A/N: The amazing characters of Touken Ranbu do not belong to me, but to their creators. Enjoy!

Info:

Oodachi - A "large tachi" and one of the longer type of swords. For more information on the oodachi, please refer to this link here: wiki/Category:Ootachi

Let Us Watch the Stars Together (Until The Time Comes When We No Longer Can)

Despite the teasing he received from the other members of the citadel, Ishikirimaru never minded slowness. Instead, he wondered if any of the young ones, who were always in constant motion, took the time to enjoy the feel of the rare summer breeze, cool against burning skin or the beauty of the single resilient blossom that peeked through the blanket of whiteness in winter.

If moving at the pace of the world meant missing these little joys of life, Ishikirimaru much preferred moving at his own pace.

And ever since Kashuu Kiyomitsu had entered his life, Ishikirimaru knew he would most definitely miss the feel of Kiyomitsu dragging him to match his partner's pace.

So, Ishikirimaru never really minded slowness; in fact, there were times when he preferred it.

Until now.

'Ishikirimaru!'

Before the oodachi could even react, a blurred shadow dashed with crimson had shoved him out of the way, and Ishikirimaru's eyes burned as the brilliance of Kiyomitsu's blade clashed with the dark fires of the monster looming over him.

Inhale.

Ishirikimaru watched as Kiyomitsu's eyes widened.

Exhale.

The shattering of Kiyomitsu's blade rang in Ishikirimaru's ears.

Inhale.

The monster's dying roar was engulfed by the explosive crackling of flames, but all Ishikirimaru could focus on was the trembling body in his arms.

Exhale.

Too late. It was too late.

And from the resigned look in Kiyomitsu's eyes, his partner knew it too.

It took all of Ishikirimaru's considerable self-control to stop himself from clutching Kiyomitsu desperately to his chest and screaming.

'I-Ishikirimaru...'

Ishikirimaru's hand shook as he stroked Kiyomitsu's hair gently.

He tried not to think of how their current position echoed their treasured nightly routine when they would sit on the veranda of the citadel, Kiyomitsu's head in Ishikirimaru's lap, as they both enjoyed a quiet moment watching the stars together.

'I-It's a shame t-that we can't s-see the stars t-tonight.'

Ignoring the way his clothes burned as green was rapidly dyed in red - ignoring the way his heart burned, struggling to cope with the impending loss of one half - Ishikirimaru continued to stroke Kiyomitsu's hair, his voice calm, steady, soothing.

'Yes, the stars appear to be resting tonight.'

Kiyomitsu's eyes fluttered as he fought to keep them open.

'T-They're just b-being lazy.'

Ishikirimaru couldn't help himself.

'We might see them tomorrow.'

A small smile tugged at Kiyomitsu's lips.

'Ah, y-you're right. T-there's always t-tomorrow.'

Inhale.

'Ishikirimaru.'

'Hm?'

Exhale.

'I- Was I loved until t-the end?'

Ishirikimaru's hand moved to cup Kiyomitsu's cheek.

'You are loved Kashuu Kiyomitsu.'

Inhale.

The look that Kiyomitsu gave him was one that Ishikirimaru would never forget for as long as he lived.

You too. I love you.

Exhale.

Kiyomitsu's eyes closed and his chest stilled.

'Always, Kiyomitsu, you will always be loved.'

Ishikirimaru had never really minded slowness.

But in that moment, he hated it.

Too slow, he had been too slow.

And now, they would never be able to watch the stars together again.

~OWARI~

Post A/N: This was done based on the ship prompt "Ishikirimaru/Kashuu: Dying in the other's arms"