“Yo Reimu! Happy Holidays and all that jazz!” Marisa boldly shouted as she landed in front of Reimu sitting on the shrine steps. She looked up at her friend and moved the muffler down a bit. She replied back in an annoyed tone “Marisa, it's not even a week until that day. Plus, It's cold right now.”. Marisa simply grinned “Aw don't be like that. Besides, I got a lot of places to visit first, So I will stop by later-” She turned around to noticed the tall shell of Nahumar before her “Woah! Watch where you stand.” she said as she got on her broom. She looked at the two “I'll be back later then Reimu.” before bolting off. Reimu's attention was on Nahumar now, asking him “So what is it this time?” crossing her arms to await his reason for coming. Nahumar sat on the steps as well. “I want to just relax here for a minute.” he replied. Reimu got up and walked into her shrine “No.” she stated. He didn't seem to leave right then and there. So it wouldn't hurt to give him some time before she became serious.
Start Reimu looked back over at Nahumar sitting on the stairs. Staring down towards the gate and everything around. The silence was both peaceful but unnerving. Maybe she was use to Marisa and the others being obnoxious or loud, but Nahumar was the complete opposite. He didn't want anything from Reimu and there he was, sitting on the stairs. She had to break the ice somehow. Reimu sat on the steps next to Nahumar and asked him a question “Have you ever heard of this Christmas thing?” to which Nahumar looked at Reimu with a grand smile “Of course. It's a time where people exchange gifts or spend time with whomever is closest to them. This holiday is more of Hanalli's and Sorina's thing.”. Reimu looked at him once again to ask with a slight embarrassed look “Then why not spend it with them?” part of Reimu wanted to not hear the reason, but he replied “Because this year, I wanted to just get away from it all and be at ease.”. Reimu looked at him and offered “Well if you want to relax, then come back in your normal self.” biting her tongue afterward. Nahumar looked back at Reimu as he got up and left. Reimu noticed his departure and felt as if nothing changed. Yet she decided to wait for him out of curiosity. During that time, she set up the kotasu as the weather got colder.
Soon enough, Nahumar returned as a smaller version of himself for Reimu. He floated above the ground in his usual way and made his way to the top of the Kotasu. Reimu noticed Nahumar easily and gave a light sigh of relief. At least now he was actually here instead of the fake thing he uses. Nahumar put himself on the ground to roll over to Reimu “Mind if I sit on your head?”. Reimu looked at Nahumar with a sense of annoyance as she said “Why? It's not like you feel the cold anyways.” but Nahumar quickly dismissed her ideas. “I can too! In fact, I should be sitting in your lap.” he demanded. Reimu, un-phased, simply told Nahumar “Fine, you can sit on my head. Don't do anything stupid though.” Nahumar felt a sense of joy as he lightly hopped onto Reimu's head. He nuzzled a bit into her hair like a cat before contently closing his eye. Reimu didn't feel like moving much herself and retreated to the warm Kotasu.
It felt odd. Many times she had her guests be obnoxious, drunk, annoying or just unwilling to give her peace. Nahumar was invited to her home for a day and somehow it feels as if nothing has changed. It was new to her. So she had to break the silence once more. “Nahumar. Have you ever fallen in love before? I'm curious as to how 'Human' you are compared to the other Youkai.” The question that Nahumar had no clear answer for. “I never knew what it felt like. Many times over I had my share of encounters with females of all kinds yet not once have I felt different about them. Then again, who would be interested in a creepy orb?” Nahumar explained. Reimu realized the question was stupid and attempted to dismiss it...but not before adding on “Nahumar, you seem a bit charming if not polite. Though since seeing you in your real form, I think part of the problem is your weakness to open yourself and that you- Well let's not go that far.” she quietly slipped back into her comfortable zone. Reimu wanted no more of this.
-Stop Music-
Just then, Marisa dropped by once again. With Nahumar in his real form, she might find out as well. Reimu was far too lazy to get up and instead tilted Nahumar off her head and pushed him under the covers to keep him quiet. From there, he listened in on the conversation. Marisa waved herself in “Yo Reimu. I see you got the Kotasu out now.” then sat herself under the covers without being offered. Reimu looked to her in the familiar unamused face “You have one at your home. Go use it.” but Marisa laughed “It's broken. Besides, I like yours more. It's got a good view of the snow and you have snacks.” Her hands already grabbing one of the orange foiled balls...but when she pulled back the foil it was a chocolate ball that had orange like slices. This made Nahumar under the Kotasu light up with a bloodthirst for it. Marisa held a sliver up to the light in confusion “Where are the Oranges? This is chocolate!” Reimu lifted one eye to the bowl and then remembered “Yukari handed a bunch to me this year from the outside world. Honestly they taste good but I see no real reason to make them look like that.” but Marisa began eating the slices and with a full mouth gave her idea “Well however they do it, it's still as fun as eating oranges.” giving Reimu a disgusted look at her table manners.
As Marisa had her fill of meeting Reimu, she pulled Nahumar from under the Kotasu and noticed he was knocked out due to overheating. “Damn. Left him under there for too long...” she dully said. Reimu opened one of the chocolate oranges and dangled a slice over Nahumar. A tendon shakily extended out and consumed it to give him some strength. Reimu placed him on the table next to the opened orange “Sorry about that. Marisa takes her time when it comes to annoying me.” Nahumar on the other hand was eating the chocolate with a more polite manner. A single crumb landed on the table, alerting Nahumar to pick it up and place it on the foil. This kind of attitude caught her attention. It was like watching an animal she had never seen. Nahumar was taking so much care to eat, not rushing this time, and yet continued to pick up after himself. It was cute to her in an animal like way. Nahumar caught wind of her eyes. He picked a sliver up and held it to Reimu “Want one?”. Reimu blinked and shook her head “I already tried some. It's not my kind of sweets.” lying her way from accepting a kind act. Nahumar pulled the slice back, examining it before eating it. He heard her stomach grumble, and obvious hint as to what he could do for her! Nahumar was the kind of Youkai to reward or give people gifts for little to nothing in exchange. So he waited for Reimu to become comfortable so he could slip away without her knowing...
Start During that time, Reimu thought about it. Despite being a ball, Nahumar had a certain charm she never saw. The rare times she noticed him mingling with the other residents and even her friends shows that Nahumar did offer a hand. Humans might spread the rumors but most of the Youkai who knew him obviously appreciate him for many reasons. He took so little and gives so much in exchange. Nahumar was on her mind that day- “What am I thinking? Nahumar is just like any creature. I almost fell for the same charm with Yukari before. I will not be duped again.” she blurred out loud, now noticing Nahumar was gone. At least now she could relax without his presence, what little he offered. She gently closed her eyes to ease herself into a nap. A few minutes later however, she heard something being placed on the table. She opened her eyes slowly to see an iron pot and a strange devise sitting on it with a cylinder on the side. Upon looking up, she noticed Nahumar in his shell form once more coming back with some ingredients. “Oh priestess, you are awake.” Nahumar casually said. The items in the bag, the pot in front of her...was he really doing this?
Nahumar set the vegetables, fresh noodles and beef of all things already sliced. Reimu looked into the pot to see the miso broth inside already as he started to put each item in. “I stopped over at Keine's place and asked her if she could instruct me on how to make a dish your kind eats on these nights. She told me about this Nabe thing. I had help from the eternal human to pick out the ingredients and thanks to Keine, she managed to lend me this pot and what she calls a burner.” he said, making it right in front of Reimu. Oh how her face felt so red from the atmosphere. “Why are you doing this?” Reimu asked. Nahumar looked at her, now just waiting for it to boil and simmer “Well because I wanted to at least show my gratitude for letting me sit at your shrine. Plus, I think your stomach says otherwise.” A big smile came on his face as he heard the rumble from her stomach. Indeed, she was hungry a lot. For the moment, Reimu decided to accept this. The aroma of the potatoes and meats cooking together, along with the noodles and tofu pieces was really heavenly. The single moment that it was cooking was both quite yet soothing. Despite changing into his human shell, Nahumar looks more lively when he moves and emotes. He looked over at the pot's contents, then back at Reimu as he handed her a bowl with some Gomadare sauce to dip it in. Reimu didn't know if she should trust it but so far Nahumar was harmless. Knowing how strong he was in the event he did lash out, she could easily subdue him.
When it was at it's peak, the Nabe smelled truly wonderful to her. Reimu immediately went for the meat chunks but halted before picking something up. Almost as if she forgot her manners, she had to thank for the food...then looked at Nahumar who sat there. No bowl in front of him. She asked “Are you at least going to have something?” not concerned but rather curious. Nahumar replied “I would but this is for you. So eat all you want.” making Reimu blush at his generosity. Sadly she had to break it to him “But Nabe can't be consumed alone. It's meant to be eaten with...” and forcing the word out as much as she could without sounding desperate for any social contact “Friends.”. Nahumar was shocked at her attitude, then chuckled as he took his own bowl. He quickly grounded some of the chocolate leftover from before and stirred it into the sauce. Reimu looked disgusted and once more asked him “Do you have to eat chocolate with everything?” to which he said bluntly “It's the only way I can taste food. Without it, I taste nothing but air.” and followed with his own thanks of the food, starting with the vegetables.
The little meal continued on, Reimu taking all the meat and leaving Nahumar with the tofu. Though he didn't mind it at all. It warmed their own souls as the mood was relaxed and happy. Nahumar reached for a potato chunk but Reimu managed to snag it quickly. “HEY!” but Reimu ate it and laughed... Then, for the first time ever, Nahumar noticed Reimu's expression changed. It was pure joy. Not that fake half smile or with tears but a genuine smile of appreciation and happiness with a laugh that could melt one's coldest heart.. Was it the food or was it Nahumar's attitude? Whatever it was, Nahumar was glad to see this as a reward for the food. Even if it was for a single moment. To her, Reimu was like a sister...but Reimu might not think otherwise.
Once the meal was finished, Nahumar started to clean up everything. Noticing Reimu putting out any candles in the room to finish the day off. She called out to him “I'll take it back to Keine tomorrow. It's the least I can do.” though she was not smiling like always. Nahumar nodded, leaving it in a neat pile on the table. Nahumar was just about to go when Reimu once again called out “Thanks Nahumar. I...honestly didn't expect this.”. Stopping him at the foot of the stairs. Nahumar looked back over his shoulder. Not a smile but a humble look. “It is the season for sharing and giving gifts that could warm your heart. If anything, it was warm enough to see your face smiling and the joy radiating from you.” Reimu listened to his words, smiling in exchange. Part of her dismissed for a moment that he was not truly there in front of her.
-Stop Music-
Start So she ran down the steps and tossed her arms around the lower portion of his shell. Showing how small she was compared to his height. The smile easily faded with a single tear dripped from her eye. Now she realized why his presence was not that bothersome. It was because he understood her reasons for being so agitated to her friends and though she may be sociable, there was a limit to what she could allow into her heart. The bitter taste of loneliness is what she truly felt. Nahumar predicted this could happen and gently wrapped his coat around her like a hug as the snow continued to fall.
“Reimu. Don't open yourself to anyone. Especially me.” Nahumar boldly said. Reimu pulled her head back up to look at Nahumat who continued “You are the most important person in Gensokyo. Thus, no one can have you all to yourself. You must continue to endure the Sorrow, to ease the Joy and to shun the Fear for everyone.” slowly removing his coat around her and turning to walk “It's for the best of the world.”. After realizing what she did, Reimu cleared her face. Her mind turned back to the reason he spent the day with her. It was something she thought she would of never felt in many years. She then shouted back to Nahumar “I know that already! Quit treating me like an idiot!” returning to her normal attitude as he left...Yet for that night, Reimu slept in her futon and the image of Nahumar sharing that meal with her wouldn't fade. So she clung onto the pillow as hard as she could to try and keep it inside.
-Stop Music-
Start The next morning, Reimu noticed that the items from last night were gone. As she slowly sat up, she noticed out of the corner of her eye a familiar umbrella pattern spinning as the woman like figure sat on the steps. The snow from last night stopped falling and the outside was a blanket. “Did you have a good night's rest?” the woman asked. Yukari showed but a straight and expressionless face. Reimu knew how volatile Yukari was about Nahumar. The two never did see eye to eye as Nahumar would easily side with Humans over Youkai. In Yukari's hand was a slice of a chocolate orange in the same wrapper Nahumar had last night. Reimu decided not to show any emotion either as she replied while changing “Yeah.” but midway through fixing her sleeves, Yukari blurted out what she saw “Nahumar was here last night, wasn't he? Treated you to a meal and didn't bother to invite me?” but a slight playful smirk appeared on her lips. Reimu didn't change her face at all as she finished putting her bow on “Yeah. If you wanted some then you could of just popped down.” stating the obvious route. Yet Yukari had a standard to her that is rarely found. She took the last orange slice to examine it “Nahumar made it for you after all. I saw him running around the human village and getting the items. He was really trying to make a special gift for one who could never smile.” then she turned around...and yet no anger or a sense of hate around her. Instead she told her “I think this time, I might let it slide. It seemed his intention that night was to make you happy and he managed to get what he wanted. In a way, you lost a battle against your emotions.” now making sense. Reimu though didn't mind. She gave a faint smile and walked out to the steps. Looking at the blanket of white before her...
“I do not mind. He seems to really enjoy making those happy around him despite being a master of Fear.” Reimu was not going to keep it down. She enjoyed his presence regardless of what form he used. The orb form of him was cute and fun to play around with while his human shell showed how kind he could be. Deep in her mind, Reimu wanted to keep the memory to herself. After all, as long as she experienced it before, then it's fine. Even in the moments of her most frustrated points or solving more incidents, she could always look forward to this little memory of that winter night.
-Music Stop-
As the days went on, the gift giving celebration was on. Reimu and Marisa were all but enjoying their time together until a strange box appeared before them from a gap. Reimu looked around “Yukari, is this some kind of joke gift?” but Yukari chuckled from a gap in the ceiling. Peering her head out “Oh just open it.”. Reimu undid the wrapping and as she opened the box lid, Nahumar shot out with his small tendons wrapping around Reimu's head like an octopus. From the way he was shivering, he was forced into it beyond his own will. Yukari chuckled and vanished into the gap. Reimu pulled the ball Nahumar off her face as Marisa laughed, still not realizing what it was “Oh my god that was a good trick! An octopus for Christmas!” but this was enough to make Reimu chase after her friend in the snow. Nahumar soon regained consciousness. The loud commotion in the front caught his eye as he watched Reimu chasing Marisa with her orbs. So he eased a Chocolate Orange beside him, consumed a slice and observed the little duel between them.
“Be joyful in your endeavor, Reimu.” Nahumar said but not before Marisa's body fell on him, crushing the steps in the process. Some days you just can't relax at all.
(OPTIONAL!)
!Bonus!(
Take your time and absorb )
In years that go by, Reimu has grown into a woman of much importance as a new Miko was selected to be part of the Hakurei shrine. On this day, Nahumar made a visit as Reimu was alone. He noticed her sitting on the steps and taking a slight sigh. “I see that things have not changed much.” His voice snapped her attention up at Nahumar. His shell still the same. Reimu stood up, matching his own height just barely as she looked right at his eyes. “Things have changed. Already a new priestess is in training and I assure you she may need some guidance when I leave.” Reimu said. Her long raven black hair no longer sporting her bow as her outfit was longer. Yet the sleeves remain the same style to expose only her armpits and shoulders. Nahumar watched Reimu walk up to him, placing a hand over his false face. Feeling the cold lifeless texture as a tear dripped from her cheek. “Why couldn't you of been born a human? You are far too kind to earn the title of 'Youkai'. Why must even the gods above give me such horrible luck? Why?” the sorrow in her voice said it all. Reimu wanted Nahumar to be someone truly special to her alone. The harsh reality still tries to smash her down but she kept that smile going for Nahumar. Always remembering the kind act so well. Even the taste of the beef, which back then was alright. Not the best...but she couldn't tell it to his face. The two leaned into one another...Then Nahumar vanished into the shadows as the new apprentice returned with her errands to the village. From afar, Nahumar watched with his shell. Seeing how mother like Reimu became yet still the same tough and no-nonsense taking girl she was. The young priestess asked if someone was around...
“Do not be Afraid. Otherwise Nahumar will scare you when you least expect it. You have to be strong and endure such frightening ideas. Be brave.” And there, Nahumar could feel the emotion no one could see better than he could... Sorrow and pain of being alone and unable to be free to be with whomever.
"I'm sorry Reimu, but god did not create me. Man Did..." The beast of fear whispered her name as the wind picked it up and brushed Reimu's ear. Causing her to turn in the direction yet see nothing. For a moment, she thought she heard Nahumar's feelings towards her and how much pain he was in as well.
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