You cackled with Hanako, the young woman behind you was wiping her tears away. The two of you were recalling what you said to Mei after she so rudely implied that you were playing around. Hanako's violet eyes crinkle from joy, she can't believe you finally gave the witch a much needed piece of mind. Inhaling a deep breath, you re applied your makeup, tonight you were going to finally assist your father with one of his top clients. So naturally, everything had to be perfect, you were represented the Masayoshi family after all. The serious expression that now clouded your face gave Hanako goosebumps, yeah your were a copy of your mother but some of your mannerisms really resembled your father.
Hanako slowly shakes her head and adorns your tight bun with beautiful small ornaments, you pass her the pin Gyutaro gave you, requesting her to also pin it on. Hanako smirks, wiggling her eyebrows.
-Hahaha! Hanaaakoooo, stop being a tease!
-Can't help myself (n/a)-sama, the young lady has finally found her one and only true love!
Hanako does a dramatic pose and you chuckle. You really did enjoy her company, but you felt guilty that you weren't spending much time with her as you began your training once again, spending most of your free time with Gyutaro. You gently grab Hanako's hand and sending her an apologetic look.
-I'm sorry dear Hanako...I've been so caught up with everything that I haven't spent any time with you or everyone else.
-Oh (n/a)-sama, please do not be harsh on yourself! We understand that there is a lot going on, especially with that horrible woman's arrival.
Hanako sneers at the thought of the her masters new spouse, but her face grows soft when she looks back at you. She hugs you from behind and the both of you smile at each through the mirror. As long as you could remember, the two of you have always been tight knitted, you grew up together and remained close friends since day one. Resting your head on her, you rub your cheek against Hanako's and mewl at your best friend.
-Ahhhhh sweet Hanakooo~~ when will you find someone so I can tease you too?~~
- In your dreams (n/a)-chan~~
You cheekily poke your tongue out at her and she does the same. Laughter soon bounced from the walls as two childhood friends get ready for the evening.
You slip on your getas and take your father's satchel full of his materials, he was not fit to be carrying heavy things as he was still using his crutches. The two of you bid your farewell, as the maids bow at the entrance, Mei was away for business much to their relief, so tonight wouldn't be bad at all.
You gently wrap your arm around your fathers and you proceed to go into the busy city. In town he greets everyone who stops by and greet him, he was indeed notorious, more Oirans begin requesting more of his services and he humbly accepts stating he would do his best. You smile gently at every interaction, the poor man could hardly stand on his own but his sheer kindness and passion for his craft made you really want to do your best.
You both arrive at the Kyogoku House, the man of the house greets the both of you and starts preparing for your appointment. Strangely, the man seemed incredibly nervous, you glance at you father but he seemed unbothered. So why was everyone nervously looking at you two? Just who exactly were you going to commission for?
Your father bows at the door and announces his arrival.
- Warabihime-sama, we have arrived.
A cold stern voice tells the man of the house to open the shoji, you quickly bow next to your father. The dark room is filled with perfumed smoke, inside the most beautiful Oiran you have ever seen.
You were stunned.
Her black locks flow around her, she looked like a deadly dragon, her lime eyes scanned the both of you and you could almost feel the chill in the air.
Your father slowly goes inside and you follow suit, you begin laying down all of the needed materials and prepare a cushion for him to sit on. As your father sat down, smiling at the Oiran, the woman delivers her version of a smile in return.
-Now Warabihime-sama, what would you like for tonight's event?
The two briefly discuss and you attentively prepare the brushes, carefully laying them down in front of the two and you pass your father his makeup easel. You help him by wrapping his yukata sleeves, doing the same on your own. Unbeknownst to you, Daki was checking your every move, normally the assistant that came with the man were much older, this girl was new but she moved in with incredible speed and precision, plus she was ever so quiet. Daki liked that, that meant less of a headache to listen, she hated when people talked too much.
The man began to brush Daki's long black locks, he was fast but talented. Daki enjoyed the man's work, he was notorious in Yoshiwara by being one of the best and she of course worked with only the best. You start passing to your father the expensive hair ornaments, waiting for his next move. The two of you moved well together, in silence you both worked in your favor and you continued to flow like a steady stream.
Your father needed another hair ornament but he asks for your assistance with one of the twirls, that meant it would take the two of you to hold and pin it together. You gently kneel in front of Daki, gracefully extending the ornament to her, Daki looks at you intently.
- Warabihime-sama would you please hold onto the ornament so I can help pin one the twirls in the meantime?
Daki nodded, she extends her hand to take the ornament, that's when her brother's scent flooded her nose. Daki quickly looked at you closely and noticed you wore the setsuka hair pin her brother had a few months ago, where he got it didn't concern much to Daki, but more the fact of who he gave it to. By her own delight the very woman that seems to be courting him was right before her. Daki analyses every detail, from the colour of your hair, to your well kept kimono and clean long nails. You were definitely an upper class figure. Ohhh, Gyutaro will have a lot of teasing coming his way, who would of thought that a noble would steal her brothers non beating heart.
You look back gently at Daki and saw her smirking at you, you had to double take for a second, she almost reminded you of Gyutaro.
How bizarre
Still you give her your signature kind smile and the demons eyes lit up. The woman proceeds in helping the man with the rest of the hairdo, her nibble fingers are put to work and with the same speed the two finish with the Oirans hair. (N/a) slowly takes the hairpin from Daki and places it neatly on the top of her head, pinning it securely.
The man sits back in front of the Oiran and begins prepping her skin for the makeup, the young woman continues to pass the master the necessary brushes and Daki can't help but let a chuckle out.
-Is she your daughter Masayoshi-sama?
Your father smiles and nods, brushing her eyebrows into place.
-Ever so perceptive Warabihime-sama, she is indeed.
Daki slowly looks at you and you nod in agreement smiling gently at your fathers work. Daki can't help but feel a strange knot forming in her chest. The woman's soft gaze, it resembles of an Oiran Daki used to be friends with, the same motherly gaze washes Daki with a feeling of nostalgia. The Oiran chuckles and decides to be quiet for the rest of the session.
As the man finalised Daki's eyes, he requested his daughter to finish the Oirans lips. The daughter nodded and swapped places siting in front of Daki this time, the young woman was smaller compared to Her and she found it adorable. (N/a) gently brushes the tip of the brush against the crimson powder, she slowly lifts it up to Daki, gently holding her face and starts painting her full lips.
An electric wave passes through the demon.
What (n/a) failed to realize is that by touching Daki, few of her brothers memories passed through her. The way you treated him gently just like now, how you looked at him with love and how you would go by any means to protect him. The younger sibling was left even more speechless with one particular memory that slowly passed through, it was of her friend, she saw her coo at a baby and smile at the small bundle.
Hello my sweet (n/a)
Daki didn't notice that you had finished her lips and blinked at the mirror presented in front of her. She was impressed, but she was always happy with Masayoshi's work, seemed like the girl also had talent, not bad indeed. The two bowed and thanked the Oiran for commissioning them, Daki nodded and without a fault smiled at the man.
-She is just like Suzume.
She looks back at you nostalgically, giving you for the first time a genuine smile, you blush and smile back. Your father nodded, petting your head.
-Indeed she is Warabihime-sama.
As you two exited the Kyogoku House you couldn't wait to tell Gyutaro that you got a chance to finally meet the notorious Warabihime Oiran. Daki stares down at the two and chuckles. Now she understood where Gyutaro stood, the woman was indeed one of a kind, still she wasn't going to pass the opportunity to tease him about it.
Gyutaro was feeding the fish you got him during the winter festival, the flakes float slowly and he stares at the living being eating away. Such a fragile thing, just like you, but he still catches himself gazing away at the fish, until he hears his sister come inside. Gyutaro looks behind him and gives her a puzzled look, she was standing with her arms crossed with a huge smirk on her lips.
What did she want? Wasn't she going to an event?
-What ya want Daki?
-Oniii-chan you sly fox, you sure did pick a nice one.
Gyutaro's eyes went wide and he snaps back at Daki, looking back at her nervously. What did she meant by that?
He slowly stands up, still staring at Daki, the younger sibling scoffs and shakes her head.
-I didn't hurt her calm down jeez...if anything she made me look presentable for this event.
Gyutaro raises his brow, looking even more puzzled, Daki stared back and sighed in frustration.
- I met your girl onii-chan and let's just say...
She gently flicks his forehead, delivering her signature smirk.
-You better get your act together.
She laughs and leaves, leaving the older sibling alone in the room again, he chuckles sitting back down and shifts his attention back to the small fish.
-Hear that (n/a)? You even won my lil sisters heart...
It was the dreaded evening. Gyutaro swallowed hard, he was right outside of your property, he wipes his sweaty hands against his yukata, this time bearing a dark green tone, his hair was combed and in a much neater ponytail, thanks to Daki's help and persistence. She had explained to him how he needed be in his A game. He stares at the pond, his reflection sways against the gentle ripples, ugly he thought. Gyutaro was ready to turn away and avoid all of this but his feet weighed more than his panic, he takes a deep breath and finally rings the bell.
You eagerly got up, you were wearing the same pale green kimono you mistakenly worn during winter and your setsuka hairpin was place on your bun, you looked like a flushed teenager.
He was here
But why did it feel different? It's not like he never came into your house, much to your father's own dismay, but this time it was different. You couldn't help but wipe the sweat off your hands on your kimono and pray to your mothers shrine.
-Mother, please...watch over me tonight and Gyutaro. He is scared and I just want him to feel welcomed.
You gave the frame a quick kiss, trying not to run to the entrance you spot Hanako bowing to a very flushed Gyutaro. A soft smile lands on him and he seems to relax a bit with your presence. Hanako smiles at him and guides him through the common room, but not missing a beat to give you a cheeky wiggle of her brows.
Gyutaro was stunned at the rest of your house, yes he knew you were wealthy but your room felt much humble compared to the rest of it. He awes the large room pausing to see you and the maid jokingly slapping each other on the hand, you quickly notice blushing deeply, you then guide him to sit down and begin to serve him some tea. Your lips were trembling due to nerves, Gyutaro chuckles and finds your reaction adorable, he gently cups the tea in his hand and drinks it.
Good shit
You two finally laugh and let the initial awkwardness melt temporarily away.
-I can't believe the day is finally here...
You look up to Gyutaro and grin. He could tell this meant a great deal to you, he was happy he didn't simply run away, in all honesty he didn't want to imagine the look of hurt and disappointment adorn your face. He grabs your small hand and smiles back at you, he was always going to be there for you, not matter how scared he was, he knew he could do it if it was all for you.
-Hello.
Gyutaro eyes go wide, he quickly removes his hand off yours staring at the man standing by the door. He had a stern look on his face and his slow pace whilst he came inside made the situation even more tense. The man had a long ponytail, and he could tell he wasn't far from being scrawny, he looked like he had a few battles in his life, the scar adorning his face was enough proof. But realistically, Gyutaro know he could easily snap the man into two, he was an Upper Moon for gods sake, but the fact that this very man meant a great deal to the love of his life made him much terrifying than any hashira he ever battled.
The man sits across Gyutaro and stares straight at the demon. Gyutaro notes on how your fathers eye colour resembled your own. So this is where they resembled. (N/a) sighs gently nudging her father, the man's gaze falls on his daughter and the both have a staring contest, Gyutaro holds his breath at the scene before him.
Oh god he knew this would be a mistake, why did he come, why did h-
The man begins chuckling and stares back at Gyutaro grinning. Eh? Did he just grin at me?
-Sorry...couldn't help myself, always wanted to do that when (n/a) brought her partner to meet me.
Gyutaro smiles sheepishly (n/a) gently shakes her head and offers tea to her father which he happily accepts. The two men begin to talk, Gyutaro was visibly shocked at the man's interest, it's as if his initial persona never existed but slowly he calms down and begins to speak a bit more freely with your father.
- Tell me Gyutaro, what do you do for a living?
Gyutaro silently curses in his mind. Oh yeah I kill humans for my demon lord, ya...there's no way that would lay down well. He plucks the first thing that came to mind.
- I am a debt collector.
(N/a) is also impressed with the answer, she never knew but she could see him being one, your father nods and gives him a smile.
-Honest work, well hopefully, but very good indeed.
Gyutaro sighs staring at (n/a), she gives him a thumbs up and he can't help but smile, the conversation is stopped with one of the maids announcing the food was ready. The three of you get up and slowly walk to the dining room, Gyutaro looks around at the many rooms residing inside the estate, each one having its own purpose and to think that him and Daki barely had one room to themselves when they were kids. Your laugh snaps him back, you were discussing something with your father, the both of you moved your hands as you eagerly explained whatever you were describing. You had your father mannerisms, but your contrast in height made it funny. He chuckles at the side and a picture catches his attention, it looked like a shrine, he gives a closer look noting that the figure in the picture was a woman, he uses his demon vision to look even closer and he almost gasps at the sight.
The woman looked exactly like you, the same smile adorned her face and the only one thing telling you apart was the colour of her eyes, they were blue, the same shade as his. He didn't feel your hand gently placed on his back, your eyes looked at the same frame and your smile goes soft.
-That's my mother, Suzume...
(N/a) gently grabs the frame and brings it closer to Gyutaro, his hand traces over the image and he looks between the two, you laugh, gently placing it back.
-She died when I was a very young, but I guess she lives on through me...
Gyutaro gently grabs your hand kissing your cheek, he didn't mean for you to be upset. You never mentioned about your mother and it clearly was a sensitive topic to you still. The two of you walk in the dining room taking your seats, Gyutaro was lucky to sit next to you this time as your father sat across the both of you and the twins on each side. Your supposedly new mother was still out for business, much to your relief, you didn't want Gyutaro to deal with her nasty attitude.
The twins glare at the both of you, however Gyutaro glares back with much force and the twins quickly retract their gazes. There was no way in hell they were going to disrespect his sweetheart in front of him. As food begins to pile on the table, the demon can't help but gawk at the amount placed in front of him, all of them fancier than the next, it was a big contrast to the garbage he and his sister would salvage to eat.
-What's wrong young man? Too much food?
Gyutaro shakes his head, smiling sheepishly at your father.
- Sorry I'm just not used to this...
You gently place your hand over his under the table, Gyutaro desperately takes it, gently squeezing it. Your father smiles softens at him and he clears his throat, Gyutaro looks back at your father.
-Well...don't you worry, you are also family, so please...feel at home.
The older man's kindness breaks another layer within Gyutaro he never knew existed. He never had father figure in his life, but meeting the man in front of him knowing he is your father gave Gyutaro a glimpse of the rarest of blessings many don't have the privilege to experience. The fact that you were blessed with a father like him made Gyutaro, because he knew more than anyone that you deserved to be happy.
You gently grin at both men and give a light hearted laugh clapping your hands together.
-Shall we eat?
-Oh yes we shall.
Your eyes go wide in horror, by the door the last person you wanted to see, Mei.
