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Tomoe held Nanami’s hand delicately in his, carefully applying a layer of pale pink nail polish. Kurama stared over his shoulder in amazement.
“Where the hell did you learn to do that, fox?” Tomoe didn’t answer, keeping his focus on his task. But his mind flashed back. Back to being a wild fox, to being a terror with Akura-Ou. The world was completely different then, but some things in this modern world were achingly similar.
He remembers camping in a rough, rundown shack that they had claimed as their own for the night. A small pot of lacquer sat beside him on the rough wooden floor. Tomoe gripped Akura’s hand firmly in his, carefully applying the dark lacquer to his sharp nails.
“If you don’t quit squirming, I won’t finish this for you.”
“Aw, Tomoe, you don’t mean that. You know how important my image is!”
“Your vanity, you mean,” Tomoe shot back with a sharp grin.
“I’m wounded! Me, vain? How could you even suggest such a thing!” Akura pressed his free hand against his chest in mock offense. Tomoe snorted.
“I know you, that’s how. Better than anyone, probably.”
“Perhaps. But you’re one to talk, Tomoe, with that mane of silver hair you fuss over.”
“Proper grooming is important,” Tomoe said with a sniff. “That’s why I help you. Can’t have you going around all unkempt. It would ruin your precious image.” Akura squirmed around to drape himself over Tomoe, careful not to knock over the little pot of lacquer. Tomoe resumed his careful painting, even as Akura nuzzled against his neck.
“You do know me better than anyone, Tomoe. And I know you. That’s why we can only rely on each other. It’s us against everyone else.”
“Us against everyone else,” Tomoe agreed.
Tomoe glanced around the Mikage shrine, at all the people draped around the room. Nanami had declared a “lazy Saturday” and invited all their friends. Nanami grinned up at him as he finished painting her nails.
“When these dry, I’ll do yours! I’ve got some purple polish that would look amazing on you!” Tomoe let himself smile. After so long, he wasn’t alone.