#tkrb x reader

♡ Monoyoshi is someone who loves life and actively seeks out what it means to be human. He wants to experience it all!

♡ Before his life as a Touken Danshi, Monoyoshi was a sword of Tokugawa Ieyasu and got passed along in the Ieyasu family. He saw the family strive and saw many of his masters as a child then grow into fine warriors.

♡ Being able to have the chance to live for himself is one that he would never take for granted.

♡ Monoyoshi wears his heart on his sleeve. He is always seen smiling and helping others, either by his great luck or his soothing words.

♡ Monoyoshi loves kids and normally always the first to welcome any new tantous to the citadel, or help any random kid that he sees when you take him shopping with you.

♡ A baby fussing in front of you two? Suddenly Monoyoshi starts to sing a lullaby or making silly faces at the child. Most times, the baby quiets down and looks at Monoyoshi with interest.

♡ He also shows you the same affection. You may be the saniwa but he actively tries to learn who you are as a person.

♡ Monoyoshi is very sensitive to negative emotions and is always there when he feels like something is wrong.

♡ As caring and affectionate as he is, he may not realize when his feelings turn from platonic to romantic. That is something you can't learn from observing.

♡ He was there when his previous masters got married... but when did they fall in love? He didn't know.

♡ That is an aspect in life that brings him great interest because he wants to understand it so badly. Love is clearly so powerful to the heart that he wants to understand what it feels like.

♡ He expresses these wishes to you before either of you have any feelings for one another.

♡ Queue the romcom movie nights. He will watch everyone of them and you will be there on the ride for him to ask all the questions.

♡ "Why did they suddenly fight? I thought they loved each other?" "Uh... probably for an interesting conflict in the movie but sometimes people don't see eye to eye, even if they do love each other."

♡ He is so confused by this because he thought love was the most powerful element and nothing could get in the way of that.

♡ Which starts his plan....

♡ "Aruji! I want to do all the romcom montages too! Will you help me?"

♡ He looks at you with that puppy eyes... How could you say no? Which starts your adventure of fake(?) dating and doing all the scenarios you see in romcoms.

♡ Dancing, teaching each other a skill, looking into each other eyes, watching movies, going to amusement park, taking cheesy picture... Everything

♡ It was just something to do to show a them what it was like to be in a romcom, if people actually did these things or if it was just for the screen.

♡ However, it became so much more than that.

♡ From just acting out the scenes, Monoyoshi began to realize how much he truly wanted to live these parts of his life with you. He didn't want to just do things that were in romcoms, he wanted to truly have special moments with you and make treasured memories for you.

♡ He was also terrified of messing up and causing a big endgame conflict that was always there. He never wanted to see you hurt or be the one to hurt you.

♡ It was a day that you two were suppose to have a picnic outing together, he decided to bring up his true feelings or end the montage because he didn't want to make you uncomfortable.

♡ With his amazing luck, he sat down next to you and quickly found a four leaf clover. He handed it to you with his charming smile and said:

♡ "Aruji, I am truly so lucky to have met you. You are like this four leaf clover to me. There was so many chances I would of never met you, yet I did and you made me an even luckier sword. Doing these romcom scenes with you made me realize that I want every moment to be special with you because you are special to me. Sorry if this is out of line."

♡ Not much chances after you two become official because you both have already been rather affectionate with one another. Monoyoshi LOVES complimenting you at every thing. He also loves holding your hand and giving you any gift he can find on his missions.

♡ He is such a doting partner. Just being next to you makes him shine with happiness.

♡ He also loves pet names. Loves calling you: Honey, Sweetheart, or my Clover.

♡ He still worries a bit over there being conflict between the two of you, so he is always the first that demands that the two talk it out if there is ever something that upsets the other. To not hold anything in and be considerate.

♡ Monoyoshi doesn't ever want to lose you and puts his all into the relationship to make you happy and show you all the love he has in his heart. (人´ω｀*)♡

♡ Originally, Hyuuga was created to be a sword of prayer but his first master decided to use him in battle instead. Which gives him an unique view on the world compared to some other swords.

♡ Hyuuga understands very well the emotions of people when he was a sword of prayer and he also understands why war/battles break out.

♡ He is a very understanding person and opened-minded. Which makes him more willing to try romance, even though he is a sword.

♡ Hyuuga is always the person that keeps a watchful eye out on the citadel and sees inner conflicts or someone having a bad.

♡ He goes out of his way to help in his own way. If there is a leak in the citadel and some swords are upset with getting dirty, he will go out of his way to repair it so it makes their everyday a bit easier. He doesn't need to be asked, if it helps others - he will do it.

♡ Same goes for you. You are the saniwa of the citadel and plenty of tedious task rest on your shoulders. He tries to carry even a little bit to make it easier on you.

♡ You need to deliver letters but still have paperwork to do? Hyuuga is up for the task without any hesitation. That is the type of person he is.

♡ He doesn't put others on pedestals and view them as they are: Human.

♡ His previous master had plenty of flaws of his own. Yet, Hyuuga still liked him for the man he was. He saw the good and bad of him.

♡ Which makes him so open-minded whenever he talks to other.

♡ Plenty of times he has been by your side and if he saw you troubled, he would try to help relieve it. Either by doing a task for you to help with stress or ask you what was wrong.

♡ Many probably view Hyuuga as someone who might not understand the complicated emotions of humans, but he is probably one of the swords that understand it best.

♡ He will give realistic advice. Understanding the emotional part of what is troubling others but also giving the logistical aspect to problem-solve it.

♡ Hyuuga probably offers often to serve as the attendant if he sees you struggling because he wants to help.

♡ Hyuuga is very good at math, so he probably offers to take any tasks that involve a fair share of mathematics to help out. He is quick with it and he actually really enjoys solving any math problems.

♡ You both get into a daily routine of being hunched over as each of you work on your own tasks. A peaceful silence in the room that is only broken when one of you notices the time and decides it's time for a break/meal.

♡ This routine becomes something that Hyuuga quickly falls into pace with and comes to enjoy. He truly enjoys being around you and helping you.

♡ Any thought that comes to the top of your head, he will gladly listen. Especially if it's a story of your youth. He wants to learn about you. Not as the saniwa, but as (Y/N). The human that he treasures spending time with.

♡ Hyuuga has a big sweet tooth when it comes to umeboshi. Even on days when he is on "break" from task work with you. He will find himself at your door, asking if you wanted to share some with him.

♡ It is moments like this that makes Hyuuga realize that he is no longer only a sword, but a Touken Danshi. He is able to choose what he wants to do and have freedom.

♡ In the past, he would never have the chance to ask his master if they wanted to share a sweet treat or to stand in the rain to enjoy the feeling on his skin.

♡ Being around you makes him feel alive. Truly alive.

♡ The day he asks if he can hold your hand, he holds it so gently like it is the most fragile thing.

♡ Slowly he brings it to his face, his face warms as he feels your hand on his cheek.

♡ "You make me feel alive and I don't want to ever forget."

♡ Hyuuga likes being physical affection. Either handholding, or just sitting close enough that there is small touches. He likes to show his feelings through touches, rather than words.

♡ Affection glances as well. His eyes are so full of love when he looks at you while you are doing your work. You can always catch him glancing at you with that affection gaze. Only for him to smile when you catch him and he goes back to his task at hand.

mikazuki will definitely wear a pink apron with the saying “kiss the cook” over his suit-and-tie when he’s cooking dinner after a long day of work. or else, he would be silently jamming to old tunes from a radio (like, an actual radio, not from his phone).

whenever your work holds you back in the office, you often come home late than your husband at home. at your return, you find him standing him in the doorway and say, “okaeri.” he smiles down at you, wearing his apron and all. there’s nothing else you would rather be than in his arms. so you advanced forward and wordlessly embrace him. it’s what you needed right now.

every morning when he wakes up, he never fails to give your scrunching forehead a feathery kiss. you are sleeping and probably too tired to care, but you pretty much appreciate the little warmth on your head. for moments that followed, you would whine and aimlessly waves your hand a little, making mikazuki chuckle at you.

“mikazuki,” you whine.

“honey, i am here the whole time. i didn’t get off the bed,” mikazuki says softly, saying in your hair.

“good…” you say in your adorable sleepy voice. “because i want to call in sick.”

mikazuki chuckles. he would never ever get tired of your small, morning antics that often gets into small inconveniences in his work. luckily, he was well-loved so much that he just gets away with it.

mikazuki is oftentimes the one that helps get you into bed. despite working hard hours in the office, mikazuki has some, good extra stamina within him to keep functioning in the night even though he’s tired himself. when you come home, you are already ready to hit the hay and get the most out of your night with beauty sleep. mikazuki will set you up with a small dinner and, at your request, feed you himself because sometimes you’re already nodding your head off in sleepiness. too tired to move, mikazuki would bath you along with him in the tub. after that, he dresses you, then himself, and off to bed you both go.

you tuck yourself in his arms, being the little spoon you are. you whine cutely, yearning for some warmth and mikazuki gladly gives it to you by wrapping his arms tight around your waist.

“sleep now, anata… the moon is up to lull us…” mikazuki mumbled in your hair.

simply, you would exhale and rest peacefully then, content than you are nowhere else but in his loving embrace in the deep of the night.

mikazuki often plays some classics on the stereo and would ask for your hand to join him in a dance. it just happens it always occurs in a random time of the day whenever you two have found time to be together in your house/apartment.

mikazuki: come on, anata. dance with me.

you: but, mikazuki… rolls your eyes you know what? you’re so cheesy~!

mikazuki: cheesy or not cheesy, join me.

he wouldn’t wait for your reply and would just pull you into him. he interlaces his fingers around yours and wounds one hand on your waist. he makes sure your distance is close to him and that your head is close to his heart. following his initiative, you lean your head to his chest and steadily hear his beating heart. at the same time, you can feel his warmth and that’s what makes you draw closer to him.

when you’re properly positioned, mikazuki shuffled softly first. he moved his feet back; you followed. he swayed you to one side; you sided with him. while you were waltzing like you’re both love-drawn, you couldn’t help but gaze lovingly in his blue-gold irises. you are too mesmerized to look away from him and he was, too, in yours.

both of you are drowned into each other’s presence and you don’t want this to ever end.

⪩ ☁︎．note: republished for archiving purposes; heavy wip; under semi-hiatus.

Your eyes widened at the tantou's sudden proclamation. You were in the middle of treating his wounds in the repairing room when he uttered those words, and you let out an airy laugh before setting your tools aside to caress the top of his head.

"That's really sweet of you," you cooed, brushing his bangs away from his pale face with a smile, "But I already know that. You tell me the same thing every day, even way before you went on your kiwame training." You then cupped his cheek, your thumb gingerly tracing the shallow cut that was engraved there during the sortie he had just returned from. With a soft sigh, you picked up a bandaid and gently placed it over the cut. "Try not to get yourself hurt next time. It pains me to see you in this state, Yagen."

Yagen's eyes widened for a split second before he quickly looked away, his cheeks flushing at your expressed worry for him.

"I promise to return to this citadel unharmed in the future, so that I won't waste any of your time and resources," he said. Surprise etched itself on your expression. You stared at him, lips parted slightly as you tried to formulate a response. Moments passed with no words exchanged between the two of you. In the end, you only called his name in a quiet voice.

"Yagen..." You embraced the tantou without another word and pulled him against your chest, with one arm going around his waist and one hand pushing his face into your shoulder. He immediately stiffened in your arms, having not expected this development.

"G-General?" he stammered. You stroked his head, your fingers carefully combing through his ebony tresses as if you were a mother trying to comfort her son. Heat crept up his cheeks at the affection you were showering him with; although he was embarrassed, he also enjoyed what you were doing to him. It felt nice, comforting, and it made him feel at ease. He always felt at peace whenever he was graced with your warm presence, and he wanted to keep that all to himself.

"Yagen, please don't say that," you murmured, "I don't mind wasting my time, energy and resources on you. You're very precious to me." Pulling away from him, you then held his face before leaning in to plant a kiss on his forehead. "I'll always heal you when you get hurt."

A warm, tingling sensation bloomed from the spot you had pressed your lips against, causing Yagen's face to glow with a soft red hue. You didn't miss his blush and chuckled fondly.

'I... love general,' he thought. He then placed his hands over yours, entwining your fingers together. You smiled at him, unaware of the dangerous and obsessive thoughts his mind was drowning in.

Yagen wants to protect you with everything he has. Even if he has to be wounded or break for you...

You are his to protect.

❀

A few days later, you received a notice from the Government of Time regarding the activities of the History Revisionists.

"These are the names of the swords that will be sent to the Memory of Shokuho. They will be part of the primary unit," you said as you handed a slip of paper to your secretary, Shokudaikiri Mitsutada, "I have uncovered the enemy's objective. The History Retrograde Army is going to be stationed at Honnouji Temple, on the night of the 21st of June, 1582, the day of the Honnouji Incident."

"The Honnouji Incident..." he echoed, eyes narrowing, "Is the enemy planning to let Nobunaga-sama live?"

You nodded. "That's correct. The enemy is planning to intercept Mitsuhide's surprise attack at night. All the other details, including my directive, is written down on that paper."

"Understood, aruji." When he turned on his heels to leave your office, you rushed forward and stopped him by wrapping your arms around his torso tightly, your face burying itself in his back.

"Please be careful," you murmured, "Come home safely, okay? I don't want to lose any of you."

Twisting himself around in your grasp, Shokudaikiri then cupped your face with a gloved hand, his thumb caressing your cheek with a hint of tenderness. The loving look that crossed his handsome features made your cheeks heat up slightly and you bit your bottom lip.

"You won't lose any of us. I'll make sure that nobody breaks during the sortie," he said, leaning down to plant a reassuring kiss on your lips. You let out a surprised gasp and immediately pulled yourself away from him, your hand flying up to cover your mouth. The tachi rubbed the back of his neck whilst chuckling sheepishly at your reaction. "I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist. But please, take that kiss as a promise from me, my aruji." He flashed you a bold smirk before exiting from the room to gather the swords that have been selected to participate in the upcoming sortie.

As he left, he was oblivious to the pair of watchful eyes following his every move, which harboured an unfathomable amount of hostility deep within. Yagen gazed at Shokudaikiri's retreating figure with a glare.

Another obstacle to get rid of...

Stepping out of the shadows, the tantou thinned his eyes into slits as his lips quirked sinisterly.

As Shokudaikiri stood next to the time portal, he made sure that all of the chosen swords are prepared to leave.

"Is everyone ready?" he asked, eyeing each member of his team. The unit he was going to lead consisted of Heshikiri Hasebe, Souza Samonji, Monoyoshi Sadamune, Tsurumaru Kuninaga and Yagen Toushirou. Everyone nodded at their leader's question. "Excellent. Let's head out with style!"

After activating the time portal, the entire team was promptly transported to the Memory of Shokuho in 1582. The moment they arrived in the era, Yagen slinked behind the unsuspecting Shokudaikiri, his hand inching towards the hilt of his tantou. His dark bangs cast a shadow over his glinting eyes as he steeled his nerves for the deed he's about to carry out.

"I hope you'll have no regrets," Yagen whispered.

It's time for Shokudaikiri to perish in the flames with Nobunaga, just like Yagen did according to history.

❀

You were utterly horrified upon receiving the shocking news of what had transpired during the sortie from Konnosuke. When you heard that the sortie team had returned earlier than expected from Ichigo, you immediately became worried and rushed out of your office to be greeted with a devastating sight in the courtyard. The little tantous were giving the gravely injured swords first aid to prevent their wounds from festering, and when you couldn't find Shokudaikiri anywhere, dread pooled in your stomach.

"Mi-Mitsu-kun... Where is Mitsu-kun?" you asked in a shaky voice.

Monoyoshi solemnly approached you with the hilt of Shokudaikiri's tachi, which had the blade cleanly snapped off. Your eyes widened as your hands flew up to muffle your shuddering gasp.

"He... broke...?" you whispered incredulously. You were unable- no, you didn't want to believe it. Why did he and how could he have broken that easily? The Memory Shokuho wasn't supposed to be a challenging map to conquer, and Shokudaikiri was also one of your most experienced tachis. "No... It can't be..."

With trembling hands, you took Shokudaikiri's hilt out of the wakizashi's grasp and held it against your chest. Eyes glazing over with tears, you then spun on your heels and fled from your swords, prompting some of them to call for you.

"Aruji, wait!" Hasebe was about to chase you but Yagen quickly stopped him by standing in his path with his arms spread out. Faltering in mid-step, the uchigatana regarded the tantou with a small frown to wordlessly question him. Yagen shook his head.

"I'll go after general," he said, "You're all wounded, so please repair yourselves first. I'll check up on all of you as soon as I've made sure that she's stable enough to be on her own." Asides from Yagen who only sustained minor injuries from the sortie, the other swords on his team were in terrible shape... thanks to a certain tantou who was cunning enough to lead them straight into the enemy's trap without rousing any suspicion from them. The Awataguchi sword smirked internally when Hasebe hesitantly agreed to his suggestion.

"I leave her in your capable hands then, Yagen," Hasebe uttered.

Without another moment to waste, Yagen left the others to search for his beloved master. It wasn't a hard task as he easily found you weeping in one of the hallways whilst clutching onto Shokudaikiri's broken form. You had collapsed on the floor, your tears flowing down your cheeks effortlessly. The sight made him knit his eyebrows together; he doesn't like seeing you cry nor does he particularly enjoy seeing you hold onto what was left of Shokudaikiri so dearly. He clenched his fists as he silently stood behind you with a shadow over his eyes.

What's so good about that candle-cutting sword anyway?

Yagen is much stronger now that he's in his kiwame form, so why aren't you giving him all of your attention? He even thought really hard to conjure up a plan to efficiently get rid of Shokudaikiri during that sortie...

"General," he called, drawing your attention. You stiffened before hastily wiping your tears away so you could look at him without appearing like a complete mess.

"Y-Yagen..."

He crouched down to your level.

"Is everything alright, general? You don't look very well," he remarked. You averted your eyes with pursed lips, feeling the waterworks coming again.

"Yes... I'm fine. Don't worry about me," you replied in a murmur. You squeaked in surprise when Yagen suddenly embraced you, pulling you flush against him. You blinked as he tightened his arms around you and placed his chin on your shoulder.

"Please don't show me your sad face anymore," said Yagen as he closed his eyes, "Shokudaikiri... He said that he loved you."

Yagen's last sentence struck you right in the heart. You always had feelings for the eye-patch wearing sword, so hearing his final message for you caused tears to brim in your eyes once more. Sobbing, you buried your face in the tantou's shoulder, making him open his eyes with a smile. Deftly pulling something out of his sleeve, he popped a restoril pill into his mouth but didn't swallow it. He then pulled away from you slightly to capture your chin in a tight grasp which surprised you. An ominous feeling settled itself in the pit of your stomach the moment your gazes met.

"What are you doing?" you asked.

"You love Shokudaikiri too, don't you?"

When you didn't respond out of embarrassment, he narrowed his eyes and slowly reduced the distance between your faces. He was so close to you that you could feel his breath fanning your lips.

"(Y/n)," he quietly began, using your given name for the first time, "Did you know? I also love you." Before you could say anything, he pressed his lips against yours. They fitted together like perfect puzzle pieces, and your eyelids fluttered shut at the foreign feeling that was stirred inside you.

When Yagen sensed you getting comfortable, he pried your lips apart and pushed the restoril into your mouth. Your eyes shot open at the feeling of him forcing something down your throat, and you accidentally swallowed the pill. You promptly broke out of his grasp, coughing loudly.

"Y-Yagen... What..." As you gradually lost consciousness, you collapsed on your side. Yagen swiftly caught your body before it could touch the floor and brought you against his chest. Leaning down, he smiled against your hair, happy that he can finally hold his beloved saniwa without restriction.

See, Jiji does know that he has feelings for you right away. He doesn’t fall hard and fast, it’s a comforting sort of love that comes about over time. He’s happy to be by your side platonically or romantically, it is when he realizes that his heart beats faster around you, that you continue to surprise him over and over again, and bring a light into his life - that this old man realizes that he loves you.

And he just accepts it? What else is there? Okay sure confessions are a thing but like, why cross that line and break it? Mikazuki is just happy to be with you. But his behavior around you when he’s in love doesn’t change all that much. He’ll bit a bit more teasing, a bit more touchy than normal. He’ll always find his hand in yours, maybe kissing your fingers?

Mikazuki can get nervous but hides it oh so well.If you tease him, he’ll tease you right back. His confession comes out of nowhere, while you two are drinking tea together, watching the moon wax and wane - a nightly tradition - where you two talk before you hit the hay. “The moon’s beauty could never compare to yours, master, I speak nothing but the truth.” and then you stare at him in disbelief, “But as the moon finds the tides, I will always come back to you, my beloved and darling master.” so then you pass the fuck out because he’s smooth.

But really, dating this bastard is just likely dancing over the line between friendship and a relationship. Everyone kind of assumed you two are married anyway so when they find out that you two are officially dating they’re either like: “Wait weren’t you two already dating?” or “I FUCKING KNEW IT” or “Wow you two like each other????” and so on and so forth. Everyone is oh so supportive though~!

Mikazuki adores physical affection, he isn’t afraid to suddenly wrap his arms around you in public. Or just happy to hold your hand if you’re hesitant to affection. He adores skinship~!

Most of all, Mikazuki adoressss napping with you! He is old and sometimes naps are the best thing. He can sense whenever you’re stressed as hell and thus knows how to take you away from your work. He’ll sweep you off of your feet, carry you back to your room and cuddle the SHIT outta you. Big spoon? Little spoon?? He don’t give a fUCKING DAMN. Let him hug you, just hold you close, he loves it.

This extends to bath times as well. Mikazuki loves it when you two bathe together. Bare skin on skin - you can cover your private part he won’t look! He may find you adorable during this time but if anything he just wants to help you relax! He’ll pat you down and rub oils into your skin and so on! Massages are also something he loves as well.

If anything, Mikazuki just loves existing in the same space as you in some kinda domestic bliss. You two don’t have to be doing anything, you could just be napping on one side of the room and Mikazuki could be watching television but man it’s little moments like these that he adores.

It’s even better when you two are just having a day to yourselves! Your nightly chats and tea sessions do not stop after you two start dating. If anything you two just have them much more often! It’s moved from his room to your shared room though, That way you two don’t have to scare a tantou or anyone else with your flirting or something.

He’s a cheesy bastard. He knows dumb pick up lines and flirts from the internet or from the other swords. He’s almost worse than Izuminokami????????

Yeah his teasing does not stop even after you two begin dating. If you are shorter than him he’s going to hide all of your snacks and shit on the top shelves. If you happen to be the same height or possibly taller than him, he’ll ask, “How’s the weather up there love?” or “Bend down to kiss me, my old bonds cannot pull you down after all.” fucking bastard.

Despite being a little shit, Mikazuki gives out amazing advice. If you are ever feeling down, he’ll open his arms and wait for you to hug him. He’ll rub your back and kiss your forehead, ask you what’s wrong and always be with you.

Mikazuki is a very truthful lover. If there’s something wrong with your relationship or in general, he’ll come to you right away to tell you what’s what. He doesn’t hide things from you (unless it’s like a surprise gift or some shit)

Mikazuki is also a rather spontaneous lover! He brings you random little trinkets he bought/found like flowers or something and so on and so forth! Mikazuki loves seeing your eyes light up. You gotta stay on your toes around him! He isn’t as bad as Tsuru or anything but his gifts are a lot more wholesome.

“And what would the answer for that be, Master?” “Mmm…” A huff leaves your lips as you lean back into the sculpted chest of the spear, shoulders losing their tension as a large hand comes up to gently prod and pry away at delicate knots within your muscles. You melt into the embrace, closing your eyes and sighing, “I don’t know.” “Master,” the stern sound from your lover jolts you awake, and up do you stare at the purple haired man, who only forms a small smile. “You have a test coming up. You cannot afford to be relaxing.” “But…” a pout mars your lips, your hand seeks out his sole free one, resting against your thigh and wraps the fingers together – puzzle pieces meant to never be separated. They toy and lock, and he squeezes your hand with that same gentle reassurance. “I don’t want to finish this practice exam.” “I know.” He leans down to press a gentle kiss to the tip of your head, fluttering and soft. He holds you as anyone would hold a jewel: precious and safe.

You never felt any more protected.

“But still, you must.” He runs a hand through your locks, gently directing your head back down to the practice exam place on the table in front of you. “Where did your enthusiasm for it go?”

Your mouth opens, wanting to refute him, to argue, but it closes soon after – and reluctantly does your hand leave his, searching for the pencil to begin again. “I know but it’s boring.”

Tonbokiri only laughs heartedly; you could feel the vibrations from your position on his lap. “I am aware, but we did make a promise yes?” his chin rests on the top of your head, peering down at the letters that confused him far too much to make any sense of it. “Two hours of study a day, then we can do whatever you like.”

Right.

Inhaling deeply, lead touches against white, and hurriedly do you begin to return to your work – the reward dangling in the back of your mind, spurring you forward.

Tonbokiri could only chuckle, and press a simple kiss to the back of your head. “If we grade this and you have a nigh perfect score, we can spend the rest of the day cuddling.”

That only made you want to work faster. So you turn back to your attendant, and hold out your pinky. “Promise?”

“Aruji!! The first team is back!” 

Lightning crashed with the thudding rain droplets, the citadel shook as the silhouette of someone in the doorway to the library that the saniwa was currently resting. Their head rose and looked at the poor sword that was drenched from the heavy rain outside. What weather to welcome back the first team, perhaps they should treat them to some cookies for their hard work and make up from the lousy weather. Most of the swords were huddled together somewhere in the citadel staying warm from the bitter cold, yet the swords that just arrived home had to walk through the raged storm. The saniwa closed their book as they sat up in their big chair near the fire, a smile on their face as they looked at Hotarumaru.

“Lovely. Please tell Hizen to see me to give me the overview of the mission when he cleans up. What a shame that on his first mission he is the leader and he has to come back to such miserable weather.” They clicked their tongue slightly with a fond smile on their lips as they rose to put away their book, “Please tell him to take his time. I don’t want to rush him after he worked so hard.”

“Um…” Hotarumaru started only to fall silent. His hands fiddled with one another as he rocked back and forth on his feet. His green eyes stared at the ground, refusing to make eye-contact as he tried to find confidence to start the next sentence.

Immediately, the saniwa paused from putting the book back into the bookcase and looked over at the small Ootachi. This smile fell as the cold air of the storm swooped in and stole their breath away. Even being so close to the fire, it felt as though winter had come early and threatened to freeze them alive in the very spot they stood. They tried to wait patiently for Hotarumaru to continue but it seemed like they weren’t going to be able to do so without further prompting. Their heart raced as they asked: “What is it?”

The firefly sword snapped out of his nervous trance, his body straightening and his arms falling to their side as his grassy green eyes locked with the sage’s. His eyebrows were knitted in concern as he said the words that the saniwa never wanted to hear.

“He was taken to the infirmary. He was badly hurt and-”

Thunder boomed almost as loud as Hotarumaru’s words. The book that almost made it back to its home in the bookcase crashed to the floor as the saniwa sprinted out of the library, not bothering to hear the rest of what Hotarumaru was about to say or to grab a form of protection against the storm. It didn’t matter how the thunder rattled their bones or how the rain pelted their skin as they ran to where Hizen laid. What mattered was that the sword they chose to lead the mission was now badly hurt and the responsibility rested upon their shoulders. It was supposed to be an act of trust from the saniwa to Hizen. He was always so distant and always reduced himself to just being a killer’s sword. He was there to kill and that was it. It didn’t matter that he liked sake, or sweets. It didn’t matter that whenever he killed, he shook from the action of it.

But it mattered to them. Hizen mattered to them.

It was meant to be a simple mission with no killing. They made sure of it. They did their research so Hizen could see that they could lead a group. That he was more than capable of doing more than just killing and he didn’t have to settle to be defined by his past. Why did this happen?

The door rattled as they pushed it open with a rushed and forceful movement. Their body was dripping wet, their cheeks rosy from the cold, and their body shivered from either the cold or the situation that was presented to them. Inside the Infirmary, Hizen laid in the bed as Monoyoshi dabbed at his wounds and wrapped them in clean wrappings. Hizen’s hair had droplets of rain that was mixed in with his red and black locks. His eyes were painfully closed as new wounds littered his body. He was bleeding from everywhere. Any new bandage was quickly colored red. His left eye opened faintly to look at the saniwa, only to painfully shut once more as Monoyoshi dabbed on more medicine to his shoulder where the deepest wound lay. It was already stitched shut but it seemed like needed a bit more disinfection before he could wrap the bandages around it. 

“What happened?” A ghost of a voice rose in the quiet room that was drowned in the music of the thudding rain. It was shaky and barely recognizable, but it was surely the saniwa’s voice. When did they speak? Their mind was everywhere, yet only in one place at the same time. 

Monoyoshi finished dabbing the ointment on the tender flesh before throwing away the new soiled cotton ball. A normally shining face now only gave the faintest smile as they walked over to the saniwa and brought them to the corner of the room, away from the hurt sword. Hizen’s tired red eyes watched as the duo left him, his eyes trying to focus on them from the bed but quickly his eyelids felt too heavy and closed once more. His breath shaky as he started to drift off ever so slightly.

“He is alright, Aruji. He may not look at it from his wounds but he will make it.” Monoyoshi gently grabbed their forearm and it was only then did the sage realized how much they were shaking. Of course Monoyoshi would comfort them when they look like a leaf threatening to fall off the branch in Autumn. “Hizen was the only one that was hurt in the first team. We were tracking Prince Ōama when suddenly Kebiishi appeared. We were split up at the time but… Hizen told Chiganemaru to find the rest of the team while he ran and held off the Kebiishi. I’m not sure what would have happened to the team if it wasn’t for him but we were able to retreat before anyone broke. I’m sorry to say but we couldn’t meet our mission’s goal…”

“Nonsense. You making it back alive is what truly matters.” They sniffled, bringing their sleeve up to their face to wipe the wet droplets. One great thing about rain is that you can’t tell tears from rain droplets. A heavy sigh left their lungs as he looked at the sleeping figure on the bed. Even so close to breaking, he looked so peaceful. “Monoyoshi, would you mind giving me some time with him? As well as telling Mutsunokami and Nankaitarou about him? I’m sure they will want to rush over to see him.”

“Of course, Aruji.” Monoyoshi gave a small bow before looking over at Hizen. His forced cheery smile left as his brows knitted in concern. “I gave him some medication to help with the pain so he is probably going to be very sleepy for a while as he heals. Please let me know if there is anything I can get the both of you.”

A final smile found its way to his face as he gave the saniwa’s hand a small squeeze of comfort before leaving the room as quiet as he could. With the small rattle of the door closing, they looked over at the sleeping form. His eyes finally were not squeezed shut and looked peaceful. The scowl that normally resided on his face was now replaced with a neutral expression as he drifted into sleep. Their steps were hesitant as they made their way to his bed and to the seat that sat next to it. The heavy blanket to keep him from the cold seemed to hide a good majority of wounds that now painted his body. However, there were still many more shallow cuts on his face and chest. As well as the deep shoulder wound that Monoyoshi was just taking care of. Their eyes gazed at Hizen’s neck, an area of his body that was often covered by bandages. A scar imprinted onto his skin. It surrounded his whole neck. That’s right… Hizen’s previous master was beheaded and now Hizen wears the scar as a reminder. Hizen never talked about his previous master to them or anyone, for that matter. All they knew about them was that they were a killer and had some connection to Ryōma, Mutsunokami’s previous master. 

Staring so earnestly at the scar, they failed to notice that Hizen had shifted and began to wake. It was only when his head fell to the side to look at the sage, did they notice. His red eyes were still barely opened and it seemed like he was struggling to even focus his gaze upon who was sitting next to him. 

“Stop staring…” He groaned as his eyes fell shut once more and he took a deep breath. “I failed. You can leave.”

A deep-set frown was placed upon their lips as they looked at Hizen’s pained, yet forced sleeping expression. Clearly, he wanted to drop the topic and distance himself even more from the saniwa. He was hurt and was not in the mood. All these things were so clear… But they couldn’t help but speak.

“You came back alive and that is all I wanted.But Hizen, you shouldn’t have faced the Kebiishi all alone. I know you were protecting your team but you could have died. Please, be more careful next time.”

“What use is a sword that can’t kill when ordered to? Should of broke on the battlefield.”

A cold air filled the room. Hizen’s narrow eyes turned to the wall, away from his new master. An unsettling silence settled between the two figures as the saniwa bit their lip, hands clenching at their robes on their lap. Their shoulders shook as they tried to hold back tears from their eyes.

“How could you say that?”

“I’m a killer’s blade. If I can’t kill, I’m better off broken. That is the only use I am good for.”

“That isn’t true!” They screamed, making Hizen flinch in the bed and finally look at them. Their head was lowered as they tried to control their shaking body, taking deep breaths as Hizen watched in shock. He always knew the saniwa who was gentle to all the swords and only strict when giving direct orders in stressful movements. He had never heard their voice become this loud that even the thunder outside couldn’t overpower them. 

Their hand shot out and grabbed hold of Hizen’s. His body shuttered slightly from the sudden physical contact and he stared at them frozen. Their head rose to reveal tears threatening to tip over and run down the cheeks as they looked at the sword in the bed. Their hand was firm, yet gentle. Hizen wouldn’t be able to slip from their hold unless he actively tried. Yet, it wasn’t forceful where he felt a lot of pressure. Despite the cold and the shivering of their body, their hand was warm.

“You are alive, Hizen. You can feel my hands holding yours right now, right? You enjoy so many things in the citadel, I see it! I see how much you enjoy sake or sweets I bring home from the market. Why else do you think I always make sure there is something sweet here? Hizen… Your job is no longer assassinating people, I will make sure I never put you in that position. Your job is to protect people. You already proved that you can do that! Today! You took on a powerful foe so you could protect your team like a great leader! Your past doesn’t define you, Hizen. Not anymore if you don’t allow it to. Please… Never talk like that again.”

Their joined hands fell to the soft bedding as the saniwa cried. Their shaking was nearly uncontrollable. Hiccups filled the room and sniffles of trying to catch their breath. What could be said to such words or to make them stop crying? It’s not like Hizen was ever put in such a position before. The drowsiness in his body had begun to fade from the scream. The raising tension in his body lessened and his red eyes focused on their joined hands. He slowly grasped their hand, rubbing his rough thumb over their soft skin. A familiar action that the saniwa once used on him after a night terror. A moment he tried to block out of his mind from how pathetic he thought of himself. Yet, the saniwa said nothing about it. They calmed him down and sat next to him, rubbing their thumb over his hand while holding it. Sometimes even petting his head to lull him into sleep. Even flinching from the physical contact, he enjoyed the soft feeling of it. He never had someone treat a killer so kindly before.

“Sorry.” He muttered softly. So faint that he was sure that the heavy rain outside drowned him out and he would have to repeat himself again, even if he wanted to die from embarrassment from doing so. Luckily, they shook their head softly and their thumb gently rubbed against Hizen’s hand.

“No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled like that. Seeing you so hurt and hearing how you feel about the mission really upset me but I shouldn’t have yelled like that.” 

Another silence fell into the room as the saniwa rested their head against the mattress, exhaustion coming over them from the sobbing and adrenaline rush of the news. The silence was comfortable compared to the one before. Hizen’s hand hesitantly stroked the saniwa’s head, trying to mimic the gesture from the memory yet unconfident in their abilities. 

“I will try… to learn how to… l-live another way.” 

They looked up at Hizen, making his hand freeze in the air unsure where to put it. Their expression was pure shock as they lifted themself up. Hizen never actively spoke to them and they were accepting that the conversation of the night would have ended at the sorries before they left the room. A soft blush could be seen on his face as he looked down at the blanket that covered his body. Part of the saniwa wanted to ask if he was sure and have a further conversation on it. They knew the sword better than they thought and knew that would only make him more uncomfortable.Instead they smiled, and gently patted his head with him flinching slightly, only to lean into it.

♡ Nikkari can read people well... Perhaps TOO well. Especially when he can relate to them.

♡ When Nikkari sees his saniwa falter when about to speak, open their mouth only to shut it again, and distant themselves from others - he sees all of it.

♡ Meeting his overlooking gaze will be rewarded with a knowing grin from him. Friendly enough, but also telling of: "I know something about you that others may not".

♡ Would Nikkari ever bring it up first? Perhaps not. He has his own issues with his own trust in himself, he most likely not think he is a well fit to discuss such matters.

♡ That doesn't stop him in the late nights, going around looking like a ghost in the halls, to meet with Ishikirimaru because he would think he could handle it better than Nikkari ever could.

♡ Ishikirimaru is a healing sword. Nikkari killed a ghost child and can never be divine. Of course he would think lowly of himself when facing someone with similar confidence in themselves like he does.

♡ Sadly for him, Ishikirimaru simply gives advice to Nikkari instead of going out of his way to approach you and help. Not what Nikkari would of liked.

♡ "For a spiritual healing sword... You sure know how to torment someone. Is this my divine punishment?"

♡ So he watches. He watches you struggle and see himself in your actions. Biting the inside of his lip because he wants to say something to make it right but he can't even make his own situation "right".

♡ Nikkari would speak up in meetings for you, asking you what you would think.

♡ Clearly you notice. You noticed his stare (which is more frequent from before), his smile when you catch his gaze after not being able to speak, and you notice him speaking up for you - trusting your words.

♡ Although it is nerve-wrecking and puts you in the spotlight, no one dismisses your plans and many agree with your outlook on situations.

♡ Every time, Nikkari will give you a final smile before finally turning away from you. Almost saying, "my work here is done".

♡ If you seek him out to ask his intentions, the smile will resume on his pale lips and a tilt of his head as he gazes at your face: "What ever are you talking about, aruji? I simply asked your thoughts. Has my sinister aura finally corrupted you and you can only think of me?"

♡ Playful, mysterious Nikkari.

♡ Your frown of his answer not going unnoticed.

♡ "If we trust you, you should give yourself a little more credit. Making a mistake does not mean you are not wise."

♡ "I could say the same thing to you. Making a mistake does not mean you are not divine."

♡ His smile falters slightly as it resumes, more artificial than previously. "Others perhaps a differing opinion than your own. Are you sure you wish to put your word on such a statement?"

♡ "I trust you, so you should give yourself more credit. I don't think any of my words have been wrong yet."

♡ For once he is at a loss for words. So he nods and disappears into the darkness of the halls. The journey of self-trust is not an easy one for either of you. However, your words go a long way for Nikkari. Similarly his words to you.

♡ It's easier to trust yourself when others are willing to as well. If they have a reason to believe in you, then surely it is justified. At least, Nikkari believes in you and he is not one to give his trust blindly.

♡ Hasebe trusted once before and got burned. A lasting resentment that even time could never fully heal.

♡ He put his love and devotion to his previous master, Oda Nobunaga, only to be tossed away without another look at his sword. To someone his master wasn't even close to, really.

♡ Where once was affection left a burn wound on Hasebe of bitterness.

♡ When Hasebe first met you, he was distant. Only doing what was commanded of him and not speaking much to you, or anyone really. He was going to be a sword and be thrown away yet again.

♡ But you didn't. You kept putting trust in this poor man who thought he was worthless. A man who loved so brightly before and it crushed him. Could he love and trust again, with you?

♡ He wasn't sure. He was scared. Yet... Somewhere in his heart - He desperately wanted to.

♡ It was slow but he gave you his trust and affections. Asking you of your opinions on even the silliest of things. "Aruji! Yōkan or Agedashi Tōfu for our afternoon snack?" "Aruji! Does purple fit me well?" "What do you think of the tea I made today?"

♡ He cared. He seeked your approval. He wanted to do right by you, even if you thought you couldn't trust yourself to make decisions.

♡ Hasebe isn't great at reading emotions like other swords. He is a emotional guy who shows everything he feels in his words, body, and face. He can't always catch subtle inflexions of tone that means that someone is upset.

♡ But he has been around you long enough that when you space out longer than usual or not smiling as much, he notices.

♡ He pays you compliments and tries to lift your spirits because you are the person he cares about the most. He wants to be of worth to you.

♡ If anyone is going to praise your every move, it will be him. He adores you.

♡ You make a mistake? That is okay. It was such a little thing. You can always try again next time.

♡ There will always be a next time with Hasebe. As long as you allow, he will stay by your side.

♡ If you ever open your heart to him about the issues you face, he will smile and look at you with the most fondness in his heart.

♡ "Aruji, what you are feeling is very normal. You have been put in a position of power that you may not feel like you are capable of having yet. My previous masters were like that too. Always doubting their attack strategies, thinking they are not good enough. They kept a strong face but behind screens... I saw their shoulders sink and the weight hard to bare.