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mizumi-kahago-writing · 2 years

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Under the Cherry Blossoms [Komanami & Hinanami | Kitsune AU]

Late spring, a cherry blossom petal fell on her nose, as she was just cleaning the space in front of the temple. Sneezing it off sleepily, Chiaki didn’t really mind it. Finally, the days were getting warmer, but with it, the flower petals fell, covering the ground, keeping her more and more busy cleaning them up again.

It was almost noon, time for a small lunchbreak, as Chiaki sat down on the front porch of the building. A little brown fox carrying a rice ball wrapped in seaweed in his mouth, dropping it on a porcelain plate another little creature brought.

“Thank you, Hajime.” Patting the small creature on the head, as it transformed in front of her. A handsome young man with animalistic ears peeking up and a wagging tail sat next to her.

“Red bean filling; I know you like it a bit sweeter.” Already munching down on her lunch, she turned to the other canine with the white fur to her right. “And thanks for the plate, Nagito…” commenting quickly on his effort too, as likewise a young boy was now sitting next to her instead of the little fox.

“Ah- Don’t mention it. Now eat up, you deserve a good meal after all the hard work you did this morning.” Encouraging her to enjoy the food.

Tangling her legs off the ledge she looked up, pink petals obscuring her view as she drifted off into an absent minded state. Ever since she could think, she had been living here with these two. The temple was build on a small hill, a good distance away from the city. No one else lived around here. A bit sad, a bit strange. But she was used to this isolated life. Sometimes – rarely - she wondered why she was here; all alone.

No family around, just the occasional classmate coming by and handing her the schoolwork of the day. That reminded her, she hasn’t been in school for over a week by now. Due to her being so busy with her duties, this happens more often than not. Soon someone would show up and remind her to come to class again. As usual.

Just as she let her throughs wander, the sharp squeaking voice of a certain nurse echoed through the narrow alley. Mikan was tripping over the upper part of the staircase leading up to the temple grounds. Followed by a worried looking Sonia, trying to help her up again.

Chiaki greeted them with a soft smile, while Mikan handed her some books and sheets of paper the second after. “H-here’s the material from l-last week. S-sorry we’re so late…”

“Ah, it’s fine. I don’t mind. Thank you.” Receiving the schoolwork from her.

“Chiaki. Excuse my bold request, but what we wanted to ask...” Sonia prompted in between. “…if you could come to class more often again. We know you like it here, but we really miss you. And quite frankly, we are also worried about your wellbeing.” Lowering her voice, a little.

“You don’t need to. I’m perfectly healthy and can catch up on the missed lessons no problem.” Chiaki ensured them.

“That’s… not what I meant.” Sonia adverted her gaze in a gloomy manner. “You’re… all alone here. All by yourself, all the time. Don’t you feel lonely?” Looking at the two canines by Chiaki’s side.

No one besides Chiaki was able to view them as what they truly were: Kitsune – humanoid fox-spirits. Other humans saw them as mere animals; two small foxes.

Speaking of which, the brown one laid down taking a short nap, while the one with the white fur sat eagerly by Chiaki’s side, wagging his tail in excitement.

“I have these two with me, there is no need to feel lonely.” Picking up fox called Nagito and holding it in her arms, while she placed the sheets of paper aside.

“Understood. But please, whenever you feel like it, come back to class. We miss you too.” Bowing down, out of respect for asking such a favor. Chiaki smiled and nodded in return. “Of course. Thank you for coming by.”

“W-we’ll t-take our leave then… please e-excuse us now. G-goodbye Chiaki.” Mikan also sloppily bowed down, before the two of them went their way.

It was true, that Chiaki spend most of her time at the temple. But it was all she really needed: Time for herself to clean, nap, eat, do homework, and play with her two closest mates.

Placing the little dog back down on its paws, it swiftly returned to its human appearance.

“You know, they are not wrong. You do tend to neglect class a lot. I think speaking with other humans, instead of just us, would be great for your mental wellbeing.” Nagito advised, as he followed back to the porch, where she went to sit back down.

Munching down the rest of her lunch, she muffled: “I know… but I like being alone. It’s relaxing… You two are human enough for me…” Not to mention that these two especially could be a huge mess for her to deal with. Not everything was peace and quiet with them, often enough they got into fights or heated arguments, from which she had to clean up the aftermath. They could really be a handful at times.

A sigh from the white-haired man, but it went unheard, as shortly after, Chiaki already drowsed off right in the open. Not even properly finishing her meal, as a grain of rice still stuck to her lips, she already began snoring lightly.

Shaking his head, he decided to pick her up and get her to her futon inside, putting a blanket over her and letting her relax for the rest of the day. Taking over her cleaning duty to free the temple’s entrance from the flood of fallen cherry blossoms.

Hajime on the other hand just decided to watch him, letting his ear twitch from time to time, to get rid of the occasional petal falling on his head. Not a care in the world from the brown fox boy.

Another day, another visit from her classmates. This time, Hiyoko and Mahiru showed up. Well rather said Mahiru went first and Hiyoko just tagged along. As they came relatively early they startled the still sleeping Hajime on the front door, who jumped up with an angry hiss. The fur on the back of his neck and tail standing up straight as he got into a defensive state. But as soon as he realized it was only them, he calmed himself and sat back down.

“Stupid dog… It’s just us two. Stop being so on the edge.” Hiyoko scolded him. Mahiru breaking in to prevent Hiyoko from saying too much. “Uhm… Could you tell us if Chiaki is inside?” Hajime getting up at that request, shaking off his sleepiness and trotting inside, to call for Chiaki, who poked out her head shortly after.

“Ah. Good morning Mahiru and Hiyoko. Sorry I couldn’t come out earlier. I assume you’re here to give me my homework?” Hiyoko just handing her the sheets halfheartedly and Mahiru began to explain. “Its mainly just math and history, I don’t think it’ll be much of an problem for you.”

“Thank you, I’ll take care of it, once I find the time.” Taking the paper and gratefully smiling at them.

“Uhm, hey Chiaki… not to intrude into your privacy… but are you doing alright?” Mahiru wondered about Chiaki’s wellbeing as well. “Huh? You’re the second one to ask. Sonia asked me the same thing yesterday. Is there… a flue going around again?”

Mahiru nodding at that remark with a slightly worried expression. “Not the flue… but its pollen season and… some people in our class take it better than others.”

“Especially that stinky pervert. I’ve heard he had an allergic reaction to bad, his head swelled to the size of his entire body.” Sadistic snickering from Hiyoko in the background.

“Is that so? Then I hope he recovers soon.” Chiaki even wished Teruteru well. “You think so? I think it serves him right. I’m glad he’s absent from class. Then he can’t peek into the girls changing room anymore.” Crossing her arms, Mahiru stepped in once more.

“Anyways, just take care of yourself Chiaki… and please call us if you need something, alright?”

“Sure…” Chiaki replied in her sleepy voice. “I’m just a bit tired because there’s a lot of work piling up… I’ll just take another nap and it’ll be fine.” And with that, the three of them gave their goodbye to each other and Mahiru and Hiyoko left, while Chiaki went back inside.

The past few days she spent cleaning extensively and the last few nights she was busy with whatever schoolwork she procrastinated doing before. Of course, she was sleepy, exhausted even. Nagito and Hajime got quite worried about not only her mental state but also about her physical health.

“You should take it easy.” Hajime recommended. “He’s right, take a break and leave some of the work to us.” Nagito said in addition. Munching on a strawberry pocky while reading some of the books her classmates brought her, Chiaki replied: “Last time I let you two do something you guys almost burned down the kitchen. You’re better suited to stay put and just sit still.” An almost cynic comment from the usual so soft spoken girl.

But she wasn’t wrong: Cooking over an open flame while simultaneously trying to clean the kitchen with cheap bleach usually results in a huge explosion. All of them could be glad that the temple was still standing. In all honesty, they were doing a pretty bad job at being the spirit guardians of this place.

Nagito put a blanket over the still studying Chiaki, as her snack broke off between her lips. “But really, take it easy. You’re already skipping class for almost two weeks now. Maybe return go back to school for once and let us handle the temple. Then maybe… some visitors actually bring offerings to us again…”

That last part sounded melancholic, sad even. Visitors coming and praying at the temple were a rarity, especially during the cold winter months. Its why she wanted to clean up the entire place to the best of her abilities. Maybe it’d attract some new people, giving their offerings to the two shrine gods inhabiting it.

Just a tired hum, as the crumbs of her snack fell onto the pages of the book. Seconds later, she already fell back into the world of dreams. This time Hajime picked up the book from underneath her and put it back on the shelf.

“Let her sleep, she earned it.” Nagito just whispered. “I didn’t plan on waking her up, I was careful.” Hajime replied snarky.

Later that night, after the two foxes also went to sleep, Hajime heard some heavy panting at first, but didn’t think much of it. Maybe it was just Nagito making a mess again, or Chiaki trying to reach the upper shelf for a midnight snack.

However, as the moaning and heavy breathing still didn’t stop after about ten to twenty minutes, Hajime actually decided to get up. Walking over to Chiaki’s room, he found Nagito sitting there next to her.

“What… is the meaning of this?” Hajime standing in the door frame looking down at a clearly heavily panting Chiaki. Her face red and covered in sweat. Nagito sighing Hajime to be quiet with his finger pressed against his lips: “Hush-“

Placing a wet towel on the girl’s forehead. “She’s like this since over an hour at least. And I only just now noticed…” Kneeling down next to the two, Hajime looked around with a confused gaze. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

Nagito shaking his head. “Nothing in particular. But she seems to have a high fever…” Tending to Chiaki, who clearly looked like she had caught something. Heavy pants, painful moans and dry groans escaped her throat.

“Any idea what we can do?” Hajime asked. “Well… we could call Mikan and let her look after Chiaki. She is a nurse after all.”

“And how are we supposed to use the phone and tell her? Humans only see and hear us as foxes, dumbass.” Getting back at Nagito for suggesting something so stupid.

“That… is true… but do you have any better idea…?” Nagito said gazing off in the distance with a thoughtful glare.

“We could try and get her attention otherwise? I don’t know…” Hajime suggesting, but he had no clue either.

“W-water… please…” Chiaki’s voice was extremely dry and sounded weak, interrupting their little banter. “Ah, of course. Nagito you stay by her side, I gonna get her a glass of water.” Jolting up and sprinting to the kitchen, he got her an entire jug of fresh water.

“Here, drink this and you’ll feel better.” Slowly placing the glass on her lips and carefully making her swallow. After she was done with the water, she could actually speak some more.

“Please… get me some medicine… I should still have some in the cabinet…in the kitchen.” Suggesting them to get something, Hajime was already on its way. However, this time Nagito stopped him. “You stay here for now, let me get it quickly.” The two really cared for her, a lot.

Nodding, as Hajime sent Nagito off to rummage through the kitchen cabinet. First five minutes, then ten, then almost fifteen. This was getting a bit ridiculous and the sound of shoving vitals from one end of the shelf to the other began to become increasingly annoying.

“Come on Nagito… we don’t have all night.” Getting a bit angry there, he pressed his fist onto the wooden floor. Finally after almost twenty minutes had passed, Nagito shoved open the door. “Uh… bad news. I don’t think we have any cold remedies left.”

Placing his head on his hands, shoving his face deep into his palm. “Great… you could have said so earlier.” Nagito joining the two of them again. “And now…?” Thinking time.

“Well we can’t just leave her like that, that’s for sure.”

“Yeah, and I doubt towels and water alone will be of much help either in the long run.”

Both of them looking at her in a state of constant worry. She was getting increasingly worse by the minute.

“We… could try and gather herbs and make medicine out of that?” Hajime suggested.

“There aren’t any herbs growing around here which would help with a fever as high as that. At least none, that I know off.” Nagito shooting down the idea immediately.

“What else should we do? Break into a pharmacy and steal some human medicine?” Sarcastically throwing his hands in the air, adding that to the conversation.

“That…” Rubbing his chin in a thoughtful manner. “…might not even be a bad idea. I mean humans just see us as animals… so… if we just rush in quickly, get what we need and vanish as fast as we got inside, no one will notice.”

“You’ve got to be kidding… That’s crazy.” Hajime scolded him.

Another painful groan interrupted them, as both focused on Chiaki in an alarmed state. “Chiaki, are you alright? Tell us, what do you need?”

Chiaki pointed at Nagito, then at her wallet on the shelf behind him. “Get me… some medicine. But don’t steal it… I still should have enough money to pay for one…”

Nagito quickly getting her wallet, checking inside. It wasn’t much, maybe 1500 yen at best. That was all they had left for the rest of the month. No offerings mean no income for any of them.

“Yeah, I don’t think that’s nearly enough…” Hajime said after taking a look at the remaining money. “But it’s all we have…” Nagito gave his input. Getting up, Hajime was ready to get going. “Well then, let’s make do with it.”

Nagito’s eyes widened and even sparkled a bit at his enthusiasm on helping Chiaki no matter what, so he followed suit. “Yes, let’s go.”

As Hajime was already on his way out, Nagito tended to Chiaki one last time. Using some of his kitsune illusion magic to give her a little kokeshi doll. Long black hair, sparkling cherry red eyes and a black kimono. “Here’s a little good-luck charm. He’ll watch over you as long as we’re gone.” Whispering her some words of care, as he placed the small wooden doll by her side.

“If something happens, just hold onto it and we’ll make haste to come back.” Making sure she was tugged in nicely, as he then stepped up to Hajime. The two already closing the door behind them, Chiaki muffled: “Those fools… the pharmacy won’t open for another five hours at least…” But then she just fell asleep once more.

Luckily, or maybe unluckily, Nagito still remembered the way to the pharmacy, as he had followed Chiaki around, going there a couple of times in the past. The sun was still far from rising as the two foxes arrived in front of the building. Shockingly the door didn’t slide open as it usually did during the day.

“Ah yeah right… opening times…” Hajime remarked. “But we don’t have time to waste, Chiaki is in danger.” Nagito responded, still very alarmed. “Then any idea how we can get inside?” Scouting the facade of the building, the windows were closed and they also couldn’t spot a ventilation system.

Suddenly Hajime heard steps coming up behind them. Turning around in surprise, they encountered a human, but not any human, it was one of the usual staff members working there. Quickly hiding in the bushes on the side of the road, they watched the older man opened up the door, muffling something inaudible to them.

“No idea how you do that all the time, but this is our chance.” Hurrying in as fast as their tiny paws could carry them, before the door closed shortly behind them. While the man rummaged for something in the storage room further back, the two fox boys had the time to look around by the store front.

Jumping on the counter to get a better look. “So many bottles… which one should we get?”

“I don’t… really know.” Nagito admitted, taking a look at all the medicine presented in the displays. “If we waste our time, reading every single label, that guy leaves without us and we’re locked in till morning.”

Their squeaky barking voices alerted the human in the back, checking the storefront. “I swear I could hear something… must have been the wind.” Then going back to look for his glasses.

The two small foxes hid under the table and only lurked out once the coast was clear again. “Be quiet, he almost caught us.” Hajime hissed at him. Nagito just wagging his tail, as he was walking past him, looking at some of the bottles in the lower shelves.

Leaning against the display he managed to make out some letters on the boxes. “Here, this is all cold remedy.” Hajime walking up to him. “Now which one…” Nagito had already jumped two shelves ahead, looking through the different products all over.

“Are you crazy? Get down here, what if you…” But it was already too late, the old guy came back, standing in the door frame, looking at the two canines inside the pharmacy.

Mouth gasping wide open, clearing his dusty glasses, and taking a second look. “I knew I heard something. What are two wild animals doing in here?”

Both boys froze in shock. “I told you!” Yelping at him, as Nagito just grabbed the next best bottle he could find. Jumping down and knocking over a few other products in the process. All of which shattered upon impact on the ground.

Meanwhile the old geezer got himself a broom and was aiming to hit for the two little ones. Shushing them out with the broad end of the stick. “Get outtha here and don’t even think about coming back.”

In their hurry, Hajime dropped Chiaki’s wallet on the way out, but at least they made it out in one piece. Once they caught their breath a few feet away from the entrance they looked back and heard the door being locked shut.

“Great job… did you at least get the right medicine?” Nagito spat out the little bottle he had in his mouth. Inspecting the label: ‘Cold and Fever Remedy’. “Sometimes I can’t believe how bullshit your luck is.”

But Nagito was proud of himself, as he carried the bottle back home.

Knocking on the door before shoving it open carefully. “Hey, Chiaki we’re back, and we got the medicine.” Nagito greeted her. “…and for some reason it’s even the right one.” Hajime sighed while entering.

Chiaki just looked up at both of them, her face full of confusion. But she was too weak to actually ask how they managed to do that, at this time of the night. “Yeah… don’t even ask…” Rubbing the back of his neck nervously, Hajime sat down next to her.

“Nagito, can you prepare the medicine? I’ll wait here and watch over her.”

“Oh, sure, I’ll be back in a minute.” He headed to the kitchen, to get her some more water and tea, to properly digest the liquid inside the bottle.

“So uhm… Chiaki… bad news tho. On our way out… I lost your wallet…”

Turning her head towards Hajime she wasn’t angry about that in the slightest. “It’s fine… there were only like… what 50 yen left in it…?”

“Well, now nothing is left anymore…” Hajime admitted with a deep sigh. “I’m sorry, we’ll try to get it back at the earliest convenience…” Letting his gaze wander over the room while waiting.

Moments later Nagito came back with a little tablet in his hands, a hot kettle of tea and another glass of water placed on top of it.

“I deluded the medicine in the water, as it was instructed on the manual. I also got you some tea, so it isn’t too harsh on your stomach.”

Sitting down next to her as well, he handed her the glass of water, which she gratefully took and gulped it down quickly.

“Thank you, Nagito…”

Despite clearly still feeling sick and feverish, she mustered to give him a small smile.

“I… apologize, that we can’t do more for you.” Nagito spoke up.

“You’re… doing your best already. Don’t worry…” Chiaki reassured them.

“Just… try to get a shut eye too. We… can talk about what happened… tomorrow…” And with that she was already off in the realm of dreams again.

“Guess, that’d be for the better. We can take shifts keeping an eye out for her.” Hajime leaned back while suggesting so.

“Hmm, you’re right. You get back to sleep. Imma keep watch till sunrise, alright?” Nagito offered. “Fine by me.” Hajime already laying back down and shortly after snoozing off too.

Sunrise came, the glistering sunbeams warming up the white sparkly fur on Nagito’s back, tickling Chiaki’s nose, who woke up with a quiet sneeze. Hajime waking up in the process too. “Good morning you two. Slept well?” Nagito greeted them, while yawning himself.

“Hmm… I already feel much better. Than yesterday night that is…” Chiaki slowly sitting up on her futon, as Hajime stretched himself next to her. Giving the little brown fox a pat on the head. “Thank you for taking care of me. But say, where you awake all night just for my sake?”

“Ah, it’s nothing really.” Nagito giving Chiaki a smile, but the bags underneath his eyes spoke for themselves. “Stop pretending and get to sleep already.” Hajime tapping past Nagito. “That… might be … for the better…” Another yawn and he was actually out cold, snoring loudly on the floor in front of them.

“He really had a tough night huh?” Chiaki remarked, caressing the fluffy white furball. “Well yeah. He stayed awake just to watch out for you. Of course, that stressed him out. But say, Chiaki. Are you really doing better?”

Nodding with her usual smile on her face. “Hm. Yeah. I think I can walk again at least.” Getting out of her blanket and hopping in her feet. However, she still had a hard time balancing out her stance and almost tripping over the moment later.

“Hey, careful!” Hajime catching her before she would fall and helping her stabilize.

Then the two of them heard a knock coming from the front door. “A visitor? This early?” Chiaki wondered. “I don’t think it’s one of your classmates already… but you should go and take a look regardless.” Hajime suggested, retreating into his fox form as well, as they approached the entrance.

“Ah good morning, Miss.” The old man from last night. Hajime quickly hid behind the kimono stash. I’d be the worst if the man would recognize him from last night. “Ah, good morning, Sir.” Chiaki knew the staff member, as she had spoken to him a couple of times.

“I apologize for the early intrusion, but it seems some wild beasts stole your wallet and dropped it at my store.” Handing her back the purse Hajime had lost yesterday. Noticing so his fur stood up straight again and he had to suppress a surprised gasp.

“Oh, thank you very much.” Taking back her little wallet, checking what remained of it. The 1500 yen and her ID, as well as some other cards and coupons were still inside. Taking out some of the money, she handed the man 1000 yen.

“Here, as a reward.” But the man declined. “Ah, no, no need to. I know you’re having a harsh time at the moment, so please keep the money.” Putting it back into her wallet, she bowed down. “But still thank you so much for retrieving my wallet and coming all the way here, just to give it back.”

“Ah, you’re very welcome, young Lady. I think, I should leave you some money here instead. This is a temple after all.” The man laughed it off. “Oh, it’s past 9am already? I can’t be late opening up the store. But I will make sure to come by again when I’m free and leave some offerings for Inari-Sama.” And with that the man went off again.

Going back inside, she stored her wallet somewhere secure in her kimono. “Weird how everything always seems to work out…” Chiaki commented.

The following days, she still had to quarrel with the cold she had caught. But with the help of her two kitsune boys, she got back on her feet in almost no time. Catching up on school work, cleaning out the temple, a few visitors came along and actually left a good sum of money.

The days leading up to the hot summer days were approaching rapidly, but she was looking forwards to whatever the future would bring with a smile.

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