You and Kyōjurō wandered the streets of Kyoto for a while. The sun had finally went down and people began crowding the streets.
The both of you had then stopped and watched a little marionette play about Orihime and Hikoboshi──while listening as the children laughed and cheered. Kyōjurō wrapped an arm around your shoulders and held you close until it was over, before suggesting you both should go get something to eat.
Your stomach immediately growling at the mention of food as you glanced at the many food stands that were all serving different foods ranging from dango and dorayaki, to yakisoba and ikayaki.
"Kyō look! They got yakitori!" You say excitedly, pointing to a stall that was serving the delicious shish kabobs.
Kyōjurō nodded, but he wasn't really feeling yakitori tonight as he glanced towards a nearby stall that was selling yakiimo (roasted sweet potato).
You followed his hungry gaze and smiled, "how's about we go get our food and meet back here, yea?"
"Sounds great!♡" He says, and kissed you on the cheek, "I'll be right back, okay?"
You shook your head at his antics, watching him run over to the stand before making your way over towards the one selling yakitori.
As you waited for your meal, you looked around─smiling to see people having fun and enjoying themselves. It was indeed heartwarming.
After receiving your grilled kabob you waited for your husband whilst enjoying your meal.
"Eeeeeeeek, (Name)-chaaaaan♡!"
You nearly jumped upon hearing your name being called and glanced to see a familiar head of pink and green. Before you could react, you're instantly pulled into a warm bear hug.
"I didn't expect to see you here?! I thought you and Kyō-senpai where spending your honeymoon somewhere else in Kyoto?" Mitsuri exclaims excitedly.
"H-hey Mitsuri, good to see you. What are you doing here?" You asked, once she let you go.
"I came for the festival!"
Duh, of course, that makes total sense.
"Where's Kyō-senpai?" She finally asked.
"He's over there," you pointed towards the food stand where Kyōjurō was and the Hashira of Love nods, before skipping over to him.
You watched Mitsuri tap Kyōjurō's shoulder, getting his attention as he turned and hugs her. Definitely delighted to see her as they striked up a conversation. You smiled at warm exchange, but jumped upon feeling something slither across your shoulder.
You almost screamed, but stopped after seeing a familiar pair of red reptilian eyes and a boy in a black and white striped haori.
"Gods, don't scare me like that, Iguro!" You scolded.
The Snake Hashira says nothing as you sighed and acknowledged the white snake on your shoulder.
Now, usually you were terrified of snakes, especially the venomous ones like; the Japanese Mamushi, Tiger Keelback, and the Yamakagashi.
But, Kaburamaru was an exception.
"Hey there, you sneaky devil♡." You smiled as the white serpent slithered downwards and towards your chest, as if trying to get into your shirt.
Obanai noticed this and nearly blushed, "stop that, Kaburamaru!"
You laughed, knowing exactly what─or who the white snake is searching for?
"It's okay, Obanai. I already know he's looking for Fuwa." You tell him.
Now, Fuwa is the name of your pet Japanese dwarf flying squirrel whom you'd saved during your Final Selection. Normally, all the animals like, the Kasugai crows (mainly Kyōjurō's crow), Uzui's buff mice, Gyomei's cat, and Mitsuri's rabbit all got along with Fuwa. Though, you would think a snake like Kaburamaru would often try to eat her, however truth be told, the white snake actually adored the little squirrel as well.
Granted, Fuwa's greatest strength was her extreme cuteness. So much so, that she can even make tough guys like Sanemi, Giyuu, and even Obanai-himself break face and swoon.
"Sorry Kabu, but Fuwa's not with me." You say smugly.
You had left her back home with Senjuro.
The white snake seemed to give you a disheartened look, but immediately turned his attention towards the delicious kabob in your hand and flicks his tongue. But before he can even think about it, you handed him back to Obanai.
"Anyways, what are you doing here, Iguro?" You ask the Serpent Pillar, "have you come here to enjoy the star festival, too?"
"You.. could say that." He says, still not looking at you.
You followed his heterochromia stare, noting that he's staring at Kyōjurō and Mitsuri as you gave a sly smirk.
Obanai suddenly felt your eyes on him──the strange feeling making his skin prickle as he glances at you only to flinch upon seeing you looking at him funny.
"(ⓛ ω ⓛ)"
"Gah! Quit staring at me like t-that!" He shuddered.
"So, you and Mitsuri, eh?" You smirked.
"What? N-no, it's nothing like that! We're─I mean..she's just a friend."
"Sure, sure, whatever you say." You teased.
"I'm serious, (Name)." An 💢 mark appeared on his forehead.
"What? I'm not saying you only came because you wanted to spend time with Mitsuri." You shrugged.
"(Name)!"
"What? I didn't say anything about a date."
"I-It's not a date!" He fumed and you had to stop yourself from laughing, noting his face turning red.
It was cute, since you already knew about his obvious crush on Mitsuri.
"My love!" You both stopped and glanced to see both Kyōjurō and Mitsuri.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Kyōjurō says, "hey Iguro, good to see you!" He greeted the Snake Pillar who just waved.
"It's alright, Kyō. So, how was your yakiimo?" You asked him.
"Umai," he grins, "anyways, me and Mitsuri-chan were thinking about getting taiyaki ice cream, you wanna come?" Your husband asked.
Taiyaki ice cream?!
"Sure! I could go some dessert," you say excitedly.
"Great! You're welcome to come too, Obanai?" Kyōjurō says.
"Whatever." The pouty snake boy grumbles.
"Aww, cheer up Obanai-kun!" Said Mitsuri as she reached for his hand, "now come on, before they're sold out!♡" She says, dragging the now blushing boy towards the stall.
You giggle, seeing how cute Mitsuri and Obanai are together. And the thought that Mitsuri was oblivious to Obanai's feeling only added to the adorableness.
"What's so funny, my love?" Kyōjurō asked upon hearing you laugh.
"Oh, I was just thinking how this almost feels like a double date."
"A double date?" Kyōjurō questions.
"It's nothing," you say quickly, "now come on, I want a (favorite flavor) taiyaki ice cream cone!" You grab his hand, before pulling him along.
After you, Kyōjurō, Mitsuri, and Obanai got your ice cream; you all strolled around──simply enjoying the spectacle of street performers and traditional dances. After that, both Kyōjurō and Mitsuri suggested you all should take a group photo, upon spotting a photographer.
As you suspected, it was definitely something anyone on a festival date should do; but you already knew they both just wanted the memory solidified as you stood beside your husband and he next to Mitsuri.
However, Obanai didn't seemed to like the idea of Kyōjurō being too close to Mitsuri as he wedged himself in-between them, whilst pushing Kyōjurō slightly. You shook your head at the display as just the camera flashed.