If you're reading this... Hi, and welcome to my story! Can we be completely honest for a second here? There are NOT enough Yatori stories on FanFiction. I know I'm joining this fandom a little late, but I just LOVE me some Yato and Hiyori. I mean, have you seen them? The back and forth bantering along with their secret love for each other.. I just love it. With that being said, we need more stories of these two amazing characters and I plan to help with that. So, coming at you now is my very first, ever, Noragami story. It is an AU (Alternative Universe) which means some things will be different (like him being a god). However, their sweet and hilarious attitudes will obviously remain the same. Without further to do.. Enjoy!
I do not own Noragami or any of the characters.
Chapter One: Pilot
Hiyori Iki was a lot of things. She was ambitious, hard-working, compassionate, reliable and so much more. While the nineteen year old could be described by every positive adjective in the dictionary, she did have a stubborn side as well. When it came to not understanding a Science assignment or not getting paid enough at her job to buy the shirt she's been dying to have, her bottom lip pokes out, cheeks turn red and eyebrows knit together in frustration. Some would call these type of antics cute, but that was simply Hiyori showing her stubborn side. She didn't do it around others, in fact, she didn't do it around other's at all. The only person who has ever seen her turn red faced and angry was her mother, and it only resulted in her mother bursting into a fit of laughter at how childish she looked. After that, Hiyori kept her stubbornness to herself.
It was Saturday morning, probably around eight o'clock, and Hiyori was packing up the last few boxes of clothes. Today was the day she has been waiting for over the past three years now. She was officially moving into her own place. An apartment building that was a block away from the University she would be attending, starting on Monday. While the University was five hours away from home and she knew she would miss her mother and father dearly, this was a brand new start for her. Thinking of the brand new atmosphere and possible new friendships, the brunette couldn't help but become giddy with excitement. It wasn't that her life was bad at home, in fact, she loved her life. However, the thought of finally becoming an official college student along with having the keys to her own place; she just found everything exciting.
Folding each fabric of clothing and placing it into the cardboard box, Hiyori blew a strand of hair out of her face before smiling gently. That was the last shirt. Closing the box and grabbing the tape from her bedside table, she taped the box shut before standing up and wiping away any dust particles from her jeans. Turning, she glanced back and forth, taking in the sight of her now empty room. It was bittersweet, seeing the bedroom she spent the last nineteen years of her life in being so bare and empty. The painting of the wall was slightly chipped where her bed frame once was, along with certain spots being lightly faded where she had pictures of her family and friends framed up. Taking in one last glance, Hiyori picked up the cardboard box and made her way downstairs, flipping off the light switch as she passed by.
Placing the box down next to the others, Hiyori let out a breath she didn't know she was holding in as she noticed her parents standing in the living room. It was obvious her mother had been crying, again, seeing how her eyes appeared all red and puffy. Plus, the tissue in her hand was an obvious give-away. Her father stood next to her, a hand placed gently on her shoulder as he tried coaxing her that everything would be okay, that their baby-girl was ready to spread her wings and fly. Hiyori felt uneasy leaving them both behind, but like her father just said, she was ready to spread her wings.
"That was the last box" Hiyori spoke up, signaling that she would be leaving soon. She noticed her father squeeze her mother's shoulder gently before walking over to her.
"Sweetheart, I hope you know how proud we are" he said, making Hiyori look up at him and smile.
"I know, dad" she replied, wrapping her arms around him and giving him a tight squeeze. Her dad always had such a warm embrace that she found herself comfortable in. Maybe the popular saying was true, that you always feel safe in your father's arms.
Pulling away, her mother walked up next, pulling her into her arms and squeezing tightly. "Oh, I love you so much, Hiyori. Are you sure you have everything? Toothbrush? Underwear? Hairdryer?"
"Mom.. I-I.. can't.. breath.." Hiyori managed out, gasping for air when her mother quickly let go and covered her mouth.
"Oh, I'm sorry, honey. You know how I am with goodbye's."
Smiling, Hiyori placed a gentle kiss on her mother's cheek. "This isn't really a goodbye, mom. I still promise to call you and dad every night and visit during the holidays. Just see this as a.. See you soon!" Hiyori explained, pointing a finger in the air to emphasize the last part.
Her mother smiled at that, nodding her head. "You're right. I'll see you soon, sweetheart."
And with that, Hiyori Iki was on her way, prepared for the new adventures that life would have to offer her as a college student.
The five hour drive was long, but Hiyori found ways to entertain herself, whether it was singing aloud to the radio or listening to wrestling matches that she had pre-recorded on tape. One she arrived to the apartment complex, the brunette couldn't contain her excitement as she pulled into a parking spot and hopped out of her vehicle. Looking up at the blue sky and inhaling, she smiled at the gentle breeze and aroma of freshly baked goods from the bakery just next door. She would definitely have to buy some coffee and sweets from there on her way to school.
Turning, she made her way to the entrance. Opening the door to the lobby, a little bell at the top of the door rang, signaling her arrival. Hiyori made her way to the front desk where a older woman stood, eyes squinted and glasses hanging from the bridge of her nose. Standing in front of the desk, Hiyori gave the elderly woman a warm smile.
"Good afternoon, ma'am, my name is Hiyori Iki! I called earlier this morning reminding you of my arrival. I think my room number was..."
Quickly digging into her pocket and pulling out the crumbled up piece of paper, Hiyori opened it as her eyes scanned over the written words. "Room number 207."
"Oh, yes, Miss Iki, I remember your call. It is nice to finally meet you. My name is Mrs. Darcy, the owner of this complex" the woman spoke softly, opening up a drawer just below her and pulling out a silver key. Smiling, she handed it over to Hiyori. "This is your key."
Bowing, Hiyori nodded her head. "Thank you very much, Mrs. Darcy!"
"I hope you find yourself at home, darling. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns in the future."
Nodding once more, Hiyori sent a thankful smile towards Mrs. Darcy before making her way back out to her vehicle to get her luggage and boxes. She would definitely be making more than one trip. Thankfully when she checked this place out online, they said it had an elevator, so at least she wouldn't have to carry all her things up a flight of stairs.
Scanning over her items, she decided to carry in her two suitcases first. Pulling both floral bags out of the car and slinging them over her shoulders, she made her way back inside and to the elevator. The complex was rather quiet around this time of the day; Hiyori figured it would be somewhat loud since it was Saturday. Maybe people were at work or still asleep?
Stepping out of the elevator, Hiyori scanned over the room numbers as she walked down the hall, looking for the door that read 207. Taking in the sight of the brightly lit hallway, she tried to ignore the fact that the wallpaper was slightly hideous and very much 70's style. It was obvious Mrs. Darcy hadn't remodeled the place in a while. From the pictures she saw on the website, the actual rooms had different color walls, thank God.
Continuing to make her way down the hall, the nineteen year old let out a sigh of relief when finally discovering her room number. The bags were starting to get heavy. Placing the silver key into the lock and turning it, Hiyori pushed open the door and flipped on the light. It was nothing special or fancy, it looked like your typical apartment, yet Hiyori was in love.
"With the right decorations and furniture, this place will look like a home in no time!"
xxx
A few hours had passed and Hiyori already had a few things settled in. Her bed was made, her clothes were all folded in drawers and hung up in the closet, and she had the desk placed in the corner of her bedroom all set up and decorated with pictures, a potted plant and her laptop. She still had a ton of boxes to go through, along with decorating her living room, kitchen, bathroom and the rest of her bedroom, but for now she was exhausted and really wanted to take a warm bubble bath.
"I guess I should call mom and dad first and let them know how everything is" Hiyori spoke to herself, walking over to her desk and picking up her phone. Dialing her mom's number, she waited as it began to ring.
"Baby girl, is that you?! How is everything? You're not in trouble, are you?!"
Hiyori couldn't help but let out a small laugh as her mom answered her call in a panic. She could hear her dad in the background trying to calm her down and explain that everything was probably okay.
"Mom, mom, I'm fine! I'm just calling to let you and dad know that I arrived a few hours ago. I started unpacking as soon as I got here. I'm sorry that I didn't call you first."
"Oh, honey, that's alright. I'm just glad to hear that you're okay. How is the apartment? Your father wants to know if you've picked up any groceries yet?"
"Not yet. I figured I would just order takeout tonight and go grocery shopping in the morning. However, the apartment is great! Of course it's a little bland as of right now, but I plan to buy a numerous amount of decorations to spice this place up!" Hiyori explained as she made her way to her bed to sit down.
"That's so great, dear. I'm glad you like it. Now, are you sure you don't need anything? Your father told me that you would be fine, but I can't help but worry. Oh! How are your neighbors? Made any new friends yet?"
"Mom, I just got here" Hiyori laughed, shaking her head lightly at her mother's antics. "But I'm sure I'll make some friends soon. Anyways, I'm going to take me a bath before ordering some food. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay, dear! I love you, and your father says he loves you too. Take care, and call us if you need anything."
"I will, mom. Bye-Bye!"
Hanging up the phone, Hiyori rubbed the back of her neck and stretched out her legs before standing up and digging into her wooden dresser for some pajamas. Pulling out a pair of black yoga pants and a baggy, red t-shirt, Hiyori made her way into the bathroom to start her bath.
Starting to water and adding her favorite strawberry scented bubble bath, the brunette began to undress, stepping out of her clothes and into the bathtub, letting out a blissful sigh as her feet came into contact with the warm water. Sitting and making herself comfortable, she sank the rest of the way into the water as soapy bubbles began to form all around her.
"I can definitely get used to this.." Hiyori mumbled, before closing her eyes, letting relaxation take over. The silence took place for about three minutes until a loud bang came from next door, startling the girl as she quickly sat up in the bathtub. Adverting her gaze to the direction the noise came from, Hiyori's eyebrows knitted together in confusion. What the hell was that?
Again, the same loud noise came again, this time making Hiyori a little more curious. Was that coming from her next door neighbor? What the hell were they doing in there? She waited to see if it would happen again, but the noise never came. So, she sunk back down into her sea of bubbles and let relaxation, once again, take over.
She finished her nightly routine about thirty minutes later, throwing her hair up in a messy bun and putting lotion on her hands and feet. Her pajamas were comfortable, her hair was.. okay enough.. Now all she needed was some Chinese food and her blanket as she cuddled up on her couch and watched the new wrestling match. Looking up on her phone the number of a nearby Chinese place, she was just about to dial the number when a loud knock could be heard coming from her door. Placing her phone down, Hiyori figured it was Mrs. Darcy, probably wanting to ask her how everything was so far. Walking over and unlocking the door, Hiyori opened it with a bright smile ready greet Mrs. Darcy, but was taken back when Mrs. Darcy was not standing at her door, but instead, a boy, probably around the same age as her, maybe a little older.
He stood at her doorway, wearing a pair of black jeans and a raven colored t-shirt. He had dark hair that shaped his face almost perfectly, bangs scattered all across his forehead. The one thing Hiyori first took notice of, however, were the color of his eyes. They were a bright blue, almost as if you were staring straight into an ocean, getting lost at sea. The look on his face was somewhat unreadable at first, but when a slow pout formed on his face, Hiyori thought he looked embarrassed as he stuffed his hands roughly into his pockets.
"Uh.." Hiyori finally managed out, looking him up and down. "May I help you?"
"Mrs. Darcy wanted me to come to everyone's door at this floor and apologize for the loud noise earlier.." he mumbled, gazing down at his shoes.
Tilting her head to the side, Hiyori's mouth shaped into a small o before nodding her head. So that's who was making that loud noise earlier.
"It's okay" she smiled, making blue eyes look at her once again. "I'm sure it was an accident. I happen to make them all the time. Loud noises, that is."
Gazing at the brown haired girl in front of him, he did a once-over of her before grinning widely, his bright blue eyes shinning even more if that was physically possible. "Thanks for understanding. I'm Yato, by the way. I live right next door, room 206. Are you new?" He held out his hand for her to shake.
Taking his hand, she smiled. "Hiyori Iki. I actually just moved in today. It's actually kind of nice to meet someone on this floor. I actually haven't gotten around to introduce myself yet. I figured, if anything, I could do that tomorrow."
"Eh, don't sweat it. Half the people on this floor are either old or too stubborn to care. I, on the other hand, appreciate a good, new neighbor. Especially one who doesn't look like she hates her life.." Yato mumbled, before pointing at the door across the hall. "Room 210 is Mr. Harold. He's a real downer and doesn't really talk to anyone. It's best you leave that alone."
"Noted" Hiyori nodded before smiling. "Well, it was nice meeting you, Yato, but you don't have to apologize for the noise. I wasn't bothered by it at all."
Nodding his head, Yato held up two fingers as his farewell before making his way back to his room. Hiyori watched to make sure he got into his room okay before shutting her front door.
"That Yato guy doesn't seem half bad" she spoke to herself as she picked up her phone to dial take-out. "Maybe living here won't be so bad, after all."
Yet, little did Hiyori know the late nights, lack of sleep, and trouble that lied ahead with her new next door neighbor.
That's all for chapter one. I hope you all enjoyed!
Please don't forget to leave a review and tell me what you think.
Chapter two will be out soon.