Twice a Day

Chapter 1: A Windy Day

 You liked your little home.

Your parents had objected, saying it was too isolated, and too small for you alone. You didn't mind, though, being close to your grandfather was enough family nearby, and it was easy to get to the nearest supermarkets for food or whatever you'd need. The best bonus of it was undeniably the atmosphere.

It was peaceful and soft, if an intangible thing could be considered soft. It felt Disneyesque without being too perfect and artificial. The trees framed your house neatly, and little flowers would sprout in the uneven grass. One of your favorite things, though, was the little bushes you had planted near the front door. A tiny detail, but one entirely your own, and watching them bloom full size was a treat. Animals seemed to like them at least, with birds plucking leaves away and a gecko or two hiding under the branches.

That was why the giant piece of wood poking out of one of them threw you for a loop.

You'd noticed it through the window first as you were waiting for your breakfast to finish cooking, and quickly all thoughts of food vanished. It was light-colored, like it had been faded in the sun, even though you knew for a fact it hadn't remained on your property long. You stepped outside to observe it, and found it wasn't just a plank, but rather a cylinder shape. Against any warnings your brain gave you, you lifted it out, finding an indention ran through the middle around it. Were you holding a handle?

Pulling apart the halves identified by the line, the sunlight bounced off something silvery.

You jumped, dropping it to the ground. This was a sword.

Touching it made you feel guilty, like you'd done something far worse than just holding it. It was old, by the look of it, but the blade was impeccably polished, so whoever owned this probably didn't mean to leave it here.

Behind the house, you could hear the trees clashing together. Your hair flew into your face briefly, a sudden gust hitting strong enough to make your legs wobble. You had a theory. Again, you lifted the sword, laying it against your palm to try and gauge its weight. It was definitely heavier than it looked at a glance, but still light enough that... Well, would it be impossible to say that if this wind could level trees, it could drag this thing a few feet?

Whoever this belonged to likely hadn't left it here, but where did that leave you?

You heard steps coming through the woods, accompanied by men's voices. Two of them, you guessed, and the difference between them was clear just hearing them talk. One was more talkative, and the other only responded sparingly. The deeper, chattier voice seemed to be scolding the other one.

"I told you man, you need a bag."

"I do not. This is an isolated incident."

"Uh huh. Sure."

Silence, and more footsteps.

"Oh, buddy, don't cry, we'll find it."

"I am not crying," the other voice insisted.

"We can always get you another impenetrable blade." You heard the footsteps go uneven, followed by hacking and coughing. "I W-WAS KIDDING, GOEMON! LET GO!"

The men entered your line of sight. You could tell which was which, if only because one of the men was rubbing his throat and the other looked ready for blood. While one was dressed a little formally for a walk in the woods, the other was wearing a full old-fashioned Japanese getup. You felt your hands tighten around the handle, hoping he'd give you more mercy than the man he'd been walking with.

"Excuse me, sir?"

The men turned to you, the formal one peeking from under his low hat.

"Is... Could this be yours? I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I heard you're looking for a sw--"

Before you could react, the sword was out of your hands and the man was nearly weeping in joy. As his friend made his way over to join you both, he steadied, and regarded you with a stern face. "Thank you very much. I am in your debt."

You blinked at him. "Oh, it's no trouble," you smiled slightly. "You just have to keep an eye out on the wind here. It can get pretty strong!"

He nodded solemnly, notably keeping his eyes off of you unless he could help it. The other man entered the conversation. "Hope it didn't give you a scare."

"Oh, that? Haha, nah, it's just not everyday a huge sword falls into your yard."

"Especially if you live all the way out here," he added.

"Yeah, speaking of, what are you gentlemen doing out here?"

The guy in the hat gave a toothy grin and elbowed the other, turning to him to repeat in a teasing tone, "Hear that? We're gentlemen. Anyways, we're--"

The owner of the sword shrugged him off, a noticeable pink building on his pale cheeks. "Taking a cross-continent trip."

Your eyes widened. "Wow! That sounds exciting! Are you staying around here?"

"You could say that," one muttered.

You smiled sincerely at the two, introducing yourself with an outstretched hand. While one simply stared at your hand, the other took it curtly. "Nice to meet you."

"What about your names?"

Nervously, the traditionally-dressed one turned to the other, who still held your hand awkwardly. "Um." He turned to you as the other released your hand. "My name is Goemon."

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Goemon."

"Jigen," the other offered. Had you heard those names before, together? You didn't linger on that thought for too long.

"I hope we'll run into each other again before you leave, I'd love to give you a little walk-around sometime."

Goemon stiffened, and Jigen shook his head softly. "I hate to say it, but I doubt it. We're not gonna be around for too much longer. We... travel a lot"

"Aw, what a bummer!" you frowned, but quickly returned to a smile. "Well, it was nice to help regardless. I hope you guys enjoy your trip!"

"You bet we will," Jigen grinned. "Seeya."

Jigen was already heading for the trail as Goemon stood, unmoving, before you. His mouth wiggled a little, like he wanted to say something, so you patiently waited for him to muster something up. You couldn't help but think he was a little cute, trying so hard to be cordial. "Thank you. Again."

"Don't mention it! It's no biggie"

A tiny smile stretched his face. "No, really, you don't understand, it is a 'biggie'--"

"Goemon, c'mon!"

His eyes widened at the shout, and he quickly turned to follow. He stopped in his tracks to turn to you one last time, saying goodbye, before he and Jigen disappeared into the woods.

Well, you thought. That was one way to break the peace.

--Author's Note: I've teased it long enough, here finally we have the Goemon x Reader! It's going to be updated every Monday, so keep an eye out!--