The flavor is spicy and sweet xD Might have gotten carried away on this one. No apologies! Approx 900 words of some spicy smutty deliciousness.
The evening was hot. A cloying, damp heat that made any clothing cling to the body and sweat pearl on the skin. Ranmaru lounged on the balcony, hoping to catch even a slight breeze. Night should bring relief, he thought.
Only the setting sun had brought only a lightless heat, a darkness that lay on him like a thick and heavy blanket. He considered stripping his kimono and just lying here on the polished wood in nothing but his skin.
“Umm, Ranmaru? Are you here?” The chatelaine’s voice called from the doorway of his room.
“Out here,” he called, a smile on his lips. An unexpected visit from his favorite person.
She came out with a tray in hand and gave him a look. "It's really not fair, you know. Having to date a guy that makes being sweaty and hot look good."
"I try to look good for you," he laughed, feeling a little self conscious. His beauty was a weapon he knew how to use, a shield to hide behind. "What's not fair, anyway? Have you looked in a mirror today?" He winked at her playfully.
She was wearing just a thin linen kimono, the sort one might wear under a heavier fabric. It clung to the rise of her breasts and the swell of her curves. Curls of hair stuck to the back and sides of her neck from sweat, and her cheeks were flushed from the heat. She was beautiful even if she didn't know it.
“I brought us some treats.” She sat down beside him with a little sigh and set the tray down. It was full of sliced fruits and little jellies. “They were supposed to go to Nobunaga’s diplomatic council meeting, but he said he wasn’t to be disturbed so . . .” Her mischievous grin said the rest.
“You naughty girl,” Ranmaru laughed. “You’ll get us both in trouble!” He reached for a jelly and popped it between his lips. It was tart and sweet, and a little cool on his tongue.
She picked up a bit of plum. “Nah, he won’t even notice.” She took a bite of the fruit, the sticky juice staining her lips and fingers.
“Let me have a taste,” Ranmaru caught her hand as she reached for another slice.
“Sure,” she laughed, and tried to pick up another piece, but he tugged her hand to him. “You have to let me go if you want me to get one for you!”
He grinned, enjoying her flustered confusion. She was so adorably naive sometimes, and it made him feel even more wicked. He closed his lips around the tip of her finger, suckling the juice from her skin.
The chatelaine gasped, but didn’t try to pull away.
Emboldened, Ranmaru’s tongue caressed her finger tip and then lapped at the skin of her finger. The plum juice was sweet, but it was the taste of her skin that made him bring each finger to his lips, and press his mouth to her palm. She tasted of fruit and the saltiness of sweat, and under that, a mild flavor that was just her - an amalgamation of her soap and perfume and lotion and skin.
She made a pleased, breathy moan as his lips closed over her pulse. “R-ranmaru! What if - if someone sees?”
He laughed, pulling her into his lap. “Only the stars can see us up here.” Ranmaru caught her mouth with his, nipping at her lips. His playful tongue teased her, and tasted her. The plum was vibrant, and the flavor of sake too.
The chatelaine kissed him back, enthusiastic with her affection.
Ranmaru broke the kiss to lean her back. The kimono was easy to untie, and he pushed the linen aside to bare her breasts. She was so beautiful. He could not help but marvel at the perfection of her in his arms. Perhaps there were more lovely women in this world, but none to his eyes. There was only her.
Her skin dimpled and her nipples hardened at the sudden exposure.
“They look like ripe little berries,” he grinned, his thumbs stroking the hardened little peaks. “I wonder what they taste like.”
“Like the rest of me, I imagine?” She tried to joke, but the catch in her breath gave away her desire. She arched as his lips closed over the nipple closest to him and gasped at the light scrape of his teeth as he toyed with it.
Ranmaru savored her, indulging his love for teasing with tiny nips and slow, languorous pulls. His fingers played gently down her abdomen, eliciting a wriggle in her hips. “You taste like heaven,” he told her, because it was how he felt. She was divine.
“Heaven?” She laughed softly. “You’re exaggerating.”
“I don’t exaggerate! How would you know, anyway? Did you ever taste yourself?” He flicked his tongue over her nipple, enjoying the sharp intake of breath the touch caused.
“N-no . . .”
Ranmaru grinned. “But . . . maybe you’re right. I should check.” He let the tip of his tongue draw little, tight circles around her areola. The skin flushed with heat, and she made a helpless little sound like a mew.
He switched to the other breast, pretending a thoughtful expression. “Mmm, I think the other one is a little sweeter.” His wandering hand traced the line of her thigh, brushing lightly against the soft thatch of hair between her legs while he spoke.
The chatelaine’s hips twitched and wriggled at the touch.
“Oh? What’s that? I should taste more of you?” He slipped her to the wood floor of the balcony and held himself above her, one knee between her legs, a hand braced beside her head.
She made a face, equal parts desire and embarrassment. “You’re teasing me!”
Ranmaru kissed her, letting his fingers slide down into that downy patch. He parted the slick cleft there, teasing out the pearl at its center. “Am I? Teasing?”
The strangled noise of pleasure and frustration was almost too good.
“I wonder,” he mused as he kissed down her neck and chest, “if the flavor is like a peach?” He licked and nipped down her belly, pausing as he regarded the sight of her spread open and sticky with desire. “I love peaches.”
🥵🥵🥵🥵 indeed! This is everything I ever wanted in a Ranmaru ask and more. This guy. Ugh. The things I'd do to him. Thank you so much for doing this! Ranmaru needs more love but more steamy love especially! I adore you forever and forever for indulging my unpopular fictional crushes ❤️ it was very well done too. He's so teasing and cheeky but in a sweet way and I love it. It's perfect!
I yearn for Satan Regency AU. It makes me go feral imagining him as Mr. Darcy who's rude and blunt to MC at first but after working through his emotions and learning more about them he falls in love jdbbbdbbdvdvdv
Sweet Mitsunari is sweet indeed! Approx. 700 words of gems and true love.
Mitsunari was focused. When his attention was on something, that was his whole world. He could see nothing else. Hear nothing else. Usually his object of interest was a book or a scroll. Some dusty tome that held the secrets of supply lines, fortifications, and sieges. But not today.
The chatelaine watched his hands as he fumbled with the small, latched jewelry box. “I can get that for you,” she offered. Her voice was kind. She understood him so well.
“I’ve got it.” And he did. The box opened and he drew out a pair of jade earrings. They gleamed in the warm afternoon sun as if they held a light of their own. Mitsunari held them cautiously. “Happy anniversary. Do you like them? I got jade because it is supposed to protect the wearer. And it is the jewel of the heart - like you. I read that once, and it made me think I should get you something of jade.”
She laughed, a sound of joy and pleasure. “They are beautiful.” Her lips brushed his cheek. “I can’t believe you remembered.”
He hadn’t, of course. Mitsunari smiled bashfully at the adoration in her expression. “Ieyasu reminded me,” he admitted. Dates often flew past him, lost in a sea of dusty pages.
“Mmm, then it was smart of you to ask him for a reminder.” She settled her arms around him with a happy sigh. “But even if you hadn’t, I would. I promised to take care of you, remember?”
Mitsunari chuckled. “I don’t think Nobunaga is holding you to that.”
“Well, maybe I hold myself to it anyway.”
He grinned so wide his cheek hurts. How did she always make him feel this way? So loved and valued, as if he were her most precious treasure instead of the other way around. “Turn your head?”
She tilted her face so that he could reach her ear.
Mitsunari bit his lip in concentration. He wanted to get this right. Without dropping the earring or trying to poke a new hole . . . The thin curve of the post felt click between his fingers, ready to slip away. He pinched it tighter and brought the tip to her ear. There, the piercing - and - yes, yes, no-no - yes! The slim metal hook slid through and held, the jade dangled from her earlobe.
“Beautiful,” he sighed.
“Yes, these really are lovely earrings.”
He brushed a finger along the curve of her jaw. “You. Not the gems. Though they suit you.” He loved the way she felt when he touched her. Soft as silk and warm as a summer afternoon.
Her eyelashes fluttered shut with momentary pleasure at the gentle touch. She turned her head to give him her other ear.
Somehow, placing this second earring felt so much easier. Perhaps, Mitsunari thought, it was because she trusted him completely even though she knew he was often clumsy. She never doubted him, even if she ought to. He slipped the hook through her piercing without a single misstep. Then he kissed the curve of her ear, the jade ornament brushed against his chin. “Happy anniversary.”
When she turned to face him, her eyes shone with that inner light that he loved. More beautiful than the most expensive gem, he thought. It brought him so much wonder even now that she’d chosen him. Loved him. That she could look at him like this, let him hold her. Even after a year, he felt awed by her.
Her smile lit the room. “You know, the best part of our anniversary is that I get you all to myself.”
“I was going to say that,” he replied, his voice as soft as the touch of downy feathers.
She laughed softly. “Then let me take your next line too. Can I kiss you?”
“When you look at me like that, I can’t even think of saying no.”
“Now who’s stealing who’s lines?” She leaned forward, lips brushing his tentatively, shyly, as if she’d forgotten all the other kisses they shared and this was the first one, again.
Mitsunari pulled her closer, and his kiss held no reservation. He loved her with everything he was, this jewel of his heart. He wanted her to know it.
Yay! I'm so excited for this! Thank you for doing it. I think it's easier if I send these one at a time so you can keep track. I have a lot, but I'll only ask for 3 and then do an optional list.
Ask 1
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Yoshimoto, H is for Heat, 😏
Ahaha I love Yoshimoto. This one is a bit spicy! Approx. 1000 words of love, beauty, and heat! 1K Follower Celebration Ikesen Edition!
Yoshimoto sat in the shade, where the spray from the garden fountain misted over his skin and the breeze carried the faint smell of summer flowers. The day was sweltering hot, so much that the air shimmered over paving stones and roof tops. Everything was at a standstill as workers and warlords alike wilted in the summer heat.
It was hard to convince himself to move, even to cool himself with a drink. But the prickling sweat on his skin made him restless and uncomfortable. There was no position, no place, that lessened the discomfort. Finally, he decided to go and walk along a shady forest path nearby, where the breeze was a little stronger and the air was cooled from the passage of a nearby stream. Likely, he would be as uncomfortable there as here, but at least it would be pretty.
He went alone, moving quietly along a narrow track of packed dirt. Birds sang from the branches above and flowers nodded with the gentle wind. It wasn’t cooler, really, but it felt nice to be nestled among such beauty.
The burbling splash of the creek grew louder as he neared a small footbridge that crossed it, though the water was still out of sight. Hidden from view by flowering bushes and thick greenery. Yoshimoto looked forward to seeing the glimmer of sunlight dancing on the water. He stepped out past the last tangle of brush, his gaze falling to the water with anticipation.
And he froze.
There was a woman there, in a deeper pool of water. Her back was to him - and what a lovely back it was. Her hair fell in damp curls across her skin. Water glistened in it like gems set against silk. Droplets gleamed across her back and the curve of her hip, lazily trickling down to join the stream again.
She turned to the side, and he caught sight of the rise of her breast. The pert nipple crowned with glistening damp.
He knew he should look away. Cough or call out to let her know she was spotted. That she wasn’t alone. But he couldn’t tear his eyes from her beauty nor find the breath to speak at all. The word breathtaking was bandied about, he thought, but this was the first time he’d felt it in truth. This woman took his breath away, stole it with her grace and allure.
Yoshimoto wanted to paint her. To capture this moment forever. This fey creature, too lovely for mortal eyes . . . was he cursed or blesses for seeing her?
He did not realize he was leaning toward her until he lost his balance. Arms wheeling, he fell into the rushing water below. Yoshimoto wasn’t sure if he cried out or not, but she did. A shout of surprise as she turned to see him go under. He caught a glimpse of her face, eyes wide, lips parted. He thought he could die happy from the sight.
The heavy silk of his robes pulled him down and for a moment, he struggled. Then he found his footing and stood. The water here was only waist deep, and Yoshimoto felt a little silly for his moment of panic.
The woman had her arms crossed over her chest and a look of mild amusement. “Yoshimoto! What are you doing out here?”
He felt his face heat with embarrassment. The beauty was none other than the chatelaine of Azuchi castle. “I . . . didn’t recognize you.”
“I expect most people wouldn’t from that end . . .” She shook her head ruefully. “I thought Ranmaru was keeping watch. He was supposed to warn me if anyone came down the path. I guess he didn’t see you.”
“I saw no one watching the path.” Yoshimoto wasn’t sure where he ought to lay his eyes. Her face, most likely, but they kept drifting down toward her breast, her belly, the gentle swell of her hip and thigh. Nudity usually had little effect on him, other than aesthetic appreciation, but seeing her like this . . . lush and glistening . . . he felt his mouth go dry.
“Eyes. Up here.” She gave an embarrassed laugh. “When you look at me like that, I think I know what it feels like to be konpeito.”
“Konpeito? No, I think not. Such a treat dissolves quickly on the tongue, forgotten a moment later. You are a banquet to be savored. Complex, alluring, unforgettable.”
Her cheeks flushed with heat and she looked away. “You shouldn’t say things like that. I’ll take them the wrong way.”
“I don’t know what way that would be. I mean every word. You are a work of art. I could make a study of you.” He took a step closer, not meaning to exactly, but wanting to be closer. His hands itched to touch her. His lips yearned to taste. Every part of him ached with unexpected need.
She laughed. “See? Things like that make me think of very un-intellectual activities. Less Monet and more dirty finger painting.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” His voice was low and his throat felt almost too tight for words. “Could I . . . kiss you?”
“It’s not a good idea. I’m pretty sure it’s a very bad idea. Very very bad.” Despite her words, she closed the distance between them, the few steps that held him in check.
Yoshimoto gave a soft, choked laugh. “It probably is. And yet -” He kissed her hungrily, his mouth hot and desperate. His tongue slipped between her lips, tasting her sweetness, the flavor of sake and plums and the taste that was just her. His hands slid around her body, pulling her flush against him.
She held onto his shoulders and kissed him back with just as much desire as he felt.
“We shouldn’t,” he breathed, as the kiss broke.
“We really shouldn’t,” she agreed, sliding the wet silk from his shoulders to bare his skin.
There would be consequences. And yet, all of that felt very far away as he lost himself to her tender kisses and the satin of her skin.
I adore this! And I adore this man! Thank you so much for doing this ask. You are a gem. This was hot in so many ways, and I think you captured Yoshimoto very well. I also loved the mention of Ranmaru thrown in because I love him too. I wonder what he was doing? 🤔
Ikemen Sengoku was my first otome and I have so much love for it. The second part of this follower celebration is just for Ikemen Sengoku. It's an ask game. Here are the request rules:
Pick a suitor from IkeSen. Any suitor. I'll also accept asks for featured non-suitor characters like Kyubei. (character)
Pick one of the letters below with the associated word. (theme)
Add an emoji from the selection, or one of your own. (tone)
You don't have to be a follower to put in an ask. Anon is on, but I love seeing your usernames and it lets me follow up if I have a question. Repeat asks are allowed - as in you can make more than one selection AND the same character/letter/emoji may be requested by more than one person.
Asks will be open for just one week for the celebration stories only. So get yours in between May 5 - May 12.
Step 1: Pick ANY Ikemen Sengoku Suitor.
Step 2: Pick your letter!
Appetite
Beauty
Command
Dear
Envy
Favor
Goodbye
Heat
Instructor
Jewel
Key
Lie
Maybe
Never
Oppose
Perfume
Quiet
Regret
Secret
Taste
Unless
Victory
Wish
Xenial
Yield
Zephyr
Step 3: Choose one of these emojis or send me one of your own!
Okay so here is what I think I have figured out about Ruri Tunes so far. This info may be incorrect, but these are my current best guesses.
INTRO:
Ruri Tunes is the main story lessons like dance battles were before. This is all about Normal Mode as I have not really touched Hard Mode yet.
Before you start your battle it shows what your estimated Rank will be at the top with the cards you have equipped and if you have any items to boost you. You can get a higher or lower rank depending on your performance than the estimated one. You can get at least one rank higher if you do well. You can obviously get a much lower score if you miss everything.
BOOSTS:
Flower Staffs (Shovels)- these boost your power and therefore points. There are different kinds.
Magical Scores (Music Notes)- these help with devil tree item drops.
Azuki-Tan Wallet- these help with grimm.
I assume the grimm and devil tree items refer to the rewards for completing the level. This is not verified though.
GAME PLAY:
Unless you change the settings:
Tap on the left side to jump/attack high.
Tap on the right side to attack low.
Long tap (hold the tap) to do the long bars.
Tap both at the same time to do the middle attack. This can also be a hold or a tap as needed.
To collect a gift while doing a long bar tap the opposite side at the correct time while still holding your long tap.
I recommend not changing your settings and tapping at the bottom of the screen with your thumbs. If you tap higher you may obscure parts of the level making it harder to do well.
To change settings:
Prepare for battle
Click the gear with the music note
Go to controls
But again, I do not personally recommend it.
COMBOS:
To get a combo you can't miss. If you miss the combo resets. Your combo score at the end is your longest streak of not missing. To get a combo finish reward you can't miss for the entire level. You do not need to get perfect or great for every single one to get a combo finish.
The rainbow circles with Karasu definitely count as a miss if you don't hit it. The gifts don't count as misses though.
FEVERS:
The fever meter goes up as you hit the rainbow circles with Karasu on them. When it's full the scene seems to change. I assume you get more points per attack during this time. People have also mentioned they feel like the level speeds up at that time. Neither of those things are verified at this time. But I do know the rainbow circles feed the meter.
MISC:
The gift boxes have a fish or Azuki-tan pop out when you get them. I don't know what this is for.
The small sliding arrow on right above the score meter seems to be a level timer.
Every lesson has a requirement for what you need to score on all the battle nodes in order to unlock the bonus story parts.
There seems to be Hard and Exteme Mode battles on the bonus areas in the lesson. This is also where you would grind for card pieces.
You can still close the game if you're doing bad and it will resume when you open it back up.
I do not think it consumes extra items or AP but I haven't actually verified this.
I'm guessing that you get points for each successful attack- more for perfect and less for nice. These points then fill the meter up. Higher lessons or greater difficulty lessons seem to require more points to get the good score ranges. Stronger cards probably give more points per attack. The estimate score is probably if you did mostly great hits. BUT ALL OF THIS IS GUESSWORK.
Thank you @lamentationliz and everyone who got me to 10 reblogs!
LOL! Thank you. Thank you. Look, ma, I'm famous!
No but seriously I have so much content planned for this blog. So many drafts and ideas. But I never actually post any of it. Whoops.
Like even my recent ruri tunes guide for nightbringer I have new info for/confirmations of things and I keep meaning to edit it and reblog the new edits but forgetting. Sorry guys.
I love your writing ❤️ would you be interested in doing a piece with Yoshimoto and Ranmaru from ikesen where they both run into Mai outside of azuchi (maybe she went on a shopping trip or something?) and both vie for her attention but they end up just spending the day together instead? Ranmaru isn't super aggressive in his loyalty to Nobu and same for Yoshimoto and his ties. So I can just see then both putting aside their loyalties to have a fun day away from home. You can change this or take it in any direction you want to. I'm not expecting anything specific.
Ok so this ask combined two of my favorite things and I might have had a little too much fun with it ^_^ Approx. 2500 words of some mild rivalry, shopping, flirting, and friendship.
Mai wandered the Sakai markets, taking in the sights and sounds. The port city was busy with commerce and full of western goods as well as items from every region in Japan. She was hoping to find some nice fabrics to inspire a new design. This was the kind of shopping trip a modern clothing designer could only dream of, and it was all hers.
She was hurrying ahead when Ranmaru caught at her sleeve. He’d come along to make sure she didn’t get into trouble. Sakai was such a busy port that all kinds of people passed through, some of them dangerous. “Slow down, Mai. I promise the merchants aren’t going anywhere.”
“Sorry.” She grinned back at him. “It’s just so exciting.”
Ranmaru laughed. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone so excited to shop for cloth. You’re not even getting anything for yourself!”
“Well, I think everything I get to design with is for me, in a way. It makes me so happy to see people wear my clothes.” Mai shrugged. “Besides, I don’t even know what I’d get for me. I mean, I have everything I need.”
“That’s not the point. Don’t you want to just look at cute, pretty things? Something you just want?” He raised an eyebrow. “And don’t say food.”
Mai giggled. “Well, I was going to say we could get some dumplings . . .”
“I knew it!” He grabbed her hand. “Let’s go pick out something just for you. And then we can share dumplings and look at fabric.”
“Ranmaru . . . I really don’t know what I’d get besides cloth for my projects.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll help you pick something.”
He smiled so happily that she couldn’t say no. And maybe, she thought, he was right. She had a chance today to look at things she would never have gotten to see anywhere or anywhen else. “Alright. We’ll look at least.”
Ranmaru grabbed her hand and practically skipped as he tugged her along toward some jewelry shops.
They browsed through several, with Ranmaru picking out all kinds of designs. Earrings made with long feathers. Western-style hats with pointy tips and long, lacy veils. Clasps and rings and bracelets with paste gems the size of her thumb.
“You can’t be serious,” Mai sighed as Ranmaru picked out another silly cap. This one was round and floppy, with seed-pearl beading along the edge.
“No, it looks good! Really!” He adjusted the cap on her head a little to the left.
A calm, amused voice broke into their conversation. “It is an interesting piece, but the shape and size do not flatter her features.”
Mai whirled around to find the speaker, and spotted him immediately. Yoshimoto stood out in a crowd whether he meant to or not. Even in a market as busy as the one in Sakai, there was only one Yoshimoto to see. She smiled widely.
“It is good to see you again, Mai. Who is this with you? Is that-”
“Ranmaru Mori. And I know who you are. How do you know Mai?” He stepped between the two of them, staring suspiciously at the pretty stranger.
“Peace, Mori. Mai and I are friends. I mean no harm to her, or to you.” He gave the pink-haired youth a slight bow. “It is nice to meet you.”
For a moment, Mai wasn’t sure how Ranmaru would react. The name Yoshimoto was not unknown to him. But after a pause, the youth smiled and gave a slight bow of his own. “Any friend of Mai’s is a friend of mine.”
“I am glad to hear it.” Yoshimoto gave his faint, ephemeral smile.
Mai thought he looked so alone here, a lovely pallid angel floating along through the mortal debris of the marketplace. It was probably not a good idea, but on impulse she invited him to join them.
Yoshimoto considered for a moment, and then nodded. “Alright. I think I would enjoy the company. So . . . what is it you are looking for?”
Ranmaru piped up, grinning widely. “I want to find something special for Mai. Since she’s always getting stuff for everyone else.”
She protested, “For my projects! You make me sound like a saint.”
“You are,” he flashed a flirty smile at her that set her heart racing.
“Truly,” Yoshimoto added with his own gentle look that nearly sent Mai into overdrive. It was not fair to be surrounded by such beautiful men. “I would love to assist in finding Mai something special. Thank you for inviting me.”
The three of them delved back into the market displays. Yoshimoto dissuaded Ranmaru from his search for the perfect hat and instead found a lovely kushi. The comb was made from mother of pearl and set with tiny purple amethysts. Ranmaru was the one to spot it, hiding under a pile of more expensive combs and hair pins.
He pulled it out triumphantly to show to Yoshimoto. The two of them studied it intently while the seller looked on.
“You can see an understanding of light play in the curves of the design. Set properly, it will look as if it flows into the styled hair.”
Ranmaru nodded, his lips pursed. “But will the purple stones look good with her coloring? I think warmer tones . . .”
“No, no, this is perfect. Look.” Yoshimoto stepped behind Mai and undid her hair.
“Uhm. What - what are you doing?”
Yoshimoto’s cool fingertips gently combed through her hair. “I must see what this looks like on you. Hold still.”
Ranmaru’s critical eye evaluated as Yoshimoto styled and adjusted to his satisfaction.
Mai was not sure what to do besides hold still. It felt like half the market was staring, but somehow that didn’t matter so much. Not with the silken feel of Yoshimoto’s touch and Ranmaru’s smile distracting her.
“I see what you mean,” the pink haired youth nodded in agreement as Yoshimoto stepped back to observe his creation. “The color is just cool enough to highlight the warmth of her features.”
“Yes and the shape flatters the length and thickness of her hair. See the flow to it?” Yoshimoto gestured, his fingertips grazing the side of her face.
“I don’t suppose you have a mirror? I’d like to see-” Mai started to say, but was interrupted.
Ranmaru’s eyes lit up in sudden excitement. “She’ll need some matching accessories too!” He grabbed Mai’s hand and started tugging her along. “I have the perfect thing in mind.”
Yoshimoto paid for the comb and followed after, looking somewhat bemused as Ranmaru stopped at a jewelry shop. The two of them started going through the styles, holding samples up to Mai’s ear, one after another.
“Umm. Guys. The comb was really -”
“What about this? I think the length really emphasizes how pretty her neck is.” Ranmaru held up a long, feathered earring.
Yoshimoto nodded thoughtfully. “It does emphasize the sensuality of the curve here.” He lightly traced the curve of her neck where it met her shoulder.
The two of them exchanged a look Mai could not interpret. Probably because she was too busy telling her heart to stop racing every time Yoshimoto touched her with his long, slim fingers.
Ranmaru put the earrings back after that look.
“These are quite lovely. Look at the craftsmanship.” Yoshimoto handed Ranmaru a set of etched silver earrings made to look like falling petals. “They do not drape as much as the feathers, but still emphasize the loveliness of the wearer.”
Ranmaru held an earring up to Mai’s ear. “Mmm, yes. These are really nice. And the petal color works well with the kushi. Echoes of the purple stones and the iridescence of the mother of pearl.”
She could not help but feel the warm tickle of Ranmaru’s breath on the back of her neck and the ghost-touch of his fingers at her ear.
Yoshimoto nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, it is a good choice.”
“Hold still,” Ranmaru instructed as he carefully placed the earrings. His lips brushed the shell of her ear with a silky heat.
Mai gave a little shiver as he gently cupped her earlobe in his hand. The slight pressure of the post sliding through her ear and the press of his fingertips as he placed the post. “Th-thanks. I could have put those in.”
“I know.” He grinned as if he could hear the way her pulse pounded. “But I wanted to do it.”
Yoshimoto studied her face. “Yes. Those work well together. But something is missing. An element of this composition . . .” He took her hand and laced his fingers in hers to lead her off.
“Hey! Wait for me,” Ranmaru called as he quickly paid the merchant and hurried after them.
Yoshimoto stopped at a nearby clothing shop that sold ready-made designs from the west. None of the clothes looked like anything Mai knew from the modern era but she recognized some of the cuts from her historical fashion lessons.
There were decorative chemises of linen and silk, with saya - decorative dresses made to lay over the chemise, all made with laces to fit snug and emphasize the shape and lines of the person wearing the garment.
Despite the foreignness of the gowns, Yoshimoto and Ranmaru sorted through several of them. They asked the merchant question after question, eventually assembling a set of chemise, bodice, skirt, and wrap. The merchant’s assistant, a little blonde dutch girl, hurried Mai off to a curtained space to try the clothes on.
She was so very glad the girl was there because the laces and clasps were impossible to do on her own. First, the chemise went on. It was white silk, whisper thin, embroidered with leaves and tiny purple flowers. Then the skirt, a heavy velvet piece that draped her hips closely. Atop that went the bodice, made to show off the chemise beneath. It laced closed, baring her to the top of her breasts. It wasn’t so much skin to show, but after months of wearing kimono, Mai felt quite exposed.
The little dutch girl led her out from behind the curtain.
Yoshimoto’s eyes widened and color stained his high cheekbones.
Ranmaru stopped talking with the merchant mid-question, his mouth dropping open.
“Uhm. Is it . . . ok? What do you think?” She did a little turn to show the whole dress.
“Oh-” Yoshimoto began.
“My.” Ranmaru finished. “You - you just can’t go wearing that around!” His wide eyes drifted down her figure, his cheeks going as pink as his hair.
“You are a vision.” Yoshimoto breathed, “I understand now why Shingen calls women angels.”
“So . . . is that good? Or bad?” Mai smoothed the skirt. She felt like a princess wearing it.
“Good. Too good.” Ranmaru gave her a dazzling smile, some of his usual glibness coming back. “But if you walk around wearing that, you might cause a riot. I know looking at you, I’d start a fight if it meant I got to take you home.”
“And I as well.” There was something fierce and tender in the way Yoshimoto looked at her.
Self conscious, Mai nodded. She knew they were just teasing with those extravagant compliments, but it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to parade around Sakai dressed in these clothes. She went back to the curtained area and changed into her usual kimono.
“So . . . where to next? Should we go fabric shopping next?”
Yoshimoto and Ranmaru exchanged a look, then smiled at her. Two very different smiles from two very different friends.
“I’m happy to go wherever you lead me,” Yoshimoto told her.
“Let’s find the best cloth!” Ranmaru almost sang.
Fabric shopping was fun with company, Mai decided as they went walked slowly through an entire street of merchants. Some of the cloth was roughly made or cheaply dyed. Other pieces had clearly inferior embroidery. But Yoshimoto and Ranmaru had an eye for quality.
Ranmaru spotted some of the most colorful or interesting fabrics, while Yoshimoto picked up more subtle quality samples. Every time they found something they liked, they would bring it over to show her.
“This one is a fine cotton. You can see the care taken with the weaving in how tightly it is done, and with such fine strands.” Yoshimoto showed her one merchant with fabric so light it floated in the air when lifted.
“Look at this blue!” Ranmaru held up a velvet in blue so deep it looked like the ocean.
At the end of the day, Mai’s head spun with design ideas and both of the boys were loaded down with packages of the fabrics she had to have. All three looked tired, but pleased.
“I didn’t know shopping for cloth could be so much fun,” Ranmaru sighed happily and laid his head on Mai’s shoulder.
Yoshimoto nodded in agreement. “Working with an artist to select her tools is rewarding. I hope you will show me what you make.” He brushed the back of her hand with his thumb, a touch both light and oddly possessive.
“Yes! I want to see too!” Ranmaru peered up at her with puppy eyes.
Mai blushed. “Well, of course I’ll show both of you.” It really really wasn’t fair that they were so pretty. They didn’t seem to realize the danger they posed to her little heart. “Maybe I’ll even make something for you both. I definitely have some ideas.”
This was the wrong thing to say for self-preservation. Mai was immediately glomped by Ranmaru, bags swinging against her left side, while Yoshimoto laid a hand on her right shoulder, looking at her with such surprise.
“Wow, really? I would love anything you made. I am even more excited now!” Ranmaru was nearly vibrating as he said it, as if the anticipation might shake him apart. “I can’t wait!”
“Receiving a gift made by your hand would be a delight. I look forward to it.” Yoshimoto’s response was more tempered, but his smile was so warm and sweet that it hurt to look at.
“Consider it a thank you for today. For helping me out and for these lovely gifts.” She brushed a hand over the earrings and comb.
Yoshimoto gave her a slight bow. “It was my pleasure.” He lightly touched the comb, drawing his fingers over her styled hair and the nape of her neck. “Seeing you wear it is all the thanks that I could wish for. I hope you will wear it when I see you again.”
“O-of course.” Mai felt her pulse kick into overdrive again and fought to keep the heat from her cheeks as they walked.
Ranmaru pouted, glancing at Yoshimoto’s profile. The expression melted into a tender smile as he looked back at Mai. “It does look good on you. Not as good as the earrings though.” He caressed the edge of her ear and let his thumb rest lightly on her cheek. “You are so pretty.”
His usually playful expression was more serious, more mature. For a moment Mai felt as if she were facing a stranger that only resembled Ranmaru, but then he laughed and everything felt normal again. “You can’t say things like that to a girl, Ranmaru! Teasing isn’t nice.”
“But I meant it!”
“Of course he meant it. As do I. Do not deny your beauty.”
Their banter continued to the inn and through dinner, as friends do.
This was everything I could have hoped for and more! You did such justice to each of the suitors! Yoshimoto's eye for detail and his subdued affection at this stage. Ranmaru's cheeky exuberance, and his more serious hidden side. 10/10! Superb! Would smother them both in kisses! Thank you so much for doing my ask! It's hard to find anyone willing or able to write these 2. Yoshimoto is a little easier now that his route is out. And I do understand why people don't want to. But it makes me so excited when someone will and then especially if they do it well like you have!
Okay so here is what I think I have figured out about Ruri Tunes so far. This info may be incorrect, but these are my current best guesses.
INTRO:
Ruri Tunes is the main story lessons like dance battles were before. This is all about Normal Mode as I have not really touched Hard Mode yet.
Before you start your battle it shows what your estimated Rank will be at the top with the cards you have equipped and if you have any items to boost you. You can get a higher or lower rank depending on your performance than the estimated one. You can get at least one rank higher if you do well. You can obviously get a much lower score if you miss everything.
BOOSTS:
Flower Staffs (Shovels)- these boost your power and therefore points. There are different kinds.
Magical Scores (Music Notes)- these help with devil tree item drops.
Azuki-Tan Wallet- these help with grimm.
I assume the grimm and devil tree items refer to the rewards for completing the level. This is not verified though.
GAME PLAY:
Unless you change the settings:
Tap on the left side to jump/attack high.
Tap on the right side to attack low.
Long tap (hold the tap) to do the long bars.
Tap both at the same time to do the middle attack. This can also be a hold or a tap as needed.
To collect a gift while doing a long bar tap the opposite side at the correct time while still holding your long tap.
I recommend not changing your settings and tapping at the bottom of the screen with your thumbs. If you tap higher you may obscure parts of the level making it harder to do well.
To change settings:
Prepare for battle
Click the gear with the music note
Go to controls
But again, I do not personally recommend it.
COMBOS:
To get a combo you can't miss. If you miss the combo resets. Your combo score at the end is your longest streak of not missing. To get a combo finish reward you can't miss for the entire level. You do not need to get perfect or great for every single one to get a combo finish.
The rainbow circles with Karasu definitely count as a miss if you don't hit it. The gifts don't count as misses though.
FEVERS:
The fever meter goes up as you hit the rainbow circles with Karasu on them. When it's full the scene seems to change. I assume you get more points per attack during this time. People have also mentioned they feel like the level speeds up at that time. Neither of those things are verified at this time. But I do know the rainbow circles feed the meter.
MISC:
The gift boxes have a fish or Azuki-tan pop out when you get them. I don't know what this is for.
The small sliding arrow on right above the score meter seems to be a level timer.
Every lesson has a requirement for what you need to score on all the battle nodes in order to unlock the bonus story parts.
There seems to be Hard and Exteme Mode battles on the bonus areas in the lesson. This is also where you would grind for card pieces.
You can still close the game if you're doing bad and it will resume when you open it back up.
I do not think it consumes extra items or AP but I haven't actually verified this.
I'm guessing that you get points for each successful attack- more for perfect and less for nice. These points then fill the meter up. Higher lessons or greater difficulty lessons seem to require more points to get the good score ranges. Stronger cards probably give more points per attack. The estimate score is probably if you did mostly great hits. BUT ALL OF THIS IS GUESSWORK.
absolute biggest pet peeve with how fandom writes barbatos is that everyone for some reason acts like he’s like.. constantly using his powers?
this despite the fact that he’s said several times in actually pretty early and easily accessible chapters that he both finds it boring AND he now only really uses it on diavolo’s request. jkdgfhgjkhfdg he DOESNT know whenever somethings going to happen because of them, that’s for sure
This. So much this. It's better than it was a year or so ago, but honestly it got so bad I blocked people if every Barb HC was "He uses his powers and knoooooows" cuz screw that. Just shows they have no understanding of him at all.
