For Certain Definitions Of Home

Adashino considered his acquaintanceship with the strange Mushishi, Ginko, one of a kind. He himself was a man known for plenty of things in his quaint seaside home. He was a doctor, and was beloved by the village-folk, and he was also known as a collector of items, strange and magical. This was the particular hobby that tied him to Ginko, someone he otherwise had no reason to familiarize with.

"Say, Ginko, have you ever thought of settling down?"

He watched his friend's eyebrows rise, or, well, eyebrow. He presumed that the one hidden behind the fringe had also risen. The sun was rising, signalling that it was probably time for Ginko to take his leave.

"Adashino-sensei, haven't I already told you that I can't do that?"

He gave his friend a look which he hoped conveyed his exasperation well. The same excuse to all of his inquiries. According to himself, Ginko was something of a Mushi-Magnet. Mushi were beyond the understanding of people such as himself. They were less practical and more philosophical. Neither flora or fauna. Yet, the disasters they brought were geared towards humans in a way that couldn't be coincidence. Maybe they were a physical manifestation of misfortune.

"You can't, but you want to."

Ah, the jackpot. His friend looked away, as if caught telling a bad lie. Adashino smiled.

"So? Where is this secret hideaway of yours?"

Ginko was sitting cross-legged on the floor, and humming non-committedly. His clothes seemed so foreign and odd that it only deepened Adashino's interest in him. What a peculiar human being. Then, he sighed.

"Well, for certain definitions of home...there might be one place."

"Oh? Do tell?" He shuffled closer to Ginko, now thoroughly intrigued.

"There is a village, a long ways away from here. In winter, when traveling gets difficult around those northern parts, the warmth of places like that is rather inviting."

His eyebrows quivered.

"Inviting..eh? You must like this person a lot?"

Ginko coughed.

"It's not like that!" Adashino felt amused. Ginko had said that a bit too fast for his taste.

"So, who's the lucky lady?"

Ginko's voice seemed pathetic against his questioning.

"Adashino-sensei, will you stop this?"

But Adashino had already gone past the line of no return.

"Her name, Ginko."

"..."

"...Suzu."

"Ah. I never imagined young Ginko would grow up so soon."

Despite himself, Ginko smiled.

"It was the longest time I've ever spent in one place for who knows how many years."

Ah. It started as a case then. Ginko stood up. Adashino stood up with him.

"Going so soon? Well, I suppose winter's coming."

He didn't need to see Ginko's face to know he was smiling.

Ginko thought, looking at the autumn leaves, maybe it was alright to be weak sometimes. After all, winter was cold, and home would always seem more inviting.

A little snippet related to Pretense Of Spring. I love this episode a lot, so I wouldn't be surprised if I write more snippets for it in the future. Meanwhile, I hope you've enjoyed your stay.