Hi, everyone. So this is going to be a Christmas fic for Natsume and Natori. Because they're cute together. I was originally going to make this a one-shot but then I decided that it was too long to be a one-shot so instead I'm making it a two-shot... possibly a three-shot. I just didn't count on so much exposition but... hey, that's future fics for you. So yes, this is a future fic becuase Natsume would never drink under the age. So I'm not confident but I think that the drinking age in Japan is 19... so there you go. Also I'm not really sure about what Japanese culture thinks of Christmas so I'll probably Americanize it to mean spending time with family, friends, and loved ones.

So anyway, please enjoy! oh, and I'd like to send a special Merry Christmas to all of my Problem on Set! readers! You guys are awesome!

Natori took another sip of his peppermint martini. He was sitting on his comfy chair in the living room of his expansive apartment in Tokyo watching the fireplace. It was the day before Christmas Eve and Natori was enjoying a quiet night of relaxation… alone.

While Natori preferred to be alone most of the time he hadn't really wanted to be alone at a time so close to Christmas. Not that he could do much about it. His manager had been working him to the bone these last couple of days and nights dragging him to photo-shoot after commercial-shooting after photo-shoot. He was happy to just relax with his less than masculine drink but he wished there was something else… maybe someone else… someone to cuddle with… someone with blonde hair to cuddle with… preferably a male someone with blonde hair to cuddle with…

Oh, who was he kidding. He wanted Natsume to be there with him so they could cuddle like other couples would be doing around this time of year.

He really missed the boy. Well, technically Natsume wasn't quite a boy anymore. He was a young man now. Living away from home in the dorms at university taking on some regular grown up responsibilities by himself. Grown-up Natsume had been working his cute little butt off studying hard to get a degree in Human Development and Family Studies in order to become a family therapist. Could he be more of a saint?

But thankfully, Natsume had chosen a university in Tokyo. At least, Natori was thankful. Sometimes on the off chance that both of their busy schedules would allow it, Natori would meet up with Natsume for lunch. Sometimes they would talk about things that were related to youkai and other times they would talk about things that weren't related to youkai. But more often than not Natsume would talk about Touko and Shigeru.

He'd talk about Touko being beside herself with worry that Natsume would just grow up and make his own path in life and completely forget about them. While Natsume had assured her that that would never ever happen, Touko had made Natsume promise to come home on weekends when he didn't have a lot of work to do and to call at least three times a week.

Natori remembered that beautiful ear-to-ear smile on Natsume's face as he told him about when sometimes he forgets to call Touko will call him instead and scold him for forgetting. Natori remembered wondering at Natsume's fondness for his foster parents when any other kid his age would've complained about them being too overprotective and annoying.

And since it was a big city, there weren't as many youkai hanging around which gave Natori a greater peace of mind. Back when he had first met the boy, Natsume would always get himself into dangerous situations with ayakashi.

However, he hadn't been able to see Natsume lately. Whenever he would ask him out for lunch this past week, Natsume politely but firmly declined saying that he needed all the time in the world to study for finals that he had that week. But Natsume should be done with classes by now…

Maybe I could call him up and we could meet somewhere… he thought.

But then he quickly dismissed that idea because he didn't know of a place that was open this late at night that they could meet up. And plus it's kind of sketchy to ask someone out this late at night because then it wouldn't be "just to meet up." It would be a date.

Not that Natori had anything against that. He'd often entertained the idea of asking Natsume to go on an official date with him. He'd show Natsume a high-class time with a five-star restaurant, red wine of a perfect year, and love-making that only a gentleman like him could give him… that's of course after they leave the restaurant and get cozy by the fireplace.

Natori got tingly just thinking about it… or maybe that was just the drink. No, couldn't be. He'd only had one of these so far.

But he probably shouldn't be thinking about Natsume at the moment because it only increased the loneliness he felt. He sighed outwardly.

"What the hell are you sighing about?" came a voice next to him.

Natori looked down to see Natsume's cat youkai settled down on the plush carpet staring at the fireplace along with him. When Natsume had first broken the news that he'd be going to college in Tokyo, Nyanko-sensei had insisted on going with him. But pets weren't allowed in the dorms and that's where all freshmen were required to stay.

So Natori out of the goodness of his heart and totally not to rack up some brownie points, told Natsume that since they'd be living closer together Nyanko-sensei could stay in his apartment while Natsume was at school.

At that particular moment in time he'd told himself it was a good idea because Natsume had given him a beautiful smile and said a heartfelt, "Thank you." However, as the weeks dragged on Natori had been seriously reconsidering his offer. The cat did nothing but eat all of his food and drink all of his good wine and sake. It would pester him about getting too "chummy" with Natsume.

Not to mention the constant bickering between the cat and his own servant Urihime. Sometimes even the great acting abilities that he had couldn't keep him from yelling at the two to keep it down. Urihime would hang her head in shame like a good servant would but that fat cat would give him the evil eye and shout back. Natori had a quick solution to that though. The next time Natori had seen Natsume, the actor told Natsume how troublesome the cat was in so many words. Natsume instantly scolded Nyanko-sensei for causing Natori trouble. When the young man had said that, Natori preened just the tiniest bit. He thought in smug triumph, That's right. I'm Natsume's favorite. After a couple instances of this, Nyanko-sensei no longer fought back at him and would instead waddle away muttering something about how it had only wasted his time.

Currently he answered the cat's question. "Oh, nothing, Kitty. Just feeling a little sorry for myself I guess."

Nyanko-sensei gave him a haughty look and harrumphed. Natori couldn't tell if that was permission to go on or kitty's way of saying shut the hell up.

But Nyanko-sensei surprised him and asked, "Is it because Natsume is out at a party with his friends instead of fawning over you?"

"No, that's not it."

That's right. Natori had forgotten that Natsume was meeting up with his friends from high school and his new friends from college for a party. Natori would never in a million years admit that he's a jealous person since the thought never crossed his mind. But that never stopped a sharp pang in his heart and stomach whenever Natsume would say hi to someone that he didn't know.

He was happy for Natsume. He made friends more easily now. Natori can only recall a hand full of times when he was out to lunch with Natsume and the boy hadn't briefly talked with or waved at anybody he knew. And whether they were boys or girls, Natsume's friends' eyes would light up at just the look of him and they'd come bounding over to chat a little bit with Natsume. Their chats never lasted long though. They'd only talk about assignments or their professors and then they'd go on their merry way.

Which is good because if they'd stay any longer, I wouldn't know what I would do.

Natori would never hurt anyone especially another human but that isn't to say that he couldn't come up with several different passive aggressive ways to make a fool out of someone he didn't like. Especially if they were trying to flirt with his Natsume.

Young people these days had absolutely no shame and that went for both guys and girls. Most guys that would come to talk to Natsume were just friendly. But there were some of them that he'd wanted to punch in the teeth for the way they leered at Natsume. Their eyes would linger places that they shouldn't be. And what really pissed him off was that they would stare at the exact same things that Natori himself would stare at if he weren't able to control himself. Places like Natsume's neck, his legs, even between his legs were all fair game as far as some of Natsume's "friends" were concerned.

Natsume never seemed to notice that extra special attention that he'd get. But sometimes Natsume would shift his look from pleasant to pleasant with a spark of unpleasant that would make you uncomfortable if the looks would go on too long. And more often than not the lechers would get the idea and excuse themselves. Natori liked to think that Natsume picked up that subtle expression change from him. And sometimes, if those barbarians hadn't gotten the hint already, Natsume would say with the utmost politeness something like, "It was really good to see you, whatsyourface. I'm having lunch with someone right now so I'll see you later in class, okay?"

Natori felt all warm inside just thinking about it.

"Hello? Earth to Useless Human? If you're having creepy thoughts about Natsume again, I'll just leave."

Natori chuckled. While still gazing into the fireplace he said, "Well you better get going then because I'm having plenty of creepy thoughts about Natsume at the moment." He even went as far as to lick his lips.

Nyanko-sensei made a thoroughly disgusted "Hurk!" noise. Then putting on a sour face he waddled away grumbling, "Eww. Why are you such a creepy brat? I disapprove."

Natori actually let himself laugh at that and said, "It's not about disapproving or approving. They're my own thoughts and I'm entitled to them… as long as I keep them to myself, everyone should be fine."

It's true though. I can think about Natsume however or whatever I want. As long as I don't try to make them a reality it should all be for the best.

Sure, he wanted to date Natsume. He thought the young man was sweet, loyal and handsome. What more would you want in a guy? But he'd always felt awkward somehow about the idea.

When Natsume had first moved to Tokyo, Natori had called him practically every other day with the intention of asking Natsume out. That's how their lunch "dates" had started. Secretly, within the safety of his own head, Natori still would think of them as dates. But he never actually said the word "date" so it wasn't anything official. It was just his headcanon. Plus, he doubted that Natsume would ever think of him more than a friend. So lunch it would be and so it would stay never to turn into anything remotely considered a "date."

Natori got up from his chair and made his way into the kitchen. He had decided to drown his loneliness away with as much peppermint liquor and vodka as possible. That is, until the phone rang.

He went over to the phone and answered, "Hello?"

From the other end he could hear someone's breaths coming out in shivers.

Slightly alarmed Natori spoke again this time a bit louder, "Hello?"

"Na-Natori-san?"

It was Natsume's voice. Natori's worried mode kicked into over-drive.

"Natsume? Are you okay? Why are you calling me so late? What's going on?"

After a while, Natsume answered but would hiccup practically every other word. And was he slurring his words together?

"Natori-san? Could *hic* could you come *hic* get me?"

Come get him?

"Sure, Natsume. But are you alright? Where are you?"

"*hic* I'm fine… I just *hic*… didn't want to *hic* stay at the party anymore."

"Oh… um, okay. Just tell me where you are and I'll come get you, kay?"

"Kay, I'm…"

There was a pause. Natori started to really get worried.

"Natsume, you still there?"

There was a hiccup in response.

He was a little relieved. But not quite ready to completely relax.

"Natsume, could you tell me where you are?"

"Umm… I'm on a bench… *hic* umm…"

A terrible thought struck Natori.

"Natsume, do you not know where you are?"

He got back an angry and a little too loud response.

"What kind of *hic* question was that? Of *hic* course I know where I am. I'm in Tokyo!"

"Umm… Natsume, Tokyo's a big city. Could you be a little more specific please? It'll be really hard to find you if you can't."

"Ummm…. *hic*"

This wasn't helping anything. Natori switched tactics.

"Are there any street signs anywhere? Or stores around? That would help a lot."

"Oh, there's a *hic* restaurant across from me. *hic*"

"Uh-huh. What's the restaurant called?"

"The sign says, 'Kaiten Family Restaurant'."

Natori let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He knew where that restaurant was.

"Okay. Good. I'm on my way over, okay? But don't move. I'll see you soon."

And just as he was about to hang up, Natsume yelled into the phone, "Wait!"

Slightly taken aback, Natori answered, "Yes?" Have I ever heard him yell like that before?

There was a pause where all Natori could here were Natsume's hiccups. Then the young man said with a little more quaver in his voice, "Don't *hic* don't hang up… *hic* could you stay on the li-*hic* line with me?"

"Why? Is there someone nearby who's following you or something?"

"*hic* no. I just *hic* I don't want you to hang up… and… I guess *hic* I'm a little scared. Onl*hic* only a little though…" he tacked the last statement on at the end a little indignantly as if he knew Natori would question him.

If Natori hadn't been considerate toward Natsume's pride as a man he would've practically melted and a long "Awww" would've slipped passed his lips.

Natsume, you're adorable.

"Alright, I'll stay on the line with you until I get there."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

A few minutes later, Natori was driving down the street where the restaurant was located.

"Natsume, I'm close so don't worry, okay?"

"I'm-I'm not worried. *hic*"

"Of course not."

He pulled in right in front of the restaurant. He put the car in park and got out. He just barely registered that it was snowing.

"Okay, I'm here. You said that you were across the street?"

"Yeah. *hic* I see you."

Natori turned toward the other side of the street and saw a shock of blonde hair.

He practically ran across the street.

"Natsume! You're okay, right?"

"Yes, yes *hic* I'm totally fine."

But when Natori got closer he noticed several things that were not "fine" about Natsume. One, Natsume looked extremely cold. He was only wearing a red sweater, black trousers and those adorable high tops he wears. But such an outfit doesn't protect someone as skinny as Natsume from the bitter cold. Especially when it was snowing. Second, Natsume's face was completely red. That probably wasn't from the cold because his face was really red. Also he seemed to stagger a bit.

"Natsume, are you sure you're alright?"

Natsume looked a little annoyed at the question. Then he answered, quite loudly, "What do you mean *hic* am I alright? Of course I *hic* am. Why do you keep asking me that?"

Natori, with his amazing skills of deduction, put together the facts that Natsume was flushed, Natsume was staggering, Natsume didn't have a coat on, Natsume was slurring his speech and that Natsume was supposed to have come from a party.

"Natsume… are you drunk?"

"What? Noooo…." Natsume seemed to think that it was so wrong of a statement that he had to over emphasize how wrong it was.

"Alright, how much did you have to drink at the party?"

Natsume swayed a little. His eyes strayed from Natori's face up and away in obvious contemplation. Then he looked down at his hands as he tried to tick off how many he had.

"I had *hic* a few glasses of Eggnog and that has alcohol in it, right?"

Natori nodded.

"And… I think that's it… *hic*"

"Natsume, having a few glasses of Eggnog can't get you this drunk."

Natsume sent another one of his annoyed glares at Natori. Then he slowed his speech down either because he was patronizing Natori and seemingly spelling it out for a stupid person or he was slowing his speech so he could articulate better and seem less drunk. Maybe it was both.

"I know. And I've only had a few glasses of Eggnog so I can't be dru*hic*nk."

Natori looked at him with a little bit of annoyance of his own. "Natsume, you've had to have had something else besides just Eggnog. Wasn't there anything else you drank? Maybe that wasn't alcoholic?"

"Ummm… Well I drunk some *hic* apple cider…"

Natori mentally face-palmed. "That's alcoholic, Natsume."

Natsume puffed out his chest like he was some kind of offended bird and said, "No it*hic* it's not. It's like apple juice."

Natori rubbed his temples. "Okay, okay. Let's just go before you freeze to death. And also, where is your coat, Natsume?"

"I… I don't know…" Natsume looked at the ground. He seemed to be embarrassed about it. But the poor kid was freezing.

"How long have you been out here, Natsume?"

The young man wrapped his arms around himself and slurred out, "I *hic* I don't know… I tried to find my coat, but *hic* I couldn't. I think it had the key to *hic* to my dorm."

With each sentence Natsume became increasingly more upset until his eyes threatened to overflow with tears.

"And-and, I still *hic* I still had my cell phone so I *hic* I called you and-and I *hic* I don't know how to get back. *hic* so I called you…"

Natori hated to see Natsume cry. His heart would break instantly and he'd do or say anything to keep Natsume from crying.

So Natori shimmied out of his coat and wrapped it around Natsume. Then he started rubbing Natsume's arms trying to warm him up and also comfort him.

"It's okay, Natsume. It's alright. How about this? You can stay over at my place tonight then tomorrow we'll come back and look for your coat, okay?"

Natsume sniffled. "Really?"

Natori gave him a reassuring smile and said, "Yes, absolutely. We'll look until we find it tomorrow. But now's not a good time to look because it's dark and cold and you're probably tired. After you're nice and warm and rested you'll probably remember where you left it and then we'll go and get it. And in the meantime I'll fix you a nice hot cup of cocoa. Okay?"

Natsume seemed extremely relieved with that bit of information. The obviously tipsy boy gave him the warmest smile and said, "Okay."

"Good. Let's get going."

But before Natori could turn around and start making his way over to the car, Natsume leaned in and rested his head on the actor's shoulder. Natori stiffened at that. Then stiffened considerably more when Natsume gave his shoulder a few nuzzles.

"I knew I could count on you. You're the best."

Natori felt every inch of his body become much warmer at that statement.

He couldn't help himself from wrapping both his arms around Natsume and bringing him closer. If asked about it tomorrow from a sober Natsume, he would reply that he'd had a few martinis before Natsume called him and had been overcome with relief at the sight of Natsume safe and sound. Which were both true statements but they didn't tell the whole truth.

He just wanted to hold Natsume just because.

Also as he stood there holding Natsume, a thought struck him. He'd always thought that alcohol turned whoever drank it into completely different people. But he found himself hoping that it didn't but instead just lowered inhibitions and allowed their true feelings to come out.

Don't worry my friends there's more where that came from. And also if you are so inclined, tell me what you think. *Christmas kisses*