Chapter Text
“Heeyyy! I’m here!” Suzaku called out as he emerged from the Ungaikyo into Houkenden. He glanced around before pouting. “No welcome party? Rude!”
His eyes landed on the floor beside the Ungaikyo, there was a white envelope by its side.
“Hm? What’s this..?” He picked it up curiously, turning it over to see the address. All that was written on it was the name ‘Genbu’, in quite messy handwriting at that. “Ooohhh!” Suzaku’s eyes instantly lit up. He had a feeling it was from a certain Fudou Myouou. The two of them had certainly been more familiar recently after the date Suzaku and Byakko had set up for them. Suzaku desperately wanted to pry it open but held back. Genbu would surely find out even if he resealed it perfectly and he’d get an earful.
“Uncle Suzaku!” Taipan called out from the floor above, peering over the railing.
“Tai! I’m glad someone came to say hi!” Suzaku chuckled. Taipan clambered over the railing, leaping down. Suzaku sent out a gentle wind to slow their descent, catching them in his arms.
“What’s that?” Taipan noticed the letter and reached out, grabbing at the air.
“It’s a letter for Genbu! Do you think we can deliver it?”
“Yeah! I can do it!” They leapt from his arms, scampering over to the lift.
“Where is he then?” Suzaku asked as he followed.
“Papa’s in his study.”
“Hmph, working like usual… “ He huffed, crossing his arms. “Does he ever have a day off?”
“Papa takes breaks to play with Kukri and me..!”
“Well that’s very kind of him.” Suzaku pressed the up button on the inside of the lift, the doors closing.
“Did papa Genbu play with you when you were younger too..?” Taipan peered up at him with their innocent, sparkling eyes.
“Huh… well..!” Suzaku chuckled, “Yeah, he did! I kinda wish I could’ve recorded it or something so that I could embarrass him now..!”
Taipan giggled, hugging Suzaku’s legs.
“Papa Genbu gets flustered easily, doesn’t he?”
“Yeah!” Suzaku grinned with a devilish look in his eye. “That’s how you GET him!”
The lift doors opened, Suzaku running out.
“Genbuuuu!” He called out. “I’ve got something for you, are you gonna come get it?”
Taipan scurried over to Genbu’s study, hauling open the door.
“Papa!” They called out, matching Suzaku’s enthusiasm.
“Why hello there, Taipan.” Genbu smiled as he looked up from his desk. “Now what was Suzaku yelling about..?”
“There’s a letter for you, papa!”
“A… letter..?” Genbu glanced past Taipan in hopes to spy Suzaku.
“Should I get it?”
“No, no, don’t worry… “ Genbu stood, heading for the door. “Now, what have you got there, Suzaku?” He muttered, leaning against the wall. If such a thing was in his hands, he didn’t expect to get it anytime soon. Suzaku spun around to face him with a grin.
“It’s from Fudoouuu!”
Genbu instantly winced, his cheeks flushing.
“W-Well then pass it over!” He snapped. “That is surely confidential information!”
“Hmm, confidential..? Is that what you call it..?” Suzaku chuckled, his finger sliding towards the fold of the envelope. In an instant, Genbu raised one hand, sending a blast of water towards him. Suzaku gasped, staggering back as Genbu swiped the envelope from his grasp. He fell onto his rear with a small yelp.
“Heeyy! I was joking..!” He grumbled, staring down at his damp robes.
“Hmph! Don’t joke about such things!” Genbu tutted, turning to hide his blush. He opened the letter from his prying eyes, scanning down the words. Taipan shuffled over, hugging his legs.
“What does it say?”
“Master Fudou Myouou has invited me over… “ Genbu whispered.
“Omigosh, a date?!” Suzaku sprung to his feet, scampering over.
“Don’t eavesdrop!” He yelled, batting him away.
“Oohoohoo! Why are you so embarrassed?”
“I’m not..!” Genbu growled, “You’re just being nosy!” He turned away with a huff but his red face was telling another story. “It is surely for important business that a junior like you would not understand. You, Suzaku, can look after Taipan and Kukri.”
Suzaku rolled his eyes, disappointed but not surprised.
“Right, you can go but PROMISE me you’ll tell me ALL the juicy details once you get back.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Ugh, fine then I’ll leave Tai and Kukri alone in the kitchen and make sure aaallll the knives are out! Oh and I’ll put tempting forks by the plug sockets!” Suzaku called out as Genbu headed for the lift. There was no response as Genbu was sure Suzaku wouldn’t even dare such things. “Ugh, fine!” He finally caved. “Have fun or whatever… “ He turned, trudging off. Taipan waved at Genbu as the lift doors closed, quickly scampering after Suzaku.
Genbu emerged from the Ungaikyo, anxiously glancing around. Fudou Myouou had scheduled to meet him at a forest not far from Soukenzan. It was a quiet spot, Genbu was rather pleased as there was no danger of anyone bothering them. Despite what he had told Suzaku, he was wholly hoping it was a date…
“Master Fudou Myouou..?” He called out. With no response he headed down the forest path towards the river. It was running slowly by, a few fish could be seen in its clear waters. Genbu smiled at the sight. As a tortoise at heart, he loved nature. Such a place was a wonderful spot to spend time with a loved one. Genbu quickly covered his mouth as he realised how forward his thoughts were. He’d only had one date with Fudou Myouou yet he was thinking of him so closely already. He shook his head, gently slapping his cheeks with each hand.
“Don’t be so eager..!” He whispered to himself. Such a feeling could ruin everything entirely. Surely Fudou Myouou would be disgusted by how quickly his junior wanted things to go. Genbu buried his head in his hands as his thoughts got the better of him. “Stop it..! Just be natural..!” He told himself yet he didn’t really know how to act ‘natural’ at all. Fudou Myouou had been right, he was indeed terrible around others. But now was a chance to change that… if he could open up to at least one person it might help him with more.
A crunch of a broken stick snapped Genbu out of his daze, he looked around eagerly in hopes Fudou Myouou had appeared. But there was still nothing. Perhaps he shouldn’t’ve wandered so far from the Ungaikyo. All of a sudden he felt a sharp pain in his stomach. He gasped, eyes flicking down. To his horror, a blade was jutting out of his chest. A hoarse whimper escaped from him before the blade just as quickly drew back. He fell to his knees, gripping at the wound tightly, it simmered with a thick magic.
“Well..!” A familiar voice laughed, “That was easier than I expected..!”
Genbu turned shakily to see Ashura standing above him, a sharp grin plastered on his face.
“A-Ashura..!” He gasped.
“The great Kenbumajin Genbu was tricked so easily! Is the prospect of love such a weakening thing? I should use it more often!” Ashura threw his head back with laughter. Genbu winced, he could feel the pain of the attack spreading to the rest of his body. Such a strike would kill most other Yokai but not a Kenbumajin, though the damage was still there. His body was burning, surely an effect of Ashura’s blade.
“So then, Gen, give me the Hotenfu.” Ashura ordered, gripping at his neck. Genbu grimaced,
“Don’t you dare call me that-!”
“Well I certainly don’t think of you as my equal anymore.” Ashura snapped, hauling Genbu off his feet and tightening his grip. He choked, trying to pry away his hand. “Give it to me, NOW!”
“I-I’d rather die!”
Ashura growled, throwing him to the ground sharply.
“Bastard. You can’t die yet. I’ll just have to force it out of you… hm, it might be fun… “ He pulled Genbu up, lifting him over his shoulder. “I’ll let myself play with you for a bit before I move onto the rest… “