It’s a special time of year and the sword army is invited to come down from their citadels and celebrate. What? A summer festival, an offering to the gods, or perhaps a special ceremony of sorts. A normally quiet, rural village at the foot of the mountains will transform for the night with lanterns, fireworks, and music all around but first! Some preparations need to be done. Did you really think you would be invited down here without having to do some work? Prepare to dance, prepare to sing, prepare for a night of fun.
1. CEREMONY PRACTICE
At the citadel, a new chore has been added to the list: ceremonial practice! The swords selected to perform at the festival will have to practice their song and dance or else they'll risk embarrassment in front of the crowds. Or maybe this entire thing is embarrassing... either way, this is your duty! Saniwa's orders! Where and when is up to you but you better be ready.
2. SPECIAL CLOTHES
You can’t wear those same old clothes. They’re all torn and worn or just not appropriate at all for the type of festival you’re going to. The government has all of your measurements and has sent special robes for the spirits and saniwa to wear. It even comes complete with accessories! What’s taking you so long? We should have left twenty minutes ago. Do you need help? Or are you trying to perfect your appearances for your big debut?
3. PERFORMANCE
Everyone is dancing and everyone is singing. Are you one of the performers? Or are they dancing to you? What kind of songs are you hearing? What dances are you watching? Did you see the ceremonial sword dance? Or maybe you were invited to dance in a special performance with your saniwa! When the performance is over, make sure to congratulate the performers on a job well done… or tease your friend.
4. OFFERINGS AND PRAYER
After the festive ceremonies, there are more serious things to do. There is a sacred fire and you can take a moment to pray to the gods. Remember, we are fighting a war and it’s important to remember those that have fallen. The swords that were broken and damaged beyond repair are gathered up and taken to a sacred fire so that their spirits can be purified and reborn. Later, all of those offerings you have been saving are offered up to the gods for their blessings. It's also a chance to hopefully pray for a turn in luck. Maybe you'll pray for an old friend to return to the citadel. It's been a long time since you saw them, right? They'll come home eventually.
5. FESTIVITIES
The ceremonies are finally over! Wow, that sure took up a lot of time, huh? There are still a couple of more hours left in the night so enjoy the festivities. Try the food, play the shooting games, win a couple of prizes. How many goldfish can you catch? Or maybe the important question is: How are you going to take care of this goldfish? At the end of the night, you can catch the fireworks before the night ends.
6. SURPRISE ATTACK
With so many saniwa and sword spirits gathered in one place, it's the perfect time for the enemy to make a major blow against the Time Government. In what should have been the fireworks finale, there's a loud explosion and lightning strikes. The Time Retrograde Army strikes without warning. It's nothing the Touken Danshi haven't taken care of before but this time, they'll have to protect their saniwa too.
7. WILDCARD
Pick your own adventure. Maybe you have to help make offerings or tonight is a special night for a special summoning.
What if the saniwa had to perform other duties besides just summoning swords to fight? What if they had to take part in special ceremonies? What if they had to invite their swords to perform with them? Feel free to get as creative as you want with this prompt as far as things like: Why are they celebrating? How often do they get to leave the citadel? Etc
( At least Chougi is being honest. He can't even be upset when he freely admits he isn't good company for most. Despite what his brothers, Oodenta, Chougi, and so many others say, he still thinks he's no good. He's still uncertain, not wanting to spoil someone else's fun with his own awkward eeriness but Chougi is gentle (encouraging) with his invitation.
It makes him really consider it and Melon nuzzles against Hakusan's neck. Perhaps the small fox is hungry since they haven't really eaten much since arriving here and he pets the fox on the head. )
[ Chougi offers Haku his hand. It's an easy enough gesture; with the crowd, plenty of swords and saniwa are holding hands to keep from losing sight of each other, so it won't look out of place. It eases Chougi's self-consciousness, hopefully it will do the same for Haku. ]
Come on. I saw a place with yakitori. I think there was a stall with cotton candy nearby, too.
[ For all that Chougi certainly witnessed events like this one before during his training, as a sword unattached to a specific citadel, he was never allowed to participate. So it's kind of exciting to get to do this at all, but especially with Haku. ]
( Likewise, he takes Chougi's hand easily. It helps that earlier in the day, his brothers had grabbed him by the hands and dragged him around a bit before the more sensitive ones decided to give Hakusan some time to himself to rest and recharge his batteries, so to speak. This is clearly something that just happens at festivals so this seems natural.
It also helps that he isn't very fond of being in crowds and would feel much more comfortable with someone else leading the way. He's seen crowds at the shrine and he'd seen them before he was summoned by this citadel but he's never been a part of them. He also makes sure that Melon is safe and secure before nodding for Chougi to lead the way.
As they walk, he definitely keeps close, not wanting to be separated. Every so often, he gives Chougi's hand a squeeze when he feels like he might lose him-- when someone bumps into him, when the crowd becomes particularly heavy. And when they wait in line, he also holds onto Chougi's cloak as he watches the crowds and all of the other vendors and stalls.
.... The cotton candy is definitely something to see up close.
[ Haku's hand is warm in his; Chougi definitely understands the human appeal of holding hands better now than he used to. Every time Haku gives his hand a squeeze, he gently squeezes back. Whenever the crowd gets too heavy for them to easily walk together, he tugs Haku off to the side so they can just stand and wait for a moment until things break up again.
It's a really good thing none of the other swords from their citadel are near them right now, because Chougi is so obviously and obnoxiously in love with Hakusan that he knows he'd never live this down. ...Actually, Mutsu probably already has photographs, the traitor.
Because Chougi keeps waiting for the crowds to part before tugging Haku through them, it takes longer than he planned to get to the cotton candy stand, but it actually works out well. They arrive just in time to see the stall owner pouring sugar into the cotton candy machine and moments later there's brightly colored fluff rising from the heater like so many clouds. He even puts on a little show for the two of them, twirling the candy onto a stick with some fancy spins and twists before handing the stick to Chougi, who immediately hands it to Haku. ]
You've never had it before, right?
[ Chougi has, and he knows he likes it, so this time he wants to see the look on Haku's face. ]
( It's like magic; the way the sugar turns into a big, colorful cloud. The fact that they've been fortunate enough to find a vendor willing to indulge the more awestruck members of the audience like Hakusan just makes it better. When he's presented with his cloud in a cute shade of blue and pink, he's surprised by how light it is. Of course, he hadn't expected it to have much weight but the fact that it weighs so little still surprises him. It's like it really is a cloud.
It's candy so he knows it will be sweet. He can smell the sugar off of it but he isn't quite sure how to eat it. Turning it over he wonders if he should just bite it or take off a piece. Luckily, a couple of tantou walk and he watches as they pull at a piece so he copies them. )
He's definitely not the most expressive touken danshi in the world but every now and then, like now, some genuine emotion slips through. He's surprised by the taste and the way it just disappears on his tongue...?! He looks over the ball of cotton candy as if looking over a soft bouquet. His reaction is obvious. He's pleasantly surprised and he likes it. Good job, Chougi.)
[ Exactly the reaction he was hoping for, honestly. Chougi motions to the vendor for a second stick of cotton candy for himself, ripping off a piece once he's got it. ]
If you try to take bites off the stick you'll get your face all sticky. Your fingers are still gonna get sticky, but it's okay, people will expect you to lick them clean when you're done.
[ Dragging Haku through the crowds was absolutely worth it for that little flash of expression. If only he knew just how much he's changed already in his short time at the citadel. It's night and day from the way he was before -- Chougi's always been able to read him pretty well, but lately the Toushirous don't always need Chougi's help to interpret the things Haku says or does. It's a good thing. ]
( Going through the crowds definitely wasn't bad if he was able to get a sweet treat out of it. He wouldn't have been able to get through the crowds alone, though. He takes a small piece and offers it to melon to try. It's probably best to get the fox something better than candy but he wants to share this experience with his small friend. Melon licks at it, causing the candy to dissolve and keeps licking at the air until it's all gone. Wow, that was a lot more work than it should have been.
Meanwhile, Haku listens to Chougi. He seems.... happy? He tilts his head curiously to one side. Does he? He wonders how that looks because... he doesn't feel much different. At least, he doesn't think so. He has to consider it for a moment... )
My condition has changed.
( Yes, objectively, he can see that now. As for the cause? )
The touken danshi at this citadel are....
( And he frowns. He can't quite find the word he wants. )
[ Chougi stuffs cotton candy into his own mouth, and offers Melon another little piece of the sweet fluff. He's patient, he can wait for Hakusan to find the words he's looking for, but after a moment it becomes apparent Haku is a little lost. ]
They're not really like what we expected, based on the way our training went, are they?
[ A little, gentle encouragement. They're kind and they love you, Haku. And they're not shy about showing it. ]
Hime. Are you happy? Do you think your condition is better than it was? Or just...different?
( There's no word to express what he thinks of this citadel. Except there are plenty of words. He simply just can't articulate it. Thankfully, Chougi understands. He's always been good at that; knowing the things Haku wanted to say. He picks at his candy, eating a piece slowly instead of responding right away.
As quickly as the piece dissolves, he knows the answer for the first question. Yes, this citadel isn't what he expected. But he's too polite to say it out loud. Unlike Chougi, who is open and free with his words and emotions, Hakusan can't bring himself to really speak ill of the citadel that trained him.
His silence should be enough, though. Chougi is right. This citadel is different from what they expected.
The other questions... are not easy. And as if sensing the difficulty, the fox on his shoulder sits up and begins to rub against Hakusan's cheek. He can't keep quiet forever. He needs to respond when spoken to if he wants to improve, )
... I am happy. ( A direct answer for one question. ) I am happy and that is... good.
( Because it can't possibly be bad. )
I cannot say if I am better. ( There are too many factors to consider. ) I will look at my battle record.
[ It takes all of Chougi's effort not to snort. Hakusan, please. Fortunately, he's licking some cotton candy off his fingers, so his smile of amusement could be easily mistaken for him just smiling at the sweet candy. Which he's also doing. ]
I wasn't talking about your battle record. That's not the better I meant. I meant...hmm....
[ Even Chougi struggles with words sometimes. After a moment he shakes his head. ]
I guess it doesn't matter. You're happy. That's the important thing.
[ Here in the middle of a crowd of swords and saniwa, nobody is paying them the least bit of attention while they chat. Everyone else is too busy playing their own games, eating their own snacks, having their own conversations. Chougi glances around twice before shifting so he can lean down and give Haku a quick peck on the cheek, straightening back up immediately like nothing happened. ]
We should see if we can find something to take back for the ones who couldn't come.
( But how else will he be able to evaluate his growth, Chougi? His battle record has his numbers and his health records have his vitals. He needs the data to truly be able to answer the question. He wonders what other data there might be. The mission logs and reports? There are some numbers in there he can refer to but so much of it is subjective because of the nature of personal reports.
He waits patiently for Chougi to explain like it sounds like he will but when nothing happens. Well, he can't deny he isn't a little disappointed but he doesn't mind waiting. Chougi is so much better at words and expressions he is. Surely, he'll find the right ones.
At least they can agree on something. Being happy is the important thing. That and love are the only things Hakusan really ever asks for. He prays that everyone can find the love and happiness they deserve. With both, they will also certainly find peace.
Chougi's glances don't go unnoticed and hew watches the other spirit carefully and--
His lips part slightly from surprise and warmth rushes into his cheeks. Meanwhile, on his shoulder, Melon opens her mouth and reaches to grab the nearing mass of cotton candy coming right in her direction...
It's too late, sorry, Melon. Chougi also sits up, raising a sleeve to his face to hide the rosy color rising in his face. It's hard to tell in the tinted lighting of the festival at evening time but it's purely habit by now. His heart is beating in his chest and there's that feeling he knows to be happiness washing over him. Unlike Hakusan who is reserved and more conservative by nature, Chougi can be expressive and forward. It's... exciting and he loves and admires it. And the fact that he can be so cool after being so bold! )
Ah,
( He's never been one for many words but right now, he doesn't need them. The cherry blossom petals falling gently around them is worth a thousand. )
Ichigo-niisama is at home with the others. ( With so many Toushirou swords, of course not all of them could come. ) And Oodenta-sama too.
( His fellow Maedagumi.
The idea of bringing something back for them... ah, he finds himself moving closer to Chougi, his free hand reaching to take Chougi's in his own. )
[ Oh. Sakura petals. Are those because of Chougi? Those are probably because of him and that makes him feel very warm inside. He takes Haku's hand easily when Haku offers it to him, squeezing gently. ]
Come on. One of these stalls had charms and I think I saw another one with masks. We can definitely find something good if we look around.
[ It's a nice excuse to keep walking with Haku, exploring the widely laid out festival. The cotton candy doesn't last long, so Chougi pauses briefly while they're looking for souvenirs to get some yakitori. A stick for him, a stick for Haku and of course a stick for Melon. Chougi has worked hard to get in her good graces, especially lately, and bribing her with delicious snacks seems like a good tactic. ]
Okay...that's Midare, Ichigo, Gokotai and Maeda taken care of... Oh, we should get something for Hirano, too. And there's still Oodenta...
[ That one's tough. Oodenta is even more standoffish somehow than Chougi was, and he can count on his hands the number of times he's even seen the guy. ]
I think you're gonna have to pick something for Oodenta on your own. I hardly ever see him, I definitely don't know him well enough for this.
( The yakitori is exactly what Melon wants. She might not be against cotton candy and sweets but meat is definitely preferred. It isn't easy to get on her good side but just for tonight, with Haku in such a good mood and her belly full of good food thanks to Chougi, she'll reward him by hopping onto his shoulder and enjoying the ride. She'll bless him for the night.
As for Hakusan, he looks around, surveying the festival. When he looks at everything like this... it's hard to imagine that he actually explored so much of this tonight. If he's honest, it's a little exhausting to think about and he'll surely sleep well tonight but for now, he's fine. He's fine because he's with Chougi and when he's with Chougi, even if he's surrounded by all of these people at once, only one person really matters in that moment.
But he sees a stall up ahead and he points to it. Something has caught his eye and he tugs Chougi gently to follow him this time (when he'd spent so much of the night following Chougi instead). It's a stall selling paper fans and children's masks but the thing that he's come here for is...
He picks up a red pinwheel and gives it a test, turning it with his finger and considering it for a moment, )
To take outside.
( Oodenta was in storage for so long, never going out and feeling the fresh air. And perhaps red is a strange color when Oodenta's colors are so cool and dark but red is the color of the plum from their shared home. )
[ Blessed. Chougi will keep feeding her little pieces of chicken as long as she stays on his shoulders.
When Haku tugs on his hand, Chougi follows along. It's rare enough for Haku to take the lead, so Chougi doesn't hesitate to let him on the rare occasions it happens. Their destination isn't much of a surprise considering they're shopping for gifts, and he nods at Haku's choice. ]
Yeah, that's good. That'll suit him.
[ Chougi might not know the details of the significance of the color, but pinwheels are calming to look at. Something gentle and in motion that Oodenta can handle without fear of overpowering it. Yeah. It's a good choice. Haku might not be the chattiest sword out there, but Chougi knows better than anyone the way he's always watching and considering the world around him. ]
Hime. Do you wanna get out of the crowd for a bit?
( He nods, giving his money to the vendor and taking the pinwheel to add to their collection of gifts. It's a good collection and just lookin at it makes him nervous with excitement. Will they like their gifts? Did they choose well?he hopes so.
The offer to move somewhere else is met with Haku returning to his side, this time, not hand in hand but with his arm wrapping around Chougi's so he can be close. He's usually not one to get so personal in public, even at their citadel, but there are always small exceptions. When he's nervous or tired or otherwise not feeling at full status. Some times he needs a break and other times, he needs comfort and he can get that and more when he's with Chougi. )
Yes.
( He nods, leaning his face against Chougi's shoulder once like a gentle nudge to move on. )
[ Haku holding his arm like this makes Chougi feel very warm inside. This kind of gesture, especially in public, is a rare thing and he cherishes each little open display of affection intensely. But he also wants to keep each of these little displays to himself, so he nods and guides them through the crowd as quickly as he can in search of a more private place.
Out toward the edges of the festival there's a little pathway that leads into a quiet garden. It seems like the perfect place to go, so Chougi steers them in that direction until most of the noise is behind them and they can actually hear the crickets starting to chirp.
Of course, someone could come along any moment, which is why Chougi will do a quick glance back over their shoulders and once satisfied they're alone, give Haku a quick kiss. ]
( He seems to relax the more distance they put between them and the festival. When it begins to get quiet, Melon hops off from Chougi's shoulder and decides to take a stroll of her own. There are tantou there willing to feed scraps to a cute fox. How convenient! Just in time to leave these two alone.
And its' when they're alone that Haku can open himself up more. It's easier to act around Chougi than it is to act around so many others. It might have been a quick kiss but he turns his face to meet him. The end result is that he ends up looking at Chougi when he speaks, eyes only for him. )
Is it fine?
( The festival was fun and this is definitely better but is Chougi all right with it? He's much more social than him and this is his first festival experience like this too. He raises a hand to brush some of Chougi's hair from his eye. He wants to see his face more clearly. )
I'm happy with Yamanbagiri.
( Here or there. It doesn't matter, as long as he's with him. )
It's fine. I wanted to spend a little quiet time with you, too.
[ He's well integrated into his citadel, has a lot of friends, and loves to socialize. But he also values the quieter moments with Haku, when it's just the two of them. It's easy for him to make the shift between social and private, and he's more than happy to make that shift for Haku's sake sometimes.
And just to prove his point, he gives Haku another quick kiss. ]
( He may have meant for it to be a quick kiss but the next think he'll know, Haku grabs onto Chougi's cloak and pulls him closer, keeping him there just a little longer. Not too long because even in private, he's still a reserved spirit but just enough to let Chougi know that it's fine.
Close like this, he can speak more softly and he whispers to Chougi, )
The government is watching.
( Not now, at least, not them at this very moment. But at the festival, Chougi surely must have felt their eyes. )
Your condition...?
( How is it? It didn't... get to him, did it? Right now, he's concerned. Chougi probably didn't want this to become a status check but Haku is a healer. He's always thinking about that. )
[ Soon after his arrival, Chougi would have been much more concerned with the government's eyes. But where he is right now, their interest in Chougi and Haku spending time together is very low on Chougi's priority list. Especially when Haku grabs his cloak and holds him in place for a moment. ]
They're only watching because they're jealous.
[ His smile is confident and a little crooked. Let them watch. ]
I'm fine, Hime. My condition is really good.
[ He's used to Haku's status checks at this point. Just a normal part of the relationship that's actually really easy to breeze through. ]
( His smile is perfect and beautiful and Haku loves it. It's also proof that Chougi means what he says. His condition is fine and Haku accepts it without question. It's a long way from where they'd been at first-- from when Haku doubted if Chougi was really well or not. Was he pushing himself to seem better than he really was? Was he trying to hide his weaknesses? Those had all been bad habits before and they still are to a degree but he can at least now tell when he's being dishonest.
And so the fact that Chougi can comfort him so honestly is..
His heart beats in his chest and he feels warm. It's like falling in love all over again, being completely charmed by him for what feels like the first time. It's a little overwhelming still and it makes him feel a little breathless. Why does this happen exactly? And how? He doesn't get it. He'll have to ask about it some other time but he always forgets.
Still holding onto his cloak, he gives it a small tug, a sign for Chougi to lean in closer. )
[ It's funny how Chougi has learned what all the different ways Haku tugs on his sleeve or cloak means. It's useful, too, because thanks to that he knows exactly what Haku's asking for.
But more significant than the little tug is that Haku calls him "Chougi." Haku's so formal most of the time that he rarely uses "Chougi" so on the rare occasions it happens it's...special. ]
Hime. Hakusan.
[ He leans forward to kiss Haku again. Three times in one night -- Haku must be very happy if he's allowed this much public affection. ]
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no subject
It makes him really consider it and Melon nuzzles against Hakusan's neck. Perhaps the small fox is hungry since they haven't really eaten much since arriving here and he pets the fox on the head. )
Yes.
( It does smell good and he looks at Melon. )
Perhaps... something to eat will be nice.
no subject
Come on. I saw a place with yakitori. I think there was a stall with cotton candy nearby, too.
[ For all that Chougi certainly witnessed events like this one before during his training, as a sword unattached to a specific citadel, he was never allowed to participate. So it's kind of exciting to get to do this at all, but especially with Haku. ]
no subject
It also helps that he isn't very fond of being in crowds and would feel much more comfortable with someone else leading the way. He's seen crowds at the shrine and he'd seen them before he was summoned by this citadel but he's never been a part of them. He also makes sure that Melon is safe and secure before nodding for Chougi to lead the way.
As they walk, he definitely keeps close, not wanting to be separated. Every so often, he gives Chougi's hand a squeeze when he feels like he might lose him-- when someone bumps into him, when the crowd becomes particularly heavy. And when they wait in line, he also holds onto Chougi's cloak as he watches the crowds and all of the other vendors and stalls.
.... The cotton candy is definitely something to see up close.
He's never seen it made before. )
no subject
It's a really good thing none of the other swords from their citadel are near them right now, because Chougi is so obviously and obnoxiously in love with Hakusan that he knows he'd never live this down. ...Actually, Mutsu probably already has photographs, the traitor.
Because Chougi keeps waiting for the crowds to part before tugging Haku through them, it takes longer than he planned to get to the cotton candy stand, but it actually works out well. They arrive just in time to see the stall owner pouring sugar into the cotton candy machine and moments later there's brightly colored fluff rising from the heater like so many clouds. He even puts on a little show for the two of them, twirling the candy onto a stick with some fancy spins and twists before handing the stick to Chougi, who immediately hands it to Haku. ]
You've never had it before, right?
[ Chougi has, and he knows he likes it, so this time he wants to see the look on Haku's face. ]
You try first.
no subject
It's candy so he knows it will be sweet. He can smell the sugar off of it but he isn't quite sure how to eat it. Turning it over he wonders if he should just bite it or take off a piece. Luckily, a couple of tantou walk and he watches as they pull at a piece so he copies them. )
Sweet... ... !
( 甘いっ… … !
He's definitely not the most expressive touken danshi in the world but every now and then, like now, some genuine emotion slips through. He's surprised by the taste and the way it just disappears on his tongue...?! He looks over the ball of cotton candy as if looking over a soft bouquet. His reaction is obvious. He's pleasantly surprised and he likes it. Good job, Chougi.)
no subject
If you try to take bites off the stick you'll get your face all sticky. Your fingers are still gonna get sticky, but it's okay, people will expect you to lick them clean when you're done.
[ Dragging Haku through the crowds was absolutely worth it for that little flash of expression. If only he knew just how much he's changed already in his short time at the citadel. It's night and day from the way he was before -- Chougi's always been able to read him pretty well, but lately the Toushirous don't always need Chougi's help to interpret the things Haku says or does. It's a good thing. ]
You seem really happy lately. It's good.
no subject
Meanwhile, Haku listens to Chougi. He seems.... happy? He tilts his head curiously to one side. Does he? He wonders how that looks because... he doesn't feel much different. At least, he doesn't think so. He has to consider it for a moment... )
My condition has changed.
( Yes, objectively, he can see that now. As for the cause? )
The touken danshi at this citadel are....
( And he frowns. He can't quite find the word he wants. )
no subject
They're not really like what we expected, based on the way our training went, are they?
[ A little, gentle encouragement. They're kind and they love you, Haku. And they're not shy about showing it. ]
Hime. Are you happy? Do you think your condition is better than it was? Or just...different?
no subject
As quickly as the piece dissolves, he knows the answer for the first question. Yes, this citadel isn't what he expected. But he's too polite to say it out loud. Unlike Chougi, who is open and free with his words and emotions, Hakusan can't bring himself to really speak ill of the citadel that trained him.
His silence should be enough, though. Chougi is right. This citadel is different from what they expected.
The other questions... are not easy. And as if sensing the difficulty, the fox on his shoulder sits up and begins to rub against Hakusan's cheek. He can't keep quiet forever. He needs to respond when spoken to if he wants to improve, )
... I am happy. ( A direct answer for one question. ) I am happy and that is... good.
( Because it can't possibly be bad. )
I cannot say if I am better. ( There are too many factors to consider. ) I will look at my battle record.
( When he returns to the citadel. Yes. )
no subject
I wasn't talking about your battle record. That's not the better I meant. I meant...hmm....
[ Even Chougi struggles with words sometimes. After a moment he shakes his head. ]
I guess it doesn't matter. You're happy. That's the important thing.
[ Here in the middle of a crowd of swords and saniwa, nobody is paying them the least bit of attention while they chat. Everyone else is too busy playing their own games, eating their own snacks, having their own conversations. Chougi glances around twice before shifting so he can lean down and give Haku a quick peck on the cheek, straightening back up immediately like nothing happened. ]
We should see if we can find something to take back for the ones who couldn't come.
no subject
He waits patiently for Chougi to explain like it sounds like he will but when nothing happens. Well, he can't deny he isn't a little disappointed but he doesn't mind waiting. Chougi is so much better at words and expressions he is. Surely, he'll find the right ones.
At least they can agree on something. Being happy is the important thing. That and love are the only things Hakusan really ever asks for. He prays that everyone can find the love and happiness they deserve. With both, they will also certainly find peace.
Chougi's glances don't go unnoticed and hew watches the other spirit carefully and--
His lips part slightly from surprise and warmth rushes into his cheeks. Meanwhile, on his shoulder, Melon opens her mouth and reaches to grab the nearing mass of cotton candy coming right in her direction...
It's too late, sorry, Melon. Chougi also sits up, raising a sleeve to his face to hide the rosy color rising in his face. It's hard to tell in the tinted lighting of the festival at evening time but it's purely habit by now. His heart is beating in his chest and there's that feeling he knows to be happiness washing over him. Unlike Hakusan who is reserved and more conservative by nature, Chougi can be expressive and forward. It's... exciting and he loves and admires it. And the fact that he can be so cool after being so bold! )
Ah,
( He's never been one for many words but right now, he doesn't need them. The cherry blossom petals falling gently around them is worth a thousand. )
Ichigo-niisama is at home with the others. ( With so many Toushirou swords, of course not all of them could come. ) And Oodenta-sama too.
( His fellow Maedagumi.
The idea of bringing something back for them... ah, he finds himself moving closer to Chougi, his free hand reaching to take Chougi's in his own. )
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Come on. One of these stalls had charms and I think I saw another one with masks. We can definitely find something good if we look around.
[ It's a nice excuse to keep walking with Haku, exploring the widely laid out festival. The cotton candy doesn't last long, so Chougi pauses briefly while they're looking for souvenirs to get some yakitori. A stick for him, a stick for Haku and of course a stick for Melon. Chougi has worked hard to get in her good graces, especially lately, and bribing her with delicious snacks seems like a good tactic. ]
Okay...that's Midare, Ichigo, Gokotai and Maeda taken care of... Oh, we should get something for Hirano, too. And there's still Oodenta...
[ That one's tough. Oodenta is even more standoffish somehow than Chougi was, and he can count on his hands the number of times he's even seen the guy. ]
I think you're gonna have to pick something for Oodenta on your own. I hardly ever see him, I definitely don't know him well enough for this.
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As for Hakusan, he looks around, surveying the festival. When he looks at everything like this... it's hard to imagine that he actually explored so much of this tonight. If he's honest, it's a little exhausting to think about and he'll surely sleep well tonight but for now, he's fine. He's fine because he's with Chougi and when he's with Chougi, even if he's surrounded by all of these people at once, only one person really matters in that moment.
But he sees a stall up ahead and he points to it. Something has caught his eye and he tugs Chougi gently to follow him this time (when he'd spent so much of the night following Chougi instead). It's a stall selling paper fans and children's masks but the thing that he's come here for is...
He picks up a red pinwheel and gives it a test, turning it with his finger and considering it for a moment, )
To take outside.
( Oodenta was in storage for so long, never going out and feeling the fresh air. And perhaps red is a strange color when Oodenta's colors are so cool and dark but red is the color of the plum from their shared home. )
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When Haku tugs on his hand, Chougi follows along. It's rare enough for Haku to take the lead, so Chougi doesn't hesitate to let him on the rare occasions it happens. Their destination isn't much of a surprise considering they're shopping for gifts, and he nods at Haku's choice. ]
Yeah, that's good. That'll suit him.
[ Chougi might not know the details of the significance of the color, but pinwheels are calming to look at. Something gentle and in motion that Oodenta can handle without fear of overpowering it. Yeah. It's a good choice. Haku might not be the chattiest sword out there, but Chougi knows better than anyone the way he's always watching and considering the world around him. ]
Hime. Do you wanna get out of the crowd for a bit?
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The offer to move somewhere else is met with Haku returning to his side, this time, not hand in hand but with his arm wrapping around Chougi's so he can be close. He's usually not one to get so personal in public, even at their citadel, but there are always small exceptions. When he's nervous or tired or otherwise not feeling at full status. Some times he needs a break and other times, he needs comfort and he can get that and more when he's with Chougi. )
Yes.
( He nods, leaning his face against Chougi's shoulder once like a gentle nudge to move on. )
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[ Haku holding his arm like this makes Chougi feel very warm inside. This kind of gesture, especially in public, is a rare thing and he cherishes each little open display of affection intensely. But he also wants to keep each of these little displays to himself, so he nods and guides them through the crowd as quickly as he can in search of a more private place.
Out toward the edges of the festival there's a little pathway that leads into a quiet garden. It seems like the perfect place to go, so Chougi steers them in that direction until most of the noise is behind them and they can actually hear the crickets starting to chirp.
Of course, someone could come along any moment, which is why Chougi will do a quick glance back over their shoulders and once satisfied they're alone, give Haku a quick kiss. ]
Better out here?
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And its' when they're alone that Haku can open himself up more. It's easier to act around Chougi than it is to act around so many others. It might have been a quick kiss but he turns his face to meet him. The end result is that he ends up looking at Chougi when he speaks, eyes only for him. )
Is it fine?
( The festival was fun and this is definitely better but is Chougi all right with it? He's much more social than him and this is his first festival experience like this too. He raises a hand to brush some of Chougi's hair from his eye. He wants to see his face more clearly. )
I'm happy with Yamanbagiri.
( Here or there. It doesn't matter, as long as he's with him. )
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Chougi squeezes Haku's hand. ]
It's fine. I wanted to spend a little quiet time with you, too.
[ He's well integrated into his citadel, has a lot of friends, and loves to socialize. But he also values the quieter moments with Haku, when it's just the two of them. It's easy for him to make the shift between social and private, and he's more than happy to make that shift for Haku's sake sometimes.
And just to prove his point, he gives Haku another quick kiss. ]
I'm happy with you, Hime. In a crowd or not.
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Close like this, he can speak more softly and he whispers to Chougi, )
The government is watching.
( Not now, at least, not them at this very moment. But at the festival, Chougi surely must have felt their eyes. )
Your condition...?
( How is it? It didn't... get to him, did it? Right now, he's concerned. Chougi probably didn't want this to become a status check but Haku is a healer. He's always thinking about that. )
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They're only watching because they're jealous.
[ His smile is confident and a little crooked. Let them watch. ]
I'm fine, Hime. My condition is really good.
[ He's used to Haku's status checks at this point. Just a normal part of the relationship that's actually really easy to breeze through. ]
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And so the fact that Chougi can comfort him so honestly is..
His heart beats in his chest and he feels warm. It's like falling in love all over again, being completely charmed by him for what feels like the first time. It's a little overwhelming still and it makes him feel a little breathless. Why does this happen exactly? And how? He doesn't get it. He'll have to ask about it some other time but he always forgets.
Still holding onto his cloak, he gives it a small tug, a sign for Chougi to lean in closer. )
Chougi...
( Kiss him again. Please. )
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But more significant than the little tug is that Haku calls him "Chougi." Haku's so formal most of the time that he rarely uses "Chougi" so on the rare occasions it happens it's...special. ]
Hime. Hakusan.
[ He leans forward to kiss Haku again. Three times in one night -- Haku must be very happy if he's allowed this much public affection. ]