Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Inazuma had finally settled. No longer were the winds of war blowing through the streets but instead a gentle winter breeze cooling down Gorou’s brow. Himself and her excellency were visiting Inazuma city. Their trip was for important meetings surrounding product trade in and out of Inazuma. It was a long time coming and the shogun herself agreed that Inazuma should start the tedious process of reopening the borders to outsiders.

Representatives from the Kamisato, Kujuo and, of course, Sangonomiya clan were all going to be present and Gorou hoped tensions between them weren’t as stifling as during the war. Co-operation between all clans should be beneficial for all and Kokomi agreed that the time for division was over, the time for unity had finally begun.

“I think this is the right location.” Kokomi spoke, her soft voice interrupting Gorou’s internal monologue.

“The Kamisato estate,” he agreed. They handed over their papers to the guard on duty and after he was satisfied they made their way to the front entrance.

The estate was grand but not too visible in the evening light, it was past eight o’clock and the winter sky was twinkling with a spattering of stars. Gorou observed the white sand in the courtyard that felt soft beneath his feet. It reminded him of home, he felt a long way from Watatsumi island. Kokomi had convinced him to accompany her, suggesting he needed rest and to “have fun”. Which was slight hypocrisy because her excellency herself also found it difficult to relax. The traveler was also in Inazuma but departing for Liyue tomorrow. Kokomi insisted they both see him off, she seemed to have a soft spot for him.

“Gorou this way.” Kokomo’s voice chimed into his thoughts once again.

She covered her chuckle with gloves fingers, “your mind seems to be far away general Gorou.”

“I’m just thinking about our meeting with the traveler tomorrow your excellency.”

“You can call me Kokomi, General Gorou as you are technically on leave.”

“Sorry your ex- Kokomi”

Gorou bit his lip at Kokomo’s giggle. This would get a bit of getting used to.

The door in front of them creaked open and they were greeted by a tall blonde man with a pony tail and a pleased expression.

“Hello!” The man bowed out of politeness and the duo did the same.

“You must be Lady Sangonomiya and General Gorou please please come in. My name is Thoma I am the house keeper at the Kamisato estate and assistant to both Ayato and Ayaka Kamisato. Would you like some tea?”

“Yes please, tea would be lovely.” Kokomi spoke on his behalf but Gorou didn’t mind.

Thoma guided them through to a private dining room and slid the door shut. Gorou studied the various paintings and weapons on the walls around him. A large Katana sat behind the dining table engraved with swirling waves.

Thoma served them tea and chatted to them about their journey here. A flash of red caught his attention and he noticed the Pyro vision Thoma was wearing. A vision bearing housekeeper? Very interesting. Gorou suspected Thoma had a more important role than he was letting on.

“-Also since you are both staying here for a few months you’ll be just in time to catch the Sakura festival. It’s arranged every spring by Ayaka herself and she takes the job very seriously, that’s one of her main duties and the festival is always a hit!”

Gorou had never been to a festival, he always seemed to have to much on his plate with the resistance or accompanying Kokomi to military briefings.

Thoma continued, “There’s lots of fun activities and food. Like tri-coloured dango that’s one of my Lord’s favourite sweets.”

Gorou’s ears twitched at the description Thoma gave of the dessert. Three separate mochi-like milk sweets all different flavours. Gorou had an infamous sweet tooth which was often a running joke with the troops on Watatsumi. He realised his tail was maybe wagging a bit too hard under the table. Kokomi had realised and took that as his verdict.

“I think that sounds like an enjoyable experience, please put myself and Gorou on the list for attendees.”

Thoma nodded, “Of course my lady.”

The rest of the tea passed by pleasantly with idle chat between mostly Thoma and Kokomi. The hour had grown later and the pot had been finished so Thoma showed them both to their respective rooms.

Gorou bid Kokomi goodnight and collapsed onto his mattress. The bed was big enough to fit at least three people, or maybe just three Gorous. He observed the room, a window to his left covered with wooden slatted blinds, a wooden wardrobe, a writing desk and chair, and various wall hangings all in blueish tones. The wooden floor and furniture was all Otogi wood. It was nice more lavish than he was used to but that was a nice change.

Gorou rolled over and shut his eyes. It was important he was well rested. He would be seeing Aether off to Liyue tomorrow at seven o’clock sharp. His eye life felt heavy and he allowed himself to close them and drifted off into a comfortable slumber.

Chapter Text

Gorou was used to early mornings. Every resistance morning was at least a few hours after dawn. He yawned and stretched his arms. The bed itself, still was excessively too big, but very comfortable. Gorou hadn’t felt that well-rested in a long time. He padded over to the window and opened the blinds. The almost white skies and crisp cool air of early mornings he had actually grown to enjoy. He cracked open the window and breathed in deep. It wasn’t too cold but the winter air still made him shiver. He should start getting ready to meet up with Aether. He estimated it was around six o’clock and they were to arrive by seven. Better get a move on.

After getting himself dressed in his usual attire (minus the extra padding and battle equipment of course) Gorou ventured out of his room and along the hall to fetch Kokomi. The house was quiet but he could hear noise coming from what he assumed was the kitchen. Most likely Thoma helping to prepare breakfast.

“Good morning Gorou.”

Kokomi was already down the hall waiting for him.

“Good morning Kokomi. Did you sleep alright?”

Kokomi had a somewhat glassy in her eyes.
“Yeah, almost too well I think. Heh I haven’t slept in like that in ages.”

She let out a small yawn and rubbed her eyes.

“Breakfast?” Gorou suggested.

“Good idea.”

They made their way to the dining area that Thoma had seated them in the night before. Food was laid out on the table and they both took their seats. The meal looked great and Gorou couldn’t wait to get started. The smell was amazing and he couldn’t help but thump his tail against the floor. There were some kind of pancakes, bowls of sweet rice, fruit and various shrimp dishes. Gorou studied the pancakes that were paired with yellow berries. Kokomi simply pushed the plate over to him with a giggle.

“Here Gorou, you can have them.”

Gorou blushed and nodded in silent appreciation. That was one thing that was inconvenient about having a tail, it was very difficult to hide his emotions. He could easily mask his true facial expressions but controlling his tail was another matter entirely.

He cut a piece of pancake and placed it in his mouth. Gorou almost teared up. It was perfect. Soft and fluffy yet packed with sweet flavour. Even the berries were delicious. It tasted so good. Kokomi seemed to be enjoying her food as well, she had already finished off two bowls of rice and some shrimp buns.

The panel door slid open to reveal Thoma as chipper as ever.

“Good morning I hope you’re enjoying your food. Unfortunately my lord and lady Kamisato will not be dining with you this morning. Ayaka has a Sakura festival consultation in Inazuma city and Ayato is… well…he’s sleeping. I apologise on his behalf…sorry.”

Kokomi spoke up in response.

“That’s no worry at all Thoma, the food is delicious and we are very grateful for the Kamisato’s for making the effort to host us. i’m the first place.”

“Aw geez that’s no problem at all, that’s what we’re all here for,” Thoma remarked with a smile.

“Whenever your ready let me know and i’ll take you to Ritou to say farewell to our mutual friend.”

The journey to Ritou wasn’t too far and when they arrived at the border there was already a small crowd of people gathered. Presumably Aether’s friends.

“GOROU! KOKOMI!”

Paimon’s high pitched squeal caused the crowd to turn and face them. What a differing group of people. There was Yae Miko, Kujou Sara, the girl who owned the fireworks shop and small child dressed as a tanuki. Gorou was slightly confused on that last part.

They made their way over and Aether appeared to be in conversation with Yae Miko.

“-and also Ei sends her congratulations to Zhongli so please convey them for her and the same from myself of course. I’m sure it’ll be quite the spectacle. A “funeral consultant” and a Fatui Harbinger getting engaged, hmm who would have thought it?“

“Yep! They’re quite the pair. I’m sure Zhongli will be thankful for the Shogun’s words.”

“I think he’s referring to the funeral consultant Zhongli and Childe the infamous Harbinger from Snezhnaya,” Kujou Sara remarked.

Gorou was surprised she spoke to them so easily, her tone was still slightly harsh and you could tell it was difficult for her to break old habits of uncivilness. But the war was over and Gorou was sure Kokomi would appreciate the effort. Actually it looked like Kokomi more than appreciated it, Gorou swore her cheeks tinged pink at Kujou Sara’s intense eye contact.

“Y-yes I believe he is. How are you Kujou Sara?”

Gorou had never seen Kokomi like this, she must be nervous.

“Just Sara is fine.”

Gorou thought it best to leave them alone to do some catching up. There seemed to be a weird tension between them and Gorou wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing just yet.

Gorou finally managed to get through the small crowd to Aether. He had finished his conversation with Yae Miko and seemed to be writing something.

“Hello traveler.”

Aether smiled softly in recognition.

“Hello Gorou how are you? I heard you and Kokomi will be here for the Sakura festival that’s great! I’m sure it’ll be fun you definitely deserve the rest.”

“Yes I’m sure it’ll be… something. Not to be nosy but what are you wri-“

“AETHER WAIT ON ME!! IS HE GONE YET??!!”

A tall man with horns and an explosion of white and red tinged hair stumbled through the crowd. An Oni, Gorou deduced.

“Whoa sorry there fish lady princess thing. Wow are you a mermaid? That’s so cool! Pfft not that I’m excited to see something like that like… or whatever.”

He pushed past everyone to the front.

“Excuse me, coming through. Important guy Arataki Itto here, VIP friend of the traveler. Well he’s technically my friend because I am the more popular one between us.”

Gorou grit his teeth.

Fish lady princess… thing?!

Seriously??! The audacity of this guy, to insult her excellency like that.

Gorou couldn’t stand it. One thing that always got his back up was people not taking Kokomi seriously.

The man came to a halt in front of him. He really was tall, he towered over Gorou and he was very well built. His bright red tattoos and blazing eyes only added to his bold appearance. But apart from that he was actually kind of… hot.

Gorou come on that is not a priority right now.

He felt a gloved hand on his shoulder.

“Gorou are you okay?”

Gorou hasn’t realised he was growling, with his fangs bared, his ears back and tail on alert in front of everyone. He couldn’t control it, his instincts had kicked in and all he wanted to do was protect Kokomi.

“What’s up with the doggy dude my bro?”

“Doggy?” Gorou spat, it was incredible how fast this oni had irritated him.

“Do not insult her excellency priestess of Watatsumi island like that ever again. Do you understand?”

Paimon chimed in.

“Gorou it’s okay! He’s just a massive meathead! I’m sure Itto didn’t mean it to be an insult. He gives everyone nicknames, just like Paimon does!”

“Yeah dude it’s okay geez you’re getting all riled up there. I mean if it’s a fight you want I can give you one right here right now.”

Itto stepped into a fighting stance and Gorou mirrored him. He was about to lean in to take the first strike when Kokomi interrupted.

“Stand down General Gorou!”

Kokomi parted the crowd like water.

Gorou immediately, yet reluctantly, stood at ease. But his ears were still pointed backwards.

“I apologise on behalf of my general. He is very defensive of me and my standing as high priestess of Watatsumi island. Allow me to restart my introductions…”

Gorou cleared his throat. Archons, he had completely embarrassed himself, but still, his opinion was unchanged. This “Arataki Itto” had insulted Kokomi and for that, he would never forgive him.

“My name is Sangonomiya Kokomi and this is my general, General Gorou.”

Itto lowered his head and bowed to Kokomi.

Maybe he did have some manners?

“He looks strong can I challenge him to a spar?”

Never mind he seemed to have absolutely zero.

“Yes.”

Gorou turned dumbfounded. Kokomi’s stony facade never faltered. This was his punishment for embarrassing her, he felt guilt creeping up on him. However, she turned to Gorou and to his surprise… she winked.

Great, now Kokomi was setting him up.

“Can’t wait to beat you fair and square doggy dude.”

Gorou sighed dejectedly as Itto made a show of punching the air.

“Okay everyone, as weird as that interaction was myself and Paimon need to set sail.”

Aether thankfully moved the conversation on. He untied the ropes on his small boat and climbed below deck. Paimon sang her farewells as they drifted away.

“Don’t miss us too much we’ll be back for the Sakura festival! Don’t forget to write your verses for your Sakura partner! Oh Paimon just loves romance! Bye Itto! Bye Gorou! Bye Thoma! Bye Sayu! Bye-“

“Okay Paimon I think they get the message, let’s go.”

Gorou waved goodbye, the sky was warmer now and so was the wind.

Their small crowd began to disperse with only a few people left.

Wait...Sakura partner? Romance? Verses!?

“Kokomi is this a romantic festival?!”

Gorou panicked this was not going to be relaxing at all. Romance was awkward and full of… feelings. Oh no this was not good. What if someone doesn’t ask him to be their partner and he has to go alone? How embarrassing.

Kujou Sara chimed in.

“The Sakura festival itself isn’t but over the years it’s become a hot spot festival for couples.”

Thoma nodded in agreement.

“Yep! That’s right! It’s been a tradition for a few decades now to write verses or a letter asking someone to be your Sakura partner or “date” for the festival. But don’t worry Gorou I’m sure anyone would be luckily enough to go with you.”

Gorou blushed and nodded in thanks. It really wasn’t true but he appreciated the sentiment. He had never thought of himself as good looking or good at romantic sentiments in any way. In fact he barely even had any time for it on Watatsumi island, he was never someone people fawned over. Unless they were calling him cute, in a kind of weird pet way, but that was a whole different matter.

Maybe he could ask Kokomi? Or maybe even the traveler? No that would be weird they were friends not romantically involved.

He would have to find a date or face social ridicule… great just great.

“Yup every year I get tonnes of letters from people asking to be their partner. Gotta turn them down though can’t go on that many dates am I right?”

Itto puffed out his chest in a display of pride.

“Tonnes meaning absolutely none.”

And with that comment he deflated.

“Hey you sneaky Tengu don’t disrespect me like that!” Itto took off to catch up to Kujou Sara who simply waved him off. She looked like she was used to his behaviour. 

Gorou sighed, he now had two problems.

Number one: finding a date to the Sakura festival

Number two: avoiding Arataki Itto at all costs.

Now thanks to Kokomi number two was impossible. Gorou clenched his fists. How was he going to survive?

Chapter Text

Another early morning and Gorou was already awake. He tried to force himself to get a few more hours sleep but his strict military routine hadn’t worn off yet. He doubted it ever would. Gorou yawned and stretched. He was feeling, still, slightly irritated after yesterday’s brief encounter with Arataki Itto. Gorou knew he shouldn’t let it bother him but something about his manner just did. He had the boldness and confidence to be utterly rude to Kokomi. That was exactly what Gorou couldn’t stand, his obnoxiousness.

Gorou moved his hair out of his face and secured it with his usual patterned hair pin. He should do something to take his mind off of his annoyance, climbing perhaps? Hmm physical training sounded better. Gorou checked out the clothing Thoma said was put in the wardrobe for him. Ayaka had gone to the trouble to provide their guests with clothing suited to their own personal preferences. She was a very generous host. Hopefully Gorou would meet her and the mysterious commissioner later on.

He picked out a two piece light fabric outfit in the shade turquoise-blue. It was a cropped tank top and short trousers similar to his usual attire, paired with fingerless gloves and his sandals. Gorou didn’t mind having his midriff exposed, it allowed him more movement and fluidity during battle. The less clothing the better. He started to rummage through his belongings for a few essentials, a cloth to dry himself off, his vision and a discreet blade...just incase, you never know when an enemy could launch a surprise attack. He tucked it all away into a small satchel; minus the knife which he hid in the waistband of his trousers. Gorou briefly considered asking Kokomi to join him in his training but he needed some solitude to think and cool down after the Arataki situation.

Ugh that reminded him, his scheduled spar with Itto. Hopefully he would forget, it’s not as of Kokomi had set a date.

Gorou stuck his vision in with his other belongings and took off. He left the estate in search of an appropriate place to train. Somewhere secluded where the wind wasn’t too strong and somewhere he hopefully wouldn’t be disturbed.

He walked down a small path that ended with a steep cliff. Gorou peeked over the edge, the wind making his ears twitch. Gorou spotted a small beach a fair few metres below. It looked empty. The early morning ocean and light sea breeze would do good to cool him down after the exercise.

Yep, this would do nicely.

Gorou scaled his way down the cliff. He had always loved rock climbing, he just hadn’t had the chance to do it in a while. Gorou always hoped to see the great mountains of Liyue someday. It was said that they stretched so high they could touch the sunset itself.

He was almost at the bottom of the rock-face now. The ground didn’t look too far, definitely close enough to jump down to.

Why not?

Gorou let go of the rocky wall and fell through the air, he landed with a thud perfectly on the sand beneath him. He threw off his satchel and ran towards the ocean. He couldn’t help but smile, he loved the sea. The salty air stung his eyes but the wind carried with it that familiar scent of home. He had never thought of himself as someone who could get homesick, but being here made him feel a strange emptiness. No it wasnt homesickness, he had Kokomi with him and he had been on travels before the war. Nope that’s not it at all.

I think I feel…alone

It was a feeling of loneliness. Gorou did enjoy his own company but this was something different. It actually felt quiet overwhelming, he felt as if he could cry and maybe even laugh at the same time. Being a general had taken up so much of his time that Gorou hadn’t even stopped to think what he would do when it had come to it’s end. There never did seem to be a conclusion in sight during those battles, only blood-spilled and an innate need to survive. Gorou had been so concerned over planning and preparing and protecting that he hadn’t actually taken the time to feel anything at all. He felt a slight pang of guilt that came in tow with these emotions, he had Kokomi, his family, even the traveler, he should be content with that. So why did he still feel this way? He was a military general, he was brave, strong and resilient in the face of any battle. But in the face of something like this, he was nothing like that at all.

Gorou felt his eyes start to water, he clenched his jaw to stop any tears from forming.

Archons let’s move on

Gorou went through his usual battle stances as he prepared to train. Hopefully some physical exercise would take his mind off it. But while he sweated out his emotions he became aware of another presence nearby. A quiet snap of a branch and his brown ear turned. A nearby collection of tight knit shrubbery and trees sat to his left. Someone had followed him, but it was dark in that area so his visuals were poor. Gorou stepped slowly towards the sound, he slowed down his breathing as to draw as little attention to himself as possible. He pulled out the blade he was carrying and continued his approach. He stilled just at the edge of the grass. There was a faint light being omitted from a lantern, that should help his vision at least a little.

One, two, three…

Gorou sprang into the shaded foliage and grabbed the stranger from behind. They dropped the lantern and covered them both in a heavy sheet of darkness. Gorou could barely see anything, he was going into this completely blind. A foolish and irrational decision. His emotions had messed with his judgement. The other person let out a scream and tried to grab his tail to which he clawed at their face, hopefully leaving a mark. Gorou managed to put his opponent in a chokehold but when they stepped backwards the stranger tripped and fell forcefully into the earth. Gorou seized his opportunity and straddled their waist, he held the small blade to the person's throat just below the chin.

“Hey!” The strangers exclaimed, it was a man, and he sounded winded.

Wait, Gorou recognised that voice.

“Arataki Itto?” he breathed.

“Yup in the flesh. What’s the big deal man?”

Itto lifted up the latern that he had discarded in the fight and the light illuminated both their faces. Itto’s eyes bore into his own and Gorou couldn't help but return the intense eye contact. His eyes were such interesting colours. The red-orange iris’ and the shape of his pupils were so unique. Gorou found himself leaning in closer. Itto’s eyes widened. The quiet of the woods left room for only their haggered breathing but for some reason Gorou wanted that quiet to continue.

What in Archons name was he doing?

Snap out of it Gorou. This man insulted your best friend and you're staring into his eyes. Get a grip.

Gorou could feel his cheeks turn pink at his own internal monologue. Of course it had to be Itto, the one person he was trying to avoid he instead ended up on top of. Gorou removed the knife and tucked it back into his trousers.

Itto, of course, broke the silence.

“Oh wow…uh we’re quite close right now aren’t we um you’re kind of sitting on not the most comfortable of areas, if you get what I’m saying.”

Gorou flushed even deeper pink and sprang up off of the oni.

Itto brushed himself off and stood up to his full height. He was a lot taller than Gorou, he even had to tilt his head upwards just to make eye contact.

“I was here collecting Onikabuto before you start asking me any weird questions. I wasn’t spying on you, in fact I didn’t even know you were here. This is my beach and I for one come he-he-give me a sec he-“

Itto’s eye drooped slightly.

“Yeah so as I was ugh saying beach mine yup, umm goodnight puppy.”

Itto’s knees gave way and before he could make another sound he fully collapsed, face first, into the bushes.

Gorou stared wide-eyed and open-mouthed. What in the hell had he just witnessed?

“Arataki, Arataki are you okay? Can you hear me Arataki? Itto?”

Itto didn’t respond. Gorou kneeled down slowly next to his head.

“I swear on the Archon’s if you’re dead Arataki.” Gorou whispered to him.

He checked for breathing and a pulse and there was one, thank the Archons. At least he wasn’t a murderer. Gorou manoeuvred Itto’s head to the side. He winced, he had managed to scratch him, just below the eye, a red line about three inches in length. Hopefully it wouldn’t scar and Itto would forgive him for it later.

After a few minutes Itto still was unresponsive to Gorou’s prodding. He concluded he must have suffered a head injury and the last thing you should do with one of those, is fall asleep. He had to be treated within the next few hours to ensure no permenant damage. But how was he going to get him out of here? There was no way in Inazuma herself that Gorou would be able to carry him or even move him out of the shrubbery for that matter. He was strong, but not that strong. The best cause of action would be to wait it out and hopefully in a couple of hours Kokomi or even Thoma would notice he was missing and come and find them. Normally he and Kokomi would communicate through a special device she used to send orders to him remotely. But he had left it behind in his room at the Kamisato’s. The only viable option was to wait.

Itto stirred and let out a slight grunt. Gorou couldn’t just let him lie there. He had to put his own personal distaste towards Itto aside and help him so the injury didn't worsen. Gorou turned him over, but archons he was heavy, and moved Itto’s head onto his lap.

“At least this way you’ll be more comfortable.” Gorou doubted he could hear him, but he said it anyway.

Gorou tried to occupy himself with anything else but acknowledging anything about Arataki Itto, but after what felt like centuries of staring at the leaves on the ground he gave up. He let himself stare because why not? Yes Itto’s manner was incredibly obnoxious and rude but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t slightly, maybe, attractive, in the general sense of the word of course and it’s not as if he’d be caught. Plus, Gorou was simply doing research on the enemy, nothing weird about that at all.

He slowly reached down and intertwined his fingers in Itto’s hair to try and get the twigs and any other plant life out. His hair was surprisingly very soft but tangled from his ventures. Gorou managed to pull out every foreign object and moved on to observing the red patterns adorning his face and body. From what he knew about oni they weren’t tattoos but rather markings, a part of his skin. The colour was so vibrant up close and interestingly was the same shade as his horns and tips of his white hair. Gorou wondered what his horns felt like. He didn’t want to touch them without Itto’s consent, he knew what that felt like. Though humans meant well they often grabbed his ears or tail without asking. It made him feel inferior, like they owned him and his body. Gorou placed his hand in Itto’s hair again.

Itto moved and Gorou froze. He put both hands up in the air. He could easily explain away his head in his lap but definitely not playing with his hair. Gorou was sure he was going to wake up and completely embarrass him, but instead Itto deliriously snaked and arm awkwardly around Gorou’s back and said two words.

“Mhm puppy boy.”

Itto nestled his face further into Gorou’s lap. Gorou had never wanted to die so much in his life. He opened his mouth and omitted a silent scream of embarrassment.

He really really disliked this oni.

All of a sudden Gorou could hear footsteps in the sand. He normally wasn’t stupid enough to call out to something like that incase it was an enemy, but he was desperate and at this point an enemy would be better than this situation.

“Hello! Can I get some help over here?”

The footsteps starting getting louder and the person was getting closer. Gorou could hear they were now at the edge of the foliage. But of course, at that very moment Itto, in his state of utter insanity, used his other arm to fully enclose Gorou and pull his exposed torso closer towards his face. Gorou could not escape his vice-like grip, he was incredibly strong Gorou would give him that.

“My my, what do we have here? Am I interrupting an intimate moment general Gorou?”

Gorou’s throat went dry as he tried to swallow.

“Not at all Commissioner Kamisato.”

“Please,” the commissioner said with a wink.

“Call me Ayato.”

Chapter Text

The swift walk back to the Kamisato estate was edging on embarrassing to say the least. After the great effort of hauling Itto out of the small woods and onto the sand, Ayato called for Thoma to come and give them a helping hand. Itto was, as expected, as heavy as he looked, but between the three of them they managed to get him moving. Kamisato Ayato with one of Itto’s arm flung over his shoulder, Thoma with another and Gorou walking in front, he was far too short to assist in carrying the oni.

The group got off the beach and onto a grassy patch, Thoma estimated the walk should take around twenty minutes. Good the quicker the better. Itto needed treatment and quickly. They all fell into a steady rhythm of walking but after a few minutes of comfortable silence Thoma spoke.

“How come you didn’t call for guards to help us my lord?”

Ayato chucked.

“Ah my dear Thoma we wouldn’t want to embarrass our house guest would we?”

Gorou bit his lip to try and quell the heat rising to his face. Thankfully, by walking in front he could hide his expression from Ayato and Thoma.

“Why did something happen General Gorou?”

How was he going to get out of this one? He couldn’t lie with Ayato in their presence that was completely improper and not a good first impression. He would have to just explain he was helping out a fallen acquaintance. Ugh but Itto’s hugging. There was no way he could explain that in a professional context. He probably would just have to tell the truth.

“Well I-“

Ayato interrupted.

“It was nothing at all, just our humble little general here assisting Arataki, I just didn’t want him to feel as if he had to explain himself the guards or any else for that matter. And of course, I do love having you all to myself Thoma why let the guards spoil my fun?”

Thank the archons for Ayato saving his tail, that was twice now. Interestingly enough he had said the last part with absolutely no shame. Was he joking or did he actually mean that about Thoma? Gorou really couldn’t tell.

He turned around to grab a glimpse of them both and Thoma was smiling nervously. Gorou didn’t think he understood either. Ayato however appeared calm and composed.

“So my lord do you think it’s suitable to have Itto treated at his granny Oni’s home?”

Ayato paused to think.

Granny Oni? Gorou’s mind conjured up an image of granny that just looked like Arataki in a floral night gown and beaded reading glasses.

“No that won’t be necessary,” Ayato’s smooth voice got rid of his vision of the old lady Itto.

“He can easily be treated at the Kamisato estate and stay with us until he has recovered. Granny Oni is capable but she’s getting older and we don’t want to cause her any worry or stress. I’ll personally send her a letter to explain the situation.”

“Yes I agree my lord, our healers will act must faster and we are closer to Inazuma city should we need any supplies.”

“Exactly Thoma.”

Gorou chimed in.

“Sorry to interrupt but how much longer go have to go and do you need any help carrying him? I can take a turn.”

He turned and Ayato was smiling.

“About five minutes General Gorou and no I think we’ll manage just fine.”

“You can call me Gorou.”

“As you wish…Gorou.”

The look in Ayato’s eyes was unsettling. Not in a menacing way just in a way of impending social embarrassment. He looked like he was plotting something and Gorou did not like it one bit. Ayato so far was an interesting man, he was charming and polite but always with an undertone of devious intelligence. Gorou wondered if Ayaka would be similar to her brother.

The group were finally nearing the Kamisato estate. Gorou could see the blue and pink clothing of Kokomi. He broke into a sprint. The wind rushing through his fur and making his eyes water. The shouts from Thoma and Ayato were ignored. He had to reach her. They hadn’t been separated for long but it felt like eternity. Gorou shouted, he was nearly there.

“Kokomi!”

She turned as graceful as ever, it felt like the whole world had slowed. Her soft smile and eyes forming crescent shapes as she looked at him.

Oh how he loved her. She was everything to him, the most beloved companion he had ever had.

Gorou almost tripped over his own feet when he launched himself onto her for a hug. She let out an “oof” as he made impact. They both laughed loudly.

Kokomi looked at him with kindness but also slight confusion. He wasn’t normally the touchy-feely type.

“Hehe did you miss me general Gorou?”

Gorou held her tighter to hide his watering eyes. He was so emotional lately and it made him feel weak and exhausted. He longed for the comfort of his best friend.

“More than you know your excellency.”

Ayato and Thoma joined them moments later with Itto in tow. Ayato addressed the guards.

“Get him to the north wing bedroom, and call for a healer.”

The guards answered in a chorus of “yes lord” and Itto was taken inside. To Gorou’s disdain he was laid on his bed, in his room.

“Ayato, sir, not to be rude but is there perhaps any other room I could stay in while Itto is being treated?”

Gorou asked Ayato as healer bustled about around Itto.

“Ah no General Gorou, unless you want to be housed on the other side of the estate but that would be far away from Lady Kokomi and I’m assuming you want to be in close range to her. Am I correct?”

Gorou bit his tongue of various protests. He was right he had to be near Kokomi incase anything went awry or he might as-well not be there at all.

Gorou simply nodded.

Ayato smiled, “good I’m sure they’ll be enough room in that bed for the both of you.” He said as he swanned out of Gorou’s bedroom.

Thoma was wrapping Itto’s head with a bandage but stilled to give Gorou a sideways glance.

Gorou knew by now that his carefully contained embarrassment and annoyance would slip out eventually. But today he managed to keep it hidden.

After Itto had been attended to Gorou and Kokomi received news from Thoma. He explained that Ayaka had some time to spare and would be joining them for lunch. Kokomi’s eyes lit up at the news she had been looking forward to meeting her.

They made their way to the dining area and as usual everything was set up perfectly. This time the food was sushi, sashimi and edamame salad. They took their seats and the panelled door slid open revealing a young woman with pale blue hair and an even paler complexion.

This must be Ayaka

Gorou observed the similarities between her and her brother, the hair colour, skin tone and beauty mark.

Kokomi greeted her.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you my name is Sangonomiya Kokomi and this is General Gorou.”

Ayaka smiled politely and sat down to eat. Thoma served them all tea and the conversation fell into a natural rhythm. Ayaka was effortlessly pleasant and made conversation easily with the pair. They went on to discuss trade meetings, Inazuma’s current political state and even current clothing crazes in Inazuma city.

“It is nice to sit and talk like this, I unfortunately am very busy with Sakura preparations otherwise I would’ve made sure we all met sooner.”

Ayaka looked disappointed in herself, her face slightly crestfallen.

Kokomi offered her some comfort.

“That’s no problem at all, we understand you have duties to attend to. At least we’re all acquainted now.”

Ayaka seemed to cheer up at that comment. Gorou suspected she often missed out on things due to festival arranging and other duties keeping her busy. He liked her she was nice and seemed passionate yet level-headed about Inazuma’s affairs. A perfect combination in Gorou’s opinion.

“I hope my brother has been treating you well in my absence, he is a good host but has a bad habit of meddling in other people’s, um personal affairs.”

Gorou forced a smile.

“Nope not at all he’s been perfectly hospitable.”

“That’s good I’m glad you feel comfortable here.”

Ayato was exactly how she had described.

They all finished up their food and Kokomi sweeped Gorou away for one of their first trade meetings with the Kujou clan. Gorou was not looking forward to it. These meetings usually lasted hours or even days and sometimes got them nowhere at all. Hopefully this one would be different, the strange “connection” between Kokomi and Kujou Sara could either help or hinder their progress.

After a meeting lasting four full hours Gorou came to the conclusion that he was wrong. Nothing had changed. Meetings were still as dull and elongated as ever. The same boring questions spoke by the same boring people. Even Kokomi herself seemed out of it, only when Kujou Sara spoke did Kokomi seem half interested. They also had various points of intense eye contact throughout the discussion, but Sara’s eyes didn’t seem to be filled with malice but something else. Something else Gorou couldn’t put his finger on. But overall, he was very tired and slightly annoyed at the uneventfulness. He couldn’t wait to just get back to the estate and collapse in his bed. He wanted to sleep for at least a week.

Gorou practically ran to his room to do just that when he came to the realisation that his most comfy bed was occupied by an unwelcome guest. He recalled Ayato’s comment about the bed being big enough to share and to be honest, he was too tired to care about the connotations around sharing. It was his bed and he would sleep in it.

Itto still seemed out of it anyway, he was fast asleep with a bandage around his head. The healer guessed he would sleep for a few more days then be fully recovered. I’m the warm lamplight Itto seemed peaceful. Gorou took the opportunity to stare, no, ‘gather information’.

Itto’s eyelashes were darker and longer than expected also his nails were pitch black and came to a point, like claws. Itto opened his mouth in a yawn and Gorou froze. He had fangs and they looked incredibly sharp, they could no doubt rip through almost anything. Gorou imagined what his nails would feel like on someone’s skin. Not his skin of course but hypothetically someone else’s. If he were to go rouge and attack someone Gorou would definitely need that intel. That wound Gorou gave him in their scrappy fight was still there, still three inches and as red as ever. He couldn’t help but feel responsible for his injury so despite his apparent growing dislike of Arataki he would have to apologise.

Gorou removed his clothing in favour of a light pair of sleeping shorts, he slept topless even in Inazuma’s winter. His motto- the less clothing the better.

He climbed into the bed slowly next to Itto. He made sure not to touch him and got into his usual sleeping position- lying in a fetal position hugging his tail. Gorou new it was embarrassing but it was the only way he could get relaxed. He couldn’t even face Itto because the consequences of thus sleeping arrangement had started to sink in, but it would have to do. There was no other option. Gorou shut his eyes and drifted off to sleep hopefully dreaming of anything apart from the oni beside him.

Arataki Itto still felt delirious. He opened his eyes to a white ceiling, candle light and a comfortable bed he apparently was sharing with someone.

Where the hell was he?

And what in Archons name had he done this time?

Chapter Text

Itto attempted to slowly turn his head to the side. It hurt, the pain was steady and throbbing. Banging against his skull. Yep this was definitely one of his worst injuries to date. He had been told he had a thick skull but evidently, not thick enough. He heard a small intake of breath from beside him. Itto gave the noise a side ways glance. It really was too painful to move. Was that brown ears? Who did he know with brown fur? Ah Hah! The puppy general.

Good deduction skills Itto.

But wait why was he in bed with the doggy dude. Itto placed a hand on his head in confusion. He couldn’t remember how or when he got here. Was he drunk? Did he get drunk and…oh no. Had they slept together? He’d never had a one night stand before how were these things supposed to work? And why didn’t he remember anything? Was it the alcohol? He didn’t taste any. Ugh too many questions. Well undeniably the general was cute and looked like he had really soft ears an-

Itto placed his hand on the bed and it landed on something soft. He moved his hand further up the object until it reached…was that fabric? He felt around the area. He had to turn his head there was no way he could figure out what that was. He really hoped it wasn’t the general.

Itto turned.

Yep it was the general. Gorou stared wide-eyed as Itto had managed to place his entire hand on Gorou’s backside. Itto barely had time to apologise when Gorou jumped on top of him pressing him into the mattress by his shoulders. This felt familiar somehow.

The doggy general seethed above him. His blue eyes ablaze and fangs bared. His face was painted with pink. A perfect picture of rage.

“What in Archon’s name do you think you’re doing Arataki?”

Itto struggled to find the words. He just stared open mouthed. Gorou’s eyes shone in the dim light.

“Y-You’re beautiful.”

Itto instantly slapped a hand over his Archons-forsaken mouth. Gorou had a similar reaction, his face relaxed into a confused expression, he was clearly not expecting that statement.

Gorou cleared his throat.

“Are you toying with me Arataki?”

Gorou’s guard was still up but Itto didn’t know what to say. His mouth had spoken before his brain had had even a second to think.

“I-I don’t know.”

There was excruciating silence. The only noise the flickering of the lamp’s light.

Itto hated silence he decided he should break the tension. Gorou’s claws had started to dig into his skin and it would definitely leave a mark.

“You’re really strong and you wouldn’t think it from your size because you know you’re small and stuff.”

Gorou let out a deep exhale. He retracted his claws.

“You don’t have to make conversation oni. I’m well aware of our strange predicament.”

Oh no.

That meant Gorou remembered their romantic encounter. Archons he hoped he was good in bed at least. Wait, maybe that’s why Gorou was so angry he had- shit, he had underperformed. How embarrassing.

“Look General, can I call you Gorou?”

Gorou’s expression didn’t shift.

“Okay Gorou. I-uh understand completely if I didn’t help you to feel um how do I put this…satisfied? I really do apologise. I can be quite reckless and get myself into weird situations at times, even though this is by far the worst-“

Gorou’s brow furrowed. This explanation was not helping.

“To put it plainly I don’t actually remember getting into this situation or um having sex…that is umm with you.”

Gorou simply blinked once and then Itto had never seen someone’s face go red as fast as General Gorou’s did.

“Wh-what are you talking about?”

Oops maybe Itto had said something wrong again.

“WE NEVER HAD SEX YOU FELL AND HIT YOUR HEAD DURING A FIGHT AND NOW YOU’RE SLEEPING IN MY BED BECAUSE THERE’S NO OTHER ROOMS GOT IT?!”

Gorou had probably woken up everyone in Inazuma with that screaming.

“Okay! Okay, puppy calm down! I get it!”

Gorou grabbed Itto’s wrist and pinned it against the headboard. Gorou practically growled when he spoke.

“Do not call me puppy or you will regret it.”

Itto felt heat rising to his face. Why did that statement not have the desired effect on him? He was fearful for his life right now for sure but he also felt his insides buzz with a hint of excitement.

Archons Itto you’re sick. You’re about to maybe die at the hands of the doggy general and all you can think about is his good looks. At this point you deserve to die.

BANG

Both of their attentions snapped to the door. Thoma, the commissioner and the fish lady had burst in all dressed in their sleeping clothes. So he was in the Kamisato estate. Unless Thoma had like a huge secret mansion somewhere. Thoma looked panicked whereas the commissioner wore a smug expression. The fish princess practically ran to Gorou’s side.

“Is everything okay? I heard shouting and-“

The general cut her off.

“No everything’s fine Kokomi. I’m sorry for waking everyone up. Itto woke up and I got quite a shock that’s all.”

Ah her name is Kokomi.

“A bit more than a shock I’d say.”

Ayato ran his eyes over himself and Gorou. For an outsider point of view this did look suspicious to say the least. Gorou straddling him wearing only shorts while pressing Itto’s hand into the mattress. Yep definitely not the best look for his reputation.

Gorou removed himself from atop Itto and sat back down on his side.

“Look guys it’s not what it looks like, Gorou here was simply showing me a new ugh fighting technique yeah. Nailed it”

He could see Gorou roll his eyes. Oops he said that last part out loud.

“Hmm so fighting scantily clad in the middle of the night? Sounds perfectly reasonable to me.”

The commissioner was loving this, he could tell. He did have a thing for other people’s embarrassment, especially Thoma.

“Stop teasing them Ayato.” Thoma waved him off as Ayato fluttered around him.

“Ah but my dearest Thoma you know I love to. I don’t mean any ill-will I’m just trying to speed up what is already in motion.”

Thoma stuck a hand over Ayato’s mouth.

“Yeah yeah yeah my lord whatever you say.”

“So yeah everything is fine and nothing is needed seeing to.”

General Gorou started to usher everyone out of the room. There were various protests but he quieted them by slamming the door and locking it. His expression was serious, he folded his arms over his exposed chest.

“Look Arataki, let me get this straight. I don’t like you. You insulted her excellency and have continued to be a nuisance to me. You have a head injury and I overheard the healers saying you’d need to stay here for maybe three to even six weeks and that means we’re sharing this room and unfortunately this bed. If we’re going to make this work there’s certain things you’ll have to abide by.”

Itto raised a finger to speak.

“Ah let me finish. I wake up early and have a strict routine that you will not interfere with, you will not touch and/or move any of my belongings and finally you will not breathe a word of anything you supposedly think happened between us because it didn’t, understand?”

Itto grit his teeth that speech really boiled his blood. Itto hated being ordered about and told what to do. Also the one night stand thing, was he really that repulsive that Gorou couldn’t stand thinking about them being together? Ugh this guy was really starting to get on his nerves. Well, if Gorou could set rules then so could he.

“Well I don’t exactly like you either. First you threaten me and now you get to call the shots. Well, fine then here are my rules. Don’t wake me up before sunrise, do not use my hairbrush and finally I have to use this room as a base of communications for my gang so if there are papers around here do not even sneak a peak at them. Okay?”

The general’s foot was tapping on the ground. He looked pissed, again.

“Fine.”

Itto snapped back at him.

“Fine!”

Itto turned over in bed away from Gorou. Yes they had to share but that didn’t mean Itto had to look at him. He felt the weight of the mattress go down as Gorou got into bed. Neither of them said goodnight as Gorou turned out the lamp light. In darkness both of their annoyance continued to simmer.

Chapter Text

Gorou’s eyes opened slowly to the Inazuman morning light trickling gently through the window. He must have forgotten to shut the blinds last night. No matter.

He stretched as usual. Got out of bed, washed and got dressed as usual. But what was not a part of his usual routine was a six foot tall oni occupying his bed. Thankfully he didn’t wake Itto up while he was getting dressed, that was one of his “rules” after all. Even though Itto’s requests were somewhat immature and in Gorou’s mind, a bit stupid, he would try his best to abide by them and hopefully that meant Itto would abide by his aswell.

Gorou observed Itto in his sleep. There was some colour back in his cheeks and he seemed to be breathing fine. His bandages looked in tact, not that any of that mattered, Gorou was just checking up on him as a force of habit, yeah just a part of military training.

Gorou would train this morning and meet with the Yae Miko and Kokomi later on, she had promised to give them trade advice directly from the Shogun herself. Hopefully the fox envoy would uphold her word, that information could prove to be useful.

Gorou made his way out of the estate, his bow and arrows in tow. It was a clear morning and a perfect day for target practice. He would set a couple up at his usual training spot and hopefully this time he wouldn’t be disturbed.

———————————————————

Knock Knock

Itto was woken up by a sharp knock on the door. He groaned, his head was still throbbing as he turned to shove his face into the pillow.

“It’s me Thoma, can I come in?”

Itto cleared his throat.

“Yup sure.”

Thoma entered with some breakfast, tea and bandages, all perfectly balanced on a tray.

“No don’t get up Itto you need to rest, healers orders.”

Itto protested, “Thoma ugh cmon man cant you give a guy a break. I’m bored in this stuffy room with that Mr. No fun general.”

Thoma smiled as he set down the tray next to Itto.

“You shouldn’t be so harsh on him. I’m sure he can have fun when he wants to.”

“Pfft doubt it.”

Itto knew he was stubborn, but even so, Thoma was not going to change his mind on that one, General Gorou was most definitely a wet-blanket.

Itto let Thoma re-wrap his head with bandages as he ate some breakfast- eggs, rice and bacon. Itto’s mouth watered as he ate, the flavours were so good. Rich people food was the best.

“So Itto, I was wondering if you wanted to help me tend to the garden today? I need to re-plant a couple things and do some general tidying. What do you think?”

Itto raised an eyebrow and folded his arms in challenge.

“I thought you said I had to be on bed-rest? Healers orders remember?”

He did not look as strong-willed as usual with a bandaged head and tray on his lap, but in his head Itto was a picture of defiance.

Thoma mirrored Itto and folded his arms.

“Yeah well, you got me there but would you rather sit in here all day until General Gorou comes back or come and help me?”

They both knew Itto’s answer to that question.

After a quick wash and change into Kamisato estate attire they were ready to garden. They started by re-raking the stone garden then moved on to planting various shrubs and checking up on the Sakura trees that Thoma said would look, “like a pink sunset when Sakura season comes.”

Itto couldn’t take part in his romantic sentiments however because in the courtyard it was warm, too warm. The winter sun’s white rays were strong and Itto could feel himself already building up a massive sweat.

“Ugh Thoma, why do we have to wear these clothes to garden… I’m dying out here, I feel like a pyro slime right now…what a sweat fest-”

Itto was panting in between almost each word. At this point fhey were both down on their hands and knees half-covered in Inazuman soil, they definitely were not a pretty sight. Also these so called "gardening clothes" were not helping. They consisted of heavy black trousers and a tight matching top. Not at all ideal for this weather and also not at all ideal for gardening, he swore Thoma just picked out a random outfit and called it a day.

“We’re nearly done Itto, but if you’re too hot you can take the top off if you want. I’ll probably copy you heh and I agree that it’s not the most comfortable thing in the world.”

Thoma was sweating too. Not as much as Itto but just enough that the headband he was wearing had to be removed. Thankfully, the courtyard itself was virtually empty, so Itto and Thoma both removed the top half of their clothing.

A few moments of easy silence passed as they both planted a few Otogi tree saplings at the edges of the stone garden. Itto had to admit this was quite relaxing, it cleared his head and somehow the sound of the shrubs rustling calmed him. The only thought in his mind was about the task in-front of him.

That was until Thoma interrupted with the dreaded question. He asked with genuine interest and care but it was the one curiosity Itto did not want to hear.

“So Itto who are you planning to write to for the Sakura festival?”

Thoma obviously didn’t know. Itto doubted anyone would guess that the fearless Arataki Itto was scared of…poetry.

“Itto? Are you okay?”

Thoma looked concerned. Itto was probably not hiding his literature-based terror very well.

“It’s okay Itto, I won’t pry but I’m sure whoever you write to will be very lucky.”

Thoma really was a nice guy, maybe Itto could ask him about the poetry part of finding your sakura partner. Thoma didn’t seem the type to judge and he looked like he would have good advice.

Itto raked his black nails through his hair in embarrassment.

“Well actually, I don’t have anyone in mind just now and I’m kind of a lil bit embarrassed about this whole thing because you know, the other day when I was boasting about getting tonnes of Sakura partner letters. Well that was actually a lie, I’ve just never gotten one. People are too scared of me or something I guess. I’ve also never sent one. Poetry and writing love letters is one hundred percent not my thing. It’s more difficult than beating up bad guys or winning beetle fights. It’s like more delicate or something. I don’t know man.”

Thoma nodded, “Hmm yeah I understand where you’re coming from. I’m sorry you’ve never gotten a sakura poem Itto that’s too bad. But I think that maybe you’ve got a better chance this year, after all you’ve got a few new friends.”

“Yeah you’re right maybe I’ll get lucky this time round.”

“Oh also as well it might be easier to write once you have a receiver of your poetry in mind. They might inspire you I know that it works that way for me.”

Thoma must not have realised the information he had just revealed.

“No wayyy! You have someone you’re sending a a letter to! C’mon Thoma you need to tell me who it is.”

Thoma’s face tinged with pink as he bit his lip. He seemed shy, almsot like a little boy.

“Itto you cannot tell anyone about this okay? I’ll definitely get in a lot of trouble if this gets out.”

Itto nodded. He would try his best to keep his very talkative mouth shut.

Thoma continued.

“I also know that my feelings are unrequited but I’m going to write my poetry anonymously.”

Itto was becoming impatient. Who was this mystery person?

“Their name is…”

It could be Aether, maybe Ayaka? Nah definitely not, maybe General Gorou? Itto’s stomach, for some reason sank at the thought. A good-looking guy like Thoma could definitely get with Gorou, he had that charming kindness that most-likely gave him a few points in the romance department.

“It’s the commissioner.”

Itto’s jaw dropped like a dead bird from the sky.

“Oh my Archons. No way. Ayato?”

“Shh Itto not so loud someone might hear.”

“Ayato?!”

“Itto!”

“Thoma!”

“Arataki Itto!”

A familiar voice shouted his name in reply. Speak of the devil, Thoma’s Sakura crush, Kamisato Ayato.

Ayato walked into the courtyard trailed behind him the puppy general, Lady Kokomi and the small girl version of Ayato. What was her name again?

“My lady Ayaka it's nice to see you this afternoon.”

Thoma had stood and taken a bow in her presence. It was slightly awkward though due to his upper body being exposed.

Aww yeah that’s her name, Ayaka.

Ayato smiled devilishly.

“Might I ask what the topic of conversation was before my timely arrival. I did hear my name after all.”

“Umm well my lord.”

Ayato clicked his tongue and made his way over to Thoma.

“My, my, my we did get ourselves dirty didn’t we. What a shame I was rather enjoying the view but you must get yourselves cleaned up. I thought we could all have dinner together tonight?”

He leaned in and whispered something in Thoma’s ear and Itto had never in his life seen someone go red faster than Thoma did.

“Brother stop tormenting him.”

Ayaka had stepped in to ease Thoma’s suffering.

“But why? It is so incredibly fun to flirt. Don’t you think so General Gorou?”

The general’s ear twitched slightly.

“Umm I don’t quite know what you’re talking about sir. I don’t have a strong enough opinion on matters such as that.”

Ayato looked disappointed.

“What a shame I would have hoped a handsome man might have caught your eye. Maybe someone like the traveler or maybe even Thoma?”

Itto’s stomach did that weird dropping thing again. He could tell Gorou didn’t like Ayato’s prodding. He shouldn’t really care, he should let Gorou be publicly tortured. But for some reason he couldn’t.

“Wow, I am so hungry right now anyone else? I could really eat some rice buns right now or even some Liyuean food. Isn’t that right Thoma?”

With the biggest wink and most unsubtle gesturing Itto motioned to Thoma. He made eye contact with Gorou and to his surprise the general’s tail was... wagging? What?

“Yeah we should probably get cleaned up and I’ll get started helping with food. Want to help Itto?”

“Definitely!”

Itto couldn’t have ran into the estate faster.

—————————————

Gorou tried to slowly figure out what had just happened.

Did Arataki just help him? But why? Gorou was pretty sure they both held equal levels of resentment towards each other. So why had he swayed the conversation?

What was this oni’s angle?

Gorou was suspicious. Itto most likely wanted something from him or maybe he was trying to get him to lower his guard so he could launch an attack.

Gorou felt a cold palm on his shoulder.

“Sometimes kindness is just kindness Gorou.”

Kokomi was most likely right but he would keep his guard up. But for now, the next objective was to survive this inevitably awkward dinner. Hopefully Ayato wouldn’t pry anymore and hopefully this time, Gorou’s tail wouldn’t wag if Itto looked his way.

Chapter Text

Dinner was a lively affair. Gorou hadn’t ate with this many people in a while, it was nice. It reminded him of the mess hall back on Watatsumi island, he didn’t think at this point in his stay he would, but he still did miss the camaraderie of the resistance. So sharing a meal with friends (and Itto) was a nice reminder of home.

Everyone shared food around the table and when Thoma brought out the sakè Itto and Ayato roared in approval. The people around him seemed loud and joy filled and that made him rather happy. Also surprisingly there was no awkwardness between himself and Itto, not that they had much chance to talk to one another. But their eyes met, once across the dinner table. Fleeting and warm. It was only for a few seconds then Gorou tore his eyes away and back to Kokomi. But for some reason in that moment, his breathing became elevated and he had to sit on his tail to stop it from moving.

It must be the sakè. It had to be. Gorou after all was not the best with alcohol so he cut his drinking short after two or three glasses of the stuff.

With dinner over and done with Thoma cleared away the plates and chopsticks and unfortunately to Ayato’s apparent disappointment- the sakè as well. Thoma reached for Ayato’s glass but was instead grabbed by the collar as Ayato laughed and again whispered in his ear. Gorou had actually noticed that he did the same earlier in the courtyard. He wondered what Ayato could possibly be saying. Thoma did seem taken aback by whatever it was.

Gorou had noticed throughout the night they had been sitting close to each other, closer than normal. At one point he swore he saw Ayato with his arm around him stroking Thoma’s side. But it was hard to tell through the blur of alcohol and Gorou didn’t want to be rude and stare. He probably shouldn’t trust what his eyes were seeing or what his brain was thinking. He definitely would be hungover in the morning.

Everyone seemed to have mutually decided to retire to their respective rooms and after bidding Kokomi goodnight Gorou made his way to his bedroom. His ears were distracted by the noises of quiet laughter and shushing he could hear down the hall from his bedroom.

Is that Thoma?

He slowly padded towards the noise and peaked around the corner. He could see two figures in the dim light of the hallway, they were talking hushed and breathily.

“Did you really think I was just teasing? This entire time.”

“Just shut up Ayato.”

Thoma pushed Ayato up against the door to his bedroom with one hand on the doorframe and the other on Ayato’s side. Gorou really shouldn’t be looking at this, he really shouldn’t be interrupting but he was. He couldn’t tear his eyes away, he was practically drunk and not making good decisions tonight at all. He watched as Thoma leaned in to place kisses along Ayato’s neck, Ayato smiled in the dark. He looked so sickeningly happy. It was bittersweet. Love unfolding before his very eyes and once again, like always not for him. It never seemed to happen for him. They both met in the middle to kiss properly and at that Gorou had had enough. His head was spinning and he felt that kind of full-body exhaustion he felt after training. Gorou made his way back to his bedroom, the quietness of the house creeping in on him as he walked.

He was happy for them he really was. But the alcohol made him emotional. Gorou felt horrible about his jealousy and bitterness but he couldn’t control it. He was always like this when he drank, that’s why he avoided it, alcohol just increased his emotions tenfold. He clenched his fists as he opened his bedroom door. He didn’t breathe a word to Itto as he climbed into bed and turned out the light. It was silent in the room apart from the steady rhythm of Itto’s breathing. Gorou stared at the ceiling to try and get his head to stop spinning. Fortunately, the fresh linen sheets felt nice on his skin and that did well to soothe his spiralling thoughts.

He sighed.

Why can’t someone want me like that?

Gorou had always had issues with romantic relationships. He never seemed to have the time to even stop and think about seeking out that type of companionship, especially not after joining the resistance. However, he had been on a few dates here and there but never anything memorable. The issue with him dating was that people often viewed him as “cute” and not in a way of being attractive more in a way of being belittled. It made him feel so uncomfortable and not to mention undesirable. He didn’t want someone to think he was cute. He wanted someone to want him, really need him, but no one ever had. He wanted someone who would tremble under his lightest touch, someone who would whisper his name in darkness, someone who would reach for him during the night and hold him tightly through anything. He wanted it so badly his insides ached. He would do anything for that kind of affection.

Oh wait, that’s it.

That longing feeling he had been experiencing, that bittersweet melancholy that young jilted lovers felt, that’s what had been making him feel so strange. It was that type of loneliness. He was lovesick, from a love he didn’t have.

Gorou gripped the bedsheet to stop himself from crying but it didn’t work. Hot tears ran down his face as he tried to regulate his breathing. Archons, this realisation was not a good one to have while drunk. He covered his mouth as he let out a small sob. Itto stirred next to him.

He sighed and whispered into the dark, “Mmm you okay Gorou?”

Gorou tried to catch his breath as he sniffed a reply.

“I-I’m sorry I’m kind of drunk and some stuff is making me upset. I’m embarrassed I’m really sorr-rry.” Gorou was struggling to speak, he felt so pathetic, like a snivelling child.

Itto waited a few seconds until he answered, “Gorou…ugh do you want me to hug you?”

What?

Was Itto making fun of him? He couldn’t tell.

“It doesn’t have to be weird just a hug between two roomies, I know we both don’t really get along but I’m sure you would do the same for me…well maybe not but, look what I’m trying to say is that sometimes physical contact makes you feel better. And if you don’t want to talk then maybe that’ll help.”

Gorou turned over to face him. He searched for Itto’s face in the dark. His eyes adjusted and he could make out his bold features. Gorou was sure he looked a mess, his eye makeup was probably everywhere but he didn’t care because Itto just looked at him like he always did, with not a shred of judgement. Should he give in to this selfish desire to be cared for? Just for one night?

Gorou swallowed and wiped at his eyes, “I don’t want to just use you.”

Itto smiled softly, “Trust me pups I’ve been treated a lot worse.”

Gorou nodded. “Okay Itto, please can you hold me?”

He gave into selfishness, he was too tired and too fragile to think rationally. And to be honest at this point drunk Gorou just didn’t care. He let Itto wrap his arms around his waist, he smelled like some spiced Inazuman perfume and his strong arms felt nice around him and he was warm. Gorou nestled in closer and put his hands against Itto’s chest. He hadn’t registered that Itto was topless but again, drunk Gorou didn’t care and sober Gorou could deal with that consequence in the morning. He would stay like this just for tonight. He would fall asleep in Itto’s arms and let himself pretend that someone really wanted him, just for tonight.

Chapter Text

It was early morning and Itto was awake. He didn’t think he had ever woken up this early in his life. He could hear twittering birdsong and see a sliver of dawn white light through the blinds. He felt strange, Gorou was still in his arms from the night before, his head just sitting underneath Itto’s chin. Gorou’s hair felt incredibly soft on his skin and his ears sat on the side of Itto’s neck, they were twitching slightly. He was still sound asleep but Itto didn’t want to lie there while he was awake but Gorou wasn’t. His heart thumped steadily in his chest, he could feel it reverberating through his entire body as he moved himself carefully away from Gorou. He perched himself on the edge of the mattress, his hands resting on his thighs as he sighed quietly.

Itto had a lot to think about.

Last night, he had done it with no hesitation. He’d offered to help Gorou and just like that he had accepted. Gorou had moved in close and Itto held him tightly to his chest. It only took a few minutes and he had fallen asleep. All night they had stayed like that. He had tried to make it a casual offer, he knew Gorou’s standing on him and his standing on Gorou was the same. They didn’t like each other. That had been established since the beginning…right? Itto didn’t know anymore. He knew his feelings towards Gorou were not straightforward and last night had confused him even more. Surely if Gorou detested him he wouldn’t have let him touch him. And what was it he said? “I don’t want to just use you,” Gorou’s behaviour should suggest he would have no qualms in using him. But why did it even matter? Again, they were meant to hate each other, they had both made it perfectly clear. But why did he say all that to Gorou?

Archons this is too much for brain right now.

Itto wouldn’t think about it anymore for today. But just to be safe he would leave the estate for a while, he didn’t want Gorou to be embarrassed when he woke up. Hopefully he would forget all about last night and they could go back to their usual routine of barely tolerating each other. These edging on tender moments weren’t real. Itto should just move on.

—————————-

Gorou awoke. He felt cold and he was alone. That was unusual. Where was Arataki? Did something happen?

Gorou sat up quickly and to that action he immediately received a throbbing pain in his skull. The saké he drank last night was such a bad idea, why he let Kokomi talk him into it he did not know. Gorou looked down and he was dressed just in his underwear and nothing else. He must’ve stripped off last night. Hopefully, not in-front of Itto.

Archons…Itto.

He didn’t remember it fully but he did recall shoving his face into Itto’s naked chest last night. In his drunken state he had managed to completely embarrass himself. Gorou put his head in his hands. This was awful, he was mortified. Half-naked in his underwear snuggling an un-consenting oni. No wonder Itto had left, he probably hadn’t expected Gorou to violate him like that during the night. Hopefully, Itto would do him the good grace of moving on and forgetting all about his drunken antics. Gorou’s face flushed as he remembered more details, his crying and need for physical contact must have been entirely cringe-worthy. He had no doubt that Itto would pity him now more than ever and that was worse than any other fate. He’d just have to try and erase last night from his memory and hopefully avoid Itto as much as possible, until he was able to go back to Watatsumi. But that definitely sounded easier said than done.

A couple more weeks passed and the winter season was coming to a close. Gorou didn’t mind, he was looking forward to warmer weather and Thoma had got him excited about the Sakura bloom that was meant to happen on the cusp of springtime. He also hadn’t heard even a whisper from Itto about their awkward night together and for that he was eternally grateful. It seemed even Itto knew when to keep his mouth shut.

However, himself and Itto definitely, were not getting on. The first reason was entirely on Gorou, he was becoming agitated about the Sakura festival. He hadn’t found a partner and he only had a few short weeks to find one. The other reason, was partially his fault but more Itto's. Sharing a room with the oni had become impossible. They had basically decimated the rules they had both put in place and it was an elongated nightmare of sleepless nights and arguments. From losing Gorou’s favourite jade hairpin to holding meetings with his “Gang” AKA ten random people in their bedroom discussing different beetle species- Gorou couldn’t take it anymore. Yesterday he had finally snapped and so it appeared, had Itto.

“YOU WAKE ME UP AT LIKE SIX IN THE MORNING BY YOU GETTING READY DO YOU REALLY NEED TO BE UP THAT EARLY?!”

Itto and Gorou had had their biggest argument yet. Tensions were too high and they were both very sleep-deprived. Gorou felt his face go bright red he was so unbelievably angry he couldn’t keep it in.

“WELL WHO IN ARCHONS NAME SLEEPS IN TILL AFTER ONE IN THE AFTERNOON?”

Gorou had considered moving rooms but he couldn’t be that far away from Kokomi it just wouldn’t work. Itto’s eyes seemed like they were on fire as he gestured wildly to the chest of drawers containing their hair supplies.

“AND YOU TOUCHED MY HAIR STUFF, UGH I TOLD YOU NOT TO USE MY HAIRBRUSH!”

“BECAUSE YOU WENT AND LOST MY ONLY HAIRPIN!”

“IT WAS AN ACCIDENT!”

“OH I DON’T CARE ARATAKI YOU STILL LOST IT YOU IDIOT!! ALSO IF YOU COULD PLEASE JUST ONCE NOT STEAL THE ENTIRETY OF THE BEDSHEETS THAT WOULD ALSO BE GREAT!”

“BRO AT LEAST I DON’T GROWL IN MY SLEEP.”

“YEAH INSTEAD YOU HAVE FULL ON CONVERSATIONS WITH YOURSELF!”

“UGHAHHH!”

Itto made a noise of annoyance and stormed into their adjoined bathroom. He slammed the door and locked it.

How childish, Gorou thought to himself. He stuck his middle finger up to the door in silent protest. If Itto was playing at being childish then so would he.

That argument had evidently put them both in extremely sour moods even today. So much so, that even Ayato didn’t pry. Gorou avoided Itto's eye contact over this morning’s breakfast and made sure to stay well away from the courtyard where Itto and Thoma were gardening. He didn’t feel good about it. He felt like a coward who was shying away from his problems but he didn’t have any other choice. Itto at times was extremely stubborn and that did not help matters. They were entirely different yet they definitely did share some common values and attributes, Gorou couldn’t deny that. They had the same vision after all. Maybe Rex Lapis had messed up and aligned their fates as a cruel joke. Archons could get bored after all. Gorou and Itto sharing a room was surely prime-time entertainment. But thankfully he wouldn’t have to see too much of Itto today. His saving grace was in fact, Sangonomiya Kokomi.

They were to attend one of the final trade meetings with the Kujou clan and Kokomi had thankfully needed him to accompany her.

“Is something on your mind Gorou?”

Kokomi looked concerned, her brow was furrowed as she whispered to him across the wooden table lined with various Kujou clan members- Kujou Sara at the top. Gorou hadn’t realised he had been daydreaming. He was normally capable of paying attention during these meetings, no matter how dull they became. Kokomi knew him too well and with the glassy look in his eyes she could easily tell something was off. Fortunately, the discussions had come to a close but Gorou had barely taken down any notes. His eyes had felt too heavy and his hand just wouldn’t move during the meeting to jot words down. He had most likely disappointed Kokomi but luckily he hadn’t been called upon to speak. He was barely able to keep his eyes open, let alone address a full room of officials.

“No your excellency, there’s nothing on my mind at all.”

“Okay, I trust you Gorou so I’ll take your word for it.”

Gorou knew she was just saying that to keep the peace. She could see right through him. They were best friends after all.

Kokomi caught his eye as everyone said their goodbyes and gestured for him to follow her. Gorou shuffled along behind her until they reached a secluded corner of the Kujou estate’s garden. It was nice, there was a wooden bench and a small koi-fish pond sporting various green plants and white lilies.

Gorou took a seat next to Kokomi. His eyes fixated on the fish swimming circles aorund each other in the water. Their tails reminded him of Kokomi's clothing.

"Wow those officals were quite stuffy weren't they?"

Now Kokomi could relax and switch back to her true self, not the professional Watatsumi representative role she played inside.

“Oh actually, I was going to ask you Gorou, if you have a date to the Sakura festival yet?”

That was an unexpected question to say the least. Gorou thought Kokomi was going to tell him off for not paying attention in their meeting, but she seemed to not mind.

“Um no I actually haven’t thought about it much-“

What a lie.

“Why? Do you have one?”

Kokomi pressed gloved fingers to her mouth and nodded. Her eyes had a slight sparkle to them as she revealed a lilac envelope. Kokomi was grinning as she passed it to Gorou. The letter itself adorned the broken seal of a feather and the handwriting on the outside was flowing and elegant, yet bold. The writer must be someone trained in calligraphy and with a heavy hand.

“Go on, you can read it.”

Gorou read. It was four lines of a poem.

To Sangonomiya Kokomi,

May I be the waves to your sea?

Crashing and loud like my affections for you.

Your eyes are my beacons in stormy weather, your hair my shield from the stinging salt of the sea air.

My heart swells for you like the water beneath your feet.

Will you accompany me to the Sakura festival?

Yours faithfully,

K.S

K.S? Kujou Sara!

It all made sense now. That “weird tension” between them both had obviously been a mutual attraction.

“No way. Kujou Sara?!”

Kokomi squealed as she grabbed Gorou’s arm.

“Can you believe it Gorou? We used to despise each other and now look at us. She wrote that just for me.”

Gorou handed her back the letter and Kokomi hugged it to her chest.

“It’s funny how things change. I think that people can change if you change the way you think about them. I mean, if I hadn’t seen past Sara’s stoney exterior I never would have realised my feelings for her.”

Gorou nodded but didn’t speak, “change how you think about them.” Hmm maybe…

“Oh you should’ve seen it, it was lovely.”

“Hmm?”

“Oh I was just explaining when Sara took me sightseeing the other week, it was wonderful. Wasn’t it Sara?”

Gorou hadn’t even noticed the Tengu had appeared right in front of them. Her expression as cold and unforgiving as ever, but now Gorou knew that was all just an act, because Kujou Sara had a secret knack for poetry and calligraphy.

“General Gorou. Kokomi.”

Gorou bowed his head in greeting and Kokomi did the same. He supposed they still had to remain professional while on the Kujou estate, but still, Kujou addressed Kokomi by name, they must be closer than Gorou thought.

“Kokomi I was wondering if you’re free to accompany me to Inazuma city? I’ve heard there are some new dessert stalls that I thought you might like to try.”

Sara looked more than slightly out of her depth. She could send enemies fleeing in fear from a singular glance but when it came to asking out Kokomi she actually seemed nervous. Her eyes looked at everything but the object of her affections while she waited on a reply.

Kokomi of course accepted and after Gorou assuring her he was an adult and was definitely capable of making his own way home, she was on her way. He hadn’t seen Kokomi this excited in a long time. It was refreshing and he was happy for her. He chuckled to himself watching them both leave the estate, Kokomi grabbing Sara’s hand and Sara going completely rigid in fear. It was another side to both of them that Gorou liked to see. His best friend was happy and that made him happy.

Gorou’s walk home was peaceful. The spring’s evening light was nice and he stopped a few times to admire the green of the budding sakuras. Not ready to bloom yet but nearly there. By the time he neared the Kamisato estate the sky was painted with orange and pink hues.

It really was beautiful. He would miss this place when he went back home. He most likely would visit again. After all, he and Kokomi had less duties now the war was over. Maybe he could even-

“HELP! ANYONE? PLEASE!”

Gorou’s ear snapped towards the noise.

Who was that?

He sprang into action. Thankfully, with the role of Kokomi’s body guard he was allowed to always have his weapons on him- his bow and small blade.

“PLEASE HURRY!”

Gorou located the noise coming from person in trouble. Down the cliff close to his usual training spot. He scaled the cliff-face as fast as he could, his feet almost slipping a few times.

“HELP ME!”

Gorou’s heart was racing. The voice sounded like a woman, an older lady most likely. That upped the stakes, he had to reach her and quickly.

His feet thumped on the sand below and he took off sprinting towards the commotion. He rounded a corner and spotted three Nobushi a few hundred feet away. One with a sword at an grey-haired woman’s throat and the other two raiding around in a brown satchel, most likely belonging to her. This was a tricky situation. He couldn’t just barge in and save her, lest the Nobushi restraining her decided to hurt her.

Gorou let out a breath he wasn’t aware he had been holding. He’d have to try and target the one holding her from where he was. Any closer and he might reveal his position to them and then they would most likely launch an attack. But he didn’t want to put the elderly woman at risk. His aim was normally impeccable but the lack of sleep he had recently may affect that. Time was also not on his side, the sun was in the process of setting and they would be covered in darkness in the next half an hour. He’d just have to go for it.

Gorou nocked an arrow and inhaled. He aimed for the Nobushi’s head.

“Please Almighty Shogun, protect me and let me fight with valour-“

Gorou pulled the bow-string back fully.

“-keep the innocent safe and hear my prayer for my arrow to fly straight and true.”

With one eye closed Gorou let go of his bow-string. He let the arrow soar through the air and prayed that his archon was listening and that she would let his arrow find the right target.

Chapter Text

A scream of pain and then silence. That’s what he heard. A life had been snuffed out by his arrow. The nobushi fell with a loud thud to his knees. Gorou’s arrow had hit him straight in the forehead. His expression was blank as fresh blood trailed down his face. His mouth slowly fell open as he collapsed face first into the sand beneath him. His body disintegrated back into dust. The other two grabbed the satchel and made a run for it. Gorou would let them escape. He had seen so much death during the war against the vision hunt decree, he didn’t need to see anymore. It didn’t get any easier no matter what foe he faced. Gorou didn’t think he would ever be desensitised to killing.

Gorou caught his breath and walked over to where the woman was standing. He didn’t want to frighten her so he made his pace nice and slow. To make himself seem as unthreatening as possible he also waved in greeting as he approached. The old woman appeared un-phased, she seemed to have recovered from her near-death experience.

“Hello dear are you the one who shot that arrow?”

She had a kind face, wrinkled and sun tanned. Her eyes were green, hidden behind gold-framed glasses and she was dressed in usual Inazuman attire- a casual kimono in sage green. Also as Gorou had observed earlier she had grey hair, it was tied up in a bun secured with a hairpin.

“Yes ma’am that was me. Are you okay? Are you hurt? You seem very calm for an altercation like this.”

The woman chuckled at Gorou’s fussing.

“Oh don’t you worry son this isn’t the first scrape I’ve been in. My grandson is quite the trouble-maker he often gets himself and sometimes even me in sticky situations. Hehe,” the woman actually winked at Gorou.

It was amazing how she was this relaxed, anyone else would most likely be having a breakdown at this point.

“My, my you’re quite a handsome young man aren’t you? What’s your name son?”

Gorou blushed at the compliment.

“General Gorou of Watatsumi island ma’am but you can call me Gorou. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

The woman giggled again at Gorou’s polite bowing.

“Oh no need for formalities Gorou. You can call me Misako or even granny if you like.”

Gorou smiled, “Okay Misako.”

It was hard not to smile around her, she seemed very friendly so far.

Misako took a seat on the sand and patted the spot next to her. Gorou sat next to her, his eyes naturally drawn to the far off horizon. It wasn’t dark yet but the sunset was duller than before. They had a fee minutes to rest because soon the beach would be swallowed by the tide. Gorou pulled his knees towards his body and rested his head. The tiredness was catching up to him.

“There’s something bothering you, isn’t there son.”

Misako reached out her hand and placed in on Gorou’s shoulder.

“I know it’s none of my business but I have a grandson of my own who I love very much, he’s around your age. I hate when he seems down or upset. So if you want some advice from a new friend I can listen. My grandson will tell you I’m a great listener.”

She spoke those words with such compassion and genuine concern that Gorou couldn’t control his eyes starting to water. He blinked the tears away quickly. He could use the excuse of the sea breeze getting in his eyes if need be.

“Basically, I need a partner for the Sakura festival and I’ve been having no luck so far. It’s starting to stress me out because I’m no good at these types of things. Because of my occupation I’ve never had time for it even though I would’ve liked to. I’m also living with someone who I’m very different from. We didn’t have the best first impressions of each other and it’s difficult to get along with him.”

Misako nodded, “Hmm yes finding a Sakura partner can be hard if you’re not confident. My advice would be to really think about who you want to take with you. Don’t just pick someone up off the street, it should be someone you care about. Even a friend is fine. As for the second part, that is slightly more tricky hmm let me see...”

She adjusted her glasses and took a few moments to think. Gorou didn’t mind her unbiased advice was nice to hear.

“What are your true feelings towards this person you’re living with?”

His true feelings about Itto. That was a question he had been avoiding thinking about.

“I-I’m not entirely sure.”

“Do you hate him?”

“No of course not.”

Misako smiled.

“Well that’s just what I wanted to hear. You’ve just realised your true feelings. You both seem to have different natures but sometimes opposites work in tandem like Yin and Yang. You never know, if you just open your heart maybe you’ll realise you two are not as different as you seem. If you let go of the past you may both get on better than you could have imagined.”

Gorou nodded slowly. She was right. These arguments they both had been having were immature and a result of pent up stress and little to no communication. Sure Itto irritated him at times but he never meant it in malice. Also his first impression of Itto had not been the best but did that really matter anymore? They’d known each other for more than a month now and Gorou had seen different sides to him. Itto had a kindness about him and he had to be blind to not see that. So why not give him another chance?

Gorou smiled to himself. He’d been so stupid, entirely and utterly stupid.

“You know what Misako, I think I’ll take your advice.”

“Good I’m glad.”

They were interrupted however by a voice screaming down at them from above.

“GRANNY!”

A very enthusiastic Itto practically jumped down the cliff to the sand below. He sprinted towards them, his white hair flying wildly behind him. He nearly tripped a couple times but his eyes still sparkled and a smile remained plastered on his face as he ran.

“Granny! Wh-what are you doing out here? I was looking for you,” Itto paused to catch his breath. He bent over and leaned on his knees.

So Itto was Misako’s grandson, Gorou was not expecting that in the slightest.

“Phew, wow that was quite a…yeah, running there-,” Itto plopped himself down beside Misako and put an arm around her. She took out a cloth from her kimono and dabbed at his forehead.

“What are you doing out here anyway granny? And with the general?”

“Well, I was collecting some seashells and some horrible men attacked me…”

Throughout the story Itto’s expression was uncharacteristically serious, his brow furrowed as he nodded along to Misako’s re-telling.

“-and then my dear Gorou here swooped in and saved the day.”

Gorou’s cheeks tinged pink again. He wasn’t used to this many compliments in this short a time.

Itto’s eyes widened as he leaned across Misako to look at Gorou.

“You- You really saved her?” Itto shuffled himself through the sand to sit in front of Gorou.

“Yes.”

And with that simple word Gorou was tackled into a rib-shattering hug. Itto knocked Gorou to the ground and held him tightly. He heard Misako’s laughter in the background as Itto muttered a chorus of thank you’s and apologies. With Itto’s weight on top of him Gorou’s heart rate sped up, he prayed to the archons that Itto wouldn’t be able to feel it.

“Gorou I’m sorry I’ve been such an idiot. You saved my Granny and I’m in debt to you for my entire life I don’t even know how I could ever thank you enough man.”

After the tenth thank you Gorou assured him it was fine and they both sat up off the ground. Gorou’s hair was tangled and covered with sand but he didn’t mind. Itto was smiling so brightly, his fangs bared joyfully. It did funny things to Gorou’s stomach.

Itto helped Misako up and extended his assistance to Gorou. His strong black nailed hand hung between them. Gorou hesitated.

Should he take it?

Should he really give him another chance?

Gorou looked him right in the eyes. It was dark now and those blazing red-orange iris’ were beautiful in darkness. Gorou had always thought that. Itto smiled softly as he pushed his hand further towards Gorou.

He winked, “Come on puppy.”

That was enough to solidify his decision. With a racing heart and windswept hair Gorou grabbed his hand. Itto helped him up but didn’t let go on his hand. Gorou could only stare at their intertwined hands, he feared Itto would notice the redness of his face.

A few seconds of quiet passed, only the sound of the evening waves could be heard. Gorou looked up at Itto and he seemed almost in a daze. He looked at Gorou with an expression he didn’t recognise. His eyes were blinking slowly but they didn’t move from Gorou’s face. Itto seemed as if he was getting closer. Gorou swore he leaned in a couple of inches but he stopped himself and quickly dropped Gorou’s hand. He looked like he had startled himself.

“Haha! What a night am I right? That was a lot of excitement in one day I better get you home Granny.”

Misako was a few feet away examining a sea shell.

“Oh don’t you worry about me my boy, I’ll
make it home just fine. Go on enjoy yourselves the night is young and so are you both!”

Gorou was still slightly concerned though, “Are you sure she’ll be fine Itto?”

“I think I’ll check her into an Inn at Inazuma city, Thoma gave me some mora for my excellent gardening work so she can stay there and walk home in the morning. I mean I know she’s strong… pfft but not as strong as me obviously.”

Itto made a show of flexing his muscles and Gorou rolled his eyes.

Yep same old Itto.

“So I’ll get you back at the estate then?”

He turned to leave.

“Itto wait.”

“Hmm?”

He should give him a second chance.

“I’m really sorry Itto. For everything. I wasn’t fair to you and I’m sorry.”

Gorou hung his head after seeing Itto tonight he felt an overwhelming sense of guilt.

“Hey hey buddy, it’s okay it’s okay. I think we both got off on the wrong foot but let’s start over, okay? Friends?”

Gorou smiled.

“Friends.”

“Okay but I gotta run Granny is like all the way over there and she can actually move quite fast for her age-“

“Haha! Itto just go.”

Gorou shoved Itto playfully and he took off running towards Misako. But Itto stopped and turned to Gorou again and shouted.

“SEE YA LATER PUPPY BOY!”

Gorou laughed as his stomach did that weird flipping thing again and this time it tingled all the way around his body, full-body shivers. Gorou could use the excuse of a cold night but it was spring and the air was warm. He was starting to realise what these feelings were but he would never say it out loud. Not until he was certain. He had to figure out what all these emotions meant for him first. But as he watched the white-haired oni run off into the distance Gorou had a feeling he already knew.

Chapter Text

Ayato didn’t think of himself so much as a “meddler” more of an “assister.” He simply observed the social situations around him and often gave the shyer party a push to begin what was already in motion. But this time his task was possibly going to be more difficult than usual. That was because it involved Arataki Itto, an oni, who at times could not tell apart a sword from a pair of chopsticks. Yes this was going to be quite the challenge, but Ayato didn’t mind he definitely loved to be challenged.

He had been watching Arataki for a while now and it seemed himself and a certain someone had gotten quite close. Before yesterday, they were at each other’s throats but last night they returned from who knows where very very uncharacteristically happy to see one another. Itto had a certain sparkle in his eye and spring in his step. Ayato know that look all too well- he liked someone and that someone was the general he was walking rather close to. So close that their hands brushed a couple of times. Both of their reactions were ones of embarrassment so with that, Ayato had deduced what he had seen from the beginning. Romance was blossoming under his very nose and he most definitely would take advantage of that.

So he had took it upon himself to set up an afternoon tea of sorts between himself, Thoma, Itto and the object of his apparent affections- general Gorou. It was in Komore tea house and Ayato had made sure to pre-order them all a pot of tea and various specialty desserts.

“So Itto…”

Ayato took a long sip of tea from his cup. Itto seemed rather stifled in a place like the tea house. He kept pawing at the choker that held his vision and he hadn’t so much as touched the food in front of him.

“Are you enjoying your food?”

Ayato didn’t want him to feel uncomfortable, so he tried to keep his distracted by conversation.

“Umm yeah I am but I don’t have the biggest sweet tooth, and it’s quite hot in here and quiet has anyone noticed it’s really quiet?”

Itto took up his usual ramblings as Thoma refilled Ayato’s cup with tea. Ayato placed a gloved hand on his wrist.

“Now, Thoma no need to play host when we’re here, this is a casual outing is it not? You should relax.”

Thoma’s eye flickered to Ayato’s fingers on his wrist. He set the teapot down and nodded. Thoma seemed unusually subdued today, his usual smile was dimmer and he seemed to have something plaguing his thoughts. That worried Ayato.

Ayato’s feelings for Thoma had always been a topic he had kept locked away in his heart. Since the first day he set eyes on him, Ayato had felt a deep longing to be close to him. He was just such a good person. Thoma would do anything for anyone and he did it with no questions asked. He had served the Kamisato clan well and he had been a great friend to Ayato. He had realised a few years ago that his emotions towards Thoma were more than those of a simple friendship. When Thoma was around, Ayato would feel a warm calmness wash over him and when he was gone it would dissipate. When Thoma would do chores in the garden Ayato couldn’t help but stare at his torso, arms, back- any sight of exposed flesh really. And finally, when Thoma said his name Ayato felt his skin come alive, his chest burning. He knew what the sensations meant and he selfishly requested more and more of Thoma’s time until they were practically inseparable. These days Ayato need not request it because Thoma always seemed to be there.

It had been perfectly easy to fall in love with him.

That night when they had kissed, Ayato felt like everything was right in the world. He had wanted it for so long, he had wanted him for so long. It all seemed perfect. But then everything went back to normal, back to their usual roles within the house and it was never talked about again.

Ayato realised he still had his fingers on Thoma’s wrist.

“Ah apologies Thoma.”

He smiled, “That’s okay my lo- Ayato.”

Archons, he would let that man slap him in the face if he wanted to.

Get back in the room Ayato.

He would ask Thoma later what was on his mind but for now his priority was sorting out his friend’s possible love life.

In fact maybe Itto wasn’t as incapable as he thought. Across the table from him and Thoma, Itto was in deep conversation with Gorou about desserts.

“-wait have you tried tri-coloured dango? It’s so good man, it’s probably in my top five favourite desserts.”

“Yeah I have. Actually I used to get teased by the soldiers in the resistance because I have a huge sweet tooth, they used to say that there wasn’t a dessert in Teyvat I hadn’t eaten.”

Ayato took the opportunity to interject.

“What about this one? If you like sweets general you should try these-“ Ayato slid a plate of lotus flower crisps towards Gorou.

“They’re a Liyuean specialty made from deep fried lotus pastry and almonds. I’ve heard they’re quite the treat. Ayaka had them specially imported for the festival season.”

Ayato could see Gorou’s eyes widen as he’d described the sweet to him. He hoped Gorou would enjoy them so much that maybe he’d share a plate with Itto or maybe Itto would get the hint and hand feed the pastries to Gorou. Ayato could only dream, deep down he was a sucker for mushy romance.

He watched Gorou take a bite and the general’s expression was a sight to behold. He looked like he hadn’t tasted something this good in his entire life. Ayato could hear his tail immediately start to wag as it thumped off the ground. Gorou closed his eyes, his eyebrows furrowed slightly in enjoyment. Gorou picked up another one and took a bite, he accidentally let out a small moan as he finished the pastry off. He however, seemed blissfully unaware of what these pleasurable expressions communicated and continued eating. Ayato took a glance at Itto and the oni looked entranced. Itto stared, his lips slightly parted and a faint dusting of pink of his cheeks.

Ayato couldn’t help himself.

“Heh enjoying the view Itto?”

He remained as sly as ever as smirked into his cup.

The pink in Itto’s cheeks started to swell.

“Pfft I-I’m just mega happy that my bro here is enjoying his dessert that’s all.”

Itto placed a heavy hand on Gorou’s shoulder and laughed awkwardly.

“HAHA! Am I right puppy? Uh I mean bro- brother friend pal…”

Gorou ears perked up and he seemed confused, he had been far too preoccupied with dessert to care about their discussion.

“Umm…yes?” Gorou hesitantly replied.

Itto laughed again and snatched his hand back quickly as if Gorou was a source of burning heat and his palm had been scorched by the flame.

Ayato thought he should move the conversation on. He really needed Itto to calm down for him to get the information he needed out of him. Ayato now was about ninety percent sure he had a thing for the general but he had to be sure, just incase. He had made some important promises that he wanted to see fulfilled.

“So General Gorou, what’s your love life like? I am so curious about your attractions. Do you have anyone in mind for the sakura festival?”

Ayato spoke casually as he pried apart a lotus flower crisp with his chopsticks. Ayato could feel Thoma’s eyes on him, he always could. He was probably growing sick of his antics but it had to be done, Arataki was not romantically experienced enough to make the first move and from what he had heard from Kokomi neither was Gorou.

“Gorou doesn’t seem to have time for things like that. It would be nice for him to have someone to spend time with apart from me.”

“Hmm I see.”

Ayato rested his chin in his hand as he pondered Gorou’s situation. Kokomi herself had brought up the subject, she was worried Gorou wouldn’t find a sakura partner in time and had come to Ayato for advice.

“I’ll see what I can do. But there’s only one factor I can’t interfere with, Gorou must have affections for this person otherwise our time will have been wasted. And before you suggest it, I ask for nothing in return. I enjoy this type of social interference and match making, romance is such an interesting thing.”

“Oh thank you Ayato, thank you.”

They had shook hands and that was the deal made. A spoken word contract of sorts. Ayato would set up General Gorou with a date.

“So general?”

Gorou’s eyes were downcast as he spoke.

“I-“

“You don’t have to answer him you know? He’s a meddler where he doesn’t need to be.” Thoma reassured Gorou.

A slight pang of guilt graced Ayato’s heart. Yes he did meddle at times but it was for the greater good and in aid of his new friend Kokomi.

“No, it’s okay. I would say my love life is nothing too exciting. I don’t have a date to the sakura festival and my type is generally someone who is kind, probably taller than me and someone who shares some mutual interests. That’s all.”

That was actually rather sweet. Nice and simple, most likely an attainable goal. Now for Itto...

“How about you Itto?”

Itto pursed his lips as he thought.

“Hmm probably…hmm. Oh I know! They gotta be kind hearted, strong, good at fighting and…hmm…Oh they have to be smaller than me because you know I gotta be the taller one just because I’ve got my height going for me. Also maybe someone who’s good at makeup so they can do my eyeliner for me. I always mess it up- those little fiddly brushes are not made for my hands. My hands are really big it’s like an inconvenience at this point-“

“Ha!”

Gorou interrupted with an interesting part-laugh part- wheeze as he slammed both hands on the table. He seemed out of breath and his eyes were wide.

“That’s funny yeah, your hands being big and stuff but you know what I think I have to just umm go now but thank you Ayato-”

Gorou bashed into the table as he stood up.

“-for all the food and tea it was lovely. Apologies for my early departure. Goodbye.”

Gorou rushed out the door and after a quickly uttered goodbye and bow Itto ran after him.

Well, that was not as he had originally planned but a welcome development none the less.

“Do you think he’ll ask him out?”

Thoma looked amused, he had figured out Ayato’s game plan at this point. Of course he had, Thoma knew him too well.

“I do hope so. They would make a lovely couple.”

Ayato met Thoma’s warm eyes.

“And Itto deserves it. He’s a good person.”

There were a few beats of silence as Ayato finished off his tea. They hadn’t been alone like this in a while. He felt the tension in the room, it was small but still there.

Thoma shuffled himself closer.

“Ayato I… I wanted to give you this.”

Thoma revealed a sealed envelope from the inside of his jacket. It was light blue with a seal he didn’t recognise, one with a fish in the centre. It must be a letter from Kokomi or perhaps Gorou if they had Thoma delivering it. But why would either of them not just give it to him themselves?

“Let me see.”

Thoma swallowed as he handed it over. He seemed nervous, Ayato prayed it wasn’t some horrible news from overseas. Perhaps the traveler had been in an accident, or the Fatui had wrecked havoc once again.

Ayato thumbed open the seal and read. It was in Thoma’s handwriting.

“I used Kokomi’s writing equipment so you didn’t get suspicious.”

Thoma rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. Ayato nodded and began to read.

To Ayato,

I don’t come from a place of wealth or power. I’m no great poet or artist. I can’t erect great statues in your image or write verses that describe the beauty of your eyes. But from the first moment I saw you I knew that none of that would ever matter. My love for you is as firm and unchanging as the mountains and I want you to know that even if I am just some quick fling to you, you are everything to me. I know we’ve played this game for years but every touch I can still feel on my skin- I can’t forget and I would never dare to. So, I ask you in earnest to be my sakura partner and even if it is just for one night then at least I can pretend that my feelings are requited.

Yours truly,

Thoma

Ayato stilled. Thoma had written all of this, for him?

“I’m sorry if the letter makes you uncomfortable but I thought I should be honest an-“

“You love me?”

Ayato looked up from the tear stained letter.

“Thoma? You love me?”

Thoma took a nervous breath and nodded slowly.

“Of course I do.”

Oh Archons above, it had been so easy to fall in love with him.

Ayato grabbed him by the chin and smashed their faces together. Their lips crashed into each other as Ayato grabbed Thoma’s hair. He kissed Thoma hard and firm. His heart was beating so fast he felt like it could burst out of his rib cage. Ayato laughed as they broke apart.

“Thoma, you’re such a fool of a man and I have always loved you for it.”

“You- really?” Thoma’s eyes widened.

“I love you. I always have, since the moment we met and until I die.”

Thoma’s face broke into a huge grin, his eyes forming crescents as he laughed and kissed Ayato on the forehead. Ayato wrapped his arms around him and held him tightly, he never wanted to let go.

“Archons Ayato we should probably have kept tabs on Itto who knows what he could be up to.”

“Ugh he’ll be fine, he has the general with him.”

“Come on Ayato, let’s go home my love.”

Ayato grabbed his hand and placed a slow kiss of the back of it. That made Thoma blush and Ayato loved it. Archons how he cared for him. Finally Thoma was his and he had never felt so alive.

Chapter Text

Itto had a problem on his hands. As Gorou stood in front of him red faced and windswept Itto’s stomach fizzled. When Gorou spoke huskily from being out of breath Itto’s pulse quickened and when Gorou stretched to reveal a trail of brown hair leading down his abdomen a thin layer of sweat had started to build on his forehead. These physical symptoms were like some sort of horrible illness, expect Itto had a feeling this was no illness. All of this had happened after Gorou’s hasty departure from the tea house. For some reason Itto had to go after him, he hadn’t even planned what he would say but his body moved before his brain could and he had followed him. But he had found his mouth dry and his throat tight, no words would come out. Gorou reassured him he was fine and they had made their way home, and that was that.

So what? The general was hot, no big deal.

Itto had established that fact in his mind the first time they had met. But these thoughts were reoccurring and very intrusive. Gorou occupied his mind what seemed to be all the time. He would sit and wonder what he was doing when he should be focused on the Arataki gang. He would catch himself staring when Gorou would apply his makeup in their mirror and Itto would even go so far as to wake up early just to say goodbye to Gorou if he was attending a meeting with Kokomi. That concerned Itto, he never ever woke up early for anyone. He needed a slap in the face or just some trusty advice. And for that he knew exactly who he would go to.

“Please, Thoma just slap me.”

Thoma looked exasperated, “No Itto I don’t use violence unless absolutely necessary, there’s always a more peaceful solution.”

Itto groaned into his hands.

“Ugh Thoma, man you gotta help me out here. I think I’m dying, either that or General Gorou has planted some sort of mind control beetle in my brain while I was sleeping.”

Thoma sighed, “Okay, okay fine.”

Itto had been pestering Thoma in the reception room of the Kamisato estate. Thoma seemed to have been minding his own business mopping the floor but had to pause his task due to Itto causing a conundrum. Itto did feel slightly bad about interrupting Thoma’s chores but this really couldn’t wait.

“Well then?” Thoma asked expectantly.

“Okay, don’t laugh... but I cant figure out what’s happening to me.”

Thoma leaned against his mop, “What do you mean?”

Itto began, “So It’s about Gorou. When I’m around him I can barely speak sometimes, my mouth gets all clamped up and my skin starts doing this weird tingling thing. Also when he speaks it makes me all shivery almost as if I’ve got a fever. At first I thought it was some kind of sickness but when he isn’t around it’s gone. What do you think?”

Thoma nodded slowly, “Can I ask you one thing?”

“Of course fire away.”

“Are you attracted to Gorou?”

“Of course I am have you seen the guy?”

Oh…

Itto felt his face heat up. He had been very stupid.

Thoma walked over and patted Itto on the shoulder.

“Itto you like Gorou. Like romantically.”

Romantically. He liked Gorou romantically.

“What do I do now?”

“Well that’s a tricky one, it’s all up to you. You could leave it be or ask him out. At the end of the day it’s your choice.”

Up to him? Archons he wished someone would just give him an answer.

“What would you do if you were me Thoma?”

“If I were you? Hmm I’m really not sure Itto, I don’t want to tempt fate and get involved I think this is a decision you should make on your own.”

Itto would keep that all in mind. At least now he now had a diagnosis for his symptoms, he was attracted to his roommate and he had no idea what to do about it.

Itto left Thoma to his cleaning and went to an indoor training dojo near Inazuma city. It was a bit of a trek but it should be worth it. A private space to exercise would be good for him and hopefully would also give him time to come up with a sort of romantic game plan.

Itto creaked open the door and to his dismay there was the one person that had been occupying his thoughts.

Gorou was dressed only in a pair of black shorts, no top, no belt but thankfully some of his usual bandages. His skin was covered in a sheen of sweat and he was currently stretching out his arms.

Hopefully he wouldn’t spot Itto and he could quickly sneak aw-

“Itto! It’s you!”

Gorou padded across carpeted flooring right up to him, his fluffy tail wagging as he did.

“Have you come to train? You can share the dojo with me, I don’t mind.”

Itto made no effort to move. His eyes were fixed right above Gorou’s head, if he looked down Itto knew he wouldn’t be able to hide his newly realised affections from his facial expression.

“Come on, I won’t bite.”

Nope, brain please don’t think about that.

Gorou grabbed him by the arm and practically dragged him through the doorframe. Gorou seemed unexpectedly sprightly today, he was full of energy and apparently wanting to take it out on Itto.

“Let’s spar! Remember when we first met I promised you one. Well, not me Kokomi did, but still. My offer still stands!”

He might as well, he was here now and he couldn’t just say no to Gorou. That might make him suspicious, Itto never refused a good fight. He removed his outer jacket, sandals and un-clipped his vision from around his neck.

“Okay Gorou…bring it on.”

Itto planted his feet firmly on the carpet and motioned to Gorou to come at him.

Gorou sprung into action. He immediately went into offence, aiming for Itto’s legs. A smart manoeuvre, that was one of Itto’s weaknesses, not that he’d ever admit it, but his weight could be used against him by a smaller opponent to throw him off balance. Gorou pushed forward with his punches and Itto blocked most of them. Gorou managed to sink a few right in his lower torso. They had drifted over to the left side of the dojo and Gorou used one of the wooden beams to his advantage, he kicked off of the surface to grab Itto’s horns. He pushed them down to gain leverage and put Itto into a chokehold.

Itto let out a grunt. His horns were sensitive and he hated it when people would touch them, let alone grab them like Gorou had done.

Gorou’s arm was firm around Itto’s neck but not squeezing just yet. That was good, it gave Itto the opportunity to try and shake Gorou off. Itto reached behind his back for any body part he could find and pulled at what most likely was Gorou’s tail. Not the fairest of moves but Gorou had touched his horns. An eye for an eye.

Gorou let out a surprised shout as he lost his grip on Itto’s neck. Itto could feel Gorou start to slip and he shook him off. He landed with a thud on his feet. Itto turned and grabbed both of Gorou’s hands and pinned them above his head. He stepped forward and walked Gorou backwards until his back hit a different pillar. Itto slammed one knee forward into the surface in-between Gorou’s legs to stop him from escaping.

They were both breathing very heavily and mere inches apart as Itto looked into Gorou’s eyes. They were half-lidded and had a look of teal blue intensity. His soft pink lips were parted and his tail softly thumped rhythmically against the wood of the pillar. Itto’s hands were still pinning Gorou’s above his head and he couldn’t seem to let go. He didn't want to let go. He squeezed them tighter and pushed his knee into the pillar harder, his knee brushing against Gorou’s inner thighs. Gorou unexpectadly let out a small moan.

“Ah…I-Itto?” he spoke his name in a timid whisper.

Itto’s mouth fell open, the way Gorou spoke. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever heard. Even nicer than the sounds of Granny Oni’s lullabies or the ocean waves crashing into Inazuma’s sands. He wanted to hear it again. Over and over for eternity.

But he should probably stop himself right now. Incase he was reading this wrong and Gorou was really uncomfortable. Itto let go of his hands and took a step back.

He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly,“Sorry got a bit carried away there heh.”

Gorou did the same, “Ah no it’s okay. You know what, maybe we should head back, it’s getting late.”

Gorou gathered up his stuff and shoved on his clothes. Itto did the same with his sandals and jacket.

He should tell him. He should just say it out loud.

I like you Gorou.

Gorou I have feelings for you.

Gorou you’re sexy.

“Gorou…”

But one look at him and there were no words to say. Itto was stumped and his heart felt heavy under the burden of his new-found secret.

Why did this have to be so hard?

“It’s nothing, let’s go.”

Their walk back to the estate was quiet. Itto’s thoughts were too loud, thankfully, Gorou didn’t seem to want to make conversation. He seemed content in admiring the scenery. 

Itto went over every possible outcome in his mind if he were to admit his feelings to Gorou. The worst that could happen would be a huge humiliating public rejection. He pictured Gorou looking at him in disgust or even worse, in pity, in front of a crowd of onlookers as he confessed that Gorou consumed his every waking thought. And the best thing that could happen would be Gorou suggesting they immediately get married and reciting some flowery romantic poetry as they ran into the pink Inazuma sunset.

Neither outcome was realistic.

Itto struggled in vain to come up with a solution and before he knew it they were home. Itto barely spoke, even throughout dinner he was silent. He noticed Ayato’s calculating glance and gave a nod of reassurance that he was okay. He was just thinking. Thinking long and hard about what he should do. Doubt started to creep in while Thoma cleared away everyone’s dishes. He should probably just keep it all to himself. After all, Gorou was a good looking guy he surely had a plethora of admirers on Watatsumi island. But the way he had looked and spoken in the dojo, did that mean something? Was he picking up on signs that weren’t there? He was so confused and very tired.

Itto excused himself from the table and decided to go to sleep early. He longed for anything that would quell the uneasy tide of his feelings. He changed into his sleeping shorts and as soon as his head hit the pillow he was out for the count. Itto dreamed of sandy shores, the blue of star conches and cyan shimmering eyes.

“Please stop!”

Itto’s eyes snapped open. He was alerted to a twitching Gorou next to him. He grabbed some matches out the side drawer and lit the lamp. In the warm light Gorou was frowning and muttering various protests. His hands gripped the sheets as he jolted around.

“Please…no more. C-can’t, can’t lose any more.”

He seemed as if he was having a nightmare and a bad one at that. His whole body was practically drenched with sweat.

Itto whispered gently, “Gorou, hey. Gorou wake up.”

Itto placed a timid palm on his forehead and Gorou’s eyes flew open as he sat up in bed.

“Ah! What’s going on?!”

His voice was hoarse and his cheeks tear-stained. Gorou had been crying in his sleep.

“You we’re just dreaming. It’s all okay now…wait I’ve got the perfect thing for it.”

Itto got up out of bed and padded to the bathroom. He wetted a fresh white cloth and brought it to Gorou. That should help and absorb some of the sweat and also cool him down.

“Here let me,” Itto applied the cloth to Gorou’s forehead, he looked so small and frightened. Itto had never seen him like this.

“Granny Oni used to do this for me when I couldn’t sleep, but she used to mix the cloth in mint leaves. I don’t have any of those though heh sorry.”

After an easy silence Gorou spoke, "I-I was dreaming about the war, about the resistance and about all the people we lost in the vision hunt decree. It was horrible, it was as if I could reach out and touch it with my hands, as if it was all real..."

Gorou's gaze was glassy and far away. Itto didn't know what to say. There was nothing to say. The war on the vision hunt decree was tragic, so many good people's lives ruined just because a god had chosen to recognise their ambition. Gorou had been trhough a lot and Itto couldn't even imagine the many horrors he must have seen.

Gorou sniffed, “You don’t have to do this you know.”

Itto smiled softly as he took a seat on the bed next to Gorou, “That’s just the thing puppy, I want to.”

Gorou averted his gaze and sighed quietly.

“You’re too good to me Itto.”

He met Itto’s eyes with his own and Itto felt his whole body shiver. He had to use his full restraint to not blurt out, “I LIKE YOU!”, just then and there.

“You know, when I was younger my mother used to stroke my ears if I was ever frightened. I used to be deathly afraid of thunderstorms and anytime it rained she would have to stay with me all night long.”

Itto took a chance and put down the cloth on the bedside table. He reached out slowly and Gorou made no move to stop him. Itto touched Gorou’s ear lightly with his fingertips, his fur was incredibly soft. It was probably the softest thing Itto had ever felt. His mouth parted into a small “oh” as he ran his fingers down the length of Gorou’s chestnut ear. Gorou shakily reached out and picked up Itto’s other hand. He placed it slowly on his other ear and allowed Itto to feel them.

Gorou whispered as Itto stroked both of his ears in tandem.

“You know in the resistance, the troops started a rumour that whoever was lucky enough to touch my ears would be granted ever-victorious in battle. I never let anyone close enough to do it though. You’re the first person apart from my mother.”

Itto felt a swell in his chest. Gorou must trust him an awful lot to let him do this. No wonder, it was a very intimate thing. Itto decided he should make things fair.

“Do you want to touch my horns?”

Gorou bit his lip slightly as a spattering of pink coated his cheeks.

“I kind of grabbed them earlier when we were sparring sorry."

"Yeah, well I also grabbed your tail ha! So I guess we're even. So be my guest, feel away high-ranking general of Watatsumi island.”

Itto ducked his head so Gorou could reach. He felt Gorou’s fingers at the tip of his left horn, slowly tracing down to the base and back again. It felt slightly ticklish.

“They feel smooth and warm, I thought they would be cold, I don’t know why.”

Gorou took both horns in his hands and stroked them a few times. Itto could feel his face growing warmer and warmer, his horns were quite sensitive and feeling someone’s hands on him like this was an entirely new sensation. Thankfully, Gorou let go of him before he let his mind wander into inappropriate places.

Itto looked up and Gorou’s eyes seemed full of something he couldn’t identify. He seemed a lot more relaxed now and that made Itto feel at ease. Gorou gave him a shy smile and Itto’s breath caught in his throat. Despite Gorou’s face being red and his eyes puffy from tears he still looked so incredibly beautiful. He was beginning to want him more than he had ever wanted anything in his entire life.

Itto could see Gorou's eyes start to droop and he felt himself start to get tired.

Gorou yawned and got himself comfortable again under the covers. He reached out and patted Itto on the head.

“Mmm goodnight Itto, thank you making me feel relaxed.”

Itto’s voice was still slightly lost and he forced out a reply.

“Anytime,” that’s all he could muster.

Itto sighed and climbed over into his side. He extinguished the lamp, closed his eyes and secretly hoped to dream about the man lying beside him.

Chapter Text

The sky was painted with the white of a morning sky and Gorou found himself completely alone. Inazuma’s sand felt soft underneath his feet as he padded into the shoreline. He breathed deeply, the warm water of the sea lapping at his ankles. He had decided to go for an early morning swim near his usual training spot. He had been in search for a space to just breathe and think in solitude, the beach had been a viable option. He stood in the shallows for a while then shucked off his remaining clothes, throwing them behind him onto the dry sand, along with his long abandoned vision and satchel.

To put it plainly to himself, the intimacy shared between himself and Itto last night was too big of an issue to ignore. Itto had been forever on his mind recently. Gorou’s heart had been strung out trying to decipher how he really felt towards the oni and when he had realised how he felt it had hurt even more. He had always been attracted to Itto, since the beginning, but that hadn’t meant an “attraction.” However, these past few weeks (and even before that) they had developed a proper friendship and Gorou felt himself unsatisfied, like he wanted something more. He thought he could just shake those feelings off but they hadn’t gone away.

Gorou waded in deeper until he was up to his waist in the sea. He swished the water around him to and fro with his hands. It was a pleasant sensation, the water rushing between his fingers.

Itto. Itto, Itto, Itto…

Where did he even start?

First they had barely tolerated each other, then they were friends and now Gorou had a possible unrequited crush.

Was it unrequited?

Most of the time he was certain but after yesterday he wasn’t so sure. Itto had been so incredibly kind to him, not to mention patient after he had experienced a horrible nightmare. He got them often but that one was worse than usual, so Itto being there had really helped. Itto was deep down a kind person, so would he just have done that for anyone?

But the Dojo…there had definitely been tension between them at that point, he had to be ignorant not to acknowledge that. But maybe Gorou was just creating this false narrative in his head that Itto had felt the same way.

But the nicknames, the secret glances, the physical contact, the fact he let Gorou touch his horns. Surely all of that meant something, it had to mean something, it couldn’t mean nothing...right?

Archons he really wished he had a different perspective but there was no way in celestia that Gorou would talk about this to anyone. Even Kokomi he hadn’t wanted to, he didn’t want to bring her down with all his doubt about something as simple as a crush. She had enough to worry about already.

Gorou made his way even further into the sea, the water up to his shoulders now. He studied the sand beneath him, it was golden and almost sparkled beneath the waves. Gorou ducked his head under go take a closer look. He swam close to the bottom drifting down deeper and deeper. But he knew his limit, he stopped at the shelf and decided to go just deep enough so that he could still stand on his tip-toes.

Should he dare to plunge into deeper waters? Should he dare to really succumb to his feelings for Itto?

Itto was a good person who seemed to really care about him. So why was he so goddamn scared?

Gorou dived off the shelf into the darker water. His full body relaxed into the flow of the current as he went straight for the bottom. Gorou opened his eyes and the blur of the ocean around him came into view. He looked above him to see the sunlight streaming into the water from above. He floated near the sea floor.

To answer his own question, Gorou was scared Itto would reject him and that would probably break his heart into a million pieces. He would lose a friend and his dignity.

“Is it better to speak or to die?”, Gorou recalled an old Mondstadt novel about a knight and a princess. The knight asked if he should admit his true feelings as to not ruin their already established friendship. What reason is there to stay silent in the face of death? You have everything yet nothing to lose. You could live in fear and regret or take a risk and possibly be rewarded with affection.  

To speak or to die?

He should get up to the surface to breathe, he was running out of air. Gorou propelled himself off of the ground and swam to the top. He broke through the surface into the sunlight. The morning sky had cleared and the sun shone through a gap in the clouds.

His ear turned towards faint sounds of laughing and shouting from the beach. He wiped the wet hair out of his face and looked over towards the noise. It was Itto, how ironic, of course it was Itto. He was playing with what seemed to be a few children and a girl in orange with her hair tied up into a ribbon. He watched as Itto lifted a little girl into the air and swung her around. She was giggling so loud that Gorou couldn’t help but smile. Itto put the girl down and turned towards the ocean, he looked like he had spotted Gorou and shouted out towards him.

“Gorou! Is that you?”

Gorou swam into shallower water and waved. Itto looked so happy to see him, his wild hair flying around in the wind. Before he knew it Itto was running towards him, straight into the water fully clothed. He splashed through the waves at full speed. Gorou also started to run, there was no reason to, but he wanted to get to Itto and even though he knew he wouldn’t, he wanted to just hug him so badly. Itto ran and ran through the waves until they met in the middle, both panting. Itto was utterly soaking but his eyes still sparkled in amusement.

Itto spoke, “So how’ve you been?”

Gorou laughed, loud and true. This man, he really didn’t know what he was doing to him, he was playing on his heartstrings like a nonchalant lyre. But he had avoided romance for too long. Itto had bulldozed his way into his heart and there was no going back.

Gorou shook his head,”You’re insane Arataki.”

Itto grinned, “I pride myself on it.”

Gorou scooped up some water and splashed him with it right in the face.

“Oho! So it’s a water fight you want? You’re on puppy boy!”

Itto splashed him back and soon it turned into a full on water war, never mind just a fight. They ended up fully drenching each other for about half an hour. The battle only ending after Gorou dunked Itto’s full head underwater and Itto proceeding to chase him out of the sea and onto the shore. They both collapsed on the sand, soaked but happy.

Gorou looked up to the sun and then to the oni beside him. Itto was studying a cloud above him, his eyes fixated on the blue sky. His face was covered in water droplets and his wet hair was plastered to his forehead.

He caught Gorou looking at him, “What do I have something on my face?”

“No.” Gorou studied his features, he really was beautiful.

“You just…have pretty eyes that’s all.”

Itto didn’t seem used to compliments. He seemed out of sorts as he visibly swallowed and struggled with a response.

He blinked slowly, “Oh, uh t-thank you. Most people think they’re scary, I’ve never heard anyone say that they looked pretty before.”

Is it better to speak or to die?

“Itto I-“

“Gorou-“

They had both interrupted each other.

Itto nodded him on, “Sorry you go first.”

To speak or to die?

“I just wanted to say-“

He was a coward.

“I just wanted to say…thank you for helping me calm down last night.”

Gorou swore he saw Itto’s expression falter slightly as he listened.

“It’s no problem buddy.”

Gorou had taken the easy way out and he hated himself for it. Next time he would be more prepared if he did so choose to speak. But for now, he was mostly content to listen to the crashing waves and day dream about Itto feeling the same.

Gorou and Itto lay together in the sand for another hour or so until Itto sat up quickly.

“Aether!”

Oops, they had forgotten about Aether. He had written a few days ago saying he would arrive today by boat with a visitor in tow for the sakura festival. They were supposed to be there about now to greet him. They both frantically gathered their stuff and Gorou begrudgingly put on his sand covered clothes.

Pink spring petals were dancing through the air as himself and Itto ran through Chinju forest on their way to Ritou. Gorou could see at the Grand Narukami shrine that Sakura trees were finally in bloom, Thoma would surely be happy about that. When they finally arrived in Ritou, still half soaked from the sea, the docks were humming with visitors. This was set to be the first ever festival, since before the vision hunt decree, that would welcome foreign visitors. As word of the sakura festival had spread people had apparently been intrigued enough to visit.

Gorou stuck his head up over the crowds of approaching visitors but he couldn’t quite see.

“Any sign of Aether?”

Itto shielded his eyes from the sun as he looked.

“Over there!”

Gorou and Itto made their way through the crowd as quickly as they could until finally Gorou could see Aether’s welcoming committee. The usual crowd of Thoma, Ayato, Kokomi and Ayaka were there. But also the girl from earlier on the beach and Kujou Sara. Aether was in the centre of the crowd standing alongside a man of equal height, dark turquoise blue hair, spikey attire and piercing yellow eyes. He looked intimidating as he stood arms crossed next to the beaming Aether. They were almost polar opposites.

“Aether!!”

Itto shouted over the tops of everyone’s heads and proceeded to barge through everyone.

It was weird, this was almost the exact same thing Itto did when he had arrived in Inazuma, except this time his opinion on Itto was not as harsh.

Gorou approached Kokomi who was standing talking to the girl in orange.

“Gorou! There you are I was starting get worried, you’re never late what happened?”

Gorou felt slightly sheepish, she was right he was always on time.

“Apologies I was at the beach with Itto.”

Kokomi nodded looking rather relived, “Ah so that’s why you’re all wet. Yes that makes sense.”

“Ha, yeah sorry about that, I must look a mess.”

Kokomi smiled, “Nevermind Gorou it’s fine, you’re among friends. I’m sure no one will judge you. Oh, I almost forgot, this is Yoimiya the girl who makes fireworks for most of the festivals.”

Gorou bowed in greeting, up close Yoimiya had a friendly appearance. She was decked head to tow in various shades of orange with koi fish markings on her right arm, her face was bright and she had a welcoming smile that reminded him of Aether’s.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you friend! Itto has told me so much about you I feel like I practically know you already!”

Gorou’s heart fluttered at that comment. Itto had told his friends about him?

“So how long have you known Itto?” Gorou inquired.

“Wow, a long time now, I met him when he didn’t really have any friends. He used to get bullied by other people for being different, but my family always taught me that differences aren’t something to be afraid of and once you get past Itto’s scary looking appearance he’s actually a big softy. He’s a good friend to me, always helping me out if I need anything at all and he rarely asks for anything in return. Yeah, he’s a good guy.”

Gorou turned to see Itto pick up Aether off the ground into a hug.

“Yeah…he is.”

Kokomi gave him a push in Itto’s direction and winked. Of course Kokomi knew, he didn’t even have to tell her yet she just knew.

Gorou made his way over to the commotion to actually greet the person he was here to see.

“Put him down Oni before I slice off both your arms.”

“Whoa there little man no need to get so angry.”

Itto put Aether down and stepped back hands in the air.

“Xiao it’s fine he’s just a hugger.”

“Fine.”

Aether grabbed Xiao’s pouting face and planted a kiss on his cheek causing Xiao’s face to turn red in a matter of seconds.

“You know what, you look really strong can I challenge you to a spar.”

Aether spoke on Xiao’s behalf, “Umm I don’t think that’s a good idea if you value you’re life Itto.”

Gorou got closer to them and noticed the markings on Xiao’s skin and the horned mask hanging from his belt. They were in the presence of a Yaksha, a personal warrior of Rex Lapis and Itto had just hugged his boyfriend then challenged him to a fight. This oni had an incredible talent for getting himself in trouble. Gorou should try his best to save the idiot he had a crush on.

“Hi it’s nice to meet you finally Xiao, I’m General Gorou of Watatsumi islands, but Gorou is fine.”

Xiao simply nodded and bowed but that was good enough for Gorou.

After de-escalating Itto’s annoyances Gorou made some idle chat with Aether. Ayato had offered rooms for Aether and his boyfriend but they were to stay in an Inn in Inazuma city. This was Xiao’s first time away from Liyue and Aether reckoned some familiarity would help him to get settled. Apparently Xiao lived at an Inn back in Liyue and was only here because he was, “forced by a funeral consultant to take a mortal “holiday” to relax.” Gorou didn’t know how a funeral consultant held any weight over a Yaksha but he guessed Xiao had utmost respect for him.

After helping Xiao and Aether find their Inn himself and Itto trailed behind the rest of the group back to the Kamisato estate.

Thoma and Ayato walked in front of them, their hands intertwined. That was a new development.

“Since when were they a thing?”

Itto put his hands behind his head and looked smug.

“Oh I’ve known about that for agesss, it was basically me that encouraged Thoma to go for it casue you know I’m just such a good friend.”

Gorou rolled his eyes his voice dripping with sarcasm, “Wow, look at your Mr. romance, I didn’t know you had such a passion for match making.”

“I can be romantic if I want to, I could definitely sweep you off your feet.”

What Itto didn’t know is that he already had. 

“Ha! I’d like to see you try.”

“Bet?” Itto had the biggest smirk on his face, he looked like he was planning something.

Gorou wasn’t so sure if he should comply. He was wary but what’s the worst that could happen?

“Bet.” He nodded firmly.

He should’ve just said no.

Itto physically, “swept him off his feet” by picking him up and running full pelt carrying him bridle style towards the Kamisato estate.

The wind was rushing through his ears and Gorou had to shout to be heard.

“ITTO DON’T YOU DARE DROP ME OR I SWEAR I’LL KILL YOU!”

“HA! PUPPY DON’T YOU TRUST ME?”

“NOT RIGHT NOW NO!"

Itto ran and ran until he had surpassed everyone else, they screeched to a halt and the entrance to the estate and he put Gorou down gently.

Itto was panting heavily but laughing at the same time.

“H-how do you have that much stamina?”

“I don’t even know.”

They both burst into out-of-breath laughter, Gorou laughed until his sides hurt, he had to eventually lean on Itto for support. Itto looked down at him, his fangs showing as he grinned. His broad smile relaxed as he slowly reached out to caress Gorou’s ears. Gorou let him stroke away because it felt so comforting, his eyelids drooped and he felt himself become very tired all of a sudden.

“Want to go for a power nap?” Itto suggested.

“Mhmm that sounds good.”

Itto started to go towards the front door.

“Itto?”

“Yeah?”

He took a few steps towards him.

“Can you stay with me? Just while I sleep.”

Gorou didn’t want to be alone, and in truth he wanted Itto to hold him so badly. To feel the warm embrace he saw Aether receive earlier. He couldn’t ask for that though it wasn’t fair, he didn't want to touch Itto under the flase guise of frienship when in relaity he wnated something more. Gorou didn’t want to lie with Itto and pretend they were together, like Ayato and Thoma, Xiao and Aether or even Kokomi and Sara. It wasn’t fair on his heart. He shouldn’t give himself false hope lest it ruin him in the end. But still, he was feeling tired and the fatigue made him selfish. As he followed Itto to their bedroom and sank himself into the fresh sheets he didn’t feel so bad when a strong pair of familiar arms wrapped around him. They symbolised a promise of unwavering care and stubborn affection, the only thing was Gorou still had no idea and Itto was yet to tell him…

Chapter Text

It was officially one week until the Sakura festival. Almost everyone in the Kamisato estate was scrambling to get things ready. Ayaka and Ayato were attending consultations about everything under the sun, Gorou and Kokomi were also pitching in-helping to arrange various vendors for the big day, Itto was trying his best to not get in the way and finally Thoma, who was running about after everyone with tea and often emotional support.

In a moment of quiet Itto found himself alone with an exhausted Thoma. He had volunteered to help him out with his duties but there was only so much he could do. Being a helper to the Kamisato clan and “fixer” for the locals really was a tough job. Thoma had to deal with everything from mindless complaints about annoying neighbours to supporting Ayato on risky decisions, that more often than not, lead to irritated higher ups.

Thoma seemed burnt out. His eyes had faint shadows under them and he didn’t seem entirely focused on what Itto had been saying.

“Then he just came out of nowhere and Kablam! Dead on the ground my Onikubuto was victorious-hey Thoma are you listening? You normally love my beetle stories what’s up my man?”

Thoma rubbed his eyes with the heel of his hands.

“I’m just really tired from all the work recently. I could really use a break.”

Itto had an idea. He had some mora to spare, after all he had been paid for assisting Thoma. No way was he providing free labour in this economy!

“Hey Thoma, let’s go out drinking! You and me?”

Thoma chucked dejectedly, “Normally I would say no, but you know what Itto, why not? I’m permanently exhausted. Why not be permanently exhausted and drunk?”

“Woohoo! Let’s go! Let’s go!”

Thankfully, it was just after dinner so it was prime drinking time in Inazuma city. The streets were buzzing with tourists and holiday-makers, half of who were intoxicated already. Paper lanterns were strung along the pathways, illuminating the pink sakura trees in a warm amber glow and pink petals fell like intermittent snowfall. Itto reached out to catch one in his hand, the petal was tiny and precious, resting gently in the palm of his hand.

Thoma was right, the sakura bloom had been wroth the wait. Itto wasn’t normally partial to beautiful, delicate things. He always feared he would break them with his heavy-handedness. But these were nice. He held it for a while then let it drift to the ground to join the others as Thoma pointed out options for where to go.

Itto had to admit he was excited, he hadn’t had enough money to buy alcohol for a while now and he was with one of his best buds. What more could a man want?

Gorou to be here.

Granted, yes, of course he would’ve liked Gorou to be there but he had gone to bed early with the promise of a lie in from Kokomi. They had a day off tomorrow so no early mornings and Ayaka had even arranged a picnic for everyone to sample the festival food and gather some “much needed” feedback, as she had put it. Itto was looking forward to it. As well as all that, Gorou was still going through that patch of re-occurring nightmares. It was getting worse and Itto knew it was because of anxiety and a lack of sleep. Gorou had been stressed about the festival and that was heightened by Kokomi needing his assistance more frequently. He tried his best to comfort him and Gorou had assured him it did help soothe the memories of war. Itto was glad that he was able to help. So even though he wished Gorou was there, he should let Gorou sleep, he deserved the rest.

“How about Uyyu restaurant? The Sakè is cheap.”

Itto grinned and gestured for Thoma to lead the way, “That’s definitely good enough for me!”

The restaurant inside was all wooden and cozy. Itto had been before, many times, but he had never seen it this busy. Almost every table was packed full of people. Glasses were flung everywhere and a bard in the corner was performing music Itto didn’t recognise.

“Wow that’s music from Mondstadt…my home.”

Thoma seemed slightly overwhelmed in the moment as they both stood listening to the musician play.

“Hey buddy you okay?”

Thoma cleared his throat as hit his chest with his hand.

“Yep definitely A-okay! It’s just strange seeing so many Mondstadters here. It’s…nice.”

It was nice. Inazuma really had come alive again.

Thoma being Thoma had amazingly managed to find them both two stools at the crowded bar and ordered a round of drinks. A bottle of sakura fermented Saké to share, an apparent special for the festival. Itto sipped it. It was strong and the taste was of the saké he was used to, nothing special about it at all.

“What the hell this doesn’t taste any different!”

Thoma agreed.

“I think this must be some marketing ploy to sell saké to tourists, this is just a normal bottle. Actually, you know one of my childhood friends back in Mondstadt owns a big part of the window industry there. Expect his drinks are actually up to standards-“

Itto and Thoma talked for an hour or two about mutual friends and friends of Thoma’s that Itto had never met until they were two bottles of saké down and on the topic of Gorou.

“Itto c’mon now, you shhould totally just go for it! Like you’re a great guy. Also you’re like hot, coming from a friend who also likes men, you are quite attractive-“

Thoma was at this point, very drunk. He placed his hand on his heart as he seemed to realise what he’d just said.

“But no. I don’t mean I like you because that would be weird. I have a boyfriend. Well, I think so anyway. Ayato is so pretty I think I’m in love with him. Oh no Itto that was meant to be a secret shhh!”

Itto’s vision was slightly blurry but he felt happy and his body light. He was definitely as drunk as Thoma at this point. That saké had been incredibly strong.

“Is okay I definitely won’t tell anyone at all okay? Look Thoma I’m serious, I need you to know that I swear I won’t tell anyone Thoma.”

Itto’s eyes were wide as he placed both hands on Thoma’s shoulders.

“But if you’re in love you-you should just tell him. What’s he even gonna do about it?”

Thoma paused for a moment.

“Itto, you give the best advice. But you should give some of it to yourself mannnn. Just grab General Gorou by the tail and give him a big smooch or something.”

“I want to Thoma but I, myself am a gentleman, so first, I have to ask him out.”

“Ask him to the sakura festival! Write him a poem or something.”

Itto was a complete and utter idiot. How did he not think of that before? Somehow, drunk Thoma was smarter than sober Itto.

“Thomaaaa you’re a genius!”

Thoma looked smug as he folded his arms, “I know I am.”

Two hours went by and after dancing to local folk songs from both Inazuma and Mondstadt Itto’s head was spinning. It had been a great night, even the tourists had gotten involved in their dancing antics. Their space at the bar had been filled up with saké bottles and after Thoma dancing on top of a table Itto knew it was time to go home. He split the bill and tipped perhaps a bit too generously, to the bartender’s delight.

Itto left the bar at a reasonable two in the morning with Thoma clinging on to his arm, alcohol in his stomach and a new idea in his heart. He would ask Gorou to the sakura festival, after all, the worst he could say is no.

——————————

Gorou was still awake, it was most likely the early hours on the morning and he just couldn’t sleep. He had tried to lie down and close his eyes but rest never came. So now he sat sat with a pen and paper on his lap, his legs tucked carefully under the covers. He had been attempting to recreate the wonder of Arataki Itto on paper and it was proving to be rather difficult. Gorou didn’t know why but he had been possessed by a sudden urge to draw that night. He had never sketched in his life yet here he was trying to remember the angle of Itto’s left eyebrow. The lamp was still lit as he finished up the sketch and it didn’t look half bad. It was just line art, no shading just yet, but Gorou was quite happy with it. He would ask Kokomi tomorrow if she had any art supplies or venture into the city himself after the picnic Ayaka had arranged. Gorou yawned and leaned over to put out the lamp but before he could a red-faced Itto crept through the door.

He wore a suspicious look on his face as if he was holding in laughter.

“Itto are you okay?”

“Me? Ohhh yeah totally good.”

He clumsily got himself undressed and Gorou observed a slight sent of alcohol in the air. He must’ve went out drinking, possibly him and Thoma as they were the only two still up after dinner.

Itto crawled into his side of the bed and sank into the pillows with a sigh.

“Ahh that’s feels so good mmhmm…”

He sighed again and nestled further into the pillow, turning to lie on his stomach.

Gorou took the opportunity to slide his drawing of Itto under the bed. He really didn’t want anyone to see it, especially not his muse.

“Mhmm heh…hehe…mmheheh.”

Itto started to giggle to himself, his face still hidden by the pillow.

“What are you laughing at?”

“He he I’m, I’m really sorry he he…I don’t know-“

Gorou couldn’t help but chuckle to himself Itto was very drunk and acting like an idiot. But he didn’t mind, he actually found it funny and quite cute.

“Heh… okay okay phew, I’m calming down.”

Gorou put out the lamp and lay down to rest. It was funny seeing this side of Itto, he hadn’t expected him to be reduced to a laughing fit in a matter of seconds.

Gorou felt Itto shuffle closer and his arms wrapped around Gorou’s torso. It was nothing new, they held each other like this almost every night now. But this time Itto was holding him tighter than usual. Gorou could feel hot breath on his neck and it was sending electric bolts down his spine. Gorou couldn’t help himself as he twitched from the shivering. His tail began to wag, thumping against the mattress. Itto adjusted his position and moved his thigh in between Gorou’s, he raised it so high that Gorou was practically straddling it. He tried to focus on anything else other than his rapidly increasing heart rate as he rationalised the situation.

Keep it together Gorou he’s drunk. This is just drunk weirdness happening right now, nothing meaningful. Just like when you got drunk and forced him to hug you and that didn’t mean anything at all…maybe.

“You know I really, really missed you tonight baby. You should’ve came with me and Thoma it was so much fun.”

Gorou’s breath caught in his throat at the use of that endearment. Itto started to trace small circles on his lower stomach with his fingernail. Gorou really really had to focus on not becoming turned on by this. All of Itto’s behaviour was unknown territory and he couldn’t tell if he meant it in an innocent way or he was trying to seduce him.

“You’re so cute you know that? You do you should puppy yeah mhmm…”

Itto had apparently drifted off to sleep which was just great, because now his lips were pressed to the back of Gorou’s neck and Gorou was riding his thigh.

Hopefully, in the morning he would be fine and not horribly hungover. But knowing Itto it would be the latter.

Nothing was ever easy with him was it?

Chapter Text

The picnic Ayaka had set up was being held near the Grans Narukami shrine, at the foot of the mountain. Various pastel coloured blankets had been laid out on the spring grass and Ayaka had even went to the trouble of setting up large umbrellas for people to shade themselves from the sun if needed. She had also arranged all sorts of food, beverages and snacks for everyone to enjoy. There were picnic baskets full of desserts and Gorou was already digging in to the sakura mochi and pink coloured dango. They were soft and sweet with just the right balance of flavours. He would rate these ten out of ten, Gorou jotted that down in his notebook. Ayaka had asked everyone to review they food they were eating in order to pick what vendors would qualify to sell food at the Sakura festival. However, himself, Kokomi and Aether seemed to be the only ones actually doing it.

Itto, Ayato and Thoma were seated across from them and seemed to be involved in a very tense card game with Xiao. Gorou was surprised Xiao had involved himself, most likely it was Aether’s doing. Yoimiya and Ayaka were sitting on a blanket themselves away from the crowd, it looked like Ayaka was drawing and Yoimiya posing for her. Finally himself, Kokomi and Aether were sat on the blankets under an light mint coloured umbrella, actually doing what they had been instructed to.

“This mochi isn’t as good as the sakura one, I’d say it’s an eight out of ten.”

Aether spoke with his mouth half full of dessert. Kokomi jotted down an eight on her paper.

“Paimon would’ve loved this, endless amounts of food to eat. She’s quite small but she has a huge appetite. You should’ve seen her at the buffet during Zhongli and Childe’s engagement party.”

That’s right, Aether’s flying companion. Gorou felt slightly bad that he hadn’t at all noticed her absence until now.

Where was she?

“Where is Paimon anyhow?”

Kokomi had practically read his mind.

Aether wiped his mouth with a napkin, “Oh she’s back in Mondstadt being looked after by Diluc Ragnvindr, he’s a friend of mine and owner of one of Mondstadt’s winery’s. I wouldn’t be surprised if he had murdered her by now, his patience is quite thin.”

“But why is she not with you?” Gorou asked.

“I wanted to be with just Xiao for once, I love Paimon but we don’t often have the opportunity to be together alone. And Diluc owed me a favour anyways beca-”

“Kokomi come over here! I want to sketch you’re portrait!” Yoimiya was shouting across to Kokomi.

“Okay just coming! Sorry Aether for leaving half way through your explanation.”

Aether smiled, “It’s no problem at all, show me the sketch when it’s done.”

Kokomi took her leave to go and join Ayaka and Yoimiya. That left Gorou and Aether alone.

“How have you been Gorou?”

Now that was a question. Gorou bit his lip as he considered just lying and saying, “oh great actually!”

“I’ve been okay, a lot of things have happened since you last were here…”

Gorou recounted almost every Itto incident from the beginning. It turned into a full rant but Aether nodded along and offered advice when needed. By the end of the conversation they were both lying down on their backs facing the sky. Thankfully, the shade of the umbrella shielded Gorou’s face from the sun.

“Yeah I see how that could be confusing.”

Gorou fixed his gaze on the white clouds, trying to decipher the shapes while he spoke.

“I-I just can’t tell if I should go for it or not. What if he doesn’t feel the same way and I ruin the friendship?”

Aether didn’t reply and Gorou lay still, the fabric of the blanket on his skin. The wind rustled the sakura blossoms around them and they were twirling through the sky, forming mass shapes like starlings in the evening.

Aether disturbed the quiet, “Well his behaviour last night doesn’t seem very platonic. I mean from an outsider perspective that’s straight forward flirting.”

Gorou sighed, “I suppose, but I haven’t even brought it up to him, I don’t know if he fully remembers. Also I do want to believe it is
some sort of flirting but a lot of people are like that when they’re drunk.”

“Mm I don’t know, as they say in Mondstadt, “A drunk heart speaks sober thoughts” maybe he just had more confidence.”

Gorou mulled it over, Aether was after all, a trustworthy source. He had been all over Teyvat and met so many different types of people. He should trust him. But it was so hard, Gorou just couldn’t believe that Itto definitely liked him back.

“Xiao please!”

Gorou’s ear turned at the sound of Itto’s voice and Aether sat up at the mention of Xiao.

“I said no.”

Xiao was teleporting about all over the place and Itto was trying his very hardest to catch him. The noise of him disappearing kept Gorou keep track of his movements. It was quite comedic to watch Itto get so close but reach out his hand and Xiao would effortlessly avoid him. Eventually Itto gave up and collapsed on the grass a few metres away.

Ayato and Thoma burst into shrills of laughter and Gorou chuckled to himself.

In a puff of turquoise smoke Xiao appeared next to Aether.

“Can you ask your friend to leave me alone. I have requested it many times and to no avail. If he refuses I shall have no choice but to vanquish him.”

Gorou shouted on his behalf, “Itto leave him alone!”

“Ha! He will be left…phew!”

Itto still sounded out of breath as he lay on the grass. Gorou laughed again and ran over to join him. He stood casting a shadow above Itto, he was still out of breath as he looked up at Gorou.

“What was if you wanted from Xiao anyway?” Gorou was curious.

Itto reached up and grabbed Gorou’s shirt. He pulled him closer as he forced out two words…

“Beetle fight.”

Itto collapsed dramatically back into the grass. Gorou laughed harder than he had ever laughed in his life. The fact that Itto was one hundred percent serious made it even more funny, he clutched his sides. He was in utter stitches.

“Ha ha ha, y-you idiot! I can’t b-breathe.“

Gorou mirrored Itto and he fell onto the ground as he revelled in his new-found hilarity. Itto turned to look at him, a smile on his face as he watched Gorou descend into yet another bout of roaring laughter. He was so unintentionally funny and that made Gorou like him even more.

Gorou’s hair fell in his eyes as he tried to catch his breath. Itto reached out a hand and tucked the strands away from his face, a look of quiet concentration on his face as he did. He was making an effort to be gentle. That simple act made Gorou’s nerves simmer in anticipation and his laughter came to a quiet end. Itto’s eyes were flitting about his face, he seemed to be studying every feature intently until he landed on his mouth.

Gorou dared to whisper.

“What are you doing?”

And Itto had been brave enough to answer.

“I don’t really know.”

Itto’s eyes found Gorou’s again.

This was something precious and Gorou doubted he would never get it again. He would throw caution to the wind and ask Itto to the sakura festival, he would do it the traditional way and write him a verse. How could he not? He was everything he had even wanted and lying there with him, made Gorou feel better than anything ever had. He could stare into those mesmerising crimson eyes for eternity and never falter his gaze.

To hell with fear, for what is fear in the face of love?

Chapter Text

Blank paper. White and smooth, like fresh snow…but still utterly blank.

Gorou sighed out of frustration. He had been sitting there for what must have been at least an hour and still, nothing.

He crumpled up the paper and pelted it on the pile along with his other attempts. Gorou was glad no one was around to see his stroppy frustration. Everyone was out and about to attend their various obligations so Gorou had the estate’s writing room all to himself. Only, it hadn’t been as picturesque as he had imagined.

Writing poetry was so far the toughest adversary he had been faced with.

He picked out a fresh piece of paper and took a deep breath. Gorou thought about what he really wanted to put in his sakura letter to Itto. He wanted to communicate his feelings through the verse, ask him to the festival and also include the sketch he had drawn.

But what should he include in the poem?

Gorou racked his brains. He thought back to Kujou Sara’s letter and how visceral her writing had been. It was just the right length- not too short, not too long and described her feelings in a serious manner, much like her personality, but Kokomi had loved it.

“Just write from the heart Gorou, as cliche as that sounds.”

Kokomi had said that this morning and urged him to write his letter today. Because today was the last day it could be given. According to tradition, on the third day of the sakura festival week the letters must be sent, otherwise they didn’t count. This was due to local superstition about the Shogun’s favourite number being the number three...apparently. However, it definitely was seen as distasteful to ask someone to the festival after the third day, that made it seem as if they were an afterthought and Itto was anything but that.

So now Gorou was faced with about a four hour time frame until Itto returned home, to come up with his poem. He had thought four hours would’ve been plenty of time but sitting here now, he wasn’t so sure. He was running out of patience and his tail had started to swish irritably. 

One more try Gorou, come on.

He thought about the things he liked about Itto. His kindness, his eyes, his horns, his foolishness, they way his cheeks would turn red in the sun…he had more material than he thought. Gorou stuck his head down and managed to scratch down a rough couple of lines. He studied them and made alterations until the final draft was satisfactory enough.

Your eyes are like crimson fire,
burning me as I stare.
Your touch sets my skin a-light,
I want to burn eternally under your flame.
Even in fading embers I am yours.

The fire theme was maybe a tad dramatic but he would just have to make do. Overall, the poem actually sounded good. It definitely got his feelings across, very clearly, and did well to highlight Itto’s sometimes fiery nature. To be honest, it was better to be upfront about his intentions, he did desire Itto in a romantic way but also secretly in a sexual way. So why not just slap him in the face with it?

Gorou folded his letter after signing it off and addressing it to Itto. He placed it in a brown coloured envelope and applied his personal seal- a golden paw print.

All that was left to do was to actually give it to Itto.

Gorou balanced the envelope in his hands, he was really going to do this. All these days of pining had finally come to a conclusion. Gorou hoped it would be a good one. He tucked it away into his pocket and tried to quell the wave of nerves slowly bubbling up in his stomach.

Itto would be home soon, so he better get himself together.

Or that’s what Gorou thought…

Ayato and Thoma came home and Itto wasn’t there. Gorou asked around but Thoma had barely seen him all day. Gorou assumed the worst.

Had he caught wind of Gorou asking him to the festival and simply ran away? Surely not, the Arataki Itto he knew never ran from a
confrontation, physical or romantic. But maybe he didn’t know Itto as well as he thought.

Another hour passed and there was still no sign of him. Kokomi and Ayaka arrived home to Gorou practically wearing down the writing room’s floorboards with his pacing.

“Gorou you’ll never guess! Yoimiya asked me to the festival isn’t that wonderful?”

He couldn’t help but feel immediately deflated by Ayaka’s joy.

That should be him, giddily smiling and holding a letter to his chest for dear life.

Gorou forced a smile, “Wow that’s just great!”

He skipped out on dinner and ignored Kokomi’s protests. She tried to pry and ask what was wrong but Gorou knew that she had an inkling to why he was upset.

Then it was nightfall and he was alone.

He had been leaning against the wall watching the clock’s hands tick for what felt like eternity. The clock chimed and read half past eleven.

Itto really wasn’t coming.

Gorou slid down the wall, dejected. All he had the strength to do was stare at the floor and will himself not to cry.

He had been such a fool to hope, he should’ve just ignored these stupid feelings. He had imagined a blazing Itto charging into the room with a letter in hand ready to ask him to the festival-but Gorou knew better than to trust fantasies. Itto was nowhere to be seen and he had been left with a shattered heart and his dignity gone.

Of course he wasn’t good enough, he had known it from the start and this had proven him right. Itto didn’t want him, it had all been in his head. All those moments they shared were just platonic misunderstandings. Gorou had read it all wrong. Itto would never want someone like him.

Gorou let a sharp sob escape and succumbed to his self-loathing. Hot, salty tears ran down his face as he cried. A cry of heartbreak and embarrassment. He put his head in his hands and let the sadness wash over him like a spring shower. He was such an idiot. At this point he should just return to Watatsumi island, there was no way he was going to the festival when everyone he knew had a partner. He would leave on the first boat from Ritou and leave behind a letter of explanation for Kokomi and a letter of thanks to the Kamisato's.

Gorou suddenly felt the letter’s weight in his pocket. He might as well get rid of it, there was no need for his childish attempts at poetry. Gorou took it out and placed his fingers on the top, he would just rip it in two then dispose of it somewhere.

“Wait! I’m here I’m here!”

Itto crashed through the  doorframe. He had removed his jacket and looked sweaty as he heaved.

“I’m so sorry, I lost track of time and then it got all dark and… hey puppy, what’s wrong?”

Itto rushed over to him and kneeled down, his face a picture of worry.

“Archons what happened? Did someone hurt you? I’ll kill them, just tell me their name and address.”

Gorou sniffed as Itto wiped away a couple of his tears. His eyes bore intensely into Gorou’s.

“No, nothing like that. I'm was juts being stupid.”

Itto wiped away another of his tears.

“Hey...shh shh, look never say that and don’t think that me seeing you upset makes me feel any less respect for you. You’re still a terrifying war general.”

Itto’s eyes found the envelope.

“Yeah, also I don’t know why I shouted for you to not rip that envelope up, ha! I don’t even know what it is. Rip it up if you want pups, I'm not the boss of you-”

Gorou stuck the letter out towards Itto.

“It’s for you. Just read it and put me out of my misery.”

Itto looked confused as he pried open the letter.

“Yikes okay, is it some kind of death threat?”

“Just read it Arataki.”

Itto obeyed and read. Gorou studied his facial expression, he seemed serious as he analysed each line. His face firm and unchanging as stone. Gorou’s heart was in his mouth and it was beating fast. He could barely breathe as Itto held the paper and his body felt as if it could go numb from fear.

Itto appeared to have finished. He set the letter down next to him and took out Gorou’s sketch. He traced the lines with his finger but still said nothing. Maybe he was so offended he couldn’t speak. Gorou tried to read his expression but Itto lowered his head so Gorou couldn’t see his face.

Oh no.

Oh no.

Oh no, oh no, oh no...anything but this.

“Itto look I-“

“Here.”

Itto stuck out his hand and in it was…a letter. A faded yellow envelope that had been hastily signed with, “Gorou.”

“You’re poem was really good Gorou and that sketch looked just like me. I don’t think my letter will be as good as yours. That’s why I was so late, I-I was trying to write this all day and I thought you’d probably have hundreds of letters from people so, ya know, why would mine make a difference?”

Gorou shakily tore open the envelope and read.

To Gorou,

I’m sorry this poem isn’t great, I tired my best but I’m not talented at words and stuff, it gets all jumbled in my brain and- never mind just read it.

The way you look at me is enough to make me nervous.
Even when you’re angry I can feel my hands wanting to touch your skin.
When your tail wags I feel like my heart might explode.
I want to be near you always and I want you to come to the festival with me.
If you refuse that’s okay, I’ll still love you as a friend the best I can.
But being around you is more than I could ever ask for.

From,

The most amazing, spectacular writer ever Arataki Itto.

He likes me back. Archons, Itto feels the same he likes me back.

“Yeah sorry about the signature I was tryna like hype myself up and stuff…it didn’t work.”

“I love it Itto.”

Itto’s face relaxed as he smiled, almost nervously.

“Really?”

Gorou nodded, “Yeah I do.”

"I'll go to the festival with you Itto, as a date."

Itto punched the air, "Woohoo! Score!"

Gorou rolled his eyes but laughed.

There was a sudden beat of silence as Itto inched forward.

“You know all this time I thought you just thought of me as a friend. But then I told Thoma some stuff and he was like “dude you’re totally oblivious” but I was sure I was just seeing things and I didn’t want to ruin our friendship and stuff.”

Itto had done exactly what he had. That miscommunication could have saved them so much time.

“I’m really sorry I was late, I know you were upset about it and you’ve got a right to be angry at me.”

“I’m not angry. Come here.”

Itto swallowed and blinked but he scooched closer. Seeing him nervous made Gorou’s skin tingle in anticipation. Gorou used his finger to beckon him even closer until Itto’s knees were touching his.

Gorou looked at Itto through half-lidded eyes and leaned towards him, tantalisingly slow.

“I’ve wanted you for so long Itto.”

He could see Itto’s chest rising and falling more rapidly now. Itto could barely utter out his reply.

“R-really?”

Gorou loved the way he looked right now, staring-utterly focused on him and only him. His eyes widened as Gorou edged another tiny bit closer and that only riled up Gorou more. He leaned forward to whisper in his ear.

“Do you want me too?”

Itto took another shaky breath.

“More than I’ve ever wanted anything puppy.”

Itto slid his arms around Gorou’s exposed torso and moved him onto his lap like it was nothing. That excited Gorou, Itto could probably throw him like it was nothing too. He straddled Itto’s waist, and intertwined his fingers in his white hair. Itto’s eyes were ablaze and sparkling. Up close the flecks of orange in them were mesmerising.

Itto reached out to caress Gorou's cheek as he whispered.

“You're so beautiful.”

They both breathed in the silence until Gorou couldn’t hold back any longer. He flung his arms around Itto’s neck and pulled his face forward. Gorou slammed his mouth onto Itto’s and kissed him hard, his lips were rough but Gorou liked it. The kiss started strong, almost a release of all of their pent up romantic tension. Their teeth clashing a couple of times as Itto responded tenfold.

The kissing eventually got into a smooth rhythm and Itto nipped at Gorou’s lip with his sharp teeth. Gorou inhaled sharply and pushed even deeper into the kiss, pressing his torso up against Itto. Itto started to slide his hand up Gorou’s thigh until he reached the top. He started to knead circles into his hip bone and as a result Gorou let out a noise of enjoyment.

He moaned into Itto’s mouth.

“P-please.”

Gorou felt like he might die if he didn’t let Itto touch him soon. The tension in his underwear was getting too much to ignore.

Gorou stuck his hips forward into Itto’s crotch and started to grind, his arms still around his neck. Itto panted and started trailing hard, wet kisses down his neck. It felt so good, Gorou’s body shivered with pleasure. Itto stopped just under his ear and sucked on the skin there. Itto dug his black nails into Gorou’s hips and encouraged him to continue moving on his lap.

Gorou let him work his way around his neck, leaving tiny marks under his jaw.

Itto whispered between kisses.

“Archons…you’re so hot baby.”

Gorou practically begged, “Itto please, I want you.”

Itto hissed and shoved Gorou backwards until his back hit the wall. He pinned Gorou’s hands above his head and kissed him again. With his other hand he fiddled with Gorou’s rope-belt. Gorou’s hip’s bucked at the contact and Itto grinned.

He was teasing him at this point.

“Itto I swear.”

“Ha, I’m sorry puppy.”

Gorou had to admit that the pet names really did it for him.

The rope was finally untied but Itto's hand stilled over the zipper.

Itto broke the kiss and let go of Gorou’s hands. He smiled and placed a soft kiss on Gorou’s mouth and then his forehead.

“Gorou I want this, I really really do but, I want to do it all right.”

Gorou nodded for him to go on.

“Incase you haven’t figured it out yet I really like you, like a lot. But I don’t feel good just going all the way with you just now. I want to treat you right, take you out for the festival and stuff. I’ve never had something like this before and I just don’t want to mess it up.”

Gorou thought about what he had said, it was so thoughtful and so much like the Itto he had grown to care for.

“I understand and I like you too, a lot-a lot.”

Gorou kissed him on his cheek and Itto continued. 

“It's just that I’ve never been with anyone before, like ever and I’ve never slept with anyone before either so what if I’m not good at like…making you feel good.”

Gorou would not have guessed that from his performance mere seconds ago. Itto seemed completely comfortable and in control in the heat of the moment.

“I appreciate you telling me that Itto and if we’re being honest. I’ve never been with anyone either.”

“So we’re both new at this, that’s a relief. Yeah being a terrifying oni never really got me any good points in the romance department.”

Gorou laughed.

“Yeah well being a war general didn’t really help me either.”

“What!? War generals are like the hottest thing out.”

“Shut up.”

Gorou kissed him gently. Itto tilted his head as Gorou parted from the kiss, and blinked slowly, a soft look of admiration on his face.

“Let’s go to bed Itto.”

Gorou removed himself from Itto’s lap but before he could brush himself off Itto had swept him off his feet. Gorou let out whispers of protest as he carried Gorou down the hall to their bedroom and plonked him down on the bed.

Itto removed his clothes and helped Gorou take off his. Gorou had felt too lazy to do so and why not take advantage of his handsome date's offer?

Itto climbed into his side of the bed and pulled Gorou towards him, placing a tender kiss on his forehead. Gorou felt so warm and safe in his arms, he entangled his legs with Itto’s and held him tightly.

Gorou blushed and decided to tell Itto a secret.

“You know, when we used to sleep with each other every night, I used to imagine that you liked me back.”

“I did that too.”

“Ha really? We’re both so stupid.”

“I’ll have you know I’m one of the most smartest oni in Inazuma-“

“Go to sleep.”

Itto kissed Gorou on the shoulder, his lips sending tingles down Gorou’s spine.

“Fine, but only because I want to not cause you told me or anything.”

Gorou planted a kiss on Itto’s mouth, tugging at his lip teasingly. Itto shook his head but Gorou could see a grin on his face. Itto reached over to put out the lamp and after saying goodnight they drifted off to sleep. Holding each other like they always did but this time Gorou's heart felt five times bigger. 

Chapter Text

Aether rubbed his eyes as the sounds of chirping alerted him of the time. The birds outside on the balancing were singing an early morning song and Aether desperately wanted to roll over into the clutches of sleep once again. But something felt different. There was an absence of Xiao. Aether stretched his hand across onto the sheets of his side and sighed.

Xiao had been doing this more frequently. He always rose at dawn when he was stressed, it was something Aether had noticed. Being away from home had a bigger affect on him than he most likely realised and with only two days to go the busyness surrounding the festival had definitely put Xiao on edge. It was a lot of social interactions and Aether knew that was something Xiao struggled with, he wasn’t used to being around humans so frequently.

Aether got out of bed and padded over to the wardrobe to get some clothes to throw on. Their room at the Inn was well-furnished and nicely decorated, with a wardrobe, double bed and adjoined bathroom. The walls were patterned with cranes and their hostess even left fresh Inazuman flowers at their bedside every evening. It had not been cheap but thankfully a certain Harbinger had offered to cover the cost.

Aether finished getting dressed and spied a white envelope on the bedside table, it was addressed to him. Aether opened it and inside it read-

To Aether,

I did it. I asked Itto the the festival and he accepted! It’s a funny story actually because Itto was planning to ask me as well but I’ll tell you all the details tomorrow. I was wondering if you wanted to come shopping for outfits for the festival tomorrow? I was going to go by myself but thought I’d extend an invite to you and also Xiao of course.
But I wanted to write and tell you the news because you’re advice spurred me on to just go for it!

Thank you so much,

Yours,

Gorou.

Aether was happy for his friend. Of course, Aether had known all along that those feelings were mutual but it was nice to see them come to fruition. He would visit Gorou later on in the day to agree on a time to meet to go shopping, maybe he would bring Xiao. But had to find him first.

He went on a hunt for Xiao. He had an idea where he might be, the top floor of the Inn on the balcony. A familiar spot to his usual one back in Liyue.

As Aether climbed the twisting staircase to the top floor he recalled Zhongli and Childe’s engagement party. It had been hosted in the Northland bank and had been quite the affair. It had been so nice to attend and if that was just the engagement party, Aether couldn't wait for the wedding. Both Zhongli and Childe had looked so happy and in love, both dressed up to the nines in dazzling contrasting suits, as they watched their guests enjoy a lavish buffet. Aether observed them both throughout the night, exchanging glances, laughing and dancing together to Xinyan’s music. He had never seen Zhongli smile so much and Childe’s gaze had been fixed on his fiancé the entire night. It made Aether wonder if Xiao would ever want to get engaged, possibly not, he doubted something like that would even cross Xiao's mind.

Aether had reached the top and right enough, there was Xiao, perched on the wooden railing of the balcony. He looked like he was fixated on something far away. The air outside was warm as Aether stepped out, he tried his best not to disturb Xiao as he went and stood beside him. Xiao made no move to acknowledge him but Aether didn’t mind. He knew Xiao could sense him from a mile away so if he’d wanted to hide he could’ve. He had wanted Aether to come and find him.

Aether spoke softly and placed a hand over Xiao’s.

“How’s the view?”

Xiao replied curtly, “Not as pleasing as Liyue but it will suffice.”

The view in front of them was mostly of Inazuma city so it was no wonder Xiao didn’t enjoy it, he cared more for the beauty of nature rather than man-made cities. Aether could tell he missed Liyue, his demeanour alone communicated that. His eyes were dark and his posture closed off from Aether.

“Gorou invited us out tomorrow, to go shopping for outfits for the festival. I'm going to go meet up with him later would you like to come with me?”

Xiao still didn’t turn, he just nodded silently. Aether could still feel something was off and he was worried.

“I’m sorry it’s been so hectic for the last couple of days. I know it tires you out and you’ve every right to want some time alone but I promise you’ll enjoy the festival. We could even try some of the tofu they have. I know it’s not the same as Liyue’s but we can try it together.”

Aether offered a warm smile and finally Xiao met his eyes. His face had slightly relaxed from the frown he often wore but there was a hint of something unresolved in his eyes.

“That isn’t why I’ve been distant.”

A beat of silence and Aether’s stomach sank, something must have happened. Perhaps something one of his friends had said to Xiao, archons he hoped Itto hadn’t offended him that much.

Xiao cleared his throat and hopped down from the balcony. He looked slightly awkward as he got down on one knee. Had he hurt himself? What was going on? 

“Aether, do you want to get married?”

“What!?”

Aether sprang backwards like a frightened cat.

“If this is a joke it isn’t funny Xiao.”

But of course it wasn’t a joke, Xiao was not the humorous type Aether knew that much.

“It’s not a joke. What are your thoughts on marrige?”

It was something Aether had given quite a bit of thought, although he would never admit that to Xiao. It would be nice to eventually settle down, hopefully after finding Lumine and finishing his journey across Teyvat.

“Umm I mean- what brought this on?”

Xiao took his gaze to Aether’s feet and looked rather sheepish as he explained.

“After observing Rex Lapis and the harbinger’s engagement. I thought that perhaps you would wish to have the same. I’m not knowledgeable on many mortal customs so I thought perhaps you deserved someone who would provide those aspects of “normal” life for you and…well…I thought if I failed to, you would be best suited to be courted by someone else and...not me.”

Aether stepped towards him and took his hand in his own.

“Xiao, I don’t want to be with anyone else. I would love to get engaged to you but only if you want to, not because you think it's the right thing to do. I don’t place any expectations on you, surely you know that.”

Golden eyes met one another and Xiao took Aether’s other hand.

“I’ve vanquished thousands of foes and lost an equal number of allies and yet the notions of love often allude me…”

He had been keeping all of this inside for a while it appeared, this speech was well thought through.

“-If you were ever to leave my side I don’t know what I would do. I’ve never felt that way in my centuries of living and yet the sun seems to rise and set with you.”

That’s why he had seemed so far away, he thought Aether would leave him and he was protecting his heart before Aether had the chance to break it.

He pulled Xiao up into an embrace and held on tightly. Aether pulled away and placed a slow, soft kiss on Xiao’s mouth. Then his forehead, then his neck and his chin until Xiao waved him away.

“Y-you’re so strange, leave me alone.”

But the faint blush on Xiao’s cheeks said otherwise, he secretly loved the attention and Aether knew it.

"Let's just go and get some breakfast."

Xiao complied and walked beside him.

"Also Xiao, I think you need a pair of chopsticks or a ring when you propose."

"Ah I see, so that's what I was missing."

"Mighty Yaksha, do bring me a ring of jade when you make your proposal."

Aether gestured dramatically. 

"Okay I will."

Aether shook his head and Xiao seemed confused. Aether pulled him in for another kiss and Xiao wrapped his arms around Aether's waist. Xiao's kisses were always strong yet emotional, turbulant like the ocean. Xiao was the love of his life. His passions for protecting Liyue and loving him were unmatched. 

Xiao broke the kiss and kissed Aether on the neck and under his ear, nipping at the skin with his teeth. Aether leaned in closer to Xiao's ear and whispered.  

"If you ever do propose, my answer is yes."

Xiao immediately stepped back and nodded profusely, his blushing crimson.

"I'll m-make sure to meet up with you and General Gorou later. A-apologies."

Aether broke into a fit of laughter at the formality as Xiao adorned his mask and leaped from the balcony. That was the usual Xiao way of exiting a conversation.

Aether packed a bag with some mora and started his walk toward the Kamisato estate. All the while with familiar turquoise smoke following close behind him. 

Chapter Text

Itto had spent most of the day in a state of slight disbelief. Gorou was going on a date with him, he had kissed Gorou, Gorou liked him back. So many thoughts had ran through his head the morning after they had both confessed in the writing room. Most of all, the proximity of their festival date that was slowly creeping in like a morning fog. It should be a piece of cake but Itto didn’t really believe that. Gorou did something to him no one else could…he made him nervous.

Itto never got nervous, ever. Yet there he was wasting the day away worrying about Gorou when he should be focused on what colour of fabric he wanted his outfit to be made from.

“Definitely the red.”

“Hmm I’m not sure Thoma I think you’re quite biased with your colour choices. Itto normally wears purple so why not go for that?”

He had been stuck in this tiny Kimono shop for what must have been an hour now. His head barely fit through the door frame and the shop assistant seemed intimidated by his opposing frame. She had completely ignored him and spoken only to Ayato. Her eyes had met his once before she left and he could practically see the colour drain from her face, her pupils widening. It was a horrible look and it made Itto feel disgusting. He was normally used to that kind of treatment but today it felt like a punch in the stomach.

Thankfully, she had left them all alone in the shop and his friends had been attempting to select his outfit for the festival. Itto so far had been mostly silent letting them both flit about holding various velvets up to his skin. Trying to keep his temper and nervousness under wraps. That was until Ayato accidentally stuck a pin into his forearm.

“Ow! What was that for?”

Ayato put his hands up in defence.

“Apologies, this is normally Thoma’s forte.”

“Give it here,” Thoma reached over Ayato’s shoulder and took the pin from his hand. He slid it into the crimson fabric draped over Itto’s arm.

“Itto what do you think red or purple?”

“He’ll pick purple I know it.”

“Ayato you don’t know anything about colour theory.”

“Coming from the man who dresses exclusively in red.”

He didn’t know and he frankly didn’t care, he hadn’t even been listening. It was all too much, this room, their arguing, the shop assistant who had looked at him in fear. The walls felt like they were closing in on him.

“Can you both please just shut it for one second?!”

Itto threw the fabric to the ground and stormed out of the room. Itto made his way outside and leaned against the shop wall, his arms folded. He needed the fresh air to try and cool off. He kicked a pebble out of frustration and watched it skid across the ground.

His head was all over the place. He wasn’t used to stuff like this. The stress of the festival was getting to him and it sucked big time. Sure he wanted a nice outfit to impress Gorou but it had come at the cost of third wheeling and being given stink-eye by the shop keeper.

Thoma peeked out the door, “Hey Itto are you okay?”

Itto pettily turned his head in the other direction, “I’m fine.”

Thoma wasn’t put off and came to stand in front of him. Thoma attempted to look him in the eyes but Itto kept turning his head to look anywhere but at Thoma.

“Look Arataki, tell me what’s wrong before I bring Ayato out here to question you.”

Ayato had a certain way of getting information out of people that often involved the usage of potentially sensitive information and even though Itto had very little to hide he really wasn’t in the mood for Ayato’s involvement.

“It doesn’t matter Thoma honestly just leave it.”

Thoma mirrored Itto by folding his arms, “I’m not backing down from this Itto no matter how much you want me to.”

Thoma was so persistent for no reason. Itto went full pelt and leaned down to shout right in Thoma’s face. He couldn’t stop himself he was just so angry.

“Fine! I’m nervous for my date okay? Yeah I know it’s funny cause Arataki Itto never gets scared and let’s all laugh because the big bad oni is having a breakdown over someone half his size!”

Itto kicked another pebble.

“Itto-“

“You can laugh it’s fine I’m over it,” Itto spat.

“I’m not going to laugh at something that isn’t funny.”

“What?”

“It’s perfectly normal to have those feelings. I still get them around Ayato and no one thinks you aren’t capable of feeling fear-“

Itto nodded.

“-I get why you’re putting so much pressure on yourself but Gorou likes you, that’s basically the hardest part over and done with. All you have to do is be yourself and you’ll have a great time I’m sure of it!”

Thoma gave him a thumbs up and a smile. The rage had started to dissipate and he felt his shoulders start to relax.

“I know he likes me but sometimes I doubt myself. That woman, just there, in the shop looked at me as if I was some kind of monster and I know Gorou cares about me, just sometimes it’s hard to believe it.”

Ayato stepped through the door frame.

“Ignorant people are afraid of things they don’t understand. If she’s judged you on outward characteristics then she has a fickle heart and is sure to lose the Kamisato’s business. I’m sorry I didn’t notice her behaviour towards you Itto.”

Ayato was right, she was ignorant. Itto had always tried his best to never come to a negative conclusion about someone based on appearance alone. He knew all too well what that felt like.

Ayato grabbed both Itto and Thoma by the shoulder.

“Come, it’s still early. How about we go have some fun? Looking for clothes is getting dull anyways.”

They all decided on going out drinking instead of shopping but this time Itto would make sure to take it easy on the alcohol. Ayato assured Itto that if he wasn’t picky on his outfit for the festival he would take care of all the decisions and have it made for him by tomorrow. That was a huge weight off of Itto’s shoulders, Ayato was regarded as fashionable so Itto felt at ease letting him take care of his Kimono.

An outdoor bar had been set up in Inazuma city with various tables and chairs. Each set had an arrangement of Sakura blossom branches in the middle. There was a few tables empty and a musician playing the lyre in the corner.

“Let’s go there, we can sit outside in the sun and drink!”

A table for three was acquired and Ayato ordered a round for all of them. This time cider imported from Mondstadt, fortunately no sakura fermented sakè was in stock.

Conversation was light and easy and eventually, as always landed on the topic of Gorou…

“Securing a date with a sexy war general well done Itto, Gorou is quite the catch you know.”

Ayato smirked into his glass, he was trying to embarrass Itto and unfortunately it had worked. His face heated up and as he tried to be nonchalant.

“So when are you going to ask him to be your boyfriend?”

“Pfft I mean it’s just a date no big deal. I don’t think it’s got to that point yet-”

“Hey Itto!”

From across the street there stood the object of his affections. Dressed in baby blue linen, waving and smiling as he took out a lollipop from his mouth. Blushing Sakura petals swirling around him like some kind of fairy tail. His blue eyes were shining as he waved and ran across to their table.

“Hey, how’s shopping going?”

Itto forced out a couple words, “G-great yeah!”

To his dismay his voice cracked and Thoma sniggered. Gorou removed the lollipop from his mouth and began to lick around the edges while he spoke.

“Yeah I’m actually- going to meet Aether and Xiao to buy a kimono and some makeup maybe-“

Itto’s eyes were glued to his mouth and that stupid pink lollipop as Gorou wrapped his tongue around it. He nodded as Gorou spoke but could barely hear any of the words. He was wide-eyed and blushing like a lovestruck child.

“-that’s what I thought about it anyways but Kokomi thought we should go later on so the sky is dark for the fireworks-“

Gorou stretched an arm idly as he spoke and his crop-top hitched up even more to reveal more of his stomach. He had to know what he was doing to him surely.

“Do you want to see more Itto?”

Itto snapped out his trance.

“Yes,” he answered forcefully and Thoma nearly fell off his chair from laughter.

“Sorry, more of what?”

Gorou rolled his eyes, “The makeup I bought that I just showed you Arataki.”

His mouth fell into a small, oh.

Damn brain being distracted by Gorou’s perfect body.

It’s not Gorou’s fault he had immediately wanted to sink his teeth into his well-toned stomach.

“Gorou!”

Thankfully, Aether had saved the day by arriving with Xiao in tow.

“Hi! Sorry guys I better get going but it was nice to see you all.”

Gorou removed the lollipop, popped it into Itto’s open mouth and patted him on the head. Itto was in disbelief and shut his mouth around the sweet. It was warm from the heat of Gorou’s mouth and tasted like strawberry.

“Bye Itto!”

Gorou ran over to meet Aether and Xiao, his tail swishing as he went.

Another chorus of laughter let Itto know his audience of Thoma and Ayato were enjoying his humiliation.

Itto let his head hit the table in embarrassment.

“…I’ll ask him out at the festival.”

Itto could practically see the smug look on Ayato’s face as he replied.

“Mhmm that’s what I thought, Ayaka owes me twenty mora.”

Itto sat up, “What! You’ve been placing bets?!”

“Only some sibling gambling nothing to dramatic.”

Thoma piped up, “Ha! Haha! Itto this is just too funny to watch I’m sorry I can’t-“

“The lollipop was quite something, I should try that out on you Thoma.”

Another fit of laughs and Itto tried his best to be annoyed but he couldn’t fully commit to it. They both had given him the push to ask Gorou out and for that he was thankful. He would do it at the festival when the time was right.

Itto hid a smile behind his glass and turned the lollipop over in his mouth, remembering the feeling of sakura petal lips on his own.

Chapter Text

The morning clouds had broken over Inazuma, leaving a picture of soft glowing sunshine. A perfect spring morning. Nearly every inch of the grounds of the Kamisato estate were covered in pink blushing petals, lush and delicate. The breeze was warm and Gorou sat outside enjoying the splendours of nature put out before him by his nation.

Inazuma truly was beautiful.

He sipped on a tea infused with ginger, the slight spice dancing on his tongue as he drank.

It was finally the day of the festival. It had all arrived so quickly, it felt like only yesterday he had been standing waiting on Aether and paimon at Ritou. It had felt like only yesterday he and Itto had been at each other’s throats, how times had changed.

Now he was infatuated with the man he had been too quick to hate.

Oh Itto…

Gorou thought about his schedule for the day. He should start getting ready at around four o’clock to be at the festival for five, then Yoimiya’s fireworks display was around half past six. He had a fair few hours to try and kill, he should probably go and train but all he wanted to do was crawl back under the covers with Itto his…his…his whatever.

They weren’t really anything yet. This would be their first official date and despite their closeness, Gorou’s hands still shook with nerves at the thought. The irony of him being able to take down opponents nearly three times his size without flinching, yet nearly having a heart attack over a romantic evening with someone he definitely knew liked him back.

Gorou swallowed the rest of his tea and steeled himself for the day ahead.

It’ll be fine Gorou, just fine.

The next few hours were spent in bed with his lover? partner? male companion?

His Itto.

They cuddled for a while until Itto had asked Gorou to draw him again. This time with the oni sitting (mostly) still the sketch came out a lot cleaner. Itto’s eyes sparkled when it was finished.

“I love it bro.”

Gorou chuckled and tried not to let the “bro-ing” weave its way into his head. They were cuddling shirtless and sketching portraits of each other, there wasn’t anything more picturesquely intimate than that.

Itto attempted to draw Gorou, it was more of a cartoony style, the edges were a bit rough and ready, but, of course Gorou loved it. He rewarded Itto with a quick kiss. His lips tingled afterwards, he didn’t kiss Itto again for fear he would never stop.

Some more time passed and it was time for everyone to get ready for the festival. The Kamisato estate was alive with frantic footsteps and shouts of excitement. Gorou definitely felt the buzz now, he couldn’t wait to see the fireworks.

Himself and Itto got dressed in separate rooms, Gorou in the bedroom and Itto in the bathroom. This suited Gorou as he could make use of the mirror to apply his makeup. After carefully swiping on his usual red eyeliner Gorou took to painting his nails black, to match a certain someone. When they were mostly dry Gorou picked up his Kimono. Yesterday, when he had been out shopping with Aether and Xiao this garment had stood out to him.

It was teal blue banded at the middle by a dark grey sash patterned with intricate swirling clouds. The edges of the Kimono had a gold and white trim with a star pattern and golden tassels hanging from the sleeves. Flecks of red stitching also ran throughout the fabric and contrasted nicely with the dark teal.

It was as if it had been made for Gorou specifically. It fit him well, with the only tailoring having to be done for his tail to fit through.

Gorou wrapped it around himself and secured the sash. He also adorned a few finishing touches, a choker (much like Itto’s) to hold his vision, his sandals and a pouch of mora.

Gorou opened the door to the bedroom and there was Itto, still not dressed, shirtless and nonchalantly playing with the hilt of his small blade. That was until he set his red eyes on Gorou. The knife clattered to the ground and Itto stared open-mouthed. He blinked slowly and stepped towards Gorou. Itto said nothing but simply leaned down and pressed a lingering kiss on Gorou’s neck, he whispered into his skin.

“Beautiful.”

Gorou felt a flush on his neck that was more than likely going to travel to his face. Itto kissed his neck again and it sent tantalising shivers throughout his body.

“A-are you going to get dressed?”

“Hmm? One minute.”

Itto stuck two fingers under Gorou’s choker and pulled his closer, biting the skin under his jaw.

“Itto come on, we have to go soon.”

Itto broke away slowly, “Fine but only because I want to, not because you asked.”

Gorou sighed and folded his arms.

“You are so infuriating.”

Itto winked, “All part of my irresistible charm.”

Gorou shook his head and took a seat while Itto got dressed. To be fair it only took him a matter of minutes to put on his Kimono.

His was dark purple and the sash a warm gold and red. The sleeves were patterned with rolling thundery clouds and trimmed in the same colours as the sash. He had also tied a white and red rope around his waist along with the sash. The colours did well to bring out his red markings and crimson horns. Overall, bold and bright, much like Itto himself.

Itto adjusted the sash and opened his arms to Gorou.

“Hey, Ayato did a good job picking this whole shablam out. So, how do I look?”

Good enough to marry.

“Good enough to be my date.”

Itto chuckled, “The highest honour general, sir yes sir!.”

Itto made a mock salute but cleared his throat, an indication he was about to say something important.

“I have a favour to ask you, but it’s kind of embarrassing…”

Gorou nodded for him to continue.

“Can you help me do some makeup?”

Gorou got to work with his eyeliner pen. He angled Itto’s head towards the light and applied the red on his waterline. It was hard to focus with Itto flinching or blinking every couple of seconds.

“Itto don’t look directly at the pen when I’m doing it.”

“Ah so that’s why my eyes won’t stop watering…”

Gorou did a simple wing on his top eyelid and leaned back to admire his handiwork. Itto sat still on the bed as he observed him.

The red accompanied Itto’s complexion nicely and matched his bold markings, his eyes were even more piercing with the makeup. He looked striking but beautiful.

Gorou noticed a slight smudge under his left eye, he took his thumb and cleaned up the line. Itto took on a more relaxed expression and caught his hand, he pressed a kiss to the back of it. Gorou’s breath hitched as Itto slowly kissed his knuckles.

Itto’s breath on his skin was enough to send sparks throughout his body, Gorou had to hide the fact he shivered from such a simple touch. Itto rose to his full height and grinned, his fangs slightly bared. He had noticed Gorou’s involuntary reaction and that’s what had been causing his gleeful expression.

He offered Gorou an outstretched hand.

“Ready for a fun-filled night accompanied by the most sexy, funny and romantic oni in all of Teyvat?”

Gorou couldn’t help but chuckle, he was utterly ridiculous but that’s what made Itto, Itto.

“Hmm dare I say yes?”

And with that, Gorou took his hand and gave him his heart.

Chapter Text

Amakane island was almost glowing pink. The sakura blossoms and lanterns strung between the trees gave the location a rosey haze. Vendors lined the paths with Sakura themed food, desserts, fans and even masks. Gorou breathed and took it all in. It was festive and the atmosphere was amazing, tourists seemed to share Gorou’s reaction with many a visitor gazing up at the trees in awe.

“It looks beautiful,” Aether had said what they were all thinking.

The group murmured in agreement. Aether grabbed Xiao’s arm and led him off somewhere, pointing at stalls as he went. Xiao seemed calmer than usual, more at peace he took Aether’s hand and Gorou looked away before he kissed it.

“Thoma we have to go to the boba tea stall come on.”

Thoma hummed in agreement and rolled his eyes but none the less took Ayato’s arm. They were like an old married couple, in their matching Kimono’s, Thoma’s being red (of course) and Ayato’s in pale blue and white. It was sweetly endearing.

Kokomi took Sara away off to the stall selling masks, and waved to Gorou as she left. Yoimiya and Ayaka had already made it to the top of the island in preparation for the the fireworks.

Everyone had gone and it was himself and Itto, alone.

Gorou looked down at his feet, slightly timid. He felt like a blushing school-boy so full of romantic wonder. Itto spoke quietly, with an edge of softness. He seemed nervous too.

“Shall we?”

Itto offered his palm and Gorou took it. His fingers warming at the contact.

He was really here, with Itto, his sakura partner. It all seemed so surreal, a few weeks ago this had all been a simple fantasy for Gorou to occupy his spare time with. Dreaming of sakura blooms and intertwined hands. Yet, here they were under the pink petals. Gorou felt so unbelievably happy.

“Hey Gorou, want some mochi?”

That sounded good.

“Pfft always.”

Gorou was lured back to the present with the promise of dessert. One of his few weaknesses.

The vendor was friendly and had been perfecting the pink mochi for months in preparation for the festival. She gave Itto a smile as he paid for their dessert (despite Gorou’s various protests that he should pay for his own portion) and took his mora.

Gorou sunk his teeth into the soft sweet and it was delicious. He made a noise of enjoyment and Itto laughed.

“Is it really that good puppy?”

“Mphf- uh huh”

Gorou failed to speak coherently with his mouth full.

Itto laughed again, his hand on his stomach and hair flying wildly around.

“Here let me get that, flour, is it flour? On your nose.”

Itto reached out and brushed the powder from Gorou’s nose. A small act of intimacy and yet it made Gorou’s stomach flip all the same. Itto stilled and in the lamplight his eyes were almost glowing, Gorou could practically see the affection pouring out of them.

He had sat on this oni’s lap and yet him wiping away some flour sent him into a nervous wreck.

“T-thanks!”

With another laugh from Itto they moved on to the next stall. By the time they had gotten to the top of the hill Gorou had eaten about every dessert variation in Inazuma and Itto had paid for all of it. He felt guilty about it but Itto had insisted so he had let him. It seemed to make him happy so why not?

Gorou plonked himself down on the grass, he was full and sleepy in a good way.

“Itto come here.”

Gorou patted the space beside him and Itto sat down, his legs stretched in-front of him. Gorou yawned, he was quite tired but he wanted to stay awake for the fireworks. The sky was a dark navy already so they wouldn’t need to wait long. Yoimiya was down at the beach with Ayaka setting them up.

“Hey, we can go back if you’re too tired?”

“Oh, no not at all. I want to see Yoimiya’s display-“

Gorou leaned his head against Itto’s shoulder.

“-But thanks anyways.”

Itto reached his arm round Gorou’s shoulder and placed a kiss on the top of his head. Gorou felt his heart beating steadily as he looked up and the stars. They were twinkling like cosmic fireflies in the Inazuma night.

“Gorou?”

“Hmm?”

“I-I bought you something. Umm if you don’t like it, it’s okay, I mean it’s dumb it’s just a dumb gift thing. I don’t know, Ayato said it was a good idea so if you hate it blame it on him ha!”

Gorou chuckled, “Itto just show me it.”

Gorou sat up as Itto revealed a small engraved wooden box. It was dark wood engraved with various sakura blossoms.

“And no, before you say anything I’m not proposing. Unless you want me to?”

Itto ended the sentence with a wink, he was back to his usual confident self.

Gorou tried to hide his heart’s reply with a sarcastic reply.

“Ha ha very funny.”

Itto’s expression got serious again as he held the box.

“No but seriously if you don’t like it please tell me…”

Itto timidly opened the box to reveal a golden hairpin. It was shaped exactly like his old one, an infinity symbol, except this time the rope hanging from it was red and white. It was familiar yet…different.

Itto’s eyes widened as he waited on a reply.

“Itto I-I love it, thank you.”

He visibly relaxed, “Thank the Archon, phew thought you were going to break up with me or something ha! N-not that we’re dating, I mean are we? We don’t have to unless you want to?”

Gorou clasped his hands over Itto’s to soothe his ramblings.

“You can put it in my hair if you want?”

With a tender smile Itto spoke, “I’d like that.”

He could feel Itto’s fingers tremble as he slid the hairpin into his hair. Gorou leaned forward and breathed him in as he worked. He smelled different tonight, like some sort of earthy perfume.

With the hairpin secured Itto leaned back, clearly calculating if he had put the accessory in correctly. Itto’s eyes ran their course over Gorou’s hair and face, as if taking in every detail for fear he would forget. Gorou watched him, he really was incredibly pretty. He had never realised how long Itto’s eyelashes were, but he could see the warm light catching in them at this angle.

“So-“ Gorou breathed, leaning in slightly.

“-Can I ask you something?”

Itto interrupted, his expression serious, brow furrowed.

“Anything.”

Was he going to ask the question?

Gorou’s heart shook in his chest, a steady vibrating rhythm of nerves and anticipation. He had waited for this moment, had secret daydreams about this all important question. Maybe he was a fool for assuming Itto would say what he wanted to hear, but he didn’t care. He should throw caution to the wind and for once just trust. Trust that maybe Itto had the words he so desperately wanted to hear balanced on his tongue.

Itto’s words came out barely in a whisper, “Gorou…”

He nodded and for one of the few times in his life, Gorou prayed.

Archons above please grant my wish-

“I was wondering if…”

I ask that you bring me what I truly desire-

“If you wanted to…”

For that I promise to be loyal to you always and serve Inazuma until I die.

“If you wanted…to be my boyfriend.”

Itto’s chest rose and fell visibly, quickly. He had placed a hand over his heart. His eyes darting to try and decipher Gorou’s answer before he had even spoke.

Gorou’s face cracked into a beaming smile as he flung his arms around Itto’s shoulders.

“Yes you-you idiot.”

They both broke into a chorus of relived laughter and Gorou felt Itto hold him tightly. He couldn’t stop his tail from wagging wildly as their chests pressed together, hearts beating to one another through flesh.

Gorou’s ear turned to the noise of whistling. An explosion of light in the navy spring sky drew both Itto and Gorou’s eyes to the scene in front of them.

Yoimiya’s fireworks.

Orange illuminated koi fish swam in the sky as if it was their ocean. Twirling and sparkling until they fizzled into nothing-ness.

Gorou picked up on the “ooo’s” and “ahh’s” from the people behind them. Their whole group were dotted around the top of Amakane hill to view Yoimiya’s splendorous display. Thoma pointed and Aether snapped a photo with his kamera.

Another bang and a purple shining bird flew joyfully, then a yellow star, some more koi fish and finally a big firework that exploded into a pink sakura blossom. Pink sparkles simmered in the sky for a fleeting moment.

A spattering of applause broke out and Gorou turned to see Yoimiya take a bow. The crowd around her cheered as she grabbed an unaware Ayaka and dipped her into a kiss. He chuckled when Thoma took the iniative to cover Ayato’s eyes.

Itto joined in on the cheering.

“WOOHOO! YEAH GO! KISS THAT GIRL YOIMIYA!”

Gorou gave a few complimentary shouts of his own and felt Itto’s arm around his waist. He pressed a kiss, hard, into Itto’s cheek and he had never felt more content. With his stomach full and his new-found lover by his side Gorou bathed in the happiness he felt.

Itto leaned in, “So boyfriend…”

Gorou relished in the title.

“Should we go home?”

That sounded nice. Some soft sheets and hopefully some of Itto.

What? They were officially boyfriends now, Gorou could think whatever devilish thoughts he wanted.

After bidding goodbye to the group Itto and Gorou started their trek back to the estate.

The spring night sky gazed down at him fondly, her stars twinkling much like the glint in Itto’s eye.

Something was on his mind.

————————————— NSFW

Gorou

Gorou was on his mind.

Every moment alone with Gorou made Itto’s skin tingle in anticipation.

The walk back home from the festival couldn’t end quicker. As soon as Gorou had pulled that “lollipop” trick the other day Itto had been having obscene images flash through his mind. He really did try to be a gentlemen and he had followed through and took Gorou out on a proper date, asked him out and so on.

So was it bad that he wanted to have Gorou tonight? Did Gorou want him like that right now?

Itto looked down at the general and was met with a cyan gaze and a smile. Itto swallowed. He wouldn’t be able to tell if Gorou was, “in the mood” just from his facial expression surely.

To Itto’s surprise Gorou grabbed his hand and started running full pelt towards the estate. They were a mere few minutes away but at this speed they would most likely half the time.

Gorou eventually slowed down at the main door and bent over panting.

“What was that all about?“

Gorou huffed, “I’m impatient.”

“Impatient for what?”

Gorou gave him a devilish grin, “This.”

He grabbed Itto by the collar and pulled him down. He kept their lips a few centimetres apart, their noses brushing gently. Hot breath mixed together as Gorou huffed.

“I want you.”

That was enough for Itto.

He swept the general off his feet and carried him straight to their bedroom. He set Gorou gently down on their white, linen sheets, this was in a word- unreal.

Gorou was finally his boyfriend. Archons, he officially had a boyfriend and it was a super hot war general.

Gorou almost whimpered, “Come here.” His face was covered in an irresistible pink blush and his tail was wagging like crazy.

How he wanted him.

Itto did as he was told and came to sit in front of Gorou on the bed. He rose to his knees to be level with Itto.

Gorou hooked his fingers through Itto’s choker and dragged him forward. He started by placing a soft kiss on his lips.

“Gorou are you sure you’re alright with this? I don’t want you to feel like you’re being pressured into anything.”

Gorou cupped Itto’s cheek with his palm and moved a couple of snowy stray hairs.

“Yes, I want you Itto. If I don’t have you I feel like I might die.”

Itto crashed his mouth into Gorou’s. Gorou let out a small tinkling laugh of surprise. Itto kissed him hard, frantically, desperately. Their mouths moved together and Itto felt Gorou pull his lip with his sharp fangs. The pain felt good, Itto wanted more. He shoved his tongue into Gorou’s mouth as he moaned quietly. Itto continued to plough into Gorou’s mouth until once again teeth sunk into his lips.

Itto broke the kiss and rested his forehead on Gorou’s.

Gorou’s pupils were enlarged and his lips were red from the contact. They didn’t pause for long and this time Gorou initiated the kiss. Itto wrapped his arms around Gorou’s waist and moved him onto his lap, Gorou tightened his legs around Itto’s waist and rolled his hips into his stomach, letting out a teasing whimper as he once again bit down on Itto’s lip.

“Baby, you’re so hot,” Itto managed to huff out between kisses.

“T-take my Kimono off.”

Itto fumbled with the buttons but managed to undo the back, all while exploring his lover’s mouth.

Gorou removed his Kimono and helped Itto do the same. They were down to their underwear now and even though Itto had seen Gorou shirtless before this was a whole new experience. His well toned muscles wore a slight sheen of sweat as he continued to roll his hips into Itto. The white scars on his skin were a true testament to his career and battle prowess and there was nothing Itto found more sexy than someone he could fight.

With another hip roll, Gorou’s ears bent backwards and Itto couldn’t take it anymore. He sunk his teeth into Gorou’s neck and was satisfied by a whine of pleasure. He started to make his way down to his chest, placing hard kisses as he went.

He wanted to make Gorou feel good, he wanted to hear that moan again. It sounded so good, like angelic music to his ears.

Gorou grabbed his horns and jutted his hips into his stomach once again and Itto could feel the hardness of Gorou’s crotch. With one swift motion he put Gorou on his back, Gorou still held his red horns tightly. He continued kissing until he made it to his stomach, a thin strip of hair led down into his underwear. Itto kissed it then started to suck on Gorou’s hip bone slowly, licking and biting the soft flesh under him.

Itto wanted to take him. He wanted Gorou to scream his name all night long. But he would not do anything until he got an explicit, “Yes Itto take me now!”

“Fuck me Itto.”

Well that was as explicit as it got.

Itto felt the tightness in his underwear increase tenfold as he removed them. He bit the waist band of Gorou’s and dragged them down with his teeth.

They were both bare now, and yet it didn’t feel at all vulnerable. Gorou shook under him in cries of pleasure as their bodies rocked together. He felt so good, Itto huffed and moaned as he thrust into him.

As Gorou moaned he looked so beautiful, red-faced and eyebrows furrowed. Itto pressed their foreheads together as they made love. He wanted to see every movement Gorou made, every whimper, every look, he wanted to drink it in and remember it forever.

“Fuck- puppy.”

Itto pinned Gorou’s arms against the mattress, their black nailed hands interwoven.

“I-Itto please, archons…please.”

Itto could tell Gorou was close so he sped up his movements, he could feel himself on the brink of an orgasm as well. That numbness of pleasure tingled within him and began to build in intensity. Gorou was still huffing beneath him and from the looks of it he was closer than Itto. Gorou’s legs shook and his hips bucked. Itto grinned and slammed a deep kiss into his mouth. Gorou cried out Itto’s name like it was the most important word in the world and creased his eyebrows in pleasure. He reached his climax and seconds later Itto mirrored him. Grunting Gorou’s name and a couple of choice swears.

Itto was spent and sweating, he probably looked a state. But Gorou looked beautiful, his makeup was all over his face and Itto loved it. He liked the messy bruises he had left all over his neck and chest and he especially loved those placed on his hip bones.

————————- NSFW END

Gorou kissed him softly on the mouth.

His Gorou, his puppy, his lover.

Itto rolled off of him and wrapped his arms around Gorou’s torso, he intertwined their legs.

Itto placed a kiss on Gorou’s upper back. They were silent for a few moments, the air only filled with the sounds of their panting.

“Was I okay?”

“Mhmm more than okay Itto.”

Gorou sounded sleepy, most likely just as tired as Itto from their activities.

“Do you want to take a bath Itto?“

“Yep, good idea.”

After a relaxing soak with Gorou they got into bed once again. It was even darker than before outside, everyone else would most likely be home soon.

Itto had no qualms in falling asleep with his boyfriend in his arms. His thigh between Gorou’s legs and Gorou’s head lying on his chest. The steady rhythm of Gorou’s breathing was comforting and he smelled so nice, the the lavender bubble bath they had used together. He really couldn’t have imagined a better day.

As the Kamisato estate was still with quietness pink sakura petals fell onto Inazuma. Both Gorou and Itto felt the warm embrace of affection grab hold of their hearts and squeeze. From hatred to love. A boyfriend to call their own. Lying, lovers intertwined under a beautiful spring sakura sky.

The End