[They both know it's a lie, and yet as Matoba predicted, Natori doesn't call him on it. Partly it's because they're both professional exorcists in an environment designed to be emotionally compromising, and there's no point weakening either of their armor any more than they have to. Partly it's because Natori knows exactly how sore a subject it is. And partly, honestly, because the conundrum of Matoba needing to debase himself for some ayakashi game is a way more interesting line of conversation than getting an easy shot in.

Natori raises an eyebrow at that gentle euphemism for Matoba's own activities. (Honestly, he's still picturing more of Matoba's traditional wheeling and dealing over the other options; he won't look at it too deeply, but he finds it hard to picture Matoba doing that sort of thing with... just anybody.)]

Why, Matoba-san, are you jealous? [Of the possibility of Natori getting to return quickly, thanks to the work that Seiji has always hated, he means; it doesn't occur to Natori that there could be another strain of jealousy involved. Not even with the almost possessive kiss Matoba gave him on meeting him.] I wouldn't worry. I don't even have a "suit" or "rank" at all, so I didn't realize I was actually meant to play.