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.
[At this very moment, yes, he can say that confidently. When he's not plagued by thought sof battles, by heavy memories, by the simple weight of his age and everything he has seen, then yes, he is happy.
Happier now that Ichigo is once again by his side.]
[And his cheeks are lightly tainted pink again at the thought of that poem.]
Well... it’s not that it’s not to my taste... I was just surprised by it....
[And he finds that he’s kind of okay with it now that he knows part of the reason behind why Mikazuki writes these poems. Now he thinks the poems are rather sweet even if they are extremely embarrassing. (Don’t ever let him know that Mikazuki has been showing everyone these types of poems!)
He’s just going to sit next to him again, leaning against him, feeling quite happy.]
I’ll love for you to write me another one, but just write anything that comes to you. You don’t have to change. [For he loves you just as you are.]
[His mind isn’t as dirty as yours! He deals with young children every day after all. Give me a moment to tune into your very lewd mind.]
The shape...? [His blush turns a shade brighter.] Ah... I see...
[Then he looks away for a bit to recollect himself. Mikazaki was ruining so many words for him... but, he is still determined to become used to all this... eventually. But maybe it’s time for a break!]
Are you able to write something that... is perhaps less... suggestive? Say if I wanted to show one to my brothers.
[Cue the look of abject horror on Ichigo’s face! What have you done, Mikazuki? How many people have you traumatised? How many people is he going to have to go apologise to on your behalf? (Because he’s such a responsible person that he feels absolutely compelled to do so!) Why is this his life now?? (You chose it, Ichigo...)]
... for f-fun...? Who-Who exactly have you written these to? [At least, they aren’t as explicit as these ones, right? Right? Since you said the ‘serious ones’ are for him. Also, please, please tell him you’re joking...]
[He’s just going to cover his face with his hands in slight despair!]
... that many? [A pause.] Are you absolutely sure they knew you were just joking though?
[If not, he might feel... quite jealous and he doesn’t want to feel that... He also wants assurance that he is the one Mikazuki loves most, yet he doesn’t want to appear needy. Instead, he looks over at him with the saddest puppy dog eyes. Please comfort him.]
[Now he feels guilty for even harbouring such a thought.]
N-No! Of course, I don’t think... I’m sorry. It’s just that, the thought of you writing these to someone else makes me feel... makes me feel... jealous...
[There he’s admitted it and he’s not proud of it.]
[he is going to pat Ichigo's head, though, because he can understand. And it's not like he has remained completely celibate himself in the years they were separated.]
There was a time when I thought... I probably would never see you again.
[What with Ichigo being in the Imperial collection and he himself with the Tokugawa, and then Tokyo National Museum. That plus the amnesia meant that he had thought it bestnot to pine for what woudl not ever come back.]
[He knows he is being silly, but he can’t help it... The headpat is nice and he leans into for a bit, before he just needs to hug Mikazuki. He clings tightly to him, burying his face in his chest.]
[Having Ichigo cling to him like this, the last thing he wants is to hurt him, but... he also doesn't plan on lying to him. He wasn't celibate entirely in the hundred of years they were apart.]
The truth is, there hasn't been anyone for a a long time. At the end of my time with the Tokugawa, I was mostly in storage, and likewise at the museum.
[He's such a precious blade, he rarely got to see the light of day. Most of his days there were spent alone in the dark.]
[Ichigo keeps his face buried against Mikazuki’s chest. Is it better to know or not to know? He really doesn’t know... And as much as it hurts him to know that there might be someone else out there that Mikazuki had... A part of him knows he can’t really blame him. And what will he do with that knowledge anyway? Will he try to seek out that person? What will he do after that...? No, he doesn’t want to become someone consumed by jealousy and vengeance. That’s not who he is. He is silent for a long while.]
.... no... no, I don’t want to know. Let’s just forget all that.
[He looks up at that, his eyes slightly teary.]
... in storage and at a museum? You had no company? No friends?
[Mikazuki shakes his head with a small smile when he sees that look.]
Now what are you getting all sad about again?
There were a few others around at times, but most of the time I was on my own. You know I hadn't been used in battle for a very long time until I made it here. Humans apparently found me too valuable to just leave me exposed to anyone who could see me, so they kept me locked up.
I do not feel sorry for myself, so there is no reason why you should. It was a little lonely... but it was nothing I wasn't used to.
... still I don't like the thought of you being all alone...
[He reaches out to lightly stroke Mikazuki's cheek.
He can't help thinking of how despite the great misfortune that had befallen him, he was fortunate in the fact that he had been in a deep sleep when he himself was locked away. He doesn't even want to imagine what it might have been like if he'd awoken with amnesia while in isolation. He'd probably have been driven insane. At least, there were others there to help him and accompany him when he could barely remember his own name. He still remembers waking up to a certain crane peering down at him curiously when he first regained consciousness... It was such a beautiful face to wake up to... No, his beauty does not compare to Mikazuki at all! And his love for Mikazuki is much much greater!
But... they do feel somewhat similar now that he thought about it. ... they weren't from the same family... At least, he didn't think so. Perhaps it was because they were from the same era? ... they know other though, don't they? At least it seems so from the way they interact. (He wasn't stalking, Mikazuki, okay? He was just watching him from afar because he happened to spot him.)]
Mikazuki, are you familiar with Tsurumaru-dono...?
Tsurumaru? Of course. I've known him since he was born. His swordsmith was a student of my own, and they say that he refined Munechika's techniques to make Tsurumaru.
[So basically, Tsurumaru is like, his bratty little nephew, or something.]
... since he was born? Oh, so the two of you really are related... You’re kind of like his uncle then?
[He trails off a bit, considering all that information, as he shifts his position a bit so that he can lean against Mikazuki because he loves doing that now and is becoming much less shy about it.]
Well, I haven’t seen him much recently so I don’t know but knowing him he’s probably causing someone a headache somewhere.
[He hasn’t even thought about him much lately actually... Sorry, Tsurumaru...]
I was just curious because it just occurred to me that you both... feel very similar.... at least to me... Has he ever told you about the time he was at the Imperial Collection?
I am not really sure what you could call us in human terms, but yes, we are related in a way, even though his smith was Gojou Kuninaga and not of the Sanjou school specifically.
[But at Ichigo's other question, he shakes his head.]
When we are together, we often reminisce about the old times.
[aka, Tsurumaru transforms into the bratty baby crane he used to be.]
Some times he extols on his time in the Date Clan.
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[At this very moment, yes, he can say that confidently. When he's not plagued by thought sof battles, by heavy memories, by the simple weight of his age and everything he has seen, then yes, he is happy.
Happier now that Ichigo is once again by his side.]
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I am too.
[And he leans over to kiss him.]
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Are you sure you don't want me to write you another one, then? Since that one is apparently not to your taste.
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Well... it’s not that it’s not to my taste... I was just surprised by it....
[And he finds that he’s kind of okay with it now that he knows part of the reason behind why Mikazuki writes these poems. Now he thinks the poems are rather sweet even if they are extremely embarrassing. (Don’t ever let him know that Mikazuki has been showing everyone these types of poems!)
He’s just going to sit next to him again, leaning against him, feeling quite happy.]
I’ll love for you to write me another one, but just write anything that comes to you. You don’t have to change. [For he loves you just as you are.]
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After what you have just witnessed, Ichigo, why would you believe this is in any way a safe thing to ask?
But fine, suit yourself... and buckle down for more blushing.]
For you, my love,
At Ukinu Pond
Picking water chestnuts,
These sleeves I’ve dyed
Have become completely drenched!
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He picks up the poem and finds he’s not quite as flustered about it as the first one he’d read, though he is still blushing quite a bit.
He understands the sleeves and being drenched but... so he looks over at Mikazuki and quite innocently asks...]
... what do the water chestnuts represent?
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[Come on, Ichigo, it's not nearly as fun if he has to spell it out. You're a smart one, you can figure it out.]
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The shape...? [His blush turns a shade brighter.] Ah... I see...
[Then he looks away for a bit to recollect himself. Mikazaki was ruining so many words for him... but, he is still determined to become used to all this... eventually. But maybe it’s time for a break!]
Are you able to write something that... is perhaps less... suggestive? Say if I wanted to show one to my brothers.
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[And so, when you are the 'someone particular', he writes lewds. Deal with it, Ichigo.]
Hmmmm, let's see....
[He's going to think for a moment, because in spite of the way he acts, he is actually a bit more than a dirty old man.]
In Yoshino
By the mountains, the flowering
Cherry blossoms:
Simply for snow
I did mistake them!
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[He feels strangely flattered by that...? But he’d also like something he can actually frame or show off to other people!
Now that’s a lovely poem he can show other people. He picks it up happily.]
I think I’ll frame this one. I’ll keep the other ones too but those I’ll have to lock up to keep away from my brothers...
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[Because your husband is a troll, Ichigo.]
But the serious ones, yes.
You can keep them here for now, if you'd like.
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... for f-fun...? Who-Who exactly have you written these to? [At least, they aren’t as explicit as these ones, right? Right? Since you said the ‘serious ones’ are for him. Also, please, please tell him you’re joking...]
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[Sorry Ichigo, were you operating under the illusion that he did this only here at the Citadel? Unfortunately not.]
It's just a bit of fun that was taking in kind by the recipients.
[Once they understood he was trolling of course.]
There is no need to get worked up about it.
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... that many? [A pause.] Are you absolutely sure they knew you were just joking though?
[If not, he might feel... quite jealous and he doesn’t want to feel that... He also wants assurance that he is the one Mikazuki loves most, yet he doesn’t want to appear needy. Instead, he looks over at him with the saddest puppy dog eyes. Please comfort him.]
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[It's one thing to lightly joke around, and another to be needlessly cruel. And while he will troll and joke, he will never be cruel.]
Come now, do not look at me like that.
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N-No! Of course, I don’t think... I’m sorry. It’s just that, the thought of you writing these to someone else makes me feel... makes me feel... jealous...
[There he’s admitted it and he’s not proud of it.]
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[he is going to pat Ichigo's head, though, because he can understand. And it's not like he has remained completely celibate himself in the years they were separated.]
There was a time when I thought... I probably would never see you again.
[What with Ichigo being in the Imperial collection and he himself with the Tokugawa, and then Tokyo National Museum. That plus the amnesia meant that he had thought it bestnot to pine for what woudl not ever come back.]
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... because I want you to belong only to me.
[He kind of dreads what he might hear, but...]
Was there someone else...?
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[Having Ichigo cling to him like this, the last thing he wants is to hurt him, but... he also doesn't plan on lying to him. He wasn't celibate entirely in the hundred of years they were apart.]
The truth is, there hasn't been anyone for a a long time. At the end of my time with the Tokugawa, I was mostly in storage, and likewise at the museum.
[He's such a precious blade, he rarely got to see the light of day. Most of his days there were spent alone in the dark.]
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.... no... no, I don’t want to know. Let’s just forget all that.
[He looks up at that, his eyes slightly teary.]
... in storage and at a museum? You had no company? No friends?
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Now what are you getting all sad about again?
There were a few others around at times, but most of the time I was on my own. You know I hadn't been used in battle for a very long time until I made it here. Humans apparently found me too valuable to just leave me exposed to anyone who could see me, so they kept me locked up.
I do not feel sorry for myself, so there is no reason why you should. It was a little lonely... but it was nothing I wasn't used to.
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[He reaches out to lightly stroke Mikazuki's cheek.
He can't help thinking of how despite the great misfortune that had befallen him, he was fortunate in the fact that he had been in a deep sleep when he himself was locked away. He doesn't even want to imagine what it might have been like if he'd awoken with amnesia while in isolation. He'd probably have been driven insane. At least, there were others there to help him and accompany him when he could barely remember his own name. He still remembers waking up to a certain crane peering down at him curiously when he first regained consciousness... It was such a beautiful face to wake up to... No, his beauty does not compare to Mikazuki at all! And his love for Mikazuki is much much greater!
But... they do feel somewhat similar now that he thought about it. ... they weren't from the same family... At least, he didn't think so. Perhaps it was because they were from the same era? ... they know other though, don't they? At least it seems so from the way they interact. (He wasn't stalking, Mikazuki, okay? He was just watching him from afar because he happened to spot him.)]
Mikazuki, are you familiar with Tsurumaru-dono...?
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[So basically, Tsurumaru is like, his bratty little nephew, or something.]
Why do you ask? Has be been misbehaving again?
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[He trails off a bit, considering all that information, as he shifts his position a bit so that he can lean against Mikazuki because he loves doing that now and is becoming much less shy about it.]
Well, I haven’t seen him much recently so I don’t know but knowing him he’s probably causing someone a headache somewhere.
[He hasn’t even thought about him much lately actually... Sorry, Tsurumaru...]
I was just curious because it just occurred to me that you both... feel very similar.... at least to me... Has he ever told you about the time he was at the Imperial Collection?
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[But at Ichigo's other question, he shakes his head.]
When we are together, we often reminisce about the old times.
[aka, Tsurumaru transforms into the bratty baby crane he used to be.]
Some times he extols on his time in the Date Clan.
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