Requested by @karinyzk ~

🌸Starting up, Touken Ranbu.🌸

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After a long duration of doing continuous sorties, you decided that it's best for your swords to take a day off to regain their strength. You also prevented them from doing horse keeping, fieldwork, and sparring. That day was purely a day of resting.

As you were preparing tea in the kitchen, you saw someone with white hair sitting just outside the steps. You poured tea into two teacups, placing them on a tray, along with dango sticks, and brought them with you when you approached the sword. "Honebami?" You called, sitting right beside him, setting down the tray and offering it to him.

Honebami's cheeks brightened pink when he noticed your presence. "Oh, (Y/N)-dono. Thank you..." He took a cup of tea and blew on it a bit before sipping.

"Why aren't you with the other swords?" You asked him. "Is something the matter? You seem like you're thinking about something too deeply."

"Do not bother it. It's a matter to be taken care of by myself. Now, leave me alone."

You sighed. "C'mon, you don't have to be like that. You can open up yourself to me." You gently rested your palm on top of his free hand, smiling nicely.

"... Don't touch me." The sword pulled away before his feelings would be expressed on his face. "I choose not to. After all, my memories would only fade away, so it's no use." He finished up his cup of tea, stood up, and left without saying another word. You hung your head down at the failed attempt of trying to get closer to Honebami.

Later on in the day, you decided to be the one to cook, letting your regular chef, Mitsutada, take a day off in that, too. You went outside to cook some fish that a few Uchigatanas caught just awhile ago. You piled up lumber and made a fire. You then placed the pot containing the food on top of it.

As you were mixing, you didn't realize that the hem of your robe had caught on fire until it burnt half your sleeve. You dropped the spoon you were holding and let out a scream.

Just in seconds, all of your swords rushed to you and panicked. "Someone get a bucket of water!" You heard Ishikirimaru shout in the distance. A few of them had left with him to fetch pails from the nearest well. The flame was about to reach your shoulder, and you gazed at all the Tantous who were crying. From the far left corner of your vision, you saw Honebami standing frozen in place. His eyes grew wide, and his mouth parted open. "T-The flames..." He turned his head to Namazuo, who had the exact facial expression. "N-No, not again.." He mumbled with a shaky voice.

When one of your Yaris decided to step forward to help you, Honebami pushed him aside and ran towards you. He frantically tackled you to the ground, took of his jacket, and started to get rid of the flames with it. You winced in pain as you felt the heat rising up. When the fire was still not disappearing, he drew his sword and sliced your burning sleeve apart. A minute after the fire was put out, a bucket of water was spilled on the two of you.

"Oh," Tsurumaru said, "was that still necessary?"

You twitched your eye. "TSURUMARU!"

The crane playfully stuck his tongue out and ran away. When you intended to chase after him, you realized that Honebami was still on top of you. You blushed, looking at his face. His expression was a mix of fright, worry, and anger. "H-Honebami? A-Are you alright--"

He cut you off by pulling you into a tight embrace. He was gently stroking your hair, as if he was trying to calm you. You were utterly surprised at his actions. 

"Now, now. Let's settle, people," Kasen said. "Aruji, I suppose you have to go change into a different robe. I shall prepare one for you. Honebami, if you wouldn't mind to get off of that risky and vulnerable position you're at with her."

Your faces turned beet red. "I understand," Honebami replied, obeying him.

Before you departed, the Wakizashi said to you, "I would like you to meet me at the garden tonight, (Y/N)-dono."

You smiled and nodded in agreement.

~

Nightfall came, and you went to the garden, just like what Honebami has stated. You walked around and saw him sitting at a bench. You approached him. "So, what's this about, Honebami?"

He was startled upon hearing your voice. The white haired sword sighed and ushered you to have a seat beside him. Silence filled the air between both of you for a moment. Honebami took a deep breath. "I apologize for my rude behavior. I shouldn't have spoken to you harshly."

"Oh, that's alright. You don't have to say sorry about that."

He furrowed his brows, placing a firm hand on where his heart is. "I feel very strange whenever I'm with you. My heart continues to race upon seeing your face everyday, and when you smile, it feels like my heart is about to burst." He averts his eyes to your (eye/color) orbs. "It is tempting in desiring to go farther in our relationship, but I am afraid of losing all of those memories that we would share together."

You blushed beet red at his words. "H-Honebami... you shouldn't worry too much about memories. No matter how many times you forget them, I promise I'll be there for you to remember everything."

His lips formed a smile. "Thank you, (Y/N)-dono." He stared down to your soft pink lips. "Are you okay with creating a memory together right now?"

"Hm? Sure."

Honebami slowly leaned in until he close the gap between you two. His kiss was rough, yet tender. You soon parted away to catch your breath.

"I want to make more memories with you, and stay by your side forever, (Y/N)-dono."

When you nodded, he went in for another sweet kiss.