The old man peered around the door, checking to see if his fox was there, his heart fluttering with excitement. He believed he had outdone himself this year.
Slowly, he crept into the room, clearing his throat to attract the man’s attention, his hands behind his back as he tried to conceal a surprise.
“There you are, Sabito. I was wondering if you could help me. I recall that today is important, but I can’t remember why.”
He titled his head, pretending to be confused, “Was it a doctor’s appointment? No, that doesn’t sound right…I’m sure it was important though.”
He let out a sigh. He couldn’t act for act for shit, the corners of his mouth turned upwards slightly.
He paused for a moment, trying to let anticipation build, but he couldn’t hold back.
“I’m just teasing, did you really think I’d forget? I might be old, but..you’re getting older too. Happy birthday, Sabito.”
He pulled his hands from behind his back, revealing what could only be described as death by chocolate.
“Senjuro and I made this for you, and I got you a little gift too.”
He slowly placed the cake down, and reached into his robe to pull out a small black bag, one that made a satisfying sound.
“I…I know you like to collect rocks, so I got these for you.”
The small pouch of as a treasure trove, filled with colourful and beautiful rocks.
Sabito was just finishing putting on one of his favorite kimono. It was a simple but striking pattern baring images of colorful koi swimming upon black waters. The fox finished tying his orange obi when he heard Shinjuro's voice, his head perking before he turned to face the old man.
The curiosity in his eyes quickly shifted to annoyance and Sabito folded his arms, impatience furrowing his brows as Shinjuro put on a clumsy performance. Did he really expect him to believe that?!
Sabito gave Shinjuro a hard stare, his hands sticking out in a wordless demand for the gifts that awaited.
His grouchy expression lit up in an instant, eyes sparking and growing wide, his mouth flooding at the extravagant sight of the beautiful chocolate mound. His fingers clutched at the air with a wild need to devour it that instant but then something else caught his attention.
A soft clatter had his eyes whipping back to Shinjuro's hands, pale amethysts glimmering with all the curiosity and greed of a kitsune. Sabito took the sack and shook it over his open palm, pouring rough gems into his hand.
Sabito poked through the stash, admiring each rock and all their unique characteristics. There was one in particular the young man was drawn to, his fingers pinching a vibrant orange-red gem that looked like frozen fire. It bared a striking resemblance to Shinjuro's eyes and Sabito held it up to compare them, a small smile coming to his lips as he decided to keep that gem with him when he went away for missions so that when he looked at it, he'd feel the comfort and security of Shinjuro's gaze.
"Thank you..I'm impressed you remembered ~"
He couldn't help but to tease. Slipping the satchel into his sleeve Sabito stepped closer, tightly wrapping his arms around the tired body of the former Hashira, showing his appreciation with a soft peck to his cheek.
"I'm assuming the most help you did with the cake was stir the batter. Am I right~?"
Sabito pulled from the embrace with a mischievous smirk, his gaze shifting from Shinjuro's over to the delectable dessert he intended to have for breakfast.
