The Return's Lights:
Japanese New Year
Part One
Mu sat on a large blanket laid out under the shade of a cherry blossom with nose stuck in a book. One of his old drones sat next to him in off mode with a solar panel. He had no plans to actually use it unless requested by people a few feet away. They were all moving in synchronized with hulking figures in a jinbei. He was leading everyone through the first few steps of Tai Chi to the sounds of nature.
"We will take our first break," He announced, "We'll start back up in a few."
Upon hearing that, Mu book marked the page he was reading to get to his feet with hands being pocketed. Stretching his legs for a second before turning toward the direction of the local Starbucks. Where he would take a quick walk to order a Matcha Cream Frappuccino in a Grande. Grabbing a single pack of chewy pink rice mochi and 2 glazed pink donuts in a to-go bag. He carried with him back to the park in which a group of people were still on their short break.
"Fiji- San and Hirabayashi- San," He called to two people, "Got you those donuts."
Smiles he got when he handed the donuts over to them as thank you were exchanged during conversation. He was paid back in the form of yen coins by them as others asked about his drone. He pointed out he would have it hovering over head as soon as he sat down. He got to do it after dividing himself away from grinning faces talking about the coming new year, and how they were going to celebrate.
"What are your plans ?"
"You plan on going to Ubuyashiki temple alone or with your folks?"
"What do you plan to wear?"
"Going to a party afterward?"
Those so many questions being asked by Mu had him putting on his best smile for them as an answer. Slowly backing away from them as to remind them that he was a guest of their instructor. Since he could feel those clear white eyes with deepest black burning holes into his skull.
"Break over," Everyone was reminded, "Let's return."
Mu spent the rest of the early morning on the blanket reading it messing with his drone getting Aerial photos. The book he was reading rested on his lap as his Starbucks drink was emptied along the way. He made sure to not drop anything on a page since it was another one of Gyomei's civics books. The Mochi was never touched and had been carefully placed away in his bag. Where he would pick up and sling the strap on to his shoulders when two chi came to an end. Borrowed book was placed back inside as he was careful in folding the blanket up. Staying under the wait for Gyomei to join him so they walked back to the apartment together. This meant watching mats being rolled up and people slowly walking away from Gyomei. Until Gyomei soon joined him with his usual blank face and a twitch of something on his mind.
"If you're going to …" He was silenced by Gyomei.
"Week where new years takes place," Gyomei bent down Mu's level, "They will not be meeting for tai chi. I thought I could privately do my morning exercises in my apartment in your company."
"…" Mu tilted his head with no understanding.
"Early in the morning and after I come out the shower," Gyomei hinted, "Morning sun peeking through the curtains."
"Are we talking?" Mu was allowed to talk.
"Only for you." Gyomei loved the look of shock on Mu.
He ended up stealing a kiss from him before lightening his load as they made their way back to his apartment. Lost in conversation about Gyomei to the groundskeeper at the academy with Yume. Not talking much about what the two of them were doing for the upcoming new years holiday. Going unaware of plans being made by Miru when she returned from her jog. She allowed her leashed companion out of her harness to freely roam around the house to find Kyuu. Closing up and securing the front door she walked through before traveling inside. On the search for someone until I found the family duty board and what everyone was up to.
"Senjuro is hanging with friends, Mu is out with Gyomei, and in-laws spending time with Musōka," She was alone, "Kyojuro … "
Fact her husband met members of his club one final time before the new year's holiday week started. Got her to stroll through the house in search of him with a bit of an activity in mind for them. Somewhat glad she was still in her jogging attire when she looked from room to room for him. Stopping when she reached the hallways leading to everyone's bedrooms.
"Kyojuro?" She called his name to check, "I am back."
"I am glad you're back in one piece," His voice was all the confirmation she needed, "Did Mui enjoy being taken out?"
"Yea," She spoke as she walked softly, "She was quite popular with the neighborhood."
"Did Kyuu greet you at the door?" He asked her.
"More like he greeted Mui at the door and didn't care about me," She was getting closer to him, "We have the house to ourselves."
When he didn't answer her was when she sped up until she came to their shared bedroom with a baited breath. She released that breath and slowly walked toward the opened door as fixing her hair. Opening the door wider, she was greeted by a view of Kyojuro in the middle of dressing.
"How did your jog go?" He asked, "Gave you that chance to think about the new years?"
She could nod her head when she kicked their bed door shut as she reached up toward the elastic band. One that was neatly holding her ponytail in place until freed by the tug of her fingers. Allowing her hair to cascade into a form of smelly bed head when she placed the band on the nearest surface.
"Seems the jog did good for you," He noticed her titillated state, "You are right that we have the house to ourselves. Okāsan was going to need help with errands and wanted to also spend time with Jinan."
He put down his shirt when Miru got close enough to reach out and be allowed to place him around his neck. Had her looking upward to have the glint of excitement be noted by him looking making eye contact. Widen the give. He made it when he wrapped one arm around her waist. He used to scoop her off her feet when he then used to carry her to the room in just a few steps. Before he reclined back onto the bed with her being able to straddle him. She understood where he was going when she further adjusted her legs on either side of him.
"Keep your voice down." One spoke to the other.
She roughly kissed when she suddenly brought her lips crashing down on his own when he parted on his own. He also relaxed his jaw and allowed her to bite his lip every now and then. It was a welcomed sensation, both had been holding back since Ruka suggested they hold back. Hands would end up exploring erogenous zones that got the greatest of pleasures from the other.
8*8
Part Two
Miru noticed that Mu this wore a huge grin on his face when was helping search through the storehouse. Which didn't get questioned by his aunt when she scrambled around. She was trying to be careful not to stumble over her own feet as she moved around.
"Want to share," She asked him, "You've been like this arriving."
"Two words," He mumbled, "Naked yoga."
"Let me guess," She knew his comment had something to do with Gyomei, "No clothes movement for your eyes only."
"Since the group he leads are usually busy on holidays," Mu recalled each mental image, "He flexed in his natural state. In his apartment and allowed to watch."
"Lucky," She bit her lower lip, "Kyojuro can't stretch around me now with me getting aroused."
"No more," Mu's smile vanished, "My mood is gone."
"I found what I was looking for," She smiled, "Help me."
Getting the image of what Kyojuro does to make his aunt hot and bothered out of his head was easier said than done. Since he ended up helping her get a wooden chest down from the shelves. He knew by the chest on the upper surface of the box what was inside paws important of sorts. He just had to be careful getting this inside the house without dropping the box.
"Are you sure you don't need help?" She came to ask him.
"Not from you," He reminded her, "I will not suffer HIS wrath."
"How about his strength?" She teased.
She ended up climbing down from the ladder to wave Kyojuro inside since spotting him from higher up. He walked with Kyuu and the newest furry addition beside him, following in her new collar.
"I got worried about what was taking you so long," Kyojuro watched them, "So here I am with Kyuu and his friend."
"Want to carry this in?" Mu asked, knowing his aunt.
Into the sitting area of the main house this Wooden chest was carried with Miru following behind them. On the floor of the room the chest was set and the latch was carefully opened to reveal contents. Kimonos from decades passed that were carefully folded and stored inside. Even came with a hand written note about which one was which for Miru to sort through.
"Forgot these were here," Mu looked among the patterns, "Should have known purple and red."
"You are coming with us to Ubuyashiki shrine with Gyomei?" Kyojuro asked him.
"Gyomei never shared what plans he had," Mu shrugged, "He may be going alone to help out since the shrine does get busy."
"Maybe you should ask next time you see him?" Miru hinted.
Grin that appeared on Mu's face had Miru pulling Kyojuro close enough not to whisper what Mu was happy about. That got Kyojuro blushing the deepest shade of red when told the answer. As he tried to imagine what sight of undressed Gyomei that Mu got to see in their mornings together.
"Don't fry your brain," Miru warned Kyojuro, "Come help me through this."
"Good luck with getting an answer," Kyojuro wished Mu, "Want to help us?"
"No," Mu had a place to be, "I've got to leave soon."
This was where they parted with Mu leaving the estate to make his usual routine to the academy to check in. Was a peaceful bike ride for him since the streets and back roads were empty of people. Making rounding corners and slowly down easier without use of his brakes in passing. Only time he did stop was view of the Gyomei's apartment building with a sigh. Before he started back up and made his way to the entrance of an empty academy with a squelch. Where he stood for a second before he was noticed by a familiar face from the entrance.
"Mu?" Gyomei called to him.
"Thought I swing by and help out," He wheeled his bike, "Give me a minute."
Mu ended up being followed to the bike rack where he was stopped from putting his bike away by Gyomei. Who watched him lock up his bike despite reminding him he didn't need to do that. Left Mu to steal a kiss from Gyomei like always before shifting his bag on his person when done.
"Want to play a game my aunt plays with Kyojuro?" He pulled away from Gyomei, "Got a couple of their favorite spots."
"Your dad's on duty," Gyomei whispered to him, "Normal spots will not do."
"Then my family wants to know," Mu moved on to another subject, "Are you doing new years with us?"
"I would be honored to attend with them," Gyomei felt touched, "I was going to ask about that."
A kiss would have been shared between them if flash light hadn't been shined in their faces from entrance. They went to find Yume standing a few feet away from them just staring at them.
"Hands to yourself," Yume warned them, "Principal doesn't want any more funny business."
He then slowly backed into the academy's entrance without stumbling before disappearing from their sight. Leaving Mu to give him a sour look that Gyomei found endearing as he watched Mu.
"Would you like to keep me company until I have to leave?" Gyomei asked.
"Beats going back home and modeling a kimono," Mu took Gyomei'a offer3 hand, "Miru has ideas."
"Care to share." Gyomei was all ears.
8*8
Part Three
"Stop moping." Yume passed Mu.
He sighed for the second time that afternoon, disliking his Ruka and asked him to keep an eye on Miru for him. Kyojuro were busy with club activities with Senjuro beside him while one of them had cram school. No way she trusted her saki loving husband with Miru after he had a few. She didn't want to run the household and have to look after a pregnant daughter- in- law.
Here Mu was back in his family home as he looked after his aunt in her state until she could return home. Not like he also liked the idea that she was sent here 'cause of how stressful it got around Rengoku house. At new years with plans being made for the whole family had to go to the local shrine. Between airing out kimonos that were kept in storage and cooking the feast. Was not a place someone with a child due was allowed to be in Ruka's book as days passed.
How Miru found herself back in her family home
Not as big as the historical Rengoku estate since sections were rebuilt after the war or restored with modern amenities. Carried or had overgrown wisteria tees in EVERY corner of the place. Each one had been carefully pruned and managed over the years to grow the way it does. Some of the species were imported from other parts of the world and transplanted here by her ancestors. Made this place within Kimetsu towns rather spectacular place to see during spring.
"You dad is right," Mu sat beside him, "Cheer up."
"Before you tell me," Mu stopped her right there, "I can't go to Gyomei's place ."
"So the rumor I heard … " She asked.
All Mu could do was nod his head with a sigh escaping his lips when he recalled curled locks of hair the color of sand. Pulled into a ponytail with a colored hair ribbon on a soft body with curves. Answering Gyomei's front door in a head scarf and apron with ladle in hand like they were familiar. In the background was a towel clad Gyomei trying to dress, that Mu dismissed from his memory.
"Hug?" She offered.
"I'd rather finish my crow drone and have you call for me," He stared at his creation coming alone, "I have to finish installing the personality matrix and power core."
"Have it a name yet?" She wondered.
"Zekka." He huffed.
She then ended up hugging him not caring he was a limp noodle within her arms that her brother caught on his phone. Before he sent a response to a desperate Gyomei about his son being heartbroken and being comforted. The picture he sent was cropped enough that Miru could be identified. She just appeared at a random woman forcing Mu into her cleavage without him struggling. Just when the picture was viewed after the message opened a few minutes later by hoping hands. Countless tears ended up wetting the screen by someone on their way to the Ito household.
"Something wrong?" His companion asked him.
" … is this Miru or another …" Gyomei shows him the phone.
Gold with Red Irises lay on the picture for a mere second was greeted by an image he knew right away was Miru. Since the enlarged cleavage alone told him Miru was the one hugging her nephew. Brought on a recent morning activity that started together since her second mother was passing them. One where he always found her under his covers and fondling him through his pajamas pants. Turned into her pulling him out on the chilly morning and the memory of her running her tongue. Played in his head as he felt himself hardened without rising do to lack of her actual presence.
"Are you sure you can come with me?" Gyomei's question shifts his mood.
"This set my plans with Miru off since after she gives birth," He wasn't liking six weeks of mending she'll need, "We can not be as romantic as we usually are."
Smile spread across Gyomei's face for the rest of their ride to when they got off the train. Making their way out of the station to find Mu standing outside a food stall. He looked to be ordering one of Miru's favorite foods to go. Look at the metal cart that was half full just standing next to him. Kyojuro allowed him to leave to confront Mu as he knew where to go. Gyomei comes to thank him for taking off with a pounding heart toward Mu.
"Gyomei …" Mu found himself scooped up into the air, "Let me guess. My dad."
"Fine a father he is," Gyomei stood firm, "Let me walk back with you and explain what you were greeted with."
"You can start now," Mu sighed, "It's going to be a long walk."
"Then you must know," Gyomei placed Mu back on the ground, "That person was one of the eight orphans I helped raise just visiting me. They tend to show up out of blue and hang around for a day until they leave."
"You being in that towel?" Mu asked to straighten his jacket out.
"They stolen my briefs before I could put them back on," Gyomei blushed at the memory, "I had plans to take the two of you to dinner. That quickly went down the drain when you left with me explaining."
Kyojuro was close behind them pulling the cart of items along as Mu held hands with Gyomei the whole time. He quietly kept to himself just courting the steps until they reached the front stoop. Miru was found under the canopy of a Chinese wisteria held up by a series of interlocking poles. She wore a Plunging Neck, Lantern Sleeve, Ruched Bust Dress in a pale purple and matching zoris. Hair in a loose braid and held closed by an elastic headband that caught Kyojuro's eyes.
8*8
Final Part
"What did you pray for ?" Gyomei asked Miru.
"More like asked why I am not the size of a watermelon," She spoke about her appearance, "When I was naive and 16, I was showing by now."
"You have gone through so much," Gyomei reminds her, "Means you're not like who you used to be."
She ended up smiling rather proudly before Mu got in between them with a tired gasp escaping his lips. Already done with the night after what he had to go through from changing clothes to walking. He was caught by Gyomei when he was beginning to lean on him and yawning.
"Happy new year," Miru knew they were ready to go, "I'll bring you guys lunch tomorrow?"
"Happy new year also and we look forward to it," Gyomei nodded his head to her, "I look forward to your return."
She would have gone on if Kyojuro didn't wrap his arms around her waist with excitement overcoming him. He was already looking forward to getting home for his mother's hot food and endless drinks. Which had him looking to Gyomei and Mu to join them a little longer then leave.
