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[After all, what could happen when you put a powerful and revered sword that Tenka cares about in the same vicinity of another man who wants to use power and chaos to restore his family's place in the world?

Another text follows, regardless of where Tenka is at the moment.]

i'm coming to the apartment. wait for me there

[ .. ah? ]

Yes, of course, I'm fine. Don't fret.

[ he's not entirely certain why tenka is fretting, though. is it because of the fuuma reputation? or the old rivalries? (technically, after all, the fumma and souza would have been on opposite sides.) or.. is it personal? kotarou-san had reacted at the mention of tenka, something almost bitter in it, but he'd spoken kindly of him. had it been a mere act?

maybe he shouldn't tell tenka about the tea offer just yet. ]

I'll do so, then. [ it feels good to have an order, even if tenka didn't really mean it that way, and even if tenka isn't truly his owner. ]

[FRETTING

Or rather, a slight feeling of unease. Tenka's quite good at masking his problems - but what with the arrival of the other Fuuma twin and the tussle that came with it, Chuutarou's birthday coming and going so fleetingly without a single sign of his youngest brother, and now apparently Shirasu getting to know Souza -

.... It's something that just drinking more tea with Sousei or getting a little buzzed with Shinpachi and Sano can't fix. While the other two issues are things that Tenka can't control directly.... this is something that he considers worth his attention to the point that he'll stop what else he's doing.

Still though, when he wanders in, there's not much of a sign of his restlessness. Rather, he's giving Souza a smile - if only not as sunny as it normally is when he comes home to other people being there before him. Perhaps that is the only tell.]

Souuuuzaaaaa! Do we have tea?!

[ somehow, he'd had a feeling this would be a conversation to be had over tea. for that reason, souza had put the kettle on as soon as he'd arrived, and by the time tenka is strolling through the door, he's pouring for them both.

he glances up at the greeting, his usual warm smile curving his mouth. ]

Of course. Though you'll have to tell me how you like it. [ given a few more days to learn tenka's preferences and schedule, he'll have it ready for him when he gets home-- provided that souza's own schedule doesn't interfere. he hasn't reported in for work yet, but.. then again, he's not quite certain what a 'risque boutique' is, either. ]

[Well, Souza will also be quick to find that Tenka's schedule varies with... very, very little staple habits. He wakes up late and will either spend the day at home or go out to socialize. The only times that he'll definitely be around are the hour or two before he goes to work, usually spent enjoying dinner with his new makeshift family, and the time between coming back from a late shift of bartending and going to bed.

So he doesn't expect tea. Still though, he just shrugs, as easy-going as ever.]

Ah, like that is fine.

[After all, they didn't exactly come from a home where they could afford much extra. Rather, tea was simply accompanied by the sweets that Shirasu made - a thought that leaves Tenka smiling to himself even as he sits down at their low table to discuss the man.]

Sorry if my texts sounded kinda urgent.... [There are two Fuuma Kotarous wandering around now, after all, but apparently Souza ran into the considerably less.... stabby one.]

I don't really talk about Kotarou a lot! .... but I think if you and Kousetsu-kun are living with us, then it's important for you guys to know.

[ coming from a history of very structured owners, souza will probably find tenka's non-schedule exasperating (if.. kind of charming). at least sousei is a little more structured, though..

humming acknowledgment, he sets everything on a tray and moves to set it on the table. he settles neatly across from tenka, then, gently placing the other man's cup at his hand. resting his own hands in his lap, then, he glances back up once more, head tilting slightly, expression curious. ]

He did give me the impression that your relationship wasn't entirely positive. [ a slightly uncertain pause, brows drawing together slightly. ] But you owe me no explanations, Tenka-san. Unless you feel that I could somehow endanger your family.. [ an order would suffice. do this, don't do that. but tenka doesn't seem comfortable with that. ]

[Ah. Give him a second. He blinks once and clarifies just as immediately as he does with Kousetsu:]

You are my family.

[ . . . . . cool.]

[But.

There is a bit more to it than that. So he measures his words as he sips his cup of tea. Admittedly there's a part of him that's.... relieved. Shirasu is making friends and Souza is a good friend for him to have - though they do both resign themselves to being seen as tools rather easily. However that and that alone is probably the only concern that Tenka has in regards to the healthiness of their relationship for Shirasu.

. . . . . but it's not just Shirasu that he cares for anymore.]

I knew Fuuma Kotarou when I met him ten years ago... and we decided that his name as the Kumou shrine keeper would be Kinjou Shirasu. [Shirasu literally meaning 'white child'. But what else can be expected of those cloudy brothers?] He is....

[He pauses.

Shirasu was Tenka's confidant and his best friend and the one who stood at his side for ten years. Even now when Tenka tries to keep him as a friend and make sure that those that he considers his family won't be cast aside in Shirasu's furthering of his own goals, there are many times where he wants nothing more than to clutch onto the other man's sleeve and bare his soul.

But he isn't any of those things anymore, but what he continues to be--]

... very dear to me.

[ his lips part, a protest on his tongue (he's a weapon, he'd rather protect than be protected), but they close again a moment later. he's learned already that tenka doesn't like those kinds of sentiments, and it's not souza's place to protest too strongly. he and kousetsu will simply have to protect this warm, kind little household the best way they can, even without owners and orders.

he listens intently as tenka begins, fingers curling in the half-apron he's wearing, concern and understanding flickering across his features. .. that flash in kotarou's--shirasu's?--face makes more sense, now. there'd been love there, he thinks. the kumou family had, in some way, perhaps been kotarou's family, too. but.. something had happened, he's sure, both from his conversations with kotarou and tenka's concern for souza's welfare.

he hesitates, then reaches out, long fingers curling over tenka's, squeezing his hand. ] .. He's been very kind to me. He was concerned, just like you and Sousei-san, about those who might claim and use me. [ he rubs his thumb over tenka's knuckles. ] Are you worried that he might be one of those people? [ souza doesn't think so, though. kotarou is, in a less literal sense, a weapon just like souza. a sword isn't meant to wield another sword. ]

[Tenka takes the touch from Souza easily, appreciating the sentiment and curling his fingers around the other man's in turn, keeping them entwined. His gaze falls to their touch and.... he pauses. It's not absurd at all to think that Shirasu is kind and worried about another person's well-being.]

.... Shirasu helped me raise my brothers. He taught Soramaru once he'd gotten tired of going to school and dealing with too many books. You should've seen him struggling the first time that he had to try to help Chuutarou take a bath.

[When he meets Souza's eyes, there is warmth and fondness. Shirasu was also family and Tenka loved him. Then as he goes on, his smile strains at the edges.]

But the Fuuma creed is to place the clan above all else, and we might have been Kinjou Shirasu's family, but we are not his clan.

[Though the pain is thick in Tenka's voice as he says it - something raw as he's never quite been able to talk to Sousei about Shirasu, not knowing how bad things are between the two of them.

Yet it just makes Tenka all the more emotional as he explains.]

Please be his friend, Souza-kun. He needs more of them. He's never been the type that was accepted at face value back home. I think getting to know people would be good for him. [ . . . . ] But.... please be careful.

[ ah, he was right. human families are still a little puzzling at times for some of the blades, but souza understands this much, anyway. humans can make their own families the same way sword-spirits can. the thing that makes souza's brothers his brothers, after all, is the fact that they were forged by the same human man. they choose to consider one another siblings, but they could as easily refuse to do so. in the end, it's a choice. .. and just like that, tenka chooses to consider souza and kousetsu a part of his family, and at one time, chose to consider kotarou family.

that had been broken, somehow. because for some reason, clan is more important than family, at least to the fuuma, and though tenka clearly still cares for kotarou (and kotarou for tenka, he thinks), there's also a division between them. that division seems to hurt both of them, and the emotion in tenka's voice and expression makes souza's heart swell painfully in his chest with something like tenderness. this man is not his owner, refuses to be his owner, but souza thinks that he'll love him anyway. it might be impossible not to.

he lifts their joined hands, cupping tenka's hand against his cheek, tilting into the contact. ] I will be. And I would be very grateful if he were to eventually consider me a friend. He and his brother. I think.. we understand one another to some degree. [ he turns his head to drop a quick, fond kiss in tenka's palm, expression warming again. ] I'll tell you when I go to have tea with them if you like.

[The mention of Shirasu's brother manages to make Tenka's heart seize. Immediately, he begins to fuss - is that safe? Will Shirasu want Souza to get to know his brother? Will the other brother be fine with that? Tenka hardly knows the other Fuuma but judging by how he was acting in the amusement park, he's clearly quite... thorough and relentless. As much as Tenka wants to get to know him, even he has to acknowledge the danger.

So he blinks once, concern clear on his face before he pulls his hand out of Souza's grasp just to gently brush the other man's hair out of the way, meeting his eyes seriously. Tenka cares for both Fuuma - Tenka cares for everyone - but Souza is the one in front of him now.]

If you get hurt, I need to know. [He frowns.] They're not malicious people - they have no reason to be. But I've seen my family hurt by them before. You are family right along with Kousetsu-kun, no matter how many times it needs repeating, and I never want to see your kindness betrayed.

[Perhaps hypocritical, considering how openly Tenka welcomes people into his heart no matter how many times they've done him wrong.... but the pain of handing Shirasu his heart - his brothers, his reason for living - and having it taken for granted is one that he never wants repeated on anyone else.]

Souza-kun.... I can't be that blind again. [ . . . ] That's not wrong, is it?

[It's an earnest question, one that Tenka has no answer to, no matter how many times Sousei insists that being careful is just sensible.

.... but it's not in his nature to keep his heart guarded.]

[ it's so strange, this concern for his safety. he's a blade, a weapon-- it isn't natural to care this much for him, is it? he still bears the scars of oda's brand, the shortening of his blade, his suffering in the edo fires. why does it matter if he's hurt? if tenka were to claim him, were to make souza his, he'd be grateful for the pain if it meant that tenka wouldn't have to feel it. he'd give anything to have an owner like like this man.

he smiles at the brush of fingers through his hair, trying not to lean into it like a touch-starved kitten. ]

If that's what you wish. But Tenka-san, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Even if you do.. [ he hums out a soft, musing noise. ] I think the harm would be largely unintentional. Some people lash out when they're afraid or uncomfortable. [ so don't hastily be upset on souza's behalf if he's harmed.

he's quiet, then, turning the question over in his head. it isn't.. natural for tenka to be so wary, he's certain. he doesn't want to distrust others. but he'd learned the hard way, it seems, and it's amazing that he'd still be able to open himself up like this to strangers after a betrayal like that. ] .. It's not wrong. [ he hesitates, then reaches for the teapot, pouring tenka's cup full again. ] But it also doesn't seem to be in your nature. So.. I wouldn't wish for you to have to guard yourself. [ his eyes lift again, serious and solemn. ] Kousetsu and I will do that for you. If we're family, as you say, then that's no more than what we'd do for Sayo.

You wouldn't give them reason to be afraid or uncomfortable. [That much is something that he can say with certainty, even as he retracts his hand from brushing aside Souza's hair to instead rest on his shoulder.] I trust you with them.

["I just don't trust them with you" is what's unspoken.

Still though, the rest of Souza's words.... they inspire a bit of confusion. Could it be that-] You think I'm... worried about guarding myself?

[ . . . . despite everything, he laughs faintly, amused as a genuine smile pulls at his lips. Then he places a hand over his own eyes as he shakes his head, shoulders shaking faintly as he laughs. When he meets Souza's eyes again, his expression holds so, so much fondness. So much fondness that it spills over into his smile.]

Souza-kun... Between you, Sousei, Kousetsu-kun, even Shirasu himself.... I don't think I'll ever need to guard myself ever again. [No one wants to see Tenka hurt - that's the way of the world. Tenka is loved too much.]

I just wish I knew how to guard all of you so you don't pay for my mistakes.

[ forget this nonsense. he rises from his position, then simply moves to the other side of the table, seating himself next to tenka and tucking himself into his side. .. that's better.

he huffs then at the disbelieving question and laughter, but there's nothing offended in his posture or his expression (clearly). instead, he smiles, finally lifting his own cup to take a sip. ] No, I don't think you worry enough about yourself. I do think you hate the idea of having to distrust anyone. So.. that's why I say let us do that for you. [ when it comes to people he cares for, souza can be plenty distrustful if necessary. just.. not with himself. (why does that seem familiar?)

he reaches up, winding a few strands of tenka's hair around his index finger and tugging gently. ]

Kousetsu and I can guard ourselves. And this household is our household, now. You may not be our owner, but you and the others are a part of our home. We intend to do our best to protect everyone here.

[Oh hello.

Well, that much is easy. Tenka chuckles faintly and wraps his arm around Souza reassuringly, pulling the other man close to his side. It's a sort of affectionate touch that Sousei never initiates and since Chuutarou isn't around, Tenka's more than willing to meet his affectionate physical gesture quota with Souza.

Still though.... he sighs faintly. It's true. Distrusting people isn't in Tenka's nature and he doesn't really distrust Shirasu when it comes to his own well-being. Rather, he imagines the man would do everything in his power to make sure that no harm comes to Tenka.

.... but he just hums softly as he rests his head against Souza's.]

If everyone was capable like you two or Sousei... that's fine...

But my little family here is... kind of big. Mary-chan, Hinata-kun, Oona-chan, Lily-chan, Peko-chan.... [a bunch of names that roll right off the tongue. Sure, some of them are capable of defending themselves but others....] Kids are trusting and I've seen them get caught in the crossfire between me and Shirasu before.

[Tenka's ache to have Chuutarou running into his arms is worse than ever.]

I don't want them to have to suffer through that.

[ this is more than he might have expected from even an owner, much less a human with no reason to treat him well. the fact that tenka not only accepts his affectionate gestures, but returns them is something extraordinarily precious to souza.

he gently nudges the other man's side with his elbow, making a mock-outraged noise. ]

Tenka-san, just who do you think I am? Aren't I the Tenkabito no Shouchou? A large household is still smaller than an entire faction. [ but he softens again a moment later, patting tenka's knee gently. ] I'll do my best to protect all of them. And who knows? Perhaps all this fretting is for nothing. Shirasu-san.. it doesn't seem to me as if he wants to be at odds with anyone. It's difficult being a blade without a master.

Pfff- bahahaha!!

[You're going to have to forgive him, Souza. He's still perfectly amused at the mock outrage, shaking his head in amusement even as his arm around the other man tightens for a moment affectionately. Jeeze, don't think that he's underestimating you!! Tenka has learned plenty from Shirasu and Sousei that appearing slight means absolutely nothing.]

Alright, alright....

[ . . . . ]

The Fuuma don't have a reason to harm anyone here, you're right. [It's probably the only reason why Sousei isn't.... even more on edge than he currently is.] I'm just going to keep hoping that it stays that way.

[Though he sighs faintly even as he reaches to drink some more of his tea.

It just hasn't been the best track record when Shirasu assisted in the death of one Kumou in this world already.... but even that wasn't his fault. So.... hopefully, it won't be something to be worried about in the future.]

[ his mouth quirks at the laughter, grateful that tenka can still laugh even when he's concerned. though a part of him does wonder just how much he masks-- like souza himself, who hides despair beneath smiles and teasing warmth. for a man who'd essentially raised his younger brothers, tenka probably felt he couldn't show his sadness to them. does that extend now to everyone..? the serious side of tenka earlier.. how many people have ever seen it?

the thought makes his fingers tighten in his apron again, a breath shuddering out of him. it doesn't.. quite seem fair to tenka, if it's true.

fingers uncurling from fabric, he reaches around, curling his arm around tenka in a quick, hard squeeze. he relaxes again a moment later, then, making a musing noise. ]

.. What could cause them to want to?

[Tenka can laugh through literally anything - so it's rather good that Souza doesn't take it as face value. However Tenka is not privy to any of Souza's thoughts so the sudden quick half-hug manages to surprise him entirely and he just shakes his head as his own arm around Souza gives the other man a reassuring squeeze. Come now, don't be worried - if that's what's happening.

. . . . . but the question manages to get him to snort faintly.]

Well, I take back what I said earlier. [ . . . . ] If you're going to repeat then, then do me a favor an donly do so to Kousetsu-kun, alright, Souza-kun? [Tenka sighs faintly-] it's not something that should be on the minds of children who are already doing their best to find happiness.

[Soramaru included. Tenka truly is a very protective older brother.]

... Shirasu and Sousei probably would've already drawn blood on each other by now if I didn't make them promise not to hurt each other. Then Shirasu's brother - have you met him yet? He's really.... efficient - on the other hand, probably wants Sousei and I dead regardless. Obviously I'm going to try to get him to change his mind but....

[He shrugs idly.]

People wanting my head or Sousei's is something that comes as a given back home so I'm not as worried.... but if you could make sure that Sousei doesn't get in over his head or something.... [ . . . ] I'd appreciate it.

[A clarification as he... tries to figure out how to explain that everyone else will only be in danger if they somehow get dreams of grandeur here to create a land where their clan can prosper or if the Orochi somehow manages to come back.]

[ first, let's set something straight. souza sits up enough to look at tenka properly again, mismatched eyes serious once more. ] Tenka-san, you're not my owner, but you're the closest thing I have to one at the moment. The things you tell me are in complete confidence unless you specifically request otherwise. [ he lifts his hand to gently tug a few stray strands of the human's hair, mouth quirking at last. ] .. And I certainly wouldn't say upsetting things to children, anyway. Humans grow and grow older too quickly as it is. They shouldn't have to become adults so soon.

[ he curls in close again, then, hands smoothing his apron and kimono down over his legs. it seems unfortunate that shirasu's brother would want to continue old rivalries. he hopes sousei can just avoid them. that seems safest.

speaking of safety.. ] I'll do my best, of course. But I think it would be best if you stayed away from him, too, Tenka-san. If he really wants to hurt you that badly, that is.

[ he's not sure yet what he'd do if something happened to tenka. he's not his owner, so technically it shouldn't matter, but-- he can't see himself just accepting it, either. and he doesn't want to hurt anyone. he wants to befriend shirasu and his brother, after all. ]

[Don't mind the faint grumbling at the hair tugging and scolding - but he's at least glad that they're on the same page. Tenka just nods faintly even as he Souza curls right back in, his arm loosely going around the other man's shoulders now. This is still easy.

. . . . as for staying away from him-]

Is it your turn to underestimate me, Souza-kun? [He laughs faintly at that, shaking his head.] If you've worked with entire factions of armies, then I've kept an entire prefecture safe since I was 13!!

[ . . . He sobers up faintly, grin dimming just a fraction.]

I know you're worried - but you don't have to be.

[ he's quiet for several moments, temple dipping down to rest against tenka's shoulder, eyes sliding shut. he knows he shouldn't worry. tenka's a very capable adult. and clearly he's accustomed to dealing with people who want to hurt him. it's just.. ]

.. I know that you're right. I just-- when I'm damaged, I can so easily be reforged. And if I'm broken, so be it. A better and stronger blade can be forged to replace me. But.. [ he swallows hard, flattening his hands against the tops of his thighs to keep them from clenching. ] It's different with humans. You have one life, and it's so frail and so precious. I'm over six-hundred years old, Tenka-san. [ it's exhausting, losing the people he loves over and over again. because despite what some of his owners had done to him, he'd still loved them.

he takes a careful, steadying breath, forcing himself to relax again and releasing it slowly. ]

Ah, don't listen to me. --Just promise you'll be careful, please, and keep in mind that there are many people here that care very much for you.

Edited 2015-04-04 18:56 (UTC)

[It hurts.

Tenka hardly knows Souza and yet his heart aches listening to him speak - to say that he's so utterly expendable. The other man was often so full of gentle smiles and fleeting touches, soft admonishments and passing teasing. He shouldn't have to be struggling for calm, trying to carefully hold himself together.

So Tenka turns to wrap both arms around Souza entirely, pulling him into a close hug as if he's trying to be the one to keep him together.]

Hey. I'll promise if you promise something.

[An exchange - not an order.]

I need you to promise that you'll try, just try to open your heart to the idea that you're more than a blade, Souza-kun. I don't want you to have to go through being reforged or think that you can be replaced--

Because you're wrong. No one can replace you - not to me. Your life is just as precious, whether you've seen six years or six-hundred.

[ he startles a little as he's tugged into tenka's arms, but goes with it without protest, his own arms sliding up over the human's shoulders to return it. fingers winding loosely in the messy ponytail, he finds himself smiling faintly as the other man speaks up.

.. ah. this strange, wonderful, infuriating man.

he leans in, brushing a kiss over tenka's brow, then dropping a swift second one on the end of his nose. ]

We'll both try, then, hm? [ no matter how strange and terrifying and unnatural it seems for someone to think of him in such a way, as if his existence is precious not because of what he can do, what he represents, but simply because he's alive. ] .. Though I really think you're a bit ridiculous to think of me in those kinds of terms. And I'm very serious about you being careful! No lip service. No one wants to see me angry.

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