Title: The Unwelcome Newcomer
Fandom: Touken Ranbu
Rating: G
Characters: Female Saniwa, Heshikiri Hasebe, Kikkou Sadamune
Length: 607
Content notes: Hints of Kikkou/Saniwa and Hasebe/Saniwa.
Summary: Hasebe was not jealous.

***

The new arrival was once Akechi Mitsuhide's sword; that, Hasebe told himself, was the sole reason he didn't like him. Nothing else. That dislike wouldn't taint their working relationship either, because both of them were loyal servants of the Saniwa and that was all that truly mattered. Do her will, protect her person, be devoted in every way. Just as good swords should be.

“Master, did I do a good job as Captain?”

“Of course, Kikkou; I always trust you to do a good job.”

“Ah, Master, that makes me so happy!”

Gritting his teeth, Hasebe stared down at his report and made a concentrated effort at getting on with it. This conversation was none of his business. Kikkou had led a successful attack and their Master was praising him for it, as was her right. Hasebe had done the same and been blessed in such a way countless times before Kikkou had even arrived in their citadel; had known the joy of his dear Master's radiant smile being directed at him. No newcomer could or would take that away from him.

Kikkou laughed... no, giggled, and Hasebe felt his chest go tight. He glanced back up just in time to see Kikkou sinking to his knees and taking the Saniwa's hand into one of his own; she looked a little flushed and he was staring up with the obvious adoration and, ugh, desire. That smile only made it worse. Did he not see he was making their Master feel awkward? Uncomfortable? Because surely that was the case, to look at those red cheeks and half-smile. Ignorant, foolish-

“It would pain me to disappoint you,” said Kikkou with a soft, delighted smile. “If I ever do, please punish me harshly, dear Master.”

Hasebe snarled, unable to stop himself.

“I will punish you if you continue to show such disrespect.” He stood up quickly, knocking over the ink on his desk as he advanced on Akechi's little knife. “Address our Master properly!”

That the outburst had the advantage of stopping Kikkou from kissing that hand was not something Hasebe let himself acknowledge as the other sword stood up (the Saniwa staring up at them with wide, shocked eyes).

“I only ever address our dear Master with the utmost of respect.” Kikkou turned to face him and tapped the frame of his glasses, smiling peacefully in a way that only made Hasebe feel angrier. “You ought to know that. You feel the same as I, don't you?”

“I do not,” growled Hasebe, “showcase such inappropriate desires while seated in front of-”

“Hasebe, please!”

Jumping and pushing between them, the Saniwa pressed her hands on Hasebe's chest and frowned up at him. His anger vanished in an instant when he met her gaze because, oh, oh no, she was... annoyed with him? She was. He stepped back, expression melting into something desperate and regretful.

“Go and calm down, Hasebe,” his Saniwa said with a sigh (which made him feel even worse). “We will talk about this later.”

“Master, I...” Hasebe trailed off before bowing lightly. “As you wish. I shall wait for your call.”

He cast one last look at Kikkou before he left; the bastard was still smiling, all calm and content, like nothing about what had happened bothered him. Of course a sword of the Akechi would not consider the consequences of his actions... Hasebe offered him one last glare before slowly leaving the room.

It wasn't jealousy. Hasebe was simply taking care of his Master, and he would shatter before he let this unwelcome newcomer cause her trouble.