Title: Among the Peach Blossoms
Genre: Romance/General/Shounen-ai
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Jakotsu/Bankotsu
Summary: The peach blossoms signaled the beginning of spring, but they were also a sign for other new beginnings…
There he was, relaxing in the hot spring; the beautiful blossoms floating atop the water's surface, swirling around him in a harmonious dance.
The warmth flushed his cheeks, a light rouge to match his crimson painted lips. And without the flat chest, Jakotsu would easily appear a beautiful woman.
But Bankotsu knew better than to speak that thought aloud.
Quietly, he slid into the water beside his companion- his eyes looking to the single peach blossom that had fallen into his sake glass.
"The others are celebrating."
He said it more as a question than a statement, curious as to why Jakotsu had left the festivities.
"So am I."
His gestured to the sea of petals around him.
"Peach blossoms bless the feminine traits…"
He moved forward, punctuating each movement with a word.
"Sensual. Alluring. Devoted."
Bankotsu's retort that those traits were more fitting of a geisha was cut off by Jakotsu's sudden kiss.
The older man pulled back and smirked at Bankotsu's wide-eyed gaze.
"You fallen for me yet?"
At the moment it seemed impossible. But over the course of a year, Bankotsu would fall for those very charms.
And then, they'd celebrate this one night all over again.
Author's Notes: In Japan, the peach blossom is a symbol for happy marriage because of the way and the time the tree blooms. The time between the end of February and beginning of March is when winter turns to spring and is also the time when the peach tree blooms, changing people's view from monotone to something colorful. Moreover, the blossoms represent the feminine traits of gentility, composure and tranquility. During the Momo-no-Sekku, the Japanese used to go view the peach blossoms coming out, drink sake with a blossom in it, and bathe in water with the blossoms. The Momo-no-Sekku (Peach Blossom festival) has in more modern times (Edo through present) been part of the Hina Matsuri (Doll festival) on March 3rd.