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.
[The poems ... really are, aren't they. ;A; (And Tonbokiri doesn't know the half of it.)]
[Tonbokiri winces at the unfortunate resourcefulness of the tantou. And he has little room to comment about eating too many sweets... But still.]
That is a lot to worry about. Mm. I hope that he can learn that inappropriate magazines will not honour the ones he pines over so much. And that moderation in sweets is better than overindulgence.
But it does take a long time to have one change their ways, doesn't it.
[He grins, which fades into a smile at the compliment.]
That was very polite for venting, Ichigo-dono. Or, perhaps I'm just used to more inebriated venting sessions. [There's that group of them that hang out at the bar, after all. All sorts of things get said on evenings like that.]
In any case, it is my pleasure to listen to you. I shall lend you my ear any time.
Oh, in many ways your kind of venting is preferable.
I... wouldn't say I 'often' go drinking... But I will go whenever I'm invited. Being in the companionship of Nihongou, you can imagine how often it happens.
If you like, you are more than welcome to join us. There's no regular members in particular, but you can often find us Three Spears, Jiroutachi and Tarotaichi-dono, and Fudou Yukimitsu-dono.
Ah, well, that's very kind of you to invite me, Tonbokiri-dono, but I'm afraid I won't make a very good drinking companion. My tolerance for alcohol is rather low... It does make me quite energetic at first, but only for a short while, then I just fall asleep...
[Only to wake up a couple of hours later completely refreshed when everyone else is dead drunk! (This is apparently his voice actor's true experience and I've stolen it for it's cute and suits Ichigo!)]
It would be completely fine. I'll make sure of it, on my honour. [His confident assurance wanes a sliver as it occurs to him-] Although... I hope you could take some good-natured teasing at first. They'll understand, but you know how those guys are...
It will be. [He has promised, so Ichigo-dono can rest assured in it.]
You have every right to come and enjoy yourself, whether you drink alcohol or not. ... [He grins.] But don't tell the little swords that. It's nice to have a place the adults can enjoy, right?
[Not as if it's a simple issue... Tantou are child-like, but not always young, and young swords can be adult-like. But hopefully Ichigo knows what he means.]
[He bows in return. He shall take good care of you.]
Ah, there are so many of us here now. It will take some time to meet everyone. But I look forward to you meeting my comrades, too.
I think you will get along well with Otegine. He takes very good care of your brothers, so I'm sure you've already heard much about him. [And, he has some things in common with Ichigo as far as past trauma, it seems.]
In the end, I should let you form your own impressions though, shouldn't I.
Otegine-dono? I guess I’ve heard my brothers mention him from time to time, but I’m afraid I don't recall anything specific right now. I shall have to thank him for keeping an eye on my brothers. Well... if there’s anything you think I should be careful of or prepared for, I would appreciate a warning beforehand.
[Oops, he kind of walked into that one, didn't he. He doesn't want to feel like he's calling out all their 'bad' points though, even if Ichigo-dono is asking for a warning...]
Well, they may act overbearing or over-exuberant, but they really are all thoughtful and kind. They will be curious to know all about you, but don't feel that you have to tell more than you are comfortable with. Particularly on the first meeting. Sometimes serious conversations do happen there, but everyone is good about keeping it a light-hearted place to be.
It’s alright. I do need to broaden my social circle and acquaint myself with the others here. That way we’ll be able to work better together.
[And now that he thinks about it, everyone he knows right now tends to handle him with kid gloves, like he’s some extremely fragile object... He does greatly appreciates their concern and he knows they’re afraid of accidentally triggering any of his traumatic memories but still...
Now what would look natural?]
Hmm... maybe I’ll touch my head to smooth out my hair? Would that be odd?
[Then he sighs.]
Or perhaps I should just drink like everyone else? That might make me more comfortable with their questions... You will keep an eye on me if I do fall asleep, won’t you?
[That's the spirit, Ichigo! Although, it's a bit funny to hear this gentlemanly sword have the same idea as the boisterous Mutsunokami in regards to getting to know your comrades.
Tonbokiri shakes his head in concern.]
Of course, I shall look after you. But you should only do what you are comfortable with. [His expression becomes more downcast in his worry.]
If you have just one drink out of camaraderie, I'm sure it would go over well. But it may be better to turn down drinking right from the start, if you are worried about the result.
It... may go even easier if I warn them of your preference beforehand.
I think ... I should be able to handle one small drink. To be honest, it’s been a very long time since I’ve last had a drink, so I’m not sure what my tolerance for it is like now....
[A little laugh.]
But, one small drink should be fine. If I do fall asleep, please take me to... Mikazuki’s room. I don’t want to go back to my brothers smelling like alcohol.
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[Tonbokiri winces at the unfortunate resourcefulness of the tantou.
And he has little room to comment about eating too many sweets... But still.]
That is a lot to worry about. Mm. I hope that he can learn that inappropriate magazines will not honour the ones he pines over so much. And that moderation in sweets is better than overindulgence.
But it does take a long time to have one change their ways, doesn't it.
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Ichigo gives him a tired little smile.]
That is unfortunately true....
[He lets out another little sigh and leans back.]
Thank you for being willing to listen to me vent, Tonbokiri-dono. It’s somehow really easy to talk to you.
[You’re now his confidant! Congratulations!]
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That was very polite for venting, Ichigo-dono. Or, perhaps I'm just used to more inebriated venting sessions. [There's that group of them that hang out at the bar, after all. All sorts of things get said on evenings like that.]
In any case, it is my pleasure to listen to you. I shall lend you my ear any time.
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Oh, in many ways your kind of venting is preferable.
I... wouldn't say I 'often' go drinking... But I will go whenever I'm invited. Being in the companionship of Nihongou, you can imagine how often it happens.
If you like, you are more than welcome to join us. There's no regular members in particular, but you can often find us Three Spears, Jiroutachi and Tarotaichi-dono, and Fudou Yukimitsu-dono.
[Drunkards represent?]
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I'm glad that you think so.
[Then he looks quite embarrassed.]
Ah, well, that's very kind of you to invite me, Tonbokiri-dono, but I'm afraid I won't make a very good drinking companion. My tolerance for alcohol is rather low... It does make me quite energetic at first, but only for a short while, then I just fall asleep...
[Only to wake up a couple of hours later completely refreshed when everyone else is dead drunk! (This is apparently his voice actor's true experience and I've stolen it for it's cute and suits Ichigo!)]
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[Mindful that Ichigo seems to be embarrassed by how alcohol affects him, Tonbokiri tries to reassure him,]
If you don't want to drink, I'll make sure the others don't press you. You can still come and freely enjoy the companionship, if you wish to.
[He just thinks that the different demographic might be a nice change of pace for him.]
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[Well, that would certainly be very different from his usual crowd!]
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Although... I hope you could take some good-natured teasing at first. They'll understand, but you know how those guys are...
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I suppose... as long as you’re there, it should be alright...?
[You’ll have to protect him, Tonbokiri!]
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You have every right to come and enjoy yourself, whether you drink alcohol or not. ... [He grins.] But don't tell the little swords that. It's nice to have a place the adults can enjoy, right?
[Not as if it's a simple issue... Tantou are child-like, but not always young, and young swords can be adult-like. But hopefully Ichigo knows what he means.]
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[He bows, then nods and returns his smile.]
I understand. I won’t tell them.
[But he takes it to mean the tantous as that’s what he automatically thinks of...]
I’ve never really had the chance to interact with your drinking companions before, so I look forward to getting to know them.
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Ah, there are so many of us here now. It will take some time to meet everyone. But I look forward to you meeting my comrades, too.
I think you will get along well with Otegine. He takes very good care of your brothers, so I'm sure you've already heard much about him. [And, he has some things in common with Ichigo as far as past trauma, it seems.]
In the end, I should let you form your own impressions though, shouldn't I.
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[Oops, he kind of walked into that one, didn't he. He doesn't want to feel like he's calling out all their 'bad' points though, even if Ichigo-dono is asking for a warning...]
Well, they may act overbearing or over-exuberant, but they really are all thoughtful and kind. They will be curious to know all about you, but don't feel that you have to tell more than you are comfortable with. Particularly on the first meeting.
Sometimes serious conversations do happen there, but everyone is good about keeping it a light-hearted place to be.
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I see...
[He’s not sure if he can really handle a group like that. He’ll try, but...]
Perhaps, we should come up with some sort of signal so that you could help me if I feel too uncomfortable...?
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I... hope that it will not get to that point, of course. I apologize for giving such an impression.
But a signal is a wise idea. I take your comfort as a serious responsibility.
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[And now that he thinks about it, everyone he knows right now tends to handle him with kid gloves, like he’s some extremely fragile object... He does greatly appreciates their concern and he knows they’re afraid of accidentally triggering any of his traumatic memories but still...
Now what would look natural?]
Hmm... maybe I’ll touch my head to smooth out my hair? Would that be odd?
[Then he sighs.]
Or perhaps I should just drink like everyone else? That might make me more comfortable with their questions... You will keep an eye on me if I do fall asleep, won’t you?
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Tonbokiri shakes his head in concern.]
Of course, I shall look after you. But you should only do what you are comfortable with. [His expression becomes more downcast in his worry.]
If you have just one drink out of camaraderie, I'm sure it would go over well. But it may be better to turn down drinking right from the start, if you are worried about the result.
It... may go even easier if I warn them of your preference beforehand.
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[A little laugh.]
But, one small drink should be fine. If I do fall asleep, please take me to... Mikazuki’s room. I don’t want to go back to my brothers smelling like alcohol.
[For that would surely set a bad example.]
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[Tonbokiri nods, straight-forwardly accepting that request.]
As you wish.
For all these precautions, I hope that you will have an enjoyable time.
But for tonight, I hope that you will simply rest and take care of yourself. [Because, you know, being injured is not good.]
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[Well, there’s nothing wrong with bringing him back to his husband. Their ‘spousal swords’ status is no secret.
He nods and smiles.]
I look forward to it. Or do you think I should just ask Mikazuki to come along...?
[Mikazuki should have no problem with the drinking and he can just sleep on dear husband’s lap when necessary!]
Don’t worry. Either Yagen or Hakusan will be able to help me with my ankle later.
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[Tonbokiri's eyebrows arch in light surprise at the suggestion.]
Of course, Mikazuki-dono would be welcome. But-- my apologies, I thought he only enjoyed drinking tea.
[And he'll worry still, but knowing he has two helpers near at hand does put him at ease a little.]
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Well, tea is his favourite, but he does drink a bit too. And I think he’ll probably be better at socializing with your companions than me...
[For Mikazuki has no shame! No shame at all!]
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Well, he can't say anything until they try it.]
I believe that you have perfectly fine ability to socialize.
Yet, whenever you can come, you are welcome to invite him as well.
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