CW: A bit suggestive closer to the bottom. Tiger-minded Atushi and non-canon Byakko usage.
Byakko and Atsushi are inextricably intertwined, even without his total knowledge of how much she influences his choices and his thoughts -- Especially when it comes to habits that suddenly feel...instinctual. He grows more protective, more ruthless, in the face of danger. All the while, he'll flop on his back and bare his stomach to you in a display of pure trust (metaphorically speaking, of course. Not that he lets you do that when that full tiger form takes control...definitely not).
That being said, when he comes up to suddenly rub his cheek or his neck against your own, let him. Something in his brain roars that it's necessary for your safety -- but really, it's just the peace of mind for himself and his tiger. He wouldn't admit it, but he swears he might explode if he can't somehow get his scent on you; his scent needs to keep everyone aware that any harm to you is death to them. Despite the countless times he's tried to relay to Byakko that humans don't work like that, she never listens -- instead, she roars for him to practically drown your own scent in his own (she's relentless, and it's everyone's problem).
To her him, you must always be scented -- it's practically the law as his mate partner.
Sometimes, he can take it a bit too far; he'll find himself rubbing your freshly laundered clothed against his neck and cheek before, ashamedly, folding them and quickly tucking them back into your closet. When it comes to your lunch pail, he has to be the one to make it -- who will know that he provides for you if they can't smell his scent on the box? It's unacceptable. (Byakko practically chewed him apart for missing it once. Never again).
Besides, it makes him feel good for being able to provide for you, no matter how meager it may seem. Please just let him pack it...he's begging you. It's ingrained in him to please others -- you've tried to break the habit, and he's slowly getting used to actually saying no. Just let him care for you and show he can be a good partner. He can hunt (or track down your favorite spot to eat without problem) and keep you protected (despite how funny it was to watch him hiss at a bird outside your window). You just have to let him, is all.
Just like how you need to let him handle things. Now, Atsushi is in full understanding that you can do things on your own, he's never faulted that, but spring is hell on his brain and his tiger makes herself much more prominent. Which means, more often than not, when you try to do something on your own, you're met with sharp teeth and low growls -- you've never let him live down the one time he actually bit your finger. He sincerely apologizes.
The trick to distract him? A nice bowl of Chazuke. Leave it on the table and watch how quick he calms down, chowing down for long enough that you're able to sneak away and do what you need to do (don't worry, he'll find you later, but he needs his energy for that).
Any push back to Atsushi is a personal attack to his ability, and she can't stand it in the slightest. Of course, what can she possibly from within the mind of her host body?
Well, surprisingly, a lot.
One wrong step against her instinct to protect, and you'll be on your back in moments -- sharp claws digging into your hips before you even have a chance to react and those sunset eyes nearly enveloped with that bright yellow, pupils slitted dangerously -- you know exactly what's coming next.
Hope you don't mind sore legs for the next couple hours (you're lucky if that's all it takes).
Eventually, when the branches of the Cherry Blossom trees are barren and spring has come to an end, he'll settle back down to that kind-hearted young man. He'll still be attached to your hip, don't get him wrong, but he'll be more inclined to let you do what you need to without him hovering.
Just understand he does it all out of love...and his desperate need to level his sanity as the tiger paces and roars in his mental space -- she's driving him up the wall.
