6 ❀ Summer Citadel

[konnosuke]

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.

 

Comments

[candlestickslayer]

That's the difficult part.

[ He let out a soft laugh. He was enjoying being able to hold Ichigo like this, but even he knew that wasn't going to last very long. He shouldn't keep clinging to him and making him uncomfortable like this, so finally his arms unwrap themselves from him. ]

Alright... lets get some food in you.

[oncealifetime]

[He glances up a little sadly at that, and places a hand against Mitsutada’s cheek. Hearing that weakens his resolve a bit, but no, he mustn’t give into it.]

... Mitsutada...

[He lets his hand rest there for a moment longer after he is released from Mitsutada’s arms before getting up.]

Yes, let’s go.

[That’s when he notices the clothes on the floor and realises that his top has been changed and he remembers what happened before he passed out. He tenses a bit. He doesn’t really mind that Mitsutada helped him change as he knows he was trying to help... but what he minds the most is that...]

... you saw my back...?

[Those repulsive and hideous scars that he hates so much and that he is sure everyone else will find disgusting...]

[candlestickslayer]

I'm sure it's a side of you you wouldn't wish for me to see, but... I can't lie. I did see it...

[ He reached out for Ichigo, gently moving to grab for his hand as he slowly moved to stand up as well. ]

I didn't see anything wrong though.

[oncealifetime]

[Ichigo holds out his hand for him.]

... really? You don't have to say that just to make me feel better...

[candlestickslayer]

[ He doesn’t let go of his hand right away, but when he heard that he did with a soft smile.]

Scars are just proof of the life we’ve lived aren’t they? Though I suppose I can’t really scold you.

[ With that he tugs his glove off half way to give Ichigo a glimpse of his own burn marks. ]

[oncealifetime]

[Ichigo is shocked to see similar scars on Mitsutada’s hand. He reaches out to gently take hold of his hand then he looks over with great concern.]

Your hand... Is it just this one or are both of them...? Does it affect your movement? Does it hurt?

[candlestickslayer]

It... doesn't really hurt much. But both of them are pretty much a mess like this. I suppose on rainy days my joints feel a little off...? But I mostly cover them up... out of embarrassment.

[oncealifetime]

I see... So it still does hurt a bit... You love working with your hands yet they have been...

[And he bends down to softly kiss the scars on Mitsutada’s exposed hand as if wanting to make it better or to soothe the pain.]

[candlestickslayer]

[ He lets his eye close as he soaks in the soft touches of his lips. Ichigo really doesn't know how to make this easy on his old heart. ]

I wanted to show you... so you knew I would never find that part of you disgusting.

[oncealifetime]

[Ichigo can't help being loving and affectionate, especially to those he cares deeply about. He looks up with a grateful smile, still holding his hand tenderly.]

Thank you, Mitsutada. That means a lot to me.

[candlestickslayer]

[ Why did Ichigo have to be so charming... ]

It was only fair that I showed you, since I saw without your permission.

[oncealifetime]

[All part of his princely nature~

He shakes his head.]

It's okay. I don't mind that you saw it. [Well, he doesn't mind it now.] Before we go get something to eat, I'd like to change my clothes. [Since Mitsutada never got to finish helping him change completely and his pants still felt a little damp...] Would you mind waiting outside?

[candlestickslayer]

O-Oh yes, of course.

[ He clears his throat a little as he slips his glove all the way back on and then begins leaving his room, shutting the door behind him like any man with manners would do.

It was good that he did too, because as soon as he did he had to lightly smack at his cheeks to snap him out of this. ]

[oncealifetime]

[Ichigo emerges a while later after having decided to change into a yukata as it is cooler.]

Thank you for waiting. Let's go then. I'm starving! [He adds with a little laugh then starts heading towards the kitchen.]

[candlestickslayer]

Is there anything in particular you're feeling, or would you like me to surprise you.

[oncealifetime]

I feel like being surprised. [Which is something he never thought he’d say after living with Tsurumaru for so long!

They soon arrive at the kitchen.]

Oh, do you need help? I can’t really cook but... I can wash and cut stuff.

[And he’s already grabbed an apron and is tying it on.]

[candlestickslayer]

[ He covers his mouth with his hand to hide a bit of laughter. Ichigo was just full of surprises, wasn't he...

Well he couldn't say no to that face anyway, so he slipped his own apron on as well. ]

All cooking has to start somewhere.

[oncealifetime]

[Well, a surprise from Mitsutada was bound to be much more pleasant than one from Tsurumaru!

He looks over rather expectantly.]

What are we making then?

[candlestickslayer]

[ Since he wanted to indulge him a little. ]

I was thinking of maybe making you some strawberry mochi.

[oncealifetime]

[Ichigo’s eyes shone with excitement at that!] Really??

[Then he gave a little embarrassed cough.] I mean, I... would really like that.

[candlestickslayer]

[ So cute... He couldn't stop his smiling. ]

Then it seems my idea is to your liking then? I was hoping so.

[oncealifetime]

[He nods, doing his best to keep his excitement in check for now.]

It is! What should I do then? Should I wash some strawberries? Do chop them up afterwards? Or do we use strawberry jam instead?

[But not quite succeeding...?]

[candlestickslayer]

I think actual strawberries will give it more of a fresh taste, so if you wouldn't mind washing some and cutting off the tops of them for me..?

[ It might not have succeeded, but it was charming none the less. ]

[oncealifetime]

Okay. I shouldn't have any problem doing that.

[And off he goes to do all that. He's very focused on his task, like he usually is when he's given any assignment. His movements are precise and graceful.]

[candlestickslayer]

[ Seeing how focused he was, he almost let himself be too distracted to actually start working on the other stuff needed to make these... oops. Ichigo looked so adorable though. ]

With four hands working, it'll go a lot faster.