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Tusbiki heard a lot about Sakura from Ume before they met.
He’s a great fighter with a heart of gold.
It was easy to see that Umemiya already had a soft spot for the boy, calling him his little brother with a bit more gravity than their other kohai. It wasn't unusual per say, but they were surprised at how quickly the relationship grew on both sides.
All it took was one meeting on the roof to confirm that Ume was right, as he usually is when it comes to judging a person's character.
Sakura was a tsundere through and through, but had a naivety and natural charm that drew people in, Tsubiki included. He had firmly placed himself in his heart as a little brother in no time.
He was open minded and took the teachings of others to heart. They have seen him grow so much over the last year. Learning how to let people in, how to be cared for and do the same in turn.
Tsubiki was tickled pink when they learned about the little scheme Sakura had put together with his friends to get Ume and them together.
Now as the two of them head to Tsubiki’s favorite boutique to get him a new jacket and accessories, they can't help but be a little overwhelmed with love for the boy.
Ah! He’s absolutely adorable!
–
Sakura has been reflecting a lot recently about who he is as an individual. Before Makochi, he didn't have the luxury of self expression, always on guard and isolated. Now that he’s found somewhere safe, Sakura wants to explore new ways to be himself.
Tsubiki has been a guidepost over the last year. They are creative and knowledgeable about fashion, and Sakura has come to enjoy and respect their opinion.
This isn't the first time they’ve gone shopping together, but with his limited budget he has to be resourceful.
Though, Tsubiki has a tendency to spoil him with new clothes or makeup when they go out together. Sakura secretly loves it. It makes him feel cared for in a way he hasn't felt before.
As they enter what has become his favorite shop, Tsubiki immediately heads to the men's coats. He usually just wears a ratty sweatshirt from a thrift shop, so it will be cool to change it up.
“Sakura, come over here! I think I found something.”
When he walks closer, they are holding up a dark green bomber jacket. The color is a little muted compared to his Bofurin uniform, with big sip up pockets and decorative cream straps on the sleeves.
How Tsubiki can find the perfect clothes so easily really is a talent.
“I like it. The color is cool and I like the arms, let me try it on.”
It’s comfortable and when he stretches there isn't any resistance to the movement. It won't impact his ability to fight and the material seems pretty sturdy. When he looks at the price tag it's within budget too.
Sakura turns side to side as he looks in the mirror.
I look pretty good huh?
Facing Tsubiki, his lips turn up in a half smile. “Yeah I think this is the one.”
They squeal in delight, already taking a picture, likely to send to Ume. They act like proud parents sometimes. He can't help but think they're a little ridiculous. But, though he won't say it outloud, he enjoys the coddling sometimes.
After they are done with the impromptu photo shoot, Tsubiki beams at him. “Is there anything else you wanna get? It might be a good idea to find a matching bag to go along with it.”
They are already moving towards the accessories section before Sakura even has a chance to say yes. Single minded as always when they have a goal in mind.
“Hey! I don't need a bag. What would I even put in it?” He asks as he scrambles to catch up to them.
“Nonsense! Everyone needs a purse. Don't think I haven't noticed how full your pockets are all the time.” Tsubiki starts to ramble off a list. “You have your wallet, keys, I know you also keep that lipgloss with you. Let alone how useful it would be to carry wipes. Then you wouldn't have to smear blood on your sleeves all the time.”
“Okay, okay I get it.” He sighs, resigning himself to his fate. “But nothing big. I don't want to be toting a bunch of shit with me everywhere.”
“Of course!” They wave their hands as if dismissing his concerns. “I know exactly what to look for.”
Sakura is sure they’ll find something, so in the meantime he moves towards the jewelry displayed in a glass case by the register.
A lot of them have pretty jewels and delicate chains, not really his style but nice to look at. His gaze lands on a small silver pendant. It looks like an army tag but instead has a small engraving of a cat.
His friends had said he acted like a stray cat at the beginning of the school year, and looking back he can't say he disagrees. Over time he’s come to like the comparison actually.
There is something about the little beasts that he resonates with, which is probably why he has so many little cat trinkets at his place now. Some his friends got him, but also a couple he purchased himself.
Sakura looks up when the shop owner walks over to the case. She’s an older woman, with wrinkles and kind eyes. He talks with her whenever he visits with Tsubiki. “Find something you like dear?”
He backs away from the case, raising his hands slightly, “Oh no, I was just looking.”
“Hm, are you sure?” She moves over to unlock it and pulls out the exact pendant he was looking at. “When I got this one in a few days ago, it made me think of you. I was actually going to show it to you today.”
Is she psychic or something!?
“Yeah I was looking at it.” Sakura admits bashfully. “But I don't think it's in my price range.”
“Nonsense! This was definitely meant for you. I’ll give you a discount.”
That brings a blush to his face and he stutters, “O-oh no I couldn't.”
“None of that! I’ve made my decision, and you would do well to accept it boy.”
Jeez, it's like there are two of them. He thinks fondly.
He’s learned over time that it's easier to just accept the generosity of the people here instead of fighting it. They are gonna get their way no matter what he says, better to just accept it to save them all the time.
It’s then that Tsubiki reamerges from the back of the store, holding a small black over the shoulder bag.
“Voila! I think this will be perfect! It has three pockets. One on the back for your phone, the middle one will be big enough to carry your miscellaneous items and some wipes, and the front is just big enough for all your cards, so you won't have to lug around a wallet.”
They beam at him as he takes it. They’re right, it's small enough to be unobtrusive, and the strap is adjustable so it can sit tightly on his chest or hang from his shoulder.
Sakura shrugs, “Okay this looks pretty sick. I’ll get it.”
Tsubiki pumps their fist in the air, giving a little triumphant cheer. He rolls his eyes, but doesn't hide the small smile on his face.
It doesn't take long after that to ring up their purchases. The shop owner gives them a kind smile and says, “come again soon!” as they leave.
“Well that went perfectly! And faster than I thought it would be.” Tsubiki says cheerfully.
“Yeah, thanks for finding everything. You're really good at this stuff.” Sakura blushes and rubs the back of his neck.
Predictably, Tsubiki pulls him into a bone breaking hug.
“Awe Sakura~ Thank you! You’re so easy to shop for. All straight forward and decisive. I wish I could get my vice-captians to listen to me as well as you do.”
He can imagine they would be hard to shop for. He thinks they like being difficult just to rile Tsubiki up, which to be fair, is pretty funny. The three get very into it, debating color schemes and fabric quality for hours.
He’s learned to never go on shopping trips with the three of them. Sakura only has so much patience before he snaps.
Tsubiki finally releases him from their hold, “Well, how about we go get some food, hm?
“Sure, sounds good.” He says in agreement. “But no ramen this time!”
“Awe but Sakura ramen’s my favorite!”
“No! We’ve had it three times in a row, I’m picking this time!”