ā =]
ā writing your muse meme
From a very early age Fugaku had been taught to steel himself for combat, emotions were a hindrance to shinobi. His father hammered in the importance of keeping appearances in front of the clansmen. It wouldnāt be long before the young man inherited his fatherās position as clan leader, a heavy weight that his close relatives reminded him of frequently.
With Fugaku accepting this responsibility, it left his older sister more or less free to do what she pleased. She was talented, as expected for one of her lineage and her betrothal to Kagami was looked upon with approval. He was a second cousin once removed, an extremely accomplished shinobi and seen as a good match for the clan leaderās daughter. Whether the couple was looking forward to their union was up for debate, though anyone that saw them together could say they were rather content with the arrangement. In fact their personalities were quite compatible.
Satomi, that was her name. While it implied beauty most would say the young woman was quite homely. Her nose was big, her hair was thin and limp, her teeth were a bit crooked⦠But Satomiās smile made Fugaku feel at ease, her laugh was loud and infectious, her spirit was bold and unbreakable. In so many ways she was beautiful. Fugaku knew how good she was at keeping secrets, in his childhood he had told her about silly little things that would be embarrassing to admit to anyone else. Satomi always smiled and nodded, humoring her little brother.
Fugaku became very busy learning the ins and outs of leadership. At the same time Satomi was bombarded with advice on marriage and motherhood from well meaning but very intrusive clanswoman. All the aunties were making baby clothes even before the wedding! While it became frustrating, it was all taken in stride and Satomi graciously accepted the pearls of wisdom and tiny onesies.
The wedding was small but well attended, everyone wanted to see the young bride off. Satomi had refused much of the fancy makeup and ornate jewels, it felt a bit gaudy and she preferred a more simple look. Many of the ladies in attendance watched enviously as Kagami and Satomi said their vows. Afterward, Satomi searched the crowds for her brother, he had promised to be there.
Fugaku guiltily slunk in at the end, having just come back from a briefing with the elders. He couldnāt just run off on them even for his sisterās wedding. His eyes caught Satomiās, all the man could do was give an apologetic look as the new bride approached him.
āSorry nee-san.ā he said softly, his expression had smoothed over now, face unreadable to anyone else.Ā āI had to meet with the elders after my mission.āĀ
āAh, so thatās how it is then. Canāt be helped.ā Satomi understood the pressures her brother was facing, they had slowly been growing apart since Fugakuās training began. So she took what she could.Ā āThank you for coming Fugaku.ā She swept her brother into a tight hug, it was a little unbecoming and Fugaku felt his cheeks warm at the rather intimate embrace. For a moment he returned the gesture before pulling away carefully.
āYou should be a little moreā¦mindful neesan.ā Again his face had become blank but stern. Satomi frowned, Fugaku wasnāt the boy he used to be. He was becoming something harder, more distant and there was nothing to be done about it.
āSorry, Iāll be more careful next time then.ā Despite the lack of expression, Fugaku felt an ache in his chest at those words. This growing distance was a small sacrifice to be made for the future. His sister shouldnāt expect special treatment.
Satomi and Kagami were happily expecting their first child. Fugaku was becoming more engrossed in hie duties and he had recently become engaged. Juggling the tasks of courting his fiance and taking more of his fatherās duties to ease the transition of leadership was actually quite stressful. He didnāt know what to do when meeting Mikoto, girls had never held great interest to him except for a crush he had as a child. This was different, he was going to marry this woman that he only knew vaguely from clan gatherings in the past. They would have to learn more about each other and be compatible to some extent. In his desperation Fugaku called Satomi in for anĀ āemergency meetingā without giving many details. It would be embarrassing for anyone else to know about his struggles in romance.
His sister sat across the small table, a swollen belly getting between her and a cup of tea. She looked mildly concerned as Fugaku steepled his hands together and stared intently at his sibling.
āFugaku, whatās on your mind? Iām not getting any younger hereā¦ā She preferred others being outright about things.
āNeesan.ā How to approach the subject without looking like a clueless idiot? Fugaku settled on a roundabout manner.Ā āWhat do you like about Kagami-san?ā
āKagami?ā Okay, that was random. Did Fugaku not like her husband? It seemed odd to bring that up after all this time..Ā āWell, heās fun to be around. Kind, even though heās busy we always have a nice time together when heās home. Heās older, though that doesnāt necessarilyā¦well, heās mature. I like that he has strong beliefs and doesnāt let what otherās think bother him.ā Actually Satomi could talk for hours about why she liked Kagami, there wasnāt a better man for her! Secretly she felt quite lucky to be his wife. Her ears were a little red, along with the apples of her cheeks.Ā āI just think heās a good man. I love him very much Fugaku.ā She really hoped that Fugaku didnāt harbor ill feelings toward Kagami.
āOh, I see.ā Was it a little hot in here..? Even Fugaku was a little flushed, it felt weird seeing his sister gush over someone. It was just weird seeing such affection period. Their parents had never acted like that about each other and Fugaku never questioned their relationship. Love wasnāt something openly discussed, let alone other feelings that were consideredĀ āwomanlyā orĀ āchildish.ā So poor Fugaku was genuinely at a loss, how could he act so Mikoto would look at him with the same kind of adoration Satomi had for her spouse?Ā āNeesan, you know of my engagement correct?ā There was the slightest hint of nervousness in his voice. Would she think he was stupid for not understanding something that seemed natural to her?
āYes, ah, itās Mikoto right? Your future wife?~ā Now the elder sibling had a sly expression, so this wasnāt really about Kagami was it.Ā āSheās a pretty girl, just got promoted to jounin I heard? I think sheās a good match for you.ā
Now Fugaku was full on blushing. This had been a terrible idea, Satomi was teasing him now. Itād only get worse once she knew the truth.Ā āThank you neesan.ā A few moment passed before Fugaku felt his body cool down, only his sister could get such a reaction out of him.Ā āI have gone out with her a few timesā¦sheās a little quiet. Not that itās a bad thingāā Just that conversations were difficult and immensely awkward. They didnāt know anything about each other.Ā āIād like to, well, have her feel more at ease when weāre together.ā He just had no idea what to do, all his ideas were terribly boring. What kind of man would call playing shogi a date? Though Mikoto was a decent opponent, that much he gathered.
Ah, so the truth came out. Satomi suddenly felt better knowing what Fugaku really wanted to talk about. Why couldnāt he just say what was on his mind? She laughed, loudly. Just like Fugaku had feared. The man frowned whilst looking to the side, he wasnāt so lighthearted like her. A sharp pain in the womanās lower abdomen cut her laughter short. She winced and rubbed her belly, just a contraction.Ā āFugaku, youāre going to make me have this baby if you keep it up.ā
Without realizing it Fugaku had gone to Satomiās side, his normal mask having falling away with instinctive concern.Ā āAre you alright neesan?ā She met his gaze, a little surprised at the emotion apparent in his eyes. It made her smile fondly.
āIām fine Fugaku. Itās just a contraction, happens all the time.ā She patted the peak of her stomach in assurance.Ā āI think youāre worrying too much. Why donāt you go outside the district and enjoy the sakura blossoms? Theyāre in full bloom right about now. Maybe you two can enjoy a picnic.ā Then conversation could naturally develop, rather than feel forced.Ā āKagami took me out to see them last season, I probably wonāt be allowed to leave with how far along I am now.ā A shame people fretted so much over her, Satomi thought it was rather silly for others to worry this much.
āAh. Thank you neesan. Iāll do that.ā It actually sounded like a good plan. He just needed to make himself available. Easy right?
In reality it wasnāt so easy, though Fugaku managed to schedule the date toward the end of the blooming season. The blossoms werenāt nearly as impressive but it still created a relaxing environment. Mikoto was also a very good cook he discovered.
to be continued???









