Bloom Nobly like the Cherry Blossoms

[Fmkitty]

Title: Bloom Nobly like the Cherry Blossoms
Status: Complete
Characters: Akira, Shiki (hinted ShiAki)
Summary: [This story is made for 2023/02/25 aka the Togainu anniversary]
[Commissioned art is done by wonderful

Please Register/ Sign In, in order to see the links.

]
After Akira's unusual request, the commander grants his wish and takes him together for the flower-viewing.
However, it seems that even during this celebration of the spring's arrival, the enemy doesn't rest and waits for one wrong move...

[Originally written on 2023-02-25]

 

---

 

 

It is another working day in the Shiki’s office, and almost time for the afternoon break. Meanwhile, after the hard-working silver-haired secretary opens his pocket watch, he knows he should hurry up and serve the tea and snacks to the most powerful man in the country. And thus, without wasting a single second, Akira leaves his office.

Some time passes by. For now, nothing seems to be extraordinary while this couple enjoys Akira’s prepared tea. Nevertheless, something is off…

When the dark-haired man notices his subordinate’s demanding gaze, he closes his eyes and gives a smug look ‘‘What is it? If you have anything to say, say it.’’.

Surprisingly, instead of averting his gaze from the commander and trying to keep his poker face, Akira clenches his resting hand on his thigh into a fist and swallows the saliva. Soon, he replies ‘‘Please, pardon me for my rudeness, sir. I was thinking about something for a while. However, I do not want to bother you with unimportant things...’’.

As he feels how these red eyes study him, the silver-haired secretary straightens his back upon hearing Shiki’s question ‘‘Does anyone causing you any problems?’’.

‘‘Not, not all, sir!’’ Or so Akira politely objects as he shakes his head. ‘‘Everything is under the control, and you have no reason to worry about it. However, it would be wrong to hide anything from you. So, please, hear me out.’’ he adds.

After taking a deep breath, the military secretary confesses without being aware of his made puppy gaze with big blue eyes ‘‘A couple of weeks ago my squad members asked me for at least one day off to see the blooming cherry blossoms and if I’m planning to go as well. Of course, at first, I doubted permitting them. However, their stories about how it’s a priceless and majestic sight made me curious. I granted their wish, and a day after, I noticed they were in high spirits and full of new emotional and physical strength. Perhaps you noticed it as well, sir. Later on, when I had a spare minute, I did research the history and importance of sakura blooming and the nearest date when it will happen again.’’.

Then, he stands up and continues with such determined eyes ‘‘That’s why I came up with the conclusion that it could also have a significant effect on you, sir. According to my sources, the next blooming will be at the beginning of April. If you consider going, I can look for anyone suitable to escort and guide you while I’ll bookmark a hotel.’’.

Meanwhile, Shiki carefully listens without interrupting his subordinate while resting his chin on his hands, and as Akira finishes his speech, he asks ‘‘Do you want to see cherry blossoms?’’. After a brief pause, he declares ‘‘Hmph. Fine, I’ll take you with me.’’.

For sure, such an answer instantly bewildered the preserved secretary. But for now, he objects “Unfortunately, I can’t, sir!”.

While the supreme ruler backfires ‘‘Why not?’’

‘‘No matter how much I would love to come but will be impossible for me to quickly run for it during the afternoon break and return to work! More importantly, I can’t skip my duties.’’ Or so Akira replies.

Lastly, Shiki announces his decision ‘‘Your main task is to keep a company for me. Understand?’’. For now, he understands that this is the only way to convince his personal secretary to take a day off.

Besides, this is also the first time when his loyal subordinate approaches him first and asks him for anything unrelated to work.

Even as the ruthless military tyrant, who rules with an iron fist, he will cease this as a perfect opportunity to make Akira rely on him not only as a superior at work but also to be more honest about his desires.

Perhaps it can be a perfect chance to see his secretary’s poker face fading and changing with natural amazement or even a smile.

But for now, the silver-haired man’s eyes sparkle with excitement along his voice ‘‘Y-Yes!’’ which is followed by the gratefully nodding ‘‘Thank you much! I’ll make sure that it will unforgivable trip.’’.

Suddenly, Akira widens his eyes as he feels how his military cap slides from his head. As it falls on the desk, he senses how the heat rushes to his ears.

He doesn’t know how to act further after embarrassment like that in front of the commander or face him properly.

Suddenly, Akira closes his eyes when he feels Shiki’s hand landing on his head and ruffling his hair. Lastly, he notices how the dark-haired man cracks a smile and addresses him ‘‘Of course, you will. Then, I’m counting on you, Akira.’’.

---

Finally, the long-awaited day arrived. Even after arriving at the park, this couple is greeted by the myriads of pink and white petals being carried by the light wind, the festive music, and much more that is overwhelming to cease all at once.

Dozens of people also came to enjoy each other’s company with friends, family, or beloved ones by flower viewing under the beautiful sakura trees and having picnics and partying. Even the shopkeepers are friendly and warmly invite anyone to come by.

In overall, the silver-haired secretary is amazed to observe how the city becomes so lively and joyful only by celebrating spring’s arrival and the nobly and elegantly blooming cherry trees.

Akira still cannot comprehend how it’s possible to live in the moment like this and celebrate it. More so, he senses a significant contrast compared to the routine in the office and the tense atmosphere.

Even behind his poker face, the reserved military secretary is in awe of his surroundings.

Meanwhile, the dark-haired man is entertained to see his loyal subordinate radiating with excitement and observing how slowly, one by one, petals land on Akira’s extended palm.

Certainly, he is pleasantly surprised that a serious secretary like Akira, who’ve seen countless faces of war and fought many fights, can reveal such a naïve, innocent, and pure side by admiring cherry blossoms.

If Shiki didn’t know his subordinate, he would mistake him for someone who has never seen the horrors and atrocities of humankind.

However, the supreme ruler doesn’t mind that anyone else may notice his beloved secretary’s new vulnerable side. After all, their presence is so unnoticeable at the moment. It doesn’t matter whether it is a mere civil or the most powerful man in the country - it’s clear as today’s blue sky, what is in the center of the stage.

Suddenly, the silver-haired man realizes that the people are not affected by the supreme ruler’s presence and walks among these mortals.

However, just as Akira slightly frowns and is about to open his mouth, he feels how the commander’s extended arm touches his chest.

As he turns his gaze to Shiki, he gets reassured “There is no need for that. Relax.”. After a brief pause, the dark-haired man asks “We’ve come here to enjoy ourselves. Or have you forgotten about why we are here? And weren’t you supposed to be my guide? So, focus on your task.”.

At first, Akira is genially confused, yet he nods ‘‘Yes!’’. When he fixes his posture, he continues ‘‘We should arrive soon at the Japanese Traditional Gardens, which I heard is the best for the flower-viewing, sir. You can rest assured. No one should disturb you. And by the time we’ll arrive, everything will be prepared including food and drinks. But for now, if I’m not mistaken, we just need to go straight until reaching the bridge on the left side and cross it.’’.

Suddenly, the military secretary widens his eyes as Shiki extends his palm to reach for his cheek.

When Akira is about to remind the commander about where they are and how reckless behavior in public could damage the supreme ruler’s image, he feels how Shiki’s fingertips carefully brush away the landed petals.

Lastly, the dark-haired man cracks the smile and remarks ‘‘You really thought everything ahead, haven’t you?’’.

Although, as this couple continues enjoying the trip, they do not realize that the danger lurks in the shadow and patiently wait for the perfect time for the ambush.

---

Some time passes by. Just before reaching their destination place, Akira gets alerted by the sound of rushing steps behind them.

As he turns around, he notices the rushing rebel at the full-speed with the sharp blade at them. However, the silver-haired man’s reaction is faster. As he draws his sword upon the sound of ripping flesh and the soldier’s scream, this unfortunate person’s life thread is cut.

Unfortunately, it was only a small victory while the big battle is still ahead.

‘‘Looks like you miscalculated how many people will come here.’’ The sudden commander’s comment makes Akira turn around and take a better look at his surroundings.

Apparently, a large group of resistance soldiers surrounds them, who impatiently wait for either Akira or Shiki to make one wrong move. Yet, Akira notices how the rebels are inexperienced from how they point the blade at them and their posture. On the other hand, he understands that even amateurs like them can be a threat if one takes them too lightly.

‘‘Hmph. Do you think you can handle this, Akira?’’ Or so the red-eyed man asks as his back covers his subordinate’s back.

As the silver-haired secretary tightly holds the handle of the sword, his eyes burn with determination and hatred for his enemy ‘‘Leave it to me! I don’t want you to stain your blade with weaklings’ blood.’’. And thus, the fierce battle begins.

Despite the odds and being outnumbered by the enemy, the rebels fall one after another under the Shiki’s loyal subordinate’s sword.

While Akira concentrates on taking down the soldiers, Shiki cannot remove his eyes from him.

After all, it’s such a captivating and admirable spectacle observing his subordinate, making his sword gracefully dance in his hands while being surrounded by the falling pink and white petals.

More importantly, the commander is thrilled to see Akira’s improvement in swordsmanship. More so, even someone as merciless ruler as him is secretly moved by how his subordinate doesn’t hesitate to protect him.

Although, if this fight becomes out of Akira’s hands, he’ll draw his sword to kill anyone who dares to harm his precious secretary.

However, the battle ends when the last rebel lets a final gasp before perishing. In the end, the military secretary closes his eyes and sighs. When he picks the tissue from his uniform jacket pocket, he wipes the dripping blood from his blade before placing it into the shed.

After he opens his eyes, he approaches Shiki while ignoring the corpses ‘‘Are you fine, sir? Are you anywhere hurt?’’.

Despite his genial concern, the dark-haired man only gives him a smug look. For now, it’s enough to convince him that the commander is fine.

Yet, Akira lowers his eyes and speaks up in a slightly gloomy but polite tone ‘‘I’m terribly sorry about this. I should have been paying more attention to tightening the security so that it wouldn’t end up like this…’’.

‘‘Kneel down.’’ Or so the commander briefly orders.

Without questioning Shiki’s motives, the blue-eyed secretary follows the orders while lowering his head. For now, when he closes his eyes, he waits for the final verdict.

Even so, the sound of the unsheathed sword doesn’t scare him. If the commander wants to take his life, then so it be. Or so Akira thinks to himself.

Yet, he is surprised how instead of swinging the sword at his neck; he feels a gentle tap on his shoulder and then on his other one by the tip of the blade.

Suddenly, Akira opens his eyes and realizes it’s the supreme ruler’s sign of gratitude. When he looks up, he notices his guess is correct. After all, those red eyes shining with satisfaction are the proof.

All he did was accomplish his duties and behave like anyone else in this situation, nothing more than that. So, why does the commander acts as if he did something great and noble? Or so the silver-haired man thinks to himself.

After Shiki places his sword in the shed, he gives another command while extending his hand at his subordinate ‘‘You can stand up now.’’.

Lastly, with no second thought, Akira takes the commander’s hand and nods before standing up.

At first, he is even more bewildered at how Shiki brings him closely and ruffles his hair. But for now, he closes his eyes and enjoys being pampered by the attention. Eventually, his arms wrap around his most treasured person.

One thing is for sure, as soon as his beloved commander releases him from the hug, Akira would tell him that tonight after sighting the illumined sakura together, he’ll take Shiki to the hot springs and let him relax after a long day.

 

---

Alright!~
First of all,
I want to thank Goma for making this amazing art♥(✿ฺ´∀`✿ฺ)ﾉ
Yup, even if it was done in the October, I'm trilled and excited to finally being able to it ♡*✲ﾟ*｡
So, huge Thank You for Goma for granting the permission to use it (୨୧•͈ᴗ•͈)◞ᵗʱᵃᵑᵏઽ*♡
That's why, I'm leaving this artist's twitter:

Please Register/ Sign In, in order to see the links.

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤