[Fic] Tactics. Youko, Haruka, Kantarou. G. Keeping a Budget
Title: Keeping a Budget
Author: monitorscreen
Fandom: Tactics
Characters: Youko, Haruka, Kantarou
Rating: G
Word count: 524
Disclaimer: Tactics is the creation of Kinoshita Sakura and Higashiyama Kazuko, not mine.
Summary: Modern Tokyo is not a kind place to folklorists.
Author's notes: Fic #18 for fic_on_demand's Fic a Day June Challenge. Request: AU by jangalain.
Keeping a Budget
by monitor screen
Youko knows what people say about them, two men and a woman living together in one small apartment. But expenses in modern Tokyo are high, and anyway, she and Haruka do not really take up that much space. It is an economical arrangement.
That does mean she has to stand through housewives whispering and weird glances darting her way in the neighbourhood, though. Youko does not mind it too much, but not getting friendly with the shop owners means fewer bargains, and their budgets are tight enough as it is. Kan-chan writing the occasional articles is not really enough to support their living.
There are many magazines willing to host Kantarou's stories, what with supernatural things being the height of popularity at the moment. If only he will work harder and actually meet the weekly submission deadlines! Currently Kan-chan has only managed to keep one column going, as the others reject him for being unreliable. And his habit of going on research excursions does not help matters any - no one will pay for an exorcist these days; the trips are only eating into their funds, and time. What is so difficult about making up stories in exchange for food and shelter? It is not like anyone will know the difference. Doesn't Kan-chan get how much their room and meal cost?
The two youkais try to help, but without proper qualifications or specific skills, it is not easy. Youko works in a bakery in another part of Tokyo. Her pay is meagre, and the job entails a large chunk of money spent on travelling, but it is the only way. No one nearby is willing to hire her; the housewives make sure of that. Youko has lived among humans long enough to understand what they consider propriety, so she does not blame them. Yet she cannot help to resent the gossip-spreaders; they have no business talking about what they do not know. Youko will not mind getting another apartment nearby just to shut the neighbours up, but they really cannot afford it - they hardly have any savings at this point, and Youko hates to have Haruka trying to work overtime.
Haruka works hard and does not complain when he thinks it is necessary. The thing is that he does not really have much of a career choice. Host clubs are no place for a dignified tengu, and Youko knows Haruka loathes it, but it is his salaries that keep them from getting thrown out. They cannot afford to be late on their rent - the landlady is just waiting for the slightest excuse to kick them out. Youko knows Haruka will do anything to keep Kantarou relatively happy; but it does not stop her worrying for the tengu. That kind of lifestyle cannot be good for anyone.
Haruka is back late again, sluggish and smelling of alcohol. Youko can just imagine what the neighbours will say tomorrow... At least Haruka will not hear them. Getting him settled on the futon in the living room, Youko changes into her fox form and cuddles close.
Perhaps tomorrow she should try looking for a second job.
Comments and critiques welcomed.
Author: monitorscreen
Fandom: Tactics
Characters: Youko, Haruka, Kantarou
Rating: G
Word count: 524
Disclaimer: Tactics is the creation of Kinoshita Sakura and Higashiyama Kazuko, not mine.
Summary: Modern Tokyo is not a kind place to folklorists.
Author's notes: Fic #18 for fic_on_demand's Fic a Day June Challenge. Request: AU by jangalain.
Keeping a Budget
by monitor screen
Youko knows what people say about them, two men and a woman living together in one small apartment. But expenses in modern Tokyo are high, and anyway, she and Haruka do not really take up that much space. It is an economical arrangement.
That does mean she has to stand through housewives whispering and weird glances darting her way in the neighbourhood, though. Youko does not mind it too much, but not getting friendly with the shop owners means fewer bargains, and their budgets are tight enough as it is. Kan-chan writing the occasional articles is not really enough to support their living.
There are many magazines willing to host Kantarou's stories, what with supernatural things being the height of popularity at the moment. If only he will work harder and actually meet the weekly submission deadlines! Currently Kan-chan has only managed to keep one column going, as the others reject him for being unreliable. And his habit of going on research excursions does not help matters any - no one will pay for an exorcist these days; the trips are only eating into their funds, and time. What is so difficult about making up stories in exchange for food and shelter? It is not like anyone will know the difference. Doesn't Kan-chan get how much their room and meal cost?
The two youkais try to help, but without proper qualifications or specific skills, it is not easy. Youko works in a bakery in another part of Tokyo. Her pay is meagre, and the job entails a large chunk of money spent on travelling, but it is the only way. No one nearby is willing to hire her; the housewives make sure of that. Youko has lived among humans long enough to understand what they consider propriety, so she does not blame them. Yet she cannot help to resent the gossip-spreaders; they have no business talking about what they do not know. Youko will not mind getting another apartment nearby just to shut the neighbours up, but they really cannot afford it - they hardly have any savings at this point, and Youko hates to have Haruka trying to work overtime.
Haruka works hard and does not complain when he thinks it is necessary. The thing is that he does not really have much of a career choice. Host clubs are no place for a dignified tengu, and Youko knows Haruka loathes it, but it is his salaries that keep them from getting thrown out. They cannot afford to be late on their rent - the landlady is just waiting for the slightest excuse to kick them out. Youko knows Haruka will do anything to keep Kantarou relatively happy; but it does not stop her worrying for the tengu. That kind of lifestyle cannot be good for anyone.
Haruka is back late again, sluggish and smelling of alcohol. Youko can just imagine what the neighbours will say tomorrow... At least Haruka will not hear them. Getting him settled on the futon in the living room, Youko changes into her fox form and cuddles close.
Perhaps tomorrow she should try looking for a second job.
Comments and critiques welcomed.