natzoom | IC Contact Post

[It's mid-afternoon when the message comes, and Natsume is on a walk. He takes them less, now that he has somewhere he feels safe, but he still likes to get out and wander around. No more apple-picking, but he'll sometimes pick mushrooms or nuts or something -- only enough for one or two servings. He's learned his lesson.

The message is sweet, a little surprising, but mostly it just makes him smile, happiness blooming in his chest. He admires so much how Junpei can be so honest, how eloquent he is.

So:] I love you too. Are you okay? [Sometimes the deep thoughts are brought on by sad musing or nightmares, and he likes to make sure.]

Mmm. I’m fine.

[ A fond, soft chuckle. ]

A little sore after last night. I didn’t think I could bend that way.

[That gets a pleased, smug sort of purring huff.]

I always believed in you. You're very talented. [You'd think they were talking about gymnastics or something. Which is sort of true. Sexy gymnastics.]

I found some matsutake mushrooms. Or, well, they look like matsutake, but purple.

At the market? I wonder if Gochan will like them … or Choso … have you checked on him? Has he eaten today? Should I check on him?

In the woods. I was wondering the same thing, yes -- Gochan seems to be a little picky. Choso isn't, of course. [A fond sort of huff.]

I did, yes. I'm sure he'd love a visit from you too -- or from both of us.

I guess I shouldn’t only feed him fruit, but he makes the cutest ‘pretty please’ face.

If we both go we have to try not to … get distracted. Again.

All his faces are extremely cute. Much like yours. [Sap. He's a sap.]

Oh. We do?

Natsume … !

[ Which part is that to? Both. ]

[Have a sweetly wide-eyed innocent gaze.]

Junpei~?

Behave! We ... we can just have a nice get together ... ! We're all mature ... almost adults!

Oh. [Have a pause and Natsume twitching his pointy little ears thoughtfully. Then, doe-eyed:]

I think what we do together counts as a nice time. Don't you?

Y-yes, of course it does! B-but ... !

[ He can't think of an argument. ]

You are really good at seeming innocent.

[Natsume has to stifle a laugh, hand coming up to hide his smile.]

Ah, sorry, sorry. You're so cute when you're being teased, sometimes I can't help myself.