A/N: A little pet project of mine while I plan out the next chapter for Fangire Spring. This short multi-fic will explore Jiiya's relationship with Kamishiro Tsurugi (Yamamoto Yusuke) from prior to the events of Kamen Rider Kabuto. Also, the world sorely needs more Kabuto fics.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Kamen Rider Kabuto TV show, or franchise, nor am I profiting from these materials in any way. This story was written solely for my own pleasure.

Chapter Notes: 7 years before start of canon. Following the canon, Kamishiro Tsurugi is 13. The Kamishiros reside in a mansion in Okayama (which is famous for its extravagant gardens). Okayama is approximately 410 miles from Shibuya.

The Butler and the Worm

By fieryrondo

1. Sister's Birthday

"Keep your eyes shut—no peeking, Onee-chan!"

"I'm not peeking—are you leading me outside?"

"Aa, watch the step coming down."

"Can I open my eyes yet?"

"Not yet…okay, open them now. Onee-chan, happy birthday."

"This is lovely, Tsurugi!" Kamishiro Mika breathed out, fingertips to her curved lips. "How on earth—"

"We shipped the roses from Ecuador—nothing but the best roses for you," Kamishiro Tsurugi said. "I was afraid they wouldn't take to the climate here but Jiiya hired Okayama's finest horticulturist to tend to the garden. For a commoner, the horticulturist has done marvelous work."

Thank you, Bocchama, for generously admiring my work. Jiiya watched with fondness as he watched his young master elegantly bow and offer a hand to his sister.

"Shall we, my lady?" Tsurugi flashed a cocky, boyish grin.

Mika giggled before accepting her little brother's hand.

"I would be honored."

Jiiya quietly slipped into the mansion to prepare the dinner arrangements.

"Jiiya, I want you to be honest with me. How bad are our finances?"

Such a topic was hardly appropriate on a birthday. Jiiya's eyes darted nervously to the living room, where Tsurugi was busy tuning his violin for an evening performance. Mika followed his gaze before sighing.

"You don't want him to know?"

Jiiya poured some steaming Earl Grey into a fancy cup. "I'm not sure if Bocchama will be ready to take the news that his coming-of-age inheritance may be much more modest than he expects."

"Jiiya…I don't think keeping it a secret will be a good idea. Though, I've never seen Tsurugi so happy before, not since our parents…"

"Bocchama loves you dearly and wishes to show his affection in the way he feels most comfortable with."

"He always took our family lineage much more seriously than I did." Mika made a face. "I am always worried for him…for someone who lives in a dream, what does he do when he is forced to wake up? We need to prepare for the worst. What if a meteor were to hit Okayama, like the one in Shibuya last month?"

Jiiya offered the steaming cup of tea with practiced grace.

"Worry not, Mika-sama, I have taken measures to protect the Discabil family and its remaining fortune."

"Now that I've turned 19, I could always get a job."

Jiiya spluttered.

"Mika-sama!"

"I was just kidding, Jiiya."

Notes:Onee-san means "older sister." Bocchama means "young master."

Next Time: Angel's Face