Hunger

Chapter13

"Natsuki! Natsuki wake up!" Naota called, gently shaking her by the shoulder. He could feel the material of her uniform was still very damp. Naota inwardly scolded himself for letting his guest sit for so long in wet clothes. No wonder she had gotten sick.

With a little jostling Natsuki's tired, pink eyes eventually fluttered open. "Wha? Whatta ya want?" Natsuki whined, unable to find the will to lift her head off the table.

"You feeling okay?" Naota hunched over to meet her at eye level. "I kinda lost you there and your forehead is is pretty hot."

Natsuki blinked in befuddlement, she hadn't realized she had even fallen asleep. "I think I'm okay... I'm just a little tired and dizzy and hot."

"No sore throat? Congested nose?" Naota asked, carefully looking over his friend.

"No I don't think so." Natsuki took a big breath to prove her point.

Naota thought hard on what to do. It seemed a bit unfair to dump a sick person on Sayori on such short notice, friend or not. On the other hand was he overstepping any boundaries by asking her to stay here for the night? Maybe it wasn't his call to make. Either way Natsuki wasn't going to get the help she needed from just sitting here thinking. It was like Monika said, he just had to put the idea out there.

"Well I think we really need to get you out of those wet clothes first and foremost." Naota said carefully.

If Natsuki's face wasn't flush before it was now. "What!?" In an instant she sat up, anger blazing. "What do you think you're trying to pull you pervert!?"

Naota sighed in frustration. There was that fiery will that he loved yet hated sometimes. "I'm not trying anything except get you better."

"You're trying to get me naked! This is all part of some nefarious plot to get me in bed!" Natsuki accused.

Naota had to resist smacking his own forehead when hearing her accusations. "We just ate! We're both full of food! Why would I stuff us and then try to get you in bed?" Naota threw his hands up.

"I don't know! Maybe that doesn't matter to you! Maybe you find me THAT irresistible!" Natsuki voice seem to trail off at the end, like she couldn't believe what she just said.

Naota huffed. While he really didn't have any ill intentions he couldn't deny how he did or didn't feel about her looks. "Look, the only thing I want in the world right now is to get you warm, in dry clothes and a place to rest so you don't get any sicker. Help me do that and I'll spend the rest of the night sleeping under the kitchen table if it makes you feel safe, alright?"

Natsuki took a good into Naota's eyes. Try as she might she couldn't find any ill will in these hazel pools. It was her turn to sigh. "Alright, lets get this over with."

"Good, now follow me." Naota said, taking a deep breath to calm down.

He led her upstairs and the shorter girl timidly followed. He stopped at the junction that led to his room, the bathroom and his parent's master bedroom. He contemplated if he give her some of his mom's clothes to wear for the night. No, something about that seemed really weird. Maybe his dad's? No, no, no, that was even weirder. Without any options left he opened the door to his room. His clothes was the closest to being her fit anyways. As he went in Natsuki stayed in the hallway, refusing to budge any further.

"Are you hot or cold right now?" Naota called as he rummaged through his dresser drawers.

"Cold. Why?" Natsuki asked.

"I'm trying to pick out some clothes for you for tonight."

"I'll take a shirt and pajama pants if you got them." Natsuki requested. No showing off more skin than she needed she reasoned.

Naota quickly found a black t-shirt and a thin pair of black sleeping pants. Hopefully this wouldn't make her too hot underneath a big blanket later on. He returned to the hallway, making a quick stop at the linen closet to grab a few bath towels. Handing everything to Natsuki he pointed to the bathroom. "Go, take a nice warm shower and put on some dry clothes. If you leave the wet ones in there I'll gather them and wash them with your hoodie."

And like that Naota tripped her defenses again.

"Nuh-uh! You think I'm gonna give a moron like you a chance to peek at my underwear?" Natsuki nearly shrieked.

Naota's face sank into a deadpan expression. Really? She wanted to fight again? "Okay, okay. Take a shower and then in the morning I'll let you do your own laundry."

Natsuki thought it over for a moment. "That works." In the flash of a eye the pinkette vanished behind the bathroom door.

Tiredly swaying back into his room Naota took a moment to collapse on his bed. He had no idea helping a friend would involve this much arguing. Although he had to admit, the ludicrousness of their back and forth was kind of funny. The young man sat back up, much to his muscle's protest. He already knew he was going to offer his guest his room for the night so he might as well do some last minute cleaning up. Naota could only hope Natsuki didn't seriously expect him to sleep in the kitchen.

Natsuki turned the hot water nozzle off. In the craziness of the night she forgot how good a nice, hot shower could be. Naota's mom had some premium body wash and shampoo to boot! Surely she wouldn't mind a poor, sick, young woman borrowing some right? She quickly toweled off and dried her hair before donning the night ware Naota was lending her. Leaning over the sink she wiped the fog off the bathroom mirror.

She was absolutely swimming in these larger clothes! The pants had to be cinched to the max to keep them from falling down and the neck of the shirt was big enough to expose a flirty shoulder if she wore it just right. That is, if she were cute. And she swore she was not cute. Natsuki quickly found Naota's mom's hairbrush and went to work on her hair. The calming task caused her mind to wander.

Yuri couldn't fit in these clothes she bet, her figure was much too mature. Natsuki on the other hand didn't have to worry about that. For as long as she could remember she was always a shrimp, the runt of the litter. Maybe she had been absurd earlier for accusing Naota a pervert. After all who would be attracted to this? Naota was probably just a misguided loser, crushing on the first girl giving him attention.

Natsuki stopped herself right there with a few deep breaths. Tonight was a weird, stressful night and right now her secret insecurities were making her attack not only herself but the one friend who was able to help her tonight. That wasn't her, she was stronger then that. The young woman looked herself in the eyes and promised that she wouldn't let these negative thoughts win tonight. She tied her hair back into a simple ponytail and checked her appearance one more time in the mirror. Satisfied she picked up her damp clothes and headed back to Naota's room.

"Hey Naota!" She called from the hallway again. "Where's the laundry room?"

"Downstairs, pass the kitchen. It's the room with the big washer and dryer in it. If you hit the backyard you've gone too far." Naota directed with a smart ass grin on his face.

"Oh, ha ha!" Natsuki retorted sarcastically. That boy was gonna get it one of these days she internally swore. She briskly made her way through the now dimly lit house to the laundry room. Spotting her white hoodie on top of the washer she added the damp pile of clothes in her arms, making sure nothing scandalous was left open in plain view. She made the trip back upstairs in record time as the lingering warmth of her shower was rapidly leaving her. Once again she stopped and stood right outside the room.

"Did you find the laundry room alright?" Naota asked.

"Yes. I did. Smart ass." Natsuki playfully answered.

Naota looked out to the pink haired girl who was still fidgeting in the hallway. "Well? Aren't you going to come in?"

"I'm trying to prepare myself mentally!" The girl explained.

"Mentally?" Naota raised a eyebrow.

"I've never been in a boy's room before. It's weird!" Natsuki pouted.

"Well your sleeping in here tonight so might as well get use to it." Naota said, sounding like a parent.

Natsuki couldn't think of another argument to buy her any time. With a large, dramatic step she entered the room for the very first time.

Naota's room was pretty normal for what it's worth. A bed for sleeping, a desk for homework, a T.V. For gaming. He even had a small collection of manga on his shelves. Still feeling a bit embarrassed Natsuki approached the bed and after a quick examination for cleanliness she sat down.

"So are you feeling any better?" Naota asked.

"I'm not feeling all that sick if that's what your wondering. It just this whole situation still has me thrown off to be honest." Natsuki admitted as she wrapped her arms around her small frame.

Naota stepped closer and brought a hand up to feel her forehead causing Natsuki to jump back a bit.

"I JUST said I was uncomfortable!" The pinkette whined.

"I know but I got to see how's your fever doing. Your forehead is still hot by the way! I'm gonna get you a dose of aspirin to try and reduce it." Naota stood and headed for the doorway. "And feel free to get under the blanket if you're cold, we don't want you getting worse."

It only took Naota a minute to fetch the medicine and a glass of water. He was relieved when he returned to see Natsuki had taken his advice. His guest sat in the same spot on the bed, now cocooned in the bed's top blanket.

"Here, these should keep you comfortable all night." Naota stated, handing off the medicine. He stood again once Natsuki had taken the pills. "The best way to get you well is to let you get some sleep. I'll be on the living room couch if you need anything."

Naota only made it to the door way before a slightly panicked "Wait!" erupted from Natsuki's lips. "You're not going to bed already are you?"

"You passed out at the table earlier, aren't you tired?" Naota asked confused.

"Well after everything I'm not so tired anymore." Natsuki admitted. The idea of being alone in a strange house had her awake and alert. "Why don't we hang out longer and find something to do?"

Naota shrugged, he wasn't all that tired yet either. "Sure, what did to have in mind?" The young man asked as he took a seat at the edge of the bed.

Natsuki did he best to calm her breathing. Being in a boy's room had her frazzled enough but now he was on the bed with her. She needed to find something for them to do quick. "Do you wanna read something?"

"Sure! We haven't read together in a while. I'm not sure if anything I have here you'd like."

Natsuki couldn't help but grin as she got a brilliant idea. "Well lucky for you I happen to have the Parfait Girls volume we left off on in my book bag downstairs."

"Really? Can I go get it?" Naota asked, clearly excited about the plan.

"Sure."

Once again alone Natsuki took a moment to gather her thoughts. Why was she such a mess of emotions today? Usually she could use snip and sarcasm to control any situation but it was so hard for her tonight. But between all the blushing and her heart pounding she wasn't in control of anything. Why was that? It's not like she was full out crushing on Naota, right? Right?

Crap.

She steeled herself. All she had to do was stay strong and not give in. She wasn't some cheap floozy who could be bought off with baked ziti! So what if he valued her well being enough to take her in and nurse her back to health? So what if he was a guy who seemed to actually respect her?

Alright maybe it was alright if she was crushing a little... but that didn't change anything. She just had to be cool tonight and hang out like they use to.

Naota soon came back with the volume in hand. He walked around to the head of the bed, sat down and leaned against the headboard. Natsuki, still in her blanket cocoon, scooted over to sit next to him.

Naota was grinning ear to ear at this point. "Hey do you mind if we start from the beginning of the book? It's been so long I can't quite remember this book."

More manga time didn't seem like such a bad idea. Natsuki smiled and feigned a look of shock. "How could you forget Kasumi's big chapter? It's finally her time to shine!"

"My minds been occupied lately thanks to worrying about a baker friend of mine." Naota stated with an eye roll.

A slight tinge of blush ran across Natsuki's face. "Well I guess we can start over, but pay close attention this time! We're about to get some important character growth in this book."

An hour had passed and the two were reaching the final pages of the volume. By this time Natsuki was leaning more against Naota than the headboard. Not that she wanted to be this close to him or anything, it was just easier to see the book and point out details to him this way. When they finished Naota carefully set the manga down on the nightstand.

"How's that? Did that tire you out at all?" Naota asked.

"Are you kidding? After THAT cliffhanger?" Natsuki smirked, sitting straight up again.

"We can't stay up all night Natsuki, if you're ill you need some sleep." Naota thought for a moment.

"I know how I like to relax at night, wanna try that?"

"I don't know, sure I guess." Natsuki said timidly.

With her approval Naota got to work setting the scene. First he crawled over to the window that was next to his bed and opened the blinds. He then took out his cell phone and set some relaxing, soft music to play. Finally before returning to the bed he turned all the lights off. He laid on the bed again, flat with his head near the window before explaining "Sometimes I like to just lay here, stare out the window and think until I'm sleepy. But with two of us we can just relax and talk."

Natsuki chuckled. "And thinking too much gives you insomnia for weekends at a time."

"That only happened once so far to be fair." Naota countered.

"That's one too many when it comes to worrying about me." Natsuki shook her head in disapproval. She grabbed a pillow for her head and took a spot next to Naota. Not too close, but close enough. The pair watched the night sky and the moon through the window in silence for a few moments.

"Sorry if I messed up anything tonight." Naota said breaking the silence. "I haven't had guests aside from Sayori over in a while."

"Dummy, I was over here baking before the festival." Natsuki pointed out.

"Yeah, but that was basically a school project. It's a totally different situation."

"Well I should be the one apologizing anyways." Natsuki admitted.

"Why do you say that?"

Natsuki sighed, she wasn't one for apologizing or heart to heart talks but since nothing was leaving this house anyways. "It's just this whole night has been alien and new to me. I'm not the nicest when I'm in new situations."

"Really? Everything? Who helps you out when you're sick at home?" Naota asked with raised eyebrow.

"No one. I just take some medicine if we have any and lock myself away in my room. My dads not much of a nurse." Natsuki shrugged.

"Wow, that's rough." Naota shook his head.

"Yeah so as you can tell my emotions have been a little out of whack tonight. So I'm sorry for taking it out on you." Natsuki playfully elbowed the boy next to her.

"I understand. I'm just glad I was here for you and not visiting my boring aunt and uncle in the country side. Even with the wild accusations this was much more fun." Naota turned his head to give her a reassuring grin.

Natsuki stared him down for a moment. This silly boy grinning at her. Nothing to light his features but the sparse moonlight filtering through the window. She missed him more this past month more than she once thought. "We never really talked about the whole festival thing have we?" Natsuki asked quietly.

"I didn't think there was anything to talk about. You know how I feel and you gave your answer. What's done is done." Naota stated, looking back to the night sky wistfully.

"The whole 'having a boy like me' is new to me too. I've never, ever gotten that kind of attention before." Natsuki admitted. "Naota what do you even see in me?"

"Plenty." Naota simply stated.

"Like?" The disbelief was heavy in Natsuki's voice.

"Well..." it was Naota's turn to be soft and timid. " You're strong willed. You practically taught yourself to bake which is impressive and inspiring. You can be brash at times but you're loyal to your friends and you have no problem standing up for them or yourself. I can't really deny that you're beautiful."

"What?" Natsuki asked. She was sure she just didn't hear that.

"I think you're very beautiful. You can totally rock a black outfit too by the way." Naota chuckled, referring to her makeshift night ware.

Natsuki got called cute all the time but this might have been her first 'beautiful'. "No, Yuri and Monika are beautiful. Not me."

"To some guys I'm sure they are. But there were times where I was having a rough day and I'd catch a glimpse of your pink hair from across the hall. It made me happier to know you were around. You were like a bright pink flame in a dark cave."

Natsuki pushed her friend bashfully. "That's almost poem worthy you big dummy."

"I might have something similar to that written down somewhere." Naota hinted, a smug smile on his face.

Natsuki was glad it was so dark in here, she was sure she resembled a tomato right now. " Things are much less awesome without you around too."

"We should stick together from now on then. No more fighting." Naota suggested.

Natsuki stayed quiet. Her head and heart were both whirlwinds of emotions, thoughts and questions at this point. Now was the time to ask them. "So honestly, what did you think of my reasons when I shot you down?"

"I was sad at first and it really didn't make sense to me. I mean as long as we're happy as a couple who really cares if it's cliche' or not? We're young, who knows how long it would even last between us." Naota explained.

That was true, they were young. And if she were really careful her dad probably wouldn't find out. It's not like she wasn't lying to her dad already about her only hanging out with girls. Was she really going to let a new and exciting opportunity pass her by? She silently made her decision. Smoothly and softly she moved her hand to cover his, her smaller fingers curling in an affectionate grasp.

Naota tilted his head toward her, bewilderment painted across his face. "Nat? What are you doing?"

"You made a convincing argument dummy. I guess I'm willing to take a chance on you. IF you're still up for it." Natsuki refused to look at Naota as he processed what was happening.

Slowly the bewilderment changed into a warm and sincere smile."Yeah, I'd like that." Naota's larger hand squeezed her hand back.

The two stayed interlinked and talked about whatever crossed their minds for some time that night. Eventually sleep overcame both of them. When Naota woke up in the middle of the night and tried to leave to sleep on the couch Natsuki latched on to him.

"No...warm..." Natsuki sleepily complained as she pulled Naota back to lay next to her.

Naota didn't fight or argue with the sleeping young woman, he hated sleeping on the couch anyway.

Strong sunlight beamed through the open blinds the next morning. The content pair in bed didn't care however, they had stayed up much too late to wake up now. Their sleep was eventually cut short when Natsuki's eyes shot open. She frantically sat up and tried to untangle herself from her blanket and from Naota.

The commotion caused Naota to awake with a start. "Natsuki? What's wrong!?"

Natsuki nearly leapt from the bed and ran out of the room groaning "Bathroom!"

Naota sat in bed dazed and confused until he heard Natsuki retching from the bathroom. All the contentment left his heart as he listened to the young woman heave and groan. No matter how wonderful last night was this was a harsh reminder that something could be seriously wrong with Natsuki. He got up and decided to wait for her in the hallway. Eventually she was quiet again and the toilet flushed. The sink was being ran and the sounds of his friend gargling water was all he heard before she opened the door.

"Hey," Naota greeted softly. "You doing okay? Did dinner upset your stomach?"

Natsuki groggily shook her head. "No there was no food involved with all that. Just bitter, yellow bile."

Naota brought his hand to her forehead, smiling just a bit when she leaned into it. "It seems like your fever is gone."

"Yeah, I'll be fine. It's just one of my rough mornings." Natsuki explained, trying to wave off her friend's concern.

"Rough mornings? Do they happen often?" Naota asked as worry began to invade his mind.

"No, maybe once a month." Natsuki estimated.

"That's still not good Natsuki..." Naota worried aloud.

"Don't worry so much, I'll be fine. Let's go downstairs so I can get my clothes clean." Natsuki grabbed her companion by the wrist and led way downstairs. Naota ended up waiting in the kitchen as Natsuki began her laundry. He was looking over the food in the fridge when she came in and plopped herself at the kitchen table.

"So are you feeling up for some breakfast?" Naota asked from the fridge.

"Sure, but nothing heavy or sweet." Natsuki requested, a hand on her stomach.

"Gotcha, buttered toast it is." Naota said as he started preparing breakfast.

Natsuki watched him go back and forth as she reflected on everything that had happened last night. She was sure now that she wanted to give this relationship a chance but they would have to be careful anywhere near her home. It's been a long time since she made her dad really mad and she didn't know what the punishment would be if she were caught in a lie. It would definitely mean the end of after school clubs for her for sure. She mentally shooed the negative thoughts from her head. She was smart enough to pull this off. The question was would it be worth it?

Naota slid her a plate with two pieces of toast on it along with a glass of water. "Order's up!" he said with a warm smile.

Yeah, this would be worth it.

Nearly two hours later Natsuki was back in her school uniform and cat hoodie. She stood at the front door of Naota's house, her book bag now a bit heavier since Naota was sending her home with the rest of the baked ziti for later. Naota had thought of something last minute he was currently in his room looking for before they walked her home.

He returned with a forest green, zip up hoodie. "Here." He offered the garment to her.

Natsuki looked the hoodie over. "Isn't it a bit early in our relationship for me to start stealing your clothes?" She asked.

Naota brushed off her remark. "While your cat hoodie makes you look cute as ever I couldn't help but to notice how thin the material is. If you wear this one too you might just stay warm."

Natsuki put on the second hoodie while halfheartedly complaining. "Geeze did I get a boyfriend or another parent last night?"

"You got a boyfriend whose gonna look out for you." Naota stated matter-of-factly.

Try as she might those deep hazel eyes stopped her from thinking of any witty retorts. "Thanks..." Natsuki replied, slightly embarrassed.

The weather outside was still sunny and the ground was carpeted with the years first snowfall. The happy couple talked about what they read yesterday as they made their way to the small grocery store where they bought baking supplies before Natsuki stopped them. "I think I should go it alone from here, just in case my dad is up and about."

Naota couldn't help but to be a little disappointed but he understood. "Alright. If you feel off at all eat and get some more rest. Doctors orders!" He joked.

Natsuki only nodded trying not to let the disappointment show. "I'll see you Monday?"

"See you Monday." Naota confirmed.

Before turning away to leave the shorter girl quickly moved in to hug her boyfriend, turning and walking the opposite way before she could see his reaction.

Her lonely house was thankfully unlocked when she got home. First thing Natsuki did after getting her shoes off was checking on her dad, who was passed out on the couch after doing who knows what last night. Passing by the kitchen she hid her ziti away in the fridge before retreating to her room. Although she felt better than last night a nap still seemed like a good idea right now. She moved to remove her new hoodie but stopped herself as she reflected on the new, joyous memories she made yesterday.

Instead she wrapped it around herself tighter and crawled into bed.