~*~

A MONTH LATER ~ AT THE WIND ESTATE

"Stop being so tense....."

"I can't help it!"

A forceful huff comes from him as he sat there in deep meditation, but his body was still stiff and his body was a bit hunched over. Doing a quick butt shuffle forward towards him across the rush tatami flooring, I take his hands and placed them overlapping each other in the middle of his lap as if holding something. "Here........" I chuckle softly, while seeing him pouting. ".........I know it's difficult to relax, trust me. I know I can't sleep till I relax.......since my.....insomnia."

Grimacing at the very memory of why I have insomnia, gave me dark recollections of that night that left me training more purposefully. 

His facial expression soon softens and takes a deep breath in, and then exhales, "Sorry love, my muscles have been tense...........my shoulders and neck specifically," he murmurs, gently. 

Tilting my head up in curiosity, "Hm? Let me see......." lifting myself onto my knees, I shuffle behind him slowly taking his Training Kimono down. The material pools around his waist as the expanse of his back was littered in scars, but my fingers focused on the sore areas he had just mentioned. My thumb kneads the muscle beneath his shoulder-blades, before tracing up to the centre of his nape earning a hiss. "........seems you need a massage, when was the last--" i stop myself realising he never does relax. ".....never mind, forget I asked."

"Tch........."

Without even asking I began to knead his shoulder blades with my thumbs, earning a stifled groan from him. Massaging the expanse of his large broad shoulders I dug my fingers in, realising how tight and knotted up his neck and shoulders are from swinging and the continuous use of his arms in battle. Rubbing my hand vigorously to allow the blood to rise to the surface, it made unknotting the tense muscles easier for me. His flesh was rough and covered in scars, as my fingers brush over every one that is within the area. 

After a few grunts and groans, his body begins to relax and ease into the massage with a sigh, "Damn, you really got in there..........." he grimaces, before one of his arms flip around to pat my hip. "...........thankyou, I needed this......."

Smiling softly I resume massaging his shoulders, and then trails my thumb deeper into his nape down to release the tension. 

"Shit........that hurt," he mutters, but doesn't flinch which allows me to continue unknotting his tensed muscles. 

"I thought you did some stretches before every mission, or in your training time....." I assume softly, finally finishing up and pressed a few gentle kisses in the juncture of his neck. Rubbing my hands over his large biceps I lean into his warm body sinking into him, "........gotta take care you, if you wanna be more flexible out there....."

He chuckles, "Always mothering me........." as he reaches and grabs my hand and pulls me back around onto his lap, burying his face into my neck. ".........it feels nice though, coming from you....." following with a heavy troubling sigh.

His hands travel down and rests on my thighs and drew circles on my hips, slowly pulling away looking into my eyes.

"So........any progress on your Tsugoku's injuries?" He changes the subject, making me more aware of my next few errands. "Thought he would be back about two weeks ago......or something happened?"

"He'll be coming back to the Dragon Estate for his recovery training from me tonight," I inform him, turning around and nestled in his lap with my back against his chest comfortably. "Kocho has informed me he passed the recovery treatment before the other three, but........it seems he has made some more friends which is good. He seems to hold alot of leadership skills, so I trust he'll be fine.........besides he needs to learn from others his age. Maybe he can find a permanent group to go on missions..........seen my missions are hashira level."

Sanemi wraps his arms around my chubby middle and nestled his face into my neck and nuzzles it, "Well with that intense strength he especially has, he'll be a perfect slayer," He compliments my Tsugoku, which lifted my spirits. He lays series of kisses against my neck and beneath my earlobe, "No wonder he's tolerable........"

"Okay.....you're pushing it there," I laugh softly, as he tightens his hold.

"Right.....I'll shut the hell up," He murmurs against my neck with kisses, before he begins to focus on a certain spot for a little longer with his teeth and tongue. With a slight grimace for a moment, I could feeling him smirking against my flesh. "Just giving you a thank you gift........your welcome love......."

~*~

AT THE DRAGON ESTATE

"Good to have you back,"

The young slayer sighs deeply with a sense of relief, "Feels good to be back," Kaito replies, as he sat beside me on the verandah. He clasps his hands together before his meal on his lap, "Thanks for the meal! Let's dig in!"

He takes a hungry bite of some chicken,  noticing him enjoying the flavours of his meal.

"Seems you didn't find the butterfly mansions delicacy, quite to your taste?" I raise a brow, with a smirk of amusement taking a small mouthful myself. Holding the jade green bowl, I held it up to get a better mouthful of food between my chopsticks. 

He raises on hand and moves it side to side uncertain, " Miss Aoi made the food, so it wasn't all too bad," He replies, honestly before taking another mouthful and chews quietly with a polite manner. "I just.....prefer your cooking the most, reminds me of home as always!"

Noticing at a glance since he's come back his hair had grown longer, and it was definitely unkempt and not styled like his usual.

"Need me to give your hair a trim as well?" I suggest softly, before blowing a few pieces of warm spiced chicken and then placed it between my teeth and chewed politely before swallowing it down. "Seems they didn't want to--"

His cheeks burn averting his eyes, "I just........I waited til I could come back here," he replies, with a subtle pout. "So.......you could do it for me. You seem to know how, and I trust you can do a good job....." before shoving a few mouthfuls of his meal, to shut himself up.

Finishing my meal I give him a nod, "Sure.....I'll grab some scissors," 

After finding some I brought them back with a small stool and placed it down, and sat myself upon it seeing him shovel his food down quickly. He wipes his mouth before he settles down in front of me between my knees, as I comb through his shaggy locks. My fingers delicately thread through and began to snip a few strands from the back to make it lighter, as a comfortable silence rests between us. Tilting his head a bit I began to trim around his face, as my hand cups his jaw tenderly focusing hard to trim evenly.

His jade green eyes gaze up to meet mine briefly, "What?" I chuckle softly, noticing his gaze lingering with a sheepish look.

He hums in deep thought, "Hmm........just realising your iris' is like half a moon," he replies, quietly and contently. "You're very beautiful, big sis........."

My cheeks burn in response, as I ruffle his shaggy hair.

"......well, you're a very handsome young boy," I comment back, with a soft smirk upon my lips. 

The tips of his ears burn, "Lord Shinazugawa is lucky to have you, and I hope he knows that," he pouts, with a protective kind of tone. His eyes flicker away from mine while I continue trimming his bangs, allowing his compliment to settle into my mind. 

Sometimes I feel like I should be better, and more supportive in some way.....

"Well, one day........I hope you'll be able to find someone special," I spoke up gently, raising a strand up to trim it precisely before letting it fall in place. "When you have that someone, and you know that person is the one........don't let go. I used to think isolation could be the way to my problems, but they only grew til I met Sanemi. He makes my life matter, he gives me........a purpose to look forward to, even when he doesn't know it....."

"Did you ever know what love was, or....?" Kaito trails off, with curiosity in his eyes.

With a breathy chuckle I shook my head, "I only knew the love from my mother, but not romance........" I admit, shrugging my shoulders while I check his hair was trimmed enough for him to wear his bandana across his temple. ".........Lady Kanroji the lover Hashira was actually partial of how I found out my love for Sanemi, was more than just comrades. Thanks to her, I'm no longer......alone anymore."

"When I find someone.......could you give me advice....?" He asks, as he ruffles his hair to rid of the stray strands to fall. "...ya know......so I don't make a mistake?"

"Sure.......when your ready, come to me," I stood up lifting the stool, feeling the nights breeze to blow idly by. Glancing up to the moon I found it to be rather bright and full, finding it rather beautiful tonight. "Now.......I will be in my office, so let me know if you need anything."

He nods with a bright smile, "Right!"

~*~

NEXT DAY 

Letter after letter, I send them to each person I knew.........

I was in need of a new uniform due to the wear and tears of my uniform, so I sent a letter to inform of them of my arrival later this afternoon. Then another letter to my Swordsmith, Kobayashi, to check in and make sure they're doing okay. Another letter sent to Mitsuri, because she always loves receiving letters and giving so I decided to do pen pals even though we could see each other. 

It also kept me learning to write, and learn knew words by each day.

"So.......you ready to go?" Sanemi peeks his head into the office, before stepping inside fully with his casual Hakama pants and deep green kimono on. It was rare for us to dress this way, but we both were in need to be measured with new uniforms and our haori's mended. 

"Hmmm coming," I reply, rolling up the letter and attaching to Nami's ankle bracelet. 

Picking myself up I dust off my pants an untied my sleeves, allowing them to cover my arms after using the ink. Making my way over to him with Nami perched upon my left forearm, I step onto the verandah allowing her to fly off. Her feathers flutter in the gentle spring breeze, before returning my attention to my partner. He rests a hand against the small of my back, as we both make our way to the butterfly mansion where the uniform tailors were.

~*~

"Ahh Lady Mizutsuki....." 

A kakushi exclaims, in delight before turning to see Sanemi standing there, ".....a-and L-Lord Shinazugawa, it's nice for you two to come today......"

Sanemi rolls his eyes with a sigh, "Just get this over with," he replies, rather rudely but with a more softened tone. His eyes flicker to mine, "Do you want me to watch you, or.....?"

That's right, a while ago when a female slayer was getting a new uniform, she was sexually harassed by a certain male kakushi by the name Maeda Masao. However with a simple threatening scold by Sanemi, it made the kakushi wet his pants. Since, that certain Kakushi has gained a serious bad reputation, of his perverted behaviour.

"I'm fine, I'll be tailored by a female Kakushi," I assure him, and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek of assurance. "I'll be back....."

He was rather hesitant but reluctantly gave in and headed to a male tailor, as we parted ways for a moment.

"Right this way........." The female kakushi, by the name Himari Sato guides me into a seperate and private room and slides the fusuma door shut. Stepping in the centre I strip my clothes down to just my undergarments, allowing her to see myself at a vulnerable state. Scars, stretch marks and my thick curved figure with a stomach I wasn't proud of, as she didn't seem bothered at all. She pulls out her tape measure and walks up to me, "May I touch you.....?"

Giving her my consent, she began to measure me again like she's done about a year and a half ago. 

She wraps the tape around the width of my hips, around my bust, around my biceps, and finally around my waist which has gotten more thicker over time. Respectively she begins to write down the measurements in her notebook, "Right, so seems you only grew a bit by a few inches," She informs me softly, giving me a closed eye smile of assurance. "Don't worry, it's normal for us women........your information is safe with me. Best to know, then having to keep guessing your size.........you've got a stronger body."

My face flushes giving her a wry smile, "I have been training my body more,"

She knew of my struggles with my body, especially since I've not overcome the negative thoughts about my own body. Himari has always been understanding seen she's on the cute chubby side, but it makes her soft and gentle nature even more adorable.

"I've noticed........." She closed the book, and heads to grab some material. ".......Now it seems we do have the same pants for you, with the slits on the hips designed on there to make you lighter when in combat. Then....for the shirt we can use one of the large ones, from the mens....preferably with some room for the bust........and a new belt seen your old one hasn't been changed for at least a few years."

"Thankyou........."

The young woman smiles warmly, "I'll grab your uniform for you to try on, and see if we can make some adjustments......" turning on her heel to the far back, while I stand there in silence while fiddling with one thumbs. Minding my own business while sneaking glances in the mirror across from me, I sense an unknown presence watching leaving a chill down my spine. 

Subtly glancing behind me I swiftly send a powerful kick to the assumed empty rosewood cupboard, before hearing a loud yelp seeing a body tumble out with a loud crash. My eyes widen soon recognising the bug eyed Kakushi as he tries to scramble up, but I grab him with annoyance by the collar and eyed him dangerously.

"Please, please.....mercy please?!" He pleads desperately, thrashing in my grip while I calmly glower upon him.

"Why were in that damn cupboard?" Before I could question him, the doors fly wide open seeing an alarmed Sanemi bursting in. 

The Kakushi flinches in fright, as the cold wind whips across my exposed skin in my undergarments.

"What the hell is going on?!" Sanemi snaps angrily, before his eyes fall upon the perverted kakushi yet again. Slowly assessing the situation he storms us and grabs the Kakushi from my grip, "Get the fuck away from my woman, you perverted bug-eyed scum!!!!!!"

Forcefully Sanemi drags the kakushi out earning a few other kakushi to step away from the scene, already knowing no one can stop him. 

"What's going on?" Himari rushes in, only to gasp in surprise. Watching the commotion outside the room, she quickly closed the doors and bows multiple times frantically. "I'm so so sorry, we couldn't find him anywhere today..........now we know, please forgive us?!"

Raising my hand I shook my head, "Please don't think his actions, are your doing......." I assure her, with a unsteady tone before clearing my throat. ".......I think the Wind Hashira will do far worse, so.......please don't apologise?"

She was standing there holding the pile of my new uniform, while she was reluctantly considering whether to apologise more or to forget it.

"But..........." She trails off, before giving in and passed me my uniform. "....try this on--"

"Goddammit, has no one have fucking common decency!!!!" Sanemi's voice roars angrily, slamming the other doors outside the room causing Himari to flinch.

"Forgive him," I apologise softly, while slipping on the large pants finding it rather comfy and light on me. Slipping on the sleeveless shirt I tuck it in and wrapped the new belt around, as it snugly hugs my thick waist. The pants felt loose and baggy just how I prefer it, as I look at the mirror finding no error in the uniform adjustments. "This is perfect........this will do just fine for me......."

"Amazing!" Himari breaths out in relief. "We also have your new haori up front, the fur collar is fresh and new for you........."

"Thankyou very much for today......" I smile warmly.

~*~

We walk in heavy silence through the small village not far.......

His large hand around my own tightly and protectively with it tucked to his side, while I swear I could see steam puffing from both his ears and nose like a bull. Knowing how pissed off he was, especially now the same thing occurred to me, it seems he's beyond mad. Glancing around I noticed a sweet stall, as a small smile lifts from my lips. With a tug I drag him over to the stall, as I look at the variety of sweets.

"Hmm.......may I please have some ohagi, and daifuku please?" I ask softly, earning a nod from the owner.

"Sir ma'am,"

Sanemi was confused for a moment, still feeling troubled and his grip was tighter before he released my hand so I could pay.

"Here you go," The owner passed me a paper bag of the sweets, before I pay him his yen as Sanemi and I began walking away down the street.

Silence falls between us again while I brush my shoulder against his arm, as my hand trails back down his arm into his hands and interlaced my fingers with his own.

Lifting the paper bag to Sanemi I gesture the sweets to him, as he was hesitant while trying to stay mad about what happened earlier. With a reluctant sigh he pauses in his steps and slides the handle of our new uniforms in the middle of his arm, so he could have both hands to take some ohagi and chews into it. For a moment my eyes study is tense expression, slowly fading back to a relaxed look enjoying the sweet.

"Thankyou, for......protecting me," I say gently, before pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. "Even though I could've handled it--"

"Handle my ass, he saw you almost naked........" He scoffs under his breath, while chewing into the sweet. "..........I'm supposed to be the only one to see you like that, no one else. Also, he had it coming.......cause that's fucking disgusting spying on women like that. It's not how I was raised......."

I nod in agreement and leaned into him, "You've been raised right, and I'm proud......" before pressing another peck to his cheek, before resuming our travel back to his place.

His eyes slowly widen, stunned even while he stopped chewing his sweet in response before he swallows it thickly with haste.

"Hey......hey.....wait,"

He jogs towards me and took my hand possessively and interlaced our fingers once again, and tugs me closer.

".....the woman you are," He mutters softly, quietly. "I'm proud you're mine....."

----------------------------------------------------

Hello my gorgeous people!

I apologise for not updating for a long while yet again, but things went down hill on my side of things. I've been trying to find time to sneak a cute chapter in, and I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Next chapter........will reveal some Mugen train scenes! So get ready!

Also I wanted to know if you all like hayami's hair colour? I've been trying to decide whether to change her base hair colour to a charcoal black, but leave the frost tips on her hair. I've been procrastinating, but I would like some thoughts!

~ Little Bean