Work Text:
Ainosuke let out little giggles as he led Tadashi to the tall oak out at the back of the garden. He was giddy about showing the other boy his handy work, proud of what he had managed despite his young age. Tadashi enjoyed seeing him so happy, he didn't often see the young master so cheerful, at least not outside of when they were skateboarding.
Beaming with pride, Ainosuke showed him a craving in the bark of the mighty tree.The young master had carved their names in the tree, surrounding their names with a heart. It was rough and pretty wobbly, but nonetheless impressive. Tadashi ran his fingers across their names, his heart skipping a little beat.
"Do you like it, Tadashi?" Ainosuke asked, his eyes twinkling with hope.
"I do, I think it's very beautiful," Tadashi nodded.
"I'm so happy! I want this to stay forever, I want us to be together as long as this craving is here" Ainosuke insisted.
Tadashi recalled them all those years ago, standing by the tree and admiring the craving. He ran his fingers over the carving like he had all those years ago. The memory of Ainosuke's glimmering eyes and cheerful smile rushing back into his mind, he was so happy then. Tadashi looked over to the mansion, the light in Ainosuke’s room seeping out of the window and his silhouette being cast. He considered what the master's younger self had said. The carving was still here and so were they, it had been difficult but they were still here too.
Running his thumb over the carving one last time, Tadashi departed. Perhaps Ainosuke would enjoy reminiscing with him next time. He headed back to the mansion with a light feeling inside him, he knew that he had done well by the young Ainosuke. And now one of his fonder memories could remain untainted as he had stayed true to it.