Keep it secret. Keep it safe.

[hydrates]

SECRET relationship; The fact that you're in a relationship with this person isn't public knowledge. Actually, no one knows about it except for the people involved. Maybe you guys are just private like that; on the other hand, it may be a necessity to keep things a secret from others. Maybe you're both team mates, and others on the team would give you grief, or you're not suppose to be dating, or you're not the type to usually date and you're only testing the waters. Perhaps it's the combination of you two, possibly an odd couple, that would bring some controversy or some teasing. Or, you know, you could not want to deal with friends and relatives being busybodies. Your reasons are your own. Are you content with stealing moments to be together as a couple? Do you want to make your relationship known and the fact that you can't drives you batty? Remember, there are lots of benefits to dating in secret. You can be yourselves completely, away from prying eyes, and get to know each other better as potential longterm romantic partners. In a way, it's ideal. ...still, do you ever wish you could scream from the rooftops how much you care for your significant other? how to play. ★ Comment with your character, preferences, and information. ★ Reply to others. ★ Play out stolen moments (◡‿◡✿), secret dates (◕‿◕✿), secret handholding (⊙‿⊙✿), and secret kissing ( /)w(\✿)!

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[firer]

[When Honebami and Namazuo had first stepped into the Citadel, they brought a wave of questions that Ichigo had thought he'd buried deep enough to never be reminded of again. Having so many younger brothers looking up to you tends to have the domino effect of giving you a strength that you may not have had before -- or rather, the need for strength, for the sake of those who don't. By now, he's become familiar enough with the motions of having to help his brothers answer those same questions that had haunted him, so when he had suspected that there might be more to the saniwa's request that he lend Yukimitsu a hand here and there... Well. It would be a lie to say that Ichigo had minded the suggestion.

In a way, it feels like having another brother to look after. In another, it's nothing like that at all. They might be worlds apart in a lot of ways, but he's finding himself enjoying the chances he gets to spend time with the tantou, be it while tending to the horses, the fields, or fighting alongside one another.

That's why, as he picks up a half-empty bottle of sake sitting on the porch overlooking the front of the Citadel, he's not telling Yukimitsu off so much as lightly berating him.]

Isn't it a bit early for this?

[He's not the world's biggest drinker, himself.]

[just_a_useless_sword]

[Yukimitsu had very low self worth and esteem. As far as he was concerned he had failed his first master and regretted feeling such guilt for all the innocent lives he took. His problems only grew more when the man who loved him so much he sang and danced about him gave him away to his lover, it made him feel very betrayed.

Then the fire. That horrible fire and watching hopelessly as his master and his lover lives came to a horrible and painful end. Then he was left with silence and heat. He burned and burned. Was that the hell Nobunaga had promised....?

It was only natural that he would drink when he got his human form, the drink numbed the pain and reminded him of the fun his master had together. But meeting Ichigo changed the cycle a bit, now instead of getting drunk alone and wallowing, sometimes, he'd go and find him, seeking his praise and affection. He can't count how many times he'd get his light weight self too drunk and saunter into Ichigo's room and paw at him for attention or praise. It was fair to say that Yukimitsu had very high needs and tried to hide his expectancy of Ichigo or their Saniwa to fulfill them or praise him when he got too low in esteem.

The tantou looked back at him when he heard his voice.]

Saniwa...hic...sent you to come with me....?

[firer]

[While Ichigo's brothers might not drink (too much, for the most part), he could never say no to someone in need of a helping hand -- and that goes for Yukimitsu as well. In truth, he suspects that there's more than a little bit of a thirst for affection hidden under there somewhere, but if that's something that he'd rather keep under wraps, then Ichigo doesn't mind being the one to give him the praise that he desires without asking too many questions. It's part of his nature, by now.

The tachi's smile doesn't falter as he nods once, taking a casual seat besides Yukimitsu. He figures it might be more appropriate for seiza, but this sort of casualness is part of what he enjoys about their time together, as informal as it may be.]

He asked if I'd mind coming along, just for today. [He says it smoothly, without any complaint -- because he doesn't mind at all, and wouldn't want anyone to think otherwise.] I thought I'd see if that suits you first.

[Of course he'd do what he's told regardless, but in this, he's always been polite, too.]

[just_a_useless_sword]

[Yukimitsu took another swig before resting against the taller sword with a long sigh, he was pleased that Ichigo was coming along. Very pleased. Ichigo was well liked by everyone so he couldn't have time for someone as useless as him. He couldn't do anything right (At least in his eyes). It was better this way though, now that everyone knew how useless he was, he could never fail anyone again. He would never feel what he felt that cursed day again.]

If it's what the Saniwa wants...then you have to spend time with useless me.

sorry this is so late..!!

[firer]

[Ah... Testy as always. It's a helpless sort of feeling, hearing someone you care for speak so lowly of himself and not being able to find the precise words of encouragement and reinforcement to put an end to it once and for all. Maybe things would have turned out differently if they'd all stayed together, but masters do tend to be fickle, and trading hands is inevitable.

Ichigo's voice remains gentle, even as his smile fades into a more serious, rueful expression. The least he can do is make up for all the time Yukimitsu had to spend without someone to remind him exactly how much he does matter.

A gloved hand pointedly takes the bottle out of the tantou's hand, setting it down at his side.]

You're not useless, Yukimitsu. [One day, he'll get him to understand.] I can't think of anyone I'd rather spend the day with, with or without orders.