Chapter Text
“Aniue,” Yoriichi tried calling for his older twin’s attention.
Michikatsu furrowed his brows as he glanced at Yoriichi, looking away from his book, “What, Yoriichi? I’m reading, can’t you see I’m trying to be in peace”
“...Sorry for interrupting you then, Aniue.” Yoriichi apologized quietly, “There doesn’t seem to be any demons tonight, do you want to go back home?” Yoriichi then questioned, the two of them were sitting on the grass, underneath a tree. The moonlight reflected on them.
“...I’m not sleepy, just sit there and moon gaze,” Michikatsu answered bluntly as he went back to reading, turning the page. He was avoiding talking to Yoriichi, he didn’t want to talk. He disliked it when it came to Yoriichi and when it was nighttime.
During the nights were nights that demons rose, Michikatsu and Yoriichi would often have to slay demons together in missions. But he hated it because every time they slayed demons, he was constantly reminded that…Yoriichi was stronger than him. Tch, this made Michikatsu attempt to focus on the pages of his book more despite the dark.
“...Aniue, the moon looks pretty tonight. It reminds me of you.” Yoriichi then said as he gazed up at the moon.
Michikatsu remained unaffected but he did raise an eyebrow as he stared at the back of Yoriichi’s head.
“You’re really pretty Aniue.” Yoriichi complimented and smiled, smiles that Michikatsu always was so… irritating to him. The first time Yoriichi had ever smiled was the first time he ever spoke when they were seven, and Michikatsu had nothing to say but simply pity little Yoriichi back then. But now he doesn’t know what to say anymore, he just felt…annoyed by Yoriichi. He envied Yoriichi.
It just wasn’t fair when one probably takes their whole life to be the strongest samurai while the other one just randomly gets the talent without having to even try .
“We twins, Yoriichi.” Michikatsu scoffed quietly as he went back to reading the pages, “We literally look the same.” Not really, the twins shared quite different expressions. Yoriichi always had such a blunt and emotionless face while Michikatsu always had his brows furrowed a little bit, making him show more emotion than the other.
“So, you’re still prettier,” Yoriichi replied as he smiled once again, looking at the moon.
“Mm.” Michikatsu could only grunt as he kept his eyes focused on the pages of the book.
A few minutes passed by and Yoriichi suddenly stood up, his hand on the hilt, “Aniue, demon.” Yoriichi warned and he suddenly sprinted away.
Michikatsu immediately took the sign and placed the book away in his kimono, unsheathed his katana, and began following after Yoriichi as well.
The two then hurried off to a certain spot of the forest, something that Yoriichi was able to detect with the ability of ‘Seeing the transparent world’, another thing Michikatsu was jealous of. There were two demons, all snarling. “There’s a kid there, Aniue.” Suddenly Yoriichi whispered.
Michikatsu’s eyes darted to what looked like a small frail child on the ground, their shoulder was slightly bruised. He then focused on the demons, which looked like creatures fighting over who gets to eat the child. Tch, that’s stupid. Wasting their time. Michikatsu then immediately muttered his moon-breathing technique and then he quickly slashed one of the demons with amazing speed.
Yoriichi seemed to take the act as a cue and did the same, muttering a sun-breathing technique that quickly slashed the demon in the blink of an eye, Michikatsu couldn’t help but feel awe at the beauty but jealousy as well. He’s reminded once again, Yoriichi had a better swordsman skill than him. And he wanted it. Goddamit.
–
Genjitsu was in shock as he watched the two identical-looking men completely demolish the two scary and fierce-looking creatures. He stood there on the ground as he watched the creature slowly vanish away into dust. Oh the gods , he’s alive!!!
The two identical-looking men then turned their attention to Genjitsu, who flinched at the sudden movement as the two were in front of him. The one in a red haori and pale--orange kimono kneeled towards Genjitsu, “Your shoulder, is it bleeding badly?”
Genjitsu almost didn’t even realize he was bleeding, just so mesmerized by the two men’s beauty, their hair was so long and spiky, and their faces just looked so majestic . What was that creature? Who are these people?!
“Yoriichi, I don’t think this child even knows what’s happening.” The purple haori man commented as he stared down at Genjitsu. Genjitsu shivered at the harsh-seeming gaze the man gave off, wow! So scary, he couldn’t help but frown! “What are you doing here in the middle of the forest, wandering?” The man then questioned as he continued holding that cold gaze on Genjitsu.
“I-I-” Genjitsu began, finally getting himself together, “I was looking for my mother and little brother,” Genjitsu answered, he let out a low hiss when the red-haori man pressed his hand against the cut of his shoulder, gently though.
“You’re cut is small, so it’s not that much. But it’d be important to at least let it now be exposed in the environment.” The red-haori man then took out a small white napkin and placed it on Genjitsu’s shoulder.
“Where is your family then?” The purple-kimono man inquired, crossing his arms. Almost as if he was impatient, Genjitsu couldn’t help but think the red-haori man was much nicer than the other.
“I don’t know.” Genjitsu answered truthfully as he placed his hand over the napkin, “Thank you, sir.” He thanked the man the gave him the napkin.
“What is your mother’s name?” The nice one questioned, “Or little brother, that’ll give us a clue to know where your family might be.”
“...” Genjitsu’s face puzzled a little bit, “I…don’t know.”
The purple-kimono man’s brow furrowed as he stared at the Genjitsu, probably judging the child, “You honestly, don’t know your own mother’s name? How old are you?” Genjitsu could tell that man seemed annoyed. Gosh, he didn’t even do anything!
“Don’t expect so much from me!” Genjitsu whined quietly as he looked away, “I’m only a child…”
The purple-kimono man seems to grimace a bit, probably judging Genjitsu even more! Why did he have to have such a cruel gaze on him?! “Do…you know where you live?” The kind man questioned.
Genjitsu blinked as he turned his attention to the red-haori man and shook his head, “Nope, I don’t know where I live.” He confirmed with full confidence. Ah, he was so hopeless.
The purple-kimono man seemed to scowl at Genjitsu, “This is no use, we have no information about the brat’s family. How are we even supposed to bring him back to his family?”
Genjitsu’s face fell, “H-Hey! I’m no brat!” Genjitsu scowled back at the purple-kimono man, offended. How rude!
“Aniue, don’t call him a brat. I’m sure his family must live nearby that big village downhill from the forest mountain.” The red-haori man protested.
Genjitsu didn’t actually live nearby the forest mountain, too off guard as he suddenly realized the kind man had called the rude one ‘Aniue’. Did he just say Aniue? That means older brother… So these two are related? Genjitsu tilted his head in amazement, he thought they were clones or something! “Excuse me… are you guys…twins?”
The two identical men blinked as they stared down at the child, “We are.” The mean one then answered bluntly. Genjitsu couldn’t help but grimace a bit, gosh. Why did that man sound so blunt and ashamed? Does he not love his younger twin brother?! Genjitsu could never, he loves his little brother dearly!
“Yes, you may call me Yoriichi. And my elder twin brother is named Michikatsu.” The kind one now revealed Yoriichi said. Genjitsu took a moment to process the names, ah. The name ‘Michikatsu’ meant ‘victory’ and ‘rock’ or ‘boulder.’ While the name ‘Yoriichi’ meant ‘fate’ or ‘destiny’. That’s all Genjtsu was able to define in his head. He’s such a brainy kid, Genjitsu was proud of himself.
He then shook his as he went back to focusing, “Why were you even wandering the forest in the middle of the night?” Suddenly Michikatsu inquired as he still have that cold gaze on Genjitsu.
“My mother and my little brother and I were collecting stream water to grow the plants, I…got distracted and tried to catch a squirrel.” Genjitsu blushed in embarrassment, “So I got lost in the forest and lost my family, I’ve been…lost in this forest since dawn.”
“You shouldn’t chase down squirrels or any other animals, it’s not nice to invade another’s life,” Yoriichi told Genjitsu lightly.
“You also shouldn’t do that cause kids like you could easily get lost because of their small brains,” Michikatsu added, Genjitsu frowned. What’s that man's problem?!
Yoriichi then stood up and Genjitsu stood up as well, “We should get you back home, it’s midnight. Your family is probably looking for you.”
“Mmph…” Genjitsu nodded quietly as he held Yoriichi’s hand like a child holding their mother’s hand, “Okay.” Michikatsu just shook his head in agreement.
The three of them went down to the village near the mountain and attempted to search for Genjitsu’s family. The twins asked about what his family looked like and Genjitsu gave a few details, but they had no luck in finding them. Genjitsu couldn’t help but stay quiet, he…hasn’t told the two men that this village wasn’t his home. And he’s afraid to tell them now because he’s worried they’ll get angry, or that Michikatsu man will get angry. He’s already annoyed enough by his presence.
But who could blame Genjitsu?! The twins were just so…alluring to him. It intrigued Genjitsu’s interest. Yoriichi reminded Genjitsu of his little brother a lot, his little brother was always quiet, calm, and collected. Genjitsu thought it was strange at first but now he feels better to know there are others that had his little brother’s behavior like this.
Genjitsu kept giving side-eyes to Michikatsu, the man was so…cold. What’s wrong with him? Genjitsu often caught a few glances of Michikatsu seeming to glare or just have that look of something that gave Genjitsu a good enough clue that this older brother hated Yoriichi. But why?!
There was nothing with Yoriichi, Yoriichi seemed to be a quiet kind-hearted man who saved him from those strange feisty creatures. Not that Michikatsu saved him as well but still, Michikatsu must have some beef towards his little brother. What kind of brother hates their own little sibling?! Genjitsu could never! He felt bad for Yoriichi, he believes that the nice man deserved so much more than some…rude man as his older brother.
If Genjitsu could, he’d gladly switch places with Michikatsu and treat Yoriichi with care and like a loving brother. Genjitsu loves his little brother, he and his little brother were like peas in a pod. But then again, Genjitsu thought about the idea and realized he didn’t want to switch places because that’ll leave his own dear little brother with Michikatsu, who happens to be a…asshole.
He didn’t say that, of course.
There was no luck in finding Genjitsu’s family, Genjitsu could tell that it was almost 2:00 AM at this point. “We can’t find your family, kid.” Michikatsu spoke as he looked down at Genjitsu, “I’m surprised your family isn’t even bothering to look for you, it’s midnight for crying out loud.” Genjitsu couldn’t help but agree with the other, it was.
“Hm,” Yoriichi then glanced down at Genjitsu and kneeled at the child’s level, “Genjitsu, I know we may seem like strangers to you. But would you like to stay at our home for the time being? I’m sure we could find your family soon enough.”
Genjitsu’s eyes lightened up at the idea, of staying in for a few days with these twins. He likes the idea, except Michikatsu didn’t seem to like it. Michikatsu’s face seem to darken as his eyes widened at the idea, “Yoriichi, are you being serious right now? We can’t let some random kid in our home, we won’t be able to find this kid’s family in a few days. Maybe months!” Michikatsu scolded lightly as he glared at Yoriichi.
“Aniue, Genjitsu will behave, right?” Yoriichi glanced down at the child, Genjitsu couldn’t help but realize. Yoriichi barely showed that much emotion, he’s like Genitsu’s little brother. “We can’t leave him hanging out here with no one to take care of him, I’ll gladly fill the role for the time being.”
“Yoriichi, no.” Michikatsu didn’t like the idea one bit.
“I’ll be good, Michikatsu-kun!” Genjitsu said as he stared up at Michikatsu with no fear, “I don’t really want to have anything to do with you.” He whispered as his eyes glared into Michikatsu. Yoriichi and Michikatsu didn’t seem to hear the child when he said the last words.
“...Tch, alright then.” Michikatsu scoffed quietly, giving in. Genjitsu could tell Michikatsu hated this idea, good. Serves that rude man right, Genjitsu hid his grin.
A small smile tugged on Yoriichi’s lip, and Genjitsu felt a little awe to see the young man smile. It was so calming, Genjitsu really liked Yoriichi’s warm presence. There was something calming and just so soothing and majestic. Genjitsu took a look at a tree and noticed a few birds tweeting on the branch.
Yoriichi glanced down at Genjitsu, “Well, let’s go then.” And with that, the twins and him go to the twin’s estate. Genjitsu was fascinated by the place they live in, what was this place? There seem to be more people with katanas passing by, were these heroes that kill creatures? Like the ones, he encountered earlier?
Genjitsu figured out the twin’s surname was Tsugikuni as some of the people passed them and gave a greeting to the twins, he guesses that was good to know. Finally, the two reach the Tsugikuni estate, which was a nice home to live in.
“Gejitsu, I’ll prepare a futon for you to sleep in, alright?” Yoriichi then told him, Genjitsu nodded.
“Will I have to sleep alone?... I don’t like sleeping alone.” Genjitsu then questioned, scratching his hair a little bit nervously.
“Who do you often sleep with?” Yoriichi questioned as he grabbed a rolled-up futon from the closet, “But you can, of course. If that makes you feel better.”
“I sleep with my little brother by my side,” Genjitsu answered with a smile, “I love my Otouto a lot!”
Yoriichi seem to pause for a second and nodded, “That’s nice, my Aniue and I sleep beside each other as well.” He then carried the rolled-up futon to his bedroom as Genjitsu followed along, “I put our futons together for us to sleep closer.”
“That’s cool! Even as— adults your siblings still sleep together! You must love each other a lot!” Genjitsu complimented, wow, he couldn’t believe Michikatsu was a lot different than he expected. At least he cares like an older brother, “When I grow older, I’ll promise to be by my little brother’s side ALL the time!”
Yoriichi blinked and he did another one of those pretty smiles, “I’m sure your little brother will like that.” The two then entered the twin’s room, only to find Michikatsu seeming to pull a futon away from the other. Genjitsu watched at Yoriichi’s expression froze as he watched Michikatsu.
“Aniue?” Yoriichi questioned, almost the sound of hurt and confusion as he watched Michikatsu move the futon.
Michikatsu paused as he looked up at Yoriichi, “What?” He questioned coldly like he didn’t care.
Yoriichi blinked as he looked down at Genjitsu, and looked back at Michikatsu, “...Nevermind, sorry to distract you, Aniue.” And with that, Yoriichi seems to ignore what happened and unroll the futon on the ground.
Genjtsu could feel the tension between the twins, that was rude…Genjitsu frowned at Michikatsu. He moved his futon away from Yoriichi’s, what kind of ‘Aniue’ does that? Genjitsu could never do that to his little brother. Genjitsu felt bad for Yoriichi.
“Here,” Yoriichi then set up Genjitsu’s futon and patted it gently. Genjitsu blinked and nodded as he walked over to the futon.
“Thank you, Sir.” Genjitsu thanked quietly as he adjusted himself underneath the blanket of the futon, he watched as Yoriichi left the room, probably to change into sleeping clothes. While he was gone, Genjitsu looked at Michikatsu, who was already dressed for bed and was getting into his futon. Genjitsu took a deep breath, “Why did you move your futon away from Yoriichi’s?”
Michikatsu paused for a minute as he looked at Genjitsu, his brows furrowing again. Genjitsu hated the look Michikatsu gave, what was his problem? “We’re adults, we’re not kids anymore. Very soon when you grow up you’ll like to be sleeping alone.” Michikatsu answered simply as he moved the blanket over him.
“That doesn’t matter…” Genjitsu responded softly as he tried his best not to glare at Michikatsu.
“You’ll understand when you grow older.” And with that Michikatsu stopped talking as he lay on his side, facing the opposite direction from Genjitsu.
“ I don’t need to understand, ” Genjitsu thought as he glared at Michikatsu, “ As an older brother I’d never stop loving my little brother. What is it that you have against your little brother? He’s so kind, you should be grateful. What’s wrong with you. ” Genjitsu continued throwing tons of insults toward Michikatsu in his thoughts.
Genjitsu felt bad, so horrible for Yoriichi. How could a kind-hearted man like Yoriichi be blessed with a brother that was so cursed?! Yoriichi then entered the room, wearing his sleeping clothes, he glanced at Michikatsu’s sleeping form and then looked at Genjitsu, “You're still awake.” Yoriichi said as he got on his futon.
“I was waiting for you…” Genjitsu spoke quietly as he stared at Yoriichi, he couldn’t help but frown when he saw Yoriichi. He felt so bad.
“...I see.” Yoriichi responded quietly as he got on his futon, slipping the blanket over him, “Well, goodnight then.”
“Wait a minute- Yoriich-san, can I sleep next to you?” Genjitsu suddenly asked, Yoriichi paused as he stared at Genjitsu quietly, “I…I like to sleep with someone besides me. My little brother, my Otouto, is always beside me when we go to bed. I don’t like sleeping alone.”
“... “ Yoriichi blinked and nodded as he got up and moved his futon next to Genjitsu’s, putting them together, he then laid back to his futon, now being next to Genjitsu, “Is that better?”
“Yes, thank you.” Genjitsu smiled as he nodded, glad to feel Yoriichi’s warm presence next to him, “Thank you, Yoriich-san.”
“You can just use my name, no need to be so respectful.” Yoriichi assured quietly as he pulled the futon over him, “Goodnight then, Genjitsu.” Genjitsu watched as Yoriichi closed his eyes to go to sleep.
Genjitsu stared into Yoriichi’s face and then stared at the ceiling, he still couldn’t get the thought off his head. Poor Yoriichi-san, why was Michikatsu so cruel?! He’s so mean, Yoriichi doesn’t deserve any of that! Genjitsu huffed as he then went to staring at Yoriichi’s face again. Yoriichi’s expression looked so emotionless, it reminded Genjitsu of his own little brother.
Yoriichi and his little brother shared so many similarities, now that Genjitsu realized it. He stared at the weird flame marks on Yoriichi’s forehead, what could that be? A birthmark? Genjitsu wasn’t sure, he just sighed. Genjitsu moved his hand to the bamboo floor on the right, next to his futon. Right…his dear little brother wasn’t here. Genjitsu frowned a little, he missed his family so much. When Genjitsu finds his family, the first thing he’s going to do is throw himself at his Otouto and hug him dearly!
It felt so strange to not sleep next to his Otouto for the first time, Genjitsu felt so lonely even though Yoriichi’s presence was here. How long was he going to be missing his family? What if he becomes an orphan? Genjitsu supposes he doesn’t mind staying with Yoriichi but he just can’t take the fact that’ll he won’t ever see his family ever.
Genjitsu shuffled once again as he stared at Yoriichi, how could Yoriichi’s Aniue be so mean? Genjitsu would cherish and love Yoriichi if he was in Michikatsu’s place. He’d be so proud to have a little brother like Yoriichi. Michikatsu should at least be proud and happy that his little brother was kind enough.
There were many siblings that never got along, Genjitsu never understood them when he passed by them while holding his mother or little brother’s hand. Gosh, Genjitsu misses his family. What was he going to do without them?
Suddenly a small idea came up to him…
Slowly, Genjitsu used his hand to cup Yoriichi’s cheek, “Pst…Yoriichi-san…Yoriichi-san.”
Yoriichi slowly opened his eyes and blinked at Genjitsu, “Genjitsu?”
“Yoriichi…if I don’t find my family for a while. Can I pretend that you're my Otouto?”
Yoriichi blinked as he processed the question, his eyes widening slightly, “Pretend…that I’m your Otouto?”
“Yes, I…I love my Otouto a lot and I just can’t…live without him. I’m not going to replace him of course! I just really- you understand, don’t you?” Genjitsu attempted to explain.
Yoriichi stared at Genjitsu with no emotion, contemplating the request, “I…suppose?”
“Well— will you pretend to be my Otouto for a few days then? And I can pretend to be your Aniue too?” Genjitsu’s eyes lit up in hopefulness.
“That’s a strange request, Genjitsu,” Yoriichi commented.
“Is that a yes?” Genjitsu questioned.
Yoriichi raised an eyebrow, “How old are you, Genjitsu?”
“Ten, I’m ten years old!” Genjitsu grinned.
“That explains it.” Yoriichi hummed quietly as he closed his eyes.
“Well— will you pretend to be my Otouto then?” Genjitsu questioned.
“I feel like that’s not quite a good idea, you do know I have my own Aniue. One that shares my blood.” Yoriichi then pointed out.
“So? If he’s your Aniue then he should understand a child’s desire! Come on, Yoriichi-san, please?” Genjitsu pouted, “Plus, who cares about Michikatsu! He’s so mean to you!”
Genjitsu realized he did a small mistake when Yoriichi’s brows furrowed, “That’s not a nice thing to say, my Aniue is very kind, Genjitsu.”
“I…I’m sorry, Yoriichi…” Genjitsu responded nervously, did he mess up? Gosh, he didn’t know Yoriichi was…sensitive about the topic of talking bad about Michikatsu, it reminds Genjitsu of his own little brother who throws a tantrum and throws punches when someone talks bad about Genjitsu.
Yoriichi stared at Genjitsu silently and his face calmed down, to Genjitsu’s relief, “Just watch your words next time, I’d be very upset.”
“...” Genjitsu nodded quietly, “Alright Yoriichi-san…”
“...”
“...So will you pretend to be my Otouto then?” Genjitsu then asked the question, “Please?” He looked at Yoriichi desperately.
“...” Yoriichi contemplated a bit and nodded, “My Aniue shouldn’t be so upset about it, so I suppose I could.”
Genjitsu lit up and smiled, “Thank you, Yoriichi!” Genjitsu smiled as he held both of Yoriichi’s cheeks.
“Just don’t make sure you actually end up replacing your own little brother, alight?” Yoriichi then confirmed Genjitsu was awed by the request, Yoriichi didn’t even meet his little brother yet he wants to make sure that his little brother doesn’t end up bad!
Genjitsu grinned, “Of course! I’ll make sure to be a good Aniue to you, Yoriichi!”
Yoriichi blinked and nodded, “You should go to sleep now.”
Genjitsu nodded obediently, “Alright!” Genjtsu adjusted himself and gave Yoriichi a big hug, “I always give my Otouto goodnights.” Genjitsu then leaned his lips to Yoriichi’s forehead and kissed it, “Goodnight, my Otouto!”
Yoriichi seemed to be puzzled by the action but nodded quietly as he wrapped his arms around Genjitsu, “Goodnight, Genjitsu.”
Genjitsu grinned as he stared at Yoriichi’s face as he fell asleep.
This will be great!!!