~Tomoe X Reader: Book One~

24. Walk

It was a Monday, and it was time to go back to school.

Mizuki had protested being left at the shrine alone, at first, but now that Tomoe had developed a rather sadistic tendency to constantly remind Mizuki of his place in the household, the shikigami had eventually given in.

He reminded you of a dog, whining and protesting when you left, and you could easily imagine him sitting in front of the door all day, eagerly waiting for you to come home.

The thought of Mizuki with dog ears and a tail was so fitting that you let out a short giggle, which obviously caused Tomoe to slide his purple irises over to look at you.

"What's so funny?" He snapped irritably, but you knew he was just upset that the two of you had to walk to school every day instead of use any type of teleport voodoo magic or whatever he wanted to do.

He also might have been a bit angry at the fact Mizuki had practically tried to drag you back in the shrine so you wouldn't leave.

You brought your hand up to your lips to hide your grin.
"Just thinking about how majestic and charming you are, Tomoe," you teased, and were pleased to see that the tips of his ears flushed red.

"I seriously doubt it..." he mumbled, and you could practically see the tsundere in him begging to be released.

You uncapped your water bottle and tilted your head back, taking a long sip from it instead of replying.

When you had finished almost half of the bottle in two gulps, you screwed the cap back on, letting your eyes wander over the boring and entirely familiar landscape of this boring town.

It seemed a bit less boring, though, with Tomoe here.

"Tomoe?" You asked, not bothering to wait for his reply yet, "What would you call it if, say, there was a human who somehow slipped into the underworld at random times?"

Tomoe looked rather bored with the question. "I'd call the human dead, most likely. Probably just another small piece of meat stuck in a particularly hungry yokai's fangs, before long."

He ran his finger along his own jawline in thought. Quite a weird movement.
"The underworld is like a village or a sanctuary to all things rotten."
His lips curled into a smirk. "That's why I spend so much time there."

You tilted your head. "But you're not rotten. You're charming, and quite kind."

Damn, lots of flirting today, me.

Tomoe looked more confused than surprised or irritated, but he decided to change the subject.
"Ah... (Name). I was wondering if you could still do... what you did. With the flames."

You grinned, spinning the watch with the talisman around to your palm and creating a small flame in your palm.
"Yep. I can't wait to make some roast Kurama chicken the next time he tries to eat one of my major organs. No blood-pumper for you, ya demented boy-hawk!"

Tomoe brought his hand up to his face, his slim fingers covering his expression with embarrassment.

"I don't know you..." he hissed, and you giggled.

"I'm literally your master, slave. Bow down." You teased.

Tomoe bristled, and you forgot about the fact that sometimes you could accidentally order him and he would actually have to do it.

"Kidding, don't." You added hurriedly, and the kitsune rolled his eyes.

"Don't be so careless, human." He paused to run his fingers through his hair, the white tresses ruffling beautifully with the movement.

Damn him, you mentally hissed. Why does he have to be so hopelessly... hot.

"Besides, you're a bit less worthless now that you've gained that new power." He added, and your cheeks flushed.

"Less worthless? Sheesh, there is no winning with you..."

Your gaze went from his face to the front of the school, and you felt a small sink of disappointment. The walk had went by quickly.

"We're here." Tomoe's voice was flat, and his eyes had narrowed again. "The playpen for infants."

You nodded. "Yep."

Your gaze went down to the ground.

Monday... their suspension will still be in effect until Thursday. I have time.

You looked back up at him.

"Uhm... can we have lunch together? I want to have an excuse for Kurama..."

Tomoe sighed heavily, long lashes intertwining as he closed his eyes.
"Fine."