It was not a routine.
Normally she would sleep outside of his door. But, Natori Shuuichi's latest exorcism performance had not gone as smoothly as planned and left him a little drained. As a result, he caught a slight fever. She knelt in proper Japanese fashion by his opulent western bed. She made sure he stayed cool.
Natori stirred at the sensation of the rag brushing against his cheeks and forehead. The handsome actor opened his eyes and gasped when he met the silver gaze of a beautiful young woman. The fair face was level with his, peeking over the edge of the mattress. Natori, further roused by confusion, raised his head to see more of her. After taking in her kimono and the color and cut of her hair, it dawned on him.
"Hiiragi?"
"Hai."
"I didn't recognize you without the . . ." Natori made a vague gesture towards his face.
"It is here by my feet. I will put it back on if you wish." In anticipation of his answer, Hiiragi reached for her mask.
"No, don't."
Her hand stilled.
"This is the first time I've seen your face. I would like to look at it a little longer."
Two faint spots of pink appeared on the female youkai's cheeks. For a moment there was a tense pause. She then put a hand on Natori's forehead and cheeks.
"The fever has broken."
Natori gave her a soft smirk. "Thanks to you."
Hiiragi averted her gaze away from him. She then dipped her head slightly in acknowledgement and moved to get up.
"Stay."
Hiiragi obediently sat down again.
Natori turned on his side to face her fully. A curious smile crossed his lips.
"I have been wondering . . . why you volunteered to serve me, instead enjoying your freedom."
She did not look at him when she answered. "I never forget a kindness, nor do I fail to repay one."
"I bandaged your hand when I was a kid, I don't think—"
"Natori-sama also spared me from exorcism after I was free. In return for saving my life, I am guarding yours." Hiiragi made a movement towards her mask.
Natori reached out and cupped her cheek, turning her face towards his.
"There's more to it than that, isn't there . . . Hiiragi?" A languid and teasing smile tugged at the corner of Natori's lips. He absently stroked her cheek with his thumb.
Hiiragi leaned forward and pecked him on the lips. Natori was surprised, to say the least. He really had been just teasing, letting his "I'm-a-sexy-popular-actor-and-I-know-it" side come out that he usually reserved for his palpitating fan base. The thought had never occurred to him . . .
"I wish to be beside Natori-sama always." She also wished, for what seemed the hundredth time, she had kept her mask on. She was answered with silence. She stole a glance at his face to gauge his reaction.
Natori was wearing a warm smile.
"Thank you, Hiiragi." He then closed his eyes and drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
Hiiragi stared at him for a while in disbelief for a moment then strapped her mask back on.
"Oyasumi, Master."
A/N: Since no one else thought to write some straight fan fiction since "Utagoe's" awesome "For Once" for this manga/anime series, I thought I might as well.. I wanted to do Natsume Takashi and Taki Tooru, too. But, this idea came out first. Also, what's with all the Natsume/Nyanko?! That's beastiality, people! Sickos. Unless, they're thinking of the times he turns himself into a girl. But, he's still a guy, though. So, it's still slash.