[for whatever reason kashuu and yams went through the archways to go home first, probably. but buzen actually pauses as he seems to realize, this close to going home, that there's actually something he should probably stop for.
he catches itsuki's hand.]
... actually, I think I was in the middle of a mission. So if you go with me... we might not be at the Citadel yet. Almost, though.
[YEA FOR WHATEVER REASON KASHUU AND YAMS GO TO DIFFERENT TEARS, I GUESS -
but buzen will smile at that, nodding.] That's the one. Samidare Gou. You'll recognize him since he's purple too. I guess he would've been in Heliotrope...
[the Gous are actually decently color coordinated for chroma it's funny,
but he will look serious for a moment as he ponders the next plan of action.]
... I just killed someone important. So we'll need to move fast, just in case. But we should be able to get back to the Citadel easily enough. Stay close to me, and do what I tell you.
in the lifetime over eight hundred years, even if those years often blur together, two months full of excitement and intention barely even register. he follows his role for two months, cuts down his enemies, tells more lies than he's comfortable with, but otherwise finds time to enjoy himself. random conversations under the moonlight with comrades, pockets of laughter - those are the moments that make it all worth living even when there are moments that threaten to break this soft heart of his.
talking to itsuki makes it easier, he thinks. when he's able to send pictures of the scenery - untouched by the pollution of modern lights, skies full of stars, sprawling fields that give the impression that no one's ever set foot on them before then - he thinks he gets to share a little bit of what is so important to him and close that gap. as much as he misses being next to the person he wants to see the most, it's not an unfamiliar feeling to buzen. it's part of this arrangement they've chosen.
still - he walks the slightest bit faster when they return to the citadel. their sortie group is bloodied and beaten, the final battle leaving these scrapes and cuts on their minds as well as their bodies. despite this, buzen doesn't head immediately for repairs. he'd told itsuki they'd be coming back -
so where is he? someone is about to scold buzen for bleeding on the tatami but some sacrifices have to be made in the name of being extremely gay.]
[two months is too long. it's maddening, even though itsuki knows it could be longer. he's spoken to the other swords, heard of missions that spanned years, and remembers when buzen spoke of one that lasted decades.
so he should be grateful really, that this one is only two whole months. itsuki compiles a list of all the reasons why he should be grateful. that buzen is with people he trusts, that he's competent and skilled and has never faltered on a mission before, that he always sends a message back like he promised. and there are other reasons to be thankful too -- that itsuki is never left alone with his thoughts for too long, always surrounded by other swords.
all very good reasons, but they all fall short compared to what and who he wants. two months is too long, buzen's alive this time but they're still apart, still missing.
he reads the message as soon as it comes in, and then he's off. someone WILL scold itsuki for quitting a chore half-done but he has to go in the name of gay. his yukata's already hiked up to his knees for work purposes, which makes running so much easier,
later, he'll comfort himself by thinking of how he ran to buzen this time, and how romantic it is -- but that's for later. all of his thoughts are focused on buzen now, and the delight that snaps through him at finally seeing him in person -- ]
-- Buzen...!
[this is so gay but it's not gonna stop him from practically crashing into him, heedless of everything beyond the fact that he's finally here, arms already coming up to hold him in an embrace]
[itsuki is going to get dried(?) blood on his perfectly nice yukata.
the other swords probably laugh a little to themselves as they watch itsuki charge through - reunions are often sweet once they're back at the citadel, but there is rarely this same sense of desperation. they'll wonder later if it is just part of what it means to be human, to feel time so intimately.
but buzen isn't laughing. buzen is delighted, and his eyes spark with affection and unrivaled happiness. itsuki crashes into him but buzen's arms were already open, and they wrap around him so firmly that his injuries threaten to reopen but he finds that he doesn't care at all.]
Suki.
[he says his name, almost a sigh. he cants his head just so that he can catch itsuki's mouth with his own, greeting him with a kiss.
it was a form of affection that buzen struggled to understand initially - what did it mean to just slam mouths together. but he thinks he gets it more and more now. if it is a form of affection that itsuki likes to receive, then it is also one that buzen likes to give.
maybe this is just how he's come to understand this new language of love.]
[at this point itsuki's gotten used to the idea of swords putting on performances while also trying to preserve history, and isn't he lucky that he gets to experience the musical part of their mission first before the really traumatizing one???
he's looking forward to it... he's participated in Gou Dance Practice and seen snippets of performance back at the prism, but this is his first Myu Experience! some of the swords suggested that he could watch in the audience, but itsuki's not the type to sit idle, so he'd volunteered his services right away. if he can't perform, then he can at least help with all other million and one things before curtain time --
case in point, he knocks on the door of buzen's dressing room (one he probably shares with a bunch of other swords??? how do myus translate into touken ranbu universe dana im losing my mind)]
Buzen? I brought some water. Also, Kotegiri asked me to help you with your outfit...?
[last minute alterations or something?? he has a little pin cushion strapped to his wrist for just that]
[i don't have any idea i feel like dressing rooms have to exist but i have no idea how many there are i'm not thinking about it
anyway buzen will be in the middle of dressing! sort of! it's his middle layer of clothes that needs mending - the matador-looking piece, which means that he can't put it on when it's not entirely hemmed and altered. what this means is that he's doing his stretches in his crop top, i'm not linking it, you know what it looks like
and he'll grin brightly when itsuki comes in]
Oh - Suki! Yeah, if you don't mind! And thank you for the water too. Are you keeping busy?
luckily for itsuki, he gets to see this crop top in all of it's glory! Imagine if he hadn't already seen it once before? Then his mind would be in shambles, which would have been a step further than the ???? ??? ?????? that's currently circulating in his brain right now,
well, less of a step and more of a side shuffle. Itsuki still has one hand on the doorknob, a stunned expression on his face. The lowered angle of his gaze is clearly riveted on the bare expanse of Buzen's abdomen. The way he's acting as if he's never seen Buzen in a state of undress before? He's seen him stark naked?
and yet,]
Yeah...
[itsuki replies, having clearly not registered anything buzen has said to him. he lets the door go, barely noticing how it swings closed behind him, and holds out the water bottle, still in a stupor.]
[If dates can be defined as two people in love spending time together, then haven't Itsuki and Buzen been on a million and one dates already? Back at the prism, and now at the citadel. Not a day has gone by where Itsuki hasn't held Buzen's hand or kissed him or looked at him with a soft, loving gaze or experienced something new while at his side. Not a day has gone by that Itsuki hasn't treasured, precisely because Buzen was in it.
It's kind of extraordinary how he still feels the same way even now -- a little giddy, a little flustered. In awe that he's with Buzen and Buzen's with him. Always looking to spend more time with him, and never being quite satisfied. But that's fine too, isn't it? It gives him something to look forward to every day. Buzen always soothes that restless feeling in his heart. Which is good, because he feels particularly restless today.
It's their first date in some time -- if you define a date where two people spend time with each other... time that's completely and utterly uninterrupted, whether by more pressing events (like in the prism) or other people (like at the citadel). It's why Itsuki suggests that they go on one outside of the citadel, somewhere where they can go exploring. He's fond of the endless company, but... he's selfish enough to want to have Buzen to himself every now and again. As for the time and place... The modern era would be more interesting for the both of them, wouldn't it? An era where no one would bat an eye at Itsuki, where they can get lost in the crowds of people without having to worry about accidentally influencing history...
He'd asked, while also telling himself that he wouldn't get too disappointed if something else came up in the meantime, or if Aruji told Buzen 'no', but luckily!! Buzen said yes!! And now!! They're here!! Date!!
They're still at the citadel, so Itsuki takes one last moment to make sure they look okay. They're both in the modern clothes Itsuki picked (assigns buzen sexy boyfriend biker jacket bc itsuki thinks he looks good in it) with all the other essentials... (wallet... shaking that itsuki gets to have money he didn't do anything to earn wow)]
We just have to go through the tear, right?
[Itsuki asks, as he straightens the lapels of Buzen's jacket. It doesn't actually need straightening, he's doing that thing where u dote nervously on your boyfriend because you're a little nervous about the date you're about to have with him]
Mm. We'll be going to a slightly different universe... just to be safe.
[just to be sure that this is nowhere near the timeline and history that buzen is expected to protect! sometimes you live in 2205 and you just get really confused about what counts as 'modern' but still want to make sure that your sweet human boyfriend gets a chance to stretch his legs and... well, just get to be somewhere else for a little bit.
and if being next to buzen is what makes him happy, then how could buzen do anything but agree to it readily?
he lets itsuki fuss with the lapels of his jacket, but also will go to catch one of his hands with his own, gently letting their fingers interlace like that'll do something to calm some of his nervous energy....]
buzen isn't given the full details - not truly, but he's sent to this era after the team due to his expertise in something. it's a smaller group that was sent to the sengoku era. monoyoshi sadamune, tokugawa ieyasu's lucky sword. sohaya no tsurugi, the copy sword overflowing with spiritual energy that was kept at ieyasu's grave. oodenta, sohaya no tsurugi's brother who is named as one of the five great swords under heaven. hyuuga masamune, a sword that served with the toyotomi army and belonged to ishida mitsunari.
history as it was meant to happen: tokugawa ieyasu, leading the eastern army, would meet ishida mitsunari, leading the western army, at sekigahara in order to end the age of the warring states. the eastern army, with ieyasu's victory, would establish the tokugawa shogunate which would begin the hundreds of years of isolation and peace in japan. the tides turned during sekighara, betrayal after betrayal of the western army, ultimately leading to the numbers and tides turning in the tokugawa army's favor.
history as it happened: ishida mitsunari, known often for being too blunt and unfriendly, made steadfast allies. these allies remained at his side, forged lifelong friendships, and made pledges of loyalty - if not to the toyotomi, then to mitsunari himself. swords, thinking that it was a matter of kindness to see the ways in which even the great loser of sekigahara could be treated as a friend, did not intervene.
it is the night before sekigahara, and the saniwa suggested that itsuki's power could help. premonitions and omens can shake the anxiety of even the strongest warriors, after all. buzen supposes that's true - perhaps enough bad dreams before a great battle can be enough to be helpful, and so the two of them go to join the mission.
. . . . it is the night before sekigahara, and as buzen waits for itsuki to return from dreamwalking, he lets his gaze settle over the horizon. the others had reported tremors of earthquakes when history had recorded none. underneath his breath, he mumbles to himself.]
[Itsuki knows that in some ways (perhaps in all of them) he can't truly be prepared for a mission. because he's human, because he's from a world that had a peaceful history, and because missions never seem to go as straightforward as swords expect, from what itsuki's heard whenever he asked. still, he does as much as possible. he promises, trains, and reads up on the history of the world buzen and the others are determined to protect, trying to reconcile facts with the people he's met in person here.
he knows the basic timeline of the era they're in now, knows what they're supposed to protect. he slips into the dreams of the main movers and shakers of the battle -- tokugawa and toyotomi -- leaving a hint here, pushing hard there. he can't control their minds or actions, but itsuki's an expert hand at making dreams one can really believe in.
as he does, he can't help feeling just a little attached. he tries hard not to, especially with the oncoming battle, but... he's forgotten how vivid a dream can be, how he can see everything. faceless soldiers turn into men who only wish to go home, who dream of their families and lovers. neither tokugawa ieyasu or ishida mitsunari dream of death or conquest or power -- they dream of their homes and their people, and how they wish only to protect.
ishida mitsunari, in particular, is buoyed by confidence, the strength one has when surrounded by people they trust. itsuki lingers longer in this one, curious despite himself. he pushes a little harder, just a little bit... only for the warlord to suddenly cock his head, and slash down with the sword that suddenly materializes in his hand -- right where itsuki's hiding --
he surfaces to the waking world with a soft gasp, his eyes flying open as he immediately sits up, blinking wildly as he looks around -- right, this is reality. and that was the dream.]
[buzen had probably let itsuki's head rest in his lap while he was fiddling around with the dreams of others.
in all honesty, it's probably the most comfortable place to really rest his head in this camp of theirs anyway. they're sleeping in shifts - they don't have to sleep, but hyuuga had been getting anxious along with monoyoshi, and so the two were encouraged to head to bed. oodenta is the one who's watching over their camp, quiet and a little further away, but watchful nonetheless. sohaya dozes near his brother, able to jump to his aid when necessary.
they all knew that the night, when others were sleeping, was itsuki's time to partake in his own personal mission. which is why buzen remained awake, watchful and waiting as there was a silent understanding that he'd serve as itsuki's protector over the course of the night. it's what leads him to automatically reach out when itsuki sits up, finding his hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze.]
Suki. I'm here, I've got you.
[ - he wants to ask what itsuki had seen, if he'd been able to find any clues in the dreams of the soldiers... but they still have a few more hours until dawn, and until history would likely be made. buzen doesn't see a need to rush.]
[nights at the citadel for itsuki are always comfortable, happily spent in the company with the other gous or in buzen's arms, so comfortable that itsuki can barely remember what it was like to have an unpleasant night. it'd be nice if this period of peace could last, but... alas... maybe old sleep habits die hard... at the very least, itsuki finds himself wide awake at a time that he can only tell is late because he and buzen went to bed hours ago, and yet???
he rolls from side to side, thinking... his thoughts are keeping him up... they Plague him... maybe this is because of that novel he read earlier today... maybe it's the movie he got to see with buzen a few weeks ago.... HIS THOUGHTS!!! SO MANY!!!
he turns his head to peek at Buzen,]
Buzen... [pspspspsps] Buzen, are you sleeping? I need to ask you something...
buzen was fast asleep, because he's fast in everything. he was having a nice little dream, but well - it's not like he's a heavy sleeper either. he shifts when itsuki starts rolling already, but he gets pulled out of drowsiness when he hears his name... itsuki sounds so urgent so he forces his eyes open, blinking a few times as he tries to find is alertness - ]
[itsuki about to feel guilt that he ruined the nice dream buzen undoubtedly was having but he's too busy feeling relieved that buzen woke up at this LATE ASS HOUR,
he nuzzles buzen in answer but it's like a distracted nuzzle because he's already pulling back a little,]
I'm fine, promise. Actually -- [that's related?] what would you do if I couldn't talk?
it's as firm a boundary as buzen has ever set - that even though he can come with them to missions where danger can find them, itsuki is never to be intentionally brought to a dangerous location. it is one thing to know that his human life will come to an end long before buzen's - it's another to worry that his end will be rushed along because of a desire to be at buzen's side.
especially when on these missions, it's never for certain that any sword would be able to survive.
the fire at honnouji is what brought an end to oda nobunaga's life, and the revisionists have targeted it to keep the demon king alive. the mission was to defeat them before they could interfere and kill akechi mitsuhide before nobunaga fell - but even for sword warriors, it is hard to come out of a battle in a burning building unscathed. otegine stumbles through his own fire trauma to collect buzen - collapsed atop a heap of enemies that he killed before they could stop him first, but not quite able to escape before the debris of the falling roof stabbed him through the leg and abdomen both.
by the time otegine makes it to the area where itsuki was stationed with kuwana, close enough to watch but far away enough that they weren't in the skirmish itself, buzen is slumped against his back, face black with ash and blood staining the green of his uniform.
the swords regrouping shout at each other - 'we have to get back. now. we can't let him break.'
[Itsuki likes to think that he's learned his lesson when it comes to his role during missions. Thoroughly messing up on his first one really helped, it broadened his mind to the danger and consequences -- not of just failing to preserve history, but failing to keep his emotions in check, and failing to trust Buzen and the other swords to know what's best at any given moment.
So when Buzen tells him to stay behind with Kuwana, Itsuki obeys. This is yet another piece of history Itsuki's had to study up on -- Oda Nobunaga had passed on with a decided successor in his world -- and he learns enough that it's vital, contentious, and dangerous. There's no place for dreams here. Whatever violence is needed will have to be decided then and there, and quickly. Better for Itsuki to let the swords do what their best at -- what they were forged to do.
So maybe it's natural that Itsuki doesn't worry too much? He's learned by now, how strong Buzen's unshakable confidence can be, how bright it is, how Buzen is never alone because he always has comrades at his side. So it'll be fine. It'll be okay. Buzen will come back to him and Kuwana, and to the other Gous. Itsuki can't comprehend of a Buzen who wouldn't do just that.
And yet.
He straightens as the group materializes, Kuwana moves faster than him -- of course he does -- but Itsuki still moves fairly quickly, concern pushing him forward. Concern, then panic -- and then fear --]
-- Buzen!
[The bag slung over his shoulder thumps hard against as his side as he crosses the rest of the distance between Otegine, and the unmistakable form draped over him. Ash and blood. He can't tell where one starts and the other ends. But he can see the curve of Buzen's nose, lips, and blood -- god, there's so much blood -- maybe more than last time but that can't be because last time buzen was dead and he can't be now he can't --
his hands fumble for the bag, for the bandages, even as dread thickens in his throat]
Buzen -- he's -- [he's silenced by the answering shout 'we can't let him break' and equal parts relief and terror fly through him because buzen gou has not broken, but the others think he could -- that there's a very real danger -- and honestly, this is the part where itsuki's mind just. silences itself.
but his hands keep moving, and for once he keeps pace with the other swords as they move too -- somehow pulling bandages around the most bloodied parts of Buzen, which at this point seems like everywhere. Itsuki tries hard not to think about how little this will help, he tries not to think at all actually, because if he does he knows he'll lose his grip and there's so much blood, so much and buzen's not awake and he looks just like he did before -- ]
just like last time, it's blood loss - but it's not after buzen has faced one possessed opponent, but dozens. there is an attempt to stop the bleeding, to keep him from being stained his favorite red color, but they can't pull out the debris from where the wood is embedded in his leg and abdomen - not yet, as it will only allow more of his life to leave him. he groans slightly when he's moved and jostled, raspy coughs leaving him - and the others take it as a good sign. he can still feel, he's not so gone that he's cold and numb.
though it's a close thing. it takes time for the final swords in their group to arrive, for them to open the portal back.
for a brief moment, buzen comes to - in a way. when he coughs, it causes his whole body to shake, a combination of black soot and blood escaping his lips. it's hard to open his eyes - but his face twists like he's making an attempt.]
Ku... wa? Suki... [those are their voices, aren't they? and because he always has to know - ] The... miss...ion -
[it probably feels a little like deja vu to be standing in front of these archways again.
Itsuki had put it off. Not entirely on purpose, if only because he'd been so focused on fitting into Buzen's life, curling into the space that his lover and the Gous made for him, but also maybe a little? When was it exactly that he'd stopped thinking of it as the world he'd come from, and more of the world he'd once lived in? When did the Citadel become his home and the Norn a far off memory?
He would have been happy to leave it at that. If not for the moments when he'd look at kazuha's hairpin, sitting in between all the trinkets and gifts and mementos he'd slowly collected while living at the citadel, and feel a pang of something soft and sad. He thought he'd be fine with just this. And yet Buzen and the others must have realized that he wasn't, because now he's here once more in the Prism standing in front of the archway that he knows instinctively will take him back. He's dressed in his original clothes, though the hairpin in his hair is one of the many Buzen gave him instead of Kazuha's.
Just one of the many things that's changed. Something extra to hold onto, along with Buzen who's standing with him.]
... actually, I forgot to mention it before, but... I was kind of in the middle of something... I don't think it'll be a big deal as long as no one sees us? And I know we can be fast...
Though I guess it's more dangerous if we're alone...
It's been months and you're only just now mentioning you were in the middle of something?
[he has to ask it. he has to. buzen's kinda dumb but even he's a little ? over this one, my guy.]
Well, I'm sure it's nothing we can't handle... but if you want us to make it a proper mission, we can go back and get more of the swords to accompany us? I'm sure the Gous would be happy to help you out...
[he'll reach out to take itsuki's hand, giving it a squeeze?]
[the first most alarming thing for buzen was that in kotegiri's script, there's two of him. the second was that he was a woman. so that's his concerns, more or less in order. this is what's led him to try to study as best as he can in his room with itsuki... to mixed results.
he's looped his arms into the kimono sleeves, but he hasn't done it up - instead just letting it drape over his usual internal affairs outfit. this is such an insult to the beautiful job kotegiri did to craft this piece of clothing. still, he's just sitting on the floor, reading through the script with one hand while the other is running through his hair in annoyance.
how to be... woman........... hard!!!!!!
at the sound of the door shifting open, he'll look up - and smile immediately]
Suki! Ah, there you are. Hey, you've met women before, right?
[wow, yet another wonderful day at the citadel!!! another great day in itsuki's domestic and slutty, gen and kind life that he undoubtedly does not deserve!! case in point, being greeted by Buzen's smiling face when he walks into the room -- a room he shares with Buzen!!!! this is what being domestic (and slutty) is all about!!!
itsuki's first instinct is to smile back, giddy in a way that time still hasn't taken from him, newlywed behavior except they're not MARRIED because ITSUKI HASN'T ASKED STILL!!!!! anyway the rest of his brain finally kicks in at both the question and the sight of Buzen bundled up in a kimono, even as he approaches,]
Yes?
[HELLO? THINGS YOU DON'T EXPECT YOUR BOYFRIEND TO RANDOMLY BRING UP WHILE WEARING LADIES' CLOTHING?]
-- I mean, yeah, I have. They've been around my whole life.
[just reaching out to straighten a stray lock of hair as he attempts to solve the age old question of crossdressing,]
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homecoming;
he catches itsuki's hand.]
... actually, I think I was in the middle of a mission. So if you go with me... we might not be at the Citadel yet. Almost, though.
Oh, you'll see Ame!
[BUZEN?]
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Itsuki suspects nothing weird, he just looks curiously at Buzen and squeezes his hand,]
That's fine with me. I'll go anywhere with you.
[mission? citadel? THE VOID? CRAU3?? ANYWHERE]
He's the one who likes poetry, right?
no subject
but buzen will smile at that, nodding.] That's the one. Samidare Gou. You'll recognize him since he's purple too. I guess he would've been in Heliotrope...
[the Gous are actually decently color coordinated for chroma it's funny,
but he will look serious for a moment as he ponders the next plan of action.]
... I just killed someone important. So we'll need to move fast, just in case. But we should be able to get back to the Citadel easily enough. Stay close to me, and do what I tell you.
[say more right now?]
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at the beginning with you;
in the lifetime over eight hundred years, even if those years often blur together, two months full of excitement and intention barely even register. he follows his role for two months, cuts down his enemies, tells more lies than he's comfortable with, but otherwise finds time to enjoy himself. random conversations under the moonlight with comrades, pockets of laughter - those are the moments that make it all worth living even when there are moments that threaten to break this soft heart of his.
talking to itsuki makes it easier, he thinks. when he's able to send pictures of the scenery - untouched by the pollution of modern lights, skies full of stars, sprawling fields that give the impression that no one's ever set foot on them before then - he thinks he gets to share a little bit of what is so important to him and close that gap. as much as he misses being next to the person he wants to see the most, it's not an unfamiliar feeling to buzen. it's part of this arrangement they've chosen.
still - he walks the slightest bit faster when they return to the citadel. their sortie group is bloodied and beaten, the final battle leaving these scrapes and cuts on their minds as well as their bodies. despite this, buzen doesn't head immediately for repairs. he'd told itsuki they'd be coming back -
so where is he? someone is about to scold buzen for bleeding on the tatami but some sacrifices have to be made in the name of being extremely gay.]
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so he should be grateful really, that this one is only two whole months. itsuki compiles a list of all the reasons why he should be grateful. that buzen is with people he trusts, that he's competent and skilled and has never faltered on a mission before, that he always sends a message back like he promised. and there are other reasons to be thankful too -- that itsuki is never left alone with his thoughts for too long, always surrounded by other swords.
all very good reasons, but they all fall short compared to what and who he wants. two months is too long, buzen's alive this time but they're still apart, still missing.
he reads the message as soon as it comes in, and then he's off. someone WILL scold itsuki for quitting a chore half-done but he has to go in the name of gay. his yukata's already hiked up to his knees for work purposes, which makes running so much easier,
later, he'll comfort himself by thinking of how he ran to buzen this time, and how romantic it is -- but that's for later. all of his thoughts are focused on buzen now, and the delight that snaps through him at finally seeing him in person -- ]
-- Buzen...!
[this is so gay but it's not gonna stop him from practically crashing into him, heedless of everything beyond the fact that he's finally here, arms already coming up to hold him in an embrace]
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the other swords probably laugh a little to themselves as they watch itsuki charge through - reunions are often sweet once they're back at the citadel, but there is rarely this same sense of desperation. they'll wonder later if it is just part of what it means to be human, to feel time so intimately.
but buzen isn't laughing. buzen is delighted, and his eyes spark with affection and unrivaled happiness. itsuki crashes into him but buzen's arms were already open, and they wrap around him so firmly that his injuries threaten to reopen but he finds that he doesn't care at all.]
Suki.
[he says his name, almost a sigh. he cants his head just so that he can catch itsuki's mouth with his own, greeting him with a kiss.
it was a form of affection that buzen struggled to understand initially - what did it mean to just slam mouths together. but he thinks he gets it more and more now. if it is a form of affection that itsuki likes to receive, then it is also one that buzen likes to give.
maybe this is just how he's come to understand this new language of love.]
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but loving him was red;
he's looking forward to it... he's participated in Gou Dance Practice and seen snippets of performance back at the prism, but this is his first Myu Experience! some of the swords suggested that he could watch in the audience, but itsuki's not the type to sit idle, so he'd volunteered his services right away. if he can't perform, then he can at least help with all other million and one things before curtain time --
case in point, he knocks on the door of buzen's dressing room (one he probably shares with a bunch of other swords??? how do myus translate into touken ranbu universe dana im losing my mind)]
Buzen? I brought some water. Also, Kotegiri asked me to help you with your outfit...?
[last minute alterations or something?? he has a little pin cushion strapped to his wrist for just that]
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anyway buzen will be in the middle of dressing! sort of! it's his middle layer of clothes that needs mending - the matador-looking piece, which means that he can't put it on when it's not entirely hemmed and altered. what this means is that he's doing his stretches in his crop top, i'm not linking it, you know what it looks like
and he'll grin brightly when itsuki comes in]
Oh - Suki! Yeah, if you don't mind! And thank you for the water too. Are you keeping busy?
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luckily for itsuki, he gets to see this crop top in all of it's glory! Imagine if he hadn't already seen it once before? Then his mind would be in shambles, which would have been a step further than the ???? ??? ?????? that's currently circulating in his brain right now,
well, less of a step and more of a side shuffle. Itsuki still has one hand on the doorknob, a stunned expression on his face. The lowered angle of his gaze is clearly riveted on the bare expanse of Buzen's abdomen. The way he's acting as if he's never seen Buzen in a state of undress before? He's seen him stark naked?
and yet,]
Yeah...
[itsuki replies, having clearly not registered anything buzen has said to him. he lets the door go, barely noticing how it swings closed behind him, and holds out the water bottle, still in a stupor.]
...Is that what you're wearing?
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I HIT ENTER TOO EARLY EVEN THO THE TAG IS SO SHORT
IM IN TEARS
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i used to build dreams about you;
It's kind of extraordinary how he still feels the same way even now -- a little giddy, a little flustered. In awe that he's with Buzen and Buzen's with him. Always looking to spend more time with him, and never being quite satisfied. But that's fine too, isn't it? It gives him something to look forward to every day. Buzen always soothes that restless feeling in his heart. Which is good, because he feels particularly restless today.
It's their first date in some time -- if you define a date where two people spend time with each other... time that's completely and utterly uninterrupted, whether by more pressing events (like in the prism) or other people (like at the citadel). It's why Itsuki suggests that they go on one outside of the citadel, somewhere where they can go exploring. He's fond of the endless company, but... he's selfish enough to want to have Buzen to himself every now and again. As for the time and place... The modern era would be more interesting for the both of them, wouldn't it? An era where no one would bat an eye at Itsuki, where they can get lost in the crowds of people without having to worry about accidentally influencing history...
He'd asked, while also telling himself that he wouldn't get too disappointed if something else came up in the meantime, or if Aruji told Buzen 'no', but luckily!! Buzen said yes!! And now!! They're here!! Date!!
They're still at the citadel, so Itsuki takes one last moment to make sure they look okay. They're both in the modern clothes Itsuki picked (assigns buzen sexy boyfriend biker jacket bc itsuki thinks he looks good in it) with all the other essentials... (wallet... shaking that itsuki gets to have money he didn't do anything to earn wow)]
We just have to go through the tear, right?
[Itsuki asks, as he straightens the lapels of Buzen's jacket. It doesn't actually need straightening, he's doing that thing where u dote nervously on your boyfriend because you're a little nervous about the date you're about to have with him]
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[just to be sure that this is nowhere near the timeline and history that buzen is expected to protect! sometimes you live in 2205 and you just get really confused about what counts as 'modern' but still want to make sure that your sweet human boyfriend gets a chance to stretch his legs and... well, just get to be somewhere else for a little bit.
and if being next to buzen is what makes him happy, then how could buzen do anything but agree to it readily?
he lets itsuki fuss with the lapels of his jacket, but also will go to catch one of his hands with his own, gently letting their fingers interlace like that'll do something to calm some of his nervous energy....]
You seem... excited?
[he's not sure if that word is right?]
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...I'm really excited.
And also... a little nervous. [he offers a quick smile,] But I'm looking forward to having you all to myself today.
[he won't jinx it if he admits that right,]
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love is the only thing we take with us;
buzen isn't given the full details - not truly, but he's sent to this era after the team due to his expertise in something. it's a smaller group that was sent to the sengoku era. monoyoshi sadamune, tokugawa ieyasu's lucky sword. sohaya no tsurugi, the copy sword overflowing with spiritual energy that was kept at ieyasu's grave. oodenta, sohaya no tsurugi's brother who is named as one of the five great swords under heaven. hyuuga masamune, a sword that served with the toyotomi army and belonged to ishida mitsunari.
history as it was meant to happen: tokugawa ieyasu, leading the eastern army, would meet ishida mitsunari, leading the western army, at sekigahara in order to end the age of the warring states. the eastern army, with ieyasu's victory, would establish the tokugawa shogunate which would begin the hundreds of years of isolation and peace in japan. the tides turned during sekighara, betrayal after betrayal of the western army, ultimately leading to the numbers and tides turning in the tokugawa army's favor.
history as it happened: ishida mitsunari, known often for being too blunt and unfriendly, made steadfast allies. these allies remained at his side, forged lifelong friendships, and made pledges of loyalty - if not to the toyotomi, then to mitsunari himself. swords, thinking that it was a matter of kindness to see the ways in which even the great loser of sekigahara could be treated as a friend, did not intervene.
it is the night before sekigahara, and the saniwa suggested that itsuki's power could help. premonitions and omens can shake the anxiety of even the strongest warriors, after all. buzen supposes that's true - perhaps enough bad dreams before a great battle can be enough to be helpful, and so the two of them go to join the mission.
. . . . it is the night before sekigahara, and as buzen waits for itsuki to return from dreamwalking, he lets his gaze settle over the horizon. the others had reported tremors of earthquakes when history had recorded none. underneath his breath, he mumbles to himself.]
.... I have a bad feeling....
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he knows the basic timeline of the era they're in now, knows what they're supposed to protect. he slips into the dreams of the main movers and shakers of the battle -- tokugawa and toyotomi -- leaving a hint here, pushing hard there. he can't control their minds or actions, but itsuki's an expert hand at making dreams one can really believe in.
as he does, he can't help feeling just a little attached. he tries hard not to, especially with the oncoming battle, but... he's forgotten how vivid a dream can be, how he can see everything. faceless soldiers turn into men who only wish to go home, who dream of their families and lovers. neither tokugawa ieyasu or ishida mitsunari dream of death or conquest or power -- they dream of their homes and their people, and how they wish only to protect.
ishida mitsunari, in particular, is buoyed by confidence, the strength one has when surrounded by people they trust. itsuki lingers longer in this one, curious despite himself. he pushes a little harder, just a little bit... only for the warlord to suddenly cock his head, and slash down with the sword that suddenly materializes in his hand -- right where itsuki's hiding --
he surfaces to the waking world with a soft gasp, his eyes flying open as he immediately sits up, blinking wildly as he looks around -- right, this is reality. and that was the dream.]
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in all honesty, it's probably the most comfortable place to really rest his head in this camp of theirs anyway. they're sleeping in shifts - they don't have to sleep, but hyuuga had been getting anxious along with monoyoshi, and so the two were encouraged to head to bed. oodenta is the one who's watching over their camp, quiet and a little further away, but watchful nonetheless. sohaya dozes near his brother, able to jump to his aid when necessary.
they all knew that the night, when others were sleeping, was itsuki's time to partake in his own personal mission. which is why buzen remained awake, watchful and waiting as there was a silent understanding that he'd serve as itsuki's protector over the course of the night. it's what leads him to automatically reach out when itsuki sits up, finding his hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze.]
Suki. I'm here, I've got you.
[ - he wants to ask what itsuki had seen, if he'd been able to find any clues in the dreams of the soldiers... but they still have a few more hours until dawn, and until history would likely be made. buzen doesn't see a need to rush.]
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it's in your heartbeat;
he rolls from side to side, thinking... his thoughts are keeping him up... they Plague him... maybe this is because of that novel he read earlier today... maybe it's the movie he got to see with buzen a few weeks ago.... HIS THOUGHTS!!! SO MANY!!!
he turns his head to peek at Buzen,]
Buzen... [pspspspsps] Buzen, are you sleeping? I need to ask you something...
[he sounds so urgent at 3 am help]
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[awake????? why awake??????
buzen was fast asleep, because he's fast in everything. he was having a nice little dream, but well - it's not like he's a heavy sleeper either. he shifts when itsuki starts rolling already, but he gets pulled out of drowsiness when he hears his name... itsuki sounds so urgent so he forces his eyes open, blinking a few times as he tries to find is alertness - ]
- okay? Are you hurt?
[WHY AWAKE... WHY WORRIED....]
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he nuzzles buzen in answer but it's like a distracted nuzzle because he's already pulling back a little,]
I'm fine, promise. Actually -- [that's related?] what would you do if I couldn't talk?
[WHY..........]
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like wishing you never found out love could be that strong;
it's as firm a boundary as buzen has ever set - that even though he can come with them to missions where danger can find them, itsuki is never to be intentionally brought to a dangerous location. it is one thing to know that his human life will come to an end long before buzen's - it's another to worry that his end will be rushed along because of a desire to be at buzen's side.
especially when on these missions, it's never for certain that any sword would be able to survive.
the fire at honnouji is what brought an end to oda nobunaga's life, and the revisionists have targeted it to keep the demon king alive. the mission was to defeat them before they could interfere and kill akechi mitsuhide before nobunaga fell - but even for sword warriors, it is hard to come out of a battle in a burning building unscathed. otegine stumbles through his own fire trauma to collect buzen - collapsed atop a heap of enemies that he killed before they could stop him first, but not quite able to escape before the debris of the falling roof stabbed him through the leg and abdomen both.
by the time otegine makes it to the area where itsuki was stationed with kuwana, close enough to watch but far away enough that they weren't in the skirmish itself, buzen is slumped against his back, face black with ash and blood staining the green of his uniform.
the swords regrouping shout at each other - 'we have to get back. now. we can't let him break.'
and for once, buzen is so terribly silent.]
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So when Buzen tells him to stay behind with Kuwana, Itsuki obeys. This is yet another piece of history Itsuki's had to study up on -- Oda Nobunaga had passed on with a decided successor in his world -- and he learns enough that it's vital, contentious, and dangerous. There's no place for dreams here. Whatever violence is needed will have to be decided then and there, and quickly. Better for Itsuki to let the swords do what their best at -- what they were forged to do.
So maybe it's natural that Itsuki doesn't worry too much? He's learned by now, how strong Buzen's unshakable confidence can be, how bright it is, how Buzen is never alone because he always has comrades at his side. So it'll be fine. It'll be okay. Buzen will come back to him and Kuwana, and to the other Gous. Itsuki can't comprehend of a Buzen who wouldn't do just that.
And yet.
He straightens as the group materializes, Kuwana moves faster than him -- of course he does -- but Itsuki still moves fairly quickly, concern pushing him forward. Concern, then panic -- and then fear --]
-- Buzen!
[The bag slung over his shoulder thumps hard against as his side as he crosses the rest of the distance between Otegine, and the unmistakable form draped over him. Ash and blood. He can't tell where one starts and the other ends. But he can see the curve of Buzen's nose, lips, and blood -- god, there's so much blood -- maybe more than last time but that can't be because last time buzen was dead and he can't be now he can't --
his hands fumble for the bag, for the bandages, even as dread thickens in his throat]
Buzen -- he's -- [he's silenced by the answering shout 'we can't let him break' and equal parts relief and terror fly through him because buzen gou has not broken, but the others think he could -- that there's a very real danger -- and honestly, this is the part where itsuki's mind just. silences itself.
but his hands keep moving, and for once he keeps pace with the other swords as they move too -- somehow pulling bandages around the most bloodied parts of Buzen, which at this point seems like everywhere. Itsuki tries hard not to think about how little this will help, he tries not to think at all actually, because if he does he knows he'll lose his grip and there's so much blood, so much and buzen's not awake and he looks just like he did before -- ]
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just like last time, it's blood loss - but it's not after buzen has faced one possessed opponent, but dozens. there is an attempt to stop the bleeding, to keep him from being stained his favorite red color, but they can't pull out the debris from where the wood is embedded in his leg and abdomen - not yet, as it will only allow more of his life to leave him. he groans slightly when he's moved and jostled, raspy coughs leaving him - and the others take it as a good sign. he can still feel, he's not so gone that he's cold and numb.
though it's a close thing. it takes time for the final swords in their group to arrive, for them to open the portal back.
for a brief moment, buzen comes to - in a way. when he coughs, it causes his whole body to shake, a combination of black soot and blood escaping his lips. it's hard to open his eyes - but his face twists like he's making an attempt.]
Ku... wa? Suki... [those are their voices, aren't they? and because he always has to know - ] The... miss...ion -
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all's well that ends well to end up with you;
Itsuki had put it off. Not entirely on purpose, if only because he'd been so focused on fitting into Buzen's life, curling into the space that his lover and the Gous made for him, but also maybe a little? When was it exactly that he'd stopped thinking of it as the world he'd come from, and more of the world he'd once lived in? When did the Citadel become his home and the Norn a far off memory?
He would have been happy to leave it at that. If not for the moments when he'd look at kazuha's hairpin, sitting in between all the trinkets and gifts and mementos he'd slowly collected while living at the citadel, and feel a pang of something soft and sad. He thought he'd be fine with just this. And yet Buzen and the others must have realized that he wasn't, because now he's here once more in the Prism standing in front of the archway that he knows instinctively will take him back. He's dressed in his original clothes, though the hairpin in his hair is one of the many Buzen gave him instead of Kazuha's.
Just one of the many things that's changed. Something extra to hold onto, along with Buzen who's standing with him.]
... actually, I forgot to mention it before, but... I was kind of in the middle of something... I don't think it'll be a big deal as long as no one sees us? And I know we can be fast...
Though I guess it's more dangerous if we're alone...
[ITSUKI?]
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It's been months and you're only just now mentioning you were in the middle of something?
[he has to ask it. he has to. buzen's kinda dumb but even he's a little ? over this one, my guy.]
Well, I'm sure it's nothing we can't handle... but if you want us to make it a proper mission, we can go back and get more of the swords to accompany us? I'm sure the Gous would be happy to help you out...
[he'll reach out to take itsuki's hand, giving it a squeeze?]
Just tell me what to expect.
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goumyu;
he's looped his arms into the kimono sleeves, but he hasn't done it up - instead just letting it drape over his usual internal affairs outfit. this is such an insult to the beautiful job kotegiri did to craft this piece of clothing. still, he's just sitting on the floor, reading through the script with one hand while the other is running through his hair in annoyance.
how to be... woman........... hard!!!!!!
at the sound of the door shifting open, he'll look up - and smile immediately]
Suki! Ah, there you are. Hey, you've met women before, right?
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itsuki's first instinct is to smile back, giddy in a way that time still hasn't taken from him, newlywed behavior except they're not MARRIED because ITSUKI HASN'T ASKED STILL!!!!! anyway the rest of his brain finally kicks in at both the question and the sight of Buzen bundled up in a kimono, even as he approaches,]
Yes?
[HELLO? THINGS YOU DON'T EXPECT YOUR BOYFRIEND TO RANDOMLY BRING UP WHILE WEARING LADIES' CLOTHING?]
-- I mean, yeah, I have. They've been around my whole life.
[just reaching out to straighten a stray lock of hair as he attempts to solve the age old question of crossdressing,]
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