#ayakoi fluff

[fang-and-feather]

Dancing between Emotions

Fandom: Ayakashi: Romance Reborn

Rating: General

Categories: F/M

Pairing: Toichiro/OC (fake date, pre/developing relationship). Small mentions of Shizuki/Futaba

Words: 1920

Prompt(s): Being the MC/LI's fake date for a Christmas party/ball, from the "’tis the season for love" content creation challenge hosted by @xxsycamore and @voltage-vixen

Summary: In need of a date for a party, Toichiro asks Rinka to be his pretend date for the night. Their relationship has been changing and they notice new things about each other the longer she's been working for him. That doesn't mean they get along. Or do they?

Toichiro watched the girl sitting by his aide with interest.

The first time he met Rinka at a party, he didn’t know what to make of her. Way too perceptive for his taste, but her attempts to play back with him were mildly entertaining, especially for a girl of high society.

The second time it was a whole different Rinka, clothes that made people double take her gender, good fighting skills for a human and an almost childish humor.

The third time she was more serious, defensive in an almost aggressive way, but kind underneath. Not exactly fun to interact with, but they were there for businesses, anyway.

And business had led him to what seemed to be a more true Rinka. Beneath the tough and alert facade, she had a softer core that he again found mildly entertaining. She was still way too perceptive, but he knew how to find the small cracks on her armor not to make their working together too boring.

That was mostly why he had invited her as his fake date to this Christmas party. Her reaction to the actual invitation had already been the most entertaining he’d ever seen her.

This wasn’t the change he’d been expecting, though.

Usually calm and brave, Rinka looked startled. Body tense, eyes that darted around inquietly, occasionally frowning at the window, hands on her lap crumpling her dress, to the point she could have torn a hole in it. Sitting across from her friend, Futaba looked worried, but anytime she looked ready to say something, the other girl seemed to change her mind. And they had barely started the ride.

“If you didn’t like the dress, you should have told me.”

That Rinka was hard to get a rise of, he knew well, but absolutely no reaction was unexpected. It looked like she didn’t even hear him.

“Toichiro…” Futaba started, probably trying to tell him off teasing her friend, but Shizuki, on the seat next to his girlfriend, squeezed her hand lightly.

“Mistress Futaba.” Shizuki only called her and shook his head. She looked hesitant, but nodded with a sigh.

Toichiro observed the couple’s exchange. It wasn’t worth interacting with them more than was necessary, either. He actually made a little more effort to be on Shizuki’s good side when the weather was already cold. The last thing he needed during winter was a Snow Spirit angry with him.

So he turned back to Rinka and placed a hand over hers, only to halt her movements before she actually tore a hole in the dress and to get her attention. He wasn’t expecting her to nearly jump off her seat.

“What… what do you think you’re doing?” Wide blue eyes stared at him with a mix of fear, confusion, and anger.

“Oh, dear, are you that afraid of me?”

“O-of you…” her voice trembled, and she looked away, cheeks tinged pink, “of course not. Don’t make me laugh.” Anger returned to her voice, but not to her face. This was the most expressive reaction he had ever gotten from her.

Rinka was returning to normal but, at the same time, being a little more open.

“Really? Because I thought that more plausible than you being this flushed by my touch.”

Toichiro took one of her hands in his, interlacing their fingers when she tried to pull away.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Rinka hissed, but the blush didn’t leave her cheeks and her eyes still flitted around when he looked at her.

“You are my date. It is natural, is it not?”

“I di-didn’t think this fake date started before we arrived at the party.”

She had stuttered again, and this time not of fear or surprise. Her being so vulnerable was both unsettling and interesting.

Rinka looked over at Futaba and Shizuki on the other side, but the two were too engrossed in their conversation with each other to pay attention to them. On purpose, Toichiro was certain. Not that he was paying enough attention to what they were saying.

“You agreed to be my date for the night. It is already night, isn’t it?”

Her eyes narrowed in thought and quickly widened in realization. The flush of her cheeks became darker and Rinka scowled at him in a poor attempt to keep her composure.

“Lords. You’re so needy.” She grumbled. “Fine, you can hold my hand.” She sighed, but it sounded more like a sigh of relief than annoyance, turning back to the window to avoid his gaze, face still red.

Since the ride was almost over, Toichiro let her be for the remainder of it, amused by how, once in a while, she would squeeze his hand.

Rinka wondered if she was fantasying too much, thinking Toichiro had distracted her not only for his own amusement but also because he noticed her fear.

It was unlikely from the Toichiro she thought she knew but, after a little incident that had her seeing the kitsune in his environment, she had began to wonder if his masks, as much as they were part of his nature, weren’t a defense mechanism as well.

Besides him being a compulsive liar, maybe they weren’t that different.

The party itself wasn’t as bad as Rinka expected. It was as boring as expected, but being by Toichiro’s side, he interacted with the other aristocrats, leaving her to only convey holiday wishes and other messages from her grandmother.

Pretending to be dating wasn’t as awkward, either. Most people only made light comments, all of them nice, but it was clear not everyone was as satisfied as their words would lead other people to believe. Only one man, the host of the party, had made a couple of awkward questions about their relationship, but she -and it would seem that Toichiro too - had been prepared for them.

She was pretty sure that man was the reason Toichiro insisted on having a date for the night.

Also, Toichiro’s usual teasing hadn’t been as annoying.

Maybe she’d gotten used to it. Or maybe she was still shaken from the freaking carriage ride, because she caught herself almost showing signs of being unsettled by him a couple of times.

By the time they had probably spoken to everyone at least once, Rinka was already thinking Toichiro wasn’t so bad and could even be fun, if he wasn’t constant and likely accidentally - in most cases because he could have guessed some things about her, but not everything - triggering her defense mode.

Odd mood for her to be in. Maybe it was Christmas. This time of the year usually made her happier and even, sometimes, more sentimental, and despite this being the last place she wanted to be, the atmosphere was still quite festive, with beautiful, traditional western decoration.

She parted from Toichiro, who was still talking to some people, with the intent of getting a drink, despite Shizuki’s insistence on attending to her. If it wasn’t something for his master, he should enjoy his time with his girlfriend.

Her break was short-lived, though, because Toichiro was soon by her side.

“You’re not running away from me, are you?”

These kinds of jokes got tiring fast. Why was he so obsessed with her suddenly?

“Running away from humans.” Not a lie, although she didn’t mind a break from Toichiro either. “Do you need me for something?”

“For a dance.” The usual smirk didn’t leave his face, and Rinka considered if it was a joke or not.

“I’m not great at dancing with people. You wouldn’t want me to embarrass you, right?”

Rinka also meant it as a joke. She couldn’t care less. But it was true she had never danced with another person before. All of her grandmother’s attempts to get someone to teach her had been swiftly dodged so far, and she wouldn’t regret it.

“Couples dance at parties like this. I’m sure not everyone is convinced of our partnership, so we have to act accordingly.”

Sounded like the truth, but his face told her otherwise. Yet, it was logical enough, and she was aware not everyone had readily accepted their lie.

What could go wrong, anyway?

“Fine. One dance, then you find whatever excuse you need and let me go home.”

“Deal.” He offered her a hand, and she took it, letting him guide her to where other couples were already dancing.

Rinka was surprised that Toichiro agreed so swiftly, but maybe he actually expected her to do something that would turn into amusement for him. Or maybe he wanted to see himself free of her, too.

Neither was unlikely and she would be fine with either.

But when he stopped, facing her and put one hand on her waist, pulling her closer, her body stiffened and suddenly all of her knowledge and usual grace and swiftness escaped the grasps of her brain.

Rinka wasn’t used to physical contact that she hadn’t initiated. It was small and over her clothes, but she could feel his heat. And the rest of his body was so close, any movement would make her brush against him. She started to feel trapped again, but it didn’t come with the usual fight response she’d felt during the carriage ride.

“Rinka!”

The girl almost jumped and ran away when Toichiro called her in a low, amused tone, so close to her ear. And she hadn’t even noticed him move.

Biting her bottom lip, she prayed no one had noticed her spacing out and held onto him properly. That wouldn’t help.

Toichiro started guiding her into the dance. At least it was easy not to step into someone when you were aware of their every movement.

“You have gone such a fine shade of scarlet. Are you unwell!”

He could at least stop joking for five minutes! Or was he trying to distract her again? Well, it wasn’t helping this time.

“Yes. There is too much movement of too many people. It feels stuffing.”

Toichiro chuckled, no doubt at some face she was making. Why was he having such an effect on her that night?

No. It wasn’t just that night. It had started since she had hunted down a particular thief to somewhere close to his village and the two had worked together into something different from what he wanted of her.

“Interesting. You don’t react when I try to get you to, but when I react on your own, when I don’t?”

Rinka couldn’t deny it without lying. She hated that he was right.

Was it just because she wasn’t used to being so close to a man for longer than a simple hug? Was it the little alcohol from earlier?

No. She wouldn’t have reacted like this to another man. In fact, she would have already left if it was with anyone but a friend, and a friend wouldn’t have made her feel so conscious of him but, at the same time, not prompted her to run away.

In fact, she considered running away, took a deep breath and tried to think of an excuse, but her mind had turned inward and gotten in the way of the instincts guiding her, and Rinka lost her footing. It would have been a disaster if Toichiro wasn’t holding her.

“So, you really did fall for me?”

“Dance is over. Let’s just go home.”

Toichiro was amused despite her anger and unlikely to drop the ‘dating’ act until she was dropped at her house.

It would be a long carriage ride back.

If it seems like I am using the same OC in different fandoms, it is because they're only slight different versions of the same character.

I was also going to elaborate more on the actual party, but it is my first time actually writing Toichiro and he is exhausting, but I thought he fit the prompt nicely and I think I wrote too much given these circunstances and don't know how well I got him... I would need much more time to write more and better of him and I still want to finish at least one more fic for this challenge.

[moonstruck-writing]

Pairing: Kuro x gn!reader | Ayakashi Romance Reborn Rating: General C/Ws: Modern AU, fluff, established relationship. Word count: 2k A/N: Thank you so much to @lost-khione for beta reading this <3 It really helped me transform this idea into a more rounded one-shot!

A rush of cold wind made you shiver, and you gripped the handle of your suitcase tightly. You were starting to feel the tiredness in your body after the trip, and the fact that it was already dark out wasn’t helping. You wanted to lie down already.

“Why is it that the GPS still doesn’t show our current position?” Kuro sighed next to you. “I’m sorry we’ve been walking for so long and I still haven’t figured out where we are on the map. Maybe we should’ve bought one of those portable Wi-Fi devices.”

“It’s okay, Kuro. I’m just glad you did download the maps beforehand. I suck at navigation anyway. I trust you.”

“Yeah, but it shouldn’t be this hard, I’m sure you’re tired and instead of taking us to the hotel quickly—”

You stopped walking, forcing him to stop a step ahead of you and look back.

“Kuro, it’s fine. I’m happy this is our first trip together. And I’m glad I’m here with you, and not strolling alone in a city I don’t know at night.”

Kuro’s shoulders slouched down.

“Yeah. I’m here with you.” He put his phone away for a second, hiding it in the back pocket of his jeans. “We’re having some fun time together exploring the city already. We’re not lost, we simply couldn’t wait until tomorrow!” He took your free hand and intertwined his fingers with yours.

You felt him squeezing not just your hand, but also your heart. There it was, the way he always dropped everything whenever you expressed you needed him.

“Doesn’t this remind you of old times?” He flashed a mischievous smile at you, confusing you. “The trip we took with our friends. We also got lost then, just the two of us.”

Images flashed through your mind. You had just been friends at that time, but perhaps your friends had already plotted to bring you two together. Or perhaps it had been fate.

You two had been tasked with going out to buy food to bring back to the apartment. That time, you hadn’t even been able to check the map once you were outside, and you wandered through the streets until you found a fast-food restaurant. It had felt like an adventure, being in a different country, searching the streets to find what you were looking for.

On the way back, you had to pass by a group of guys on the street, and even if you didn’t understand the language, you knew they were throwing distasteful remarks at you. At the time, Kuro had held your hand and stared them down, which didn’t make them shut up at all, but at least you had felt safe. Now, he held your hand for completely different reasons, but the sense of safety was the same.

You looked at Kuro and felt that even if it was cold and dark out, there was nobody else you’d rather get lost with. Squeezing his hand a bit more tightly, you focused on the sensation of your fingers intertwining with his.

When you finally reached the small apartment you had rented out after some trial and error through adjacent streets, Kuro left you with the luggage and quickly left again to search for a shop that was still open so late at night. You had miscalculated the time you would spend on transport – and on finding your apartment. Just when you had sighed with relief after opening the door, your body decided to roar loudly and make it clear how hungry you were.

“Hehe, I’m hungry too,” Kuro had whispered with a soft smile on his face. It was just the two of you in that small apartment, and hearing his hushed voice made your stomach twist for completely different reasons than your hunger. Or perhaps they weren’t so different after all.

“You sure you don’t want me to go with you?” You asked as he placed a gentle kiss on your forehead before he went back outside.

“It’s fine, you’re tired anyway. And I’d rather you did some research for our schedule for tomorrow.” He flashed you a smile and closed the door.

We should’ve just bought something on our way here, you thought. But truth was, you couldn’t even remember if there had been any restaurants on your way there, focused as you were on finding the names of the streets that would lead you to the apartment.

You looked around the room, doing things like organising your toiletries in the bathroom and hanging some of your clothes in the closet. Then you settled down on the small sofa to check the plans you had spent a week making.

It wasn’t long when you heard the door and Kuro’s cheerful voice followed by a delicious smell.

“I’m back,” he chirped. He almost tripped in the entrance and wanted to laugh. You had gotten his slippers out and placed them close to the door, but he hadn’t been expecting it. It was such a simple thing, but in his eyes, it was proof of how thoughtful you were, and how you were constantly showering him with attention. It made him think of how someday, you wouldn’t rent an apartment abroad together, but you’d do it in the city you lived.

You quickly got to him and took the bag with food from his hands, going to the kitchenette. You took some plates out and put the food in them. The feeling of Kuro embracing you from behind startled you, although you should’ve been used to it by now. In unison, you sighed. You hadn’t hugged since the last time you had gone on a date and stayed over at his place. You were still living apart, and every day proved to be as difficult as the first when your bodies were craving this shared warmth. You relaxed against his chest, and he nuzzled his face in the crook of your neck.

“I love you so much,” he spoke against your skin, tickling you.

“I love you too, Kuro.” You forgot about the food and covered his arms on your stomach with yours. “I missed you.”

“We have been almost all day together! I’ve only been gone for what, 20 minutes?” He giggled.

“I missed hugging you,” you admitted nonchalantly. He raised his head and freed one of his arms from under yours, raising it to your face and gently guiding you towards him. You shared a slow kiss.

When you broke free from it, you felt Kuro’s breath on your face when he spoke. “Do you need to text your family?”

“You’re thinking of my family right after we kissed?” The disbelief was loud and clear in your voice, and his words made you want to break from his embrace.

“Well, I promised them I’d take good care of you.” As if sensing your intentions, he squeezed you tighter between his arms and gave you a heart-melting smile. “How am I doing so far?”

Kuro briefly touched his nose to yours before you broke the contact by looking down.

He was only speaking about this morning, when you had met at the airport and your family had called you to wish you a safe trip. Kuro had asked to speak to them for a second, and had promised them he’d take good care of you. He only meant for this trip, he wanted to reassure them, but somehow it made you imagine that one day, he would be repeating those words to your parents for completely different reasons.

Feeling heat creeping up your cheeks, you decided to hide your thoughts by teasing him.

“Sometimes I think you think of my family more than you think of me,” you muttered under your breath. His fingers on your cheek guided your face back to look at him.

“Hey,” his breath tickled your lips. “That’s not even near being true.” Kuro smiled gently, making all your discomfort and tiredness from the day melt away. Before you knew it, your lips were moving to form a smile that mirrored his. His soft giggle warmed your heart while one of his hands found your cheek and traced your skin with his thumb. He lightly pecked your other cheek, tickling you. “But they seemed kind of anxious this morning when they said goodbye to you over the phone.”

“I should’ve texted them instead.” You sighed, slouching against him. Even you were way past those farewells.

“Well, they just need to get used to you being far away from home. The more we travel together, the more it will become a norm.” He titled your head slightly, exposing your neck. “Although it won’t make it stop being special.” Kuro traced your skin with gentle kisses, from your jaw to the beginning of your clothes. “And one day, home will be wherever we decide.”

“Oh.” You turned in his arms, now facing him with a questioning look. “Is this a proposal?” He smiled at you while slowly running his hands up and down your back.

“It’s just a heads-up.” His hands stopped at your hips, pulling you closer to him.

“I see how it is, huh.” You put some distance between your faces, feigning annoyance.

“Well, the real thing will be much more romantic.” Kuro swayed a little as if dancing to music. You giggled, unable to keep a straight face. He always had a way of turning anything into a playful event full of joy. “Not that take-out for dinner during our trip isn’t romantic.” He looked behind you, where the food lay forgotten and was already starting to get cold.

Letting go of each other, you turned your attention back to getting ready to eat dinner.

“Thank you for getting the food, by the way,” you said while opening the boxes. Kuro looked over at you while getting the glasses.

“It’s nothing,” he replied. But the fond smile on his face was quietly whispering ‘Anything for you, my dear.’

The following days were spent sightseeing, discovering beautiful buildings, vibrant plazas and delicious food. On your final day, Kuro insisted on taking more pictures of you than usual.

“We have been taking plenty of pictures, plus, it’s more fun if both of us are in the picture!” You argued.

“It’s not the same. I don’t want all the pictures to be selfies. And I didn’t take enough pictures of you!” He pouted, making those eyes he knew made it incredibly difficult for you to refuse him.

You hesitated, feeling shy but also flattered.

“Then I’ll also take pictures of you!”

And so the competition to see who got more pictures of the other started. It began with you two just trying to surprise each other and take random shots, but as you had more and more fun, it helped you stop being so camera-shy and you started posing for Kuro, delighting him. And you also got some pictures of him like that.

“It’s not fair, you look like a model! The camera loves you!” You said while looking at the pictures you had taken over the trip during the flight back home. Kuro giggled next to you and planted a quick kiss on your cheek.

“Look, this is my favourite picture of us.” He showed you one of the selfies you had taken, where you both looked smiley and relaxed. It made you think it truly represented the people you were together. “You are so gorgeous.” The compliment made you feel bubbly inside.

“We can print this picture and hang it next to our beds?”

“Oh! I love that idea! I’ll get to see your beautiful face first thing in the morning.” Kuro smiled, taking your hand in his and gently squeezing it.

With that, your first trip as a couple ended, but it was the first of many more. At the time, descending from the plane saddened you and made you want to turn back time. But fortunately, the course of time cannot be stopped, and in time you two returned to that city again, to celebrate your anniversary.

.

.

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Interactions and feedback are always highly appreciated <3

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Please do NOT repost. Reblogging is okay! Characters belong to their rightful owners, the plot and content here belongs to @moonstruck-writing

[missjaceofalltrades]

Nachi, 2022 Birthday 🧡👑

YEEEEESSSSS MY WISH HAS BEEN GRANTED

WE GOT A CHEEK KISS 🥺😻(≧⩊≦)♡

UGH WHY ARE THESE TWO SO FREAKING ADORABLE 😭🥺💕💕💕

I love that Futaba is the one who initiated it! I want to see more of Futaba making the first move and making the guys blush! It's so cute! 🥺💖

And I love how their relationship as a couple is gradually growing, like starting with just simple gestures like cheek kisses. It will make the next level stuff, like a full on kiss on the lips, that much sweeter! 🤩💖

Also, I love that Teach's boys were in this. I kinda wanted to see them bond together, especially Kuya & Nachi (≧▽≦)

[matchmakerecorner]

🐇ABOUT: ADMIN

☆ Stell ☆ She/Her ☆ Minor ☆

- Hello! My name is Stell, and I'm one of the admins here.

.・゜゜・.・゜゜・.・゜゜・.・゜゜・.・゜゜・.・゜゜

Games: I am mostly interested in otome and rhythm games

- Project Sekai, Enstars, Twisted Wonderland, Hypnosis Mic, Bandori.

- AyaKoi, Obey Me, Tears of Themis, Wannabe Challenge, Court of Darkness, etc.

- Other: Genshin Impact

-> 🐇 ...

Anime:

♡ Assassination Classroom

♡ OHSHC

♡ Saiki K

♡ I forgot the rest ;;

-> 🐇 ...

Music: I generally love to listen to...

♡ Vocaloid: My favorite is Fukase ♡

♡ Rock: Fall Out Boy, Three Days Grace, ect...

♡ Olivia Rodrigo, The Veronicas, Marina, ...

♡ Fun Fact: I'm an ex-kpop fan.

-> 🐇 ...

More:

- Actually Lune and I met through being anons for the same blog. Now we're platonically married... on discord!

- My main goal in writing is to make people feel something. It doesn't actually matter what emotion, but I'd prefer it not to be angry. [Happy/flustered for fluff and sad/disappointed for angst]

.・゜゜・.・゜゜・.・゜゜・.・゜゜・.・゜゜・.・゜゜

| ♡Teleportation: The Map Room♡ | ♡About Lune♡ |

.・゜゜・.・゜゜・.・゜゜・.・゜゜・.・゜゜・.・゜゜

[moonstruck-writing]

Promises

Pairing: Koga Kitamikado x Futaba Saotome | Ayakashi Romance Reborn

Rating: M

Contents: fluff with minimal angst, childhood friends, spoilers for Koga’s route, friendship between adults that are attracted to each other, teasing, flirting, sexual tension, mentions of sex

Word count: 3.890

Summary: What if Koga and Futaba had met each other when they were kids? What would be their relationship right now?

“Do you want to be my friend? I’m not stupid, I promise.”

.

.

“It’s not funny, take responsibility for the fact that it’s your fault I’m not being courted by other men!”

AU where Futaba lived in the village nearby as a child and human beings know of the existence of Ayakashi – they keep their original forms instead of pretending to be human.

Disclaimer: Contains SPOILERS for Koga’s route.

While reading both Koga and Kuya’s route I thought Teach had a lot of kids under his care but after reading more I realised I was mistaken. In this one shot, Teach cares for more children, almost like he is running a sort of orphanage in the mountains.

A/N: I wanted to write a Koga/Futaba as “siblings” fic because their relationship in Koga’s route screamed best friends to me instead of romance, but turns out my brain is too damn focused on people being attracted to each other. This was also inspired by all the events where we see Futaba’s past self having a twin brother – but we never actually see the twin brother. For a while, I thought the twin brother would be one of the Ayakashi, because his CG was never shown, soooo…. This was born. (Also please Koga and Futaba aren’t real siblings they are just friends so this isn’t weird okay? okay).

Koga runs after the older boys under Teach’s care. They’ve been teasing him, bringing up the carnage and making up stories about why he’s all alone in the mountains and doesn’t have a family. Sometimes they say he lost control of himself and he killed his own family, and sometimes he feels so desperate and heartbroken that the guilt starts morphing into fake memories to blame himself. Today, they simply said no one in their right minds would want to be friends with him, let alone start a family with him. No one wants a ticking bomb, and the carnage is something he cannot keep under control.

Koga is running so aggressively that no one notices the tears streaming down his face. It is then that one of the boys trips over something, that something being Futaba’s stretched legs. The boy quickly picks himself up, just before Koga can think of whether to strike at him or simply yell. Koga heaves next to Futaba, finally wiping away his tears, leaving dirty traces on his face.

“Did you also fall down?” Futaba asks.

Koga looks down at her, eyebrows still furrowed, fists still balled, and wonders how this little girl has the courage to talk to an Oni boy like him as if it’s nothing. Doesn’t she think he’s going to kill her?

“No.”

“Then why were you crying?”

“Because those boys are stupid.”

Futaba nods, not asking further, as if she knows exactly what he’s talking about. And she knows because she also has stupid girls who make her cry.

“Do you want to be my friend? I’m not stupid, I promise.”

Koga looks at Futaba, believing she’s right out of her mind, but also believing she’s the only person that can serve as proof that his future won’t be what those boys are spreading around.

“I’m not stupid either,” Koga replies.

“I could tell.”

“How?”

“I’ve been watching you.”

Futaba doesn’t move one inch, and Koga starts thinking that maybe she is really good at camouflaging with the surroundings, so his instincts haven’t taken notice of her before.

“Why?” Koga finally asks, and he sounds breathless like he hasn’t been standing like a tree next to her.

“I don’t know. I wanted to.” Futaba looks away and shuffles her feet, moving the loose stones under them. “I like looking at you.” She keeps looking in the opposite direction to Koga, as if she’s embarrassed to admit it, but she is simply scared.

“No one likes looking at me. I’m an Oni.”

“So what?”

Koga hesitates, seriously wanting to make her understand, perhaps so that she understands she shouldn’t be speaking to him, not if she wants to survive and be normal, not if she wants to have friends.

“People imagine everything I could do when they look at me.”

Futaba finally looks at Koga, her face as serene as when she called out to him.

“Isn’t that great? You could do millions of different things.”

“You know they only imagine me killing and destroying. Nothing great about that.”

“Can’t you have some fun? Pretend they see the best in you, and it scares them so much, they lie to you about it.”

What?

Koga is so dumb-founded that even if he wanted to laugh, he doesn’t have the strength for it.

“You said you weren’t stupid,” Koga accuses.

“I’m not. Thinking as I do is smarter than crying and running after stupid people.”

Koga grits his teeth and his fits return to their habitual position, but his feet don’t move. Instead of leaving, he suddenly sits down next to her violently. He must be really strong, because my bum would hurt if I sat like that, Futaba thinks.

“Teach me to think the way you do.”

“What?”

“You heard me. If you’re not stupid… I want to know if you are happier than me.” Koga looks at his lap, unsure of how to act around her.

Happier than you…

“I think you can probably figure it out if I spend so much of my time looking at you.” Futaba stares at his profile, wanting to touch his horns.

“How often do you cry?”

Futaba purses her lips. He is coming on strong, straight to the point.

“If you had watched me, you’d know.” Her tone is annoyed now, and she looks away from him.

So you’re not telling.

“What’s your name?”

“Futaba Saotome.”

Koga waits, but nothing else comes.

“Aren’t you gonna ask me my name?” He finally looks at her.

“I already know it.”

“Oh yeah, I bet you only know how others call me, not my real name,” Koga says bitterly.

“You’re Koga Kitamikado.”

His anger diffusing, Koga looks at her without blinking.

“You can learn a lot of things when you are alone in silence.”

“So you are alone a lot?”

Futaba only nods, feeling the words start to get stuck in her throat.

“You’re not one of Teach’s,” Koga says as if implying she’s lying.

“I have my dad, but he’s away a lot. He has to travel for business.” It’s not that he doesn’t love me.

“Oh.” Koga looks away. “Must be nice seeing him when he gets back.”

“It is, we always make sure to eat dinner together as a family.”

Koga only swallows, fighting to keep his breathing steady.

“You could come one day, if you wanted to.” Futaba ads when Koga keeps being silent, in hopes of breaking the barrier, but Koga doesn’t look back at her and doesn’t answer.

“You don’t have to do this.” Koga finally says, as if rejecting what he thinks is pity, when in reality all he wants is to say yes.

“Do what?”

“Be nice to me. I don’t need it. I don’t want your kindness.”

“But I want you to be my friend.”

“Why?” Koga almost shouts, suddenly looking at her as if she had hit him.

Futaba doesn’t have an answer because she finds too many. Because she’s alone. Because he seems strong, and that’s something she admires. Because he is similar to her, and she wants someone that can relate to her. And because she just doesn’t understand what everyone sees in the fact that he’s an Oni.

“You don’t want to be my friend?” Futaba asks.

“It’s been a long time since I’d had a friend.”

“Me too.”

They stay in silence for so long that the final lights of the day recede into darkness.

“I should go home.” Futaba finally speaks but doesn’t move.

“Yeah, me too.” Koga doesn’t move either.

“We can see each other tomorrow,” Futaba says, and it sounds like a question.

“Yeah, if you come out here, I can find you.”

“I could show you my house when my dad is around.”

“I don’t know,” Koga replies. He’s not sure Futaba’s father would be that happy about her daughter interacting with an Oni ogre.

“I know,” Futaba says resolutely and quickly stands up. “It’s a promise. Here tomorrow, same time as today.”

“Okay.”

“I didn’t hear you promise it.”

Koga rolls his eyes but obliges.

“I promise. Now run home or your neighbours will start talking.”

“Okay, see you tomorrow.”

“Yeah, yeah, see you tomorrow.”

Futaba smiles and waves at him from afar. Koga stays put until she disappears behind the furthest house. He can’t remember when it was the last time he made a promise like this with someone. It feels good but it’s scary at the same time. He starts heading home, but Futaba’s presence never really leaves him. Even when he has to deal with others making fun of him while eating dinner, the fact that someone out there is waiting for him comforts Koga.

~

It’s been years now since those two lost kids found each other, and instead of living in the mountains they live in the Capital, but they still see each other as often.

“Can you believe Masanobu’s mother thinks we’re actually a couple?” Futaba brings up one day when they are cooking chestnuts together.

Koga simply laughs but says nothing.

“It’s not funny, take responsibility for the fact that it’s your fault I’m not being courted by other men!”

Koga keeps watching the chestnuts closely, focusing all his attention on the cooking, pretending Futaba’s reprimand has nothing to do with him.

“You know I’m not the only one this situation is bad for.”

“I’m fine the way things are.” Koga’s voice is full of joy, and that irritates Futaba.

“What? Don’t you want to get a girl and start a family someday? Don’t pretend because I know you go to the entertainment quarter.”

“I enjoy drinking more than I enjoy women. Besides, I already have enough with you.”

“You may think it’s sweet, but it is not.”

Koga doesn’t talk back and causally takes one of the chestnuts, putting it aside to cool down.

“You seriously don’t want children?”

“What for? I know I’ll succumb to the carnage one day. I don’t want to risk hurting them, and I don’t want to leave anyone behind.”

“Oh yeah? What about me then? You won’t leave me behind?”

Koga grits his teeth and steels himself, as if he’s waiting for yet another blow.

“You’re not going to say anything?” Futaba pleads, feeling like the room is suddenly freezing even with all the heat coming from the pan.

Koga keeps avoiding her gaze as if regretting having ever said anything. Just like how he wonders if she ever regrets talking to him that day when they were kids.

“I don’t want to leave you either.”

“Then don’t.”

Koga feels the shadow of a bitter smile spreading across his face, but somehow it doesn’t reach the surface.

“I can’t control it.”

“But you can try.”

“You think I’m not trying?” Koga raises his voice and for the first time properly faces her.

“You’re not trying hard enough if you don’t want to risk loving more people.”

“It’s not that easy.”

“It is in my eyes.”

“Oh, yeah? Then how come you’re just as single as I am? And don’t put all the blame on me.”

Futaba hesitates, wondering when Koga started being able to understand her so well.

“We’re just a pair of lone wolfs, aren’t we?” Koga nudges her when he sees she’s not looking up. Having spent so many years together, he can feel her mood changes just as if they were his. “Come on, lift those spirits! Look, the chestnuts are finally done, what do you say?”

Futaba peeks at the pan and nods, quietly bringing the saucer to pour the food in. They set about to peel the chestnuts and eat them quietly in the living room, and even if after that much time they’ve been in all kinds of situations together, Koga still prefers it when Futaba is her usual chatty self.

Koga looks every now and then at Futaba, but she’s completely focused on chestnut after chestnut. He’s never felt that invisible before, except maybe some other time she also used the silent treatment.

“You seriously think I went through all the trouble of staying by your side for more than a decade now, just to leave and feel nothing about it?”

Futaba looks at him without raising her head, as if she’s lost all her strength.

“I’m not going to disappear on you, so you better disappear on me and find a good husband.”

“You think all that matters to me is finding a good husband?” Futaba finally speaks, her voice strained like she’s holding back a bite.

“You sounded quite concerned about it earlier,” Koga teases, knowing it’s going to be worse but enjoying the journey. It isn’t often that Futaba lets her emotions waver so much and shares it with him. One needs some fun every now and then.

“Sometimes… sometimes I get scared that…” Futaba’s voice dies in her throat, and Koga realizes now that she wasn’t hiding anger but tears.

He reaches for the hand that is still holding the half-peeled chestnut and takes it away from her, not without squeezing it lovingly, and then finishes peeling the fruit for her.

“You want me to feed it to you now that there’s no one around yet to get jealous?” Koga smirks seductively at her.

“You know those tricks don’t work with me, right?”

“That’s why I do them.”

Futaba exhales and finally stares straight at Koga.

“What if I never find someone I can feel as comfortable with as you?”

Koga ends up eating the chestnut he just peeled and begins to peel another one before replying.

“You know, a lot of people find it thrilling to be nervous around their partners. Wanting to impress and all that jazz.”

“What if I never find someone I can admire as much as I admire you?”

Koga looks up and chuckles.

“Don’t admire me. You know I do things you don’t like.”

Futaba keeps silent.

“Besides, a husband doesn’t have to be everything in your life. Some people just marry for comfort – a house, a lifestyle – other people only care about having a physical relationship, and that’s-“

“What would you marry for?” Futaba interrupts.

“I told you I don’t want to get married.”

“What if you weren’t a chicken and had the guts to marry, what would you marry for?” Futaba snarls.

Koga peels another chestnut while thinking.

“There are two answers, one you’re not gonna like.” Koga waits for Futaba’s answer, but it doesn’t come. “Okay, I’d marry for sex, and I’d marry for company.”

“So you do have reasons to marry.”

“You know I go to the entertainment quarter, and I already have plenty of company with you.”

“But don’t you want everything from the same person?” Futaba stares at him, trying to understand his point of view.

“One person doesn’t have to give it all to you, and there’s no way anyone could fulfil all your needs. Marriage was an economic matter, not a matter of love, before all this romantic nonsense came along.”

“I don’t think loving someone is nonsensical.”

“It is crazy.” Koga stands up.

“I think it’s fun.” Futaba’s voice sounds small.

“Yeah? You think that because you’re crazy.”

He leaves the room and comes back with a bottle of sake and a little cup to drink from.

“I never thought you’d be so scared of loving someone.” Futaba casually brings back the topic while Koga is sipping his sake.

“You should be scared of loving me. Anyone in their right mind would be scared of loving an Oni ogre.”

“Why would I?”

Koga doesn’t set down his drink but he looks coldly at her.

“I think anyone would die or at least be severely injured if you stabbed them on the chest, but try that with me and the one who’s dead is you. Isn’t that scary?”

“It just means you’re strong.”

“It means I’m a monster.” Koga drinks again, focusing on the burn in his throat to avoid feeling a different kind of bitterness.

“Weapons don’t have to be used for war. You have the power to protect those you love.”

“And I also lack the control to not kill them in the process. We’ve had this conversation plenty of times, enough already.”

Koga continues to sip with sake, and the silence that ensues gives him the false sense that Futaba has dropped the subject for good.

“Why didn’t you push me away?”

“Believe me, I also wonder that myself.” Koga sighs.

“Stop joking, I’m asking seriously.”

He puts the vase away and looks at Futaba.

“I honestly don’t know. Maybe because I was so scared of being completely alone for the rest of my life, that the prospect of someone wanting to be my friend comforted me. Maybe because I was more hopeful than I am now, and I thought a different future could await me if only I believed in it.”

“You don’t know when the carnage is going to take hold of you completely.”

“But I know what’s going to happen after that.”

“You could live a hundred years completely alone.”

“So be it.”

“You could marry and your wife would still die before the carnage took the best of you.”

“I don’t want a married life with the promise of a threat always looming around.”

“What if I promised I’d protect her against you if it came to that?”

“And how would you do that exactly?”

“I don’t know. I could learn.”

“And spend your time being my wife’s bodyguard? You know the carnage could be triggered at any point, you should have your own life.”

“You should have your own life too, not just wait around until the carnage decides it’s time.”

“Do I look like I’m just waiting around to you?”

“Honestly? Yes.”

Koga smiles but his eyes show his feelings have been hurt. Futaba doesn’t recede, though she is not amused by that sight.

“Tell me one thing you are looking forward, one thing you are working on, one thing that excites you about the near future, about life right now.” Futaba places her hands on the table, leaning forward.

Koga stays silent for a bit, before picking up one of the half-peeled chestnuts.

“These are good. I’m enjoying them.”

“I’m talking bigger than that. Something that…” Futaba struggles to put her feelings into words. “Something that can carry you. Something that weighs down the scale towards happiness.”

Koga looks at her, knowing his answer before he can be sure if he wants to say it out loud.

“Then that would be you.”

Futaba starts and leans back, sitting down a bit straighter. She didn’t see that coming.

“Don’t act so surprised, you know everything about me, did you think I had some special person that I kept hidden from you?” Koga chuckles, but he can also feel his hands starting to damp.

“I… I don’t know.”

“Come on, now’s the time when you say I also bring you happiness. Don’t go breaking my heart, Futaba.”

She knows Koga is just teasing her, and she wants to feign being angry, or be able to tease back, but all she can do is keep being dumb-founded and feel a hotness she had long forgotten begin crawling over her cheeks. If Koga notices it, he does nothing to give it away. His words had brought back memories of their youth, back when Koga wasn’t that stubborn and she thought they could have a chance. A chance at love.

“You hurt me, you know you only have to say it if my presence is not welcome in this house,” Koga continues the teasing.

“You know it’s funny,” Futaba starts. If they’re going to be close friends for their entire lives, they need to be comfortable with anything. That includes their past feelings. “You were the one who actually broke my heart back in the day.”

Koga’s smile fades instantly.

“What do you mean?”

“Exactly what you think I mean.”

Koga keeps looking at her, almost asking why she’s bringing up this now.

“It just reminded me of it, the way you teased me about not saying you’re my source of happiness.”

Koga nods, as if that’s all he needs for an explanation.

“But don’t worry, it’s not like that anymore. That’s why I’m mad you’re like a barrier that prevents other men from approaching me, you know? Although my dad is forever indebted to you for that, as always.” Futaba laughs lightly.

Koga doesn’t laugh along like he usually would have. He’s also not looking at her in the eye anymore.

“I also felt the same way about you, back then.” His mouth feels dry.

Futaba blinks in confusion.

“No, you didn’t.”

“Oh, yes I did, Miss Futaba.”

She can’t believe what she’s hearing.

“What? When? I didn’t… but you…” Futaba frowns and interrupts herself, her thoughts a hurried mess.

“It’s in the past so I don’t think it’s worth uncovering it further.”

“Why did you just tell me then?”

Koga sighs, feeling completely overpowered by her.

“I don’t want to say it.”

“Oh, no, you can’t do this to me. You know me. I’ll stay up at night thinking about this.”

“Then I’ll give you one more thing to think about.”

Koga can almost hear Futaba complaining and whining, as much as the promise of an answer has silenced her.

“I promise you that if you find yourself without a husband when you’re long past your prime, I’ll stay with you forever.”

“Is this a marriage proposal?”

“I hope you find yourself a good husband.”

“So you’re not scared of the carnage with me?”

Koga smiles, feeling even more defeated, like pouty in her hands.

“I’m more scared of giving you up because of it.”

Futaba blinks in confusion, not allowing herself to feel happy just yet.

“But you don’t want to marry me now.”

“Exactly. And I think you feel the same way about me.” Koga nods.

“But you would marry me in the future?”

“Only if you’re not married already.”

“But you said you wanted sex besides company.”

Koga rolls his eyes.

“You never forget anything I say, don’t you?” Koga looks away, breathing in and steeling himself. “I’ll be honest, I have imagined having sex with you.”

Futaba can’t believe her ears.

“And you’d be fine with me?” She almost shouts in disbelief.

“You sometimes feel too much like a sister for that, but even now, I feel sometimes you’d be just perfect.”

Futaba is too surprised to feel ashamed or embarrassed, but Koga is already feeling the effects of laying himself bare in front of her.

“But I’m not like those girls that entertain you.” I’m as inexperienced as I could be, she wants to add.

“I know. Experience can bring technique, but feeling, intensity… that’s something entirely different. You never act around me. You don’t have to please me. Sometimes I imagine how that would translate in bed.”

Futaba’s mouth dries when she hears his use of the present tense.

“You really need to meet other people.” She finally croaks.

Koga laughs.

“Don’t worry, I promise I don’t imagine it when you’re around, only when I’m alone-“ Koga is interrupted by a couple of chestnuts beating against his chest. “Okay, okay, I’ll quit joking around.” He laughs it off and picks up the chestnuts from where they have landed on the floor.

“The offer still stands if you want it, though. I was serious about marrying you if you don’t find anyone else. Unless you’d rather be single than marry me.”

Futaba hesitates for a second, then decides to be honest both with herself and with Koga.

“We already have the companionship, it wouldn’t be that bad seeing how the rest would be with you,” she admits wanting to sound cool but failing, feeling too weak to not keep her gaze past Koga.

“Sounds great to me. Now, open wide,” Koga winks as he presses a peeled chestnut against Futaba’s lips. As she feels the light trace of his finger against her lower lip when he pulls back, she wonders if perhaps having him as a shield against other men isn’t so bad.

She quickly rejects that thought. She is still young and healthy and likes the idea of creating a family while she can. Koga can stay as the uncle to her children.

A/N: I was unsure if there’s too much dialogue and not enough mentions of who is speaking and when, and descriptions of the action. Please let me know if anything is unclear!

Likes/reblogs and comments are always highly appreciated <3

Please do NOT repost. Reblogging is okay. Content belongs to @moonstruck-writing

[moonstruck-writing]

Study Time

Pairing: Nachi x Futaba | Ayakashi Romance Reborn C/Ws: domestic/academic fluff, Nachi-centric, Yakumo appears but isn't the focus. Minimal spoilers for Nachi’s route and the more recent Yakumo card and event. Summary: Nachi hates studying, but for Futaba, he will learn to enjoy it. Anything so that he can stay by her side. Word count: 2.2k A/N: Yesterday was Nachi's birthday and I had this prepared but... somehow forgot to post it. So...happy belated birthday, Nachi~

Futaba’s feet feel heavier than usual as she heads back home from school. It could be because exams are on the way, or it could be because Nachi is not keeping her company like usual. She wonders if he is wandering through the city in his cat form, or if he’s still barricading in her room, mulling over her father’s words.

It had only been recently that Mototaka had discovered about Nachi being an Ayakashi, and that things had calmed enough in the city for her to pull her weight on her studies. Patrolling so frequently, and at night, and fighting against wraiths and whatnot, had left her not only exhausted but also without time to focus on her schoolwork. When Mototaka had raised his concerns, and he had seen Futaba bending over her books more than usual, an idea had come to him. Why wasn’t Nachi in school?

A lot of her Ayakashi comrades and friends had jobs, and some of them – Aoi – were also studying. Mototaka had reflected that just like Futaba was studying so that when the time came she could choose the path that she liked best, so should Nachi. He couldn’t depend forever on them, he really wasn’t just a cat, and as such, he’d probably live past them.

There were so many of those words that Nachi didn’t like. It wasn’t just that he hated studying – that was the last thing that worried him. But having Mototaka sit both of them down after dinner to talk, and express his concern for Nachi so clearly… It reminded Nachi that he wasn’t like them, that even if they really considered him part of his family now, they were fundamentally different. That he had been taking advantage of their hospitality for so long, and not just that, but he had started living with them without pure intentions. And the fact that he could live past them didn’t ease his guilt.

He knew how it must’ve looked to them when he couldn’t take it anymore and excused himself mid-conversation. Mototaka only wanted to explain to him the advantages of getting an education, and he had disrespected his effort and worry. But Nachi simply couldn’t keep looking down and quietly listening. Mototaka’s kind words started suffocating him until he felt there was no space he belonged in that house.

He escaped into the garden, quickly transforming into his cat form to jump the wall and roam the streets. But even that didn’t last long. It only took him a few blocks to realise he had done something stupid. He shouldn’t have run away from home – because as much as he was an ayakashi, that was his home. The safest he could feel was in Futaba’s room, not far away from it.

So he had determined he wouldn’t run away anymore. He would stay and confront his feelings, and make a decision. He wasn’t alone anymore, he hadn’t been for over a decade. It only made sense that he considered those he treasured in a time like this.

And so when Futaba came home today, she found him sitting between her dresser and the chest of drawers. She didn’t know how he managed to fit himself in such a small space while being in his nekomata form, but he didn’t get out when he saw her.

“Welcome home,” he whispered, but in the silence of the room, it could be heard perfectly.

“Nachi, I’m home.” Futaba left the bundle of books on the low table she used to study. “Come, help me get dinner ready.” She called to him, motioning for him to follow her.

“It’s already done.” He didn’t look at her, but his voice was a bit louder now. Before she could stop herself, Futaba let out a sigh. She couldn’t know for sure what was going on since Nachi hadn’t confided in her, but she had a pretty good idea.

“Then let’s set the table, come on, aren’t you hungry?”

“I am not.” He finally looked at her, offering Futaba what he thought was a kind smile. But there was nothing kind in the way he was trying to hide his true feelings. “You can go ahead and eat with dad.”

“We still had some sardines,” Futaba recalled, convinced that would be enough to lure him out of that hideout. But the way he furrowed his eyebrows proved he wasn’t falling for that. It scared her to have him look like that after mentioning his favourite food. “Nachi, you can eat them, you know that.”

“I don’t…” deserve them.

--

The situation continued for a few days. Now it was the weekend, and Futaba was getting advantage of her free time to catch up on her upcoming tests. She wasn’t doing as poorly as when her situation as an Omniouji had calmed down, but she still had a long way to go. She thought she could perhaps use the table in the sunroom and have a bit of a change of atmosphere. Nachi was nowhere to be seen, and her father was out meeting clients.

She had only opened her foreign language notebook when someone called. She rushed outside, but the visitor was already in the garden.

“Professor Yakumo!”

“Hello, my sweet doll.” He politely greeted her with a smile. “What were you doing on such a fine morning?”

“Oh, I am studying for my upcoming exams.” She beckoned him in and quickly scrambled to make tea, for she was sure her father wouldn’t be long in returning home. When she carried the tray to the living room, she found it empty and decided to peek into the sunroom.

There, Yakumo was peering at her open book and notebook. Futaba felt embarrassed. She was sure her notes were not the best, and to have them be so carefully observed by an eminent professor as Yakumo… She quickly placed the tray down and went to cover her notes with her hands.

“You have beautiful handwriting, my doll, very clear and easy to read.” He smiled pleasantly at her, and she wondered if he was telling the truth or if he was humouring her. “And your notes are concise and easy to follow. I can very well see you are a diligent student.”

“Not at all… I have been struggling with this subject.”

“Perhaps I could be of service?”

--

Nachi went over his words inside his head. The streets had gotten busier before lunchtime, but now everyone was inside shops and their houses, leaving him with plenty of space to reflect without having to worry about bumping into someone or doing something that wasn’t exactly cat-like.

He felt more confident than before, but mainly he felt he couldn’t take more time to think over this decision. He had to act now. He needed to talk to Mototaka and Futaba.

With that resolution, he jumped over the wall surrounding the Saotome house and transformed into his human form upon touching the ground. When he opened the sliding doors that connected the veranda with the house, he heard voices coming from the sunroom, making him change his destination.

The scene that greeted him was a conflicting one. Futaba was so absorbed in scribbling on her notebook that she didn’t notice his presence at first, but Nachi knew her companion had. It was new, seeing Professor Yakumo sitting with Futaba instead of with Mototaka, but what was more, he seemed to be helping her.

It wasn’t such a bizarre idea, a university professor helping a student, but somehow, it was the first time it happened – at least the first time Nachi had seen them be this close. He felt an uncomfortable sensation prickling his breastbone.

“Nachi! You’re home.” Futaba had finally raised her head from her notes and was now looking at him with a welcoming smile. Somehow, it didn’t comfort him.

“I’m back, Futaba,” Nachi tried to smile, but it didn’t last long. “Professor Yakumo.” He curtly nodded in his direction.

“Hello, Nachi. I hope I am not intruding here, I was helping my sweet doll with her studies.” Yakumo exhibited the same placid smile he usually used, although Nachi had learnt to read behind that expression. Today, it seemed to say Nachi was the intruder.

“Then, maybe I could also benefit from your help.” The words were out before he even realized he had clenched his fists and could feel his fur standing, even if he was in his human form. That was not the way he had planned for things to go, but it wasn’t like his plans ever happened in the way he had imagined they would.

Futaba gasped, abruptly standing from the chair. She stared at Nachi, trying to confirm whether he was saying what she thought he meant. As if she had completely forgotten about Yakumo’s existence, she flinched when he laughed softly.

“Nachi.” Futaba walked up to the door of the sunroom, where he was still standing. “Are you willing to… study?” She whispered, wanting to keep that a secret conversation – but it was futile.

“I’m not sure if willing is the right word, but… yes.”

--

After that, Nachi had a serious talk with Mototaka, who advised him to study using Futaba’s old books, and see if he could reach the necessary knowledge to choose whatever path he saw convenient.

Nachi wasn’t sure if he wanted to follow in Futaba’s footsteps, or Mototaka’s, and study that much, but he had to start somewhere. And that somewhere was right at the living room’s table, next to Futaba, who had Yakumo to her other side.

He wasn’t completely sure what Professor Yakumo was doing there again, and without Mototaka to boot. But that was the arrangement they had come to.

“Your translations are improving, my little doll.” Futaba smiled and rejoiced from the praise, but it only made it more difficult for Nachi to focus on his tasks.

Right there, reading about maths for the first time in his life – not that the basic concepts were foreign to him, but the way he had to use them was – while Futaba was doing something completely different and Yakumo was making him feel like a chaperone, he felt maybe he had made a terrible mistake.

Nevertheless, Nachi had lived long enough to know things usually weren’t as they first appeared. So he kept pushing through.

Day after day, as Futaba’s exams were approaching, the time they spent studying increased, and Nachi saw an increase in his resistance and stamina for study sessions. Luckily for Nachi, the time Yakumo spent with them didn’t increase, for he was a really busy professional. And Nachi’s resistance to Yakumo’s direct remarks and compliments to Futaba was decreasing exponentially.

It happened one day, when the sweet tone of Yakumo’s words seemed to coil more and more around Futaba, until Nachi felt he couldn’t see her, he couldn’t even breathe anymore. And so he felt the need to break that mysterious spell, and prove that he was there in the room with them.

“She is not a doll, nor your doll.” Nachi stared at him without blinking once. However, that didn’t surprise Yakumo one bit.

“Oh, perhaps you have grown enough for this affectionate nickname of mine to be inappropriate? I am afraid the habit would be hard to break, though.”

“It- it’s okay, Professor Yakumo,” Futaba hurriedly said, becoming flustered.

“Then, if my sweet doll is fine with it, I shall continue calling her that.”

“It’s not like you have a better nickname, Nachi.” She whispered. He couldn’t help but hate it. He didn’t understand it, but to him, she was simply ‘Futaba’. Why did Yakumo have to call her by any other names?

That was something that kept whirling around his head throughout the study session, and even past that, while they were having dinner.

Why didn’t he have a special name for Futaba?

He wanted to find one, but no matter how hard he tried, or how much he thought, that remained an impossible task.

“Is something wrong, Nachi?” Futaba decided to call out to him after he had been absentmindedly chewing on the same piece of food for a few minutes now. Hers and her father’s plates were almost empty while his remained half full.

“Oh, no, no.” Nachi looked up from the bowl he held in his hands. “I was just thinking.”

“Is something worrying you?”

“No, no!” He rushed to smile, assuring her it was nothing. “I was just… thinking about what I had learnt today! There’s still a lot I don’t understand and… sometimes it feels impossible…” Nachi’s voice started growing thin, and he ended up speaking in a whisper, the words held in his heart spilling out. “That I’ll ever be able to reach… his level.”

“Well, I think you used to believe studying was impossible for you at all, and now you’re doing it daily, Nachi, so I am sure you’ll reach wherever you want to, step by step,” Mototaka spoke, offering him an understanding smile. Nachi didn’t know how much Mototaka actually understood, but the words comforted him more than he wanted to admit.

He looked back down at his half-eaten food. He was lucky to have people who would remind him of how far he had already come, and that would remain by his side, supporting him on his journey forward. But he didn’t want to take that for granted, not anymore.

“Okay, I can fit a bit more studying before going to bed today,” he announced while he scarfed down his food.

“Then I shall join you,” Futaba promptly said. “I’ve been wanting to study together with you, just the two of us.”

Her smile was all the energy he needed.

.

.

A/N: Futaba could be in high school or in university, so I tried to be ambiguous about it. I think canonically, she’s probably finishing high school, but I feel more comfortable with an older Futaba, so I headcanon that (which means an older Nachi too since they're supposed to be the same age in human years).

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