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“Your hair is all tangled again.” Mikazuki complains but he still brushes the wild strands anyway.
Kogitsunemaru remained quiet and smiling, he loved being groomed.
Suddenly, Mikazuki felt Kogitsunemaru stiffen, “What’s wrong?”
“Someone’s coming.”
True that because they both felt the floor shaking as the footsteps got louder. Right on cue, the doors slid open with impressive force, “Old man I need your help!”
“I think insulting me and doing you favors are mutually exclusive.”
Tsurumaru slowly closed the door behind him, “Sorry, old habits die hard, Mi..Mikazuki.”
“Satisfactory. Now, what is it?”
Tsurumaru gestured to Kogitsunemaru who seemed keen on listening.
Mikazuki waved his hand, “He’s fine, he won’t tell anyone.”
“Alright.” Tsurumaru locked eyes with the fox man, “You. Shush.”
Kogitsunemaru nodded.
“Okay then...” Tsurumaru sat down in front of them, “I need your help.”
“I think you’ve established that when you tried to break the sliding doors.”
Mikazuki was expecting some snide remarks from the crane but Tsurumaru remained focus and...flustered?
“I..want to ask Ichigo Hitofuri to the summer festival.”
Silence. Until-
“Hahahaha!”
“Damn it old man, this isn’t a joke!”
Mikazuki had to put the brush down to avoid hitting anyone in close range.
“Ahh, this is just as I predicted.” sighed Mikazuki. He then patted Kogitsunemaru’s hair to gain his attention, “You should have seen him when Ichigo Hitofuri first came.”
Mikazuki acted out in a failed attempt of mimicking Tsurumaru’s voice and expression, “Old man, old man, who is that ethereal being? Yes the one with striking hair, and the uniform. That one. Ichigo Hitofuri? Even his name is beautiful.”
“I didn’t say that! I don’t even sound like that!”
“But you were so love stricken, Tsurumaru. I can’t believe after all this time, NOW you want to ask him out?”
Tsurumaru looked annoyed, “It’s not as easy as it looks.”
Mikazuki smiled warmly, “You’re not looking hard enough, Tsurumaru. I could say, you’re blind hahaha.”
“You know what? Forget it, forget I ever asked.”
Tsurumaru eventually stormed off.
Kogitsunemaru turned to Mikazuki, “That was a little mean of you.”
“It’s fine. He’s still blind.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
Mikazuki smirked, “One is looking so closely that he has blurred his vision.”
Kogitsunemaru contemplated the words, “Ah. He doesn’t see ‘it’”
“No, he doesn’t.”
“Are you going to help?”
The brush was picked up again and Mikazuki started soothing out the white hair in his hold, “Why of course. They are both in need of a divine intervention.”
Mikazuki felt very frustrated. How hard was it for Tsurumaru to ask? It wasn’t about courage per say, more like never having the right timing. Like when Mikazuki eavesdropped the kitchen one morning--
Ichigo was in charge of breakfast so he diligently prepared onigiri, stir fried vegetables and various sweets for the kids. Tsurumaru saw his chance and offered to help.
“Thank you, Tsurumaru-dono.”
“Nah, it’s nothing. Just the squid left right?”
“Yes.”
Tsurumaru prepped up the squids on the cutting boards, “Do you like squid, Ichigo?”
He nodded, “I like it very much. Grilled squid is one of my favorites.”
“Like the one at the festivals?” Tsurumaru asked hopefully.
Ichigo paused, turned to him, and smiled, “Yes.”
Tsurumaru was stunned for 2 seconds before he recovered, “Ah I see! Well.. We could get some this year.”
“I was planning to actually.”
“Say, Ichigo?”
“Yes?”
“Would you want to go t-”
The kitchen was suddenly swarmed by groggy kids, “Ichi-niiiii we’re hungryyyyy”
Yagen came in last after all his younger brothers, “Sorry I couldn’t hold them back.”
“Hahaha, it’s alright. I’ve already prepared everything on the plates. Can you help bring them in front?”
“Okay~” chimed most of them in sync.
Before Ichigo joined his brothers to carry the food, he asked Tsurumaru, “Are you alright with the squid?”
“Yeah, I’ll bring it in front later.”
“Thank you, Tsurumaru-dono.”
And just like that, Tsurumaru lost his chance.
From then on, things never got better. It seemed each time Tsurumaru was about to pop the big question, someone always disturbed them or break Ichigo’s focus from Tsurumaru.
In the open bath house when it was just him and Ichigo, just as Tsurumaru was about to ask, suddenly one of Gokotai’s pets jumped over the roof, followed by a naked Gokotai and later, a worried toweled Ichigo.
During missions, Ichigo almost got attacked because Tsurumaru was about to ask so he never tried asking while they were fighting again.
On chores duty together, Tsurumaru was kicked by a horse, ran over by a cow and fell into the pond as he was talking to Ichigo.
There was never a single moment when Tsurumaru could properly ask Ichigo out to the summer festival. And as the days passed, it seemed he was running out of time.
Mikazuki had to do something. Tsurumaru was starting to lose hope.
“It’s no use.. I really can’t ask him. I tried everything..”
Mikazuki had never seen or heard Tsurumaru so dejected. They were drinking tea out in the open hallway close to midnight. Tsurumaru had 3 days left. As futile and unimportant as it sounded, it was important for Tsurumaru.
Thus, instead of rubbing it in his face, Mikazuki comforted the crane, “You still have time. Try finding some quiet time with him.”
Tsurumaru sighed, “It’s not that. I can ask him, even now while he’s asleep. I can wake him up and just ask but-.. Have you ever thought of what his answer might be? Cuz I did. In the circumstance that his brothers wanted to go, wouldn’t he choose them over me? I don’t want to make him choose, old man. It’s not fair of me.”
Mkazuki was actually surprised at how logical Tsurumaru was. It was true but something told Mikazuki that Ichigo’s answer would be different than what Tsurumaru predicted.
Failing to cheer Tsurumaru up that night, Mikazuki tried to think of a way to manipulate the situation at hand.
The house was quiet with most of them out on errands. Ichigo marveled in the peace. It made writing his report easier. Then again, it was almost too quiet.
Ichigo preferred perhaps a little bit of hectic notions provided by his family and friends. He craved harmony over grave silence. The deafening quietness reminded him how alone he really was at times.
He placed his pen down and looked out to the garden behind the sliding doors left ajar.
Unexpectedly, Ichigo felt two hands abruptly land on his shoulders, “Surprise!”
Ichigo didn’t scream. He jolted excessively with a sharp intake of breath.
“Tsurumaru-dono..!”
“Hehe, want to go out?”
Ichigo politely declined, “I haven’t finished my report yet, unfortunately.”
“Oh that’s cool then. I can stay here with you.”
“No-! You don’t have to. It’s not necessary.”
Tsurumaru shrugged, “It’s necessary if I want it to be necessary. C’mon, am I that horrible?”
It was a joke mostly. That’s why Tsurumaru didn’t expect Ichigo to smile at him and say so earnestly, “You’re a wonderful companion, Tsurumaru-dono.”
Both of them seemed stuck in just staring at each other. When they finally realized, Ichigo turned back to his report while Tsurumaru cleared his throat.
“So... your brothers are all out?”
“Yes, on various errands.”
“Kinda quiet without them around.”
Ichigo nodded, “I thought so too before you came. It’s less lonely now.”
Tsurumaru leaned his back against Ichigo’s.
“The summer is nice this year.” started Ichigo.
“Ah.” Tsurumaru felt Ichigo lean on him, “It is isn’t it? Not too hot but just nice for some shaved ice.”
“I’d like that.”
“With strawberry syrup?”
Tsurumaru received a friendly jab at his side. “Ow ow!”
“I prefer grape.”
Tsurumaru leaned his head back against Ichigo’s nape, “Noted. What do you think of fishing?”
Ichigo hummed in thought, “Like at the festival?”
“Yeah. I caught like two last year.”
“That’s impressive. I kept breaking the net. Yagen and Midare wouldn’t stop shouting at me.”
They both laughed.
“I could teach you how to properly catch the goldfish.”
“That...sounds lovely. You are a great teacher to my brothers.”
“Are we talking about destroying the practice halls or jumping over the roofs?”
Ichigo turned sharply, “You taught them that?!”
“Joking joking!”
It was quiet again.
Then, Tsurumaru started, “I’m craving for something fried right now~”
“I heard the food stalls at the festival would increase this year. Sounds promising.”
“Mmm.. My favorite is the yakitori near the river.”
“The one opposite the okonomiyaki stall?”
“Yeah, that one. Right beside the cotton candy stall.”
Ichigo smiled as he continued writing with Tsurumaru against his back, “I’d like some cotton candy.”
Outside, just beside the sliding doors, Mikazuki listened intently. His intention of basking out in the garden happened to land him an interesting conversation to overhear.
There was something about their voices that captured Mikazuki’s attention. They weren’t just casually talking, Ichigo and Tsurumaru were planning. In their heads, they were probably thinking the same situations and picturing what it would be like to go to the festival, together. How could they both not realize it?
Ichigo and Tsurumaru kept on talking vaguely about the summer festival but neither asked to accompany the other.
After a few minutes, the brothers came home and swarmed the room. Mikazuki followed casually and sat down to watch how things would unfold.
Tsurumaru refrained from groaning. He was so close to asking. Why didn’t he just ask?
“Ichi-nii!!”
“Ah, welcome home everyone. How was it?”
“No complaints.” answered Atsu.
Yagen scoffed, “It would’ve gone smoothly if Midare actually knew how to read the map.”
“Hey! I can read just fine! I was just distracted by the decorations in the vicinity.”
Akita beamed, “Oooh! That’s right! Ichi-nii, can we go to the festival again this year? Please? Please?”
Mikazuki didn’t miss the hesitation in Ichigo’s eyes or how his expression fell at the thought of having to bring his brothers.
“Aah... Well, you see..”
Gokotai and Hakata in sync asked, “What? What?”
Ichigo couldn’t find the words, “Well I-”
“-would love to go.” Finished Tsurumaru from behind the elder brother, “You should go with your brothers, Ichigo.”
“Yay!” chimed a few of the younger ones.
Ichigo’s eyes widened by a small fraction at hearing Tsurumaru’s words.
Tsurumaru stretched a little and stood up, “Welp, I gotta get going. You guys have fun!”
Ichigo turned and wanted to grab Tsurumaru, tell him to stay but he had already gone, “Tsuru-...maru..”
The brothers were too overjoyed with the festival but Mikazuki didn’t miss the obvious signs. Thankfully, not all the brothers were oblivious.
Honebami and Namazuo approached Ichigo who still faced the open sliding door from which Tsurumaru had left through.
“Ichi-nii, are you alright?”
Ichigo snapped out from his daze and assured them like the big brother he was, “I’m fine. Perhaps I’ll finish the report later. I need some time alone.”
When Ichigo too got up and left, everyone quiet down and became confused. Ichigo loved the summer festival and he would normally get hyped with them.
“Is something wrong with Ichi-nii?”
Mikazuki clapped his hands to gain the brothers’ attention, “Don’t worry, your brother is having a hard time voicing out a few things.” Oh the things he would do for the two love birds, “Now, about the festival. What would you say if your Ichi-nii didn’t come along with you?”
Tsurumaru dangled his legs out in the open hallway. He leaned his head back and groaned loudly.
“You’re going to trap flies if you keep your mouth open too long.” advised Uguisumaru.
“What are you doing here?”
Uguisumaru shrugged, “Made some tea. I was just wondering around to find someone to enjoy it with me.”
“I volunteer.”
The two of them sat next to each other and sipped their green tea in peace.
“Hey Uguisumaru.”
“Yes?”
“What do you think about... Ichigo Hitofuri?”
“Hm. Thorough report-writer. Have you ever read his reports? Fully detailed, I swear. Personality-wise, he’s nice. Quiet at times and he’s hesitant a little. Why are you asking me? Aren’t you two close?”
Tsurumaru almost spit his tea. After a difficult swallow, the crane flailed, “What?! No! We’re...friends. Good friends.”
“Really.”
“Yes..?”
Uguisumaru placed his cup down, “Let me just say that you are not an easy person to catch if you’re not sitting down.”
“How does that relate to anything?”
Suddenly, Hasebe’s voice spoke from behind them, “Ichigo Hitofuri doesn’t even know where his brothers are sometimes.”
Hasebe sat on Tsurumaru’s other side while Uguisumaru poured him some tea.
“I asked where Akita was since we had a mission but that guy didn’t know where he was or when he even last saw him.”
Uguisumaru continued from Hasebe, “But when I asked about you, he always knew where you were. Be it on a mission or at the stables or even in the bath house and practice halls. I was with him the whole day and I didn’t even know where you were.”
Hasebe sighed from the hotness of the tea warming his tract and stomach, “I guess you wouldn’t know that we refer to Ichigo every time we can’t find you.”
Tsurumaru was spacing out, ‘He always knows where I am? How-’
“I could say, you’re blind hahaha.”
Tsurumaru’s eyes widened. He finally understood what Mikazuki meant by him being blind. He was so intent on looking at Ichigo that he never realized how just as strongly Ichigo was looking back.
‘Could it be-... that he too-’
“That’s why he hesitated yesterday when they asked him..”
Hasebe and Uguisumaru made questioning noises at Tsurumaru talking to himself.
Instantly, Tsurumaru stood up. He placed his cup back on the tray Uguisumaru had brought with him.
“Thank you for the tea. It was nice talking to you two. I have to go no-”
When Tsurumaru turned to leave, he collided with Mikazuki.
“Tsurumaru, put these on and go to the practice hall.”
His coat and sword was shoved into his arms. Just like that, Mikazuki smiled and proceeded to leave him.
“What- C’mon old man, I don’t have time for this!”
Mikazuki only turned his head, “Do you want to go through ‘that’ again?”
“.....”
“Good. Now get dressed. You have 5 minutes.”
Hasebe and Uguisumaru will forever question Mikazuki’s reign over all of them. Even the rebellious and aloof Tsurumaru Kuninaga.
“Old man, why did you call us here? And why do I have to wear my full uniform? Wait, Ichigo you too?”
Ichigo walked into the room and sat next to Tsurumaru, “Yes. Mikazuki requested this of me.”
It only seemed fitting to sit next to Tsurumaru since they were the only ones in their battle suit. Everyone else were just wearing regular house attire.
Both Ichigo and Tsurumaru were facing all the brothers and a few other (new) members of the house. Mikazuki finally came forward and explained, “Alright, today will be a demo fight scene by our two fine swordsmen.”
“What? / Pardon me?” asked the two simultaneously.
“This was short notice but it would do you good as well to be more alert.”
Tsurumaru facepalmed, “Unbelievable.”
Ichigo patted his back, “I don’t mind at all.”
“I won’t go easy on you, Ichigo.”
Tsurumaru saw Ichigo smirk for the first time, “I don’t expect you to but can you keep up?”
“You’re so on.”
In their battle stance opposite each other with their swords withdrawn, Mikazuki cleared out, “I will intervene from time to time to properly show what needs to be done. Otherwise, you both are free to attack each other. Start whenever you’re ready.”
They didn’t wait. Ichigo and Tsurumaru immediately sprinted towards each other. The distinct sound of their swords clashing reverberated throughout the whole room.
Their display of skills were on par. The look in their eyes showed how much fun they were actually having fun fighting each other and it made the audience stare at them with awe.
Mikazuki spoke as the two fought, “Know thy enemy. Understand how he wields his weapons and follow the flow.”
The words made sense because without the swords, Ichigo and Tsurumaru looked like they were gracefully dancing. The footwork and balance in counter attacks really enhanced the beauty of their demo.
Midare raised her hand, “After we follow the flow, how do we win?”
Mikazuki smirked, “Break the flow-” He stood near the two focused swordsmen and timed his motion. Then, he intervened by purposely colliding Tusurmaru’s back, making him fall towards Ichigo.
Caught off guard, both of them tumbled down. Ichigo fell on his back while Tsurumaru braced his body using his arms. He had Ichigo pinned to the ground.
Tsurumaru’s hand was still holding his sword while Ichigo had separated from his during the fall. This helped Mikazuki to finish answering Midare’s question.
Mikazuki grabbed Tsurumaru’s hand with the sword and slammed the sword’s tip onto the floorboard dangerously beside Ichigo’s head, “-and go in for the kill.”
“Wooooah” resounded some of the younger ones. Some of them even clapped.
Mikazuki continued even as Tsurumaru and Ichigo’s stunned eyes met each other, “Target the head. If you can’t pierce or slice it, a powerful hit to disorient the enemy is good too. Now, who wants some taiyaki?”
“I do! I do!!”
No one questioned the short demo or how Mikazuki quickly ushered them all out of the practice hall, leaving Ichigo pinned to the ground by Tsurumaru.
Tsurumaru froze. He had never seen Ichigo face to face in such a manner. And by the slight red hue on Ichigo’s cheeks, Tsurumaru was sure.
“U-um.. Tsurumaru-dono, can you get off-”
“Ichigo Hitofuri.”
Ichigo gulped. He could barely take seeing Tsurumaru’s face. He felt so embarrassed and exposed. He had always watched him from afar after all. It was a big change to suddenly face Tsurumaru.
“Yes...?”
Tsurumaru withdrew his sword from the floorboard and tossed it aside. His gloved hand grabbed Ichigo’s and pinned them down as he entwined their fingers.
Ichigo’s blush had gained color. And the more Ichigo’s pupils darted elsewhere, anywhere but Tsurumaru’s face, the more Tsurumaru became confident in his own feelings.
“Ichigo, look at me.”
Ever so slowly, their eyes locked again. Tsurumaru lowered himself as his fingers crawled under Ichigo’s white gloves, pulling them off and exposing more skin. He accepted all of Ichigo’s shivers and squirming. He knew Ichigo wasn’t used to physical contact with his hands.
But Ichigo never looked away or protested.
Tsurumaru smiled when Ichigo’s bare hands squeezed his in return.
He leaned in closer until their foreheads met. Ichigo was beautiful. Warm and ethereal.
“I like you, Ichigo Hitofuri.” whispered Tsurumaru.
Ichigo’s eyes widened but not for long. Not a moment too late, Ichigo smiled and laughed breathlessly, “I like you too, Tsurumaru Kuninaga.”
“Would you like to accompany me to the summer festival tomorrow?”
“We already planned which stalls we’re going, didn’t we?”
Tsurumaru laughed, “Yes, yes we did.”
Ichigo didn’t seem so nervous anymore, “Is that all you wanted to ask me?”
“No of course not.”
Tsurumaru gulped and retreated a little to properly look at Ichigo’s face. This was it.
“Ichigo.... Can I kiss you?”
Ichigo had a full blush that spread to his ears and down his neck. One curt nod was all Tsurumaru needed before he went down again. Their lips met and it was everything Tsurumaru fantasized it would be. Ichigo’s breathy moans and the wet noises following each time they deepened their kiss filled Tsurumaru’s head. It was sloppy in all the right ways.
Unbeknownst to them, the awataguchi brothers were all watching, courtesy of Mikazuki’s instructions earlier that day. He had planned for it to happen and he wanted the brothers to understand why Ichigo would have to set them aside at times as his priorities. The brothers were exposed to their brother’s love life and they would have to learn to accept its circumstances.
Ichigo was thankful he made an acceptable agreement with his brothers. As it is, Namazuo and Honebami were in charge of Akita, Hakata and Gokotai. Nakigitsune and Yagen were in charge of Midare, Atsu, Maeda and Hirano. They would go to the festival in two groups. Hopefully the older siblings would be alright with the younger ones.
Dressed in simple matching yukatas, Ichigo and Tsurumaru left the house together.
The festival had gained more ground, thus it became less likely to come into contact with any of the others.
As promised, Tsurumaru taught Ichigo how to catch the fish. They won 5. Later, they bought food and shared it by occasionally feeding each other. In all honesty, both of them were very happy.
Walking hand in hand, playing a few other games and getting masks for fun, filled their night with more excitement. Tsurumaru acquired them both slightly different fox masks. They didn’t wear it properly. They just tied it around their heads but letting it face the side instead. They still had their candied apples to finish after all.
They walked everywhere together.
As time passed, Tsurumaru expertly guided Ichigo to the small bridge that crossed over the river. It was the best spot to watch the fireworks. He would know since he found the place a few years back.
The fireflies were actively flying around them, creating a nice soft glow and elevating the ambiance.
Ichigo’s face was priceless as he took in the beauty. He had never seen them before. He had only heard of them.
Tsurumaru hugged Ichigo from behind and leaned his forehead on Ichigo’s shoulders, “I’ll take you here every year, Ichigo, if it means you’ll be happy.”
Ichigo leaned back into Tsurumaru’s hold, “Thank you..”
The fireworks began. It was spectacular and beautiful.
While Ichigo was immersed in the bright lights, he felt Ichigo move.
Ichigo turned around without breaking Tsurumaru's hold and hugged him back. Ichigo smiled up to him and asked, “Can I kiss you now?”
Tsurumaru was taken aback for a few seconds; a blush immediately creeping on his face. No wonder Ichigo was so flustered when Tsurumaru asked.
Tsurumaru hugged Ichigo even tighter, bringing them closer, “Always.”
Oh they could never get tired of kissing each other. It felt even more intimate when Ichigo wrapped his arms around Tsurumaru’s neck. Their moans and gasps were muted by the fireworks in the background.
Tsurumaru was careful to not get too lost in the kiss but Ichigo’s soft lips and the thin yukata that help accentuate his figure wasn’t helping. Tsurumaru instinctively groped Ichigo’s ass and broke the kiss.
He leaned into Ichigo’s crook and groaned, “Maybe we shouldn’t be doing that when our clothes are so easy to take off.”
Ichigo laughed and pampered Tsurumaru's head with chaste kisses instead, “I don’t mind going back early.”
“Argh don’t tempt me Ichigo!”
Ichigo couldn’t help but smile. Tsurumaru was so precious. He always was. Ichigo cupped Tsurumaru's cheeks and brought their faces together, “I love you.”
Tsurumaru bumped their noses playfully, “I love you too.”