Chapter Text
Subaru doesn't bring up the subject of his sister until a week later.
The dragons of Heaven had spent the week running around Tokyo, using the maps they saved for the Diet building and the technology available on the CLAMP campus to check on all kekkais, past and present. The double kekkai that Kamui and Subaru drew is still in place, used as a global protection while they rebuild the network.
Karen, who has been the most enthusiastic about this work, is also the one who decides that they all deserve to take a break. A break that takes the form of a day at the beach, even though it's October.
Kamui takes the opportunity to spend some time alone with Subaru, something he hasn't been able to do much of in the past week.
Subaru stays around and helps everyone, but even though Kamui insists that his place is with the other dragons of Heaven, he stays at the Sakurazukamori's house. And Kamui hasn't dared come back there yet.
All of Kamui's thoughts about talking to him about it disappear when Subaru arrives on the morning of the beach party, carrying a backpack and asking if he can stay over.
"Of course," he says. As long as you want to.
Small steps.
On the beach, they meet Kakyou, whom Kamui had insisted on bringing along. He doesn't explain why, as his encounter with Kakyou and Hokuto is rather private, but the dragons of Heaven understand that it's important to him.
He's still weak and can't walk at all, but Sorata carries him on his back while talking with Arashi, intent on showing him as many things as he can. Kakyou smiles when he sees Kamui. His smile turns a little wistful when his gaze moves to Subaru, but he wishes them a good day all the same.
Subaru says nothing as he and Kamui walk hand in hand down the beach. They walk past Yuzuriha and Kusanagi who are playing beach volleyball with the dogs.
They only sit down when they reach a secluded spot near the mouth of the Arakawa river, away from everyone else. They watch the sea for a moment before Subaru tells him what's on his mind."When you saw my sister in Kakyou's dream… did she look happy?"
"Yes. She was smiling. Playful. Serene, in a way."
Subaru keeps his eyes on the sea."I never saw her in my dreams. Not even once in nine years. Only in my memories. I thought maybe… Maybe she resented me for causing her death."
Kamui squeezes Subaru's fingers."She loved you. She never stopped loving you. In the dream, she asked me to take care of you."
Subaru lets out a shaky breath."Did she? How typical of her."
"Yeah, that's what she said about you saving my life, too."
This time, Subaru actually laughs. Kamui watches him with delight. It's not as free as Hokuto's laugh, but it warms his heart like nothing else can.
"Thank you," Subaru says."For bringing her back to me."
"Huh?"
"I dreamed of her, the night you came to me. Briefly. I only saw her in the distance. But I was really glad."
Kamui smiles and leans against his shoulder."I'm glad, too."
Subaru puts an arm around Kamui, and Kamui snuggles up to him.
"The kekkais will be up and running soon. People are starting to come back to the city. Do you know what you will do? Do you want to go back to Kyoto, to your grandmother?"
Subaru's back stiffen."I… Do you remember the dogs at the house?"
Kamui notes that he didn't say my house."Yes."
"They're attracted to spirits and ghosts. Every time a shrine or a temple is destroyed, the spirits trapped inside are released. Which means that there are a lot of ghosts in Tokyo right now. I want to help them."
It seems like a good idea. Why would Subaru get upset over telling him this?
Subaru takes a deep breath."I'd like it if you could help me with it. We work well together."
Kamui smiles fondly. He has no experience with exorcisms. It's Subaru's way of telling him that he, too, would like to spend more time with him."I'd love to," Kamui says.
Subaru lies down on the sand, pulling Kamui with him."Maybe, after this, if the directors allow… I could go back to college. Actually attend some classes this time around. I don't know."
"You helped me out with my classes. I'm sure you'll do well."
Subaru glances at him."You think very highly of me."
"How could I not?"
There's a moment of silence between them. It's not uncomfortable, and Kamui wishes he could stay in Subaru's arms like this forever.
"What you said in the dream…" Subaru says.
"I meant every word."
"... You don't even know what I'm going to say."
"I meant every word," Kamui repeats."I'll say it again, if you want me to."
Subaru seems to consider the offer for a while, then shakes his head. His voice is low when he says,"You were always there, Kamui. You always had a place in my heart, even when I couldn't see it."
Kamui's heart feels like it's going to burst. He moves until he's kneeling over Subaru. He watches his eyes darken as his gaze moves to Kamui's face, to his mouth, then away.
Kamui smiles. Seems like he'll have to make the first move.
He leans down to kiss Subaru's lips, just a feather-light touch. To his surprise, Subaru meets him halfway. They're both inexperienced. It's awkward at first, but genuine, and soon they find their rhythm.
Kamui pulls back to catch his breath, his lips tingling with the ghost of Subaru's tongue on them. A green eye and a brown eye look back at him, joy swirling in their depths.
They have so much to discover together, it’s almost overwhelming.
Small steps, he reminds himself, and leans down to kiss Subaru again.