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Kaoru closed his eyes a little when he felt Daichi's hand in his hair. "Ok, let's eat." he finished and washed the dishes with Daichi before heading to the bedroom to pack. He carefully packed the same thing as Daichi, sleep wear, shorts, a tee-shirt and underwear. He bit his lip, not sure if that would be enough, but figuring Daichi knew what he was doing better than Kaoru did. He nodded and got his toothbrush to put it in the bag as well. Daichi's bag was beautiful, but all Kaoru had was his old school bag, but it would do. he put his clothes inside and got everything ready for bed while Daichi showered. He didn't think he would be able to sleep, he was so excited. He showered after Daichi and got into bed. He turned onto his side, but he couldn't help but wonder-Daichi seemed like he was ok with Kaoru touching him earlier...maybe?

He slowly slid across the bed until he was just barely touching Daichi. When the man didn't say anything he turned over so he was facing his husband and inched closer until he was against Daichi's side. When Daichi didn't push him away, Kaoru smiled and settled down, actually falling asleep. He was surprised when he woke up, but he felt warm and safe and he almost didn't want to get up...almost. He remembered what they were doing today and he knew he wouldn't be able to hold still. He got up and made an easy breakfast that didn't need any clean up before checking on Daichi, when he saw his husband was awake he smiled brightly. "I made breakfast, when do we need to go? we can eat it on the way, if you want."

Kaoru wrapped up their breakfast sandwiches and waited for for Daichi to come out before they got in the car to go. He was wearing a conservative crew neck grey shirt and some old jeans he'd managed to find. They still fit well enough, so he wore them though the material felt a little strange. He just wasn't used to denim. He gave Daichi his sandwich after carefully wrapping it in the napkin he'd brought so it wouldn't spill out the bottom as Daichi ate. He ate as well and listened to the music, the fingers on his right hand tapping softly to the beat. He hadn't spent this much time one on one with Daichi with no distractions since they walked through the zoo, or maybe even before that. When they first walked through the gardens at Daichi's family home. They spoke and Kaoru felt his cheeks hurt from how much he was smiling.

"Fireworks?" he wasn't terribly fond of the loud ones, but he did like how pretty they were, "i'm so excited for the festival. I can't tell you how much this means to me, I don't have much to change into. I guess it will be ok, though." he looked down at his outfit, "i'm sure there will be a lot of people in jeans." That didn't damper his mood in the least. "Can we try some of the food? I've seen people with food from festivals, but I've never be allowed to try it before." the only 'festival' he'd ever gone to was when his family visited the temple on New Years, but it was a small, quiet affair more for show than anything. "Have you ever had takoyagi? Or cotton candy? I heard from some of the students at school that they are really good." he bit his lip as they pulled into Aomori. It didn't take long from there to get to the onsen and he clasped his hands in his lap to keep them from shaking. It was real. Like, really, real. He hadn't doubted Daichi, he knew the man wouldn't be so cruel as to tease him like this, but it had all felt so surreal and dream like until the moment they pulled into a parking space.

"Oh, wow," he whispered when he saw how beautiful the outside of the onsen was. "Diachi-" he looked at his husband and smiled brightly, "if the outside is this amazing, I can't wait to see the inside."

Kaoru followed Daichi into the onsen, staying a little to the side and behind the man as he spoke to the hostess. He felt a little shy, and bowed back when the woman bowed and led them to their room. He looked around as they walked, making sure to not gawk like a child, but only just. he bowed again when they were shown their room, but stopped dead when he actually looked at it. The room was stunning. They had their own private bath outside of a small patio and Kaoru nearly jumped in excitement. "Daichi-it's amazing! It's like i always dreamed an onsen would be like." his eyes landed on the bed and he took in the clothing waiting there. "Did you-" He walked over to make sure he wasn't just imagining things, "You got us yukata? for the festival?" he turned and smiled, "Daichi! Thank you!" he picked up the smaller of the two, knowing it was his.

It was dark blue with a chrysanthemum design embroidered into it. "They are beautiful! Daichi, I love-" he caught himself and blushed. he'd been about to say 'i love you', but he feared saying such a thing might make Daichi uncomfortable, "all of this so much!" he quickly added, hoping Daichi wouldn't notice his hiccup. "Is it ok if i go change?" he asked, waiting for Daichi to say yes before he rant to the bathroom, half to hide his embarrassment half because he was excited to try on his new yukata. He took a second to calm down, breathing deeply, before he got dressed. The material of the yukata was soft and Kaoru ran his hands along the beautiful designs. He readied himself and head out, raising his arms to show Daichi. "It fits perfectly. I'm so excited to go to an actual festival in an actual yukata! When do you want to leave?" He wanted to go right then and there, but he would wait for Daichi to be ready

Kaoru's excitement died a little when he saw just how many people there were. He never did well in crowds. He started to feel ill, his vision wavering ashe struggled to breathe, but a soft tug at his belt brought him out of it. He looked down, shocked to see Daichi's hand there, one finger holding him close. Kaoru took a deep breath and leaned closer to Daichi. It was ok. He wasn't alone. "Yeah, there's a lot of people." He was able to see beyond the crowds now and see the festival for what it was. Just people enjoying themselves. He made sure to walk close enough to Daichi that they were practically touching and tried to decide what he wanted to try. "We should probably eat something more savory before we go for sugar. Don't want to get a headache..." his eyes fell on a shaved ice booth and he fought the urge to run over. "Maybe some yakisoba? Or some of those kebabs?" he pointed to a vendor who had several different meats and veggies on sticks grilling.

He wandered over with Daichi and got some of each as well as some takoyaki and chicken karaage. They found a bench to sit down and Kaoru ate slowly, tasting each thing with an ever growing smile. He didn't even notice the people around him anymore. "This is all so delicious!" He savored each bite and was sad when it was gone. He wanted more, but Kaoru wanted to save room for everything else. "Can we get some cotton candy?" He grinned when Daichi said yes and slipped his hand into the man's as they walked over to the vendor. Daichi didn't seem to mind and it was easier to stay together than just a hand on his back. The vendor made them a beautiful flower and Kaoru accepted it with awe. "It's so beautiful...I almost don't want to eat it." He looked at Daichi with wide eyes. "Can you take a picture of it?"

He waited for the camera to go off, unable to take his eyes off the flower, before he finally took a small bit and lifted it to his mouth. "Oh-" he made a little face at the texture as the sweet treat melted in his mouth. "That's-strange, but good." he held the flower out to Daichi for the man to have some. "Do you like cotton candy? The pink one tastes like watermelon." he wondered if each color had a different flavor.

Kaoru was simply having the best time. When Daichi took him to look at the parade, Kaoru was happy to lean back the few centimeters and gently rest his back against Daichi's chest. the man was warm and Kaoru relished the heat from contact with another human being. he was distracted for a moment, wondering if it was just another human or if it actually was Daichi himself. Would Kaoru be this comfortable leaning against his mother? No. There is no way. But maybe another person his age? What of Kurosaki? Kaoru couldn't imagine being that close to his peer. No, he felt comfortable because it was Diachi. Kaoru smiled and settled a little closer as he watched the parade and beautiful float pass by. It was so beautiful. The dancers were elegant and their movement precise. all in all, he was probably having the best night of his life.

"Yes, please," he said in response to Daichi's question, turning to look at the man. He hadn't realized that Daichi's mouth had been that close to his ear and as he turned their lips nearly brushed against each other. His eyes met Daichi's and he hesitated for only a second before he carefully pressed his lips against the older man's. Kaoru closed his eyes, enjoying the small kiss, but not wanting to push it any further in case Daichi wasn't enjoying it as much as he. Memories of their one night together made his stomach warm in pleasure and Kaoru pulled away, blushing. He didn't meet Daichi's eyes as he looked back at the parade, slightly giddy from the kiss. He liked deep, passionate kisses. He'd discovered that when they had been intimate, but he found he also liked soft innocent ones like they had just shared. He just hoped Daichi was ok with the kiss.

Apparently Daichi didn't mind the kiss at all, in fact, he pulled Kaoru closer and held him for the rest of the parade. Kaoru leaned into the older man's arms, letting his head rest against Daichi's cheek as they watched the dancers and floats go by. All too soon the parade ended and Daichi let him go. Before Kaoru could miss the touch too much, Daichi took his hand. Kaoru gave it a little squeeze and followed his husband off to the side where it was a little less crowded. When asked what he wanted to try next, Kaoru bit his lip, looking around as he decided. There were several game booths that looked like fun. He debated for a second before moving on. Maybe they should try more of the food? That sounded good too...his eyes fell on the petting zoo and he knew exactly what he wanted to do.

"Can we go there?" he asked, pointing. Daichi just lead the way and Kaoru started to get excited. There were sheep, goats, rabbits, ponies, and pigs and Kaoru entered with a little apprehension. He wasn't sure how to approach the animals, but he watched one of the young children that were in the zoo toddle over to a sheep and all but lay against it's side as he gave it a hug. The sheep glanced over at the boy and then went back to eating. That gave Kaoru a bit of hope and he walked over to a pony. He gave it a small pet and the pony leaned into him, making Kaoru laugh. "Look Daichi, I think it likes me!" he scratched it behind the ears and the horse pricked them forward before trotting over to a girl with an apple slice. "Maybe not-" He turned and lot himself in petting all of the animals. The bunnies were amazingly soft and one of the attendants put a grey one in his arms. He was scared for a second, but the little creature just sat there and Kaoru quickly adjusted to he could hold and pet it at the same time.

"Thank you for indulging me," he said to Daichi as he gave the bunny back to the woman and turned back to his husband. He felt something hit his ankles and he looked down to see what animal had run into him. The most adorable puppy he'd ever seen looked back up at him. "Oh my gosh-" he gasped as he knelt down and held his arms out. The puppy wagged it's tail so hard it's entire backside shook, making it harder for the puppy to run, but run he did straight into Kaoru's lap. Kaoru laughed as the puppy climbed up into his lap and started to lick his face.

"Stop!" he laughed, "oh dear, stop that!" He managed to pull the puppy off and stood with it in his arms. It was tiny, even smaller than the bunny he'd been holding, but it snuggled into his hold and licked his wrist before letting out a tiny sigh and dropping his head onto Kaoru's arm. "Daichi-" Kaoru whispered, looking at the man, "he's so cute!"

"She," an attendant corrected as he walked up to Kaoru and Daichi. "That little one's an escape artist! We have a little pen over there for the puppies, but she never stays in there long." He smiled at the tender way Kaoru was holding the pup, "She's a sweetheart though. We're selling them, if you want her. She seems to have already claimed you." He reached over to pet her in Kaoru's arms and the puppy yipped at him, growling a little before letting him touch her. "Oh, yeah, she's picked you as her human alright. Already protective of you. Silly girl, you're barking at the man who's been feeding you all this time! Ingrate!" he laughed and shook his head.

"What kind of dog is she?" Kaoru asked, scratching the dog behind the ears and settling her back down again.

"A mini Australian Shepard. They normally don't get very big, but she's the runt of the litter. She's going to be small. Their good dogs, though. Follow you around the house and snuggle into your lap as son as you sit down. They're going for a good price, too. only 2000 yen."

Kaoru looked down into those beautiful blue eyes, but he didn't want to force a dog on Daichi. "I'm sorry, but I don't know." he frowned and refused to look at his husband, worried that something in his eyes would cause Daichi to give in even if he didn't want the puppy himself. "We live in an apartment. I don't know if we can have dogs." He wanted to cry, but gave the puppy back to the man. She whined and struggled to get back to Kaoru but he stepped back. "We should go-" before he made a fool of himself and begged Daichi to let him buy her.

The attendee happy handed over the wiggling pup, he could see how much the smaller man and the puppy wanted, no, needed each other, but he could also see that the little one was differing to the older man and if the older man was the swaying point, the attendant was happy to help. "She's three months. All up to date on her shots and micro-chipped, but she isn't spayed. She's far too young for that level of surgery. We don't recommend you do that until she is at least six months old, but one year would be better for a dog her size. We have an adoption packet that you get with her, it has all of her medical information as well as a list of things we recommend for young puppies and training tips. She's fully house trained, too. She'll sit and yip at you when she needs to go. Haven't had trouble with her tearing things up, either. She just likes to explore."

The puppy cocked her head at Daichi as she was held up to his face. She sniffed at him before her tail started to wag once more and she licked at his nose. When Daichi pulled her into his chest, she sat on his arms and put her little paws on his chest so she could reach up and lick his chin, bathing him in kisses before settling down for a second. That only lasted long enough for her to see Kaoru, making her whine and try to get to him again.

Kaoru didn't dare hope. Daichi listed all of the responsibility of owning a pet, but Kaoru was aware. He'd thoroughly researched what it would take to own and raise a dog and had even made a power point and schedule to attempt to convince his mother to allow him to have one. He'd been young and naive then, thinking there was anything he could do to prove to his mother he was worthy of a pet. And yet, here Daichi was, holding the adorable girl and asking if Kaoru thought he could handle it. "I-" he took a deep breath before nodding, "I can be responsible. I'll get a job from home or something so I can pay for her expenses. I'll make sure to clean up after her and you won't even know that she's there-" But Daichi smiled and Kaoru found his mouth falling open a little when Daichi confessed he'd always wanted a dog. "Daichi-" Kaoru's eyes widened, but he reached out and gently took the pup from his husband, "Are you serious? You would allow me to-" he swallowed, hard, to keep the tears from falling. Whether they were tears of shock, happiness, or hope he didn't know, maybe a mix of them all. "I swear, I will do everything. I can get a job tutoring remotely, I've been looking into it. You won't have to pay for a thing, and I will clean her and take care of everything. I-" he looked down at the pup who had instantly cuddled into his chest as soon as she was in his arms again, her tail wagging even as she yawned and passed out in his arms "Really?" he whispered, "I can have her?"

The attendant had slipped away to give them privacy, but he'd come back with the puppy's packet, a leash, and small chest harness so they could walk her whens he woke up. He waited quietly to the side, smiling softly. All he needed was a few signatures and the adoption fee and she would be theirs. he had a pretty good feeling that the littlest pup of the group had found her new home. maybe she'd known all along and that was why she kept escaping out into the petting zoo. she was waiting for her human to get there. It wouldn't be the strangest thing he'd seen a dog do, they just seemed to have a spirituality about them that allowed them to sense where they were needed.