Title: Fast Forward to the Stars
Author: Yukio Sunshaine
Fandom: Nurarihyon no Mago
Pairing: Yoru (Night!Rikuo) and Rikuo Nura (Day!Rikuo)
Rating: T
Disclaimer: I own nothing from Nurarihyon no Mago. I only own the plot! I hope you guys enjoy the ride anyway!
NOTE (PLEASE READ): This fanfic is AU. No selfcest or anything. They totally live on separate worlds. And yes, this is SHOUNEN-AI. No flames or anything of the sort. I've already warned you.
CHAPTER 22 – A PROBLEMATIC SUMMER
"So it didn't take that long to reach the riverbank unfortunately," Yoru said with false cheer.
After this new experience, he actually wanted to know more about Rikuo, and not just his feelings towards him that he already knew from the beginning. He just liked to be basked in his own achievement that he made Rikuo fall for him over and over again like the spoiled princely type of character that he was. But that was before the tragedy that befallen on his beloved, as well as his first huge failure as leader of his Hyakki Yakō. After his talks with Nurarihyon and Wakana, he seemed to have learned and changed a lot recently.
"You think this is the last time we'd ever do this kind of thing? Don't worry, I liked this a lot. More than anything we've ever done, to be honest. It's… new for me—us, actually." Rikuo's lips parted into a bashful smile. "We should do something like this again sometime."
He thought that the idea was silly since Yoru was someone who preferred extravagant adventures or revenge-plotting against the Hagoromo Gitsune and her clan who shattered his name and pride.
Yoru's face brightened like an excited child's. "That's what I think too!" It had been rare for them to both agree on something immediately, but it had been happening with them more often lately.
"I don't actually mind if we spend the whole summer like this," the brunet chuckled. "Hopefully it won't be too boring for you, though."
The other's red eyes widened. "What? No! I don't mind this! I… I like this a lot too. I get to know more about you this way."
Rikuo stared blankly at Yoru before bursting into laughter, making Nura clan leader tilt his head in confusion. The brunet then placed his hand on the other's shoulder, smiling lopsidedly. "We're definitely both new at this love thing," he stated. Because calculating the time they've spent together, they should have known a lot about each other by now.
Yoru rolled his eyes and hid a smile in the form of a conceited smirk. "What are you talking about? I'm the master of love," he joked. "Why else would my brilliant plans and strategies on making you fall in love with me back work?"
"Oh, really? Says the one who fell in love first when I barely did anything," Rikuo countered with a matching smirk to boot. "Who's the master of love now?"
The other yokai almost sputtered, so he just casually coughed and averted his gaze away from the brunet. Damn, he's gotten better at the comebacks, he thought. "Hmph. Anyway, when are you going to introduce me to your friends? They're coming soon, right? You can't hide me from them forever, y'know?"
Rikuo sighed. "I know, I know. It's just that, if they find out that I'm with a yokai, enemy yokai might get them involved in their schemes. I just want them to live a normal life." Since he wasn't going to live that kind of life anymore.
Yoru felt a pang of guilt, because the other had unintentionally poured salt on the wound. It was like it was his fault that he threw that life away from Rikuo. He felt the need to apologize, since he never wanted everything to have end up this way in the first place. And thus, he grabbed the other's hand.
The brunet looked at their hands, then at Yoru, wondering what made Yoru make a sudden move like that. "What is it, Yoru?" he asked.
"Rikuo, I'm—"
Riiiiiing!
Yoru burned up in anger for ruining another moment the second time. Rikuo smiled nervously as he reached for his cellphone. He had a hunch that one more ring from this device could make it end up being sliced in half courtesy of Yoru's sword. He made a reminder to himself to put it on silent next time.
"Sorry about that. Just give me a minute." Rikuo sheepishly as he answered yet another call from Kiyotsugu.
As their brief conversation ended, Yoru wore the same irritated expression from earlier when he was rudely interrupted by the cellphone ringing for the second smiled time that day. "Well? Have they arrived in Ukiyoe?" he asked. He no longer felt like apologizing because that damn human ruined it for him.
Rikuo nodded. "That's the reason for the call," he replied. "Anyway, what were you going to say just now?"
The crimson-eyed yokai rolled his eyes and clicked his tongue. "Maybe some other time."
Now he regretted bringing up that him and a selected few clansmen would watch over Rikuo and his human friends. He didn't feel like watching over people who ruined something so important for him.
The other male raised his eyebrow. What had gotten Yoru pissed this time? "Eh? Why not now?" The yakuza leader's confusing attitude made the brunet cross his arms and gaze worriedly at him.
Yoru sighed. He didn't want to get into a fight with Rikuo, not after having the time of his life with him earlier. He didn't want those moments to go to waste. "I don't feel like saying it anymore," he answered honestly. "Your friend ruined the moment for me."
To have the kiss comically interrupted was already unforgivable, but letting him not apologize properly was the last straw.
The brunet bit his lip and kept his temper in control. Yoru was being annoyingly petty and prideful again—and even got Kiyotsugu involved, but then again, these were parts of his personality Rikuo had to deal with. They came with the rest of the package.
So instead of shouting at Yoru like he did back then, he took a deep breath first as he pinched the bridge of his nose. In the end, he couldn't hide everything he felt from the other. "I'm sorry if Kiyotsugu-kun kept interrupting us, but it's not like he knew what was going on," he said as he let out a sigh, and also a realization. "See? This is why I can't have you guys meet no matter how much I want to."
"Good, because I don't want to meet them either," Yoru bluntly stated.
And that broke Rikuo's fuse as fast as snapping a twig.
"Damn it, Yoru! Can you stop thinking about yourself for once?!" he shouted, his face almost purple with fury. "I know you're used to everything being all about you since you're the leader of your clan, but let's face it, a large portion of the world won't pamper you like your clan does! Grow up!" He took deep breaths to calm himself down, but as he realized how those words would affect Yoru, he tensed. "Y-Yoru, I…"
Yoru looked nonchalant, but the words struck deep. The damage was done. Just when he was on the process of recovery, Rikuo's words shoved him back to the starting line. He couldn't blame Rikuo for yelling at him like that, though. His words were justifiable enough. Nevertheless, they still hurt.
"You're right," he said with a deep breath. "The leader thing has gone way over my head, hasn't it?"
Rikuo's body almost shook because his nerves were getting to him. If this was before the incident he became yokai, he could have cared less about Yoru's feelings, but things were different this time. Oh, man. I blew it big time. I can't keep my mouth shut, can't I? he thought. He knew that Yoru was just hiding his feelings because he didn't want things to get worse.
"No, no." The brunet shook his head and held Yoru's hands. "I could have said it in a better way, especially with my temper not getting in the way." His eyes were filled with regret. It was impossible to take back what he had said. "I'm sorry, Yoru. I know I said you were selfish, but I'm being selfish too because I'm defending my friend and I took it out on you." He squeezed the other yokai's hands and rested his forehead on his chest. "I'm really sorry, Yoru."
Almost reflexively, Yoru patted Rikuo's head and then began caressing his hair. "I got to admit that it hurt way more than it should, but it's not like the truth is ever that easy to hear." Even he was surprised at the words he spoke just now. "You're one of the few that treats me like an equal. I appreciate your honesty." He managed to show a small smile as he tucked strands of Rikuo's hair behind his ear. "…Though I need to get used to that."
"Yoru…" Rikuo just wanted to plant even just a small kiss on Yoru's lips to convince himself that the other male really was alright… but Yoru went ahead of him and just kissed his forehead instead. The brunet couldn't help but feel disappointed.
"You should meet up with your friends now. I'll just be around with the other guys," Yoru said. "We'll meet up later tonight. Again, by the riverbank." He showed another small smile. No matter how much he tried, he couldn't do a proper bright smile. He didn't have the heart to do it at the moment. He let go of one of Rikuo's hands, but the brunet kept a tight grip on the other.
"Yoru, I…"
"Shh… It's fine. I'll try my best not to think about it too much." An obvious lie. Whether he liked it or not, he was going to think about this for the rest of the day. He felt relieved when Rikuo loosened his grip and eventually let go of Yoru's hand.
Rikuo felt like his heart was going to fall from the guilt. He nodded as he began to walk towards the train station. He stopped and turned around to look at Yoru one last time. "I'll… see you later, then," he said.
"Yeah. See you tonight, love." Yoru had that same sad smile on his face that made the brunet want to run back to him and pull him in an embrace and never let go. But alas, he had friends to meet.
Yoru didn't leave his place until Rikuo was completely out of his sight. He sighed and made his way back to the mansion, where his closest companions were present at his arrival so they could begin watching over the humans… and one former human.
"Yoru-sama?" Tsurara noticed the third leader's odd disposition. "Are you alright?"
"Don't tell me you and Rikuo-sama got into another fight again?" Zen huffed with narrowed eyes at his childhood friend. Only the former human could have such an effect on Yoru anyway. In fact, the crimson-eyed yokai seemed like he hadn't been himself lately. Shouldn't love bring out the best in oneself? Why did it look like it was bringing out the worst in his leader instead?
"Not really. He just opened my eyes to the bigger picture, that's all," Yoru replied. "But you don't need to worry about me. I'll just—" His eyes widened as Zen suddenly grabbed his wrist and dragged him to the garden. Yoru didn't say a word since his friend's aura burned with anger.
Tsurara, Kurotabō, Aotabō, Kubinsahi and Kejōrō exchanged concerned expressions to another. Zen was really ticked off this time.
"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Zen yelled as he pushed Yoru against the tree. He was part of the few who had the guts and rights to commit these kinds of actions towards the clan leader. They always fought like this for the longest time. "Get a grip! Look at what that boy has done to you! You're a mess." He clicked his tongue in annoyance. "You're hardly the Yoru-sama I know—"
His eyes widened as the roles were reversed and was pinned to tree instead by the current Nura clan leader. Yoru's eyes looked like they were about threaten or even kill him… but in a surprising turn of events, he rested his head on Zen's shoulder. More shockingly, he could feel his shoulder becoming wet with Yoru's tears.
"Wha—" Zen was so shocked he was at a loss for words. He had never seen his friend this vulnerable, and he certainly had never seen the other cry until now.
"I look pathetic, huh?" Yoru chuckled. "I thought I could hold it in, but…"
On the other hand, Zen flailed internally because he had no idea what to do. Never had he experienced someone cry on his shoulder, mostly because almost everyone avoided direct contact with him given his temper.
"Sorry." Yoru paused as he let out a sigh. "I'm pretty sure I'm known as the worst leader of the Nura clan by now. I mean, getting defeated by Hagoromo Gitsune? I must be a laughing stock of yokai around the world. I'm an embarrassment for our clan…" He sniffed. "Am I not allowed to love and rule the world at the same time? The old man did it once. Father did too. So why can't I be given that chance too?"
The Yakushi clan leader bit his lip as he clenched his fists. He never knew how much he hated to see his dear friend in this state. He couldn't blame that runt for this. Yoru tried to handle everything by himself, but it seemed it was too much for him to take.
Yoru's eyes were closed the entire time, but they opened as he felt a hand on his head. It was the equivalent of a hug from the bird yokai.
Zen took a deep breath and looked for the words to say. "Idiot. You weren't defeated. That was hardly a battle anyway. That fox just turned Rikuo-sama into a yokai." He backtracked what Yoru said so he knew what to say next. He didn't know consoling a friend was hard work. "You? A laughing stock? To me, sure. But so what? You're still so powerful you can rule the world right now if you want to. And you're still our leader. That's what matters, right? What do you care about what others say?"
As Yoru lifted his head, he saw Zen wear a smirk across his features. "What are you talking about anyway? You are loving someone and slowly ruling over the world at the same time. You're just thinking too much." He flicked the other's forehead and chuckled. "Loosen up a little. You're doing great. Besides, we're going to get a shot at revenge at that damn fox anyway soon, right?"
Yoru blinked a few times but was snapped out of his trance as Zen slapped his back hard that almost made him lose balance. "Why you—"
"You're welcome." Zen chortled as he crossed his arms. He then rolled his eyes recalling the words he said to Yoru just now. It was too embarrassing he had to look away. "But don't expect me to say these kinds of stuff often. Besides, the next time you cry on my shoulders, I'll punch you to the moon. You should have already sorted everything out by then." A pause. "Oh, and one more thing. We're your clan. You're not alone. Just in case you forgot."
And for the first time in a while, Yoru's lips curved upward into a smirk. "Heh. I never expected you to do such an effective job of getting me back on track. A simple 'thank you' won't cut it." He grinned menacingly as he leaned closer. "How about a kiss?"
The offer sent shivers down Zen's spine. "Ugh! Keep your lips to yourself!" He couldn't imagine himself ever being kissed by anyone, especially with Yoru since those lips had already been kissed by Rikuo who knows how many times already.
The crimson-eyed yokai laughed. "I was just kidding. But really, I don't know how to thank you…"
"Just stop beating yourself up, or I will beat you up instead," Zen stated with an actual smile on his face.
"Okay, noted." Yoru returned the other's smile with his own. "I guess we've been stalling long enough. Don't want to keep the others waiting."
"I'm sure they're curious about what happened," Zen teased with a snicker.
Yoru's eye twitched. His waterworks drama must never be talked about ever again. Just thinking about it gave him goosebumps. "Are you asking for a fight? We can fight right here, right now." The corner of his lips twitched.
"It's not like beating the hell out of me can keep the secret in."
"Argh! You're totally asking for it!"
Meanwhile, Rikuo waited at the train station for the arrival of his friends. He sat the entire time while updating Wakana about where he was and what he was doing at the moment. He sighed to himself and tapped his foot out of boredom.
He wondered how Yoru was doing. He hoped he really wasn't taking his words to heart. His sixth sense hadn't noticed any presence around, so his group must not be around yet.
What can I do to make up for it? An apology won't do. He wouldn't even let me kiss him, he thought. He groaned and buried his face in his hands. "I'm so stupid…" But before he tormented himself with more guilt trips, the train he presumed to be the one his friends rode stopped. Its doors automatically opened, and Rikuo couldn't help but smile at the people smiling at him back.
"Welcome back, guys," Rikuo greeted as he rose from his seat. Seeing his friends was like a breath of fresh air after all the things that had happened in his life recently.
"Nura-kun! What a delight to see you again!" Kiyotsugu greeted as lively as ever. He summed up what everyone else had to say so they all just grinned at the brunet.
"How have you been, Rikuo-kun?" Kana asked, walking up to him. "Did you get to spend time with Yoru-kun? How was it?" Her curious eyes weren't going to stop staring until Rikuo shared everything that had happened. It should have been memorable!
Kana had to go straight to the point. He didn't even have time to think of a story for himself. He needed to buy some time first. He smiled nervously and scratched the back of his head. "I've been fine. The trip was fun. Got to meet a couple of his friends. And oh— you said you were going to say something about evidence from your Kyoto trip, right, Kiyotsugu-kun?"
Rikuo's answer made Kana's head tilt in confusion. That's it? She thought. That didn't sound like a memorable vacation trip. She had many questions— like where did they go? What sights did they see? Anything would be fine. Saying it was merely "fun" was too vague.
On the other hand, Kiyotsugu's eyes sparkled at the question. "Oh, yes! Evidence indeed! Me and Kana-chan can both attest to it!" he cheered in excitement.
"Even Kana-chan?" Rikuo blinked as he glanced at the brunette. That made him slightly worried now. "What evidence are you talking about exactly?"
"Well," he began explaining with his arms folded against his chest, "We both felt some weird disturbance two nights ago. It was unlike any other feeling we ever had. It was close to that one dream we had when we were all in Ukiyoe Shrine and it had suddenly grown cold when we were on the lookout for yokai… that kind of feeling!"
Rikuo's eyes widened. So they subconsciously noticed what happened that night? he thought, flabbergasted. Does that mean yokai clashing gave off that much power? Little did he know that the sky had gone darker during that time as well.
"Why'd you say it has some connection to yokai?" Rikuo asked, casually looking curious but internally he was very concerned about this matter. Was his friends slowly being pulled into the world of yokai too?
"Duh! Kyoto is one of the cities with the largest number of yokai due to its history with wars and all that," the Paranormal Investigation Squad leader explained as a matter-of-factly. "Not only is it a good tourist spot, it's the perfect city to investigate yokai activity."
"Why else would he pick Kyoto for a vacation spot anyway?" Natsumi sighed with a shrug. She did get to see fantastic sights, so her trip didn't exactly go to waste.
"We were tired from walking around all day, so we just slept through the night. As far as I know, those two were the only ones who had that so-called weird feeling," Saori narrated. "Though in my opinion, they just were able to experience that because they were too exhausted but couldn't sleep. Paranoia from being sleep-deprived perhaps?"
Rikuo blinked. "Huh…" That was a plausible explanation. But he knew better than to argue with Kiyotsugu. He was the most stubborn person when it came to possible yokai activity.
"That was basically our trip," Shima said with his arms folded behind his head. "What about you? Any highlights?"
The brunet cracked a lopsided smile. He guessed it was time for him to share about his own trip with Yoru. The conversation gave him just enough time to come up with his own story.
"We were near Kyoto, but not actually in Kyoto. There, I met his family. His family was… huge. Not just an extended family. Like… a clan?" He wasn't exactly lying, but he wasn't giving all the details either. "Mom insisted she came with us and so, she met them too. Got to experience good old nature. And oh, we got to see a great view of Kyoto and other cities when we were in a… Dragon Temple, was it?" What he actually meant was that he was able to see cities down below thanks to the dragon that him, Yoru and Nurarihyon rode together back to Edo. "I got to meet the transfer student in our school too." Though it wasn't exactly a pleasant meeting.
"Transfer student?" Shima asked.
So far, Rikuo's adventures sounded more exciting than theirs. Still, Kana couldn't help but wonder why it took so long for him to share his story. Was it just a coincidence that he didn't want to tell his right away?
Rikuo pretended to recall Yura's name when in reality he wouldn't ever forget that name, not after when she declared she would fight him if she had to in order to protect humans. And in that very moment, he remembered that he wasn't a human anymore. He didn't belong with these people he referred to as friends. But because he treasured their friendship, he wasn't going to let go so easily.
He hadn't realized he was already in a daze until he heard Natsumi cough. "U-Uh…" He smiled nervously. "I think her name was Keikain Yura?"
"Keikain…" Kiyotsugu scratched his chin. "That name does ring a bell."
"She's in the next class," Saori cleared for the self-proclaimed leader of their group. She couldn't believe Kiyotsugu had that much of a selective memory.
"O-Oh! Right, right."
Everyone just rolled their eyes and sighed. He didn't have to hide that he didn't remember Yura.
"Seemed like you had a fun trip, Rikuo-kun. I'm happy for that," Kana stated with a warm smile on her face. "Where's Yoru-kun now?"
"Back with his family," he replied. But by the time he said that, he already felt a couple of presences not too far from where they were. It must be Yoru and his group watching over them already. "Though he'll visit from time to time. Says he really liked Edo."
"Then maybe we'll be able to finally meet him," Natsumi said, raising an eyebrow at Rikuo. Rikuo just chuckled sheepishly.
"Speaking of Yoru-kun," Kiyotsugu began as he tapped his chin. "I don't know if it's just me but ever since you met up with the guy again, weird things kept happening, not to mention you keep getting injured. Not that I'm blaming the guy. I haven't even met him. Maybe it's all a coincidence? I don't know…"
"His point is," Saori said with firm conviction. She had this thought for quite a while, but finally got to bring it up thanks to Kiyotsugu. "Maybe it isn't the best idea to keep hanging out with that best friend of yours."
Rikuo almost had a coughing fit from such a direct statement. He merely gulped. His friends had these kinds of thoughts about Yoru? Was life being ironic? He had just told Yoru it wasn't a good idea to meet his friends, and now, his own friends were telling him to stop being together with Yoru.
Now he understood why Yoru didn't want to meet them in the first place.
"Uh…" Rikuo tried to find the words, but was at a crossroads.
"If you ask me, he's bad luck," Shima bluntly said without hesitation. Natsumi and Saori nodded in agreement. Kiyotsugu and Kana, on the other hand, just looked at Rikuo worriedly.
"It's not like we don't want you to spend time with Yoru-kun. You have all the right to, but we're just… we're worried about you, Rikuo-kun," Kana admitted.
Oh, yeah. Right after I yelled at Yoru, my friends had to pour salt into the wound, he thought. He knew they were watching. Yoru's companions must be furious hearing all this, after through the effort of protecting them. He sighed internally. I'm the worst…
"Nura-kun?" Kiyotsugu was about to reach out and rest his hand on the brunet's shoulder when Rikuo shook his head and smiled as he held up his hand.
"N-No, it's fine. I understand you're all worried about me," he said. "I'm sorry. I know I said I wanted to hang out with you guys today, but now I want time to think."
Natsumi, Saori and Shima felt a pang of guilt for bringing it up in the first place. Kiyotsugu looked forward to finally being able to spend time with Rikuo, but it seemed he had to wait until next time. Kana was the most worried of all. She couldn't blame anyone, but putting pressure on poor Rikuo was not what she had in mind.
"Rikuo-kun…" Kana stepped closer and tugged his sleeve. "I'm sorry." Her apology was whispered softly. She had a genuine regretful expression on her face.
Rikuo felt bad, not only because his friends were against Yoru, but because they were doing it out of concern. Yes, danger had been part of their relationship, but he had accepted that from the beginning. However, he didn't want his friends' concern to go to waste. He also had to think about Yoru as well, and make up for the painful words he told him earlier.
He never expected this to be such a problematic summer.
"I'll just text you guys whenever," Rikuo said with a false smile on his face. He had to keep up appearances. "It isn't anyone's fault. It just made me want to think for a while."
"But you have to make sure you talk to us afterwards, alright?" Kiyotsugu said. "You don't want me and everyone else barging in your place just to know you're okay." It sounded like a joke, but he was really going to do it if the situation ever compelled him to.
Rikuo nodded. "Of course. I don't want you guys to worry too much anyway." There was a long moment of silence before the brunet straightened his posture and coughed. "I'll… I'll be taking my leave, then. See you guys." He then walked back and looked behind his shoulder as he waved at them goodbye.
Once he was far enough from them, Yoru and the others showed up from thin air. Rikuo expected much, so he smiled at their presence.
"Rikuo…" Yoru looked concern for Rikuo, rather than looking hurt because of what his friends said about him.
"What are they talking about anyway? Bad luck? Battles are part of our daily lives!" Aotabō said. Those humans knew nothing, but that was why they had come up with that kind of conclusion in the first place.
"You just always end up injured because you're protecting them!" Tsurara pointed out. "Isn't that right, Rikuo-sama?"
Rikuo appreciated the support from Yoru and his clansmen. It… lifted his spirits to say the least. The two basically rebutted what his friends said about him and Yoru. And they were right. Problem was, his human friends didn't know a single thing about Rikuo's involvement with Yoru and yokai.
"Must be hard living a dual life, huh?" Zen asked with arms crossed. He couldn't help but glare momentarily at Rikuo for hurting Yoru earlier. But he put his grudge behind him right after that.
The brunet sighed and nodded, unaware of the glare since he was looking at the pavement this whole time. "I'm sorry I had to drag you guys into this." He ruffled his hair. "I never expected they'd think that way."
"We're used to it," Kubinashi said with a shrug. It wasn't much of a big deal for them as much as it was for Rikuo. "Like what Aotabō said, it's kind of part of our daily lives." Insults, fights and all other kinds of violence, they've seen and experienced it all.
"You can just all hang out with us instead! It comes with a bonus: Yoru-sama!" Kejōrō cheered as her arms pointed at the Nura clan leader. Her enthusiasm caused Rikuo to laugh. He needed that after the events from earlier.
And there was Yoru, looking as charming as ever. For some reason, he looked better than earlier. So kept to his word of not letting Rikuo's words get to him? That was a relief, then.
Rikuo then walked up towards Yoru, feeling rather embarrassed that his clansmen had to see them being… themselves. "Yoru, um…"
"Don't worry. They said everything I wanted to say," he said as he patted the brunet's head with a genuine warm smile on his face. "Just make it up to me by going along with Kejōrō's suggestion."
"Heh. Sure. Why not?" Rikuo chuckled. Since he was going to head to the main house later that night anyway, might as well hang out with Yoru's closest friends.
If Yoru's friends were able to accept Rikuo, how the brunet wished it was that easy for his friends towards Yoru.
They spent the rest of the day wandering around Ukiyoe. Rikuo took them to all sorts of places, as well as his favorites, including this one small noodle shop that cooked the best of the best. For a former human, he seemed like he hadn't changed a bit.
Everyone quickly warmed up to Rikuo because of his naturally friendly and bright personality, including Zen. He was just that easy to get along with. That was actually how he got along with his human friends as well.
Surprisingly, he even let Yoru's clansmen visit his house and let them meet Wakana as well due to their insistence. She was delighted to meet the crimson-eyed male's closest companions who seemed to be getting along with Rikuo as well. And obviously, the yokai met Wakana in their human disguises just like Yoru.
"Did you get to spend time with Kana-chan and the others earlier?" Wakana asked as she prepared tea and snacks for the guests.
Rikuo nodded as he helped her out. "We didn't get to hang out that long, though. They had to leave early." As if he could tell her that they made him feel conflicted because they didn't want him to spend time with Yoru anymore out of concern.
"That's too bad." She lifted the tray with cups of tea from the table as she looked up to see Yoru's friends talking and laughing in the living room. Their happiness was contagious as her lips turned upwards into a smile. "Yoru-kun's friends are a lively bunch." It reminded her of the times when Rikuo's friends used to often hang out in that very same place.
As Rikuo observed the clan, he could only come up with one conclusion. "They sure are."
Right until it was finally time to be summoned back to the Nura main house, they all sat together and shared stories and tidbits about themselves (leaving the yokai part, of course) and even ate dinner together in the dining room. Rikuo was amazed at how well they could make up stories about themselves. They were too embarrassed to take up on Wakana's offer at first, but she insisted. It had been a long time since Rikuo had friends over, after all.
"We should eat like this again," Aotabō said, grinning widely. The meal was excellent! "But next time with a small addition." Kubinashi and Kejōrō's face brightened. It made Rikuo wonder what made them look so excited. Was the addition really worth being excited over?
Kurotabō rolled his eyes and immediately knew what he was talking about, but he was aware of Rikuo's age and mainly because Rikuo's mother was in everyone's presence. He didn't want the boy to get in trouble because of the Nura clan's favorite pastime. "Don't we already have an appropriate place for such an activity, Aotabō?" he stated, narrowing his eyes at the other.
Aotabō raised an eyebrow, but as soon as he realized what he was talking about, his shoulder slumped. "Oh, right. Never mind," he sighed. Kubinashi and Kejōrō sighed along.
Wakana and Rikuo were clueless. The mother and son glanced at one another, thinking that the other knew what the others were talking about, but it seemed they were both lost.
Yoru, who sat next to Rikuo, stifled a chuckle. What a sight to behold. They really were connected both by bonds and blood. He then moved close to whisper into his ear, "They're talking about sake."
Rikuo jerked back in surprise with eyes widened. "What?!"
He never once had a drop of any kind of wine in his life, especially sake. He hadn't even reached his legal age of drinking. Was that why the clansmen were more energetic and lively than usual inside that mansion?
The crimson-eyed yokai shrugged. "It's a thing, okay? Keeps everyone close. Besides, it's fun. Though you have to wait a few more years for it." He grinned widely as he teased the brunet by petting his head like a kid.
Rikuo wasn't amused by that one bit, although he showed his childish side as he puffed out his cheeks from being treated like a child. "It's not like I want to anyway." He harrumphed.
Yoru nodded. "That's good. You'll just find out the goodness of it soon enough." Talking about sake made him crave for that heavenly drink. Maybe he could get himself some after complying with Gyuki's request about Rikuo making an appearance for the clan. "Anyway, it was nice spending time with you again, Mother. I'm afraid we'll have to take our leave now." It was already nightfall anyway.
"Thank you for having us, Wakana-sama!" Tsurara chirped, bowing formally at the other lady. At first, she was shocked Yoru addressed her as his mother. She actually thought that he and Rikuo shared the same mother.
"Do you mind if we pay another visit next time?" Kejōrō snickered. She was half-joking, but in all honesty, she truly did have fun today.
"I'd love to have you all around again sometime," Wakana said with a giggle. "Come visit whenever you like." Such heartwarming hospitality that it moved everyone. They all thought about Rikuo being lucky to have such a kind and loving mother.
"Uh… Something's come up, so I'll be going to Yoru's place too," Rikuo told Wakana. "Is that okay with you?" Even though he knew she was going to let him stay at Yoru's, he felt that asking permission was always necessary, especially after everything that had happened to him so far. But if she wouldn't allow him, he was sure Yoru and the others would understand.
"Hmmm… You've all managed to humor me, so I'll let you go for tonight, Rikuo." Wakana sounded serious, but was only acting. She then turned her gaze at Yoru. "Take care of Rikuo for me again, alright? Escort him back home after you guys are done."
Rikuo felt embarrassed that he had to be treated like a child in front of Yoru's clansmen, but majority of them found it cute.
"Will do." Yoru nodded as he hooked his arm around Rikuo's. "And I hope you'll always let me take care of your son, Mother."
Everyone knew what he meant that caused laughter and an embarrassed Rikuo.
Nevertheless, Rikuo felt exponentially better after all this. Yoru was already fine himself it seemed, so that was one problem down. However, he still had to face the reality of how to deal with his own friends, because after spending time with them, he knew the answer, but didn't know how to express it in words that wouldn't hurt them.
But that would have to wait for another day, because right now, he was a nervous wreck for in a few moments, he would make his first and formal appearance to the Nura clan— the clan he supposedly belonged in after becoming a yokai himself.
He was already paranoid that he couldn't even think straight. What if the clan didn't like him? Worse, what if they didn't accept him as fellow yokai… and Yoru's lover? There were so many things he became worried about that he felt like his head and heart were going to explode simultaneously. He felt a hand on his back and glanced up as his eyes met Yoru's.
"What are you so worked up about? If they have to say something about you, they have to go through me," Yoru said. Ah, yes. That charismatic aura. Rikuo almost forgot he was the leader of the Nura clan. That made him slightly less worried.
"We're all here for you, Rikuo-sama!" Tsurara chirped. "You'll do great, and I know it."
Her heartwarming support eased Rikuo's nerves a bit more. And as he glanced at the others, they were smiling determinedly. They were thinking the same thing as well.
"T-Thanks everyone. I'll do my best." Rikuo didn't know why he had to do his best when he was just going to show himself to the clan.
What was the worst that could happen, right?
A/N: Happy New Year everyone! What better way to start off the year than with a fic update, right? Again, it's been months, so I am very sorry. Thank you to everyone who gives their support through faves, alerts, and most especially, reviews! Please keep 'em coming. They give me more inspiration, like seriously (Did you know that one review gave me the drive to instantly write the next chapter? THAT'S HOW INSPIRING REVIEWS ARE!). And I feel kinda bad that more conflicts keep happening, but I'll never stop! All in the name of character development hehe. Don't worry, I already have another chapter planned (and it's one of the most significant for Rikuo's development, but I hope I can have enough inspiration and time for it lol)
