Step 11: Koto

Koto is a kind of zither. It has been called the ‘Japanese harp’ and was one of the main chamber instruments of Japanese traditional music style. With the Kyoto one can be reckless with the instrument. You can burn with a type of passion, which no one would understand, for the music that is played on the thirteen string instrument is achieved by what one feels. To Kazuki the instrument had been something he loathe, love, and found as an enigma. It held secrets for Kazuki whether by technique of how to fight, to even the balm for the soul. Has anyone notice that music is a agent used in almost everything to either uplift, depressed, express, let alone communicate. Animals did understand the meaning behind the notes they too have feelings whenever they listen to it.

Shido could vouch for the meaning behind the music that his love Makoto plays on her string instrument. Their attraction to each other was due to that music of communication. Shido found fondness for the famous violinist, while the other fell madly in love with a man that didn’t see her for her wealth let alone her blindness.

For Kazuki the Koto had been with him since he was young the same goes for Makoto whom play with the violin. Both instruments were string like; each held a precious piece of their lives, which lead to the love of their lives.

For the most treasure thing that the Kyoto brought him was Jubei, they met when he was playing the blasted thing. In addition, their relationship progressed from there; Kazuki wasn’t blind to many things, before when he was younger perhaps. However growing up in the Infinite Castle meant you grew up quickly.

Settled down in his living room of his apartment he felt comforted with his surroundings. Jubei was part of his environment, after hauling the protesting man to his home, he felt rather better, since he could keep an eye on the other. After all Sakura did tell him he was the only hope, they had in figuring out what was wrong with her brother. Then again, Kazuki wasn’t that stupid he had a faint inkle idea as to what was wrong with his friend.

One could even call it denial, however to Kazuki he was accepting he let things come across him and flow over him like rain. After all, he was use to the attraction between him the other. Shifting he finger the Koto that was given to him by Jubei as a present, he never could figure out how the other found it. It wasn’t a common instrument and it was heavily expensive. “Ne Jubei?”

“Naze?” Jubei shifts a bit in the lighted room it was rather odd that he would end up outside Infinite Castle, beside he never visited the Fuchoin heir’s new home. Surely, he was curious before, but he never had a chance to well ask let alone he didn’t dare do anything that might displease the other. Sighing he slid down on his feet sitting down traditionally, he felt refreshed after using the facility to clean himself, and now he was dressed in Kazuki’s spare kosode. Inwardly he felt it odd that the kosode was the perfect size for him. However, he couldn’t tell what color the fabric was yet he would acknowledge that it wouldn’t be anything girlie since a kosode was worn by either sex. A short-sleeve garment later on was developed into the modern kimono. By the smell and texture, he could tell that it was new and never worn until now.

Odd that it reminded him of his old kosode that he worn when he was a child, shifting beside him, he heard the cloth that Kazuki wore by the length it was probably a kimono. Even though Kazuki didn’t admit it, he rather enjoyed some clothing like the kimono. “I was wondering if you would listen to me practice.”

“Practice?” Jubei whispered puzzled as to what sort of practice.

Fabric shuffled Kazuki moved in front of the Koto and finger it lovingly, “Remember how sometimes you would sit and listen to me play?”

“Aa…” Finally clicking onto what exactly the other was talking about it was somewhat customary for them back then to sit around and listen to Kazuki practice. To make sure either the other was protected and that no one would disturb his one’s peace. “If you would like to play for me then do as you wish.”

Kazuki squeezed Jubei’s fingers and sat with his back facing Jubei while the koto sat neatly in front of him. It wasn’t such a bad idea to help Jubei relax his been tense a lot lately. The Fuchoin heir left hand plucks the strings while his right hand shifting on the strings to create different tone and intonations.

Step 12: Longing

Two seconds was a long time, it about took two seconds for one to self discover many things. Whether it was likes or dislikes. Those that listen to the music that the Fuchoin heir would agree that two seconds was euphoria at its finest. Those that were of lesser abundance of music would find their worries soothed. This was the secret that held Kazuki in high regards this was why he was reverted and even a little fear by those that didn’t understand his powers.

However for those that stay with spool boy for a while knew each song he play by heart, and knew that there was a quaint haunting sound that express ~longing. For even though Kazuki smile, laugh, cried, and show kindness.

He also was very lonely.

It was clear at the beginning for Jubei that Kazuki was surrounded at a young age by servants. Yet, all he wanted in the world was a friend and something more. So that was what Jubei became his friend, confidant, and perhaps something else.

For wherever Kazuki went, the needle boy would be near. In the medical textbooks Jubei, study about Ying and Yang. The balance between a body, without one or another you can’t form the balance required. The same could be said about the Fuchoin and the Kakei clan for many generations the Kakei protected the Fuchoin. It was arrangement that suited them. The reason behind it wasn’t relatively clear however, for no one understand why the Fuchoin were protected by the Kakei clan.

Only people that knew why were the only sole survivor of the massacre. The only heirs were these two of the legacy, both equip with knowledge, and instincts of the tradition they were brought up on. If one were gone to far away, the other would long for the other. It was inevitable, Jubei cock his head to the right he felt the longing once again well up to him.

The feelings he tried to clamp down on wouldn’t go away, the music he listens to was familiar, but different. It told him of how much hardship his one had to go through without him, the pain, the longing, and the loneliness.

Kazuki was not good with words let alone expressing them to Jubei, there were so many layers to Kazuki and the only way for him to find a release was to play. Hoping beyond hope that this would help communicate with the special someone he held so dearly.

Perhaps there was irony toward Midou Ban’s words that were exchanged between Jubei and him. ‘Don’t rush the spool boy, needle boy.’ Even though it held taunting with the stupid pet names that Midou Ban took to calling them, a vague respect was held in those azure eyes. ‘You can’t have one without the other needle boy. With out the spool boy you got no thread and without the needle the spool boy got no way to be used.’

Maybe Jubei didn’t give Midou Ban that much credit, but one couldn’t blame him. When Kazuki was going to start on another stanza Jubei thought perhaps things might need a slight push. If he were to ever let Kazuki know what he felt, beside wouldn’t it be better, since if his one rejected him. Then he would know for sure, and be able to go on, maybe with as friends. For he knew certain that Kazuki was anything but kind, he didn’t even border on cruelty for he wasn’t the type to submit to that level.

Shifting a bit, he brought his hands before him and jerked Kazuki into his arms. “Jubei what are you?” However, Jubei stifle the next words with the press of his lips to the other. The body beneath his fingers tensed then relaxed slightly into his touch. It was almost like heaven to Jubei the mere lips pressing softly against each other’s. There wasn’t any impatience in him anymore but an insistent reminder of the hardness in his loins. He didn’t want to scare away Kazuki by what he was feeling.

Parted lips was clear indication the other wanted something else. Moreover, Jubei being one not to neglect the wants and needs of Kazuki obliged and slip his tongue into the confinements. The taste was fresh, and sweet. Just what he thought Kazuki would taste, the skin on his fingers felt silky and taunt.

When they parted for breath Kazuki closed his eyes and leaned against Jubei’s chest. Lips caressed Kazuki’s forehead, fingers dance to unwind the long white hairpieces until the long hair was let loose all over the floor. “Why did you grow you hair out more?”

Surprised at the question the Fuchoin heir snuggle a bit into the crevice of the other’s arms. “Because you said you liked it.” It was a simple admitted statement.

“How long have you been waiting for me?” Jubei question quietly, acknowledging that all the puzzle pieces were falling into place.

Soft chuckle came from the boy in his arms. “It feels like forever.” Kazuki’s fingers brush against Jubei’s neck then down slowly. “Sakura-san told me to tell you not to rush it and not to stop it. I don’t really know what that means exactly.”

“Aa…just something I should have taken advice too.”

“Eh?”

“It’s nothing, but for now it is everything.” It was a vague sentence, but it symbolize that something wonderful would happen now.

Step 13: Mates

‘Jubei’ A laughing ten year Kazuki stood in the rain, as he was when he first met him, his hair was wet. ‘Jubei! Come out and play with me.’

The boy called out to him, peering through his window an eleven-year-old Jubei blink quickly to notice the other was still there waving at him. ‘Baka, your going to catch a cold if you stay out there.’

‘Demo.’ Kazuki lifted his face to the pouring rain, ‘You will always be there to cure me ne?’

Jubei hurried and threw on his clothes, and ran out of the door to Kazuki with an umbrella. ’Aa..’

‘Ne Jubei.’

‘Naze?’

‘When we grow up, will you be my mate?’ Kazuki still had his head lifted to look at the sky his back was turn to Jubei.

Jubei sighed as he grabbed Kazuki’s hand noticing it was indeed cold, ‘Fine fine, as long as we get inside, I’ll promise you anything.’

‘Promise?’

‘Aa…’

Jubei jerked up a bit from his sleep induce memories, noticing another set of breath in the room and the naked warm body that was curled up next to him. He started to remember things, the careful promises the unspoken attachments. Perhaps he purposely forgotten that memory, he at the time didn’t want to crush the hopeful eyes of his one.

Yet, the word mate seems odd to him. After all weren’t they both boys, with the same gender and displacements, how would they exactly be mates if one weren’t female, even though Kazuki look the part.

It was wrong for him to think this way, however he acknowledge if Kazuki wanted him to be his mate back then it was certainly that he would want that now. He shouldn’t deny what he promise back then for promises to Jubei were everything. In addition—even though he broke a couple when he hurt Kazuki, he wasn’t going to start now making that a habit.

A shifting on him told him the Fuchoin heir was waking up softly, “Mmm Jubei?”

“Gomen if I woke you up.”

“Iie, it is fine,” arms wrapped around him and push him down into the futon, “Did you have a nightmare?”

Shaking his head, Jubei lifted the hair in his hands pooling them around him. “I just had a dream about a memory.” Laughing softly, earning a purring response of a sated Kazuki.

“What was it about?”

“It always has been about mostly you.” Jubei twisted a bit position needle boy on his back, while he pressed softly into the other’s body kissing him. “All my dreams are about you.”

Earning a bit of muffle chuckle, “I wonder if sometimes you have a fixation on me Jubei.”

Jubei smirk slightly, “Would you rather I have a fixation on another?”

Fingers poke him in his chest; “If you do I would rip them to shreds.” Surprised at the comment and the show of claws in his cute little kitty, Jubei brought the covers over them to ware off the chill.

“Ah so you do have claws.”

A muffle response of, ”Only with you.”

Jubei pressed his soft lips nudging the other insistently for a kiss. Then hands began to wander around quickly to try to catch up with the urges of their bodies.

The two lovers lay panting in the end Kazuki felt hands trail down his body making involuntary shudders as a response. “Jubei didn’t your sister tell you to don’t rush me?” Whether it was to remind himself to stop early since he doubt he could manage to get any sleep at the end of the day.

“Aa…but I don’t see you complaining about being rush when we were doing it.” Teasing words sent chills up and down his spine.

“Ma ne.” Kazuki chuckle, “But you’ve taken me three times already.” Trying to remind himself of the fact that it might not be wise to attempt a four, since his body was already aching from some area’s.

“True, but your just to damn tempting for your own good.”

Snorting the long hair boy shifted to feel comfortable, “Sa…it really a disadvantage.”

“Are you that sore?”

“Iie, but I think I will be in the morning.”

“Not if I treat you.” Jubei mentioned.

A moan was all that came after that.

Step 14: Nobility

Sometimes memories wouldn’t leave him, Jubei pressed his forehead against the cool floor of his room. After being with Kazuki he wearily went home, sated and incredibly happy. Perhaps even cheerful, when he got home however that was when the memories started to plague him. The memories that he tried to repress, and now with all the doubts and the guilt rested aside for a short while, they started to knock on his walls.

The one that drew to him was the one of New Years celebration. He stood at the edge of the corridor watching the stone garden and the koi pond before him. It was at the Fuchoin clan’s traditional home and the household in a way wasn’t as different from the Kakei clan.

From behind the quiet boy, there was the faintest chime of small bells. Jubei turned, only to find Kazuki standing behind him, a warm smile on his face. The shorter boy was dressed in a kimono, and little bells were attached to the ends to be aesthetically pleasant. Perch on his head was a ceremonial hat that held strings, and cloth, with bells.

Kazuki had invited Jubei that year, seeing that his parents were away on a trip, which left him alone in his home. Therefore, Jubei being his ever-present protector took him to where ever he needed to be including the New Years Celebration.

Slightly over an hour ago, he had watch Kazuki and his cousins dance for their ancestors, elders, the gods in protecting their clan. Jubei of course follow with his eyes at the Fuchoin heir’s movements. It was as if he always dreams it would be graceful and fluid.

Jubei found himself slowly mesmerized by each chime and jingle the bells on Kazuki. The gentle flap of the kimono sleeve, the smoothness of the moves with silken material, cascaded around him, free silky hair pooled around him. Serenity was on Kazuki’s face, and the closed-eye look was entirely intoxicating, and alluring.

“Thank you for waiting for me to finish Jubei.” Kazuki laugh while sliding beside the other in a sitting position, “I am glad you came with me.”

The taller boy shook his head while replying. “I found it interesting.”

Earning a slight smile on the other’s face, “I thought I was going to ruin it, I almost lost my balance. These clothing aren’t easy to move in after all.” Playfully the boy ruffled his friend’s hair.

“Even so you did a good job. You look like nobility dress up like that.”

“Ah Arigato. I think.”

A knock on his door drew Jubei’s mind away from the memories. “Who is it?”

“Jubei, it is I.” Kazuki’s voice came through the doorway.

Perhaps it was a summoning of will that he wanted Kazuki with him. “Come in.” The door slid open and Kazuki padded in.

“I just wanted to make sure if you were alright and that you made it home safely.” The spool boy jabber on, “I didn’t wake you did I?” Noticing the sleep attire Jubei was in.

“Iie.”

Perhaps things will be all right in the end or so he hoped.

Step 15: Optometrist

Perhaps it was the hope to be given a second change to see. Jubei and Kazuki had gone all over the area and with the help of Makoto, they were able to locate one of the best. Makoto had directed them to a doctor specialized in old Chinese herbal and western remedies. He was also specialized in something called acupuncture. After visiting the man, they were informed that it would be possible to try to treat Jubei in hopes that he would see again. His eyes weren’t heavily damaged yet surgery and some herbal remedies might have to be used to help cure him

It took close to five years of working to try to heal Jubei’s eyes, both individuals had worked of course to supply the money and even Makoto had lent some money. Wanting to help Shido indeed had a remarkable lady.

A comment the violinist had said to Jubei was something that he wouldn’t forget. “Cherish what you have. You might not know when you end out with out it. For it is better to know then not to know.”

Jubei had detected hidden meaning behind those words, and clarity, that he had known what color was, what the world look like through vision. Makoto only had the ability to use four senses; therefore, her vision was very different. Yet she had no regrets, unless perhaps if she lost her hearing.

It made sense the reason why she was happy, she never knew what a rainbow looks like, and she couldn’t regret things she didn’t know. Perhaps ironically he did regret and mourn his lost eyesight, but the key message was to live day by day. Jubei wonder how one so small and helpless could be so strong. Yet it all made sense, Shido was a man of deep passions, his mate has to be strong in order to be his equal.

It was the day now that all would be revealed whether or not he would be able to glimpse at another of Kazuki. Sometimes he admitted to Kazuki that he was forgetting what he looked like, and if it weren’t for the ability to touch him, he would totally be lost. It wasn’t a weak man to admit his weakness and fears. It showed the trust between these two.

“Are you ready Jubei?” The soft voice of his one tingle his ears from where Kazuki sat.

“Aa…”

The doctor was removing the bandages; he clipped round of gauze away, asking him slight questions as to whether or not he could see light. In the end, all of the gauze was gone needle boy slowly slid his eye lids open, flinching at the intensity of light, which quickly dimmed to accommodate him. Slowly a form came into view, and then shifted to the worry and hopeful face of an older Kazuki. His hair was flowing around him, and the bells were tied on the side of one strand of his hair.

“What can you see Jubei?” The worried words formed on those perfect delicate lips.

Jubei smiled, his eyes never leaving his mate. “I see the person I love.” A faint cough came from behind Jubei as the sound of the door closing indicating that the doctor were leaving them with their privacy.

"It worked Jubei.” Kazuki’s trembling hands as he clasp them together. “How do you feel?”

Jubei breaths as he reached out jerking Kazuki into his arms, “Like second changes are possible.” His lips pressed against the others then he broke off to watch the slow reddish tinge on the younger boy’s cheeks. “And humble to see the colors of your face.”

“JUBEI!” Kazuki yelled in embarrassment as he hid his face.

Jubei laughed hard relief flowed through his body to see again, he whispered softly for only Kazuki’s ears. “You might not get any sleep for the next few days.”

“Promise?”

“Aa….”

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