Chapter Text
It was on a cold winter morning in the middle of winter when Guren awoke, surprised to see another day. The snow outside falling ever so slowly like a dusting of icing sugar on cake, delicate flakes so intricate that their beauty only lasted a matter of minutes. A lake of white sat amongst the ground, the wind stiring it up like a dust storm, traveling it along the outer banks of the forest. The trees looked dusted with sugar, as if they were pretzel rods dipped in white sugary sprinkles, the outside world looking like that of a massive sweet treat. But yet it was far from joyful.
Guren turned to his partner's embrace, smiling at that gentle sleeping face, loving the way those features of his seemed so content and relaxed. Carefully he tilted his head up and pressed a sweet good morning kiss to those lips, failing to notice their pale blueish color. It was then he reeled back with wide eyes when he realized how cold they were, his old heart racing ever so slightly. "Shinya-?" Guren shook him slightly, hoping he'd open those eyes of his. "Shinya, babe, wake up."
But he didn't as he remained as still as a silent church. It was then that Guren checked his pulse, that same spot he pressed countless kisses to over the years only to find it silent. No soft thrumming, no rhythmic beating of his heart, nothing. Guren's heart shattered like glass, the pieces stabbing sharply in his chest that he pleaded this wasn't the case, that Shinya was merely playing a joke on him.
"Shinya, wake up," He begged, eyes pleading. "Come on the jokes over wake up!"
Limply, Shinya was turned to his back, head falling slack against the pillow and Guren couldn't help the tears that rolled down his cheeks. Softly he cried into Shinya's chest, lightly gripping the material of his shirt. He didn't think this would happen, not now. He figured they had another ten or so years together before their untimely fates. But this wasn't the case.
Those pale, icy blue eyes would never open again. Because the Lieutenant General had passed peacefully in his sleep.
"Shinya no!" It was a shaky cry, pleading to whatever God above to bring his husband back. He was brought back once, and now this time he wasn't able to repeat history. "SHINYA!!"
It was after that the twins were called, letting them know the news, and they were over at the Ichinose Estate within a matter of minutes. Their own spouses left for now with their kids, only focusing on Shinya's passing. Kureto had been called as well, despite needing a cane to walk he still made it. A look was exchanged between the two as Guren couldn't stop the tears as Ayame kept him close in a tight embrace. Ren remained silent, keeping a stoic face, trying his best to fight the tears knowing that his favored parent was no longer of this world. Never has he felt so alone, after everything they've been through from his childhood to now, Shinya wouldn't be here no longer to witness anything else. Plus he didn't even dare to go into the master bedroom, knowing he'd break down at the mere sight of his papa.
Shinya's rings had long since been taken off, now hung from a chain around Guren's throat, the only way to keep him close even in death. Kureto brought a team to take Shinya away, the former Major General's body placed on a gurney and wheeled off. Though he couldn't help but tear up as well, never thinking he'd be the first to go. So long brother... He thought. They'll be taken care of.
"Guren," He said, getting the Ichinose's attention. "He'll be taken care of. I'll make sure of it."
Guren nodded knowing that Kureto was going to stick to his word. Shinya would be given the best for his funeral, a lavish one much better than the fake one they had years ago.
And now days later, he lay there in a pristine white casket. It was simple and perfect, suited to the Shinya's taste. It held subtle gold trimming, allowing it to hold a sense of lavishness but keeping it simple at the same time. He was dressed in a pressed and kempt uniform, brand new alongside his Lieutenant General Insignia with that side of his hair slicked back. Had anybody known better, it looked like he was merely sleeping.
The Arakawa's and Mikami's joined on the occasion, each keeping their spouses close as Guren stood by the casket. He refused to leave even for second, receiving many condolences and heartfelt words from people that joined to celebrate his life. Guren wore robes that mirrored the ones he wore for his father's funeral, but now they held more importance than before. He was now a widower having lost his best friend, soul mate, and husband of fifty plus years. Fifty plus years of marriage, alongside two kids and seven grandchildren, Shinya was gone in an instant. And it was better that he passed at home than elsewhere.
The twins remained at Guren's side, shedding their fair share of tears as Kureto began the ceremony. During so, Ren couldn't tear his eyes off of his father, silently crying as sobs wracked his frame. His papa was gone, and he couldn't believe it. The one person he clung to more than ever was so close but so out of reach and it shattered his heart.
That violet of Guren's eyes remained dull and lifeless, eyes red and cheeks stained as he stood there. Everything around him was tuned out, feeling as though something swallowed him whole and drug him so deep down there was no escaping. He knew at some point, Kureto's voice shook because his own adopted brother was gone. He wished for Shinya's soul to be guided safely in the afterlife, to let him find the peace he deserved.
People aof various clans came forward to offer their condolences. Incense was lit, prayers offered to the late Lieutenant General, friends of the Arakawa's and Mikami's came forward, offering Guren a sincere hug and apologies for his loss. The two families just as devastated.
Afterwards, the flowers were packed up, and the casket was closed taken off to the Ichinose gravesite for burial. Guren had given Shinya one last kiss befire it was closed as he whispered, "We'll meet again." They had a plot, completely planning to be buried next to each other as everything was set in stone in the will. Kureto didn't oppose to this at all, knowing that his brother were prefer it this way. Throughout the burial, Guren has never felt so broken, so empty, and completely void of any life. He clung to Shinya's rings like a vice, refusing to give up despite them never being torn from him.
"Ren," Ayame spoke up softly after everybody had left. "Best we stay with dad for a few days, to make sure he's okay."
Ren only nodded, completely agreeing with his twin sister. It wasn't a good idea to leave Guren by himself after this, fearing he'd do anything drastic.
So when they got home, Guren didn't say anything to anybody, merely went back to the master bedroom, sat on his side and looked through the countless photo albums Shinya had finished over the years. He mostly went through their photo album, looking at the countless picture on that special day. Shinya had been a vampire then, an immortal being that would've lived for hundreds of years. But Guren couldn't bring that selfishness back, he couldn't keep Shinya like that around again. It was best to let him go this time...
So, throughout the next few days, Ren and Ayame took care of the estate, getting everything cleaned and put away that was Shinya's. Guren requested that a few items be left out, even so much as wishing to be buried with both sets of rings. The twins agreed, a sense of dread washing over them at his request. It was ominous, as if he knew his time was coming. Because of this, the twins brought over their own kids, allowing them to spend time with their surviving grandfather.
It seemed to lift Guren's mood if not a little bit, that smile on his face prominent and charming as he entertained his grandkids. But Ayame couldn't help but see right through it. He plastered it on for the sake of the kids, choosing their happiness over his own. And that day was filled with joy and happiness, but the kids never asked about their Jiji, knowing it was a sore wound. Despite that, Guren found himself telling stories of their teenage years as well as their early twenties, mostly of everything they did.
When the twins saw their kids eyes light up with joy, they had a feeling their father would be alright.
Or so they hoped...
It was one morning, nearly five days after Shinya passed, Ayame had found Guren still, completely void of any life for he too passed in his sleep. It was of a broken heart, his body and mind going through far too much in the aftermath of the former Lieutenant General's passing. Guren couldn't bear it anymore and passed within the night. The blow just as devastating as Shinya's, as they died within days of each other.
It made the twins realize just how truly meant to be their parents were, and they hoped they'd find each other again.