Holy shit, yes this is really happening people. The moment you have been waiting for, I hope your body is ready
After not updating in forever, I am finally giving you the new chapter you have been waiting for
I apologize for making you wait so long, I've been very busy with things in my personal life
I hope you like it
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Haru stood outside sweeping the leaves from the temple grounds. Humming to himself as he went about his business. It was not autumn once more, meaning the weather was colder and leaves were falling all around the area. Filling the grounds with bright colour and needing to be cleaned before they blocked all the gutters.
The leaves changing to many stunning colours, from brown, to red to yellow and sometimes a mixture. As the trees prepared for winter as they left summer far behind them once more. Making them realize that the year was almost at an end and they needed to prepare before the new year came around once more, bringing new things.
Though he liked to admire the changing seasons and traditions that came with it. That did not necessarily mean that he became lazier by any means whatsoever. In fact, it was the opposite. He would always be busy no matter what time of year it was, the same with business people and office workers, he still had plenty to do.
Even in the colder months he had to take care of the temple, the working man never slept after all. Keeping it clean and making sure the wooden structures were not affected by the cold weather too badly. A priest's duty was not just to fight spirits and protect people, but to care for the temple too. These grounds were part of his family and had generations worth of history behind it.
His grandfather had loved this temple, having many happy memories behind it. Teaching Haruka all about it growing up. Even teaching him about the temple on the main grounds. Making sure he knew of its significance, making sure it was never neglected and what the consequences of these actions would lead to.
So, he took his duties as a priest seriously, carrying his grandfather's memory in his heart. Never neglecting or half assing his duties, making sure to perform to the best of his abilities even when doing chores. Because it was colder, he tended to wear a scarf as well as his Haori jacket. Despite appearances, the garbs for priests was not very thick material to wear. In fact, it could be very thin and was very baggy too, allowing cold air in.
He sighed heavily, watching his breath appear in the air and slowly dissipate before him. Though it was simply condensation, it was truly a fascinating process to watch. Science was truly an amazing thing. The smallest things could cause humans to react with wonder and awe at simply seeing their breath in the air. Truly, his species were filled with so much curiosity indeed.
Forever growing and learning, wanting to spread their wings and discover all they could about the world around them. Still retaining a childish innocence about them even as their bodies grew. The human race was forever trying to understand the world they lived in more and more as each day passed. Eager to unravel its mysteries.
As the weather got colder people started to get into hibernation mode. They dressed in thicker clothing and tended to stay inside a lot as the weather took a lot of energy out of them. But as a priest, no matter what the weather or what problems came his way. His duty was to protect this shrine and the citizens from harm. Protecting them from demonic influence.
However, his peaceful silence would soon come to an end as a familiar maroon haired Tengu would come to check up on him. Somewhat unfazed by him being supposedly busy. But then again, she had always been the type of girl to speak her mind, very in touch with her emotions. But that wasn't such a bad trait to own.
"Geez, do you ever stop working? You stay out here too long and you'll get sick" a female voice said from behind in an annoyed tone. He was human at the end of the day and needed rest. Even he had a limit to how much his body could take before it started to affect him in negative ways, but he didn't seem to understand that.
While she was glad he took his duties seriously as one should, he had been working nonstop for days. He knew more jobs piled up during winter, but that did not mean he shouldn't rest. Working non stop like this would only affect him negatively and she wasn't going to stand by while he wore himself out like this.
Haru turned behind him curiously to see Rin. Now that is was colder she had reverted to wearing her kimono more often. But thanks to Makoto, she now had winter wear as well. She had been kind enough to give the Tengu clothes that no longer fitted her. Meaning Rin could disguise herself to look like a normal girl when she went about the town performing chores.
Her cheeks were red from the cold and she often wrapped her arms around herself. Slowly rubbing them up and down to create friction. However, her tolerance to cold weather was far stronger than his was. Though her kimono was beautiful, the material was not very thick but it still kept her semi warm at least.
Haru sighed "I have to take care of the temple. During the colder months, some of the structure really suffers" he explained calmly. Just because it was getting cold didn't mean he had to slack off. Until all his chores were done he would continue working and relax later. Since Rin was a guardian over this temple, he thought she would understand his actions. But instead she had remained inside today.
Rin frowned at his reply, and here she was called stubborn. If Haru pushed himself anymore he would undoubtedly end up needing to have his energy restored. But then it would be his own fault. Should such a thing happen, she would simply tease him for being so foolish while nursing him back to full health again.
He may complain about her methods, but she was not as lazy as he made her out to be. Her home village was very much used to the cold, but that did not mean they did not take care of their health. Her village was hardworking indeed, but they urged one another not to push themselves or get over their heads about something.
She then approached Haru sternly, causing him to flinch. Though she was indeed a Tsundere, Rin was far more powerful than she appeared, Tengu being on the higher up list of demons. She then gripped his face with her hands, cupping his cold cheeks tightly. Her Maroon eyes piercing his shiny blue orbs, a silent message being shared between the two teens.
Rin then sighed heavily, closing her eyes and bowing her head briefly. She then looked up at him with an unimpressed expression "Your cheeks are like ice Haru" she scolded. He had done enough for today, he needed to come inside before he caught his death of cold. He needed to learn to take care of himself and not just worry about his duties.
Haru frowned, was she really treating him like a child? He was in high school for crying out loud. He didn't need her talking down to her, he was capable of looking after himself. He had made it this far before she had made herself known to him, he could look after himself just fine when she wasn't around too.
But he knew if he argued, this would simply lead to her sulking and getting upset. She would not leave but she would hide for a long time until he apologized to her for being so clueless. So he gave in and agreed with her knowing it would make her happy and relieve her concerns if he did as he was told.
Rin then released her hands and took the broom from Haru to which he became annoyed. She wasn't about to boss him around, he could do what he wanted. She did not control him. But that did not mean she would not step in when needed be. To guide Haru when necessary, to help him see things from another point of view than he could not.
Rin moved the broom from his reach "Haru, I know you care about the temple. But you have to keep up your strength during the autumn. Do you want to get sick?" she explained. She had seen him work himself to the bone as a child, red faced and heavy breathing. It had worried her to see him do such a thing, only glad his grandpa had cared for him.
He wouldn't be able to protect himself from spirits or demons if he got sick. Sure, she could boost his energy with a kiss, but she would not be able to remove the fever or sickness. Leaving her to protect him and the shrine on her own until Haru would recover. He needed to consider how neglecting himself would affect the temple and those around him.
Haru blushed, was she worried about him? He then realized how he hadn't noticed how cold it was getting. He had been concentrating so much he just blocked out the temperature. He had just been so absorbed in his own thoughts, he had simply been unaware of the world around him unaware of how it affected his body.
Now that he was more aware, he felt an unconscious shiver run through him. Suddenly aware of how cold it actually was and how thin his clothing was compared to the cold. His hands were paler than normal and felt rather stiff from gripping onto the broom for so long. Pins and needles he believed it was called.
He then gave her an apologetic look, feeling bad for getting annoyed at her "I'm sorry Rin, I just get so caught up in my work" he explained. Being a priest, you had little to think about other than your job. It was your sacred duty. It was a relief to have her around to keep an eye on him and keep him out of trouble.
Rin softened but a small smile spread across her face "I just made some tea, go in and warm up. I'll put the broom away then I'll make some lunch" she said warmly. At least he was listening to her now. That took a great weight off her shoulders compared to when they had first met, he had been a lot more stubborn.
Haru sighed as he felt the tea slip down his throat, his body warming from the inside. His lips no longer feeling as cold as they had when he was outside sweeping up. His hands being warmed by the cup he held in his hands. Though he took pride in his abilities as a priest, there was something comforting about relaxing. Knowing that all of your actions went to a good cause and you could rest well.
Rin had changed into some of the clothing she had received from Makoto. Honestly, he would be lying if he didn't think she looked adorable. It did compliment her figure nicely. Though he did love the kimono she wore as a demon, he found her human clothing to be very attractive too, enjoying seeing the style change.
She was wearing a jumper with long sleeves, except it was one of those open slit chest jumpers. So, where the breast area started, there was a small slit flashing Rin's cleavage. She was also wearing some jeans, seeing as it had gotten colder shorts were no longer an option. She couldn't exactly wear a kimono all the time after all, it wasn't always appropriate.
She needed comfier attire to go out and do activities in. Such as the shopping or helping around the house. Though she wore a Kimono in her demon form, in her human disguise she wore casual clothes to fit in. So that nobody would suspect her, I mean a girl wearing a kimono constantly did give off a few ideas in ones head.
She currently had one arm rested on the table while the other was raised up and her hand cupped against her cheek. Resting and leaning against the table with a cup of tea beside her. She was lost in thought, her maroon eyes semi glazed over as she dazed off into daydreams. Though she was probably unaware she looked very alluring to him right now. A tempting individual.
Her dark lashes tickling her cheeks, those soft rosy cheeks and pretty lips. Her shiny Maroon eyes and silky maroon hair. She was a beautiful girl even if she was a demon disguising as a human. Just looking at her awoke feelings in Haru he had never felt around a girl before, but he enjoyed these feelings. They brought him such joy.
Rin saw him staring and frowned, he was acting odd today even for him. Constantly in a state of daze, was he sick or possibly overworked. She wouldn't be surprised either way. However, she felt a sense of awkward discomfort from his staring. Though she had watched him as a child, she had done other things. It was only when she spotted him did she gaze from afar.
"What? Your eyes broken or something?" she replied. The gaze he gave her almost felt heated, causing her to feel embarrassed. But why? There was nothing wrong with her clothes. They had been a gift from Makoto and she had graciously taken them as an offering. Though she ones that did not fit her had been sent away to charity for the less fortunate.
Haru blinked then raised his cup before taking a sip, not once averting eye contact with her. "I like your outfit" he replied casually. It very much suited her, he wouldn't mind if she wore such clothes more often. Though he was a priest, he was also a teenage male. He had feelings and urges the same as everyone else. Rin had a very seductive body and this outfit only amplified that.
Rin blinked then realized he was peeking at her breasts, but part of her understood. He probably didn't see many girls when working here. Considering he lived alone. The guy would get awfully lonely and pent up, hell she wondered if he even took part in such an activity. He was a priest after all, probably seeing it as impure.
So, she would let it slide, I mean she had thought many crude and perverse thoughts about him before too. It was nothing to be ashamed of, that's the sort of thing two people did when they loved each other. Admiring the body of the one you loved was not something anyone should ever feel ashamed of, or be made to feel that sort of way.
"Looking is free, touching is gonna cost you" she replied casually. She wasn't one to give herself freely. She would only bed with someone, should they love her whole-heartedly. Though she had feelings for Haru and had done since she was young, she didn't know if he felt the same way. Thus, she would not give herself to him unless she was fully sure of this.
Haru frowned "I am not so depraved that I would grope you. I am simply admiring your form as a woman" he explained sharply. Why did she have to make him out to be such a pervert? Everyone stole a peek at the body of the person they were attracted to, it went down to basic human instinct. The desire to reproduce and mate with your chosen partner.
Rin blinked, almost amused "You could just say you aren't a pervert and would never force yourself on me. You don't have to use the posh mannerisms when speaking Y'know" she explained casually. Though she found it cute that he did. She just hoped that one day he would become comfortable enough that he would speak to her in a more laid back manner.
Haru blushed, though that sounded tempting it wouldn't be polite. Though she kissed him to restore his energy, they were not in an intimate relationship with one another. For now, their relationship was very much a Shikigami and priest relationship. She gave him energy to fight, they worked as a team and protected the temple. Purely business.
Rin sighed, she then leaned forward and unknowingly pressed her bosom on the table. The manner of her seduction was unintentional yet subtly effective, giving Haru mixed feelings. How could she not see the effect she had on him? Yes, he had feelings for her, but what they were was uncertain. I mean for now, they could be simply put down to puberty.
"We have any food in?" Rin asked. It was getting to lunch time, but she didn't fancy hotpot or instant noodles as tasty as they were. Because Makoto was busy at the shop with medicine, she couldn't bring food. Around this time of year, the medicine shop was booming, people needing health ailments. Colds and fevers ran rampant this time of year, so medicine was in high demand.
Haru blinked then shook his head, now that he recalled they hadn't gone food shopping in a long time. But it would give him something to do aside from priest work. He had just been so busy around the temple he had rather forgotten that shopping for food was also a necessity, I mean he used to live here alone after all.
Rin then blinked and got to her feet, she had nothing else to do so she may as well help him. Plus, it would give them some bonding time after what felt like forever anyway. She began to look around for the boots Makoto had given her, Haru had spare coats so she could use his anyway. He would complain but deep down he wouldn't mind.
Haru blinked "Where are you going?" he asked curiously. Last time he checked she didn't have anything to do, the temple was safe and the barrier was still in check. He had never really left the temple unattended before, even Makoto used to look after it sometimes when she had the time. But did not do so as much anymore.
Rin blinked then looked almost annoyed "Is it so bad I want to come along? I have better thing to do then watch the leaves fall" she replied defensively. Is it so bad that she wanted to spend time with him? Did he find her to be a bother? Just because she cared about him? way to show some gratitude towards her.
Haru blinked, he was simply worried about the well being of the temple and leaving it unattended. Oh well, it would be ok for an hour or so he supposed, but no longer than that. He then relented and got to his feet, they had shopping to do and putting it off would do no good. So, he would let her come along if it made her happy to do so.
Haru and Rin walked along the streets quietly together side by side. A red scarf wrapped around her neck and wearing a duffel coat that Makoto had bought her. She was wearing a content smile with her hands stuffed in her pockets. Watching the leaves as they changed colour and fell from the trees all around them once more.
Autumn was a truly magical time of year, the times changed and the weather changed. Humans went into their primal roots and began to forage for the winter months. It was a truly fascinating process to behold, showing their willpower to survive any situation and adapt to new surroundings. No wonder they were at the top of the food chain.
Haru saw her expression and honestly was rather amazed by it. The way her eyes lit up and a truly happy smile came across her face. He had never seen her like this before. "You really like the seasons, don't you?" he asked casually. He recalled as a child he had loved the winter. He and Makoto used to make snowmen together and drink hot cocoa as the snow fell.
Rin hummed and smiled, a shy blush coming across her face "I know it's stupid, it just makes me so happy. Watching the world change as new seasons come and go. Showing how humans adapt to the new seasons" she explained. She used to enjoy them all the time with her grandfather before he had passed away. Sitting on his lap and enjoying watching the leaves fall.
Haru blinked, he could somewhat understand from a demon point of view how amazing it would be. To humans, the seasons brought out different feelings inside of them too. Around this time, he would burn leaves in a pile and bake sweet potatoes inside. Picking and roasting chestnuts on a fire, or even watching the moon at one of the festivals.
He then smiled "It's not stupid, it's something you love after all right?" he said. These things made Rin happy, so why should she not celebrate them in her own way? It was not a bad thing. Besides, seeing her wear such an expression made her look rather cute, it was rare he ever saw her genuinely smile from her heart like this.
Rin blushed, compared to Haru who would usually get annoyed at her. He seemed almost mature in this moment, cool even. Her heart starting to flutter from just being around him. She then smiled and tucked her face into her scarf shyly. A warm fuzzy feeling spreading in her chest. The love she carried for Haru only growing stronger as time went on.
Haru wondered around the shop for ingredients for meals during the autumn. It was getting colder so there were certain foods they could no longer eat anymore. Though he enjoyed cold food and other such foods of the summer, to eat it in winter would not always go well. Due to keeping up your body temperature and caring for your body.
A hotpot sounded delicious, full of noodles, mushrooms and meat. It would keep them warm as it got colder outside. Filling their bellies and keeping them heated while the temperature dropped. Grilling things would still be appropriate and their breakfasts would not change. But for some reason he felt like curry would be also appropriate. The heat would help in cold weather.
"Haru! Haru look what I found!" Rin cried eagerly rushing forward. Her eyes shining brightly in an innocent manner. Almost the way a small child would at seeing something new. Haru looked at her as she came forwards with all manner of goodies. A big smile on her face as she presented the food to him proudly as if she had made it herself.
She presented a box of Poki, some melon pan and meat. Though the first two he had expected he was surprised to see her so enthusiastic about meat. It seemed Rin had a sweet tooth as well as a love of meat. He never would have guessed such things would make her so happy. But then everyone was different in that respect.
Haru sighed, he felt like a parent babysitting a small child "You better not eat them before dinner" he warned. He didn't want her to ruin her appetite by eating all the snacks. He would be annoyed if she did such a thing. He put a lot of effort into the meals he made and he would not allow for any of them to be wasted whatsoever.
Rin pouted, why couldn't he take her seriously? Why did he have to speak to her in such a patronizing manner? "I'm not a kid Haru! Cut me some damn slack!" she retorted defensively. She hadn't eaten these since she was a kid, once being given some as an offering. But nobody had ever given them to her again and she had been so disappointed.
Haru sighed but then allowed her to place them in the basket. But he was still curious about one thing "What's the meat for?" he asked curiously. They had plenty already. Why was she buying more of it if she had no need for it? Though he knew that Rin was fascinated with the human world, she was going a bit overboard.
Rin blinked then smiled "Me! I love meat! It's awesome" she replied happily. Nothing made her happier than chewing on some freshly grilled meat. So, juicy and delicious. Haru relented and simply checked the list to see what else they needed. He then walked in the direction of the ingredients while Rin followed him eagerly like a small child.