minutemen | 6 ❀ Summer Citadel

6 ❀ Summer Citadel

Beach. Everyone has been working so hard lately so why not take a break and enjoy the beach? You can make sand castles, play in the water, and there are even umbrellas for those who'd rather just relax in the shade. There's a nice row of water melons ready to be smashed later in the day and when the sun goes down, that's when the sparklers come out.
Suffering. It's the hottest time of the year and the citadel doesn't have central air conditioning. The few air conditions that were installed have given up on life after being used so much and now, we really have to make do with what we can while the Konnosuke try to fix it. There's a limited number of fans, plenty of ice cream to go around, and the citadel should be built to circulate air, right? ... Right?!
Spooks. In Japan, summer is a time for horror. Gather around the camp fire and hear some spooky ghost stories or maybe head out into the woods just outside the citadel for a good ol' fashioned test of courage. It's all good, harmless fun! Of course, with so many spirits gathered in one place, what's to say a stray or curious outsider spirit won't join the mix...
Rain. Summer is also known for sudden and torrential downpours of rain. The clouds always seem to grown and darken suddenly and the next thing you know, it's raining sheets and the ground is shaking from thunder. Once it starts, it never seems to stop. Maybe you were caught out in the rain or maybe this is day 7 stuck inside.
Other! It's summer and there are tons of things to do. Go to the general store and stock up on ice cream, wake up in the middle of the night uncomfortable with heat, or run around screaming because cicadas are dying and flying at your face.

[There's a slight hesitation on Ichigo's part as he's not sure if he'll be able to keep his feelings in check if they touched... But he does reach out to help him up in the end.]

That sounds like a good idea. They are over- [Then he sneezes. He is soaked to the bone and feeling rather cold. It probably doesn't help that he's not fully recovered from his last sortie. He'd gone with some of his brothers and of course he'd shielded them from harm....]

[ ichigo nooo

On second though, as Mitsutada gets pulled up to his feet, he gives him a concerned glance. Giving his hand a light squeeze he starts tugging him back inside instead. ]

On second thought, you need to get changed.

[Sorry, Mitsutada... He can be rather reckless when it concerns those he loves... :\ (and you've been ended to that list)

Ichigo is surprised by the change of plan but allows himself to be tugged. That doesn't stop him from protesting a bit though for he doesn't see anything wrong with his condition.]

But I'm fine, Mitsutada-dono...

You say that now, but then in a few days, maybe even over night, you'll have a terrible fever and won't be able to get out of bed. Not on my watch.

[ His hand tightens a little around Ichigo's own as he continues tugging him along. He'll worry about grabbing the laundry later, or even changing his own clothes later. Ichigo was already sneezing and Mitsutada just wanted to get him somewhere warm. ]

But... [He sneezes again and stops arguing, and lets Mitsutada take care of him.]

[ It takes a minute or so for him to remember where exactly Ichigo and his little brother's roomed, but when he did, he wastes no time in dragging him off there, opening the door quickly he turned to Ichigo again. ]

We need to get you out of those clothes pronto.

[Ichigo nods. As Ichigo runs a tight ship, the large room is surprisingly clean and orderly for such a large family of small children. He points to the row of wardrobes in one corner of the room where the doors are all clearly named.]

Could you help me fetch my clothes, please?

[And it seems like Mitsutada is right for he is starting to not feel so well. He'll just sit down for a moment right here on the floor...]

Yes of course...

[ As strict as he was trying to sound, he was so easily pulled out of his act when he saw how tired the other sword looked. His voice was softer now as he gives ichigo's shoulder a light squeeze before moving towards the wardrobes. ]

Just, relax and take a seat...

[ As if he wasn't already taking a seat... ]

Okay...

[His head feels so heavy all of a sudden and he feels all warm and floaty. He's just going to lie down on the floor for a moment...]

[ Ichigo.... He frowns thoughtfully and gently sets the new set of clothes down beside him before quickly rushing off. He wasn't gone for more than a couple minutes before he comes rushing back in with a couple towels to help before he is down on the floor besides him. ]

I really should have realized sooner...

[ Reaching out, he gently pushes some of his bangs to the side. ]

Ichigo... can you sit back up for me? It's okay if it's too much effort.

[It's partly Ichigo's own fault. He was supposed to rest in bed for at least one more day, but he felt absolutely fine this morning so...

He nods, tries sitting up and just barely manages to do so. He's now going to lean against Mitsutada for support.]

[ He tries to ignore the beating in his own chest when he feels Ichigo leaning in so closely to him. Masamune give him strength... ]

I'm going to help you get undressed so we can put you in drier clothes. Alright?

[ His voice was soft, almost as if he were afraid if he was too loud it'd surprise Ichigo too much. He didn't wait for a confirmation and slowly starts to peel back Ichigo's clothing. }

[Ichigo mumbles something inaudible in response and buries his feverish face against Mitsutada's chest.

If he were more aware of what was happening, he would probably have stopped him as he didn't anyone outside his family to see the burn scars on his back and upper arms. There are also some fresher and healing wounds on his back from when he shielded his brothers a while back.]

You really do... your best to stay strong for everyone, don't you...

[ He smiled a little, not quite sad, it was more like a wave of concern. He couldn't really scold him for that though, because he found that he often did the same thing. But the dategumi bunch were pretty stubborn, and they could tell when Mitsutada was doing far too much. Was that the same with Ichigo's brothers, or did he try to bare this all alone?

slipping off his top couple layers, he sets them to the side and grabs for the towels be brought it, grabbing one from the pile to gently dab at his chest and then slowly drying off his back. He noticed the scars and the markings on his skin and frowned thoughtfully. ]

We have more in common than I previously thought...

[Ichigo is vaguely aware of Mitsutada’s presence but he’s too tired and weak to focus on what is happening.

He does try to bear everything on his own for he believes that his brothers are too young to be burdened with his troubles. He wants them to be happy and just be children. He can’t stop them from having to go into battle but he can try to make their lives as carefree as possible. His brothers are also one of the few things he can remember and he will protect them at any cost. He will be the perfect big brother to them. He will smile for them so that they needn’t worry.

And over time, he has learnt to hide his fears and unease behind a smile. His two greatest fears being having everything he holds dear taken away from him in a flash again and waking up one day with no memory of anything or anyone again. His reawakening at the Imperial Collection had been a terrible time for him at first as he struggled with his amnesia, and it had taken him a long time to remember the few fragments of his past that he now clung to. And then there are those nightmares of that fateful fire...]

For now... I'll help be your strength... so lean on me as much as you want.

[ He murmured softly, letting his forehead rest against the top of Ichigo's for a moment. Ichigo does his best to be the best and not worry anyone, but that could be tiring after a while and without someone watching after him... he might just get sick like this all over again. Mitsutada couldn't let that happen, not for an old companion and a new friend...

After he dries up his upper half he awkwardly slips a simple t-shirt on him. Nothing complicated for him to wear would be best right now. It's when his gaze traveled downward that he realized what was left to change and his face began to heat up once more. Masamune give him strength..!!! ]

What would make this easiest.... perhaps if we laid you back down...

[ But he seemed so comfortable. ]

[Ichigo makes a soft humming sound that may have been a response to what Mitsutada said or maybe it is just a random sound he makes as he drifts off to sleep while leaning against the other sword, feeling safe and comfortable.

He reaches out to lightly grip Mitsutada’s clothes as he whispers to someone in his dream.]

... don’t leave me....

[ He jumped a little out of his thoughts when he felt that hand of his grip his clothes. He's sure he must be dreaming about some of the others who were important to him, but... that didn't mean he didn't want to comfort him all the same. ]

Shh... it's alright. I haven't left...

[ His forehead nuzzling into the side of Ichigo's, softly, affectionately. ]

Just let me finish drying you off, okay?

[Ichigo seems to have heard and he quiets down for a bit before nuzzling back against Mitsutada’s forehead, whispering...]

... I love you, Mi...

[But then his voice trails off...]

[ ...!

He swears Ichigo is going to give him a heartattack at this rate. Logically he was sure that... wasn't meant toward him, but that didn't stop his heart from skipping a beat. Why did Ichigo have to be so cute?

How was he supposed to focus now? He'd just have to act fast... and then Ichigo wouldn't even notice... Maybe. ]

[And Ichigo will probably have no recollection of saying that or who it was meant for when he wakes up. What a coincidence that two of his love interests have names starting with ‘Mi’!

Ichigo starts fidgeting a bit in his sleep, his dream rapidly becoming less peaceful as it darkens into a nightmare.]

[ Even when he isn't a flirt anymore, he's still a flirt in a new way... ]

Ichigo...?

[ He noticed the fidgeting and the way his face looked a little scrunched up. Frowning softly to himself he shifts a little, not to get away from him, but to essentially tug Ichigo closer to him. He used his gentle touches to pull him into his lap, and his arms move to wrap around him for a little more security. ]

[Being a flirt must be in his nature after all then and it's just matured into a subtler type of flirting that he isn't even aware he's doing... Perhaps the most dangerous type of flirting!

(Also being big flirts is apparently a requirement for being a Toyotomi spousal sword. Mun is so not stalking other threads! Ichigo apologizes for how his husband has no qualms about just stripping in front of just about anyone... These two will probably be the death of Mitsutada??)

Ichigo is able to feel the way he's gently and protectively embraced and it succeeds in chasing away his bad dreams. He quiets down and after a long while his eyes open a peek. He glances up at Mitsutada with no recognition at first. It takes him a second or two to remember and he reaches up to lightly touch the other tachi's cheek as if making sure he's real...]

... Mitsu... tada... where am I?

[ (These flirtatious swords are going to be the death of him he swears...)

With the quiet sounds of the rain in the backround, and his arms wrapped securely around Ichigo, it seemed like Mitsutada ended up dozing off a little with his forehead nuzzled into his hair. It wasn't until he heard his name that his eye blinked a few times and he was pulled out if it. ]

Ichigo...? Are you awake now?

[Ichigo nods, his hand sliding down from Mitsutada's cheek to rest lightly against his chest.]

... yes, I feel better now...

[He is still tired but at least his fever has broken. He doesn't feel like moving though for Mitsutada made a comfortable bed and made him feel safe, so he just sighs softly and cuddles a little closer.]

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