Work Text:
“I would like some assistance,” Sanchoumou said addressing the room as a whole.
“No,” Himetsuru answered immediately without looking up from the magazine he was reading whilst lounging over a large beanbag.
“Hime,” Nikkou reprimanded, “be more respectful.”
Himetsuru turned a page in his magazine with a huff of annoyance.
Nikkou sighed, looking over at Sanchoumou instead. “I apologise, Boss, what can I do to assist you?”
Sanchoumou nodded to him. Nansen, Douyo and Norimune were watching him with interest, good he had, most, everyone’s attention.
“It has come to my attention that I lack in certain relationship etiquette,” he said slowly.
“Is this about Azuki?” Himetsuru cut-in. Sanchoumou nodded. Himetsuru groaned, covering his face with his magazine. Nikkou sighed, lowering his head. Nansen groaned, leaning his elbow on his leg and balancing his head on his palm. Norimune huffed a laugh, covering his mouth his with fan.
“What is happening, Ohime?” Douyo asked, leaning over to talk to him.
Himetsuru batted at him blindly to get him away, not answering.
“Azuki is Boss’ boyfriend,” Nansen explained.
“I know,” Douyo huffed, “I have gathered that much.”
“Oi, don’t be rude to Nan-kun,” Himetsuru reprimanded, lifting one side of the magazine to glare at Douyo.
“Ah, apologies, Ohime,” Douyo said.
“Anyway,” Nikkou coughed, “Boss had… problems whilst courting Azuki Nagamitsu before.”
“He didn’t court him,” Himetsuru laughed, “he was simply falling about and making a fool of himself. You are lucky you didn’t have to see it.”
“Hime!” Nikkou chided.
Norimune continued laughing behind his fan.
The worst thing was Sanchoumou couldn’t even defend himself. He knew he had been ridiculous with his affections towards Azuki before.
“Boss!” Nansen piped up again, coming over to sit with Sanchoumou now, probably feeling sorry for him what with all of this mocking. “What is it that you wanted help with? Did something happen with Azuki?”
At least someone was concerned. Though he could have done without the groaning and reluctance earlier.
“Nothing has happened,” Sanchoumou said soothingly. He reached out to stroke Nansen’s hair, it was so bouncy and soft. Like a cute animal. “I read in a magazine given to me by Midare that one should give gifts to their partners on special occasions. Anniversaries particularly. It is Azuki and I’s two month anniversary. I wish to give him a gift, a very good one as I missed our first month.”
“I don’t think you have to commemorate every month,” Nikkou said, pushing his glasses up slightly. Somehow the simple action radiated judgement. Nikkou was very talented like that, he didn’t have to say anything to let you know that he is judging you. Not that he would say it out loud to Sanchoumou at all, so it all had to done through glasses actions. A special language only he knew and only others could guess as to the extent of his disappointment through a mixture eyebrow movement and inference.
“Maybe not,” Sanchoumou said, even he knew it sounded ridiculous, “however I believe the first few to be very important.” He looked over at Himetsuru then Nansen. “How did you celebrate your anniversaries with your lovers?”
Himetsuru huffed, laying the magazine back on his face in dismissal. How disappointing. In contrast Nansen went bright red, shifting awkwardly in place.
“Uh, well…” Nansen pouted. “we didn’t… nya…” He made a noise of distress before shaking his head. “We didn’t celebrate the first few months, but at six Chougi gave me a biscuit in the shape of a cat. Then at a year he gave me flowers and I gave him a small cake. Nothing important.”
How very cute.
“Impressive he gave you anything,” Norimune muttered, actually sounding impressed as well. “Chougi-kun is very… intense and hides his emotions well. I’m sure if he can do it then our Sanchoumou can come up with an idea of his own.”
That sounded like a challenge. One Sanchoumou wasn’t sure he was fully capable of at that point.
“I would like to know what others do first,” Sanchoumou said. “And have opinions, it is the most logical way of addressing the problem.”
“I see no problem,” Norimune hummed in thought. “Perhaps you are unsure about your relationship if you cannot think of something to give to your love."
That wasn’t true. Norimune was trying to play with him, he was sure of it.
“Observing and assessing others does not mean I am unsure,” Sanchoumou argued back.
“Gozen,” Nansen said, “I don’t think Boss meant it that way.”
“Hush, kitty.” Norimune reached over to tap Nansen on the nose with his fan. That was an exceptionally loud and unhappy ‘nya!’ from that action. Quite painful sounding actually.
Sanchoumou got up. “I believe I shall take my enquiry elsewhere,” he said with a nod to the Family. No one stopped him.
He shut the door after himself with a sigh. He had really hoped for some kind of insight.
No matter, he could look elsewhere.
-
“Are you okay, Sanchoumou?”
Turning around Sanchoumou saw Shokudaikiri heading towards him carrying a tray with a pile of dango on a plate and a few rice crackers. Being the kind person he was Shokudaikiri smiled warmly at him, though he looked concerned.
“You look… lost almost,” Shokudaikiri said, “did something happen?”
“Lost?” Sanchoumou hummed in thought. Lost may be an apt word for it. Lost in thought perhaps and not understanding of what to do now. Yes. He was lost. “I suppose in a way.”
Shokudaikiri hummed and nodded. “Is there anything I can help with?”
Why were the Osafune’s so kind and caring?
It was a trait many of them shared… or perhaps just the ones Sanchoumou interacted with. He had heard enough complaints about Daihannya to maybe revise that statement but in general they were very kind.
Should he tell Shokudaikiri that he wanted to get a gift for Azuki? He most likely wouldn’t tell Azuki if asked not to and he could have insight. Then again, asking his family could be seen as cheating, in a way. Though…
“Shokudaikiri, what do you think is a special gift to give a partner?” he asked.
Shokudaikiri’s eye widened slightly, he frowned in thought.
“A gift?” he murmured. “I suppose that depends on the sword. Something they like and enjoy would be the most obvious. In my opinion anything that shows you care and thought of them. That is the most important thing in a relationship, isn’t it?”
Very true.
That just made it harder though. It was much too broad and not enough at the same time. Sanchoumou supposed that was probably normal. Giving a gift was harder than he would think.
“I would suggest not thinking about it too much,” Shokudaikiri said after a pause, “just get whatever makes you think of Azuki. Do what comes naturally.”
What comes naturally?
What would that be?
“I appreciate the help, you have given me much to think on,” Sanchoumou said with a hum. What made him think of Azuki?
He wasn’t sure about that either.
“I’m sure you will think of something.” Shokudaikiri didn’t even ask why he would want to give Azuki a gift, he simply went with the idea. Maybe Azuki had said something to him about maybe getting him one as well?
Or he was just being nice.
“Thank you.” Sanchoumou nodded as Shokudaikiri passed him by.
That was not necessarily a helpful interaction but it was good to know that someone was rooting for him, more than could be said about the Family.
He watched Shokudaikiri head across the engawa to where Ookurikara was sat a ways away. Next to him was Kashagiri who was asleep on Ookurikara’s lap, completely at ease with his older brother. It was very sweet, Sanchoumou knew how much Kashagiri looked up to him so it was a relief that Ookurikara at least didn’t mind having him around.
Shokudaikiri sat on Ookurikara’s other side, handing him a dango which he took without seemingly grumbling about it. Then Shokudaikiri pulled one apart and offered a piece to Kashagiri’s kitten-yokai that had popped out of his jacket for the occasion. It jumped up and grabbed the piece with sharp teeth before darting inside of Ookurikara’s jacket.
At the creature’s action Shokudaikiri laughed and Sanchoumou was sure he heard a huffing laugh from Ookurikara as well, even from this distance.
Smiling to himself Sanchoumou headed off again.
He should watch couples to see what they do. Perhaps he would be in luck and one of them were giving gifts he could get ideas from.
It would be most useful if they were.
-
Coming across another Osafune so soon was surprising. There were nine of them but the citadel was very large and with far too many swords so it was a bit surprising to see Fukushima right after Shokudaikiri.
What wasn’t surprising was that he was a presence that commanded attention.
Or at least drew attention because of how big he was, in both volume and personality.
In one of the courtyards was Fukushima and Nihongou.
What drew Sanchoumou’s attention was the squeal that left Fukushima. Loud. Very loud.
Birds scattered and everyone nearby stopped to stare at the display.
Nihongou cringed but didn’t draw away, instead he stepped closer. In his hands was a circle of interconnected flowers. He reached out and slowly put it atop Fukushima’s head, blushing and looking decidedly awkward.
“Gou-chan!” Fukushima gushed.
“I saw them and thought you’d like them. They’re pretty,” Nihongou said, “like you.”
Fukushima went bright red, mumbling something that Sanchoumou couldn’t catch but then he launched himself into Nihongou, wrapping his arms around his neck and practically dangling from him. Nihongou held onto him around the waist to steady him.
It was quite a sweet scene.
That was until Fukushima decided to drag Nihongou down and shove his tongue in his mouth.
Then it was not so fun to watch so Sanchoumou turned away and continued into the citadel.
-
“Anija!” Hizamaru ran up to Higekiri, grabbing his arm and pulling him away. “I’m so sorry about Anija!”
Higekiri blinked at him in surprise before looking back over at Onimaru and waving with a somewhat vacant smile.
Onimaru stared at him, eye narrowed.
“Bye, bye,” Higekiri said, turning around and dislodging Hizamaru’s grip on his arm then walking away carelessly.
“Anija!” Hizamaru bowed at Onimaru before hurrying after his brother.
“Did Higekiri-san just…?” Gotou muttered.
“He did, he did,” Atsushi agreed with a nod.
“But why?” Meada asked.
“I think it’s romantic, he declared his feelings with a kiss!” Midare swooned.
“I don’t think he did,” Shinano huffed, “he probably just did what he felt like.”
Sanchoumou frowned, seeing Onimaru twitch as he watched Higekiri leave. It was very bold of Higekiri to randomly kiss Onimaru, though he saw no reason as to why he did such a thing. Midare pulled at Onimaru’s arm, talking a mile a minute about romance and lovers.
Honestly Sanchoumou wasn’t sure as to what he had just witnessed, neither was Onimaru seemingly.
He moved on instead of thinking more on it.
-
Oochidori bent down lifting up Hanjin so he could reach the branch he had been trying to get at. When up there Hajin expertly cut off two apples. He was lowered with great care, when his feet touched the ground he turned around and cut up one apple, handing it to Oochidori piece by piece so he could eat it.
Only when the entire first apple was eaten did he cut the second which he ate himself. Oochidori pat Hanjin’s hair carefully.
It was a very sweet scene.
-
“What are you doing?”
Sanchoumou turned back to see Koryuu leaning down to peer at him in far too great an interest.
“Observing,” Sanchoumou said after a pause.
It was unusual for Koryuu to come talk to him when he saw him. Not unheard of and not unwanted, just strange. Unusual.
“Oh?” Koryuu sat down next to him, looking out at the gardens as well. “What are you observing?”
“Relationships,” Sanchoumou said simply.
Koryuu made a ‘ah’ sound, leaning forward on one knee. “The Shinshinto’s relationship?”
Sanchoumou nodded slowly. “I find them… interesting.”
He had been watching Minamoto and Suishinshi for quite some time, every so often Taikei would run by, grab Suishinshi and pull him around before Minamoto shooed him off and practically clung to Suitshinshi like a guard dog. It was very interesting. Especially when Suishinshi would go bright red, barely noticeable thanks to his high collar that he would then hide behind. Minamoto would pull his collar down and kiss his cheek which would send him into a fluster.
When he calmed down they would walk around a little bit together, holding hands and talking. Then Taikei would run by again and the whole process would start over.
Fascinating, truly.
“I guess you could call it that,” Koryuu hummed. “I don’t think Minamoto Kiyomaru likes to share Suishinshi Masahide’s attention.”
That was certainly true.
“I have been looking at different relationships,” Sanchoumou admitted, “and this is definitely an insight.”
There was silence for a moment before Koryuu leant into him. “Why exactly are you interested in other swords relationships?”
Sanchoumou paused for a second, watching as Minamoto tried to bat Taikei away from Suishinshi again.
“I am simply curious,” he eventually said.
“Curious,” Koryuu repeated. “I suppose it is interesting.”
Sanchoumou glanced at Koryuu briefly. Was he close with Azuki? They were family and often together so he supposed so. Would he tell Azuki if he asked him about a gift? Perhaps, Koryuu wasn’t known for being secretive nor telling others secrets so it was an unknown quantity.
He would take a risk if it was for Azuki.
“By chance,” he said softly, “would you happen to know a gift that Azuki may like?” Surely it was worded well enough to not give too much away.
“A gift for Azuki?” Koryuu tapped his chin in thought. “I don’t know, maybe something for making sweets?”
That was a very pedestrian idea. Nothing special or specific unfortunately.
“I see,” Sanchoumou said, “thank you for your aide.”
“I could ask Kenshin if Azuki has said he needed anything,” Koryuu offered kindly.
“No, that is perfectly alright, I wouldn’t want to bother Kenshin,” Sanchoumou said.
“It’s really not a bother, I am sure Kenshin would love to help you find something to gift Azuki.” Koryuu was being nice but it was really not needed.
Sanchoumou shook his head. “I shall think some more on it.”
With a look of slight reluctance Koryuu gave in.
Across the way Suishinshi was back in Minamoto’s arms being fussed over.
-
“Kiyomitsu!” Yasusada whined, chasing after Kashuu who didn’t seem the least bit wanting to slow down running down the corridors without a care. “Wait for me!”
They inevitably bumped into someone, Kashuu falling over as he hit into Izuminokami who had been standing there idly.
“Kiyomitsu!” Yasusada caught up to him bending down. “Are you okay?”
Kashuu took the offered hand. “I’m fine. Sorry about that, Izuminokami.”
Izuminokami waved him off.
Just then Horikawa ran over to Izuminokami, holding a large jacket in his hands. “I got you a jacket, Kane-san!” he handed it over dutifully.
“Ah! Thanks, Kunihiro.” Izuminokami put the jacket on before ruffling Horikawa’s hair with quite a bit of force as Horikawa moved with the action.
“I couldn’t have you going cold,” Horikawa gushed looking highly satisfied with himself.
Sanchoumou moved on, shaking his head. Wakizashi’s were so helpful.
-
When Sanchoumou came across Nansen and Chougi on the engawa he made sure to keep his distance. He smiled to himself as he watched Nansen stretch out, his head pillowed on Chougi’s lap. It was very cute. His little kitten really was adorable. The fact that Chougi let him do as he pleased was also satisfactory. All Chougi did was dodge the raised arm so he wouldn’t get hit and then went back to stroking his hair.
If Chougi didn’t treat him well then Sanchoumou would be having words but as it stood all he did was observe their closeness before turning to leave.
He wouldn’t want to be seen as spying on their youngest.
So he moved on.
It just so happened that he chanced upon Himetsuru and Goke next.
From an outside perspective it seemed very much as though Goke were bothering Himetsuru, yet Himetsuru didn’t leave or push Goke back. In fact through the annoyance on his face there was a warmth. He was charmed by whatever Goke was saying.
Sanchoumou stepped forward and immediately Himetsuru tensed up.
“Sanchoumou,” Goke greeted enthusiastically, “we were just talking about you earlier.”
“Oh?” Sanchoumou crossed his arms.
“Apparently you are having trouble with Azuki,” Goke said, “do you need any help?”
How kind of Himetsuru to be spreading news about him. Sanchoumou raised an eyebrow at him, Himetsuru huffed and turned away. At least he knew he shouldn’t have been talking about him.
Well, as Goke already knew to some extent…
“I simply wish to give Azuki a gift,” he explained.
“How about an apron?” Goke offered. “He is always wearing the same one.”
That was because he liked it. Sanchoumou rarely saw him without it. The Saniwa had given him it with his new life and Sanchoumou wouldn’t want to try replacing something so important.
“An interesting idea,” Sanchoumou said, not wanting to be negative. “Thank you for your input.”
Goke looked rather pleased with himself, whereas Himetsuru rolled his eyes, he could probably tell that Sanchoumou was just trying to be nice. Still any input was nice to have, even though he wouldn’t use it.
Himetsuru grabbed Goke’s arm. “We are leaving now, please take your love drama elsewhere.” Then he began pulling Goke away.
“Otsuu, what…?” Goke followed along looking confused.
“This way, Gocchin.” Himetsuru left in a huff, for some reason.
Sanchoumou wilted slightly. He still had no idea what to do.
-
Sitting on the edge of the engawa Sanchoumou found the Kobizen’s.
“Oh, hello,” Uguisumaru greeted with a serene smile.
“Good afternoon,” Sanchoumou greeted back with a nod.
“Would you like to join us for some tea?” Uguisumaru gestured at the tea service at his side.
Sanchoumou looked over to Ookanehira and Hacchou who seemed to have no problems with him joining. As he was offered it would be rude to not join them. He sat down carefully and thanked them when he was passed a cup. There seemed to be a lot of spare cups, probably so they could grab passing swords to join them.
Sitting there was calming. Sanchoumou looked out at the gardens and took a deep breath.
“Something is troubling you,” Uguisumaru said after long moments of silence.
How he knew that Sanchoumou didn’t know but he was, indeed, troubled.
“I wish to give a gift to Azuki but I do not know as to what,” Sanchoumou told him.
“So you wish to give the idea of a gift,” Uguisumaru nodded sagely. “How about some relaxing tea?”
Not exactly ideal.
“Oh! How about a romantic trip to the ocean?” Hacchou offered.
“Training together in the woods,” Ookanehira said.
The ocean was definitely better than the woods. But… then what? It wasn’t a physical thing and how did he make it romantic? There were always swords around the ocean, he didn’t think it would be special at all.
“I see.” Sanchoumou nodded in thought. “Thank you for the ideas.”
Maybe he should stop asking other swords for ideas, it didn’t seem to be going anywhere.
-
The Gous were running rampant in the fields.
At least it seemed that way.
To the side of the mayhem was Inaba Gou and Otegine. They were a lot calmer than the others, Otegine being a non-Gou calming presence maybe. He and Inaba were talking, the latter looking somewhat… besotted perhaps. That might be the correct wording, it was hard to tell as Inaba Gou showed emotions sparingly.
Much to Sanchoumou’s surprise Otegine leant over, pressing a kiss to Inaba’s forehead. That wasn’t something Sanchoumou expected to see, he didn’t know they had that kind of intimate relationship. Inaba stilled then relaxed, smiling up at Otegine.
It was all very sweet. Sanchoumou smiled to himself watching them.
He wanted that. The calming reassurance, the gentle smiles.
Did he have that? He wasn’t so sure, he wanted it though.
Perhaps he could give something to Azuki that would make him smile like that.
He still had no idea as to what.
-
“Alcohol!” No.
“Sweets.” He could make his own.
“Fish.” Why?
“Sake.” Again, no.
“Flowers.” A nice idea but he probably had enough of those.
“Tea.” Not very romantic. Why did swords keep suggesting it?
“Poison.” Why?
“New gloves.” Maybe if he got even more desperate.
“A surprise!” What even would that be?
-
Defeat was bitter, yet that was what Sanchoumou felt deep inside him. He had no ideas and no one was much help.
He sighed, slumping forward, forearms resting on his knees. There really was no hope for him and his romantic anniversary plans, if he could call it that.
Jikkyuu sat down next to Sanchoumou, staring out at the fields ahead of them. “I have been informed that you are in distress,” he said softly.
“Distress?” Sanchoumou hummed in thought. “I would not call it such but I am deeply conflicted, I suppose.”
“About Azuki,” Jikkyuu said with a nod.
“Indeed.” Sanchoumou sighed, shaking his head. “I wish to give him a present, it is traditional for anniversaries and I would like to partake in it.”
Unlike some of the others Jikkyuu did not question the sentiment nor offer his opinion immediately. Instead he quietly listened on with an utmost serious expression.
“I want to give him something but I do not know as to what to gift him. I have asked other swords and nothing they suggested sits right with me.” Sanchoumou shook his head forlornly. “I also observed those in relationships, how they interact and I have gleaned nothing there either.”
He had seen many in good relationships and he learned from them but there was nothing he felt fit with himself and Azuki. Not entirely.
There was silence.
It was fairly calming.
They watched as Kuwana Gou attempted to wrestle Matsui into holding a farm tool then plough the field. It looked like a hard task, one that had played out many a time.
“Azuki is kind,” Jikkyuu said softly after quite some time, “he is much like Mitsutada, he likes to help others and enjoys when they are happy. Though I have noticed this sentiment may not include Daihanya at all times.”
Sanchoumou smiled, he had heard Azuki complain about Daihanya and his antics many a time. They were definitely in some kind of war with one another at the moment.
“He does care about him,” Sanchoumou said, trying to defend Azuki though he didn’t need it. Azuki could defend himself, not that he would need to from his own family (except maybe from Daihannya.)
Jikkyuu nodded in understanding. “I cannot understand fighting with your brother, even in jest. I would not wish to do so.”
Sanchoumou believed that it may be hard to in Jikkyuu’s case, Fukushima and Shokudaikiri were very sincere and caring towards him. It was difficult in general to have negative interactions with the Mitsutada’s. They were far too refined and kind.
“I would not wish to fight with the Family either,” Sanchoumou offered.
Slowly Jikkyuu nodded again, he hummed in thought.
“You want to give Azuki something to show you care about him?” he asked, turning to face Sanchoumou.
“I do.” Sanchoumou smiled just thinking about Azuki’s happy face, if he gave him a gift he would probably smile at him even brighter. It was a good thought. “I care about him a great deal.”
“In that case,” Jikkyuu said with seriousness, “you should ask him to make sweets with you.”
Blinking in surprise Sanchoumou thought that through. He had already dismissed a similar idea before.
“Why is that?” he asked. “Azuki makes any sweets he wants already, he wouldn’t need any from me. I would not make them well and it would not be a surprise for him.” The magazine had been very strict on the fact that it was meant to be a surprise gift.
Jikkyuu shook his head, purple eyes staring at him intently. “The gift is not the sweets. Azuki likes spending time with you and he likes making sweets. If you make sweets with him then he gets two things he enjoys at the same time. The gift is you being with him. I believe he would like that.”
Sanchoumou stared at Jikkyuu in complete shock.
The gift of spending time with him whilst he did something he enjoyed.
“Would he not see me as being in the way?” he questioned.
“I have seen him evict some swords from the kitchen,” Jikkyuu said, “him and Mitsutada both.” He nodded over to the Gou’s on the field.
Ah.
Sanchoumou had heard about them being banned from the kitchens by the Osafune’s before. Not a surprise really.
“You have helped Azuki before, haven’t you?” Jikkyuu smiled at him reassuringly.
“I have.” Sanchoumou sighed, there goes that idea. He had already done it. It would not be special to do so again.
“Then he will be happy for your company as you were not told to leave.” Jikkyuu didn’t seem to see that it would not be a special gift. “Spending time with those you care about is the best gift we can have. You saw all of the swords that are happy to just be back together, you feel that with Azuki, don’t you? Azuki doesn’t need anything other than to be with you, I think so at least. He is always happiest after having been with you.”
Sanchoumou felt himself heat up. “He is?” It was fairly embarrassing that his voice broke.
“Of course.” Jikkyuu kept his smile in place as he watched him. “Azuki wants to spend time with you. Instead of trying to find him a gift away from him you should be with him, tell him you want to make sweets with just the two of you. Having time alone together can be hard, so it would be special enough with just that.”
Then Jikkyuu turned away from him, looking back out at the fields. Matsui had flopped completely onto the ground, ignoring the pulling from Kuwana trying to get him back up. Jikkyuu tipped his head to the side as though trying to figure out why that was happening.
“At least I think so,” he mumbled after a pause.
Sanchoumou studied Jikkyuu closely.
He… may be correct.
Everyone was just happy to be together again. Sanchoumou had been emotional just seeing Azuki. Of course that also applies to the other Uesugi swords and the Family. The feelings were different though, the thoughts behind it were something special for each of them.
“Alone time doing something he loves,” Sanchoumou muttered.
Jikkyuu nodded firmly. “That would be what someone like Azuki would like the most, I think.”
That sounded…
Like something Sanchoumou would like as well.
“Thank you, Jikkyuu,” Sanchoumou said softly.
Jikkyuu hummed, eyes still on the Gou’s who were now making it a group effort to move Matsui who was completely limp in protest to working the fields.
“Make him happy,” Jikkyuu said barely audible, “I know you can.”
That was very touching. “I shall.”
“Good.” Jikkyuu turned to him, eyes serious and taking on an almost evil glow. “If you don’t then we will have problems.”
Sanchoumou swallowed hard. “Of course.”
Jikkyuu smiled again, it was a warning. One Sanchoumou took very seriously.
There was a yell as the Gou’s all fell under the weight of Matsui, Buzen being squished under him from the failed attempt. That would probably go on for quite some time yet.
-
“Sanchoumou!” Azuki called, raising a hand in greeting.
It was strange that Sanchoumou had been all around the Citadel talking to swords about Azuki but he hadn’t run into him and then when he started actively searching for him it is Azuki that finds him first. So was the nature of a large place filled with over a hundred swords, he supposed.
“Azuki,” Sanchoumou greeted probably far too eagerly.
Azuki smiled at him, coming to stand at his side. “I heard you have been hard to pin down,” he said, “you’ve been all over the place according to Daihannya and Koryuu.”
“Oh, yes, I suppose I have.” Sanchoumou hadn’t spoken to Daihannya but apparently he had been seen. “Did you need me for something?”
Shaking his head Azuki placed his hands in his jacket pockets. “I hadn’t seen you and was wondering if you needed help with something.”
Was he offering help if needed? Sanchoumou’s heart fluttered, Azuki was so kind to him. He was proper and sweet, ready to aide him if needed.
“No, not anymore.” Sanchoumou stood up straighter, clearing his throat. “Though, I was wondering if you would like to make some sweets with me?”
“Sweets?” Azuki asked, tilting his head slightly in contemplation. “Of course.”
“Alone,” Sanchoumou quickly added before he could mention Kenshin or another Uesugi sword joining them. “If that is alright.”
There was a pause as Azuki looked him up and down, probably searching for a clue as to why he sounded so desperate for his time. “That is fine,” he finally said with a smile and pat to his arm. “You don’t need to be so nervous about us spending time alone together, Sanchoumou.”
Nervous?
Was he nervous?
He supposed so.
“Come on.” Azuki nodded his head back the way he came. “I can teach you how to make perfect dango, you didn’t quite get it last time.”
“I would like that,” Sanchoumou said honestly. He would like that a lot.
It may not be an obvious gift, definitely not an anniversary one but he thought it was good enough. So long as they were both happy.
Besides, he could always take his time finding something special for the next one.
He would have an entire month to work on it, after all.