The Citadel was unusually quiet that day. The usual clatter of swords training in the yard, the laughter echoing through the halls, and the chatter of the troops had softened into a hushed rhythm. Everyone knew why—their beloved Saniwa, the master who guided them, was bedridden with illness. The air carried a subtle heaviness, as though the walls themselves shared in the concern.
Jiji tilted his head, his voice carrying a gentle worry.
"Ohh, so Aruji is still sick? We should let him rest for a while," he murmured, his tone laced with paternal concern.
Kogi frowned, scratching his head.
"Yeah... it started with a fever, but it seems it's gotten worse," he admitted, confusion and unease flickering in his eyes.
Kansen clasped his hands together, his expression soft.
"I hope he gets better soon. I miss seeing his smiling face," he added, his words tinged with longing.
Jiji gave a reassuring smile, though his eyes betrayed his worry.
"Don't fret. Aruji is strong. I'm sure he'll recover in no time. For now, let's all do our chores and finish his tasks." With that, he moved toward the kitchen, only to be met with Mitsutada's sharp glare.
Mitsutada barked, his voice firm.
"HEY! I told you, you're not allowed in here!"
Jiji chuckled lightly, raising his hands in mock surrender.
"My, my, don't be angry. I only came to request some tea," he said with a smile that softened the tension.
Mitsutada sighed, shaking his head before turning to the others.
"Someone, please bring this food to Aruji," he instructed, gesturing to the tray of steaming porridge, fresh fruits, and carefully measured medicine.
Kashuu stepped forward, his voice quiet but resolute.
"I'll bring it. It's the least I can do for Aruji." His tone carried a subtle ache, as though his heart itself was heavy.
Mitsutada handed him the tray.
"Alright then. Be careful."
Kashuu walked through the quiet corridors, the tray balanced carefully in his hands. The silence pressed against him, broken only by the faint rustle of his footsteps. When he reached the master's room, he paused, his chest tightening at the sight before him. The room was dim, the shoji doors letting in only a sliver of pale light. On the futon lay his beloved Saniwa, pale and flushed, his breaths shallow but steady.
Setting the tray down, Kashuu knelt beside him, his voice soft as silk.
"Aruji... I've brought food. Please wake up so you can eat."
The Saniwa stirred, his lashes fluttering before his eyes opened slowly.
"Ohh... hey, Kashuu. Thank you for bringing this," he whispered, coughing lightly and wiping his face with his sleeve. Kashuu quickly reached for a towel, gently dabbing away the sweat from his master's brow. His touch lingered, tender and careful, betraying the depth of his feelings.
The Saniwa smiled faintly.
"Thank you."
Kashuu's cheeks burned, his heart racing. His devotion had long surpassed the bond of sword and master. He had fallen—deeply, irrevocably—in love. As he helped the Saniwa eat, his eyes couldn't help but wander. The thin fabric of the kimono clung to his master's frame, revealing glimpses of his built chest. Kashuu swallowed hard, his blush deepening, torn between guilt and desire.
When the meal was finished, the Saniwa's voice broke the silence with an unexpected request.
"Kashuu... can you come here? Cuddle me a bit."
Kashuu froze, his heart leaping. Slowly, almost hesitantly, he moved closer, lying beside his master. The warmth of the Saniwa's body enveloped him, his scent intoxicating, soothing yet overwhelming.
"Aruji?" Kashuu whispered, uncertain.
"Hmm?" The Saniwa smiled, his eyes half-lidded with exhaustion.
"Do you... love me?" The words slipped out, fragile and trembling.
The Saniwa's smile widened, his gaze tender.
"Of course I love you. I love all my swords—you, and everyone."
Kashuu pouted, his voice soft and almost childlike.
"You know that's not the kind of love I mean."
The Saniwa reached out, his hand resting gently on Kashuu's back. His touch was grounding, comforting.
"I love you, Kashuu. You are the most beautiful sword I've ever had. You were one of my first, and you've always been precious to me." He leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Kashuu's forehead.
"Your cute antics, your constant demands for my attention—they're adorable." Another kiss, this time to his eyes.
"Your hardworking spirit, your love for beauty—it's inspiring." A kiss to his cheeks.
"And most of all, your devotion to me... it overwhelms me." He tilted Kashuu's chin upward, their eyes locking. Kashuu's face was crimson, his body trembling.
"I love you. Truly. If you were a girl, I would marry you here and now. But even so..."
Their lips met, soft and gentle. Kashuu's world spun, his heart soaring. The kiss was everything he had dreamed of—sweet, tender, and filled with unspoken promises. When they parted, Kashuu's eyes shimmered with joy.
"I love you too, Aruji," he whispered, hugging him tightly. The Saniwa returned the embrace, his smile radiant despite his illness.
But the moment wasn't over. The Saniwa smirked playfully.
"By the way, Kashuu... I think you need to learn how to properly kiss."
Kashuu blinked, confused.
"Umm... alright?"
Before he could react, the Saniwa leaned in again, this time deepening the kiss. His tongue slipped past Kashuu's lips, exploring, teasing. Kashuu gasped, a soft moan escaping as their tongues danced together. The sensation was overwhelming—intoxicating, consuming. When they finally pulled apart, Kashuu was breathless, his face redder than a tomato.
The Saniwa chuckled softly.
"I think I'll rest now."
"Hai," Kashuu murmured, bowing as he gathered the tray, his heart still racing.
Time skip.
The next day, Kashuu sneezed loudly, his face flushed.
"This is your fault, Aruji," he complained, his voice muffled by another sneeze.
The Saniwa laughed softly, placing a cool towel on Kashuu's forehead.
"Come now, I didn't know swords could get sick."
Kashuu pouted, sneezing again.
"Mou..."
The Saniwa brushed his hair back, his touch gentle.
"Don't worry. I'll take care of you."
Kashuu's eyes softened, his lips curving into a small smile.
"Alright."
"Good. Now rest," the Saniwa whispered, his voice tender.
Kashuu closed his eyes, comforted by the warmth of his master's presence. For once, the roles were reversed—but the love between them remained the same, unwavering and true.
END
YOU ARE READING
Random Various Chars X Reader
FanfictionThis collection began as a *Kamisama Hajimemashite x Reader* project, but creativity never stays in one place. With so many ideas bursting to life, I've transformed it into a **multi‑fandom x Reader anthology** - a space where stories can shift, exp...
