"Are you going to stay with me this time? Or do I have to take another arrow?"

"Shut up."

And then he couldn't resist. "Still jealous?"

"Okay, I didn't mean it. I can't take your worst right now. Kick my ass for forgetting who you are. That's salt in an open wound, Tenpou. Mercy's a good virtue."

And he pretended to sleep. And he thought he would finally be able to until a single word pierced their silence.

"Well?"

Nagging wife...

"Okay, fine. Shit. Yeah, I am."

"So, are you going to stay with me this time?"

"Who the hell said I was going anywhere?"

"Mnh."

Chapter 9: The Scent of Battle and Revelation:

"Nataku. Nataku!" Litouten was vigorously shaking his son's shoulder. "Wake up!"

"Huh?" The boy dazedly asked as his father pulled him up from the bed and literally dragged him out. His long, black locks fell to his waist and he barely had time to tie them back when he was pushed onto the balcony. "Does Tentei want me again?" He rubbed his eyes.