Title: Not Fair
Fandom: Natsume Yuujinchou
Characters: Natsume Takashi and Nyanko-sensei (in human form)
Prompt: #66 - Rain
Word Count: 491
Rating: PG
Summary: Secret kisses can hurt sometimes.
Author's Notes: My first attempt at the ultimate fanfic challenge. If male x male offends you, please don't read. Thank you!
It was raining again. Natsume didn't particularly hate the rain, but it was troublesome to get home in this kind of weather. Unfortunately, he forgot to bring his umbrella that day, so it was even worse. He didn't complain, though. He never did, actually.
All right... Let's go. He gave himself another encouraging mental nudge, and pulled his school jacket over his head to keep the damage to the minimal. However, he already knew he'd get home soaking wet, and Tohko-san would worry over him and direct him to the bath immediately. It was a nice feeling to have someone care for him; though he still couldn't believe, or rather, he wouldn't believe he had a family of sorts, because he didn't want to be disappointed. He'd been hurt plenty of times in his life already, so that was only natural.
He ran half-heartedly. Even if I ran quicker, the fact that I'll be drenched won't change.
His clothes slowly absorbed water, the moisture reaching his skin. He shuddered. Still, the rain felt somehow pleasant; it made his nerves relax after a long day. The streets were almost empty; the people took shelter in their homes. Only a few hurried toward their destination under gray and unfriendly umbrellas, frowning at the unpleasant situation and cursing their luck.
Natsume noticed a man standing under an umbrella in the distance; he slowed down and watched the man turn around and look at him.
The umbrella was colorful; it was bright yellow with azure stars and circles. The mirthfulness of the situation made the boy smile.
The two met halfway in the pouring rain; one soaking wet, the other dry and sheltered from the rain.
''It suits you, Sensei. The umbrella.''
''Come.'' He held out his hand to him. Natsume accepted the offered help, and stepped under the umbrella, sharing the shelter with the white-haired man.
Their shoulders and bodies pressed against each other; Natsume could feel Madara's heartbeat. The boy's shivering body found peace by the man's side; the warmth spread to him slowly. He felt at ease. The curtain of rain enveloped them in a calm, peaceful shell.
Nyanko suddenly stopped to embrace him. He held him close to his heart. ''Sensei...'' – Was all the boy could say.
The man shook his head slowly. ''It's okay.'' He kissed the boy gently. It was meant to be sweet and soothing, but Natsume's thoughts bittered it.
After their mouths parted, they continued walking home, now hand in hand.
This is not fair, Sensei. Exchanging kisses only when nobody sees us... If only I could tell the whole world how much I love you. Only you.
