[Little Talks]

Author's Note: It's been a while since I've posted something on here due to school, moving for school, and just life, but my friend convinced me to start writing again. I'm a bit rusty and am trying to find my "writing voice" again, so constructive criticism is appreciated- no flames please. I hope you guys like this little series of mostly drabbles. :)

Contains spoilers for chapter 63. This chapter refers to when Yato insinuates that Hiyori only came to help because of Fujisaki; Yato needs a bit of reassurance. This probably takes place after the battle is over.

I: THE ONLY EXCEPTION

He didn't know why she volunteered with the task when her brows were so scrunched. Hiyori stood before him and Yato could do nothing, but sit quietly as he endured her harsh treatment. Every now and then, Yato's gaze would flicker upward and he'd notice the far off look in Hiyori's eyes or the pursing of her lips. He also could not ignore her strong grasp as one of her hands dug into his shoulder, nails just barely digging into his skin, and forcing him to remain seated upon Kofuku's small couch.

What should have felt like soft dabbing of a cotton ball upon his face was more viscous as the smell of alcohol invaded his sense of smell, short of stealing his breath. Hiyori didn't notice his wincing, no break to even say, 'It's to disinfect your wounds Yato…don't complain!'

Grimacing, Yato stared intently at her face hoping she'd notice-she didn't- and instead, he tried to look for an ally to help save him. He scoped the room, tried to pick up on some familiar voices, but it was silent and no one was within his sights. Yukine was nowhere to be seen and Yato felt his brow twitch; he'd been abandoned.

With lips slightly downcast, she let out a sigh and that's when he realized he was too frustrated by the silence that he decided to break his own. Yato wasn't sure what was bothering her, and for whatever reason he just wanted to take her worries away and tell her it would be okay, but those words didn't seem like something that should be easily said.

"What's up, Hiyori?" he said instead.

She didn't react automatically, and so he poked her side. She startled, and then pursed her lips as she looked down at him…at least she was paying attention to him now.

Having caught her off guard, he pulled her hand from his face and took the cotton ball from her fingers. He set it down on the table and then playfully wrapped his hands around her wrists. She tried pulling from him and then he asked, "What's wrong, Hiyori?"

Hiyori met his eyes briefly and then looked away. Yato trailed his fingers down her hand and then intertwined his fingers with hers.

"Now Hiyori…you know you always tell me I don't think, so if I said or did something then I'm sorry-"

She tore her hands from his and then placed them on her hips, "You don't even know what I'm upset about."

"Then tell me."

"…I was worried when I'd heard what mess you were in so that's why I went over."

Yato slightly tilted his head, not having understood the meaning of her words.

Hiyori sighed, "I ran over because I was worried about you, not because of Fujisaki!"

Yato mulled over her words and then he remembered what he had told her previously. He sighed in frustration and let go of her hands as he slightly pulled at his hair, "Sorry Hiyori...I was a jerk."

Humming and shaking her head, she responded more vigorously trying to enforce her words, "Fujisaki...he's your father and well...there are things I can never forgive him for-" she stopped when she saw Yato slightly tense.

"He's your father and the only thing that we have in common is you, Yato. I'd go running your way, but not because he told me!"

Realizing her words, Hiyori's cheeks reddened and Yato felt himself at a lot of words as heat ran up his neck and face. He couldn't help it when a smile broke across his face and he wrapped his arms around her middle, rubbing against her stomach.

"You're the best Hiyori!"

His laughter was mirthful and Hiyori remained stiffly in his embrace until she slightly relaxed and then ran a hand through his hair.

Yato let go soon after and beaming up at her asked, "So you like me better, right?"

Trying to put on a strong front, she responded, "O-of course!"

"You'd choose me, right?"

"St-stop distracting me, Yato! I haven't finished treating you."

He groaned as she picked up the cotton swab, but his smile still remained.

"I'll be in your care, Hiyori."

[END]

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For any who read my previous works, I'll also be trying to work on those, so thank you for being patient.