[IC] Of Steam and Souls

[Blue Demon]

Shigetoshi returned the smile from the younger man before heading out to the dinning room. He straightens up the tables into the new arrangements so everyone would be able to sit at one of five tables and serve themselves. It felt like an arrangement that would be found at a restaurant in the capital. It made the young innkeeper smile and he shoved. pushed, and pulled tables. Not that the bamboo tables were heavy or anything. They were just stubborn upon the woven floor covers. When the young man was finished he stood back to view his handy work. Satisfied everything was in it's new proper place he hurried back to the kitchen to see if Tatsuki needed anymore help.

That was not the case. When Shigetoshi slid the door open he saw the guest leaning against the counter looking at the food. Shigetoshi looked over the assembled items. The other man hadn't been joking when he said he would make foreign items. The Innkeeper didn't have names for any of the dishes. He could identify a few ingredients but he wouldn't have been able to guess about the others if he hadn't peered at the raw food earlier. He would have assumed the man could use magic or something to conjure up all these strange dishes.

Shigetoshi drifted over a little and sniffed the food. It smelt good, but his earlier thrill at the idea of eating strange food was dying. Was all this truly edible? Then Shigetoshi blushed and straightened up. "Sorry." He said to the other man in the kitchen. "I can take out the dishes if you'd like."

[PopeAlessandros]

A warm glow is kindled in his stomach as he watches the innkeeper examine the fruits of his labor. 'He seems pleased, but I get the feeling he's a bit worried about something. I guess I'll ask him about it when we start eating' Tatsuki smiles at the boy's blush, letting out a quiet chuckle. Pushing off the counter he slides forward, brushing past Shigetoshi to grab one of the large serving boards. “If you would be so kind.” he murmurs softly. Slipping around the young man he calls over his shoulder, “I dished everything out into the required eight servings, so obviously it's one of each dish per person. There are extras in the pots and such back here should there be need for more.” With that he saunters out of the kitchen an in to the little hall leading to the dinning area. 'Now, let's see if I haven't lost my edge with my cooking' Taking a breath, he moves slowly and steadly down the hall, the sounds of voices at the far end making his stomach turn.

'You know, my real job may be more important, but sometimes I think stuff like this is more stressful on me. I mean, I know that no matter what, in the end, as long as the soul is harvested and guided properly, all is well. But with stuff like my cooking, even if I get the dish perfect, there's always the chance that it won't be received well. Why do I do this?' Brushing aside his misgivings about the situation he steps out into the murmurs of voice, which hush as he enters. 'That and in my real job I never have an audience, at least if I do things right' Dropping his eyes a bit he moves carefully around the room delivering his dishes. First to the old couple, who give him wide grins. Then to the group of three sitting close around a single table. The two girls from earlier exclaim loudly in delight over each plate. The taller one looks up at him, her eyes bright, “When Sanada-san told us earlier what you were making, we were kind of put off by how common it sounded, but now, looking at this. And the smell! It's just amazing Tatsuki-kun!”

Rolling his eyes with a chuckle he murmurs, “I thank you for the assessment, but maybe you should taste it first so I feel I have actually earned the praise miss.” She giggles at him but her response is cut off by him standing and moving off towards the last patron sitting alone at a table in the back corner. As he set the fine ceramics down his eyes stay a little too long on the man's face, drawing out a questioning look from him. Tatsuki shakes his head and smile. “Enjoy.” His voice is a little rough, as if he's got something stuck in the back of his throat, but he manages to maintain his smile as he walks to an empty table with the last few dishes. Once they are in place on the table he settles on to one of the mats and waits for Shigetoshi to finish handing out his portions. 'I need this break. I really do. . .' Tatsuki can not see the slightly haunted look that has taken up residence in his eyes as he waits.

[Blue Demon]

Shigetoshi was glad that the guest lets his slip slide. He quickly grabs the rest of the boards and follows Tatsuki, abet a little slower. He wasn't used to the balancing act. However he manages without dropping anything or making a fool out of himself. The Innkeeper watched Tatsuki serve the other guests and he fretted a little internally. Wasn't he supposed to serve everyone? After all it was his job. Tatsuki was kind enough to help make dinner, who was Shigetoshi to make him serve the other also. But the other man didn't seem upset or annoyed at all. In fact he seemed largely happy by the entire ordeal.

At least until he passed out the last dish. Shigetoshi finished as quickly as he can without rudeness before moving over to Tatsuki. The other man was already sitting at their table. Shigetoshi placed the two dishes down and places the serving board on the floor next to him as he knelt down. He found himself frowning as he looked over Tatsuki. Perhaps he had been wrong. Maybe the other man was upset at having to do all this work. The dichotomy of his earlier happiness and his current mood was throwing Shigetoshi, The sounds of everyone eating and taking were but mere background noise.

Shigetoshi took a deep breath and finally asked the question that had been on his mind. "Are you okay?" Shigetoshi's voice was quiet and a little unsure. "Do you need anything?" He didn't add the question that he somehow made the other man unhappy. Or had caused this mood.

[PopeAlessandros]

His eyes wander slowly over to the man kneeling at his side. The worry and confusion creasing his face pulls at the shinigami slightly, forcing his thoughts away from the darkness. Closing his eyes he lets out a gentle sigh as he turns towards the food laid out before them. 'I know it's his job, but the worry is somehow comforting' Picking up his chopsticks he motions towards the dishes set out for the young man before he opens his eyes and pulls the meat dishes towards him. He's silent for a little while, just looking at the food he prepared so carefully, with all his concentration and skill. His eyes travel once around the room to all the happy and curious faces as they sample the unusual dishes and send him smiles when they notice him looking. 'I did my best, and no one lost anything. It's a good feeling' Casting a glance back at Shigetoshi ha manages a brief smile, but it's gone swiftly as the weight of his up coming task begins nagging at him.

Without really thinking he begins talking in a low voice only the Innkeeper is able to hear. “I am as well as can be expected in my line of work. Not all of us share the same love of the people we work with during each job, but a lot of us get rather depressed over time. Some of us grow distant, or callous, or even worse, begin getting a kind of sick pleasure from the work.” Keeping his eyes on his food he eats slowly. “ I've traveled the world over, a few times, and for the most part I am happy with what I do, but. . . .Sometimes. . . .It's so hard.” Setting down his chopsticks he picks up his large cutlet and dips it in the red sauce he'd prepared. His eyes wander about the room, looking past the people to their souls. His eyes flash slightly when he does so, but he doesn't notice.

Looking back to his breaded meat he takes a bite and sets it aside. Licking the remaining crumbs from his fingers he picks up his chopsticks again. “Once, in the far west, I worked with a man with a large family. He lived in a large old house, stone, but very finely made. As the years passed, they had added new wings as the family grew. Each wing was different, furnished how that particular era saw was best. Large tapestries in the main hall with old coats of arm on them, flowers in vases in alcoves along the walls.” His voice grows distant as he draws the images up before him as only shinigami can. “He was old, close to the end of him time, but still he would visit each wing once a day to make sure the flowers were fresh, and the dogs had not causes too much of a mess in the night. The children would all greet him with smiles. In the west wing the stain glass windows would cast him in rainbow light making him look so strange, but so peaceful. . .”

His voice trails off and his gaze returns to the world around him. Looking down at his meal he begins eating slowly again. “He died in that hallway. After one last check, one last look at the family that loved him so much, he just sat down in one of the ornate high back sitting chairs set evenly along the inner wall facing the windows. There was a smile on his lips, so content he was with his life that death held nothing to fear for him. Even in death, the new morning light streaming through the window had made him look so amazing.” Without skipping a beat he turns to look at Shigetoshi. The look in his eyes is honest, and earnest.

“I see a lot of death Shigetoshi-san, and a lot of my stories from around the world may contain it. I thank you for listening to me, but if you'd rather not hear about all the deaths I've seen, just tell me so. I will do my best to avoid the subject. I just want you to know that when I seem to pass from one state of mind to another it isn't your fault and you shouldn't feel responsible. I won't you to understand that I just shift moods from time to time when certain things remind me of things I'd rather not think about at the moment.” He manages to pull an honest smile as he turns back to his food. “I know it's in your job description to make the guest comfortable and happy, but I would rather your listening to my tales be something you like to do personally rather than as a duty, so if parts bother you, tell me and I will adjust.” With that he scoops up a large portion of noodles and puts it in his mouth to avoid talking the man's ear off.

[Blue Demon]

Shigetoshi watched Tatsuki compose himself. Or as best as he could. He still looked sad, but he tried to smile. Perhaps, the innkeeper thought, it would have been better not to say anything. But what was done was done, and there was no changing that. When the other man gestured at the food and remained silent Shigetoshi thought it was a cue for him to eat and leave him alone. Willing to do one of those things, Shigetoshi took up his own chopsticks and carefully sampled the wares. While he did so he kept a close eye on the guest as he looked around the room. Shigetoshi was beginning to get the feeling that whatever was troubling the man wasn't anything Shigetoshi did. The thought caused mixed feelings. Relief, that it probably wasn't his fault. But regret too. Because it would have been so much easier to fix.

Shigetoshi realized between one blink and the next that the young guest had moved in closer. Shigetoshi nearly jumped when Tatsuki began to talk in a low voice. Low enough that he had to lean further in to hear. The words made sense, but then again, they didn't. The young Asian couldn't help the frown that pulled on his lips. But Tatsuki didn't seem to notice between his concentration on the food and on the other patrons. When the other's eyes did a funny flash, Shigetoshi didn't notice it, or ignored it because it couldn't have possibly happened.

When Tatsuki turned finally to look at Shigetoshi, the young man wished Tatsuki would turn away again. There was something there, but Shigetoshi wasn't ready to accept it, or even think about it. Shigetoshi turned away first and looks down at the utensils in his hand. He swallows as Tatsuki finally falls quiet. However the words still burned in his ears, unerasable. Was this young man next to him some kind of... dare he say it? Shigetoshi pressed his lips together.

"The meal you've made is very tasty." Shigetoshi said as he gathered the courage to look back at Tatsuki, who was eating still. Then his gaze drifted to the others. None of them seemed to notice anything off. Which was good. And they too were enjoying the food. "And it looks like everyone else is too." He smiled, even if it felt rather forced. Shigetoshi knew he was avoiding the topic, but he didn't know what to do. After all his father had drilled into him that the comfort of his guest came first and he should do everything to ensure they were in fact comfortable. In this case, if it was normal, he's listen to anything Tatsuki had to say.

But the case wasn't normal. Shigetoshi wasn't even sure if this young man wasn't a... Shigetoshi couldn't even think the thought, He placed down the chopsticks and looks back at Tatsuki. "I can listen." The young man shurgged as he dropped his gaze and straightened one of the chopsticks.

[PopeAlessandros]

Tatsuki cringes inwardly, feeling the small waves of unease coming off of the young man sitting beside him. 'I suppose I should have waited a bit on those particular aspects of my “life”. Or perhaps not have mentioned them at all. He was just looking for tales from other lands. . . .' His thought trail off as he glances at Shigetoshi. He smiles gently as the young innkeeper complements the meal, commenting on the other patron's enjoyment. 'He is a good host. For some reason, I do not feel the need to hide so much around him as I normally would a mortal. It could just be the recent stress, however. . . .'

Raising his fingers to his lips Tatsuki carefully licks off a bit of sauce that had made it's way on to them, and hums softly at the pleasing flavor, sucking one finger slightly.

“I can listen.”

There is a light smacking sound as he pulls his finger out. His eye seem to be locked on a distant point as a faint tingle passes across his stomach. 'So, he opening a door for me. A door to speak truthfully with him. I suppose this is a good thing. It will definitely help, should I choose to accept' Slowly his hand drops back down, picking up his chopsticks and carefully positioning them in his grasp. 'If I say too much, I can simply remove that memory. I have always been careful though, I believe I can avoid such things. . .'

Turning his head slightly so he can see the young man with both eyes he simply looks at him thoughtfully for a long moment. He blinks slowly, the look on his face quite neutral. 'He is rather confused, torn almost. I wonder if he's afraid of me. My story could most definitely translated many ways, most of which are not pleasant' With a sigh he smiles comfortably at Shigetoshi and murmurs, “Thank you.” After another few seconds he looks back to his food and continues eating.

[Blue Demon]

And as quickly as it had come upon them the moment had passed. Though while it had been it had lingered far longer than it truly had. Around Shigetoshi the sound of people talking came back full force as if for that brief moment nothing else existed beyond their small table. The young Inn Keeper mulled over than as their silence lengthened. Not that he had anything else really to say after that. Plus, concentrating on the food was a suitable distraction from his fears of what the man next to him really was.

And then dinner was over. The Fujiwara sisters were eyeing Tatsuki again. Shigetoshi was instantly grateful they never looked at him like that. Besides the fact he was secretly gay, he also didn't believe in sleeping with paying customers. There was no honor in such a thing. Shigetoshi finished his meal with that thought. He gently rested his chopsticks down and began to gather up the used plates around him. Out of the corner of his eye he could see the younest Fujiwara sister move in.

"Tatsuki. The dinner was delicious." She smiled broadly as her other sister joined her.

"Indeed. Where did you learn to cook so well for one so young?" The middle sister slid up next to Tatsuki, nearly on his mat.

Shigetoshi made a funny little noise in the back of his throat causing the two girls to glare at him. And being the coward he was, he grabbed the plates and utensils he had already gathered and left Tatsuki to fend for himself.

[PopeAlessandros]

Tatsuki lets the silence stretch on, the comfort he now holds in the man next to him letting him eat in peace. However as more and more dish is seen, and less and less food, the shinigami can feel eyes on him. Eyes that he does not wish to respond to, however when the gazes stay despite his lack of response he lets out a sigh. He quickly finishes his last dish, hoping to leave before the ones behind the staring have the chance to swoop in, but he fails miserably. Watching Shigetoshi walk away after making an odd little noise Tatsuki shakes his head. 'I'm being abandoned to the wolves! Shigetoshi-kun you traitor!' The over-the-top accusation in his brain is enough to bring a smile to his lips as he addresses the girls.

“In my travels one in never sure where the next meal comes from. Also, being a cook allows one to not only get free meals as often as not, it lets one meet many interesting people. It's a skill that's very handy, and I learn quickly.” His voice is smooth and earnest and he watches as they keep their attention so completely. The simplicity of their instincts however loses his interest rather quickly and before they can raise another question Tatsuki rises and gives them a little bow. “Forgive me. I would like to help clean up the mess I helped make this evening, if you will excuse me.” They let out twin whines but after a few seconds the skitter over to their table and begins stacking their dishes. All around the room the remaining dishes find their way into piles as he grabs the second platter. Gathering the rest of the dishes Tatsuki smiles as he receives many more compliments on his cooking, and with one last look around the room he wanders off down the hall to the kitchen.

'That was easier than I thought. I should be careful, they may have more devious plans in mind for later tonight. I should have checked when I had the chance. . . .' Letting out a long sigh he shakes his head at the girls actions and shallow motivations, turning around so he can push the door to the kitchen open without disrupting the platter. Giving Shigetoshi a smile he sets the platter down on the preparation table and sets to work cleaning. Before the other can protest Tatsuki chimes in. “That was fun. I can not wait to help out again. It is always good to see smiling faces, even when they are smiles of hunger for a poor defenseless somebody. . . .” He lets his sentence trail off gently, an obvious light hearted note in his voice..

[Blue Demon]

Shigetoshi closed the door to the eating room behind him with his foot. The sound faded to being barely audible. He took a deep breath and steadied himself. He waivered for a moment thinking that he should go back. But he kept remembering Tatsuki's words from earlier. The young Innkeep decided that the younger man was obviously able to care for himself and went to the kitchen to get started up on clean up. Plus it would give the two of them a bit of distance and time for Shigetoshi to think.

He washed the dishes steadily until Tatsuki came in. He looked up and saw the pile of dishes. Shigetoshi flushed and quickly hurried over to grab them from his guest, conveniently glossing over Tatsuki's words. "You didn't have to do that." Shigetoshi gently corrected the man. "I would have gone back for them." After all Tatsuki was still a guest. It was shameful for Shigetoshi to not only make him make dinner but then to clean up after it too? His parents would have been horrified.

Shigetoshi dropped the dishes near the sink before sighing. "And somehow I doubt you were completely defenseless. After all you're here and not gracing their bedroom." As soon as the words left his mouth he wished he could take them back. In fact he wished it so much he made a funny little noise of distress and promptly began to apologize.

[PopeAlessandros]

He watches with a smile as his host flutters about the room, obviously embarrassed that Tatsuki is helping him out. 'He's such a self sufficient young man, I bet this is some kind of intrusion. However I can not help but tease him a little. And honestly, I'm not sure he's not grateful for my little intrusions' “I have not doubt, Shigetoshi-kun, I just wanted to be helpful.” he murmurs when the young male comments on his unnecessary actions, but he continues cleaning up one the less. As he moves close to the sink with a few utensils in order to set them in the stack of dirty dishes Tatsuki slows at the young man's comment. It feels very out of place for the young innkeeper to say and for a few seconds he freezes, his face unreadable.

'Well, that was interesting. It sounds as if he's jealous. But, I can not see why. I have no intentions of becoming that close to those women, nor any other human for that matter. Maybe I should explain that. After all, I'm sure I could never get the hang of disconnecting my emotions from my partners the way my fellows do when they take mortal partners to bed' His eyebrow raises and he can feel the edges of panic in his voice as Shigetoshi begins stumbling over an apology. Tatsuki decides to help him out if he can and takes the last few steps up to the sink. Reaching out he places the handful of utensils in a tall container before bringing his other hand to rest on the small of Shigetoshi's back.

“It's alright Shigetoshi-kun, you don't have to apologize. Everyone's free to have their opinions and it takes a lot to offend me. Feel free to speak you mind, I promise not to get angry.” Sliding his hand off the other's back Tatsuki sets away and pulls his cleaning rag from his sleeve. “Just so you know, I do not take partners just-like-that, and anyways, I have much more fun with you than I'm sure I would have with those young ladies. It's no contest.” With a smile he goes back to cleaning the prep table, sweeping the small bits of food into his hand so he can dump them in the garbage later.

[Blue Demon]

Shigetoshi clamped his mouth shut as Tatsuki touches him. Shigetoshi's focus in those few seconds come down to that hand on his back. He couldn't move until the hand was gone. Even then he shifted a little bit away from the younger man and still kept his mouth shut lest something stupid come out of it. Especially considering the worlds coming out of Tatsuki's mouth. Was he flirting with him? Men taking male lovers had become more and more taboo in society even since the West started trading with them. Perhaps Tatsuki realized Shigetoshi's proclivities, even though he tried his hardest to hide them from the guests, and was now teasing him? But no, that didn't seem right. So perhaps he was flirting. Ancestors. What did one do when they were being flirted to?

Seeing, or rather feeling, that some sort of response was probably required Shigetoshi muttered a small "Thanks." But it ended up sounding more like a question. Feeling idiotic and more than off balance he turned his full attention, or as of much it was possible, to the dishes. He scrubbed the dirty dishes as if they had some how offended him. The sooner he got the dishes done, the young Innkeeper reasoned, the sooner he could retreat to his own room. (And hopefully perish of embarrassment in peace)

[PopeAlessandros]

Tatsuki quickly finishes his work on the preparation table, keeping half an eye on his host. He can feel the rising tension. 'What did those dishes do to him? Maybe I said something funny. I mean, I was being honest, and I was just asking him to be honest with me' He lets out a sigh and tosses the mess in his hand into the garbage. Stacking the last of the dishes near the sink he sets to wiping down the stove, making quick work of it. 'He's embarrassed about something. Perhaps I've been away from this country for too long and messed up the customs a bit. I seem to remember something about physical contacts. . .'

Unable to figure it out Tatsuki finishes clean and lets out a long sigh. 'Humans are too complected sometimes' Tossing his rag next to the dishes he carefully reaches past Shigetoshi so he can rinse off his hands before drying them on a towel hanging by the sink. With a light pat to the innkeepers back the shinigami bids him goodnight before heading out of the kitchen. On his way to his room he does a quick check to see if any of the girls are lurking about and when he sees they are all huddled up in one of the girls' rooms he moves faster.

'I gotta get it all locked up before they got to whatever they are planning. I doubt any of them are lock pickers' Once in his room he is careful to lock the door, closing the window tight as well. As he prepares for bed, the shinigami tries desperately to figure out what he did wrong earlier, but without any new leads he doesn't have much to go on. Once he's ready for bed he curls up beneath his light covers and tries to let sleep take him. However it isn't too long before the girls show up and Tatsuki has to spend about an hour trying to ignore their repeated attempts to get into his room. He uses a little magic to make sure they stay out, but even then, by the time they give up, he's too stressed to sleep.

“Ugh, I'll never get to sleep like this. . .Maybe a dip in the spring. But if they see me. . .” He thinks about it for a second. “Shigetoshi-kun must have a private one, and he wouldn't be using it at this time of night, right?” Casting out his senses he confirms that the innkeeper isn't in his private spring. “Yush.” he mutters with a grin as he pulls himself to his feet. Carefully he opens a rift, leaving behind his clothes as he sleeps in the nude anyways, and moves into the world between. It takes only a few steps to get where he's going and as he steps out into the steamy cool air he shivers. Slipping into the water quickly he lets out a sigh as the water once more begins melting away his stress. He settles with his back to the inn, not knowing that the door several paces behind him leads to Shigetoshi's room.

[Blue Demon]

Silence ensued. It was pretty awkward in Shigetoshi's opinion. The young man did his best to ignore it. And to ignore how hypersensitive he was to Tatsuki. He could tell how close he was, what he was doing, the intense look on the other's man face. And he needed to stop staring, even if he was being oblique about it. When Tatsuki sighed Shigetoshi cringed inwardly. Was Tatsuki annoyed with him? It was hard to tell, and Shigetoshi was known for blowing personal things out of proportion. And then Tatsuki was touching him again. It was all too fleeting and the other man was gone.

Shigetoshi leaned against the counter and closed his eyes. He concentrated on taking deep breaths to get a hold of himself. When he was sure he had some control he opened his eyes and stood up straight. He ran a hand over his hair and gave a sigh of his very own. Funny, that when Tatsuki was in the room he wanted him to leave. But now that he was gone.

No. Shigetoshi told himself firmly. No. He wasn't going to go down that path. Perhaps he should go down to the village here soon and find himself some comfort? It would probably make him less likely to jump his guest. Shigetoshi entertained the idea all the way back to his room. However as he prepared for bed it was wan't a faceless man he imagined, it was Tatsuki. Frustrated and angry at himself he crawled under the covers and tried to sleep. Not that it was possible. His black eyes opened as a sound from outside summons his attention.

Shigetoshi sighed loudly and tossed aside the covers. It was probably the monkeys again to play in the springs. They were a pest, but they cause no real harm. Still, it was something to vent upon. So the Innkeeper lit a lantern, threw open the sliding door and stepped out into the night. Expecting monkeys the sight he did see was a complete surprise.

[PopeAlessandros]

However, after sitting for mere moments, Tatsuki feels the need to move. 'I feel as restless as I did back in training. But. . . .It's not a bad feeling' Sitting up a little he strikes out across the smallish spring, swimming around a few times before dipping under the water completely. The warmth wrapping around him on all sides is too much for his body, and without hesitation he stands up. The water rushes off his body as he throws his head back, trying to keep his now soaked hair from sticking to his face. An instant later though he pauses mid shake as he spots the young innkeeper.

'Oh dear, he must have come to bed. . .I really should be more quiet' The water settles low around his waist and he smiles gently up at the young man before shaking a but more water from his hair. Not waiting for Shigetoshi to ask him the inevitable, Tatsuki moves closer to where the innkeeper is standing and crosses his arms loosely across his lower chest. “Forgive me Shigetoshi-kun. I did not mean to intrude. I overhead the girls, and then they tried to visit me. . .Repeatedly. . .So I was a bit too wired to get to sleep. I would have gone to the other spring, but. . .”

He waves his hand in a 'You know how that could go' fashion before bringing it back up to settle on the other arm once more. His eyes scan over the young man's body, reading the tension laced through his system. With a warm inviting smile he crouches down and lets his arms float on the water's surface. His smile becomes a knowing one and he jerks his head back in a 'come on over' fashion. “You looks stressed too Shigetoshi-kun. Perhaps you should take a dip to relax as well.” Tatsuki knows he's should get out, him being in a place he knows he shouldn't be, but his curiosity gets the better of him and he waits for the young man to either accept his proposal, or tell him to get out.

[Blue Demon]

Shigetoshi would have preferred the monkeys. He would have really, really preferred that. At least his robe kept his decent. Bit it still was running through his brain. And at least Tatsuki was emerged so nothing inopportune was showing. Shigetoshi roughly pulled his thoughts out of the gutter. He tried to focus on what the young guest was saying but he only caught the last part about joining. Shigetoshi pinched the bridge of his nose. And now he was hearing Tatsuki say what he probably wasn't. Ancestors he needed to get a hold of himself. After all, if he did join Tatsuki, it would be a very long night.

"How did you get in here?" Shigetoshi asks instead. The only entrance other than scaling the wooden walls was through his room. Shigetoshi really hoped it wasn't through his room. Because he wouldn't know how to handle that. Not that he was handling anything very well lately. But there were guests to serve and with those guests the Inn would close and Shigetoshi wouldn't be able to feed himself. So no matter what he felt he had to keep his guests happy.

"And did you just invite me in?" He couldn't help the second half of his thought coming out. He even dropped his hand to Tatsuki's reaction. Please, he thought, let me have misheard and have him laugh at me or get upset, or something. Because if he asks again I'm not going to say no. The sounds of the night seemed louder than usual to the young man as he stood there waiting for an answer.

[PopeAlessandros]

Tatsuki watches as his tensions rises, but keeps his smile warm and inviting. He chuckles lightly. “I have my ways of getting around Shigetoshi-kun. Don't worry, I did not trespass into your private quarters. The spring and your room are two completely different matters, and I know both are off limits, but I pray you will not hold this little intrusion against me. . .” His lets his eyes fall, the moon on the water catching his attention as his breathing causes the image to waver ever so slightly. Ducking even further into the water he pushes back slightly, letting the water take him as he rolls on to his stomach and he does a few light breast strokes around the pool.

Stopping at the far edge he once more turns to look as the young innkeeper, this time motioning with his hand. “Come Shigetoshi-kun. I really think the hot water would do you some good. You've been tense all evening. Ever since, we talked at dinner. . .” His eye fall once more to the water as he wonders just what the young man thinks he does for a living. Wondering further if this will be the end of his vacation. 'If he really is upset because of me, I could leave tonight and just come back when my assignment is due. I've no real reason to stay, save for my own piece of mind. . . Sitting down on a rock on the far end from Shigetoshi he crosses his legs and plays gently with the water while he waits. His lower half is still beneath the water, but the knee of his top leg makes a neat little peak in the still water.

[Blue Demon]

[[With all the downtime the guild had the past couple of days I didn't even realized you posted! I'm sorry.]]

Shigetoshi wavered in the open door as Tatsuki finishes speaking for the first time and lounges back. The apology was nice, and so was the fact that Tatsuki didn't go through his room. He probably did climb the fence. Which was annoying, but better than the alternative. As the other man swims across the hot spring Shigetoshi decided that it'd be best if he went away.

Come Shigetoshi-kun

Tatsuki's voice beckons from behind him. Shigetoshi found himself turning around despite what he told himself. When the younger man ducks his head Shigetoshi feels a little guilt. That, more than anything drew the Innkeeper over to the edge of the spring. Even getting closer it's hard to see Tatsuki's face, but his visible upper body said a lot. Mainly that he was hurt by Shigetoshi's reaction earlier that evening. Or was he projecting? Not knowing really what to say Shigetoshi quickly strips and climbs in.

The hot water did feel good. The man sinks down out of the chill of the night air and lets out a small sigh of pleasure. Tatsuki was right. He had been tense. "I guess you were right." He admitted out loud. He quirked a smile at Tatsuki, not sure if he'd see it in the faint light.

[PopeAlessandros]

He watches the younger male carefully, taking in every inch of him as Shigetoshi strips off his clothing and enters the spring. 'He is attractive enough. I wonder if he has anyone special in town he's thinking of becoming closer to. . .' Tatsuki settles back against the rocks a little more firmly as he waits for the human to settle. He really does hope that the young innkeeper will be okay with having him around despite whatever he'd done to put the young man on edge.

Catching sight of Shigetoshi smile Tatsuki returns it with one of his own. The warm water laps gently against him as the ripples from the human's entry finally reaches him. He lets out a sigh and slides off the rocks. The moon peeks at them through the steam, giving their pale flesh a kind of soft glow that only moonlight can provide. Tatsuki swims a little closer to Shigetoshi, wanting to speak with the young man before any more misunderstandings can be had.

Tatsuki stops a few paces away from the other, his upper body lifting out of the water as he stands up a little. The water from the spring tumbles down his flesh as he moves to a sitting spot not too far from the young innkeeper so he does not have to raise his voice to speak. As he stiles his eyes travel once more over the male before him as he lets out a soft sigh. “I really am sorry if I have done or said something to cause you discomfort. I know my words from before could lead one to believe that my line of work involves unsavory activities, but I assure you, I have no blood on my hands Shigetoshi-kun.” He hums softly, looking down to the water. “I do not hurt people. . .” He knows those words are only half true in his own mind, his actions causing pain inside for those who have to live on after he harvests the soul he is after. His eyes stay down as he waits for Shigetoshi to respond, his hands playing once more with the water gently.

[Blue Demon]

Shigetoshi tensed up a little as the other man swam closer. Thankfully it was dark and he was covered by water. Tatsuki was truly pleasant to look at. Shigetoshi, flushing a little at his own line of thought, turned his head with a huge effort of will, to look at the night sky. Though he looked back down at Tatsuki as he spoke. Soon silence settled over them. The young man didn't know how to respond. He wasn't sure Tatsuki was telling the truth, or at least all of it. Then again, Tatsuki also seemed to be going out of his way to reassure Shigetoshi. Perhaps even if Tatsuki was less then an upstanding person, he wouldn't drag Shigetoshi into it.

The warm water lured Shigetoshi closer to sleep than his pallet had. He leaned his head back on the edge of the hot spring and returned his gaze to the sky. Words drifted lazily through his head, punctuated by images of Tatsuki. He could think of a few unsavory activities...

"It's fine. I over reacted." Shigetoshi said finally, if only to focus on something else. "What you engage in is your own business." Shigetoshi looked back at Tatsuki. "I'm sorry for my actions since they caused you unhappiness." Then, taken by a whimsy sense of mischief, Shigetoshi splashed the younger man and swam off his perch away into the middle of the hot spring.

[PopeAlessandros]

As the silence stretches on Tatsuki glances up to see the light flush coloring his host's skin. 'I wonder if it's too hot in here for him. It would be kind of funny if the owner of a hot spring had a low tolerance for heat' Tatsuki can, if he really wants to, find out exactly why Shigetoshi is flushing. Or, for that matter, how he is really feeling about the shinigami. However, something about the young man makes him want to find out these things the old fashioned way so instead of dipping into his soul, Tatsuki remains silent and waits for Shigetoshi's response.

His eyes trail over the other male as he settles into the water, the moonlight catching on his steam moistened hair as he tilts his head back to the sky. He openly admires the man before him, the distant look in his eyes and the pearl like quality of his skin creating a beautiful picture for the shinigami as he waits. 'I wonder how many nights he has done this exact thing. Being all alone up here, no one but his guests to talk to. It must be difficult to be around people all the time without really being able to talk to them. Not really. They are just here in passing, and have no real care for the life and worries of the man that serves them. And Shigetoshi-kun. . . .He is the kind of man who takes his job seriously. He must have so many worries he can never express due just to the nature of his work, and his dedication to keeping his guests happy'

Finally the other speaks again and Tatsuki is drawn out of his revery. He can feel a twinge of disappointment at the obviously not quite ready to believe him complete tone that his host has, but he smiles none the less. 'This means I can stay, and I am glad in that I will be able to spend more time relaxing, and speaking with this kind young man' He shakes his head at what Shigetoshi says next and is ready to speak up about it, assuring the young innkeeper that he's quite alright, but a moment later he gets a face full of water.

The suddenness and unexpected action from the younger male has Tatsuki frozen on the spot for a few seconds, but when Shigetoshi swims off to the middle of the spring, smiling at the shinigami playfully, a smile finds it's way to his own lips and like a predator Tatsuki sinks into the water and begins stalking his prey. When in range his hand snaps out and he sends a perfect jet of water spraying across Shigetoshi and he chuckles lightly, his head barely above the water. He duck away a bit to avoid any backlash and responds with another jet of water. It has been a long time since Tatsuki has played in this way, so he enjoys it while it lasts.