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It was a beautiful day at Hanamizaka and Gorou's canine instinct just wanted to lay down the soft grass and just happily bask in the warm sunlight. Despite the day being one of his days off from being Watatsumi's general, he still had to fulfill his job as a column writer at Yae Publishing House so the whole laying down under the sun, much to his dismay, was out of the options to spend his day. Finishing up the last replies to the letters, he submits it to Yae Publishing House and bids the editor in chief goodbye. Still having extra time in his hands, Gorou decides to stroll around Inazuma and observe the surroundings.
“Nice one, Fiery Might! I knew you wouldn't let me down!” Cheers a familiar voice coming from the nearby sakura tree.
A wave of curiosity hits him, he decides to walk towards the commotion and see what it's all about. Upon arriving, Gorou can't help but chuckle to himself at the sight of a familiar tall crimson oni playing with beetles together with a bunch of kids.
'Of course, it's gotta be Arataki Itto.' Gorou thought to himself smiling, happy to see a familiar face during his free time like this.
“C'mon, kid! I won fair and square! Now hand me over the lollipop.” Itto says proudly, hands brushing out his bangs.
“Fine, Uncle Itto. Here you go.” The kid sighs, handing out two lollipops to the tall oni.
As Itto receives his hard earned prize with both of his hands, he looks towards the stairs and spots Gorou. Itto ushers the kids away, stating that he has important matters to attend to and the kids happily comply, wishing him good luck. Failing to contain his excitement to himself, Itto runs up towards Gorou and slings an arm across the other's shoulder.
"Gorou, my man! Been a while since I last saw 'ya...what are you up to, buddy?”
“Nothing much, honestly. Just strolling around to spend my day off.”
Itto hands Gorou one of the lollipops he just won and the other happily accepts the sweet treat. Appreciating each other’s company, the two decided to sit down under the shade of the sakura tree while enjoying the candy they had at hand. A few minutes passed by and Itto suddenly thought of an idea.
“Gorou? You still have some spare time, right?” Itto asks the other carefully.
Gorou nods in agreement.
“Yeah. I still have a couple of hours before I head back to Watatsumi Island. Why’d you ask?” Gorou tilts his head, curious to hear what the other has in mind.
“Well, there’s this festival later in the evening at Amakane Island. I was hoping to…y’know…bring you there and try out the things there to get to know you more.” Itto says shyly, scratching the back of his nape.
Gorou thinks to himself, knowing how late the festivities usually end, he might need to spend a night at Narukami Island. Although he didn’t want to miss this opportunity to explore the place with his friend, he might have to decline since he needs to return to Watatsumi at the end of the day.
“I’m not sure if I can, I have to go back to Watatsumi early since I only have today as my day off. Her excellency might need me for some things once I get back, too.” Gorou says dejectedly.
“Aww, c’mon. Can’t you make an exception just this time? I’m sure Kokomi won’t mind. Me and Yoimiya helped out with the festivities, I even set up some of the lanterns around the island.” Itto says proudly with a cheeky grin.
“Pretty pretty please? For Arataki “The One and Oni'' Itto?”
“And here I thought I was the dog between the two of us.” Gorou chuckles.
“And I would only be doing that once. So, whaddaya say, Gorou?”
Gorou smiled and thought to himself again, ‘I hope Her Excellency doesn’t mind me extending my day off for a bit.’
He looks at Itto and sees the other don an expectant look which makes Gorou smile and come to a decision.
“Alright then, but you have to treat me to something sweet later, okay? The lollipop isn’t enough to satisfy my sweet tooth.” Gorou says light heartedly.
“How does cake slices and dango sound? I’ll even treat you to dinner, too!” Itto asks with a proud grin on his face.
Gorou’s ears perk up at the mention of cake slices, his tail wagging excitedly, betraying his efforts to look calm and collected. Itto notices this and laughs heartily. Cheeks tinged with a pinkish hue, Gorou grumbles in embarrassment and scolds himself mentally for not being able to hide his expressions.
“I’ll take that as a yes then.” Itto smiles warmly.
The Oni stands up and pats down his pants to get rid of the dust, then offers a hand to the doggy general, helping him to stand up. They both don’t admit it out loud but deep inside, they can’t help but feel excited to have the other by their side and spend time with them.
“The festival still doesn’t start until an hour though, wanna hang out at Shimura's for a while? I heard that there’s a discount for ramen bowls.”
“As long as they don't put onions in my bowl, I'm good. Lead the way, Itto.” Gorou says with a grin on his face, tail wagging.
The two hung around Shimura’s and ate a hearty meal of their special ramen bowls. Gorou accidentally gives out a quiet burp and Itto chuckles at the sight of it. Getting a bit embarrassed, Gorou sips from his cup in an attempt to hide his flushed cheeks. Finishing off what's left of their bowls, Itto then notices the sun was setting and slightly panics.
“Oh, shoot! It’s getting late!” Itto hurriedly says, hopping off his seat.
“We should head to the island now so that we can experience most of the festival.” He adds.
Gorou watches the tall oni in amusement and smiles. He then hops off the chair and walks towards Itto’s side. The general was caught off guard when the other grabbed his hand and started running. Luckily, Gorou was able to keep up with the speed and just went along with it, secretly enjoying the unexpected hand holding.
The two arrived at the island, a few beads of sweat visibly forming on their foreheads. Gorou uses his free arm to wipe the sweat while Itto catches his breath for a moment. Itto then notices their occupied hands and blushes.
“Oh! I'm really sorry for grabbing your hand and running immediately, I really didn't want us to miss out on the festivities.” Itto says while he lets go of the other's hand.
“It's fine, really! I didn’t mind at all.” Gorou replies with an awkward laugh in hopes that it would cover his disappointment since he enjoyed holding hands with Itto.
For a moment, Gorou and Itto both stood there in silence, too embarrassed to first make a move. Thankfully, Yoimiya, the Queen of Summer Festivals, spotted the two and made her way towards them.
“Oh, if it isn't General Gorou!” Yoimiya greets, earning a small nod from Gorou in response.
“Are you here to see the festival? Oh, I'm a hundred percent sure that you'll love it! Me and Itto even helped out personally and there's just a lot going on, from the tasty snacks, beautiful ambiance, and even the fireworks display-"
“Woah there, Yoimiya. Slow down a bit, you're getting carried away, don't forget to pause and breathe.” Itto reminds her, patting her shoulder.
Yoimiya scratches her head and lets out a small laugh.
“Gee, thanks for reminding me, Itto! I sure get really hyper sometimes and I just keep talking non-stop.” She responds.
On the other hand, Gorou flinched and his ears perked up at the mention of fireworks. He needed to confront Itto that he might not be able to stay until the fireworks display due to his cannie nature around fireworks. Gorou was thankful that Yoimiya and Itto weren't able to see his reaction since Itto reminded the girl to breathe.
“It's alright, Miss Yoimiya. I really don't mind it at all.” Gorou says with a small smile, assuring the other.
“Aww, that's so sweet! Thank you! Oh and just call me Yoimiya, it's fine.” Yoimiya replies with a beaming smile.
“Anyway, I just stopped by to greet you two and hand this box to you, Itto. I have to head back now and finish setting up some stuff for the display later. I'll see you guys around and I hope you enjoy the festival!” She says while placing a small rectangular box in Itto's hands.
Yoimiya then left, leaving the two with a wave. The two waved back and watched her disappear in the crowd. Gorou curiously peaks at the box the girl handed Itto but he quickly tucks it away, unsuccessfully snatching a look on what the box is.
“Let’s get some masks to get the festival vibes!” Itto says with a grin.
“Sure.” Gorou replies with a small smile.
While walking towards the mask vendor, Gorou thinks to himself how he would confront the Oni about his cannie nature around fireworks. He hopes that the other wouldn’t take it personally. Rehearsing what to say, Gorou opens his mouth to talk but was startled when he felt Itto’s hand near his ears.
“H-huh?”
“Oh, sorry. I was supposed to ask you what mask you wanted but you looked like you were thinking about something, so I placed the mask myself.” Itto says sheepishly.
Gorou patted his hair and felt a mask. He chuckled and assured the taller guy that it's alright.
“Just ask permission next time, okay?”
“Aye aye, General Gorou.”
“Hey! Just Gorou is fine, Itto!”
Itto laughs at Gorou’s flustered expressions and his failed attempt at hiding his tail wagging. Itto then ushers Gorou to proceed with the festivities, both looking around to see what the festival has to offer them both. Gorou rarely experienced events such as these and didn’t know where to start but one thing is for sure and that’s enjoying the company he has.
“Look! There’s the goldfish scooping game over there! Let’s try it out.” Itto said excitedly, linking both of their arms and ran towards the booth.
Gorou can’t help but smile at Itto’s childing antics as he finds it adorable. He’ll admit that at first he was intimidated with the oni’s presence since he was after all bigger than him in terms of body build, but as he knew the other better, he found out that he wasn’t scary at all and had a kind soul. With that thought in mind, Gorou decides to not tell Itto about the fireworks situation he has, he couldn’t bear the thought of upsetting him.
The two play the goldfish scooping game but they fail to catch at least one. Itto sulks while Gorou just chuckles at the other’s pouting face.
“Hey I see you laughing, cut it out!” Itto says, a visible pout can be seen in his face.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. It’s just that you looked really cute back there, trying your best to catch one.”
“Because I really wanted to win one.” He mumbles.
“Haha, you’ll get it next time, Mr. Arataki 'He Might Lose but He'll Never Admit Defeatto'.”
Itto gets flustered upon hearing that specific nickname of his and attempts to hide his face using the mask that sits atop the side of his head. Gorou snickers at the other’s reaction.
“Anyway, I’m quite hungry. Should we go grab some snacks?” Itto says in hopes to distract the other.
“Sure! I saw some food carts along the way and even saw some sweets, hehe.” Gorou replies with a grin.
The two went to grab some dangos to satisfy their sweet tooths. Since they ate a hearty bowl of ramen earlier, they decided to munch on some snacks rather than have another meal. They both went to try out different food booths available on the island.
A few minutes have passed after Itto and Gorou went to check out each stall available, grabbing some food to snack on every now and then, when they overheard someone from the crowd say that the long awaited fireworks show was about to begin. With the crimson oni being excited, he proceeds to hold the general's hand and run to the higher ground of the island.
“C'mon! Here's the bestest view we can get! Yoimiya told me that we should stay here to see the fireworks she worked on.” Itto rambles excitedly to Gorou, missing out the worried look on the other.
Gorou just nods in response, scared to reply verbally since he feels that his voice might crack. Instead of panicking, Gorou tries his best not to show his nervousness and focuses on the warm feeling from the way Itto holds his hand.
Upon arriving at the top side of the island, Itto proceeds to sit down on the grass and Gorou follows Itto immediately. The general notices the crowd gathering, each occupying spaces to watch the fireworks display. On the other hand, the crimson oni smiles in excitement knowing that Gorou would be able to watch the show he helped with.
“I believe the fireworks should start in a few?”
“H-Huh? Oh, yeah.”
“Aww c'mon, Gorou. Aren't you excited to see the show?”
“I am! It's just-” Gorou gets cut off by a loud boom, realizing that the fireworks display has already started.
Itto immediately looks up at the sky with a grin, amusement clearly written on his face. Gorou, on the other hand, felt his tail stiffen in fright and ears perk up. Seeing that the crimson oni wasn't looking in his direction, he covers his ears using his hands and brings his knees to his chest, slightly rocking himself back and forth to keep himself calm.
'C'mon, Gorou. You're literally a general and have fought countless battles, why can't you stay calm?' Gorou mulls to himself.
As Itto was about to point out to Gorou, how the yellow colored fireworks were his idea, he then notices the other's position and worries. He gently taps on his shoulder and asks.
“Hey, buddy. You alright?” Itto asks Gorou, eyes full of concern.
“I'm fine. Just a little startled. The fireworks display is b-beautiful,” Gorou looks up and replies shakily.
As Itto heard Gorou's reply and notices the other's body language, everything finally clicks on why the other was reacting that way.
'Shit, he's part canine.'
Upon realizing this, he immediately stands up and squats down, his back facing in front of the other. Gorou stares at the Itto in confusion.
“Hop on.”
“W-What?”
“Just do it. We're going somewhere else.”
“But…the fireworks-”
“I care more about you rather than the festival. C'mon, hop on.”
Gorou can’t help but feel touched and smile unconsciously upon hearing the other's reply. He doesn’t hesitate to hop on the other’s back and they both leave the island. As Itto carries Gorou on his back, Gorou can't help but to close his eyes and slightly nuzzle into Itto's nape, enjoying the warm comfort it brings. Itto felt his cheeks reddened yet he didn't call the other out, he thought to himself that this might be his way of calming himself down and he would be glad that he was able to help.
A few minutes of walking passed by and they both arrived at Chinju forest. Upon arriving, Itto was thankful that the noises from the festival can only be faintly heard from the distance and all you can see is the glow in the night sky. After checking if the area is safe and sound, Itto gently taps the general's thigh to signal him that he can hop off his back now. Gorou sensed this and carefully hops off the crimson oni's back.
“Feeling better, Gorou?”
“Mhm. Thank you, Itto.”
The two sat down on the grass and just leaned into each other's shoulders, enjoying the silence between them. As a few minutes have passed, Gorou then thinks to himself on how to apologize to Itto for ruining his night.
“Itto?” Gorou says quietly, looking at the other.
“Yeah?”
“I am really sorry I ruined your night. I know I should have told you earlier that I react badly to fireworks despite being a general since I still am part canine and I saw you were looking forward to the festival and I didn't want to upset you and- hey! W-what are you doing?” The general's rambles got cut off after feeling a hand rest on top of his head.
“Shh, calm down, okay? You didn't ruin anything at all, buddy. Trust me.” Itto smiles reassuringly at the other while gently patting his head.
Gorou can't help but pout and just give into his canine urges so he flatten his ears out to give the other more access and let his tail wag freely. Itto chuckles at the sight of this and proceeds to spoil the other with more headpats if it means that he'll help calming him down.
“You know…” Itto trails off, grabbing the other's attention.
“I should be the one apologizing since I wasn't able to tell immediately and I failed to see the signs.” Itto continues, the hint of guilt in his voice evidently showing.
“Is there any way I can make it up to you?” He asks, looking at the other’s eyes.
Gorou opens his mouth momentarily but he also closes it immediately, not able to think of what to do.
“Well, a part of me really wants to see the fireworks since I really do find them pretty and thought of training for it, but…”
“You being part canine gets in the way?”
“Yeah, sadly. I hope one day I'll be able to enjoy watching them without acting up.”
As Gorou was speaking, Itto brings out the box that Yoimiya handed earlier. The crimson oni was thankful that Yoimiya handed this to him. Gorou tilts his head to the side, curious with the box.
“What’s that?” Gorou asks, curiosity evident in his voice and body language.
Itto opens the box and brings out some of the box’s contents: sparklers.
“Yoimiya told me she had extra sparklers and gave me some as thanks for helping out.”
“Sparklers?”
“Yeah. They’re not as grand as the fireworks but they still give out this…well…sparks. I guess these can serve as training for now.” Itto chuckles as he fishes his pockets for some matches.
“Here, let me light them up. Can you hold them for me?”
“Mhm.” Gorou nods, holding the two sticks for the other to light it up.
Itto carefully lights up a match and hovers his hand over in order for the flame to not be extinguished. Seeing the match lit, Gorou holds out the sparklers closer to Itto in order for him to light them up. Once the match comes in contact with the sparklers, it gives out a small fizzle and it starts to crackle. Itto grins upon seeing the sparklers doing its thing and carefully gets the other stick for him to hold. Gorou, on the other hand, was startled at first but immediately gained his composure after seeing how these little sticks sparkle.
“They’re beautiful, no?” Itto looks over his shoulder only to catch a glimpse of Gorou watching the sparkler with curious eyes, his mouth agape, and tail swaying gently.
Gorou was too immersed with the sparkler in his hand to reply, and honestly, Itto didn’t mind it at all. Seeing the other enjoy these small sticks that give out a small amount of light is enough to warm his heart. The crimson oni was so mesmerized watching the other that he did not notice his sparkler already ran out and was only cut off from his trance when Gorou looked at him.
“Uhm, they ran out.” Gorou shyly says while gesturing to his other hand that’s holding a stick that was once sparkling.
“Ah, yeah. They don’t last like those fireworks but still give out that shine in the dark, don’t you think?” Itto asks the other as he keeps away both of the used sticks they have.
“Yeah, they are. It somehow gives me hope that I’ll be able to watch fireworks one day.”
“Aww, I’m sure you’ll get there, Gorou. I’ll be here and help you train for it.”
“When the day that I can finally watch fireworks without worrying comes…can we watch the fireworks together?”
“Gladly.” Itto happily replies with a huge grin on his face.
Gorou smiles warmly upon hearing the other’s reply and hugs him gently. Itto was caught off guard but recovers immediately, chuckles heartily and returns the hug.
“Thank you, Itto. It means a lot.”
“You’re always welcome, Gorou.”
The two broke their hug and sat beside each other. Itto holds up the box once again which catches the other’s attention.
“There’s still some left, want to use them some more?” Itto offers another sparkler.
“I’ll be happy to share this moment with you.” Gorou replies with a smile and accepts the sparkler.
Itto looks up to the sky where the fireworks were, hoping that one day Gorou would watch the fireworks with him — as Gorou once more wishes to have more opportunities like this with Itto someday.