Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ms. Hina, I’ve met a nice girl recently and I’d like to get to know her.. How should I go about that? 

‘Well, I’d suggest you say it straight and simple to her. Beating around the bush won’t help you any and generally people prefer if you’re straightforward with them. Perhaps a, “Hey, would you like to go down to Ritou with me to talk?” would suffice. Good luck!’

Ms. Hina, I’ll be celebrating my 1 year anniversary with my boyfriend next week and I don’t know what to wear! Please help! 

‘Congratulations and I wish you an everlasting relationship. In regards to fashion, I myself am fairly lax, however, long flowing garments in warm shades to match the autumn season seem to be the latest trend. Although, I’m sure you’ll look lovely in anything, have confidence in yourself.’

Ms. Hina, how should I best take care of my vision and make it shinier? And when I say ‘shinier’, I mean shinier than everyone else’s of course!” 

A small smile tugged at the corner of  ‘Ms.Hina’s’ lips. Seeing vision bearers walking the streets publicly again made his heart sing with joy, proof of his efforts on the front lines of the resistance. He looked down at his own vision thoughtfully, currently sitting on the wooden table in front of him, emanating a soft amber glow. 

“Shinier huh..” He thought aloud, tapping the pen on the edge of the paper in front of him. Gorou contemplated the question for a moment before settling on an answer. 

‘I’d suggest using a soft cloth to clean the dust from the surface of your vision to ensure its glow is always at its brightest. Also, be sure not to forget the crevices on the sides of it as they can be easy to miss.’ 

With a thoughtful smile, Gorou put the pen aside and gathered the draft into a neat pile, ready to be submitted the next day to the Yae publishing house for the ‘That’s Life’ magazine. 

The following morning Gorou awoke with a yawn right as the sun was coming up and with a stretch rolled out of bed to start preparing for his trip to Narukami island. Normally submissions for the magazine would happen via mail but today was special as the Watatsumi resistance was planning to celebrate the abolishment of the vision hunt decree alongside  members of the tri-commision. Since the end of the war, life had been increasingly hectic for most of Inazuma and only now, around six months later, had things finally calmed down enough for those involved directly in the war, to celebrate their newfound freedom. It filled the general’s chest with pride seeing all his hard work come to fruition. Additionally, he was excited to finally get a chance to sit down with his fellow soldiers and old friends in a casual setting again, it’d been a long time since the last time he was allowed to truly enjoy himself outside the confines of war. 

The canine general made his way out the door, ears sticking straight up and fluffy tail swaying side to side, an indicator of his anticipation for the events ahead of him. Today is going to be a good day , he thought to himself, eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. That same excitement worked him into a light jog towards the boat meant to ferry him out to Narukami and once the ship was in sight, Gorou quickly made his way onto it. His nose picked up the scent of the salty ocean breeze surrounding him and he found himself looking wide-eyed out into the horizon where the clear blue skies met the rolling waves of the ocean below, resulting in a wide grin planting itself on the general’s face. Yes, today was going to be a great day indeed , he thought, his own tail began to sway side to side more noticeably now but he caught himself when he heard a few familiar voices approach behind him.

“General Gorou! How nice to see you again.” A feminine voice called out. Her steps were quiet and the woman herself held a regal air in contrast to the soft features of her face, her long peach tinted hair framing it, even on both sides. 

“My lady, it’s been awhile. How are you?”Gorou replied, standing straighter. He eyed the two soldiers likely meant to escort her to Narukami, they were dressed in standard Watatsumi military attire. One held a polearm resting partially against his left side while the other had a katana sheathed at his right hip. His eyes trailed back to the Watatsumi priestess who’s face held a soft smile decorated by blush pink lips. 

“No need to be so formal with me now Gorou, we are already close and the war is over, we should relax a little.” She brought her gloved hand up to her face to hide a giggle. Gorou blushed in response, his ears flattening against his head subconsciously. 

“Apologies my- Kokomi. How are you then, this morning?” His eyes darted to the side, embarrassed that he’d tripped over his words. He quickly looked back to her though as she moved to stand beside him facing out towards the open sea. 

“I’m well, and I hope you are too. I’m excited to see old comrades in Narukami. It’s been too long since we’ve set foot there, hasn't it?” Her eyes looked glassy and distant as she faced the clear blue Inazuman skies. The high priestess then shook her head whipping around to look Gorou in the eyes. 

“Reminiscing aside, We-” She cut herself off to harshly grip the sides of the general’s arms. She leaned in, her eyes wide with a newfound excitement. “We are going to have fun Gorou.” She said with a mischievous glitter in her eyes.

Sangonomiya Kokomi, the high priestess of Watatsumi island is often swamped with official duties and thus rarely gets a break to truly be herself. Gorou shouldn’t be so surprised that her majesty and close friend would take this rare opportunity to have a little fun. However, there was something about the way her long lashes batted at him and her expression that made him anxious. 

She stepped back patting down and re-adjusting Gorou’s sleeves with a blush. She then carefully poised herself looking back at her guards who were just out of earshot. Kokomi cleared her throat before speaking again,

“You see, I actually have a meeting with the Kanjou commission but I’ve decided..” She looked back again before leaning towards Gorou’s ear to whisper. 

“I’m not going to go.” She stepped away from him again, her face red and lips pursed. Gorou couldn’t hold in his laughter, the thought of high priestess Sangonomiya Kokomi playing hooky for the first time in her life was amusing to him. Seeing this, Kokomi hit his arm in response, 

“Hey! Don’t make fun of me and my hooky-virginity.” She whisper-yelled, her face growing redder as Gorou only continued to laugh. 

After a relatively relaxing ride to Narukami Island, Gorou, Kokomi, and her two guards finally arrived at the busy ports of Ritou. The last time Gorou was here, Inazuma was still closed to the outside world and Ritou had been more akin to a ghost town rather than a bustling trade port. Now, children ran around in the streets and people gathered here from all walks of life and Gorou smiled at the sight of it, his tail reflecting the same emotion. 

“I have some business to take care of here Gorou, I’ll see you later?” Gorou turned his head towards Kokomi, nodding in response. 

“I have some business to take care of too.” He held up the large envelope meant for the Yae publishing house, carefully turned away in order to avoid revealing his identity. “I’ll see you in Inazuma city then?” Kokomi nodded with a hum and turned to make her way towards her own destination. 

It was then that Gorou realized he had not eaten yet that day and found himself making his way to the nearest food stall. The stall was simple, providing meat buns and tri-color dango but it smelled so good that he subconsciously began to drool and his tail began to thump impatiently against something behind him as he fumbled around to get his wallet out. When he finally pulled it out he heard a bellowing laugh behind him which startled him almost dropping his things. He whipped his head around to see a hulking six foot plus tall horned man standing behind him, bare chest heaving with laughter. Beside the man, stood a masked shorter woman, her arms crossed and head shaking. 

Gorou eyed the two of them cautiously before he realized his wagging tail had been hitting the side of this man's leg quite aggressively. He flushed and muttered out an apology. How embarrassing. He thought as he turned away to pay for his food. 

“No need to apologize, little-doggy dude. The food at this stall is good. I would know of course, since this is my turf ya know. I wouldn’t allow anything less than the absolute best.” The man laughed again and planted a large hand on Gorou’s head before ruffling his hair. Gorou batted the guy’s hand away with a huff, quickly reaching for his meal which had been placed in front of him to receive. 

“Don’t do that, I’m not your pet.” Gorou spat out, quickly walking away. Clearly though, he wasn’t walking fast enough since the obnoxious guy was easily keeping up with his pace. 

“Haha, sorry dude won’t happen again, I swear. It’s just your ears looked so soft, and they are-” The guy gave a thoughtful hum before continuing, “Hey, hey what’s your name by the way? Mine is-” The guy made a big show of clearing his throat, to which Gorou rolled his eyes taking an exasperated bite of his bun. “-Arataki ‘The One and Oni’ Itto or Arataki ‘Oni Sumo King’ Itto or-” Suddenly the so-called Arataki ‘Insert Title Here’ Itto was yanked to the floor via ear by the masked woman he saw earlier. Gorou blinked in surprise, and although he couldn’t see her face, she exuded annoyance.

“My apologies. We won’t bother you again sir.” She said simply before dragging Itto away, a string of  ‘ow-ow-ow, Shinobu, ow-’ leaving the giant’s mouth as they departed. 

Thank the archons. Gorou thought, taking another bite of his food as he continued to make his way towards Hanamizaka and the Yae publishing house. 

When he finally made it to the bustling streets of Hanamizaka, he made a bee-line to the back entrance of the publishing house, hiding his face with the large envelope in his hands. Realistically there was no way anybody would realize he was the famed Ms.Hina as nobody knew what she looked like, but Gorou couldn’t bear the thought of the general public finding out. He’d rather die than lose his respectable image as a high-ranking military officer. Inside the building was a meeting room where he was expected to meet with the infamous Guuji Yae who’s the sole reason he even had this job in the first place. Normally, if he were to come to drop off his drafts in person, it’d be left in the editor’s office and he’d be on his way. However, Yae had requested they hold a special meeting this time to discuss some new ideas she had. This strangely ominous meeting absolutely terrified Gorou to no end. The last time Gorou had a meeting with the fox envoy, he’d come out the other end having the alter ego ‘Ms.Hina’. He silently prayed to the archons above that this meeting wouldn’t result in anything potentially detrimental to his identity. 

When he finally worked up the courage to open the meeting room door, he was met with the sight of the refined Yae Miko, seated at a dark wooden table partaking in a steaming cup of green tea. 

“You’re finally here ‘Ms.Hina’.” She said with a cunning smile, her head tilting to the side causing her fox ears to flutter. She sipped on her tea, eyeing the canine-man who warily looked at her, ears pressed flat to his skull. 

“Ms. Guuji Yae, it’s good to see you. I have this month’s column with me.” He approached the table where she was sitting, placing the envelope in front of her. 

“Thank you Gorou, do sit down though. I’m not just here for this, I’m sure you’re aware we have some important matters to discuss.” She adjusted the way her legs were crossed and her eyes crinkled as she met Gorou’s. The military general gave a nervous hum tapping his fingers on the wooden table in front of him as he sat. “As you’re aware the Ms.Hina’s advice column of our magazine is quite popular here in Inazuma.” She took another sip looking thoughtfully at the envelope in front of her. “Due to your rising popularity there have been many requests to meet Ms. Hina coming in recently.” Gorou’s ears twitched and his arms crossed upon figuring out where this conversation was going. 

“Lady Miko, I don’t believe what you-” The pink-haired fox envoy set her cup down with an audible clunk . 

“Now, now, I haven’t finished yet.” She grinned cheekily and leaned forward, effectively shutting up the military general with a barely audible whimper escaping his lips. “Since we’ve received these requests, I’d like to propose that we host a meet and greet with the lovely lady herself.” She made eye-contact with Gorou while batting her lashes at him. “You needn’t worry about your identity being discovered, you’ll be hidden behind a veil. Also there'll be a limited number of guests and you'll be heavily guarded so you needn’t worry.” Gorou opened his mouth to ask a question but she spoke again, “ Nobody will know who you are, the only people who will know of your identity are, well, myself.” She leaned back with a satisfied grin.

Processing this incredibly one-sided conversation, Gorou realized there was no getting out of this situation so with a huff he said, “Okay, I’ll be a part of your meet and greet event.” As soon as those words left his mouth, it was met with instant regret as the esteemed Guuji Yae rolled out a life-sized cardboard cut out of.. himself, as a woman, as well as a hanger with a teal, expensive looking garment. 

“Good, it happens in three weeks, you’re to be here early morning to get dressed and make-up done by yours truly.” She stood looming over him, the same cunning, wide grin planted on her face that haunted him every day. 

Maybe today is not so great of a day after all. Gorou thought as he felt sweat drip down his temple. 

Chapter Text

“You didn’t have to pull on it so damn hard Shinobu!” Itto whined as he rubbed his ear. Kuki Shinobu only looked at him, her arms crossed in annoyance. 

“ You didn’t need to hound the poor guy so unnecessarily.” She replied flatly. Shinobu began to walk away causing the oni to frown. 

“But Shinobu, he was so cute didn’t you see him?! You can’t blame me for wanting to get to know the guy.” Itto pouted as he caught up with her pace. “The way the dude was so excited over a meat bun- ugh I couldn’t help myself. He even had ears and a tail Shinobu. It wagged and everything, just like a puppy.” He laughed aloud remembering the events. “And like, I know I shouldn’t have just pet him without his consent but I really couldn’t help myself, they just looked so soft!” Shinobu rolled her patience draining, but Itto only continued to ramble. “Also, I know he was pretty annoyed the whole time, but I can’t help but think I’ve seen the dude somewhere before. Did you catch his name by any chance, Shinobu?” He whipped around, causing his long hair to smack the woman in the face. “Hehe.. my ba-hrrk.” Shinobu’s fist collides with Itto’s gut causing him to crumple to the ground. 

“No, I didn’t and maybe if you’d shut up a little, you would have.” She said flatly before walking off. Itto rolled over on the dirt road watching the masked woman walk away. 

He sat up watching as Shinobu’s steady footsteps came to a stop a few feet away from him. “I thought we were going to see Yoimiya and the kids today.” She said without turning, her voice laced with her usual mild displeasure. It was then that a lightbulb went off in Itto’s brain.

“Oh, oh, oh, great idea Shinobu, Yoimiya most definitely. I mean, probably? Knows who that guy is.” He said with newfound excitement before getting up and bolting down the dirt road towards Naganohara fireworks. Shinobu only sighed as she followed after him. He's totally going to forget about this when we get there, she mused to herself.

“Heyyyy!! Yoimiyaa!!” Itto slammed the wooden door open, his voice booming throughout the building. Inside sat Ryuunosuke, who was steadily tinkering with something on the work table in front of him. The old man who was hard of hearing, was blissfully unaware of Itto’s ruckus until he saw a bulky set of painted fingers appear beside him. 

“Oh, Arataki. It’s nice to see you.” He turned towards the oni, his face wrinkling in an easy smile. “If you’re looking for Yoimiya she’s out with the children right now.” Itto gave a wide grin and a thanks in response before running off, Shinobu swiftly following behind giving a simple nod towards the older man. “No problem kids.” Ryuunosuke called after them before turning back to his project. 

As Itto and Shinobu exited the back door, the sight of three young children and Yoimiya crouched close to the floor, drawing pictures in the dirt with sticks and laughing amongst themselves. Itto took the opportunity to sneak behind one of the kids, picking them up, eliciting a surprised shriek accompanied by the oni’s own roaring laughter. Upon recognition of the man, all three of their faces lit up and they clambered around Itto for a chance to also be picked up.

“All right, all right, calm down you guys.” He laughed along with them, a wide grin plastered on his face while he adjusted to be able to hold all three of them. Eventually, Itto fixed himself in place standing proudly, feet shoulder width apart with a kid in each arm and a third sat on his shoulders. “Don’t underestimate my god-like strength, kids.” He said, chest puffed out. Yoimiya watched as the kids giggled at Itto’s words before adding in her own two cents. 

“You know guys, big bro Itto is pretty clumsy, he might drop you if you’re not careful.” Shinobu simply nodded in agreement which resulted in an obnoxiously loud and offended gasp escaping the other.

“I’m not clumsy, that is the antithe- anter…” He stumbled trying to remember the word, “The opposite of totally cool and amazing.” Yoimiya was visibly stifling her amused expression and Shinobu only shook her head. “I’ll even prove to you guys I won’t drop ‘em.” He declared. “I’ll-” Itto stuttered, looking at the surrounding area. “I’ll run all the way to the river and back, less than five minutes tops, two and from.” He decided. “ Without dropping them.” He added, then with a slight adjustment of his hold, Itto bolted toward the river, three giggling children in tow. 

The two Inazuman women who were left behind, watched as this giant of a man ran down the hill towards the river, his wild laughter echoing behind him. 

“Well if he’s good for anything, it’s entertaining the kids.” Yoimiya said, Shinobu nodding in silent agreement. The two sat making small talk, waiting for Itto to come back and when they could make out the sound of his distant yelling accompanied by high pitched giggles again, Ryuunosuke came down bringing with him a plate of mochi.

“Where’s Mr. Arataki?” He asked, handing the plate over and as if on cue, Itto makes his appearance, yelling loudly as he skids to a stop, resulting in a divet in the dirt where he lands. “Oh, I see.” Ryuunosuke gives a light laugh before leaving. Itto’s breath was labored as he laughed along with still giggling children, their hair mussed from their impromptu trip.

“See told ya, not a single child dropped from my person.”  Itto says proudly before letting the two children in his arms down. “Shouta here can attest to it.” Itto adds as he lifts the boy who was previously clutching to him for dear life from his shoulders and sets him on the floor. He faces the girls with a prideful smirk but as he takes a step forward, trips over the dent in the ground he’d made. 

“Well you may have not dropped them, but you’re still one big clumsy oaf.” Yoimiya states before offering her hand to help Itto up. 

“Pssh, whatever, I meant to do that obviously. I’m a comical genius, duh.” Itto says quickly before taking her hand. 

Hours pass and the skies begin to turn a vivid pinkish orange before the kids make their way back home, leaving the trio of vision bearers behind. 

“I bet you wouldn’t be able to swallow an entire mochi whole.” Yoimiya challenges, tucking blonde locks behind her ear. Itto’s eyes narrowed looking at the empty plate in front of them. 

“You can’t fool me, what idiot would try to do that? I could choke to death.” Yoimiya only shrugged in response. “You just want me to get you more mochi, don’t you.” He pulled the plate closer to him before standing, Yoimiya tilted her head in her hand staying silent and Itto let out a sigh, “Which I will, but only because I want some too.” He began on his way to retrieve more snacks before being stopped by a distant yell. 

“Hey, boss!” A voice called out, it was hoarse and excited. “Boss! I’ve been lookin’ for ya everywhere.” Itto turned towards the guy and recognized him as one of his many gang members. 

“Yo, Mamoru, how are ya?” He greets, Mamoru only absently nods, leaving his boss’s question in the air. Itto frowns a bit walking over to see that the guy is preoccupied, fumbling around in his pockets for something. 

“Sorry boss, I was so busy lookin’ for you, I think the flier is all crumpled up now.” Mamoru finally pulls out a ratty piece of paper and begins carefully straightening  it out for the oni to see. Itto watches with his arms crossed, head tilted in curiosity until he gets a flier shoved into his face that reads, 

‘Come Meet Teyvat’s Big Sister, Ms.Hina! Reserve Your Spots Now!’

Upon reading, Itto’s eyes immediately widen, sparkling immediately with excitement causing both Shinobu and Yoimiya to walk over to see what has the man practically drooling.

“Oh wow, she’s pretty.” Yoimiya says pointing out the image on the larger half of the page, Shinobu only hums in agreement.

“Y-yeah Ms. Hina is absolutely stunning.” He finally says, “A-and right here, it says that we can finally get the chance to meet her!” Itto really only processed those words mid sentence before landing his hands on Takahashi’s shoulders, shaking the poor man in disbelief. “I can meet her?! The most absolutely stunning and blessed woman that could possibly walk this entire planet?!” Takahashi nods his head nervously, lightly shoving the gang leader's hands off himself. 

“Yeah.. and I know you’re a really big fan of hers boss, so I thought I’d put your name in for you while I was there too.” Itto’s eyes begin to water, and in an over dramatic display of gratefulness, squeezes the poor guy in a suffocating embrace.

“Archons, how could I ever repay you. This is about to be the greatest day in my entire existence.” He squeezed tighter, lifting the wheezing gang member off the ground causing him to drop the paper which Yoimiya picks up to get a better look at. 

“You know, she kind of looks like somebody I know.” The blonde tilted her head to the side in thought, staring at the image of the dog-eared woman. 

In the flier, Ms. Hina was grinning deviously, paper in one hand and brush pen in the other. Her face was pale and made up, red eye liner brightly accenting round eyes on an equally round face, framed by long strands of rich brown and silver hair. Ms. Hina was also depicted as well endowed, her body dressed in teal, glittering fabric and simple yet refined jewelry. Yoimiya pursed her lips, staring down at the image and tracing it with her eyes. “She kinda looks like that one general, the one in the resistance with the ears and tail.” She passes the flier back to Itto who’d finally released his lackey from his vice grip. Taking the paper, eyebrows raised in intrigue, Itto looked over the image in silence. He traced the outline of Ms. Hina’s illustrated ears with a black fingernail, his brows furrowing.

“Who?” He finally asked, looking up at the blonde. Yoimiya giggled, 

“He drops by the publishing house occasionally and Ayaka’s met him a few times.. I think his name’s Gorou?” She leaned over Itto’s arm to point to the image of Ms. Hina. “They have the same ears.” She looks up at Itto’s scrunched up face as he processes the new information. 

“Well clearly they can’t be the same person.” Itto stated, his brow scrunched in confusion. “I mean a war general couldn’t possibly be so sweet and compassionate.” He looked to Yoimiya before continuing, “Also you said a guy right? A furry dude and a furry lady, clearly not the same.” Finally tired of the idiocy being spouted, Shinobu makes a comment,

“Nobody said they were the same person, idiot, they could be relatives.” She cut in from where she was standing, shifting her weight from one foot to the other as she watched Itto’s face reach an epiphany. “Also I think this is the same guy you pet earlier today.” She tacked on, only causing the oni’s eyes to widen further, his face flushing red with embarrassment. Yoimiya burst out into laughter upon hearing this piece of information resulting in her hitting Itto’s multiple times on the back.

“I’m sorry? You did what now?!” She wheezed in laughter as Itto covered his face with a hand. 

“Look dude, I didn’t know and the ears man, they’re pretty freakin’ adorable.” Shinobu shook her head and Yoimiya only continued to wheeze.

When Yoimiya finally calmed down she straightened up, placing both hands on her hips effectively grabbing Itto’s attention who looks at her, face still red and an eyebrow raised in question. 

“What?” He finally asks as he watches a mischievous smirk form on her face.

“You know, Thoma mentioned the tri-commission and resistance are coming together to celebrate the end of the vision hunt decree.” She placed a hand on Itto’s arm, her eyes sparkling as she spoke. “If Ms. Hina and General Gorou are really related, maybe if you talked to him, he could put in a good word for you.” She wiggled her eyebrows and Itto’s face lit up, effectively forgetting about his past actions toward the resistance general. 

“You’re a genius Yoimiya!” He says, a wide smile presenting itself. 

“What can I say, I’m the best damn wing woman out there.” She replies smoothly, jabbing Itto in the side. “But don’t thank me just yet, there’s still tons to do to prepare you to properly get on Gorou’s good graces. Especially after the fact that his current impression of you is ‘the guy who treated me like a tiny puppy .’” 

The two continued to ramble on about their future plans while Shinobu stood silently in the background, a shiver running through her spine. Something about this feels incredibly wrong. She thought but shrugged it off as she watched the sun finally begin to set. 

On the busier end of Inazuma city sat a war general and a divine priestess, sharing a meal together.

“You really don’t seem the type to do things like this my lady.” Gorou’s ear twitched as Kokomi playfully hit him on the shoulder. 

“It’s just this once, let me live a little.” She said, turning her head in mock frustration before taking another sip of her drink. Seconds pass and Gorou sneezes as a result of the evening wind blowing past, causing him to drop some of his food on the wooden table in front of him. “Serves you right.” Kokomi says, sticking her tongue out and laughing. “Somebody’s probably talking smack about you.” She adds on before sticking a skewer in her mouth.

Chapter Text

Gorou’s ears flitted against the cool evening air as he followed Kokomi along the roads of Inazuma city. The priestess’s peach tinted hair trailed softly behind her as she hummed, both of them trekking along at an easy pace in comforting silence. The city itself was warmly lit, bustling with people walking to and fro between shops and stands. Though, it was all white noise to Gorou’s normally sensitive ears as his focus was trained on his and Kokomi’s moving shadows, shifting along the ground as the moon above made its way further into the skies. 

The pair came to an abrupt stop when Kokomi ran in front of him, making her way towards a familiar counter belonging to the publishing house. 

“Is this month’s copy of ‘That’s Life’ out yet?” She asked, aiming a grin toward the man working the stall. Gorou trailed behind her reluctantly, stopping a few steps behind her watching their exchange. 

“Ah, not quite ma’am, they’ll be here tomorrow morning though.” He gave an apologetic laugh and Kokomi pushed her bottom lip out in an exaggerated pout. Gorou looked between the two of them mostly amused with how quickly the publishing house was able to push the magazine out, given his column had only been submitted that morning. 

“I see then, a shame. I’d submitted a letter to Ms. Hina this time around too. I suppose I’ll have time to drop by tomorrow though.” She turned towards Gorou motioning to him that she was leaving but the canine general had been caught off guard, hearing that the divine priestess had submitted a letter to him. He shook his head, ears now pressed flat to his skull as he trailed behind her once again, thoughts racing a mile a minute. 

What could she possibly need advice for? Surely not battle tactics or political debate, none of those topics had appeared in the submissions he received. Maybe she was the one asking about their bizarre back-ne problems and was too embarrassed to get help, no that couldn’t be it the skin that's usually visible like her legs, neck, and face are fairly unblemished, not that he pays attention to that. Gorou furrowed his brows, wracking his brain through all his submissions for possible issues the divine priestess could be facing. Perhaps she’s the one who wanted suggestions for how to incorporate sea ganoderma into new facial products, that was definitely a little more up her alley right? 

“..-rou, Gorou, hey you in there?” A slender hand waved itself in front of Gorou’s face, snapping the general out of his train of thought. He blinked twice, removing his fingers from his chin tilting and his head at Kokomi’s gesture. 

“Yes, My lady?” He finally responded. Kokomi’s eyes stared into Gorou’s own pair, searching for something. Her brows furrowed wrinkling her features as she hummed in preparation to speak.

“Is something wrong? You’re awfully deep in thought there.” She tugged at his arm pulling them together side by side as they continued down the road towards the Kamisato estate.

“Not at all, just wondering about something.” He replied vaguely, looking off to the side. They’d made it out of the busy city and were now walking briskly through the quiet night roads, sounds of crickets and blowing leaves in cool evening air filled the silences between their conversation. 

“ Wondering about what? My letter?” It was a nonchalant stab in the dark for her but nonetheless was the correct assumption. Unlucky for Gorou, upon hearing her words he tripped and while it didn’t topple him over face first, into the dirt, it caught Kokomi’s attention resulting in a knowing smirk. “So you also know of Ms. Hina?” She said, her eyes glittering. Panic bubbled in Gorou’s chest although his face remained fixed and stoic, eyes meeting hers. 

“I’ve heard about her from fellow soldiers in the resistance.” He replied, gaze never leaving hers. The priestess cocked her head to the side with a curious hum. Luckily for him, she decided against pushing the topic to resume walking down the path, linking arms with the resistance general tugging him along before beginning to speak again. 

“I suppose it doesn’t hurt to tell you, we’ve grown rather close I suppose.” They walked in unison, but while Gorou’s gaze was on her, Kokomi’s gaze was fixed on their moving feet, face flushed pink to her ears. She bit the corners of her lip, clearly stalling for time. Gorou had seen that look on people’s faces before, and while not the most knowledgeable on the subject, was not that dense. 

He regularly received  requests for romantic advice in his reader’s letters despite Ms. Hina’s reputation for not being well versed in the topic. Additionally, in Gorou’s mind, there were few things the divine priestess could possibly lose her composure for and romance wasn’t necessarily off that list. That is unless, she really was the one who asked for back-ne solutions. He frowned, shaking his head to clear the thought away. 

“You know of the recent negotiations we’ve had with the Tenryou commission?” She finally spoke up, face burning redder as she continued. Her left hand leaving Gorou’s arm in favor of fidgeting with peach tinted hair. “Well as a result of those negotiations, I’ve had the chance to meet the infamous Kujou Sara.” She continued on with nervous words, squeezing the general’s arm as they walked. Gorou only hummed as he listened. “Y-you see and well- um.” She began to trip over her words, face flushing pinker with embarrassment. 

“So you wanted to ask Ms.Hina for advice on how to get to know her?” He filled in for her, the pieces clicking in his brain. 

Ms. Hina, I’ve met a nice girl recently and I’d like to get to know her.. How should I go about that?

Gorou watched as Kokomi’s eyes widened and she brought her free hand up to cover her face. He couldn’t help the soft smile from making its way onto his face seeing the normally refined and professional Sangonomiya Kokomi get so flustered. She pursed her lips as she nodded, signaling he’d hit the nail right on the head. 

“She’s a little cold on the surface, but she leads her people with such prowess I can’t help but admire her.” Kokomi’s eyes were still fixed on their shoes but her round features were now wrinkled by a soft smile, it was cute seeing her like this. Gorou’s own face reflected that same smile and he could feel his tail begin to sway happily as they made their way up to the Kamisato household’s gates. 

When they came into the guards’ field of view, they unlinked arms, separating and standing up straight. Kokomi’s face was still blushing pink as she stepped forward in front of Gorou, going to greet the men.

“Good evening.” She started, folding her hands in front of her, looking up at the towering men.

“Good evening, Lady Sangonomiya Kokomi, General Gorou.” The two of them were dressed in the standard Inazuman armor and color palette. The only differentiating feature between them and Tenryou commission soldiers being the Yashiro commision insignia painted on their arms. “We’ve been expecting you here. Your accommodations have been made at the orders of the commissioner.” 

The joint celebration between the resistance and tri-commision was an event organized predominantly by the Yashiro commission, being that they were the most neutral party during the vision hunt decree’s entirety. But, while the celebration itself was a public event, many formalities, meetings, and negotiations were taking place behind the scenes, resulting in Kamisato Ayato taking it upon himself to personally provide accommodations for resistance officials who did not reside in Narukami. Gorou had yet to meet the man himself, but his reputation preceded him, his expectation of the man being one who’s serious, poised and refined. 

“One moment, somebody will be here shortly to escort you in.” One of the guards made their way towards the main building leaving the three behind. 

Minutes pass and the stone-faced guard returns with a blonde man wearing red, a shiny pyro vision seated at his hip. Gorou recognizes him as the infamous “fixer” as well as the man who’d been the target of the hundredth vision confiscation. 

“Good evening, Lady Sangonomiya, General.” He stopped a few feet away from them, bowing in respect towards the duo. “My name is Thoma, chief retainer and head housekeeper of the Kamisato family. Pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.” Following Kokomi’s gestures, the two bowed in response, further exchanging formalities before Thoma finally began to escort them toward the building. 

“Just through this hallway are the main rooms as well as the dining hall and kitchen. If you need anything don’t hesitate to ask, we’ve received instructions to serve our guests to the best of our abilities.” Thoma spoke with confidence and a certain bubbliness that made it hard to not smile along with him as he enthusiastically made his way through the halls.

The Kamisato estate was a place that was both traditional and homely with its dark wooden floors free of dust and simplistic, high quality decor tastefully placed around the building. It held a calm atmosphere and an air of safety that had nearly been lost to Inazuma the past few years. It was a tranquil place, and Gorou was delighted knowing he’d get to stay here the next few weeks. However, despite the comforting aura of the house, the quietness also imposed a certain regality to it, keeping you conscious of your posture and how loudly you spoke, or the amount of the noise you made as you walked barefoot on wooden floors. 

The trio made their way towards another set of doors where a corridor of rooms were and Gorou assumed this is where they’d be staying. 

“My lord has requested your rooms be set up in the private hall rather than the guest hall.” Thoma explained opening one of the doors, gesturing at Kokomi with a smile. “They’re larger and better furnished. My lady and lord also reside here in the two rooms at the end of the hall.” He said. Thoma then gestured for Gorou to follow him to the next room over. 

The rooms here smelled like fresh linen and the furniture was spotless, fixed neatly into the corners of the room and air here was cool, untouched, you could tell these rooms hadn’t been used in awhile. 

“Your things have already been delivered here prior to your arrival, we’ve left them in the closets.” Thoma added on, stepping back out into the hallway. “Since it’s late I’d assume you’ve eaten already, but I can prepare a meal if you’d like.” He stood straight, a bubbly smile resting easy on his features. Gorou shook his head, looking at Kokomi who’d appeared in her respective door frame. When she too declined, the housekeeper simply nodded and went on his way. 

“I’ll see you in the morning then. Good night, Gorou.” Kokomi said before turning and closing the door. Gorou hummed in response before doing the same, the sight of the quiet room greeting him. 

The following morning Gorou awoke to the morning sun blinding him through the window. He squinted and blinked as he pried his eyes open, his own body fighting him, inviting him to roll over and shove his face into his own tail. To ignore the day ahead of him in favor of quilted blankets and soft pillows. He might’ve too if he hadn’t needed to accompany Kokomi on a formal outing with the Kamisatos today. 

After lying there staring at the wall for a while, Gorou sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes with one hand and pulling at knots in his tail with the other. He eyed the closet a few feet away from him, noting how the sliding door was partially open before dragging himself sluggishly toward it to get ready for the day. As he was opening his bags, a soft knock sounded from the outside, a voice following it. 

“General, breakfast is ready.” It was the retainer, his voice rough, likely due to having been up since sunrise. 

“Ah, okay, thank you.” Gorou replied, as he searched around for his clothes and a brush. 

When he finally emerged from his room, the house was considerably busier than it had been the night before. Servants running around going about their daily rounds, the light buzz of friendly conversation filling the air. Gorou’s ears fluttered as he walked down the hall towards the dining area. There he was greeted by a busy kitchen and several breakfast dishes arranged neatly on trays courtesy of Thoma, who was cleaning bowls by the sink as he made small talk with not only Kokomi, but the Shirasagi Himegimi, Kamisato Ayaka. 

“Good morning General Gorou, it is a pleasure to formally make your acquaintance.” She started first, turning her head towards him bringing the other two’s attention with her. 

“Good morning, Lady Ayaka, My lady, Thoma” Gorou greeted, bowing his head in before making his way over. Upon sitting, Thoma immediately served him a bowl of rice alongside a tray with fish, miso soup, as well as various sides to accompany it. 

“Don’t worry there’s no onions.” The blonde said quietly as he leaned to pour Gorou a cup of green tea, giving a cheeky grin before turning back towards his previous task. Gorou turned his head toward Kokomi, face blushing from embarrassment despite being secretly thankful for her intervention. 

As he enjoyed his meal, the party of four fell into an easy conversation briefly going over their plans for the day and their general state of being post-vision hunt. Thoma then abruptly got up and began to prepare a fifth bowl of rice. 

“I’m sorry in advance for my brother’s appearance.” Ayaka said seemingly randomly as she picked up her cup, sipping at it as she watched Thoma across from them, a noise following her comment shortly after. Said noise gradually became louder, causing Gorou’s ears to twitch in the direction of its source, eventually clarifying itself as clumsy footsteps making their way down the hall. A trail of ‘good mornings’ and ‘my lords’ chorusing after it. He finally turned his head to see a disheveled man rubbing at his face and yawning, yukata sliding off his shoulders and pale blue hair tangled on his head. He made his way over beside Gorou, taking a seat and immediately slumping over, head resting in his hand with elbows on the table. 

“Good morning my lord.” Thoma said, coming to his side, sliding his plate of food over before adjusting the collar of the navy yukata. Ayato yawned, finally fully opening his eyes to the food in front of him and the sight of Thoma pouring his tea. 

“Gmmornning.” He mumbled, voice gravelly and low from having just woken up. Ayato then began to clumsily sneek an arm around Thoma’s waist, pulling the housekeeper closer to him causing him to stumble. The commissioner let out a soft chuckle peeking up at Thoma’s red face. 

“My lord, you’re going to make me spill this.” Thoma said firmly, attempting to shove the arm off. Unfortunately, he failed to do because his attempt only made Ayato grip him tighter, moving Thoma in a way that caused tea to spill onto the table rather than into the cup. The housekeeper sighed, putting the tea pot down and using both hands now to remove himself from Ayato’s grip, swiftly moving away in order to clean the table. The commissioner pouted in response, leaning after the retainer and gripping his right butt cheek with audible contact before letting him go. 

Upon seeing this scene unfold, Ayaka coughed loudly, grabbing her brother’s attention who only laughed. Kokomi’s face was red as she turned away from them and Gorou was no better, blinking awkwardly, not knowing whether to look away or continue staring. 

“Brother, I am not one to meddle in your relationships but we do have guests and I suggest you remain professional in their presence.” She said, her tone eerily polite, her eyes staring pointedly in Ayato’s direction. 

“I’d have to agree, my lord . We have guests for the foreseeable future and it’d be best to not make things awkward between us.” Thoma added on, his tone annoyed and face flushed still as he scrubbed at the table. Ayato only frowned, taking bites of fish as he listened to their nagging. 

“Aw, don’t be like that, aren’t we supposed to be celebrating?” He looked up with an exaggerated pout making eye contact with Thoma before looking to his house guests beside him. 

“Good morning by the way.” He tacked on, a fox-like grin wrinkling his face. Thoma gave another annoyed sigh, deciding to making his way out of the room. 

“I’ll be in the courtyard if you need me.” The blonde made his way out of the room, pointedly marching away without looking back. His exit left the room awkwardly silent, the only noises being Ayato meticulously feeding rice into his mouth, eyes looking down, seemingly upset by Thoma’s absence. Ayaka took it upon herself to fill the air, setting her now empty cup down before speaking, 

“I hope you remember we’re going out today brother.” She looked over at Ayato and Gorou’s eyes followed hers, seeing that she’d caught the commissioner off guard with her reminder. 

“Yes, we were discussing earlier what our plans entailed.” Kokomi chimed in, having finally gathered her bearings. 

“Haha.. Yes, that, where are we going again?” The commissioner asked sheepishly, raking fingers through tangled hair.

Chapter Text

In the company of some of the highest ranking people in all of Inazuma, Gorou found himself drooling uncontrollably, struggling to keep his practically vibrating tail from hitting people around him.

 For their outing, the girls decided upon a restaurant that came about recently, famous for Mondstadtian cuisine, specifically desserts. They were seated outdoors, in an area cut off from the hustle and bustle of the early afternoon, covered by light shade and decorated with well placed plants. 

In front of Gorou, sat several plates of various sweets including cakes, puddings, and pies, all of which were graciously paid for by the Kamisato family. Each of the dishes were elegant looking, syrups meticulously placed on the plates in swirling lines and sugar carefully dusted over them. It made the general dizzy, smelling all of the rich and sweet scents mingling in the air before him. 

In particular, Gorou had his eyes set on this beautiful layered cake slice, icing oozing out the side and the cream sitting fluffy like a cloud both on the plate and atop the cake itself. He stared hard at it, unaware of his half open mouth and wagging tail, daydreaming of the soon-to-be moment when a piece of it would make its way into his mouth. 

A soft laugh sounded, snapping him from his trance to look up at the Kamisato siblings seated in front of him, both of them smiling, eliciting a bright red blush from him.

“Do help yourself general, you deserve it after all your hard work.” Ayato spoke, sliding the cake he’d been eyeing towards him. Gorou nodded and swallowed, flushing redder, realizing he must’ve been acting like a child ‘ how unprofessional’ he thought, picking up the fork beside him, too excited to dwell on it longer. 

He looked down at the cake, sitting on a pristine white plate decorated with chocolate drizzle and cream dolloped beside it. Now that the dish itself was closer to him, he could really take in how well decorated it was. The top layer was smooth, its white icing unblemished with chocolate drizzled along the top, several fresh fruit slices placed carefully along the edge topped with cream. He turned the plate to reveal the sides of the cake that were layered, the same snow-white icing separating the layers, lined with a translucent red jam. 

Swallowing down bubbling saliva and licking his lips, Gorou finally committed to cutting into the cake, feeling as the fork in his hand slid smoothly through it, separating a healthy chunk for him to consume. He picked it up slowly, careful not to drop it, lifting it to his mouth with a steady hand. 

The moment it entered his mouth, Gorou nearly lost all his self control, his eyes widening as the soft, fluffy texture of the cake melted in his mouth, sweet cream and tangy fruit flavor colliding on his tongue. His tail picked up speed behind him, thumping loudly against his chair along with the ears atop his head perking straight up in delight. He let out a satisfied moan as he closed his eyes, fully taking in the experience as he chewed. 

The second bite was the same, so was the third. Mouth wateringly delicious and dizzying, his face flushed as he grinned stuffing the sweet treat into his mouth, joyfully tapping his foot against the floor and humming as he continued to devour the cake in front of him. 

“It tastes good, I take it?” A voice spoke behind him, the sound of familiar shoes walking up to him. Kokomi stood there with a grin on her face, accompanied by Thoma who’d just escorted her back from the publishing house. 

Gorou, who was caught off guard by her reappearance, stopped with widened eyes staring down at the now empty plate before him, the only thing left being trace amounts of cream. He turned his head slowly to her, ears falling flat and tail freezing mid sway. He laughed awkwardly. 

“Uh.. Yes, it’s very um- delicious, my lady. Y-you should try some.” He couldn’t help his face from blushing as he stuttered, gesturing toward the seat beside him for her to sit. Kokomi giggled, taking the invitation and eliciting more teasing laughter from the rest of the group. 

After a period of casual banter and the partaking of various desserts between the five, the Yashiro commissioner placed his fork down with a polite clink, looking up across from himself.

“I want to thank you and the resistance for all your valiant efforts towards the abolishment of the vision hunt.” Ayato spoke. He smiled softly, gaze flicking between Thoma’s face and the table in front of him. “I do not know what we would have done without your influence.” He finished, looking down at folded hands. The table was left silent for a moment before Gorou found himself cutting in.

“We may have been a driving force in the abolition, but it was not us who saved him.” He stated, remembering the storming afternoon when a certain blonde haired outlander arrived soaked head-to-toe from rain at his camp. 

“I am well aware, but your people deserve thanks nonetheless.” His head tilted to the side causing pale blue locks to fall over his eyes, only to be tucked away by the foreign hand of his retainer. 

Gorou watched the interaction between the two. It was soft and reciprocating, as if the two men were caught in their own world while nothing else existed. To an outsider, the gesture itself was a subtle one. It was the routine and practiced caretaking of one’s master, which Ayato certainly was in relation to Thoma. However, when Gorou noted the edge in the commissioner’s voice from his earlier comment, the helplessness in which Ayato said ‘ I don’t know’ , it made him think. And when he remembered the ear-to-ear grins Thoma gave when the commissioner would whisper and giggle into his ear, it made his stomach bubble and his chest flutter. 

He wondered if this type of relationship was the same Kokomi wished for herself. Gorou wondered if this type of love, this feeling he could only experience secondhand, was the very same so many wrote to him for advice about. 

When he came back into the conversation, Kokomi was blushing. Her normally unblemished face was flushed tomato red as she squirmed in her seat, hands in her lap and eyes aimed downward as she shook her from side to side. Ayaka, sitting across from her, had that infamous navy blue and golden-lined fan spread open hiding her grinning face as she leaned over Ayato’s shoulder. 

“I didn’t know you were into trivial matters such as these, divine priestess.” Ayato said with a smirk as he flipped through the thin papers of a familiar magazine. 

“I-it’s, I mean I’m not. It’s possible that I didn’t even get a response…” Kokomi stuttered as she leaned forward with her hand out hoping to grab the magazine back. Gorou followed her with his eyes and caught a glimpse of the cover in Ayato’s hands. His eyebrows raised as he covered his amused smile with a fist.

“My lady, I wouldn’t be so sure.” He said aloud, nudging Kokomi’s arm as she bit her lip, her cheeks glowing pink.

 Ayato continued to flip through to Ms. Hina’s segment of ‘That’s Life’ and when he found the page, his eyes wrinkled at the corners as he read, 

“Oh, you’re so cute , divine priestess.” He teased. “Here, allow me.” Ayato made a show of clearing his throat, adjusting himself in his seat as he slid an arm around Thoma’s neck who was leaning in to read beside him.

“She says, ‘Well, I’d suggest you say it straight and simple to her.’” He paused to look up. “Her? So it’s not your lovely fluffy-eared general here that you’re twiddling your thumbs over?” The two of them shook their heads, Gorou giving an awkward laugh while Kokomi’s face was more vibrant than dendrobium flowers. Ayato chuckled before continuing, “Beating around the bush won’t help you any and generally people prefer if you’re straightforward with them.” Ayato tilted his head watching Kokomi’s face for a response while Gorou looked down at his lap, picking at threads on his pant leg waiting for the commissioner’s inevitable criticism of his advice. 

“Ah, so that’s what he means when he says she’s not well versed in this type of thing.” Ayato shifted in his seat again leaning against Thoma’s side, staring at the magazine’s open pages in his hand. “I mean she’s not wrong, but this is a pretty broad take on the matter.” He set the magazine down, meeting Kokomi’s nervous eyes. “Your issue specifically, is that you aren’t confident.” He smirked a bit before continuing, “Though, with someone with an aura like miss Kujou’s I’m not surprised.” 

Gorou's eyes widened upon hearing the woman’s name and he whipped his head towards Kokomi in an instant. He watched in slow-motion, as her jaw dropped, face paling as she struggled to keep the last shred of composure she had intact.

“Ah, don’t worry about how I figured that out. I simply have an eye for these things.” He gave a loud laugh that visibly shook his chest. Gorou put a hand on Kokomi’s shoulder, mouthing helpless apologies as he watched her face pale. 

“You’re being awfully mean to her brother, confidence is a hard thing to muster for these things. Kujou Sara is quite intimidating, I wouldn’t blame you.” Ayaka spoke up, trying to console Kokomi who looked like she was going to pass out in her seat. “But, brother speaks from experience you know, it took him three years of pining before he got his shit together.” Ayaka's slip of tongue caught them off guard as she leaned back in her chair, lightly fanning at her face, covering her teasing smile. Ayato gasped in mock offense while Thoma only laughed and hit him in the shoulder agreeing with her.

“At least I got somewhere, unlike you who gets invited almost weekly to go to a public bath with certain fireworks enthusiast.” Ayaka’s eyes widened and stopped the rhythmic movement of her fan as her ears turned pink. Ayato smirked before continuing,“The poor girl’s so obvious but you just sit at home fanning your dumb little fan overthinking everything.” Ayato continued, leaning towards his younger sister, poking her in the cheek.

The group fell into awkward silence after hearing the siblings and their petty argument. Gorou felt the need to interject but Thoma beat him to it, standing up, an awkward smile adorning his face. 

“Well, uh how about we take a walk towards the tea house. We do have some other business to tend to over there. Shall we?” He tugged at the commissioner’s arm pulling him up and leading him toward the street. Gorou blinked as he watched Ayaka follow after them, cheeks puffed and ears still red. He was still processing the conversation and how quickly the man had torn into both Kokomi and his own sister. Truly a force to be reckoned with, he concluded before following behind them. 

The streets were quiet. Decorated by the falling autumn leaves dancing in the streets as children and adults ran around, one every so often making eye contact with them and bowing in respect. The two Kamisato siblings were pointedly ignoring each other, faces turned away with exaggerated pouts. Thoma who stood between the two of them looked strangely amused, as if this sort of thing between the two was a regular occurrence. Gorou, who stood beside Kokomi, turned to look at her. She looked tired, and strangely disheveled despite nothing being glaringly out of place on her person. He wanted to ask if she was okay, but decided against it knowing if she needed the assurance, she’d say something outright. 

They walked a while in that silence, taking in the city’s sights before that silence was suddenly broken by an echoing guttural yell that startled the group. When Gorou looked up he saw two figures down the road. One was a man with long hair, knees bent and fists clenched, yelling extremely loudly. The other was a slim tall woman who stood with her arms crossed shaking her head.  

“YOU CAN’T RUN FROM ME TODAY KUJOU TENGU!!” The man yelled, his voice making out to be weirdly familiar to Gorou, who furrowed his brows as he watched from their distance. Upon stopping, the abrupt movements of the commissioner and head retainer beside him drew his attention.

“Where are you?! My lord-!” He turned his head to see Thoma reaching out towards Ayato who’d begun to run off towards the conflict.

“A sumo match!” was his only reply as he sped off in a light jog. The blonde man looked defeated as he sped after him with a sigh. 

Gorou with obvious confusion on his face turned towards the remaining Kamisato who only shrugged, holding her fan up as she began to walk in the other direction. 

“I wish not to be roped into my brother’s antics any longer today, I’ll see you later then?” She tilted her head to the side and dismissed herself in the direction of the teahouse. 

  No longer knowing who to follow anymore, the general turned towards the priestess who wasn’t in a much better state comparatively. With a shrug and a laugh they trailed after Ayato to see what the commotion was about.

“Arataki, I’m not here for your little sumo match-” 

“nuh-uh! You’ve gotta man up- er woman up and rematch me like the supposed warrior you are!” The near seven foot tall man hit his fists together, flexing his biceps as he walked forward, slow and intimidating. The opposing woman stood there unphased, arms crossed and sighing as she attempted to walk past the guy. 

“I already told you..” She sighed again pushing him away with a firm hand. When the arguing pair came into clear view, Gorou recognized the woman as Kujou Sara, general of the Tenryou commission and his lady’s current target of admiration. The man across from her however set a frown on his face. Gorou recognized him from the other day, Arataki ‘Doesn’t Shut up’ Itto the guy who’d made a fuss in the middle of Ritou petting his ears and yelling in the middle of the streets. 

Off to the side, standing covered by the shade of trees nearby, were the familiar Kamisato Ayato and his blonde housekeeper who were watching the ordeal unfold in front of them from a distance.

“Ya see Tengu , I’ve even got the esteemed Kamisato clan here to oversee our match today.” Itto shouted at her despite being less than a foot away. He pointed a painted finger to his left and Ayato, who was on the other end of it, waved back with a cheeky grin. Kujou Sara rolled her eyes,

“I’ll have you arrested again, Arataki.” Her head tilted back as she frowned, eliciting a frown in response from the oni in front of her. 

“If anything you should be arrested for lack of resolve, Tengu .” His arms crossed to mirror hers. Gorou slinked over to the other side of the street, dragging a staring Kokomi behind him towards Ayato. 

Apparently though, their movements weren't conspicuous enough as the massive, wild-haired man whipped his head around smacking the Tenryou general in the face with white locks of hair, eliciting a terrifying expression that made Gorou cringe.

“PUPP- I mean GENERAL!!” The canine-general’s face paled and could feel his own tail tuck itself between his legs as he heard himself being addressed from a distance. He didn’t know what that man wanted nor did he wish to find out. He wanted to run away, and he regretted with every inch of his being, following Ayato and Thoma minutes prior. However, a soft hand and rigid smile stopped him as he turned towards Kokomi who under the facade of her “politics and negotiations” face tilted her head leading him to notice the opposing military official stalking ominously behind the oni. 

Ayato whistled softly from where he stood, leaning with an arm on Thoma’s shoulder, “Shit’s about to go down.” He blinked as he watched the approaching pair, “Thoma, be a dear and find us some dango.”

Chapter Text

Gorou stared up at the bare-chested man in front of him. Arataki Itto, a crimson oni way too large and far too loud for his own good, stood there feet shoulder width apart and hands with on his hips, sweat dripping down the side of his face as he smiled brightly looking down at the resistance general. Gorou swallowed the lump in his throat, barely keeping himself poised. 

“Um, hello.” He started, bringing his hand up in greeting. Itto’s smile widened as a heavy hand landed on his shoulder, squeezing firmly. 

“You and me, we gotta talk dude.” His voice was cheerful but it boomed all the same causing Gorou’s ears to twitch at every word he spoke. Gorou’s gaze flicked between the excited pair of red-brown eyes and Kokomi’s eerily polite stare beside him. 

“I- uh..” He put his hand on top of Itto's, pushing it off himself and stepping back. “Why do you need to talk to me?” He asked, nervous sweat dripping down his back. 

“Ah, yes well I would like to speak with you regarding your um- lovely and um your wonderfully kind and totally amazingly perfect cousin..?” He tilted his head, wide grin wavering as the tail end of his sentence. Gorou’s brows furrowed and he looked beside him at Kokomi who only blinked, her eyes fixed on the looming tengu woman standing behind Itto. 

“My.. cousin.” He repeated softly. The man in front of him nodded his head frantically which only made Gorou’s face scrunch tighter, ears twitching in confusion. He processed the request for a moment longer, any sort of remote answer escaping him. How’d this man that he barely even knew, know any of his cousins? In fact, his oldest cousin was twelve, and lived in Watatsumi with his uncle, while his younger cousins were anywhere between the ages of six and two. Was this guy a pedophile? He shivered looking up at Itto’s hopeful face once more. Maybe that’s why Kujou was entangled with him.

“I’d um..” Itto paused to scratch at his temple, “I’d like you to help me meet her.” He ended his statement with a loud exhale. Gorou was obviously missing something here and the confusion he felt wrinkled his face like a prune. 

“Gorou, aren’t your cousins.. Um children?” Kokomi asked quietly, having finally come off her trance. Suddenly, an arm hooked itself around Itto’s neck from behind and yanked him down, effectively choking him. 

“Arataki, explain. Now.” The low steady voice of Kujou Sara interrupted them upon hearing Kokomi’s input. The oni choked and sputtered as he writhed on the floor against the woman. 

“I-*cough* no-no-no-no I love kids Imeannotinthatway *cough cough* please- I meant. *wheeze*” He smacked at her flexed arm repeatedly, begging for air. Sara only stared blankly at him, squeezing tighter a moment before releasing him, throwing him roughly to the floor. Gorou heard a whistle from afar belonging to Ayato, the sound of Thoma lightly punching and reprimanding him following. 

“You have ten seconds to explain yourself oni.” Sara said aloud, figure looming over the man in question, her purple vision beginning to glow.

“ I-oh archons, thank you. I thought I was going to choke to death there. Gosh I real-“ 

“Eight.” A firm electro infused hand came down to his head, yanking white hair. 

“Ow-ow-ow okay okay, calm down—“ Sara began to send blinding purple shocks into his scalp making the hulking man squeak.

“ OKAY . I- Maybe it’s not your cousin but I couldn’t help but notice that you look a lot- andImeanaLOT like my idol the one and only Ms.Hina, big sister of Teyvat, and I was wondering if you could maybe put in a good word for me because I really really really would like to meet her at the meet and greet in a couple weeks.” Itto spoke a mile a minute keeping his hands up over his face as he scooted away from Sara’s glowing palms. 

Gorou simply stared, a weight in his chest growing rapidly as he struggled to find the words to respond with. Ms. Hina, my cousin? He blinked slowly, the world moving in slow motion in front of him. If I say no he’ll catch on, he already thinks we look alike . Gorou’s head began to fill with thoughts, spiraling scenarios where he gets found out by the public. If I get found out then everybody who likes Ms. Hina will hate me- no they’ll despise not just me but the publishing house. A shiver ran down his spine thinking about it. If that happens Guuji Yae’s sales will drop and not only will I be out of a job, but that woman will definitely make my life afterward a living hell. 

Gorou sat stunned in silence for a while, mouth slightly opened as worries spiraled in his head. 

“Please-please-please, I’m begging you, it was a misunderstanding you two look alike so I thought you were related ya know like cousins or siblings!! I don’t prey on kids, swear on my best onikabuto- no m-my vision!!” Gorou shook his head, shaking himself of his trance to see Kujou Sara leaning over the man, hand clasped tight around his face, her eyes dark and uncaring, staring terrifyingly into Itto’s.

“N-no he uh is right. Sort of..” Gorou blurted out his eyes darting nervously between all parties. Archons what was he doing . He took a breath and stammered out the first excuse that came to mind. “I- uh Ms. Hina she’s my um.. Second- yes second cousin, I barely even talk to her so I forgot uh momentarily...” He winced, looking Sara in the eyes who blinked before slowly releasing her glowing hands, purple electro energy dissipating. “She’s uh- I get asked to drop off letters sometimes, since it’s hard to move between Watatsumi and Narukami.” He smiled awkwardly and felt his ears deflate against his skull. 

“You were related all this time? Why didn’t you tell me?!” Kokomi spoke up, putting her hands on his shoulders and lightly shaking him. He laughed lightly in response, a soft ‘yeah..’following. On the floor, Itto had finally been let up by Sara who’d stepped back, eyes still cold and glaring. Itto’s face immediately brightened up, a wide grin replacing his once distressed expression. It was hard for Gorou not to smile with him and he noted that the oni’s glittering wide eyes reminded him of a puppy wagging its tail. 

“Sweet!! I was right, told ya tengu. Though, you didn’t have to go n’ try to kill me there. Uh, not that you would’ve.” He coughed at the end of his sentence, quickly pulling himself up to his feet. He turned his gaze to Gorou once again, face glowing. “So you’ll help me right?” Itto’s expression was hopeful and glowing, like a child who just pleaded with you for candy. Gorou’s eyes softened, shoulders relaxing slightly from their previously raised state. He didn’t know what to say, obviously helping the guy meet “Ms. Hina'' was risky but Itto’s begging eyes were hard to say no to. Gorou realized he was being too soft but he let out a sigh anyway.

“Um. Yeah sure I’ll ask for you..” His voice was soft yet strained, he didn’t have the heart to let such a massive fan of his down. The oni’s expression immediately brightened, eyebrows raising and eyes glittering, his wide grin becoming impossibly wider as excited laughter bellowed out from his person. Wild white hair flew behind him as he jumped up running straight down the road as he continued to laugh and yell to the high heavens leaving the remainder of their little group behind. 

“And there he goes..” Gorou’s ears twitched to the side at Ayato’s comment and when he turned his head, he found the commissioner seated under the same tree chewing on a skewer of tri-colored dango. 

“He never knows when to shut up.” Sara said as she closed her eyes with a sigh, “ Damn idiot’s been a pain in my ass for Archons knows how long.” She crossed her arms and the soft winds blew strands of her raven-black hair backward, exposing a strong jaw line and elegantly lined eyes. “Well if you don’t need anything I’ll be going. I’ve been delayed far too long.” She strode forward to pass them when Gorou caught Kokomi’s eyes widen and a pale gloved hand reach out reluctantly, never connecting. 

“General Kujou.” He found himself speaking suddenly. Gorou looked to the side at his lady’s slowly flushing face, eyes downcast but expression still neutral. 

“Yes?” Sara turned back toward them, face stern as she waited. Gorou swallowed, she really was an intimidating character he thought as he made eye contact. 

“My lady wishes to discuss..” He trailed off looking in Kokomi’s direction once again but before he could open his mouth to continue, Kokomi herself spoke, 

“General Kujou Sara of the Tenryou commission.” Kokomi stepped forward, back straight and face poised, but Gorou could see how she clenched her hands together, fidgeting with silk gloves. “General, I’d like to talk, for um.” She took a breath, “Personal reasons, I’d like to meet with you.. Just us is preferable.” She finished, eyes darting between the tengu’s face and her shoes. Sara’s brows raised as she processed her request. “I mean I know you’re busy but since we’re no longer fighting I’d like to-“

“Okay.” The tengu’s blunt response shut Kokomi’s mouth with a squeak and Sara shifted her weight between legs. “Is tomorrow okay? I have meetings all day today.” Kokomi’s face flushed pink as she nodded her head frantically at a loss for words. Gorou watched with a soft smile, hand rubbing her shoulder as they watched the shogunate general walk away. 

“You know, for somebody so formidable in political settings, I never thought you’d be the easily flustered type.” The two turned toward Ayato who was now standing and heading their way. His pale face adorned with amused brows and an all-knowing smirk. 

“My lady is just like everybody else sir.” Gorou said with a slight frown. Kokomi shook her head, peach-tinted hair swaying softly behind her. 

“He’s right, outside of politics and war, I’m a bit of a fish out of water.” She tilted her head giggling, her face still slightly flushed from her previous conversation. “Though your cousin was right Gorou, I just needed to up and say something to her.” She linked an arm with Gorou’s a cheery smile making itself present. She squeezed her general’s arm with one hand before pulling him along the road back toward the Komore tea house. 

“C’mon miss Ayaka is waiting.” She said, voice rising in pitch. Gorou watched as her face only continued to glow brighter, eyes crinkling at the corners as she grinned ever wider. He laughed along with her, proud and happy that things seemed to be going her way 

“You know she reminds me of you, my lord.” Thoma stated as he watched them walk away. He tilted his head looking at his boyfriend with soft, smiling eyes. “Giddy with joy and fidgety over a certain somebody looking their way. Despite their reputation as a ‘stoic and cunning political leader.’” Thoma laughed as he spoke.

“I was not like that-“ Ayato argued, but his rebuttal was interrupted by a sun-tanned hand pulling him in for a kiss. The commissioner blushed hard leaving Thoma giggling beside him. 

“Let’s not keep your sister waiting, Ayato.” He said as he walked off leaving his lord standing there, fist covering his slowly reddening face. 

“Ah, welcome back you guys. I was just partaking in some tea with Taroumaru.” Ayaka was sitting at the counter, a small shiba perched on top of it, tail wagging and panting as he barked in greeting. 

“Oh yes, please.” Kokomi smiled brightly waving at the pair as she moved to sit beside Ayaka. A man, likely a Yashiro commission servant, came out to pour two more cups of tea, placing them next to the new guests. 

Shortly after, Thoma, followed by Ayato, came next through the tea house’s wooden doors, one frowning and flushed, the other one with their usual bubbly grin. The comfortable silence lasted but a few minutes until Kokomi spoke, setting her cup down. 

“So Gorou, do you have any more cousins you’re hiding?” She leaned into his space, eyebrows partly furrowed and laughing. Gorou put on an awkward smile and laughed along with her Shit. Was was the only word that came to mind. 

“Uh no, just her..” His voice squeaked trying to conceal his lying words. “I um, don’t talk about her often since she doesn’t want her personal life exposed.” He averted his eyes toward the steaming tea cup in front of him. “You know, a lot of the guys in the resistance are also fans.” He looked at Kokomi again who only nodded.

“Makes sense but then you just agreed to help that guy earlier, what’s name again?” She looked up in thought. 

“Itto, Arataki Itto. He’s a crimson oni who resides here.” Ayato responded from the other side of the counter. “He’s a big fan of Hina, I’m not surprised he caught on to your relations with her, general.” Gorou swallowed thickly, the regret of agreeing to the meet and greet bubbling up and making him nauseous. 

“Well if that’s the case then I wouldn’t be surprised if he brought it up to you again at the tri-commission’s celebration.” Ayaka stated, the other two nodding along. Gorou’s head spun, stressful thoughts of having to deal with such an obnoxious person again without outing himself making him want to tear the hair from his scalp. The emotion on his face was apparently obvious as Kokomi placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, rubbing in small circles.

“He may be a bit rambunctious but he’s not a bad guy.” Ayato said, the sound of his moving cup clinking against the counter. “You might even like him, you two do have the same vision type.” He tilted his head and flashed a grin. Gorou thought back to their previous interactions. The uncalled petting and loudness of his voice being his immediate thought. I really don’t think it’s possible. He thought before shaking his head. No, no I should give him a chance. Gorou sighed, picking up his tea and taking a long sip. 

“Who knows.” He said softly, face looking down into the reflection in his cup.

Chapter Text

The rest of the time leading up to the tri-commission's celebration were filled with dreadful meetings and talks that had Gorou practically glued to a chair all day. Some of which he had the pleasure of accompanying Kokomi or seeing the Kamisatos, but all of them still made the general itch with the need to go out and do something much more physically demanding. He found himself wishing for the thrills of the battlefield once more, wishing he had a legitimate excuse to be shooting his bow or trekking through rough terrain. 

Despite his personal opinion however, there was a certain somebody who’d been vastly enjoying their time in Narukami. Ever since her outing with the tengu general, she’d come back to the Kamisato estate everyday with a soft smile on her face and an expression of pure joy. In all the time he’d known her personally, Gorou had yet to see the divine priestess look this way, as she was always seemingly constantly plagued by the stress of her island’s well being and divine duty. 

In his head, he told himself he was happy for her. He knew that Kokomi truly deserved her happiness, the endless joy and the accompaniment of another as a reward for all she’d done for her people, for him, and for Inazuma. Though, he was reluctant to see her with their former enemy, somebody who’d ordered the slaughtering of so many good men on the battlefield, who’d formerly supported the erasure of their people’s autonomy. Despite that he knew the facts, that Kujou was a large reason they’d even won the war in the first place, so he tried not to dwell on it too long. He tried to be happy for his friend, but found himself reluctant and rather than talk about it, he chalked it up to his initial distrust in her newfound partner. 

The day before the festival he woke up later than usual, the knowledge that he finally had a day off coaxing him back under warm covers multiple times until the late morning. That easy cycle might’ve lasted until noon too if it weren’t for a soft knock at his door. 

“General, your meal is ready.” A woman’s voice called before walking away, the soft muted thud of slippers on wood fading away with her. He sighed loudly staring up at the beams in  the ceiling and simply absorbing the warm sunlight that came through the window. 

He finally got up, adjusting navy blue yukata on his shoulders. It was guest wear decorated with the Yashiro commission’s signature cherry blossoms, fabric a rich shade and soft against his skin. Clearly though, it wasn’t tailored to him, leaving a large lump where his tail would normally stick and sway softly behind him. He turned to see himself, moving his tail deliberately as he looked up at the room’s mirror. The lump in the fabric distorted his figure which in turn, made him giggle and strike odd poses, swaying his hips to accentuate the false thickness of his butt. Eventually he pulled himself together, pulling on his regular clothes and combing through coarse tail fur with calloused fingers, pulling at knots that were a result of tossing in his sleep. 

“Morning, general.” Thoma greeted him upon sight, his normal bright smile showing and blonde hair slightly askew. “You’re up late today sir.” Thoma stated, pausing the arm that was sweeping the wooden floors for a second before continuing. 

“Ah, it’s not often I get to sleep in.” Gorou answered softly, yawning as he stretched his arms out. Thoma only nodded, going about his work leaving Gorou to wander the estate in peaceful silence. 

He eventually ended up in the dining room, a tray full of breakfast dishes sitting neatly on a table waiting for him. He sat tucking his tail at his side, the quiet chatter of house workers and the echoes of soft winds assimilating into white noise as he dug in. The food was lukewarm, easy on the tongue and extremely filling. Gorou ate it all, ears twitching happily while he stuffed his mouth. As he finished and set utensils down, Ayato stumbled into the vicinity, stretching his arms up and groaning loudly. 

“I swear on the seven, if I have to wake up at the  ass-crack of dawn for another stupid nonsense meeting again, I’ll burn my entire estate down.” He marched over to Gorou’s side and sat down, planting his face on the table with an audible thud before groaning again. 

“It didn’t go well I assume?” Gorou asked, sipping at the last of his now cold tea before setting it down. He looked at the man beside him, hair spilling down onto the table, shaking his head against the wood as he sighed. “It was with the Kanjou commission, correct? They’re still not budging on fully lifting the Sakoku decree?” Gorou’s ears fluttered, hearing the man beside him groan again before lifting his head. 

“No! Bunch of xenophobic pricks over there deciding that hey ‘if we just slowly cripple our economy it’s whatever’ Damn idiots restricting passage into Inazuma and keeping all their money to themselves, the vision hunt is over for crying out loud! On top of that, the people are going crazy, seeing vision bearers get their way but they still can’t survive due to lack of trade and then they come screaming at me .” He pushed his face into his hands as he continued his ramble, Gorou could only listen. “These meetings are going nowhere.” Ayato finished. 

Gorou knew that after the vision hunt, the lifting of the Sakoku decree was now top priority, he was never outright a part of the negotiations but he heard plenty of it second hand from both Kokomi and Ayato. The resistance was officially on the Yashiro commission's side, but the issue at hand is that the Tenryou commission won’t say anything for or against them while the Kanjou commission is in favor of upholding the strict border control. 

“Archons, I wish this was something I could just write to your cousin about.” Ayato sighed, tilting his head forward. Gorou gave a light chuckle. 

“Have you tried getting through to the Tenryou commission? I’ve noticed most of your meetings are in Ritou rather than there.” Ayato shook his head, 

“We’ve sent messages and representatives, but we keep getting declined. They’re more worried about dissolving the Watatsumi island military.” Gorou frowned but nodded along anyway, brows raising as he caught Thoma stalking around the counter, avoiding his partner’s gaze. He hummed as he watched the retainer signal for him to keep quiet. 

“H-have you considered talking to Kokomi about it, her ties to the Kujou family are new but they seem to be leaning in our favor.” He suggested, trying his hardest not to stare at Thoma’s movements. 

“Oh, you have a point,” Ayato said thoughtfully, “I’d feel bad taking advantage of them so soon but, I’m sure they’re fully aware that business is business.” He placed a hand on Gorou’s shoulder, using the other hand to tuck locks of hair behind his ear. “You and your cousin are quite alike.” He said chuckling, Gorou laughed along with him albeit a little more anxiously, feeling his tail twitch in his lap. 

Behind Ayato, a blonde housekeeper made his appearance, toned arms making their way around his partner’s neck, pulling him back gently, flush to his chest. Ayato’s eyes widened before crinkling at the corners accompanied by his signature smirk. 

“So you are capable of PDA.” He teased, looking up at Thoma who poked him in cheek. 

“I can stop if you like, and I’ll put away this bottle of wine, I’ll just share it with our lovely general here instead.” The commissioner frowned, moving his hands up to hold Thoma’s arms against him a little too quickly causing the man to laugh. “It’s a Liyue import, and while I’d usually tell you to refrain from day drinking,” He pressed a kiss to light colored hair, “I felt you deserved it, just this once.” The normally cool and cunning man’s face flushed a little before he leaned up toward Thoma, who reciprocated him with soft lips. Gorou himself flushed, his entire presence being forgotten as the couple lost themselves in their world. The general felt his chest ache, a melancholy smile forming on his face, eyes averting themselves as he got up to leave the room. The last thing he caught being Thoma, mouthing a half-hearted apology at him as he left. 

The next place Gorou ended up was outside in the Kamisato estate’s courtyard. It was truly a beautiful sight with its calm atmosphere and inviting nature. Obviously expertly cared for and decorated simply yet elegantly with clear paths and flora decorating every corner matching the aura of the rest of the estate. 

He walked those clean wooden paths lost in thought, the clicking of shoes against the ground acting as a metronome. The air here was clean and cool, simply breathing it in filled Gorou with a sort of inner peace. He stood there for a while in that open space, simply existing and letting the cool winds ruffle his hair. He found himself thinking of Kokomi, he wondered what she was doing now knowing her schedule wasn’t full today. He imagined she was probably off with Kujou Sara again as it’d become her regular. He assumed they were enjoying themselves, preparing for tomorrow's festivities, Gorou shook his head, sighing to himself. He imagined what it might be like if he had something similar. 

The following morning Gorou awoke early, just as the sun was rising, its golden rays peeking through the window and into the room. He rolled out of the bed, cool air hitting his bare arms as he dressed himself for the day. The looming thoughts of spending the next several hours preparing for festival activities and celebrations. Though, he’d be lying to himself if he said he wasn’t excited, it’d felt like forever since he’d last been able to fully enjoy any sort of celebration. Gorou found his tail moving frantically behind him as he entertained thoughts of fireworks and street food and as he left that room, a wide smile formed. 

He spent the day helping out Thoma along with others affiliated with the Yashiro commission in setting up stalls and décor along the streets of Inazuma city. The place bustled with life, people laughing and smiling, forgetting past negative events in favor of the excitement of soon-to-come festival-like activities. The people were nice, though he knew none of them personally. Many who worked at food stalls came and offered their dishes to Gorou in appreciation, knowing he’d been a large figure in the resistance, and each offering he accepted with glowing delight, not even bothering to keep his tail in check. He even met with the girl Ayaka would sometimes mention, the infamous Naganohara Yoimiya who seemed to be well known by the people of Narukami. She was quite the character he concluded, her frizzy blonde hair and exaggerated expressions catching the eyes of many as she described the fireworks show she’d planned for the occasion. 

When night came and the festivities officially began, he met with Kokomi and many others in the resistance, all of which he was happy to see as they drank and sang, forgetting they’d even fought a war in the first place, instead focusing on that they were here now, in each other’s presence. 

Eventually Ayato came up to present a speech, grabbing everybody’s attention as he stood in front of the growing crowd. His stance was regal and his aura made the people stare in awe, stunned silent by a man who was almost ethereal with flowing garments and hair that appeared translucent under the moonlight. Gorou’d heard from Thoma that the commissioner didn’t usually make large public appearances like this, signifying that this was truly a momentous occasion. Ayato had an easy smile on his face as he looked down over the crowd, taking a deep breath before he spoke. 

“Attention, people of Inazuma,” His voice carried through the cool night air, any sort of remaining whispers amongst the people coming to a halt, and any remaining eyes becoming fixed upon Ayato’s poised figure. “Now, as much as I wish not to take away from the festivities of the night ahead,” He paused to breathe, looking out thoughtfully, “I wish to remind you, that as much as tonight’s event is meant to celebrate the end of vision hunt, the freedom of our people, and most importantly, our ambition. It serves as a reminder of the losses we took, and it is a reminder that many will never return home. That just as many have been changed forever whether that be for better, or for worse.” His expression softened, tinged with a pain that was easily missed by the naked eye. “We, as the people of Inazuma, and more so I as a part of the tri-commision will remember- no, ensure that no such event happens again where the autonomy of our people is stripped away from under their feet.” His eyes were determined, glittering and inspiring, Gorou could feel his heart beat as he resonated with every word Ayato spoke. “Now of course, tonight is still a celebration and mark of history within our lands, and I don’t know about you, but I will be drinking til’ the sun comes up.” Ayato’s once serious expression, became friendly and charming while the crowd that was previously quiet, grew into a roaring party, laughter echoing out into the night sky as people resumed the festivities. 

Gorou found himself overwhelmed, being wrangled into rounds and rounds of shots with other resistance soldiers, even soldiers from the Tenryou commision joined in, singing praises of the general’s battle prowess as they drank. Eventually the onslaught of people coming at him calmed down when brightly colored fireworks shot into the sky, blooming flowers and smoky air covered the streets and the sight was simply put, amazing. Gorou’s ears twitched along with each explosion, his eyes glittering as reds and purples of the fireworks came and went. But after it all ended, he found himself sitting at some counter, cup of sake in hand as the crowds settled into their respective cliques. 

Despite the buzz of people, the air around him was silent, still, and unmoving. He turned his head, looking around to see Kokomi in the distance talking softly into the Tengu general’s ear, both of their faces flushed pink from alcohol. They laughed with each other, expressions he’d never witnessed from either of them decorating their faces. He smiled softly at the sight but at the same time he felt an odd ache in his chest. He shook his head and drank, finishing his cup and silently asking for a refill, feeling the substance trail down his throat. I think I’ve had too much . Gorou thought briefly, but that clear cup made its way back into his hand anyway. 

A little ways away he saw Thoma who was struggling to push a clearly inebriated Ayato off himself, the once regal looking commissioner completely shit-faced as he clung for dear life on his partner’s shoulders, making kissy-faces at the blonde. He drank again. 

He saw the groups of people who celebrated together, families, soldiers, friends, and couples talking to each other, reuniting, celebrating together in a mutual embrace. But when he turned to his side, the chairs were empty and he ultimately was alone . His family was in Watatsumi celebrating in their own way surely, but his friends here in Narukami all had people that were special, that they were closer to. He slumped as he drank again. 

“Generaaalll!!” A way too excited voice called out to him. Gorou’s head was in his arms on the table in front of him, too tired and definitely not sober enough to deal with it. “General, uh- Gorou? I’ve been lookin’ for ya everywhere.” The voice was familiar but Gorou kept his head down anyway, feeling the stranger pull out the stool next to him before sitting. “I came to ask you if your cousin was joining this whole sha-bang tonight, n’ also if there was any news for me about the meet n’ greet, It’s really close now and archons I’m just so excited. Oh- I forgot to thank you the-hey uh..” Gorou turned his head this time, one eye peeking out and taking the man’s presence in, he sat up slowly. 

“Ah, sorry, Arataki..” The hoarseness of his own voice made him wince as he put on a half-hearted smile. Itto raised an eyebrow watching the general’s alcohol flushed face struggle to hold its grin. 

“You okay dude? You look like you’ve had a lil’ too much.” A heavy hand made its way to Gorou’s shoulder stopping the general’s dizzy swaying. 

“Mmfine..” He slurred a bit, Gorou took his tail into his lap before carding it with his hand absently. The oni nodded in front of him reluctantly, 

“Y-yeah sure, where’re you staying, I think you should go home now.” Gorou only slumped forward, resting his forehead against the man’s chest. 

“There’s n’body waitin’ for me there, issfine.” Itto frowned listening to the general’s drunken phrases laced with a hopeless sadness he was all too familiar with. 

“Naw, that can’t be true you’ve got the one fish-lady, and the Kamisatos, and your cousin at least, right?” Itto began to stand him up, supporting the smaller man’s weight who only whimpered in protest. 

“They’ve got better things…” Gorou said softly, leaning into the warm body beside him as he stumbled down the street with Itto’s assistance. 

“And somehow I highly doubt that puppy,” Gorou frowned at the name which only made Itto laugh. “You seem a little down, so how about I get you something sweet for now while you sober up.” He looked down at Gorou with a wide grin on his face. The resistance general nodded as he was tugged along toward another food stall. “ And we can discuss your cousin, cuz I’m not letting you off about that.” Itto stated resolutely as he pulled up a chair for Gorou, seating him gently before calling the stall owner over. “Ah, puppy you’ve got leaves n’ stuff in your tail.” Gorou turned as the oni handled the bundle of fur, picking out a couple of dead leaves that had gotten caught in it, finishing the job by brushing blackened nails through the thick fur. Gorou’s face flushed before muttering a slurred ‘thank you’. 

He supposed that this Itto guy was spending the night with Ms.Hina in a way, and somehow, that in its own twisted way, made the general feel a little special, like he was sought after, like somebody wanted his company. He looked down at his lap where his tail lay, then up at the oni, and in his drunken haze, decided maybe it’d be okay to imagine, just for a little bit.

Chapter Text

“And then he said ‘Uh no you can’t do that.” Which is absolutely ridiculous, like what do you mean I can’t just eat twenty plates of it? You said it was free and free means I don’t gotta pay, so I will be taking all I can get.” Itto’s voice boomed in the tiny dango stall, “A poor man’s gotta eat.” He huffed looking back at Gorou who absently fiddled with his tail, face flushed as the memory of hands brushing through it replaying in his head. 

“Mmm..” Was the only response he gave, not really listening to the words coming out of Itto’s mouth. He liked it anyway, the constant cadence at which he talked and how he never ran out of things to say. Itto let out a sigh,

“It’s late puppy, are you staying at Ayato’s place? I can take you there.” He said standing up. Gorou looked at him watching as the oni’s biceps flexed and unflexed as he moved about. He looked down at his own arms and frowned. 

“Don’t call me that, I’m an adult.” Gorou said standing up, still wobbly but not so much that he couldn’t on his own. 

“Yeah, yeah, I know, otherwise they wouldn’t let ya get drunk.. Or lead an army for that matter.” Itto said before putting a hand on his shoulder to steady him as they walked. “You’re still tiny though, like a puppy.” He teased. Gorou ignored him. 

They walked for a while like that, but the trek towards the estate was a long one, every step making Gorou stumble closer and closer to the body beside him, eyelids growing heavy with each passing second. The whole time Itto had been rambling on, something about chicken being only slightly better than pork, while being very adamant not to tell anybody he thought that. 

“Archons, Yoimiya would make fun of me for a millenia if she knew, did I mention she’s a pork person? I have a strange feeling Shinobu would– You good there?” They stopped in the middle of the road. 

“Mmfine.” Gorou’s words ran together as he stifled a yawn. Itto only raised an eyebrow before stepping away. “What’re you– ack!” Gorou’s eyes widened, snapping out of his groggy state, as he was lifted off the ground by rough hands. 

“See, you can rest a bit this way.” Itto gave a cheeky grin as he held the general in a princess carry. 

“Put me down, Arataki.” Gorou pouted, squirming in the oni’s arms. 

“No! This is the absolute least I can do for the guy who’s helping me meet my idol and helped me get my vision back.” Itto stated, he puffed his chest out beginning to walk forward. Gorou looked up at the shining geo vision laying atop Itto’s collarbone. His eyes trailed down, tracing defined chest muscles. His face flushed a bit, thanking the seven that it was dark out turning his head anyway, though Gorou wondered what it might be like to touch them, would they bounce? He shook his head violently causing Itto to stop again. “Is this uncomfortable?” He asked, “Sorry my ba-” 

“Back.” Gorou said quietly. Itto tilted his head, a questioning noise escaping him. “Carry me on your back, this is embarrassing.” He said a little louder causing Itto to laugh. 

“I gotcha, I gotcha,” He said enthusiastically, setting Gorou down so they could readjust themselves. When he was firmly seated against the oni’s back they set off again, Itto’s happy humming filling the night air. 

The remainder of the trip, although short, was really nice, Gorou gave into himself, the warmth and soft vibration of Itto’s humming lulling him to sleep. He replayed the hazy events prior, memories of loud laughter beside him and the sweet taste of tri-colored dango bringing a soft smile to his face as he rested his head against the warm body. Gorou let his still partially tipsy brain wander, entertaining thoughts of what it might be like if he could feel like this all the time. He let himself pretend a little longer, falling sound asleep to Itto’s buzzing hum. 

When he opened his eyes again, he was being passed over to a Yashiro commission guard, his half awake brain whining as warmth was ripped away from him in exchange for frigid night air and the calloused hands of a guard. Itto chuckled lightly, the sound echoing in Gorou’s head as he watched the oni turn around.

“G’night, puppy.” Itto said, wild white hair flowing behind him as he waved. 

“See you later.” He mumbled after him before being escorted toward the estate. 

The next morning, Gorou’s head hurt . He groaned as he rolled over, hiding his head under thick blankets, shielding sensitive eyes from the streaks of daylight invading the room from the window’s entrance. He curled up there under those covers, hugging his face to his knees in fetal position as he fought the incoming vertigo, lying there as he groaned. 

There was an all too loud knock at his door that vibrated the room and made him squeeze his eyes harder, his ears pressing down as flat as they could against his head. 

“General,” The high pitched voice of a woman came, ringing in his head and making the world spin behind closed eyelids. “Breakfast is ready.” She finished before walking away, the soft click of her shoes on the wooden floor like the echoing pulse of a taiko drum during the summer festival. 

Eventually he peeked up into the open room, squinting light-sensitive eyes as he mustered the strength to get up. When he finally rolled out of the bed, the once welcome cool morning air was no longer welcome, causing shivers while his body begged to go back to bed. He didn’t though, instead sluggishly making it through his normal routine, pulling on his clothes for the day on before eventually stumbling his way towards the dining room. 

“Good morning, general!” The cheery face of the familiar blonde housekeeper greeted him, broom in hand as he smiled. Gorou nodded to him in response, deeming the efforts of vocal communication too demanding for him at the moment. 

At the table were Kokomi and Ayaka, seated wearing casual house robes tied at the waist and beautifully decorated. They sat there giggling to themselves, sipping on cups of warm morning tea as they chatted away. When he came to their side, the standard greetings were exchanged as Gorou sat at the table before lifting a bowl of miso soup to his lips. Thoma had cooked it this time, evidenced by the milder flavor and the way it went down your throat, easy and warming. Gorou swallowed it down heartily, the dish clearing away his once foggy and tired mind only for him to realize he was indeed, starving . He made his way through the rest of the meal, soft ears perking up as he filled his stomach. 

When he finished, he fell into the easy rhythm of morning conversation with the girls, their laughter filling the hall as they conversed, talking about numerous things including the events of the previous night. 

“And after the fireworks ended, she pulled me off to the side and asked if I would accompany her to the autumn festival.” Kokomi’s eyes glittered as she talked a mile a minute, “Archons, her face was so pink, even though it was night out she was practically glowing.” Ayaka laughed with her and Gorou smiled softly, watching the priestess in her excitement.

“Oh! Gorou, you should come too!” She smiled as she looked at him, eyes so wide they looked like saucers. 

“I- my lady, I wouldn’t want to impede on your uh date..” He responded with a nervous smile. Kokomi’s face flushed bright red eliciting a giggle from Ayaka who sipped gently on tea. 

“N-no, we’re just going as um, colleagues, and I can’t ask Ayaka because she’s in charge of the whole thing.” She batted her lashes at him, lips stuck out in an exaggerated pout. Gorou was about to decline again when he was interrupted.

“You should go, general.” A man’s voice chimed in from the hall, Gorou turned his head toward the noise revealing the usual disheveled Ayato, who yawned as he spoke. The navy robes he wore were askew, but that was a norm he’d gotten used to during his stay at the estate, what was not the norm however, were the clusters of bright red hickies and bruising bite marks trailing down the commissioner’s chest, leading down into areas covered by navy-colored fabric. 

Gorou’s eyes widened at the sight of the man, the two women beside him stunned silent at the sight. He blinked slowly and Ayato tilted his head to the side, eyebrow raising in question. 

“What?” He asked innocently. Gorou supposed they’d be covered up properly, if the commissioner was somebody who fixed their robes in the morning, but alas he was not, though, the speed at which Thoma flew into the room to grab his lord’s collar was astounding. 

“Damn.” Kokomi muttered, her face dusted pink as she pointedly sipped at her drink. Thoma’s face was also flushed, dyed a crimson as vibrant as the pyro vision resting on his hip. The blonde’s head turned slowly as he pulled the sides of Ayato’s garments together, so tightly together that he might’ve choked the commissioner. 

“My, my Thoma, you don’t want to share with the class?” Ayato’s mischievous tone spilled out, his feigned innocence morphing into a teasing smile. Completely speechless, Thoma only shook his head, pushing the man back down the hall as fast as he could, teasing laughter echoing away behind him.

“I deeply apologize for my brother’s behavior.” Ayaka said almost robotically, sighing loudly leaving the group in another pit of silence. 

“You know before, I never took the commissioner as somebody who was so..” Kokomi hummed as she searched for a word. 

“Shameless?” Ayaka supplied quickly, making eye contact. Kokomi nodded,

“For lack of a better term, yes.” She laughed lightly, “How long have they been together?” She asked. Gorou felt like he should’ve cared less but he listened anyway. 

“Well for one, brother’s always been childish like that,” Ayaka sighed again, a glassy look in her eye as she stared into an empty tea cup. “Actually, he’s relatively tame now in comparison to how he used to be..” She trailed off again before shaking her head, “Everybody here is relatively used to his antics, I just fear for his reputation outside of our household.” She drummed her fingers along the table as she spoke, “And they’ve been together for nearly a year now.” 

“They look happy together.” Gorou spoke quietly, but his words came out sadder than he intended. The two girls turned towards him, eyes softening in concern but before they could say anything, he sat up quickly, plastering a forced smile onto his face. “I mean- I’m happy for them is all, they deserve it.” He laughed trying to ease the growing tension. 

“Relax, Thoma it’s all in good fun.” a familiar voice cut in, the sound of feet padding closer to them growing in volume. 

“Yeah, well now your food’s cold and I’m holding you hostage in your office today.” Thoma replied as they came into view, the blonde’s face was still heated while the fair-skinned man beside him only smiled. 

“Oh? Hold me hostage? To do what?” Thin eyebrows wiggled as an arm wrapped itself around Thoma’s shoulders. 

“To work .” Was the only reply that came before the housekeeper took the opportunity to pinch the commissioner’s cheek, a string of distorted ‘ow-ow-ow’s following. Gorou watched as Thoma finally let go, choosing to march away into another room, failing to hide his twitching smile.

“Thomaa…” The dejected sound of Ayato calling out to his retainer filled the air, but when no response came, he pouted, moving slowly to take his seat beside Ayaka.

“He’s gonna leave you one day,” Ayaka teased, which only made her brother pout more. 

“No he won’t, he loves me too much.” Ayato said before picking up rice and sticking it in his mouth, “Cold..” He muttered, Ayaka only shook her head at the comment. “So anyway, congratulations on your date, Sangonomiya.” Ayato continued with a smile, the familiar mischievous grin reappearing on his face. Kokomi’s face flushed at the reminder before shaking her head. 

“I told you it’s not like that!” She protested, still unable to keep the grin from tugging at her lips as she blushed. Gorou laughed along with the rest of them, their conversation falling into an easy rhythm as Ayato finished his meal. 

“You know, a little birdie told me you returned to the estate on the back of an oni last night, general.” The commissioner’s eyes crinkled as he looked Gorou in the eyes, placing chopsticks down softly. Gorou’s ears twitched as he frowned, foggy memories of Arataki’s booming laughter replaying in his head. 

“What about it?” He asked looking up. Ayato watched him, unwavering like a cat preying on mice. 

“Nothing, I just wish I was there to personally see our renowned resistance general, snoring on the back of some big handsome man like a baby.” Ayato cooed, smirking as he tilted his head. Gorou felt his face twitch and Kokomi beside him snorted, earning her a playful hit on the shoulder. 

“He’s not– I mean objectively I guess but that’s– “ Gorou stuttered, his brows furrowed searching for something to respond with. 

“Oh, so you mean you weren’t completely enamoured with Arataki’s rippling chest muscles and endearing honesty?” Gorou desperately hoped his face wasn’t red as he gripped tail fur in one hand with whitening knuckles. Ayato only smiled deviously, leaning his head into a hand resting on the table in front of him. 

“He was just helping me out. I’m not..” Gorou said, face twitching as he watched Ayato’s amused expression. 

“Or maybe general Gorou wanted to know what it was like to have Arataki’s big strong arms embrace him and used those fluffy ears of his to entice the crimson oni, full knowing he looks identical to Ms. Hina.” Ayato laughed loudly as he watched Gorou fidget in his seat, frowning and unable to speak. “And maybe– ouch, Ayaka!” 

“Stop teasing him!” She said firmly before getting up to drag her brother towards his office. She mouthed an apology to him before bowing and exiting the room, a whining Ayato in tow. Gorou let out an exasperated breath, concluding that Ayato could be a lot to deal with, he silently applauded both Thoma and Ayaka for dealing with him on the daily. 

“He sure is a character huh.” Kokomi giggled beside him. Gorou could only nod. “It’s only a few more weeks here though, then we’re back in Watatsumi..” Her voice faded softly, disappointment lacing her words. “It’s nice here don’t you think? Lively.” 

“Yeah, Though, lively is putting it lightly I think.” He responded with a laugh.

The remainder of the week went relatively smoothly, the familiar meetings resumed and they left Gorou restless and groaning all the same but, he probably still massively preferred those static meetings over his current situation.

 Today, he stood outside the backdoor of the publishing house, ears limp and tail twitching anxiously. He gave a sigh, just this once he thought, the line repeating in his head over and over, a mantra to keep him sane. The wooden door creaked as he pushed it open, the familiar Yae Miko greeting him, standing there proudly, her eerie fox-like grin unmoving as she beckoned for him to follow. Gorou swallowed the lump in his throat as he walked in.

“You should consider this a lifetime opportunity Ms. Hina,” Yae spoke, her long nails tapping the wooden table as she waited for Gorou. Upon entering the room, Gorou’d been shoved immediately behind a curtain, sparkling teal garments shoved into his hands ‘hurry up’ being the only words spoken to him before the curtain shut. 

“Thank you, oh so very much lady Miko..” He spat under his breath, slipping the dress on. He could admire that it was well made but frowned anyway when he went to tie the sash around his waist, the bulky fabric being unreasonably unruly in his hands.

“Would you like to repeat that?” The fox envoy replied, voice pitching higher, he could practically hear the facial expression she made, the image of her twitching smile and cold eyes glaring at him. “That’s what I thought.” She ended simply, leaving the air between them silent. Gorou sighed, giving up with the black fabric and instead choosing to shove the decorated collar around his neck and waddle out from behind the curtain on the extremely tall, and definitely not practical, geta provided to him. 

“F for effort I suppose.” Was Yae’s only comment as she gave him a once over, walking to his side to fix his sleeves. “What is wrong with- you know what, nevermind.” She frowned standing in front of him, shifting her weight between legs before taking the messily tied fabric at his waist and re-tying it. Gorou only watched, arms lifted up as she fiddled with the piece, fixing the bow she made so it puffed out and leaned elegantly across his mid section. She gave a soft hum as she smirked, walking over to the table where a plethora of expensive make-up and various accessories lay, “Come now, we don’t have all day,” She said. Gorou only sighed walking over carefully as to not trip. This is gonna be a long day, he thought before taking a seat in front of her.

Chapter Text

It felt like hours- no, years that Gorou was sitting in that uneven wooden chair. He’d originally assumed this process would take ten-fifteen minutes maybe, enough to mimic the fictional woman on the cardboard cutout but definitely not enough to make his face feel this heavy. Alas, he sat there, leg twitching as he tapped impatiently against the floor letting the fox-envoy before him do as she pleased. She had her hair tucked behind her, away from her face as she smirked, continuing to paint on strong smelling pigments around his eyes and cheeks that made him want to rub or scratch at his face. Each time she came away she’d click her tongue or hum, Gorou didn’t have a single clue what any of that meant but he didn’t ask.

“Ms. Hina, you're so cute.” Yae teased, smiling as she moved to grab something else from off the table. Gorou only frowned, refraining from speaking for fear of what might happen to him if he did. He watched her movements, opening things, moving brushes around, humming to herself. His eyes felt heavy as he watched her move around, weighed down by powders and such, it made it hard to blink. He sighed, not being able to fathom why people wore these things, it seemed like such a hassle to him. 

Yae made her way back to him, a handful of what looked like hair in her hands. Gorou looked at the bundle and then up at her before frowning. 

“Now surely you didn’t think I’d let you go out with that unkempt hair of yours, general.” She walked behind him, steps clicking against the floor methodically before stopping, a pair of hands affixing themselves to the end of brown locks and tugging lightly. “We couldn’t get a wig because of your ears, so you’ll have to deal with piles of extensions for the next few hours.” He gave a low hum in response, feeling the weight on the back of his head increase with each extension added. 

“Stand.” Yae demanded, her tone soft yet commanding, the way she looked down at him from her standing position was threatening, behind the guise of a feigned kindness. Despite his fear of the woman, Gorou felt immense relief in finally being allowed to get up from that chair, his tail swaying a little as he used the table to push himself up on the stilt-like sandals he wore. He stepped forward, the loud click of wood on wood echoing in an otherwise noiseless room. 

Yae’s gaze scanned over him the neutral expression on her face unfaltering as she formed her opinion. “It’ll do.” She stated before walking away. Gorou was unsure if he was to follow her, his mouth opened unsure of what to say. He tried to drag himself forward instead, but found that walking that amount of distance quickly in his state would more than likely, send him tumbling to the floor. So instead he shuffled forward awkwardly toward the woman, his steps shallow, concentration wrinkling his face. 

Laughter sounded out from in front of him, an amused Yae Miko stood there holding the door against her back. 

“You’re having way too much fun with this.” Gorou said not even trying to hide the annoyance in his tone. Yae only continued to laugh, watching the man shuffle forward slowly towards her. 

“Come now, we don’t have all day.” She mused before lending her arm for him to hold. “You know most men would kill for this opportunity,” The amusement in her tone taunting him, “You should be grateful.” Gorou didn’t even attempt to hide the growl that bubbled out of him. 

To get to the venue where this meet and greet was taking place, they had to walk a little ways down the street to an affiliated store that was hosting them. Gorou had been aware of this, what he wasn’t aware of, was the parade of people who’d be following way too closely with kameras in hand and burning questions coming at them a mile a minute. It was suffocating as the sound buzzed in his head all too loud making the already annoying weight of clothes and makeup more prominent.

The saving grace was Yae’s presence, which was apparently enough by itself to let them maneuver safely through the crowds. The people were smart enough not to directly bother her, Gorou could applaud them for that, for it was the smart decision. Eventually they made it and Gorou was held tightly by the arm at Yae’s side, a hushed and demanding ‘smile for the kameras.’ spoken into his ears before he got to truly take in the crowd gathered before them.

“Remember, winners of the meet and greet raffle will be announced in about a half hour, each winner will be allowed fifteen minutes of a one on one meeting with the lovely Ms. Hina today.” The fox-envoys tone was sickeningly polite, her head tilted as she smiled, earrings swaying in the wind. There were hoots and hollers that followed after her announcement as well as the lights and shutters of multiple kamera clicks. Gorou was forced into a half-bow before being dragged quickly into the building, nearly tripping and falling over himself. 

“I’m never doing this again.” He said as the door closed. 

“You might surprise yourself.” She said before letting go of Gorou’s arm who wobbled trying to quickly rebalance himself. 

They spent the next few minutes situating themselves in a neatly decorated room filled with banners and fliers likely put up just for the occasion. It was a blur of movements for Gorou, he got practically manhandled toward a padded chair and table with Ms.Hina themed cards and a pen sitting on top of it. People, likely staff, came and went, talking to Yae or offering snacks to them. Gorou himself wasn’t directly involved in the planning or conversation but watching it happen in front of him made him dizzy. 

“They’re going to draw the winners in a few minutes.” Gorou hummed a response, looking at Yae who’d brought up a chair. She gave a sigh as she watched the door, “Try not to out yourself.” 

“And if I do?” He asked softly, wincing when Yae just looked at him, expression unchanging. 

“Put this on.” Was the reply he got, a tinted facial veil being placed on the table in front of him before she left the room. 

The raffle went quickly, a group of fifteen people chosen one by one, evidenced by the cheers echoing beyond wooden walls. It felt like hours waiting for something to happen, for somebody to enter the silent room where he sat patiently, albeit fidgeting with sleeves and tapping his foot as he fought the urge to rub his eyes. The first person to come back was Yae Miko followed by a couple men who after briefly sharing a few words, stationed themselves against a wall by the door, guards Gorou concluded. 

He looked to Yae who sat patiently, legs crossed as she watched the door. A minute later another man walked in escorted by a woman who left after he entered. He was dressed in blue and sporting glasses with thin frames as he fidgeted with his fingertips. He walked forward slowly, his face was red and his hand trembled as he picked it up to wave. 

“H-hi Ms.Hina, good afternoon.” It was quiet and stuttered, Gorou gave a sympathetic smile and the man’s face flushed harder. 

“Come sit.” Gorou said, purposefully putting on a falsetto that to him wasn’t convincing at all, but the visitor in front of him didn’t seem to notice. 

The talks went relatively quickly, Gorou originally thought that the conversations would drag on and he wouldn’t have anything to say but most of the time he just let them ramble on while he gave simple responses. Some of the visitors made strange requests though, a woman came in and asked if she could have some of his fingernail clippings to which he awkwardly laughed in response. The woman didn’t prod too much after that but Gorou couldn’t help but notice how often her gaze was fixed on his hands rather than his face or darting around the room like some of the others. Another man came in and asked if he could lick the collectable autograph cards rather than sign it, and was rather insistent on it too. When he became too pushy, Yae stepped in, her aura immediately shutting him up before he scrambled quickly out of the room, way before his allotted time was up. 

It was early evening and the sun was beginning to set, Gorou watched the amber hues shift from the window. They were wrapping up right about now, as the last person had just left the premises. Still it was oddly loud in the building, there was the rumble of conversation outside the door that made Gorou’s ears twitch. He looked to Yae who shrugged before walking over to see what was happening. He watched as she walked over, pulling the door open slowly, when she saw something on the other side that made her frown. 

“Wow fox-lady you look angry,” came a voice, it was a familiar sound that made Gorou’s heart sink. “Look I was late for the raffle, but I know Ms. Hina-uh personally- so just lemme in.” The head of pink hair turned slowly towards Gorou, who swallowed a thick lump. She stepped aside plastering her signature smile on her face letting the guy pass. He walked in, stomping loudly, the grin on his face growing wider with every step. Yae followed briskly behind him stopping at Gorou’s side. 

“I wasn’t aware you knew people here Ms.Hina .” She bit out, her tone was high and yet was laced with something ominous that made the hair on Gorou’s arms raise. 

“Oh, she doesn’t, I met her cousin a few weeks ago. He said he’d pull some strings for me.” Itto said with a laugh, “Though I didn’t expect to see you here, fox.” The expression Yae held was downright terrifying, Gorou didn’t even have to turn his head to see it, he could feel it. Yet the oni just brushed it off, completely oblivious of the trouble he just got Gorou into. 

“Oh, he did?” She asked. Itto nodded. 

“It’s great to finally meet you anyway, you’re like my greatest inspiration, my one and only idol, Ms.Hina.” Itto held out his hand, a wide blinding grin on his face as he waited. 

“It’s nice to meet you too, my cousin’s told me a lot about you..” He replied softly, pointedly not turning his head in Yae’s direction. 

They shook hands, before sitting down, the feeling of Itto’s larger calloused hands enclosing his was familiar and strangely comforting as memories of his company during the festival replayed. Gorou fought the heat that threatened to show itself on his face, shaking his head lightly before going to pull his hand away.

“Ms. Hina your hands are a lot rougher than I would assume they’d be.” Itto stated matter-of-factly, his eyes were fixed on Gorou’s receding hand that landed on top of the pile of cards before picking one up. 

“Uh.. I practice archery, sometimes.” It wasn’t a lie but it made Gorou’s voice shake all the same. Itto hummed before turning around and shuffling around in a bag that he’d brought along. 

“I brought you some stuff. Yoimiya said sum’ about gift giving being the way to a woman’s heart. I dunno but I trust her so I got ya some cool things.” Itto’s expression was one of proud confidence as he fished things from his bag. Gorou watched him, his eye flickered to Yae who’d seated herself again, her neutral expression stagnant as she watched the interaction. 

The first thing he pulled out was a bundle of sweet flowers, bent in weird ways and tied together with a wrinkled ribbon. 

“Trust me it didn’t look like this when I first got it.” He laughed as he set it down, the scent of the flowers was strong and sickeningly sweet as it wafted through the room. Yae’s nose scrunched up but Gorou thought the sentiment was nice and he didn’t want to be rude so he took the damaged bouquet and placed it on the floor at his feet. Itto continued to fumble around for awhile, talking nonsense as he continually pulled out things he wasn’t looking for, placing them on the table in front of him. Mostly it was an assortment of children’s trading cards or random candies, but there were a couple of odd shaped rocks thrown in there. Suddenly Itto’s face lit up as he pulled out something that looked like another rock. 

“I made this one myself.” He said proudly, placing it on the table with a grin. “Yoimiya said it was stupid but the boys voted on it and said that it was pretty damn cool, and since we’re the majority, I brought it with me.” Gorou looked down at it, it seemed like a regular rock to him. He went to pick it up anyway, setting a hand over it, the rock was smooth and it was a shiny gold color that looked like dull metal. He hummed a little before deciding he should thank the guy, he supposed carving stone was a hard skill to learn. 

“Thank y-” The rock pulsed in his hand, a warm and familiar feeling, one that he associated with the elemental pulse of his vision. He looked at it again curiously, turning it over and inspecting it. 

“I made it with my vision isn’t cool, it even lights up n’ stuff.” Itto said proudly, reaching a hand out to touch it. Gorou felt geo energy resonate with the object, lighting up lines on the rock in a shiny golden display. Itto pulled his hand away revealing the object that originally looked like a wonky smooth rock was really a somewhat crude sculpture of what looked like a beetle. Gorou sat there in awe, unable to hold back the smile and glimmer in his eyes over the now glowing object. 

“This is really cool.” Gorou said, his falsetto tone faltering a little in his excitement. Itto didn’t seem to notice and laughed instead. 

“See I told her, it’s cool. Flowers that die quickly and are better off eaten - not cool - but a glowing onikabuto sculpture, super cool." Itto crossed his arms, the satisfied grin never leaving his face as he watched the bug-shaped rock’s golden glow fade out. “Although it might not light up if ya can’t control geo..” He gave a shy chuckle, “Didn’t think about that one. My bad.” Gorou shook his head, immediately using his own elemental ability to infuse the rock, smiling as he watched the golden patterns light up again. Itto’s brows raised in interest, 

“Whoa, Ms. Hina I didn’t know you had a vision, ah then again you did answer my question this past month.” Itto’s eyes shined looking at Gorou with an almost childlike wonder, “And we’re the same vision type, man we got a lot more in common than I thought. Oh speaking of which doesn’t Gorou have a geo vision too?” Itto rambled on about the coincidence blissfully unaware of how that statement made Gorou’s heart pound anxiously in his ribcage. Yae beside them shook her head, adjusting the way her legs were crossed over each other. 

“Yeah.. haha we just all really resonated with the geo archon I suppose.” Gorou replied to him, he tried to keep his voice from trembling but he couldn’t tell if he was doing a good job or not. Itto turned his head toward the window, the sun in a much lower position than it was prior to his arrival. 

“Well, it’s pretty late, it was a pleasure to meet you Ms.Hina.” He said smiling as he rose from the chair. Gorou nodded, waving in response to the oni who was opening the door to leave. Though, Itto stood there awhile, like he’d forgotten something with his brows furrowed in thought. 

“Something wrong?” He asked. Gorou looked down at the table seeing he’d left the signed card there. “Ah, you forgot this.” He said picking it up and walking over, shuffling slowly so as to not fall. When he approached, holding the card out, Itto grabbed his hand which startled Gorou, causing his eyes to widen in confusion.

“Ms. Hina, I know we don’t know each other well, but will you accompany me to the autumn festival?” Gorou looked at him, staring up at hopeful eyes and a serious expression. 

“I-”

“I’m sorry but you need to leave right now.” Yae stepped in, her shoes making audible sounds. She pulled Itto’s hand off him, her nails digging into skin causing him to wince. “It’s been a pleasure to meet you sir, I hope you enjoyed your time.” She tacked on, eerily polite before shoving him out the door requesting that both guards escort him out. The door shut, the hinges creaking loudly as it slammed in their face leaving the room in ominous silence. 

Gorou swallowed before gathering the courage to turn his head. Beside him stood a Yae Miko, smiling a little too sweetly as she walked back toward their little table, silently beckoning for Gorou to follow her. 

Chapter Text

The room was dead silent. Save for Yae Miko’s nails tapping rhythmically against the wooden table that made the hole in Gorou’s stomach grow wider and wider. He swallowed down saliva as he stared at her smiling face, the substance doing nothing to make his throat less dry. 

“So, Ms. Hina..” Her polite tone made Gorou tremble in his seat and the hair from his arms to the tip of his tail rise with fear. 

“Yes ma’am?” He squeaked. Yae had stopped tapping her nails against the table, now leaning her head against her hands with that grin of hers, plastered evenly across her face. 

“This will be your one and only warning dear. Understand?” Her eyes bore holes into his as she glared, those same eyes flashing darkly, threatening him to talk. 

“Yes ma’am.” Gorou’s posture was straight and rigid, wanting desperately to turn away from her burning expression but also far too terrified of the consequences to even entertain the idea of running away.  

“I like to think that I am a very kind and generous person Ms. Hina, but I will not tolerate any actions that could potentially destroy my business.” She smiled thinly, never breaking eye contact with Gorou. “This includes using the face of my most popular magazine to score dates with obnoxious oni.” Her tone was taunting and poisonous, striking fear and immense embarrassment into Gorou. He felt his face burn at the assumption that he would use this female identity for such unsavory reasons. 

“Of course n-” 

“I mean a rock for crying out loud?! At least have better standards for yourself, this persona I worked so hard to create is definitely worth more than a moraless oni with a glowing rock. ” Gorou’s ears laid flat against his head, unable to hold back the whimper that escaped him as Yae slammed her hands on the table with a loud thud. He watched as she pulled at the hair on her head, making sounds out of frustration and mumbling something about men being stupid. 

Seconds later when she’d calmed down some, she settled back into her seat, lavender eyes holding Gorou in their view. 

“Anyway, I forbid this date- actually don’t even go to the festival, it's too risky.” She let out with a sigh, her expression softening just a bit before blinking it away, “ I like you so just send a letter or something, I don’t care how you do it but turn him down, I can’t have you accidentally crashing our reputation because of a loud mouthed dumbass who caught butterflies.” Gorou nodded mutely, he understood where she was coming from and the business mindset was one he could fully get behind. Despite that, the idea of turning Itto down still made his heart sink a little and made it that much harder to hide the frown on his face when he heard her demands. 

When Yae felt like she was satisfied with her lecture, she moved to get up, motioning for Gorou to follow her. When he caught up with her she handed him a bag, 

“It’s late, change and go home. Remember to pick up next month’s letters sometime before you leave for Watatsumi.” Yae walked away after she finished, wishing good evenings to passing guards and staff who still lingered behind in the hallways, leaving Gorou alone in the room. 

An hour or so passed, consisting of struggling to untie knots and attempting to pull fake hair from real without tangling it. He hated to admit that taking off the Ms. Hina get-up took far longer than he’d hoped but here he was anyway. By the time he finished dressing himself, the sun had set and the moon had already been sitting high in the night sky for a while. Gorou sighed as he moved on to pack the things he’d been given, using the bag handed to him by Yae to stuff not only the dress in but the several gifts he’d received throughout the day. When he left the building the workers had all left save for the building’s owner who waited patiently for everybody to clear out, following Gorou out the door with a polite nod and locking up behind him before heading in an opposite direction. 

Tonight the streets of Inazuma city were the same as always, busy with people heading home and night workers heading out, not a child to be found as they were all tucked away safely in their houses. Gorou decided to make his way back towards the publishing house, it’s lights no longer on when he got there signaling it’d already closed for the day. He looked down at the bag in his hand, pursing his lips in subtle disappointment not knowing how he was going to return the outfit anymore. It was an expensive garment so it wasn’t a good idea to leave it outside as it could get stolen. Yae was already upset with him for the whole ordeal with Arataki Itto, so he figured it was wise not to push her anymore. 

He looked into the bag, standing off to the side of the street eyeing the shiny teal fabric that was partially covered by a bundle of broken sweet flowers and the onikabuto sculpture sitting atop it. He reached out to touch it again, the object responding with a faint golden glow that made Gorou smile yet again. He watched it for a few minutes as its elemental glow dissipated, his mind lost in thought thinking about the man who gave it to him.

“Ms. Hina, I know we don’t know each other well, but will you accompany me to the autumn festival?” the question reverberated in his head and made him frown. Wholeheartedly, Gorou knew that there was no reason to accept Itto’s invitation. Ms. Hina wasn’t real, she was a made-up character made to be a marketing ploy to advertise Yae’s magazine. On top of that, the crimson oni was nothing but a recent acquaintance to him at most. If he accepted, Gorou would leave for Watastumi shortly after anyway and they’d never see each other again because a military general like him had higher priorities than entertaining gang members on the streets of Hanamizaka. If he went to that festival with him, he’d only end up hurting the guy's feelings because it would lead nowhere when Gorou inevitably left him behind. 

He let out the breath he was holding, starting the trek back to the Kamisato estate, slowly at first, one step after another focusing on the sounds his feet made when they hit the floor. As he continued to walk, an ugly and aching feeling bubbled in his chest, coaxing him into a faster pace down the road into the familiar foliage covered paths away from flashing city lights. He briskly walked, Yae’s request to decline Itto at the forefront of his thoughts. They made sense considering the circumstances. Except, Gorou hated the fact they made sense, that they were reasonable, that despite the fact the entirety of his body knowing that it was a better decision to refuse, he wanted to accept anyway. Gorou’s body moved faster through the forest paths, cold air blowing past him, his quickening pace causing it to howl obscenely in his ears. Though, the noises did nothing to stop conjured scenes from playing behind his eyelids as he blinked. His imagination ran wild without his consent, ideas of warm hands around his shoulders and hearty laughter adorned by the rainbow glow of Naganohara’s fireworks illuminating darkened autumn skies. He imagined what it might be like to really talk to him, not affected by liquor coursing through his veins, to fully remember and experience those calloused hands as they pressed themselves against his back. It made his body ache thinking about it, that he could experience something like that, that it was right in front of him and he could selfishly take it for himself. It frustrated him to no end, that his own mind could betray itself like that, that he could even  entertain the idea of something so incredibly stupid. 

Eventually Gorou arrived at the gates of the estate, illuminated by dusty lanterns hanging by naked trees. He walked in hurriedly, a few guards nodding in his direction as he walked through to the main building. He paid them no mind, too preoccupied with the thoughts that filled his brain and desperate to sleep away his problems in favor of a new day. 

“Gorou?” A voice sounded, startling Gorou who turned quickly towards its source. 

“Thoma. Good evening.” His voice came out snappy and caused the blonde in front of him to wince. He watched as Thoma set down a cup he’d been drinking from on the table before him.

“You’re back late, did something happen?” His voice was soft and tired, different from his normal bubbly tone. The housekeeper turned his body to face Gorou who was standing rigid in the dimly lit hallway entrance. 

“Not really, just tired.” He didn’t lie, he was tired, the day had been long afterall and he’d arrived here closer to midnight than he’d hoped. Gorou moved a step back, hopefully signaling he was heading towards his room. “Good night the-”

“Do you want some tea?”  Thoma cut in, flashing him a smile that crinkled his eyes before moving to get up and fetch another cup. “It’ll help you sleep.” He said as he beckoned Gorou over with one hand. He blinked before giving in, walking over slowly and sitting down putting the bag he had with him on the floor, away from where Thoma would sit. When the blonde made his way back over, he set a cup down in front of Gorou before seating himself. 

“Why’re you up so late anyway.” Gorou started, looking down into his cup as he waited for it to cool. 

“Just thinking.” Thoma responded simply, taking a sip from his cup. Silence filled the air for a minute or so before he spoke again, “Don’t take this the wrong way or anything but, do you cross-dress or something?” Gorou jerked at the question, turning his head towards Thoma, nearly knocking his cup over in the process. 

“W-what? No, I- No, I don’t, why?” He tripped over his words multiple times as he furrowed his brows at the housekeeper who was doing his best to hold in a chuckle. 

“You’re face.” He answered, Gorou only tilted his head. “It’s all done up, it reminds me of my lady during formal events.” Thoma let out a light snicker. “You look good though, I don’t mind if you like this kind of thing-”

“I don’t it’s just that-” 

“So did you lose a bet or something?” Gorou felt his face heat in embarrassment, remembering now that he’d forgotten to wipe off Ms. Hina’s makeup. He rubbed at his face with a sleeve, pulling away to see an array of colors splattered atop it. 

“No..” Thoma tilted his head and frowned, going to sip at his cup again, leaving the two in silence. “Are you going to the festival?” Thoma asked this time, setting his cup down again and making eye contact. Gorou frowned at the question. 

“No.” He replied, his words came out tight again and Thoma frowned too. 

“Why not? It’ll be fun.” He asked, Gorou’s expression only soured, remembering previous events. 

“I..” He started, it wasn’t as if he could just tell Thoma the truth, so Gorou struggled to come up with another lie to tell. He thought for a moment, coming to terms with the fact that he wanted to go. The festivals in Narukami were so lively compared to anything back at Watatsumi where any sort of celebration was both rare, and considered only for serious events. He wanted to enjoy his time here before he had to go back, he wanted to drink with the Kamisatos one last time, to enjoy Kokomi’s company without the pressure of war looming above them. He wanted to see Arataki Itto one last time even if it would go nowhere with him.  

“You..?” Thoma prodded. Gorou met his gaze and blinked, feeling his face grow warm and his vision blur. The retainer’s face quickly widened in shock, morphing into concern as he waved his hands frantically. “H-hey, what happened? Did I say something? I’m so sorry,” Thoma’s words came fast, and his questions rang in Gorou’s ears. He felt a hand land on his shoulder, lightly rubbing circles with a thumb as Thoma apologized profusely. 

“You’re fine, it’s just,” Thoma sat there, silently waiting for him to continue. “I do.” He added silently. Thoma blinked, his once concerned frown, turned into mild confusion as he raised an eyebrow. “I want to go..” Gorou whispered, his voice shaky and low. In his fatigue it seemed less like he was talking to Thoma, and more to himself. 

“Then you should come.” Thoma replied, his voice soft as he patted his other hand on Gorou’s shoulder. “It’ll be fun, and since you’re with us, there’ll be free food.” He tilted his head with an easy smile before taking his hands off Gorou. 

For a while, they sat in silence, finishing rapidly cooling tea as the moon sat high in the sky. Eventually, Thoma turned in for the night, heading down the hall and disappearing into the room at the end of it, doors decorated with painted waves closing behind him. When Gorou made it back to his own room, he took the rock and flowers out and set them on the empty desk, leaving the dress and shoes inside of it, tucking them inside the closet below his other things. He figured to just return it sometime in the next couple weeks. 

Another hour passed, its time spent rubbing stubborn pigment from his face and dressing himself. When he finally tucked himself under cool covers, he stared at the ceiling, back in deep thought. Was it really okay to go? To potentially endanger the reputation of himself, of the publishing house, of Yae Miko? Even if he ultimately decided it was worth the risk, would he be able to live with his actions afterward? Was lying to some almost-stranger worth it? Was the shame of leading an innocent guy on because he liked to talk with him worth it? Gorou didn’t know, but the more he thought about it, the more he entertained giving into that selfish desire, and the more he grew to want it. That night, his sleep was heavy, exhausted snoring filled the small room as dreams of fireworks and that familiar calloused hand filled his mind. 

“Ayato, has the general seemed upset to you recently?” Thoma asked as he entered the room. The commissioner was up late today as usual, working on paperwork that concerned the Shumatsuban. 

“Hmm, I don’t know, why?” Ayato turned towards Thoma, his robes were half opened and tied sloppily, matching the frazzled appearance of his hair. He set down the file he was holding to properly face the retainer who only sighed in response at his lord’s appearance. 

“Nothing really.” Thoma replied, walking over and seating himself next to Ayato. He took the sides of the robes and tucked them properly over each other. 

“Is he joining us for the autumn festival?” Ayato asked as he set an arm around Thoma before turning back towards his stack of papers. 

“I’m not sure..” Came his reply, trailing away softly as he furrowed his brows remembering the conversation he’d just had. 

“Something happen?” The commissioner asked to which Thoma shook his head. “Well anyway I thought it might be fun if we set him up.” Thoma looked at him confused, to which Ayato gave a devious glance.

“Set him up? What do you-”

“At the festival. Last time at the tri-commision thing he looked a little lonely and he seemed to get along well with my oni friend, so…” Ayato gave a light laugh, “It’ll be great, he should get out there anyway, the war’s over, we’re in a time of peace and whatever.” Thoma just looked at his partner, sighing, knowing there was really no way he could stop Ayato from pulling whatever tricks he had planned but something about it rubbed Thoma the wrong way. “It's not as if they don’t already know each other, it’ll be fine. You worry too much Thoma.” Ayato pressed a finger to the center of Thoma’s forehead. “Stop furrowing your brows like that, you’ll wrinkle your pretty face.” Thoma rolled his eyes and batted the commissioner’s hand away, leaning into the man beside him who hummed happily. 

“Carry me to bed later.” He muttered, promptly closing his eyes and ignoring Ayato’s laughter. 

Chapter Text

“Yoimiya!!!” was the first thing the Naganohara household heard that morning, Itto’s heavy footsteps against dirt pavement following close behind. 

“Arataki, good morning. Yoimiya’s still inside.” Ryuunosuke was sitting outside sipping on freshly made tea, waving politely as Itto came into view. 

“Mornin’ old man.” He says as he sits down at the worn wooden table in front of the building. Ryuunosuke hums amused when the chair across from him squeaks from added weight.

“You seem rather happy today, Arataki. Did something happen?” Itto buzzes at the question, a grin pulling at his mouth that eventually forces teeth to show and blush to appear. 

“Haha, got me there.” He says practically vibrating. Ryuunosuke smiles along with him, further wrinkling his already aged face.

 It’s not long after that, that the front door swings open, revealing a messily put together Yoimiya. She walks out, stretching her arms up with a yawn before running her hands through tangled blonde locks and tying them behind her loosely. When she opens her eyes to see Itto and her dad, she blinks, a slightly dazed expression making itself known before heading over on bare feet. 

“And why are you so giddy this early in the morning, Itto?” She asks as she takes her own seat. Itto’s existing grin only pulls at his face more as he opens his mouth to reply. 

“Soo.. I hope you remember how I got in to see Ms. Hina the other day,” He stretches his words and bats his lashes at Yoimiya who rolls her eyes. “Well, for one she absolutely loved my sculpture- told you so- and …” When he cuts himself off Yoimiya raises an eyebrow. 

“And?” She prompts, which causes Itto to fidget around excitedly, shaking his leg and causing the table to shake as the ever-widening grin tugs at his face. 

“ And , I asked her on a date.” The words fall off Itto’s tongue at rapid-speed before he squeals like a pig. His face reddens like it’s trying to match his horns, Yoimiya whistles in amusement while Itto sits there, still fidgeting around impatiently waiting for a response.

 Yoimiya’s expression shifts from tired-indifference to a light grin as she processes the information. She shifts her feet on the floor before speaking,

“Well I’ll be damned Arataki, look at you go.” Her tone is one of pride as she leans across the table to ruffle frizzy silver hair. “You can’t just leave me in the dark now, so spill.” She says sitting back down and setting her head in her hand. 

Itto’s eyes glitter and starts talking a mile a minute, describing the events of the meet and greet in far too much detail. Yoimiya sits there listening patiently as her friend practically vibrates in his seat, painting a scene of broken flowers in lithe hands, describing the way Hina’s face was round and so so pretty way more than once.

“She’s wonderful, absolutely wonderful, Yoimiya, you had to be there.” He says it multiple times, each time mixed with different words and descriptors of how gentle and polite the woman was. Every word he spoke was filled with this breathy day-dreaming sigh and Yoimiya tilted her head, ‘ how cute’ she thought. 

“So did she say yes?” She asked, sitting up. Itto raised a brow at that which confused her. 

“To what?” He replied. The air stilled as they stared at each other. 

“To your date..?” More silence, the sounds of Yoimiya’s father drinking tea, unaware of their conversation as he hummed filling the air. 

“Oh.” Was all he said, to which Yoimiya’s brows went from raised to furrowed. She motioned with her hand for him to continue, lips flattening against each other. “Naw, not yet.” Itto said, a hefty chuckle escaping him. Yoimiya just stared in awe, ‘this guy..’ she mouthed before closing her eyes and sighing. 

“So how were you gonna know if she accepted?” She asked, resisting the urge to slam her forehead on the wooden table, she might’ve if there weren’t risk for splinters. 

“Dunno.” Itto shrugged, tilting his head innocently. Yoimiya just blinked at the response, hair falling into her face as if on cue. 

“So you were just gonna what? Go? And if she didn’t show that’d be your answer?” She asked, her tone was flat and Itto across from her legitimately thought about it, a whole minute passing by where he just stared blankly in thought. 

“Yeah, pretty much.” Came the answer and Yoimiya stopped caring about the possible splinters. 

“You seriously wouldn’t get anywhere without me would you?” She says with a sigh, “It’s too early for this, wait here a sec.” She finishes, standing up and walking away, disappearing into the front door. 

It takes about an hour before she reemerges, and in that hour Ryuunosuke leaves too, claiming he was going out to buy groceries before walking off at his leisurely pace up the hill and towards the main city. Itto was left there by himself, brain completely empty as he was left there to contemplate why Yoimiya was so dumbfounded by his response. 

When she came back her hair was fixed neater, still frizzy and poofing outward from behind her. This time around she was also wearing her regular attire and no longer barefoot, clad in the bright orange kimono with her wooden sandals clicking softly across the ground as she reapproached the table. 

“Now Itto, my buddy, ol’ pal .” She started, sitting back down with an audible chair creak. “As your loyal wingwoman, I will not allow you to simply keep a woman waiting nor will I allow one to keep you waiting.” Itto opened his mouth to protest but was quickly hushed by a finger and a pointed glare. 

“First things first, you need to get that answer, because without it you don’t even know if you have a chance with her.” She stated with a huff, “Now now, I don’t mean pressure her or anything, just a note. A nicely handwritten letter maybe?” She paused with a finger to her chin as she thought. “Maybe a pressed flower in the envelope?” She squeaked a bit, talking more so to herself than anything. “Mmm, I’ll take care of it, but what’s important is we deliver it quickly. We need to establish that you’re efficient and semi well put together. Also that you’re very easy to communicate with, oh, and…” Her voice fades into the background noise and Itto’s eyes fix themselves on a trail of ants, no longer fully paying attention to her words.

“Itto! Are you listening, hello?!” He turned to find her leaning into his space, waving a hand in front of dazed eyes. 

“Uh, yeah letter..” He repeated back in a low tone. 

“Yes, yes, the letter stay with me here okay?  I’ll be right back!” Her tone now was high, nearly falsetto as she scrambled off back into the house, her giggling echoing away behind her. 

This time it was less than five minutes before she came back, a handful of parchment in hand as well as several brushes. 

“Okay, okay, I’ll do this, and you..” She paused. “You.. go find us some food, okay?” She laughed innocently before waving a hand off at Itto who pouted, it was his letter wasn’t it?

“But shouldn’t I-”

“Ah-buh nuh uh nope.” She said quickly, batting away the hand that was reaching for her. “Look, Itto, think of it this way, you won’t be able to put forth your best work on an empty stomach right? So find us some yakitori or something.” Yoimiya’s reasoning was solid, Itto supposed so he begrudgingly stood up and walked off. 

It wasn’t long until he found something, eyeing a stall and walking up slowly until an older man behind a blue and purple decorated wooden stall came into view. It was still a little ways away, the smells of grilling meat coaxing him closer and closer. 

“Good day sir, can I get you anything?” The stall owner’s voice was cheery and a nice baritone that sing-songed as he smiled. 

“Uh yeah, five please.” He replied, looking down and watching the man nod. 

“Five-hundred mora.” Came the price and Itto began to pat down his pant legs, except his pants don’t have pockets, and even if he did mora was not likely to be in them. He let out a noise, the tone coming off as slightly embarrassed. 

“Uh, can ya do me a solid here..” He said with a nervous smile. The man in front of him frowned, arms crossing as his weight shifted from one leg to the other. 

“Naw sorry kid, no can do.” He shook his head and Itto shrugged, scratching the back of his head with a light chuckle. He makes his way down the road, his intent now being to ask Yoimiya for some snack-funds. 

“Sir Kamisato, we’re going to be late, Thoma’s already over there..” A younger male voice sounded from a distance.

“Don’t sweat it, general, just a second–  Arataki!!” Itto’s ears perked upon hearing his name, snapping his head around to see Ayato walking briskly towards him. 

“Heyy Kamisa-bro, long time no see,” Itto said with a laugh that was hearty and loud eliciting the same chest-heavy laughter from Ayato. 

“Do not call me that, Arataki.” Ayato’s face scrunched in mock disgust causing Itto to grin.

“Oh, Arataki, good morning.” Gorou trailed a little behind, the previous expression of annoyance shifting to something shyer, soft smile adorning previously tired eyes. 

“Mornin’ general!” Itto’s voice was loud as always and Gorou’s ears fluttered visibly in response. Ayato beside them hummed amusedly, not even hiding the growing smirk as he shifted his weight and landed a hand on Itto’s shoulder.

“So Arataki what’re you doing this fine day?” His eyes flickered from Itto to Gorou, a sharp glint flashing as he blinked. 

“I was gettin’ snacks for Yoimiya but uh I was flat broke.. again .” Itto gave a shy chuckle and Gorou’s lips pulled into a slight frown. 

“Ah don’t worry puppy, it’s not that big of a deal.” He said quickly, voice echoing all too loudly in the quiet late morning of the city. Ayato’s eyes widened at Itto’s words, picking up quickly on the nickname, the realization causing teeth to show through his smile. He had an idea and the amusement was clear as day on his face. Gorou shivered beside him subconsciously, more preoccupied with how they were going to be late for their meeting.

“How ‘bout I pay for your snack eh Arataki, in return..,” Ayato hummed, stepping away, eyes crinkling, expression turning sly. 

“In return?” Itto asked, voice raising higher, eager to accept whatever condition Ayato would propose. 

“Keep the general company for me.” Itto’s brows furrowed, slightly confused, Gorou simply blinked, his attention being forced back to the conversation with the call of his title. 

“Sir, we have a meeting to-” 

“Nope nuh-uh won’t hear it, stay here, make friends.” Ayato was resolute with his words, marching away with solid steps toward the food stall. Gorou simply watched him, faced scrunched in confusion, not that he wouldn’t rather stay, anything was better than another meeting for him. 

Less than a minute later, Ayato marched back, a handful of yakitori skewers in one hand and a helping of dango in the other. 

“Here,” He said, passing food off to the others, “Say hi to Yoimiya for me.” Were his last words before he dashed off. Gorou was left speechless and Itto just laughed, yelling out a thundering ‘thank you!’ after him. 

“I apologize Arataki, but I’ve gotta-” 

“C’mon puppy!” Itto cut him off, grabbing his arm harshly and pulling him down the hill back to the Naganoharas’. Gorou exhaled, shaking his head as he followed along against his will.

“Oh Itto, you’re back and.. Friend.. With dog ears..” Yoimiya paused, her face scrunching as she took the new addition in. 

“General Gorou, uh, hello.” She blinked, putting down the brush in her hand and standing up. 

“Yoimiya we brought food~!” Itto sing-songed, still dragging Gorou by the arm. Gorou’s face was neutral and his expression static, but his eyes stared up intently, fixed on Itto who bounded forward at full speed towards Yoimiya’s little wooden table. 

Only at about a foot or two away did the general’s attention snap toward the blonde, reserved and professional politeness taking over, the glimmer in his eyes disappearing. Yoimiya pursed her lips as she watched. 

“Good morning Ms. Naganohara.” Gorou’s voice was professional, clear and a little distant. Yoimiya figured he wasn’t here of his own accord and assumed Itto had dragged him here against his will. 

“Just Yoimiya’s fine.” She flashed a grin and motioned for them to sit down, taking a skewer that Itto offered to her. “So what brings you here?” She asks, masking her voice in the same polite professionalism. 

“Ah, just some business meetings with the tri-commision.” Gorou replies, smiling as a stick of yakitori is handed to him. “What’s all this paper for, if you don’t mind me asking.” The question is innocent and Itto beside him lights up, a gasp escaping him that catches both Yoimiya and Gorou’s attention. 

“Your cousin!” Itto’s face is practically glowing as he answers before Yoimiya even has a chance to open her mouth. She laughs softly, the excitement in his voice leaving her to sigh sweetly. 

“He says he asked Hina on a date the other day, did she tell you?” Gorou’s face is neutral as he hums and nods his head, the sound that escapes him is stiff but Yoimiya blames it on awkward first meetings. 

“Man, I gotta thank you puppy.” Itto chimes in, clapping a hand on Gorou’s back that makes him jump. 

“Mm, no problem.” Gorou flashes an all too big smile before shoving it away in favor of biting into meat. Yoimiya can’t help but giggle at the nickname, she wonders what kind of person Gorou is, and how in the world behind the facade of professionalism did he let a boisterous, trouble-making crimson oni persuade him to provide a chance at his cousin. 

“So Yoimiya, I was thinking, what about a poem, for the letter.” Itto points a long painted nail to the paper in front of her. Her brows raise, and her lips press tightly against one another, letting the suggestion roll in her head.

“ I dunno, What do you think, general?” Gorou looked up, seemingly caught off guard as his attention is torn away from his meal. 

“I think she’d appreciate it..” His voice is soft, and laced with something almost melancholy, though it’s pushed away by a soft polite smile. Itto grins deviously, slamming a heavy hand on the table. 

“Okay, okay, Yoimiya what about this,” He makes a show of clearing his throat loudly, the sound vibrating in the air and pulling all eyes towards him. “You are amazing, like the sunset in autumn, just like fried dumplings.” He recites it proudly, a satisfied hum following as he sits back down. 

“No..” Yoimiya squints in disbelief, but at Itto’s side the once rigid and quiet general bursts into laughter. The sound is light and it crinkles Gorou’s eyes which glitter as he smiles widely. Itto laughs along with him, Yoimiya just facepalms. 

“See, maybe I’m the more romantic one here, two points for me, none for you.” He sticks his tongue out playfully and Yoimiya sighs yet again. 

“Are you sure you don’t have any other ideas in that cavernous space up there?” She deadpans. 

“Nope, I read in a book that you should make smilies to emphasize similar things. Ms. Hina is as fulfilling and reliable, like dumplings, so it was the only thing I could think of.” Itto closes his eyes and wags a finger, puffing his chest out in pride for his newfound information. 

“I think you mean similes, Arataki.” Gorou pipes in, far more relaxed than before, speaking with a smile rather than through tight lips. Yoimiya laughs at his comment, and Itto sputters. 

“Pfft.. Same thing.” He says defensively. “But anyway, it was a good haiku, so we should put it in anyway.” 

“N-no.. no we shouldn’t.” Yoimiya argues, but it just causes a ceaseless back and forth between the two. Gorou watches, polishing off the last of their food in silence. 

It takes fifteen minutes of arguing before it gets anywhere, by the time the group settles- that being mostly between Yoimiya and Itto- they end up with two envelopes. One was neatly sealed, marked on the front as ‘to Hina’ while the other was wrinkled at the corner and a slightly thicker as it was filled with way too many pages of what Yoimiya deemed as ‘nonsense writing’ His wasn’t even addressed to anybody because the first two attempts, Itto smeared the ink with his hand before it dried so they had to be scrapped. He gave up saying ‘It’ll be next to yours anyway.’ 

Gorou eyes the both of them, careful not to let his expression shift and be affected by his heavy heartbeat. 

“Did you want me to deliver these?” He asks, slight regret seeping into him when he catches the way Itto’s eyes glitter. 

“Really? You would?” Itto’s voice grows louder after each question. His eyes shine brightly and it makes Gorou smile and blush. He nods and Itto pulls him into a heavy one-armed hug. 

“Archons, you’re the best you know that.” Gorou is caught off guard by the sudden contact and his eyes widen. A warm feeling begins to bloom, immediately being shot down a second later. 

“You’ve gotta make it up to us later Itto, when you’re in a happy loving relationship with a local celebrity. Me and general Gorou deserve it after helping your dumb ass.” Yoimiya huffs out, Itto chuckles and the vibration sends shivers down Gorou’s spine. He can’t help the frown that tugs at his face, so he turns his head to the side. 

“Maybe the puppy-general, but I don’t really know if you’ve helped me all that much, Yoimiya.” Itto releases Gorou from the half-embrace and goes to gather the two envelopes, holding them out to Gorou with two hands. “Thanks again, by the way.” He grins and tilts his head while Gorou accepts both letters. 

“Well now that that’s done with, wanna go bother Shinobu?” Yoimiya asks as she stands, stretching her arms up. “You can come with us, general.” Itto nods with her as he offers his hand to help Gorou up from the seat. 

“No, it’s okay I still have meetings.” He says with his eyes fixed on the envelopes in his hands. Yoimiya looks at him, giving a questioning look, as if there was something on his face. Gorou quickly smiles, showing a quiet, polite grin as he turns his body to head the opposite direction. 

“Mmkay, see ya around puppy.” Itto practically yells, dragging Yoimiya off in the direction of Ritou. Gorou watches them run off, Itto’s excited laughter fading away as they move. He catches Yoimiya’s gaze, her expression is confused , brows furrowed as she squints. He blinks again and it's no longer there. Her head is turned now but it leaves a thorn in Gorou’s side, a feeling Gorou shakes off as he heads back towards the estate, chalking it up to nothing. 

Chapter Text

The envelopes are heavy in his hands as he walks. Feeling more and more like bricks than paper with every step he takes. Gorou’s body moves on autopilot, not even thinking as the buzz of the afternoon plays, its normally joyful sound distorted and categorized as ‘noise’ as he breathes. Somewhere along the way Gorou decided there was no point in trying to return to the pre-planned meeting with the Kamisato’s, seeing as he was just shoved away by Ayato personally. So he treks slowly back towards that forest path leading to the estate, eyes glazed over as he stares at his feet. 

When he makes it back, it's quiet. There’s still guards rustling about, but they whisper amongst themselves nodding absently when they see Gorou pass by. He smiles back at them, but it’s a paper-thin mask that stretches taut against his face. 

A few more steps and he’s inside, the main hall’s emptiness greeting him with its silence. There's a female servant across the way, dusting at shelves as she hums. When she turns, her lips move but Gorou’s too preoccupied in his head to notice. 

“General?” She says a few times, on the fourth time, he looks up and gives a shy smile. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that.” He says scratching his head. The girl smiles at him and shakes her head. 

“We put those flowers in your room in some water. I tried my best to trim them, but they’re still a little, um- bent.” She giggles nervously and her hands fidget with the feather duster. 

“It’s okay, thank you though.” Gorou says politely, smiling again and walking down the hall to his room. When he gets there, he slumps down heavy on the bed, weight sinking down with a muted thump. The letters in his hand fall beside him, crinkled at the corners and taunting him. Gorou looks up at the ceiling, actively avoiding the problem at hand. 

It really shouldn’t have been hard. Just throw them out, write a brief response declining the offer, and go about his life like nothing happened. Except, something about that settled badly in Gorou’s stomach making him frown. ‘ Just throw it out’ he kept telling himself as he sat there. Eventually he picked them up with a sigh, paper settled in his right hand as he made his way over to the desk to throw them out. 

The next time he blinked they were opened, shaky fingers unfolding papers while his tail fidgeted behind him anxiously. 

He started with Yoimiya’s, the envelope still crisp as he pushed it to the side. Gorou pulled out a single piece of paper smelling strongly of perfume. The letter itself was folded neatly in thirds and the writing inside was evenly penned, characters linked together with thin strokes and phrases meticulously spaced. Of course, it wasn’t any professional calligraphy, but the piece as a whole was well made and easy to read. 

Gorou skimmed it at first, reluctant to commit to reading it but neatly drawn words were absorbed quickly by his brain anyway, making him sigh, taking it in. 

Dear Ms. Hina, 

I’m sure you remember me from the meet and greet you held, but just in case here’s a reminder. My name is Arataki Itto and I was the last guest you received that day. I am writing you this letter to apologize for my sudden behavior, I’m sure it must’ve startled you getting asked a question like that. However, I’m also writing to inform you that I am not taking that request back. To me Ms. Hina, you are the stars in my sky and the sun to my moon. I’m well aware we occupy different walks of life but that won’t deter me as I see that you are a woman deserving of everything I have to give. I want to give you that, so won’t you please take my hand? If you are to be so kind as to give me a chance with you, please reply back. 

Yours truly, Arataki Itto

Upon finishing, Gorou set the paper down. The letter was terribly sweet, he thought words well written and kind. The thing was littered in compliments and he could acknowledge that Yoimiya knew how to conjure flowery words and utilize blush-sparking tone. Still it was clearly something made to impress the target audience, and obviously not written by Arataki, evidenced by its cut-to-the-chase attitude and poetic lines. 

Gorou found himself smiling to himself, staring at the Yoimiya-written letter, his prior thoughts and negativity overwritten by sweet words. That feeling lasted but a minute when his eyes flicked over to the next envelope. This one was thicker, slightly wrinkled, and the opening was creased weird, ink stains brushed over the back. 

Blatantly put together by the oni himself, the memories of rough hands writing messily over the table played in Gorou’s head. He smiled, unable to help himself, the memory steadily increasing his heart rate. Though, he quickly frowned and shook the feeling off, taking a deep breath as he flipped the envelope over to pull it open. 

The papers inside were also tri-folded, albeit less neatly with the creases ending up slanted and leftover ink smeared on the backsides. There were three in total, scrawled over with messy characters of varying sizes, some scratched out and others circled with arrows pointing to various places within the paragraphs. If the same letter had been written by himself or Yoimiya, it probably would’ve amassed to only a page at most. Gorou sighed, heart beginning to beat ever louder again as he mustered up the courage to read it. He even briefly looked at the wastebin next to his feet, a tiny voice in his head telling him it’d hurt less if he didn’t look at it at all. 

Still, the burning curiosity got the better of him, tricking his brain into feigning innocence and convincing himself this was a good idea. 

To the lovely Ms Hina, 

Hey there! It’s me Arataki ‘various amazing titles’ Itto here, writing a letter to you at the request of my friend who is insistent I do so. Uh, anyways I’m supposed to make this like poetic and shit but (and I hate to admit it, but a man always admits defeat when confronted with it ya know) I’m not exactly the best at that kinda thing, although I did read a few of that one Kaedehara-dude’s poems and they weren’t that impressive so I totally bet I could totally whip something up that could top it. Anyways! The purpose of this letter was to offer you some “lines of communication” as per Yoimiya said so uh yeah. Honestly instead of this shit, I should just be proving to you why going on a date with me (the one and oni) would be a great idea. So I’ll start, 

Other than it obviously being me you’d be dating (which is a steal in the first place), there are a few things I want to make clear. First off I’m not like all your other clingy little fans okay, I’m a real man, one that doesn’t want to be around you just cause’ I’m your fan and you’re, well, the best person in all of Teyvat. You probably already know this Hina, but you’re sweet, amazing, and nice to everybody no matter their circumstance or background, no matter how shit of a person they are, you always give everybody an equal opportunity. You listen to everybody’s problems no matter how small and you respond to all of us with as much passion and kindness as the last. 

One time, one of my lackeys sent in a letter to you about how he was having a tough time admitting he couldn’t swim. Your words were never discriminatory, you didn’t belittle him in your response and least of all, you gave your heartfelt opinion on the matter. Hah- what I’m trying to say is you deserve everything, you really do, and as the guy who’s reaching out for a chance to stand beside you I want to tell you that I’m more than willing to give you anything you want. I know, I don’t have a lot to my name, I’m a gang member and a crimson oni at that. But, what I do have, is a good head on my shoulders, a head that knows you deserve more than some superficial relationship. I want to offer you a friend, a person to turn to when you’re low, somebody who’s aware that you’re not to be depended on to make their lives smiles n’ sunshine. I wanna be somebody that you bring back to your folks and slots right in ya know (I’m sure you’ve heard but I get along great with your cousin Gorou already, so I think I got that bit down.) 

I’ll make sure that this is worth your while, that I’m worth your while. I stand by it, place my vision on it if I have to, you won’t regret it I swear. I really do like you Ms. Hina, so please give me a chance? 

Arataki Itto 

Gorou sat there, breaths shallow and hands shaking as he stared down at the paper in his hands. His tail had gone still, laying limply off the chair as he processed the writing. His eyes trailed back over messy words, taking in how they looked, scratched on the page in dark ink. 

Once more, twice, a third time and it was all the same each time he read it, the warm floaty feeling heating him up inside-out. He was happy, really, truly happy. Arataki Itto might’ve been abrasive, obnoxious, and even a little stupid, but he was a good man through and through. A person truly deserving of a geo vision, somebody who was steady in their ideals, and was a rock to be relied on. 

He sat there for a long while, basking in that feeling, letting the warmth in his chest pull easy smiles. Until, he adjusted himself, turning slightly to face the slightly open closet. The bag where the ‘Hina-dress’ lay, sitting innocently on the bottom shelf, almost taunting him. Gorou frowned, the memory of Yae’s demand playing and effectively squandering his positive mood. 

That woman, who was so highly praised in those letters, wasn’t real, he reminded himself. The thought made his heart sink, the familiar weight of guilt flowing in his veins and forcing his fists to clench. Because Ms. Hina wasn’t real, he was lying, and guilty of leading on a good man. A man who deserved a real person and not some fictional mascot. The guilt in turn made Gorou frustrated. Frustrated that he let himself get drunk and cling onto the first sign of comfort. Frustrated with how it spiraled out of control and now he impulsively found himself wanting more. Frustrated in how General Gorou of the Watatsumi island resistance, the selfless prodigy of a military leader, was so easily flustered and so readily willing to destroy meticulously crafted reputation for a chance. A chance to feel those warm hands on his, to bask in the company of another person for reasons other than work or politics, to enjoy himself as a person not bound by responsibility or duty. 

In the end, he sat there in that lonely room, head buried in his arms on the desk as a million contradicting thoughts raced in his head. ‘ Just once.’ Those words played over and over at the forefront of his mind, like the eerie call of the abyss. Gorou found himself sitting up again, pulling the little onikabuto shaped rock closer to him, touching it lightly, the faint pulse of elemental energy making it glow. 

“Just once..” A voice louder and for more annoyed in tone beckoned from beyond the guest room walls. His ears twitched at the sound, its call followed by fast footsteps. 

“Ayato, you can’t keep shucking all your work onto Ayaka because ‘the Tengu-lady is scary’. Just once, can’t you be more responsible?!” The voice, now closer, made itself out to be Thoma, reprimanding his lord for presumably playing hooky. 

“It’s not that big a deal, Thoma. Besides you followed me too-” 

“Yeah, because somebody needed to drag your dumb ass back.” 

“Not before you made out with me in the Tenryou commission’s flower garden.” A smack echoed throughout the halls of the Kamisato estate, so loud it made Gorou wince in pain. 

“Ow-wait, Thoma..!” Angry footsteps made their way closer, prompting Gorou to stand up, unable to keep himself from peeking out the door. When he opened it and poked his head through, the two were standing, right in front him, now startled by his presence and staring dumbly in his direction. 

“Oh, general-” 

“Gorou! How are you? Did you have fun?” Ayato’s voice was clearly feigning politeness, his gloved hand pressed to his cheek as he winced. 

“Um, yes. Uh, Ms. Naganohara says hi by the way.” He replied, pulling his own too-wide smile on. 

“Well, uh me and my lord here, were just about to partake in some uh-snacks, you should join us, general.” Thoma’s voice was shaky as he forced out awkward laughs in between words. Gorou simply nodded, walking ahead of them toward the main room. 

It was maybe five or so minutes that they sat there, chewing absently on taiyaki that the two had brought in. The atmosphere was stiff, no words or even remote glances exchanged between the three. Ayato was the first to break the silence, 

“So, Gorou, what did you do with Arataki and Naganohara?” Gorou felt a surge of mixed emotions at the mention of the two, but his expression was steady, a polite grin hiding frustration and shame. 

“They were writing letters to my cousin, Arataki seems to have asked her out to the festival.” He replied, voice neutral. Ayato in response furrowed his brow and swallowed another bite of his food.

“Huh.” Was his only word out, Thoma just shook his head. 

“Yeah, they asked me to deliver the letters to her.” Ayato seemed upset at this notion, but blatantly forced his dissatisfaction away with a neutral expression. Something that sounded like a ‘should’ve known..’ was whispered into the air, but Gorou wasn’t too sure. 

“Say, are you coming too Gorou?” Ayato asked, “It’s the last big celebration here before you and Miss Sangonomiya get shipped back to Watatsumi.” Gorou couldn’t hold back the frown at the reminder. Beside him Thoma, gave a reassuring smile. 

“You don’t have to stay the whole time, if it’s something you’re worried about.” Thoma said, eyes fixed on Gorou’s expression. 

“Yeah, but being there the whole time would be better, no?” Ayato added in thoughtfully. Gorou hummed, gaze downcast and fixed on his now empty plate. He thought for a moment, letting seconds pass by that felt like forever. With a sigh, he opened his mouth. 

“I need some advice.” Gorou said quietly, feeling his body tense up. “For my cousin, she asked me something and I don’t really know what to tell her.” He added in quickly, looking up with a nervous grin. Ayato nodded with a hum and Thoma just raised an eyebrow. 

“Shoot, general.” Ayato prodded lightly, tilting his head. 

“Well, since she works for the publishing house.. She was asked by her boss to not attend the festival, because of the fans and stuff...” Gorou paused, making careful eye contact. “She, um- really really wants to go but is afraid she’s being too selfish and feels really guilty about it..” Gorou tried his best not to let his expression shift, but the muscles in his face twitched making it hard to keep a straight face. 

“She should go.” Ayato said resolutely. His face was fixed with a determined frown, chin held up by one hand. “She’s young, and it's her life, she should do what she wants. Don’t let stupid things like responsibilty keep you from enjoying yourself and being happy.” Ayato’s words were spoken with a twinge of bitterness, spoken far more angular than his normal carefree tone. 

“My lord’s right, Gorou. Your cousin shouldn’t let other people dictate how she lives. Some decisions come with consequences, but letting yourself be controlled by the opinions of others isn’t a good way to live.” Thoma’s voice was kind as he tilted his head, but his eyes were dull and his normally bright-bubbly smile was strained. 

Gorou looked into his lap, hands fidgeting with each other as he thought. 

“Thanks, I’ll tell her.” He said finally, a soft, genuine smile making its way onto his face. The original frustration and guilt still lay heavy in his chest, but his shoulders relaxed ever so slightly hearing their words. 

When they finished, it was late afternoon and the sun sat lower in the sky, casting a vivid orange hue through the estate windows. 

“Well, I have some business to attend to.” Ayato spoke, lifting himself from the table and straightening his sleeves. “See you later Thoma, Gorou.” His face was eloquent as he grinned, eyes thinning a bit as he bowed before leaving. 

“I don’t want to hear you’ve been skipping out on Shuumatsuban meetings too, Ayato.” Thoma said sternly before waving his hand. The commissioner just chuckled, the click of his feet fading as he moved. Not even a minute later, Thoma also rose from his seat. 

“Well, I still have chores to do. I’ll see you at dinner then?” Thoma said with a relaxed expression. Gorou nodded, humming as he too got up to retreat to his room. He took a few steps before stopping, 

“Say, Thoma do you by any chance have parchment here?” He asked, looking back. Thoma’s head tilted to the side a bit in thought. 

“I’m sure we do, I’ll grab some stuff for you then.” He replied before moving again. 

“Oh and, this is a bit weird but..” Thoma raised an eyebrow at Gorou’s reluctance. “Do you know where I can get makeup from?” Thoma’s eyes widened at the request, and Gorou couldn’t hold back the flush of his face. 

Chapter Text

The moon was high in the sky and the estate was quiet, Gorou sat staring blankly at the paper in front of him. He tapped his fingers down on the table rhythmically, the thumping echoing throughout the room. He’d already resolved himself to reply to the letter, to accept Itto’s invitation. He was confident in his decision, Ayato and Thoma’s second-hand encouragement egging him on and settling the hammering of his heart. Despite this though, nothing came, no words or thoughts, no response. The same question lingering at the forefront of his mind, to write as himself, or as somebody else. To live the fantasy for a little longer, or to take a chance.

 Gorou had been there for hours at this point, any trace of sunlight erased from the sky. He sighed, giving into defeat and putting his brush down, he still had a little while  before he needed to get back to Itto anyway. 

He stood, frustration heavy in his mind as he padded over to the door and exited into the hall. Outside, the buzz of light conversation filled the air and the refreshing smell of tonight’s dinner wafted through the estate. 

“Thoma this looks wonderful!” Kokomi squealed happily, the excitement in her tone hurried Gorou’s footsteps, eager to see what had been apparently made that night. 

“Lady Sangonomiya, no need to flatter me like that.” Thoma laughed while Gorou moved closer to the room, he could practically hear his bubbly grin. When he finally got to see what the fuss was about, he was greeted with a large platter sitting pretty in the middle of the table decorated with the largest chicken you could imagine. It was not only huge, but it was glistening with a beautifully vibrant orange-red sauce spilled over it. The smell was absolutely marvelous, wafting through the air and making Gorou drool uncontrollably as it hit him full force. 

“I’ve never tried to make sweet madame this way before, so I really do hope you like it.” Thoma laughed nervously as he wiped kitchen counters with a damp cloth, cleaning away any of the previous mess. 

“I’m sure it’ll taste great, Thoma. Is this Mondstadtian cuisine?” Gorou perked up, eyes fixated on the platter. The housekeeper grinned widely at the question, 

“Yeah! Though, it’s been adjusted with some more Inazuman styles of cooking.” He had a humble look in his expression, but the way Thoma stood with his chest stuck out told otherwise. 

“Well whatever it is, I’m sure it’s great.” Kokomi chimed, enthusiastically. Her eyes glittered the same way Gorou’s did, both of them fixated on their soon-to-be devoured supper. 

It wasn’t long until the Kamisatos made their way into the room as well, their bickering a telltale sign of their identity. 

“You couldn’t be less blunt, brother?!” Ayaka scolded harshly, you could hear her annoyed groaning as she walked. 

“They wouldn’t have gotten it through their thick skulls otherwise.” Ayato refuted, snarky as ever. “Sometimes there’s no room for tact, little sister.” The lopsided smirk became apparent when the two entered, seating themselves quickly. 

“Oh, Thoma this looks amazing!” Ayaka spoke, voice filled with feigned cheery tone to hide previous discontent. She side eyed her brother pointedly who crossed his arms. 

“Thoma would never feed us something bad, unlike you.” He prodded at her with a smile. Ayaka didn’t acknowledge his statement, instead giving a tight lipped smile that wrinkled her face. 

“They seem quite ticked off today.” Kokomi leaned over and whispered to Gorou who nodded minutely. Minutes passed of semi-tense silence until Thoma walked back into the room.

“I take it that the meeting didn’t go well today.” Thoma said bluntly, moving over to serve rice. The siblings tensed at his comment, huffing in sync, Kokomi could barely hold in her giggle. 

“False, it went splendidly Thoma, what makes you say that?” Ayato’s head tilted as he replied, sarcasm oozing from his words. 

“It would’ve gone better if you didn’t outright insult the Kanjou commission head to his face.” Ayaka’s eyes were thinned and her words inflectionless. Ayato didn’t seem the type to blatantly disrespect people or cheat to get his way. With his reputation being that of a man who was highly efficient in his work despite his young age, Gorou figured Ayato simply had a silver tongue. 

“Did something happen?” Gorou asked quietly, not thinking too much of it as he fixed his eyes on Thoma’s knife cutting into chicken. The smell was ever prominent now and had Gorou’s tail thumping against his seat in anticipation. 

“No, nothing’s wrong, general.” Ayaka said, sitting straight, an eerie smile making itself known. “Only that my dear brother here, resorted to insulting and blackmail to get what he wants, again.” 

“I did not, it’s simply friendly negotiation, Ayaka.” 

“You might call it that but you’re jeopardizing our monetary connections to the Kanjou commission, we already had a solution in the works and you just rolled right over it with all that talk you did back there.” Her voice was shrill as she continuously spat out criticism. Ayato beside her left his expression neutral as he accepted food onto his plate, his nonchalance making Ayaka’s face turn red. 

“It would’ve taken too long anyways, we need them to let more trade ships in now.” He brushed hair from his face and pulled it back with one hand. “We might be taking losses now but it’s better in the long run.” He said, sticking a helping of food in his mouth. 

“Even so, you could’ve done so with a little more tact? Outright threatening to cut off connections to the people who fund you isn’t exactly smart.” Ayaka’s brows furrowed as she watched her brother shrug off her comments, instead passing a plate over. She sighed, stuffing food into her mouth. 

Gorou himself smiled a bit, he could relate to sibling quarrels being the fifth youngest in his family. He supposed though, his own petty sibling-related arguments would never be over political strategies, so he let what they said simmer in his brain for a bit taking a bite into his meal.

Tender meat melted in his mouth upon instant contact with his tongue, sweetened by whatever sticky glaze Thoma had made. It went down easy, not unlike the miso soup he made on the weekends, easily filling him up. He could feel the smile tugging at his face as he chewed, attempting to hold in the sounds of delight stuck in his throat. 

“It’s not as if my lord would put the commission in danger, besides we have backing from the Tenryou commission anyway.” Thoma added politely, his smile defusing some of the tension between the two. Still, Ayaka rolled her eyes, 

“You’re not off the hook either, all that shit you pulled with Yuusaku- we talked about this, Thoma!” Ayaka’s lips slipped into a pout and the slip of her tongue left Kokomi choking on the water she was drinking. 

“Now, now Ayaka, without Thoma, the festival would’ve been delayed which wouldn’t have sat right with the people, he’s doing you a favor by solving some of your problems.” Ayato chuckled and ruffled Thoma’s hair who’d finally taken his own seat. 

“He’s taking after you, with all these shady backhanded ways of negotiating .” She huffed out. Thoma gave a light laugh,

“I do think she’s right though my lord, you shouldn’t be too keen on taking big risks, your reputation is still rather fragile at this point.” Ayato frowned at the words, 

“Maybe with the bigwigs, but the people like me and that’s all that matters.” He stated. 

They sat and enjoyed their meal for a while, an easy quietness falling between them as they chewed. 

“How would you have done it, Thoma?” Kokomi asked as she pushed her plate away, there was still food left, something more normal for her here as portions in the Kamisato estate were far larger than back home. Gorou eyed it, wondering if he should finish it for her. 

“Hmm, I don’t know.” He pondered, “While it was a matter that needed to be solved ASAP, there was no need to be so brash about it.” Ayato turned his head and shoved at Thoma with his shoulder. “Maybe, I’d have let it play out for a bit before making a decision, that way I could back out before something bad happened.” He shrugged, bringing a cup of water to his lips. “Not that I’d know, I don’t formally participate in these things.” He finished. 

The words settled in the air, echoing strangely in Gorou’s ears. Still he was too preoccupied with eating to pay the feeling any mind. Kokomi eyed him from where she sat, 

“You can just ask, you know.” She smiled pushing her plate over. Gorou blinked, an awkward cough leaving him. The leftover meal was colder, having been sitting on the table for a few minutes, still biting into it made Gorou’s face warm with delight. 

“You know I’ve never met somebody who’s as vocal when they eat as our dear general here.” Ayato spoke up, eyeing Gorou across from him. Gorou coughed being caught off guard by the comment,

“It’s-mm-really good though,” He replied through a full mouth, trying his best to reign in the embarrassed redness of his face. 

“Thank you, general.” Thoma’s bubbly tone cut in. “You’re welcome to come back and share a meal with us anytime by the way.”

“We’ll have to take you up on your offer then, Thoma.” Kokomi responded, her smile bright as she laughed. 

Again, they slipped into easy conversation, Thoma doing most of the cleaning as the Kamisato siblings continued to bicker. If he were in a situation like that, he’d no doubt take the fall to protect the masses as Ayato did. It was his duty as a protector and as a high ranking officer of the resistance to. Despite that, Ayaka and Thoma’s points still stood, there were indeed situations where saving your own skin was equally as meaningful as the lives of others. That’s where the dilemma stood. 

The evening passed slowly and the clinking of dishes being washed eventually settled leaving the group to retreat to their respective rooms. Gorou found himself sitting again face to face with a decision, a blank page and a choice to make. He was going, he knew that for sure, he’d resolved to at least let himself be that selfish, before his fun ended. 

Thoma’s solution echoed faintly in his thoughts, to let it play out for a bit before deciding, before he made a mistake. It was good advice, something logical everybody could attest to. Of course, things only work out that perfectly in an ideal world. Gorou sighed, if he were living in an ideal world none of the events leading up to this would’ve happened in the first place. 

He shook his head, but he could try. Gorou supposed an attempt to see if the risk was worthwhile was something he could commit himself to, so he picked up the brush again, holding it still over the paper. His hand was shaky, completely unlike the resolute responses he gave towards his Ms.Hina letters. The lines he made were shaky as he wrote, nerves coursing through his blood and making him sweat. He laughed, nothing was even happening yet so why was he so nervous already? 

When the letter was done, it ended up shorter than he would’ve liked. A simple thank you for the compliment and a line detailing his acceptance. At the bottom he hesitated, ink dripping down and splotching unevenly on the paper. After a beat, he signed it, holding his breath through the entire stroke. 

To Arataki Itto, 

I’ve received your letter and I have to thank you. It was really sweet and I enjoyed reading it. Though, I feel like you belittle yourself too much and place me on a pedestal far higher than I deserve. I’m far less dignified and more selfish than you realize. Don’t get me wrong though, I’d love to accompany you for the fall festival and am looking forward to it. There’s a regularly attending dango stall at the entrance of Amekane, I’ll meet you there. 

Sincerely, Hina 

“Yoimiya!!! Shinobu!” Itto’s voice boomed throughout the outskirts of Hanamizaka, shaking the leaves from autumn-tinted trees with its sheer volume. 

“Can you speak at a normal volume for one second, Arataki?” Shinobu sighed from where she stood, shaking her head. 

“What is it this time, Itto?” Yoimiya asked. Itto held up an envelope and waved in the air, a wide smile planted on his face. 

“Look, look, look what I got” He giggled deviously, the sound low in his chest. Yoimiya raised an eyebrow before realizing what he was holding. 

“Oh-oh lemme see.” She near-shouted, shooting up from where she sat and running over. Yoimiya snatched the letter from Itto’s hand and opened it, pulling a folded piece of paper out. 

“Hina’s handwriting is so nice,” she squealed, “Lucky guy, lucky guy.” She said excitedly as she skimmed over its contents. 

“It’s not even addressed to you, hand it over, Naganohara.” Itto frowned, pulling it back from her hands and pulling it up to his face. It took less than a minute, his eyes darting across words on paper and absorbing it quickly. 

“She said yes?!” He half screamed, landing a hand on Yoimiya’s shoulder. “Oh, Archons, I can get lucky!” He laughed aloud whooping and hollering as he shook Yoimiya by the shoulder. 

“Alright, alright, settle down you.” She said laughing. From afar Shinobu watched, shaking her head. 

“It was bug-rock, I’m telling you! I’m totally a pro at romance, see.” He chided the pyro vision bearer who rolled her eyes. 

“Keep telling yourself that, idiot.” She said, sighing through a wide smile. “Make sure you thank that cousin of hers.” She said, jabbing him in the stomach. 

“Ow-of course, he’s like half the reason I even have this opportunity in the first place.”

Chapter Text

The morning of the Narukami island autumn festival, Gorou awoke early to the haunting silence of the Kamisato estate. There was no light coming through the windows, accompanied by eeries silence and running water outside. Gorou sat up slowly, pushing his legs out slowly from under warm blankets with a yawn. 

His plan was simple. Get up, get dressed, and leave the estate without getting caught. Still, the days leading up to that morning were anxiety filled, with his polite smiles hiding a bubbling heat that stayed present in the back of his mind. It wasn’t any better the night before when Gorou couldn’t sleep a wink, a mix of excitement and nerves kept him wide away until the moon itself sat low in the sky. 

Right now he sat at that guest room desk, heart pounding and hands shaking as he eyed a box full of makeup and a pile of fake hair. 

“ I asked one of the girls to borrow this, so don’t go destroying it or anything eh general?”

Thoma had laughed innocently when he handed it over to Gorou the other day. His bright bubbly smile ever so slightly teasing as he nudged Gorou’s shoulder. Inside, the contents were nowhere near as extensive as what Yae had owned, not that he’d know what to do with it anyway. 

Gorou took a deep inhale, moving hands to pick up and apply various colors in an attempt to recreate something similar to what he’d been forced into on the day of the meet and greet. It was a long and arduous process for him as he tried his best not to flinch every time he brought the brush close to his eyes or tear up when he’d kept an eye open for far too long. 

The colors were vibrant even when they were only illuminated by the fading moonlight from the windows of the estate guest room. It took a long time before he deemed it passable, the vivid pink and red  hues outlining his features in a way that made him appear softer, more feminine. 

Gorou let out a heavy sigh before moving onto the dress, the vibrating of his heart making him move clumsily as he slid the closet door open. And there it sat, tucked down away at the bottom of his things was that taunting teal-fabric dress staring back at him from where it was left a few weeks ago. Alongside a pair of largely impractical geta sitting innocently beside it. 

With huff he slipped it on, quickly remembering how wiley the garment was as he struggled to tame thick fabric against his body. He found himself hoping that the job he was doing wasn’t too bad. 

When he was done, Gorou’s hands were still shaking as he breathed heavily. With hair messily done behind him and sweat running through his sub-par makeup job, he stood straight. 

It felt gross, an unsettling feeling setting inside him alongside muted excitement as he watched early rays of the now rising sun peak from behind the clouds. With yet another breath, he picked up the geta on the floor and waddled out the door, praying to the seven and Celestia above that not even a fly would catch him here today. 

It was a short trip through the house. His eyes flicking anxiously around, wary of guards and waking house workers as he padded through the building, dragging the fabric on the dress on the floor behind him. As nerve wracking as it was, the adrenaline itself was exhilarating with his already anxiously beating heart speeding up whenever the wood beneath his feet would squeak. It made him dizzy and Gorou figured the whole situation was going to his head when an audible gasp sounded out but the source of it being nowhere to be found.

It took maybe five or so minutes total for him to leave the grand double doors of the Kamisato estate. Relief washed over him as visibly made it out onto the dirt-paved paths of Chinju forest. Still, the haunting scenario of ‘what if somebody’d seen him’ played in his mind, quickly souring the brief happy mood as he walked. He’d been thorough in how he planned this, making sure the possible eyes on him as he left were at a minimum. He shook his head pushing it off to the side, there was no way. He didn’t make mistakes on the battlefield, so how could he possibly make one here. 

The walk down to the Hanamizaka was extremely taxing on Gorou, who’s regular light garments had been traded for heavy expensive fabric and largely painful and impractical footwear for anything other than show. He shut his eyes as he breathed through the ache in his feet and calves, wondering how in Teyvat did Kujou Sara fight so well in shoes like these. Maybe she used her Tengu wings to fly ever so slightly off the floor rather than run. 

Granted, it was still relatively early morning when he’d made it down to the main city despite his slower pace. Gorou considered himself lucky that he could keep himself out of sight from nosy Hina fans at this time of day and indulge in a semi-decent breakfast before the festival activities that began at early noon. 

A little ways away he eyed a stand, small in size but one of the few that were fully open at this time of day. An old woman with graying roots stood happily, flipping what looked to be dorayaki with a cheery grin as she hummed. 

“One please.” Gorou asked, shifting his voice up mid sentence when he remembered what he was wearing. 

“Of course, dear.” The woman’s voice was bright as she smiled, turning away to flip hot pastries. Gorou pulled the dress up lightly to take a seat at the wooden stool, relieving the uncomfortable pressure from his feet. “Three-hundred mora, dear.” The lady chimed in front of him as she held out the freshly-made paper-wrapped snack. ‘ Mora ..’echoed in his brain as he reached for the pocket at his hip absently, but when his hand landed on smooth, pocketless fabric, his face went pale. He held back the incoming frustrated groan in favor of a sheepish smile. 

“I’m so sorry ma-” 

“Good morning, one please!” Gorou whipped his head around towards the voice to see a familiar bubbly-blonde woman skipping towards the dorayaki stand at full speed. Yoimiya with her wide and bright grin waltzed up to the edge of the wooden counter, slamming her hands down before picking them back up and leaving coins on the table. “Don’t worry it’s on me, miss.” She winked as she sat down, the stool squeaking under newly added weight. 

“I- Thank you..” Gorou said softly, turning his head away ever so slightly. 

Seconds later the two had dorayaki, freshly made and sitting in their hands as they nibbled away. 

“You’re up quite early today, Hina.” Yoimiya turned her head towards Gorou, eyes wrinkling as she grinned. “You excited?” She asked, leaning into his space. 

“Well, um.. Yes, I guess.” Gorou spoke, nerves making him choke on words. Yoimiya giggled as she finished off the last of her meal. 

“I figured, your hair’s all messy and stuff.” Her laugh is heart as she nudges him in the shoulder. Gorou could feel the heat on his face, now significantly more aware of his deemed “messy” appearance. “Were you in a rush today? Oh, by the way I’m Naganohara Yoimiya, Itto’s friend.” She smiles through her words as she holds out a hand. Gorou takes it, shaking it softly as he receives the greeting. Gorou notes that her palms are sweaty as she squeezes back firmly.

“You’re doing prep this early?” He asks, raising the pitch of his voice and speaking softer to hide his normal tone. Yoimiya nods, strands of hair falling into her face as she hums excitedly. 

“Yup, you can never be too early. Besides, I promised your boyfriend I’d make the show extra spectacular today.” She giggles again as Gorou’s face goes red. 

“I’m looking forward to it.” He gives a closed lip grin to which Yoimiya gives a nod. 

“Hey, you wanna come with me for a bit.” She asks, but as the words leave her mouth, her hands are already pulling Gorou from the chair and tugging him away. 

It takes all of his effort to not lose his balance, with fabric in one hand to keep it off the floor and the other hand held tightly in Yoimiya’s grip. 

“Not to be rude, you’re a very stunning person Ms. Hina, but we gotta blow that dumb oni’s socks off.” Yoimiya says while still tugging Gorou down the streets. 

“We?” He laughs nervously.

“Yes, we. Now stop dragging your feet, I don’t have a lot of time before I gotta get back.” Yoimiya turns a sharp corner towards the Naganohara fireworks building and pulls him through the door. “Sit here, I’ll be back.” 

Yoimiya’s footsteps were loud as she ran through a door and back out minutes later with garments and accessories in hand. Her eyes were wide, glittering with an excitement that didn’t help Gorou’s pre-existing nerves. 

“Put this on. Hurry, hurry.” She spoke fast as she pulled at the fabric around Gorou’s waist. He held his breath, watching the dress opening pull apart across his chest. 

“I can do it!” He squeaked out, voice cracking as he hurriedly pushed her away. Yoimiya took in a breath, 

“Oh, Archon's, am I being pushy? I’m so sorry. Just uh- I’ll be back okay?” She said, face slightly red as she scurried away. Gorou let out a shaky sigh as he watched her go. In the whirlwind of events, Gorou now stood in the middle of the room, his own dress slipping from his shoulders with another yukata in hand. 

This one was significantly lighter in terms of weight, as well as it being in the same vivid orange color that Yoimiya wore. It was seemingly new and it’s fabric was completely smooth. Overall the piece was lovely with its simple floral decoration accented blue to match the obi that went alongside it. Gorou figured that at least it’d be easier to move around in this. 

It didn’t take long for him to slip the new garment on, the entire process finishing within a matter of minutes. He finished by wrapping the blue obi around himself, struggling yet again to tie it properly.

“I can help you with that!” Yoimiya said as she waltzed her way back in, stopping behind Gorou who was turned away from her. “If you want me to, of course.” She tacked on sheepishly. “I’m really sorry, I’m just really excited.” She laughed and Gorou nodded, signaling for her to take the ends of the fabric and wrap them herself. 

“You know, I was banking on the fact you’d be here early today.” She pulled the fabric taught, and smoothed it down as she finished. “Itto doesn’t know I bought this stuff.” She giggled as she stepped back. “Come sit, I’ll put your hair up.” She said as she pushed Gorou down into a chair. 

Yoimiya hummed along as she threaded finger through the fake locks while Gorou kept quiet, afraid that he’d out himself if he moved against her tugging. In his stillness he still couldn’t keep his foot from tapping against the floor, it’s incessant click against the wood filling silence. 

“Hey, Hina.” Gorou stopped, when he heard Yoimiya’s tone turn oddly monotone. 

“What’s wrong?” He asked tentatively, voice barely audible. Gorou could feel Yoimiya shake her head behind her. 

“Nothing, uh-  how’s your cousin?” She asked, pep filling her voice again as she twirled hair in her hand. 

“He’s fine.” He answered back simply, refraining from speaking in long sentences in case Yoimiya picked up on the facade. She hummed back though, seemingly accepting the answer.

“Is he..” She paused while she picked out strands of hair to frame Gorou’s face. “Is he into anybody right now?” She asked, squeaking nervously as the sentence left her mouth. Gorou blinked, an awkward heat bubbling in his stomach. 

“No, why?” He replied back, a helpless smile forming. Yoimiya shook her head again, the movement rustling her accessories audibly.

“Nothing, nevermind don’t worry about it.” She said quickly, effectively dropping the topic while she stepped away, a satisfied breath leaving her. “Done.” She finished. Gorou considered pressing her for an answer out of curiosity but pushed the thought away, as talking more would only make it harder to keep up the disguise. 

When he first saw himself, Gorou was honestly amazed. Considering Yoimiya’s usual disheveled appearance during festivities and typical bouncing-off-the-walls energy, Gorou took her for somebody who didn’t put a lot of thought into her appearance. Though, his reflection said otherwise. The outfit was simple, elegant and light. Far easier to maneuver in over the heavy teal garments Ms.Hina was often illustrated in. Yoimiya had also braided his hair to the side, leaving tresses out to frame his face, the updo wasn’t uncomfortable or heavy with accessories like Yoimiya’s own frizzy bun, but instead was loosely done, exposing his neck as it lay over his shoulder. 

“You know, Hina you aren’t as well endowed as I thought you’d be.” Yoimiya spoke simply. She smiled with closed lips as she poked Gorou’s shoulder. “You’re posters and that big cardboard cut-out give you these huge knockers, but you’re pretty flat in person.” Gorou turned his head toward her in surprised silence, holding his breath to refrain from asking a stupid question.

“It’s just for marketing..” He answered, voice cracking a bit as he remembered to consciously raise his pitch mid-sentence. Yoimiya laughed out loud, taking Gorou’s hand in her own and dragging him out the building. 

“Hurry up, we took too long here, you’re gonna miss your date.” 

“Well I don’t know if it’s really a-” 

“Itto definitely thinks it’s a date, so it’s a date already. Now hurry up.” She huffed, dragging Gorou up the road and toward the festival site. 

The entirety of the walk there, Gorou was left struggling to not trip over his own two feet as he was pulled along yet again. By the time they made it to Gorou and Itto’s meet-spot, his feet likely had blisters on them judging by how much they ached. Gorou was seriously starting to consider walking barefoot the rest of the day despite it only being early noon. 

“Oh, goodie he’s already here.” Yoimiya said beside him, letting go of Gorou’s hand to rush up to where Itto stood waiting, several feet away. 

Seeing him there made time stop for Gorou. With the sun and soft wind decorating hearty laughter and Itto’s bright smile, Gorou could feel his face flush hard. Seeing him again, despite it only having been maybe a week or two, forced his heart into a fluttering mess, of which he couldn’t tell if the cause was nerves or pure happiness. He wanted to run away and never leave all at the same time, the whirlwind of feelings mixing and making him nauseous. 

“Ms. Hina, oh man I’m so glad you made it!” Itto ran up to him, face never changing as he smiled. Yoimiya who waltzed up beside him elbowed Itto’s side making him wince audibly. 

“You could be a little more romantic, idiot.” Yoimiya chided. 

“Well, I- it’s fine right, Hina?” Itto’s face flushed as he forced a laugh. Yoimiya nudged him again as she rolled her eyes. 

“It’s fine, don’t stress yourself out over it.” He said, returning with his own smile and blush, leaving silent air between them as they fidgeted. Itto scratched the back of his head, standing awkwardly for a moment as his eyes darted between Gorou and Yoimiya.

“Well, um, I’ll leave you two alone now,” Yoimiya said, breaking the silence, her voice making the two of them jump. She took in a deep breath before smacking Itto on the back with an audible clap, “You got this tiger.” She said laughing before skipping away. 

Between both Itto and Gorou, it became awkward extremely fast. The two of them twiddling their thumbs as they stared at the floor, unable to say the first word. 

“I-”

“You-” They spoke over each other which only further reddened their faces. It shouldn’t have been so hard as Gorou considered himself relatively well spoken. However, the dryness of his throat and the shakiness of his breathing said otherwise. He settled for looking up at Itto who was no better, with the tips of his ears bright pink against silver hair. He stood there in front of Gorou, rocking back and forth on his heels, pulling at his fingers. 

Another minute passes and Gorou takes in a deeper, more audible breath that catches Itto’s attention. 

“Shall we go then?” He asks, voice squeaky with its feigned tone. He tilts his head making a soft smile before walking ahead. Itto blinks behind him, mind short-circuiting as he processes that they're going somewhere and that he should catch up. 

“Hey, um..” Itto speaks up, “You look-” 

“Hmm?” Itto blinks, pursing his lips, face flushed the same shade as his horns. 

“You look good- I mean great- stunning actually. You’re pretty-” He says, tripping over his tongue, eyes widening as he pulls his face away to cover it with his hands. Gorou feels his heart skip several beats and the warmth flush his face so fast, he starts to sweat. 

“Thanks..” He replies, barely above a whisper before averting his eyes himself. 

“Is um- Are those hard to walk in?” Itto asks a second later. Gorou turns and makes a questioning noise at Itto’s finger before following it down to his shoes. 

“A little, if I’m being honest.” Gorou smiles as wind blows hair into his face. Itto nods, twitching awkwardly before offering his arm out to the side. 

“If ya don’t mind of course..” He says, the words running together in an almost incoherent mumble. Gorou bites his lip, promising in his head that he’d only be indulging himself this one time. He hesitantly folds a hand over Itto’s forearm, and leans in a bit to let the man support his weight. 

“I don’t mind, thank you.” He says, letting the feeling of Itto’s warm skin go to his head as it forces an uncontrollable smile onto his face. 

“Cool-cool uh- where do you wanna go first?” Itto asks, reciprocating with his own grin. 

Chapter Text

Despite being an early riser, Thoma didn’t necessarily enjoy waking at this particular hour. In fact, prying himself from Ayato’s warm embrace before the sun was even visible was something that made him very much frustrated with the world to the point he’d even cursed the electro archon a few times before begrudgingly moving away. 

“mmfive more minutesssbaby..” Ayato mumbled absently beside him, tugging the blonde’s waist closer to him as he tried to sit up. Thoma gave a sigh, moving his hand to brush pale blue locks from Ayato’s face, admiring his blissful sleeping expression. 

“I have to get up now..” He said, turning towards Ayato to lean down and plant his lips on Ayato’s own partially open ones. 

“Mmmwarm, please?..Issearly.” Ayato slurred, barely half-awake. Thoma shook his head, soft smile becoming a light giggle as he pried weak hands off his midsection. 

“Go back to sleep, okay?” He said gently, replacing the space between Ayato’s arms with a pillow and rising to his feet. He watched as the commissioner pushed the object into his face and nuzzled it like a cat. 

He couldn’t help laughing at the sight of the so-called “refined” lord Kamisato with his sleepwear askew and hair stuck to his face, mouth half open and drooling as he whined at the loss of body warmth. Thoma let himself stand and stare a little while longer, waiting until Ayato’s breathing evened out again before moving to dress himself. 

Like everyday when Thoma got up, the sun had barely even risen, it’s faint light leaking onto morning dew outside the room’s window. As the head housekeeper of the estate, he was the first one up and working, as well as the last to sleep in order to keep the house a well-oiled machine. 

The morning solace is nice if he’s being honest. An hour or so where he gets to think to himself, humming a song and doing what he does best to help the Kamisatos. With nobody awake and running about, there was nobody to micro-manage or reprimand, and he could fix things in a way that made his inner perfectionist sing. Amidst his morning routine today though, was something unexpected. 

Upon leaving the room, and walking through the halls, Thoma caught the sound of rustling and the shuffling of feet against wooden floors. It made him tense, brows furrowing as he stalked forward towards the sound. He prepared himself, readying his body to possibly tackle down whatever poor soul that dared trespass on Kamisato property. 

Closer and closer he crept, until the trespasser came to a halt, clicking their tongue before the sound of fabric being pulled against the floor sounded. Just around the corner, they were there, possibly even aware of Thoma’s presence with how they’d stopped their movements so abruptly and noiselessly.  Definitely somebody who could maneuver themselves well in a fight he concluded. Thoma took another breath, preparing himself for the oncoming conflict before poking his head around the corner, ready to lunge. 

It took less than two seconds of seeing the perpetrator, before Thoma let out an unavoidable and obscenely audible gasp. Afraid they might catch him, he slammed a hand over his mouth and slipped back out of view, letting seconds of silence pass before processing what he just saw. 

When the person in question, finally continued to pad away out of earshot, Thoma slid down the wall, crouching with eyes widened in shock. 

“Gorou?” He whispered aloud to himself, the image of signature canine-like ears against messily made hair and teal dress flashing in his head. But why is he dressed like that? The question invaded his space and made his head hurt as he thought. The outfit was really familiar the more he thought about it, in fact in looked like, 

“Ms. Hina..?” He said aloud, almost dumbfounded.

Words couldn’t describe how Gorou felt. A mix of nauseating excitement, overwhelming happiness, and frothing anxiety made him swoon with each step he took, biting his lip and digging nails into Itto’s arm beside him whom with every time he turned toward, would flash a blinding grin that somehow made it all better. 

“Hey, Hina, I know it’s early, but do you want cake?” Itto asked aloud before pointing at a stand manned by somebody who looked to be a Mondstadter Gorou could feel himself salivating at the thought of it and nodded his head vigorously which elicited howling laughter from Itto. 

From the distance they were at, Gorou could see the cake slices they served were pretty thin, which was understandable, considering they probably weren’t baking cakes fresh like other stands. The two walked over, sitting promptly as Itto flashed up two fingers with a smile.While Gorou took the opportunity to let the geta slide off his feet onto the floor below him where his bare feet wouldn’t be seen. 

Before he knew it, a plate of white cake was sitting innocently before him, decorated with an almost sickeningly bright, fruit syrup that made Gorou drool at the prospect of digging in. 

“Aren’t you two just the cutest.” A giggle from the stall owner caught the Gorou’s attention, making him snap his gaze up as his face flushed pink. Itto laughed, the same flustered expression making itself apparent. 

The owner was a middle-aged woman with blonde hair and light smile lines that were hidden away as she hid behind her hand. 

“It’s on the house you two, have fun tonight.” She giggled again, before walking away, leaving the two a sputtering mess as they avoided eye contact. 

“Haha.. Um, ya want a spoon?” Itto broke the silence first, holding out a utensil and tapping his foot as he anxiously waited. Gorou nodded, taking it from his hand and turning his attention towards the dessert before him. 

He couldn’t help but feel a little bit guilty as he quickly moved to dig in, the prior embarrassment leaving him in favor of sweet cream and fluffy cake. “Heaven, this must be heaven” were the only thoughts he could think as he chewed, small noises escaping him as he shoveled it in.

“Is it good?” Itto asked, leaning down to rest his head in his hand. With his eyes soft and glittery as he watched. Gorou tilted his head, nodding before picking up the last piece and sticking it in his mouth. 

“Mmhmmph.” He hummed, forgetting about his voice momentarily as he looked up.

In front of him, Itto leaned forward while reaching his hand out. Causing Gorou to freeze as he moved closer, heart speeding up and pounding so loudly it echoed in his head. 

“What-” A warm, calloused hand met his cheek before its thumb swiped down against the corner of his mouth. Gorou felt his face warm as an embarrassing squeak escaped him. 

“There was icing on your face.” Itto giggled before pulling away, sticking said thumb in his mouth. 

“Thanks.” Gorou said voice barely audible as he turned his face the other way. 

“Do you want mine too?” Itto asked, pulling Gorou’s attention back to him. “You seem to really like this stuff Hina, it’s cute.” He smiles, pushing the second cake slice away from him. 

“A-ah no, it’s okay.” His voice is still shaky, cracking oddly as he struggles to maintain a tone that is even remotely effeminate. 

“Aw, please?” Itto mock begs while laughing, even going as far as to offer a spoonful to him like a parent does a child. Gorou sighs, now slightly annoyed and embarrassed that he’s being treated like this. So he grabs Itto’s hand pulling it closer to himself and sticking the utensil in his mouth before looking up. 

Gorou watches as Itto’s Adam's apple bobs up and down as they make eye contact and a vibrant flush slowly grows across his face. 

“Y’know I take it back, I’ll eat it.” Itto quickly says as he not so delicately turns away and wolfs down the rest of the plate.

After eating, the couple resume walking around the festival grounds as they wait for the Naganohara fireworks show to be announced. Most of the time, Itto is rambling on and on while Gorou simply listens, nodding his head and humming to signify that Itto still has his attention. 

A little ways away, Gorou spotted a game booth where the goal of the game looked to be shooting balloons out of the sky. 

“Itto, you wanna try.” He spoke up, interrupting Itto's train of thought. He looked up to where Gorou was pointing to, eyes widening as the booth came into view. 

“Yeah sure, I’ll get you the biggest prize there, ‘kay?” He snickers before tugging Gorou by the arm towards the game. 

Upon getting situated, Itto is standing in an odd stance with his hands wrapped awkwardly around a bow and arrow. Gorou snickers a bit as he watches him struggle, mumbling about how this couldn’t possibly be that hard, 

“If the Tengu can do it, then so can I.” He says, chest puffing out as he draws string back. The arrow shoots into the sky and misses its mark by a good distance, its arc landing it in the ground awarding a grand total of zero points. “I got this, I swear.” He laughs looking back in Gorou’s direction. “Two more shots right?” He asks the man supervising the game who nods in response. 

Itto breathes in, the sound clearly audible despite the bustle of festival activity. He draws again, hands shaking as he struggles to keep ahold of both the bowstring and the nocked arrow before ultimately letting go prematurely, landing the shot less than a few feet away from him. Gorou swears he can hear a muffled ‘shit-’ before Itto goes to take his last shot. 

Unsurprisingly the third ends up similarly on the floor, stuck straight up out of the dirt, hitting in sync with the annoyed click of Itto’s tongue. 

“Okay, maybe it’s a little hard.” He begrudgingly admits before handing the equipment back over.

“It’s alright.” The owner laughs out, which only serves to further embarrass Itto. “Would the young lady like to try too?” He asks, turning towards Gorou who blinks, looking between both him and Itto. 

“Just channel your cousin, Hina.” Itto giggles at his joke before giving a thumbs up. Gorou rolls his eyes, mumbling “you’d be surprised,” as he walks up and accepts the bow and arrows into his hands. 

“Red is worth three points and green is worth one.” The man repeats in practiced monotone before stepping back and out of the way. Gorou nods, gripping the bow in his left hand. It’s slightly uncomfortable with its wood being carved weirdly crooked, not that that surprises him as its intention isn't for practiced shooting. 

He nocks the first arrow, pulling the string back steady as he inhales, releasing as he targets a green balloon closest to himself. It pops satisfyingly upon contact with the arrow’s head, the noise echoing cleanly. He smiles, feeling good as he glances over at Itto behind him who visibly struggles to hold in his excited praise. 

The second shot happens as Gorou adjusts his grip to make up for the unsteadiness of the bow, drawing the arrow back with more strength as he eyes a red target a little further away. An audible pop as the balloon explodes on impact, this time Itto doesn’t hold in his hollering and Gorou lets the smile and blush take over. 

The final shot, he decides he can afford to show off a little bit, zeroing in on a red balloon sitting pretty, high up in the air. He adjusts himself, footing moving slightly as he aims upward, taking the arc of the shot into account. Another steady breath comes and goes as he draws calmly and confidently, the side smirk widening as it inevitably hits its mark and the target pops, muted by its distance. The booth owner whistles and Itto howls yet again, tugging Gorou under his arm and praising him. 

“You’re pretty good at this miss,” The guy says as he walks over holding out two prize options for him. 

“I shoot a little bit.” Gorou replies, eyeing two different plushies held out to him. He glances up at Itto whose arm is still around his shoulders, “Which one do you like better?” He asks and Itto blinks, giving a contemplative hum as he looks. 

“The shiba one reminds me of you.” Itto grins while pointing out the ears which only makes Gorou roll his eyes. He takes it anyway, bowing in thanks to the booth owner before they set off again. “You know I was only kidding when I said ‘channel Gorou’.” Itto mused. 

“I was just taking advantage of the opportunity to show you up.” Gorou replies with a smile as he shrugs. Itto gives a mock gasp as he grips jokingly at his chest. 

“You hurt me, Ms. Hina.” He says with a dramatic sob. Gorou’s smile falters a bit but he laughs anyway, jabbing Itto in the side with his hand before pushing the thought away.

They continue to walk aimlessly for a while and the sun begins to set with its hues dying the ground an orange color. They’re sitting on a bench when a familiar frizzy-blonde bounds up to them with a happy hum. 

“Yoimiya-” 

“How’s your date you two?” She cuts Itto off with a cheeky smile as she rocks on her heels. 

“It’s going-” 

“Great, great, cool so you see that hill up there- yeah I’m gonna need you two to march right up there for me yeah?” She says making no room for protest before she skips away. “ Now , before the fireworks start, preferably.” She adds with her back turned as she runs off. 

The two are left blinking in silence as they watch her disappear into the distance. 

“Well I guess we should go then.” Gorou says, looking to his side where Itto nods in agreement. 

It’s not a long walk, but the toll it takes on Gorou’s feet is painful all the same. He wonders if anybody would notice if he just ditched the shoes and opted to walk around barefoot, but his pride and Hina’s image was on the line so he settled for pressing into Itto’s side to ease the pressure instead. 

“I can carry you if you want.” Itto offers, stopping them on their way up the hill. “You’re limping.” He adds with a smile. Gorou shakes his head, 

“It’s fine, it’s not that much further right.” He says, insistent that he’s fine as he takes another step forward. He fills a resistance and turns his head to see Itto holding onto his hand and shaking his head with his lips downturned. 

“C’mon-” He says, tugging on Gorou’s arm who huffs in response. Almost immediately he’s heaved up into warm arms in a bridal carry that makes him flush like mad. 

“Again, can’t you be any less embarrassing about this.” Gorou hisses out as he covers his face with his hands. Itto just laughs, smiling down as his eyes crinkle at the corners. 

“Absolutely not.” He replies walking forward. 

A foggy memory of a heaving chest and a conversation about pork replays in Gorou’s head, the scene making his chest feel fizzy as it elicits deja vu. 

“You know, I’m getting the strangest deja vu, Hina.” Itto says aloud with a chuckle. “I had to carry your cousin back up to the Kamisato estate once when he got drunk off his rockers a while ago.” Gorou hums, the bittersweet memory now more prominent with Itto’s own mention. 

“I’ll bet he was thankful for it.” Gorou replies without thinking, “I’m sure it made him happy.” Gorou has a faraway look in his eyes as he thinks. 

“He seems like the kinda guy who doesn’t rely on others, yeah?” Gorou frowns, 

“Well when you’re responsible for the lives and well-being of so many people, I’m sure it can be hard right?” Gorou says, his voice low as he picks at the seams of the plush in his hands. 

“Well, you can’t put a front up all the time.” Itto shrugs, setting Gorou gently onto the floor as they reach their destination. 

“No, I guess not..” It’s barely above a mumble, fading away with the wind as Gorou looks up to take in the surroundings. 

It’s not super impressive, a simply decorated area that looks over the festival site and has a clear view of the quickly darkening sky. But it’s nice, the tranquil atmosphere away from the buzz of people is relaxing, letting them have a semblance of privacy to enjoy each other's company. 

“Ladies and Gentleman of Inazuma’s Narukami island, we will be starting the fireworks display shortly.” “Oh good, they’re still close enough to hear the announcements,” Gorou thinks as he sits down on the ground. “First, a few words from our Shirasagi Himegimi, Miss Kamisato Ayaka.” A gentle applause sounded out as she stepped up, a blanket of quiet quickly falling over the crowd soon after.

Gorou zones out, Ayaka’s pretty words fading into white noise as he looks over the crowds below. He spots Ayato and Thoma there, the former with his arms locked around Thoma’s waist as he laughs, a devious glint in his eyes. They’re out of view of the crowd enjoying their own privacy and atmosphere, Gorou smiles again when he catches Thoma’s soft expression as he pushes his partner off of himself. 

A little ways away there's also General Kujou and Kokomi, sitting and chatting amongst themselves. A familiar expression washes over the two of them, something Gorou’s only seen when they’re together. It’s cute he thinks, as he takes in the two of them wearing what looks to be new and matching festival-wear. 

“Whoa the Tengu and Sangonomiya, didn’t see that one coming.” Itto’s leaning forward as he squints when he spots the couple. “Aren’t they like, on opposite sides?” He furrows his brows as he thinks about it. “It’s like one of those trashy light novels from the publishing house.” Itto snorts, “Man- like some dramatic enemies to lovers rom-com or something.” His laughter bellows through the air and is contagious, making Gorou giggle beside him too. 

“The war’s over though.” Gorou adds simply and Itto nods, 

“The conflict of the story will be when they realize they have opposing views about dissolving their military forces and it tears them apart from the inside-out as they try to desperately please their respective councils.” Gorou blinks and stares as Itto continues to talk about various plot points in his randomly conjured story. 

“Have you considered writing?” He asks, almost dumbfounded at how Itto could come up with something so extensive in a matter of minutes. 

“Naw.” He says leaning over and pulling Gorou into his side. “It’d be too much to have two of us working for the fox-lady anyway.” Gorou nods slowly, moving his attention towards the people below again, eyes widening when a familiar pink-haired woman takes center stage. 

“Without further ado, the Naganohara’s fall fireworks display will begin.” Yae’s expression is unchanging as she takes in the crowd. Gorou struggles to tear his gaze away from her, the anxious pounding of his chest making itself prevalent. 

He catches her gaze as she walks off, and he’s sure he imagines it when her eyes glint with something dark and suspicious. She’s too far away to see, he reassures himself over and over again in his head. But the what-if is nauseating as he continues to contemplate the thoughts, and the shame would’ve overwhelmed him if the whistle of explosives didn’t yank him out of his headspace. 

A sea of orange and pink lit up the skies leaving behind a smoky cloud that suffocated and killed the anxious thoughts in Gorou’s head. The display is wondrous and blinding with each explosion somehow louder and more breathtaking than the last. 

It didn’t stop there though, as it continued to escalate with more elaborate patterns, colors, and shapes blooming across darkened skies and stealing the spotlight away from the stars. There was one though, that shook Gorou at his core and grounded him before forcing his heart to skip several beats as it whistled and exploded brilliantly in front of them. 

A series of vibrant blue lights glittered and fizzled away before him, he could practically hear Yoimiya snickering and patting herself on the back. Its light was accented by purple sparks behind it, fading away quickly afterward before rapidfire booms echoed away and resulted in the more over-the-top display of orange and red heart-shaped fireworks. 

Gorou felt something tap him on the cheek, which startled him as he was pulled out of firework-induced trance. Ittos face was flushed bright red, an almost spot on match to the horns on his head despite being heavily tinted by the rainbow fireworks display. 

It happened almost too quickly for him to process. A hand caressing his face, the deafening noise behind him, and the face of the man in front of him moving towards him in both slow motion and rapid speed. 

His eyes are blown open when they meet, and his face burns as the sensation of chapped lips against his processes in his head. Gorou feels both too much and not enough at the same time as he lets the sensation of Itto leaning into him overtake him. 

He acknowledges at that moment that this whole thing was a very bad idea. Despite that, he indulges anyway, letting his eyes slip shut as he reciprocates with the tilt of his head. It was just this once after all.

Chapter Text

The way the sky glittered under Yoimiya’s choice display was absolutely stunning and Thoma had to give her props for the way it’d silenced crowds of people in seconds. Awe-struck sighs filled the air and highlighted the extravagant booming of explosives. 

Beside him, stood Ayato with a child-like wonder in his eyes, an expression he rarely got to witness nowadays. Still within the happy buzz of people and despite the satisfied fullness of his chest, an odd feeling sat at the forefront of his mind. 

It wasn’t his problem to begin with, nor did he have the right to intervene. Gorou was a guest in his home and above that, a high ranking military officer who could handle himself. Prying into his private matters was far outside his jurisdiction as a housekeeper. Still, he let out a dejected sigh as he shifted his weight and watched rainbow sparks fizzle away far above him. 

“That Naganohara girl really outdid herself tonight.” Ayato remarked, sneaking fingers into Thoma’s hand. 

“Mmm, she really went all out this time.” He spoke, the initial thought wasn’t too deep but as explosions continued to play, the displays only became more extravagant. 

“It’s a little romantic isn’t it?” Ayato hummed through his words, squeezing Thoma’s hand gently. 

“Is it? How can you tell?” Thoma looked at Ayato's face which had scrunched up in thought. He shrugged,

“Just a feeling.” He finished. Thoma raised his brow at that but dropped the thought quickly as he was yanked into the commissioner’s arms.

“Are you sure you aren’t just saying that?” He huffed out. Thoma met Ayato’s eyes which crinkled in amusement. 

“Maybe..” His voice was low, barely audible over the noise surrounding them and yet it was so incredibly clear, with a tone that never failed to send shivers down Thoma’s spine. 

Ayato leaned in slowly, titling his head as Thoma followed suit, anticipating the mutual contact of sweet lips on his. 

Seconds, maybe milliseconds before contact, Thoma pulled away, planting two hands firmly on Ayato’s chest as he pushed and split them apart. 

“Thoma-” Ayato caught his arm before they could fully part. “Wh-where are you..” Except the blonde’s eyes were staring straight passed him, fixed on a pink haired woman walking quickly through crowded paths. 

Ayato’s gaze followed Thoma’s and caught the same image of the esteemed Guuji Yae walking purposefully, her smile tight as she greeted bowing passerbys. 

“Do me a favor and keep her occupied for a bit?” Thoma’s voice was hushed and serious, eyes pleading as he met Ayato’s again. 

“What for-” 

“A hunch,” Thoma cut Ayato off before bolting in a direction, leaving him behind both dazed and confused.

Itto’s rough, warm mouth left behind a taste that Gorou could only hopelessly describe as bittersweet. It wasn't the best kiss he’s ever had, in fact it was a far cry from the best, but still it had left him breathless in a way where he found himself wishing for the moment to never end. 

He was left dazed, staring at Itto’s flushed red face as fireworks faded away into the sounds of distant roaring crowds, muted by the ringing in his ears and the overwhelming heat in his chest. 

“I-um W-was.” Itto tripped miserably over his words, turning his head away from Gorou’s staring eyes. “..Thank you- I guess.” 

Gorou only continued to stare, he felt his eyes gloss over as the heat in his chest washed higher and over his face. Speechless, was the only word to describe him at that moment. With his mouth still slightly agape, head spinning with too many thoughts while simultaneously being just as empty. 

“Mmm.” Was the only response he could muster right then. 

“We should..” Itto gave an audible swallow before tentatively turning back to make eye contact. 

“We should..?” Gorou spoke in whispers, still wide-eyed and flushed. 

“We should- do this again, go out I mean.” He swallowed again while fidgeted, pulling anxiously at his pant leg. “That is if you want, of course..” 

“Again,” Gorou echoed after him. The single word tugged his mouth closed and he felt his vision haze over. “I don’t think I can.” He watched as Itto’s eyes widened and Gorou didn’t even have to look at him to see the way Itto’s expression softened from disappointment. 

“Was it something I did?” Neither of them were looking at each other now, and the way Itto’s voice was lowered made Gorou sick. 

He shook his head, afraid of the sound of his own voice. 

“I see.” Itto said, giving a dry laugh before standing up. “I’ll walk you home at least?” Gorou watched as that large, calloused hand was extended out to him. 

If you told him..

He’d hate you, Gorou supplemented the thought, shutting it down quickly before pushing himself to his feet. Itto pulled a tight smile as he pulled his empty hand back. 

“I-I can walk back myself.” He tried his best to keep the words steady and presented neatly behind a polite smile. For once he considered Itto’s denseness a blessing when he’d only nodded leaving Gorou to hobble away. 

“Bye, Hina.” Were the last words Gorou heard, fading away behind him without reciprocation. Gorou was too afraid of the decisions he’d make if he did. 

It was maybe a minute or two, Gorou had been walking, making his way slowly down the hill’s incline when he caught Thoma running full speed.

  He figured the blonde was looking for Ayato, knowing how the guy acted when he’d had a few too many. Except, when they met each other’s gaze, Thoma had fully turned in his direction. Running straight for him. 

“Gh-uh Miss Hina, nice to see you.” Gorou watched as he stood before him, panting out of breath with a smile plastered to his face. “Y-you should uh come with me, I really want this super specific thing signed..” Gorou blinked watching as Thoma frantically looked around. It was as if he was looking for somebody, the bright, tooth-filled grin doing nothing to hide the anxious gaze. 

“I’ve really got to go though.. Maybe next t-” Thoma’s expression was practically begging him, eyes pleading to come along with him. Gorou hadn’t realized the guy was even a fan of his in the first place. “W-well if it’s just this one thing..” 

“Great! Okay, c’mon it’s this way.” He practically shouted, tone sounding strangely relieved before tugging Gorou off by the wrist. 

They ended up crouched under the cover of bushes decorating the edges of the festival sight. With Thoma’s labored breathing and oddly serious expression, Gorou could confidently say he was extremely confused. Why were they hiding? Was Ayato the easily jealous type? Were the Kamisatos a part of some elaborate trafficking scheme? 

“Yae Miko was looking for you.” Thoma stated plainly when he caught his breath, sitting down harshly on the muddy floor. Gorou just looked at him oddly, so why were they being shady and hiding in the bushes? 

“She told you not to come here, right?” He guessed he did tell Thoma that, sort of. Gorou nodded lightly, afraid a sudden movement would knock flat onto the ground and get Yoimiya’s clothes dirty. 

They sat there for a moment, silence sitting between them as they twiddled their thumbs. 

“What are you two doing in the bushes?” Thoma shot up, the movement making his knees pop from the sudden change in position. 

“Yoimiya!” He said before yanking her down into the bush cover with them. She yelped as she nearly crashed into the ground, a noise Gorou couldn’t help but giggle at. 

“And you! Why’d you ditch Itto like that?” Her expression quickly turned angry, brows furrowing up while she frowned and puffed her cheeks out. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere y’know. You couldn’t have let the poor guy down any easier? That was his first kiss you know and now it’s associated with these sappy heartbreak feelings..” She spouted words at rapid fire, words that made Gorou’s chest ache and his saliva sour. 

“I-” 

“Nuh-uh don’t give me that, go make it up to him first. I know you’re into the damn idiot.” She stood quickly, dragging Gorou up with her, but Thoma latched onto him too, preventing the two from leaving their spot behind the foliage. 

“I get that this is important Yoimiya, but I can’t let you two go just yet.” Thoma laughed nervously from where he was crouched, squeezing tightly onto Gorou’s wrist. 

“And why’s that, there is absolutely no good reason for you and some girl to be crouched behind some dinky bush- especially when you sir have a boyfriend of your own.” She huffed, tugging at Gorou’s hand. 

The stiff argument between the two made Gorou a little dizzy, turning his head between the two, praying to whatever archon was there to make the words unstick from his throat. 

“I can’t tell you that Yoimiya.” 

“There should be no reason you can’t Thoma,” 

“Y-you’ll just have to trust me on this one, it’s better of we sit tight here for a bit Yoi-” 

“No! I’ve got priorities, and your little bush antics aren’t one of them.” 

They continued to bicker, Yoimiya’s voice shrill and full volume with Thoma’s a rough hushed-yell in response. 

“You can’t go because he-!” and Gorou felt his heart skip a beat, turning his head so fast it gave him whiplash. He watched as Thoma bit down on his words quickly, but definitely not fast enough that Yoimiya wasn’t able to catch on. 

“Why’re you two..” She released Gorou’s wrist who was now standing dumbfounded in shock. “Why do you two look like that?” Gorou had stumbled back before crouching down and pressing his knees to his chest. 

“I’m so sorry.” Thoma whispered, his eyes apologetic as he winced when he caught the look of shock on Gorou’s face. 

“How long?” Gorou mouthed out while staring at the dirt beneath his feet. Yoimiya was clicking her tongue and speaking above them, yet the two paid her no mind. 

“You’re not exactly the slickest escapee in a dress you know..” Thoma’s laugh was shy, cracking weirdly as he tried to lighten the mood. 

Gorou still made no effort to meet Thoma’s eyes. There were no thoughts, just plain shock. A feeling that left his chest feeling weirdly hollow. Unpanicked in a way that should be described as “relief” but definitely didn’t feel like it.

“I guess not.. Is that why we’re here in this stupid bush?” He pushed his foot into the dirt while he asked the question, he could make out the faint nod of blonde hair in his peripheral. 

“Hey, you two I’m still talking here.” Yoimiya butt in again, pushing her head into their space. “Why’re you all hush-hush again? Her eyes were narrowed now, staring intently as she demanded answers. 

“You don’t have to tell her you know.” Thoma nudged at Gorou who was still looking hard at the ground.

“Tell me what?” She leaned further forward, closing their little three-person circle like children crowding around beetles would. Silence followed, and Thoma shook his head at her, hoping that it would keep her from prying further. 

“Look, if this is about Hina and Gorou being the same person, then don’t even worry about that.” She huffed out. “I realized after trying to dress you this morning.”

At that point Gorou felt like he might keel over and faint at Yoimiya’s words. Because, as of right now, not only was he lying and breaking promises to begin with, but he was evidently terrible at it. The whole situation made him want to laugh, with how comical it was that all these things would just come crashing down on him one after another like this.

Soon, that strange emptiness he felt with Thoma’s confession of his knowledge quickly turned into shame. He looked up to meet Yoimiya whose expression laid unchanging on her features as she pouted childishly, arms crossed as she waited for somebody to speak. 

The voices surrounding him became unclear and fuzzy and the ring in his ears became steadily louder. Gorou couldn’t even feel the tips of his toes or make out the figures in front of him anymore, the only thing he could focus on being the thought of how terrible a person he was. 

On one hand, he wanted to laugh. He wanted to laugh so hard it left him breathless and choking so hard on the lack of air, it made him cry. On the other hand he wanted to bury his head so far into the ground that he suffocated and died. This is what he deserved right? He knew the consequences going into this stupid plan of his, and it was only a matter of time now before somebody like Yae Miko waltzed in on them, huddling stupidly behind the bushes. For certain, this was karma, for thinking that a little bit of happiness like this was worth it. 

“Oh? What do we have here?” A bone chilling shiver ran through the three huddled close to the floor. The sound of her voice shocked Gorou back into the real world. “Thoma and Miss Naganohara..” Yae’s tone was laced with poison with the intent to kill. 

Gorou didn’t dare turn his body, opting to instead dig his nails into his thighs over facing Yae’s all-knowing gaze. 

“Yae Miko! It’s so nice to see you tonight.” Came Thoma’s cheery tone as he stood up. 

“Likewise, Thoma. I was just speaking with the commissioner, you’re doing well I hope?” She spoke eloquently and yet her manner of speaking made Thoma visibly nervous from where Gorou sat. 

“Thank you for your concern ma’am.” He replied carefully before taking a step back as if he was testing how willing Yae was to let them go. “Now if you excuse me, I really have to go..” He reached  out a hand to grab Gorou’s arm signaling they should make a run for it but Yae quickly raised her hand to stop them. 

“Now, now there’s something that has come to my attention that I need to address.” She said coolly. “And I’d appreciate it if you all stood so I can make myself very clear.” Yae’s hands came together with a clap that elicited waves of dread through Gorou’s body. Still, he stood, moving slowly as he pushed himself up on sore feet. She hummed satisfied as she watched, eyes cold and narrow with a near-sadistic gaze.

“My, aren’t you pretty today Ms. Hina?” Yae said in a way that made Gorou sick to his stomach. 

Chapter Text

The warmth of soft lips still lingered on Itto’s own as he watched Hina go. 

He blinked, once, twice, her silhouette fading slowly into the distance away from him and toward muted festival lights. The squeaky ‘goodbye’ still sat sour on his tongue and in his mind. Itto felt oddly cold and disorientated, pain of what he could only call “rejection” running its course through his veins.

 It’d been so good, so what went wrong? He didn’t know, couldn’t fathom what it could be but the resulting consequence was something that didn’t sit right with him. Still Itto only continued to blink, staring wide eyed at the now empty path. 

He debated following her for a brief second, chasing her down. Obviously he’d done something wrong and he had to fix it right? The night had been going so well for them- or at least that’s what it seemed like to him. He should go after her, he knew he at least wanted to, but without knowing what he did? 

Itto took in a sigh, it was heavy in his chest and made him realize he’d been holding breath, the new oxygen forcing feeling back into his toes. He plopped back down into the flattened patch they’d been sitting prior, wide-eyed and confused. Maybe it was something he said? Memories of previous conversation replayed through his mind, but nothing of note popped out to him. Maybe the cake stand owner embarrassed her, or the game booth manager? 

Off to the side sat the dog plush prize, abandoned on its side in the dirt. One of them must have dropped it, so Itto reached over and picked it up, sitting it upright in his lap. 

The toy had round cheeks and the texture was nicely plush with a face that squished satisfyingly under Itto’s fingers. It sat there with its cute innocent smile and adoring eyes, unphased as Itto methodically squeezed and released its snout. 

He thumbed over the dog’s threaded mouth, upturned in a cutesy grin that only served to  remind him of Hina’s own soft smile. A thought hit him then too, maybe it was the kiss? 

Itto, being of oni descent, had few friends or even people who were willing to talk to him. Even fewer of those people were willing to go out with him under romantic pretext. He pursed his lips, maybe it’d been the wrong time to go for it, maybe instead of bringing them closer the sudden kiss had been a line he should’ve never crossed in the first place. 

He could’ve chalked it up to an innocent mistake. It’s not like he knew that type of thing would push somebody away so quickly. 

But it was his fault regardless. 

If he’d been more tactful, or had been able to get somebody else’s opinion beforehand, or just asked her rather than get caught up in the heat of the moment. He squeezed the plush in his hand again, so hard it took a few seconds longer to regain its shape after he let go. 

Maybe if he’d been better about it, this wouldn’t have happened. Maybe they’d still be next to each other, hand in hand and enjoying innocent laughter. Itto leaned back, laying flat against the ground now, staring up at the trees with their falling leaves blowing away with the night wind. 

“Hey.” A figure with light footsteps echoing in crunching leaves walked up above him. He hummed back at it. “I’m talking to you Itto..” The person crouched down, making herself known as blonde hair also blew in the breeze. 

“What do you want?” He asked her, not even bothering to make eye contact. 

“As your wingwoman, I want to know where your new potential significant other is.” She leaned her head into her knees as she peered down at Itto’s listless face. “Did something happen?” Itto hummed again, low and coming off in an annoyed manner that he didn’t intend. “It can’t be that bad, what’d you do to scare them this time?” 

Itto didn’t reply, silence washing over the two of them until Yoimiya huffed with her cheeks puffing out. “You can’t hide it from me you know, I’ve known you too long.” She poked his forehead repeatedly until Itto swatted at her hands and sat up with a sigh.

“I think..” Yoimiya hummed at him, encouraging him to continue. He stuffed his hand into his hair, pulling through thick silver strands as he averted his eyes. “I mean I did.. ” 

“Did what?” 

“I kissed her.” Itto’s face flushed pink but his heart sank upon saying it out loud. Yoimiya in front of him widened her eyes a bit as she struggled to hold back the twitch of her lips. 

“Okay.” She said slowly, “Did she kiss you back?” She asked, tilting her head. 

“I mean-” He replayed the moment in his head. His hand on her face and warm, reciprocating mouth pressed up against his. The softness of their breathing that was somehow louder than all of the fireworks combined that went off in that second. “I..” 

“You..?” Yoimiya was doing her best not to push, but the way she leaned forward was telling. 

“I think,” He landed on with an awkward chuckle. 

“You think?” She repeated and Itto nodded back. “Okay.. So what’s so bad about that?” She too plopped down onto the floor from where she was crouched, a soft reassuring smile presenting itself while she waited. 

Itto’s breathing was shallow as he stared down at his lap, picking at the seams of the plushie’s head. “I just-” He breathed out, the exhale sounding frustrated. “I don’t think she wanted that- I'm pretty sure I went too far.” He squeezed his hands, nails digging into the pillowy fabric of the toy. Yoimiya beside him exhaled too but made no sound afterward. They sat there like that for a minute, maybe two, staring at the floor in comfortable stillness. 

“Stay here.” She finally said. 

“What?” 

“I said stay here, don’t move okay, I’ll be back.” Yoimiya stood quickly, the movement rustling Itto’s hair and causing him to blink. 

“Where are you-” 

“Trust me okay, just stay put alright?” And off she went, jogging away before Itto could get another word in. 

At this point, Itto felt it was pointless to go after her,  Yoimiya was just as hard-headed as he was and five times more passionate, something proudly displayed by her fiery-glowing pyro vision. If she wanted something, she’d get her way rules be damned. It was why they got along so well despite how often they butt heads. 

Still, this was his mess and his pride wouldn’t let the local fireworks lady pick up after him because she told him so. 

Yoimiya’s ‘stay here’ echoed in his mind like a ringing bell but frankly he didn’t care, his need to take matters into his own hands trumped all after all. It stomped over the looming threat of Yoimiya’s reprimands and effectively trampled the sour guilt he felt from messing things up between him and  Ms. Hina. He was going to fix the problem himself, just like he’d done all his life. 

He let one more second go by, taking a deep breath in filled with the cool night air until it was too much and he ended up in a coughing fit. Itto stood after that, picking up the plush toy and tucking it under his right arm before walking down the hill. If anything at least, he could give back the prize Hina’d won with her near military-efficient archery ability. 

Itto laughed at the thought, the memory of her shoulders pulled back as she breathed steadily, locking onto floating targets with deadly aim. 

“So where have you been all night Ms.Hina? I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” Yae’s gaze was cold and venomous despite her polite smile. It only made Gorou swallow, his mouth was dry and his body felt heavy standing under her shadow. 

“I-uh wasn’t aware..” He said softly, flinching when Yae shifted her weight. He felt pathetic standing there. In women’s clothing trembling under the gaze of a shrine maiden despite his many titles. 

Yae raised her brow up and crossed her arms, expression shadowed but strangely amused with Gorou’s response. 

“Oh? Is that so?” She clicked her tongue and it made Gorou flinch again. He pursued his lips, barely holding in the innate reaction to flatten his ears or tuck his tail around his leg. “Well then I should remind you of the things you seem to have forgotten.” She grinned ear-to-ear, eerie and wide. Gorou averted his eyes toward the ground, seeing Thoma’s shoes beside his own and choosing to focus his gaze there instead. 

“For one, I explicitly told you that coming here is a huge risk that could’ve ended very badly.” She breathed harshly through her lecture and Gorou felt his chest grow heavier. 

“You could’ve been swarmed by fans which could have damaged not just your own, but the house’s reputation.” She paused to brush pink hair behind her. 

“You’re extremely lucky that you didn’t get hurt beyond your feet, and that the only people you outed yourself to are these two.” She clicked her tongue, and her words only became more annoyed. 

“Had it been any worse the consequences would’ve ended with you embarrassing not just yourself, but me and everybody associated with me.” She sighed again before bringing her arms down to her side,

 “I expected you to be better General Gorou, you should be ashamed.” She huffed her sentence out with finality and a tone so disappointed that it made Gorou feel so full of guilt that he wanted nothing more than to crawl into a hole and lay there. 

“With all due respect ma’am, you can’t just dictate whatever Gorou does with his life.” It was Thoma who spoke this time. Stepping forward with an angry scowl replacing his normally bubbly grin. “He’s not just some employee you can manipulate to get whatever you want.” He spoke with a voice that was so uncharacteristically angry that even Yae was taken aback. “Gorou has earned the freedom to do as he wishes, especially with all that he’s done for us in the resistance.” Yae sighed and pushed her weight back on her foot as she opened her mouth to respond, 

“I’m as grateful as anybody for his contributions but we all can’t afford to be selfish like that. The general should know that first hand, and I expected-” 

“This isn’t the war lady Miko, and General Gorou doesn’t deserve-” 

“General Gorou..?” The voice was low and questioning, its familiar sound forcing Gorou to snap his head up to meet the owner’s frazzled expression. “You..” The word came out sounding absolutely dumbfounded and Gorou swallowed hard, the other three taking in a deep breath beside him. “But I thought-” 

“Itto-” Yoimiya squeaked out softly as she stepped forward. 

“You- did you know?” He asked between airy disbelieving laughter. Yoimiya just pursed her lips at him. 

From where Gorou stood, he could feel his heart sink to his feet, and all the feelings inside of him bubbled up full-force in his head, only barely held back by rapidly fading professionalism. 

“Ms. H- I mean..” Itto exhaled slowly, brows slightly furrowed in. “I’m sorry, I just- didn’t expect to find out you’d been hiding this from me you know.” He ended with a nervous laugh as he ran fingers through silver hair. 

Gorou stood still, barely moving, barely breathing as he felt the imaginary weight fall on him crushing any means of saving face he had left. He could feel it now, as his eyes blurred and the night sky meshed with the figures in front of him. His face warmed and his fingers went numb with how completely and utterly embarrassed he felt. 

“Gorou..” He felt a hand brush over his shoulder before settling there and rubbing slow circles into him. His face burned hot now as his eyes stung, salty with tears that threatened to overwhelm and spill over. 

He was sure somebody was still talking, rambling with their familiar low hum that had once comforted him. Gorou stood still staring and not blinking for fear his red face would become a tear-stained one against his will. 

“Gorou, I’m sorry.” Came Itto’s voice all too clearly.

Oh .

He didn’t know what to do anymore or how he should react but his first instinct was to shove Thoma’s hand from his shoulder, so he did. He held his lips tight together, holding his breath as his face burned while he kicked off his shoes, abandoning the offending items and setting his feet onto the dirt below. 

Afterward he turned, walking away quickly before he could be told to stay. 

Gorou was sure there were voices calling after him, but he couldn't hear them, their sound blocked out and morphed into distorted versions amplified by the static in his brain. He was surely crying now, as he felt hot tears slide down his face. They dripped down his cheeks, distorting any sort of makeup that was left there and leaving behind his own face, ugly and red. 

He wasn’t even sure if he was breathing anymore as he walked in his lonesome. The vague feeling of his chest heaving was automatic but the air wasn’t something he could feel anymore. The once familiar, crisp, night air was exchanged for something that burned and stung his lungs and face. 

Images of the night before it all fell apart before him played in his head without his consent. A happy day of shared laughter and the sweet taste of sugar, he longed for it all over again and it made him bitter as he walked. 

Still, it replayed and replayed, over and over again all with the words ‘you’re selfish’ stamped over the top of it. Yae was right, he knew better, he knew it could only end bad and yet he still wanted and wanted so badly. 

He longed for those calloused hands and too-loud laughter, wished for that dining room where he felt like he belonged and could just be Gorou . But instead he was left here, walking the dirt roads by himself dressed in the leftovers of a facade that he couldn’t even keep up.

Chapter Text

“Gorou I- I’m really sorry.” Itto took a deep breath in and closed his eyes. “I didn’t mean andImeanreallydidn’tmean to come onto you so strongly uh-like so I understand if you never want to see me again or whatever - haha - but now that you’ve sprung this whole-

“Gorou where’re you going?” Thoma’s voice, loud and concerned, cut over Itto’s rambling and he opened his eyes. 

The muted thud of shoes hitting the ground came, followed by Gorou’s downturned expression and glassy eyes. Thoma reached out, a limp hand extending reluctantly toward his shoulder only to be swatted away harshly by clawed fingers. 

Itto could only stare as Gorou took off once again, limping on his right side and clenched hands fixed into the fabric of his clothes. 

“Where is he,” He took a step forward only to be pulled back by Yoimiya’s hand on his arm. Her lips were pressed so hard together that the corners turned white as she shook her head. Somewhere off to the side he could hear Yae Miko clicking her tongue, pink strands fluttering and swept up with late night winds as she turned on her heel. 

“You really couldn’t let this one slide?” Thoma spoke up, still staring hard at the floor, despite that his words still stopped Yae who didn’t even bother to turn. 

“It always starts off small.” Her words were simple, yet laced with a bitterness that left your throat dry. She let it hang in the air for a while longer before moving forward yet again. 

Silence.

  Awkward, unsatisfying silence that rang in your ears you could almost describe it as excruciatingly loud. Minutes pass and the padding of feet even out as festival-goers leave the premises to turn in for the night, safe in their homes accompanied by friends, family, and lovers.

“Ah- There you guys are I thought I lost you Thoma, and company..” Ayato blinked, expression falling when he came upon the group and their distraught atmosphere. 

“I’m gonna find him.” Itto said aloud, voice echoing so loudly that it made the others wince. He shrugged off Yoimiya’s hand before starting off, only for Thoma to step in front of him. “Move, short stuff.” He said sternly as he pushed his chest out, but Thoma stood unwavering. Itto clicked his tongue, putting his hand on the housekeeper’s shoulder and squeezing. “I’m the one that upset him, so I’m gonna make it right.” He furrowed his brows, an uncharacteristic scowl forming. “Move.” He said again. 

“Itto just wait-” 

“For what Yoimiya? You know I can’t just wait . And I’m sure there’s a reason right?” He bit his lip, pushing down on Thoma’s shoulder to move him from his path. “A real man would never lie about anything unless it was for a damn good reason.” He smiled softly to himself, “And Ms.Hina.. well- Gorou is a good person, the best really.” His words settled into the night air, the four of them at a standstill, watching with pursed lips as they waited. 

“I will be dead honest with you three, I haven’t a clue what this ordeal is about.” Ayato stepped forward, feet clicking softly as he moved. He laid his own set of pale finger’s across Itto’s bulky hand and squeezed firmly before releasing his grip on Thoma’s shoulder and pushing the hand aside. “But I would appreciate it if you didn’t bruise my housekeeper.” He grinned narrowly, wrapping an arm around Thoma. “That’s my job-ow” Ayato inhaled and Thoma beside him turned his head. 

“There are bigger problems at hand, my lord.” He commented and Itto just blinked, 

“It’s your job to what, my dude?” 

“Don’t call me ‘your dude’ and do you mind informing me of whatever issue we seem to be having here.” 

“So you’re telling me Gorou doesn’t just have a locally famous cousin, he is said locally famous cousin.” Thoma nodded and Ayato crossed his arms. “Interesting, interesting.” He hummed, eyeing Itto from where he stood, watching how the crimson oni fidgeted in his spot, shifting his weight from left to right in an agitated manner. “And you asked him out on a date.” Itto paused, nodding frantically.

“So-uh can I go now that you’re caught up n’ everything it’s getting late and he’s still I dunno, crying somewhere inhislonesome..” Itto ran his hands through his hair again and bit his lip as he watched Ayato’s eerily amused expression. 

“Well if I’m being completely honest with you, he’s probably already gone back to the estate so there’s likely nothing to worry about concerning his physical wellbeing.” Ayato grinned cheekily, eyes squinting in a snake-like manner. 

“But still, I can’t just leave it like this, if I never came onto him in the first place we wouldn’t be here.” Itto frowned, visibly uncomfortable at the prospect of leaving the issue unresolved. “Let me come back with you guys at least, my pride as a man won’t let me-“ 

“Are you sure he wants that?”

“What? Why wouldn’t he?” Itto tilted his head, eyes widened and confused at Ayato’s words. 

“Think about it Arataki, he’s overwhelmed and upset. Don’t you think the last thing he needs is you barking your apology at him only to spit and shake on an agreement to be ‘just bros’.” Itto sucked in his bottom lip, letting Ayato’s words roll in his head. 

“You really think it’d be better for him that way?” He finally asked. Ayato nodded back and Itto sucked in another hefty breath, “Tomorrow.” Both Ayato and Thoma raised their brows at that, 

“What about tomorrow?” Ayato reluctantly asked.

“Tomorrow, I want to see him.” The tone Itto used was comically serious even for him, with his voice low and steady as he talked. 

“There’s still at least a week before they go back to Watatsumi, I think he’ll need a little more than-” 

“Tomorrow, promise me okay?” Itto cut in over Thoma who’d protested his request. Ayato couldn’t hold in the giggle that bubbled out of him. 

“Even after all this huh? How hard did you fall for the general, Arataki?” Red flush bloomed over Itto’s face and he scrunched his face. 

“It’s not- I’m just-” Itto tripped over his tongue, caught off guard by Ayato’s teasing laughter. 

“Tomorrow then. You owe me though, bro. ” Ayato finished before turning tail and pulling Thoma along, down the path back to the estate. 

Gorou was indeed not back at the estate like Ayato had said. 

“To be fair dear, I did say probably.” He bit out, words laced with bitter annoyance. 

“Well my lord, that’s not exactly the problem here.” Thoma sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. 

“Maybe wake Lady Sangonomiya and-” 

“She’s not here my lord.” Thoma replied bluntly. Ayato took a breath through his nose as he bit his lip. 

“Right, she’s probably off frolicking around with Kujou right about now.” Ayato averted his eyes when Thoma shot a glare at him. “And you’re positive he’s not in the courtyard.” Thoma shook his head again. “ Great .” He spat, “Did any of the other houseworkers here happen to see him?” Again the blonde head of hair shook from side-to-side. 

“I checked the guestrooms, and his stuff is gone though.” Thoma said quietly, Ayato groaned loudly at that, head tilting back and thudding against the wall. 

“So you’re telling me he came here, snuck by everybody and then hightailed it out of here with his luggage.” Thoma only shrugged, helpless expression upturning slowly as he watched Ayato’s own become more disheveled. 

“He is a high ranking officer of the Watatsumi island military, my lord.” Ayato rolled his eyes, sighing again as he shut his eyes. 

“It’s easy to forget that when he looks like a kid on their birthday every time you feed him something sweet.” Ayato slumped down against the wall, burying his head in his hands, 

“My lord?” Thoma asked as he made his way over to him, running hands through pale blue hair. Suddenly Ayato flung his head up, grabbing Thoma’s hand and squeezing it firmly.

“Hey Thoma, do you think this warrants the Shuumatsuban?” 

“Itto you’re really- and I mean really worked up about this.” After the others had finally made their way out of view, Itto and Yoimiya were left sitting on rough patches of dirt while stall-workers quietly cleaned up around them. 

“I am not worked up, I’m just,” He breathed deeply as he pushed at his cheeks with his fingertips. 

“Yeah, you are Itto.” Yoimiya leaned forward, clasping her hands over Itto’s face across his hands. “He’ll be fine, relax , more importantly are you okay?” She frowned as she looked into his eyes. 

“Why wouldn’t I be?” His smiled widely and Yoimiya squeezed his face harder, “Wouldshyou shtop’at.” His words were unintelligible now but she kept going, pulling and pushing at his face. 

“You really want me to believe that?” She prodded with a tone opposite her signature bubbliness. “You found out this woman you’ve been pining over turns out to be not a woman at all and you’re still this adamant on trying to fix things with him when he outright deceived you first.” Itto just shrugged, 

“Doeshit mather?” He pulled his face away from Yoimiya’s hands to lean back, “We wronged each other and grams always tells us two wrongs don’t make a right.” He grinned before taking his hand and squeezing Yoimiya’s face in return, “Besides, you were in on it, why’re you all concerned now?” She smacked at his arm, eyebrows scrunched up as she tried to pull away. 

“Cud’at ouf.” He shook his head, giggling as he watched her pull at his wrists. “Just tell me first.” He said pushing the skin of her face up so it squished her face up like a fish. 

Eventually she relented, smacking at Itto’s arm for good measure which pulled a giggle from the both of them. “Helieksh you.” She finally says. When the words leave her mouth, Itto just squints, biting his lip as he decodes her phrase. 

“What?” He lets go and immediately, Yoimiya’s hands shoot up to rub circles on sore cheeks. 

“Or at least I think.” She pauses to take in Itto’s expression, “Also I wasn’t in on it , I only found out right before your little date.” 

“And you didn’t think that was important enough to tell me?” Itto stared back at her, gesturing nonsensically as she shrugged. 

“I figured he had a plan, I dunno.” A night breeze blew over them, the cool air pulling visible shivers out of the two. “Hey, Itto,” 

“What now?” He asked, turning his head away from her. 

“What’re you planning to say to him anyway?” Another breeze blew by, not as chilly but instead it whistled loudly as it passed the two.

“I’m not sure.” Itto said.

“Would you still want to be with him now that he’s not Ms. Hina?” She asked turning away, Itto made an audible breath and his exhale became visible among the growing darkness. 

“I don’t know.” He said again. 

They sat there for a while, letting the easy silence overtake them until eventually the last few people cleared out of the area. The moon now high in the sky as the sole source of light amongst the glittering stars. Only when the wind began to pick up again did Yoimiya suggest they head back. 

“It’s late, we can figure this out in the morning hmm?” She said as she picked herself up, extending one hand out to the oni. “We’ll get up bright and early to visit the Kamisato house, yeah?” She smiled lightly as Itto took her hand. 

“That won’t be possible.” A high pitched voice sounded out from above them, followed by a yawn. 

“What do you mean-” 

“Mister general-guy is not there.” A little girl fell from a tree with a quiet thud as she landed easily on the floor, yawning yet again as she stood up. “Er- that’s all I was told to tell you.” She clicked her tongue as she tilted her head up to make eye contact with Itto and Yoimiya respectively before rolling her eyes and pulling her hood down in front of her eyes. 

“What do you mean by that, tanuki-kiddo.” Itto asked and the girls face scrunched up immediately, 

“I’m not a tanuki- and I’m not a little kid.” She huffed, stomping her foot into the dirt, “And I mean exactly what I said, the general-dog-man is not there.” 

“Are you sure, you look like a tanuki to me-” 

“I am not a tanuki.” 

“But-” 

“Okay!” Yoimiya cut in, “It’s too late for this, can you just please explain what you mean by 'he’s not there', Sayu?” Sayu crossed her arms as she glared back at Itto who just raised his brow at her, 

“I already said, I was told to tell you that some general guy isn’t with Mister Kamisato.” She clicked her tongue before rummaging around in her pocket. “I’m leaving now..” 

“But he does know where he is though right?” Itto spoke up, half yelling with his fists clenched. 

“No.” She replied bluntly, voice squeaking as she stifled another yawn before finally pulling out a folded leaf in her pocket. “Oh- but I heard the retainer saying that he’d taken his stuff with him.” Sayu finished as she planted said leaf on her forehead and disappeared in a puff of smoke. 

Once it cleared away the two stood, pale-faced as they processed the recent news. 

“But bro said-”

“But he’s not..” Yoimiya sighed as she buried her face in her hands. 

“I’m gonna go look for him,” Itto said, voice rumbling low in his chest with stern resolve. 

“But you don’t even know what you’re gonna tell him, let alone where he is.” Yoimiya rushed forward after Itto who’d began the trek back into the main city, 

“It doesn’t matter right now, and like I said, it was my fault to begin with.” He said pulling away. 

“You’re an idiot, you know that?” Came Yoimiya’s reply. 

Somewhere in Ritou, sat Gorou, existing silently on a bench near the docks as he waited for the first boat back to Watatsumi. 

“Kokomi’s going to kill me later.” He folded his arms as wind blew past him and made the hair on his arms raise. 

Chapter Text

While the moon lay high in the sky and the autumn night air grew ever colder, Yoimiya and Itto walked through the now mostly-quiet Inazuma city. 

“Itto we’ve been out here for hours, I don’t think he’s even in the city anymore.” Yoimiya slid hands over her crossed arms as a particularly sharp breeze blew past. “We’ve already asked the inns, they all said nobody’s come by recently.” Itto turned toward her, placing hands into silver hair and tugging through it with a groan. 

“Well where else could he be, none of bro’s little ninja people have popped up either.” Yoimiya’s lips pulled into a thin line at Itto’s impatient tone, making deliberate eye contact as she shifted her weight. 

“No clue.” She replied after a beat, eliciting yet another groan out of the oni. “But he sure as hell isn’t behind that empty fruit stand.” Yoimiya watched as Itto fidgeted with empty crates behind a wooden cart, throwing them around haphazardly as if it would unveil something new.

“Well you don’t seem to have any better ideas, at least I’m doing something.” Itto retorted, annoyed, voice cracking as he grew more and more impatient. 

“Calm down, calm down,” She moved forward, setting a hand on Itto’s shoulder as he crouched to the floor. “Let’s go sit down for a bit, recollect ourselves hmm?” Her eyes softened when Itto looked up, his expression looking hopelessly worried. 

The two found a patch of grass not far from the Tenryou commission’s front gates where they plopped down, letting themselves relax for the time being. Still, Itto fidgeted with his fingertips, pulling at them as he bit his bottom lip, staring off into the darkening city roads. Yoimiya watched him for a moment before shoving a warm hand over his. 

“Are you sure you’re okay?” She asked, urgent and leaning into his space. When Itto continued to stare, she sighed. “Look at me,” She said harshly, and with it came Itto’s gaze. 

“I just,” He breathed, pulling his hands back from hers, “I’m worried about the guy.” Yoimiya leaned back on her heels humming, 

“I mean I was the beginning of the whole domino effect for him,” He looked up at her, brows furrowed and eyes glassy, nose reddened from the chill of night air. “You saw his face when he up n’ booked it, a guy like that- he’s gotta be hurting, to pull a face like that..” 

“You’re really not mad at him huh?” Yoimiya asked. Itto shook his head, a small smile pulling at his face. 

“Naw, there’s no point in making him feel worse about it.” He paused to drop the grass blades he’d been pulling up beside him, “Besides, I’ve probably done dumber stuff.” 

“Oh, so you admit it?” Yoimiya pulled a grin as Itto frowned immediately, 

“No-” A high-pitched squeak sounded out from the surrounding area, startling both Itto and Yoimya. 

“Your hands are cold, stop touching my face.” Came a voice, its reprimanding words laced with slurred giggling. 

“If your face wasn’t so red, maybe my hands would be warmer, divine priestess.” From where he stood, Itto’s eyes widened and before he knew it the words flew out of his mouth before he could think about it. 

“Tengu?” He called out, a bajillion notches too loud and startling the now flustered couple away from each other. Yoimiya shoved him harshly, an annoyed ‘what?’ falling from Itto’s mouth. 

“Uh-um Arataki and Naganohara, is it? How-uh-” 

“What’re you two doing out here, go home.” Sara cutover Kokomi’s stuttering phrases, but the bright red flush of her face betrayed her and made the Kujou-typical commanding tone much less intimidating. 

“Your face is red Kujou Tengu,” Itto teased, words drawn out as he wagged a finger at her. Yoimiya hit him again. 

“State your business, or leave, Arataki.” She said harshly, gritting her teeth and visibly clenching her jaw. Itto threw his hands up in response, feigning innocence as he turned to step in the other direction. 

“Alright but-” 

“Actually, we have a question.” Yoimiya spoke up, glaring in Itto’s direction pointedly seconds passing before he raised his brows and mouth an elongated ‘Oh.’ Sara gestured her hand, crossing her arms as she settled her weight back onto her side. “Um- have you happened to see General Gorou anywhere recently?” She asked slowly, watching as the two womens’ expressions shifted into mild confusion. 

“No, we haven’t, is he not at the Kamisato Estate?” Kokomi spoke up from where she stood, lacing a hand into Sara’s crossed arms. Both Yoimiya and Itto shook their heads and Kokomi pulled a frown. “It’s late, surely he should be there by now.” 

“Yeah, but he’s kinda not, fish-princess.” Itto said, silence falling between them. Yoimiya hit him yet again and Sara squinted in his direction. 

“Well then where did he go?” Kokomi asked, audibly struggling to keep her tone composed. “And why is he not, I don’t know, sleeping?” She was frowning now, bringing hand up to her mouth. 

“Well he, er I maybe, made him really upset because my actions accidentally outed him as-” Yoimiya kicked Itto in the back of the leg this time. 

“You never know when to shut up, do you?” She sighed. Kokomi’s eyes stared, expression bewildered, Sara beside her nodifferent. 

“At times like this, I wish your little deputy wasn’t such a good lawyer.” Sara said aloud, exasperated and pinching the bridge of her nose. 

“Well, did you ask the Inns here?” Kokomi asked. 

“Yes, we looked through the whole main city, he’s not here.” Yoimiya scoffed at Itto who knelt close to the floor rubbing his leg. “Sayu came by, said his stuff isn’t in the guestroom anymore.” At that Kokomi’s eyes widened, 

“Did you check the docks? Out in Ritou, he might be trying to catch the first boat back.” 

“No of course not, it’s cold near the water at night, and lodging in Ritou is booked full anyway.” 

“So, my general is waiting on some bench out in the cold by himself?” Sangonomiya Kokomi, who was typically known for her sweet words that were hard to say no to, now spoke with a poison that made even Kujou Sara straighten her posture. “You, oni.”

“Uh, Yes ma’am?” 

“Whatever you did, fix it.” 

“Of course.” Itto swallowed, as Kokomi’s round eyes stared toward him.” She smiled, something sickeningly sweet as she beckoned for them to get a move on. 

“Are you-uh, not coming?” Itto dared to ask the two. They blinked back, milliseconds of silence feeling like an eternity. 

“We’ll meet you there.” Kokomi smiled thinly, tilting her head as her eyes wrinkled at their corners.

“Okay..” He watched her, turning his body towards the road. “Hey, are you sure-” 

“Hurry up, we don’t have all night.” Yoimiya said, shoving him along, face beet red as she grumbled, annoyed with how obtuse the crimson oni could be. 

“Archons, it’s cold out here.” Gorou mutters to himself, sniffling loudly before adjusting folded arms. The hair on his arms was standing straight up as frigid wind blew past, howling louder and louder. The idea of simply going back was a tempting one, with the cold, autumn-night temperatures in Ritou at the moment. But each time Gorou contemplated facing awkward interactions with both the Kamisato family and lady Sangonomiya, he shivered ever violently. 

Irrational as it was, the embarrassment of his predicament was somehow far worse than dealing with the freezing temperatures for a few more hours. At least that’s what he thought, surely it’d only be awhile longer until the clouds parted and the early-morning rays of sun would come right? 

Gorou’s leg shook as he waited, sitting on that wooden bench with nothing but the sounds of wind, water, and the steady tap of his foot against paved ground to accompany him. He took a deep breath, looking up towards the now unilluminated docks of Ritou, releasing said air and watching as it made itself visible in front of him. He shook again, feeling the shiver run its course down his spine and moving his tail. 

Figuring nobody was around to judge him anyway, he pulled the furry appendage into his lap, holding it close to his chest and breathing hot air into his own fur. Archons what he would give to be bundled up in warm blankets, tail tucked into himself as he lay there comfortably and at peace.

His mind drifted, the daydream of warm blankets wrapped over his body slowly replaced with the intrusive thoughts of strong arms and comforting body warmth. Gorou found himself drifting, eyes falling as he let himself entertain thoughts of those wonderfully large, calloused, hands carding through his hair, over his arms, through his tail. He absently felt his eyes begin to  water, the signature sting and sour warmth threatening to wash over yet again. In response, he pushed his face further down in an attempt to stop it in its tracks, his eyes were already irritated enough. 

“Gorou, are you out here?” an effeminate voice called, the tone shrill and clearly worried. It shook him from his thoughts, forcing him to take a sharp breath in before prying himself from his curled up position. He looked up and surely, a little distance away was her signature frizzy hair. 

“Puppy-er, Gorou, you out here dude?” Another voice added in, and the sound of it made his heart sink. 

Sure enough, following closely behind Yoimiya was the crimson oni himself, horns and all, his bellowing voice amplified by the hands wrapped around his mouth. Leave . Was all Gorou could think, all he wanted to do, so he did. Padding away briskly, silently, while the pair were still just out of ear shot.  

He was a good distance away when he gasped at the realization he’d left his things tucked underneath that damp, wooden bench. 

“ Shit- ” He murmured to himself, turning on his heel, ready to rush back and get rid of the evidence he’d been there in the first place. 

“Hey Yoimiya, look’ere,” Itto called out to the woman, holding up Gorou’s haphazardly packed luggage in one arm. 

“Huh, so Sanganomiya was right, she’s good.” Yoimiya hummed, taking the bags from Itto’s grasp. “Well, he can’t be far now, let’s look around, yeah?” Itto nodded whipping around toward Gorou’s general direction. Gorou held his breath, sinking low to the ground and inching backward to remain out of sight.

“Maybe he's taking a piss.” Itto said, thoughtfully and Yoimiya pulled a face. “What? There’s so much water here, I wouldn’t be able to last this long without at least one tinkle break.” The word choice made Gorou also pull a face equal to Yoimiya’s, minorly baffled as to why this was the man his touch-starved brain attached itself to. 

“I hate that I even have to acknowledge that this is a legitimate suggestion, Arataki.” 

“Hey, I have good ideas, and you know it.” She sighed again, walking up the path a bit in the opposite direction. 

“I’ll go this way, okay?” Itto gave a thumbs up and moved yet again in the direction of Gorou’s hiding place. 

Itto hovered for a good while, always close, but never far enough that Gorou deemed the distance enough for him to make an escape. He figured, screw his things, Kokomi would probably bring them back home anyway. 

“Listen, I know you’re here puppy, or at least I hope so.” Itto suddenly said aloud, startling Gorou just a bit. “It’d be awkward if I was just talking to the air here.” Itto hummed loudly, the buzzing sound low and bass-filled. Gorou’s ears fluttered recalling the way that same voice felt vibrating against his face, when he’d been tired and wrapped by Itto’s unwavering arms. 

If Gorou was being honest, he was tired now, and found it hard keeping himself alert when his face was still irritated, while he was sitting crouched low to the floor in the shadows, cold and exhausted. 

“I-uh I’m not upset about the Hina thing, if you’re worried about that,” Itto started again as he continued to walk aimlessly. Gorou let himself lay his head back against the wall nearest him, letting out a breathy exhale into his hands. He supposed that it was a good thing, that Itto wasn’t too bothered from getting set up. At least he would leave Narukami with one good thing on his conscience. 

“And uh- I’m sure that the others aren’t mad either, of course I don’t really know that, but, like bro’s a good guy, I’m sure at least he’ll be on your side at least.” Itto began to ramble and Gorou watched from a few feet away as he combed through silver strands using his blackened fingertips. “And that fish-princess-lady- shoot what’s her name- Sango? Uh Sango- Sango-no-maguro? I think that’s a fish- anyways she’s really worried about you too, so that’s them at least.” Gorou found himself smiling at the nonsense words spilling from Itto’s mouth, he sat there, letting himself relax a bit more on that dirt-covered floor, burying his giddy grin in his hands. 

“Look, if you’re here can we just- I dunno talk a bit? I wanna make things right, this is my fault after all.” Itto let out an audible breath, the air loud as he blew raspberry through his lips. 

In spite of all of it, Gorou felt his chest pang, guilt of his actions built up over at least a month rising. The voice in his head saying he was still better off not saying anything, cutting the guy off before he subjected him to more of his stupid, selfish mistakes. Because, from now on Gorou had to be responsible, a military leader worthy of being looked up to by family, by friends, by his peers. That meant no more playing around here in Narukami where the festivals were loud and the people were kind. Where the fireworks made your heart palpitate and the food had you salivating at the mention of it. 

Gorou closed his eyes, just once, because his head hurt and he was tired and he was freezing . It’d been at least a half hour by now, surely Itto wouldn’t find him anytime soon. 

“Hey, you asleep?” Well now he definitely wasn’t. 

Gorou opened heavy lidded eyes to see Itto’s massive figure leaning over him. Soft expression looking down as Gorou rubbed at his face. 

“What do you want?” He asked, the words burned his throat, coming out bitter and annoyed when really they weren’t. 

“Not sure, didn’t really think about that part.” Gorou pulled his lips into a line at Itto’s sheepish smile, averting his eyes when the oni moved to sit beside him, there in the shadow of some alley wall in Ritou. 

“Well if you have nothing to say, I’m leaving.” Gorou said, near inaudible as he moved to stand. Itto caught his wrist, yanking him back down with a smidge too much force. 

“Sorry about that, and I changed my mind, I want something.” Itto stared deep into Gorou’s irritated red ones, strong and hopeful. “First, I want to apologize.” He paused, “For kissing you,” Gorou didn’t even have a chance to hide the frown that formed almost immediately, 

“If that’s it then don’t worry about it.” He spat out harshly, pulling his arm from Itto’s grasp and attempting to get up again only to get pulled back down. 

“W-whoa hey, no need to be hostile-” 

“Then why are you apologizing for that? To make me feel worse about myself?” Gorou’s face burned as he spoke and Itto’s expression became all the more confused. “You wanted to kiss Ms. Hina right? So you’re disappointed, right? You don’t need to say anymore, I- You don’t need to tell me okay?” Gorou felt his cheeks become damp again as tears spilled from eyes. “If anything, if anything I should be sorry, because I lied to you, to everybody . I took advantage of you, because I-” 

“Because you like me?” Gorou closed his mouth, salty tears slipping through closed lips as he looked away. 

“The point is, I should’ve been better, you’d all be better off if I just stayed on Watatsumi, working.” Itto let out a breath. 

“You should let me finish, puppy.” Gorou breathed in, air rough as he held in the embarrassing hiccups that threatened to spill out. “For one you didn’t deny it.” 

“Deny what?” Gorou shot back. 

“That you like me.” Itto teased, “It’s okay Yoimiya told me that one, I would’ve never guessed, but don’t tell her that.” Gorou flushed, but exhaled again, his breathing slowly evening out. 

“And?” He asked softly.

“And so..” Itto trailed off, seemingly lost in thought. “Look, I really did not come here with a plan, so just-” He hung his head in his hands. “It just doesn’t sit right with me for you to leave like this so let’s just do this,” Gorou looked up, startled when Itto suddenly shot up to his feet holding out a hand. 

“Let’s just uh- start over, from the beginning.” Itto took a deep breath, exhaling noisily and speaking from the top of his lungs. “Hi, my name is Arataki ‘you can call me literally anything but I much prefer numero uno’ Itto.” He smiled widely and Gorou was left dumbfounded. “You sir, look like you’d like somebody to talk to, so would you care to accompany me to breakfast tomorrow morning?” Itto wiggled outstretched fingers from where he stood, looking down at Gorou who was still knelt down on the floor, eyes wide and face distraught. 

“What are you-” 

“Sir, I’m afraid I don’t know your name yet.” Gorou blinked and Itto’s grin grew ever larger. 

“My-” He looked up at Itto's eager expression, watching as his gaze remained unchanging, “My name is Gorou, it’s nice to meet you, Arataki Itto.” He took the oni’s hand who pulled him forward, once again a little too hard, landing the smaller in an unintended embrace. 

“ Celestia , you are cold, puppy- Uh I mean-” 

“It’s okay, you can call me that.” Gorou interrupted softly, pushing his face into Itto’s open chest. Itto looked up to the sky, feeling his face flush when soft ears brushed over bare skin.

“Let’s go tell the others you’re okay, yeah?” Gorou nodded slowly, 

“Just-” 

“Just what?” 

“-For a little bit.” Gorou said, words muffled. 

“I have no idea what you just said puppy.” Itto looked down to see Gorou whose face was tear-stained yet flushed red. 

“Carry me.” Gorou, repeated out. 

“But sir we just met-” Gorou pouted, puffy eyes accentuating the look and Itto couldn’t hold in the laugh. 

“Sure.” 

On the walk back, Gorou fell asleep quickly, surrounded in the arms of an oni whose skin was warm, whose hands were rough, and who talked too much for his own good. Despite that, he loved it, reveled in the attention that idiot of a man gave him, and he dreamed. He dreamed right there, drooling openly on Itto’s bare chest, that those once intrusive thoughts of large hands carding through his fuzzy tail, were real.