⨠ShinoMitsu week 2023 // Dates and Prompts â¨
Mark your calendars ShinoMitsu week will start on April 2nd!! đŚđĄ
Show & Tell
I'd rather be in outer space đ¸
hello vonnie
Sweet Seals For You, Always

â

pixel skylines
Cosmic Funnies
i don't do bad sauce passes

#extradirty
RMH
Alisa U Zemlji Chuda

JVL
almost home

blake kathryn
ojovivo
cherry valley forever
noise dept.
$LAYYYTER
"I'm Dorothy Gale from Kansas"
TVSTRANGERTHINGS
seen from Austria

seen from China
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United Kingdom

seen from United Kingdom
seen from Pakistan
seen from Japan
seen from United States
seen from Guatemala

seen from Brazil
seen from United States

seen from United States

seen from Singapore

seen from United States

seen from United States

seen from Belgium
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
@shinomitsu-week
⨠ShinoMitsu week 2023 // Dates and Prompts â¨
Mark your calendars ShinoMitsu week will start on April 2nd!! đŚđĄ
Photos
ShinoMitsu Week 2023 Day Three
A/N: Modern AU for this one. I know they had photography in Japan by the time Demon Slayer takes place, but I had a very specific idea in mind. Hope you like it, thanks for reading! Word Count: 2,000
Mitsuri hadnât meant to arrive so early, but her mom had sent her on her way because she was digging a trench into the floor with her anxious pacing. Now she found herself sat on the couch of the upstairs apartment where the Kochou family lived above their family pharmacy, stuck between Shinobuâs sisters with Shinobu herself nowhere in sight.
Apparently she was helping her dad with some sorting and wouldnât be back up for a other hour or so, and that was how Mitsuri became the hostage of Kanae and Kanao, but honestly she was more so trapped by the older sibling than the younger who seemed content to simply watch her eldest sister cook.
âItâs so nice to finally meet you Mitsuri!â Kanae had smiled, pulling Mitsuri around wherever she saw fit, taking full advantage of Shinobuâs absence. âI was beginning to worry that Shinobu had made you up!â
âAh, nope! Iâm real. Iâm sorry for not finding the time to introduce myself sooner.â Mitsuri apologized contritely, but Kanae would have none of it.
âOh, itâs not your fault, Iâm sure. I know how Shinobu is. She can be such a handful sometimes, always overcomplicating and overthinking and so, so stubborn.â Kanae took Mitsuriâs hands in a gesture of gratitude, âShe is very thoughtful and sweet underneath all of the angst, so Iâm very glad you gave my grumpy baby sister a chance, you really are a saint, Mitsuri!â
âI- I donât know about that!â Mitsuri blushed, hoping Kanae couldnât feel how sweaty her hands were becoming.
Then Kanae got an evil glint in her eye that Mitsuri had seen Shinobu herself have on occasion, usually when she was about to verbally destroy someone who absolutely deserved to be taken down a few pegs. But whereas Mitsuri grew to love that cunning look on Shinobu, on Kanae she felt a measure of fear. Mitsuri gulped.
âSpeaking of my grumpy baby sister, I know just the thing we can do until she comes back,â Kanae grinned, pulling Mitsuri to sit on the couch beside her, âKanao, could you bring over Shinobuâs photo album, please?â
âAre you sure thatâs a good idea?â Kanao was right to be a little hesitant, but Kanae promised to take full responsibility for whatever happens. Whatever that means.
So that was how Mitsuri found herself in the middle the her girlfriendâs sisters, Shinobuâs photo album on her lap while Kanae shared stories and turned each page, making sure to point out the cutest and most embarrassing pictures as if Mitsuri hadnât already been guiltily burning the images into her brain to forever hold and cherish. She prayed that Shinobu would spare her life for her transgressions.
Shinobu had been premature baby, and needed extra oxygen in the hospital. There were a couple photos of her with her head beneath a plastic dome that provided her with the extra oxygen she needed.
âI thought it looked like she was going to space,â Kanae chuckled, âso I started calling her the astronaut baby.â
Shinobu had been so tiny that her fatherâs arms nearly engulfed her in one picture. Her little hand too small to fully encircle her motherâs finger in another. Even in the arms of a four year old Kanae she looked like a doll.
A little further along was Shinobu at three in mud-caked overalls with the biggest grin, hands full worms and pill bugs.
âShinobu has always liked bugs a lot, I see.â Mitsuri smiled, âOn our walks, she always stops to put the worms back in the grass after a rainy spell.â
âSome things never change.â Kanae shook her head fondly, looking down at another picture of Shinobu chasing her with the same handful of bugs.
So many pictures, so many stories. Shinobu with her sisters, making a sandcastle at the beach, playing in the bathtub, cute Halloween costumes, first day of school, cute scribble-y drawings that Shinobuâs drawing style still matched to this day, missing baby teeth, friends and extended family, track meet ribbons, report cards, science fair projects, family camping trips, all the way up until the day of the science clubâs first place win at the regional academic conference a few weeks ago.
âThank you for sharing this with me. Itâs been a lot of fun.â Mitsuri was positively glowing with happiness, âI feel like I know Shinobu even better now.â
âThe pleasure was all mine. If you want, you could save any of your favorites to your phone.â Kanae offered.
âReally?! Iâd love too, thank you so much!â
âI think you two are playing with fire.â Kanao cautioned, eyeing the clock.
âYouâve been enabling us, Kanao. You have just as much a part in this as we do.â
âShinobu wonât get mad at me. She always knows who the true mastermind is.â
From the entrance hall they could hear the door begin the rattle before swinging open, a familiar tired groan followed the closing of the door soon after.
âItâs been nice knowing you, Kana-nee. It was nice to meet you, Mitsuri.â Kanao settled comfortably on her portion of the couch, watching the two older girls try to speed through the album while Mitsuri snapped several photos, unwilling to go without them even at the possible cost of her own life.
âItâs always like âIf You Give a Mouse a Cookieâ with mom and dad,â They could hear Shinobu gripe as she kicked off her shoes, âThey ask you to do one thing, and then another and another, thereâs always something else! They have two other daughters sitting upstairs who arenât expecting company, you know.
âSpeaking of which, when Mitsuri gets here, you can make your introductions or whatever, but if you try to embarrass me in any way, I willâŚâ Shinobu paused at the doorway to the living room.
Her eyes fell on Mitsuri first, how could they not? She wasnât worried about Kanao, but long had she been exposed to Kanaeâs terrible influence? For a moment, she stared back at the owlishly round eyes of her older sister and her girlfriend, before she heard a rustle. Mitsuriâs eyes flicked to her lap and Shinobu heard several clicks of a camera shutter before Mitsuriâs eyes darted back up to meet hers.
Slowly, Shinobuâs stare lowered to Mitsuriâs lap and she blanched when she saw the thick book resting atop her thighs. Her gaze then dragged upward to Kanaeâs.
âCareful Shinobu,â Kanae chuckled nervously, âwe wouldnât want you to pop a blood vessel⌠again.â
âStart running.â
Kanae squealed, flipping over the back of the couch as Shinobu lunged for her. She crawled over the couch as Kanae ran to her room, Shinobu probably would have caught up if she didnât stop to snatch the photo album from Mitsuriâs lap along the way. Instead she ended up running into the door just as Kanae closed it.
âYouâll have to come out of there at some point!â Shinobu warned, smacking the door with a threatening thud.
âPlease, Shinobu, show your sister mercy!â
âThe only sister I have is Kanao. You will be dead by morning!â
âShinobu, please donât kill her!â Mitsuri pleaded, âShe was only helping pass the time until you could come back.â
âShe could have suggested a game or turned on the tv! She deliberately chose to humiliate me!â Shinobu countered, now very red in the face.
Mitsuri jogged over to Shinobu, cautiously touching the shorter girlâs tense back, âYou shouldnât feel humiliated, Shinobu. I love every part of you, and being able to see so much of your life laid out so plainly for me to see is something so precious to me that I will treasure it until the day I die.â
A muffled âawwâ could be heard from Kanaeâs room and Shinobu pounded her fist against the door in warning before slowly turning to face Mitsuri, though her eyes still fluttered over the ground and her cheeks were still beet red.
Mitsuri coaxed Shinobuâs gaze upward with soft fingertips to her chin and jaw. Then she kissed away the vein that strained so visibly against Shinobuâs forehead that it was borderline concerning.
âI am sorry that I looked at your photos without your consent. Could you ever forgive me?â
Shinobu bit the inside of her lip and nodded meekly softly after. She could never be mad at Mitsuri, try as she might sometimes to put her foot down. Mitsuri had a her wrapped around her finger since day one and she was lucky that Mitsuri seemed to use her power over her sparingly.
âItâs strange,â Kanae hummed, âItâs pretty quiet out there, but I swear I just heard the crack of a whip.â
Shinobu pivoted quickly towards the door, âYouâll be hearing the crack of your door getting pulled off of its hinges if you donât shut the hell up!â She warned.
âHey, Shinobu,â Mitsuri wrapped her arms around Shinobu from behind, tugging her away from Kanaeâs door, âIf you promise not to kill your sister, Iâll let you look through all of my baby pictures the next time you come over. That way weâll be even, right?â
Shinobu exhaled, relaxing against Mitsuriâs chest. She would really, really, really like to see Mitsuriâs cute little round faceâŚ
âItâll take a lot more than that to atone for all of Kanaeâs transgressions against me, but I suppose this deal will stave off her execution a bit longer.â
âYouâre a real life saver, Mitsuri!â Kanae praised, âWhen the time comes that you want to get married, you have my blessing.â
Before Shinobu could lunge for the door again, Mitsuri easily pulled her away, âHey Nobu, why donât you show me your room! Iâve been looking forward to meeting Fugu personally. Kanao told me about the caterpillars you guys are raising in there too, Iâd love to learn all about them.â
âYeah? Okay, letâs go.â Shinobu thought about it briefly before untangling from Mitsuriâs arms, taking her hand instead, she lead her to the next door that was her and Kanaoâs room.
Once Shinobu had some cuddle time with Mitsuri to help her cool off, and the Kochou parents closed shop for the day and came up to make dinner, Kanae felt it was safe enough to rejoin the family. But she did use Kanao and Mitsuri as body shields just in case Shinobu got any ideas.
Mitsuri had a lot of fun getting to know all of Shinobuâs family over dinner and games. She was already looking forward to spending more time with them in the future. As Shinobu was getting ready to walk her home, Kanae sidled up to her and whispered in her ear,
âNext time Iâll bring out the home videos. Just wait until you hear what her first word was, youâll just die.â
Mitsuri really couldnât wait to be invited back and she would be sure to arrive extra early.
âKanae didnât say anything weird to you just now, right?â Shinobu asked, eyeing Mitsuri suspiciously as they walked down the sidewalk hand in hand.
âNope!â Mitsuri squeaked, her tone and sweaty hand giving her away.
Shinobu groaned, bumping her head against Mitsuriâs bicep, âYouâre going to owe me a lot more than baby pictures if I ever find out what sheâs plotting.â
âEvery bit of me is yours. You can ask for whatever you want from me as penance in return for whatever trouble Kanae gets us into.â
Shinobu smiled shyly before she sighed and shook her head, nuzzling Mitsuriâs arm, âJust remember that you owe me baby pictures. In fact, I think you owe me every cute picture and video of yourself that you can find.â
âI will have them all laid out for you tomorrow.â Mitsuri promised.
That night when Mitsuri had crawled into bed, she practically had to smother herself to keep her squees of delight quiet as she rolled around beneath her covers and scrolled through her phone, trying to decide which of Shinobuâs precious photos to change her home screen to.
Reunion
ShinoMitsu Week 2023 Day Four
A/N: I had more I could have added to this one, but as Iâm writing this, I still have none of day five done so⌠maybe I could add another part later if enough people are interested? Day six is 2/3 done and day seven is just going to be a doodle cause Iâve got no ideas for the free day, nor time. Anyway, thanks for reading! Word Count: 2,317
Shinobu was exhausted. Having just got off of her shift at the hospital, all she wanted to do was collapse into her bed, but on her way home her mind wandered and she remembered that she had next to nothing in terms of food. That would teach her to keep putting off grocery shopping all week. If she wanted to make the most of her day off tomorrow, er, well, today, she supposed as she caught sight of the time, she had better stock up so she wouldnât have to leave her apartment.
She parked her car in the twenty-four hour grocery lot, got a cart with an aggravatingly squeaky wheel, and then beelined for the pre-made frozen meals. Would she prefer a home cooked meal? Of course, but she didnât have the time or energy to prep and cook for herself these days.
She rubbed at her eyes after tossing a couple instant ramen packages into her cart as well. Then she yawned so deeply that it shook her whole body. Maybe she should get some coffee and caffeinated tea while she was at it.
She rolled her cart down the aisle, head nodding. Her eyes drooped shut for but a momentâŚ
Crrsshhh!
Shinobuâs eyes shot open and her head snapped up. She had just full on crashed into another shopperâs cart! Maybe she should call a driving service if she couldnât even steer a cart without falling asleep.
âI am so sorry! My brain has totally left me it seems.â
âOh, donât worry itâs⌠Shinobu? Is that you?â
Shinobu rubbed her bleary eyes, blinking a couple times before her cart of junk came into focus. Then she looked to the cart she had run into, piled high with all manner of fresh vegetables and fruits, baking goods, a little bit of everything. Like a mini pantry of what youâd see on those cooking competition shows.
Then she finally brought her eyes to the woman on the other side of the vastly different carts. The pink-green hair was a dead giveaway and it hit Shinobu like a quadruple shot of espresso.
âMitsuri?â
Mitsuri lit up, âOh wow, I canât believe it! I havenât seen you since high school. How have you been?â
âAh,â Shinobu stammered, still waking up apparently, âMhm, yeah, Iâve been alright. I finished my internship abroad last year. Now Iâm starting my residency at the local hospital. As you can probably tell, theyâve been raking me over the coals.â She chuckled uncomfortably, suddenly acutely aware of how disheveled she was. âBut enough about me, what have you been up to?â
âI own a diner a couple streets down. Twenty-four hour breakfast and all manner of sugary treats!â Mitsuri beamed.
âThatâs wonderful. I recall that owning your own restaurant was the goal after you finished culinary school. Congratulations.â
âThank you! You should totally come by sometime. Iâd love to catch up.â
âYeah?â Shinobu tried to slow her thumping heart, âThat sounds nice. Iâd love that too.â
Mitsuri was as bright and cheerful as ever, even in a grocery store at almost two in the morning. Shinobu had thought she had finally gotten over her after all this time, but now she felt like she had been hit by Cupidâs grocery cart all over again. There had been a reason they had fallen out of touch beyond different time zones and busy, ever-shifting schedules. Shinobu just couldnât take the heartache of falling for someone she couldnât have and slipped away.
âSo,â Shinobu cleared her throat, âIs that what youâre up to now, topping off your ingredients for the diner?â
âUh, nope! These groceries are for personal use.â Mitsuri gave an awkward laugh. âMaybe I went a little overboard.â
âNot at all.â Shinobu quickly corrected. âWhen youâre cooking from scratch, youâre naturally going to have a fuller cart. Itâs better than what Iâve got going on over here.â She gestured to her own cart and Mitsuri gasped when she saw the stack of cardboard boxes and instant ramen.
âShinobu!â Mitsuri squeaked, âWhat do you think your doing with all of those?!â
âI donât really have time to cook a whole meal for myself. Any time I can save for sleeping is worth it to me.â She replied a bit defensively.
âEven so!â Mitsuri huffed, âThereâs no love in there! When was the last time you had a proper home cooked meal?â
âI donât know,â Shinobu rubbed the back of her neck as she wracked her brain, âmaybe when I visited my parents five or six months ago.â
âThatâs half a year Shinobu!â Mitsuri blanched. âYouâve been eating like this non stop for half a year?!â
Actually, Shinobu had been eating like this ever since she finished her undergrad. Medical school and internships had left little room for spending extra time on making her own meals. Given the way Mitsuri was looking at her at the moment, she didnât think it wise to tell her this.
âI get take-out sometimes too.â She shared instead.
âOkay, nononono,â Mitsuri shook her head and stepped around her cart to take Shinobuâs out of her slack hands, âCome on, weâre putting these back.â
âMitsuriââ
âThere are plenty of filling recipes that take about as much time to make as it takes to heat this junk up. Iâll steer you right, Shinobu!â
And Shinobu was powerless to stop her. She trailed after Mitsuri like a lost child as all of her go-to meals were shoved back into the freezers and replaced with ingredients that struck a surprising amount of fear into her. How long had it been since she cut and cooked an onion even? The level of intimidation she was feeling in this moment was palpable.
âUh, Mitsuri, I donât know if Iâm suited for whatever you have in mindâŚâ
âHm? What do you mean, Shinobu? We used to cook together all the time when we were growing up, remember?â
âYes, itâs just been awhileâŚâ A very long while, âIn all honesty, Iâm not sure what you expect me to make with all of this.â
âThatâs why Iâm going to help you. You should really come over and crash at my place anyway since youâre already sleeping at the wheel so to speak.â
âYou donât have to worry about that, I was going to call a ride share, I swear.â Shinobu unexpectedly felt a flutter of panic in her chest. âBesides, itâs so late and Obanai wouldnât be expecting company, right?â
âAh, you donât have to be concerned about him.â Mitsuri said, suddenly drumming and dancing her fingers over the handlebar of Shinobuâs grocery cart as they walked back down the aisle to her abandoned cart, âWe broke up a couple years ago. Itâs just me and my cats now and they wonât mind a visitor.â
Choosing to ignore the mention of cats, Shinobu chose to focus on the surprising news of the high school sweethearts falling out of love, how did that happen?
âI didnât know. Iâm sorry I brought him up.â
âItâs okay,â Mitsuri assured, âIt wasnât an easy choice at the time, but I think we made the right call. We just sorta⌠grew apart. Wanted different things. Weâre still best friends though.â
âIâm glad you still get along at least.â And she meant it too, even though a big part of her was rejoicing on the inside. She was acutely aware at how close they had been. She pretty much had a front row seat all throughout high school and having had a crush on Mitsuri since seventh grade, she really couldnât blame herself for choosing to slowly fade out of Mitsuriâs life in the years that followed.
âMe too. So, any special someone in your life?â
âNope.â There had been some dates, even one night stands, but romance and vulnerability came difficultly to Shinobu, especially when her heart still belonged to someone else who didnât even know she had it.
âGeez, Shinobu, you really need a better work life balance.â Mitsuri shook her head disapprovingly, then smiled, touching Shinobuâs hand, âBut I guess itâs a good thing. I donât have to worry about stealing you away from someone waiting for you at home.â
âI suppose that is convenient.â She really wished her heart wasnât threatening to beat out of her chest because of Mitsuriâs casual choice of words, but what could she do?
âCome on, letâs go check out. Hey, does your car have enough room for a bicycle?â
Shinobu often got a lot of teasing from her co-workers for driving a minivan when she had no spouse, kids or big pets that would justify such a big vehicle for one person. It suited her just fine, however. With how often she had to move around to further her education, the van was basically her second home and it made moving so much easier.
âYeah, Iâve got room.â
They checked out their groceries and piled them into Shinobuâs van, along with Mitsuriâs bicycle. How Mitsuri was going to make it home with that many groceries on a bike of all things, Shinobu didnât have to wonder. Mitsuri had always been incredibly strong, so she didnât doubt that Mitsuri had done so several times before.
Mitsuri driving her car however, letâs just say Shinobu was not in danger of falling asleep with her behind the wheel.
âSorry about the jerkiness. I pretty much bike everywhere. My driverâs license is still valid though, donât worry!â
Fortunately Mitsuri didnât live terribly far from the grocery store. She lived on the third floor of a cute little townhouse. The whole apartment smelled like baked apples and cinnamon sugar. It was so warm and cozy too. Just like that, Shinobu was in danger of falling asleep again.
âHome sweet home,â Mitsuri sighed pleasantly, sliding off her shoes, âplease make yourself comfortable.â
âThank you.â Shinobu kicked off her shoes and hung her jacket beside Mitsuriâs on the rack.
âMew.â
âMroow.â
Oh no, Shinobu had forgotten what Mitsuri had said about cats. She stood awkwardly in the door way as the fluffiest cats she had ever seen slunk over. One white, one black.
âHi kitties! Sorry for coming home so late. Letâs get you a snack too, shall we? Youâll be eating in my bedroom tonight.â She opened a cupboard in the kitchen that had the cats go from curiously sniffing at Shinobu to pawing Mitsuriâs legs in a matter of seconds. âThe white one is Love Fluff and the Black one is Mr. Sooty Pants,â Mitsuri told Shinobu from over her shoulder. What dignified names. âIâll make sure they leave you alone. Youâre still allergic, right?â
âYeah. Sorry for the trouble.â
âNo trouble at all. I sometimes have to put them away when Iâm in the kitchen anyway. They are sooo nosey. You should be safe sleeping in the guest room. I always keep the door closed unless I have company over or Iâm cleaning.â
Ever so considerate. Shinobu could just melt. If this became a regular thing, she would definitely invest in some allergy medication.
âOkay, kitties are set up. Now a very, very early morning snack for us.â Mitsuri rolled up her sleeves and begin washing her hands.
Shinobu asked how she could help and Mitsuri directed her to put the groceries away. By the time she was done, Mitsuri had two yogurt and fruit parfaits sprinkled with granola and oats at the ready. Shinobu took one bite and visibly sunk into her chair. She had never taken recreational drugs, but she imagined this single bite of parfait was definitely comparable. The fresh berries paired with the smooth and creamy yogurt and the added crunch of the granola and oats was absolutely heavenly.
âIs it good?â Mitsuri giggled.
âExtremely.â
âYour poor tastebuds. I wonât rest until Iâm sure theyâll never be neglected again!â Mitsuri nodded resolutely.
They spent a little more time talking as they ate, but soon retired for the night. Shinobu didnât think she ever fell asleep as fast as she did in Mitsuriâs guest room. Not only that, but her slumber was restful too. When she woke up a later in the afternoon, she felt energized by the smells wafting from the kitchen.
âGood morning! Oh, wait, good afternoon!â Mitsuri greeted when she noticed Shinobu enter the kitchen, âIâm almost finished here. Take a seat and help yourself.â
âWow, thank you Mitsuri, this all looks amazing.â
The counter was filled with hash browns, eggs, sweet and savory crepes, waffles, fruits, coffee and tea. Shinobu quickly filled her plate with a bit of everything.
âI hope you like it. Breakfast is kind of my specialty after all.â Mitsuri joined Shinobu at the table and began filling her own plate.
âItâs all very good, Mitsuri, really. Thank you so much for this.â
âYouâre welcome! Eat up!â
Shinobu ate until she was fit to burst and then set to work on the dishes. She thought it was the least she could do far all the work Mitsuri had done. When the kitchen was cleaned, they moved to the living room to talk, catching up on all the goings on of the last decade. The more they talked, it was almost like no time had passed at all. Shinobu wished the day would never end, but it steadily grew later and after dinner, she forced herself to broach the subject of going home.
Mitsuri was disappointed that she had to leave, but after getting Shinobuâs phone number she seemed a lot happier.
âIâll make sure we meet up again soon, Dr. Busy Bee,â she promised, âAnd Iâll send you all the recipes I had in mind when we picked your groceries. Theyâre super easy, I swear.â
âI trust you. Thank you again for today.â Shinobu really couldnât thank Mitsuri enough. She accepted the taller girlâs hug and blushed when she received a kiss on the cheek for good measure.
Red String
ShinoMitsu Week 2023 Day Two
A/N: Starts out angsty and there are some misunderstandings, but all ends well : ) This also contains some material from the main manga, Stories of Water and Flame, and the One-winged Butterfly light novel. Thanks for reading! Word Count: 4,544
Mitsuri had been fascinated by the red string tied around her pinky finger since it appeared sometime after her first birthday. She could see the winding and tugging strings that littered the ground for as long as she could remember, always marveling at how people could move through even the toughest of tangles without being hindered in any way.
It wasnât until she was six that she learned what the strings meant after asking her mother about the occasional tugging at her pinky finger.
âA string of fate connects you to your soulmate,â her mother had explained, âSomewhere, a person made just for you is saying hello.â
Mitsuri made sure to tug back every time after that. It was also during that conversation that Mitsuri realized that not everyone could see these strings, as she did. Even her mother had seemed to brush her childâs claim off with a soft smile and a light chuckle.
âWell then how does everyone know the strings are red if nobodyâs supposed to see them?â Mitsuri pouted, crossing her arms.
âBecause something so wonderful would be dyed in the color of happiness, no?â Her mother tapped her nose with the tip of her finger, âNow help your mother up, so we can make lunch, will you sweetheart?â
Mitsuri helped her heavily pregnant mother back to her feet with very little trouble, dreams of her soulmate running through her head. Regardless of whether or not her mother believed her, see could see the strings clear as day. It would be easy to find whoever was tied to the other end of hers. She would find them in no time.
Or so she thought.
Mitsuri thought she had found her soulmate just before turning seventeen. In the years leading up to meeting him, she would spend time each day wrapping the string around her wrist, believing she was closing the distance between herself and her intended life partner.
That prim boy with the glasses had been so tangled in her string when they had crossed paths that Mitsuri had been certain he was the one. She fell hard and fast.
At first, all seemed well. They were set to be married the following year. He was snobbish, a bit cold the the touch, but Mitsuri loved him for who he was. If only he could have done the same, or at the very least let her go from the very beginning.
âYou eat too much.â
âNo girl should be that strong.â
âArenât you embarrassed to go out with your hair looking like that?â
Mitsuri would still smile though the words cut through her like glass. Convinced her love was true, she did everything she could to fix herself, mold herself into whatever he wanted. It had to be working right? In the night, she would feel the familiar tug against her pinky and tug back and her heart would feel lighter again. She was doing the right thing.
But after a few months of starving herself and coloring her roots black at the first sign of pink, the boy with the glasses had finally had enough of her. He told her he was done and left her without a backwards glance.
Perhaps the only saving grace of the day that saved Mitsuri from the heavy darkness threatening to swallow her whole was watching how her tangled string fell away from the boy the further away he walked, and the small tug on her pinky that was not reflected in the movement of his hands as he walked away. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she tugged back.
***
Mitsuri wasnât sure what exactly drove her to the Demon Slayer Corps. Well, she did have an idea⌠she had taken up winding her string again, but more cautiously than before. She had learned the hard way that the string could be deceiving. It could grow and shrink and tangle with seemingly no rhyme or reason at all. Perhaps it would have been better if she couldnât see it just like everyone else.
So though her string wove around Rengoku, she was cautious to jump the gun as she had before. Although he proved to be bright and kind, and anyone would be lucky to have him as a husband, Mitsuri liked him more as the big brother she never knew she wanted.
When she had gotten hurt helping people evacuate during Rengokuâs battle with Lower Moon Two, she was whisked away to the Butterfly Estate for medical assistance and met the most beautiful girl she had ever seen. How could such a girl even exist at all, much less in the same space and time so that Mitsuri could be so blessed as to look upon her with her own eyes.
Kochou Shinobu, also woven snuggly within Mitsuriâs string, smiled gently at her as she carefully disinfected and bandaged the canine-like bites that marred her thighs. Mitsuri could hardly speak to her without stammering, could hardly pay attention long enough to process the sweet sounding words the Insect Hashira spoke as she lost herself in those endlessly purple eyes. It was very hard for Mitsuri to not convince herself that Shinobu was her soulmate right on the spot.
âPlease take good care of yourself, Kanroji-san. Can you do that for me?â
âUmâ mhm! Mhm!â Mitsuri nodded so hard, she could have gotten whiplash. Shinobu laughed sweetly and Mitsuri instantly committed the sound to memory.
Then months later she found herself frantically spinning through the halls of the Masterâs mansion. She was going to be late to her very first Hashira meeting, everyone was going to hate her!
As Mitsuri fretted about passing the same painting for the third time, someone cleared their throat behind her. Teary-eyed she spun to face the short man who stood awkwardly before her. He also seemed to be tangled within her string, quite a bit actually.
âYouâre lost.â He stated the obvious, but Mitsuri nodded as if he had stated it as a question.
âIâll take you back to the garden.â He glanced down at Mitsuriâs bare legs before snapping his eyes back up to her face. He than began stiffly walking down the right corridor. âLetâs go.â
âThank you so much!â Mitsuri cried, relieved, following bouncily after him.
Upon entering the garden Mitsuri was certain that her soulmate had to be one of the Hashira around her. Meters and meters of her string draped over the group and almost seemed to carry a soft glow. Regardless of which Hashira her soulmate was, she already loved them all.
***
Mitsuri fiddled with the hem of one of her socks, her cheek resting against her knees. Obanai had given them to her the second time they saw each other, saying something awkward along the lines of looking at her made him feel cold.
She whined pitifully against her knees, arms covering her eyes. She had really messed up with Shinobu!
It all started out innocently enough, a cooking date of sorts, though Mitsuri only called it a date in her head. She had been so honored that Shinobu designated any time for her at all, but then she just had to go and blab unprompted that the reason she had joined the demon slayers was to find her soulmate!
Shinobu had looked at her a bit strangely, as Mitsuri mused about marrying a big, strong man, but she still smiled so Mitsuri didnât think she had said anything wrong, until she had learned Shinobuâs reason for joining from a Kakushi. Compared to what Shinobu had gone through to end up where she was, loosing her parents and her sister, hearing that must have felt like a slap in the face!
Mitsuri had quickly excused herself after that and had been moping and avoiding Shinobu ever since. Not even Obanai treating her to dango had helped, in fact she couldnât bring herself to enjoy it at all and ate very little. She told Obanai not to worry, that she was just feeling a little ill, but apparently that was more than enough to raise his concern and have him beating down Shinobuâs door the second Mitsuriâs back was turned.
As the days turned to weeks, she ate less and less, forced herself to be more demure even when faced with things that excited her and made her heart leap. It had even begun affecting her ability to do her job. On her most recent patrol, her body had felt particularly heavy and she had been cut across her cheek before successfully decapitating the demon. It was worrisome, but all she could think about was how to stay out of Shinobuâs way after speaking so carelessly to her. To avoid speaking so carelessly to anyone again. Even the gentle tugs against her pinky couldnât bring her solace.
Her avoidance would not continue to stand unchallenged however, because she eventually received a summons to the Butterfly Estate from Shinobu herself. She couldnât possibly say no, even if she was afraid of what Shinobu wanted to say.
Aoi lead her to a training room when she arrived and knocked on the door.
âCome in.â Mitsuri heard Shinobu call from within, and her heart ached having not heard the sweet voice in so long. Though it didnât sound quite as sweet as she recalled. Mitsuri swallowed thickly. Shinobu was definitely upset with her, as she should be.
To Mitsuriâs dismay, Aoi went about her business, leaving her to open the door and face the music on her own. Inhaling deeply, she slowly pried open the door.
âExcuse me⌠Hello, Shinobu-chan. You wanted to see me?â
âHello, Kanroji-san. Yes, Iâm so glad you could make it.â
Mitsuri broke into a cold sweat. She had never heard Shinobu sound quite so cold. She wasnât even smiling. She could be as terrifying as she was beautiful and it made Mitsuriâs heart stutter in her chest.
Shinobu brought Mitsuriâs attention to her hands as she picked up the two bamboo practice swords that had been sitting on the floor in front of her. She leapt to her feet and tossed one of the rods to Mitsuri who just barely managed to catch it, fumbling with it between her hands.
âCan you spar with me for a round?â Shinobu asked monotonously, already pointing her bamboo sword at Mitsuriâs chest.
âWait, eep!â
Before Mitsuri could blink, Shinobu had knocked the sword free from her hands in one fell swoop and sent it clattering to the floor.
âThat wasnât even half of what my best strike could be, Kanroji-san. You should have dodged or countered that blow easily.â Shinobu shared gravely, âYour breathing is off, your skin looks sickly,â she stepped closer as she spoke, analyzing, âyour cheeks have hollowed, youâve gotten hurtâŚâ Shinobu carefully ran the back of her hand over Mitsuriâs scratched cheek, her expression still stern despite the level of care she took in touching Mitsuriâs face, âHave you not been eating properly?â
âIâŚâ Mitsuri tried to swallow but found her mouth suddenly dry. She attempted to clear her throat instead, looking down at her fidgety hands.
Shinobu took those hands into her own and Mitsuri looked over Shinobuâs string longingly, but even if she did wrap her string enough to find Shinobu at the other end of it, would she deserve her after what she had said so thoughtlessly?
âYou are such a talented slayer, Kanroji-san. Your height, muscles and flexibility make your body naturally powerful.â Shinobu rubbed her thumbs over the back of Mitsuriâs hands, creating goosebumps across her skin, âYou are also honest and endlessly kind. You have all the qualities of an excellent Hashira. So why,â Mitsuri could almost detect a tremor in Shinobuâs voice, âwhy are you making yourself weaker, Kanroji-san?â
Mitsuriâs breath hitched and she broke, she latched onto Shinobu and apologized. Explaining everything she had been agonizing over for the last several weeks. Shinobu let her vent and listened intently while she stroked Mitsuriâs back.
âAnd thatâs just me! Kanroji Mitsuri, the girl who doesnât always think before she speaks, the glutton, the muscle freak, the girl who canât help but love everyone she sees! But Iâ I love you the most, Shinobu-chan! And thatâs why the thought of my words hurting you is the worst feeling I can think of!â
Shinobu swallowed, grateful for yet another reason Mitsuri could not see her face while pressed so snuggly to the older girlâs chest. âKanroji-san, your reasoning for joining the corps did not upset me. It surprised me, yes, but never did I think any less of you for it.â
Shinobu pulled back from the embrace enough from Mitsuri to look up at her, hoping the heat in her cheeks wasnât as visible as it felt, âIf we only let bitterness and sadness drive us, we would not be able to keep moving forward. Your cheerful personality and bright smile brings light to the darkness that threatens to swallow us, Kanroji-san. You remind us of what so many of us are fighting to protect.â
âShinobu-chan!â Mitsuriâs eyes welled up with new tears and she pulled Shinobu right back in.
âPromise me youâll go back to the proper nutrition intake we discussed.â
âI will!â
âIguro-san was very worried about you too. He was emitting the most threatening aura when he told me he suspected you were upset.â
âI will apologize to him too, and everyone else! Iâm sorry if he made you feel uncomfortable at all.â
âNo, he was right to be a little short with me. I have been so focused on my lab work and the infirmary that I didnât notice that you had been hurting and for that I cannot apologize to you enough. I will make a conscious effort to check in on you more frequently in the future.â
âYou donât have to!â Mitsuri stammered. The last thing she wanted was for Shinobu to feel like she had to babysit her.
âI want to,â Shinobu absent-mindedly fixed Mitsuriâs bangs back into place, an almost dreamy expression crossed her face, but Mitsuri had blinked and missed it, âYou are very important to me, Kanroji-san.â
Mitsuri blushed a pretty pink hue. Shinobu was too good to be true.
âNow,â Shinobu clapped, her cold demeanor from when Mitsuri first entered had nearly thawed completely away, âlunch time! I had the girls working overtime in the kitchen. You had better eat as much as you can, or else!â Shinobu smiled, jabbing at the air with her fist.
Mitsuri nodded vigorously while shaking like a leaf. She certainly didnât want to lose Shinobuâs smile again so soon.
It was the best Mitsuri had felt in weeks, like a huge weight had been lifted from her chest and she could finally breathe deeply again. Being able to eat with Shinobu and the other butterfly girls, Mitsuri already felt her strength returning. She couldnât have been happier. She couldnât show her appreciation through words alone, making sure to hug everyone tightly several times.
Mitsuri laid back on the floor, after finishing her last bowl. She hadnât felt so full in what felt like ages. Shinobu offered her more, but she really couldnât eat another bite. Shinobu scrutinized her, hovering agonizingly close to Mitsuriâs face a long moment before pulling back, satisfied.
Mitsuri wished she could stay longer, but Urara came tumbling through the nearby window to alert her of a new mission.
âYou must be careful, Kanroji-san,â Shinobu fussed over Mitsuri as she went to see her off, âOne good meal alone will not make up for weeks of neglect.â
âIâll be careful Shinobu-chan, I promise. Thank you for today.â
âYouâre welcome. Please come again, for any reason. No matter how small it may seem.â
Mitsuri hugged Shinobu once more. She wished she could stay longer. Though the red strings never hindered anyoneâs path, she felt like hers was tangled up within the mansion, making it all the more difficult to leave the safe haven. She had taken maybe ten steps away when Shinobu called from the engawa.
âYou donât need to pretend to be anyone else, Kanroji-san,â Shinobu reminded, âI love you most when you are you.â
Mitsuri was so stunned, that she almost missed the tug on her string, pulling her pinky back towards the mansion. She pivoted quickly, just in time to watch Shinobu hide her hands behind her back, a coy smile on her lips.
âBe safe!â She ordered once again with a musical lilt to her voice, already heading back inside while Mitsuri gaped at her back.
Was Shinobu⌠could she really be, but then, where was she going?! Shouldnât they talk about this?! The timing couldnât be worse, Shinobu! What a tease!
âIâ I will!â Mitsuri shouted, âIâll get it done really fast and Iâll tell you all about it!â
Shinobu paused in her closing of the door and peeked at Mitsuri from behind it, âI look forward to it.â
***
Mitsuri completed her mission without any complications, which was a relief considering her mind had been on Shinobu most of the time. If Mitsuri understood correctly and Shinobu somehow knew they were soulmates, why hadnât she said anything before? Even more confusing was when Mitsuri came back, she expected, uh, well, something to be different, but Shinobu didnât bring up the moment they had, nor did she treat Mitsuri any differently.
If the memory wasnât so vivid, so fresh in Mitsuriâs mind, she would have thought she had only imagined the connection she had with Shinobu. It couldnât be anyone else, and if by some very slim chance Shinobu wasnât her soulmate, if Shinobu still wanted her, Mitsuri was as good as hers.
Mitsuri was sweating buckets when she arrived at the Butterfly Estate unannounced after agonizing over how to breech the topic of soulmates with Shinobu for several days. Part of her was still wishing Shinobu would bring it up first, but as time continued to pass, it became clear that it simply wasnât going to happen.
She was walking stiffly past the estateâs garden when she realized her name was being called. Thatâs when she noticed Shinobu had been outside tending to the medicinal herb section of her garden. Moonlight, sunlight, she looked so beautiful always!
âKanroji-san, are you alright? I called your name five times just now.â Shinobu rose to her feet, removing her gardening gloves while she observed Mitsuri for any obvious injuries.
âI-Iâm okay!â She stammered in reply, rocking stiffly from toe to heel, hands clasped tightly together behind her back.
Shinobu tossed her gloves into the wicker basket at her feet and closed the distance, teasingly circling Mitsuri to be sure she was, at the very least, physically well. She came to a stop in front of Mitsuri, only a few steps between them.
âHmm, you do look a lot better than you did a few weeks ago. Any particular reason for this visit, or did you just miss me?â And as if the words werenât enough to make Mitsuri blush, Shinobuâs smile quirked a little higher on one side making it into a bit of a smirk.
Mitsuri swallowed audibly and took in a shuttering breath. It was now or never! She could do this! She had basically told Shinobu already that she loved her more than anyone else, it couldnât be that hard to say it again!
âShinobu-chan, I think you are my soulmate!â
Shinobu blinked, mildly surprised, but still smiled easily.
âI thought we had already established that, but itâs good to have reminders I suppose.â
âWuhââ Mitsuri squawked, âThen why havenât we talked about it more! Why havenât we been doing⌠you know, soulmate things?â
âSoulmate things?â Shinobu chuckled.
âWell, yes, like being together more often, holding hands⌠maybe kiiieeeeyah!â Mitsuri covered her face in her hands, she had almost said too much. She couldnât just insinuate that they should kiss right this moment, where would be the romance in that?
âKanroji-san, nothing has to change between us simply because we are soulmates.â Shinobu said, busying herself by inspecting a wilt-y looking flower, âPlatonic soulmates are common enough and just as impactful. You donât have to force yourself to act any differently with me.â
Mitsuri slowly slid her hands down her face, stopping just over her mouth, keeping it covered while she observed Shinobu. Mitsuri hadnât considered platonic soulmates, but she really, really didnât think that was the case. Not for her at least. Mitsuri suddenly felt a chill settle in her chest.
âDo you⌠not love me, Shinobu-chan?â
Shinobu jerked her head back towards Mitsuri, her mask almost slipping. Mitsuri still detected a bit of wild worry in Shinobuâs eyes as she quickly worked to reassure Mitsuri.
âOf course I love you,â smile shallow, almost forced, âI want to support you in any way that I can. I just,â she sighed quietly, âYour dreams for a romantic partner are ones that I cannot personally fulfill.â
âNo they arenât?!â Mitsuri was confused as she was affronted on Shinobuâs behalf despite those words coming right out of the girlâs own mouth. Shinobu was perfect! âWhat are you talking about?â
âPerhaps Iâve said too much.â
âI donât think youâre saying enough, actually! Please Shinobu, tell me what you mean.â
Shinobuâs fingers twitched in agitation. Why was Mitsuri being so reluctant to take the out she had provided? This was already hard enough for her as it currently stood. She knelt to the ground once more and went back to her pruning to give her hands something to do.
âIâm just not a good match for you that way. Iâm not taller than you, nor am I stronger than you, and I am no man. You have said you hoped your soulmate was something along those lines before. I cannot fulfill that role, but I can support you in other ways as your friend.â
Mitsuri paled. She had said things like that before, hadnât she? Did she find those attributes attractive? Yes. But she also loved how easy it was to swallow Shinobu up in a hug, how easy it was to pick her up and spin her around, how soft and feminine she was. Those attributes were just as attractive if not even more so just because it was Shinobu, and there was so much more about the Insect Hashira that Mitsuri loved. She made sure to tell Shinobu just that.
She fell to her knees beside Shinobu, pulling her in and trapping her to her body with arms and legs. She fell sideways when Shinobu tried to separate from her, cuddling her within an inch of her life.
âKanroji-san!â Shinobu tried to sit back up, but Mitsuri would not let her move away.
âItâs true that I like those things, Shinobu-chan, but I also told you that I love you most of all! Remember?â
âWell, yes, I do recall,â Shinobu blushed, trying to hide her face from Mitsuriâs unusually close and intense stare, âyou tend to get ahead of yourself when you are too excited or flusteredââ
âI meant what I said, donât try to explain it away.â Mitsuri warned. It was the most severe tone Shinobu had ever heard from her. âWhen I first met you, I couldnât believe such a beautiful girl could exist. I was captivated by you.â
Shinobu tried to avert her eyes, but Mitsuri cupped her face in her hand, tilting it back towards her.
âOn top of being the most beautiful person I know, you are also the smartest. The way you make poison to destroy demons is nothing short of incredible. And even though you are super kind and sweet normally, you wonât hesitate to tell someone off if theyâre in the wrong. I think you are so cool!â
âKanroji-san, this is too muchâŚâ
âIâm in love with you, Shinobu. If you want to keep things the same, I will find a way to cope, but donât hold yourself back because you think itâs what I want, it isnât. I want you.â Mitsuri stroked her thumb over the heated skin of Shinobuâs cheek and whispered, âDo you want me?â
Shinobuâs tongue darted out briefly to wet her lips. She didnât miss how Mitsuriâs eyes followed the movement and felt even more warm than she already did trapped in her arms, directly beneath the midday sun. Mitsuri was waiting ever so patiently for an answer, but it took Shinobu a couple false starts before she could answer the query truthfully.
âI do.â She croaked, wincing at the sound of her uneven voice. Mitsuri was wrong, she wasnât cool at all!
âIâve never seen you so red Shinobu-chan.â Mitsuri cooed. âYou look so cute.â
âKanroji, please.â Shinobu wanted to crawl into a dark corner until she could remember how to control her face again. She felt too exposed.
âShinobu, look!â Mitsuri gasped excitedly, raising her hand to the sky.
The red string glowed and constricted, leaving only about half a foot of of yarn between them.
âWhat am I supposed to be looking at?â Shinobu raised her arm to block the sun, âIs there a bird?â
Ah, thatâs right. Shinobu wouldnât be able to see the string, would she?
âOh, no, um, nevermind.â Mitsuri retracted her elation with a sheepish giggle.
âTell me, please. You sounded so excited.â
Mitsuri considered denying her request, but Shinobu looked so genuinely curious. She decided to tell her.
âIâve been able to see the red strings of fate since I was little. I forgot that no one else can see them sometimes.â Mitsuri half expected Shinobu to tease or give her an incredulous look, but she did not.
âWhat does it look like?â
âA thin, bright red yarn. The length extends and contracts and slithers like itâs alive. Sometimes it glows. Right now itâs glowing, and the lead is very short.â To demonstrate, Mitsuri moved her hand away and Shinobu felt a tug, a bit stronger than the tugs she had received growing up, she smiled.
âIncredible.â
âAh, well, I think it did me more harm than good at times. My parents still donât believe me. I often thought it would have been better if I couldnât see them like everyone else.â
âAh yes, the soulmate imposter.â Shinobuâs brow furrowed marginally. âWhat I wouldnât give to have five minutes alone with him.â
âUnless he turned into a demon, I donât think that would be a good idea.â Mitsuri shivered imperceivably. Threatening the people who harmed her was something both Shinobu and Obanai shared.
âHeâs already a demon by my standards,â Shinobu booped Mitsuriâs nose an attempt to lighten the heavy aura that she herself was pushing, âI think the ability suits you.â
âHow so?â
âStrings of fate, love, the human connection, I wouldnât be surprised if you were somehow a descendent of Yue Lao himself. Itâs just so very you, Love Hashira.â
Mitsuri snuggled Shinobu tighter, a delighted squeak left her when Shinobu wiggled her arms free from between them to return the embrace. They continued to lay together under the sun in the sweet smelling garden, talking in hushed voices as soft as the breeze. Shinobuâs fingers brushed Mitsuriâs jaw as she asked a cautious question, ultimately closing the short gap between them when Mitsuri gave her already breathless answer.
Flowers
ShinoMitsu Week 2023 Day One
A/N: I was going to do magic, but I couldnât get the world building right. I think this turned out pretty cute at least. I mostly used this Wikipedia page for info on Hanakotoba, so if something isnât exactly right, that would be why. Thanks for reading! Word Count: 2,118
Shinobu was doing some light reading before bed when she heard a knock at her door. With an inaudible sigh, she got out of bed and opened the door. Instead of finding a person, all she saw was a small bundle of flowers. She looked to either end of the empty hall before picking the flowers up. On quick inspection, she determined they were gardenias.
Perplexed, she scanned the hall once more before returning to her room. She set the flowers on her desk. Though she wasnât sure what the meaning of this small gift was, she intended to put them in a vase come morning. It was given with care, tied with a little pink and green bow, she would treat the bundle with care in turn.
***
Shinobu was working on a particularly fickle experiment when she heard a knock against her laboratory door. She called out, asking for just a minute to make sure her sample culture was stable before opening the door. Again, she saw no one and at her feet was another bundle of flowers tied in pink and green ribbon. The flowers today however, were different.
Pale yellow tsubaki blossoms, petals soft beneath Shinobuâs fingertips. Again she scanned the hall, and again she stood alone. She added the tsubaki to the vase of gardenia she kept by the window in her bedroom.
***
Though Shinobu had grown fond of Tanjirou and the others, they simply had too much energy. In an effort to find but a moment of peace to combat the headache she felt steadily pulsating against the back of her eyes, she went to the place she usually went when she wanted a moment to herself. The roof.
She hadnât meant to, but she had dozed off and when she awoke, beside her laid a bundle of vivid carnations tied in the same pink and green ribbon as before. It was then that it dawned on Shinobu that perhaps these flowers had more meaning than she realized. The only problem was, she didnât know what that meaning could be.
***
Shinobu had heard Kanae talk about Hanakotoba, the art of expressing oneself through flowers, on occasion, but she had always had far more interested in the medicinal properties of plants. Now as she struggled to understand the meaning of these flowers, she found herself wishing she had paid more attention to her sisterâs explanations. She had found them unnecessary at the time, but now she felt terribly out of the loop. She couldnât dare ask any of the other girls for assistance in deciding whatever messages these flowers held, that would be her admitting she didnât know something and she couldnât let that happen.
She thought she could recall Kanae having a book dedicated to flower language in her room, but all she found was a gap in the shelf where the book would be.
Curious.
Shinobu decided then that whoever was in possession of the book, was the one leaving her flowers. She asked each of the Butterfly Girls of the bookâs whereabouts first, thinking they were prime suspects. Each claimed to not know where the book was, but Kanao and Kiyo were suspicious.
Shinobu didnât think they were capable of lying to her, Kanao especially, but they both denied knowing who had the book even though their faces betrayed their involvement⌠as well as the flowers they held in their hands.
Bluebells and white anemone.
Shinobu thought she had caught them red handed, but according to Kiyo, they had been instructed by someone else to make sure the flowers found their way to her. When questioned on who this person was, both girls clammed up, but shared a conspiratorial glance that made Shinobuâs smile twitch.
Fine, keep your secrets, but Shinobu swore she would figure this out. Someone would crack or slip up eventually and she would be there.
***
Shinobu was convinced that everyone knew what was going on at this point besides herself and it was driving her crazy. She never could have dreamed her girls could be so conniving.
For the next several days she received a bundle of flowers tied in the same pink and green string and she was no closer to understanding the message of the flowers, nor finding out who was responsible for sending them to her.
She thought she almost caught them in the act a couple of times. The instant she heard a knock on her door, she would speedily yank it open and catch a shape disappear around the corner. She would try to give chase, but someone was always around to intercept her.
When she heard the hushed, excited voices of the younger girls, she would try to listen in, or casually walk up to interrogate question them on what they were discussing. They would quickly excuse themselves to get back to their chores and scatter like rats. Shinobu was convinced this counted as some lesser form of mutiny.
Shinobu glared at the overflowing vase. Whatever message they represented might as well have been written in Greek. Shinobu wished it was Greek, rather. With all the Greek and Latin she came across in her studies, she would be able to at least get something out of it. Whether it was Prunus serrulata or the Pecteilis radiata, it didnât matter how much she knew about the plant itself. Her bountiful knowledge yielded no hints for for something so abstract.
A tentative knock came from her door, distracting her from her brooding, but not enough that she cared to make an effort to sprint through the wall in hopes of catching another glimpse of her secret flower courier.
When she opened the door, instead of being greeted by a bundle of flowers, there was a note.
Meet me in the flower garden at sunset đ
It would seem whatever game was being played around her was finally coming to an end if she understood the message correctly. It seemed straightforward enough, but she was still wary. Shinobu peered out of her window to gage the sky, she would soon receive the answers she had been looking for, and the explanation had better be satisfactory.
***
Shinobu arrived when the sky turned a rose-y pink and the sun had sunk far to the west, making the horizon look like it was bathed in fire. It was a beautiful evening.
She walked the gravel path, pausing when she saw Mitsuri of all people sitting on the wooden bench in the middle of the garden, fidgeting with a bundle of flowers in her hands. A quiet, disbelieving scoff left Shinobuâs lips and she shook her head briefly before crossing the remainder of the distance between them.
âNot you too, Kanroji-san,â Shinobuâs voice made Mitsuri jolt in her seat, almost dropping the flowers on the ground, âYou must tell me who put you up to this. My girls have been aggravatingly tight-lipped about it.â
Poor, pink-faced Mitsuri gave an awkward laugh and shakily rose to her feet.
âIâm sorry about that! They were only trying to help me. I hope they arenât in any trouble.â
âNo,â Shinobu sighed, âAs long as they are respectful, do their chores, and stay out of real trouble, what more could I really ask of them?â Shinobuâs eyes flickered away the sky back to Mitsuri, âThey were helping you?â
âMhm.â Mitsuri nodded quickly, shuffling closer to Shinobu with her bundle of flowers outstretched.
Ah, the pink and green string seemed to make more sense now at least, butâŚ
âKanroji-san,â Shinobu paused, then chuckled, carefully taking the bundle that seemed to be wearing so heavily on Mitsuri, âThank you, for the flowers, all of them.â
âYouâre welcome!â She squeaked, using her now empty hands to cover her face. âSo, um, what do you think? How do you feel? Do you, could you, possibly feel the same, maybe?â
Shinobuâs head tilted to the side and she observed the flowers in her hands, colored much like the sunset that illuminated the sky, in hopes that whatever this was about would just naturally come to her, but she had no such luck. After a drawn out exhale, she answered.
âAlstroemeria, Alstroemeria aurea, more commonly referred to as the Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas. This plant is actually fairly toxic, as it produces a compound called tulipalin when cut. I hope you were careful in handling these, or you may get a rash.â
Mitsuri nodded quickly, but hid her hands behind her back.
âCome along, Kanroji-san. This flower may not be native to our country, but that doesnât mean I donât have anything that can help ease the discomfort.â
âThank youâŚâ Mitsuri blushed, embarrassed.
âI suppose I should say Iâm telling you all of this as a way to tell you that although I know an extensive amount about each flower you have chosen to give me, I am embarrassed to say that I do not know what feelings they are meant to represent.â
âYou donât?!â Mitsuri squawked.
âNope!â Shinobu answered cheerfully in an attempt to bury her shame. âDonât stop walking, the sooner we get to my office, the sooner we can take care of your hands.â
Upon entering the room, the flowers were on full display by the window, looking just as fresh as the day they arrived due to a preservative Shinobu had added to the water.
The room was silent save for Shinobu carefully rummaging through a cabinet of creams. When she found what she was looking for, she helped Mitsuri rub it in and bandaged the more aggravated looking patches of skin.
âThere we go,â Shinobu murmured, âIâll send you home with a jar, but you better promise me youâll come back if it doesnât seem to be getting any betterââ
âThose onesâ they mean the connection I feel with you is so strong, that language is limited when trying to explain it!â Mitsuri spoke so fast, it took Shinobu a few extra seconds to catch up.
âAh, is that so? Thatâs very sweet of you, Kanroji-san. Would you mind telling me about the others?â
Mitsuriâs mouth opened and closed, but the only sounds she could make were croak-y squeaks that only made her more flushed.
âMaybeanothertimeIhavetogobye!â
Mitsuri dove out of the open window, miraculously missing the vase as she did so.
âOh dear, be careful!â Shinobu called after her, too stunned to do anything but watch Mitsuri haphazardly flail and zigzag around the garden before leaping over the fence and out of sight.
A knock against the doorframe was finally able to pull Shinobu away from the window, and when she turned, she was faced with Mitsuriâs co-conspirators.
âI think itâs time we gave you this.â Aoi said, nodding towards Kanao.
Kanao pulled a book from within her cloak and held it up to Shinobu.
âThank you. Iâve been looking for that, although I think you all know this by now.â Despite the sweetness of Shinobuâs tone, the five girls squirmed under the intensity of her eyes.
âIt was all for a good cause!â Sumi promised.
âWe didnât mean to give you a hard time!â Naho swore.
âItâll all make sense soon!â Kiyo assured.
âYouâll see.â Kanao smiled shyly.
Shinobu looked over the group, then exhaled and looked down at the decorative cover of the book in her hands.
âVery well.â
***
Mitsuri had just finished reapplying the cream Shinobu had given her to her hands, reveling in the soothing, cool sensation. It had only been a couple days, but her hands were noticeably better already. Which was good because she didnât think she could handle seeing Shinobu again so soon after bolting like that. How embarrassing!
She had just managed to twist the slippery cap back on the jar of cream when she heard a knock against her door.
âWho could that be?â She wondered aloud, âJust a second!â
She slid the door open and was met with vibrant color.
Sunflowers, pansies, peonies, forget-me-nots and a few familiar flowers including the lilies that had not agreed with her skin.
Then her eyes drifted above the vase, finding Shinobu smiling fondly at her wonderment, a faint blush gradually coloring her pale face.
âI wanted to return the favor, but to avoid the risk of my message being misinterpreted, I want to tell you that I alsoââ
âI love you!â Mitsuri shouted.
Shinobu had just enough time to grab the vase by the neck and hold it to the side before Mitsuri descended upon her with an almost bone-crushing hug.
âI love you so much!â
Shinobu melted into the hug, carefully draping her arms over Mitsuriâs back so the vase would stay upright.
âI love you too.â
Shinomitsu Week Day 3-Star Tears, Hanahaki, Unreqited/Sacrifice/Royalty AU
I finally got these done! And sorry if Misturi looked kinda rushed for the saceifice prompt. And also I saw alot of royalty au pics of Mitsuri as a princess, so I decided to swtich things around with Shinobu as the princess and Mitsuri as a commoner
And I am really proud on how Shinobu went for the sacrifice prompt tbh
@shinomitsu-week
happy birthday shinobu!!!
Happy Birthday Shinobu!
ShinoMitsu Week 2022 Day Seven
A/N: I really like Shinobu being friends with Giyuu, but I feel bad about bullying him so much lol. Feeling pretty good about this illustration though. I hate drawing backgrounds because they usually turn out bad, but I actually like how the greenhouse turned out. Also makes me laugh a little to see Shinobu and Mitsuriâs quality in comparison. Anyway last day is here, I hope you all enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing! Word Count: ~1,850
âYou want me to accompany you into town, Tomioka? How very unusual. You do recall that Iâm spoken for, donât you? Iâm afraid you missed your chance to court me if that is what this is all about. Well, itâs not like you had a hope in hell in the first place. How tragic for you.â
Giyuu blinked slowly, waiting for dead air before uttering a bland, âAre you done?â
âNot really, but I suppose I can show you some mercy if you tell me what this is all about?â
âPicking out your birthday present.â Giyuu didnât know why Shinobu had to play the same game every year. She knew perfectly well what to expect from him. In fact, she often did the same thing for his birthday which was only two weeks before hers.
âOh? You know Tomioka, people usually do that themself so the present can be a surprise.â
âAre you coming or not?â
âIt canât be helped, you are rather hopeless when it come to these things.â Shinobu poked at his shoulder, âLetâs go quickly then, shall we? Mitsuri is supposed to be coming later today and Iâd much rather spend my afternoon with her.â
Giyuuâs eye twitched with every poke. Shinobu was clearly in a mood today, but he could endure. Mitsuri had cornered him a few days prior to keep Shinobu busy today while she set up her present.
âTo the apothecary and botanistâs?â He asked, already walking away.
âYou know me so well. Are you a stalker?â Shinobu nudged Giyuu, walking a bit faster to keep up with his long strides. When met with silence, Shinobu giggled. âCome on, since you are being so accommodating, Iâll treat you to that salmon daikon you love so much. Just remember not to look at me while you eat it, okay? So unsettling.â
Giyuu grunted noncommittally and glanced over his shoulder in time to see a flash of pink and white dart into the Butterfly Estate.
âParanoid?â Shinobu asked, turning to look behind them as well.
âJust practicing for lunch.â He said, almost making Shinobu snort.
They both faced forward and continued on their way. Unbeknownst to Shinobu, her Estate began undergoing a metamorphosis under the instruction of a certain watermelon colored woman.
***
Once Mitsuri saw that Giyuu had succeeded in his part of the mission, she ran inside and got to work on hers. The younger girls were already on her as soon as she slipped through the door, excited to help bring her vision to reality.
âWhat should we do first, Mitsuri-sama?â Kiyo asked.
âFirst we need to plot out the land we are going to be building on and flatten it out a bit. Himejima-san, Iguro-san, Tanjirou and the others should be here soon with the building supplies I ordered!â
âI have been doing some reconnaissance of the land the last couple weeks,â Aoi informed, âthe spot over there near Victory would be an excellent position, plenty of sun.â
âEh? Victory?â Mitsuri swiveled her head around to try to see what Aoi could have been talking about.
âThe cherry blossom tree over there, Kanroji-sama.â Aoi clarified.
âOh! That would be nice! Imagine how pretty it will all look when the blossoms are in bloom!â
âLetâs work hard everyone!â Naho cheered, Sumi and Kiyo joined in and Kanao silently pumped her fist into the air.
The girls spent the chilly February morning clearing the ground of loose twigs, leaves and rocks. When they had finished measuring and marking the area, the enlisted group of boys had walked through the yard to meet them, arms filled with wood, metal, stone and glass among other supplies.
Inosuke cackled wildly, dropping the lumber at Mitsuriâs feet like an excited dog.
âShinobu was tricked right? Haha! Foolish woman! She has no idea!â Inosuke preened.
âWhere should we put these glass frames?â Obanai asked with Tanjirou and Zenitsu trailing behind him.
âAh, put them inside for now, Iâd hate for them to get broken.â Mitsuri said, âThank you for helping me with this Iguro-san!â
âAnytime.â Obanai nodded, his gaze the softest it had been all morning. He could handle Himejima, he respected Himejima, but Kamado and his friends were one more unnecessary scream away from being strangled.
âAh,â Himejima exclaimed, causing the earth beneath their feet to rumble as he dropped all the metal and slabs of stone to the ground, âanother birthday already, she has grown up so fast.â He reminisced, tears streaming down his face.
âHimejima-san! Shinobu respects you immensely, thank you for taking the time to help us today!â Mitsuri thanked the man looming above her as she sorted through the supplies on the ground.
âI am happy to help for the benefit of young Kochou-san. How may I further assist you, Kanroji-san?â
âWe need to flatten the ground over there to fit the stone floor snuggly into the dirt. Aoi and the others can show you where to go, thank you again!â
âYou are most welcome, Kanroji-san.â
Himejima easily flattened and dug away at the earth with the power of ten field plowing oxen. Then he and Mitsuri worked together to neatly place the stones into place, creating the base. Inosuke and Aoi (mostly Aoi) washed the dirt from the stones while Kanao, Tanjirou, Zenitsu and Obanai began fitting together the metal and wood pieces into a skeleton that would help the structure keep shape.
Naho, Kiyo and Sumi went inside to make some food to warm everybody up and when the skeleton of the building was put into place, everyone took a break to eat lunch. When they finished, they got to work fitting the glass panes into the walls. Well, everyone except Inosuke and Tanjirou. Inosuke wasnât allowed to be anywhere near the glass and Tanjirou had to tackle him to the ground to keep him from carelessly throwing around the panes.
Once that was done, everyone took a moment to appreciate how good the building looked before getting to work prettying up the inside. While a majority of them went inside to set up benches and shelves, some stayed outside to shovel mounds of soil around the perimeter of the building to help keep heat inside.
âTheyâre coming!â Zenitsu yelped from his post on the fence. âIs everything in place?â
âAlmost!â Mitsuri called back, straightening another flower pot on one of the shelves. âOkay, scatter!â
Everyone hid inside the nearest room of the mansion while Mitsuri went to go meet Shinobu and Giyuu as they entered the property.
âHello, Mitsuri,â Shinobu giggled as she was nearly tackled by Mitsuri in a squeezing embrace. âIâm sorry, you didnât have to wait long, did you?â She turned to shoot a look at Giyuu, âIt was starting to look like Tomioka was never going to let me come home.â
âYou spent two hours looking at the goldfish in a pet shop.â Giyuu stated, largely unbothered by Shinobuâs claim.
âHow else would I know that they were taking good care of them, Tomioka?â Shinobu smiled tightly, daring the man to say one more word.
âUm! Shinobu-chan?â Mitsuri interjected. She didnât know how long she could go without showing Shinobu her present. The excitement within her was mounting. âI have something to show you!â
âOh, do you?â Shinobuâs smile relaxed into something more natural. She turned to Giyuu and asked him to bring her bags inside before she was dragged away by Mitsuri. âWhat has got you so excited, hm?â
âYouâll see! Just a second!â Mitsuri stopped Shinobu short and covered her eyes, prompting the shorter girl to tease Mitsuri while they walked the rest of the way.
âOkay, weâre here! I- I hope you like it!â
âI would like anything if it came from you, Mitsuri.â Shinobu promised. âMay I look now?â
âOh yeah!â Mitsuri dropped her hands from Shinobuâs eyes and moved to stand in front of Shinobu and to the side of the beautiful greenhouse, her hands bunched the hem of her skirt bashfully, âDo you like it?â
Shinobuâs lips parted slightly in surprise, her eyes rounded and shimmered with wonder as she took in every detail. She faltered a few times, but eventually she found her voice, looking at Mitsuri with pure admiration.
âI love it.â She almost whispered. âMitsu, how did you do all this?â
âWell, I did have a lot of help⌠I just thought, winter is too harsh to grow many things and I heard about these buildings that make it easier to grow things in all kinds of conditions. I thought it would be useful to you since you work with plants so often. Was it a good idea?â
Shinobu blew a big breath out her nose and shook her head in disbelief. She grinned and held her arms out, motioning Mitsuri into them.
âAn excellent idea, I honestly donât think I can express how much I love this. Thank you.â
Mitsuri buried her face in Shinobuâs shoulder, âIâm so glad! Happy Birthday, Shinobu! I love you!â
âI love you too.â Shinobu guided Mitsuriâs head away from her chest so she could give her a kiss.
As their lips met, a chorus of cheers erupted from inside the mansion, causing them to pull away prematurely.
Naho, Sumi and Kiyo giggled and hid behind Himejima. Aoi and Obanai rolled their eyes whilst Inosuke yelled,
âWhat the hell? Are they trying to eat each other?â
âThey were kissing you idiot!â Zenitsu shouted back.
âWhatâs that? A dominance thing? How do you know who wins?â
âYou kiss people you love, Inosuke.â Tanjirou helpfully provided. âItâs not about winning or losing.â
âI definitely win.â Shinobu smirked, speaking just loud enough for Mitsuri (and Zenitsu) to hear, making Mitsuriâs face bloom red while Zenitsu screamed and flipped around the room for, what appeared to everyone else, to be no reason at all.
âDinner is done.â Kanao quietly declared, walking into view with a sleepy Nezuko trailing behind her. âWe made ginger tsukudani too, Nee-san.â
âThat sounds delicious, thank you!â
Everyone ate dinner together, detailing how they set up the greenhouse. Shinobu received a few other presents that she graciously accepted. Including the handful of acorns from Inosuke and the head pats from Nezuko. Finally, it was time for everyone to either go home or turn in for the night and when Shinobu and Mitsuri found themselves alone, Shinobu pulled Mitsuri back out to the greenhouse.
âI havenât gotten to see it from the inside yet after all.â Shinobu had winked. âItâs all so lovely. I canât believe you all got this done in such a short amount of time, and enlisting Tomioka to keep me busy, so sneaky.â
Mitsuri giggled and batted away Shinobuâs fingers poking at her sides. Then they just sort of swayed together in the middle of the room for awhile.
âStay the night so I can thank you properly?â Shinobu suggested. She had a sharp glint in her eyes that Mitsuri could see even as dusk settled.
âI wouldnât be opposed to itâŚâ Mitsuri blushed.
Shinobu grinned and coaxed Mitsuri out of the greenhouse and together they returned in to Shinobuâs room for the night.
Idol AU
ShinoMitsu Week Day Six
A/N: Like I had no business writing a royalty AU, Iâve got no business writing an Idol AU. I know nothing. Although I have watched Love Live! Love Live Sunshine!, Zombieland Saga, and If My Favorite Pop Idol Made It to the Budoukan, I Would Die, and there was that one episode of Kakegurui⌠you would think Iâd have picked up something. Oh well, enjoy! And just a heads up that this AU takes place during our pandemic times. Word Count: ~1,120
âI canât believe I let you drag me into this.â Shinobu glared at her sister, arms crossed tightly over her chest.
The crowd was the biggest Shinobu had been in since this accursed pandemic began. Kanae assured her that everyone was vaccinated and the stadium wasnât filled to capacity to allow plenty of room between parties, but that hardly made Shinobu feel any better. She had practically moved into the hospital after everything that happened and what she really wanted to do with this free time she stumbled into was order some food to be dropped off at her door, use her own shower, sleep in her own bed and not talk to another human being until she had to go back to work.
But Kanae had other plans.
âCome on Shinobu! How often do you get to see so many idols in one place!â Kanae said, waving both her and Shinobuâs complimentary light batons in anticipation for the first act. âAnd from the front row no less!â
âYou know I donât care about all this. Itâs just an expensive way to get a migraine.â
âExcept these tickets were free~!â Kanae sang, drumming the batons on Shinobuâs head until Shinobu managed to rip one of them from her hands. âJust try to enjoy the show, Shinobu. Itâs a thank you show for front-line workers. When was the last time you got to go out and do something?â
Before Shinobu could reply with something bitter about the last time she was in her apartment longer than ten minutes, the music picked up in tempo and volume and curtains rolled back revealing the first idol group. Despite the volume, Shinobu could still hear her sisterâs cheers as her favorite idol group commanded the space.
âI didnât know FOURtune was going to be here! Oh my god, look! Sanemi is so close!â Kanae jumped in place while Shinobu stayed in her seat, body language very closed off.
Shinobu watched Tengen and Kyoujirou flip around. She was vaguely impressed by the physical display, but it quickly got old. She turned her head to watch Giyuu and he was just⌠standing there? How did a guy like that become an idol?
âAwww, Giyuu is doing his signature foot taps!â Kanae gushed, pointing to the man as he lackadaisically tapped his foot against the stage.
âWhat a loser.â Shinobu scoffed, she turned on her phone, deciding sheâd much rather play solitaire than watch this.
âAh! Sanemi ripped his shirt open! Shinobu, youâre missing it!â
âYou see one sweaty, shirtless man, youâve seen them all. Damn it, why are all these cards red?â Shinobu grumbled, tapping the deck to flip the next set of cards. âHey!â
âYou can have this back after the concert.â Kanae said, shoving Shinobuâs phone inside her bra.
âYou are trying to kill me. I hope you know that.â
âStop being such a baby, look, the next group is coming up!â
By the time the seventh idol left the stage, Shinobu was about ready to blow her brains out. She gave up glaring at her sister half an hour ago and instead had started staring through the various idols and letting her mind wander.
âHello front-line workers! Thank you for all of your hard work!â
The voice caught Shinobuâs attention and pulled her from her fantasies of going to bed. Where had she heard that voice before? She refocused her eyes and looked up at the stage. Had she⌠seen this woman before?
âIâm so honored I could be a part of this show. Know that Iâm always cheering you on!â
The music kicked off and Shinobu watched the woman, Mitsuri, she thinks she heard the announcer say? That pink and green hair was certainly familiar. It was a testament to how tired Shinobu was if she couldnât remember if she had met a woman with bright pink and green hair before. Then Shinobu blinked and Mitsuri was in front of her, looking directly at her and smiling wide as she sang. Mitsuri offered her hand to Shinobu and in an action very uncharacteristic of the young doctor, she took it without a thought in her head.
Shinobu was pulled from her seat as if she was lighter than air, her feet scrambled for purchase on the large stage and before she knew it she was being twirled and dipped around the stage while Mitsuri seemed to be singing only to her. She was singing something about love and taking chances or whatever, Shinobu couldnât be bothered to process it. All she could focus on where those brilliant pastel green eyes and the warm hands that almost completely engulfed her own.
When the music faded, Mitsuri pulled her in close, making the crowdâs cheers and whistling grow in intensity. Mitsuri covered the mike of her headset and leaned in to speak directly into Shinobuâs ear.
âIt must be fate seeing you again, Doctor Kochou.â She kissed Shinobuâs cheek so fast Shinobu wasnât even sure it had happened. âThank you for everything that you do.â
âYouâre welcome?â Shinobu felt dizzy. Mitsuri giggled and then Shinobu was escorted back to her seat so the next act could go on.
âShinobu, that was incredible! Where did that come from, hm?â Kanae beamed brightly, wanting to hear every detail despite seeing the whole thing.
âShe knew who I was.â Shinobu said slowly, seemingly somewhere else.
âReally? Was she a patient of yours?â
A lightbulb went off in Shinobuâs brain. âShe wasnât, but her brother and mother were. They were in that bad car crash last year. I remember now, she came to visiting hours everyday. I probably didnât recognize her right away because we were always wearing masks.â
âThatâs so neat, Shinobu! You know an idol! A real up and coming one too, she only had her debut a couple months ago. What do you think, sheâs pretty good, right?â
Shinobu couldnât find it in herself to be negative even just to spite her sister. Instead, she nodded once and got comfortable in her seat. That was when she noticed an odd lump in the pocket of her jeans. Checking to make sure Kanae was too enraptured with the next idol group to notice, she dug in her pocket and found a folded scrap of paper.
So much has happened since the last time I saw you. I would love to catch up sometime, letâs get in touch!
Shinobuâs eyes ran over the short note and accompanying phone number a few times and she couldnât stop the smile from spread across her face. She couldnât wait for these last acts to wrap up so she could get her phone back from Kanae.
Shinomitsu week day 5: wisteria đ¸
They r on a date đ
Childhood Friends
ShinoMitsu Week 2022 Day Five
A/N: So for this Iâve got Shinobu at 4 years old so Mitsuri would be about 5 and Kanae 7. I think the Kochou girls were a a handful of years older than that when they lost their parents, but I wanted Shinobu and Mitsuri younger so they wouldnât quite remember each other in present time. The reference for this illustration is from this art from the manga that is so cute, it makes me want to cry. Some angst, ends happy. Hope you like it! Word Count: ~3,100
âHello? Helloooooo?â Mitsuri called, her little fists banging against the doorframe of the large house. When the door slid open, she looked up and grinned at the man who came into view, showing off the newest gap her baby tooth had left behind.
âOh hello, Mitsuri-chan. Do your parents know you were planning on coming over this time?â Kochou Kazumi asked, teasing the little girl about the incident a week ago when she had come over without informing her parents, leaving the young Kanroji couple in near hysterics.
âI told them this time! I promise! Can Kana-chan and Shii-chan come out to play?â
âTheyâre helping their mother right now, but they should be done soon. Youâre welcome to wait inside.â
âThank you!â Mitsuri bounded into the house, sliding along the polished wood.
âShii-chan, Kana-chan, Oba-san, Good morning!â
âGood morning, Mitsuri-chan.â Kochou Hana greeted, sending the little girl a warm smile before focusing her attention back on Shinobu. âDarling, let me help you crush those herbs, please.â
âI do it myself!â Shinobu grumbled, pulling the mortar and pestle closer to her chest.
âKaa-san, is this good?â Kanae asked, sliding her bowl over to her mother. While Hana looked the paste over, Kanae turned to Mitsuri and waved excitedly.
âYes dear, well done! Clean up and then you can go play with Mitsuri.â
âYay!â
âI want to play with Mitsu-chan too!â Shinobu declared, almost affronted that her mother hadnât let her go yet.
âWe have to finish crushing these dried herbs first, darling. Will you let me help you?â
Shinobu looked between the pestle in her hand and her big sister giggling with Mitsuri and pouted, begrudgingly allowing her mother to help. Hanaâs hand covered Shinobuâs and they worked together to grind the herbs to dust.
âGod job, Shinobu!â Hana clapped. Shinobu grinned at the praise and hardly put up a struggle when her mother helped her down from her stool.
Little legs strained against the confining fabric of their clothes as Shinobu waddled over to Mitsuri and hugged her tightly. Mitsuri was easily her favorite kid besides her own sister. Mitsuri always made an effort to make her feel included. Shinobuâs lack of athleticism and short stature (even for a four year old), often led to older kids around the neighborhood picking on her. Having her big sister and Mitsuri at her side always made Shinobu feel like she could take on the world.
âDonât go too far. Remember to stay away from the river.â Kazumi said. He watched the girls sit on the engawa, smiling fondly as Kanae helped Shinobu put on her geta.
âWeâll be careful Tou-san!â Kanae assured, she hopped down with Mitsuri, then watched Shinobu slide on her tummy until the tips of her toes finally found the ground. âCome on, letâs go!â
The trio took turns chasing each other finally tumbling into a giggly heap surrounded by a meadow of wildflowers. In near perfect sync, Shinobu and Kanae started plucking the blooms, weaving the flower stems together with nimble little fingers.
âWhat are you doing?â Mitsuri asked. She was mesmerized by how quickly they worked.
âMaking flower crowns.â Kanae explained, handing her short chain to Mitsuri. âGive it a try!â
Mitsuri leaned in closer to Shinobu, watching her weave, once she thought she got the pattern down, she focused on trying to add to the chain Kanae had given her. The task proved easier said than done.
âOh no,â Mitsuri sniffled, she couldnât figure out how to add to the chain and the flowers that were already woven began to unravel and fall to the ground.
âMitsu-chan, here!â
Mitsuri looked up and gasped in elation. In Shinobuâs hand was the beautiful flower crown she had been making while Mitsuri struggled.
âReally? For me, Shii-chan?â
âYes! Put it on like this.â Shinobu gestured to the one Kanae had put on her head. The elder Kochou sister was a flower crown champion. She was already finishing up another to put on her own head. She made the others giggle when she adjusted the crown to sit lopsided on her head.
âThank you!â Mitsuri gently took the crown and put it on her head. âHow do I look?â
âLike a Princess!â Shinobu exclaimed, âYou always look very pretty, Mitsu-chan.â
Kanae agreed and Mitsuri clapped her hands and bounced on her knees. She told the sisters they looked just as wonderful. They continued to play for hours, only going back to the house for lunch before running right back outside and playing until the sky was tinged orange and pink. Mitsuri had promised her parents to be back before nightfall, so she hugged Kanae and Shinobu goodbye.
âCan we play again tomorrow?â Shinobu asked, her tone brimming with hope and anticipation for the next day.
âI hope so! Iâll ask my parents when I get home. If I canât, Iâll see if I can just say hello.â
âBe safe on your way home!â Kanae waved.
âI will! You too!â
***
The next morning Mitsuri woke up a little later than usual. She stretched and yawned, got dressed and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. As she walked to the kitchen, she could hear her parents whispering. The tone of their voices caused Mitsuriâs steps to faulter and her brow creased with worry.
âWhat are we going to tell her? Itâs just too awful. Sheâs too young to hear about such things.â Her mother said.
âSheâs always off with those girls. You think sheâs just going to forget them? Better she hears it from us than those gossips in town.â Her father gruffly replied before releasing a tired sigh. âItâs just not right. They were such good people.â
âKaa-san, Tou-san? What are you talking about?â Mitsuri trembled, making herself known. She didnât know why yet, but judging from her parents tone, something really bad happened and it scared her.
âMitsuri,â Kanroji Aika swallowed thickly, âcome sit, I made your favorite breakfast. We have⌠something important to tell you.â
âWhatâs wrong?â Mitsuri didnât budge from the hallway. They did the same thing when her grandmother died six months ago. Whatever they had to say, it was serious.
âMitsuri,â Kanroji Kenji knelt before his daughter, his eyes held a sorrow that made Mitsuriâs heart ache, âsomething⌠something terrible happened to the Kochou Family last night.â He paused, giving his words a chance to soak in, âA bad man came and hurt them. Your friends are okay, but they have to live somewhere else now. Do you understand?â
âWhere are they going to live? Here?â Mitsuriâs breathing picked up in pace, she was growing more upset the more she thought about it.
âNo honey, theyâre going somewhere rather far away.â
âI need to go say goodbye!â Mitsuri took a step backwards.
âTheyâre already gone, dear. Iâm sorry.â Kenji reached out for Mitsuri, but she turned tail and ran away.
âMitsuri, come back!â Aika yelled. The sound caused the toddler in her arms to startle and wail. With the little boy in her arms and being as heavily pregnant as she was, she could only hope her husband could catch her on his own. âKenji!â
âI know!â He was already getting back up on his feet and running towards the direction Mitsuri took off in. âMitsu, please, donât go!â
Mitsuri just kept running, losing her father in the mid-morning crowd. She followed the path she seemed to know better than any other and squirmed through the group on onlookers and tripped, catching herself on the edge of the engawa. She looked up, unable to fully comprehend the chaos before her.
Doors ripped from walls, glass and shredded paper littered the torn tatami floor. She tried to peer deeper inside the house, she saw lumpy sheets, puddles of red⌠and then a hand covered her eyes and pulled her back.
âYou shouldnât look kid, nasty stuff. Come on, where are your parents?â
Mitsuri felt herself being led away through the crowd. Finally the hand lifted from her eyes and she realized that the man who pulled her away was an older gentleman, a law enforcer or detective of some kind.
âMitsuri!â Kenji called out, relieved. He pulled her into his arms and picked her up. âThank you sir, I apologize for the trouble.â
âItâs alright. Itâs a hard day for us all. Best damn medicine makers this side of the mountains. Hate to see good people lost like that,â the detective dug in his pocket and presented a handful of yen, âHere, buy the kid something sweet, on me.â
âI couldnât possiblyââ
âPlease, I insist.â The detective wouldnât hear it, curling Kenjiâs fist around the cash before heading back to the crime scene. He began shooing the crowd away. âAlright, alright! Show some respect! I donât care where you all go, but you canât stay here!â
Kenji did as the man asked and found a small sweets shop on the way home. Mitsuri was too upset to pick anything out herself, so he randomly pointed at some sakura mochi and bought as much as the handful of yen could get him.
âHere Mitsu, try some. Arenât you hungry?â
As distraught as Mitsuri was, she did feel very hungry. She took the ball from her father and gave a tentative bite. After chewing on it for a bit, she shoved the rest in her mouth and shyly presented her hand, hoping for more.
When they got home, Aika scolded Mitsuri for running off. She had made her so worried! The rest of the day was quiet. After dinner, Mitsuriâs parents tucked her into bed and wished her good dreams, sliding the door shut behind them. Mitsuri laid in the darkness, while clutching her flower crown to her chest, she wept.
***
Fourteen Years Later
âTodayâs the day, Kanroji! Arenât you excited?â Kyoujirou thumped Mitsuri hard on the back a couple of times as he laughed, âI am so proud of you!â
âThank you, Rengoku-san!â Mitsuri trembled, trying to stay upright with Kyoujirouâs powerful backblows. She was so nervous! Her first Pillar Conference!
She followed Kyoujirou into the Masterâs garden and tried to subtlety take in the other Hashira. It was so nerve-wracking to be close to people so strong! She had already made a bit of a fool out of herself in front of the Serpent Hashira by getting lost. Luckily, he was very nice to her and even gave her these pretty socks! Although Mitsuri was fortunate with that encounter, she didnât want to push her luck. Her plan was to stick to the wall and try not draw too much attention to herself, but Kyoujirou had other ideas.
âCome on, Kanroji! Come stand over here by Kochou!â He yelled, bringing everyoneâs eyes on the both of them. He pushed a rigid Mitsuri into position next to the shorter woman. âKochou, Kanroji Mitsuri. Kanroji, Kochou Shinobu. I hope you two will get along! I am going to go stand over there now! Bye!â He turned on his heel and left the two women alone.
âUm, hello.â Mitsuri stuttered, her hands clasped tightly together. She had heard a bit about Shinobu from Kyoujirou, and had even been treated by her in the infirmary a couple times, but the woman never failed to give her butterflies.
âHello,â Shinobu greeted Mitsuri like a breeze, âcongratulations on making Hashira. Rengoku-san always speaks of you fondly. It may be a little intimidating at first, but youâll come to find it isnât so bad.â She smiled reassuringly.
âT- thank you! I will do my best!â Mitsuri felt her heart pick up in tempo at Shinobuâs smile and warm words. Something about Shinobu always felt so familiar, almost nostalgic. There was just something about her⌠Mitsuri passed over her form briefly to try to figure out what it was, but she was quickly distracted when she saw Shinobuâs uniform.
âWah?! Kochou-san, why is your uniform normal? I thought all the girls wore this kind!â Mitsuri yelled, pointing at herself. Senjirou-kun was right to have been skeptical, that Kakushi was being creepy!
âAh, he tried to give me that one too at first. I burned it right in front of his face!â Shinobu said, smiling while she produced a book of matches and a little vial of oil seemingly out of thin air, âHere, you can borrow these matches and oil if you wish.â
ââŚIâll keep that in mind, thank you, Shinobu-chan.â Mitsuri froze as soon as she processed her own words, she saw Shinobuâs look of mild surprise and blanched. âI- I mean, Kochou-san! Sorry! Iâ sorry!â Was she really messing up so soon?! Sure she was older, but Shinobu has been a Hashira longer than she has.
But then Shinobu giggled, the sound brought Mitsuri back to that place somewhere in the back of her mind, but she had no time to chase that feeling.
âDonât worry, itâs fine. You can call me Shinobu if youâd like.â
âReally?â
âOf course, I hope we can be friends.â
âOf course! Please call me Mitsuri!â Mitsuri bit her lip. What was it about Shinobu that made her just want to wrap her up in her arms, twirl her around and never let go? âHey, Shinobu-chan, have we ever met before?â
âBesides when you have come into the infirmary? I donât believe so⌠Ah, the Master will be arriving shortly. Maybe youâll be the first to greet him on your first day.â Shinobu teased, lowering herself into the pebbles.
âI donât know about that!â Mitsuri squeaked, joining Shinobu on the ground. Just the idea alone made her head spin. She would have to drop the topic for now. She had to focus on the Masterâs arrival.
***
Shinobu was surprised at how quickly she and Mitsuri had hit it off. She thought it was inevitable that they would gravitate towards each other as the only female Hashira, but she didnât expect to make time in her schedule to meet up outside of work regularly. Being as married to her work as Shinobu was, she was surprised that she put as much time and effort as she did into spending time with Mitsuri. There was just something about her that drew Shinobu in. There was the obvious things, her warmth, her radiance, kindness, strength, and it didnât hurt that she was very cute to boot. However, there was something vaguely familiar about her glowing smile and eyes the color of spring. Perhaps it was just because of how much of Kanae she saw in Mitsuri, that was what Shinobu believed to be the most logical reasoning.
âReady to go, Shinobu-chan?â Mitsuri asked, pulling Shinobu from her musings. In her arms, Mitsuri held a rolled up blanket and two wicker baskets.
âIâm ready, here,â Shinobu offered her hand, fully expecting Mitsuri to give her a basket to carry.
Mitsuri looks down at her arms, pondering, then she decided to hold the two baskets in her left hand and slide the blanket in the spot between her left arm and her ribs. With her right hand now completely free, she took Shinobuâs offered hand in her own.
Not what Shinobu expected, but she rolled with it. She didnât want to embarrass the poor girl by clarifying what she had meant. Besides, the way Mitsuriâs hand almost completely swallowed hers up and warmed her fingers was quite enjoyable.
âI canât believe you live so close to such a beautiful field. Do you really not come here often?â Mitsuri asked as they ascended the hill.
âOnly to pick herbs or other plants to introduce to the garden. Itâs a lovely spot, but rather out of the way.â She didnât mention how the spot was Kanaeâs favorite, that being there without her left her feeling somewhat hollow. She didnât like to come here alone, but with Mitsuri she could bear it.
Once at the top of the hill, Mitsuri set down the baskets and let go of Shinobuâs hand (unfortunately) and spread out the blanket. She maneuvered the baskets where she wanted them and when she was satisfied, she motioned Shinobu to sit with her.
Mitsuri began unloading the various sweets she had made and explained each one to Shinobu as she went until the baskets were empty and food was spilling out of the boundaries of the blanket. While they ate, Shinobu told Mitsuri about the nearby plants that surrounded them. Although Mitsuri practically forgot the scientific names as soon as Shinobu uttered them, she thoroughly enjoyed hearing about their properties. She could listen to her talk about plants and medicine all day.
Somehow, Mitsuri had ended up with her head in Shinobuâs lap as she listened. Her eyes grew heavy and eventually closed. Soon, her rumbling snores met Shinobuâs ears and the Insect Hashira could not help but giggle quietly at the tuckered out girl. Shinobu found herself humming, pushing back Mitsuriâs bangs and running her fingers through them. Then her eyes began to wander upon the wildflowers once more.
When Mitsuri awoke, the sky above her was the color of flames.
âAh! How late is it?â She bolted upright, nearly knocking Shinobuâs chin with her forehead in the process. âIâm sorry, Shinobu! Iâve wasted so much time!â
âOn the contrary, Iâve had a wonderful time. No need to apologize. I had plenty to entertain myself while you rested.
âHm?â Mitsuri felt something sliding off her head and gently took hold of it and brought it to her face. In her hands was a expertly crafted flower crown.
âMitsuri, whatâs wrong?â Shinobu asked, slowly reaching out to touch Mitsuriâs knee. Her expression one of concern.
Mitsuri wasnât quite sure what Shinobu meant at first, but then she felt hot tears gathering and smearing down her cheeks. Wiping them away with an awkward laugh she said, âI donât know⌠I guess itâs because this is really pretty. Iâve always wanted to make flower crowns, but I was never really able to do it right.â
âHere, letâs fill up these baskets with flowers and take them back to the estate. Iâll teach you how to make one even if it takes all night, or even the rest of our lives if I must, okay?â Shinobu promised.
Shinobu knew it was impractical. Sheâd never offer such a thing to anyone else, but Mitsuri was often an exception to her rules. To see Mitsuri smile at her like that, to be tackled to the blanket in a hug like warm vanilla, she hadnât felt so close to home in a long time.
Days 2-4 of shinomitsu week because I keep forgetting to upload them here đ¤Ş
Flirting/ Pick-Up Lines
ShinoMitsu Week 2022 Day Four
A/N: Do you know how hard it is to write about flirting when you yourself are not a flirter? Brain empty! Anyway, please enjoy! Word Count: ~1,760
Mitsuri was positively buzzing with energy.
Today she was going to totally sweep Shinobu off her feet with all she had learned from Uzui! She already had all the lines memorized. All she had to do was recite them, ask Shinobu to go see the festival in that famous hot spring village a few days walk away and kiss under the fireworks then, boom! Mitsuri would propose! She could hardly wait, her heart was pounding!
âKanao-chan, hello!â She waved, bounding up to the young Tsuguko sitting on the engawa. âIs Shinobu-chan around?â
Kanao smiles and tilts her head in a slight nod before turning her attention back to the butterfly sitting on the toe of her boot.
âSheâs in her office.â Aoi informed, stepping out from the open doorway with Sumi, Kiyo and Naho and several baskets of laundry. âDo you know where that is, Kanroji-sama?â
âYes! Thank you!â
Mitsuri nearly blinded all the Kakushi with her radiance as she skipped through the halls. Finally she spotted the door to Shinobuâs office and knocked out a playful tune against the door.
âWho is it?â
Mitsuri could have melted upon hearing her voice alone.
âItâs Mitsuri!â
âOh, Mitsuri, come in.â
Mitsuri jumped, clutching her hands to her chest, this was it! She pulled the door open, ready to put all her chips on the table, she took a breath and⌠proceeded to choke on air.
âGood afternoon, Mitsuri.â Shinobu greeted, moving to sit up straight in her chair, giving Mitsuri all her attention. âSorry, I must look like a mess right now. Itâs rather hot today and the airflow isnât very good in here.â
Mitsuriâs mouth felt unbearably dry. Shinobu was bathed in glittering sunbeams streaming in through the open window. Her haori was draped on the back of her chair, showing that the sleeves of her uniform rolled up to the elbows. Even the first couple buttons of Shinobuâs uniform were undone, revealing a wrinkled white button up underneath, the first two button also undone. Mitsuriâs eyes followed the movement of the paper in Shinobuâs hand as the Insect Pillar used it to fan herself, her hair swaying with the motion. Mitsuri had never seen her look more ethereal (although she thinks the same thing every time she sees her).
âYou, you look greatâ wonderful! Amazing! Donât worry!â Mitsuri assured. Wow, it really was hot in here. Shinobu wasnât kidding.
âThank you very much.â Shinobu chuckled, crossing one leg over the other. âSo, what brings you by?â
âOh yeah!â How could Mitsuri forget? Well, she could think of a few good reasons. Now, how did that line start again? âUm,â Mitsuri began to sweat, uh oh. She totally forgot. Wait, she could still save this! She just had to start talking and give herself some time to remember and bring it up organically. âI just wanted to come see you. How have you been?â Mitsuri almost tripped as she walked forward, but saved it by making it look like she just wanted to lean over Shinobuâs desk.
âOh?â Shinobu paused her fanning, tapping the corner of the paper against her bottom lip thoughtfully, âIâm doing fairly well. Tanjirou and Co. are out on assignment, Iâve been trying to get all this paperwork done while there is still peace.â
Ah! Sheâs so cool and responsible!
âWhat have you been up to, Mitsuri?â
âI was training with Uzui-san for awhile.â Mitsuri answered. Learning how to flirt counted as training, right? Uh-oh! Did Shinobuâs expression become a little cold just now?
âAh, Uzui. You know, Iâve been meaning to see him about how he scared my girls while I was away. The way he treats people sometimes⌠itâs a wonder he has three wives. Those poor women.â
âAha, yeahâŚâ Mitsuriâs smile twitched. Just what exactly had Uzui done? Should she not have gotten advice from him? Probably not if Shinobu was angry with him. So visibly angry! Gods, Shinobu is so beautiful when sheâs angry, but scary too! Mitsuri couldnât use the lines that Uzui gave her on Shinobu of all people! Quick, come up with something else!
âS-so um, are you hot in here? Wait, sorry, new aroundâ thatâs not right either⌠did you fall from Tennessee because Iâd put⌠letters togetherâŚâ Mitsuri petered out and decided that it would be a good time to close her mouth. Sweat was rolling off her in buckets.
Shinobu giggled behind her paper, âWhat is Tennessee?â
âI donât even know!â Mitsuri moaned pitifully, laying her upper half flat against Shinobuâs desk.
âCareful with my papers.â Shinobu warned, though she didnât look too worried. She patted Mitsuriâs back affectionately, âWhatâs got you all flustered, hm?â
âShinobu-chan?â Mitsuri asked, still face down on the desk.
âYes?â
âDo you think you are free for a couple of days at the end of next month?â
âMy my, thatâs quite a ways off. I suppose I could. My schedule hasnât been built out that far yet.â
Mitsuri perked up, hope swelling in her chest. She opened her mouth to propose her plan, but Shinobu still had more to say.
âHowever, there was something I was hoping to do during that time.â
âOh.â Mitsuri tried to hide her disappointment, which was easy given her current position. âWhat might that be?â
âMm, well you see, there is this girl I know and Iâve been wondering if I should ask her to go to a certain festival with me.â
âHuh? What girl, Shinobu-chan?â Mitsuri could just about cry right then and there. Of course there would be other girls Shinobu could be interested in, what was she thinking! This was all a huge mistake! âŚExcept it wasnât really. Although they had been together for a long time, Mitsuri seemed to not understand just how head over heels Shinobu was for her.
âOh, I believe you know her, quite well in fact.â Shinobu said as she switched from rubbing Mitsuriâs back to playing with one of her braids, âSheâs tall and strong, endlessly kind and sweet, very beautiful too. Itâs incredible that a woman like that can even exist, let alone live at the same time as me. She really is extraordinary.â
Mitsuri could not for the life of her imagine who this woman could be. It wasnât often she encountered women in the corps⌠maybe she was a civilian?
âStill havenât figured it out?â Shinobu hummed in Mitsuriâs ear, making Mitsuri shiver involuntarily. âSheâs my girlfriend, Kanroji Mitsuâ!â
âAh! Shinobu! Oh gods, Iâm so sorry! Are you okay?â Mitsuri panicked, rubbing the back of her head.
Mitsuri, in her excitement, had jerked upright and knocked her head into Shinobuâs jaw with an awful clonk.
âIâm alright,â Shinobu tested her jaw, moving it side to side, âyou just caught me off guard is all.â
âIâm really sorry Shinobu,â Mitsuri sighed.
âApology accepted.â Shinobu chuckled, âThat is, if youâll do something for me.â
âOh anything, Shinobu!â Mitsuri begged, âPlease tell me!â
âHow about we go enjoy something cold together, your treat? We can discuss an itinerary for our upcoming trip. That is, if you want to come with me?â
âYes! Yes, I can do that. I very much want to do that!â Mitsuri bounced in place. She was too excited to be disappointed when Shinobu began fixing up her uniform.
âGreat!â Shinobu snapped the last button in place and stood up, dusting herself off in the process. Walking up to Mitsuri, she presented her fist, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. âWill you hold this for me?â
âSure! What isszzzzEEEEEP! So smooth! How do you do that?â Mitsuriâs skin lit up like a paper lantern as she found herself holding Shinobuâs hand.
âItâs mostly confidence.â Shinobu explained. âYouâll get the hang of it Iâm sure. Want to give it another try?â
Confidence⌠okay! Maybe some courage too! Mitsuri could give it a shot.
âI- If I was a gardener, Iâd put our two lips together!â Mitsuri squeaked. Her shoulders relaxed when Shinobu praised her attempt.
âWell done, Mitsuri. I may not call myself a gardener, but I do dabble in botany. Maybe I could put our two lips together, hm?â
âPlease do!â Mitsuri had no qualms about such a suggestion. When Shinobu guided Mitsuriâs face down to hers, Mitsuri wished she didnât need to breathe. She pulled back just enough to catch her breath, looking at Shinobu like she hung the stars in the sky, âI love you so much.â
âI⌠I love you too.â Shinobu could hardly look Mitsuri in the eye. Her skin prickled with heat at the admission.
Although Shinobu was a rather good flirt, nothing could compare to the way Mitsuri could speak with such unbridled honesty and compassion. Her candor never failed to leave Shinobu weak in the knees.
âWahhh, Shinobu, are you okay? You look a little pink.â Mitsuri pulled a page out of Shinobuâs book and pressed their foreheads together, humming thoughtfully.
âIâm alright my sweet.â Shinobu giggled when Mitsuri nuzzled her nose. âDonât worry about flirting. You are plenty successful on your own without having to resort to cheesy lines you picked up from Uzui.â
âYou knew about that?â Mitsuri blushed.
âOf course my dear. After what he did to Aoi and Naho, the man canât even sneeze without me knowing. Now,â Shinobu jokingly pushed Mitsuri towards the door, âletâs get going, Iâm positively baking in this room.â
âOkay!â Mitsuri regained her hold on Shinobuâs hand and together they exited the estate and waved to the girls as they passed by.
âShinobu-sama and Mitsuri-sama are so cute together, donât you all agree?â Naho asked.
âMhm mhm, Shinobu-sama always seems to be glowing when they are together!â Sumi added.
âSo you think theyâll get married soon?â Kiyo wondered.
âWho knows.â Aoi scoffed, âShinobu-sama would never outright tell us her plans. Right, Kanao? Or do you know something?â
Kanao thought back to a couple weeks ago when she found her sister asleep at her desk and smiled. She shook her head and Aoi sighed. Kanao felt a little bad, but it wasnât her place to tell them about the ring box, fancy bottle of sakĂŠ and an envelope full of yen she saw sitting on Shinobuâs desk that night. Still, she decided she could give the girls a little insight.
âI suspect we will hear something once summer ends. Perhaps early fall.â
âYou do know something, donât you?â Aoi crossed her arms, though a smile tugged at her lips when Kanao simply smiled at her and kicked her legs over the engawaâs edge.
Shinomitsu Week Day 2-Sparring/Love Language/Promises
How about we put three prompts in one picture? It's cute lol
@shinomitsu-week
Going to work on my entry for day three after I eat dinner later
Shinomitsu Week Day 1-Personality Swap/Coffee Shop
Sorry if this is late since I had to go outside with my mom and my sister for two days, so I don't have the time to do days one and two, so here they are
@shinomitsu-week
And this is also the first time I drew Mitsuri and Shinobu and they came out really good. I ended drawing Mitsuri really soft with her hair tbh XD
I also tried my best with the personality swap prompt as I hadn't watch demon slayer yet(I heard about it through my sister), but planning to in the future, so I searched them in the demon slayer wiki and read their personalities to do this prompt. I clearly don't understand what the family prompt meant, so I skip that one. And also have Mitsuri crushing on barista Shinobu
Royal AU day for shinomitsuweek! ( @shinomitsu-week )
I have shinobu as mitsuriâs bodyguard, mitsuri is a princess with her older bro Rengoku as the ruling monarch. I thought itâd be cute if Rengoku and Mitsuri would have matching royal earrings so. Itâs a lot of protective bodyguard shinobu who pines for mitsuri off on the sidelines
Royalty AU
ShinoMitsu Week 2022 Day Three
A/N: Ayooo! I have no business writing a Royalty AU but I did anyway to avoid the angst prompts. Still, I think itâs pretty fun. Biggest piece I wrote for the event! If you are looking for accurate setting info and whatnot you wonât find it here unfortunately, but hey! Cross dressing Shinobu in here, might be worth overlooking the other stuff, hm? Reference photo for the illustration here. Just like I have no business writing about royalty, Iâve got no business trying to draw any type of fashion. Hope you like it! Word Count:~13,500
Two countries waged war against each other for three hundred years. The original reason for the conflict was lost to time, but the hatred was just as fresh as the day it was conceived.
The Kanroji Family ruled over the vast mountain range and valleys of the east. Their castle clinging to the tallest mountain was an incredible sight. A passionate people, they fought for what they believed and loved just as furiously. Their strength was sought out by many.
The Kochou Family of the west, had domain over lush forests and serene lakes. It was well known that the wild flowers grown there were the most beautiful in the land. The people there, thought stern, yet fair. Clever people who knew how to make do with what they had. Many advances in medicine were discovered there.
Neither family could recall why they hated the other after all this time, but soon a new enemy had amassed an empire to the north, threatening the way of life of both kingdoms in a way that neither had witnessed in many generations. The king and queen of each domain met on neutral ground, the threat of Lord Muzan hanging over their heads driving their desperate need for cooperation.
âKochou,â King Kanroji gruffly greeted, sitting his wife down at the table before seating himself.
âKanroji, a pleasure,â Queen Kochou greeted in return, sounding overly sweet. Her husband assisting her into a chair before taking one for himself. âI believe you know why we invited you here?â
âYesâŚâ King Kanroji clicked his tongue, grounded only by his wifeâs hand on his arm. âMuzan has been encroaching on both of our lands as of late.â
âHis total disregard for human life and his misuse of power are unforgivable.â Queen Kochou nodded.
âSo you want a truce, do you?â King Kanroji asked, he was not a fan of beating around the bush.
âYes. I understand why it may be a difficult suggestion, but as it stands now, Muzan will overtake our kingdoms within a few short years. We both have resources the other lacks, if we work together we can overcome this threat to our peoples.â Queen Kochou explained, her husband nodding along.
âPerhaps you are worried for your kingdom, Kochou,â King Kanroji sniffed, looking down upon the small woman, âbut as you know, I have the mountains. Only the strongest could survive the climb and then to try to fight my men, they would be dead before they could catch their breath.â
âYes you have your mountains, Kanroji,â Queen Kochou acknowledged, her hand clenched tightly beneath the table, âbut you also have the valleys where most of your food is produced. All Muzan would need to do is level those fields and he would starve you out. Are you really so stubbornââ
âDo you not understand why I cannot trust you?â King Kanroji bellowed, face red. âThree hundred years of conflict! How will I know that this is not some elaborate ploy? That you havenât cut some deal with Muzan already?â
âI cannot prove anything to you beyond what that man has already taken from me,â Queen Kochou said, somehow managing to remain calm despite the large man yelling in her face.
âThen I canât trust a word you say.â
The room became silent, the tension seemed to only grow in the absence of discussion. Queen Kochou and King Kanroji having a silent battle with eyes that could freeze a turbulent ocean twenty feet deep. Meanwhile, their respective spouses felt suffocated by the stand-off in the room.
âWhat will it take for you to agree to this truce?â Queen Kochou finally relented.
âA marriage.â King Kanroji says with finality. âIf we are to fight together, I refuse to return to hostility. A marriage between our families will ensure that the feud between us is on a path of healing,â King Kanroji leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of his face. His pastel green eyes bore into Queen Kochouâs, such a deep purple they almost appeared black, âMy eldest daughter, Mitsuri, is of age. Iâve heard tell of your difficulties conceiving children over the years.â He stated carelessly. âWere you able to produce an heir after your own daughter was born?â
âYes, I was.â Queen Kochou affirmed without batting an eye. Her husband turned to look at her questioningly before thinking better of it. âA few years after Kanae was born we had success in conceiving again.â
King Kanrojiâs gaze roamed over the Queenâs face, searching for some sign of deception. After a few tense moments, his wife squeezed his hand and nodded reassuringly. King Kanrojiâs shoulders relaxed and he squeezed his wifeâs hand in turn.
âSo, Queen Kochou,â he cleared his throat, âDo we have a wedding to prepare for?â
ââŚI believe we do, King Kanroji.â
***
All things considered, Mitsuri took the news of an arranged marriage rather well. Which is to say, she didnât take it well at all at first. Really? An arranged marriage with the son from her familyâs sworn enemy? Granted, she still didnât understand why their two families hated each other so much to begin with, but it was still a huge shock. Not to mention she had always dreamed of finding true love, and that rarely came out of arranged marriages. She had plenty of suitors that left her hanging as soon as they found flaw in her. What if this prince couldnât stand her flaws either? They would be stuck together, wasting away in a loveless marriage. Only staying together long enough to make an heir or attend some royal function. That was not a life Mitsuri wanted. She cried in her room for the first several days upon hearing the news.
However, Mitsuri was nothing if not resilient, optimistic. It took some time, but she was warming up to the idea. This union was bigger than her and Prince Shinobu, this was going to end the three hundred year feud between their families and unite their kingdoms against Lord Muzan. And even if romantic love wasnât in the cards for them, that didnât mean they couldnât be friends. Mitsuri prayed that it could be so.
âWhat are you thinking about, my strawberry?â Queen Kanroji asked from the sofa. She had been watching her daughter get fitted for her wedding clothes and caught her smile in the mirror.
âIâm looking forward to meeting Prince Shinobu, mother.â Mitsuri said, moving her arms out at the seamstressesâ direction, âDo you know anything about him?â
âNot at all, darling.â The Queen shook her head. âI have heard of Princess Kanae of the Kochou Family, but not a word of her younger brother, but if he is like his sister, then he should be a fairly benevolent young man.â
âI hope so.â Mitsuriâs smile didnât quite reach her eyes, she was still nervous.
âNo need to worry darling, youâll have home field advantage with him moving into the castle. Your father made it very clear that you are our first priority in this agreement. If there is any treachery afoot, he will back out of the agreement immediately.â
âI know mother, and Iâm very thankful. Itâs just all happening so fast. I wish I could at least talk to him before the wedding day.â
âPerhaps a letter then.â The Queen advised, âYour father has been exchanging correspondences with Queen Kochou the last couple weeks. I believe the messenger will be leaving tomorrow morning, you could leave it with him.â
âThatâs a great idea, mother!â Mitsuri beamed. âIâll write it as soon as Nezuko is finished with me!â
After her fitting, Mitsuri practically ran to her room much to her motherâs dismay, and settled at her writing desk. She got out her prettiest stationary and readied her quill, finally pausing. She racked her brain before realizing she didnât know what to write.
âAh! Come on brain, think!â She groaned. This was harder than she thought. What should she say? After much deliberation, she decided to write about herself, an introduction. Hopefully Prince Shinobu would humor her by doing the same. The next morning, she caught the messenger boy before he left and gave him the letter smelling faintly of her favorite perfume.
***
âIs it too tight, Princess?â The seamstress asked, even as she continued to destroy Shinobuâs lung capacity.
âYes.â Shinobu gritted her teeth together. Catching her reflection in the mirror, she felt foolish. Did her mother really think she could pass as a man for however long it took to stop Muzanâs army?
âTruly?â The seamstress, Aoi, loosened Shinobuâs chest bindings and the Princess gasped for air, rubbing gently at her tender flesh. âApologies, Princess. Iâll try to make it looser, but that will mean you will probably need larger shirts and jackets to better conceal your chest.â
âIf it means I can actually breathe, fine.â Shinobu grumbled.
âIt is a noble thing you are doing for the kingdom, Princess Shinobu. Without this union, we would not have the numbers we need to keep Muzan at bay.â
âI know how important this marriage is to the kingdom. This is a small price to pay for a chance at peace after three hundred years of conflict.â Of course that peace could only stay intact for as long as she could keep up this ruse.
âHow is it going in here, brother?â
âDo not call me your brother.â Shinobu snapped at Kanae. Glaring at her older sisterâs reflection in the mirror as Kanae walked around the room.
âWell, I have to get used to it now, donât I?â Kanae smiled sympathetically. âWe both will. You may go tend to Kanao now, Aoi. Iâll take care of my grumpiest sister.â
âVery well, Princess.â Aoi bowed and then took her leave.
âSo really, how are you feeling?â Kanae asked, coming up behind Shinobu to give her shoulders a comforting squeeze.
âAbout pretending to be a man and being shipped off to marry the daughter of our familyâs longest standing enemies? I feel wonderful.â Shinobu answered with as much sarcasm as she could muster.
âShinobuâŚâ
âI know, I know! Iâll tell you the same thing I told mother. Itâs a necessary sacrifice I am willing to make.â Shinobu noticed the sorrowful look her sister wore and frowned in kind. She knew it must be hard for her big sister to watch her go off and not be able to protect her. Shinobu sighed, âBut if there was one good thing to come out of this mess, itâs that I get to wear these pants.â
Kanae giggled, âAre they really that comfortable?â
âExtremely. This on the other hand,â Shinobu motioned to the gauze and tape still covering her chest, âthis is absolute hell. I swear my tits are where my lungs should be.â
âShinobu, language!â Kanae laughed in earnest now, making Shinobu smile.
âWhat? Iâm a man now, arenât I? I can speak how I please.â
âJust donât speak like that to Princess Mitsuri, the poor girl would probably faint.â
âIâm sure the topic of breasts will be off the table indefinitely.â Shinobu snorted, moving to change into something more comfortable.
âYou donât know that.â Kanae said, sitting down on Shinobuâs bed.
âUm, Iâm pretty sure I do.â Shinobu shot her sister a look over her shoulder, âYes, hello wife. It is I, your husband. I was wondering if youâd like to compare chest sizes. What do you say? Iâll show you mine if you show me yours.â
Kanae doubled over, rolling across the bed and rumpling her dress as she laughed heartily.
âOh,â Kanae gasped, trying to catch her breath, âIâm going to miss you.â
âIâll miss you too.â Shinobu smiled sadly.
âWho knows what the future may hold, Shinobu.â Kanae smiled, âIâm not sure why, but I have a feeling everything is going to work out.â
Before Shinobu could ask Kanae to elaborate, a knock sounded from the door.
âCan you get that?â Shinobu asked, jogging to the attached bathroom and closing the door behind her.
Kanae got up and smoothed her dress and hair, then she walked to the door. Opening it, she greeted the young boy waiting in the hall, letter in hand.
âHello, Tanjirou, isnât it? Do you have correspondence for my mother?â
âYes, Princess Kanae, Iâm honored you remembered,â Tanjirou bowed, âI have already given Queen Kochou King Kanrojiâs message, this however,â he presented a pink dyed envelope with a fancy wax crest, âIs for Prince Shinobu from Princess Mitsuri.
âI will accept it on his behalf, thank you.â Kanae said. She took the letter and bid the young messenger goodbye. She closed the door and twirled the letter in her hands, looking at it with interest.
âWho was that?â Shinobu asked, exiting the bathroom dressed in a nightgown.
âKing Kanrojiâs messenger boy came by with a letter for you from Princess Mitsuri.â
âYouâre kidding.â
âNot at all! Look,â Kanae handed the envelope off to her sister.
Shinobu inspected the envelope, turning it every which way it her hands.
âWhat? Do you think sheâs trying to poison you?â Kanae asked, one eyebrow raised high.
âJust looking,â Shinobu said defensively. She turned the letter over and picked at the seal, a sweet scent, perhaps vanilla, met her nose. She removed the stationary from the envelope and sat on her bed to read, rolling her eyes as her sister moved to read over her shoulder.
Shinobu read over the letter. It held all manner of details about Princess Mitsuri and her life in the mountains. It was only introductory information such as how many siblings she had, what her favorite color was and what kind of food she liked, but it did make Shinobu feel a little better about the stranger she had to marry. If this letter was anything to go by, she seemed nice enough.
âShe sounds like a sweet girl.â Kanae declared once she finished reading. âAre you going to write her back?â
âOf course.â Shinobu said as if it should have been obvious. âIf sheâs going to go through all the effort itâs only right to return it in kind.â
âAwww, Shinobu! Thatâs so nice!â Kanae cooed, âI think you two might actually hit it off!â
Shinobu pushed Kanae away and scoffed, âThis ârelationshipâ is being built upon a rather big lie, sister. Best not to get too attached.â
âSo pessimistic.â
âJust being realistic.â
âWell Iâm rooting for you!â Kanae ruffled Shinobuâs hair and ducked out of her way, skipping to the door. âIâll leave you to your love letters, goodnight!â
âI am not writing a love letter!â Shinobu yelled after Kanae closed the door to her room. Shinobu groaned in annoyance and moved to her writing desk. She could write the letter now, and have the messenger boy deliver it to Princess Mitsuri when he left to return home the next day. As she wrote, she tried to be as honest and open as Mitsuri had been writing her letter. The only falsehood being her own signature, Prince Shinobu.
***
Mitsuri was working with her dance and etiquette instructor Hinatsuru, when she caught wind of Tanjirouâs return to the castle and bolted. Thus leaving Hinatsuru in the dust. The older woman crossed her arms and shook her head, yet she still smiled, having dealt with Mitsuriâs exuberance for years already.
Mitsuri slid down the banister, startling General Tengen and Lieutenant Makio when she nearly fell to the foyer below.
âCareful, Princess! Your father would have my hide if you up and died in front of me!â Tengen scolded as her pulled Mitsuri back to the stairs. âShouldnât you be in class right now anyway? At the very least you should have your guard accompanying you if youâre skipping out.â
âNo time, Iâm expecting a letter!â Mitsuri grinned, hiking up her skirts and clearing the rest of the stairs.
âHina really has her work cut out for her.â Makio chortled as they watched Mitsuri run to open the front doors herself much to the butlerâs distress. They continued on their way to the war room, smiling at the Princessâ giddy cheers.
âHe actually wrote me back?â Mitsuri blushed, holding the letter Tanjirou gave her to her chest. âDid you see him, Tanjirou? What does he look like? What did is face look like when you gave him the letter?â She asked in rapid succession, overwhelming the poor messenger a bit.
âI apologize Princess, I did not get to see the Prince.â Tanjirou bowed deeply, âI was intercepted by Princess Kanae when dropping the letter off and she was the one to give me Prince Shinobuâs reply as well.â
âOh, thatâs fine. Donât worry!â Mitsuri tried to hide her disappointment, âWhat is my future sister-in-law like?â
âShe is very kind, Princess. Her voice is soft and she personally asked the chef to prepare dinner for me. She even had a lunch packed for my journey home.â
âThat does sound nice, Iâm glad!â Mitsuri beamed. âWhen do you suspect my father will send you out again?â
âI have yet to see him, but I suspect no more than a week. Should I expect another letter from you, Princess?â
âYes, thank you Tanjirou. I simply must read this now. Rest well!â
Mitsuri was half way to her room when she quite literally bumped into her mother and behind her, Mitsuriâs guard, Kyoujirou. Uh oh, mother was giving her that look.
âMitsuri, my darling daughter, can you tell me why Hinatsuru is currently reading alone in the ballroom?â
âAh, well, I got a letter from Prince Shinobu, mother! I was just going to read it really quickââ
âNo, no, no. You may read it after your lessons. To ensure you are listening to Hina, Kyoujirou will sit in until you are finished.â
âIt seems Iâll be your jailer rather than protector this afternoon, Princess!â Kyoujirou yelled, his booming laughter causing the Queen to wince.
âAwwwâŚâ Mitsuri deflated. She spent the rest of the afternoon eyeing the letter every time Hinatsuru twirled her around as they danced.
***
âAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I win again!â
Shinobu groaned laying flat on her back, splattered with mud as Inosuke taunted her from above. With an inelegant grunt, she kicked at his shins, making him fall into the mud as well. Slowly, she got back to her feet as the young, wild guard rolled around in the mud.
âYou need to be stronger.â
âDonât you think Iâm trying, Tomioka?â Shinobu huffed, pushing her hair and mud from her eyes to better glare at her stoic guard.
âSince you will be isolated in the Kanrojiâs castle we cannot protect you. You will need to know how toââ
ââHow to defend myself, I know! Itâs not as if I have ever been given the opportunity until now! Just let me brew my poisons.â
âIf they find poison on you, they will never trust you and the alliance will be good as dead.â
âUgh! This is pointless!â Shinobu threw her wooden sword to the ground. âAs if three weeks of training is going to save me should I require it! And you know I hate to acknowledge this, but I only pass five feet when Iâm on the tips of my toes. A Kanroji soldier could crush me with his bare hands should he so desire.â
ââŚThen we will focus more on your agility and evasion tactics.â Giyuu blinked.
Shinobu rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest, âYou know, youâre supposed to say something more like, âoh no, Princess, you can certainly take down a full grown man twice your height and triple your weight.ââ
âIâm sure you could, Princess. I saw how you kicked Duke Maeda when he got too fresh with you and your sisters.â Giyuu said, stoic as ever, âHe went down like a pile of bricks.â
Shinobu smiled at that.
âEnough of this boring talk, fight me!â Inosuke roared, shoving the wooden sword back into Shinobuâs hand.
âUm! Shinobu?â
Shinobu put the sword back into Inosukeâs hand and the boy screamed with disappointment, instead shoving the sword in Giyuuâs hand and demanding him to fight instead.
âKanao, what is it?â Shinobu asked as she walked up to her younger sister, stopping a little farther away since she was absolutely caked in mud and didnât want to soil Kanaoâs clothes.
âThe Kanrojiâs messenger boyâŚâ Kanao blushed faintly, as she produced another pink envelope for Shinobu to see, âHe had another letter for you from Princess Mitsuri.â
âAlready?â Shinobu reached for the letter, but quickly withdrew. She didnât want to get mud all over it. âCould you put it on my desk for me, please? Iâm not exactly equipped for this at the moment.â
âYes, I can do that.â Kanao nodded, yet she stayed in place as if she had more to say, but didnât quite know how to proceed.
âSomething on your mind?â Shinobu asked, accepting a towel from one of the young maids, Kiyo, to wipe at her face.
âDo you think it would be proper for me to show Tanjirou around the botanical gardens while he is here?â
âI donât see why not. Take Inosuke with you just to be safe.â
âOkay, thank you.â
âInosuke!â Shinobu called out to the boy growling under Giyuuâs foot. âWash all that mud off, you are to accompany my sister and the Kanroji messenger boy to the gardens.â
âFinally, something to do!â Inosuke cackled, scrambling to his feet once Giyuu freed him. He ran to the stream and belly flopped in. He rolled around and gurgled like he was drowning for a bit before emerging and running into the castle with a whoop.
âRemember to dress properly please! We do not run about the castle shirtless!â Shinobu yelled after him. The boy had promise, but he was still as feral as the day they took him in. She turned back to Kanao, âHave a good time, Kanao. Now if youâll excuse me, I believe I will need to take no less than three baths to remove all this grime. Tomioka?â
âYes, Princess.â
Shinobu slapped a handful of mud in her guardâs face. âDonât think I didnât see that little smile when I slipped earlier.â
âApologies, Princess.â Giyuu said monotonously, swiping the mud from his eyes.
Shinobu took another towel from Kiyo and followed after her younger sister. Once Naho and Sumi prepared her second bath, Shinobu fully relaxed into the tub. All the while the possible contents of Princess Mitsuriâs letter were swimming through her mind.
***
The wedding day was quickly approaching, but Mitsuri was no longer worried in the slightest after exchanging several letters with her Prince, her Prince! Ah! She could just about sing from the highest mountain peak! After exchanging those several letters, Mitsuri could feel herself falling harder and harder for the man.
He was so eloquent in his writings. So clever and sweet. If his written word made her swoon so, she couldnât imagine what hearing the words roll off of his tongue would do to her. Oh how she longed to finally meet him, to put a face to the man of her dreams. She told him as such in her latest letter. Mitsuri had never felt so brazen. They never spoke of their upcoming union in their letters, nor had they ever dared speak of anything improper. Just expressing her desire and excitement at the prospect of meeting him felt too personal and gave her butterflies.
Shinobu, on the other hand, was growing more and more anxious as the day drew closer. She had always wanted to treat Mitsuri with respect. Just because they had to get married, didnât mean they couldnât get along, but she had honestly developed feelings for this girl through only reading her letters. She had a softness and warmth that carried through her writing, drawing Shinobu in like a moth to flame.
When Mitsuri wrote of how excited she was to meet face to face, it made Shinobuâs heart feel heavy. Whatever image Mitsuri had of her, of this Prince, she just knew it would end in disappointment. Mitsuriâs writing was so honest and uninhibited⌠it would surely break Shinobuâs heart two times over if Mitsuri found out she was actually a woman. Still, she played her part, burying her insecurities deep inside her so as not to alarm her family. Though Kanae did expect something was amiss, Shinobu gave her sister no opportunities to confront her about it. Not that she needed an excuse, the wedding was to be had on neutral grounds tomorrow and Shinobu had to perfect living out a lie until Muzanâs forces could be defeated.
***
âWhere are those damn Kochous? Theyâre late!â King Kanroji grumbled, tapping his fingers anxiously against the arm of his chair.
âHave patience dear, they arenât terribly lateâŚâ Queen Kanroji tried to console.
Mitsuri, though she was sitting right next to her parents, could not tell you what they were talking about. She had her head in the clouds, imagining her Prince walking through the double doors and sweeping her off of her feet. Her younger siblings were also largely unbothered, instead chasing each other around the pews and weaving between guards.
âIf they think they can just waltz through those doorsâ oh,â he clears his throat, âthere they are.â
Giyuu and Zenitsu, the Kochou messenger boy, opened the doors and stood, stoically and nervously respectively, on either side as Queen and King Consort Kochou stepped inside, General Gyomei filing in behind them. The man nearly filled the whole entry way and blocked out the sun as he ducked inside.
Mitsuri watched in awe as her soon to be in laws were seated across the isle from them. She tried to discreetly get a good look at them, but the Queen noticed her and sent a smile her way. A blush flared quickly over Mitsuriâs skin and she faced front again, watching two guards, Sanemi and Inosuke, guide Kanae and Kanao to seats of their own. Mitsuri saw how Kanae waved and spoke softly to her boisterous siblings and smiled. She really was quite kind. Kanao, seemed to hide behind her older sister a bit which Mitsuri found cute. She was just as shy as Prince Shinobu had told her in his letters. Her heart began pounding in her chest, speaking of Prince Shinobu, he must be coming in next! She quickly looked back at the doors, and forgot how to breathe.
He was⌠strangely beautiful. Not that it was strange for a man to be beautiful! She just hadnât expected that to be the first word to come to mind.
âHah, poor boy must have gotten all his motherâs genes,â King Kanroji snickered only loud enough for his party to hear, âHe might even be shorter than her.â
âBe nice, dear.â Queen Kanroji scolded quietly, subtly smacking his arm.
âIâll be plenty nice. Nothing to worry about from a frail boy like that certainly. Iâm sure Mitsuri can handle him easily should he try to cause any problems.â
Mitsuri couldnât stop staring.
Prince Shinobu was not at all what she imagined. His features were soft and smooth in appearance and he was indeed shorter than she would have thought. No visible muscle or stubble, and his hair looked ever so soft and shiny tied up in the back as a short ponytail while two shorter swatches of hair hung on either side of his delicate face. As he walked, he almost seemed to glide down the isle. Filled with the poise and grace that Hinatsuru nearly had to beat into Mitsuri during their lessons.
Mitsuri practically jumped out of her skin as she realized her Prince was standing before her, offering his hand to her, she latched on quickly, her heart beating faster knowing that his skin really was as soft as it looked. She looked up into his deep, purple eyes unable to comprehend the various feelings they held.
âItâs an honor to finally meet you, Princess Mitsuri.â Shinobu spoke.
Shinobuâs voice fell upon Mitsuri like a misting of rain. A sound sweeter than anything her wildest fantasies could have thought up. Shinobuâs lips twitched ever so slightly and Mitsuriâs skin bloomed with the heat of a forest fire. She had been staring this whole time. She hasnât said a word! Quick, say something! Anything!
âYouâre beautiful!â
Anything other than that!
âI- I mean, um, good to meet you too, uh, an honor to⌠the honor is mine!â
Mitsuri could feel sweat rolling down her back. Her parents put their heads in their hands and Mitsuri wanted desperately to copy the position. But then Prince Shinobu laughed, his smile stretching a bit wider.
âThank you, Princess. Though I must say I believe my looks pale in comparison to yours. You are more lovely than I could have ever imagined.â Shinobu said, basically killing Mitsuri on the spot.
Mitsuri gaped like a fish, trying to find words, but all her brain could do was send screams and squeals bouncing around her skull. She further short circuited when Prince Shinobu lightly squeezed her hand and ran his thumb over her knuckles before withdrawing. He bowed and then went to take his seat, leaving Mitsuri totally incapacitated.
âMaybe Iâll need to keep an eye on him after all.â King Kanroji grumbled.
From then on, King Kanroji and Queen Kochou took control, signing various documents and discussing how to proceed against Muzanâs army. Finally, it was time to seal all agreements and end hostilities between their lands forever.
Mitsuri stood on shaky legs nearly swooning when Shinobu put a hand to her lower back to help steady her. Together, they stood before their respective parents and with a few flowery words, their marriage set in stone.
âIâm so proud to call you my child.â Queen Kochou said, pulling Shinobu into a hug.
âThe castle wonât be the same without you, weâll miss you.â King Consort Kochou sniffled, hugging Shinobu tightly along with his wife.
Kanae and Kanao rushed in next, nearly tackling Shinobu into the ground.
âWeâll write you often.â Kanae promised, not even trying to hide her tears. âWe love you.â
âStay safe and come home to visit soon.â Kanao murmured into Shinobuâs clothes.
âI will. Iâll write you all whenever I can.â Shinobu promised in return.
âTheyâre acting as if theyâre sending the boy off to war.â King Kanroji scoffed as he entered his carriage behind his wife. âWhat do they think weâre going to do, eat him?â
âOh, theyâre just saying their goodbyes dear. I imagine youâd be bawling like a baby if it was Mitsuri who was moving into their castle.â
âI would not!â The King huffed, though his eyes softened as he watched the Kochous finish their farewells in silence. Until he noticed that Shinobu and Mitsuri were getting in the final carriage, alone.
âKyoujirou!â
âYes, my Lord?â Kyoujirou answered loudly.
âRide up with Mitsu. Be sure that boy keeps his hands to himself.â
âYes my Lord!â Kyoujirou said even louder, running over to the newlyweds and joining them with a hearty laugh.
âThey are married now, dear.â Queen Kanroji giggled, âIf you wanted to play overprotective father, you should have had them courting these last several weeks.â
King Kanroji waved her off, glaring suspiciously at the carriage behind him as best he could.
***
âYou two sure are quiet!â Kyoujirouâs booming laughter filled the empty space. The carriage had been winding its way up the Rocky Mountain pass and hardly a few handfuls of words had been shared in that time. âI canât speak for you Prince Shinobu, but Princess Mitsuri is usually much more lively!â
âKyou!â Mitsuri blushed. The reason they werenât talking right now should be obvious even to him, she thought. Kyoujirou standing opposite of the door looking down on them as they sat on opposite side of the carriage felt incredibly awkward!
âI apologize,â Shinobu smiled contritely, âI must say Iâm not used to this thin mountain air. Itâs a little dizzying.â
âOh no! I should have warned you about the elevation change! Iâm so sorry!â Mitsuri scrambled from her side of the carriage to sit beside Prince Shinobu. Gods, he even smelled amazing⌠Not now Mitsuri!
âHere, lay down.â Mitsuri said, already guiding Shinobuâs head and shoulders to her lap.
âAh, going to teach him how to do some proper belly breaths Princess? Good idea!â Kyoujirou praised, still standing firm as the carriage bounced over a patch of particularly rocky terrain.
âPlace one hand on your stomach and one on your chest.â Mitsuri instructs, âWhen you breathe in, instead of taking the air towards your chest, take it towards your stomach. This way, youâll take in more air. Itâll sound a little like, fwoooooooo and leave pressure in your belly, get it?â
Shinobu was finding it a little more difficult to breathe now than before with those wide, green eyes staring into her very soul. Still, she tried to do as Mitsuri instructed, her heart fluttering at the praise older girl gave her. Come on Shinobu, she internally berated herself, you are not being a very convincing man right now!
âI think Iâm feeling better now, thank you.â Shinobu cleared her throat and tried to sit up, only for Mitsuri to place her hand on Shinobuâs chest.
âPlease, stay down. It will help with the dizziness.â Mitsuri explained, withdrawing her hand to rest in against Shinobuâs forehead instead.
âYes! Wouldnât want you fainting on us, Prince!â Kyoujirou agreed.
ââŚAlright.â Shinobu succeeded in hiding the tremor in her voice. That was much to close. She was lucky Aoi was so good at her job, Mitsuri hadnât seemed to notice anything amiss with that touch. However, it was the wake up call Shinobu needed to remember that she had to be more careful.
âAlmost home!â Kyoujirou shouted. âIâm sure some rest will do you good, Prince Shinobu! Donât worry, youâll get acclimated in no time!â
âThank you, Kyoujirou.â
Shinobu was warmed by Mitsuriâs desire to dote on her as they exited the carriage together. They had only just met, and although they had sent each other letters, Shinobu wouldnât have though it would be enough to be treated with such care.
âWhatâs wrong, lad? Air too thin for you?â King Kanroji laughed, slapping Shinobu a little too hard on the back.
âIt will certainly take some time to adjust, your majesty, but your daughter has been ever kind and patient with me.â
âThatâs my Mitsuri all right!â He lowered himself to whisper into Shinobuâs ear, âMistreat her and treaty be damned I will end you!â He rose back to his full height, patting Shinobu on the shoulder, âLetâs see what feast Suma has prepared for us tonight!â
Dinner was a hearty and boisterous affair, much different from the dinners Shinobu was used to back at home. Though she supposed having five young children would do that. It was different, but not unwelcome. She handed her roll to one of Mitsuriâs grabby little brothers and smiled at the look of absolute joy that came over his face before shoving the whole thing in his mouth. The act reminded her of Inosuke.
âFull already, sweetheart? Thatâs unusual. Are you ill?â
Shinobu turned her attention to Queen Kanroji and Mitsuri. The Queen had her hand on Mitsuriâs forehead for a moment until Mitsuri pushed it away.
âIâm fine, mother. I ate plenty.â
âIf your are certainâŚâ
Mitsuri sensed Shinobuâs gaze on her and flashed a nervous smile. It concerned Shinobu, but she didnât want to draw further attention. Perhaps she could ask Mitsuri how she was feeling later.
When dinner was finished, Mitsuri practically dragged Shinobu away to their shared chambers, much to her fatherâs dismay. All of Shinobuâs bags were already inside what could only be described as a house within the castle. Three bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a shared living space, an office, and a large balcony overlooking the mountain range.
âWhat do you think?â Mitsuri asked seemingly still full of nerves since dinner, âDo you think youâll be comfortable here?â
âYes, itâs wonderful.â Shinobu assured, grabbing her luggage to move into her new bedroom.
âOh! Let me help you unpack!â Mitsuri followed, only to be dissuaded by Shinobu.
âThatâs quite alright. I can handle it. Take some time to relax, Iâll be done shortly.â
âOh, okay.â Mitsuri made room for Shinobu to walk past her with arms full of luggage. Shinobu set down the bags on the bed and gave Mitsuri a little wave and a smile before closing the door.
Mitsuri sighed and sat down on the couch. Of course heâd want a little space to settle in, but now she was feeling anxious. She had been so weird today! What if he was already starting to have doubts? Her stomach growled mournfully and she pressed her hand against her belly to stifle it. Maybe she should take this time to freshen up!
Mitsuri fisted her skirts in her hands and jogged to her own room, she quickly undressed and scrubbed her body clean in the fastest bath of her life. She dried herself off and brushed her hair into a single braid. Then she looked over her nightclothes and bit her lip. Would Prince Shinobu find any of these enticing? Mitsuri wasnât sure she was ready to do anything of a more sensual nature as of yet, but she still wanted Prince Shinobu to find her attractive. She put on one of her favorite silk nightgowns and returned to the couch, trying to find an appealing pose before Shinobu returned.
Meanwhile, Shinobu was glad she had managed stop Mitsuri from helping her unpack. She hid her binders under her pile of trousers and all of her feminine products deep within the cupboard beneath the bathroom sink. Once everything was strategically placed, she locked herself in the bathroom and practically tore her clothes off. The combination of the binder and the thin mountain air was less than pleasant. She washed herself and begrudgingly put her binder back on, along with more comfortable clean clothes. She couldnât wait to go to bed.
When Shinobu returned to the living space, she was paralyzed by Mitsuri. She watched her testing out various positions on the couch, some more ridiculous than others, but nonetheless she took Shinobuâs breath away.
âEep! Prince Shinobu! I didnât notice you came back!â Mitsuri blushed, sitting rigidly against the couch.
âSorry, I did not mean to startle you and please, just Shinobu is fine.â
âThen please call me Mitsuri! Here, sit with me!â Mitsuri rapidly patted the space next to her, stiff as a board.
âYou look very nice Mitsuri, I like your nightgown.â Shinobu took the seat, not fairing much better than Mitsuri. She knew Mitsuri was gorgeous, but this was too much.
âThank you.â Mitsuri bit her lip, âHey⌠Shinobu?â
âYes, Mitsuri?â
âI, um, Iâmââ
Mitsuriâs stomach decided then to interrupt her.
âHungry?â Shinobu chuckled.
âNo, no I ate plenty. You saw dinnerâŚâ
âYour mother expressed worry about your lack of appetite. You should eat something. Do you think Suma is still in the kitchens?â
âIâm fine.â
Shinobu sat closes to Mitsuri, staring inches in front of her face. Mitsuriâs heartbeat picked up in tempo. Was Shinobu going to kiss her, already?
âIâll be right back.â Shinobu declared, standing up and walking briskly to the door.
Mitsuri jumped to her feet when Shinobu finally returned. Shinobu opened the door wide, and Suma came in with a cart full of food.
âHere you are, Princess! Iâm glad your appetite returned!â Suma skipped, parking the cart in the middle of the room. âAnything else, Prince Shinobu?â
âThatâs all, thank you for your help Suma.â
âYouâre very welcome!â Suma blushed, bowed and scurried from the room, closing the door behind her.
âWhatâs all this for?â Mitsuri asked, her stomach growling again and the delicious aroma met her nose.
âYouâre hungry. Please, eat. Why are you denying yourself sustenance?â Shinobu questioned pointedly.
âItâs just⌠you wonât think itâs unseemly for me to eat so much?â
âNot at all.â Shinobu frowned, âWho has told you to think such a thing?â
âAn old suitorâŚâ
âWell he is a fool, an ass.â
âShinobu!â Mitsuri could hardly believe such a delicate face could speak in such a way. Another thing to add to her mental list of what made Shinobu attractive.
âShould I ever have the chance to meet him, you point him out to me and I will show him what unseemly really means as I throw him off the highest peak of this mountain.â Shinobu fumed.
He really was dreamy. Another point, hot when angry.
Mitsuri took Shinobuâs hand in her own and squeezed it, âThank you.â
Shinobu blew a gust of air out of her nose and smiled, squeezing Mitsuriâs hand in return.
âYou donât have to change a thing about yourself, understand?â
Mitsuri nodded.
âIâd like to hear you say it.â
âI understand.â
âThank you,â Shinobu sighed, âNow please eat.â
While Mitsuri ate, Shinobu sipped tea and they chatted. Eventually getting comfortable enough that they were joking and laughing together. Mitsuri never felt more at ease, but soon enough the food and tea were gone and the conversation grew quiet and Mitsuri didnât know what else she should do so she leaned in close to Shinobu, aimed her lips to meet his⌠and she bumped her lips against his cheek instead when Prince Shinobu suddenly turned his head.
âHuh?â Mitsuri blinked, pulling back slightly.
âWe donât need to rush into anything just yet.â Shinobu said, her heart pounding from the close quarters. Did Mitsuri really like her enough to try to kiss her so soon? âWe may be married now, but donât feel pressured to go any further until you are ready, okay?â
Mitsuriâs eyebrows pinched in confusion. Sure a kiss was special, thatâs what she had always believed since she was a little girl, but having been kissed by a handful of suitors in her past, she didnât think it was such a problem to want to kiss her husband. Especially when he was so sweet. So why did Prince Shinobu turn away? He did look rather pink, perhapsâŚ
âHave you ever kissed someone before, Shinobu?â Mitsuri asked, batting her eyelashes.
âBesides my family, noâŚâ Shinobu admitted bashfully.
âHave you ever even courted someone before?â
âNo.â Well, her mother had tried to set her up with that one guy, Murata? He was nice enough, but it soon became obvious to everyone that Shinobu was not interested in him in the slightest. Or any other man for that matter.
âWow! Youâre newer to this than I would have thought!â Mitsuri marveled openly, âI never would have guessed, you were always so suave in your letters.â
âIs it really so strange?â
âNo! Not at all!â Mitsuri fumbled. âIâm just excited that Iâll have all your firsts! I meanâ I didnâtâ thatâs not how I wanted to say that!
To Mitsuriâs relief, Shinobu laughed, and not an awkward polite laugh, a real one. It was one of the most wonderful sounds she ever heard and it only made her want to kiss her Prince more.
âSo youâve kissed suitors before then?â Shinobu asked, still giggling a bit.
âYes.â
âThe unseemly one?â
âNo.â
âGood.â
Shinobu gave Mitsuri a shy look that made Mitsuriâs heart flutter. The Pseudo-Prince then leaned in and surprised Mitsuri by kissing her forehead, then she stood up, smiling down at Mitsuri.
âItâs getting late, we should sleep. Iâll see you in the morning, sleep well.â
Mitsuri looked out at the glass doors of the balcony, it was indeed late. She wished the night didnât have to end, but she was tired as well. She stood and kissed the top of Shinobuâs head before dancing away.
âGood night, Shinobu. Sleep well.â
Shinobu was right, no need to rush. They had the rest of their lives together. Mitsuri was really looking forward to see how they would grow together. She went to bed excited for what the future would bring.
Shinobu watched Mitsuri twirl away into her bedroom before all but running into hers. She unbuttoned her shirt and freed herself from her binder before unceremoniously flopping into her bed. She pulled a pillow down to where she laid and hid her face in it. Mitsuri wanted to kiss Prince Shinobu. Would she ever want to kiss Princess Shinobu? She tossed and turned for awhile but eventually fell asleep.
***
Mitsuri was starting to get anxious again. Shinobu had been in the castle for nearly a month. It had been one of the best months of Mitsuriâs life, but she couldnât help but think Shinobu was hiding something from her. Not to mention that all her attempts to kiss the Prince thus far were thwarted. He always turned his head or someone would interrupt. It was rather discouraging. When she was being courted, boys usually couldnât wait to kiss her. Oh how the tables had turned.
âMitsuri, something on your mind?â Shinobu asked, serving Mitsuri a cup of tea before sitting across from her. They had decided to take tea on the balcony. Windy, but refreshing and the view was incredible.
âI saw this and it reminded me of you!â Mitsuri blurted, pulling a flower from her lap and presenting it to Shinobu.
âOh!â Shinobu accepted the flower, and took in its delicate scent with a small grin, âThank you, Mitsuri. I love it. It reminds me of home.â
âIâd love to visit your homeland someday. Hopefully this war ends soon.â
âI hope so too, I think youâd like it there.â
âI already like it because if you came from there, it must be nothing less than magnificent.â
âYou flatter me, Mitsuri. I donât know why you think so highly of me.â Prince Shinobu blushed and looked away like a maiden and Mitsuri supposed, in a way, he kind of was. Having never courted anyone he was so nervous to get close to her. Maybe, Mitsuri thought, she should take more initiative.
âWhy wouldnât I?â Mitsuri scooted closer, batting her eyelashes, âI like you a lot,â she lowers her voice, drawing closer to her Princeâs lips, âyouâre a real gentlemanâŚâ
Her lips met jaw, thwarted again.
âThank you.â Shinobu murmured, looking over the mountain range again.
Mitsuriâs brain couldnât stop her mouth quick enough.
âShinobu, are you gay?!â
âHuh?â Shinobu snapped her head back to Mitsuri, eyes owlishly wide. How did she know?! Oh, wait, she was a man right now, right.
âAh! Sorry!â Mitsuri was panicking, âI didnât meanâ I, that was so rude of me, Iâm sorry! There is nothing wrong with it if you are, I should have gone about it better. I just have wanted to kiss you for weeks now, and you havenât let me. I thought you were just nervous so I wanted to take the lead. Now Iâve made it uncomfortable, havenât I?â Mitsuri sunk into her seat, pressing her face into the table.
Shinobu smiled in a sympathetic manner and patted Mitsuri on the back, âItâs alright, donât beat yourself up.â
âBut⌠are you?â It would be just Mitsuriâs luck that the man she fell for wasnât into women. Thatâs probably why he was always so clean, smelled nice, had good fashion sense⌠Gods, he had to be!
âIâm not a gay man, Mitsuri.â Shinobu told her, which wasnât a lie. She was a gay woman. â¨Loopholesâ¨. However, this was still getting harder. She didnât want Mitsuri to think she was taking advantage of her when she inevitably found out she was also a woman.
âThen why wonât you let me kiss you?â Mitsuri sniffled, âDo you not like me?â
Oh no, Shinobu would throw herself off the mountain if she made Mitsuri cry.
âListen, Mitsuri,â Shinobu swallowed, she would have to try to word this carefully⌠âI do like you, very much in fact. I just donât want to take advantage of you.â
Mitsuri removed her head from the table to look at Shinobu with watery eyes.
âWhat do you mean? How is it taking advantage if we both want it?â
âThere is one thing about myself that I have not been truthful about since the very beginning. I fully intend on telling you, but it must wait until the war is won. If what I reveal to you does not change what you feel for me, then nothing would make me happier than to feel your lips upon mine.â
âShinobu, what do you mean? What are you hiding? What could be so awful that you think I wonât love you anymore?â Mitsuri wracked her brain for some clue, something she might have overlooked or missed, but came up empty.
âI canât tell you, just please believe me when I sayââ
âExcuse me Princess Mitsuri, Prince Shinobu,â Kyoujirouâs loud voice carried through all the way from the front door of their chambers, booming knocks shook the paintings on the walls. âA word if I may?â
âCome in Kyou,â Mitsuri called back, gently dabbing underneath her eyes. She looked at Shinobu over her shoulder, âThis conversation isnât over.â
Kyoujirou entered the living space, a man with messy, black hair walked stiffly behind him. Upon seeing the royal couple he suddenly looked more lively, sending Mitsuri and Shinobu a crooked smile as he bowed before them.
âMeet the new recruit! This is Kaigaku, he will be training under me to be a protector of the royal family. He shows promise thus far!â
âThank you sir,â Kaigaku said, his eyes not straying from where the royal couple stood, âI want to give my all to serve the noble Kanroji family.â
âThank you for your service,â Mitsuri acknowledged, âMy family greatly appreciates such dedication.â
âOh Princess, I assure you,â Kaigaku grins, âitâs an honor to be within these castle walls.â
Kyoujirou chatted with Mitsuri for a few minutes before they had to go. Mitsuri showed them out with a smile that only held long enough for her to close the door. She turned to Shinobu who was looking over the balcony railing, head hung low.
***
The war waged on for another two months, but Mitsuri knew that they were approaching the turning point in their favor if what her overheard her father say was anything to go by. So she decided that now was the time to finally pull Prince Shinobuâs secret out of him. She could feel the strain in her heart taking over more times than not. It was clear to Mitsuri now, that if they continued to dance around this matter, she wouldnât be able to take the ache much longer.
She walked into their chamberâs office and couldnât help but smile faintly, watching from the doorway as Prince Shinobu diligently wrote a letter to his sisters.
Seeming to sense her presence, Shinobuâs quill paused, and turned to give Mitsuri a weary smile of her own.
âMitsuri, do you need something?â She asked despite knowing that they have only rehashed the same conversation for the last few days.
âI canât keep going like this, Shinobu.â Mitsuri murmured, taking a seat at her desk. âYou canât either.â
âI told you, I cannot tell you until after the war.â Shinobu frowned.
âWhat does the war have to do with our marriage? Anything you have to tell me, you can tell me now.â
âOur marriage exists because of the war, Mitsuri.â Shinobu reminded, rubbing at her forehead. âItâs what unites our kingdoms against Muzan. If we fall apart now, all will be lost.â
âWhy canât you trust me!â Mitsuri cried out, startling Shinobu. She never heard Mitsuri raise her voice out of anger or frustration, âIâm not so childish as to walk away from this. Thousands would be killed if our kingdoms split. Iâm not stupid, Shinobu!â
âOf course you arenât stupid!â Shinobu rose her voice in return, âI just⌠I canât tell you right now.â Shinobu tried to take Mitsuriâs hand in a comforting manner, but Mitsuri pulled back and stood up, fighting back tears as she ran out of the office and out of their chambers.
âMitsuri, wait!â Shinobu threw her quill down, ink splattering across her half finished letter. Her legs got caught in her chair as she tried to stand up and she lost balance and fell. With a string of curses, she kicked the chair away and and got back to her feet, running out into the hall.
Shinobu looked both ways, and felt helplessness fall over her like a weighted blanket. Mitsuri was already gone, but she couldnât be far. She had to find her, console her somehow. Shinobu knew it was hard, she was hurting too, but Mitsuri would just have to understand that she couldnât tell her who she was just yet. Shinobu chose a direction and ran as fast as her legs could carry her.
Mitsuri kept running until she made it into the solarium and collapsed face down into the cushy chaise lounge chair, sobs shaking her entire body. Eventually she tired, and moved to lay on her back. Usually the solarium would make her feel better, but Shinobu had made a little plant nursery in the room that had Mitsuri wanting to cry all over again.
âWhy canât he trust me?â Mitsuri whispered hoarsely, reaching out to stoke a delicate leaf with her finger. âCanât he see how much I love him?â
âPrincess Mitsuri, are you alright?â
Mitsuri sat up and wiped at her tears, forcing a smile to her face.
âOh, Kaigaku, hello. Iâm fine, just a little stressed. You know, war and allâŚâ
âAh, I can sympathize with that. Would you like some company, Princess? Iâm a good listener.â Kaigaku asked, already drawing closer. âCaptain Kyoujirou has been putting me threw the wringer, but I have a break right now. Is Prince Shinobu around?â
âHeâs writing to his sisters right now. I hope you donât find me rude, but I came here to be alone.â
Kaigaku laughs, and Mitsuri jumps in her seat and harshness of the sound, her forehead wrinkles as she asks, âWhat is so funny?â
âYou are a really hard person to catch alone, you know that?â Kaigaku sighs, Mitsuri gasps when he pulls a knife from a leather sheath in his jacket. âI thought Iâd only have to suffer here a week tops, but two months? Lord Muzan was getting impatient with me so thank you for finally giving me this opportunity.â
âYouâre working for Muzan?!â Mitsuri attempts to stand but when Kaigaku points to knife at her she sits back, angled as far away from the knife as she can be.
âYou just sit right there and look pretty alright? I have a lot to get off my chest right now, you know? âBe nice to have someone to monologue to a bit.â Kaigaku flips the knife between his hands.
âYou see Princess, your little marriage uniting the Kanrojis and the Kochous has really put a damper on Lord Muzanâs plans. We never would have thought that after a three hundred year feud, your kingdoms would ever see eye to eye. Itâs infuriating, annoying, but,â he points the knife back at Mitsuri, âItâs a fragile bond.â
âIf something were to happen to you, the King would be devastated, wouldnât he? Treaty be damned, he would wreak justice on whomever he believed responsible, wouldnât he?â
âWhy would our union with the Kochous suffer for something you did to me?â Mitsuri asked, her expression now stern even in the face of danger.
âMe?â Kaigaku feigned disbelief, dropping the act in his next breath, âIâm not here, Iâm resting in my room after all the drills that airhead Kyoujirou put me through. Kochou on the other hand, heâs almost always with you, isnât he?â
âNo!â Mitsuri could see where this was going, âHe is a kind and gentle man! No one would believe such a thing!â
âBut they will, because grief does things to people. It wonât help that I snagged this knife off of a Kochou soldierâs corpse when I was on the front lines. Still has the poison and everything.â
âDonât do this, please!â Mitsuri subtly grabbed the lounge pillow beside her, she needed to time this just rightâŚ
âDonât worry, Iâm sure your precious husband will be joining you shortly!â Kaigaku thrusted the knife forward and at the same time, Mitsuri flung the pillow, causing Kaigaku to stab through the chaise lounge instead. Using the momentary surprise to her advantage, she kicked Kaigaku in the stomach as hard as she could and tumbled out of his reach, rushing towards the door.
âGet back here, bitch!â Kaigaku wheezed, why was that girlâs kick so strong? He wrenched the knife from the chaise and ran after her, cursing when he hears her yelling for help in the hallway.
It becomes a bit of a game of cat and mouse, until Mitsuri trips on her dress and tumbles to the floor. To make matters worse, she caught her forehead on a table on the way down, shattering a vase as well. Mitsuri groaned, putting a hand to her forehead and finding it wet.
Kaigaku smirked, closing the distance he assumed that the wide-eyed look Mitsuri wore was one of fear, not surprise at the person who was rushing behind him.
âGet away from her, you bastard!â
A weight crashes against his back, a flower pot, tiny arms pummle and pull at his back and Kaigaku turns with a dark chuckle, shoving Shinobu into the nearest wall, hard.
âWell, well, well, if it isnât the little Prince. What a daring display, too bad you were born with all the ferocity of a kitten!â He spat, turning back to Mitsuri, he rose the knife, stumbling back a bit when Shinobu wrapped her arms around him in an attempt to keep him away from Mitsuri. âGet off me, damn it!â
Kaigaku wrenched himself free, all but throwing Shinobu at Mitsuri. The couple struggled to help each other to their feet. He could hear voices now, metal clanking and leather stretching, armed men sprinting down the hall. Damn it! He had failed. They would all know! He snarled, no. He hadnât failed yet, it wasnât the way Lord Muzan wanted, but he could still kill the Princess!
âHalt!â Kyoujirou roared behind him, still not close enough. Tengen and Makio close on his heels.
The knife flew out of Kaigakuâs hand at high velocity, aimed squarely at the Princess, it was a flawless throw⌠If only the Prince hadnât gotten in the way! Kaigaku had no time to react as he was thrown to the ground by General Tengen. He still didnât fail, right? Once the Prince died, surely it would destroy the morale of the Kochou troops. Lord Muzan would come for him, right?
âShinobu!â Mitsuri cried, dropping to kneel beside her Prince, hands shaking as she moved to grab the knife embedded in his chest.
âDonât touch it.â Shinobu instructed between heavy breaths. âJust leave it to me, okay?â
âShinobu, itâs poisoned!â Mitsuri cried harder, âYou need to take it out now!â
âDonât worry, I recognized the blade. Iâve encountered this poison more times than I can count in my lab back home. It wonât have much affect on me.â
âGet Doctor Tamayo, Makio!â Tengen yelled, âYou, inform the King and Queen! And you, get the rest of the royal family on lock down. Kyoujirou, I need you to summon all staff and guard. If there was one mole, there might be more. Heyâ! Stay put Prince Shinobu, you shouldnât be moving!â
âI can take care of myself!â Shinobu shouted, more as a response to pain and stress than because of Tengen himself.
âWhere are you going?â Mitsuri stumbled, chasing after Shinobu with a slight limp.
âI can fix myself, Mitsuri. Just stay here and wait for the doctor, you have a nasty cut on your head.â
âIâm not letting you go alone!â
âPlease!â Shinobu shouted.
âNo!â Mitsuri shouted in return, âGeneral Tengen, we will be in our chambers, have someone send word to Makio to send her there!â
âYes, Princess!â Tengen growled. It was not what he thought was wise, but his forces were spread thin as it stood and he had Kaigaku to deal with. âBe vigilant!â
Mitsuri nodded and without warning, lifted Shinobu into her arms and moved as quickly as she could through the hallway. When they made it to their chambers, Mitsuri took Prince Shinobu to his room, setting him carefully onto the bed.
âWhat do you need?â Mitsuri asked, buzzing with nervous energy.
âI can take care of myself. Wait outside, please.â Shinobu groaned, wiping a thin sheen of sweat from her brow.
âIâm not letting you do this alone. Iâm stronger than you, I wonât let you push me out anymore!â Mitsuri said resolutely. She pushed Shinobu to lay fully against the bed with as little force as she could. âWhat do you need?â
âMitsuri, please goââ
âNo!â Mitsuri towered over Shinobu, âNo more hiding! We are married! This is a partnership and we are in this together!â Mitsuri breathed heavily, âYou saved my life, you brave, stupid man. Let me help you now, or it will kill me!â
âI⌠Under the sink, everything I need should be in a box under the sink.â Shinobu hissed, lightly probing the site around the knife.
Mitsuri ducked into the bathroom a big, white box immediately caught her attention and she rushed back to the bedroom, screaming when she saw Prince Shinobu sitting up. He had removed the knife and a few of his top layers leaving just in a white undershirt stained with blood.
âWhat did you do?!â Mitsuri scrambled to the bed unsure what to do herself, she opened the box and started frantically tossing everything onto the bed.
âIt wasnât as deep as I thought it was. Please stop throwing my supplies everywhere. Iâll be okay, I just need a few stitches.â Shinobu tried to soothe Mitsuriâs nerves with a smile. âCan you do something for me, Mitsuri?â
âOf course, anything! Do you need a blood transfusion? Take mine!â
âThough I admire your heart sweet girl, I donât know if our blood types are compatible, nor do I need blood at this point. I have a lot of supplies here, but what I really need is a good antiseptic. Make sure the Doctor brings me some?â
âI donât want to leave youâŚâ Mitsuri was torn, surely Doctor Tamayo would bring such things with her without being told.
âIâll be alright, I promise. Iâm not going anywhere.â Shinobu ran her fingers down Mitsuriâs cheek, knowing the girl responded best to gentle touches.
âOkay,â Mitsuri nodded, âIâll be so quick, you wonât even know I was gone!â
âBe careful, have her check your head. You might need stitches too.â
Mitsuri was already out of the door and halfway down the hall before Shinobu could finish speaking. Shinobu took in a shaky breath. Sheâd have to finish this quickly before Mitsuri came back. She unbuttoned her shirt and shrugged it off her shoulders, tossing it into the pile. Then she cut through her binder with scissors from her medical kit. With teeth bared, she peeled it away from her bloodied skin. The wound was below her left collarbone near her heart. Luckily, she had been wearing several layers as the weather grew colder. She shivered, taking out her own antiseptic, dampening a cloth, she pressed it to the wound.
âShinobu!â
No
Mitsuri was frazzled running through the halls she needed to find Doctor Tamayo and make sure she brought⌠what did Shinobu ask for again? Damn it! Mitsuri ran back to her chambers twice as fast, calling Shinobuâs name.
âWhat did you say you neeeeâ breasts!â Mitsuriâs mouth nearly dropped to the floor. Shinobu tried fruitlessly to cover up, but it was obviously too late. Mitsuri just kept opening and closing her mouth, intermittently gesturing towards Shinobuâs chest, now hidden away behind a blanket.
âMitsuri, I can explain,â
âAre⌠Are you a woman, Shinobu?â Mitsuri crawled into the bed, stopping just in front of Shinobu, her forehead wrinkled as the cogs turned in her brain.
Shinobu pursed her lips and nodded her head. She tried to turn away, unwilling to watch Mitsuriâs reaction. However, Mitsuri reached out and caught her cheek, keeping her in place.
âThis is what youâve been hiding; what you have been so worried about.â Mitsuri deduced. âYou arenât a Prince, youâre a Princess! Princess Shinobu! Wait, is your name Shinobu?â
âYes. I was honest to you about everything except this.â Shinobu said, gesturing at herself sullenly, her breathing becoming more erratic as the fact that everything was out in the open now hit her.
âHey, hey! Shinobu, breathe! Itâs okay!â Mitsuri cooed, stroking Shinobuâs cheeks with her warm, strong hands. âIs it your wound? Does it hurt terribly?â
Shinobu released a watery chuckle, âYou are unbelievable. Arenât you upset?â
âAt you? Heavens no Shinobu, of course not! Kaigaku on the other hand,â Mitsuriâs eyebrows furrowed deeply, âI hope father has a special place in the dungeons for him.â
There was a knock on the door and Shinobu jolted back, nearly hitting the back of her head on the headboard of the bed. Mitsuri was quick to soothe, pressing her forehead against Shinobuâs while whispering assurances.
âItâs okay, Doctor Tamayo can be trusted to be discreet. No one else has to know yet if you arenât ready. Youâre safe here with me. I wonât let anything happen to you, I promise.â Mitsuri dragged her forehead to Shinobuâs temple, kissing her cheek before pulling away all together. âWill you trust me?â
Unable to find her words under the tightness in her throat, Shinobu nodded. Once again amazed by the extent of Mitsuriâs care for her, Prince or not.
Mitsuri slid off the bed and strode across the room, opening the door just as the concerned looking Doctor was poised to try the door knob.
âPrincess!â Tamayo notes the young womanâs appearance with great care. âHow is the Prince fairing? You look like you could use a stitch or two yourself.â
âIâll be fine, help the⌠the Prince first, but um, Doctor Tamayo, you must keep what you see unrelated to the wound to yourself.â
âWhatever do you mean, Princess?â Tamayo asked, already moving around her to attend to Shinobu.
âUhhh, youâll know it when you see itâŚâ Mitsuri laughed awkwardly, quickly moving back to sit on the bed beside Shinobu. She put an arm around her, pulling Shinobuâs head into her side, she stroked Shinobuâs hair to comfort her as Tamayo moved in.
âOh,â Tamayoâs eyes spark with understanding as she drew back the blanket, âI see.â She cleared her throat, âYou did well cleaning the wound, as expected from Kochou Royalty, lay back and I will stitch you up. I expect Iâll need no more than eight, maybe even less. You were very lucky the knife did not penetrate very deep Prince⌠Princess. I suspect you can handle the poison, or do you have an antidote you would allow me to administer?â
âThe purple pill bottle, just one should be enough for my side effects. Thank you.â Shinobu said, her voice hoarse as Mitsuri helped her to lay flat on the bed.
âAnd thank you,â Tamayo said in kind, readying to suture the wound closed, âfor protecting Princess Mitsuri.â
âShe may not be a Prince, but she makes an incredibly heroic knight!â Mitsuri chimed in, grinning when Shinobu turned away from her, the red shell of her ear still very visible.
âTry not to stimulate her up too much, she needs to relax. Also, you may want to look away, Princess. Iâm ready to close her up.â Tamayo warned, knowing very well that such things gave Mitsuri, as she herself put it, the heebie jeebies. âPerhaps, you should begin dabbing the blood from your face if you think you can handle it.â
âRight!â Mitsuri shuddered, âIâll be in the bathroom, call if you need me Shinobu!â She squeezed Shinobuâs shoulder and darted into the bathroom.
Shinobuâs eyes stayed firmly on the bathroom door as Tamayo worked on her. Whatever local anesthetic the Doctor administered was expertly crafted as she hardly felt a thing at all.
âOnly needed six,â Tamayo murmured with a positive lilt in her tone, âwhen it heals, the scar might not even be noticeable.â
âI appreciate that,â Shinobu said distractedly. âCould you check on Mitsuri, please.â
âAlready on my way.â Tamayo smiled softly.
Tamayo helped Mitsuri finish cleaning her wound. She needed two sitches, but luckily didnât have a concussion. She did, however, twist her ankle a bit and needed to keep it iced and elevated when she made it back to the bed beside Shinobu.
âI suspect your family will be banging down the doors before long, Princess,â Tamayo turned to face Shinobu, âIs there anything in particular I can get you to wear? Something not too tight on the chest?â
âA loose nightshirt I suppose,â Shinobu sighed tiredly, pointing at the one of the lower levels of the dresser, âif I keep the blanket over me as well, that should provide enough of a barrier.â
âHere, Iâll help!â Mitsuri took the shirt Tamayo found and helped Shinobu into it. She smoothed out the fabric and fussed over Shinobuâs hair. When she was pleased, she kissed the top of Shinobuâs head and lowered her back into the pillows, snuggling up beside her.
âWeâre ready, thank you again, Doctor Tamayo!â Mitsuri said.
âOf course, Princess. Should either of you need anything, please donât hesitate to summon me.â Tamayo packed away her supplies and bowed before taking her leave.
Not long after, the girls were woken abruptly from their dozing by a handful of loud voices and tromping feet making their way into their chambers.
âMitsu!â King Kanroji cried, bursting through the bedroom door without knocking. âMy baby girl, your poor head!â
âDonât crowd them dear, remember what Doctor Tamayo said.â Queen Kanroji warned, though she also rushed in to pet her daughterâs hair.
âAnd you!â King Kanroji focused in on Shinobu, âYou, my boy, I canât thank you enough! You saved my daughter, I owe you my life.â
âI would do it all again, your majesty.â Shinobu quietly proclaimed. She was too tired to say much more. Mitsuri looked at her as if she would start crying again.
âI have sent word of what happened here today to your mother. Once it is safe to do so, your family will come to the castle to see you. With all the information we squeezed out of Kaigaku, that should happen sooner rather than later.â King Kanroji explained.
âThank you.â Shinobu winced as one of Mitsuriâs siblings crawled over her legs.
âFather, although I am very happy to see you all, Shinobu and I are quite tired.â Mitsuri said, her tone gentle. She removed her sister from Shinobuâs knees and shot her an apologetic smile.
âAh, yes,â King Kanroji cleared his throat, âIâll have Suma send in dinner later. If you need anything, I have Kyoujirou posted outside your chambers until Tengen finishes getting information from Kaigaku.â
âRest well darlings.â Queen Kanroji began corralling the rest of her children towards the door.
When the door finally closed, Shinobu relaxed, nearly falling asleep, she flinched when Mitsuri touched her shoulder.
âSorry!â Mitsuri panicked, âDid that hurt?â
âNo, just surprised me,â Shinobu turned towards Mitsuri, âWhat is it?â
âAh, nothing really.â Mitsuri blushed. She had always been one to show her affection through touch more than anything else.
âOkay.â
Mitsuri thought that would be the end of that, but a little while later, Shinobu whispered,
âSo, what does this mean for us now?â
âHm? What does what mean?â Mitsuri blinked.
âYou know I lied about being a man. What should we do about our marriage?â Shinobu asked. Although she didnât really want to know, it was better to just rip the bandaid off now than wait.
âHm? Isnât it fine the way it is?â
âIs it? Iâm a woman. You and your family didnât exactly know that before agreeing to this. Donât stay with me because you feel obligated after Iââ
âShinobu,â Mitsuri covered Shinobuâs mouth with her hand, âdonât you dare finish that sentence. Whether you are a man or a woman or not quite either, that is such a small thing, it hardly matters to me. I didnât fall in love with you because I thought you were a man, I fell in love all the little things, everything that makes you, you!â Mitsuri leaned over Shinobu, faces inches apart, her eyes not hiding even an ounce of the love she held for the woman below her.
âI love how you play with my siblings. When you talk to your plants when you think no one is paying attention. How your nose wrinkles and your eyebrows furrow when you get grumpy. The way you hum to yourself when we go on walks. How you kiss my forehead and cover me with a blanket when you think Iâve fallen asleep on the chaise. The little smile you get when youâre about to say something clever and the glimmer in your eyes when you tease⌠I love it all, there is so much I havenât even begun to cover yet.â Mitsuri slowly dragged her hand away from Shinobuâs lips, letting it linger in the space between Shinobuâs jaw and neck. Shinobu stared up at her, mesmerized.
âYou said before, that if what you revealed to me does not change what I feel for you, then nothing would make you happier than to feel my lips upon yours,â her thumb brushed against Shinobuâs bottom lip, making her chest hitch, âmay I make you happy, Princess Shinobu?â
âPlease,â Shinobu whispered, already breathless.
Mitsuri needed no more assurance, finally closing the distance between them. Shinobu gradually weaved her fingers through Mitsuriâs hair, she had never felt so warm.
***
One month after that faithful afternoon, Muzanâs forces were eradicated and the man himself was killed in battle. Finally, the Kochouâs were on their way to see Shinobu again and celebrate the allied kingdoms victory over the tyrant Muzan.
Shinobu and Mitsuri had continued to be discreet about Shinobuâs gender during that time. However as victory became more certain, they discussed how to tell everyone. They decided it would be a surprise for everyone to do the reveal when Shinobuâs family was set to arrive.
âThat looks so good on you!â Mitsuri admired, spinning around Shinobu to see every angle. âDo you like it?â
âYes,â Shinobu smiled, smoothing down her skirts. âThough pants are still more practical, itâs nice to have the choice. I must say, I am rather nervous.â
âDonât be nervous! Just imagine everyoneâs faces when we walk down arm in arm in our beautiful dresses!â
âGods, you are so cute. I can hardly stand it.â Shinobu said. She kissed Mitsuriâs cheek before crossing the room to retrieve her shoes.
A round of knocks mingled with Mitsuriâs elated squeals.
âPrincess Mitsuri, Prince Shinobu, our guests of honor have arrived!â Kyoujirou yelled.
Mitsuri wiggled over to Shinobu and offered her hand.
âReady for first blood?â Shinobu smirked.
Mitsuri laughed and nodded in reply before announcing to Kyoujirou that they were ready. They exited their chambers with wide grins, watching Kyoujirou gape at them for a solid ten seconds before releasing a good-natured, hearty laugh.
âWhat a surprise! I had no time idea! Right this way then!â Kyoujirou motioned for the couple to walk in front of him, chuckling jovially as they made their way to the stairs.
âKochous, welcome!â King Kanroji welcomed with open arms. His wife at his side, tried to corral the youngest children who were running around the horses.
âKanroji, a pleasure.â Queen Kochou greeted, though it was clear that something else was on her mind, âWhere is my son?â
âHe and Mitsuri should be coming out any second, attached at the hip those two.â Queen Kanroji answered warmly while picking up a wriggling child.
âThatâs nice to hear.â King Consort Kochou smiled shyly, Kanae and Kanao looking restless at his sides.
âAh, there is Kyoujirou. They canât be too far behind.â King Kanroji said, directing everyoneâs attention to the castle entrance.
âNow presenting, the royal couple! Princess Mitsuri Kanroji-Kochou and Princess Shinobu Kanroji-Kochou!â Kyoujirouâs voice commanded the space, a large smile clearly visible on his face at the surprised looks all around.
âKyou, you had one job!â King Kanroji yelled looking utterly embarrassed, âDonât emasculate the man in front of everyone he knoooooOOOOOOOAAAHHHH!?!??â
Mitsuri and Shinobu came into view, practically falling over each other as they laughed. The varied reactions across the lawn were priceless, but King Kanrojiâs sputtering was the greatest of all.
Kanae was the quickest to recover, and ran over to Shinobu in a heartbeat, sweeping her little sister off the ground in a tight embrace and twirling her around.
âI told you it would all work out, didnât I?â Kanae smiled, finally putting her sister down, but not letting her go.
âThen what are you crying for?â Shinobu scoffed, ignoring the tears that escaped her own eyes as she held Kanae just as tight,
âI havenât gotten to see my baby sister in nearly half a year, of course Iâm going to be emotional.â
âHi Shinobu.â Kanao quietly made her presence known, looking down at her hands as she wrung them together.
Kanae pushed Shinobu at Kanao and started in on Mitsuri, hugging her tightly and officially welcoming her to the family.
âHi Kanao,â Shinobu huffed, gathering her up in her arms, âI turn my back for a second and you decide to have a growth spurt. So unfair.â
âSorry.â Kanao said, though she looked anything but, bending her knees to give Shinobu a little height on her.
âYou pulled a fast one on me Kochou.â King Kanroji grumbled, though he watched the scene unfolding in front of him with soft eyes.
âPerhaps,â Queen Kochou smiled, watching her husband run into the fray to sweep Shinobu into his arms. Queen Kanroji and Mitsuriâs younger siblings had also joined in to become more acquainted. âBut would you rather have had it any other way?â
âNo, I suppose not.â He gestured for her to follow him, âCome on, give your son, er, daughter a hug. Or are you scared Iâll see you cry?â
âHardly.â Queen Kochou chuckled, spreading her arms out wide to catch her middle child when she came soaring at her. âMy brave little butterfly, Iâve missed you so.â
âI missed you too,â Shinobu said, âso much.â
âAlright, alright,â King Kanroji called, âletâs take this love fest inside, Suma will get cross if the food cools before we get there.â He watched Mitsuri link back up with Shinobu, greeting his greatest rival, now her mother-in-law, with nervous energy. âDonât think Iâve forgotten you little miss. Conspirators the lot of you!â He said, only holding out for so long before chuckling along to Mitsuri and Shinobuâs giggles.
After a lively meal and an evening of games, the Kochous were shown to their guest rooms for the evening. When Kanae heard about Shinobu and Mitsuriâs shared chambers, she wiggled her eyebrows at Shinobu which earned her a hard punch to the shoulder. Mitsuri couldnât help but grin upon seeing her wifeâs flushed face and coaxed her into their room before she could bruise her sister any further.
âShe is so annoying. I swear I didnât miss her at all.â Shinobu grumbled, not convincing anyone that her ire was genuine.
âItâs the big sisterâs job to tease. I would know.â Mitsuri said, tickling Shinobuâs sides before the shorter girl batted her hands away.
âHmph, sympathizing with the enemy I see. Well then you can go take a bath by yourself tonight.â Shinobu stuck up her nose at Mitsuri and began walking to her old bedroom that she hadnât personally slept within in weeks. Mitsuri latched onto her back before she could get too far.
âNooo! Shinobu, donât go!â Mitsuri pouted, nuzzling and peppering small kisses on the back of Shinobuâs neck until the grumpy girl caved in.
âFine, fine,â Shinobu sighed, turning in Mitsuriâs arms. Mitsuri on the other hand, seemed more than happy to lavish the column of Shinobuâs neck with attention than to head to the bathroom to start filling the tub. âMitsuri, the bath?â Shinobu tried halfheartedly to remind her.
âMaybe bed first?â Mitsuri asked coyly, her fingers fiddling with the back of Shinobuâs dress. Her head dipped further down to kiss the faint scar on her chest.
Shinobu rested her lips on the small scar near Mitsuriâs hairline in return, âI suppose Iâm not against the idea.â
That was all Mitsuri needed to sweep Shinobu off of her feet. Her mouth occupied and her vision obscured, Mitsuri used her memory to navigate to their bedroom and revel in the love they shared.




