IceyFriend @chloe-spade - Tumblr Blog

Are You Really as Wonderful as you Seem?

Giyu Tomioki could only describe his life before the tragedy as bright: complete love and light, he would say. Tsutako Tomioka, his older sister, was a light in his life.

She was known for being sweet and caring, always offering Giyu excellent advice during his most challenging times. When things worsened with their father, Tsutako took it upon herself to care for Giyu, despite her own reluctance to be a parent. Still, nothing could change her mind as she held Giyu in her arms for the first time after they moved away to a lovely little house in the woods. Giyu was so grateful that he always did things for her, despite Tsutako saying that she could handle it.

However, she was still pleased that Giyu was starting to manage his emotions better.

One day, Tsutako came by and introduced her new boyfriend, Haruki Shirotori, and his two daughters, Akari and Masami, who were around the same age as Giyu. Giyu liked them enough, and his sister continued their relationship with his silent approval.

Haruki is a wealthy man who adores his beautiful daughters, as a father should. He owns one of the Entertainment District's greatest bathhouses and is well-known among men and women. This is because of his flirty nature when he asks for women to accompany him, which is how Tsutako meets the man.

They hit it off and kept it secret, for Haruki needed to prepare himself for such a massive dating step after his wife had left him. Giyu was a little worried, but he kept his concerns to himself for his sister's sake.

The girls were less pleasant, but they used to live in the Entertainment District, so they must've been used to being pampered by the many men they had met previously. Both girls know how to do makeup and dress fabulously, so Giyu doesn't judge and occasionally compliments them. He gets scoffed at, but at least he tried.

Giyu can't remember how old he was when his sister got married, but she got married to Haruki, and Giyu was happy for Tsutako and even congratulated Haruki. He was happiest because his sister was happy, and that was all that mattered to Giyu. As long as Tsutako was delighted, so was Giyu.

It was a good while before Tsutako started to contract a horrible illness. Giyu was her primary caretaker, and Haruki made medicines and tea to keep Tsutako healthy before a doctor could examine her. That meant Giyu worked her out more than ever, even taking on the heaviest duties, such as cutting wood for the fire. Haruki begged him to take a break every once in a while, but he couldn't listen. Giyu had to keep going, just for her.

But those efforts.

Those efforts were in vain, as Tsutako passed away from her illness as winter began. Losing the only family that he had left was hard for Giyu, and because of it, he felt like he couldn't even be happy. He often thought about her sick hand on his cheek and his promise to make himself happy after her passing—a promise to keep just as kind-hearted as he was before. Giyu promised as his sister smiled for the last time.

Giyu wore her haori after that, a reminder and source of comfort for him.

But this pain only began for him.

One night, when he returned home, Giyu saw Haruki and his daughters moving his stuff at the very top of the house, the attic that Tsutako had left empty. Haruki said it was for Giyu to have his space to grieve and for privacy between him and his daughters, which Giyu accepted and moved into the attic.

Giyu has lived up there since then, out of sight of anyone who would visit.

Giyu learned the horrible truth that Haruki was a cruel man who used Tsutako to acquire a house. He fooled her heart and mind, erasing traces of her living there, including Giyu.

To keep Giyu at bay, Haruki often blamed him for letting Tsutako die painfully in her sleep. Giyu's mind knows that wasn't true, but his heart hurts; he feels an overwhelming sense of guilt. With that, Haruki successfully isolated Giyu from the rest of the world.

Haruki wasn't cruel, so he let Giyu stay, transforming Giyu into his servant. A servant who cannot run away because Haruki has several connections that could find him in a second if he ever tried to, which Giyu admits he tried. But the punishment was to be locked up without food or water for 24 hours, and Giyu had no choice but to accept this new life and become the unwilling servant to Haruki and his two wicked daughters for the rest of his mortal life.

That's where Giyu was. In the attic, he woke himself up early to see the sunrise against the trees, and birds chirped happily in the morning.

One of those birds was Kanzaburo, a crow who became friends with Giyu. He was old, but he was the only animal that Giyu could talk to without feeling like he was complaining.

"Good Morning," Kanzaburo whispered to Giyu, who turned over. "Giyu! It's time to start the day!"

Giyu yawned and lifted himself up, glaring at Kanzaburo, but he was right. It was the start of another day, even if he didn't want to get out of bed.

"I'm awake," Giyu yawned, getting up and closing the windows. "It's bright this early in the morning. But I have to get up, now do I?"

"Yes, yes, you do," Kanzaburo nodded. "But you don't have to worry. It'll all go over past like yesterday. It'll be like water running down your back."

"It's routine," Giyu frowned. "I am quite used it now. But I should get ready before they scream at me for being lazy again."

Giyu yawned again as he started to get dressed for the day. The clothes weren't much, just rags he managed to sew together from old cloth that the girls barely used anymore. Surprisingly, the rags weren't itchy and were the right amount of soft and warm for him to wear constantly, and he barely complained.

When Giyu finished changing, he opened any nearby curtains that had closed the windows, letting the sunshine in. He walked to the kitchen and started making green tea for the morning. After letting the tea cool, he quickly fed the animals, which ranged from chickens to cows, pigs, and boars. Then, just as the sun was fully up in the sky, the bells rang harshly, and the daughters were ready for their tea, not even letting Giyu get the dirt off his clothes before getting the tea and walking to each room.

First was Akari.

"Good Morning, Akari," he greeted.

"Took your time, huh? You lazy bum," Akari huffed as Giyu set her tea down. "Make sure my kimono is freshly washed and cleaned to perfection."

"Yes, Akari," Giyu responded, grabbing the laundry basket.

Next was Misami.

"Good Morning, Misami," He greeted.

"You know what to do," Misami scoffed. "Now give me my time."

Giyu set up Misami's tea, grabbed her laundry, and left the room. The baskets were heavy, but he could handle them. It was a way to get stronger.

Next was the very last room, Mr. Haruki Shirotori.

Giyu hesitated for a moment before opening the door.

"Good Morning, Lord Shirotori," Giyu greeted. "May I open your curtians?"

"Yes, you may." The man's deep voice rang out. "But my tea first, Giyu."

Giyu nodded and set down his green tea for the man. It was uncomfortable for Giyu, but the man stared at him with such an evil but earnest look that Giyu felt a chill.

Giyu moved away and opened the windows, letting light into the room.

"Always been so good for me. Just like your sister would've wanted, yes?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Now come to me,and I will tell you the chores for the day."

Giyu obeyed, looking at Haruki.

"Ahem, first things first, did you feed the animals? If so, I shall be a little more lineit with you."

"I have, Sir," Giyu answered. "Every single one."

"Good, you starting to remember your routine, I am quite impressed with you, Giyu."

"Thank you, sir."

"Now," Haruki grinned. "You have to tend to garden, clean the kitchen, and I mean, clean it so it sparkles. Clean the furnance, considering that you didn't prepare it from the winds yesterday. Oh, and do the laundy, and make sure no bird in the girls' baskets like last time."

"But I-"

"I don't care for your excuses!" Haruki snapped. "Do as I say, Giyu. Or you know what happens."

Giyu sighs and nods. "Yes, Lord Shirotori."

"Good, now you are dismissed."

Giyu walked out of the room, ignoring the girls' eyes staring at him. His typical day was about to begin.

🌠

"Sanemi, I'm sorry, but you know why I asked you to join me," Genya sighed as his older brother hissed angrily.

"I know, damn it," Sanemi growled. "I'm only here because you want to be outside as the eldest; I have to accompany you! And now we lost our younger siblings because they want to play hide and seek. Ugh, I hate village visits."

"Let's just find them."

Sanemi is the eldest son of the lovely Empress Shizu. As the eldest, he already had enough on his plate. One of these was becoming the emperor of his kingdom, which also included finding a bride and caring for his younger siblings, who loved to play whenever they had the space and time.

This is one of those times when he gets annoyed.

Sanemi couldn't be that upset. These were his siblings, after all, and he loved them all dearly, but under this much stress, he couldn't help but be annoyed with them.

"But how can we find all of them?" Genya asked.

"You find Sumi, Teiko, and Hiroshi," Sanemi planned. "I'll find Shuyu and Koto. Meet me back here when we find all of them."

Genya nodded and walked in the opposite direction, leaving Sanemi to search for his younger siblings on his own.

🌠

"Look, I think this looks great on me!" boasted Akari. "Fushia is so my color; it matches my new ribbon, don't you think?"

"No! It matches with my shoes!" Masami argued. "Father! You'll buy this for me, don't you?"

"You copy cat!"

Giyu could only describe this as annoying, as he started to zone it all out, looking up at the clouds. It was a typical day, spent with his in-laws in the Entertainment District, whether for parties or just to look cute. Giyu usually waits outside so he wouldn't embarrass the Shirotori Family. He accepted this wordlessly, so now there he was, waiting outside, hands full of bags and boxes from the many shops in the area.

And thought things would stay that way.

That was until he saw another body clash against him. Giyu groaned as he saw the clothing fly into the air and the person who stared down at him.

At first, Giyu couldn't recognize the man, but he didn't deny that the stranger was beautiful, and his eyes reminded him of lavender, with hair white as clouds.

"…Hi," Giyu gulped.

"Um, I'm…" the stranger coughed and got up. "My bad."

Giyu nodded and got himself up, trying to grab all the clothes. The stranger started to help him, but neither spoke.

"I didn't mean to bump into you," the stranger huffed. "I didin't mean to bump into you like that."

"No, no, it's alright," Giyu blushed. "I'm not the most observant person out there. I must've gotten in your way."

"Yeah, you must've," the stranger muttered. "Um, if you don't mind me asking, what is your name?"

"Oh…um…Giyu…" Giyu introduced. "It's just that. Giyu."

"Well, it's a….less normal name," the stranger coughed. "Um, I'm Sanemi."

Giyu blushed as he got up, fixing himself. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sanemi. I'm sorry I got in your way again."

"You didn't," Sanemi mumbled. "I was just upset. And I hope I didn't hurt you."

Giyu looked down and away, his face still red. Was he so deprived of care that someone checking on him made him so nervous? Just someone hoping they hadn't hurt him made him feel so odd, but it was a feeling he'd long missed.

Sanemi noticed and was also blushing.

"Are you around here often?" Giyu asked. "I never seen you before?"

"Yeah, I'm not here every day, but I tend to visit when I have the chance," Sanemi explained. "But today wasn't so bad after all."

"How so?"

"I met you, and that somehow makes me calm down," Sanemi answered honestly. "I never saw anyone like you before. Your hair and eyes. Those aren't things I couldn't easily forget."

Giyu blushed but gasped as he heard his in-laws arguing behind him.

"I should go before my in-laws see me talking to a stranger," Giyu gulped, looking around. "Otherwise, I'll get in trouble."

"Why?"

"..I.. It's hard to say why," Giyu sighed. "It's just not preferable."

Sanemi nodded before trying to leave.

"When can I see you again?" Giyu asked.

"Soon. But I can't promise that," Sanemi spoke, but took Giyu's hand. "But for you, at this moment, I can promise that I can try to see you again."

Giyu looked at Sanemi and his hand and slowly nodded, smiling softly. "Thank you."

Giyu watched Sanemi leave with the faintest blush on his cheeks. He couldn't believe a stranger was so sweet to him, and it amazed him how he had forgotten how genuinely kind some people were when he had been with his wicked in-laws for so long. He didn't understand the feeling at first, but it reminded him so much of his sister that he almost burst into tears. However, he held back as the wicked in-laws came out of the shop, with the daughters arguing.

"Here!" Akari groaned, putting a box on Giyu's head.

"You are such a copy cat, it's insane," Masami continued to argue.

"Girls,Girls," Haraki sighed. "We must be going home. It's almost time for some afternoon tea."

The girls glared at each other before following their father, and Giyu tried to catch up with them. He didn't want to lose sight of them after all.

🌠

"Sanemi! There you are!" Genya called out. "I was so worried about you."

"Eh? What are you talking about? I'm fine and I found some of your siblings!" Sanemi talked back.

"You left me waiting for you! You said to meet here when you found your siblings," Genya recalled. "I can't believe you forgot."

"I didn't forget! I just lost track of time," Sanemi growled. "Can we go now?"

Genya sighed and let Sanemi lead. Even though Genya was worried about Sanemi, he couldn't exactly ask what the matter was, or else Sanemi would be incredibly upset. And as the younger brother of their dynamic, he couldn't bring himself to ask. But the blush on Sanemi's face said something of a romance, and he knew that flustered look anywhere.

🌠

"And the tea must be warm!" Akari ordered as she slammed the sliding doors shut, leaving Giyu in the kitchen. "And you will not leave until that tea is perfect."

"Yes, Akari," Giyu nodded.

Giyu sighed as he started the fire, feeling its pleasant warmth. It was becoming quite a cold night, so he needed some warmth before returning to the attic, where it would be coldest if the window weren't open. So Giyu decided to take his time, set the kettle on the fireplace, and began cleaning the dishes, but as he did, his mind wandered.

🌠

I'm as mild and as meek as a mouse

When I hear a command, I obey

But I know of a spot in my house

Where no one can stand in my way

🌠

Giyu looked back at the small chair by the fireplace. It was perfect, crafted to be a rocking chair, something his mother made. He remembered being rocked by her, sleeping happily in her arms. The chair holds so many good memories that it becomes a safe place for Giyu. So, after he was done, he sat down and began to daydream.

🌠

In my own little corner

In my own little chair

I can be whatever I want to be

On the wing of my fancy

I can fly anywhere

And the world will open its arms to me

🌠

Giyu grinned as he started to dance around the room, imagining himself in different situations that he could think of.

🌠

I'm a young Norwegian prince or a milkman

I'm the greatest prima donna in Milan

I'm an heiress who has always had his silk made

By his own flock of silkworms in Japan!

🌠

Giyu laughs, then thinks about Sanemi and can't help but imagine himself dancing with this new stranger. It is strange for him to dance like this, but it is his escape—his release—an escape from his horrible life.

🌠

I'm a boy men go mad for; love's a game I can play

With a cool and confident kind of air

Just as long as I stay

In my own little corner

All alone

In my own

Little chair

I can be whatever I want to be

🌠

Giyu wanted to visit all the places Tsutako had dreamed of, and his mind wandered to them, and his imagination grew wilder.

🌠

I'm a thief in Calcutta

I'm a king in Peru

I'm a mermaid dancing upon the sea

I'm a hunter on an African safari –

It's a dangerous kind of sport, and yet it's fun

In the night, I sally forth to seek my quarry

And I find I forgot to bring my gun!

🌠

Giyu left the kitchen, a little into his imagination. But he couldn't help himself.

🌠

I am lost in the jungle

All alone and unarmed

When I meet a lion king in his lair!

🌠

Giyu gasped as he realized that he had left the kitchen. He swiftly walked back inside without anyone noticing and slowly returned to his chair, yawning. He was ready to fall asleep, but couldn't when the tea was prepared.

🌠

Then I'm glad to be back.

In my own little corner

All alone

In my own

Little chair

🌠

Giyu looks back and starts to take the tea. He couldn't help but smile as he finished. He grabbed the tray and walked around the house, hearing the girls talking about the Prince. Giyu sighs.

They discussed it all, claiming they had seen him outside the shop's window and now wanted to meet the Prince again. Giyu felt his face sour at the thought, but he opened the sliding door, announcing himself to the family.

"Your tea, Madams," He said politely, setting the tea down.

"You surely kept your time!" Masami huffed.

"Yeah, you are always so slow!" Akari added, annoyed.

Giyu didn't say much as he walked away, letting the girls berate him. After all, He had many chores to do, and focusing on the girls could only distract him.

🌠

That night, as he burned the midnight oil over snitching some old clothing, he couldn't help but think of that strange stranger he met earlier that day. He was brash, but also incredibly caring, which made Giyu freeze; it was a nice feeling.

But Giyu could only stare up at the sky, watching the stars twinkle happily. It made doing night work worthwhile, even if only for a little while. Can he remember all the stars Tsutako pointed out in the past? Probably not, but he could hear her telling him every single one she saw and even spoke of a wishing star, though Giyu never believed her.

He should. Could just one wish save his entire life? Can it save him from all the chores and hurtful things that have happened to him? Why should he? Wishing ultimately leads to disappointment, doesn't it?

Just one wish.

Just one.

"I…wish for something more," Giyu whispered. "For one night, to be happy and forget everything else. Live the life that I know Tsutako wants for me."

Giyu sighed as he felt the shame of his wish, but he did it.

And maybe that tiny pink star answered his wish.

🌠

"Ma, I told you, it's nothing," Sanemi groaned. "Nothing happened."

Sanemi was back at the castle with all his siblings in tow. His darling mother, Shizu, understood why her children were late. But now she had to talk with Sanemi about a vital conversation.

"Well, you are blushing, my son," Shizu laughed. "That means something happened."

"Well, it's nothing now," Sanemi scoffed. "It doesn't matter that…"

"That?" urged Shizu.

"Not now, Ma, I don't think I'll ever see him again."

"Aw, there is one way." Shizu grinned. "We can host the royal ball in your adoring honor, and maybe you'll find your special person there."

Sanemi looked over at his mother in shock. "Are you sure?"

"Of course," Shizu grinned. "And besides, you are 21 now, my dear, you should be finding a bride now. And why not set up a ball?"

"Mother…"

"One night, Sanemi, just one night," Shizu planned. "And if it doesn't work, i'll bakc off and you do you, become an emperor, or whatever. Just let me do one night."

Sanemi groaned. He knew this could happen, and he would find that mysteriously pretty stranger and at least try to get to know him, but could a ball really grab his attention? Finding the one in a town full of many people was already complicated enough, but this ball could be his chance.

"Alright, one night." Sanemi agreed.

Shizu grinned.

"Lord Uzui! I want you to tell this to all," Shizu grinned. His Royal Highness, Sanemi Shinazugawa, is giving a ball!"

"You are joking…" Sanemi groaned. "Not him, Mother."

But it was too late, as Uzui, with his usual flashiness, was already ready. "Of course, your highness! I ensure everyone knows about this delight and hopefully flashy celebration!"

"I could only pray for myself," Sanemi sighed. "And for those poor townsfolk."

As tomorrow rose, the townfolk's mornings were full of noise as Lord Tengan Uzui burst into town. Music filled the air as he walked with a letter in his hands. Many were confused, but the flowers delighted everyone around.

🌠

Now is the time

The time to act

No other time will do!

Live and play your part

Don't give away your heart

Don't take what the world gives you

Now is the time

The time to live

🌠

He convinced most of the townsfolk to listen to Uzui's flashy announcements. It was fun, as the bakery was now filled with sweets and food for the royal ball, the florist danced with flowers, and fabrics twirled in the air.

It was Uzui's type of flashiness.

🌠

No other time is real!

Yesterday has gone

Tomorrow is a guess

Today, you can see and feel

For you can't just wait

To be served by fate

On a silver plate or a tray

🌠

Uzui kept sending everyone those invitations, which glittered beautifully in the sunlight. It caught everyone's attention, earning compliments and a guaranteed spot in the ball.

🌠

Now is the time

The time of your life

The time of your life is today

He's giving a ball

No other time will do

The Prince is giving a ball

🌠

"He's giving a what?" Giyu asked, confused by the flashiness around him.

"A ball!" Akari and Masami cheered.

🌠

Now is the time

The time to live!

No other time is real…

The Prince is giving a ball

But…

Shh … He's giving a ball!

The Prince is giving a… ooh!!

His Royal Highness

Sanemi Shinazugawa

is giving a ball!

The Prince is giving a what?

The Prince is giving a ball!

🌠

"His Majesty has this decree: To attend the ball, all one requires is an invitation and suitably fashionable attire, pr flashy if you are me!" Uzui announced with a joke. "And, the Prince shall choose a woman from the ball to be his bride. That means ANYONE can be the Queen!"

🌠

So, will he want a taller girl

Or will he want a stronger girl

Or will he want a smaller girl

The Prince is giving a ball

I wish I were a bolder girl

I wish I were a younger girl

I wish I were an older girl

The Prince is giving a ball

🌠

Giyu watched all this happening and could only sigh. He was already overwhelmed by it all, but a small piece of him hoped that it was his wish coming true—but only a small piece.

🌠

I've wished a lot of things

I don't wish anymore

But now I wish a lot of things

I've never wished before

I wish I had. I wish -

I wish I could

I wish I might I wish -

I wish I would

I wish I were invited. I wish -

To the Prince's Royal Palace ball!

Ooh - ah

🌠

Giyu felt the ladies push him aside as they bought almost everything to attend the royal ball, including the most expensive items. It was a usual sight, but he didn't comment much on it. Uzui was doing a fantastic job making an announcement that was quite exciting.

🌠

He's giving a ball

The Prince is giving a ball!

Now is the time

The time to act

We hear ye

But the Prince is giving a ball

Now is the time

The time to live

We hear ye

But His Royal Highness

Sanemi Shinazugawa

…is giving a ball

His Royal Highness

Sanemi Shinazugawa

Slayer of dragons

Destroyer of Gargoyles

Sportsman and poet

Is giving a ball

The Prince is giving…

The Prince is giving a ball!

The Prince is giving…

The Prince is giving a ball!

The Prince…

Is…

Giving…

A ball!

A royal ball

He's giving a ball!

The Prince is giving a ball!

🌠

"A royal ball," Giyu gasped as he followed his in-laws out of the shop. "Sounds just wonderful as it seems."

"Giyu! Hurry up!" Demanded Akari.

Giyu gasped and rushed over to them. As he walked away, he saw the stranger, Sanemi, again, seemingly annoyed but even more embarrassed. Giyu also focused on his clothing, which seemed fancier and…like that of a prince?

Was Sanemi the Prince? The one giving the ball?!

Giyu met with the actual Prince, and he didn't know? Giyu was dressed horribly in rags right in front of the actual Prince, and that was somehow much more embarrassing than he thought.

How could he ever show his face again?

🌠

Giyu watched as the girls got ready for the ball, shining their shoes and tying any knots that needed to be tied. Of course, Haruki added his commentary to the mix.

"Once you met with the prince, you must be coy and flirtatious, but not too much to annoy him. I bet he wants someone to be coy and sweet."

Giyu sighed to himself but said nothing else on the matter. He had no experience, but he knew that love should be shared and given, not earned.

"What about love?" He mumbled.

Haruki glared down at Giyu, who didn't even notice what he said and continued to clean the sandals.

"Giyu, do you mind repeating yourself?"

"Hmm?" Giyu looked up. "Did I say something?"

"Did you say something?" Haruki mocked. "Of course you said something!"

Giyu gasped as the bucket of water was splashed across the floor, and his hair was grabbed. He saw Haruki's face, cold like ice and stern, but it had a smile on it.

"Such a flithy maid like yourself should ever compliment on love, now do you understand?"

Giyu nodded, and Haruki released him. Giyu immediately tried to clean up the water mess.

"Love is for peasant folk," Haruki snarled. "We are above that, Giyu, and you should know that. Love is such a icky thing that mess with people's heads and hearts. Love makes you blind, and love makes you stupid, like your pathetic sister. Look what love has gotten her. Six feet under and left you all alone underneath my foot."

Giyu muffled a sob as Haruki stepped on Tsutako's heart again. All she did was love, and she was now dead because of her passion. Giyu knew that well, but her love helped her go so far that death didn't stop her from loving those she cared about, including Giyu.

"Now, clean this up and hold your tongue about love." Haruki ordered.

"Yes, sir."

🌠

"Now, girls," Haruki spoke towards his daughters. "What do you say when you see the prince?"

"A pleasure to see you, your highness," The girls repeated.

"Good," Haruki grinned, before turning to Giyu, who cleaned the tables. "Now, Giyu, I want everything spotless before we return, do you understand."

"Yes, sir," Giyu answered.

"Ah, see, girls," Haruki grinned and patted Giyu's head. "Such obedience. Everything a servant should be. Now, let us be off! We don't want to be late for the festivities!"

Giyu watched as Haruki, Akari, and Misami walked outside, where a carriage was waiting for them. He didn't think much after the confrontation with Haruki earlier.

Giyu walked into the kitchen, deciding to rest his head on the table, but sleep, trying to capture him, was thwarted by Kanzaburo.

"Rough night, Giyu?"

"Mm, I suppose you can say that," Giyu sighed, treating the fires. "Do you think the ball would be wonderful? A wonderful night to dance and have some delicous food?"

"Hmm, perhaps! Giyu, what would you do?"

Giyu closed his eyes, trying to imagine his night if he were at the royal ball, in honor of the prince.

🌠

I am in the Royal Palace of all places

When I meet the finest prince you've ever seen

And the color on my two stepsister's faces

Is a queer sort of sour apple green

I am coy and flirtatious

When alone with the Prince—

🌠

Giyu found himself smiling as he imagined more, seeing the man, no, the prince he had met a few days prior. But he probably wouldn't be in horrid rags, but a lovely kimono out of the finest silks.

🌠

I'm the belle of the ball

In my own little corner

All alone

In my own

Little (chair)

Fol-de-rol and fiddledy-dee

Fiddledy faddledy foddle

All the wishes in the world

Are poppycock and twaddle!

💫

Giyu gasped as the old woman known as Lady Mitsuri pranced and danced around the backyard. Giyu rushed outside, watching as the old woman continued to sing and dance, seemingly ignoring Giyu.

"Oh Lady Mitsuri," sighed Giyu. "Are you mocking me with your gibberish?"

💫

Fol de rol and fiddledy dee

Fiddledy faddledy foodle

All the dreamers in all the world

Are dizzy in the noodle

💫

"So what if I do have a dream to see the Prince again?" Giyu blushed, looking away. "And tell him what life in his kingdom is really like? And what it could be."

"Exactly," Lady Mitsuri giggled. "And then to have him fall in love with you."

Giyu stammered for a mere moment before speaking, "No one will fall in love with me. Why are you visiting me tonight?"

Lady Mitsuri stopped her dancing for a moment, now smiling earnestly at Giyu.

💫

I just knew I would find you

In the same little chair

In the pale pink mist of a foolish dream

💫

"I am being foolish." Giyu sighed, trying to walk inside.

Lady Mitsuri frowned and pulled Giyu onto the grass, her voice melodic and soft, charming Giyu to stay with her.

"Then be foolish with me!" Lady Mitsuri urged. "What would you dream of?"

"An invitation to the ball, I guess," Giyu answered with a shrug.

Lady Mitsuri quickly rummaged through her coat and presented a beautifully crafted letter to Giyu. "Right here. There's an invitation!"

Giyu gasped as Lady Mitsuri handed him the invitation. "But it's torn…"

"Don't wait for everything to be perfect, just go!" Lady Mitsuri cheered happily. "Now, what else would you dream of?"

Giyu took a moment to think before answering.

"Oh, a white kimono, I imagine. A beautiful white gown sewn up with pearls. And jewels. And a tiara of diamonds. I believe my sister would've said that…"

"And on your feet?"

"The most beautiful grosgrain sandels, I suppose."

"No. Better. The Venetian glass that your stepsister so loves in her trinkets and baubles," laughed Lady Mitsuri. "An entire pair of shoes made only of Venetian glass!"

"Oh how silly. I'd be the envy of all. But how would I get to the ball?" Giyu questioned, enjoying Lady Mitsuri's company.

Lady Mitsuri looked around before pointing towards one of the biggest pumpkins that Giyu had in the gardens.

"Well that pumpkin over here?"

"I do."

"I can transform it," Lady Mitsuri giggled. "I'll turn it into a golden carriage!"

"Golden? And horses?"

Lady Mitsuri rushed and grabbed a cage of mice, giving it to Giyu before answering.

"Those mice. Trapped in this cage." She sang, looking around for more items to use.

"And a fox as a footman and a raccoon as a driver," Giyu joked happily. "Oh you are crazy, Mitsuri. Why, in order to do that, you would have to be a fairy godmother."

Lady Mitsuri smirked before sending her staff into the air. Giyu watched as the staff transformed into pink hearts before becoming a magical wand. Mitsuri caught it, now wearing a completely different outfit.

Mitsuri giggled as she adjusted her pink-and-white kimono, shaking off the pink dust from her clothing.

"Lady Mitsuri!" gasped Giyu. "Are you really my fairy godmother?"

"But of course, my child," Mitsuri cooed. "Actually, I'm everyone's fairy godmother. But you're the only one who's given me charity. Generosity. And kindness. And now, I must make all the dreams we joked about come true!"

"But that's so improbable," Giyu stammered. "Implausible, Im-"

💫

Impossible

For a plain yellow pumpkin

To become a golden carriage!

Impossible

For a plain country bumpkin

And a prince to join in marriage

And four white mice

Will never be four white horses

Such fol-de-rol and fiddledy dee dee

Of course is

Impossible!

💫

Giyu gasped as Mitsuri's magic transformed the pumpkin into a beautiful golden carriage, and the four white mice were now out of their cages and transformed into four majestic white horses to pull the carriage.

💫

But the world is full of zanies and fools

Who don't believe in sensible rules

And won't believe what sensible people say

And because these daft and dewy-eyed dopes

Keep building up impossible hopes

Impossible things are happening every day!

💫

Giyu shook his head as he tried to understand the concept of magic around him, but ht e still had one thing to say.

💫

Impossible!

💫

"But if you could be a beggar woman not five minutes ago and now are my fairy godmother, then anything is possible, right?" Giyu questioned.

"I suppose so," Mitsuri giggled.

"You could change it all. You could make it all happen,"

"No, but you could change it," Mitsuri disagreed. "You could make it all happen!"

"Never," Giyu frowned. "I couldn't."

"You're right," Mitsuri sighed sadly. "It's all so-"

💫

Impossible

For a plain yellow pumpkin

To become a golden carriage

Impossible

For a plain country bumpkin

And a prince to join in marriage

And four white mice

Will never be four white horses –

Such fol-de-rol and fiddledy dee

Of course is

Impossible!

💫

Giyu felt horrible, hearing Mitsuri mope like that, so he grabbed her hand and pulled her up, reciting her words to her.

💫

But the world is full of zanies and fools

Who don't believe in sensible rules

And won't believe what sensible people say

And because these daft and dewy-eyed dopes

Keep building up impossible hopes

Impossible things are happening every day!

💫

Mitsuri smiled as he looked over at the carriage before gasping. "Oh my! I forgot a horseman! And a footman! And a couch!"

"I'm pretty sure a horseman and a couch are the same thing," Giyu muttered as he saw two nearby lizards slither by. "Hm, do lizards count?"

"Lizards? Oh, yes, yes!" Mitsuri grinned.

She picked them up and rushed towards the carriage, setting one on the seats and the other outside the door. Mitsuri waved her wand, allowing the lizards to become more human-like, each one decorated in a very formal manner.

"Ah, ok, we have a couch, a footman, horses, a beautiful carriage," Mitsuri listed. "What could I be missing now?"

"Um, Lady Mitsuri?"

Mitsuri turned to Giyu and gasped. "Oh! Of course, I am so sorry, Giyu! Now, let me see!"

Giyu stood still as Mitsuri measured every aspect of him, from his clothing and sandals to the length of his hair.

"Oh, you should be easy for me," Mitsuri beamed happily. "Now, let me see what I do."

Mitsuri grinned and waved her wand towards Giyu. He watched as his ragged haori transformed into a beautiful white, adorned with ocean-blue highlights, and his sandals, as previously mentioned, were now made of glass. His hair was now in a beautifully crafted bun, and his face was adorned with the simplest yet most flattering makeup, which Mitsuri happily cheered.

He looked down in awe of himself.

"You look wonderful," Mitsuri complimented. "Now, let me see you walk."

Giyu gulped and walked forward, allowing himself to walk in his newly formed glass sandals, which became easier with each step. Mitsuri clapped her hands in joy as she pushed Giyu towards the golden carriage.

"Come on! You have to go! Or else you'll miss the prince!" Mitsuri cheered and pushed Giyu inside.

Giyu walked inside and sat down, now nervous.

"Now, before you are off, you should know that everything ends after midnight, so please at least an hour early, just so you don't have to be embrassrased when the magic ends."

"How comforting," Giyu gulped.

"Go forth!" Mitsuri ordered.

Giyu jumped as the carriage moved as fast as it could. Giyu watched as the trees swayed around him, and the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, which made Giyu calm down for the moment.

It made Giyu very happy.

💫

It's possible

It's possible!

For a plain yellow pumpkin

To become a golden carriage!

It's possible

For a plain country bumpkin

And a prince to join in marriage

And four white mice

Are easily turned to horses—

Such fol-der-ol and fiddle-dy-dee

Of course is…

Quite possible

For the world is full of zanies and fools

Who won't believe in sensible rules

And won't believe what sensible people say

And because these daft and dewey-eyed dopes

Keep building up impossible hopes

Impossible

Things are happening every day!

It's possible! (It's possible!)

It's possible!

Aah!

💫

Giyu gasped at the beautiful temple before him. It was just like he had imagined it: grand, beautiful, and full of many people.

"It's amazing," He managed to mutter. "I don't know if I could…"

"Giyu, you wished and you deserve this," Mitsuki smiled. "Go enjoy your night, and have fun. I'll take care of your family."

Giyu gulped and walked out of his carriage, taking a couple of breaths before walking up the stairs, knowing that many people were already staring and whispering about him. But he forced himself to ignore them and entered the temple, which took him aback as many people were dancing. And of course, in the center was the prince himself, Sanemi.

It was an instant; as soon as Sanemi saw him, Giyu watched as the prince approached him.

"Have I see you before?"

Giyu shook his head, looking down. "No, your highness. This is my first time attending a royal ball, a celebration really."

"Hmm," Sanemi hummed, holding his hand out. "May I give you the honors of giving your very first festival dance?"

Giyu blushed and nodded, allowing himself to take the prince's hand, and was moved to the center.

"..I don't dance as much," Giyu admitted.

"I can help you with that," Sanemi whispered. A strange softness echoed. "Ignore the people around you, and imagine the world around you. A place in your dreams."

As instructed, Giyu closed his eyes and imagined a happy place. It was hard at first, but a beautiful garden entered his mind, one that his sister had shown him once before. The garden was filled with flowers and beautiful butterflies that landed on them, covering their hair, skin, and even his nose, which made his sister giggle afterward. It was at that point that he had forgotten that he was dancing with the prince.

"You are a graceful dancer," whispered Sanemi.

"…Thank you," Giyu whispered back. "Thank you for your advice."

Giyu allowed himself to open his eyes and look up at Sanemi before holding his hands completely.

"…Wow," Sanemi sighed.

💫

Ten minutes ago, I saw you

I looked up when you came through the door

My head started reeling

You gave me the feeling

The room had no ceiling or floor

Ten minutes ago, I met you

And we murmured our "How do you do's?"

I wanted to ring out the bells

And fling out my arms

And to sing out the news

"I have found him, he's an angel

With the dust of the stars in his eyes

We are dancing, we are flying

And he's taking me back to the skies"

🌠

Giyu laughed as he twirled around, the first laugh he let out that night. Sanemi blushed when he heard it, a jingle that delighted his ears.

🌠

In the arms of my love, I'm flying

Over mountain and meadow and glen

And I like it so well

That for all I can tell

I may never come down again

I may never come down to earth again

🌠

Giyu smiled as they continued to dance together, blissfully allowing himself to ignore the eyes on him and focus only on Sanemi's. Both men blushed and smiled, aware of the love they must feel for each other.

🌠

Ten minutes ago, I met you

And we murmured our "How do you do's?"

I wanted to ring out the bells

And fling out my arms

And to sing out the news

I have found him

🌠

The duo danced until they found themselves outside the temple, into the beautiful night.

🌠

In the arms of my love, I'm flying

Over mountain and meadow and glen

And I like it so well

That for all I can tell

I may never come down again

I may never come down to earth again

💫

Giyu gasped as he felt the prince's lips against his, but he couldn't protest as he kissed back. The stars and the moon were the only witnesses to such an event.

"…I swear that I have met you before," Sanemi whispered. "But I think I know who are already."

"How can you be so sure?" Giyu asked, pulling away. "We only just met tonight."

Sanemi sighed. "I suppose, it's what you call, destiny?"

Giyu hid a giggle behind his hand as the line left Sanemi's lips, but he didn't mind it at all. But he enjoyed it, that was for sure.

"How about you and I take a walk around here?' Giyu recommended. "I bet you have a wonderful garden."

"Hmph, you should tell that to my mother," Sanemi smiled. "She planted everything here, and might even bloom new flowers this summer."

"I still think it's very wonderful," Giyu complimented. "I could probably lay by the flowers all day. My sister and I did that, you know, lay down at our garden. Sometimes, at nights like this, she would point out the stars."

"Hm, you seem to have a grand relationship with her," Sanemi mentioned. "Does she know you are attending this event?"

Giyu looked down and sadly shook his head. "She passed a few years ago. She was gravely ill and no matter what I did..she got worse and worse."

Sanemi stopped and looked at Giyu. "My apologies, I didn't know."

"No, no, it's normal to answer any questions you may have."

Giyu and Sanemi walked hand in hand, conversing about various topics. Though they may differ, they seemed to need each other's company and companionship.

As they cuddled by the pond, it seemed time scrolled past ever so easily. But the sound of a clock took Giyu out of his trance as he looked up at the clock.

"Oh my goodness, it's midnight!" Giyu gasped as he got up.

"Yes, it…it is?" Sanemi echoed, still confused.

Giyu rushed away, despite Sanemi's best attempts to make him stay.

"I have to go, I have to," Giyu explained as he looked down at their hands touching again. "Please, I need to go!"

Giyu, though sadly, pushed Sanemi away as he ran away, his shoes clinking against the floors as he rushed around towards all the bystanders that watched as Sanemi chased him. At the entrance, he gasped as his left shoe came off, but as he went to grab it, he saw Sanemi getting ever so closer, so he began to enter his carriage.

As the carriage rode away, so did the magic. As soon as Giyu opened his eyes, he saw himself on top of his pumpkin and animals skittering away. He managed to run back towards his home as he took off his glass sandal and examined it.

🌠

"Sanemi, why did you chase that maiden?" Shizu gasped, rushing towards her son. "Are you out of your mind?"

"He's…it was him," Sanemi gasped as he held the slipper close to his chest. "Mother, I found him…"

Shizu gasped as Sanemi got up, holding the glass slipper in his hands.

"Tomorrow Morning, Uzui and I will travel all over the District, to find him," Sanemi ordered. "The one who can fit the glass sandel."

🌠

As the next morning approached, Haruki rushed towards the kitchen in search of Giyu, who was feeding the animals.

"Giyu, what are you doing, wasting your time feeding those worthless animals! You need to make tea for five!"

"Tea for five?" Giyu muttered as he went to the kitchen to prepare the tea. As he did, he heard Haruki rush his daughters out of bed.

"Wake up!" Haruki demanded as he pulled his daughters out of their rooms. "The prince and his royal advisor will be coming over to find the maiden that fits that glass slipper!"

Giyu gasped and blushed once he heard that, his hand shaking as he poured the rest of the tea. He kept his composure as he walked the tray over, setting it down at the table.

"Good," Haruki spoke up. "Now, grab the laundry and start washing them outside where the animals are, you flithy maid."

Giyu nodded solemnly as he collected all the dirty laundry that had landed all over the place and took it outside, as he heard the carriage arrive. He avoided eye contact as he watched the two men walk inside.

Uzui cleared his throat as he carefully sipped his tea.

"Now, you understand our purpose, yes?" he asked. "Prince Sanemi has found the maiden he loves last night and he declared that everyone shall try on this glass sandel, and if it fits, you may be his bride."

"I think they get it," Sanemi groaned. "This is the last house."

Uzui rolled his eyes as he set everything up. "Now, who would like to try it on first? Come on, ladies, we don't got all day."

Haruki sighed as he watched his daughters argue over who would put on the glass slipper first.

"I am deeply sorry for them, your highness, you don't mind them do you?"

"Hmm," Sanemi hummed, clearly uninterested in all of this.

As he slowly tuned everything out, he suddenly heard a beautiful humming sound outside of the house, and while Uzui talked everyone's ear off, he walked outside towards the gardens.

He watched as the beautiful maid washed the clothing and hung it up, while he hummed to himself quietly. Sanemi, entranced, was startled when he slowly walked towards him and took his hand.

Giyu gasped and pulled away, looking back at him.

"It's you,…it's you from last night," Sanemi spoke up.

"Prince Sanemi…you must be mistaken." Giyu gasped. "I cannot be the one you danced with. I didn't attend…"

"Then how did you know why I was here for?" Sanemi asked, looking at him, slowly touching his cheek. "Besides, how could I ever forget such eyes?"

"My eyes?" Giyu blushed, repeating his words carefully.

Sanemi nodded. "I can't forget that. Dark blues eyes like the seas on a cloudy day…."

"You only see me for the beauty I represent, your highness," Giyu spoke up, continung his laundry. "That doesn't mean I am the one you danced with."

Sanemi frowned as he grabbed Giyu and pulled him into an embrace.

🌠

Do I love you because you’re beautiful

Or are you beautiful

Because I love you?

Am I making believe I see in you

A guy too lovely to

Be really true?

Do I want you because you’re wonderful?

Or are you wonderful

Because I want you?

Are you the sweet invention of a lover’s dream?

Or are you really as beautiful as you seem?

🌠

Giyu carefully took a cloth and held it close to him, unsure what to say to that. He looked up at Sanemi again before taking a small breath. He swayed alongside Sanemi as they did the small dance in the backyard, feeling the connection they had that very night.

🌠

Am I making believe I see in you

A man too perfect to

Be really true?

Do I want you because you’re wonderful?

Or are you wonderful

Because I want you?

Are you the sweet invention of a lover’s dream?

Or are you really as wonderful as you seem?

🌠

Giyu looked down before removing himself from the sweet embrace, though he begged himself to give in to his heart's selfish desires, but he knew he had to do this right.

"Perhaps, if I am allowed, perhaps I can try on the slipper?"

"If that what it takes," Sanemi sighed as he dragged Giyu back inside the house. "Uzui, where's the slipper?"

Uzui blinked as he looked up and down at Giyu, still holding the slipper in his hands. "A-are you sure?"

"Then give me the slipper if you don't believe me," Sanemi huffed as he reached for the glass slipper.

But in a few seconds, a cane appeared beneath Sanemi's feet, which caused the prince to clash with his royal duke, who in turn dropped the fragile slipper, breaking it as it landed on the floor.

"What in…" Sanemi growled before staring down at Haruki. "You damn bastard! You did that on purpose!" He yelled as he grabbed onto his kimono.

"On purpose? You wound me, your majesty?" Haruki gasped, feigning shock.

Giyu looked down, separated the two, then back at Sanemi. "If I may…I do have the other slipper."

Haruki gasped as Giyu presented the other slipper, giving it to Uzui, who happily took it. With that, with help from Uzui, Giyu carefully slid the glass slipper on, proving to everyone in that room that he was the one that Sanemi danced with.

"I thought if I could deny it, you would ignore how different I was from that perfect person you danced with last night," Giyu admitted as he grabbed Sanemi's hands. "I thought you were going to be ashamed of me if you saw me for what I am."

"Damn that nonsense," Sanemi whispered as he brought Giyu close. "Regardless of that soot in that face, I still see the person I danced with last night, and I could only ask if you can accompany me to the castle?"

"Really?"

"I am going to show the world my bride, of course you are coming with me."

Giyu blushed but happily smiled. "I'd be delighted to."

🌠

Giyu watched as beautiful flower petals filled the air as he and Saneni walked down the stairs. After so long, Giyu and Sanemi were finally wed, and Giyu was finally able to grieve his sister and live the happy life she had wanted for him.

Haruki wasn't punished for his cruelty and actions, as Giyu thought that his being happy with the prince was enough punishment. As someone said, revenge is a life full of happiness.

As they rode away, the couple shared one final kiss, and everyone cheered for them.

🌠

In the arms of my love

I’m flying

(In the arms of my love)

(I’m flying)

Over mountain and meadow and glen

(O’er meadow and glen)

And I like it so well

That for all I can tell

And I like it so well

That for all I can tell