[Natsume's Point of View]
I followed after Dad and he didn't say a word. Naturally I started to worry; Dad wasn't this serious that often. It was sure to be bad news. Was it about our house in Iwagakure? Did he found out about Ichiro? My skin crawled as other terrible possibilities sprang to mind. He opened one of the doors and stood back to let me enter first. It was one of the sitting rooms and I took a seat in the closest chair. He didn't sit but paced back and forth in front of me as he wrung his hands nervously. That surprised me and made me worry even more. Dad wasn't the kind to be worried. Occasionally he would stop and try to speak but his expression would crumble and he'd resume pacing again.
"Dad please," I pleaded. "Just tell me what's wrong."
"Nothing's wrong," he said firmly as he stopped once again.
I frowned. "Then why are you acting so strangely?"
He heaved a weary sigh as he collapsed into a chair. "I guess there's no easy way to say this so I'll just come right out with it."
I nodded expectantly. "Yes?"
"I want to date Chieko-san!" He blurted out. I stared open-mouthed at him and he panicked as his words came out in a rush. "I'm sure you think it's sudden or that I'm too old for something like that but you see-"
I burst out laughing. "That's wonderful! And about time too!"
Now he stared at me. "You really mean that?"
I nodded. "Of course. She's liked you for years but I figured you didn't feel the same way. So what changed your mind?"
"Deidara-kun actually," he confessed sheepishly. "He said she liked me and well…I guess I've never noticed before."
I cocked my head to the side. "How long have you liked her?"
"For a couple of years but I never would have imagined that she liked me back. I mean what could she possibly see in an old guy like me?"
"You're barely over forty Dad," I giggled. "You're hardly elderly."
"But I'm much older than her," he persisted. "And the younger generation doesn't tend to-"
I stood up, crossed the room, and kissed his forehead. "I'm happy for you Dad…for both of you."
"Are you really ok with this?" He asked worriedly as he caught hold of my arms.
I nodded. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"Well she's a close friend of yours and I wouldn't want to make things awkward between you-"
"You're both adults and I trust you," I gently teased him with a wink as I pulled away. "Good night Dad." I said as I walked to the door. As I rested my hand on the doorknob I flashed him a devious grin. "Try not to be too loud tonight."
He reddened and jumped to his feet. "Watch your mouth, young lady!"
I just laughed and closed the door behind me. I stuck my hands in my pockets as I walked back to my room. Dad and Chieko together in a romantic sense…I never thought it'd ever happen. Sure it's gonna be a little weird but I'm happy for both of them. The two most important people in my life deserve that. Once inside my room I stripped off my clothes and slipped into some light pajamas. The summer humidity was beginning to get to me.
As I started to climb into bed, I saw a clay spider lying on my pillow. Smiling, I carefully picked it up and looked at it closely. It was every bit as beautiful and delicate as the last one. I thought back fondly to our little game this afternoon. I couldn't resist tempting and teasing him, its fun to make him blush. But he was right; I did have a reason for it. I wanted to prove that his interest in me was still physically based. He was just biding his time, waiting for me to lower my guard before he made his move. Did he really think I couldn't see what he was up to? I've played that game countless times and have it mastered. There's no way a novice like him is going to pull the wool over my eyes.
He resisted admirably but eventually cracked just like I knew he would. The kiss was definitely enjoyable and I waited for him to unfasten my bra. Of course I would have stopped him at that point. But things never got that far. Instead to my surprise he slowed things down and it felt incredible. I still felt a tingle run up my spine as I remembered it. It was gentle and tender, unlike anything I had ever experienced before. It was a whole new kind of passion. It was then that I was tempted to take things to the next level. Then he surprised me again by suddenly stopping. I'm not going to take advantage of you. His lips tickled my ear and his voice was soothing. I hope you trust me when I say that. And even if you never kissed me again, I'd still want to spend every day with you.
What was I supposed to say to that? For the first time I really believed him. Then he started up the question game again and carried on like nothing had happened. He had maintained his cool once again. I had been super impressed.
I set the spider on my nightstand and turned off the lights before crawling into bed for the night. I smiled as I hugged the pillow close. If I'm not careful I'm going to fall for that kid. He truly is something.
Early the next morning I was awakened by a light knock at the door. I'm a light sleeper so I immediately woke up. I checked my clock and groaned. Five in the morning? SERIOUSLY? Grumbling, I trudged to the door and cracked it open. I was surprised to see Chieko. She looked an odd mix of ecstatic and anxious. "I'm sorry to intrude but I must speak with you!"
I let her in and she sat on my bed as she wrung her hands nervously. I frowned down at her. "What's going on?"
"I…that is…well you see…" she stuttered.
I rolled my eyes. "Out with it already. I want to go back to bed."
"Your father has asked me to be his girlfriend!" She blurted out. "Now I know that you know how much I've liked him but I don't want this to change anything between us!"
These two are made for each other, I thought wryly. I leaned over and hugged her around the neck. "Its ok," I assured her. "We'll still be the best of friends."
She cried tears of joy as she hugged me back. "Thank you Natsume!"
"I'm happy for you two," I said as I sat beside her on the bed. "Really I am. You two are perfect for each other."
She blushed prettily. "Last night, shortly after you came home, he asked me to walk with him into town. I thought it was unusual since it's too late in the day for a stroll but of course I went…"
She went on to tell me how he took her out to dinner, gave her flowers and asked her out as they danced to live music. I had no idea Dad could be romantic and I smiled at how happy she was. Her rosy face just glowed. I've never seen her this happy. And that's saying a lot given how merry she generally is. I was still very tired and couldn't hold back a yawn. She stopped mid-sentence and stood up. "I'm sorry; I guess I got a little carried away."
"I-it's alright," I yawned again. "I just need a little more rest, that's all."
"I understand," She nodded and quietly closed the door behind her. I flopped back against the bed and fell asleep with a silly smile on my face. Those two are too funny…but it's nice that they're thinking of me in all of this.
I slept in until about ten in the morning. I walked down the corridor towards the kitchens to grab a late breakfast. Then I heard noise coming from the gym. I frowned and drew closer. No one ever used it so who was in there? I opened the door a crack and peeked inside.
Deidara was dressed down to a pair of pants as he went through some kind of training exercise. He was throwing kunai and shuriken into some targets at the back of the room. He threw standing still, while in the middle of a flip, and during a duck and roll. He wasn't perfect but he wasn't bad either. I thought back to when he easily defeated Ryo. I never would have imagined Deidara was strong enough to take him down. I guess that's a shinobi for you.
Suddenly a kunai struck the ground right in front of my feet. So he'd caught me spying on him. I quickly closed the door and hurried away as my cheeks burned with shame. He called after me but I didn't turn around. I didn't want to explain myself so I didn't bother. Down in the kitchens the staff was buzzing with gossip about Dad and Chieko being an item. Some were genuinely happy for her while others thought she was only after Dad for his money. Of course they asked me tons of questions but I claimed ignorance and remained indifferent. I don't have to explain anything to them. What do their ignorant opinions matter anyway?
I ate my fill and decided to hang out with my friends today. Why not? And if I was lucky I'd escape before Deidara discovered I had left. I didn't think I could stomach the four of them together. No such luck though, as soon as I stepped outside he jumped down from a second floor window. "Trying to leave without me again, hm?" He smirked.
I folded my arms across my chest and frowned at him. "So you're keeping an eye on me now?"
"I wouldn't have to if you'd just tell me what you're up to," he winked. "So spill already. What are we going to do today?"
I sighed. "I suppose if I don't tell you, you'll follow me anyway?"
"Absolutely," he laughed.
"Very well," I groaned as I walked down the stairs and he followed after me. "I was going to hang out with my friends today."
"That sounds like fun. I'll be sure to tone down the flirting since it bothers you," he assured me.
I frowned again. "I never said it did. Do whatever you want."
He didn't say anything and before long we found my friends. They greeted me but went crazy over Deidara again. It's insane how they've all fallen for him. He's just a kid, they ought to feel ashamed. Kiyoko mentioned the idea of scuba diving and everyone got excited when Deidara admitted that he'd never done it before.
"We'll have to remedy that," Airi said as she linked arms with him as we walked down to the beach to rent the gear. "You city kids miss out on all the fun."
"I couldn't agree more. I hope that you'll show me what else I've been missing out on too." He grinned at back at her and she giggled.
I frowned at them and then was startled by Kiyoko's gentle nudge in my side. "Seriously is anything going between you and Deidara-kun?"
"Of course not," I huffed. "What made you think that?"
"Well he's staying at your place isn't he? And he does seem partial to you…" She trailed off meaningfully.
"He's the son of Dad's best friend in Iwagakure," I quickly explained. "He's on his way to Yamato but stopped by for a short visit."
Airi over-heard the last part of that. "Why are you going to Yamato?" She asked Deidara curiously.
"I'll be under-going some specialized training for the Explosion Corps," he said proudly.
Her eyes lit up. "You're a shinobi? Oh wow!" She gushed and he practically preened as she went on and on about how amazing shinobi where. "I should have known all along, seeing as how strong you are," she flirted as she gently squeezed his bicep.
Deidara flashed me a challenging look. Almost like he dared me to stop him. I narrowed my eye at him. He won't get the best of me. "Hey Airi," I said as I linked elbows with her on the other side. "Deidara-kun was just telling me the other day how much he'd like to hang out with you one on one."
Her face lit up but he went considerably pale.
"Seriously?" She asked eagerly.
Now he glared at me. Don't you dare, he mouthed at me and I smirked at him. "Of course," I told her. "So why don't you two rent your own boat? I'm sure you both will have plenty to talk about."
She cried out for joy and dragged him away before he could think of an excuse. He threw a dirty look at me over his shoulder and I waved goodbye with a laugh.
"I can't help but think he didn't say that," Haruna said suspiciously.
"Of course he didn't," I said as I led the way now. "But he'll get over it."
The three of us rented a motorized boat and scuba gear. Kiyoko was experienced with boating so she easily handled the controls and steered the boat close to a coral reef. The anchor was dropped and as we pulled on our gear I told them about Dad and Chieko. They knew Chieko well since she lived here and they were very excited about the news.
"So does that mean you'll be staying in Shimizu permanently then?" Kiyoko asked.
I hesitated for a moment. Naturally Dad would be more inclined to stay so he could be closer to Chieko. I didn't imagine she'd want to move to the big city. I smiled widely. "I really hope so."
We fell overboard and spent the afternoon scuba diving. It was a lot of fun and we never did see Deidara and Airi. In retrospect I felt a little bad. But he bated me so he had it coming. And besides I'm sure he'll find a way to escape discreetly. After all he is a shinobi; it should come naturally to him. Then I froze for a moment. What if he doesn't leave and ends up falling for her? I grinned. Either way I'll win! He'll leave me be and forget this stupid crush. And yet…part of me was going to miss that kiss. It hurt to think of him sharing that with Airi instead. I forced myself to think of something else. There's no sense in getting attached to Deidara. He means nothing to me.
We returned the boat just before sunset and went to grab a bite to eat for dinner. We goofed off and then randomly decided to catch a late-night movie at the cinema too. I considered going home to see if Deidara made it back but I caught myself. I wasn't his babysitter and I wasn't responsible for him.
It was midnight by the time we parted ways. I walked home alone and the moon was full overhead as the stars sparkled from the heavens. I stopped to admire the beautiful sight. It wasn't like this in Iwagakure. The lights and slightly smoky atmosphere cloud the sky, always hiding a sight like this. Just then I heard Airi's giggle echo from a nearby alleyway. "Oh you devil!" She said as she gasped in pleasure.
My eyes widened in surprise and I drew closer to peek around the corner. I didn't mean to spy but my curiosity got the best of me again. I saw her in the arms of someone who looked an awful lot like Deidara. It was hard to tell in the darkness of the alley and his back was to me as they kissed passionately. But who else could it have been? I quickly turned on my heel and hurried away. So it worked out for them then huh? Well good for them and good riddance too. But why did it hurt to see them together? Why did it bother me? I growled as I started to run. I can't wait until he leaves for Yamato in a couple of days. He never should have come here in the first place.
The house was quiet since everyone had gone to bed by now. But I still slammed my bedroom door so hard that the entire doorframe trembled on its hinges.
"What are you so angry about? If anyone has a right to be upset, it should be me."
I was so startled by the familiar voice that I screamed. I quickly switched on the light and was floored to see Deidara lying on my bed with his hands resting behind his head. I stared at him open-mouthed.
He sat up and scowled at me. "That was super mean of you earlier. Uncalled for too. What did I ever do to deserve that, hm?"
I looked over my shoulder and then back at him. "How did you get here so fast?"
"I've been here for a couple of hours," he said as he lazily stretched.
"That's impossible!" I protested. "I just saw you making out with Airi like five minutes ago!"
He frowned. "Well it wasn't me. I ditched her after about an hour. I couldn't take anymore."
Perhaps against my better judgment I believed him. Feeling over-whelmed, I leaned back against the door and wearily slid down to sit on the floor. I felt incredibly relieved and rested a trembling hand over my tired eyes.
"Hey are you feeling alright?" He asked as he crouched down in front of me. I gently swatted away his hand that tried to rest on my shoulder.
"It's just that I thought…" I trailed off but I couldn't finish the sentence. I couldn't bring myself to.
"Listen," he said gently and I looked up at him. He wore a sympathetic smile. "No matter what crap you pull, it'll never change the way I feel about you. I love you Natsume-san and I mean that. I'm not about to be swayed by some girl with a pretty face."
"So you think she's attractive?" I asked as I forced a smile. I wanted to lighten the air a little.
"You know what I mean," he insisted as he looked at me seriously.
I looked at him thoughtfully. His blue eyes were soft and affectionate, a pleasant smile tugged at his lips, and his blonde hair framed his face just right. He wasn't my usual type but still handsome in his own way. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a pair of tickets and held them up for me to see. "Tomorrow. The carnival. Just the two of us."
I frowned at his presumption. "Thanks for asking me," I said sarcastically.
He smirked as he held my ticket out to me. "Think of it as payback for earlier. You owe me big time."
I wore a wry side smile as I took the offered ticket. "Yes, I suppose so."
"So it's settled then," he said as he stood up and crossed the room to open the window. He climbed up onto the window sill and winked at me. "Good night and sleep tight Natsume-san."
I managed a wave and he slipped out the window, probably to return to his room on the same floor. Sure was a weird way to go though. I looked down at the ticket in my hand and smiled. A carnival? This could be fun.
