Shigetoshi cannot help but be relieved as the younger man gives away. For a long moment he thought Tatsuki was going to press the issue. The fact that he wasn't going to was a blessing. Shigetoshi couldn't, didn't, want to imagine what would happen if he was forced into telling him what he really thought. With his shady background, maybe Shigetoshi would just disappear. With that cheery thought Shigetoshi tried to slip past the object of his unrest, only to be stopped cold by his hand.

Curses, colorful and harsh, went through Shigetoshi's head. Not only because he was caught, but because of his reaction to the touch, the proximity of the younger man. When Tatsuki sought his face Shigetoshi turned his own away. If only Tatsuki knew how much there was between them. Ancestors, if he knew he wouldn't say such provocative things in such an innocent way. For instance, he wasn't going to force it past his lips? Force, lips? The Innkeeper shifted and was grateful the kimono he wore covered everything. For there was more than Tatsuki knew that he could do with his lips. 

Finally the hand dropped away and left. Shigetoshi waited until he was sure Tatsuki was gone. Then he sagged against the wall and took deep breaths. Clean thoughts, He told himself. When he got himself under control he finally went out to collect the dishes and left over food. Of course the entire time he thought of lips. He snorted as he piled up dishes. Tatsuki probably had no idea just what Shigetoshi thought about. 

[i]No matter what you have to say, I will think no less fondly of you til the end of my days on this earth.[/i]

Another snort. "Right." Shigetoshi told himself. "Fond." He forcibly clacked bowls together. "Hilarious." He muttered.

"Um." A small voice interrupted him. Shigetoshi looked up to find Mrs. Inoue standing in the door. At least it wasn't Tatsuki. 

The young man stood up with a faint flush and smiled. "Yes, how can I help you?"

The older woman smiled a little back. "While my husband and I were out on a walk we saw some people head this way. I thought you might want to know."

"Thank you." Shigetoshi said truthfully. "I'll get ready for them." He bowed to Mrs. Inoue before she left. Then he gathered all the dishes he could and dumped them in the kitchen. After that he made sure to change into cleaner clothes and man the counter.