Tame My Soul {18+} Nyuu and Key

[Key-Tokki]

It's the year 2230, and many things have changed. There was a time when each country was divided up due to race and religion, with Americans, Europeans, Asians and so on. However, in the year 2060, everything changed. Vampires came to light, the news spread across the media like wild fire, and because of how well that went over, were wolves came out next, then spirits, gods, demons, and many other entities follwoed suit as well. However now the humans were not the top of the food chain, which was the first time it had ever been globally known to be the case. So the fighting began, between humans and every other creature who all wanted to assert there dominance. So leaders from every race got together and spread out the map, allowing each race there own company to rule as they saw fit. A race could go into anothers country but it was always at ones own risk.

 

Natsume was born on the small island once known as hawaii, which is now the country for all small spirits like him. He grew up in a small little town, and enjoyed the life he led with his friends, however his skills for the piano were well known. So a sponcer from what was once known as Russia offered to give him a free place to stay as well as food and allowance, if he agreed to be his private piano player whenever needed. He would have his own house and be well set, since he had been sheltered from the previous war he had no diea of te dangers that could await him, so he agreed. Little did he know that on his travels he was going to make a friend, and many enemies.

 

[table=width: 500, class: grid, align: center]

[tr]

[td][/td]

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[tr]

[td][/td]

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[/table]

[table=width: 500, class: grid, align: center]

[tr]

[td]Name[/td]

[td]Natsume Mizakari[/td]

[/tr]

[tr]

[td]Age[/td]

[td]18[/td]

[/tr]

[tr]

[td]Species[/td]

[td]Fox Spirit[/td]

[/tr]

[tr]

[td]Occupation[/td]

[td]Pianist[/td]

[/tr]

[tr]

[td]Position[/td]

[td]Uke/Seke[/td]

[/tr]

[/table]

 

 

 

 

[Nyuchanxx]

 

Last name: Koizumi

Age: doesn't let people know

Species: Claims to be human

Occupation: writer

Position: seme

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[Key-Tokki]

Natsumi let out a loud yawn as his whiskers adjusted themselves, padding his way to the back of the large van he was in he propped himself up against the door so that he could look outside of the window. His eyes went wide as he took in the vast scenery around him, white, everything was so beautiful and white. Moutains could be seen in the distance, moutains covered in trees and trees covered in snow. Where the young fox was from was an area once known as Hawaii, it was a hot climate year round so before now he had never even seen snow except for on the telecommunication system. For his last birthday his uncle who he had bee nstaying with had played a series of snow flakes on the hologram projector so it was like he was in a real snow storm however he had not been able to feel it.

 

Even the projection was not as cool as this was though, it was like an entire blanket of solid white was layered across everything in site. Natsumi had been picked up from his small island an air shuttle all the way to the land once known as Russia, where he had landed at a Shuttle Port and been quickly escorted into a van, now on his way to his new home.The cold weather had hit him so har that he had immediatly shifted into his fox form as soon as he had gotten into the van, hoping his fur could keep him warmer than his measly clothing could. However the more time that past the more the scenery outside began to get crowded with houses and buildings, going from a terran of pure nature to suburb until finally all out city. He had been shocked when he had stepped out of the shuttle and come face to face with the race of this country, they were beautiful creatures that he had never seen up close before. There were stories abotu how much the two races hated each other but the young fox had no desire to be anything but thrilled at the opportunity he was being given, no one ever got the chance he was getting.

 

"Oi, Mizakari, Sir, we are about to arrive to your new house. Would you mind changing back, and getting dressed, you will attract enough attention as it is without showing up like that." The driver stated in a kind tone, he was merely looking out for the boy, not wanting to cause any more comotion than they had to. Nodding slowly, the fox let out and excited bush of his tail befroe stretching out his paws and shifting back to his other form which was now naked. Quickly he puleld on his mesely clothing that he had worn and leaned back in his seat. Not being used to the cold weather meant he had certainly not brougth the right clothing and it was clear he was going to be at a serious disadvantage with the weather here.

 

As soon as the car pulled to a stop, he watched as the two men in the front seat climbed out of the van and his ears perked a bit as he heard the clang that menat his door was about to open. A wide smile spread over his face in excitement at what was about to happen, however that quickly spread to a look of annoyance as the freezing wind slapped him right in the face, causing him to shift back towards the van and away from the outside. Only after the driver basically pulled him from the car did he step foot in the snow,, which to his surprise crunched and seemed to compact under his feet. After a few formalities, he found himself standing inside of his newhome, which was not huge but was much larger than one person needed at all. Tehre were three bedrooms, a huge living room wit ha back patio, a large fireplace and two bathrooms with huge baths in them.

 

"Alright, we will leave you for today, go ahead and get settled in, and remember, your safety is of the Earls up most concern after all he has spent to get you here, so please keep out of trouble." The driver said before turning and leaving with the other man. Natsume had not been alone for more than 20 minutes before he was already shivering from the cold, going threw his luggage to his dismay, he foudn that he really did not have anything warm enough and his fingers were going numb quickly. Running around the hosue he tried to find anything that he could use, but they had not thought about it so there was nothing. He began to worry abotu freezing to death, reaching down and takign out his phone he noted that is was -3 degrees outside and cringed. Knowing what he had to do, he stomped to the front door and tugged it open, cursing softly as the wind once again slammed him in the face, his ears twitched in annoyance before he stepped out into the cold air and turned towards the closest house to him, his new neighbor. Stipping and strugglign he landed face down in the snow at least three times before he made it to the other persons house, he needed to ask for some help or someone like him would really freeze. Covered in snow and looking utterly miserable, keeping his tail as close to him as possible because the fur on it was already starting to freeze, he reached up and knocked on the door.

[Nyuchanxx]

Koizumi sat at his hard oaken desk, his fingers flying over the keys on his thin laptop hardly pausing long enough to touch the key before moving onto the next letter. Something had spurred him on tonight, he was spilling out pages and pages of literature the quality of which he hadn't managed in a long time. His thought were in a different realm. One that had no place in this age. Of course in the past when he first started he could still write about vampires and demons and it would sell like wildfire spreading through a forest already dried and crisp from months of parching sun and not even a hint of a droplet of rain. These days though such things were the reality, no one wanted to reach about a reality, that was the reason that people turned to books in the first place: they wanted to escape that reality!

 

He was so absorbed in his work that he didn't even hear the small beep or see the notification that popped up on his laptop announcing to him that his new pianist was safely in the adjacent house. His breathing quickened as he felt what his characters felt, the adrenaline rushing through their veins rushed through his, he bit his lip lightly.

 

NOCK.

 

It reverberated through the house. Echoing as it bounced of the walls. Koizumi was brought out of his world in a harsh crack. He gasped for breath unable to comprehend what was happening or what had just happened. He sat for a moment slowing his breathing and breathing in deeply through his nose trying to control himself. The shock had worn of by now, replacing it was annoyance for whomever had the audacity to break his trance and draw him back into this cruel reality in such an outrageous manor.

 

The man stood, pushing his chair back roughly as he did and flicking his hand over the keypad twice, the first time saved the work and the second disabled the computer. Like this only he could access it. Storming out the room he slammed thee door behind him and yanked at the hair tie that held his fine strands of hair in place, the smooth strands fell around his shoulders. He couldn't have people seeing him with his hair up, after all he had a reputation to uphold, in this land if you were seen with your hair up as a noble it was extremely bad, only the poor workers tied hair back, but it got in his way when he wrote. Still as long as no one knew it didn't matter. He slipped the tie into his pocket.

 

Downstairs his shoes clipped on the stone floor, normally he didn't like the noise and would soften his steps but today he was annoyed and had no desire to lessen them. Flinging the door open he glared at the man in front of him. "This had better be worth my time." He glowered down at the other not really seeing who it was. Normally he would be polite and the image of perfection but today was not normal, he was annoyed and that usual calm and composed front he put on couldn't fight with his current state of mind.

[Key-Tokki]

Natsume sighed softly, wrapping his arms tighter around himself in the process as the harsh wind beat against his face. A scarf, he was going to need a huge scarf, and coats, so many coats as well as socks and soups and hot beverages, if it was even possible, his face paled as he realized all the items he was going to have to go out and buy. However, in weather like this was it even possible for him to safely make it to the store? His teeth chattered slightly as he continued to wait, after he felt like he really could not wait any longer, he turned leave, hoping to rush back to the cold sanctuary that was his new house. He was here to be a pianist, if he fingers got to cold and he caught frost bite then he would be useless, and he was already finding it difficult to feel the numb tips.

 

However he halted when he heard a sudden, muffled bang sound from somewhere in the house. Glancing back at the door, he waited a few more moments before the door all but wretched open in front of him. He stood, feet firmly planted in the snow and shivering, looking up at the other man. He had seen him somewhere before, the soft hair, and beautiful curvature of the other males face seemed familiar. Not moving an inch, he continued to stare up at the other fair skinned boy, his eyes were deep, and something about his over all demeanor screamed a vast amount of intelligence. Another burst of wind knocked him back into reality as he nearly toppled over from the sheer force of it. "Ah...Ah, actually, I just moved in next door, an-" He cut off as once again, wind smacked him in the face, making it difficult to breath for a few moments before it passed. "And, I am new here so I have no idea if there is hear, and if there is how to work it, and I was extremely unprepared for the weather." He added, feeling the heat from the mans door way he wanted nothing more than to run inside and hide under the mans couch or something, but his feet remained firmly planted as he continued.

 

"In short, I was an idiot, not prepared, and I am really frightened I might freeze my tail off, literally, as well as my fingers. I'm a pianist so I should probably take care of those, "He joked softly, reaching behind him, he pulled his tail slightly so he could show the other man how stiff and rigid it had become, snow and ice clinging to the fur like a case. Then he held up his hands and extended his fingers towards the other, the tips of two of them already looking frighteningly discolored. With a rather apologetic smile he spoke again, "So I was hoping you had something, or anything, warm I can borrow?" Just as he spoke, another large gust of wind whipped around, causing him to stumble and fall back into the snow with a defeated 'oof'.

[Nyuchanxx]

Koizume could feel the harsh wind whipping around him, it lifted his hair in its tendrils and let it swirl around his shoulders. It was an odd feeling for sure, the one of the warmth on his back and the cold winter air beffeting his face in front of him. He made a quick mental note to make use of the feeling in his writing at some point. It was these things that sold a book after all, those little pieces of description that a person could relate to or even that a person had no hope of relating to and could only dream of feeling it. It was these things that people wanted. The books he wrote for himself were nothing like this, they were masterpieces that a normal man could not hope to understand. But the normal man did not need to since these books were written for himself.

 

Koizumi blinked realising he had not heard anything of what this shivering wreck in front of him had been saying, he had been too caught up in his thoughts. But at least that meant he was less irritated now, his ideas and memories of old plot lines always put him in a better mood. It lightened his shoulders, if only a little.

 

Something about being a pianist? Or something about stupidity and cold? He couldn't remember. More to the point he hasn't been listening...pianist...pianist....he was sure there was something he should remember. His thoughts of reality were still a little foggy, thisbhapoened sometimes when he got so caught up in a character, he would completely forget the real world.

 

He remembered. Blinking a couple of times he inspected the male who now lay sprawled in the snow. He sighed, he was sure he had asked them to send him a message when they dropped this man off. He moved away from the door allowing room for another to pass by and enter the house. "Your Mizakari." It was a statement rather than a question. "Come in I don't want you freezing after paying all this money to have you flown here." His voice had lost that harsh edge to it and now his softer, silkier voice was coming back although it lacked the trust or affection that made it drop into that beautiful velvety tone that caressed ones ears and made you want to shut you eyes and listen forever. Very few people had ever heard his voice then. Only one or two ever had and none of them were alive now.

[Key-Tokki]

Natsume nearly jumped inside of the door way, pushing himself up from the snow with a bit of a struggle. Murmuring a struggled, "Pardon me then." He wanted to run far into the home and just curl up, however he thought better of it. Glancing over his shoulder at the man now behind him, he took in his noble appearance once again and instantly realized who it was, his face flushed from embarrassment at his own stupidity. The man who had paid all the money, and flown him all the way out here, and now he had been here less than an hour and was already showing up at the mans door step nearly freezing. His hands balled into fists as he silently cursed, he had not known that this was his new bosses house, for all he knew the other probably was already considering him a hand full. I should have just figured out how to work the bath at my house and just sat in it until I could figure out something else.

 

For a moment he considered pardoning himself, and just running back home, but he could still hear the harsh wind outside and figured he would rather face this new, than to return outside right now. Reaching up he tried to brush the snow and ice that was caked into his hair, but it clung to him desperately. His tail hung limply, clearly the weather had also defeated that as well.

 

Reaching down he quickly removed his shoes, not wanting to be rude and track ice, mud, and dirt through the others clearly expensive residents. "I'm really sorry, Sir. When I was told about the climate here they simply said it was cold, so I figured I could just back long socks instead of short ones and be alright." He murmured, reaching up to try and dust some snow off his shoulder, however he froze when he saw his fingers.

 

Though he was already warming up just not being in the winds embrace, his fingers were still shock white, and the tip of three of them were frightening blue. Upon further inspection he tried to touch the tip of them, to find them unusually hard and stiff. Eyes widening slightly, he quickly crossed his arms behind his back and clasped his hands together, trying to warm them up and avoid Koizume noticing as well. He very well could have frost bite already, and if the other found out he could send the fox back without a second thought. Natsume had signed a waver saying that though he would be taken care of, he alone was responsible for his own well being. It was not like it was this mans job, who was giving him a beautiful home stocked with food, and a job, to also be responsible for making sure Natsume was properly prepared or dressed. This was his chance to escape the average, repeaditive life he led back home, and really get out in the world, find some adventure. He had no intentions of putting that in jepordy because of some god forsaken snow. He was a bit calmer than he had been when the other first opened the door, his entire demeanor had changed, somehow the man seemed softer, less on guard than he had been when the door had been flung open. Now Natsume stood behind his new boss with an apologetic smile on his face.

[Nyuchanxx]

Koizume shut the door gently. Turning he inspected the male. He looked freezing and completely unprepared, that annoyed him a little, after all this man had been told of the weather. But Koizume had lived long enough to know that irritation at pointless matters did no one any good so he shouldn't let it bother him. He let his eyes wander over the other judging him and figuring him out. His hair was scruffy and his clothes were a mess but he couldn't put that down to personality since it could just as easily be due to the long journey, the wind and the cold.

 

He frowned slightly noticing the other seemed to have his hands perposfully hidden, he was standing in an unnatural way, a position that to the trained eye gave of waves of secrecy and deceit. He didn't care enough to find out what though. There wasn't anything this fox spirit could do to him so why bother caring.

 

"Follow me." He said choosing not to achnowledge the apology it was a stupids thing to apologise for in the first place. Koizume lead the way through the house his footstep soft almost silent even though by every right his shoes should have been echoing on the stone floor. Opening a door to his left the two males were caressed by warm smoky air that drew them into the room enticing them to stay in the warmth of the open fire and comfy sofas within. "Warm yourself by the fire, you can stay here tonight since the storm is meant to get worse." The elegant man walked over to a wooden wine wrack in the corner of the room and taking a cut crystal glass he poured the liquid from a very expensive bottle. Replacing the bottle back in its place he picked up another glass and a different bottle and poured the red wine into the glass. He took a quick sip from his own glass before offering the second to the male. "Drink this. It's good quality and should help to warm you."

[Key-Tokki]

Natsume could practically feel the other mans gaze siring into him, it was strong enough to make the fox revert his eyes to the floor. There was something, almost powerful about the other, the way he spoke, the way he carried himself with his shoulders straight back and head held high. Even his nearly frozen ears dropped a bit, the mans near presence was almost ominous. He heard the other speak and nodded quietly, turning and following after him, walking carefully so he wouldn't drip all over the place as he practically dethawed. Relief washed over him however when he realized his finger tips were also beginning to get some feeling in them, he repetitively dug his nails into the ones that had come close to frost bite, attempting to get the blood flow and circulation going back properly.

 

He followed the other as they stepped through another door, and instantly he was curious. The air here seemed smoky, not in a choking way, but in a warm, comforting way. Quietly he made his over to the fire to kneel in front of it, holding his hands up, his shoulders visibly slacked in relief as he simply basked in the warmth. He could hear Koizume shifting somewhere in the room, and a quiet clink of thick glass could be heard. However Natsume's blue eyes were to busy staring into the fire. It was calm, and quiet, all that could be heard was the crackle of the fire burning the wood and the suttle wind outside which was barely audible through the houses thick walls. Reaching behind himself, he took hold of his tail and began to run his fingers through the fur, combing out any chunks of ice and snow that had yet to melt. A soft smile lay across his face as he felt his entire body once again warm, and even though he was in a stranger house he somehow felt safe. He had been to focused in his own world to hear the mans almost silent foot steps approach him, jolted back into reality when the other spoke. Pushing himself up from the ground carefully, he reached out and took the glass. Making sure to study Koizume's hand carefully so he would know how to properly hold it, though the other seemed to do everything so elegantly, when the fox tried to mimick it he found that there was no way he could come even close to looking as ethereal.

 

The light that was filtering off the fire seemed to give the otherwise, extremely pale, taller man an other wordly glow. Like his mere existance was somehow beyound the current world the young fox lived in, if this were not his boss then he would probably have stood there and simply gawked for a while. But this was his boss, since he had basically been bought, this man was more like his owner and he was no more than a pet to Natsume. Averting his eyes he carefully made his way over to the couch and sat down, giving up on looking elegant, he held the glass between both of his hands and took a careful sip. It was not unpleasant tasting, but the after effects were already amazing, he could feel a sudden warmth down the back of his throat and in the pit of his stomach, his fur ruffled slightly as he laid back contently. Before he even knew it, he had practically enhaled the entire glass. There was a slight flush across his face, he was not drunk but this being the first time he had ever had alchohol, he had had enough to make him sleepy and worn. As well as the effect from the blood rushing to his ears and cheeks from the cold which was only now begining to receed to normal color. Holding the cup in his hands, he didn't make an effort to move, comfortable tucked into a sitting position on the couch as he looked over at Koizume. "Thank you, for all the trouble. I did not mean to be so unprepared." He murmured softly, glancing at the others cheek bones and jaw line he added, "It's beautiful." It took him a few moments to realize the words had slipped out of his mouth and he quickly injected, "The house, of course." There was a slight pause as he reaverted his eyes to the fire, "Your house is really beautiful."

[Nyuchanxx]

Koizume leant against the arm of the sofa preferring to stand for the moment, after so long sitting at his desk earlier he was eternally grateful to be standing straight now and stretching the muscles in his back. For a time he sipped from his glass content to stand in silence and listen to the sound of the fire behind him and the wind as it rushed past the house trying to break through the windows and dance inside the house instead of howling outside waiting for some kind soul to hold her and pull her into their embrace so she, Miss sorrowful wind, cried for her loss and that which she could not recover.

 

He felt a smile tugging at his lips as he imagined the words that the wind would say, how her voice would sound, what colour her hair was and how she would weep into the arms of another. He wondered who would be the kind heart that would hold her in her distress, he couldn't help but feel that person would have a motive, no one held such a fragile and fleeting soul without a motive.

 

It was from time to time when his mind wandered on strange and exciting tangents that Koizume was always brought back to the one question that he couldn't help but ponder: Did other people imagine these things? A soft breath escaped his lips and when he looked up he was well aware that the spirit on the sofa had been watching him. He wondered briefly why but decided it didn't matter. He allowed himself a small smile at the complement even though he himself couldn't be really sure what the other was complimenting, him, the wine or was he really complementing the house? "Thank you." He said softly his voice matching the sound of the flames and the ambiance of the room. Soft, gentle and warming. Although it lacked any openness or welcome.

 

Seeing the empty glass in the others hand he drank the remains of his own and walked over to the other "Would you like another glass?" He asked debating with himself whether to try the wine he had given Mizakari, it was a new type he had yet to taste and he was certainly intrigued, it was rare for him to buy new wines he rather preferred the old matured wines that had soul and depth and told tales of days they had seen long ago and long after their makers had passed from this earth. But something new once in a while was always good to try.

 

From outside the room deep reverberating chimes sounded. Koizume listened; quarter to the hour. He turned his head and pushed his hair behind his ear as he looked out the window trying to judge what hour it was. It was gone dusk, that much was obvious to anyone, he guessed it must be quarter to eight, still quite early. Pouring a glass of wine for himself as he waited too see if the other wanted any he stated "I might go and drink mine in the bathroom with a book, if you would care to join me you are quite welcome." He didn't mind the other going with him it didn't really matter as long as the male didn't make the mistake of talking publicly about such matters. "It's steam heated so might be a little different than what your used to." The bath had been an installation of the previous owner. At least that's what the records claimed. The bath filled an entire room so space for two wasn't an issue, at the sides it had an edge to sit on but it quickly dropped of into a deep pool that was the same depth as the house was tall. It was extravagant Koizume couldn't deny that but then everything in thee room was presented so beautifully and the lighting done so unobtrusively that it actually was one of his favourite rooms, perfect to read in and perfect to relax in. He could almost feel all the tension slipping from his shoulders already.

[Key-Tokki]

Natsume couldn't help but notice how far away the other seemed at times, like he was off, allowing himself to be drawn deep into thought. It took a bit of will power not to be drawn into the others eyes, he had to mindlessly distract himself by bringing his attention back to the fire. He felt himself drawn towards it almost, like he could be content just relaxing beside it. There was an old legend among his people, Only two of his kind had ever journeyed to this distract before. Both, being unaccustomed to the weather had died. One had grown very ill, and passed from the fever that just would not break, and the other had accidentally locked herself outside of her house. Both had died, freezing and alone. It is said that on really cold nights, if you look by the fire, you will see two, small fox, curled up by it.

 

Sitting here now, he couldn't help but wonder if he sat here for long enough, maybe he would see them. How sad it must be, he thought silently, to die, all alone, in a district that you don't even belong in. After the two deaths, there was a ban on his species traveling here, it was said to be to much of a risk, however it only lasted a few years because in the end the people were going to do what they wanted and the government had other things to worry about. As long as he kept warm, and his wits about him, he would have nothing to worry about. A sudden pang of home sickness hit him, he could be warm, in his own bed right now, or even outside chasing fireflies with her friends. Do they even get fireflies here? He wondered softly, his tail shifting softly as he glanced back out of the window, being greated with a dark, cloud of snow he assumed not.

 

Holding his glass up towards the other he nodded, he knew that he should probably not drink to much in the presents of his boss, but if they were just going to relax and he was not going to be expected to play right now then he saw no reason not to enjoy himself. Taking the cup once again in both of his hands, he sipped a bit of the whine, being careful not to drink it to fast this time. He had known his new boss was a writer, even before he was asked to come be the mans pianist. Ever since he was a young teenager, he had been reading the others books. His writing was beautiful, almost enchanting. Every word placed beautifully, the thought that the man put into the diction and syntax is what really made his books above par. So obviously when he had been offered this opportunity, he had nearly jumped at it.

 

A slight flush spread over his face at the idea of using another mans bath tub, however since he had already intruded so much already he did not see the harm in taking another step. He was going to have to get the other a thank you gift when he went out shopping for clothing. Carrying his cup with him, he followed the other to the bathing room. Facing the wall, he removed his small jacket, and shirt before peeling off his soaked socks, only now did he realize that though the ice and snow had melted, it had just turned to water. So he was practically dripping still, quickly shedding the rest of his clothing, he dipped a foot into the water. Letting out a very content sigh as the warmth enveloped his toes that just half an hour earlier he was worried would fall off from freezing. With little reservation, he sink into the tub completely. The tip of his tail floated to the tip of the water as he made his way to one of the edges and leaned back against it, making sure to stay where his feet could still touch the bottom. Sinking down even further, he cupped his hands so he could drop water down onto his hair. The people of this land were said to be mysterous, even frightening. While Koizume was clearly both of those, there was also something about him that Natsume found calm, polite, almost warm. He had walked through a lot of the house, and while this place was warm, and extravagant he could not help but notice the lack of people. All alone in this huge house, with the wind howling at your window all hours of the day. How lonely. He thought to himself, most people let there mind waunder to ideals or mindless thought when they were deep in thought. However Natsume was a pianist, so he tended to sit and translate, imaginging what a person would sound like if they were a simple melody, or what a smell would sound like. Closing his eyes he began to hum, very softly, thinking of nothing but this isolated house.

[Nyuchanxx]

Koizume placed his glass down on the side off the bath and removing his clothes he slipped into the warm water. He would normally place his hair into a lose bun to stop it getting soaked, it took too long to dry and he didn't care for such tedious tasks but in front of this man he barely knew such a thing would be irresponsible and would undermine his perdition. So he left it down.

 

As he sank in the clear water enveloped him in a loving embrace gently easing the tension outnofnhis muscles. A soft sigh escaped his lips and he shut his eyes for a brief moment loving the feeling of finally submitting to something, even if that something was just relaxation. It had been so long since he had truly had the time to do such things, he had been so focused on his previous book that he hasn't had time for this but now he was working more carefully. Taking each step cautiously and then trying put different ideas not moving on until he was perfectly happy.

 

Taking a sip of his wine again koizume licked the red liquid from his lips and picked up his book opening on the page he left off. For a time he allowed himself to be totally absorbed in the other world his only movement to turn the pages with quick but delicate fingers that handled the pages as if they were fine hairs liable to slip away from him if they weren't handled with gentleness and love.

 

Getting to the end of the chapter he became aware of the soft melody that was resonating in his ears. The tune was sad but accepting. Shutting the book he placed it back and shut his eyes letting the tune fill his mind and sweap him away wherever it would choose to take him. Something held him back however, something locked him into reality. Opening his eyes again he looked at the male " that's very beautiful, I've never heard it before. Is it from your home?" He asked intrigued, there were very few melodies that he had never heard some form of. Over the years a tune he heard would change and become something new but it always had undertones of the original hidden within if only you could peel back the surfaces and look at the beating heart, exposed and fragile, at the mercy of any person who desired it.

 

As he looked at the male his eyes were drawn to the supple skin now pink from the warmth of the water. The man looked sweet and innocent although there was no doubt in his mind that in his art the male in front of him was a genious. The water swirled around him diffracting the light and making it near impossible to see the busy tail that swished beneath, the fur flowing slowly in time with the water. Koizume couldn't help but be drawn to that imperfect lovelyness. He bit his lips slightly wincing in pain as he reopened the cut he had caused himself while writing. The blood tricked down his lips but he wipped it away quickly with the back of his hand his tongue flicking out and dampening the cut.

[Key-Tokki]

Natsume had almost forgotten that there was anyone else in the room until the other spoke. Jumping slightly he glanced over at the other, a flush immediately spreading across his face when he took in the others appearance. The water was steaming slightly so he couldn't see the man across the bath perfectly, but even from here he could tell the other was radiating. Water from the condensed steam was slowly collecting on the others face, his eyes were drawn to a particular drop that was flowing down the mans beautifully sculpted jaw line, and it quietly dropped into the water. For a moment he found his eyes drawn to Koizume's hair, wondering how flowing it would look under the warm. His attention was only readjusted once again when he realized he had neglected to answer his new bosses quesiton.

 

Reaching up he tapped his cheek lightly before responding, "Ah, no. Actually it was just something I sort of thought up. That is why you brought me here after all, to serinade your life." He joked softly, leaning back even further in the water, his lips parted once again to ask the other a question, but he stopped when he saw blood. It was not much, but it stood out against the others porcelain skin. Without even thinking he reached behind himself and hauled himself out of the tub, carefully running over to where the towels were laid out, he picked up the one closest to him before sliding back into the water. Moving closer towards the other male, he dipped it into the warm water before extending it to Koizume. "Here, the warmth should stop the bleeding." He added as he glanced at the others lips, a slight flush rose to his cheeks. Even bleeding they looked soft, subtle, for the smallest of moments, he wanted to reach out and touch them, just feel them under his finger tips.

 

Natsumi had been watching the lips for slightly to long, he found himself rather dazed, and had to shake himself back into reality. However that did not work either, only know did he note that he had begun to develop a head ache. That as well as the two glasses of whine he had almost glugged down, and the steady heat of the water around him brought the bathroom around him spinning. The sudden freezing weather had been enough, then to immediately warm up had confused his system. Bringing a hand to his head to steady himself he murmured out, "I'm sorry, I should probably get heading up." The pale haired boy could feel the heat in his face, but couldn't tell if he had a fever, it was from the steam, or if he was simply emberresed.

[Nyuchanxx]

Koizume chuckled at how the other sought to serenade him. "Not the words I would choose but in effect yes." He smiled rather amused by the idea. "It's very beautiful." He said softly glad that he had made the right choice when he had invited this male to come here to play the piano, he hoped the other wouldn't and didn't regret it. People tend to get caught up in their regrets and that comes out when they play or write or draw. Artists in particular, the intellectuals could ignore such things but artists wonder what would have happened if they had made different choices. For that reason he hoped this man wouldn't regret it, he didn't want such amazing talent to be corrupted by loss and pain.

 

His eyes followed the other as he stood and pressed the damp towel against his lip. It shocked him. Few people would approach him, preferring to keep their distance thinking that he would rather be left alone. This type of kindness. He hadn't felt it in a long time. "Thank you, you are very kind." he held the cloth to his lip knowing that after drinking the blood flow would be high and he had the pertinacity to lose blood quickly right now.

 

For the third time this evening he looked up to find that Mizakari was looking deeply at him again. He frowned wondering what was going through the others head at the moment, his fine eyebrows drew together slightly trying to see into the thoughts of the other. But he couldn't see anything. It was all hidden behind something, something he couldn't penetrate, either the others eyes were simply showing nothing, which was rare humans and beasts alike found it difficult to hide the doorway into their soul that the eyes left open. Which meant that whatever was in the man's eyes was an emotion Koizume could not detect. Strange.

 

His frown deepened as the other stood suddenly, there was a slight wobble to his gate as he stood and got out the bath. Koizume watch momentarily before he to stood and grabbing a towel wrapping it around his waist and letting the water drip down his chest onto the floor. "Are you okay? I guess the alcohol was a little much for you at the moment." Picking up the two empty glasses the tall male looked at the other, the spirits tale was dripping wet now but at least the man was clean instead of the mess that had presented himself in front of his door a few hours before. "Would you like something to eat? It might make you feel better, or I can show you to a bedroom if you would prefer to sleep for now." He really didn't want the other to get ill so soon after arriving having so rarely entertained guests, and the ones he had were always drinking and socialising at parties, he didn't really know what the male would want at the moment. He ran a hand through his hair letting out a light sigh, for all his years he was still pretty pathetic.

[Key-Tokki]

Natsume heard the other and made the mistake of glancing over at the other as he rose from the tub, the flush across his cheeks growing steadily as he took in the other male once again. Somehow he just could not get enough of the other, every different angle, every different way the light hit him, all seemed to just enhance his appearance. His tail shook itself lightly, trying to dispell any water that still clung to it. He had admired this man since he was so young, and now he just sat in the bath with him, as though it were an average thing. A smile crossed his lips as he thought back to how proud his parents were when he first received the invitation. Hell, he remembered how excited he had been, for nearly two days he could not keep still.

 

Bouncing around his small home as though he held the excitement of the world on his shoulders. Brushing a hand back through his hair he nodded at the other, as soon as he had gotten out of the steaming water his head had already begun to clear, thankfully. Though usually he would have denied the mans offer for food, he really did not want to face the cold weather outside yet to walk back home, even if the houses were close. Natsume had always been an extremely picky eater, and he was not sure how food from another country was even going to settle yet. But he was going to have to try it eventually, at least if he tried it now there would be someone else for him to eat with.

 

Not much was known about this country, not the type of food it had, or even the severity of the climate were well-known. Those who resided here however, were said to be of what was called the darker generation. Which just meant this was not a district for the weak to go to, power was asserted via dominance, gangs were ramput in the cities, it was the polar oppisite of where he had come from. He thought of the warm breeze that would occationally flow into his room, how calm it felt against his skin. Somehow, the idea of ever feeling so calm and content here when he was alone, seemed like a bit of a stretch. Reaching over he quickly took up a towel, using it to dry out his tail, he smiled slightly as it puffed up from being rubbed with the soft material.

 

He lifted it p to dry off his hair, his ears perking up contently as they clearly enjoyed the treatment as well. Only after he made sure those parts were properly dry did he pat himself off before wrapping the towel around himself and walking over to where is clothes were laying. If he put them back on they would likely just drip all over Koizume beautiful home, so he simply held the lump of clothing against his chest before turning back to the raven haired male and spoke, "It is getting pretty late here and I fell asleep on the trip here so didn't get a chance to eat yet. I would appriciate it, i'll make sure to pay you back for the trouble." He added, and he meant it. He was sent here to work, not to play, it would not make him look like a very respective person to have his boss baby him like he was. Though it did make him happy, a bit of him had been worried that the man who hired him was going to be cruel. But it did not seem to be the case in the slightest, relief washed over him as he smiled to the other, ready to follow him.

[Nyuchanxx]

Koizume let the other dry himself off, averting his gaze so not to make the other feel awkward he reached down and picked up his book switching the two glasses into one hand so he could hold everything, his clothes he left hung on the peg, he would return for them at a later point for the moment he couldn't carry any more without the risk of dropping something and he would probably drop the glasses since they were prone to breaking.

 

"You don't need to pay me back, I was going to invite you for dinner anyway since it had slipped my mind to order any food for you." As the other male stood up and faced him again Koizume offered him a small smile, he understood the tension the other felt after all they had just met but he didn't want this male to feel tense and jumpy around him like most people were. "Although I don't know how good my cooking will be it's been a while." He commented before suddenly realising his mistake and laughing trying to compensate for his slip he continued "I don't entertain much and then it's just parties after a book release so I am used to my own tastes." He cursed himself, normally he wasn't so oblivious as to make such an amateur mistake. He hoped the other didn't notice. It had been an awfully long time since he had cooked though after all he didn't need to eat food as humans do it was just a luxury if he desired it; normally he would rather write than waste time on food. The last time he had cooked was when she occupied this house too. How long ago was that? He couldn't remember.

 

He noticed the other holding his clothes in his arms. The damp and muddy clothes dirtying the tanned chest of the male. For the first time Koizume noticed the ears that poked out from beneath the thick hair, it suited the other well. Remembering himself he quickly led the way out of the room, as he opened the door cool air slammed into them, while he kept the rooms heated he never could see the point in heating a corridor, it was only a means of transport anyway. He turned round saying "Leave your clothes in here, I shall get them cleaned later but for now there are a large array of clothes upstairs from all over the world so you can take your pick from them if you desire." He knew it was weird to have so many clothes especially as a man and today clothes were just throw away items but all the clothes upstairs he had collected over the years, some were ancient and all were hand made and fitted the silks and satins died pure pristine colours and embroidery of the finest quality.

 

Koizume lead them into a large room with a mirror in the centre and sliding wooden doors all around the outside within which was an assortment of clothes arranged perfectly by sex, county and age. Sliding back one of the doors he said "Pick whatever you want, everything right of this one is female clothing though but you can wear whatever you wish as long as you are gentle with the fabrics." He knew it was odd to have female clothing but she had stayed with him back then, although that wasn't the reason he had the female clothes. "There aren't any females here it's just I couldn't bear to see such works of art go to rot, call it an artists compulsion if you will." The cupboard he had opened held the Chinese clothing, from within it he slipped out a Hanfu, he picked out one that wasn't too intricate although still very beautiful. Pulling all his hair over one shoulder Koizume slipped the fabric over his shoulders letting the towel drop from his waist. Turning around he used the mirror to adjust it correctly and tied it around himself pulling the fabric taught. He took his time allowing the other to go through the clothes. He admitted even to him his possessions weren't quite of the normal kind or quantity!

 

What he is wearing:

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[Key-Tokki]

Natsume kept his eyes trained on the floor as the other rose out of the tub, his gaze was carefully averted. Even though the man was being so to him, he was nothing more than an employee and he understood that. He would make sure to think of some new compisitions for the other before he was expected to play, if he was here to do one job, he would at least do what he could, and do it well. Though it was not his place, he could not help but wonder how the man had simply forgotten to order food for him? Even with a pet, you make sure you have a cage, water and food for it before adopting it. Still, this man was now even offering to cook for him, despite the negative start, this trip was somehow already looking up.

 

Even if he froze to death here, he got to come all this way and meet one of his biggest idols, so maybe it was worth it? Most people with fame and wealth were stuck up, arrogant, and mishappen to the world. But Koizume, despite how frightening he might initially seem, was kind to him. The man opened his own to him, offering him whine, a warm bath, clothing, and food. The fox couldn't keep a smile off his face as he found himself, now growing excited for his future time here to come. However the smile dropped a bit at the others words, all alone in this empty house that often? Natsume did not even want to think what he was going to do when he went back over to his house. Sitting by himself, no noise, all alone, the mere idea frightened him, and he found that he was ready to look for any excuse to stay as long as he could here. Not wanting to get on the others nerves or be in the way, but to him, no one wanted to be alone, not truely.

 

Carefully, he set down the clothes where he was instructed to, and followed after the raven haired man. Using his arms to hold up the towel all the while, with a bit of dismay, he note that it was still storming outside. Will that ever let up? He thought to himself, he had been hoping to explore this vast new district in his free time, but at this point is was clear he was probably not goingto have the option. "Female clothing?" He repeated, walking forward and begining to loose through the options, the first thing he noticed was not the beauty of the clothing, but the feel. They all felt so soft, so silky, it was clear that they were a higher quality than we had ever worn before. Finding a simple black one with characters on it, he carefully took it and pulled it on. Feeling instantly better already, and he certainly looked better. Now clean, warm and relaxed. Once again, a flush spread over his cheeks as he looked at the other. The beautiful garmet suiting him nicely. "Do you need help preparing dinner then?" He asked, desperately needing a distraction.

[Nyuchanxx]

Koizume shut the cupboards gently letting his fingers trail down the intricately carved wood feeling the indentations and the smoothness of it. He had no idea what to cook, his home was always stoked with food even if he didn't eat it but what would this male want to eat? "You don't have to I don't mind cooking but if you want something to do then that would be lovely." He walked towards the door not bothering to put any shoes on, he hated to wander around a house with shoes on anyway, it was only when he had the words falling of the tip of his tongue and he couldn't wait the time it took to remove his shoes for fear the light words would float away in the wind or freeze in the cool air losing their passion and heat.

 

Opening the door to the kitchen the tall male searched for ingredients. Getting a large cod from the fridge he placed it on a board and started to fillet it, his hands delicately removing the bones with precision. "there are carrots and onions in the fridge as well, would you mind cutting them up?" He asked as he worked. His hair was starting to annoy him now. Usually in his own company he had it tied back if there was a chance of it getting in his way but with others in the room he couldn't do such a thing he had learnt long ago trust was something that did not come cheaply and when it did it always cost you dearly later. He scowled as his hair slipped in front of his eyes again, the delicate strands almost falling into the gutted fish. With his wrist so as not to dirty it with his hands he pushed it back although it would only fall again a few moments later.

 

When he finished he oiled a pan and put it on the stove to heat before going and washing his hands and binning the debris. As he continued to work he thought of plot twists and endings for his novels, occasionally he would think of something and turn to the circular table that occupied the centre of the room picking up the fountain pen that lay there and noting something down in tall flowing writing before replacing the lid and returning to the cooking. By the time he was cooking the rice he had filled an entire page with compact notes along with the occasional diagram.

[Key-Tokki]

Natsume watched the other for a minute, even he was beginning to feel stalkerish at this point, simply spending way to much time looking at the other male. Readjusting his own black clothing, he brushed it off nervously. He had never worn something so well made and soft, it felt amazing against his skin. He wanted to put on the socks that came with the outfit as well, but somehoe felt that it would detract from the look, so instead, followed after the other barefoot. His naked feet making light padding sounds as he rushed to catch up to Koizume, falling into stride behind the other man happily. There was definetly something about the man that screamed regal. He almost felt like it would be breaking some sort of unspoken law to walk next to the other, like somehow he was simply not worthy.

 

Though despite that, he still firmly believed that all parties were equal, no one man was better or worse than any other man. The ideals conflicted within him somehow, as he came to a stop in Koizume's kitchen. Smiling at the opportunity to help, he completely neglected to mention what a truly terrible cook he actually was. He usually just went out to get food or someone made it for him if he was hungry, everyone knew what a danger he was to have in the kitchen, everyone but Koizume. The young fox nodded to the other, making his way carefully over to the fridge before opening it, eyes widening at the vast array of ingredients that were displayed before him. Rooting around for a few minutes, he stood back, now with the vegitable in his arms, closing the door carefully with his foot before making his way over to the counter and setting it down.

 

The carrots did not go to badly, though they all ended up being different sizes and he had forgotten to peel them first but he figured as long as they were cut it was all fine. But when he got to the onions it was a different matter, he managed to make it through most of the onion without crying, but it quickly began to burn his eyes, and to fix it he tried to wipe them cclean with the same hands he used on the onion. His eyes stung and were watering, but he was proud that at least he had finished the task he was assigned to, using one hand to continue to wipe his eyes, he used the other to push the chopping board that held the carrots and onions closer to the other male while trying to get his eyes under control. "There you go, sorry if it's a mess but there cut." The slight smile spread over his mouth despite his stinging eyes, he had never chopped an onion befroe so he was glad that he thought it went sucessful.

[Nyuchanxx]

Koizume looked up from a note he was making as the other spoke. He noticed the male running his eyes, they were watering and going a slight tint of red. "Thank you, you should wash you hands you will irritate your eyes if you keep rubbing them." He said slightly baffled that a person could not know that but then he guessed few people these days cooked for themselves. Returning he pushed the carrot and onion in with the fish adding spices and small amounts of different liquids.

 

When the rice finally finished cooking Koizume split the cod fill it in two and plated the food up as he finished he sliced a lemon and sprinkling parsley on top he arranged the lemon so it was almost framing the fish. Carrying both plates to the table the male pulled the silver cutlery from a draw and set it down neatly. "I hope it's to your liking, the flavours aren't too strong so it should help ease you into Russian food." Turning the male fetched two glasses filled with sparkling water, normally you would have white wine with fish but the other probably didn't want any more alcohol so this would be fine.

 

With elegant fingers Koizume ate he food. It had been so long since he had eastern food like this the chnage was surprisingly pleasant. Finishing his mouthful he attempted to make casual conversation although it sounded a little forced, he knew little of how to make meaningless conversation since he was always looking for reactions, lies, tell tale signals. It help with ones writing to be able to write observable reactions, helped to bring characters to life. But still he would try not to for he was aware that it might make the other feel pinpointed and under scrueteny which was not Koizumes objective at all. "What do you think of this country then?" He asked genuinely interested.

[Key-Tokki]

Only after Natsume was certain that the other got the food he had cut up, did he agree to go wash off his hands. Making a note to never cut any onions again, as he then carefully washed out his eyes, continuing until he was certain that all any remnants of onion was gone from both. He turned back towards the other and stood just outside of touching range of the other food that Koizume was preparing, not wanting to brush his tail against any of it and ruin it in the process. His eyes were wide and interested and his was swifting back and fourth in no particular pattern as he continued to watch he foreigner prepare the food, though he supposed in this situation,he was actually the foreigner.

 

He watched as the raven haired male began to zest the fish, he had never understood why people put so much effort and time into cooking something that was just going to be eaten in a matter of minutes. Adding all the spices, and extra flavours, and especially decorations. In the end, you were just going to end up shoving it in your mouth, so he saw little need for all of the extra preperation. Though he did have to admit, that whatever Koizume was doing to that fish, was making it smell absolutely amazing. Since he could not do much else to help, he picked up all the uensils that the other was done with and brought them over to the sink, carefully washing them off, before responding to Koizume's remark.

 

"You put a lot of effort into it, and it smells and looks amazing, so I a certain to like it." Even if he did not like it, he was prepared to eat the entire thing, no matter how much he was given. Koizume had taken the time to make him food, and had put in the thought of what Natsume was going to like and what he might not, so he almost felt obligated to enjoy it. Making his way over to the table, he sat down, picking up his fork and taking a cautious bite. To his delight, it had turned out amazing. It was not over powering in the least, nor was it to bland, and he had never actually been a fan of fish before, so was beyond a little shocked at how good it was. He was even more surprised that Koizume had known how to make it, to Natsume, he seemed like a man that would have an entire kitchen staff to wait on his ever need and desire. He continued to eat, making sure not to do so to quickly, as he really thought about the others question. "Well, I think it is a given that I think it is a bit cold here." Letting out a light laugh he continued, "Despite how stormy it looks, I think that this country has a certain, wild beauty to it. Like a wild, untamable animal almost. So far, the food tastes amazing, and everyone, that being you, has been extremely nice and welcoming so as long as I can get used to the weather here I am certain I will love it." Thinking back to the area he had been driven to on his way home from the shuttle port, he added. "There seem to be a lot of gangs here, is it unsafe to walk after dark?" On the drive, he had seen many huddles of what seemed to be extremely tough, and intimidating men, what he could only assume were the cities gangs.

[Nyuchanxx]

Koizume nodded glad that his cooking had been satisfactory. This had been the first meal he had cooked for her too all those years ago. He hoped this wasn't as much of a mistake. It pleased him to know that this area wasn't completely terrible for the smaller male, after all it was a very drastic move from such a temperate climate to one of such harsh conditions, few would have agreed. "It's fine during the day but I wouldn't recommend going out at night if you aren't a very good fighter and even then it could be best for you to carry a knife. Especially for people like you." He was simply being factual, he didn't mean to be offensive by his last comment it was simply that someone who looked as weak and such easy prey was more likely to be targeted than someone such as himself who had already proved himself to be a person not to mess with although every so often he had to reassert that dominance so the people remembered it.

 

He hated the violence around here. It was one of the few things he really despised about the area. Everything else was perfect: the cold weather, the slow pace, the beautiful buildings and the mountainous scenery. It encouraged his writing although there were many times where he travelled abroad to get a fell for certain places but he always came back to this place, it was just the right slow paced, predictable atmosphere., He no longer cared for the unpredictable. Too dangerous. "If you wish to go out at some point let me know and I can take you around and show you where everything is." He offered gently not wanting the other to feel like he was being pushy but he didn't want the fox spirit to be taken adrift by some kind words by a stranger, he was new in town and therefore an easy target, establishing that they were connected early on would be the wisest move that way he would be safe.

 

Placing his cutlery together the tall male sipped his water. He hadn't finished everything but it was a slight shock to his system to suddenly be eating so he didn't want to be ill because of it. Outside the wind was still crying and the snow was attempted to comfort his mistress, covering her in a soft blanket as she wept into his arms. Such was what he imagined anyway. The snow only cared for the woman he loved and yet Miss Wind never would acknowledge his feelings but still whenever she cried he would feel sorry for her and when it was cold enough for him to he would hold her in his arms even if his surrounding suffered due to his love for her. But her sorrow never ceased and his love never faded.

 

The weather was so vast and varied he often found himself disappearing into a world where the weather was personified each element a person with doubts, fears, sorrows and overall happiness. He often wondered whether he should write a novel based on this idea. But he doubted it would sell. No one stops for long enough in a day to consider things that are a hindrance and everyone complains about the weather no matter where you live it is a generic trait of the living to complain about that which you can not change. Maybe he would write it for himself one day. He smiled thinking about it. It was the first smile that had reached his eyes all day. The first real smile.

[Key-Tokki]

Natsume frowned slightly, looking from the others face to his plate. A knife? Would someone really get so violent that a knife would be needed? Having to use a knife on someone was certainly not something he signed up for, actually, he did, thinking back he remembered all the paper work he had been asked to fill out and was sure that there was probably something in it about his personal saftey when dealing with the natives here. Glancing down at himself, he did agree that he would be at more than a slight dispisition. If he got cornered outside, they could literally just make him stand there until he froze. He wasn't extremely short, but he was also no where near tall, and unlike the natives of this land, he had an extra limb. His tail seemed to speed up it's occasional flicking and flittering about, as though it sensed the danger presented to it. Bringing his attention back to his food, he continued to eat, still determined not to waste any of the food that was made.

 

Glancing from the excelently prepared fish, to the sparkling water, which he enjoyed simply because of how fun it felt in his mouth, back up to Koizume, he found himself at a loss. He seemed once again, in another world, but not instead of just that distant look in his eyes, there was a smile. It was small, and soft, but something about it was endeering, and he couldn't help but smile as well, it was clearly contagious. Somehow, he knew that the man didn't smile often, so he felt almost honored to get to be here when he did. Natsume wanted to ask him what he was smiling for, but somehow felt that if he said something then the moment would be ruined, so only after a few minutes did he finally reply to the others comments. "I shouldn't have to go out to often, but I can't exactly come bother you every time I am out of food or to cold or anything like that, so it would probably be good for me to get around and learn my way. If I can just make a friend or two I won't have to bug you so often."

 

Even saying that though, he couldn't imagine making many friends here, everyone seemed so distand and cold, like they had melded with the climate around them. Sighing to himself, he finished his food and set his head on the table, completely lost in his own thought and forgetting his place. This was supposed to be the adventure of a life time for him, and he seemed like he ws going to spend most of his time alone, afraid to even step a foot outside. Koizume was being brilliant to him, but he was his boss, there was no way the other would actually consider him a compaion. He was nothing more than basically a bought intrsument, and he had accepted that before even stepping on the shuttle. His ears were dropping slightly as was his tail, however a sudden rush of wind outside brought him to attention and he remembered where he was.

 

Sitting up so fast that he almost fell out of the chair he readjusted himself, not even wanting to think about how rude he probably seemed after that. Reaching over, he took the others plate, and his own quietly before heading towards the sink with them. "I'll wash these, thank you, really. The meal was amazing, and much better than anything I could have made." Letting out a nervous laugh he set the plates in the sink before walking back to the table and speaking again, "It's getting pretty late today, but any other time you are free I would really appreciate it if you could run me into town so I can pick up the necessities, like maybe a thicker skin." He tried to joke but even to him the humour felt dry as he reached up and rubbed the back of his head nervously.

[Nyuchanxx]

Koizume was jerked out of his kind by the sudden movement of the man next to him. He was going to have to get used to the others presence he kept forgetting about it and dissapearing into his own mind. He just couldn't help it, when one has been alone so long it is difficult to draw oneself back into reality.

 

He was glad that the other accepted his offer, he wasn't entirely convinced he was being a very good host but hopefully he wasn't an entirely bad one either. "I look forward to showing you my town then." He said his voice soft and silky. It was getting rather late now though, not long ago the clock had chimed eleven so by this point it must be nearing half past although Koizume couldn't remember if the clock at chimed the quarter or not.

 

He looked at Mizakari, it was very kind for him to wash up, he hasn't expected it of the other so was entirely grateful for the thoughtfulness. He watched the males back noticing the bushy tail that swished back and forth as he worked. Did it seem a little agitated? It wouldn't be surprising having just been thrown into a strange land and being told that actually it was dangerous as well.

 

"Would you like me to make you a bed? I fear you might freeze if you go outside again or get lost in the snow everything looks the same when draped in snows white blanket if you aren't used to it. Besides its warm here and all the rooms have fireplaces if you so desire it lit." He really didn't want Mizakari to walk back alone and since the wood burners hadn't been lit in the house it would be cold and even more so to a person used to the warmth. He wanted the male to feel comfortable around him although he knew that was a tall order he wasn't of the most accommodating types, more due to his lack of practise than any real desire to be alone.

[Key-Tokki]

Natsume looked from the male to his own clothing, as he considered his offer. He had already made the man put up with so much, he certainly was not going to make him do anything more. "No, that's alright i'm sure I c-." The white haired male was cut off when a sudden, harsh wind kicked up, it sounded like a dull roar even from inside. His head drooped in defeated as he made his way back over to the table and sat back in his seat before rewording what he had tried to say a moment ago.

 

"Actually, I think I would really appriciate staying here tonight. To be honest, I have no idea how to even light the fire places in my home, so I am going to have to take you up on that offer." Despite his not wanting to intrude to much on the other man, he was a bit relieved that he was invited to stay longer. If he went home right now, not only would he have to walk through the freezing weather but he would then have to figure out how to light the damn fires and then he would have to wait for them to heat up the house which could take as much as 6 hours to heat completely.

 

Still, the fact that Koizume had invited him to stay to make sure he was comfortable couldn't help but bring a smile to Natsume's face. Even if it was clear that he and this man could not be friends, he was greatful to have such a kind and thoughtful new boss. He knew that he could very well have gotten someone that was a complete ingrate and hostile, and with his luck that is what he thought might happen. But this writer had beyond exceeded his hopes and expectations.

 

Most other people probably would have just thrown a spare blanket at him at best and then sent him back home without a second thought. But this man had more than just opened his doors, he had fed, bathed and clothed him and now was going to shelter him for the night. Reaching over he picked up his glass once again before finishing off his drink as well, it was the quiet moments in between there conversation that made him keep thinking about the loneliness here. If he had not come by, what would Koizume be doing? "You are by yourself like this a lot, right? It's so quiet, if you aren't writing and focused, I could easily see someone looking there mind in a place like this." He spoke, not trying to be offensive, but he was actually curious as to what the other did all day, every day.