Make Them Laugh - Hakata/Ichigo
2206.07.
“Do you mind if I sit with you?” Ichigo says.
“‘Course not,” Hakata replies, not quite looking up from his accounting books. The master had entrusted these particular ones to him over Ishida Masamune as they entailed affairs other than the Citadel’s own, and the saniwa had thought Hakata the best choice to manage them. He’ll make her proud, and prove her right. And, as a bonus, it’s all extremely interesting, enough that he'd decided to do as much as he can before joining his brothers in their games outside.
Ichigo sits down next to him - right next to him, his arm brushing against Hakata’s. This time Hakata does look at him, wanting to make sure everything is okay with his elder brother. Ichigo’s eyes are closed, and he tilts his head down like he wants to lay it on Hakata’s shoulder. Hakata immediately straightens, trying to compensate for the difference in their heights, but he’s only half successful.
Still, Ichigo is smiling, and he seems to be comfortable as they are, one tilted head on the other.
“Are you sure you don’t want to join everyone?” Ichigo asks. “They’ll miss you.”
Hakata knows it’s true, too.
“In a bit,” he says. “I wanna read a couple more pages firs'.”
Ichigo nuzzles him, rather like a cat might. Or their master.
Hakata's cheeks begin to heat up.
“All right,” Ichigo says. “Do you mind if I stay with you until then?”
How could Hakata ever?
“‘Course not,” he replies again. Then, “But, ee' sure ee' won’t be missed?”
“I’m sure.” Ichigo turns his face slightly, and when he speaks next his words tickle the back of Hakata’s neck. “I’m with one of my beloved little brothers, after all.”
Hakata can’t help himself. He tries to stifle his laugh, but it doesn’t work at all. For the briefest moment, he feels Ichigo’s smile against his skin, and then he hears it in his voice.
“Is it that ticklish?” Ichigo asks.
Then, he blows on the back of Hakata’s neck, sending the tantou giggling. The accounting book falls to the table with a thud, but Hakata’s already distracted, twisting into his brother’s form, giggling as Ichigo covers him with kisses.
“Ch-changed me mind,” he gasps when Ichigo finally relents. The tachi’s arms are still around him, and Hakata’s head is pressed against his chest, just over his heart. “Can we stay like this 'ere, Ichi-nii? Jus' for a little while? We can go an’ join the others after, but…”
He clings to Ichigo’s sweater, leaning into him as much as he can.
“Of course,” Ichigo says. “We can stay here as long as you want.”
He kisses Hakata’s hair, and the tantou smiles to himself as he closes his eyes.