sugarcube | psl || like a ripple that chases the slightest caress of the breeze

[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.]

[the swords seeing how needy itsuki is on main... though they probably all know by now, considering how melancholy he's been these two months. sometimes, all you can think of is the person you love the most, especially when they're not here with you, and you sigh a lot about them and constantly talk abut them and cry a little while thinking about them when you're drunk...

Itsuki opens his mouth to murmur a happy welcome against Buzen's lips, before drawing him in deeper. He could lose himself in this moment right here and now, he feels the excited beat of his heart settling -- just a little, he can taste Buzen on his tongue, and...

he can smell that usual scent of anemone -- Buzen's scent -- intermingled with something sharper and tangier. like iron. his eyes fly open, and he pulls back just so he can look at Buzen's face properly,]

You're hurt.

[the rest of his brain slowly catches up, and as much as he'd like to keep holding Buzen... he moves back so he can look him up and down]

...Wait, you're bleeding!

[has he ever seen Buzen hurt or bleeding? he does not count Buzen's body during the trial -- he barely looked at him that whole time, and unlike Meteion, he was spared seeing Buzen sprawled out and covered in blood. this might be the first time he's seen buzen hurt -- sinjuries do not count,]

[this is so funny help

buzen would actually be so content to just keep kissing itsuki here at this doorway after not seeing him for two months? the injuries honestly barely even register, to the point that buzen is confused when itsuki pulls away even though he's the one who is clearly very injured,,]

Oh! Yeah.

[just... yeah.... he'll let his hands slide to catch itsuki's instead - buzen's still wearing his gloves - but he'll give them a reassuring squeeze]

The last battle was a little tough... I should get to the Repairs Room at some point, I just wanted to see you first.

[buzen probably has slashes on his arms and some more shallow wounds on his abdomen and chest along with general bruises and impact injuries, but it's fine he's fine.]

[Entwining his fingers with Buzen's isn't the same when he's wearing gloves, but that's fine, he can just remove them later...

the way itsuki leashes his horny because he's registering the blood on Buzen's arms and abdomen and chest, and his expression falls, brow furrowing. It's not as if he thinks Buzen's putting on a front, he knows by now that swords are used to battle and wounds. It's just hard to separate that from his instinct to worry about the sword who he loves and wants to see safe...]

...I'm happy that you did. [he starts to move, tugging on Buzen's hand] Let's go. I'll wait for you outside until you're healed.

[he's already waited for so long, what's a little more?]

[buzen huffs a bit at that - ]

You should probably be allowed in... it's not a big deal, it's just repairing my sword itself. It takes a little while, and I don't want you to away from you again so soon.

[would buzen endure it if he had to? yes. but also if he doesn't have to, why would he separate himself from itsuki? even if two months feels like nothing to him, it is still the very objective situations of With Itsuki and Without Itsuki and -

well, buzen knows what he likes. he really is simple that way.

regardless he'll let himself be tugged along in that direction, movements ever so slightly stilted in the sense that he doesn't want to make them much worse...]

[Itsuki looks to the side -- first at Buzen's sword on his hip, and then the way he's following after him. He's seen Buzen in motion so many times, and his eyes are on him often enough that he notices the way he's carrying himself now,

he turns his head back around so he can watch where they're going, the corners of his mouth pressing down even as he tries to keep his voice light,]

Then I'll stay with you.

[he'll watch the magical fuwa fuwa and polishing of the repair room the entire time, while holding Buzen's gloved hand. He doesn't normally go to this room -- he's not a sword, and it's not like he can help with repairs, even if Yasusada taught him how to maintain a sword. He figures that this room is a little different from regular maintenance,

but he's definitely interested in how it works now that Buzen's injured,]

[how DO repairs work that's a great question yaywon

regardless there is a designated room for it - and the other swords who went on the same mission got there ahead of buzen, which is just fine with him. there's a small area for waiting for the next sword's turn, though they took long enough that there's just one sword ahead of buzen for now. so instead he'll just gently guide itsuki to what's essentially the waiting area for his turn.

in truth, buzen doesn't think that these injuries are that bad - but it's not like they don't take their own toll. he sits a little more heavily, and his breathing ever so slightly affected. not yet choppy, but a little more focused.

but he'll intertwine his hands with itsuki as they wait anyway, and ask excitedly - ]

What have you been up to? Were you in the middle of something before I arrived?

[Itsuki can't help but smile in the face of Buzen's excitement, even if the rest of him is thrumming with worry. He's helped bandage so many wounds back at the prism that he's itching to do the same with Buzen now, even though he's about to get in the sword equivalent of a medbay pod.

Instead he scoots closer, making sure not to jostle Buzen too much as he lines himself right next to him. He presses his shoulder against his very lightly, as if asking him to lean on him. The fact that more blood will stain his yukata doesn't even register in his head,]

I was in the kitchen. [...he huffs a little] I didn't finish peeling the potatoes... Shuu-kun's gonna be mad.

[the way itsuki betrayed kashuu in order to run to buzen, his love]

I've been practicing in the dojo too. I've improved a lot -- I think I'll definitely surprise you.

[it's only been two months.......]

[ah... the closeness of itsuki registers and - buzen seems to think about it for a moment, before deciding that ultimately it's fine. it's a silent, unspoken thing, how he leans slightly against him. his head rests on itsuki's shoulder, letting some of his weight lean against him.

he squeezes his hand once, in acknowledgement and gratitude.

maybe he was feeling a little tired.]

Pffhaha, you deserve whatever Kiyo-san does to you. [MEAN but he knows that kashuu of all people would understand... even if he'll also be a huffy cat about it] But if you think so... then maybe tomorrow, we can spar together.

I definitely want to see how much better you've gotten.

[soft.... he's still worried, but he feels warm too, at how Buzen's relying on him. This would be better if he wasn't injured... but he revels in this too -- the closeness.

He's never relied on anyone like this. He's had his wounds bandaged and carried to a pod, but he's never just been close to someone. That's a kind of intimacy he'd reserve only for Buzen. His hand is interlinked in Buzen's, but his other hand is free to gently brush his bangs from his forehead, careful not to touch any cuts or scrapes]

I made sure to get good enough, so that I won't worry you.

[his voice is hopeful, but he's careful too. he doesn't want to press the issue while Buzen's injured... but this is something he's been preparing for a few days after Buzen left for his mission. it's not enough to just miss him. he should do something to fix that himself,]

[hm.

there's the slightest twitch in his brow as he shifts to look up at itsuki's expression.]

Worry me...? [what situation would there be for him to be worried, when itsuki is safe at the citadel? though it feels a little further away now, he supposes that they did talk about this before. whether itsuki would be allowed to come along if he was strong enough to defend himself.] ... Suki—

[but that's about when oodenta wanders out of the repair room! buzen straightens up again - partially because it's his turn, partially because he just wants to greet him]

Denta-san! How're you feeling?

[to which oodenta just grunts and waves vaguely in buzen's direction before wandering off... buzen laughs before moving to stand, gently tugging itsuki along with him. he looks back at him thoughtfully]

... we'll pick up on this later, yeah?

[but for now it's repair time!! baruji is probably waiting inside the room]

[even now Itsuki wants to smooth things over. it's in his nature to, to avoid potential conflict, but maybe it's a sign of how much he cares that he doesn't want to.

so he'll nod, and follow Buzen into the room. He'll greet Baruji, and he probably should apologize for just -- coming into this room when he's not a sword, but he doesn't do that either. there are only so many spaces he can claim for his own, and he wants the one next to Buzen, no matter what.

...even if Buzen himself might not want him...? he considers the question, and leaves it unanswered -- for now -- as he waits patiently for the hand gestures touken ranbu magic to happen,

his eyes are on the process before him, even as his hand curls around the edge of his yukata -- stained with blood.]

[buzen doesn't think too hard about it. he notices that itsuki doesn't answer, but now's not the type to press. instead, he greets his aruji chipperly before untying the sword that's at his waist before handing it to his master.

buzen goes to sit nearby, holding his hand out for itsuki to take so that he can stay with him. from there he makes easy conversation, tells a few stories about the mission - ]

Denta-san's really strong! I feel like every time he fought, it was about as thunderous as a lightning strike! I didn't expect him to be such a lightweight when we had enough free time to have a drink, though. Haha, we have to find a way to keep our spirits light one way or another, you know?

[ - as baruji works on his sword. itsuki can probably tells now - the blade isn't nearly as pristine as it was when buzen left. the injuries on his physical body manifest in the form of knicks and marks on his sword body. baruji is diligent in his cleaning and his maintenance, smoothing out the marks. as he does so, buzen's own injuries seem to all but disappear, fading into nothing. the magic of repairs.

he'll hold onto itsuki's hand throughout though, engaging him in the chatter every now and then too - because buzen is nothing if not quick to change his tune as he needs]

[Itsuki listens, a genuine smile tugging at his lips as Buzen finishes one story and starts another. The messages were nice (the string of 'vibe emojis' just as adorable), but it's even better to stand here and converse with Buzen.

Even better to see his injuries fade. (DO HIS CLOTHES GET FIXED TOO DANA??? IM THINKING OF THE AWAKENING ART). Would it be too much to admit that he's jealous of Baruji... no, because he's basically jealous of everyone, it would be weirder to say that he's not??? but it's fine, he's grateful...

it's evident in the way he sincerely thanks baruji, and then draws Buzen close so he can kiss him, running a hand over the now unmarked skin on his previously injured arm,]

...How do you feel? I can get you something if you're hungry.

[the idea of his clothes also getting magically fixed is so fucking weird yaywon i don't want to think about it. like why does that even happen i hate touken ranbu

also is he kissing him in front of baruji, imagine how weird it is to be a master who summoned these swords and having to watch one get smooched in front of you it's so strange

buzen doesn't seem to care one way or another though! he leans into the kiss and laughs a little]

I'm way better! [he's already stretching out again, like he's happy to have his full mobility back....] Maybe we can go and grab something to eat, though?

[DONT ASK ME IM LOSING MY MIND WHY IS TOUKEN RANBU FILLED WITH SO MANY JON LEMONS,

and yeah Itsuki's kissing him in front of Baruji. Baruji like i have forty swords to worry about who are all loyal to me and depend on me for their continued existence and Itsuki like i know all of this and yet i want to stake a claim on Buzen anyway, the baruji really has to put up with this,]

Alright, I can apologize to Shuu-kun while we're there...

[Itsuki glances down at his slightly bloodied yukata, and then the palm of his hand where he'd been gripping said bloody yukata,]

I should probably get cleaned up first though.

[DON'T ASK ME EITHER I'VE BEEN HERE FOR SO LONG AND IT'S ALL STUPID!!!!!

but buzen just nods at that before waving at baruji - ] Then we'll see you later, Aruji! Thanks again! Our Captain will be quick about giving you a report, I'm sure.

[buzen's not on report duty.... so he'll just move to stand up then, reclaiming his sword from his master so that he can re-tie it at his waist. he'll reach out for itsuki's hand again though, not really caring too much about the blood... that's so par for the course for a sword. buzen doesn't even mind much that it's his.]

Let's get going.

[(buzen cheetah voice) a little blood please and thank you,

Itsuki will follow along readily enough, squeezing back despite the blood. He'll only let go once he's back in his room to change, otherwise he sticks close to Buzen the entire time, as if he's making up for those two months.

and maybe he is, with how attached he is to him. he'll at least let Buzen eat unimpeded -- he might try feeding him once or twice -- but otherwise he stays next to him, watching him all the while. once they're done, he takes his hands in his again,]

I missed this. ...I missed you.

[yea a little blood is fine!!

buzen honestly digs into his food, and also leans into it perfectly easily when itsuki offers to feed him. food is also a benefit of this body? he never got to taste this much before... but he smiles when itsuki takes his hands.

it's automatic to lift them up so that he can press kisses to the backs of itsuki's knuckles, soft and sweet.]

Missed you, too. It probably felt like a while, huh...

[at least by human standards? buzen spent a month in the graveyard and didn't think it was that long... the hard part was the fact that itsuki didn't seem to realize that he was alive all the while. so this feels - easier? since they could still talk the whole time...

but he knows just as well that nothing will replace the feeling of being next to the one you care for.]

[Itsuki smiles at the kiss, though it turns a little sheepish as he considers his next words.]

I thought I could handle it better this time.

[since he knew that a.) buzen was alive and b.) that he'd see him again. both of these things helped in the interval, but... he thinks about their brief conversation in the repairs room, about how he'd come to that decision during that first month]

But I've learned that I hate being separated from you, no matter what.

[ . . . hmmm. buzen's expression turns contemplative at that. so itsuki really did change his mind about their separation, huh.

there's an instinct that buzen has to be understanding. two months means something else to humans - and what if it took longer than two months next time? what if it was half a year? an entire year? three? would it really be fair to itsuki, when he came to this citadel to spend time with buzen and kiyomitsu and yasusada?

how many of those human years could they spend apart altogether if itsuki didn't come with him on missions?]

... it's not that easy, Suki.

[ . . .

how many years could be cut short if itsuki lost his life on a mission?

would that really be any better?]

[Itsuki's gaze darts away, just for a second, before landing on Buzen's contemplative expression. That means he's thinking about it, right? And if he's thinking about it...

He has to restrain his urge to hold him -- it'd feel a little too much like trying to get his way through alternative means, so he stays in place -- holding Buzen's hands instead. his voice is hopeful in response, gently coaxing]

...Tell me what isn't.

[because he wants to talk about it, even though he's afraid there might not be much to talk about, that there might be no way to argue against a definite truth.]

You wanting to come with me.

[because that's it - that's the heart of the matter, right? buzen isn't very smart, but he can tend to build an understanding around certain people. and itsuki has always made it clear what he wants. it's made him all the easier to buzen to understand.

to the point that now, buzen thinks he can make assumptions like this fairly confidently. itsuki doesn't want to be apart from him anymore, even for missions. he doesn't want to deal with being left behind.

buzen understands that - he does. he wishes he could give itsuki what he wants, but.

he squeezes his hands.]

... I don't think you know what you're asking for. Not entirely. Being with me is one thing - being with me on a mission is another.

Because I might get hurt?

[he hates that there's a distinction in the first place. he wants to be with buzen in all things. he'd as much admitted this part to Buzen before, and he'd had accepted him, but... there's a sudden fear too -- that Buzen might change his mind,

and yet, Itsuki finds that he wants to keep pushing, just a little more]

...Or is it because you don't want me to see what it's like?

[he's pieced together what missions mean -- and he thinks he's assembled a broad picture. the problem lies in the details,]

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