Inspired by @soaringsummerbird contemplate the Worm Question, have Ritsume food. ♡
----
It's a cold autumn day, Natsume is on his floor writing out their next live plans. His feet tap occasionally in thought to a rhythm only he can hear. Ritsu is on the bed, laying on his stomach watching… waiting. He is getting tired and Natsume looks like he's about to reach a road block, so Ritsu kindly steps in to stave off the inevitable crash out. "Natsume~" at the very least he looks up at his playful call, "Come here." He holds his hands out invitingly, opening and closing them needily.
His gaze clears briefly, blinking and he hums in acknowledgment before looking back down, "I'm nearly donE, kitteN." Ritsu’s hands drop and he pouts.
“You're not gonna get anything done like that…” Ritsu sighs when his stubborn magician only hums in acknowledgment. He rolls sideways on the bed, wrapping himself in a layer of blankets. “I'm all alone over here and in need of attention..!”
“I am certain you will not perisH,” his brow furrows and he crosses out a line, “Promise I'll come to bed soON…” he mumbles something else, getting more frustrated that his concentration breaks.
Ritsu whines and slides off the bed in a slinky like fashion. Even laying on the floor, he cannot seem to get Natsume’s attention. The stress he's been under has been wrecking their whole schedule. He hasn't truly relaxed in days. Wiggling a little, Ritsu gets an idea and attempts to slither over, which takes more effort than he anticipated.
Somehow Natsume doesn't anticipate worm Ritsu to just drop himself over his lap. “Ritsu- wh..what are you doing?”
The frustration vanishes within moments as an exasperated grin comes through with a raised brow. “Nat-chi~ would you still love me if I were a worm?” With big eyes and a pout he wiggles a bit, ensuring that he is the only thing keeping the witches attention.
Hands hover over the blanket cocoon trying to find somewhere to grab hold of him. “If you were a worM…? What kind of worm would you bE?” he eventually settles for draping his arms around the bundle. “Are you the common earthworM? Living in my garden to ensure the soil remains healthY?”
Ritsu scrunches his nose, “That's not exactly what I was picturing…”
“No? Then perhaps a heartworm - wiggling around inside of my ventircleS?”
“Don't those kill dogs? They're parasites!"
Natsume chuckles, “Then a bloodworm since you'rE-”
“That's not even creative anymore.”
“Then perhaps a tapeworM?”
“Natsuumee!” He pouts, for some reason upset that he's now being teased, despite starting this line of questioning. Why does he feel disappointed? Ritsu tries to bury himself in the blanket, now trapped in his arms.
“Hey,” he cradles Ritsu’s face and smiles softly, “You… you're more like a silk worM-” exasperated, Ritsu huffs in indignation “-not so much a worM… but a critter preparing to metamorphose into something morE. While even just by existing and living you spin siLK. A gift and cherished treasurRE…”
The look in his eyes makes Ritsu's heart squeeze. He didn't expect this. “So, oF coursE I'd stiLL love yOU. I would give you a nice enclosure and make sure you groW to be a lovely motH, passing on the gift of wisdom to all who cross yOU.” Now he's blushing lightly, Natsume can really catch him off guard when he wants to utilize his full charm.
“Hmph..” his pouty retaliation is weak at best, “I suppose that's a good answer.”
“Well, would you still love mE?”
“...No. I'd be a bird and eat you.” Then quickly untangles himself and lunges at Natsume. Wrapping arms around his neck and doing exactly that. The laughter brings a lightness to the witch's eyes again that had been dim. They devolve into fitfuls of giggles, sharing brief kisses between each laugh.
“I think I'd let you eat mE.”
“You are quite tasty~” biting at his cheek with a sly grin, “But I'd prefer dinner in bed anyway…” he nuzzles close. “Please come lay down…”
Arms wrap around Ritsu as Natsume takes a deep breath of him, “Alright kitteN, you wiN.”
“Hehehe..♡ I always do~ it'll be good for you to learn that now.” Natsume's laugh turns into a yawn which Ritsu then mirrors. Natsume stands up with him and the knight drags him to bed, collapsing in a heap. He pulls the little vampire tight against his chest, nuzzling against his neck with a sigh. Ritsu grabs his hands as he squeezes, sharing in their adoration.
