Work Text:
Why does my head hurt so badly and why do I feel so hot? Kokomi grimaced in pain as she struggled to open her eyes. Recently, she had felt that her energy levels had reached a new low, which prompted the priestess to go to her hideout for a much needed respite. She had originally planned to stay there for an hour or so to read and relax but she must have fallen asleep at some point, losing track of time.
This is bad. Gorou is probably waiting for me at the shrine already…. Kokomi thought to herself as she attempted to stand up. Despite taking a nap, she still felt a severe lack of energy in her body. With her arms on the table to support her body weight, Kokomi staggered a few steps forward before tripping over on the table leg and falling over with a thud. The priestess gasped in pain. She struggled to push herself up but none of her muscles were responding. Panic rose within the girl.
This is really bad. I’m probably already late to meet Gorou and I can’t keep him waiting any longer. Kokomi felt her body temperature rising as her headache increased tenfold. Tears welled up in her eyes as she couldn't even move her arms in her current immobilised state to soothe the throbbing pain in her head.
I guess I’m in deep trouble now… Kokomi silently cursed to herself as she drifted into unconsciousness.
“Shibata-san, have you seen Sangonomiya-sama? She mentioned that she needed to pass me a couple of new directives”
“She’s not at the shrine at the moment and I’m not sure where she’s gone currently.”
“I see. Thank you.”
I guess I will wait for her for a bit. Gorou thought to himself before proceeding to sit by one of the giant shells near the shrine entrance. Taking a deep breath, Gorou closed his eyes and took in the sound of the waterfalls crashing into depths below him before opening them again to take in the view before him. He has always enjoyed the beautiful scenery that was unique to Watatsumi Island and with the post-war efforts currently going on, it was hard to find time to take a breather like this.
Some time passes and Kokomi has yet to make an appearance. That’s strange. Sangonomiya-sama usually isn’t this late. Could something have happened to her?
Worried, Gorou whipped out his trusty set of directives.
Section 10 - What to do if one is looking for me
Directive 55
Should I be needed urgently and my whereabouts be unknown, proceed southward until they arrive at a tree with purple foliage. This only applies if I made no communications regarding my whereabouts and if said person is a Sangonomiya shrine maiden or a high ranking general of the Sangonomiya Army.
Well, Gorou does tick the box of being a high ranking general but his current situation isn't exactly that urgent. However, it is worrying that Kokomi has yet to show even after waiting for 20 minutes.
I guess it wouldn't hurt to go check up on her…
Gorou thought to himself before making his way to the location specified in the directives.
Upon arriving at the location, he found a cave of some sort. Looking into it, he was greeted by a shocking sight: A figure with pink salmon hair clad azure robes lying slump on the ground.
“Sangonomiya-sama!” Gorou exclaimed and rushed forward to check up on the girl. He gently turned Kokomi to her back and shook her, hoping to get a response from her. There was none. He then sensed that Kokomi’s breathing was rather laboured, which only alarmed the general even more. Gorou proceeded to place his hand on the girl’s forehead. It was hot.
Kokomi needed medical attention, and fast. Gorou carefully placed an arm under her knees with his other one supporting her shoulders and gently lifted her up.
“Just bear with it for a bit more. I will be bringing you back to the shrine now,” Gorou assured Kokomi despite knowing that she wouldn't be able to hear him in the state she’s currently in. With that, Gorou hastily made his way to the shrine.
The sight of Gorou carrying the priestess in his arms caught the attention of the shrine maidens outside of the shrine, alarmed by the state she was brought back in. One of the shrine maidens gently took Kokomi out of Gorou’s arms and brought her into the shrine while another instructed him to fetch the island’s pharmacist posthaste. He complied.
“Sangonomiya-sama seems to have collapsed from exhaustion and is currently really fatigued. She is also having a really high fever. In her current condition, it seems like she won't be waking up today. I suggest coming back tomorrow if you wish to visit her,” Nishikino Reirei, the island’s pharmacist commented as she came out of the priestess’ room.
“I see. Thank you very much,” Gorou said as he internally cursed himself for not being more persuasive in getting Kokomi to rest after noticing her working herself ragged in the past few days.
“Oh, and she is to have complete rest for around a week to be able to fully recover, Please help to ensure that she has her medications on time and that she does not attempt to do any work throughout this period,” Reirei added. Gorou and the shrine maidens nodded in acknowledgement. With some other duties he needed to fulfil, Gorou excused himself and left the shrine.
In the next 3 days, Gorou visited the priestess without fail, once during his lunch break and another during the evening. In his visits, the girl is always in a deep sleep, which is a good thing since she needs all the rest she can get. However, Gorou could sense that she’s in pain from the discomfort shown on her sleeping face.
If only I am able to do something to make her feel better, or at least provide her with some comfort to make the pain bearable…
On the fourth day, Gorou visited the priestess and to his delight, she was awake, albeit looking a bit weary. Next to her was Tsuyuko, one of Sangonomiya Shrine shrine maidens. It seems that she had brought Kokomi her lunch and had just finished helping her take her medication. They both looked up as they heard Gorou entering.
“Go..Gorou?” Kokomi asked, surprised to see her General.
As if being able to read her mind, Gorou replied, “I wanted to visit you to check on your condition. I am rather worried about you.” Tsuyuko nodded in response. “Gorou-san has been visiting you the past few days but you were asleep during those times.”
“I see… Thank you very much for your concern,” Kokomi said, her face flushing red as she gripped her blankets with her fist. Noticing it, Tsuyuko gently patted Kokomi’s shoulders. After which, she stood up and said, “I will be making my move now. You two can spend some time together.” Just before she left the room, Tsuyuko whispered to Gorou, “Please ensure that Madam Kokomi eats her lunch. She tends to be picky sometimes and it is especially important for her to eat well during this period.” With that, she left the room, closing the door behind her.
With only the two of them in the priestess room, Gorou couldn’t help but feel slightly awkward. Noticing Kokomi feeling the same, he made the first move and took a seat next to her bed.
“Sangonomiya-sama, how are you feeling currently?” Gorou asked, breaking the silence between them.
“Tired…,and despite the amount of rest I’ve taken the past few days, I still feel that my energy levels are at an all time low,” Kokomi replied.
“Energy levels?” Gorou asked, bewildered.
“Oh no, it’s nothing,” Kokomi hurriedly denied, flustered as she silently cursed herself for unconsciously saying whatever was on her mind at the moment. Suddenly, she felt an itch in her throat, causing her to cough instinctively. Upon seeing that, Gorou immediately poured a glass of water from the flask on Kokomi’s nightstand and handed it to her. Kokomi received the glass appreciatevely and drank the contents of it slowly, savouring the comfort the cooling water brought to her throat. After finishing every last drop, Kokomi let out a deep sigh of relief.
“Sangonomiya-sama, why?”
“Huh? What is it Gorou?”
“Forgive me for whatever I am about to say next…. But why are you doing this to yourself? Don’t you see you are going to destroy yourself at this rate?”
Upon listening to what her General said, Kokomi lowered her head and stared at the empty glass in her hand. After what seemed like an eternity, she moved to place the glass on her nightstand, opened her mouth and spoke.
“Look, I do not have a choice. It is my duty as the Divine Priestess. Everyone’s fate is in my hands”
“It’s true that this is the case, but why can’t you rely on others more often? I’m sure that the people in the office will be willing to lend you a hand,” Gorou argued.
“You just don’t understand, I can’t do that! They will think that I will not be able to handle my responsibilities. If I can’t resolve their problems, whatever will they think of me? There were plots hatched against me when I first became the Divine Priestess, I had to put in so much effort to gain the trust of everyone. Watatsumi NEEDS a capable leader, not just some girl that wills her time away at home,” Exasperated, Kokomi said this in an almost yelling voice. Right after that she suddenly broke down in tears.
Gorou was shocked. This was the first time he’s seen the normally stoic priestess express an emotion this extreme. Were they tears of anger, or tears of frustration? Or perhaps it’s both. No matter the case,it was the first time he had seen Kokomi cry and it made him feel insanely guilty for bringing the sick girl to this state.
“I’m really sorry for overstepping, Sangonomiya-sama. I’m just really concerned for you. You’ve been working yourself to the bone lately. I’ve even heard that there were times you forgot to eat. I didn't want you to end up in your current state…” Gorou hurriedly apologised.
After a while, Kokomi took in numerous deep breaths as she tried to regain her composure.
“I’m really sorry for my outburst. I do understand that you are trying to help me
“Sangonomiya-sama, if you allow me, I am willing to help you lighten your workload. We are in peace times now and there should be less pressing military matters apart from leading the Secret Corps so I will be able to assist you without affecting my other duties.”
“You… you are willing to do that for me?” Gorou nodded enthusiatically.
Kokomi silently pondered for a moment. After a while, she smiled and replied, “I guess I will have to concede and take up your offer. Thank you Gorou.”
“Also, as an apology for overstepping earlier, I want to help you to replenish your “energy levels” that you mentioned earlier. It sounded as if it’s important to you. Just say the word and I will help you to my best abilities!” Gorou added.
“Well, if that’s the case… will you allow me to pet your head?”
“Eh?”
San….Sangonomiya-sama wants to pet my head?
Out of all the things that Gorou was expecting Kokomi to ask of him, this was definitely not part of the top 5 requests he had in mind.
His fellow soldiers have often given his pointy ears a good rub for good luck despite his protests. However, Gorou did not mind it too much. As a matter of fact, Gorou actually rather enjoys it, though he will never outright admit it (although his tail wagging excitedly whenever he receives these headpats seems to have other ideas).
Whenever Gorou reports back to Kokomi after a successful battle or mission, his heart will soar with happiness when she acknowledged his efforts with praises of "Great Work!" or variations of it. However, it is not enough for him. Gorou wishes that Kokomi would pat his head, giving it a good rub just like how his fellow soldiers will do so.
“If you’re uncomfortable with that idea, you don’t have to go through with it,” Kokomi hurriedly added, seeing Gorou being stunned by her request.
"No it's alright. I don't mind it," Gorou hurriedly said, fearing that Kokomi might change her mind. With that, he held Kokomi's hand and guided it to his head, resting her hand on it.
Kokomi moved her hand across Gorou's head slowly, taking in the touch of his soft and warm hair.
Gorou must have taken his hair care really seriously. It's so soft and fluffy I can feel my energy levels slowly rising. Kokomi thought to herself. Noticing Gorou's tail wagging faster, Kokomi can't help but let out a small giggle. Cute~. With that, Kokomi started rubbing Gorou's ear quicker and more affectionately.
Gorou couldn't help but swell with immense happiness for his wish has finally come true. Have ear rubs always been this good? Oh how he wished that he will be able to experience this outside of the current situation.
In that moment, Kokomi and Gorou were in a bubble of bliss; the former giving ear rubs with the latter receiving them. However, all good things will come to an end for that bubble was burst by a sudden growling sound. Kokomi blushed furiously. They had neglected Kokomi's lunch that had been set aside for quite a while. Thankfully, it was still warm.
"You must be hungry, Sangonomiya-sama," Gorou said as he handed the bowl of porridge to Kokomi. He was surprised as she winced after looking at the contents of the bowl.
"What's wrong?"
"There's fish in it…" Kokomi muttered.
Ah so this is what Tsuyuko meant. Gorou thought to himself.
"You do not like eating fish?"
Kokomi shook her head. "Just looking at it makes me lose my appetite."
"I will help you eat them," Gorou blurted out before realising what he just said.
Shit shit shit. Did I actually just say that? Oh god, Tsuyuko is going to kill me…
As Gorou opened his mouth in an attempt to take back what he said, he saw Kokomi looking at him with grateful puppy-dog eyes. He just couldn't say no right to that.
With that, Gorou started eating up the fish slices in the bowl. He soon managed to finish every last bit of it and handed the bowl to Kokomi. "Please check if there's any bits left."
Kokomi, after checking that her lunch was clear of any offending pieces of food, smiled gratefully at Gorou. "Thank you," she said before starting to eat her lunch.
Not long later, Kokomi finished eating and set her bowl aside. It was also about time Gorou needed to leave for his break had ended. As Gorou started readying the tray to be cleared when he got one last unexpected request from Kokomi.
"Gorou, do you mind if I rub your ears one more time?"
"Anything for you, Sangonomiya-sama."
"Kokomi is fine. I don't mind you calling me that in private,"
"Yes Sango- I mean Kokomi," Gorou said happily as he set the tray aside, went to Kokomi’s bedside and knelt down beside it. As Kokomi caressed Gorou’s ear gently, she said, “Thank you so much for today. I really appreciated it. I’m so grateful to have someone like you in my command.”
“You’re welcome, Kokomi. Anytime you wish to rub my ears, just say the word” Gorou replied. He swore that he could have sensed the sound effect of something going up. “And I hope that your energy levels has been replenished.”
Upon hearing that, Kokomi flushed a deep shade of red, retracted her hand and started twiddling her thumb, embarrassed. Cute~
“Oh by the way, Kokomi, do you have some spare time in two weeks? I would like you to come along with me to Narukami. Although I will have some matters to attend to, it will be good for you to take an actual respite soon and go sightseeing.” Gorou asked.
“I will see what I can do, although I’m pretty sure you will make me squeeze that time out one way or another,” Kokomi giggled.
After giving Kokomi an affirmation, Gorou picked up the tray and bade Kokomi farewell. Kokomi still needs to rest for a while more while he himself still has matters to attend to. As he left the room, he ran into Tsuyuko in the corridor. He handed the tray to her as she thanked him for accompanying Kokomi.
Right as Gorou turned around to leave, Tsuyuko's voice rang out, “Did Madam Kokomi eat everything in her bowl? I hope she didn’t give you too much trouble over it.” Gorou froze in his tracks. He slowly turned around to face Tsuyuko before giving her a slow nod.
“Oh, is that so?”
Gorou felt as if Tsyuko's eyes were staring deep down into his soul. That’s it, I'm going to die right here and right now. I’m sorry Kokomi, I might not be able to take you to Narukami.
“That’s good to hear.”
Internally, Gorou heaved a huge sigh of relief. He bade Tsyuko farewell before dashing out of the shrine as fast as his legs could take him. Phew that was close.
Despite that frightful(?) encounter, Gorou couldn't help but smile. Not only did he manage to bring comfort to Kokomi, he also got closer to her. He hopes the day that he brings her to Narukami will be soon to come.