[Oh no, his cleverly calculated plan to never have anyone want to do anything for him ever has failed. Natsume also turns pink, averting his gaze and mumbling something that sounds an awful lot like "July 1st".]
But ... it's not fair that you should always be the one doing everything for me. Making me ear covers ... making me a birthday salad ... I want to do nice things for you, too. You ... give me so much.
Because it makes me happy. [He tugs a little at Junpei's wrist, pulling him back to sit down.] That's why I do it. Not because I think we're in some sort of...transactional relationship.
[ There’s noticeable hesitation at the silent plea to sit, but after a minute or two Junpei will, conflict clear on his face. ]
Well, maybe doing things for you would make me happy. Not just being a useless lump who just ... gets all this and never gives back. You’re so amazing, you deserve everything.
Oh. [Natsume is quiet for a moment, before reaching over and gently taking one of Junpei's hands, squeezing it.] I guess we're both bad at accepting nice things.
So...okay. If it'll make you happy, you can...do something. But you don't have to run out and do it right this second, okay?
Besides, I haven't even given you the other thing yet.
[Natsume hums softly in thought, releasing Junpei's hand so he can eat, though of course he immediately reaches out for one of the long fuzzy lop ears instead.]
[ As ever, the hand on his ear causes him to relax noticeably, and he seems to allow himself to enjoy working on a lettuce heart before he pauses to answer the question. ]
Either. As long as you consider them a friend.
[ The heart must be very tasty, because he's taking his time to savor it, his nibbles very measured as his face lights up. ]
[Natsume quietly makes a mental note of that. Lettuce hearts are a favorite.]
Mmm, well, there's Sensei, though he insists he's more bodyguard than friend. And Nishimura and Kitamoto, I know them from school. Taki and Tanuma are...they know about the stuff I can see. Taki's grandfather could and Tanuma sort of can. He can see shadows and flickers of things.
[There's a brief, dreamy look that flickers across Natsume's face at the last name. It's soft, mostly nostalgic now, though in the first few days he'd been in Folkmore it was a wild, tangible ache, missing Tanuma specifically.]
[That gets a scrunched-up face.] Not especially. I like learning things, but school is...complicated.
[He looks down at the ear he's stroking between his fingers.] Most schools are old, and have lots of things lurking around them. Since I'm the only one who can see them, they tend to...target me. And when I react, I get a reputation as someone weird.
So. Not really, no. [He doesn't ask if Junpei likes school. He knows that answer.]
[ A frown forms on Junpei’s lips, imagining kind, gentle Natsume being treated poorly. Humans are the worst even in another world. ]
That’s ... so unfair. The types that really seem so eager to be cruel. It’s more about feeling above someone than anything. I despise people like that.
[Natsume glances upwards, then reaches out for Junpei's hand again. It's strange that he can already recognize that look, the old hurt flaring up into anger.]
People are cruel when they don't understand something. It doesn't make it right, but...I never blamed anyone.
[ There’s a bitterness to his tone. Junpei most definitely blamed those that harassed him. Hated them. Even as he wanted to just be indifferent to them. To not care one way or the other. ]
As long as you’re here, you’ll never have to deal with that again. You’re not weird ... you’re ... perfect. In every way.
[Natsume hums softly, that noise he makes when he's thinking seriously about something, or when he disagrees but doesn't want to say it right out.] It makes us different. It could even be argued it makes me weak and you strong.
[He reaches for his bag again, tugging it onto his lap and starting to pull something out.] I'm not perfect. But it's...nice to not be treated like there's something wrong with me. So. Thank you.
[It comes out a bit awkward, but it's accompanied by the soft curl of his fluffy tail, around Junpei's wrist, squeezing gently. Natsume can't quite articulate how strange and wonderful it is to not be treated like a freak, can't put it into words.
As for what he's pulling out it's...the same ear coverings he'd made weeks ago. Not new ones, not redone or with anything added, at least at first glance. It's the same set that Junpei's always had. Except, upon closer look, these ones are radiating with some sort of intense, powerful energy. Somehow.]
[ Junpei can’t really fathom anyone not being enraptured by Natsume, let alone being cruel to him. The idea of someone calling him a ‘freak’ makes a sharp pang of anger cut through him, and it’s only dulled by the realization the other is showing him what’s in the bag.
The truth is even if it was just more ear coverings he’d be happy, but when he notices the energy he looks up at Natsume with a quizzical expression. ]
Is it ... a protection spell?
[ It’s an educated guess based on other things he knows Natsume has been working on and his intense focus on Junpei’s safety. He would have to be exceptionally oblivious not to notice how protective of him the other was. ]
[Natsume nods, beaming brightly.] Yes, exactly. You're so smart.
[He turns the tops of the coverings inside out, showing the tiny embroidered symbols around the hem.] I added it to all of them, just in case. It's -- it'll keep away anything or anyone that's trying to, um. Hurt you.
[His eyes flick upwards, suddenly serious.] I know you don't...you don't ever want to be manipulated or used again. And I don't want you to ever be hurt by anything, but I'm not...I'm not very strong. I can't do very much to keep you safe.
[ Every time Natsume calls him smart, he feels like he could fly.
He observes the added protective symbols in quiet awe, fingers coming up to run along the stitching as he feels almost faint with affection.
All this care. All this work. All this worry. For him. ]
Natsume ...
[ He dips his head in to press their lips together, overwhelmed by his feelings as he so often is when it comes to this boy. All he wants now is to feel that connection, that spark of electric energy that runs between them when they kiss. ]
[Natsume makes a soft, pleasantly surprised sound at the sudden kiss, eyes closing automatically as he leans in. He's gotten much better at kissing, thanks to...lots of practice.
When he pulls back to breathe, there's soft, contented purring rumbling in his chest.] So...you like them?
[ The purring. It rumbles right through him, wrapping like a hug around his soul. There’s a rare sight on his face - a huge smile and eyes that shine with adoration. Happiness. So real and so bright he feels like he’s radiating heat like a sun. ]
I do ... I ...
[ He brings a hand out to place on Natsume’s thigh, rubbing little circles. ]
... I want to ... go to the bedroom ... right now ...
-- oh. Ohhhhh. [There is, hilariously, a moment where Natsume is convinced that Junpei wants to take a nap. He's still not great at picking up innuendo sometimes.
But he gets it eventually, tail and ears perking up in excitement.] You do? Really? Was it the cucumbers?
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Date: 2022-07-14 02:26 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-07-14 02:36 pm (UTC)[ He looks crestfallen, lowering the bowl. ]
That just passed! I ... I have to get you something!
[ Turning quickly, he sets the bowl down on the table as he starts to bound towards the door. ]
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Date: 2022-07-14 07:34 pm (UTC)I don't. Nobody's ever done anything for it, so I don't really expect anything. I wouldn't know how to handle it.
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Date: 2022-07-14 11:19 pm (UTC)But ... it's not fair that you should always be the one doing everything for me. Making me ear covers ... making me a birthday salad ... I want to do nice things for you, too. You ... give me so much.
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Date: 2022-07-15 12:07 am (UTC)Making you happy makes me happy.
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Date: 2022-07-15 12:31 pm (UTC)Well, maybe doing things for you would make me happy. Not just being a useless lump who just ... gets all this and never gives back. You’re so amazing, you deserve everything.
no subject
Date: 2022-07-15 02:29 pm (UTC)So...okay. If it'll make you happy, you can...do something. But you don't have to run out and do it right this second, okay?
Besides, I haven't even given you the other thing yet.
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Date: 2022-07-15 05:17 pm (UTC)[ He squeezes the hand back, trying to relax again. ]
... I need to learn more about you ... I want to know everything.
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Date: 2022-07-15 06:46 pm (UTC)Then he frowns, ears twitching.] There's...not much to say about me. I'm not very interesting. Ah, but you can ask anything you're curious about?
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Date: 2022-07-15 11:07 pm (UTC)He'll munch at it some more, honestly enjoying it but now distracted by his thoughts.
What is he curious about? Where should he start? There was so much ... ]
Um, do you ... have any friends back home?
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Date: 2022-07-15 11:26 pm (UTC)Human or yokai?
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Date: 2022-07-15 11:33 pm (UTC)Either. As long as you consider them a friend.
[ The heart must be very tasty, because he's taking his time to savor it, his nibbles very measured as his face lights up. ]
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Date: 2022-07-15 11:43 pm (UTC)Mmm, well, there's Sensei, though he insists he's more bodyguard than friend. And Nishimura and Kitamoto, I know them from school. Taki and Tanuma are...they know about the stuff I can see. Taki's grandfather could and Tanuma sort of can. He can see shadows and flickers of things.
[There's a brief, dreamy look that flickers across Natsume's face at the last name. It's soft, mostly nostalgic now, though in the first few days he'd been in Folkmore it was a wild, tangible ache, missing Tanuma specifically.]
no subject
Date: 2022-07-15 11:52 pm (UTC)When he says that last name with a slightly different tone, Junpei blinks curiously.
He wants to ask more about this person, someone that Natsume is clearly fond of, but there's a niggling worry he'll sound too nosy.
So, instead, he asks another question: ]
Do you ... enjoy school?
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Date: 2022-07-16 12:16 am (UTC)[He looks down at the ear he's stroking between his fingers.] Most schools are old, and have lots of things lurking around them. Since I'm the only one who can see them, they tend to...target me. And when I react, I get a reputation as someone weird.
So. Not really, no. [He doesn't ask if Junpei likes school. He knows that answer.]
no subject
Date: 2022-07-16 12:50 am (UTC)That’s ... so unfair. The types that really seem so eager to be cruel. It’s more about feeling above someone than anything. I despise people like that.
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Date: 2022-07-16 02:03 am (UTC)People are cruel when they don't understand something. It doesn't make it right, but...I never blamed anyone.
[He still doesn't. Even when he should.]
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Date: 2022-07-17 07:18 pm (UTC)[ There’s a bitterness to his tone. Junpei most definitely blamed those that harassed him. Hated them. Even as he wanted to just be indifferent to them. To not care one way or the other. ]
As long as you’re here, you’ll never have to deal with that again. You’re not weird ... you’re ... perfect. In every way.
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Date: 2022-07-17 10:42 pm (UTC)[He reaches for his bag again, tugging it onto his lap and starting to pull something out.] I'm not perfect. But it's...nice to not be treated like there's something wrong with me. So. Thank you.
[It comes out a bit awkward, but it's accompanied by the soft curl of his fluffy tail, around Junpei's wrist, squeezing gently. Natsume can't quite articulate how strange and wonderful it is to not be treated like a freak, can't put it into words.
As for what he's pulling out it's...the same ear coverings he'd made weeks ago. Not new ones, not redone or with anything added, at least at first glance. It's the same set that Junpei's always had. Except, upon closer look, these ones are radiating with some sort of intense, powerful energy. Somehow.]
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Date: 2022-07-18 11:46 am (UTC)The truth is even if it was just more ear coverings he’d be happy, but when he notices the energy he looks up at Natsume with a quizzical expression. ]
Is it ... a protection spell?
[ It’s an educated guess based on other things he knows Natsume has been working on and his intense focus on Junpei’s safety. He would have to be exceptionally oblivious not to notice how protective of him the other was. ]
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Date: 2022-07-18 08:29 pm (UTC)[He turns the tops of the coverings inside out, showing the tiny embroidered symbols around the hem.] I added it to all of them, just in case. It's -- it'll keep away anything or anyone that's trying to, um. Hurt you.
[His eyes flick upwards, suddenly serious.] I know you don't...you don't ever want to be manipulated or used again. And I don't want you to ever be hurt by anything, but I'm not...I'm not very strong. I can't do very much to keep you safe.
But I can do this. If. If it's okay with you.
no subject
Date: 2022-07-19 03:48 am (UTC)He observes the added protective symbols in quiet awe, fingers coming up to run along the stitching as he feels almost faint with affection.
All this care. All this work. All this worry. For him. ]
Natsume ...
[ He dips his head in to press their lips together, overwhelmed by his feelings as he so often is when it comes to this boy. All he wants now is to feel that connection, that spark of electric energy that runs between them when they kiss. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-07-19 05:21 am (UTC)When he pulls back to breathe, there's soft, contented purring rumbling in his chest.] So...you like them?
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Date: 2022-07-19 11:12 am (UTC)I do ... I ...
[ He brings a hand out to place on Natsume’s thigh, rubbing little circles. ]
... I want to ... go to the bedroom ... right now ...
no subject
Date: 2022-07-19 09:20 pm (UTC)But he gets it eventually, tail and ears perking up in excitement.] You do? Really? Was it the cucumbers?
[Like this isn't Junpei's default state.]
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