((A.N.: Nothing much happens in this chapter, I apologize OTL But, it's a structural decision! The next one does have more going on, I promise! Also, thanks again for the lovely reviews~))
Over the course of the next few days, Fushimi began thinking that there was one good thing about Yata hanging out with his old HOMRA bunch all the time, even if it did make him ever so slightly jealous. At least if the snappy brunette wasn't at home, Fushimi had a pretty good idea where to find him.
It was probably thus, that the Blue clansman became a common sight at the bar, most oft to poke fun at 'Mi-Sa-Kiii~', and perhaps have a little chat with Kusanagi for old days' sakes. With time, the HOMRA members stopped paying particular attention to him. Though it wasn't a welcome with open arms, it was a gratifying step forward from being eyed suspiciously over shoulders every 9 seconds.
No one even said anything when he stopped in front of Totsuka's cork board of polaroids and scribbles; staring at it, unmoving, for a noticeably long time.
More than anything though, members started to notice a change in one of their own ranks; their vanguard seemed to be getting closer to the 'newcomer'. Some said it was simply just that Yata had stopped vehemently pushing Fushimi away; others suggested they were patching up again entirely, which was probably a good thing.
Other members of Scepter 4 however had differing views, as was apparent from their complaints.
"Fushimi, you've been neglecting your work even more than usual haven't you." He didn't need to look up, that voice and calm tone couldn't have been anyone other than his Lieutenant, Awashima.
Sighing away impending sleep, he struggled to focus back on his paperwork. "Hm…? I don't mean to."
"Really now." Came the dubious response. The tall woman dragged out a vacant seat next to him, inviting herself to sit down. "The Captain asked me to talk to you, what's going on?" A shrug was all the response she got, earning Fushimi a disapproving frown from his superior. "See here Fushimi..." Awashima sighed at length. "Kusanagi tells me you've been going to the bar a lot. Is it something to do with that?"
The smallest flinch couldn't have escaped Awashima's eyes, and Fushimi struggled to regain his calm demeanour. "... Maybe."
"I won't take maybe for an answer. Or, rather, the Captain won't."
Just on the verge of a retort, Fushimi clicked his tongue, folding his arms and kicking back into his seat. "You going to fire me or something?"
The blonde woman pondered this a little too seriously for Fushimi to feel comfortable. "Hmm... Probably not, but that ultimately depends on your performance." With that she got up, much to her subordinate's relief, and turned to leave, stopping briefly at the door. "Don't get me wrong, Fushimi-kun, I think it's good that you're getting along better with Yata Misaki. Just don't let it affect how you do your work."
He slung his arms behind his head as the door swung shut, making a mental note to tell Kusanagi to mind his own business.
When he next walked up the steps leading to the bar door however, he was met by said door almost slamming into his face as Yata stormed out. Startled, he didn't quite catch the mumbling, or the shade of pink on the brunette's face as Yata passed him by.
"Misaki? Hey, where're you going?"
"Huh? WAH?! The hell, it's you Saru." The shorter boy did stop, short of stumbling down the steps, allowing his friend to get a little closer. "I was uhm... Just, kinda, going to your place."
The fidgeting, the blush, the shifty eyes and twiddling fingers. All these things Fushimi instantly took note of. Somewhy, they just seemed... Cute. He didn't have long to stare though, the Yatagarasu spoke up again, breaking his trail of thought. "Y-you're free right? I mean, if you were coming here and everything."
Well, telling Kusanagi to keep his mouth shut probably could have waited till next time. He gave a slight chuckle, tussling Yata's brown hair through his cap, while the shorter boy made a big and noisy show of protesting.
"Sure."