AD 2206, 6/12, 6th Hierarchical City of Yabiko – Unknown Area

As he finishes handing out refunds to the understandably upset patrons, Amane does his best to bite back a sad sigh. Whilst the donations the patrons allowed them to keep should keep them afloat for a time, there's no way that they can try another Yabiko show for a while.

Amane glances behind him to see Azuki approaching and raises a brow.

Azuki sighs, "I told you this was a bad idea, Lord Amane." He shakes his head. "The little ones are soothed for now, but you'll have to break the news to them that there will be yet more lean times ahead."

Amane sniffs, "I know, Azuki. Thanks for taking charge while I was busy. I know you hate it."

Azuki huffs, "I'll see you in the morning."

With that, the blue haired man retreats to the veteran performer's wagon, and Amane finally sighs, posture slumping as he feels the sting of defeat set in. He'd been so close this time, if not for Tager's disastrous appearance…

Amane shakes his head ruefully. Who was he kidding?

Amane slowly closes up shop as he sees no other patrons approaching, venturing back to his own wagon as rain continues pelting the street.

By the time he rushes into his abode, he's thoroughly soaked and miserable. Amane groans as he removes his wet garments, eager to just go to bed and end this terrible day.

Then, a knock comes upon the door. Amane glances at it, idly wondering if it's one of the NOL officers come to tell him to hoof it early.

Amane tiredly calls out, "Who goes there?"

To his immense relief, a familiar gruff voice answers.

Bang calls back, "It is I, Bang Shishigami! Nishiki, may I come in?"

Amane sighs, "Give me a minute to dress!"

Amane swiftly changes into something dry, a simple sleeping yukata, but doesn't quite have the energy to put his hair back up. He opens the door swiftly, to let in his no doubt sopping guest.

Bang doesn't disappoint, his dancing outfit drooping sadly over his frame, clinging to that well-built musculature. Amane shakes his head to clear his improper thoughts. Now's not the time to be admiring, after all.

Bang smiles gingerly as he glances down at himself. "I uh, don't suppose you'd have some spare clothes for me?"

Amane shakes his head. "I'm afraid not. You might find a fundoshi or two in the vanity, I think you forgot a couple of them when we got here."

Bang nods somberly. "Thank you, Nishiki."

Amane hums, politely turning around so as to give Bang his privacy. The spalt of wet clothes hitting the floor makes him wince. Bang must be miserable, and it's Amane's fault for dragging him into this mess. Amane sighs. While rarely seen, there is a self-depreciative side to his personality. He feels so small right now, almost like…

Bang sighs, "You can, uh, turn around."

Amane turns to see a still damp Bang clad only in a crimson fundoshi, sitting cross-legged on the floor. A dangerous sight, indeed.

Amane does his best to fight off his flush as he too sits down on his tatami mat. He raises a brow. "Was there something you wanted, Shishigami?"

Bang nods, "That's right. I wanted to check in on you, tonight was…"

Amane huffs, "A disaster." He smiles bitterly. "Things didn't quite go to plan," He hums, "I appreciate the concern, Shishigami, but there's no need to check in on me."

Bang stares at Amane very carefully for a moment. "Nishiki, you look terrible. Are you quite sure you're alright? There is no shame in taking a helping hand."

Amane blinks. Then he narrows his eyes. He scoffs, "Shishigami, I'm fine. I told you already, tonight went badly, but there's no reason to check in on me."

Bang frowns sadly. "Nishiki… you've been crying."

Amane freezes. He slowly reaches up to feel his smudged makeup, a sting in his reddened eyes. He hurriedly huffs, "S-Shishigami, I think you should—!"

Bang leans over to pull Amane into a tight hug, causing the dancer to stiffen more than he has in a decade. His nose pressing into Bang's collar, breathing in his warm, soothing scent. He smells of spices and earth, and Amane smites the need to move in closer, to breathe him in deeper.

Bang murmurs, "I'm sorry if this is untoward, but I cannot stand to see a friend suffer like this, Ni— no, Amane."

Amane jolts as he hears his name fall from Bang's lips. This… This is too much, it's too early! He wasn't ready for it to happen so fast.

Jerking himself away from Bang, Amane glares, unknowingly pouting. "I was going to say—"

Bang smiles somberly. "I understand. I'll show myself—"

Amane smacks his shoulder. "Let me finish, Bang!"

Both men freeze as Bang's name falls from Amane's lips, both stunned by Amane's outburst.

Amane, flushing with shame, glances away.

Bang sits obediently still, waiting.

After a few moments, Amane turns back to Bang and says, "I'm sorry. I haven't… This isn't…"

Bang pats Amane's shoulder. "No need to feel bad, Ni— Amane. I haven't exactly been acting properly either."

Amane stares thankfully into Bang's eyes, before a memory comes to him. The last time someone had to comfort him… "…Shishigami?"

Bang furrows his brows at Amane's tone. "Yes?"

Amane sighs, "Do you want to hear about my childhood?"

Bang blinks, then takes on a serious expression. "Amane, are you sure…?"

Amane hesitates for a moment, then nods. "I… I think I'd like to tell you."

Bang nods. "Then, I await your story."

Amane sighs, "Well, I was raised in a brothel."

Bang tenses, looking alarmed.

Amane hastily adds, "Not in that way! It's just… my mother was an Oiran." He huffs, "Our life wasn't the easiest, but I can remember that she loved me enough to teach me to read and write at an early age. She wanted me to get away from there." He murmurs, "The owner… disagreed."

Bang hesitantly asks, "Did the owner…?"

Amane waves a hand. "No, he never tried to separate us. He wanted to wait until I was older. Thankfully, he never got the chance." Amane's tone brightens. "Lord Yunamai took me away."

Bang furrows his brows. "Mister Yunamai…?"

Amane blinks, then laughs, "Oh, right. I forget sometimes that he wasn't all that famous. Lord Yunamai was the one who ran the troupe before me. He's not with us anymore, but he was a great man. He was gentle, kind, but firm. He… He bought me, I guess you could say, though he hated it when I put it that way."

Bang nods slowly. "I see…"

Amane smiles bitterly. "I'm making it out to be worse than it was. Lord Yunamai found us one night whilst looking for new recruits. He hated the red-light districts, and wanted better lives for any he could find, though he took in only boys, for that's all he knew how to raise. He saw me walking with my mother and recognized my potential, he said."

Bang sighs, "So he took you under his wing… What of your mother?"

Amane hesitates. "I don't remember her much. I can't even remember her face or name. I was so young…" He shakes his head. "Still, that's no excuse to not remember the woman who saved me, right?"

Bang places his hand on Amane's shoulder. "Like you said, you were young, Amane. It makes sense you cannot remember anything. Lord Yunamai must've been a great influence on you."

Amane snickers, "He actually said I was his most difficult student, talented, yes, but more stubborn by half." He smiles fondly. "He was the one who encouraged me to take in my boys from the war, you know."

Bang nods firmly, humming, "I see. Then he really was a kind soul. I wish I could've known him."

Amane laughs, "Oh, you two would've gotten along great after he broke you in."

Bang freezes. "B-Broke me in?"

Amane smirks. "Well, he always did say I was much too soft a teacher."

Bang stares disbelievingly as Amane breaks down into giggles.

Amane waves his hand. "I know, hard to believe, right? But Lord Yunamai was a stern instructor. He never left a hair out of place if he could help it."

Bang hums, "He sounds like a good man."

Amane sighs, "He really was…"

The two sit there in silence for a few moments, Amane lost in memories long past.

Bang sighs, "It doesn't sound like the rain will abate any time soon…" He looks worriedly at the window. "It will be hellish to run back to the apartment with only a fundoshi, but—"

Amane tugs Bang closer. "Stay here, Shishigami."

Bang pauses, looking at Amane with worry. "Are you sure? I don't wish to trouble you…"

Amane smirks, scoffing, "I poured my heart out to you, Shishigami. I think I can handle one more night cuddling for warmth."

Bang hesitates, then nods. "Very well, then. If you'll pardon me…" Bang nestles himself between the sheet and the tatami.

Amane assumes his usual position at his back, turning out the light with a ribbon whip.

Both men drift off soon after, worn out from the troublesome day.

As Amane awakens, he feels warmer than ever before, particularly on his— Amane jolts as a warm breath hits his ear. He slowly turns his head, feeling a scruffy jaw scratch at his neck.

Bang turned sometime in the night, having entrapped Amane's lither frame in his arms.

Amane scoffs, rolling fond eyes as he nuzzles back into the embrace. After yesterday, he's due for some pampering before facing life. Besides, Bang won't mind. Much. Amane's got eyes, too.