The Sound of Silence.

5

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Kyojuro sat on the side of the road, knees to his chest and head leaning against the tree behind him. The cherry blossoms flowing in the wind as a few petals fell here and there. He knew Tengen was married, but when he found out it was all platonic he thought he had a chance. Like, Kyojuro had been in love with him for the past four or five months. Would had admitted it? No, not yet. But he had wanted to finally share his feelings for a while.

Kyojuro looked up at approaching footsteps, someone had sat next to him. He looked at who it was, making eye contact with Tengen.

"Kyo.." Tengen tried but trailed off. He wasn't sure how to approach this situation. Instead he pulled him into a hug, laying the smaller male's head on his chest, "sorry if I upset you. I really am."

Kyojuro was frozen in Tengen's embrace, he didn't know what to say. It was quiet for a while before Tengen took a breath and spoke again, "you like me, don't you?"

Kyojuro hesitated then spoke in a shakey voice, "I..I do.."

"That's okay, don't feel ashamed." Tengen soothed, rubbing circles on Kyojuro's back to comfort him, "guess what.."

Tengen smiled, Kyojuro looking at him. He cupped Kyojuro face, "I like you too."

Kyojuro's eyes lit up, "r-really?!"

"I actually have for a year now, well at first I thought it was just appreciation but lately I was like. 'Damn, I love him. Shit.' Y'know?" Tengen chuckled, hugging Kyojuro.

"So don't be upset, sorry if calling us friends made you think I didn't like you." Tengen smiled, sighing.

Kyojuro felt a blush creep along his face, but a thought crossed his mind.

"What are we?"

Tengen hummed, "are you ready to date? We don't need to rush."

Kyojuro nodded, "yeah."

Tengen sat back, grabbing Kyojuro's hands and looked him in the eyes, "Rengoku Kyojuro. Will you be my boyfriend?" The words came out easily, as if that question had pulled a huge weight off Tengen's shoulders.

The flame hashira giggled at the cheesiness of it all but nodded, "yes! Of course, dummy!" He pulled Tengen into a hug, using the taller man as a pillow.

They sat comfortably, talking for the next hour or so and cuddling under the trees and stars. They came to the conclusion that they'll keep their relationship private for the time being, still acting like friends in-front of everyone. When they grew tired they headed back to Tengen's estate, Hinatsuru looking at them and their hands in each other's grasp.

"Glad you got it figured out." She smiled, "I'll see you two in the morning." She then headed to her room. The duo laying down in Tengen's bed, close in each others arms.

Tengen kissed Kyojuro's forehead, "Goodnight. I love you, Kyo." He smiled.

Kyojuro hugged him closer, a wide smile on his face, "I love you too, Tengen.."

Their breathing slowed, falling into a rhythm. Wrapped in each others presence as they fell asleep. Lovers, boyfriends, at last.