Sasori sighed as he began going through numerous bills and taxes on the kitchen table. In the past five years the taxes increased incredibly and he wondered if it was the war, or the refugees. You'd think being a master builder you'd get a better pay than others but due to the poverty he got payed the same as a regular laborer. Eien got the same amount as well but the redhead wasn't about to take his son's pay to help with his own problems.
The sixteen-year-old didn't have to pay taxes because he had no house or land, so he was saving up his money if he needed something important. Yoru on the other hand would willingly give his money to the Devil because he had no need for it. He did get his job to help out with money but also to meet new people and get their souls.
Sasori ran his hands over his face once he realized he wouldn't be able to pay everything off that week. In Konoha being a blacksmith and silversmith got a lot of money but once the war started they had to work harder and get payed less to make armor and weapons. The redhead had been in debt once before and that was one of the reasons he hated coming to Earth. The human's way of running things was confusing and it was weird. The taxes shouldn't have increased that much.
Looking at the bills again, Sasori sighed. Instead of being payed by the village he could also go back and make furniture for specific customers. He could build houses specifically for one person and he would get payed directly. But no one had enough money these days and people relied on the village to make them homes.
"Father?"
Sasori sighed, not bothering to turn around. "It's very late, Eien and we have to get up early. Go to bed," He ordered as he picked up another bill, wondering how long it would take to get that kind of money. Honestly he had no idea why he was charged so much money for being gone for five years. He abandoned his house and they still charged him as if he lived there.
"Then you should go to bed, too," Eien suggested as he leaned against the opening that led to the kitchen and crossed his arms.
The Devil didn't respond, he just went through more papers. "Go to bed, Eien," He ordered once more, though more forcibly.
The younger male scowled lightly and headed back to his bedroom. He already knew what was going on, he wasn't stupid. After living with his Mum in near destitute he knew what it looked like to be in debt and worrying about money. He would offer his Father the money that he had, but the man had too much pride and he wouldn't accept money from his son.
Eien leered though once he saw Yoru in his bed, 'sleeping' peacefully. He was only gone for a minute and yet the demon found that as an invitation to be in his bed. Eien walked up to his bed and began stomping on the raven-haired man. "Get out, you don't even need to sleep."
The demon just rolled over and mumbled something incoherent. Eien sighed and took the blanket off Yoru so he could sleep on the couch. "Now I'm cold~" Yoru whined as he stretched for the blanket.
"Don't care," Eien responded as he went to the living room to sleep. He got on the couch and pulled his blanket over him.
"Yoru, get out of Eien's bed," Sasori said loud enough for the demon to hear.
There was a grumble from the room and Yoru walked out. "Then where will I rest?"
Eien got up from the couch and went to his room, closing the door once he was in. The demon sighed and lied down on the couch the redhead was just on.
"If you need me to work more, that's fine," He suggested once he heard the Devil sigh once more.
Sasori thought about it. "Where else could you get a job? Where can anybody find a job now?"
Yoru thought for a second and put his hands behind his head. "I could work on a building site-"
"Yoru, just you visiting Eien is bad enough. Do you know how many pieces of burnt wood I found? You are not going to be near him while he works," Sasori said, now turning his head slightly back so the demon could hear him.
"He still hasn't learned proper self control if he still breaks things." Yoru smirked, knowing that he loved to mess with the redhead and make him angry on purpose.
"If you wouldn't push him to his limits then he would have self control," The Devil retorted as he began writing an a paper to see how much money he could spend that week.
"It's just good fun, my King, nothing more. When we went out last week we actually had a normal conversation..." Yoru paused when he thought about Natsuko. "My King, what do you think of Natsuko?" He asked, now going to the kitchen and sitting down in the chair across from the Devil.
Sasori didn't reply right away, though he did pause his writing. "She's fine. It seems that her and Aki are financially stable and-"
"But her specifically," Yoru corrected. "Have you noticed something about her at all?" Sasori narrowed his eyes at being questioned and he glared at the demon. "Please excuse me, my King, but I'm thinking of Eien at the moment. She doesn't seem the same like when she was younger."
The Devil relaxed his face and he began to write again. "People grow and change, Yoru. Even Eien changed over the five years. And I don't have any opinion of Natsuko besides that she can take care of herself now. And so can Eien so don't worry about him." Sasori began writing on the paper again and Yoru sighed.
"She wants something, my King. Please tell me you have noticed," Yoru almost pleaded.
Sasori took a deep breath and put down his pencil. He looked at the demon intensely. "What does she want?"
"I don't know, but it's something to do with Eien. Just yesterday she came by his work again, wanting to talk alone. And a couple days before that she comes over and asks him if he needs her to clean again. It's like her world revolves around him." Yoru knew something was up with the woman, and he wanted to know what she was planning on doing.
The redhead went into a recumbent position and crossed his arms. "Maybe she has an old crush on him?" Sasori shook his head and sat up. "You do not need to worry about Eien, Yoru. He can take care of himself and you know that-"
"Yes, when he knows there is a threat he can take care of himself, but he's never dealt with someone like her."
"What? A woman?" Sasori practically groaned and he stood up. "Have you thought that she just wants her friend back?"
Yoru stood up as well but more forcibly. "You know what she is," He almost yelled and he regretted it once he saw the Devil. His eyes were red, and there was a deadly glare on his face.
"I will not be questioned anymore, nor will I be told what to do with my son," Sasori said softly, his fangs now showing. "You are nothing but a servant so do not think you can do whatever you want. If something is wrong, then you are more than welcome to help, but nothing's happened yet so there is need to make assumptions." Even though it was all spoken in a near whisper, it still held the intensity as if he were yelling.
Yoru bowed his head and kneeled on the ground. "I'm sorry, my King, I did not mean to upset you. I won't bother you about this again." He bowed his head deeper and the Devil stared down at the demon.
"Do not snoop around, Yoru, even if you think it's to protect Eien." Sasori's appearance went back to normal, but the air was still very tense. "... And if you could find another job, that would be very helpful, thank you," He said before walking to his room, the paperwork abandoned.
The demon frowned and looked up. The Devil knew yet he was going to do nothing about it. Just because she hadn't done anything yet didn't mean that she wouldn't in the future. Either way, Yoru was going to find out what she was planning.
-Three days later-
Eien drank his tea slowly, not wanting to burn himself. He was asked out for a small tea break by Natsuko but she said that she wanted to try a different teashop because she was tired of the selection the other one had.
"So what else do you like to do?" Natsuko asked right before she supped her drink.
Eien shrugged, and thought why she wanted to know why she was so curious. "Well, like I said before there isn't much. Why are you asking?"
Natsuko smiled. "I just wanted to know. I remembered you tried to paint and you weren't very good at it," She said with a giggle.
Eien raised an eyebrow. She always said something from the past whenever he asked her a question. "Okay, so what do you like to do?"
The woman thought for a moment, still smiling. "Well I sew now. I like it because it calms me and I get to make things. I would still love to have a horse but that's not going to happen," She laughed. "I guess I also like to read and make sure my kids are happy."
Eien nodded and realized he was out of tea. He looked around and a waiter soon realized, but once Eien saw him he sighed. "Another cup of tea," He muttered.
Natsuko forced a smile on her face. "Yoru, you... you work here, too, huh?"
The demon smiled cheerfully. "Yes, money's been tight so I offered to take more jobs and serving tea is something that I like to do. Is that all you wanted, Eien? Just a cup of tea?" The redhead nodded and the demon wrote that down on a piece of paper. "Anything for you, Natsuko?"
The auburn-haired woman just shook her head, her lips pursed. "No, thank you. Actually I have to go home now," She said while chuckling. "Bye, Eien," She said as she quickly stood up.
Eien sighed and let his head fall onto the table with a small thud. "Can't I just talk to someone for once?"
Yoru frowned. "Of course you can, my prince. I'm not saying you need my permission or anything but you are free to do what you want."
The redhead turned his head a little so he could see Yoru. "What did you do to Natsuko to make her not like you?" He eyed him. "Did you threaten her or something?"
The demon shook his head and sat down across from the redhead. "I don't know why she doesn't like me. Back when you were younger she mostly ignored me and right now she just doesn't want to be around me. And no, I didn't threaten her."
Eien gave a slow nod and picked up his empty teacup. Yoru smirked and stood up. "Of course, how could I forget?" He said as he took the cup from the redhead, accidentally brushing his skin.
Eien shivered when he felt Yoru's skin. It was stone cold. The demon didn't seem to notice and he walked away to refill the teacup. Sure he had felt his skin before but there was always some clothing he was wearing that prevented actual contact.
The redhead sighed as the demon came back with a pot of tea and and two cups fifteen minutes later. "I just said a refill," Eien grumbled, now irked.
"This is for me, too, my prince. The owner is giving me a break so I thought I'd get some tea for the both of us." Yoru had on his trademark smile as he poured Eien his cup of tea, and then pouring his own. "Do you not want this much tea?"
The redhead almost scoffed. "Why don't get get my Father here. He'd drink this tea."
The demon gave a slow nod. When no one was looking he held out his hand, palm facing upward, and put it to his chin. He blew across his palm and letters blew from his mouth before turning into the wind and leaving. Eien watched as the demon's eyes stayed silver for a while till they turned back to the stormy grey.
"Why do you smile so much?" Eien began messing with his teacup, waiting for the answer. "Human's can easily see your teeth and tell you're not normal." Yes, Eien had sharpened cuspids as well but they only revealed themselves when he was angry or in the Underworld. There was bassically an illusion over him while he was on Earth and it went away when he showed his power.
Yoru shrugged. His canines were naturally sharp, but when Eien saw him using a lot of energy, like when fighting, they grew almost as long as his. "It's good to be carefree," He answered, now grinning. "It's fun to just... go where the wind takes you~" He said, his voice now wispy.
Eien decided that was a good enough answer and took a sip of his tea. Exactly one minute later Sasori walked in and sat down in the extra chair at the table. "Oh, look, tea," He said, as he took his son's teacup and drank all of the tea in it.
The younger male just grumbled something and his Father narrowed his eyes. "I haven't had a single cup of tea in three days, Eien, let me enjoy this." Sasori poured himself another cup and quickly began drinking it slowly.
Eien would have to go back to work soon as well as his Father but he was already too relaxed. He saw the man pouring yet another cup and he frowned. He just wanted someone to help him and Yoru finish the tea, not devour it all. Eien sighed and began drawing small spirals into the table, though not hard enough to leave scorch marks. He was interrupted when a teacup was slid to him from across the table.
"My break is over, so enjoy, my prince~" Yoru said, giving an elated smile while revealing his fangs.
Eien rolled his eyes and waved his hand in a thanks for the tea.
-One week later-
Natsuko had come by more often and Eien was starting to notice that it was a little weird. She had children to watch after but it seemed that she also wanted to spend time with her old friend. They were walking around since they were both done with work but they were also just talking.
"Instead of going to a teashop, do you want to go to my house for a little while. Aki doesn't mind, I've already asked him," Natsuko said brightly.
Eien just looked at the woman, shocked. "I... I suppose," He answered.
The twenty-one year old grinned. "Great! It's not that far from here actually-"
"Oh hello, Eien, Natsuko."
Eien swore he saw real rage pass Natsuko's face but it quickly vanished. "Hello, Yoru," She spoke between her clenched teeth as she turned around.
Eien did so as well and saw his demon standing with his hands behind his back. "Heading somewhere?"
"Um, yeah, we're-"
"Yes, we're going somewhere but I'd like to talk to Eien alone for now," Natsuko explained with the forced smile Eien always saw.
"Well Eien's Father wanted me to make sure he got home safely, so I think I should stick with you guys a bit so that happens," Yoru explained and Eien knew right away that he was making it up but Natsuko just smiled.
"Um, sure. We're going over to my house," She said before turning back around and heading down the road.
Eien gave Yoru a quick glance and wished he knew if Yoru could use telepathy. The walk was short, only a few minutes and they were already at the house.
Natsuko moved to unlock the door but as she did so, Eien noticed she waved her hand just barely. She opened the door and walked inside, letting Eien in. Yoru followed behind, and Eien swore he saw some movement from Natsuko but she was still. Yoru suddenly stopped, at the doorway, his smile still in place.
"Something wrong, Yoru?" Natsuko asked confused.
The demon just shook his head. "I just remembered I am working a late shift at one of my jobs today, so I should get going." His smile fell and he gave his master a stolid look. "Get home safe, Eien," He said before turning around and leaving.
Eien blinked, confused as to why the demon didn't walk in but he was interrupted when he heard the sound of giggling and running feet.
Natsuko sighed and Eien got a good look at her house. They were in a long entryway that once you got to the end of it, you either turned left or right. The woman gave him a tour. To the left there was a hall with two rooms and one bathroom, then stairs leading up to two more bedrooms and another bathroom. To the right there was a large living room with five children in it. There was other furniture but Eien just payed attention to the kids and Aki.
"Kids," Natsuko said in a clear, but kind voice. The children quietened down to listen. "This is Eien, a friend of mine. Say hello."
All five children said hello and Eien immediately saw who Aki and Natsuko's children were. The girl, Akiko, had her Mother's auburn hair but her Father's green eyes. She also resembled her Mother, what with her pale complexion and freckles. Iwao also had auburn hair but he had his Mother's grey eyes. Besides that, he looked nothing like her.
The other children were obviously Aki's siblings. Eien didn't know their names, but both of the brother's were around sixteen max and the little girl was, like Natsuko said, nine.
Aki also said hello but he seemed too tired and to do anything else.
Natsuko grabbed Eien's hand and dragged him to the kitchen. "Do you want some tea?" She asked, getting everything out.
The redhead's eyebrow twitched and he shook his head. "My Father is going crazy with tea lately and I've had just about enough of it."
Natsuko giggled and put everything back. "Then a snack?" Again, Eien shook his head. "Then have a seat," She said, picking a random spot at the table. Eien sat next to her and for once she was completely serious.
"What?" He asked, as her eyes bored into his.
"Can I ask you a question?"
Eien nodded. "Yes..."
"And you'll believe me? You won't laugh?" She asked, a pleading look in her eyes.
"of course." Eien wanted to know what got her so worried, though he doubted he could help.
"It's about Yoru," Natsuko confessed. Eien nodded again. "Exactly... Where did you find him?"
The redhead gave a shrug. "Like I've said before, he was an old friend of my Father's and he was the one supposed to watch after me while my Father worked." It wasn't a lie, so Eien seemed confident.
"But where did he come from?" The woman asked, this time more desperate.
"I... I don't know," Eien answered, while biting his lip.
Natsuko frowned. "Think really hard, Eien. Did you remember if your Father offered him anything? Anything like that? Does he do strange things at all?"
Eien's eyebrows furrowed. "What're you saying?"
Natsuko took a deep breath. "You'll believe me if I tell you anything, right?" The redhead nodded, not liking where this was going. Another deep breath. "I think Yoru's a demon."
I may not update for a while because I'm going to be watching one of my cousins everyday the whole week. It's hard to write because I'm going to be babysitting ten hours a day =.="
Review?