Chapter Text
Sweets
"Is it alright this way, Seiki-san?"
Senju Seiki smiled and leaned forward in his chair to inspect the flower arrangement. "Yes, child. It is beautiful this way. I especially love the combination you have chosen today. The yellow and purple complement each other quite nicely. "
Ryo smiled and hopped down the stool she had used to reach the windowsill. Small feet patted on the ground as she hurried towards the old man reclining in his comfortable, wooden chair, and she looked up at him with sparkling eyes. "I am glad you are well again."
Seiki patted her head, a gentle expression on his face. She leaned into his touch. "As am I, Ryo-chan. As am I."
Their moment got interrupted by three sharp knocks on the door frame of the half-closed entry. "Seiki-san?"
The old man turned around, and his eyes lightened up when he recognized his visitors. "Hashirama-sama! Tobirama-sama! Please do come in!"
The two Senju heirs gracefully accepted his invitation, and a small head peeked almost shyly around Seiki's chair. "Good morning!"
Tobirama inclined his head and Hashirama smiled. "Ah, good morning to you, too, Ryo. Are you helping Seiki-san out again?"
"Ryo comes over at least twice every day," Seiki replied and offered his visitors a seat. Chairs scraped over the floor as the two men sat down. “She is really a joy to have around – and excellent at making tea.” He winked at Ryo. "Why don't you show them, Ryo-chan?" Seiki prompted her gently. "I am sure we could all do with a cup."
Ryo nodded happily and hurried towards the kitchen.
Hashirama watched her leave with a thoughtful expression. "It is unusual to see her so lively. She usually acts more subdued."
"Ah," Seiki's face saddened as he followed Hashirama's gaze. "Ryo is still very insecure. I believe she is lacking a sense of belonging. She spends more time in the forest you created than she does with actual humans."
"In addition to that…," Seiki paused a moment as if weighing his next words, "she might be good at hiding it, but I am certain that she retains a fear of you and your brother, Hashirama-sama. She is scared of making mistakes."
Hashirama froze. "I see." His voice was pensive, and an expression of sadness clouded his face.
"An understandable sentiment," Tobirama did not sound surprised. "We have nearly taken her life. One does not easily forget the hand that held a blade to one's neck, ready to sever it. You cannot expect her to forget that you have sentenced her to death, brother. She will never truly feel safe in our presence."
Hashirama sighed, disheartened by his brother’s rational words. "True. Still, I do not wish for her to fear either of us. No child should be afraid of the ones entrusted with their care."
Tobirama inclined his head in acknowledgment.
This was the moment the topic of their conversation returned with a tray in her hands. "I brought some snacks, too. Everyone loves snacks, right?"
"Of course," Seiki agreed easily, "Especially if they are as sweet as the one carrying them."
Ryo smiled and climbed on the stool to set the table.
“Are these Wagashi?” Hashirama leaned forward to inspect the tray she had set down. "I love Wagashi."
Seiki gestured at the refreshments. "Please help yourselves."
Hashirama did not have to be told twice.
Tobirama threw his enthusiastic brother a mildly amused look and reached towards the tray, but he was intercepted by another plate being offered to him.
"These are less sweet, Senju-sama."
Tobirama turned his head and met the child’s black eyes. "How did you know I do not like it very sweet?"
He received a tentative, but honest smile. "The rice cakes you brought were not very sweet- most people tend to unconsciously offer their own preferences when they don't know what the other person likes."
Tobirama raised an eyebrow. "You are an observant one, aren't you? Thank you." He took the plate and tried one of the sweets. "Not bad."
Ryo's face brightened.
Hashirama threw a happy look at his brother.
Tobirama steadfastly ignored him and took another sweet.