Work Text:
"So, how is it going?" the maiden hummed softly, tilting his head a little as he maneuvered over to study his groom further. It had been a little while since he laid their son down for a nap, figuring it best to check in on a certain oni.
"It could be better," Youichi mumbled as he rubbed his temple, studying the map in front of him while letting his fingers tap on the figurines. His father had insisted that he spend some of his lecture time making war plans and learning the ropes of commanding the army of the Kuramochi Clan. Which wasn't at all easy, however, Kataoka had given his own critiques and suggestions to help him not lose his mind. Still, he'd much prefer to take this valuable time in his life to spend with Ryousuke and their newborn son.
"I suppose so," Ryousuke spoke, nodding in agreement as he took a seat at his side, studying the map closely. He honestly was impressed that his husband was slowly fitting into his father's role as Clan leader. It wouldn't be much longer until Hirotori and Himari could properly retire and let the next generation take the clan under their command. A scary thought to say the least, but doable if they both continued to grow into their respective positions. "You might want to move this piece over here, and this one more to the right. That way you have a better advantage over the general of this clan. Otherwise, I think you have this war tactic set in stone," the maiden proposed, quietly advising his opinion while brushing a reassuring hand along the oni's back.
"Thanks. You sure know your way around this alright," the oni spoke, feeling a tad bit embarrassed that Ryou could pinpoint such a simple mistake and make it into a devilishly devised plan of action. More like checkmate if he knew anything of how that board game worked in Ryou's time. Something about chess pieces and knights or whatnot.
"Well I do more than my fair share of studying. Even while taking care of you and raising our son," Ryousuke chuckled, leaning into his husband's side. It was only fitting that he took advantage of his studies to make sure they had a future to look forward to without war if possible. Being in the feudal era, there was bound to be war due to expanding territories or establishing boundaries between the neighboring clans.
"Speaking of which, he's sound asleep by now. I'm sure your mighty hungry or do you want to take a walk for some fresh air, Youichi?" The maiden proposed, humming softly as he felt Youichi wrap an arm around his waist, bringing him in closer to his side.
"A walk with you would be nice. Though I don't mind taking a few minutes with you by my side, love," Youichi grinned as he wasn't quite hungry for a change, but he wasn't quite ready to stretch his cramped legs out yet either. So, he settled for resting against his bride, who was beginning to become a good father figure to their son. More like a mother than a father if he was honest. "I'm glad he's asleep. Gives us some time to be alone. Or as alone as one can be," the oni spoke, nearly rolling his eyes at the last part as he remembered the guards on duty outside of his personal study.
"They mean well and are only doing their jobs. Best be nice to them or they might turn their backs on us when we least expect it," Ryousuke couldn't help to tease, snickering as he heard scuffing outside their study. "Besides, the little oni will be up and running around before we know it."
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Youichi groaned, shaking his head before opting to help Ryousuke up onto his feet. Just imagining their little boy running around the palace was probably a horrifying thing to look forward to, but also very exciting seeing how he was looking forward to taking their son sightseeing around their clan's territory. Even if it was within the palace grounds. "Something tells me he'll be as adventurous like me when I was his age," the oni chuckled, letting out his warm kyahaha laugh as the maiden intertwined his hand into his own. The thought was so breathtaking, and yet there was always a little bit of fear of letting their child be that free. Ryou hoped they could find a balance in which they wouldn't shield their son so much, but also give him the taste of freedom he deserved.
"We'll have to see then. Won't we?~" Ryousuke hummed, following Youichi as they maneuvered out of the oni's personal study and out into the hallway. The two were instantly greeted by their trusted guards, Shinji Kanemaru and Toujo Hideaki. Both now in a relationship of their own. Though they both currently were in no interest in having kids at the moment. Not with how invested they were in their duties being preoccupied with guarding Kuramochi Youichi and Ryousuke Kominato. This was what they signed up for and were perfectly content in devoting their lives to protecting the Kuramochi Clan.
"You both don't have to follow us so closely, you know?" Youichi sighed as he saw the two instantly following after them. There was no reason to question them as they had both served the Kuramochi Clan for most of their lives. Still, you would think Youichi would have gotten used to this by now? Ryou thought as he grinned over at the two, clearly not seeing any harm in it. He was the total opposite of Youichi in regards to wanting to show public affection rather than the oni's personal preference of only displaying it in their bed room or some sort of private area within the palace grounds. What was the harm in making others jealous? Or showing no shame in being a little handsy in front of others? Yet as a shrine maiden, Ryou knew better than to do that in public too.
"Be grateful we're keeping you both safe. You never know what might come after you and are hiding behind these walls. Besides, you enjoy our company as much as anyone, " Kanemaru grumbled as he crossed his arms, shaking his head before finding Toujo snickering behind the palm of his hand. Cute.
"Well. I suppose that's true," the oni countered, nodding as even though being guarded all the time was annoying, they did have their perks. Afterall, Shinji and Toujo had become his friends, and his maiden's as well. "Better be. You know we sacrifice a lot to be here for you both. Though I'm sure we wouldn't have it any other way. Especially since we have the privilege to be certified god parent's to your son. Which by the way, how is he doing?" Toujo lightly teased, smiling over at the two before giving a warmer grin over to his Shinji with ease. It was nice enough to be able to talk freely among his friends, as well as doing their duties.
"Oh he's fairing quite well. Thankfully he's sleeping a little more now and adjusting well to our schedules. I think he's really softened up to his grandmother more than anything," Ryousuke commented, always on the more attentive side and could vouch for them both that they were starting parenthood right. "Mom keeps spoiling him a little too much. I wish she'd give me more time with our son," the oni sighed, a little jealous of how quick his own mother took their newborn son in and really giving him so much more attention than needed. Heck, how was he supposed to raise him if his mother kept getting in the way?! Shouldn't she focus on other things instead of spoiling him...sheesh.
"Sounds like someone's jealous. Don't forget you were spoiled since birth as well. You wouldn't be you if you were raised like those outside of your clan, Youichi," the maiden reminded his oni husband, smirking as he recalled meeting him in that rebellious, selfish stage when they were only kids themselves. The oni quickly deflated, blinking as his own husband had to embarrass him in front of their guards, though they all knew it was true. "True. Though we're thankful he didn't end up like the Narumiya's. Can't stand that spoiled ass prince. Even if he's soon to wed to that human friend of yours, Ryou," Kanemaru added as he compared the two princes, grateful that their own had more respect and morality than the other.
"Seems like the feeling is mutual. With time, and even now, I'm sure Mei is also learning to be a prince worth following too," the maiden hummed softly, recalling the last visit they had with the Narumiya's. Itsuki was doing his job to protect, as well as show the lion yokai heir the ways in which to properly keep peace between their neighboring clans. Not that Itsuki wasn't also learning to adapt to this era, and find ways to put his skills to the test.
"Right. They both are also growing in ways that are beneficial to each other. Same with you and Youichi. That's why a healthy relationship is important. Speaking of which, you both should take the opportunity to have some personal time with each other. We'll give you both the space you need. Right, Shinji?" Toujo spoke as he agreed, fully aware of how much both clan heir's had matured since meeting their fated partners. He looked over at Kanemaru, finding him easily flustered, coughing as he rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. "I do believe your right too. Best act like we're not here at all," Shinji agreed, nodding as they gave the two some space in the garden.
This was a typical spot they both enjoyed together as Ryousuke and Youichi took a seat on the familiar red bench in the garden. They both easily took in the scenary of the garden that Himari was in charge of, as well as her chosen staff. It was quite beautiful. An image so similar to the one his mother loved to work in back at home. It had been ages since he thought of his parents and younger brother. He wondered what it was like back at home without him there? Did they ever wonder where he went and if anything, did they miss him at all? There was lots of uncertainty. Surely the goddess' mirror would one day let them travel back through time and ahead into the far future where he had come from. He needed to check in on them. Someway. Somehow.
As the guards gave them space to mingle and do as they pleased, Youichi took note at how quiet his maiden was beside him. The oni followed his blank stare over to the flowers before them. He was definitely in deep thought about something. What was he thinking so hard about?
"Ryou?" He softly inquired, moving a hand to gently rest on Ryousuke's shoulder to let him know that he was there and willing to listen to him. "You can talk to me, you know? I mean, I don't know what's on your mind, but you've been quiet as of late. Is something troubling you?" There was no way the oni didn't pick up on his maiden's patterns. Usually he kept most things to himself. Which was typical Ryousuke behavior besides the fact that he never got to the point where he was acting super closed off and staring into space for long periods of time.
The pinkette blinked, being drawn back into reality with the gentle warmth of Youichi's hand on his shoulder. Right. He was here to spend time with Youichi. There was no need to make him worry.
"I suppose I have," Ryousuke nodded in agreement, humming as he turned to face his oni husband. "The truth is, I think I'm homesick, Youichi." He was careful with his words to not make it sound like it was a bad thing to miss the time period in which he grew up in with his own parents and sibling. Ryou really wanted to share with them the oni he took as his husband and the little son they were currently raising with his in-laws. How could that be such an impossible thing to have? To want of all things?
Homesick? Youichi raised a brow, not really familiar with that term. The last time he heard that word was from his own mother when she was speaking to his father about her own time period. Perhaps this was similar? He gave his maiden a gentle, reassuring squeeze on his shoulder. "Tell me more. I want to help you feel like yourself, Ryousuke," he spoke, letting his husband know that he was concerned, but also willing to help in anyway that he could. Anything for his partner.
The maiden pursed his lips, a touchy subject to let out into the open so easily, but one he needed to be upfront about with Youichi. Especially if he wanted to keep their relationship stable and in check. He needed to be honest with Youichi about everything. It wasn't easy though. Nothing truly was to begin with these days.
"I am myself, Youichi," the maiden told his partner, smiling warmly over at him, though there was still that lost, sadness just barely visible under his heavy lidded eyes. "Though there might be something you can help me with too."
An infinite amount of time passed by as Ryousuke opened up to Youichi, describing how he felt to miss his family back home and wanting to find a way to travel through the sacred mirror again. The Goddess Amaterasu, also known as Takako to them, did mention that there was a chance they might be able to go back one day. Would today be the day? Or would it take several years before they could see them again?
"I want to give it a try. Will you help me?" the maiden asked, finding himself curled up into the oni's protective side with his hand clutching the cloth of the other's yukata. Searching into his lover's eyes. A plea he so rarely showed to anyone. A very selfish one at that. "Please."
The oni laughed, pulling him closer as he nuzzled the top of his head sweetly and then giving his forehead a gentle kiss. A secret promise he did with his maiden to know that he cared for him with every fiber of his soul. "Kyahaha! I'll do my best to help you, Ryou. You know I love you so much and would do anything for you."
Of course Youichi Kuramochi would go to the ends of the world and back, or rather to the future and then back to the past as many times as he could for him. That was Ryou's husband after all. One that put others before himself and wore his heart on his sleeve. Ryousuke really wouldn't have it any other way as he gave a nod, leaning in to give his brave oni a soft kiss on his lips. Almost like a silent promise between them both that they would find the way to go back through the Goddess' mirror to his own time once again. This time with a family of their own too.