* apologetic / fool !

      ‘ ah, really ? may i ask who gave it to you, or would it be impolite for me to ask ? ’ words in a rather polite tone fall from mutsuki’s lips – he never loses his polite demeanour, even when he’s being sly, but the politeness is genuine with ritsu-oji-chan. after all, mutsuki can’t even think about joking around with the soft-spoked uncle as he can with kakeru-oji-chan or even shigure-oji-chan. 

—— 🐒

                       There had been a number of kimono that Ritsu had been given over the years. Many from Kagura, a few from others. This one in particlar had been from his mother. Ayame had done some mending here && there, of course. Whether the interest was genuine or just idle chatter, the monkey didn't seem to mind. The company was welcome, however sparse it came.

Despite living together && dating for several years prior, Ritsu && Ayame didn’t actually  get married until Ayame was in his early — mid thirties   (&& Ritsu was in his late twenties to early thirties).

For the most part, Ritsu's personality mellowed out after becoming a parent. He's still very anxious && prone to apology, but is able to refrain from becoming unhinged completely. This is because both of his children found his over—excitement to be FRIGHTENING when they were little; he regrettably made them cry on several occasions. Because of this, Ritsu is more steadily treated for anxiety, clinical depression, && his panic disorder than he was in his youth.

Ritsu took over The Onsen from his mother but, like his mother, health concerns have long—since resigned him to the same kind of role she held there for many years. He mostly works from home, taking care of the expenses && other things that may be handled remotely from a distance.

Ritsu STILL wears kimono on a regular basis. Instead of furisode, though   (which are known for their long sleeves && are traditionally worn by unmarried women)   Ritsu opts for a number of plainer kosode. Other than kimono, his style of fashion is somewhat androgynous. He wears a lot of " mom clothes ", or so his kids say.

      ‘ that’s a wonderful new kimono, ’ compliments mutsuki genuinely – and it’s true; the kimono really brings out the best of ritsu-oji-chan’s features and colouring. ‘ did ayame-oji-chan make it for you, or did you buy it at another shop ? ’

—— 🐒