31_days | [August 13] [Kekkaishi] Moreover...

Title: Moreover...
Day/Theme: August 13 - Believe me, moonlight is the stuff whereof/My lady's limbs are made. I offer proof.
Series: Kekkaishi
Characters: the Sumimura brothers
Rating: G
Disclaimer: Kekkaishi © Tanabe Yellow, et al.

"Suppose I'm to go and propose to Tokine," Masamori said, sipping at his tea.

Yoshimori set down his own cup, inwardly pleased that the content was barely splashing around. Before he could challenge Masamori to repeat the words in front of their grandfather, Toshimori chimed in, "Are you serious?"

"Why not? Her grandmother and our own grandfather might object at first - and strenuously at that - but I could prepare a speech beforehand on how noble and peaceful it is to let bygones be bygones. And Tokine would make a stunning bride. Don't you think so?"

"She's in senior high school," Yoshimori said. "And you're already in your twenties."

"I see. So a junior high schooler would be more suitable for her?"

"I knew it. You just wanted to annoy me."

Masamori gave him an almost-smile. "That's right - I forgot that you know her far better than either of us here."

"That happens to be the case." Yoshimori raised his cup again, thinking of a slender hand overspread with old scar tissues and traces of torn skin. "Do you - "

"Yes?"

"Nothing," Yoshimori murmured. He had the nasty feeling that Masamori would indeed do a superb job of protecting Tokine.

"Tokine is the heir of her family. From what I've heard, she has done them proud. She is also an accomplished and intelligent young woman." Masamori poured himself another cupful, eyes on Yoshimori, while Toshimori listened solemnly. "Need I elaborate?"

---

Later that night, brushing his teeth in the bathroom, Yoshimori ticked off justifications one by one: Tokine's scar was merely a testimony to what she was, and the dangerous tradition she must live in. Tokine herself never did make much of her disfigured hand. And no matter how you looked at her, Tokine was pretty.

He scowled and spat toothpaste suds into the sink. Only his older brother could make him doubt his own resolution.