Unfamiliar Ground

Chapter: 3

Finally together again


"Ahh where are you going aruji!?" Tsurumaru curiously asked while sitting lazily on the couch with the television on.

The 'Saniwa' lean her left hand on the door, what she was wearing was a white and blue sailor uniform. On her right shoulder was her backpack with her lunch, books and utensils. She looked back carefully to see Tsurumaru sparkling with expectant golden eyes. She bit her lip and answered hesitantly "Um, I'm going to school..." at that Yasusada popped his head out from a corner in the hallway.

"Aruji have a safe trip!"

She smiles back at Yasusada warmly, and gives a small wave to Tsurumaru as he waves back with a big smile on his face. It has been a few days since Tsurumaru and Yasusada has lived with her, not only as she have become more close to them she doesn't have much difficulty forming sentences and starting conversations with them. Unfortunately they have yet to find the other toudan danshi which was quite disappointing. Her heart sometimes hurts when she sees Yasusada looking down with a frown on his face, she patted her cheeks with more resolve to get Tsurumaru and Yasusada reunited with the others, and finally went off to school.

"School huh..." Yasuada mumbled absentmindedly.

Aruji has told him about school, a institute that educates people. Tsurumaru was interested in the idea of going to school, and to be honest he was quite interested as well. But aruji was completely adamant that they couldn't go with her, claiming that it's not that easy, perhaps she is trying to hide something. He couldn't put his finger on it. Well going to school is the least of he and Tsurumaru's problems.

"Tsurumaru I'm going for a walk!" Yasusada says, as he tightened his white scarf around his neck. Aruji has brought he and Tsurumaru clothes, they weren't greatly fashionable but since she lives alone as her parents are overseas that is all that she is willing to afford. A simple black shirt and blue jeans was what Yasusada decided to wear, Tsurumaru who insisted he wanted pajamas, lay lazily on the couch wearing a crane onesies.

The crane simply waved his hand showing that he acknowledges Yasusada.

He also made it a point not to bring a sword with him in this society, or he might get in trouble with the authorities. He open the door to the front gate and continued with his stroll, he sees people running with earphones in their ears, some walking their dogs. He giggled to himself when he thought about the little white kitten back at the house, it was probably the most laziest animal he'd owned in a while. Laying on the couch, scratching up the curtains and always begging for food; He laughed lightly to himself.

As he mindlessly took in the scenery, his mind couldn't help wonder back to how nice it would've been to see Kashuu Kiyomitsu again. As days go by, he found himself wanting more and more of his presence. He guess that Tsurumaru would like to see Shokudaikiri Mitsutada and Ookurikara again, but just like Tsurumaru both of them were slowly losing hope.

As he reached an intersection of the road, he heard a shout.

Yasusada instantly turned his head to the source, all of his senses was on alert.

"Gahh stop... how many times do I have tell you, that I am a guy!" yelled the person who was currently being surrounded a bunch of thugs. Yasusada kept low and hid behind a tree, watching closely at the group.

There are five of them.

"You're cute you should come with us. I mean what guy just wears makeup like that and with a face like yours it's impossible" One of them said, as the others will laugh with him. People walking by gasp and hurriedly walked faster to avoid getting involved.

"Touch me and you'll regret it!" The victim warned. Yasusada eyes widen, since he went closer he could hear the voice belonging to the person surrounded more clearly. His heart couldn't help but beat faster, it was a very familiar voice and couldn't be more happier to hear it. Yasusada squinted for a better look.

How on earth could he miss the person wearing a red scarf, the make up that make his crimson red eyes blaze with his black and red battle clothes.

Kashuu Kiyomitsu!

"Don't worry were not bad people, we just want to have a little fun!"

"Chet!" Kiyomitsu clicked his tongue in annoyance, Yasusada watched how Kiyomitsu slowly reached for the sheath that holds his blade. As much as Yasusada wanted to cry in relief he was more worried for the group of thugs that might meet their end by Kiyomitsu's blade. It was a horrible way to go, he witness it many times and Kashuu isn't someone anyone can easily mess with.

Yasusada approached the group quickly in order to dispel the tense situation. They didn't notice Yasusada squeezing in between them, he sneaked behind and put his hand on Kiyomitsu's shoulder, which made him react in surprise.

"Hey I told you not to touch m-!" He didn't get to finish his sentence, his eyes widening as he caught a glimpse of Yasusada smiling gently back at him.

"Yasusada.." Kiyomitsu called softly, he wanted to hug Yasusada there and then.

"Hey who the hell are you?!" One of the thugs growled. If it wasn't for them. Yasusada gave Kashuu a small nod, softly touching Kiyomitsu's hand that was etching towards his sword.

Kiyomitsu frowned, but reluctantly let go.

"I'm sorry, but can you let us go. It's true that Kiyomitsu is not a girl" Yasusada tried to reason.

"It's no use they won't believe me, let me end them!" Kiyomitsu hissed. Kiyomitsu was right, the group of thugs looked at them both with doubt in their eyes. Yasusada didn't want Kiyomitsu to get caught by the police and get himself locked up, especially when they have finally reunited with each other. Yasusada breathed in, and with the strength he could muster he unbuttoned Kashuu's shirt with a pull.

"W-What are you doing?!" Kiyomitsu's face turned blatantly red.

The jaws of the thugs dropped at the sight.

Yasusada smiled at them darkly "Now you know that we're telling the truth?" and added "It's as flat as a board you know." At that he was elbowed by Kiyomitsu in the stomach, Yasusada however tried his best to keep a straight face.

The thugs were speechless, and finally one of them spoke "Urgh dammit his actually a guy, lets not waste anymore time lets go."

"But he is damn cute though"

Soon the group had left Yasusada and Kiyomitsu by themselves.

"Hmph, I finally meet you again and this is what I get" Kiyomitsu pouted, still red in the face as he slowly button up his own shirt again. He looked at Yasusada with puffed cheeks, distrust in his eyes like Yasusada would do something to him again.

"I could've taken care of them myself"

Yasusada gave a sorry smile and said "Sorry Kiyomitsu, I didn't want to make a huge fuss," hearing Kashuu grumble, Yasusada however couldn't help but hug him.

"I didn't want to lose you again, I'm so glad to finally see you again"

"O-oi whats going on with you all of a sudden!?" He yelled, completely flustered by the sudden hug.

He did not remember Yasusada being like this.

But who cares!

Kashuu couldn't help smile, he too missed Yasusada like crazy. He tightly hugged Yasusada back with the same enthusiasm, they were finally back together and that is all that matters.

"I missed you too Yasusada..."

"Sorry If I'm interrupting..." said a calm voice, both Yasusada and Kashuu looked over to the side to see Ichigo Hitofuri holding two soda cans in his hands. Ichigo couldn't help but smile at the two who still held each other. Once they realize they were still clinging to each other they broke apart disruptively, both blushing fiercely.

"Ichigo san, where the hell were you?!" Kashuu yelled at the blue haired sword.

"Like I said I was getting us some drinks" Ichigo threw a can to Kashuu, before his eyes wandered to Yasusada and gave him a warm smile, "It's nice to see you again Yamatonokami kun."

In return Yasusada smiled back at Ichigo "I feel the same way Ichigo san." The three swords explained everything that happened between each other. Yasusada decided to tell them that Tsurumaru is with him and that he has met with their Saniwa.

"What you met Aruji!?" Kiyomitsu said with excitement.

"Yep, me and Tsurumaru are at her house. Follow me I'll show you!"

After a lot of catching up they finally arrived at aruji's house. Yasusada opens the door with the spare keys he has been given by the saniwa, immediately once he steps inside. Tsurumaru jumps out wearing a swirly glasses with a big nose.

"Wahh!" Yasusada stepped back in surprise into Kashuu and Ichigo.

"You were scared weren't you Yasusada!" Tsurumaru smiles a wide grin before taking his glasses off and noticing two familiar swords.

"OHO... what a surprise Kashuu kun and Ichigo Hitofuri!"

"Yo, Kuninaga san nice to see that you're the same as always" Kashuu grinned at the cheeky crane.

"Kuninaga Tsurumaru it's a pleasure to see you" Ichigo says, as he smiles warmly.

"So... where is aruji?"

"Haha Yasusada didn't tell you, she's at school right now. Hey why don't I show you guys around the house!" Tsurumaru offered, he grabbed the two of them despite their surprise and dragged them around for a house tour. Yasusada smiled warmly, now that he had found Kiyomitsu and Ichigo this brought a light of hope to find the others as well.

He decided to eat an afternoon lunch, usually back at the citadel food was served by Shokudaikiri but now he and Tsurumaru has to learnt basic dishes from the saniwa. Yasusada brought out two pieces of bread with ham and cheese, carefully assembling it. Kashuu who was able to sneak away from Tsurumaru and left ichigo with him, he sauntered up to Yasusada.

"Hey if you're going to make one, make one for me" Kashuu says playfully.

"Make one yourself" Yasusada reached up to the cabinet to grab two more sandwiches and placing it in front of Kiyomitsu.

Kiyomitsu groaned in protest "Aww I just got here, you were so happy to see me and now you're bored of me already huh?", Yasusada looked to the side and smirked a little before nudging Kiyomitsu in the shoulder.

"It's not a excuse for me to do all the work for you Kiyomitsu!"

Kashuu pouted, and let out a light laugh. He missed these little interactions with Yasusada and he knows it was the same for Yasusada as well. The past days where he and Ichigo couldn't find anyone, it almost felt hopeless. He remembered back when Yasusada had saved him from a group of ugly imbeciles, though he wished he hadn't ripped his shirt open. Just thinking about it again made his cheeks tint pink.

"Kiyomitsu are you okay?" Yasusada who caught it, and leaned forward to take a closer look.

Kiyomitsu smiles warily and put his hands up in front of him to ward Yasusada away. "I'm fine, I'm fine don't worry about it"

"If you say so..."


While Yasusada and Kiyomitsu were in the kitchen, unbeknownst that Kashuu had sneaked away from him. The crane continued his house tour with both of them in mind.

"This is the bathroom!" Tsurumaru looked back to see Ichigo smiling warily.

"Where's Kashuu Kiyomitsu?"

"He sneaked away when you were busy talking about the bedrooms"

"How cheeky, I guess it's just you and me" says Tsurumaru smiles brightly at Ichigo. As if it was the most naturalist thing to do he grasp Ichigo's hand and lead him to living room. Ichigo couldn't help but blush in surprised by the sudden action. But what irks him the most is how he can say such suggestive things without being embarrassed!

"Now this is the living room which is also connected to the kitchen" With his hand still clasped with Tsurumaru, he looked down uncomfortably, he wasn't that close with Tsurumaru back at the citadel.

The crane tilted his head in confusion when he saw Ichigo shaking, totally ignorant of his inner turmoil. He let go of Ichigo Hitofuri's hand "Aha... sorry, I get carried away sometimes" Realizing the fact that he made Ichigo uncomfortable.

"It's fine, it's nice to know that I am welcomed" Ichigo smiled back warmly, concealing the embarrassment he felt initially.

Then they heard a click from the door.