After Menma was finished talking with Madara, he left and Menma had his summonings return. "Sorry the talk took so long." Menma said as he had his mask off. "It's fine," I mumbled. "I'm gonna go take a bath." 

I went into the bathroom, ran some hot water, then stripped myself from my clothes. I got in the tub and stared up at the white ceiling. I tried to relax, but how could I, knowing I'll be thrown out of this place soon?

It was only a matter of time until Menma kicks me out. But hey, it's my own fault for trusting him in the first place; I never should've done so in the first place. I hugged my knees to my chest and sighed. I might as well leave now and save myself the despair and humiliation. 

After my bath, I grabbed a towel and began to dry myself off. I kept thinking when Menma was going to throw me out. Why is he even waiting to throw me out? Why not just do it now? "Kitsune." Menma called, knocking on the door.

"Yes?" I answered. "Dinner's ready if you're hungry." He informed. "Okay. Thanks." I replied, quietly. I got dressed a light pink kimono, but stopped halfway as I remembered Menma used to dress me. "I'll leave tonight." I decided.

I finished putting on my kimono, then walked out of my room. 

During dinner, it was quiet as I hardly ate. "Is something wrong, Kitsune?" Menma asked. "Of course not. Why do you ask?" I mumbled. "Because you've barely eaten anything." He stated. "So?" I said, staring down at my food. 

"Aren't you hungry?"

"No." I denied, but my stomach said otherwise as it growled. I blushed slightly, but didn't look up. "Kitsune, what's the matter with you?" Menma asked. "Nothing." I said. "You're being a sour fox today," He mentioned. "Did something happen outside that I should know about?"

"Nothing happened. Excuse me, but I'm think I'm going to go to bed early today" I said. I left the room, heading to my own. I lied down on my bed, staring at my ceiling. When nightfall arrived, I walked down the hallway as I heard Menma sound asleep.

"Goodbye... Menma." I whispered. I left the temple and entered the woods, trying to locate the river I fell into and brought me here. But because I was so focused on finding that river, I didn't realized I had walked into a trap.

It activated beneath me and a net scooped me up and held me there in the trees as the ends were supported by branches. "Damn it all. Of all the traps I could've triggered." I mumbled, annoyed.

I hated these kind of traps the most because I feel like an animal that's being hunted for food. This wasn't the first time I've been caught in a trap like this. Last time I was in one of these things, I had to use my teeth to escape.

It took me about an hour because I have very small, and not so sharp, teeth. I sighed at myself for not being able to see the trap and began chewing on the rope. "Kitsune," I looked down as Menma stared up at me while wearing his fox-like mask.

"What are you doing here Sour Fox?" He asked. "Sour Fox?" I repeated. "You were a bit of a sour fox today, I'm calling you Sour Fox for the time being." Menma explained. I rolled my eyes. "Wow, that's so funny." I said, sarcastically.

"Anyway, what are you doing?" He repeated. "What does it look like I'm doing? I'm trying to get out of this damn thing." I stated. "That is not what I meant. What are you doing out here in the middle of the night?" Menma rephrased.

"Oh... Uh, well..." How do I tell him I was trying to leave without him knowing? Without a doubt, he'll punish my ass, and I don't want that to happen. "I was taking a walk." I lied. "A walk?" Menma repeated, bluntly. "This late at night?"

"I couldn't sleep, so I thought maybe if I walked around for a bit, I would get drowsy." I continued to lie. "I see. Well, let's get you down from there," Menma took out a kunai knife and threw it at the ropes, cutting me down.

I fell out of the trap and into Menma's arms, making me blush slightly. "I'm surprised you were able to activate one of these traps. They're not that well hidden, and with your abilities, you could've spotted them from a mile away." Menma commented.

"I was thinking to myself, so I didn't notice." I replied. "It doesn't matter. Come on, let's go home." Menma said, and carried me back to the temple. "Uh... you know I can walk, right?" I mentioned. "I know. Doesn't mean I can't carry you." He replied.

I didn't say anything else as we stayed quiet for a while. "Kitsune." Menma spoke. "Hmm?" I hummed in response. "Are you avoiding me?" He asked. My eyes widened slightly. "Not at all. Why would you ask?" I answered.

"I'm just curious. You haven't been acting like yourself lately, so it's makes me a little concerned." He said. "Sorry..." I said, quietly. For the rest of the walk home, we didn't say another word.

When we got to the temple, Menma continued to carry me as he walked down the hallway. I assumed he was taking me back to my room, but I stand corrected when he was carrying me into the direction of his room.

Now that I think about it, I've never seen Menma's room before. Once we got to his room, Menma set me down on his bed, then went over to his drawer and took his mask off his face. I came to realize he was probably wearing it in case someone in the woods saw him.

But who would be out in the woods this late at night? After Menma put his mask down, he  climbed into bed and pulled me to his chest with the blanket over us. "Um... Menma...?" I said. "Shh... Just try to get some sleep, Kitsune." Menma said as his eyes were closed.

I glanced up at him, then closed my eyes, snuggling into his chest. Menma was really warm and I was starting to lose consciousness fast. "Menma... How did you know I was in the woods?" I asked, drowsily. "Menma?" I slightly looked up at him to find him asleep.

I gave a soft sigh and closed my eyes as I was fast asleep. 

Menma's POV

I pretended to be asleep when Kitsune asked me how I knew she was in the woods. When it was quiet for a few minutes, I opened my eyes and looked down at Kitsune as she was sound asleep. Her ears were lowered as she was snuggled into my chest. 

How did I know she left the hideout? Easy, because I heard her leaving. I want to know why she was out there in the woods this late at night. That answer she gave me about her going on a walk was a lie. I know it was. Where was she really heading? I want to know.

"Scared..." I looked at Kitsune again as she began to mumble in her sleep. "I... I'm scared..." Kistune whispered. I held her to my chest in a protective way and gently began to stroke her hair. "You have nothing to be afraid of, Kitsune. I'm right here." I whispered.

Why... am I getting so close to this fox all of a sudden?