Just after dawn Narumi was woken by sounds coming from the kitchen. On further inspection the futon was folded with the pillow and blankets neatly on top of it. Narumi groaned and hoisted himself up, scratching at his bed-hair as his brain tried to collect what was going on. The absence of Raidou with the bed all neatly put away helped his deduction greatly.
A quick glance at his alarm clock told him it was sometime before seven, with the sun just barely over the horizon. The detective grumbled about how the agency didn't open until ten (or in most cases, whenever Narumi was ready and willing to face the world) before shuffling out the door and towards the kitchen.
The smell of grilling fish and coffee hit his nostrils, instantly perking him up. But what really woke him was the sight of Raidou, still wearing the borrowed pajamas, now with the addition of Narumi's "Kiss the Cook" apron, standing over the stove preparing what looked to be a traditional breakfast.
"...How long have you been up?" Was the first question out his mouth, though the first one in his head was why he was wearing his apron, but he realized a second later he didn't really mind. It was kind of cute on him.
"About an hour," the boy replied without turning to greet him. This kind of food preparation was a delicate process and he was not to be distracted from it. There was also miso cooking in one pot and rice in another. Kid was aiming for the full spread. And by the looks of it, he'd been to the store to get all this. Narumi sure as hell didn't have anything like this in his fridge.
Narumi blinked, mumbling something about "the morning after" before stumbling off to the bathroom to clean up before breakfast. The boy watched him go from the corner of his eye, a little curious as to what that was all about. But he couldn't be bothered to ask.
By the time the detective returned the table was set and breakfast was served, the very traditional meal laid out awkwardly on the very modern dining wear. Still, it looked very nice. And coffee was involved. That made it automatically better by a hundred-fold.
Narumi stepped out with his face washed and his hair done, dressed in an indigo button-up with a white tie, a white casual vest, and a pair of black slacks. All that was missing from the ensemble was the white fedora currently perched on the rack near the door. "Did you make all this, Raidou?" He asked as he scanned the contents of the table. Impressive, really. The kid had to be up longer than the hour he admitted.
The man was met with a small smile, Raidou looking very pleased with himself by the looks of it. He nodded once in response, standing behind his own chair, waiting for Narumi to sit first.
The detective plopped into his own seat and continued to stare at the contents of the table. When was the last time he had a homemade meal like this? "Jeez... It's like I'm back home..." Narumi mused, glancing to the boy across from him. "You weren't kidding about liking cooking, huh?"
Finally Raidou took his seat, nodding in reply. He took up his pair of chopsticks and held his hands up together, palms flat as though he was saying 'grace'. "Itadakimasu..." After that he dug in, starting with the fish.
The two ate in a comfortable silence, Narumi waiting for the effects of the coffee to kick in lest he say exactly what was on his mind at that moment. Namely how adorable Raidou looked in an apron. With the caffeine flowing through his veins, he finally felt conscious enough to speak. "Last time I got breakfast made for me was after that clingy one night stand I had a couple months back..." Okay, so perhaps the caffeine hadn't taken affect quite yet.
Raidou stopped mid-chew, eyes turning upwards from his food and towards the sleep deprived man. He stared at him with confusion in his gaze. What was he on about?
"Ah... Ehn... Nevermind." Narumi quickly shoveled into his food, face lightly pink. No more talking until more coffee, he decided.
"Narumi-san?" came the curious boys voice. He wasn't escaping that easily
The man decided to grab for more fish as a distraction, "Did you always cook this big a meal back home?
"What's a one night stand?" Yup, not getting off that easy.
Narumi felt like he had to explain where babies come from to a very sheltered five year old. He sighed, face falling into his palms. "It's when you have sex with someone without intending on having a relationship with them for one night, then they leave the next morning and you never speak of it again." There, quick and painless, like ripping off a band-aid.
"Oh..." And back to his food he went, looking a little more blank that usual. What was going on in that mind of his? Was he amused? Disgusted? Embarrassed?
The silence dragged on and there were only so many fish on that plate. Narumi became increasingly fidgety at the boy's lack of response. "...Raidou?"
Raidou looked back up at the man, a bit of food still in his mouth. He stared over at the detective, slowly chewing and swallowing the mouthful as he waited for a response.
"I'm not calling you a one night stand or anything."
"I know." He couldn't be, right? That required sex first.
Narumi nodded, "Good, just clarifying. Pass the coffee?"
Instead of passing it Raidou silently got to his feet and moved to Narumi's side, grabbing the pot as he went. He pulled the man's cup closer and poured his coffee for him, even adding the small amount of coffee creamer he liked in it. Setting the significantly lighter pot back on the table he carefully slid the cup of steaming liquid in front of Narumi before going to sit back down. This kid... If the detective didn't know any better he'd say he'd gained a housewife somewhere along the way from last night to this morning.
The comment about clingy one night stands was brought to the forefront of his psyche until he squelched it down again. "So... Do you want me to take you to school or back to your apartment after this?" Narumi asked quietly, sipping at his hot coffee. It was perfectly mixed with the right amount of creamer... Damn this kid was good.
"I'll go home after this is cleaned up. I need to check in." Meaning he wasn't going to school today, but to the shrine. The Herald would want to hear of his progress and give him any orders she saw fit.
The kid worked hard, he liked that. "Do you want me to drop you at the shrine, then?"
As much as the offer made him smile, he politely refused. "I need to keep up on my leg. If I don't push it just a little then I won't be of any use when another mission comes my way." He had a point, but still... Narumi took another sip of coffee before setting it down, watching the boy as he ate. "Don't push yourself too hard. Take it easy while you can, got it?"
Always so concerned for him. It was really kind of... nice. "I promise I will." he replied, glancing up at the detective, their eyes meeting. "Doctor's orders..."
"Damn straight!" Narumi held up his cup in agreeance before taking another sip. Mid-chug his cell-phone buzzed in the desk drawer, causing him to almost choke on the hot liquid. "Shit... I better get that..." He stood, hurrying over to his oak desk and yanking open the drawer, accepting the call before it could ring too many times.
Meanwhile Gouto was having a little chat with his charge, which all seemed like meows to the detective. But by the intent way the boy was staring at him, Narumi could see he and the feline were having a pretty in depth conversation.
"The Herald will want a report on your progress, Jouhei." Gouto stated, pulling out a small notebook from his collar. How he managed to hide it in there even Raidou wasn't privy to, but it contained centuries' worth of information on demons and knowledge collected from his ancestors. The cat grabbed the attached pen and began looking over notes. Finishing his breakfast Raidou began to clean up, leaving the detectives half eaten food alone so he could finish it in peace. "Yes. We'll leave right after this."
"How many demons do you have now?" Gouto took the pen out of his mouth long enough to ask the question. No matter how long he had done this, he never quite mastered writing without opposable thumbs.
"Three." Raidou gathered his dishes, heading back to the kitchen to wash them. Dishwasher be damned, he was an old fashioned boy. He dumped them in the sink, rolled up his sleeves and got to scrubbing them himself. Gouto jotted this information down, "You should consider getting more. A full arsenal is key to survival in the Dark Realm."
"I understand. I'll capture more when I enter the Dark Realm next," he promised, scrubbing at the plates with water steaming. He looked peaceful this way, placid, thoughtful. He stared off at nothing as he cleaned, taking each dish and drying it thoroughly after it had been washed and it aside to put away.
Just as Raidou finished his work, Narumi returned, looking frazzled and annoyed. "Damn it... Of all the times for Tawara-ya to call my tab..." His shoulders slumped, Narumi sulked into the kitchen to help with the cleaning. "And just when I had a little extra under my belt too..."
The boys gaze was on the disgruntled detective in moments, looking just a little concerned, eye questioning. Narumi simply shook his head, "Well, time to pay my dues..." He begrudgingly headed for the door, rummaging in his pocket for his keys. "Can you lock up when you're done? I might not be back until late." Depending on whether he'd be working to pay off the rather steep amount that day.
"Yes..." The boy smiled lightly and went back to doing the dishes, handing Narumi a wet dish to dry. "Should I do anything else before I go?" Meaning in terms of chores.
"Ehn... None that I can think of..." The frazzled detective quickly toweled off the dish and set it away. "Just take it easy, okay? If not for yourself, for me, got it?" He gave the boy a wink, plucking another dish from the file.
Raidou couldn't help but smile. He still wanted him off his leg that badly? "I'm doing better now. The few days of rest have helped," even if he'd barely rested at all. The kid was a crap liar.
The detective didn't believe him for a minute. The boy was like an open book when it came to that. "Right... Well, if you could lock up before you leave, I'll be off." The dish towel was set aside and Narumi grabbed his hat from the counter. "Don't go overdoing it, got it?"
Lie caught onto yet still not deterred, Raidou offered a nod in response and finished up the dishes, drying them and setting them back in their correct places. "I promise..." he muttered as he want, eying the man from the corners of grey-blue orbs.
The detective's heavy steps and the click of the old door handle signaled his departure, Raidou left alone in the apartment with his mentor, whom was eying the boy himself. "Finish quickly so we may leave for Shinoda, Jouhei." The cat quipped. It seemed that even though Raidou had gone through the trouble of clearing Narumi's name, the cat was still standoffish about the boy being so near him. Why was that? It made the summoner wonder, but he thought better than to question the feline. Instead he did as he was told. He hurried with the chores at hand; cleaning the kitchen and table until they were spotless, and then gathered his things to leave. But even as he himself left through that oak and glass door he seemed just a little sad.
"If you're able to..." Gouto trotted behind his charge, in higher spirits now that they were outside. "We should do some training in the Dark Realm and collect more demons. Increase your artillery." More demons meant less a chance the boy would be critically injured again, and less a chance that he'd wind up bleeding out on Narumi's couch again.
"Yes." The boy agreed, even if the detective had told him to rest. He wanted to obey him, wanted to, really. But he had obligations. It was what made him go towards the bus station after he'd locked up and headed off, what made him take the next bus to Shinoda. Because he knew he couldn't rely on the man forever.
The days passed quickly as the two returned to their ordinary routines, with the added exception of each other's presence. Raidou recovered enough that he could return to his normal school schedule, even kendo, which Narumi thought to stop in on a few times. But explaining to any supervising party why a thirty-something man was asking to watch a high school boy's kendo club practice was far too suspect for the detective to be comfortable with explaining away. He'd have to settle for taking Raidou's word on his achievements, and visits to his apartment when he could catch the boy home and not on patrol.
On the other end was Narumi, who was far too used to having his only regular visitor a talkative up-and-coming reporter. Tae was a good friend, yes, but Narumi found he preferred the quiet days of web browsing to her near constant chatter. Raidou on the other hand was quiet and often visited just to offer his services as a houseboy. Narumi wasn't all that comfortable, but it seemed to please the boy enough to be of some use to the man. Fair enough; the office tended to get dusty with how old it was, and Narumi couldn't argue with the occasional home-cooked meal.
One could muse that their routines developed a more permanent insert from the other party, though the visits were anything but regular. With both their respective occupations, it was difficult to catch each other on an off day. Narumi would often be out on cases, doing research and legwork to get the information he needed, and Raidou was almost always running around under orders from the Yatagarasu. Between Narumi's cases and Raidou's patrol duties, they'd go days without seeing or hearing from the other. It worried Narumi to have the boy drop off the face of the planet for days at a time, but it couldn't be helped. The boy lacked a mobile phone, so he could only leave messages on his machine and hope the boy would get it within the next few days.
But there was one thing Narumi could be thankful for, and that was the fact that the boy had not come to him injured in those weeks that passed. He figured he was getting more cautious, and perhaps had gotten over his previous misconceptions that dying for his boss was a good and honorable option.
Fat chance of that... Narumi thought bitterly as he cradled his purchases close to his side. A sack of groceries, and more properly wrapped box were clutched against his chest as he made his way from the busy city streets down to the subway platform. It had been three weeks since his tab had been called and he had been pinching coins since. But with his recent onslaught of cases brought on by the start of Golden Week he had been able to make ends meet, and with his own self-inflicted budget cutbacks, he had been able to afford little extras... One of which was packaged perfectly in his arms. A gift, and he couldn't stop grinning because of it.
The grin dissipated slightly when he had to squish onto the afternoon throng that was the train heading for Ginza. Golden Week or no, the train was still packed with businessmen and students alike, especially those that were attending cram lessons of some sort. Narumi wondered if Raidou was doing those, and perhaps that's why he was missing in action as of late. How long has it been? Five days? It was before the start of Golden Week...
Narumi continued to ponder as he kept his belongings close with one hand and the other gripping the handrail above him. The crowd continued to push further towards the back of the car, taking him along with it as new passengers boarded the train. Narumi prayed that no one would knock his packages, or worse, his favorite pin-striped fedora, because he'd have to let go of one of two things that were vital to him at that moment; the gift and the handrail keeping him from catapulting into the crowd.
But finally after many a stop, the crowds began to dissipate. As the slew of businessmen and kids alike filed out of the car a voice called out to him, one that seemed to be just fighting off the veil of sleep. "Narumi-san?" Just a few seats down sat a very familiar boy in black with a cap on his head, cat in tow.
The detective glanced over his shoulder, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the boy he had just been on his way to see. "Hey, kid! Long time, no see!" Narumi carefully made his way down the aisle of the subway, grabbing the handrail next to the young man, an almost stupid grin on his face. "How are things?"
Seeing the man's plight at carrying the bags and trying to make his way over, Raidou instantly stood from his seat, silently offering while gently scooping the bag from Narumi's arms. As usual, he was being dutiful to a fault, and respectful of his elders. Narumi thanked him with a nod, still smiling. "Heh, sorry, I've been doing the train instead of driving to cut back."
The boy blinked curiously, stepping a little closer to grip the handrail above him, bag of groceries in his other arm. "Cutting back?"
The seat remained ignored as Narumi explained, shrugging. "Well I paid off my tab, finally, and I was saving up for something... Gas is pricey anyhow."
"I see," Raidou smiled up at him gently, something he seemed to be doing more often around him lately. "Ah, Narumi-san, aren't you going to sit?"
Narumi blinked, glancing to the seat Raidou had apparently given up for him. "Hey now, I'm not that old." He chuckled, bumping the boy's side with his elbow. "It's still polite..." the boy muttered, laughing lightly at the jab to the side, his body shying away from it playfully. Narumi winked playfully, "Well, as long as you understand, kid."
The train announced the upcoming stop in Ginza that Raidou normally let off at and the two prepared to depart. As the train slowed, Narumi glanced over to the boy, noting how tired he appeared. "Did you stay up all night or something? You look beat." The summoner stayed close by, still carrying the bag in his arms. He shook his head softly at the question, though he did look more than a little tired. He looked ready to turn in for the night when it was only just after one in the afternoon. "I've been working hard is all."
The detective toyed with a strand of hair as they walked, slightly concerned. "You're taking care of yourself, right? Not working too hard?" The usual concern, the slight frown on his face. It seemed after only a short time he knew the boy well. But of course Raidou denied it, saying he was taking perfectly good care of himself, eating right and sleeping enough. Narumi also knew it was a lie, and a bad one. This kid's face was too innocent, eyes far too expressive. That, and the circles under those large blue-grey orbs told it all.
Sighing, Narumi let it slide. The boy was old enough to take care of himself, or so he desperately tried to exude to the detective. That wouldn't stop his worrying, even if he did put his concerns on the back-burner for the time being. "Are you hungry?" Narumi motioned to the bag of groceries in his hand, smirking. "I was actually coming over to make dinner."
Regardless of his stance on his own personal wellbeing, Raidou was not one to turn down the chance at having a home-cooked meal, or time with his favored detective. Those perfectly glossy lips turned up into a shy smile. That's all Narumi really needed to see; "All right, let's head back to your place. I've got stuff to make udon."
The light patter of mid-day rain clattered against the window that ran along the entire length of Raidou's apartment. A spring rain was rolling in, typical for that time of year. From the look of the clouds it was going to remain a mild shower, nothing like the torrential rains of the monsoon seasons to come, like the day they first met.
A pot of hot water sat on the hot pad, percolating a rolling boil in which udon noodles floated. Off to the side was a tray of thinly sliced and marinated beef, waiting to be mixed with other half its entrée once it was finished simmering in the skillet. Narumi leaned against the counter, occupying the time needed to complete the cooking process by chatting with the summoner who sat nearby at the table. "So you're pretty much working for Golden Week?" The man inquired, idly stirring the boiling noodles.
Raidou was busying himself mending the jacket of his school uniform as they spoke, having gotten the sleeve caught on something during a chase just the other day. It wasn't until now that he was able to take the time to do the repairs. He smiled lightly at the older man, carefully drawing the needle through the damaged fabric and pulling the thread taut as they spoke. "I've been working, yes. I was assigned on a possession case. It was only recently that I was able to complete that mission."
"Possession case?" That sound particularly nasty. Narumi's head filled with horrific images of pale young girls with their heads twisted backwards, speaking in another voice and vomiting everywhere as the walls bled. "...How did that turn out?"
"The boy is safe. I was able to coax the demon out and capture it." Too easy, or so Raidou made it seem. He never really informed the man on the gritty details of his cases. He had to see that first hand to get anything more than what a soldier would brief a superior on. Fortunately, it seemed nothing so grim as what he had witnessed in the past had occurred since the boy had been away. For that, Narumi was glad. "It's good it went smoothly then. You haven't gotten injured at all, right?"
"Not really." Meaning he had, but nothing bad enough to merit his makeshift doctor's care. At least there was that. As long as Raidou wasn't bleeding out or risking losing a limb, things would be fine in the end.
He hoped.
Narumi plucked a noodle from the pot and tested the consistency. Satisfied with their firmness, he turned off the hot pad and set the pot in the sink, placing the skillet where it had been. "I kind of miss hearing from you, you know. You should call more often."
"I'm not home all that often..." The boy muttered, going back to his work. Almost done; It didn't look perfect, but at least he wouldn't get in trouble at school for having a ripped sleeve. As the boy looked up from his inspection, a wrapped box was offered to him, one he recognized as the parcel Narumi was cradling on the train. Somewhat startled, a little confused, Raidou's eyes flitted back and forth once or twice between the package and the man's caramel colored eyes before resting on them in a mutual gaze. He was unsure of what to do, how to react. Had Narumi bought something for him? His heart fluttered thinking about it.
Finally the detective broke the silence; "It's a gift. Open it."
The mending work was slowly put to the side, instantly forgotten as the boy reached for the small package. A gift he said. Raidou felt his heart skip a beat as he took the box and began unwrapping the tissue paper around it. Just beneath the wrapping was a box with a dark blue, flip-style mobile phone printed on the front. He had seen many of his classmates carrying these around campus. "Do you think it'd be easier to call if you had your own phone?" Narumi asked, sounding far too pleased with himself.
The boy just stared, dumbfounded. He got him a cell phone? But, something like this was very expensive, wasn't it? He didn't know how to feel about it other than deeply flattered. "...Narumi-san..."
"It'd be easier to get in contact with me if you need something if you have one of these, right?" Narumi winked, tapping the top of the box with his index finger. "Don't worry about the bill. I got a good deal as an added line."
"It's still expensive, isn't it?" He asked cautiously, eyes finally meeting the detectives once again in a concerned gaze. Always worried about making trouble for him. This kid was too kind. Narumi quickly waved his concern away. "Don't worry about that." He chided, "It's not that much, and I picked up some extra cases after paying off Tawara-ya... And I'd like to hear from you more, make sure you're doing all right." Among other reasons, of course.
Raidou left it at that, setting his attentions back to the package now sitting in his lap. He carefully opened it, unwrapping everything until he had a phone, battery, back cover and charger on the table before him. Once he was done setting the wrappings to the side he looked to the older man for guidance.
By then Narumi had finished with the strips of beef and had prepared a meal of niku udon for them both. Setting the bowls down, he proceeded to explain the near foreign device to the boy. "Power it up, and I'll show you how to use the address book. I'll put mine and Tae's number in there for you."
"Erm..." The boy slowly held up the device, sans battery or back, offering an innocent gaze just asking for help. "...How?"
Narumi narrowly avoided the urge to smack his palm to his face. "...Let's start from square one, and go from there... deal?"
"Sure." Raidou replied with a nod, grateful Narumi was taking the time to teach him about the new device he'd bought for him. Oh, if only he knew his phone was as basic as they come. A two year old from this day and age could learn it in minutes. But no, he was embarrassed enough. Surely Narumi thought he was deficient.
Yet as frustrating as it could be, within the hour Narumi had taught Raidou the basics of his new phone, guiding his hand with his own, showing him how to find people in his address book and take photos, even down to a bit of texting using the number pad. When one likened it to a computer, it wasn't terribly difficult to master. He did set up the speed dials though, just in case. "There, do you think you got it?"
Raidou was more than thankful for the man's patience, as well as the meal he'd prepared for them both. This man really was too good to be true. He didn't understand it, but it made him smile knowing he was being taken care of even when he knew he could make his own way. "Yes. Thank you for helping me. It's a wonderful gift."
Narumi shot him a wink and pat him on the shoulder, "Anytime, and my offer still stands, Raidou. If you need anything, just call me, and I'll come running." That is what he promised both the boy and himself. Raidou needed someone to rely on in this dangerous city, especially with his lifestyle and pension for danger. And who better for him to look to than a man who had lived that dangerous life before?
But then, quite unexpectedly, something happened. They were so close anyway, it was a wonder how he hadn't noticed. Raidou slowly leaned over and rested against the man, head on his shoulder. What was this about? Was this... Raidou showing affection? His face was blank, eyes forward and a little droopy. Tired, or something else? The action itself took him by surprise, and Narumi found that he wasn't sure where to look, or put his hands. So instead he rested his hand on the boy's back, patting softly. "Sleepy, kiddo?" He asked quietly, his heartbeat a little faster than he'd like.
"No..." Raidou muttered, though if it was truth or not remained to be seen. But there was something else there; the man could sense it. Raidou had the faintest of smiles on his lips, barely noticeable but it was there. So this was him happy.
The two sat for a long while, just enjoying each other's company. Narumi thought to say something, to voice some of the thoughts that had been circling his head over the past few weeks. But nothing seemed right to say, and it seemed that any words to break the comfortable silence that filled the room would ruin the moment all together. So Narumi remained quiet, that hand rubbing gentle circles across the boy's back, allowing the boy to lean on him as he so pleased.
Narumi jumped when the sound of a cat yowling cut into his thoughts, his head whipping towards the window. Gouto, and he did not look pleased. He was arched, tail in the air, ears back against his head.
Raidou's head slowly raised from its resting spot on Narumi's shoulder, eyes towards the window. "Gouto..." He was much more placid about the cat's anger than Narumi was. The older man simply glowered at the feline, wondering what his issue was. "Jeez... That thing hates me after all, doesn't he?" He remarked, noting the cat's gaze right at him. Raidou slowly got to his feet, remaining silent as he made his way to the window and opened it, letting the cat in.
Gouto stared right at Raidou, hissing irritably, and from the boy's subtle wince, he was giving him an earful. Narumi wished he could understand what the feline was saying, and just why he was upset at the boy this time. After what could only be a good tongue lashing, Raidou silently shut the window and went to gather up his previously forgotten mending work. He sat opposite the detective across the table now, head lowered, eyes on his work.
Gouto nestled himself on the table, warily eyeing the detective as he finished his meal... and observed the summoner. "So... What did he say?"
It was a long moment before the boy would speak, finally finishing the repair on his jacket. He tied off the thread, clipping it with a small set of scissors and set the tools aside on the table. "He said I was being inappropriate."
"Huh?" Inappropriate? Was it because he was leaning against him like... Narumi played with a lock of hair, nervously glancing away. "I guess to some that could be seen as inappropriate... Did you tell him you were just resting?"
He nodded slowly, getting to his feet to get a hanger for his jacket, taking it with him. More and more Narumi was getting the feeling that he had worn out his welcome, especially with Raidou suddenly growing silent, and his mentor leering at him as if he had committed some sort of crime against humanity.
Narumi glanced at his watch, then rose to his feet. "I guess I should get back to the Agency..." He muttered, though he really didn't want to leave. And by the look on Raidou's face when he mentioned it, the boy didn't want him to leave either. But he didn't voice this, no, it was as if he knew he'd be in trouble if he did. So he simply nodded, slipping a hanger into his jacket and putting the garment in its respective place until later use.
A hand grasped his shoulder, giving it a light squeeze before the older man came into view, giving him a slight, if not forced smile. "Call me anytime, got it?" He whispered into Raidou's ear, breath ghosting the nape of his neck. Raidou almost couldn't fight the shiver that ran down his spine, that warm breath gliding over his senses, the tiniest of gasps pushing past his lips. But he recovered well, swallowing thickly as their eyes met. A small nod was given in affirmation, along with a quiet promise that he would call.
And just like that, Narumi was gone, and in his place was a very much displeased Gouto.
"Be careful, Jouhei." The feline warned, "Getting too close to someone like that could give them the wrong idea."
The boy listened to the cat, but did not truly hear. He continued to watch the door even after Narumi was long gone. Why did he suddenly feel this way? It was difficult for even he to describe to himself. He felt cold, longing, empty. No, he knew this feeling; he remembered this from long ago, as a child playing in the woods of his village so long ago.
This was loneliness.
With a heavy heart and a small, quiet sigh he finally acknowledged the cat, turning to face him. "Why?" he questioned, wanting to understand why Gouto felt that way. He knew he wasn't supposed to get too close to anyone. He'd known since day one. But having something like warmth and companionship handed to him one moment then taken away from him the next with the result being him getting scolded, it was just too cruel.
The answer was short, simple. "It will cloud your judgment." Gouto stated plainly. "I tolerate you going to him for friendship, for treatment if you are injured..." He leapt from his spot on the table to the counter so he may gauge his pupil's reaction. "But it is not acceptable to become entwined with someone's life unless it is necessary for a mission. You must keep yourself distanced."
Such a cold thing to say, but Raidou knew he was right. Yet he was torn about the cat's words. Narumi was more than a friend to him, more than just the man who stitched his wounds. He was a companion, a second mentor, perhaps even something he didn't understand. All Raidou knew was that he was dear to him and being forced to distance himself was not only cruel to the both of them, but becoming increasingly impossible.
"I understand..." but in the end, what could he say? He couldn't disobey, argue with his overseer about how he didn't want to let go of the developing closeness. So he just dropped it. With lowered eyes he moved to ready himself for bed, to drag his futon from the closet and set up for sleep.