lowered, however, it wasn’t because you were tired. No, it was something else. Something prompted by the skin of his chest peeking out from the front of his robe. Bright, white, glistening skin that you for some reason just had to feel underneath your fingers.

“Could you hold my hand?” You asked while still staring at his slightly exposed skin.

The fox whined softly. He must have noticed the way your breathing had started to deepen and your manners changing. He could certainly feel your eyes on him, scanning his every inch.

“Of course, I’ll hold your hand.” He answered, holding out a hand to you. “Take your time. I’ll hold you for as long as you want.”

You took his outreached hand and the heat he was emitting stung in the best way possible. It was intoxicating how time seemed to have ceased in this moment. It felt surreal touching him like this. Something stirred in the pit of your stomach and your tongue darted out to wet your parted lips. His large hand and long slender fingers intertwined with yours created a sensation previously unknown to you.

Looking up at his face you noticed he had traded that precious smirk for a pained furrowed brow and closed eyes. You wondered how he felt in this moment. If he felt as amazing as you did.

“Are you okay?” You asked cautiously.

With another whine escaping his throat he opened his eyes to look at you. “I’m fine. I probably should have told you sooner but…I guess you can see for yourself now.”

He averted his gaze and turned on the bed slightly. You stared in amazement at the long, white, beautiful, tail peeking out from under his robe.

“Oh, wow.” Was all you could say as you stared in awe. “It’s beautiful.” You praised and squeezed his hand slightly.

He must truly be sensitive seeing as he quietly whined once again at this small action. The aphrodisiac had affected him as strongly as it had you it seemed. Your heart pounded at the thought of sharing this newfound feeling of attraction with another. A sense of fulfillment coursed through you. How truly happy you were in this moment.

The fox spirit shifted on the bed once again. He was sweating now, you could see the dampness on his chest. How incredibly hot it was in your room. Unfortunately, due to the storm outside, it wouldn’t be safe to open the window to let in some air. On the other hand, the sound of rain filled your room with a cozy ambiance and masked the sound of your heart beating through your chest.

After a moments silence the fox spoke up. “I usually hide my tail underneath my clothing. However, this heat really is getting to me, I had to let it breathe.”

You nodded. You knew nothing of tails seeing as you didn’t have one yourself and never knew anyone else with a tail. However, you weren’t repulsed or scared by it. Rather, it was quite intriguing. It looked so soft and fluffy.

“You can touch it, I can tell that you want to.” The fox said, having once again seemingly read your mind. He must have sensed the desire coursing through you. Or maybe it was his own desire speaking? It didn’t matter because oh, how you just had to feel him. He turned his head to avoid your gaze, looking flustered.

You swallowed. With a slightly trembling hand, the one that wasn’t still entangled with his, you reached out to feel the soft fur. As soon as your hand caressed his tail, the fox’s ears perked up and a soft intake of breath could be heard. He must be enjoying it, you thought. A heartfelt warmth spread through you. Being able to make someone else feel good, and in turn feeling good yourself, was totally new to you. It felt amazing. The feeling of soft fur against the palms of your hands would not soon be forgotten. A moment etched into your brain, into your heart.

You continued to pet him, eyes never leaving the tail. The fox had started to breath heavily now. Playing with his tail, it curled upward, snaking its way around your hand, then uncurling itself. Almost as if it was seeking attention. Was the fox troubled? His movements and breathing seemed to want to express something.

”More…” A quiet whiny voice reached your ears and you quirked your head to look at him.

”What?” You asked, as if though you hadn’t heard him. You had in fact heard him very well, he was sitting right by you after all, but maybe you just wanted to hear him say it again?

”More, please.” His voice, no longer a whiny breath, met you with full force causing your skin to erupt in goosebumps. It was still soft but somehow contained a commanding tone. The fox had now turned his head to meet your eyes. Looking directly at him you could see the blush that had spread across his cheeks. His light eyes had grown dark. The tail still under your palm swatted for your attention, however, you decided to ignore it for now, wanting to probe some more.

”More, you say? And what exactly does that…” you paused to caress his tail once again, however, this time you circled it around your index finger, before you ever so lightly grabbed and tugged on it, and continued: ”…entail?”.

Your tug hadn’t been forceful and shouldn’t have hurt him. It was playful and a way for you to test the waters a bit. He seemed to have enjoyed it because a look of pained pleasure came over the fox’s face. With eyes tightly closed, brows furrowed, and jaws clenched, a soft moan filled the room. The sound lingered in the air for moment, mixing with the soft patters of rain hitting your window. An even darker blush crept up on his face. You were probably even more red than him, having grown hotter than ever before. Your stomach churned with lust from just a simple sound from him and you had to take a moment to calm your urges. This dynamic was different, but you were not at all opposed. Rather, excited. It could be felt throughout your entities body, but especially from the way your head buzzed, lungs filled, and how your lower region stirred lustfully.

Your eyes met once again and you saw the pleading in his. Without needing an answer to your question, you knew. He wanted you to touch him. He needed it. The aphrodisiac really was strong because for the first time you understood what that meant. You felt it too. You wanted to feel more of him. You also needed it. And so, with the heat and desire growing more for each second, you truly allowed yourself to feel. To experience the sensation that it was to want another. To need them. Your hand left the soft fur of his tail, but before he could voice a complaint, you instead placed it on his slender, white hand, intertwining his long fingers with yours. You let out a breath you weren’t aware you had held and instead focused on holding him, now in both of you hands. With slow movements you directed one of your joint hands towards your chest, untangling yourself, and letting him rest firmly above your beating heart. Right above your left breast the heat from his body met with yours.

His slanted eyed grew wide as he looked to his hand placed on your chest. It seemed as though he was truly holding back now. With his hand still placed firmly atop you he snaked his other around the small of your back. A hot chill went down your spine and landed in your stomach, excitement flaring up inside. The palm on your chest travelled across your skin until it met his other hand behind your back. You leaned forward to meet him in an embrace. A simple hug, although it contained so much more. You placed your arms around his neck, holding him near. Your head nestled between his clavicle and long neck, choking on the scent of his hair, filling your nose with aromas of various teas and herbs.

The warm embrace lasted long enough for a new feeling to begin to flare up inside you. Yet another unknown, but not unwelcome one. Your lower stomach had turned into a fiery pit. Your lower body was experiencing tingling sensations of the sort you had never felt in the company of another. Both yours and the fox’s breathing were heavy. You knew you wanted more, knew he wanted more as well, but how did one go about initiating this ”more”? You unhooked your head from between his neck and shoulder to look him in the eyes. You were instantly met with a gaze of understanding. Could he read minds? If not, his intuition must be very good, you thought, because right then he opened his mouth, flashing fangs as he spoke:

”Want me to lead the way?”. The smirk you had seen numerous times before throughout the night was back, filling you with a sense of familiarity, and you couldn’t help but smile. It quickly turned smug as you answered:

”Back to normal now, hm? You seemed quite flustered before, but look at you now.” You teased.

You were mere inches away from meeting his lips, noses almost touching. The heat emitted from his mouth dampened your lips, and you parted your mouth to lick them. He caught it, of course, and the smirk on his face grew.

”And look at yourself. Just a second ago you were aching for me to go further, but now you’re back to being yourself, hm? Or are you perhaps still aching for me to touch and feel you?” He teased back.

Embarrassment caught you through the haze that the aphrodisiac had swept you in. Your cheeks burned a little bit redder and you looked away. He was right. You were still aching for him. Every cell of your being wanted him to run his slender hands along your body. To touch, to squeeze, and to feel you.

And so, you caved in.

“You’re right. I am craving you, Kusuriuri.” You whispered and felt him shudder.

With one last look in each other’s eyes, perhaps to confirm that what you felt was truly mutual, the two of you gave in. Gave in to the lust, the want, and the need. Feelings that burned hot, that vaporized the icy solitude that had previously encaged your heart. With swift movements you ended up on your back against the bed. You laid beneath him with strands of his long hair tickling your skin. Heart bursting through your ribcage. Hot breaths against your face.

Looking up at him you saw reflected in his eyes, a glint of hope. Hope of experiencing a life where these sensations were a given, and not prompted by a vile of liquid. You suddenly became so wonderfully overwhelmed by the possibility he had granted you. Him turning up at your doorstep truly must have been because you were the one in need of help. He had found you and given you a chance at something you never thought could be possible. And you were finally so happy. Tears welled up in your eyes and you couldn’t help but laugh lightly as they trickled down. The fox noticed immediately and instantly asked:

“Are you okay? Shall we stop? Are you not feeling well?” The worry in his tone felt so sincere your heart broke a little.

You laughed again, tears still in your eyes, and answered him: “I’m okay, I’m okay, I promise. No need to stop.” You took a deep breath and smiled at him fondly. Reaching up you gently held his cheek in your palm. He lowered his head to meet his forehead with yours. A reassuring, gentle gesture, and you said to him:

“Thank you so much. I feel so happy I couldn’t help but cry. And it’s all thanks to you, Kusuriuri. You dumb, teasing, lovely fox.” You laughed softly.

He laughed too and smiled back fondly.