#ALSO HES USING HIS OWN CURSE WAAAAAHHH QAQ

[zantedeschia-praesul]

Come Here, @nxmelessfighter: x

The situation had been so dire that Saseki had abandoned his brush and opted for his short sword instead as he focused on everything he had, and then some, on healing Kashagiri (which in and of itself is rare considering he's quicker to reach for his spare kit instead). Yagen had procured some of the flowers from their garden earlier and he and Jikkyuu are both tending to their respective comrades with their concoction.

By the time everything had been under control (and Hasebe and Tsurumaru getting their injuries tended as well), Saseki had used amost all of his strength; even Jikkyuu had wondered how Saseki is still able to stand when--

"Aruji--!" Jikkyuu catches Saseki almost falling, holding him close. "You should rest for now, you've used more than enough strength…"

"I'm fine…" Saseki murmurs weakly but still audible enough to be heard as he straightens himself. "Please look out for them, Jikyyuu-kun…"

---

He's already in his office returning his sword on its display when Ookurikara comes in with his report.

Saseki feels…hurt.

Not because of the entire ordeal or even Ookurikara's miscalculation. Rather, he feels hurt seeing Ookurikara this disheartened.

Of course Saseki had been scared for all of them when they came back all battered, bruised and three of Ookurikara's dearest people bearing the brunt of the attacks. And he always, always tells them to come back home safe and alive. But he would never place the blame on any of his men, for he would prefer them to retreat for safety than pushing on towards unavoidable danger.

So he doesn't even ask if Ookurikara's alright or if he wants comfort; Saseki knows he's not, and he fucking needs the assurance that it's not his fault. Saseki goes straight towards the uchigatana and holds him close and tight. Even with Ookurikara struggling, Saseki never loosens his embrace, even holding him much tighter and closer.

And then he feels the shudder all over his body, and the telltale sound of soft sobs from the "lone Dragon king".

"Oh my love...my dear Ookurikara...I'm just glad all of you are home with me...I know for a fact it's not your fault, and it never was...you've done your best, all of you have... As long as you all come back to me alive, I can still heal you, and that's a promise..."

One finger gently traces a foreign symbol on Ookurikara's back before the sage whispers:

"For every heartbreak you feel, will descend into my heart; every pain you endure, I shall bear them for you."