>>49692495
I'd think Ran would be subtle at setting her hooks into you. You wouldn't even realize what's happening. No curses, misfortunes, or magical maledictions needed to make her appear all the more alluring. It's uncanny, but not like you'd see it that way in the moment.
"The long game" only scratches the surface of what she gets up to.
More and more you had to politely turn down the nice old ladies who used to give you extra veggies. You already got quite a bit from that lovely fox and you hate letting things go to waste. The once far fetched stories the lads at Geidontei told felt mundane having heard a slice of all the behind the scenes intrigue of incidents and politics going on in Gensokyo. The Village brews just couldn't hold a candle to the sake shared with the Youkai's musings, whether it's the company or drink itself that was sublime wasn't all that important.
Over the months you found yourself increasingly dissatisfied with the drudgery of work. Maybe your calling is elsewhere? Nevertheless you took on fewer and fewer hours. Not any skin off your back, you stopped opening your purse at the bar and visits to the market have become increasingly rare. Why would you when a Kitsune had become more familiar with your own kitchen then you? When she didn't cook she always brought more food than either of you can eat, "accidentally" making too much so you kept the rest for leftovers. Hard to resist when she's nailed down your favorites through trial and error.
Your home was spotless, but you hardly used it anymore. Its purpose now relegated to a roof over your head and a bed to rest in. Quite often you're being invited into her home, and with Ran escorting you around to see the part of Gensokyo you could only dream of your fear of Youkai has diminished. Getting along with her cute cat and the old lady wasn't an issue and you've grown fond of them. Between losing track of the time and weather you've stayed the night more times than you can count. The comparison of a rabbit in a lions den was often made by the Gap Youkai.
The big question wasn't long after. Why not move in with her? After all, it's easier on them and your attachments to that old house and the Village weren't strong anyway. No extra futon, but you weren't going to make a fuss sleeping next to a big bundle of warm silky tails when the bite of winter was on the doorstep. It's hard to imagine your old Village life, you wouldn't trade this for the world.
