"Whoa there, babe," Shinpachi grabbed the glass of alcoholic cider she'd mistakened for non-alcoholic apple cider from her hand as he wrapped his arm around he waist to support her up.
"Shiiiiiiiin~~," She slurred and grabbed his arm to lightly bite it, causing him to flush and look around as he led her out of the party that her co-workers from the prosecutor's office were throwing in honor of fall.
"Dumplin, please," He sighed as Etsu wrapped her arms around his neck as he hoisted her in his arms like a bride.
"Let's go home an' DO STUFF," She hiccuped and promptly passed out in the passenger seat after Shinpachi put her seatbelt on with a grin.
Pairings: Shin is in love...but with whom? That’s the question!
Rating: T
Summary: Shinpachi knew it was only a matter of time before Sano and Heisuke figured out why he’d been avoiding their drinking excursions recently...but he wasn’t exactly ready for them to find out like this. Featuring baka trio shenanigans and one flustered bandana boy
Written for the lovely @eheartangel. Happy Birthday!!!! :D
Thank you so much to @hakuyamazakisensei for betaing!
.*Keeping Good Company*.
...He’d been followed.
But that was the least of his worries.
Shinpachi had always been insufficient at concealing whatever blend of emotions that cascaded across the colorful landscape of his mind, and from the expressions his friends wore, it was clear that now was no anomaly. Unlike theirs of conspicuous amusement however, he suspected his own was comprised of two parts shock to one part dread.
But what, specifically, it was that caused such feeling had evaded him, while he attempted to keep up a front and grasped frenzied for mental straws. Certainly, it was mortifying to have been trailed without even noticing it. But that Sano and Heisuke had done said trailing, and that they both were standing before him here was...simply unthinkable. Because she...
...Well, she...
One lower eyelid twitched before he got carried away. Okay. Indeed, maybe it was a combination of all those things creating this perfect storm of exactly what Shinpachi had not wanted to happen. Still reeling with indecision on how to handle a now very uncomfortable--very precarious--situation, his spine remained perfectly straight and without blinking, he kept his mouth drawn in a taut line.
Time was ticking and options were running out. Shinpachi reckoned he had less than half a minute to do something to ameliorate this trouble and avoid an imminent disaster...because it would be a disaster. Perhaps he could put a chummy arm around each man’s shoulder and lead them outside with a friendly laugh? Maybe...add a promise that he’d catch up with them soon after? He could devise some rational excuse for it, surely, and just deal with the consequences later.
It was a half-baked plan but good enough for the moment. Alas, however, those seconds spent in frantic plotting were several too long and just as Shinpachi was about to put it all into play, the chance was missed.
Sano remained unyielding, standing with weight distributed evenly on both feet and heavy hands clasped to his hips. His posture radiated an ominous aura, but the makings of a smirk betrayed the aggression in his stance. The sing-song tone that sentenced Shinpachi’s plot to its end didn’t much help ease the mood. “So? Let’s have it.”
“Have...what?” Shinpachi blurted out and finding himself back on the defensive. “There’s nothing to...” Ugh. “I’m just gonna eat dinner, so--”
A dramatic eye roll preceded the dismissive shrug of his shoulders as Sano turned to the polar opposite at his right. Unlike his strong stance, Heisuke balanced on tiptoes and pivoted about, looking around the small establishment with curious wide eyes. A finger had been pressed to his bottom lip.
“Hnn~?” he hummed softly, and then spoke as though the party in question wasn’t even present. “This is where Shinpat-san’s been hiding out lately?”
“Mm, mm.” Sano nodded and while folding his arms, also pursed his lips. “Ain’t no Shimabara, that’s for sure.”
Panic jolted through every nerve in Shinpachi’s body at the mention of that name and he leapt to his feet, his chair scraping over wooden floorboards and nearly toppling. “Look, do you two mind?!”
“Mind?!” Closing his eyes, the pearly whites flashed with a toothy grin. Sano drew back the seat across the table and dropped into it. “Not at all, Shin! Never thought you’d ask!”
“I didn’t mean--”
“Na, Heisuke.” Sano clapped him on the arm and then pulled out the chair beside him. “It’s on Shin tonight.”
“Wait, who said that--”
“Ohh!! Really?!” Beaming, Heisuke clasped his palms and readily accepted the invitation. Once sitting, he rocked side-to-side with the corners of his lips pulling far into his cheeks. “So generous of Shinpat-san! Maybe it’s his apology for blowing us off all the time!”
Both sets of eyes snapped open when a pair of fists pounded against the surface of the table. With his head hanging, Shinpachi managed a voice that succeeded in being calm, low, and threatening all at once. “You two...would you please just leave and I’ll explain everything later? There’s no time to--”
“Ara?!” Once again, he was interrupted, but this time by a middle-aged woman ducking through the noren curtains which hung before the kitchen entrance. “Welcome! I’m sorry to keep you waiting!” Tray in hand, her feet pattered across the floor in a rush.
“Nagakura-han, I didn’t know you were expecting company this time!” she sang as she placed his sake before him.
Sano’s brows shot up and his face cocked, shooting a knowing look at Shinpachi when she’d used the words ‘this time.’
“I’ll bring more sake. Kindly wait a moment.”
Shinpachi raised his hand in protest. “N-No, that’s--”
“Thank you!” Sano offered the woman a nod. His lashes fell and a warm smile overtook his lips as he purred, “I’m sorry for the trouble.”
“Oh, it’s no trouble at all. I’ll return shortly.” She bowed her head and hurried off.
Sano’s smugness met Shinpachi’s wrath when their eyes found each other again.
“Something up your ass, Shin?”
“Leave it to you to flirt with a middle-aged married woman,” Shinpachi grated with a scowl.
“Flirting?!” Sano chuckled. “I think you’re a little bit confused there.” He tossed his head back and shook out his red locks. “This is just how I am.” When he smiled, his teeth might have sparkled. “Or since we haven’t hung out in awhile, maybe you forgot?”
Heisuke’s lashes had fallen again by this time and he was back to rocking with aimless abandon in his chair. “Well, it doesn’t surprise me at all, honestly. Sano goes for all kinds of girls. Even the ones that aren’t. Ahah! Shinpat-san! You remember that one geisha that was actually--OW!!”
A hard pull to his ponytail stole the words right from Heisuke’s mouth. “Heisuke, I wouldn’t talk if I were you, since I recall you being awfully jealous that night.”
“Agh, S-S-S-Sano-san!” Heisuke rasped as he spoke, twisting and fighting to free his hair.
“All right.”
The indignant snap from across the table had both going still as statues, and if Shinpachi weren’t so agitated, he might have found the scene of his best friends frozen mid-fight amusing. Unfortunately, a laugh was the furthest thing from his mind, as he sat with his brows drawn inward and arms crossed tightly before his chest.
“Can you guys just...” His gaze broke off to some obscure point at the side. A breathy sigh left him then, realizing he had nothing left to do but relent. One hand broke free and rubbed at the nearest temple. “Can you just stop already? Stop.”
Their interest was understandable after all and if the situation were different, Shinpachi knew damn well he’d act in similar fashion--taking one of the two as wingman and hunting the other down until they figured out what he was up to. Some of the tension dissipated on that silent admission, and he finally sought the pair again. “I’ll...explain. Just...” He shifted and then murmured, “Not here.”
Thankfully, this seemed to pacify the scene right in time. Sano and Heisuke relaxed back into their individual spaces, just as the same woman from earlier hurried out from the back again.
“Here you are,” she announced, placing one decanter and cup each before Sano and Heisuke. “Would you like to drink a while before your meal?”
Shinpachi nodded. “Yes, please.”
“Shall I pour?”
“No worries.”
She smiled. “Of course. Take your time and enjoy!” And with that, she left them once again to their own devices.
Ignoring how Sano’s attention followed her a second time, Shinpachi glowered at the sake on the table and reached for the nearest vessel. He filled Sano’s cup first and then Heisuke’s, and next held out his own while Heisuke returned the honors.
“Cheers,” he droned, sounding anything but. Shinpachi’s eyes rolled back with his head and he pounded the first down. And as the silence unexpectedly dragged out, hope rose within him that it would continue until at least--
“You know...”
Of course, Sano wouldn’t simply let it go. Annoyed, Shinpachi righted his chin and his lashes parted again. He focused on his friend sipping his own drink conservatively (strange, as they all had a penchant for inhaling their alcohol--or so Shinpachi remembered. Had it really been that long?), while Heisuke reached over to once more fill his cup.
“I thought this was all about about a woman.” Amber eyes met his. “Is it?”
Heisuke leaned in closer at that, never one to miss out on juicy gossip and especially not if it involved someone close to him. Shinpachi’s gaze drifted to those eager blue eyes on him, then sucked his teeth and tossed his face to the side. “What gives you that idea?”
“Well.” Huffing a laugh, Sano lowered his cup. “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen you being so polite to anyone in my life.”
“Really, Shinpat-san?!” Heisuke breathed. “Is that what’s going on?!” He pushed his lips out and looked to the ceiling while he mumbled on. “Hn, but didn’t you say she’s married? I mean, that’s your business, I guess, but--”
Shinpachi felt his face twist. “What?!” He blinked at the revelation of his friends imagining him cavorting about with the older lady who’d served them. “You mean...” he stammered and his eyes went wide. “You think I’m...?!”
“Well...” Sano’s brows were up again. “I mean...are you?”
“No!” Shinpachi denied vehemently. “No. I mean...” His lashes fell and he finally accepted defeat. “Not with her anyway. Definitely, definitely not with her. You guys are so--”
“Ah, so there is a her?”
Groaning, Shinpachi’s palm met his forehead and he swept it back through his hair. “Maybe,” he mumbled, looking down to his sake for a beat and then his tone resumed its usual strength. “Maybe. But for the last time, can you quit grilling me? I said I’d explain everything soon.”
“Yes! I’ll be right back for that!” For the tenth time that day, Shinpachi found himself once again interrupted...but it was by a different voice this time, soft and sweet, which echoed from the kitchen.
And that’s when she scurried through the noren. His focus immediately set on her as she stumbled in place, clearly surprised to see he had company. Naturally, that whet the interests of Sano and Heisuke, who peered over their shoulders to witness the awkward unfolding moment.
She was a young woman, refined and lovely, even while dressed in a drab kimono for serving patrons. A blink and a moment later found her recovering, and she made her way over to their table with a tray of food.
“Welcome,” she bade softly, avoiding everyone’s eyes and placing several dishes down. Her lips parted as if she were about to say something, but all she managed was an inhale--clearly catching herself from saying whatever she’d originally intended.
“Na--Nagakura-han.” The name sounded foreign. “My mother sent these dishes out for you...A little something to snack on.” Keeping her head bowed, it was obvious that she hadn’t been informed he wasn’t alone.
Tension filled the space, with Heisuke (blushing slightly as he was) looking from the woman to Shinpachi, to Sano, and then back to her. And that’s when Shinpachi finally let his spine relax. His lashes fell and he exhaled with a smile.
“Well...” he relented.
“I’ll...” she suddenly interjected, “I’ll return. Mother has one more dish for you.” With a bow, her feet carried her quickly back to the kitchen.
“So, Shin...” Sano was smiling softly. “About that explanation...”
“About that...”
Sano huffed and closed his eyes. He lifted the cup to his lips and before he downed it, said, “No need.”
“Shinpat-san!” Heisuke gaped. “Why didn’t you tell us?!”
“I mean...” Shinpachi reached over to pour more sake for Sano. “I dunno, I didn’t really mean to exactly keep anything from you. I just didn’t know how you guys would react, is all...especially since I guess...” His voice dropped. “I guess I really haven’t been spending much time with you.”
“Oh, please. You just didn’t want us to give you hell for being a married man.”
“Psht, married?” Shinpachi asked weakly. “I’m not married...”
“You will be,” Sano said with a laugh. “I’m calling it now. She’s the one. Because let me tell you something.” His shoulders dipped forward as he leaned in. “In all the time I’ve known you, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so worked up over something. That’s pretty damn telling, wouldn’t you say?”
Shinpachi felt the heat rushing to his face and he scratched at his jaw. “Uh...”
The same young woman came back to the table with yet another dish. As before, she avoided everyone’s eyes until Shinpachi reached out and gently touched her wrist. Her gaze lifted uncertainly to his and he nodded.
“Sano...Heisuke...” he began. “...This is Etsu.” A pause. “...My girlfriend.”
Etsu’s face went pink at the boldness of that statement.
“Etsu, this is Sano...that’s Heisuke. ...My best friends.”
“Yo,” Sano said with a nod.
“It’s very nice to...finally meet you,” Etsu replied and lightly ran fingers over her neatly pinned hair. “I’ve heard so much...”
“Really?!” Heisuke sat a little taller. “Shinpat-san was talkin’ about us?!”
Shinpachi coughed and Etsu’s smile grew a little wider. “He talks about you all the time, actually...”
And suddenly, from the kitchen... “Etsu-chan!”
“Yes!” she called in reply and gave a tiny nod to the men. “I’ll come back soon. Please call if you need anything until then.”
And that was how Shinpachi, Sano, and Heisuke found themselves as they always had been for so long: a trio. But things felt different this time--a bit more than three, and it wasn’t a bad feeling at all.
Before Shinpachi could begin to even attempt saying what was on his mind, Sano laughed again. “Hey...” He nudged Heisuke with his elbow. “I think we can forgive him now.”
“For sure!” Heisuke agreed with a grin.
“If I had a woman like that, I wouldn’t wanna spend time drinking with you idiots either.”
Shinpachi scoffed, but smiled as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m sorry it’s been so long, it’s just...”
“You wanna spend time with Etsu,” Sano filled in for him, with genuine understanding. “And you can’t exactly do that if you go where we go.” Shinpachi found himself grateful for Sano purposefully leaving out Shimabara. “So!” Sano clapped. “Next time, we go where all of us can drink together!”
“Mm!!” Heisuke nodded enthusiastically. “I wanna talk with Etsu-chan more!!”
“You guys...” Shinpachi drawled. He dropped his face for a moment and then raised it with the sappiest, most relieved grin he’d ever achieved. “You guys are the best friends a man could ask for.”
“We know,” Sano said. “And that’s why you’re gonna let us drink until we can’t stand tonight, right? Yes, yes, thank you!!”
Shinpachi’s spine straightened again. “Eh?!”
“Yeah!!” Heisuke cheered with a fist tossed in the air. He then turned in his seat and called, “Etsu-chan!! More sake please!!”
“Sure!” she replied from the kitchen.
Shinpachi watched as his friends downed the remainder of their alcohol and with a sigh, he followed their lead. After all... A tiny smile pulled at lips. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em...and as he looked up to see his friends beaming at him across the table, he had to admit, there was no better company anywhere.
Thank you so much for reading!! Etsu belongs to @eheartangel <333333
He had to make a decision. He couldn’t go to Ezo with them, not with…her. He wanted to keep her, them, safe from violence, the war, the world. He couldn’t leave her without…a husband. He was torn over his loyalties.
Shinpachi looked up as a sake bottle was placed next to him. “Sano?”
Sanosuke sat next to him on the engawa and poured them a cup each and offered it to him. “What’re you thinking so hard about?” He downed the sake and poured himself another cup.
Shinpachi downed the sake in one gulp and held it out for him to pour more. “Things.”
“Etsu and the baby?”
He stopped in mid-sip and glanced over at his best friend. “…Yeah…” Sighing, he set his cup down and crossed his arm, looking up at the night sky. “I…it’s complicated.”
“Shinpachi, talk to Hijikata-san. We both know what you want to do.”
“But how can I abandon the Shinsengumi? My men?” Shinpachi ran a hand through his hair and hung his head. He felt ashamed that he ever considered leaving the Shinsengumi, and the loyal men that had followed him into battle.
“The war’s only get harder, more dangerous. It’s no place for Etsu.” Sanosuke sighed. “She’s worth it, isn’t she?”
“Shin?”
The pair looked back to see Etsu come in, her hands on her growing middle. People in the compound were starting to talk about why there was a pregnant woman in the compound. Hijikata had ordered her to stay near the captains’ and Chizuru’s rooms. She wasn’t really allowed to go into the courtyard, so she mostly stayed within Shinpachi’s and Chizuru’s rooms, and Shinpachi felt bad for her.
"Heya, Honey. How're you feeling?" Shin opened his arms and she immediately went to sit next to him, gratefully leaning against him.
"A little tired, but I'm fine. What are you two talking about?" She glanced over at Sano-san as he stood up to leave.
“Just some guy stuff.” Sanosuke shrugged and ruffled her hair. “Shinpachi, best to do it tonight.”
Shinpachi looked down at his drink and took another gulp. He wrapped his arm around her waist and brought her even closer, burying his face into her hair. Sano was right. How could he leave her behind? Them? When she was here next to him, what was the point in dying honorably in battle?
“Shin?” Her soft voice brought him out of his head. “What’s the matter?”
“Nothin’, Dumplin’. Hey, I’ll come back with some tea for you, and don’t touch the futon, I’ll set it out when I come back, okay?” His lips brushed against her temple and he took a moment to stare at her face, his resolve strengthening as he looked into her light brown eyes.
--
Hijikata let out a long sigh, but a small smile crossed his lips. “I was wondering when you were coming to tell me.”
“Y-you knew?”
The Vice-Commander let out a bark of laughter and patted his friend’s shoulder. “It was only a matter of time. Chances like this Shinpachi…they don’t come often. I don’t think you’re meant to continue along this path. Besides, what kind of man abandons his woman with a child?”
Shinpachi bowed deeply. “Thank you, Hijikata-san!” He knew the goodbyes were going to be painful, but in the end, he knew it’d be worth parting from his longtime comrades.
---
“Shin~.”
“Yes, Dumplin’?” Shinpachi poked his head into the room where his wife was sitting in. She had been working on some embroidery. She was almost due, there had been some complications here and there, but she’d managed to pull through. The midwife said there were going to be more struggles when she actually had the baby. He was doing anything and everything in his power to help her as much as he could.
“Could you bring me some tea?” She opened her mouth as if she were going to say something else and gasped, her hands wrapping around her middle.
Shinpachi dropped the broom he was holding and ran over to her. “Etsu!”
“Go get the midwife, Shin!” She gasped and grasped his arm tightly.
Something was so very wrong. He took a moment to squeeze her hand, not wanting to part from her, but he quickly dashed next door where the midwife lived.
---
Shinpachi grasped her hand and used a rag to wipe the sweat from her forehead. “Ya did it, Honey, she’s here!” He kissed her temple and looked over at their daughter.
Etsu looked up at him, lips pursed for a moment, but she quickly gave him a weak smile. “Thank goodness…Shin, tell her I love her.”
Shinpachi squeezed her hand. “You can tell her yourself, Honey, they’re just cleaning her. She’ll be right here in a few moments.” His heart began to ache. This couldn’t be happening.
“I love you, Shinpachi.” Etsu weakly gave his hand a squeeze. A few more tears slipped down her pale cheeks. “I’m sorry.”
His blue eyes widened when her hand grew limp in his and her eyes closed. He could feel his world drain of all color, sound. In this moment, he could only see her and call out to her in a desperate voice as his tears slipped down his cheeks.
The midwife handed him his daughter, wrapped in a blanket. He stared at her. She was so beautiful, but she would never know the sound of her mother’s voice, nor what she looked like, or her gentle embrace. They were all in his memory now.
It was only the two of them now. A father and his daughter.
---
“Papa!” She jumped on her father’s back, covering his eyes with her small hands, giggling as he pretended to be shocked.
“Hey! Why is it so dark?!” He reached behind him and plucked his five year old daughter off his back and placed her in his lap as he shut the book he was reading. His large hand ruffled her black hair and she let out a whine. His blue eyes stared into her blue eyes and he gave her a grin. “Now it’s brighter than the sun now that I can see you, Etsuko!”
“Papa!” She laughed and shook her head. “That’s gross.” She stuck her tongue out and held out a small bouquet of flowers. “I went to the meadow with Sano-ojichan and he helped me pick these for mama.”
Shinpachi stared at the flowers, sadness flickering in his eyes for a few moments before he stood up and placed her on his strong shoulder. “She’s going to love them. Let’s go visit her and you can tell her about the trip you had with Sano when you went to the village last week.”
Etsuko nodded and made sure she was holding on tightly to the flowers so that none were carried away by the wind.
When they arrived to a stone marker, Shinpachi set his daughter down so she could place the flowers on her mother’s grave.
It wasn’t easy. He didn’t know much about raising a kid, but he tackled the task. He had to, for Etsuko’s sake. He wanted her to be happiest and healthiest kid in the world and he told her about her mother all the time so that she knew how much Etsu had loved her even though she’d never met her.
Sano had managed to find him just last year and decided to join them. For that, he was grateful. Etsuko loved her uncle and Shinpachi was glad to have a little time alone to reminisce and miss Etsu by himself. He couldn’t show her how saddened he was to his daughter, but he’d managed to pull through. They’d managed to pull through. Etsu was probably watching them fondly from the heavens.
He hoped they could be a family in the next life too.
----+++----
Yes, Edo Blossoms was being rude to me, so I needed the feels to be let out in some way/shape/form. ANd now we good. Maybe.
She rather enjoyed the flustered look on his handsome features. That rosy blush, those pretty soft green eyes shifting from her to the floor. She couldn’t help but want to fluster him further. She grabbed the chain of his shackles and pinned them above his head.
“A-Ah, wait!” He leaned his head back, but she used her other hand to keep his chin in place.
“What is it, my Treasure?”
“Tr-treasure?” Iba leaned away from her as her lips hovered over his jaw, feeling her hot breath. He felt his back press against the wall of the ship as she entered the cell with him. His breath hitched as she pressed herself against him. “M-Miss-”He could smell the rum on her breath.
“Captain.” She said sternly. “It’s Captain, my Treasure.” She brought her lips closer to his. She smelled of rum and wine.
“C-Captain!” Iba flushed, gently trying to pull away from her, but there was nowhere to run to. “Th-this is so indecent!”
Shiori leaned in more, her lips barely hovering above his. As he let out a surprised gasp when one of her hands trailed down his chest, she leaned in and slipped her tongue through his parted lips. “Don’t get too excited now,” She chuckled in hearing a little moan from him. “Merely a little hello, Dear Prince.” She hummed in amusement when he bowed his head in embarrassment. “I’ve taken a liking to your face, my Treasure.” Shiori laughed and let her fingers trail down his cheek before she pulled away from him. “How docile.”
“Captain! We’ve looted everything! Should we get ready to depart?!” A voice called from above deck.
“Aye! I’ll be there in a few moments!” Her hand grabbed the chain of his shackles that were on his wrists and tugged him forward. Iba helplessly stumbled forward and quietly followed her above deck.
“All right, crew! Grab the last of the loot and leave them be!” She announced as she walked the board that connected their ships.
Loud cheering ensued as her crew gathered up the last bit of their things and headed back to The Kelpie.
Shiori held her hand out, and a member of her crew placed a ring of keys in it. She unlocked his shackles, letting them clank on the wooden deck, and he blinked in surprise as he rubbed his sore wrists. “Th-thank you…” Iba wasn’t sure if being taken by another band of pirates was any better.
“Glory-san, we have more rum!” A woman from her crew called and Shiori walked over to one of the barrels. She grabbed a mug that another one of her crew members held out and dunked it in. “This shit’s good! We celebrate with this rum tonight!”
Iba stood where he was, unsure of what to do. He couldn’t help but feel out of place.
Shiori came back to him and dusted herself off. “Well then, feel free to make yourself at home, Prince, but if you’re staying here, you’ll be expected to do your part too. Though, it doesn’t seem like your dainty hands have known hard work.”
“I will do my part, Captain,” Iba crossed his arms and looked straight into her cyan blue eyes. “But what do expect to gain from me being here? I assume you don’t have any plans to return me to the Kingdom anytime soon.”
Shiori took out her pistol and started cleaning it with a rag she pulled out of her pocket. “In that, Treasure, you’re right. I heard that pirate we came across had you for immunity and ransom purposes.” She twirled her gun before putting it back in its holster. “And I also plan on doing that. The Navy’s got a hell of a bounty on my head and you,” She patted his cheek. “are gonna be my ticket out of that.”
Iba furrowed his brows. Here was yet another person that was using him for his status and title. “Captain, I respectfully request you take me back to my kingdom.”
Shiori grabbed his shirt and pulled him closely. “This is my ship. I rule the seas. I make the decisions here. This ain’t your high court, Prince, keep that in mind.” She snarled lowly. “So although you ‘respectfully request’ things, I decide what happens.”
“My life is in your hands then, is that what I hear?” Iba pulled himself away and balled up his fists.
“Now you’re learning, Treasure.” Shiori clapped her hands in a mocking manner.
They both looked behind him as they heard a clatter of plates. The short girl with dark brown hair bowed her head as she picked up the plates she’d dropped. “G-Glory-san, I, um, didn’t mean to interrupt, but I wouldn’t mind showing,” She paused as she looked at the new man with soft green eyes.
“Iba.” Shiori took the stack of plates from her hands.
“I can show him where to clean up, Glory-san, he looks like he’s in need of a good cleaning.” Etsu flushed as Iba continued to stare at her.
“Aa, Miura, that sounds good.” Shiori turned to Iba. “I’d better not hear you get into trouble or we’ll have trouble.”
Iba followed the nervous girl to a another room with fresh water where he scrubbed himself off as Miura went to fetch some fresh clothes for him.
Once dressed, he let out a soft sigh of relief. It was good to be clean again. As he dried his hair with a towel, he turned back to look at the door.
“Iba-sama, I’ve served you some tea and some food in the dining room.” She led to another room to an empty table and sat across from him.
“Thank you, Miura-san.” He sat down, the warm scent of the soup enticing him. He hadn’t had anything warm to eat in forever, or at least months. His eyes widened as he spotted the gold locket hanging from her neck. His hand reached out to capture the it to look at it more closely. “This crest,” It was of a crane holding a bouquet of flowers with arrows in the shape of an ‘x’ behind it. “…Miura?” He looked up into her startled light brown eyes.
“A-ah…” She cast her gaze down, but didn’t dare move.
“The daughter of Duke Miura? The one who has been missing for over two years? Etsu-chan?” He furrowed his eyebrows. “…kidnapped by…pirates?”
Etsu continued to wordlessly look away as she finally looked up, letting out a soft breath. “It was the truth, Prince.” She said quietly, deciding to recount what had happened over two years ago now.
Her father had been away for over a month, meeting with the parents of possible suitors that wanted her hand in marriage, and she had been waiting at the docks with her nanny, wanting to know what choice he had made for her. She was not thrilled that he was making the decision for her and sought to dispute it the moment he was on land.
She never got the chance since a band of pirates had pulled ashore and began pillaging women, children, and goods. Etsu had been one of the ones taken.
She didn’t know how long they were kept below deck, but she saw such horrifying sights. The only reason she’d been saved from anything was because she’d be worth more to sell because of her title.
After many long months, they were brought to an island where black market deals happened, including the selling of brides.
Another ship, The Kelpie, had made its way ashore as the auction was going on, and Etsu continued to hope and pray that she’d be saved from this horrid fate of being married off to some strange man with money.
Before they would start her auction, swords were drawn in response to a man that charged through, beating down all the men in attendance along with a woman. The two led them to a boat and rescued everyone that had been taken from their homes.
The more she stayed on the boat with Captain Glory and Nagakura, she became more attached to them.
When it came time to go back home, she decided not to and confessed her reason for staying.
“Etsu-chan, Kotaro and I were worried about you when we heard what happened.” Iba took her hand and squeezed it. “You hadn’t heard had you?”
Etsu furrowed her brows in confusion. “Heard what, Iba-sama?”
“You were betrothed to Kotaro.”
Her eyes widened. “I-what?!” She exclaimed, her jaw practically dropping to the floor. “To Kotaro-sama!?”
Another hand grabbed their clasped hands and ripped Etsu’s out of Iba’s grasp. “Babe, is he giving you any trouble?” Iba winced in pain as his arm was twisted behind his back.
“AH! Honey Bear no! That’s the Prince!” Etsu squealed in horror as she stood up and quickly patted his hand to release Iba’s.
“But-”
Iba rubbed his hand and looked up at the man with bright blue eyes, much taller than Etsu. He sheepishly scratched at his cheek as Etsu scolded him with her hands at her hips. The Prince could instantly tell why Etsu had chosen to leave their life.
“I’m fine, Etsu-chan.” Iba chuckled.
“But, Iba-sama-”
“He calls you “Etsu-chan”?! I thought I was the only one allowed to call you that!” Nagakura pulled her into his arms and hugged her closely.
“Shin!” She squealed and flushed a bright red as his lips peppered light kisses on her cheek. “St-stop that! Besides, Sano-san also calls me that!”
“What!? HE DOES WHAT NOW!?”
Iba finished his meal with an amused smile as Nagakura showered his affection, making it very clear that Etsu was indeed taken. When someone called Nagakura away, Etsu was able to freely show him around the ship.
There was finally a moment to breathe in the weekend of attending a conference the University of Hakuo had sent him on. It had been busy with historical lectures, a reveal of some artifacts that had been found in the last two years, and a convention where he'd had to mingle with other professors from across the country. He still had another two days before his flight, so he decided to hit up the local bookstores to find some new material for his class and for his pleasure reading.
Shinpachi pushed his glasses up his nose as his finger trailed the spines of books in the mystery section. Nothing was really catching his eye at the moment, so he decided to grab something to drink at the coffee stand in the middle of the bookstore. He stood off to the side, awaiting his drink, letting his eyes scan the the people that were sitting and reading their books.
His blue eyes froze when they came upon a woman, reading the latest book in his favorite mystery series. Her brows were furrowed, and she was leaning forward, as if she were trying to enter the book.
Once his drink came out, he went over to her table, and lightly knocked on the wooden table to grab her attention.
She gasped and dropped her book, taking out her earphones as she looked up, squeaking in surprise as her light brown eyes met his bright blue ones.
Shinpachi quickly bent down to pick up the book she'd dropped and he held it out for her to take. He gave her a sheepish smile and rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry to startle you..."
"I-it's okay! I-I just startle easily!" Her cheeks turned a rosy pink color as her eyes scanned him.
"This is the latest one, isn't it?"
She nodded eagerly and gingerly took the book back and placed it on the table in front of her.
"I've never met anyone else who knew of this series! What did you think of the ending of the last book?"
She lit up and she began talking excitedly about her thoughts as Shinpachi took a seat across from her.
They spent over an hour chatting about plot points, their favorite parts from the series, and about the characters.
"Y'know, I just came over and didn't even introduce myself, I'm Nagakura Shinpachi, a history professor from University of Hakuo." He extended his hand to her.
"Miura Etsu," She giggled and placed her hand in his to shake it. "I'm a preschool teacher."
"I'm actually from out of town, but I'm here for two more days..." Shinpachi gave her a shy smile and rubbed the back of his neck. "...would you like to have dinner tonight?"
Etsu flushed as she looked down at her shoes for a moment before she looked back up at him. "I-I'd love to, Nagakura-san."
-----
Etsu fiddled with her skirt as she rang the doorbell and checked the house number on her phone, it was this one, right?
When the door opened and her light brown eyes met his, she threw her arms over him and she hugged him tightly. "Honey Bear!"
Shinpachi immediately wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her hair. "Honey! What're you doing here?!" They'd been dating over two years, only being able to see each other maybe once a month if they were lucky, but they always sent texts or facetimed each other every evening.
"I'm...moving here, Shin." She flushed and tiptoed to kiss his jaw. "I don't want to be apart anymore...it was a bit of an impulse decision, so I don't have anywhere to stay, but I can find an apart-"
His large hands cupped her cheeks as he pulled her in for a needy kiss. "None of that, Etsu, you're moving in with me, we don't need to be apart."
"Shiiiiiiiiiiiiin!" Etsu looked up at him with teary eyes and she tightly pressed herself against him. "I love you so much!"
"I love you more!" He grinned and helped her bring in her luggage. "Babe, I can't tell you how happy this makes me."
"Then I'm glad I came here with no plan..." She shook her head at herself. Honestly, she couldn't believe how lonely she was after he'd left last week. Before she knew it, she was looking into her lease that was luckily ending, decided to apply for jobs in Shinpachi's area, and she'd packed her bags after buying a plane ticket.
And now here she was.
Shinpachi gave her a tour of his house and he'd offered her the other room, but she shyly admitted that she'd rather be with him in the same one.
After Etsu cleaned up, they settled into bed. His fingers played with her hair and his lips peppered little kisses along her forehead and cheeks.
"Honey Bear!" She giggled and snuggled into him. "We have plenty of time together now!"
"I'm making up for lost time, Dumplin'. All the days and hours I missed since I last saw you."
Etsu closed her eyes and let out a small, content sigh. "We will, Honey Bear. We'll make up for it and more."
COP AU. I had to hold in my screams when I thought of it this little drabble~Prosecutor Etsu x Detective Shinpachi
—–+++—–
Blue eyes shifted from store to store, slightly overwhelmed with all the stores in the mall. Well, duh, it is a mall! Sighing, he stuffed his hands in the pockets of his jeans as he walked around aimlessly, looking for a suitable store to walk into and find a gift for his girlfriend. It was their sixth month anniversary and he wanted to get her something memorable, special…
Sannosuke, his partner and best friend, was supposed to have come with him, but he had to stay behind at the station.
Shinpachi stopped in front of a store with large windows, bears and other animals that were wearing clothes were on display. He watched children dress their furry friends in all kinds of costumes. He stepped in and rubbed his chin as he looked around, a grin spreading across his face. He had an idea.
—
“Etsu-chan?”
Etsu nearly fell out of her chair as she was startled awake. “O-oh, Shin!” There were papers strewn all over her desk and around the floor near her desk. She ran a hand through her messy dark brown hair and sat up, straightening her blouse. It had been another late night, and she’d lost track of time and fallen asleep. She flushed and quickly wiped the little bit of drool from the corner of her mouth with her sleeve. “What’s going on? Why are you here so suddenly?”
Shinpachi rubbed the back of his neck. She must’ve forgotten. Not that he was mad or anything, clearly she was tired and a tad overworked, judging by the dark circles under her eyes. “Dumplin’, did you forget to go home again?” He stepped closer to her desk, hiding the white house-shaped box behind him.
Rubbing her eyes, she yawned and glanced at her phone. Her light brown eyes widened in surprise when she saw the date. “Oh my god, Honey Bear!” She approached him and wrapped her arms around him. “I’m so, so sorry! How could I have forgotten our sixth month anniversary!” She groaned and buried her head into his strong chest. “I’m so freaking sorry!”
“Hey, hey, Honey, it’s okay! You’re overloaded with cases this month, we can celebrate when you’re not as stressed.” He gave her a smile and ruffled her hair, kissing her forehead.
“Shinnnnnn,” She whined and clutched his shirt, looking up at him, pouting. “I can’t believe I forgot, Honey Beaaaaaaaaar. I feel awful!” She took a little breath and let out a small sigh. “But I finished my paperwork for this weekend, so I have some spare time.” She straightened the collar of his shirt and kissed his cheek.
“Well…um…I got you a gift for our anniversary gift…” Shin brought the box forward and placed it on her desk.
“Build-a-Bear?” Etsu couldn’t suppress a giggle and tapped his arm. “You’re so cute, Honey Bear.” She eagerly opened the box and pulled out a light brown bear dressed in a police uniform. “Oh my god, Honey Bear! He’s so cute!” She gave it a hug and looked up at her boyfriend. “I love him, he’s just like you!”
Shinpachi’s cheeks reddened and he scratched at his cheek. “Well…I figured you’d like it…plus, when I work nights, he can keep you company and remind you of me…” He reached over to press the bear’s paw.
Etsu gasped when it said “I love you” in her recorded boyfriend’s voice. “You’re too damn cute!” She set the bear down after giving it a hug and grabbed her boyfriend’s cheeks to give him a kiss on the lips. “Honey Bear! I love you so much!”
Shinpachi wrapped an arm around her waist and smiled against her lips. “I love you too, Dumplin’. I’m glad you liked it.”
“Let’s head to my place. I need to take a shower, care to join me?” Etsu wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his jaw. “Hm~? We can start our anniversary there.”
“And we can fall asleep in front of the tv, you could use some sleep. Sleeping in that chair is bad for your back, Honey.” He slid his hands over her back, causing her to shiver slightly.
“Shin,” Etsu kissed him again. “You’re the best ever. I love you so much.”
Shinpachi winked at her and kissed her nose. “Don’t you argue with me, you’re the best thing to happen to me. I love you more.”
Giggling, she pulled away and gathered her bag and the bear, taking his hand in hers. “Let’s get going then, happy anniversary, Honey Bear.”
· Rate the Ship - Awful | Ew | No pics pls | I’m not comfortable | Alright | I like it! | Got Pics? | Let’s do it! | Why is this not getting more attention?! | The OTP to rule all other OTPs
· How long will they last? -FOREVER
· How quickly did/will they fall in love? -FAST, probably one meeting did it.
· How was their first kiss? -cute and very tender.
Wedding:
· Who proposed? - Shinpachi
· Who is the best man/men? -Heisuke and Sano
· Who is the braid’s maid(s)? -Depends on the AU
· Who did the most planning? -Etsu
· Who stressed the most? -Etsu
· How fancy was the ceremony? - Back of a pickup truck | 2 | 3 | 4 | Normal Church Wedding | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Kate and William wish they were this big.
· Who was specifically not invited to the wedding? -Can’t say who they wouldn’t invite, Etsu doesn’t make many enemies, and she’d convince Shin to let the Oni trio come LOL.
Sex:
· Who is on top? - Most of the time Shin
· Who is the one to instigate things? -it’s pretty even
· How healthy is their sex life? - Barely touch themselves let alone each other | 2 | 3 | 4 | Once a couple weeks, nothing overboard | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | They are humping each other on the couch right now
· How kinky are they? - Straight missionary with the lights off | 2 | 3 | 4 | Might try some butt stuff and toys | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Don’t go into the sex dungeon without a horse’s head
· How long do they normally last? -(What)
· Do they make sure each person gets an equal amount of orgasms? -I’d say yeah…
· How rough are they in bed? - Softer than a butterfly on the back of a bunny | 2 | 3 | 4 | The bed’s shaking and squeaking every time | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Their dirty talk is so vulgar it’d make Dwayne Johnson blush. Also, the wall’s so weak it could collapse the next time they do it.
· How much cuddling/snuggling do they do? - ALL THE CUDDLESNo touching after sex | 2 | 3 | 4 | A little spooning at night, or on the couch, but not in public | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | They snuggle and kiss more often than a teen couple on their fifth date to a pillow factory.
Children:
· How many children will they have naturally? - three to four
· How many children will they adopt? -maybe one or two
· Who gets stuck with the most diapers? -both, Shin is very hands on supportive husband
· Who is the stricter parent? -Shin
· Who stops the kid(s) from doing dangerous stunts after school? -Etsu (Shin: but they playin a new sport; Etsu: NO, JUMPING OFF THE WALL)
· Who remembers to pack the lunch(es)? -Etsu
· Who is the more loved parent? -I’d say they’d favor Etsu a teeeeeny bit more than Shin
· Who is more likely to attend the PTA meetings?-both, supportive parents for the win.
· Who cried the most at graduation? -DEF BOTH, and they holding each other while they embarrass their kid.
· Who is more likely to bail the child(ren) out of trouble with the law? -both
Cooking:
· Who does the most cooking? - Etsu
· Who is the most picky in their food choice? -neither, they’ll eat and try new things
· Who does the grocery shopping? -both, they love spending time together doing the little things.
· How often do they bake desserts? -once a week, Etsu loves sweets.
· Are they more of a meat lover or a salad eater? -they both love meat more than salads, but will eat them too.
· Who is more likely to surprise the other(s) with an anniversary dinner? -Shin will bring take-out and make it romantic LOL
· Who is more likely to suggest going out? -Shin
· Who is more likely to burn the house down accidentally while cooking? -Shin
Chores:
· Who cleans the room? - both, they help each other
· Who is really against chores? -neither, but Shin will complain more
· Who cleans up after the pets? -both, they love their pup
· Who is more likely to sweep everything under the rug? -Shin bc he can be a bit lazier
· Who stresses the most when guests are coming over? -Etsu
· Who found a dollar between the couch cushions while cleaning? -probably Shin bc he dropped it
Misc:
· Who takes the longer showers/baths? - Etsu
· Who takes the dog out for a walk? -together
· How often do they decorate the room/house for the holidays? -often, Shin helps her put up decorations bc he loves to humor her
· What are their goals for the relationship? -happy, long lasting life together
· Who is most likely to sleep till noon? -Shin
· Who plays the most pranks? -Shin bc he loves messing with Etsu
