Believe

by Rotten Adel

A jaded ex-homicide detective gone rogue as a private eye. The young, naive protector of the capital trying to make it in the streets of Tokyo. This is the story of their meeting, and the conception of their partnership. Modern AU, Graphic Violence, BL (Hiatus)

12. Chapter 12

Golden Week ended, school began again. The unusually high influx of cases slowed to its usual steady trickle; a blessing and a curse for the detective. Sure it was nice to not constantly be running about, but the lack of funds could get daunting very quickly, especially with his well-acknowledged habit of overspending. He was in the green, for now, and as long as he didn't splurge too heavily he'd be fine even if this month yielded no cases.

But even with that bit of financial cushion covering his ass from any unfortunate shopping urges, Narumi felt a bit off the days following his visit to Raidou's apartment. The boy had clammed up and became suddenly cold and avoidant. It had to do with his "mentor's" reaction to their touching, he was sure. It made him wonder why the feline was so opposed to Raidou getting close to him, why the boy made such an effort to force him away when the cat had spoken out... Was the Yatagarasu so particular about their underlings forming any sort of interpersonal connection?

The thoughts circled and brought up the point he had been trying to hide since it first entered his head. The feeling of the boy leaning against him, Narumi's hands on his back, feeling the ribs through the cloth of his button-down shirt, the hollow sound of his fingers tapping against the boy's shoulder... And the look on his face; that slight, almost invisible smile, those long lashes fluttering closed as he rested against him. And perhaps the most daunting notion; the fact that his pulse-rate had jumped as soon as the boy was near.

Like a teenage boy fawning over a young lass in class, Narumi couldn't get those images from his head, yet he was afraid to let those ideas pan out. It seemed lately that any ideas involving Raidou were quickly becoming something of an issue, one that he was not ready to try and solve. Too many variables and not enough clues, and the ever present societal qualms factoring into each individual idea.

He could not help but wonder what would have happened if Gouto had not appeared at that moment, and the fact that his mind was actually considering the possibilities with someone so young, not to mention male, was grating on his normally sane mind.

Perhaps that's what was bothering him so in the hours of downtime he was experiencing at the Agency that day; causing him to think and overthink each and every dropped hint (if one could call them that) to see if there was truly anything behind the boy's actions aside from platonic affection. A part of him wanted just that, and the other part wanted more. Far more.

Narumi let frustrated growl and scrubbed at his curly locks before his head planted against the finished oak desk in front of him with a precise 'thunk'. "This is absolutely ridiculous!" He scolded himself out loud; something he took to doing when he really needed to commit a fact to memory. Vocalizing it just seemed to drive it into his skull better than simple thought. "I don't need to be obsessing about him. It doesn't mean a thing!" His voice rose in volume as he stood, taking up pacing in front of his desk, hand on his chin. "Raidou is young and has little to no human contact. Such a gesture could not possibly mean anything significant aside from him being tired. I'm thinking too far into this." The detective threw his hands into the air, shouting to the walls. "Shouhei, get a grip!"

His voice echoed in the empty office, jolting Narumi out of his ravings long enough to realize what he was ranting about. Why was he so transfixed? Why did he make such an effort to see the boy, to make himself available and to assure that he'd be there if needed? And just why did the both of them seem so upset to be separated? Was Raidou upset? Or was he simply showing the subservient side to this mentor and shoving him away willingly?

His subconscious answered the questions for him, but the voice was quickly squelched by reason and morality, amongst other personal quirks that weren't quite ready to be brought to the surface. Not yet, and possibly not ever.

"I'm driving myself batty here." He chided, fiddling with the cuff of his sleeve. "It's all in your head, Shouhei. He's just a kid, after all..."

The opposing sides of his subconscious rose in a clamor of protests as Narumi reached for his phone, fully intending on calling the young summoner just to check in. He paused before hitting the speed dial on the front screen, marked with an icon of a school cap. "What was the rule...? Three days? Or was it two?" Upon realizing what he was actually debating, Narumi about went on a rant again. "The hell am I saying? It's not like that!"

The suddenly, almost miraculously, the phone began ringing in his hand, buzzing obnoxiously along with it. If that didn't get the man's blood pressure to elevate, then the icon surely would. A school cap, the ringtone a pleasant jazz number.

Narumi stared at the device for a few rings, wondering what sort of witchcraft would cause the boy to call at the exact moment when he was having something of a crisis. Before it could go to voicemail, he answered, taking all of two seconds to compose himself before speaking. "Hey, kid!" He greeted, almost too cheerful. It dawned on him that Raidou could be calling because he was injured again, or worse, and his mood suddenly dampened. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," came over the earpiece, Raidou sounding little more than indifferent to Narumi's worries. Good to know the kid was safe. But then came the even more curious question of why he'd called if he wasn't in need of any help. Or was he?

Narumi attempted to play it off smooth, keep his concerns hidden. "Haven't heard from you in a few days. What can I do for you?"

"Are you free today?" Was he free today? Was this a prank? Had the kid misplaced his phone and someone else with a breathlessly semi-deep voice like his calling to poke fun? If not, then perhaps the end of days was upon them. Narumi blinked, pulled the phone back to double-check that it was Raidou's phone that rang his before placing it to his ear again. "Yeah, no appointments today... Why?"

"Gouto is away reporting to the elders and I don't have any open cases." Ah, so that was it. A mischievous smile crossed Narumi's lips and he took the phone in his other hand so he could fiddle with a pen on his desk. "So you're taking this opportunity to meet up with me? I should feel honored, you sneak." He chuckled, voice full of mirth.

"I wanted to see you. Now seemed like a good time... I hope I'm not imposing." Of course such a statement seemed like nothing outwardly, but the tone. It was faint, barely hinted at all but... It was enough to change Narumi's tone. He needn't say more. "Do you want to check out the mall in Ginza?"

"The mall..." Yes, that was right. Narumi had mentioned the mall before. Not really knowing what to make of it, but eager to learn, Raidou agreed.

"Then it's settled!" Narumi chimed, already heading for his room to shuffle around for a new outfit. "I'll meet you there... say, four o'clock?"

"Where should we meet?"

"I'll pick you up."

Pick him up? Raidou thought to protest, saying he could make it there on his own, but in the end he agreed that being picked up was the best option. He didn't much know the bus system yet and it wouldn't do for him to be late for their outing.

With that final agreeance, Narumi readjusted the phone, all smiles. "Then I'll see you in a few."

"Yes... See you soon, Narumi-san." The phone call disconnected, line going silent.

What he wore could hardly be called "dressed to the nines", but there was a certain amount of pride that Narumi had in his wardrobe. Everything article of clothing had its proper mate, a complete ensemble perfectly put together. Every vest had matching slacks, shoes, accessories, and even a hat, if he felt so inclined. For today, his first real outing with Raidou, he chose a more casual, summery outfit; maroon button-up top, sleeves rolled to his elbows, complimented with a black and maroon pin-striped vest, open, with black trousers to match. The hat matched his vest, and he couldn't have felt more suave as he rolled up to the apartment complex in his car... even though his car clearly wasn't as impressive looking as he was.

He pulled out his cell and rang Raidou's phone, perching the device between his ear and shoulder so he could adjust his wrist-watch. Before he could even complete the call the passenger car door was opened, a very familiar figure sliding in, dressed in his usual black school uniform, hat perched atop his head. But today he was all smiles, though faint and hard to notice. No, Narumi knew it well when he looked at this boy now; it wasn't his lips that smiled, his eyes smiled for him. "Good afternoon Narumi-san."

Narumi grinned and set the phone into the cup holder, glancing to the thick black jacket his companion was wearing and stifling a laugh. "You didn't have to wear your uniform, Raidou."

"I didn't think a kimono would be appropriate," the boy replied, shifting to reach for his seatbelt and buckle up. So Raidou really didn't have any other clothing besides his few traditional items and his school uniform. Narumi looked like he'd keel over with shock. "All right, it's settled. First thing we're doing is getting you actual clothes." Savings be damned, this boy needed something to wear besides a school uniform and a sleeping kimono, and who else would take up such a task but him?

The look of surprise on the summoner's face was priceless. It was like the gears in his head were slowly trying to turn, but something had gotten caught in them along the way. He couldn't wrap his brain around this kind of selfless generosity. It made him feel self-conscious as well as guilty for taking advantage of the man's kindness. "...You don't have to..." he muttered, trying to bring the man to reason, but Narumi was not having it. "Kid, with the way things are going, I'm liable to get arrested with you in that uniform. Besides..." He tugged at his vest, throwing the boy a wink. "I know how to dress you."

Still uncomfortable but knowing full well he was not going to win this argument, Raidou instead he simply sat back and allowed himself to be lead.

Narumi pointed heroically to the distance as he started the engine of his run-down car. "Now, off to the mall!"

The mall itself was crowded as always, filled with hyperactive groups on teenage girls, mothers with kids and business men alike. It was a little overwhelming, much to Raidou's dismay. But he found that if he stayed close to the detective he felt just a little better about the loud and bright world he was now in. Narumi didn't seem to mind in the slightest. In fact the faintest if smirks crossed his lips whenever Raidou huddled close. The eyes on them were questioning though, so it didn't go any further than that.

"What kind of clothes do you like, Raidou?" Narumi queried as they passed the many stores lining the giant shopping center. The boy almost didn't hear him, too busy looking around at all the shops and sights to see. When he was addressed he turned to look at the man next to him, eyes showing his bewilderment. "I don't know." He hadn't exactly gotten to choose his attire before. Everything was chosen for him. Narumi played with a strand of hair, glancing at one of the more hip and trendy shops of the bunch. "Ehn... I suppose you wouldn't..." The man suddenly stopped, turned on heel and took a few steps back, eyes wandering over the boy, a hand to his chin. "Let's see here..." He began noting the boy's build, how he stood, his skin tone, trying to figure what sort of clothing would look nice on him. Raidou stopped and slowly turned towards him, suddenly feeling just a little self-conscious. He easily hid it, standing straight with his eyes on Narumi's.

"Don't be so stiff." Narumi chided, now circling the boy to get a look at him from behind. If questioned, he'd openly deny that he was using this as an excuse to eye the boy, both to himself and everyone who'd ask. "Just stand like you normally would."

Raidou's eyes continued to follow the man as he circled, looking just a little nervous. What was he doing? "...I am."

Finally Narumi completed his initial scan of the boy's body, clapping a hand on his shoulder as he stepped to the front again. "I think I know where to begin." He grinned, thumbing his hat. "You ready to play dress-up?"

Suddenly Raidou was second guessing his choice to see the man today... But regardless he agreed, knowing he really did mean him no harm, even if it was embarrassing that he kept wanting to buy him things.

No matter how many times Narumi insisted, Raidou just couldn't see himself dressing like the detective did. At the present he stood before a dressing room mirror, adorned in what the attendant described as "Nouveau Noir"; taking the formal to the casual, much like Narumi had a habit of doing. He currently dressed in a short-sleeved white linen button-up with a dark vest that matched the tight jeans he had been handed. A fedora rested on the dressing room bench, just waiting to be tried on to complete the ensemble. "You doing okay, Raidou?" Narumi called from the other side of the current.

Besides being more than a little uncomfortable Raidou was, for the most part, silent. He didn't understand why Narumi insisted dressing him like those male models that were on the stores posters hanging all over the place, but he was missing his school uniform terribly. "I'm fine."

"If you're dressed. Come on out so I can see." He sang, wondering if Raidou would panic if he peaked into the dressing room.

Oh, he could feel his face pinkening already. With a slow, deep breath he steeled himself. He reached for the curtain, slowly drawing it back and peaking outside. Narumi stood there, arms crossed and ready to analyze the boy's attire. "Well, come out. Don't be shy..." He waved him closer, almost teasing. Not helping. Gaze lowered, eyed effectively covered by the brim of his hat, Raidou pulled the curtain back the rest of the way and inched his way out of the changing room.

"Ah, it looks great on you!" Narumi beamed, tugging at the sleeves to adjust them, completely ignoring Raidou's bright red face. "Where's the hat? It matches."

Sheepishly the boy pointed back to the dressing room, face just a little pink. Narumi quirked a brow, "Why don't you try it on? I want to see..."

"It's fine like this..."

"Oh, don't be like that. I want to see the whole picture." Narumi plucked Raidou's hat from his head, set it aside, and turned to retrieve the fedora from the bench. The moment the hat was gone... it was like Narumi had flipped a 'power' switch. The boy instantly froze up, eyes slightly widened. It was like he literally didn't know what to do. The hat retrieved, Narumi plopped it atop his head, adjusting it so it sat proper. "There, that looks nice, doesn't it?" He asked, then noticed the boy's expression. Instantly he was concerned, "What's wrong?"

Raidou didn't speak a word, but the look in his eyes spoke volumes. The kid looked positively freaked. Narumi waved a hand in front of his eyes, trying to get his attention. "Raidou...? Kid, are you okay?" Their eyes met, Raidou giving him what could only be described as the saddest eyes Narumi had ever seen. It felt like the boy was squeezing his heart with that look... "...Don't like the hat?" He inquired quietly.

Blue-grey eyes lowered, Raidou slowly slipping the hat off and reaching for his own, putting it back in his proper place. Gone was the pleasant blush that had tinted his angled cheeks just moments ago. Now his face was just dead white, like he'd seen a ghost. Was he really that upset about having his hat taken off? "..Sorry."

The man's hand was on his shoulder again, Narumi once again sounding like a concerned older brother. "What was that about, kid? You look like someone just tried to attack you or something..." And knowing Raidou's profession, he would rarely if ever have an expression of extreme terror such as that.

"That's a pretty big nothing, Raidou..." Narumi leaned closer so the boy could say what was troubling him without other's hearing. He figured it was a private matter. Then realization dawned on him, and his hand was quickly pulled back. "Is it that you don't like me touching you?" Asked the man, only mildly panicked.

Instantly the summoner shook his head, short but firm. "No, it's not that."

Narumi withheld a sigh of relief, even though his mind was telling him to stop thinking like he was trying to court the teen. He shoved the thought aside and continued to investigate. "Then what? Is it the outfit?"

Again, he shook his head, though much softer now. But instead of really answering Raidou moved back into the changing room, pulling the curtain slowly across the entryway. "H-hey, Raidou!" But before the boy could hide away, Narumi was in there with him, having followed inside. "What did I do?"

Now the blush was back, and tenfold. But Raidou stayed firm, meeting the man's gaze. "It's really nothing, Narumi-san... Just an irrational reaction." he explained.

"Still, if I've done something to hurt or frighten you, you should tell me so I don't do it again." They were close, so close, cramped together in a barely meter by meter box with Raidou. Upon realizing the position they were in Narumi found himself blushing as well.

"I don't like the top of my head being exposed..."

Narumi seemed puzzled by the confession. The first question; "Why? I've seen you without your hat before..." Many times, actually, when he was injured or asleep. "But not so suddenly like that..." So that was it. A strange thing to be so panicked about, but for a boy that could not only see demons but fought them as well, this was pretty normal when Narumi really got down to thinking about it.

The man scratched his neck, now knowing the reason the boy was so scared and feeling like an ass for it. "So that was it... Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you..." He muttered, giving him an apologetic look. And yet the boy graced him with a small smile, shy, almost coy. He really was a cute kid. And being so close like this, almost touching. Just a few inches and they would be-"Narumi-san?" Raidou spoke up, finally breaking the silence and the detectives spiraling thought pattern. "Ah, yeah, kid?"

"May I dress now?"

And back to the spiraling again. "Err... Yeah, go ahead..."

"Narumi-san?" Suddenly any sort of immoral thought was rudely interrupted by a shriek from outside the dressing room. Narumi knew that shriek, and he groaned inwardly when he realized this. But too late, before he could shout back any defense the curtains were ripped open, and before them stood a red-faced Tae. "What are you doing?"

"Damn it, Tae-chan! We're working here!"

"Yes, because that's exactly what it looks like!" Narumi was grabbed by his vest and yanked from the changing room, landing unceremoniously on the tile floor as Tae stormed in to check on whom she assumed as an unfortunate victim of an unspeakable crime. She only found Raidou, fully dressed save for a couple of undone buttons on his shirt, face just as surprised as Narumi's.

This was not helping Raidou's lack of social talent. In fact, it was probably just making it worst. He nodded once to the woman politely before rushing to Narumi's side and attempting to help him up from his very much face-planted position. Once upright, Narumi continued to spat at the woman, "What the hell, Tae? I was helping him figure out what clothes look good on him!"

The younger woman glared at him, arms crossed in front of her chest. "And that involves being in the dressing room with him? Narumi-san, you're a pervert!" She accused, the scene quickly drawing the attention of other shoppers. If they continued at this rate, they'd be thrown out and banned from the store.

"It isn't like that, Tae-san," Raidou interjected, playing the voice of reason. "Narumi-san and I were just talking in private when you showed up."

"Listen to the boy, Tae." Narumi growled, rubbing his quickly bruising forehead. "The hell kind of man do you think I am?"

Tae pout, arms akimbo as she stalked towards the two, looming over Raidou. "So you say, but it doesn't look like Raidou is all that comfortable... Besides..." She then turned to the young summoner, tugging at his shirt sleeve. "This is nice, but not exactly fit for walking around in the summer months, is it?"

The boy looked between the adults, blinking once or twice in confusion. What was happening? Before he could voice his confusion (or allow Narumi to protest) Tae was pushing him back into the changing room. "If you like it, keep it, but I'm taking over the show now. We're going to get you more proper summer clothes, Raidou!"

"Ah, hey, Tae-chan! Don't force him into anything!"

Raidou was at a loss now. He had two very insistent people with him now, both wanting to force their opinions of how he should dress at him. With a small sigh be closed the curtain and went back to getting his clothing changed.

It was obvious that Tae and Narumi had very differing views on their ideas of what did and didn't look good on a seventeen year old boy. Tae voted for comfort with a touch of alternative, while Narumi tried to steer him towards the annals of style with a touch of old school. After much fuss and fighting, not to mention about a dozen vendors, the three of them finally came to a compromise in terms of clothing.

"There, it's perfect!" Tae stepped back to admire their combined efforts, both of them gazing at Raidou like a couple of proud parents.

Still very much uncomfortable but at least in something a little less constricting than what Narumi had initially dressed him in, and considerably less 'scene' than Tae was thinking of, he was feeling a little better about it. And best of all, he could incorporate both styles. He was wearing black slacks and a white vest, a little undersized for fashions sake, and a dark blue v-neck, short sleeved t-shirt, tucked in place and finished off with a nice leather belt. He still wore his school shoes, just a bit on the old Victorian side, but somehow it matched nicely. The fedora was a nice touch, too (this time Narumi had let Raidou put it on himself). All in all, everyone was pleased.

Narumi once again circled the boy, grinning all the while. "Not bad, Tae! Good call on the v-neck." He smirked, but before Tae could call him out on the comment for its suggestiveness, Narumi continued. "How does it feel, Raidou?"

The summoner smiled lightly, still out of sorts but feeling just a little better about it all. This only served to make Narumi smile more, "Don't be so nervous about it, you look fantastic." He said quietly enough so Tae wouldn't hear. Raidou was blushing again, he could tell that much. He lowered his head, letting the brim of the hat cover the pink as best it could.

Tae approached them both, handing over the pile of approved clothing to the detective. "Well, my work here is done." She looked to Raidou and gave him a grin with a playful wink. "Take him to the cleaner's, Raidou-chan."

Narumi winced at that choice of phrasing. "T-Tae-chan, don't say it like that. I'm not his sugar daddy!"

"Oh, but aren't you?" Tae laughed, something that was beginning to sound more like a cackle to the detective. She pat him on the back before heading towards the front of the store, waving as she disappeared into the crowd.

The boys just stared as she left, moments later their eyes simultaneously drifting sideways towards the others in an awkward glance. "...Sugar daddy..?" Did he even want to know?

Narumi buried his face into his free hand, groaning in exasperation. "Let's... Just go pay for these and get something to eat."

Raidou was easily up for that. Spending time with Tae could be exhausting. He went to gather his things and head back to the dressing room to change his clothes, looking a little more tired than before.

"Ah, Raidou?" The summoner stopped mid-step, turning back to face the man. Narumi was motioning to his attire with a smug grin. "Think you can wear what you are now to lunch?"

At first the kid thought better of it, but after a moment he agreed. After all, Narumi was buying him all this, despite his protests, so he may as well let him see him in the new clothes. He agreed with a single nod, going to gather his things from the changing room.

Narumi headed for the register, dumping the pile of clothing onto the counter in front of the smirking attendant. The kid looked to be about Raidou's age, dark hair parted down the middle and a puffy hat nearly hiding his eyes. Was that just the fashion right now? He rang up the purchase, counting in the ones that Raidou currently wore as well...

...and his eyes widened at the final total.

"Cash or credit?" The clerk asked, smirking at his reaction. Narumi once again found himself groaning inwardly.

"...Better make it credit."

Initially Narumi had intended to take Raidou somewhere more upscale, but with the unfortunate blow to his pocket book courtesy of some very expensive trendy department stores, he would have to set his pride aside for the sake of not going over his budget too badly.

A little café nestled along one of the outer strips of the mall, quaint and quiet even on the busiest days. He had passed it quite a few times before, but never actually had a reason to go in. Narumi was more of an upscale dining sort of man when he decided to eat out.

Glass display cases lined one side of the shops, dozens of cakes and pastries put out with their appropriate prices. A lone attendant stood behind the counter, preparing sandwiches for another pair of guests. She must have been the only clerk that day. "Welcome!" She greeted them, rounding the counter with the entrée for the other guests. "I'll be right with you, please have a seat."

"Booth or table?" Narumi looked to his dining companion to make the decision.

Raidou, who had at least been kind enough to carry most of the bags as thanks for Narumi's generosity, was locked in a stare with... something. But when he was spoken to his eyes immediately turned towards the older man, lips smiling faintly. "You choose."

Narumi ignored the strange stare, leading them both over to a two-person booth in the corner; far away from where anyone else could bother them. "I've never eaten here." He began, "But I'm told they have delicious pastries. You like sweets, right?"

The boy followed close by, nodding softly. He set the multitude of bags down to the side, propped up against one of the walls, and took a seat. "I haven't had many, but I like what I've had."

"You should look through and see what you like, then." Narumi plucked one of the menus from the table and handed it to Raidou. "I hear the coffee cakes are good."

The menu was accepted with a small smile, Raidou cracking it open and looking through the rather large dessert section. His smile widened; everything just looked so delicious. Narumi reveled in his reaction; he didn't think sweets would make him smile that big. He looked positively adorable. "See anything you like?"

"It all looks nice." Too true, but he couldn't eat all of the sweets. He'd be sick, and ruin Narumi's budget... more so than before. Instead he settled on a raspberry white chocolate mousse, intently wondering what the taste and texture would be like.

Narumi set his own menu down, toying with a curly strand of hair. "The tiramisu looks divine. I think I'll have that. What about you?"

Raidou set his menu in front of the older man, pointing to his selection with the coyest of smiles. It was like he was asking his opinion on the selection as much as he was expressing his desire for the treat. "Ah, that does look good! Do you want tea with it too?" Narumi glanced over his shoulder to the clerk, waving her over before turning back to Raidou. "We could get a pot of something to share..."

"I'd like that." The look in his eyes when he was offered tea and cakes was positively the most beautiful thing the detective could have imagined. Raidou just looked so happy with the idea. He would continue to marvel at this, even with the male counterpart of the young couple across the room making retching noises at their antics.

For a few long moments Narumi found himself admiring the boy. He had the sweetest of smiles on his face as he looked over the menu, thick lashes fluttering now and then, almost masking those pale blue orbs. On occasion he'd glance up at him, smile shyly, and bury his face in the menu again. The boy was cute, he'd give him that. The realization that he had just pinned Raidou, a seventeen year old boy, as cute and had been ogling him for a good ten minutes made Narumi stiffen slightly, his stomach ladened with guilt.

The young waitress approached them, interrupting his thoughts with a friendly greeting, her pen and paper in hand. Narumi squelched the dark train of thought as she took their orders with a smile, winking at Raidou as she returned behind the counter to prepare their dessert. But what caught everyone's eye was not the slight saunter to her step, but how she tripped and he skirt, as heavy as it looked with all the frills of the petticoat beneath, somehow fluttered up as she walked as if carried by a strung gust. Narumi found himself gaping as she quickly trotted behind the counter, hands over her rear, face beat red.

Raidou had barely noticed the incident, too busy already with the conversation Narumi had begun over cakes. What did grab his attention was the panicked yelp and the embarrassment that followed. His eyes didn't stay on the girl long. No, they trailed off elsewhere, following something unseen.

Narumi leaned close, face a little red. "What just happened? I didn't feel any wind..." Was it a promotional stunt? Hell, panty-shots would certainly bring him into a shop, but this wasn't that sort of venue... at least he didn't think it was. The boy didn't answer, eyes slowly drifting across the open area of the cafe, following... something. Curious, Narumi waved a hand across his eyes. "Raidou? You there, kid?" He whispered, wondering if the kid was having some sort of absence seizure in the middle of their date. Wait, when did I start considering this a date?

"I'm fine, Narumi-san..." he muttered, eyes finally moving from the vastness of nothing and back over to the older man. Narumi scratched his neck, giving the boy a questioning gaze. "What were you looking at?" It was about then that he felt an unusual weight on his shoulder, one he did his best to ignore.

Raidou, it seemed, was unable to ignore it however. His eyes moved from the man's honey brown eyes and stared forward with a slight frown, like he was looking past him. No, perhaps at something on his shoulder. "Stop doing that," he said out of nowhere, voice soft yet stern. Narumi halted his motions, hands still on his neck. "Stop doing... what?" He queried, only slightly confused.

"No, not you..." the summoner muttered, pointing toward the aching shoulder, "Him."

"Eh?" Narumi looked over his shoulder, seeing no one there. But what the man couldn't see was a small, pale creature idly floating over the man, looking a little sad. "Aww... but why?" It asked, it's voice child-like, a tad deformed, and only audible to Raidou. "Because you're hurting Narumi-san. What you did to that girl wasn't fair either." he stated, less than pleased.

"I'm sorry..." The creature sniffled, drooping a little in his hovering. "I just wanted to eat with you two." Narumi watched, completely astonished, as Raidou carried a conversation with something no one else but him could see.

Upon hearing the little demon's words Raidou softened a bit. Curious, he felt compelled to question it more. "Why did you want to eat with us?" he asked, though much more gentle now, his tone quiet, almost kind.

The demon fluttered down to the table, taking a seat in the middle while Narumi continued to search for the creature Raidou was speaking to. "The nice lady..." The demon blushed a little. "She makes really good looking treats and I wanted to try them."

The summoner's eyes followed as the demon sat, nodding softly as it spoke. "You didn't have to lift her skirt up like that."

"I wanted to get her attention! She ignores me..."

"She can't see you," the boy pointed out blankly.

"But you can see me?" The demon gazed up at him, hopeful. Narumi was now staring blankly at the table, confused as ever. The boy nodded once, eyes shifting towards his human companion. "Narumi-san."

Narumi blinked, surprised the boy was talking to him and not the invisible chip-on-your-shoulder demon. "Yeah?"

"Are you all right?"

The man nodded, scrubbing at his face. "I'm fine. Just trying to figure who or what you're talking to."

"Poltergeist." The way he said it, so plain with eyes so innocent, it was convincing even if it was the weirdest thing he'd heard in a while. Narumi quirked a brow, immediately a little tense; if something like that was right in front of him... "Isn't that a little dangerous to have?"

"It's just a child."

"But is he dangerous?"

The poltergeist turned to the detective, pout, then floated to perch atop Raidou's head. "He's mean... I just wanted something sweet to eat!"

The boy pouted softly at the man, allowing the little demon to sit on his new hat. "Not all demons mean harm, Narumi-san."

The little poltergeist prodded his hat, a sad, pathetic whine emanating from the orifice that was to be his mouth. "Hey mister... Can I have some sweets?"

Blue-grey eyes flicked upward, Raidou's eyes meeting the little poltergeists, who was leaning over his hat now. "It's not nice to interrupt. Wait your turn." Stern words, but spoken gently, like a brother would their younger sibling. Strange. Was this the way he was with all demons? It was intriguing to say the least. Narumi continued to watch in awe. So this was how Raidou worked with more cooperative demons; exuding dominance while still minding his manners. Impressive indeed. The poltergeist wilted and whined softly, looking very much depressed. "All I wanted was to eat something sweet... But daddy told me it was bad to steal..." Daddy? Did these creatures have such a thing?

"If you don't bother the lady again I'll share mine."

The poltergeist levitated just inches from Raidou's face, staring at him with blank, soulless eyes. "Really? You mean it, mister?" It asked in its child-like voice. The summoner smiled just a little, nodding once. "I promise."

The demon cheered and plopped onto the boy's lap, getting comfortable. "Thanks mister! You're my new best friend!" He announced, waving up at him with his tiny, nubbish arms. Raidou couldn't help but laugh just a little, under his breath so no one would think he was strange. "Is it gone...?" Except for maybe Narumi, who still stared completely out of the loop.

"He's sitting in my lap." Awkward. Narumi was about to ask whether or not that was safe when the waitress served their dessert to them. Tiramisu for Narumi, mousse for Raidou, and a pot of English tea to share. As she returned to the counter, he could hear what sounded like a faint "thank you miss!" coming from Raidou's direction.

As promised, Raidou kept his word and offered the little demon a bit of his treat. He even so much as offered the first bite, spooning a small mouthful and holding it out for the demon in his lap. Across from the distinct clatter of a dropped fork sounded from Narumi's plate. The man was staring again, undoubtedly at the levitating and disappearing scoop of mousse. Oh, what had he gotten into finding an interest in such a strange boy?

Raidou's eyes flicked upwards in a second, landing on the older man with confusion and concern. "Are you all right?"

Narumi quickly nodded his head and buried his face in his tea cup. "Yeah, I'm fine." Just questioning my taste in men... Oh, what the hell self, not this again! But all in all, Raidou really was sweet, even if he did do some off the wall stuff. He couldn't help but ogle that smile of his, that kind look in his eyes as he shared his mousse with the creature that had apparently been causing the ruckus in this little shop. A very strange boy indeed. Strange, and unique... And somehow Narumi didn't mind at all.

Eventually the two settled down, the little demon sitting back contently in the summoners lap. Conversation was started sometime along the way, the boys enjoying their tea and talking about the most pointless yet interesting topics. The two could talk about damn near anything, it seemed.

The two continued to chat until the shop was readying to close up, the waitress politely handing them a check with a smile. Narumi reached for it, glanced at the tab, then put down his card before Raidou could do anything to the contrary. He still tried, gently insisting he get the tab since Narumi had already done so much for him. Nothing going. Try as he may, the detective would not budge. So in return Raidou promised he would do something nice for him. Narumi would ask nothing, except "Just come by more often." He insisted, leaning his chin into his palm, a lazy grin on his face. "So I don't have to go chase you down again."

The boy agreed with that, nodding softly. He had a few ideas of how to repay the man's kindness as well. "You can call me now, right...?"

A nod, "Yes, but it means a little more when you call me, doesn't it? Even just to chat..." Shouhei, what are you doing? Are you putting the moves on him? The shy smile the boy offered was just brilliant. Easily enough, he accepted the proposal. "I will." Simple as that.

The two of them left shortly after, Narumi feeling a little smug by the progress they had made. He got the boy more modern clothes and spend the entire day with him without having to worry about evil demons and talking cats. It was quite possibly the best date he had ever had...

Except I shouldn't, under any circumstances, be calling this a date. Once again caught in an endless spiral of moral dilemma, Narumi hardly noticed the boy talking to the invisible creature once again. The boy had stopped mid-step as they were leaving, bidding it farewell and telling it not to bother the store owner again. The demon promised to behave, giving Raidou a little hug on the shoulder before fluttering back into the rafters of the open-air mall. Even Narumi felt the presence leave, and looked up to see if he could spot the creature. "So he was friendly after all..."

The summoner smiled a little, watching it fly away. He hummed softly in response, walking back over to the man and leveling a kind gaze with his. "As I said... not all demons mean to cause harm."

"Like the ones you bring in, right?" Narumi winked, shoving his hands into his pockets. "You're an interesting fellow, Raidou." Even though he knew at least that from the start. It was funny how being along with him in a calm, casual situation was allowing Raidou's true self to shine through. Kind, sweet, compassionate, painfully shy, but overall...

The detective's eyes twitched as the internal monologue turned into something from a shoujo manga. He shook it off, meeting Raidou's gaze once again. "It's getting late. I should take you back to your place."

"Will you stay a while?" the boy asked out of nowhere. So innocent. Oh, if only he knew the usual connotations of those words. Narumi's mind ran wild...

"Erm... I should probably head back soon. Your cat is probably home by now." And he needed time to think about what his intentions really were.

Somehow Raidou seemed disappointed by this. His eyes suddenly lost their light. But he agreed, nodding once with a small, barely there smile. Getting a firm grip on his bags he let Narumi lead the way while playing the role of pack mule. This way, at east in his mind, he was making it up to the man for being so insanely kind to him over and over again.

The ride back to the apartment was quiet, both tuckered out from a long day. Or at least that's what Narumi would want Raidou to think. He was actually lost in thought, going over the events of the day, and constantly asking himself "Why?" Eventually they arrived at the apartment, Narumi parking on the curb and turning to his friend. "Here's your stop, kid." He smiled as he glanced to the bags in the back seat of his run-down car. "Need a hand in?"

The dark head shook slowly, Raidou seeming just a little out of it. What was wrong? But then he turned to him, smiled kindly and thanked him for the day. Before another word could be said Raidou got out of the car, making sure to gather all his bags from the back before making his way back into his apartment building.

Narumi could not fight the feeling that, after so much effort put in for the day, he had somehow royally screwed up by not accepting the invite upstairs to his apartment. Sighing he slumped forward, forehead smacking into the steering wheel as he replayed the day over and over in his head, along with the conflicting emotions and desires that went with them.

It was time for the man to sit back and ask himself what his intentions really were. Did he want to be a friend, mentor, father or brother figure? As much as he tried to convince himself that it was one of those more wholesome titles, each thought strayed towards the immoral, yet very much apparent truth.

"...I need my head checked." Narumi mumbled to himself as he started the engine and drove off back towards his office.