riptide | kyojuro rengoku

XXXV | enough

"WHAT CAN YOU OFFER ME?"

That was his first question as soon as you two sat across from him. Kyojuro had stopped reaching for your hand then. You weren't sure whether that was to save his own embarrassment from his father or because he didn't feel scared anymore. Senjuro set down teacups, the china clinking as it was set onto the table in front of you all.

There was a small pouring sound and the boy was kind enough to move the cup into your own hands, letting you feel the mug. It was warm and with a single sip, you could tell what it was. Green tea; I hadn't had any of it in a long time. Sometimes Amane would brew it for me when you were younger, but it wasn't often. Apparently, the plant for it was expensive and hard to find.

"Knowledge," You spoke up first. You could hear Kyojuro's teacup clatter beside you and looked in his direction, knowing full well that he wasn't as composed as he was attempting to be. "We've traveled great lengths, all the way to the Ocean Temple itself. I can create maps with Kyojuro's help. There are also details left out in your book that I have in mine."

You spoke to him carefully, "However, it's in Braille and I'm the only one capable of translating it with the help of Kyojuro as well. If you'd allow us, we'd like to continue protecting the village and the island itself. He already understands the inner workings and I have much to learn, but I can protect the coasts and keep ships of armadas at bay."

You tried to speak as formally and respectfully as possible, only stumbling over your words once or twice. You swallowed hard after you finished, hoping that your argument would prove itself. "If your wounds are taken care of and you're provided a place to stay, you'll give us that in return?" It was as if he was confirming it just to be sure.

You understood why. The deal sounded faulty, almost too good to be true. It'd be harder to believe if you two weren't so desperate at the moment. "It's either that or we get what we need, provide you with the information, and leave." Kyojuro countered, finally speaking up and taking over the conversation for you.

You busied yourself with the tea, knowing full well that he had a better understanding of how making deals worked with his father. "You're even more pathetic than I thought you were," His father spoke up, sneering. You swallowed harshly, instantly reaching for Kyojuro's hand without fault. At this point, it didn't matter.

You two would always be seen as lesser than in front of him. "Groveling at my feet and throwing everything at me just for a place to stay and to be healed? Haven't I taught you better, son? Ever since your mother died you've been nothing but weak. Begging your father a place to stay and holding onto a girl who's been nothing but a curse to us, you're truly a fool."

Kyojuro seemingly had enough, his grip on your fingers tightening ever so slightly. Although, he was careful not to hurt you, running his thumb over the back of your knuckles in a comforting manner. You weren't sure if that was meant to be reassurance for you or for himself. "Then tell me," He said strongly. "How do you plan on protecting the village?"

His father fell silent for a moment. "I'm taking the sword with me and as far as I'm aware, once a new Flame Pillar is chosen, the last one isn't needed. His powers diminish over time. You are incapable of protecting the people, incapable of looking over your own biases, and incapable of even looking after your own sons, so don't you dare call me a fool or pathetic."

Kyojuro's hand felt hot in your grip as if you could feel the blazing heat of his anger. The boy had finally snapped. "You wallow in your grief and drink away your problems as if you aren't the only one grieving. We have been, we always have been! And when we needed a father, we got a drunkard."

Shinjuro set his tea down. "You left Senjuro behind."

Kyojuro's grip grew stronger once again. "Once, and never again. I'd rather die than leave him behind with you." You felt his figure shift followed by the sound of another figure being lifted up. Kyojuro had used his left hand to interlace his fingers with his brother's, hoisting him up off the ground to stand alongside the two of you.

"Senjuro," Shinjuro announced. His voice was gravelly, almost sounding defeated as he too rose to his feet. Kyojuro's hand trembled again and you were there to relinquish his worries as always, squeezing his hand in response. "Bring the alcohol and the bandages. Have the nurses bring their finest herbs for burns and infections."

He didn't seem to want to linger, walking out the door shortly after. Senjuro had remained frozen for a moment before whirling around, wrapping both of you in his small arms and bringing you to close. "Thank you," His voice was but a whisper before he let go of Kyojuro, practically sprinting out of the room to search for the said materials.

"He was right, y'know?" Kyojuro mumbled, letting go of your hand only to wrap an arm around your waist, bringing you close to his torso. He turned, facing you and only you as you smiled in his direction, tracing your hand up to his shoulder as your arms moved to loop around his neck. "For what?" You mumbled in response, too caught up in relief and affection to say much more.

"To thank you," Kyojuro let out a breath, pressing his lips against your forehead twice before getting rid of any distance between you two. Your head rested on his chest and his arms rung on your waist. He sighed, dropping his head in the crook of my neck. "I couldn't have done this without you. Thank you, so much."

You smiled, your hands moving off his neck to trace the features of his face. You pulled his head down, pecking his lips shyly. "Don't thank me. Set your heart ablaze in my honor instead, Kyo."