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Natori had been so busy with a string of exorcisms, and then an extended remote filming with his acting career that the only thing he wanted to do when he had gotten back home was rest. The minute he had stepped into his apartment, the phone rang and made him a little skeptical that someone else had decided to hex him. He stood, apprehensive as the line continued to ring until the recording clicked on. For a second he wondered why he had plugged the landline back in in the first place, before he heard the familiar voice ring out into the silence.
"Natsume?" He spoke up after answering the phone.
"Ah. Natori-san. Hello."
Natori would admit, if one thing had to keep him from resting, he did not mind if it was Natsume.
"I bought some souvenirs for you and the Fujiwaras. I'll have to stop by soon."
"Oh. You didn't have to do that, Natori-san."
Natori chuckled. The refusal was such a typical behaviour, Natori could have predicted it. "Of course I did, especially with the way Fujiwara-san always takes care of me."
He could imagine Natsume with an expression mixed with embarrassment, and pride. He could also visualise that small smile that came along with feelings such as those.
"Are you busy on the weekend, Natori-san?"
"Hm? No, I'm free. Is something wrong? Do you want to go somewhere?"
Natsume paused at that. He wondered if it was possible that Natori had no clue what day fell on the weekend. He found it hard to believe, but maybe the man was just so busy that he had yet to realise.
"Ah. No. I just wanted to know if you'd want to spend the day together?"
"Oh? Did you miss me that much, Natsume?"
Urgh. Natsume gripped the phone receiver a bit tighter, growing annoyed at the man's words. He flirted with the idea of hanging up, but it seemed that Natori could read his mood even across the phone line and interjected before he could.
His laugh was light, and teasing. "I'm just kidding, Natsume. I'd love to spend the day together. Hm. What did you have in mind?"
That was a secret.
"I'll let you know….if that's okay?"
"Oh? How secretive. Now I'm very curious. You're not going to reveal that you're actually a youkai are you?"
"What? No! What are you talking about, Natori-san?"
"Good. I'd be sad if that were the case. That would explain some things though. But don't worry, Natsume-kun, I wouldn't like you any less."
A small smile spread across Natsume's face at that. He shook his head knowing that Natori would see neither. "I'm going to hang up now, Natori-san. I'll see you on Saturday."
The two said their farewells, and Natsume placed the phone back on its cradle. Step one of his plan was completed. He mentally noted what else he needed to do and set to work.
_◈◈◈_
When Friday rolled around, it had been time to gather everything that he would need for the following day.
On the way back from school, Natsume took his tubby guardian cat spirit for a walk to the local liquor store. Nyanko had been more than ecstatic over the mini excursion.
"Ah! Natsume, it's good you finally show interest in the amazing world of alcohol." Nyanko pawed at his leg happily as they walked. "Wait til you join in at the dog circle. Those spirits know a thing or two about tasty sake too!"
Natsume sighed. "It's not for me, sensei. I'm buying it for Natori-san."
"Bah! At least that brat is good for something. He'll be my drinking buddy."
"Sensei…."
Nyanko's steps were spritely as he hopped ahead of Natsume, singing songs of alcohol and manjuu as he went.
Natsume was only too happy that he was the only one who could understand the spirit, especially as passersby glanced over at what seemed to be an excitedly meowing feline.
_
As they got to the store, Natsume was wowed by the sheer amount, and variety of alcohol in stock. He was also overwhelmed. In truth, he knew nothing about Natori's taste in the drink. His only instance was when they had gone to the hot springs so long ago and Natori had drank beer after his bath whilst Natsume had stuck with milk.
That was why he had brought Nyanko along. His bodyguard had made a hobby of drinking whether it be with the dog circle or alone, and he often babbled about how good a drink was, and what he'd want to try again. In fact, Natsume thought at that moment that perhaps he should have asked the dog circle to procure a beverage for him in the first place. Magical youkai alcohol did seem to have an appeal to it.
"What do you think, sensei? Do you see anything Natori-san would like?" He whispered to his companion as not to gain the attention of the shopkeeper or any patrons wandering around the store.
"Shh shh! You can't rush the process."
Natsume sighed but followed the rotund cat figure around the store regardless.
Nyanko sniffed at bottles every now and again until he came across one that he liked. "This one, Natsume! This one!"
Natsume picked up the bottle and looked at the label. He knew next to nothing about alcohol in general. He saw that it was a sweet white wine and trusted Nyanko's judgement on the matter, and went to make his purchase.
What he forgot was that he would have to show an ID to be able to buy the wine and he was still below the age to do so. In a moment of panic Natsume stared at the shopkeeper trying to figure out what to do before he felt Nyanko tug at his pant leg.
He looked down as Nyanko told him to wait, that he'd be right back and bounded away out the door.
Natsume could only ask the shopkeeper to wait a moment as he hoped Nyanko had some sort of plan.
A minute barely passed before the store's door swung open, and the shopkeeper called out "welcome," in greeting.
Whoever walked in strode to the counter. Natsume turned to look out of natural curiosity, and gawked.
"Natori-san!" His shout of surprise seemed to garner attention, and he was aware of people poking their heads around the aisles to see what the commotion was.
The man smiled, charm oozing out of his pores. He lifted his nose in the air as he ran long, slender fingers through his hair. "I'm sorry. I sent my charge in to buy this for me."
The store clerk looked at the man, then at a magazine rack nearby– the cover showcased Natori Shuuichi, actor extraordinaire, in all his glory– and then to the man once more. "You're that actor." The store clerk blinked in surprise.
"The one and only." Natori spoke with a flourish. He winked and struck a pose.
Natsume's jaw fell open at the display. He was aware that the crowd in the store was drawing closer, and he noticed passersby lingering at the storefront window.
The store clerk laughed heartily. "My wife and I watch your movies." And as if summoned, the woman emerged from behind a curtain that most likely led to the back room allotted for staff members.
"Oh my! Natori Shuuichi-san in our humble little store. You're much more handsome in person." The elder woman doted on the man.
He seemed to preem at the attention. "Ha! I'm not that handsome. You should see my–"
At that moment, Natsume gathered enough of his senses to step on the man's foot, skillfully cutting him off.
The woman thought nothing of the abrupt stop, and continued speaking. "It's your birthday tomorrow isn't it? I love your movies."
"I told him that, dear." The shopkeeper added, before addressing the celebrity again. "Why don't you have the wine as a present?"
"Oh! That's a good idea!" His wife echoed.
"No!" Natsume interjected, gaining their attention. "I mean, it's fine. Thank you. I brought money to pay."
"Come on, Natsume! Don't ignore their kindness." Natori's eyes twinkled at the idea of free alcohol, and possibly getting more than they came for.
Natsume narrowed his eyes at the man, before taking out the money he bought, and placing it on the counter. "Please."
The store clerk laughed and his wife cooed. "Such an honest lad.
"I-I'm sorry. We're in a hurry. Please excuse us!" Natsume said in a hurry, already pushing Natori out of the store. All the while, the man waved at his adoring fans who had somehow become bigger fans after the encounter. Once they were outside of the store, Natsume grabbed the man and broke into a run, the people who had gathered on the outside tried to clammer in close once they had exited.
Natsume lost the crowd once they turned down an alleyway. He stopped, nearly keeling over, to take a much needed breath. "Sensei! What are you doing?"
"Sensei? It is I, the shady exorcist, and cheesy actor, Natori Shuuichi." The man smiled and the air seemed to grow flowery.
"Change back now. You're giving me the creeps." Natsume shuddered for added effect.
"You're no fun, Natsume." 'Natori' snorted, the action clashing horribly with the man's usual image before his body erupted in a burst of smoke. When the cloud disappeared Nyanko's chubby body came into view.
Natsume sighed, his shoulders lowered as tension left his body.
"You should bow down to my greatness. My quick thinking!"
"Thank you, sensei. Can you do me another favour? I'll buy you two manjuu buns." He held up two fingers for added emphasis.
Nyanko's eyes rounded at the edges and sparkled at the thought of his favourite food.
He didn't need to respond to let Natsume know that he was listening. Every fur on his body stood at attention, and Natsume shook his head at the reaction.
"Can you get some alcohol from the dog circle? I'd like to give that to Natori-san too."
"Do you think that brat would appreciate it?"
Silence fell between them at those words. It was no surprise that Natori was guarded and apprehensive when it came to youkai.
Nyanko huffed after a moment. "Well. If he doesn't realise how lucky he is to taste some of the sweetest wine, he's an idiot. Then more for me~ hmph."
"Thanks– Ah! Actually, there's one more thing. Can you pass a message to the dog circle? I also need someone to contact Hiiragi."
Natsume watched as his bodyguard bounded off for his task. With that taken care of, Natsume crossed yet another thing off from his mental list.
_◈◈◈_
"I'm back." Natsume called as he entered the front door of the Fujiwara home.
He heard footsteps, before he saw Touko's head pop around the corner. "Ah, welcome back, Takashi-kun."
He saw a twinkle in her eye as she watched him. After slipping his shoes off, he stepped into the house.
"Takashi-kun," he looked at her curiously. She seemed excited to share what she had to say. "I was watching a programme on the t.v. and they mentioned Natori-san's birthday is tomorrow." She placed a hand to her cheek as if she were worrying over her own child. "Do you have plans? I started preparing some jams. What else do you think he would like?"
Natsume couldn't help but chuckle. "Natori-san would love anything you make, Touko-san."
She smiled at his words, happy that Natori appreciated her treats.
"Actually, I wanted to make something for him as well."
"Oh, that's a wonderful idea."
Natsume nodded his head, but his expression was perplexed. "I want to bake him a cake…but I don't know how. Would you be able to teach me?"
"Of course!" Touko beamed. A moment later, her eyes widened and she placed a hand over her mouth.
"Takashi-kun!"
Natsume startled at the sudden exclamation.
"We have to buy the ingredients. Stay right there, I'll get my purse and we can run to the market." Touko hurried away to get the item she mentioned and Natsume found himself smiling at his guardian's energy.
He put his shoes back on and waited for her at the door.
Within a minute, Touko returned with her purse, her daily apron taken off and left wherever she had gone prior.
She put on her shoes, and as she got up, she shared a smile with Natsume before they set off to the store.
_
There was a lot that went into baking a cake.
Natsume looked at all the ingredients they had bought– eggs, flour, fruits, gelatin. Some things they needed were already in the house like butter, sugar and salt.
Touko stood to the side like a cheerleader, the most supportive parent, as she instructed Natsume on each step. His face pinched in concentration as he worked.
When the cake was sitting in the oven, Touko poured them each a steaming cup of green tea.
She asked if he intended to get Natori a present, and he told her that they would just spend the day together. He didn't mention the alcohol because it would lead to questions about how he was able to purchase it in the first place.
When the timer went off, Natsume hurried over to take it out, careful to wear mittens before opening the oven.
They both ooh-ed and ahh-ed over the fluffy, and moist texture.
Touko sliced the cake in half to create two layers whilst Natsume took gelatin from the fridge, strawberry slices suspended in the clear mix.
After layering, and spreading icing all around, Natsume added both slices and whole strawberries on top before piping something for the finishing touches. Touko leaned in close to better see.
"Oh, Takashi-kun. Those are interesting. Do they mean something to Natori-san?"
Natsume had drawn, at least carefully tried his best, the heads of Natori's three shiki– Sasago, Urihime, and Hiiragi. He wanted to make the cake as personable as he could.
"Um, I…I've seen something with them before at Natori-san's. They seem to be important to him, so I wanted to try adding them."
His face coloured, feeling a small pang of guilt for the white lie.
"They're lovely. I'm sure he will appreciate it. The cake looks delicious."
"Thank you for helping, Touko-san."
She waved off his gratitude, and watched on as he packaged the cake in a box they had bought before storing it into the fridge.
Everything was set. The only thing left to do would be to get Natori out of his apartment so Natsume could decorate.
He smiled as his preparations turned out successful. He truly hoped Natori liked it all.
_◈◈◈_
Natori sat up in his bed bright and early on Saturday morning. Too bright. Too early.
He was meant to sleep in, enjoy the leisure of his rare weekend off, then later spend the rest of his day with Natsume.
Instead, he was met with Hiiragi standing in front of him, expectant.
"Would you mind repeating that? It seems my hearing is not the best in the morning."
"There have been disturbances among the spirits. You were asked to assist, Master."
"Who made the request?" Natori asked, but Hiiragi stood unmoving, and silent in front of him.
He looked down at the paper she had given him prior. He sighed. "Of course." It could be a trap, he had no shortage of people who wished to do him harm- for being an exorcist, or being a Natori. Though, exorcists tended to be secretive, and discreet, so it could be equally valid. Hiiragi would not have delivered the request if she thought it would bring harm to him, he trusted her with that much.
In that case…he sighed. Natori got up from the bed, and padded, barefooted, into the living area, Hiiragi close behind.
He plugged in his phone, and called a number he had gotten used to in recent years.
_
The phone rang, and Natsume stood up.
"Takashi-kun, can you get that?" Touko's voice rang out, as he was already on the way.
"Okay." He called back before answering the phone on the fourth ring.
"Hello. This is the Fujiwara residence, can I help you?"
He heard a chuckle on the other line and his heart beat a bit faster at the recognition. "Natori-san?" He wanted to give his birthday wishes, but he also wanted to keep it secret for their get together.
"Hello, Natsume." There was a brief pause followed by a sigh. "I don't think I'll be able to keep our plans for today."
Natsume's heart sank, and he frowned. "Did something happen?"
"It appears that spirits don't believe in resting on the weekends. I've been requested for work."
"...is it far?"
"Not at all. It seems as if it should be around Yatsuhara."
Natsume tried his best not to laugh. "Okay. Please give me a call if you finish things early then."
"Alright. I'm sorry, Natsume. I know you looked forward to today." There was a brief pause before, "I did too."
"It's alright, Natori-san. Really. Please don't worry about me. Take care with your job."
The two said their goodbyes, and Natsume found his cheeks hurt from smiling. Coming up with this plan was more fun than he thought.
_◈◈◈_
Natori stood taking in the sight before him. He blinked. The left side of his face twitched as he lifted his fingers to adjust his glasses to hide the motion.
There was no mistaking it. As a kappa enthusiastically thrust a small cup of, what he could only imagine to be sake, toward him to show its gratitude over him pouring a bottle of water on its head.
"Master Natsume seems to trust you, so we'll trust you with our problems as well."
"Ah…is that so…" that was not something that Natori would admit to being happy about
Indeed there were many other odd requests of him ever since he had shown up. And that had been two hours ago.
Natori had mentally checked out somewhere between looking for a shiny rock – that had been nothing more than a dull stone – and tying the perfect knot on a spirit's robes.
He wanted to leave the moment he had arrived, but Hiiragi had insisted he complete the tasks, then had the audacity to disappear soon after colluding with his other two shiki as if he were to be babysat.
He would admit that the spirits were all harmless, but Natori was one request away from exorcising the whole forest. And he would have if it were not for the formidable presence of the bull greater spirit watching over the gathering.
But more than that, it was the presence of another spirit entirely that had unnerved him.
"Is there anything I can do for you?" Natori turned to the menacing, albeit beautiful ayakashi.
"Hmph." The sound was punctuated by tightening her slender fingers around the delicate handle of a smoking pipe. "As if I would require the presence of a filthy human man, much less a vile exorcist."
Natori's lips stretched in a taut line. A deprecating smile.
"But Hinoe-sama, he is Natsume-sama's special person!" The kappa announced with as much enthusiasm as it had offered the sake before.
"Pardon?" Natori began, stunned at the proclamation. It was news to him.
Hinoe in turn seethed at the mention, placing an immaculate lacquered nail between her teeth and biting down sharply. A wave of dark energy seeped from her like heat rising from pavement like haze on a hot summer's day.
"How could this-" the kimono clad spirit gestured crudely to where Natori stood, "be deserving of the beautiful and fair Natsume-sama."
Her tone changed to admiration as she recounted Natsume's qualities, a dreamy look in her eyes before it once again melted into disdain to grace Natori with yet another scathing look.
For the most part he managed to ignore the look as he tried to rectify the situation. "Natsume and I are not how you imagine."
"What? Do you think yourself above Natsume? Do you believe something is wrong with him?"
"No. Natsume is wonderful. As you say, he is lovely. If anything, it would be me who was undeserving–" Natori cut himself off, not sure how or why he had shared that, with a group of wayward spirits no less.
She huffed. "At least you are not completely without sense. It might be your only redeemable quality."
The giant bull spirit laughed, and the bells adorned on his ears shook and made a beautiful melodious sound, his breath rustling the trees. To any stray onlooker, it would seem nothing more than a sudden gust of raucous wind.
"Don't be so serious, Hinoe. A friend of Natsume-dono, is a friend of ours."
Hinoe clicked her tongue on the roof of her mouth, and stopped biting her nails. "You're too soft, Misuzu."
Natori's self-deprecating smile re-emerged. He was still lost in thought on what he had shared. He really needed to leave.
"Well, it has been…eventful, but I'm afraid I must go." Natori spoke not caring if any other spirit that was not right within earshot could hear. The stray thought of exorcisms and sealings crossed his mind once more. Knowing that these merry band of spirits who so proudly proclaimed themselves the "Dog Circle" were acquaintances of Natsume's and thought so highly of the boy, he would, admittedly, feel a tad remorseful toward Natsume. But that certainly did not mean he had to like them on his own.
"Where are you going?"
"As fun as this has been, I have other matters to attend to."
Before he could take a step away from the gathering, two spirits slid in front of him.
"You have to drink with us!" The cycloped one spoke, voice as energetic as the Kappa had been.
"Drink! Drink!" His smaller bull companion echoed just as enthused.
Behind them, Natori could see a tentative line forming behind them, various spirits calling out their requests to him.
"Master, it would be best if you completed all the tasks before returning." Urihime suggested, whilst Sasago stood beside her, glaring at Hinoe. She looked one more grievance away from starting a bickering match. He had not missed – but skillfully ignored – her muttering of how 'her Master was much better than that Natsume and the pig cat,' and 'what insolence to suggest her master was beneath other simple humans.'
Natori sighed, and he suddenly felt a headache coming on.
_◈◈◈_
He managed his escape after an hour more. It wasn't with at least one cup of alcohol for his troubles. Natori would admit, he had never tasted anything quite like it before, it was rich and flavourful- something worthy of being hidden away from those not gifted with seeing the world it belonged to.
Being near Yatsuhara meant that he was not too far away from the Fujiwara residence, and decided to pay a visit in hopes of meeting Natsume there.
When he arrived, he felt absolutely discourteous having shown up empty handed. It was fully against his nature.
"I apologise for suddenly stopping by, and with nothing to show for it. I will have to make it up to you during another visit."
Touko laughed good naturedly, and brushed his worries away. "Don't be a stranger. Though I would've prepared some snacks had I known."
"I came hoping I would find Natsume here."
"Oh, I'm afraid he left a while ago." She placed a hand on her cheek, her features creasing in concern, "You're more than welcome to stay until he returns, Natori-san."
"Oh, no, don't let me impose."
After a few more pleasantries were exchanged, Natori left with a wave as Touko stood watching him from the front door until he disappeared out of sight.
He sighed. The day had significantly gotten out of hand to the point that under other circumstances it may have been amusing.
He thought he had actually succeeded in extracting himself from Natsume's merry band of ayakashi in a timely enough fashion that the two could still meet. But it would not go his way, and he should have known better than to let his expectations soar. After all, he was used to celebrating his birthday alone, what would be another year? He had woken up that morning fully intent on relaxing during his rare downtime, now he could simply return to those plans. He didn't allow himself to dwell over the twinge of disappointment in his chest after making those unexpected plans with Natsume.
By the time his apartment came into view, his outlook realigned and he was ready to put the day behind him.
His biggest decision was whether he should sleep in his bed, or on the couch he had grown accustomed to. Though, he supposed-
"Surprise!"
As Natori opened the front door, a barrage of tiny rectangular strips of confetti rained down upon him in every colour of the rainbow.
"Happy birthday, Natori-san." Natsume stepped forward, a popped streamer still held in his hands. Nyanko and Hiiragi stood in the background holding matching ones.
"Congratulations on the day of your birth, Master." Hiiragi echoed sentiments, and Natori had a strange sense of dejavu of a bound shiki wandering around his family's estate, treating him with kindness after he had slowly begun to forget what it felt like. He could almost feel the phantom touch gently ruffling his hair.
He swallowed. How odd.
"I hope the dog circle didn't give you too much trouble."
"Hmm?" Natori took in the sheepish nature of Natsume's expression, and everything fell into place. "Ah, so I have you to thank for my rather eventful day then. I should have known you were my mysterious employer."
"I asked them to be nice."
In a puff of smoke, Sasago appeared right behind her master, arms folded tightly over her chest. "Of course spirits associated with you would mistake 'nice' for rudeness." Even with her eyes bound and hidden behind cloth, the scathing look she threw at Nyanko emphasised her point.
Natsume flinched.
Nyanko bristled at Sasago's indirect accusation. On a normal day, Natori would leave the spirits to their own devices, but since Natsume had put in effort to arrange their current meeting….
"Now, now. I'm sure we can all get along for one day, or at the very least, a few hours."
Sasago huffed and tossed her head to the side while Nyanko harrumphed but made no effort to escalate things.
"Natsume, bring out the cake! Cake!" He cried out instead, his rotund backside wriggling in excitement.
"Sensei, you can have some, but remember that it's Natori-san's."
As Natori settled onto his couch, Natsume fled into the open kitchen. Within seconds he reappeared, cake in hand– a single lit candle sat in the middle.
The flickering flame cast an orange glow, setting fire to Natori's eyes as he stared at it. When Natsume uttered for him to 'make a wish and blow out the candle,' Natori found himself at a loss.
In his boyhood, he would wish for his family to stay together. He'd begged the gods above to stop his father from hating him. In a moment of weakness, he had wished he could no longer see the spirits around him. Then one day he had stopped wishing altogether. He had learnt from one disappointment to the next, that wishes didn't come true. They were simple fallacies conjured up to give hope, and Natori had stopped hoping.
But within the soft glow of the candle light, surrounded by familiar spirits, and Natsume, Natori found himself closing his eyes. With a single thought offered up, he opened his eyes and blew out the flame.
Natori crossed one leg over the next, propped his elbow upon his knee and cupped his chin in the palm of his hand. He turned his head to look at Natsume on the other side of the table. "Don't you want to know what I wished for?"
Natsume shook his head. "It won't come true if you share it."
Natori didn't bother saying it wouldn't come true even if he kept it secret. But in the spirit of things he kept those solemn thoughts to himself.
"Natsume, did you make this?" Natori peered over the dessert, at the strawberries carefully stuck in the frosting. What captivated him was the tiny face drawings of his three shiki.
"Oh! Um, yes. Touko-san helped as well. I wanted to do something special, but I've never made a cake before so I'm not sure how it'll taste."
Natori blinked as Natsume rambled on with the tips of his ears going pink in his ensuing embarrassment.
Natori allowed his camera persona to slide in place, and smiled charmingly. "I'm sure it will taste lovely as it was made with your love."
Natsume blanched, a frown pulling down the corners of his lips. "Please don't say such weird things, Natori-san."
"Is that me?" Hiiragi spoke up, hovering over during the commotion.
"I wanted to do something personal, so I thought–" Natsume trailed off.
"Hiiragi, Sasago, Urihime, and even my birthmark." Natori finished.
At the mention of her name, Sasago wandered over. Even Urihime appeared to see what had captured everyone's attention.
"Well, I guess that means we all need to sample it then."
With the cake cut, and everyone holding a slice, Natsume watched, apprehensive to what the verdict would be.
Hiiragi looked over to his direction and let him know, "It tastes good." Sasago mumbled that, "It wasn't bad," and Urihime nodded in agreement. Nyanko's opinion was quite clear as he twirled, eyes closed to savour each bite.
Natsume glanced over to Natori who hadn't touched his slice.
Natori liked to eat sweets on occasion, though not one to overindulge. Homemade desserts, especially those jams he was gifted by Touko, were always a treat. He always felt so spoilt and undeserving of the onslaught of random kindness and had even grown accustomed to things made by her hand by now. He took a bite of the cake before him and could taste the subtle differences– the inexperience, the slightly firm texture, yet it tasted sweeter still.
"It's wonderful, Natsume. Thank you."
"Really?" Natsume's face lit up. "I'm glad."
With his cheeks tinged pink, Natsume stood suddenly. "Nyanko-sensei and I got you a present."
"Hmmph!" Nyanko waddled over. "You better enjoy it, brat, after the great Madara lowered himself for such an errand."
"Hush, sensei." Natsume silenced his guardian spirit with a light smack to the top of his round head. The cat creature's cries of abuse went unheard as Natsume thrust a tall gift bag right under Natori's nose.
Natori looked between the two, uttering a customary, "You didn't have to," as he opened the bag to peer inside. He saw the two bottles of alcohol and took them out one by one to inspect the labels. The first was a sweet white wine that he could savour at his leisure when researching exorcism cases at his apartment. The other, he could not distinguish its type just by glance as it was encapsulated in a beautiful earthenware tokkuri in an ombre pattern from light brown to deep green. A thick brown cordage tied off at the slender bottle neck.
He was aware of Nyanko and Natsume leaning in further to gauge his reaction as he pulled the stopper, lifting the opening to his nose. The rich fragrance wafted up filling his senses, and he was reminded of the sake he'd had that afternoon.
"An ayakashi brew-"
"You won't find a better sake throughout the land." Nyanko stated.
With what Natori had been able to sample thus far- "I suppose you're right." He looked up at his companions in turn. "Thank you, Natsume. And Sensei."
"Hmph. It seems you have a good palate after all."
After a while Nyanko drifted to the corner to drink with Sasago, and Urihime– Hiiragi took on the role of quiet observer. Natsume and Natori remained seated on the couch as they polished off another slice of cake.
"There is something I'm curious to know about Natsume."
"What is it, Natori-san?"
"Well, I don't think I've told you my birth date, but here we are. I didn't think you took such an active interest in me."
Natsume groaned, put out by the man's words. "A classmate happened to have a magazine that you were featured in."
"Oh?"
"It's true!" Natsume sighed, as Natori chuckled at his frustration. "But, Natori-san, I think knowing things like each other's birthdays or favourite colours and food is important too. I don't want to learn about you in a magazine… because talking like this instead is nice."
I want us to grow closer.
Natori's eyes widened as he looked at Natsume. His unspoken wish, the words he'd already swept away to dampen the impending disappointment spoken back to him.
_o-o
While walking back, Natori was unusually quiet. Natsume began to wonder if he had done something wrong, perhaps he should not have imposed on the other man's rare time off, and actually left him to his peace and quiet. But somehow he could not imagine it, something about that idea felt terribly, and inexplicably lonely.
"Is everything alright, Natori-san?"
The question passed between them and hung in the air. Natsume knew Natori had to have heard him, there was not much distance between them, and the outside world was still. There wasn't much wind that blew through the trees to carry their words away on wayward breeze...but Natori remained silent all the same.
Natsume thought to himself in that moment. Perhaps, no matter how close they had gotten, there were still things that they could not entrust to each other. That thought was a lonely one as well, more so than the last. It left Natsume feeling equally helpless. Maybe–
"You've seen my family home, haven't you Natsume?"
Natsume looked over when he heard his companion speak. They both knew that Natsume had seen the old estate before, but it was clear that Natori used the question as a way to lead the conversation. Natsume nodded. Natori continued speaking, his eyes facing forward.
"Perhaps I'm ungrateful, but that big house felt empty. If I try hard enough, I can remember days in my youth with love and celebration for special occasions. But there weren't many…they were far and few inbetween until they weren't there at all. I focused on more important things, like becoming a better exorcist. Something that I could become good at rather than focus on things I could never have."
Natsume had turned to look at Natori as he spoke. His heart ached and felt heavy as he heard the words being said. He wished Nyanko had been in his arms to seek comfort from the familiar weight, but the cat bodyguard had settled on walking alongside them, occasionally chasing stray bugs along the way.
When Nyanko made his way back to Natsume's side after chasing off a dragonfly, the boy scooped him into his arms. He tightened his grip, and Nyanko resisted for a short moment, before he sensed Natsume's distress and stilled, tuning into the conversation instead.
Natori sighed, and aimed to adjust his glasses as a way to occupy himself, but they weren't perched upon his nose. Instead, he ran slender fingers through his hair. "Even big houses, with lots of people can feel very empty."
Natsume knew exactly what he meant. Natori normally seemed so well adjusted with his place in the world that Natsume sometimes forgot that he too had been through a lot growing up. That their shared gift of seeing spirits had led to hardships in being close to other human beings- even when those people were supposed to be family.
"Of all the birthdays that may have been. I will always remember this one."