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Chapter Text

-1880-

-

Yasutomi Kiyomi.

A young woman from a wealthy, respectable family. She sits on her vanity brushing her long dark raven hair. She Possesses clear, pale skin, delicate features, and is quite slender.

She sets the brush down gently, finishing her hair brushing task.

"Kiyomi-neechan!" calls a voice, "come quick, we are to meet your husband soon!"

Kiyomi stands, "I am coming sister, dont worry." she smiles hearing her sisters cheerful voice.

-

Kiyomi, her father, mother, and younger sister are now arriving to the home of the Tomioka's.

A neat and tidy modern home stood front of them.

"Now Mika-chan, do not misbehave, we are guests, you must be polite." their mother warned, although her tone was soft as she spoke to the young girl.

"Yes mama!" the girl happily replied back.

Their father knocks on the door, it opens slowly. An elderly woman meets their gaze, smiling.

"Ah! ***-san! Welcome. We apoligize for being so underprepared for your visit!" the elder woman greeted nervously. Bowing her head gently.

"Oh, don't worry of it ***-san," their mother tried to resure, "If im being honest, we thought we were late!" she chuckled.

The other woman sighed in releif, "oh, do come in! Dont just stand there." She invites the small family in.

In the middle of a room stood two people. One being an older man, almost the same age as the elderly woman (mid-late 50s), but was a bit shorter than the woman. But Kiyomis gaze drifted to the young man next to the elder man.

He looked to be in his early 20s, had a linear frame, dark hair, but the most daring feature, was his hypnotizing ocean blue eyes.

They locked eyes for a second.

The elder woman, who is likely his mother, spoke up, "This is Tomioka Koji, my son, who you will marry, Kiyomi-chan!" she beamed, obviously meaning well.

But Kiyomi would be lying if she said she wasnt nervous. She bowed, greeting herself, "Ah, good morning Koji-san," she started,"I hope we can get along well, you and I." she says warmly.

The man, Koji, bows back in respect, "Thank you Kiyomi-san, I too hope we get along." his voice flowed nicely, it was honestly close to music in Kiyomi's own ears.

She liked that.

And she felt (hoped) that this marriage would go well. Because she knew when she liked someone,

or even loved them.

Chapter Text

-1883-

-

It has been 3 years of marriage for Kiyomi and Koji.

And although Kiyomi was nervous at first, she did get to know quit a bit about her now husband, Koji.

Koji, while he came off as intimidating, is a sweet man. He was, as Kiyomi said, just a shy boy. He wasnt one to engage in social interactions, but when he did, he was quiet and awkward about it, which always made Kiyomi giggle.

And although he was shy, he was nothing less than a Gentlemen. He often helped his wife with tasks around their new home, and would brush and braid Kiyomis hair if he was asked to.

-

Currently, Kiyomi was pregnant with her first child, and had been receiving quite some pain as of late...

So now she was laying on a futon, and Koji stood over her, combing her hair with his fingers.

Kiyomi takes a deep breath in, "Koji.."

"yes, my love?" He answers quickly.

"I..." she trails off, "I think it is time.." she finally says, "Quickly, get a doctor."

Koji stops combing at her words, "But.. My love, will you be okay alone for so long?" he asks.

Kiyomi nods, "I trust it wont take too long. I trust you will be quick and swift for your dear wife." she teases a bit, but Koji seems to not mind.

He wipes sweat off of his wives forehead, "I will be. Just.. Hang on until I come back.."

Kiyomi holds his hand, squeezing it a bit, "I will hold on. Now, get going!" she smiles, "I dont want you to miss your childs birth, and im sure you don't want that either~" she finishes.

Koji squeezes her hand back, and kissed her forehead, "Ill be back, my love." He hurily runs to the door, opening it and running out, making sure to close it behind him.

Kiyomi can only giggle to herself imagining her husband in tears while the baby gets delivered.

Chapter Text

-1887-

"Congratulations!" the doctor spoke, "Its a healthy baby girl!"

"A baby girl?" Kojis lips wobbled, and he started bawling his eyes again.

Kiyomi had a gentle smile on her face, but she was clearly exhausted to say the least...

"Ah, thank you jiho-san.. I think we can manage from here." Kiyomi says, and the doctor had soon left after giving the baby few more check-ups.

-

"Koji, dear.." Kiyomi quietly spoke.

Koji sniffles, "Yes, my love?"

"Ill give you the honor of naming our child, if you.. Calm down."

Koji blushes out of emberassment, "...right, my apoligies, my love.." Kiyomi wipes his tears, trying not to laugh. "But, I don't quite mind if you want to name her."

Kiyomi tilts her head, a bit suprised, "Really?" Koji nods. "Well... If its alright with you, id like to name her after my grandmother.."

"Tsutako... Our child will be named Tsutako Tomioka."

It was now settled, Tsutako Tomioka, First child of Kiyomi and Koji Tomioka.

-

Chapter Text

-1888-

Kiyomi has cleaning plates, there wasn't much, but she didnt want any sort of clutter.

She felt two hands (smol) wrap around her leg.

When she looked down, she met two, adorable, big blue eyes, with.. Tears?

Oh she thought, "Aw tsu tsu, my baby," the held the child in her hands, "Whats wrong?"

The girl sniffles and points at the door, coincidence, her father was in that room.

"Koji!" Kiyomi calls, "Stop scaring your child!" he doesn't respond back, but she knows that means hes scared of what she'll do if he protests of not doing anything. She sets Tsutako down.

The girl runs back to the same room she pointed at.

"WAAA, TSU, MY BABY GIRL! IM SO SORRY, I DIDNT MEAN TO MAKE YOU CRY!" Kiyomi Physically cannot hold her laugh, and the tears coming into her eyes as she tries.

-

Kiyomi watches her husband and child play around outside, sipping on fresh tea herself.

..She couldnt bare if anything was to happen to the small family she finally has...

The sound of Tsutako giggling snaps her out of her thoughts, watching as Koji chases after her with his hands out.

He catches up, holding her in his arms, and kissing her baby cheeks lovingly.

Kiyomi smiles at the wholesome interaction.

She will do anything to stay like this.

Chapter Text

-1894-

It was a strangely cold winter this year.

Currently, Kiyomi was pregnant with her second child, and was having a walk with Tsutako right now.

"Mama," the young girl starts, Kiyomi looks towards her, "Do you think the baby is a boy, or a girl?" She asks.

The woman hums, "I'm not sure." She admits, "But I'm sure that whatever the gods will grace us with will be lovely." She pauses, "what do you want it to be?"

Tsutako takes little time to think, but she still seems unsure, "Well... I would love to have a baby sister, but I would feel bad for papa, and that would mean more girls than boys in the house." She giggles at those last words.

"But I promise I won't mind if it's a boy or a girl." The girl leans on her mother's side.

Kiyomi closes her eyes momentarily, "I think we should head home. Your father said he'd bring sweets for you." Tsutako perks up at that, making Kiyomi smile.

They would find out the baby's gender in due time.

Chapter Text

-1894-

A day later, Kiyomi had just had her child, it was a beautiful baby boy!

Tsutako looks disappointed, "Mama?"

Kiyomi looks up at her, and so does her father, both with teary eyes, "Yes Tsu?"

Tsutako hesitates, "Why is he so ugly?" She innocently asks.

The two stop, looking at each other, before they both burst out laughing.

Koji is the first to recover, still sniffling, "Well, Tsu.." he starts, "Babies look.. a little weird when they first arrive into the world." He explained.

"All babies?" The girl asks.

"All babies Tsu," Kiyomi responds, "Even you." She laughs more at the face the girl makes at hearing that.

"WHAT??" the girl exclaimed, "But in all my baby pictures I look adorable!" She pouts.

They both smile, "Well.. you were an adorable baby!" Koji tries, "But you did look like your baby brother right after being born." He nervously chuckles.

"Come Tsu," says Kiyomi, "Would you like to hold your baby brother?"

Despite her earlier comment, Tsutako happily takes him into her arms, even kissing his forehead.

"Would you like to name him?" Kiyomi asks.

"Yes!" Tsutako beams. "Hm.. well, I like saying the word 'you' and I love my Gigi... So I like Giyuu!"

"That's a lovely name Tsu." Koji ruffles her hair.

Kiyomi is crying happy tears at the moment.

Chapter Text

-1895-

Kiyomi was putting little Giyuu to sleep.

Tsutako was entering in and out of that same room, checking on Giyuu and her mother.

While also checking on her father in another room.

Both her parents had been sick, and her baby brother was developing quite a cough.

Right as Tsutako was going to make dinner, Kiyomi calls her, "Tsutako, dear" then came a coughing fit, "..I'm sorry dear, but could you get me some water?.. my throat feels dry.." she tries, struggling to say that.

Tsutako smiles "Of course mama, and don't worry about me, I just want you to rest. I'll be right back mama."

Kiyomi sighs in relief "Thank you, my baby." She says still patting Giyuu on the back.

-

Tsutako came back shortly with a pale of water, giving it to her mother.

"Thank you my baby girl.." Tsutako nods.

"I'll be right back, I'll just ask Papa if he needs some water as well!"

Closing the door behind her, she heads to a separate room, the one her father is in.

He seems to be sleeping, Tsutako walks to his side, and kneels down, "Papa," she shakes him a bit, his eyes open and look her way, "would you like some water?" She asks, holding a cup into his line of view.

It takes him a few seconds to answer before he nods. Tsutako helps him sit up, and holds the cup to his mouth... he looks awful...

Laying him down, and giving him an extra blanket, she heads back to the kitchen. She should make some stew...

Let's hope this can help them feel even a bit better...

Chapter Text

-1895-

"Unfortunately, Koji and Kiyomi Tomioka had succumbed to their illness two days after the family celebrated Giyuu's first birthday, leaving Tsutako Tomioka alone to take care of herself and her brother."

Tsutako was devastated.

-

Two close friends of Koji and Kiyomi had came over, knocking on the door.

When nobody answered, they decided to invite themselves in, just to make sure everything was okay.

Everything was, in fact, not okay.

Upon entering, they hadn't seen anyone so far. Going further into the home, they heard a baby's cry.

There was also muffled talking, well... Pleading.

They rushed into the room to find Kiyomi, still and lifeless, on a futon. And next to her, was Tsutako holding baby giyuu, trying to shake her mother awake.

"Mama!" The girl cried, "Please mama, you h-have to wake up!"

She looks towards the entrance, where the two adults stand.

With tears in her eyes, "Hachika-san! Please, mama and papa are sick, they needs help, please.." She pleads.

One of the two rush to Tsutako and the baby, while the other tends to Kiyomi.

-

After calling the local doctor, Kiyomi was pronounced dead in her home, due to bacterial consumption.

And after some search in the home, Koji was found, and suffered the same death as his wife.

Giyuu had also been sick, but he was treated quickly when the doctor was called.

The two adults, who found this heartbreaking scene, were trying to comfort a crying Tsutako.

She just couldn't believe any of this was real...

Chapter Text

-1903-

Tsutako was making dinner, specifically Giyuu's current favorite: Salmon simmered daikon.

The boy in question was asleep, taking a nap, but he was about to be woken up by Tsutako, as she finishes dinner.

-

The girl walks to her brother's room. Sliding the screen, she sees a small form on a futon, with thick, comfy blackets surrounding the small form.

She shakes the form gently, "Yuu, It's time for dinner, wake up."

The boy stirred, before going still again, eyes still closed.

"Giyuu~" she pokes him, trying to tickle him, "C'mon, I made your favorite!"

At that, the boy opens his eyes, shooting upright, though he still looked sleepy, hair sticking up, and drool still on his cheek.

Tsutako smiles, that always wakes him up.

"Ah, there he is!" She tried not laughing at his hair, "hey my sleepyhead! Are you hungry?" She asks.

After getting out those eye crustys, and blinking himself awake, he nods.

She carried him over so fast, he blinked and missed the short trip from his room, to the kitchen.

She makes a bowl, placing it in front of her brother.

"Eat up so you can get big and strong, okay?" He nods, "I know you must be hungry since you slept through lunch."

And not even 3 minutes later, he was finished his plate.

-

"Yuu," she says, "It's time to go to the bakery, like I promised!"

Giyuu speeds to his sister's side, ready to head out once more.

Tsutako takes that that means they're ready to go, grabbing a basket, she opens the door, holding Giyuu's hand while walking out.

-

"Y'know," Tsutako starts, "It's so quiet when it's late." Giyuu looks up at her, "I would love if my little brother could fill the silence with his adorable squeaky voice~" the girl teased.

He makes a face at that. "It's not squeaky!" He pouted, "It's just that your voice is much deeper than mine, you're older!"

Tsutako giggles, "Oh, I'm just teasing, Yuu!" She smiled, "..but, you do squeak like a mouse when you're angry."

He looks toward the grassy field they walk near. "What?" She asked, "giving me the silent treatment now?" He doesn't respond.

She sighs, "I guess he doesn't want any sweets from the bakery..." She faked.

His head shoots back to look at his sister again, shaking his head, "No, no! I do want sweets!"

"Your sorry?" He nods, "Okay, then give me a hug!" He complies, hugging her tightly, Tsutako pats his head, "There. Now, I forgive you." They both smile at each other, arriving at a small shop.

Chapter Text

-1903-

The small bakery held lots of treats and desserts. As the two walk in, an elder woman greets them, "Hello Tsutako, Giyuu," a soft smile graces her lips, "What brings you here tonight?"

Tsutako walks to the woman, giving her a hug. Giyuu stands to her side, the elderly woman patting his head softly, which he doesn't mind.

"Well, Giyuu asked if we could come get some dango after dinner, and I did promise.." she trails of, as giyuu is in front of her holding some cookies inside a small bag.

"And cookies?" He asks.

"And cookies." She confirms. The ender woman lets out a gentle laugh.

"Oh, Giyuu, you have quite the sweet tooth today, don't you?" He frantically nods.

"How much will that be, tinko-san?" Tsutako asks.

The elderly woman thinks for a second, "If that's all the boy wants," she starts, "you can take it for free." She hands them the dango.

Tsutako pauses, "A-are you sure, tinko-san?" She stampers.

The woman nods, "I'm quite sure, it's not a big deal! Now go!" She shooed them off, "It's past Giyuu's bedtime, is it not?" She grins.

Tsutako bows out of respect, "Thank you so much tanko-san. I hope you have a nice night!" She smiled.

"Ah, thank you my Tsutako! I hope you and that boy will finally get together!" The woman teased.

Tsutako blushed, waving goodbye. "Goodnight Koko-san!" Giyuu said, before walking out with Tsutako.

Giyuu turns back to his sister, who is as red as a tomato, "nee-san, who's 'that boy' tanko-san was talking about?"

Chapter Text

-1903-

The next day, Tsutako had woken up early to go back to the bakery.

Going early ment Giyuu was still asleep, and he won't wake up for awhile. Besides, she doesn't want him to hear.. stuff she's going to say..

Entering the shop, Tinko greeted her as she had yesterday.

"What brings you here so early, Tsu?" She asked.

"Oh, we just need some bread for today's breakfast is all." She replied.

"Ah, alright then." She paused, "How's Giyuu?"

Tsutako's mouth makes an 'o' shape, "He's quite alright, still asleep, though."

The elder hums, "Has he still been having those hallucinations?" she asked.

Tsutako stood still, "No.. well, I'm not sure, he hasn't told me of seeing anything as of late."

"Hm..."

"May the gods be with you two." The woman finally says. 

"Thank you Tinko-san." She turned the woman's way, "Oh, and please don't bring up isumi near giyuu? He doesn't know we are seeing each other, and I don't want him overwhelmed with a new person around..."

The woman nods, "Will do." She smiles, "make sure to tell me when the wedding is, though~" she chuckled.

Tsutako blushed uncontrollably, "Ah, yes.. Bye Tinko-san!" She hurry's to the door, but forgets to pay..

"Ah! My apologies Tinko, here you are, bye!" She hands the elder the money.

"Goodbye my Tsu, have a great day!"

Now to get back to Giyuu..

Chapter Text

-1903-

Who was up the whole time?

-

Giyuu shot up from his futon, breathing heavily.

Heavily,

Heavily.

'It's okay..' He reassured, 'It was fake... Maybe like the Hallucinations..'

He slowly stood up, stretching. '... Maybe I should tell Nee-san..'

He slides outside his room.. but it's quiet. Not any low noises... Just, silent...

'strange,' he thought, '... Nee-san would be up by now.. unless I awoke too early... No, it's the right amount of light outside.'

'... Where had she gone?' still wandering around the home, he enters his sister's room... empty.

...

Thats not... Right...

Maybe I'm just... Hallucinating again. No, I've never hallucinated like this..

What if she was kidnapped!?

No, everything is too neat... He would've been taken too, right..?

Yeah... Well, maybe she went to the village? To get some food.. yeah.. no, she wouldn't leave him alone, would she?

She wouldn't.

Giyuu was beginning to panic. His hands shot up to his hair.

'No, Nee-san doesn't like me doing that,' he stops himself, 'jiat wait for her to come back, it'll be okay, she has to be at the bakery with Koko-san..'

-

Tsutako calmly walks down the path. She only needed the bread, but it felt like she forgot something...

Wait..

GIYUU!

Her thoughts paused. Then she was sprinting toward her home. The thought came rushing through.

'How could I forget??'

'He's likely up!'

'What if he's panicking!?? Scared??'

'Hes never been alone, and assumes the worst!'

'What if he's hurt? Or hurts himself??'

'..what if his mind is tormenting him with those stupid hallucinations!?'

Next thing she knew, she was standing in front of the genkan

Sliding open the wooden door.

.

And there he was, her brother. Quietly sitting on a tatami mat. Though he did look a bit disheveled, and was fidgeting with his hands.

Giyuu looked towards the noise, his eyes meeting Tsutako's.

"Tsutako nee!" He whisper-shouted.

Tsutako calmed, "Oh, giyuu.." a tired smile stretched onto her face, as she went to Giyuu's side, giving him an unexpected hug.

Giyuu froze momentarily, but then melted into the touch.

They stayed that way a few seconds more, before giyuu broke the silence.

"...I was scared, where had you gone..?"

Tsutako still held him, but looked at his face, tears threatened to spill from His eyes.

"Oh, giyuu baby, don't cry. I was at the bakery getting some bread, that's all." She wiped a tear that escaped.

"I'm sorry for not telling or bringing you.. I've never left you alone, and I know it's scary." She kisses his head.

"No.. it's okay. I don't want you to always have to look after me... Even with small moments like this."

'im sorry, it's my fault, I'm too immature..'

All Tsutako was worried about now, was feeding Giyuu. He must be starving, maybe his favorite will cheer both of them up... And some sweets as well, he deserved it.