[Ichigo was about to reach out for one of the pillars to right himself when he suddenly found himself swept into the other's arms and looking into Tsurumaru's much too close face! It was a very beautiful face granted and he didn't at all mind looking into it, but it was too close! This-This wasn't proper at all!! They didn't know each other that well after all! What if someone saw them? The scandal!
He should probably step back, but it would be rude to push Tsurumaru away, wouldn't it? And... it actually felt kind of nice to be held like that. It even felt familiar somehow, as if someone used to hold him like that.]
No, I haven't... I just... [A light dusting of pink coloured his cheeks when Tsuru started laughing.] I wasn't trying to take care of everyone... [And he tried his best to resist burying his head in shame again Tsurumaru as that would be highly inappropriate, even if he really wanted to.]
( It's definitely nice. Which probably explains why Tsurumaru hasn't let him go even now. The flustered expression really just makes him laugh even more but he's careful to not laugh too loud. He wouldn't want to wake anyone up and ruin their time alone. )
What's with the expression? ( It's not quite surprise but, well, he'll take it. Well, if they're going to be close like this, he doesn't mind having a little bit of fun, ) Let me take care of you.
( And he let Ichigo go, offering up his arm for him to take, )
W-What expression? [He tries his best to keep his expression neutral and to will his blush away, but it isn’t working... Then his eyes widen in surprise at what Tsuru says next!] Eh?
[Ichigo is left standing there in slight confusion when Tsuru lets go as he tries to figure out what Tsuru meant by that. There were so many ways to interpret ‘Let me take care of you’ but when you say that to someone while holding them close like that, it probably means.... but then Tsuru mentions eating and Ichigo turns a slightly brighter shade of pink as he thinks he’d completely misunderstood Tsuru’s offer to take care of him. Yes, Tsuru must have just meant getting something to eat and not... Ahhh! This is so very embarrassing!]
Ah. Yes, I’d like that. [Ichigo then hesitates for a second to compose himself before taking Tsuru’s arm.] Thank you.
( The kind of look he likes! Surprises are important in life and it's good for Ichigo to experience them.
It's not that Ichigo misunderstood. Tsurumaru is just a spirit prone to flightiness, especially when he gets close to people. He's used to being moved around and never getting to stay with anywhere he really likes. Even if it's someone he really likes. But Ichigo is special. The Imperial Collection was the longest Tsurumaru had ever stayed in one place and he'd known Ichigo for most of that time. It's why he knew about the nightmares and could tell how flustered Ichigo was right now.
With him on his arm, he pat Ichigo's hand with his free one and began to walk towards the kitchen. Yes, they're just getting snacks and drinks, )
Hm? Haha! Don't worry, don't worry. ( There's nothing to thank him for. And since they were close, he quietly adds, ) We all have dreams.
[Ichigo let Tsuru lead him. The hand patting is kind of comforting and he subconsciously leans closer to Tsuru. It does feel rather nice to just relax and let someone else make the decisions and look after him for a change.
Tsurumaru is special to Ichigo as well since he was the first spirit he saw when he finally awoke at the Imperial Collection from his deep slumber after being reforged. Tsurumaru was there to welcome him and was there when Ichigo first struggled to come to terms with his amnesia.]
... that's true. But...
[Surely not everyone dreams of being burnt alive though.]
But.... [He looks over at Tsurumaru, contemplating whether or not to tell him. Surely he could entrust the other with his secret. He didn’t want his brothers to know after all.]
I... [Ichigo pauses again before deciding to go with his gut feeling and trust in Tsurumaru. Tsurumaru is the one he knows the longest after all and despite his tendency to be frivolous, Ichigo does feel that he can be relied on in times of need.] I haven’t been sleeping much for the last few days... Each time I close my eyes, I feel and see flames all around me and things crumbling away into nothing... I...
( He slows down his walk as he waits and listens. He isn't going to pry more than he needs to. It's up to Ichigo to decide if he wants to open up or not and... there it is. )
That won't do at all.
( There are two kinds of people in the world. Those who have suffered and want others to suffer too. And then there are those who have suffered and don't want any others to suffer. Tsurumaru is firmly the latter. He has nightmares of his own and because of that, he only wants others to have sweet dreams. Ichigo is no exception. He's also special, though, but for a different reason.
He hums a little to himself and picks up his pace, taking Ichigo inside the citadel, away from the garden, and into darker halls towards the kitchen. When they arrive, he makes sure the doors are closed so the kitchen light won't wake anyone and he lets Ichigo go to dig through the cabinets and pantries, )
Cold sake, then. ( To cool the flames. And a plate of senbei and other crackers. Perhaps a little bit of konpeito, too, to make things a little sweeter. ) Let's go to the tatami room.
( The empty one nearby. They can grab some cushions and some blankets and relax over their drinks. He'll carry everything and set the table for them. )
If you see flames when your eyes are closed, I'll just have to keep them on me.
[Ichigo feels a little awkward just standing there as Tsurumaru digs round for the food and drinks then sets the table. He’s the one who takes care of everything and one after all. He isn’t used to being served, or was he?
He spots the cushions and is about to help get some when all of a sudden, he faintly recalls having servants, spirits of various household objects, helping him get dressed in the morning. He even remembers glimpsing long sky blue hair reflected in a mirror as one of the servants brush his hair...
Ichigo, in the present, reaches up to touch his short hair and can almost feel it being long, but as usual these recollections of his lost past vanish as quickly as they appear.
He is roused from his reverie by Tsurumaru’s voice and looks over, just in time to catch what Tsuru says about having to keep his eyes on him instead. A light flush immediately rose to his cheeks.]
( He watches as Ichigo's hand reaches to touch his hair and wonders what is on his mind. Tsurumaru didn't know him back then so he doesn't know about how different he may have looked before. Hm.
Well, he doesn't let his own expression change too much, keeping as cool and collected as ever. It is, after all, how he's known for being. Even when in battle, he can stay cool and reliable.
He smiled, )
I'm certainly a better sight than those dreams. ( He knows he's beautiful. ) Don't you think?
[Ichigo shyly adverts his eyes from Tsurumaru as he quickly goes to gather up the cushions and sets them down for them.]
Y-yes, that's true. You are very beautiful.
[But now he is much too embarrassed to actually look at Tsurumaru... He kneels down neatly across the table from Tsurumaru and takes a sip of sake then just keeps looking down at his cup for now.]
He's been called beautiful before. He's been called beautiful so often, he's more than aware that it's true. But to hear it from Ichigo is... nicer than he expected. It's almost surprising.
Compared to Ichigo, Tsurumaru is much more relaxed. He places his elbow on the table and rests the side of his face on his hand, watching him. Ah, he's embarrassed him. Maybe he should give it a bit of a rest? It's no fun if the situation becomes too uncomfortable. )
[This is such an interesting sake cup. Ichigo looks into it for a while longer before glancing over at Tsurumaru.]
When? Well... three or four days ago?Though I have been able to take little naps in between. [Then he laughs sheepishly.] I almost fell asleep against one of the horses today while I was brushing it.
( It wouldn't do to be tired on the battlefield. He wouldn't be alert and if you can't pay attention, who knows what you might miss out there. It could mean life or death. )
( He'll pour a little more sake into Ichigo's cup and then help himself to some, )
Of course. ( He might be cool, even to the point of being distant at times, but Tsurumaru has always had a soft spot for children, ) Then let's drink away some of our worries tonight, Ichigo Hitofuri.
( And when it's time to sleep, Tsurumaru will make sure to tuck him in. )
But you know... I think they would be relieved to know what was troubling you.
[Ichigo nods at that and takes again sip.] Thank you, Tsurumaru-dono. [Then he gave a little, almost lighthearted, chuckle.] It won’t take too long as I actually don’t have a high tolerance for alcohol. [Which was one of the reasons he rarely drank, the other being that he didn’t want to set a bad example for his brothers.]
[He might also appreciate a little cuddle perhaps~ :3c]
[He shook his head.] I want them to be as carefree as possible and to just be children. Having to go into battle is already stressful enough for them. [And extremely stressful for Ichigo as he worries each time one of his brothers has to go into battle without him...]
[Drunk Ichigo is certainly interesting, much less restrained and rather playful~ ♥
Ichigo looks up at that. He is about to argue that he isn't desperate... but then the more he thinks about it, the more he realizes it to be true. He lowers his cup.
The next question catches him off guard though. He blinks several times then frowns slightly as he thinks about it.]
Eh? How long... well, I suppose... over three hundred years? Why?
( But then what if he regrets it the next day... Tsurumaru isn't going to take advantage of that. It takes a lot for him to warm up to others completely and it takes even more for him to really admit it. )
That's right.
( It's been over three hundred years. )
Wouldn't you say we've learned a lot about each other in all that time? ( He's leading up to his point. It's slow and cautious. He's watching Ichigo's every reaction to make sure his moves are right. Like a crane dancing, everything must be perfect to get what he wants. ) Like the meaning of my name?
[He watches the hand curiously, still not completely sure what Tsuru is getting at. Is he saying he’s a loyal friend? Well, Ichigo is grateful to have him around even if he can be a handful at times, and his brothers all seem to like playing with- Mm? What’s this about one love in a lifetime and why is Tsuru saying his name like-OH! Oh... He drops his cup and his face turns strawberry red!]
T-that certainly is i-interesting.... [How is he supposed to respond to that? He doesn’t have any experience with these things, does he? He can’t remember! And Tsuru is being roundabout about it, should he respond in kind? Is that the proper response? Damn you, amnesia!] ... it c-certainly goes well with-with my name...
[Ichigo reaches up to cover his face with his hands. His heart is beating so so fast. He tries his best to calm down. He can do this. He’s always so in control and commanding on the battlefield, surely he can regain some composure?]
I can’t help it... just your presence makes my heart beat faster and sometimes I can’t even think clearly... You always make me feel so... flustered.
[He’s also actually spilt sake all over himself when he dropped his cup but he’s too distracted to notice that right now.]
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cawaii
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He should probably step back, but it would be rude to push Tsurumaru away, wouldn't it? And... it actually felt kind of nice to be held like that. It even felt familiar somehow, as if someone used to hold him like that.]
No, I haven't... I just... [A light dusting of pink coloured his cheeks when Tsuru started laughing.] I wasn't trying to take care of everyone... [And he tried his best to resist burying his head in shame again Tsurumaru as that would be highly inappropriate, even if he really wanted to.]
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What's with the expression? ( It's not quite surprise but, well, he'll take it. Well, if they're going to be close like this, he doesn't mind having a little bit of fun, ) Let me take care of you.
( And he let Ichigo go, offering up his arm for him to take, )
Do you want something to eat?
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[Ichigo is left standing there in slight confusion when Tsuru lets go as he tries to figure out what Tsuru meant by that. There were so many ways to interpret ‘Let me take care of you’ but when you say that to someone while holding them close like that, it probably means.... but then Tsuru mentions eating and Ichigo turns a slightly brighter shade of pink as he thinks he’d completely misunderstood Tsuru’s offer to take care of him. Yes, Tsuru must have just meant getting something to eat and not... Ahhh! This is so very embarrassing!]
Ah. Yes, I’d like that. [Ichigo then hesitates for a second to compose himself before taking Tsuru’s arm.] Thank you.
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( The kind of look he likes! Surprises are important in life and it's good for Ichigo to experience them.
It's not that Ichigo misunderstood. Tsurumaru is just a spirit prone to flightiness, especially when he gets close to people. He's used to being moved around and never getting to stay with anywhere he really likes. Even if it's someone he really likes. But Ichigo is special. The Imperial Collection was the longest Tsurumaru had ever stayed in one place and he'd known Ichigo for most of that time. It's why he knew about the nightmares and could tell how flustered Ichigo was right now.
With him on his arm, he pat Ichigo's hand with his free one and began to walk towards the kitchen. Yes, they're just getting snacks and drinks, )
Hm? Haha! Don't worry, don't worry. ( There's nothing to thank him for. And since they were close, he quietly adds, ) We all have dreams.
( Even bad ones. )
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Tsurumaru is special to Ichigo as well since he was the first spirit he saw when he finally awoke at the Imperial Collection from his deep slumber after being reforged. Tsurumaru was there to welcome him and was there when Ichigo first struggled to come to terms with his amnesia.]
... that's true. But...
[Surely not everyone dreams of being burnt alive though.]
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But~?
( He's listening. )
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I... [Ichigo pauses again before deciding to go with his gut feeling and trust in Tsurumaru. Tsurumaru is the one he knows the longest after all and despite his tendency to be frivolous, Ichigo does feel that he can be relied on in times of need.] I haven’t been sleeping much for the last few days... Each time I close my eyes, I feel and see flames all around me and things crumbling away into nothing... I...
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That won't do at all.
( There are two kinds of people in the world. Those who have suffered and want others to suffer too. And then there are those who have suffered and don't want any others to suffer. Tsurumaru is firmly the latter. He has nightmares of his own and because of that, he only wants others to have sweet dreams. Ichigo is no exception. He's also special, though, but for a different reason.
He hums a little to himself and picks up his pace, taking Ichigo inside the citadel, away from the garden, and into darker halls towards the kitchen. When they arrive, he makes sure the doors are closed so the kitchen light won't wake anyone and he lets Ichigo go to dig through the cabinets and pantries, )
Cold sake, then. ( To cool the flames. And a plate of senbei and other crackers. Perhaps a little bit of konpeito, too, to make things a little sweeter. ) Let's go to the tatami room.
( The empty one nearby. They can grab some cushions and some blankets and relax over their drinks. He'll carry everything and set the table for them. )
If you see flames when your eyes are closed, I'll just have to keep them on me.
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He spots the cushions and is about to help get some when all of a sudden, he faintly recalls having servants, spirits of various household objects, helping him get dressed in the morning. He even remembers glimpsing long sky blue hair reflected in a mirror as one of the servants brush his hair...
Ichigo, in the present, reaches up to touch his short hair and can almost feel it being long, but as usual these recollections of his lost past vanish as quickly as they appear.
He is roused from his reverie by Tsurumaru’s voice and looks over, just in time to catch what Tsuru says about having to keep his eyes on him instead. A light flush immediately rose to his cheeks.]
K-keep them on you?
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Well, he doesn't let his own expression change too much, keeping as cool and collected as ever. It is, after all, how he's known for being. Even when in battle, he can stay cool and reliable.
He smiled, )
I'm certainly a better sight than those dreams. ( He knows he's beautiful. ) Don't you think?
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Y-yes, that's true. You are very beautiful.
[But now he is much too embarrassed to actually look at Tsurumaru... He kneels down neatly across the table from Tsurumaru and takes a sip of sake then just keeps looking down at his cup for now.]
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He's been called beautiful before. He's been called beautiful so often, he's more than aware that it's true. But to hear it from Ichigo is... nicer than he expected. It's almost surprising.
Compared to Ichigo, Tsurumaru is much more relaxed. He places his elbow on the table and rests the side of his face on his hand, watching him. Ah, he's embarrassed him. Maybe he should give it a bit of a rest? It's no fun if the situation becomes too uncomfortable. )
... When did you last sleep well?
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When? Well... three or four days ago?Though I have been able to take little naps in between. [Then he laughs sheepishly.] I almost fell asleep against one of the horses today while I was brushing it.
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( It wouldn't do to be tired on the battlefield. He wouldn't be alert and if you can't pay attention, who knows what you might miss out there. It could mean life or death. )
And you've kept it from your brothers?
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Yes. I didn’t want them to worry. There’s no need to burden them with this. They are only children after all.
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Of course. ( He might be cool, even to the point of being distant at times, but Tsurumaru has always had a soft spot for children, ) Then let's drink away some of our worries tonight, Ichigo Hitofuri.
( And when it's time to sleep, Tsurumaru will make sure to tuck him in. )
But you know... I think they would be relieved to know what was troubling you.
( Some of them might even relate. )
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[He might also appreciate a little cuddle perhaps~ :3c]
[He shook his head.] I want them to be as carefree as possible and to just be children. Having to go into battle is already stressful enough for them. [And extremely stressful for Ichigo as he worries each time one of his brothers has to go into battle without him...]
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You shouldn't drink when you're desperate.
( At least, not drink too much. He reached out to take Ichigo's cup, placing his hand over it and lowering it, )
How long have we known each other?
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Ichigo looks up at that. He is about to argue that he isn't desperate... but then the more he thinks about it, the more he realizes it to be true. He lowers his cup.
The next question catches him off guard though. He blinks several times then frowns slightly as he thinks about it.]
Eh? How long... well, I suppose... over three hundred years? Why?
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That's right.
( It's been over three hundred years. )
Wouldn't you say we've learned a lot about each other in all that time? ( He's leading up to his point. It's slow and cautious. He's watching Ichigo's every reaction to make sure his moves are right. Like a crane dancing, everything must be perfect to get what he wants. ) Like the meaning of my name?
( He is, after all, a crane. )
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Ichigo isn’t sure where this is going but the change of topic is steering his mind away from his dreams which is a good thing.]
I suppose so. Well, it means crane, doesn’t it? [He looks over at Tsurumaru with interest, wondering what he’s getting at.]
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( His hand is reached out across the table towards Ichigo, his palm facing up, )
They say the crane can have only one love in a lifetime. Isn't it interesting? I chi go Hi to fu ri?
( He makes sure to say Ichigo's name slowly, emphasizing each part carefully. )
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[He watches the hand curiously, still not completely sure what Tsuru is getting at. Is he saying he’s a loyal friend? Well, Ichigo is grateful to have him around even if he can be a handful at times, and his brothers all seem to like playing with- Mm? What’s this about one love in a lifetime and why is Tsuru saying his name like-OH! Oh... He drops his cup and his face turns strawberry red!]
T-that certainly is i-interesting.... [How is he supposed to respond to that? He doesn’t have any experience with these things, does he? He can’t remember! And Tsuru is being roundabout about it, should he respond in kind? Is that the proper response? Damn you, amnesia!] ... it c-certainly goes well with-with my name...
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( And he thinks they'd go well together, too. )
My, that's quite the expression.
( He looks so embarrassed! Maybe he should back off some? )
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I can’t help it... just your presence makes my heart beat faster and sometimes I can’t even think clearly... You always make me feel so... flustered.
[He’s also actually spilt sake all over himself when he dropped his cup but he’s too distracted to notice that right now.]
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