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natzoom

natsume takashi

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From:

natzoom

[Natsume might've made several more threats of violence and/or deadly retribution if any of the youkai bug him, which had...mostly made them laugh. So part of him is ready to punch any of the ones who might show up, which might put a damper on the evening.

Still, being in Kusakabe's room is a nice distraction. Natsume has settled into his own, back at the Fujiwara's, but it's still comparatively spartan -- not a lot of personal items or decorations, and the futon-style bed means no plushes. He's always fascinated by the plushes, especially the one that looks...shockingly familiar.

Without thinking, Natsume just. Crawls onto the bed, reaching out for the Sensei-plush.] This one? [It's only partially teasing.]

From:

zgok

[Kusakabe's room is very lived in, open and airy, with thin curtains that let in the sunlight and a window open to allow a breeze. He's got a few posters up, art pieces and concert posters, several of which were signed. A promotional poster of his own band is up on the side of his wardrobe.

He stretches out some in his chair, watching Natsume inspecting his plushes then laughing a little at the fat cat-shaped plush with its sleepy face.]

I saw that and thought it would be funny to buy it. I don't think he would actually hide out in my room but if he did he'd see that and get pissed off. The only thing I'm actually sure is around here is the one that lives in my bike helmet.

[And even then it's only because Natsume inadvertently pointed it out to him the day they'd gone for a ride.]

From:

natzoom

[Does Natsume have a similar poster for Kusakabe's band? No, and you'll never prove otherwise because he keeps it in his closet, so there.

Stretching out, Natsume absently kicks his socked feet up in the air, experimentally squishing at the cat's face. That part is very authentic.] You're right about that. He'd say something about it not fully conveying his...majestic essence or something.

[Laughing, he rolls onto his back, glancing over at Kusakabe.] That one, yes. There aren't any others in your house, but there's one outside. Under a bush. It shouldn't bother you or your family, though. [It still feels...strange, being this honest. Not lying about what he's looking at or reacting to. Strange and wonderful and frightening.]

From:

zgok

[Look if you're not secretly supporting your secret boyfriend's punk band what are you even doing? Though it'll be a fun day when Mrs. Fujiwara cleans and finds little things like that around.]

I think mom would say it's good luck to have little spirits around the house, as long as they're not breaking things.

[Kusakabe sprawls out comfortable as can be, content with the situation in regards to spirits hanging about. And with the situation that is Natsume hanging out on his bed. Which, while his bed isn't huge, does look a little lonely. So he slides to his feet and goes to sit there at Natsume's side, slouching some to lean against him.]

Are you really gonna sleep up here with me tonight?

From:

natzoom

[That's why Natusme insists on cleaning his own room, to keep his secret punk rocker bf a secret.]

Most of them are. The little ones. They just want to help, usually. [Natsume makes a soft "oof" sound that is mostly for show when he's leaned against, still smiling upside-down at Kusakabe. He's holding onto the offbrand-Sensei plush, still.

At the question, he turns a little red, looking down at the toy.] If you. Want that. I wouldn't mind. [That's a "yes please".]

From:

zgok

[Natsume's foster family would probably love Kusakabe if he ever met them. But that would require them coming this far into the city, or him going out to meet them. They weren't exactly the type to go to a show anyway.

He smiles faintly and leans a little more across Natsume's body, loosely wrapping an arm around him.]

I definitely want that.

From:

natzoom

[Natsume is mildly biased and thinks that everyone would like Kusakabe, if they met him. Because he's great. Though seeing any music that wasn't classical would probably give the Fujiwaras a heart attack, but...it's the thought that counts.

Now that they're in the safe privacy of a separate room, Natsume relaxes sognificantly, even scooting a little closer.] Then yes. I am.

From:

zgok

[Kusakabe cards long fingers back through Natsume's hair, idling combing through it and styling it haphazardly back from his brow. He imagines that he could make Natsume look really good if the other boy just sat still long enough. But he doubts that that kind of thing would be something that Natsume would want just because he doesn't want to stand out or draw any more attention than he already does by seemingly being weird and seeing things.

There's that protective instinct again, making him want to try and keep Natsume there, and happy, with him.]

Hey...if I ever went traveling, would you want to go with me?

From:

natzoom

[Natsume huffs out a soft sound, but allows the hair-mussing, even half-closing his eyes like a reluctantly soothed cat. He'll reach out and grab Kusakabe's hand after a moment, running his fingers slowly across the guitar calluses. He likes them, likes the way they feel. He likes being able to touch, and not worry about it being too much or too odd.

The question gets a gently perplexed headtilt.] Travelling? Where?

From:

zgok

[Kusakabe turns his hand over in Natsume's and flexes his fingers slowly. He lets himself rest comfortably against Natsume, gazing off half-focused at one of the posters on the opposite wall.]

I'm thinking about continuing with music, after high school. That usually means going new places so...I don't know where yet. Everywhere maybe.

From:

natzoom

[After high school. It feels a million years away, but hearing Kusakabe talk about it suddenly brings it into focus. Natsume hadn't ever thought that far ahead, just trying to manage going from place to place and not lose track of his grades or how polite to be.

But after high school means no foster parents. Nobody deciding what he does. It's scary.

Unconsciously, he tugs Kusakabe's hand to his chest, holding on tight.]

You'd want me to come with you?

From:

zgok

[Truth be told, Kusakabe had never really been one to plan for his own future. But the closer the time comes to actually consider things like that, the more the school tries to push different life plans, generally stable and professional careers and the college courses that go with all that. He knows what he wants, it just has a more nebulous path forward.

His fingers lace between Natsume's atop his chest, returning that grip with a more easygoing one of his own.]

It might be exciting, right? Especially if you've never had the chance to travel before.

From:

natzoom

[Natsume is quiet for a moment, thinking about it. Despite all his moving around as a child, he hasn't really traveled, not outside the prefecture. Into town is a big journey for him.]

...if I was with you. Yes, it would be. [Doing it alone would be too much.]

From:

zgok

[Traveling for the pleasure of it is definitely different from trying to find a home. Kusakabe has never had that kind of instability. He's also never been quite as aware of his uniquely privileged upbringing until he'd gotten to know Natsume and his...unique circumstances.

He brings the back of Natsume's hand to his lips, smiling against his knuckles.]

My manager said she might be able to get us a gig in France. It's a long shot, but if it happens I can't pass it up. Do you think you'd want to come with me all the way there?

[Had Natsume ever been on a plain before? He sort of doubts it. Flying for the first time probably wouldn't be great for him. Hopefully if this did end up happening they'd be able to take the same flight.]

From:

natzoom

[In spite of his perpetual attempts to seem cool, Natsume perks up at the mention of France.] France? The one in -- the European one? [No, some other France, Natsume.]

That's incredible!

From:

zgok

[Kusakabe has two modes: extremely, effortlessly cool, and....not. Very, very not. He does not in the slightest judge Natsume for not being cool.]

I'm gonna have to play with some new people. The other guys, they're moving away and doing other stuff but I really want this.

[He's only just managing to hide how excited he actually is about the idea. And how nervous he is.]

From:

natzoom

[Natsume, on the other hand, has abandoned hiding his emotions in favor of sitting up, almost bouncing on the bed with excitement.]

That's incredible! That's -- you're really doing it. You're going to do it!

[Beaming now:] I'm so proud of you!

From:

zgok

[Speaking of that instantly losable cool...]

You mean that?

[It's spoken quietly, with pink flooding up into his face and eyes growing just a little shiny with the welling of those emotions that he'd never been properly taught to temper. It's clear that it means a hell of a lot to him to hear that someone close to him believes in him, rather than just letting him do as he pleased and fall as he may. Like he's not just being humored.]

From:

natzoom

Of course I do. [Despite his veneer of distance, when Natsume chooses to be earnest, he is 100% about it. Like now, rising up on his knees and scooting closer, hands coming up to Kusakabe's face. No hiding from this emphatic validation.]

Plenty of people have things they care about or are good at, and they let the opportunity to do it pass by. You aren't. That's amazing and really, really brave.

From:

zgok

[Kusakabe's hands wrap around those on his face, but just press his palms against his face and soak in the warmth.]

That's why I want to take you with me. I want you to see it too when I go.

[Because he cares about Natsume and this is the best way he can think to make a big grand gesture that's fitting, especially considering how they met.]

From:

natzoom

[Natsume smiles, bumping his nose very gently against Kusakabe's.] That's what I want, too. I want to be there for all of it. I want to watch you do what you love.

[Then, lifting his chin a bit:] And I want to make sure the French fangirls don't try to steal you.

From:

zgok

Fangirls?

[The way Kusakabe says it, he's obviously joking. He's also joking when he continues.]

What if we go for a date out there in the open? Maybe I'll kiss you where everyone can see.

[Things they can't really do here, in other words.]

From:

natzoom

[Natsume's eyes widens a bit, then he huffs, leaning back to try and hide his blush.]

H-Hush, you, I'm being serious.

From:

zgok

[Kusakabe just follows, leaning close at the same time that Natsume moves back. He lets the end of his nose touch Natsume's, smiling sweetly.]

What if I made you part of the road crew while we're there? You can be there with me all the time. I could kiss you whenever I see you.

From:

natzoom

[Oh god, so much blushing. Blushing to his ears!!]

I-I’m not very good at lifting things. I might not be much help.

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