SLBP Secret Cupid

A fanworks Valentine exchange

[slbp-secret-cupid]

Splinter

A gift for @fieryanmitsu

Mitsuhide/MC Fic

Rated M for Angst

It should have been an easy choice to make. Laughably so. He was a samurai, he was the right hand of the divine ruler, his light of honour. And he had commanded him to save a clan by bringing its people into the Oda fold by marrying their widowed lady.

Nay, it had not been a choice to begin with. It was a command. It should have been, in theory, an easier task to do. If only it didn’t mean betrayal to her. His one and only. And his last, or so he had intended her to, until just a few days ago. He had forgotten that there had always been a possibility that he cannot make that promise. Because one Akechi Mitsuhide is a samurai under the Oda clan. He had always been bound by duty.

He couldn’t stop to think about that sunny morning when they had inspected what had been their wedding attire. How radiant she had been. And how gently the warmth between them had turned into an intense heat just a moment before his liege lord had barged in and told him that he must marry another.

It should have been easy. He didn’t even have to give her up. He just needed to move her from his central chamber to the side chamber. “A small adjustment,” Nobunaga had said. A small adjustment that his head had agreed to but one that his heart found utterly despicable.

He couldn’t, even if she hadn’t voiced any objections on the matter, he couldn’t in good conscience keep her in his bed while bound to another. He had too much to object about having to live with two beds and split his heart.

And so, in the haze of confusion that hadn’t really cleared to give way to a sound strategy, he had relieved her of the burden to stay by asking her to leave.

Leave his residence, leave his side as his page, leave him behind.

The haze hadn’t dissipated. It had gotten worse. He called Ranmaru with her name. He went home expecting to find her in his kitchen. He praised her for the food he ate only to turn around and find a chambermaid looking back at him with pity. He didn’t deserve pity, he deserved contempt. He would have been glad to receive a few or more punches from Toshiie, who confronted him on behalf of her honor. But no punches came, just more pity from his violet eyes.  

And he kept breaking her heart. He had watched it break when he had dismissed her. The shock and the hurt and the confusion played in a horrible procession on her lovely face. The sorrow marring the smile that used to be so open, the tears she had held back with all her might which he knew would spill forth as soon as she turned away. The crushing effort of maintaining dignity and composure every time they saw each other in the castle.

And he might as well have poured salt on her still bleeding heart that day when she saw the white wedding kimono they had chosen together being carted away for another woman. The cruelty of it all. Self-hatred punched him with such force that he didn’t sleep a wink for the three nights after, throwing himself into his work to escape the guilt.

He collapsed from exhaustion on the third night. But even when he woke up after some sleep and ate some food Ranmaru had almost forced down his throat, he didn’t feel any better.

The next thing he knew he was standing in front of the sakura tree. Its bare branches were beginning to sprout little buds of blossom.

“After our wedding, let’s see the sakura together, as a wife and husband.”

Hadn’t he made that promise? What an utter fool.

He didn’t realize that he had punched the tree until a voice called him back to himself.

“Mitsuhide-sama…?”

He must be hallucinating. The dusk or some petty god must be playing a trick.

But there she was. Standing under the sakura tree, with the same open face and concerned gaze she gave him whenever she sensed something was not right with him.

I miss you.

The thought came unbidden and silent.

But she must have somehow heard it because she extended her hand.

Please.    

Only to drop it short of touching him.

No.

So he reached for her instead.

Please.

She flinched when he touched her.

No.

“Mitsuhide-sama,” she said. “We shouldn’t.”

No, please.

He struggled to make a sound. It was as if his throat was closing. The only sound that managed to pass through it was choked sobs.

Her struggle was weak, so he folded her small frame into his arms. Her familiar form released the coil inside of him and he sobbed in earnest, calling her name, burying his face on the crook of her neck like the smell of her hair and the feel of her skin would save him from bottomless despair.  

And she returned the embrace even as she said, “We can’t, Mitsuhide-sama. We can’t.”

So he kissed her.

And it was but a second when she kissed him back with the same desperation.

“How,” he said between kisses. “How could I ever –”

Betray you? Abandon you? Ask you to leave? The thoughts were all unfinished. And she answered anyway, whispered to his lips.

“It’s for the greater g –“

Greater good. The divine rule. The peace of the realm. He knew, he knew. And he kissed her again because he wanted to forget. He pushed her gently to lean on the tree and shielded her from the world because he wanted to forget. He wanted to choose to be selfish. For once.

He cupped her face. “I want you and no one else.” Consequences be damned. “If you’d allow me.”

She sobbed. Eyes wet and lips swollen she said, “Always.”

Their coupling against the sakura tree was violent. Mitsuhide had never been one to hold back in bed, and she too had always responded in kind. But there had always been a ceremonial element to their bedtime together, a gentle and playful tease before the shedding of all layers that separated their bodies – formality, class, clothes, shame. That element was missing now.

Neither of them took their clothes off. His hands took their hold on her hips beneath her pale pink kimono, sliding down to grab her rear and hoist her up against the tree. She gripped his shoulder with one hand and his hair with the other. Holding her in position by pressing their bodies together, he shoved his fundoshi out of the way. When he did the same for her, he nearly ripped apart her underskirt.

His fingers found her wet between the legs. She moaned when he caressed her there, just the way she liked it. He buried his face on her bosom, kissing, apologizing and worshipping her. Then he was inside her and he felt whole in the loss of all thoughts but her name and her pleasure.

He came first. The climax ambushed him, had him shuddering against her while she clung to him, flushed and panting. He didn’t stop, if anything his climax spurred him on. He gently laid her down between the tree’s roots and continued, with his hands and his mouth, until she shuddered against him.

Afterwards he bared his chest and kept her in arms, feeling her skin. And everything became clear.

“If there’s one thing I cannot give up, it’s you,” he told her. “I will find a way for Echizen, one where I can keep my promise to you.”

“I love you,” she replied. “I always will.”

***

Even with his priority sorted, the Echizen affair didn’t get any easier to crack. Nobunaga had been right, marrying the widow would have been the quickest way to claim legitimacy and possibility convert key players of the rebellion to their side. But that options way out of the questions.

He would be selfish, for once. And place the promise he had made to his one true love above all else. Aren’t that what people in power sometimes do? What Nobunaga sometimes does? Just this once.

And so he’s drafting what would be his most detestable battle tactics. He would burn their villages to the ground. Cleanse the field, flush the rebel rats out, and robbing people out of their homes. He would send a warning first, let the civilians evacuate. But even with such warnings, he knew there would be casualties. Innocent lives lost.

But hasn’t that always been the cost of the divine rule? He reasoned again.  

He tried to hide his conflicted feelings from her. He didn’t want to burden her just as he had just begun to restore her to her rightful place by his side and heal the wounds he had caused her. But she always knew if something wasn’t right with him.

She had never been one to pry. She nourished and nursed.

“Does it bother you?” She asked one night when she brought him tea.

For a split second he thought he thought she knew about his dreadful plan.

Then she took his hand and caressed the bump on the index finger, where a wood splinter had lodged itself under his skin.

“Hardly,” he said. Most days he even forgot about them.

“I should ask the new healer to tend to this. She’s good,” she said.

“I will,” he said. He fully knew he would not have the time.

She refused to budge. Evidently the questioning was only the opening of a more serious conversation. And he could see in on her face the moment she decided to drop all pretense and speak what she had meant to.

“Mitsuhide-sama. I will always love you even if I must share you with your duty.”

“Darling – ” he started. But she talked over him.

“I will shoulder any burden of duty that you carry.”

Of course she would always accommodate him, leaving an opening for him to make everything easier. But Akechi Mitsuhide had decided to be selfish, for once.

He cupped her face, like he had done that fateful night under the sakura tree, his index finger throbbed from the splinter. “I know, my darling, thank you,” he said. The gentlest of a dismissal.  

***

Her voice, reading the letter, played inside his head as soon as he rushed out from the room.

Lord Akechi Mitsuhide,

He had gone home that day exhausted but hopeful. The logistics for Echizen had been approved. Nobunaga had remained skeptical but signed his plan after merely raising his eyebrows, no doubt still thinking him the fool.

My love, forgive me.

She was not in the kitchen. Nor the study. Nor the bedchamber. And there was a letter on his desk. He immediately recognized it as her writing.

Forgive me for the wound I am causing you. For the burden of love that I have heaped upon you.

The ink had dried, and there was no sign of writing instruments on his desk.

And thank you. Thank you for the gift and the honour of your love.

He searched the house frantically, throwing open her wardrobe in the hopes of seeing them empty.

You are the light of honor of this clan. I trust you to always, in your heart of heart, know what is right.  

Everything was in place. Everything but the white wedding robe. Giving back the shiromuku to her, its rightful owner, had been the first thing he arranged after she brought her back from their separation

I believe in you. The clan believes in you. Soon, too the people of Echizen will believe in you. The people whose lives and happiness need not suffer because of the promise you made to a mere commoner.

The shiromuku, adorned in the bellflowers of his sigil, had hung in her chamber ever since. It was missing.

As you are bound by duty for the divine rule, I too must play my part.  

The fact only added to his confusion as he yelled out a command for his people to search for her.

Perhaps in another life, we will be free to keep our promises.

 “Your Lady is missing!”

This is a farewell.

“Find her!”

I hope you will be able to find it your heart to forgive me someday, and remember me fondly.”

“FIND HER!”

Yours, always.

***

They found the shiromuku in the lake, a few days after. It had turned murky green when they fished it out and brought it to him, the pristine white contaminated by mud and algae.

His mind, already reduced to a broken thing that could only process what had been written in her letter, went blank.

Nobunaga sighed. And called both of them a fool. And ordered a new shiromuku to be sent to the noble Echizen Lady.

“What else could you do, Mitsuhide? Carry on with your duty.”

For once, he had decided to be selfish and look at what had come out of it. He balled his fist so hard that he could feel the stubborn splinter on his index finger throbbing again. Picking at the calloused finger, he wondered why the divine rule was worthy of all this. If Nobunaga was worthy of all this.

He wondered what it would be like to be selfish and declare an open rebellion himself. To splinter away from the Oda clan, to challenge Nobunaga and claim the divine rule for himself.

He wondered because he couldn’t bear to think of his empty home. Of his unlit hearth. Of his silent study. Of his cold bed. Of the woman in shiromuku to whom he would make promises in a few months. Of long, tortuous days ahead where he has to live with himself wondering if there anything he could have done to prevent all this.

He wondered.

***

“This is what you really want?”

“Yes, Milord.”

“This will kill him.”

“I believe he will survive.”

“He will hate me. For which I am used to. But he might hate you too.”

“If that’s the burden I must take to free him for his duty then I am prepared.”

“Fools, the both of you! You could live with it had either one, just either one of you make a compromise.”

“I am relieving him the burden of compromising, Milord.”

“And costing me a chef and possibly a retainer too mind you! You’ve changed him and I was actually glad that has a woman and be selfish for once in his damn life but apparently, I have overestimated his judgment. That fool! He could have easily made peace with his duty, have a noble heir and a family with you on his side chamber!”

“I beg your forgiveness.”

“I would kill you myself, foolish girl, if it would not be a waste of time since you have decidedly to off yourself without anyone’s permission.”

***

“Milady, you must eat.”

She turned slowly to look at her, and then the tray she had placed in front of her a while ago.”

“Don’t call me that. I am not a noble you know… You know my name.” she managed a smile.

The healer pinked a little and called her by her name. The wrong name.

“My new name. Please”

She turned red. “I-I-I’m sorry!” she stammered and corrected herself.

She gave her a smile.

But the healer would not back down. “You know I can’t chop vegetable as well as you do, but I promise it tastes alright.”

She hadn’t even noticed. She glanced at her bowl and laughed a little. “I am sure it’s alright, thank you.”

That didn’t convince her either. She even scooted closer. And gently took her wrist.

“Milady,” she said, already forgetting the last thing she told her, “You are expecting. You must take care of yourself.”

The information barely registered before Sakutaro, one of Nobunaga’s young retainer, strode in to check on them.

“Is everything alright?”

The healer looked up at him and nodded. “Milady just needed more time.”

“It’s still a long way to Oshu, so you better take all you can right now…” Sakutaro said.

“I know,” said the healer. She noticed that the two were having an unspoken conversation with their eyes. If it weren’t for the information the healer just told her, she would have remarked that the two were lovers with a little bit of envy.

But she was expecting.

She grabbed the healer’s hand after Sakutaro left the room. “What you just said… Are you sure?”

The healer’s eyes went wide as she realized that she had just told something that she didn’t know herself.

“Yes, Milady.”

And she cried in her arms.

***

***

***

@fieryanmitsu Happy (belated) Valentine! I’m sorry for the delay.

:D Actually the Venn diagram of our fave lords overlaps at Nobuyuki but your first choice was Mitsuhide and even though he wasn’t in my top fave, I have been wanting to write something about him for a while ever since his angsty Bonds of Love/Divine Beloved events where Nobunaga (the ultimate Jerk Boss) ordered him to marry some widowed noble lady, and voila you just gave me the occasion.

I hope you enjoyed the angst! I hesitated for a bit because Valentine’s a fluffy occasion but thank god you listed that you don’t mind angst hurhurhurhur. The starting premise was just Mitsuhide having a sloppy sex with MC under the sakura tree buuuuutttt I couldn’t resist the siren song of a plot.

So here you go!  

hugs and kisses

@quincette

[slbp-secret-cupid]

Update!

There are still a few exchange pieces that are on their way, so if you haven't received one yet don't panic - it should be coming soon! 💝

[slbp-secret-cupid]

Notes: I'm a fan of a band called Wagakki Band, which uses modern and traditional instruments and mostly play j-rock. That's what partly inspired me to write this since I love how they sound.

Also, to my Cupid recipient, @michverse, I hope that you like it ^^ Happy SLBP Valentine’s Day - @otome0heart

PEEBLES IN THE WAY

“Did you have fun, Miss?”

The young woman turned around to see her personal maid, Matsuko, close the sliding door of her room with a big smile on her face and a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, and she felt a light blush cover her cheeks.

“Yes, I did” she replied while she gave her her coat and bag.

It had been much more than just 'fun'. The concert had been amazing, the music and the singing reaching to every single heart in the hall, which answered with as much passion as the musicians gave.

“And I suppose your fiancé's performance was great...”

She side-glanced at Matsuko, feeling her face even hotter, and the young maid could not help a chuckle.

“Of course, it was” she muttered, starting to unbutton her clothes.

“You don't have to feel embarrassed for having such a gorgeous and talented fiancé, Miss. I'd be really proud to show him off.”

She took off the dress and put it on top of the chest of drawers on her left. Then, she put her arms through the sleeves of her sleeping yukata, which Matsuko held for her.

“I know, and I am” she tied a sash around her waist. “It's just that... things are complicated...”

She turned to look at the maid with a small wistful smile.

“I know, Miss, I know...”

She sighed. Yes, the situation could not be more difficult. Not only was he a famous wadaiko player but also, her family was not making things easy for them. She breathed deeply and then, went to the other side of the room, opening the sliding door which led outside.

“Is everyone sleeping?”

“Yes. Your aunt turned off her lights as soon as she heard you arrive home.”

“Good” he smile widened, showing her satisfaction. “I'll be back in fifteen minutes. Take out the bedding and then, retire for the night. Thanks for waiting for me.”

“It was a pleasure, Miss” the woman bowed her head. “Goodnight.”

She made her way across the garden with only the moonlight as her guide. She had taken that stone path which guided to the far end of the enclosure so many times that she did not need any lights to illuminate her way. There, she stopped in front of a small old storage room which nobody used now for its distance from the main house and its decayed state. She unlocked it with a key she always wore around her neck and entered, holding the door in a way to avoid the hinges making any noise. Once in the safety of the one-room house, she sighed, relieved. In the darkness, she touched the wooden wall, where she knew there would be a candle and a box of matches, and lit it. The tiny flame lit a clean space that she had tidied with the help of her brother Yahiko and Matsuko, slowly and taking turns to avoid suspicions, except for when most of the family was away, when the three of them could work there for some hours. There, she kept the things that made her happy which had been forbidden by her relatives because they did not suit someone of her status.

Status. She snorted as she entered the room, the tatami creacking softly under her bare feet. That was all that mattered to them. Yahiko's status as the heir of the restaurant chain their parents had founded. He own status as the heiress to be married to make connections.

Little by little, they had stripped her of hobbies, friends and feelings to mold her into the perfect wife for a rich man. And she had complied. Or at least, she had made them believe it. She still kept in touch with some of her dearest friends and she had gathered whatever precious memories she had been able to save in that little room.

She walked to the center of the room, illuminating one of her favourite dolls, trophies she had won in sports competitions during school and a few romance novels and manga that still made her heart flutter each time she reread them.

She left the candle on top of a low cupboard and rummaged in the folds of her sleeping robe, taking out the ticket of the concert. A soft smile drew across her lips. What her relatives had never suspected was that they had given her the person that her heart had wanted the most for so long. When they had told her that they had already decided on a husband for her, she had tried to rebel. Even Yahiko, her brother, had. However, when she had discovered the identity of her fiancé, she had had no more reasons to protest.

She put the ticket on top of the cupboard, next to a photo frame, smoothing it carefully and then, straightened, staring at the poster in front of her. Almost unconsciously, she lifted a hand and, delicately, traced the features of the man in it. She had become a fan of his group when they had started their music career, years ago, and little by little, she had fallen more and more for him without realising that what she felt was not only admiration but love, until they had been introduced to each other. In that moment, her heart had flooded with a million feelings, filling each single corner of her being, and deep inside her, she had simply known that she had given him her heart.

With a low purr rumbling in his throat, Takeda Shingen turned in his bed, seeking a few minutes more of sleep under the warmth of the covers. He put his arm around the pillow, burying his face in it, slightly frustrated because his much needed rest had been disturbed and the last threads of unconsciousness which fogged his mind were disappearing. Slowly, he opened his amber eyes, wondering what had made him wake up. The thick dark curtains were tightly closed, not letting the sunlight enter the room and he had made sure his mobile phone was muted so nobody could disturb him.

He lifted his head, looking around through heavy lidded eyes and then, something at the back of his mind told him the reason. He looked at the space beside him on the bed and sighed, letting himself fall on the mattress again.

After a concert, he always brought someone home, one of those friends who, as him, looked for a way to relieve themselves without any strings attached, someone who would disappear in the morning with not so much as a 'till next time' and did not ask for something in return.

However, all that had ended when he had got engaged. He sighed. As much as his needs were still the same, he now had a serious committed relationship and he planned to be faithful. He could not help a small snort as he laid on his back, his eyes staring at the white ceiling. He did not know from whom he had inherited such righteous feelings, since his father was not precisely the perfect example of faithfulness. Or maybe it was precisely that which had shaped him in that way. Seeing his mother suffer in silence the none discreet affairs of her husband had probably made him promise himself not to make the woman he chose and loved feel the same humiliation. Well, he had not exactly chosen her but that marriage was the price he had to pay for his freedom, the condition his father had stated to let him continue in the music world while contributing to the family’s prestige, and he was willing to pay it. Beside, his fiancée was a pretty girl and he knew that, if he made an effort to get to know her, he could end up liking her. He sighed. The only thing that irked him quite a lot was her shyness and her seemingly docile character. She talked when told to, and did as told too. She was modest and proper. He pictured her in his mind, her long brown hair tied in a low bun at the nape of her neck, her white skin and her pink lips, the perfectly fit kimonos she had always worn when he had visited her and... He furrowed his brows for a moment, trying to remember any other detail about her. And it was then that he realised he did not even know what colour her eyes were.

The screen of his mobile phone turned on, distracting him from his musings and, turning slightly, he picked it up from the top of his bedside table. As every morning, Kansuke, his assistant and best friend, had sent him the planning for the day. Fortunately, he did not have many engagements, an interview for a magazine with the rest of the band in a few hours and in the afternoon, a visit to his fiancée's household to have tea. He half closed his eyes, already dreading it. It was not that he did not want to see her, but they were never alone. Her family had guarded her closely since the first time he had stepped in the house, and they had not allowed even a short walk in their gardens in full view of all of them. However, he did not see anything bad in wanting to take up with her for a few minutes and he hoped that, as the wedding approached, they let him get closer to her. He had the right to do so.

But, as he had expected, once again, the situation was the same.

When he had arrived, he had been guided by a servant to the usual room where they received him. Her fiancée and her relatives were already there, waiting, and as soon as he had entered the room, the ritual had begun. The first time he had gone to that house, he had been surprised at the formality and ceremony he found, and had felt stupid, following every step after his parents and the rest of the people of the room, who seemed to know what to do. Now, his actions were almost mechanic. He had sat formally and bowed deeply in answer to their formal greetings. Then, he had answered courteous questions asked by the elders related to his family's health and, taking his place next to her brother, he had watched as her aunt performed once again the tea ceremony. Fortunately, those only lasted around an hour. It was not that he did not like them; he loved the ritual and how each action was performed with detail, following a specific procedure. However, instead of the quiet and relaxed atmosphere he had experienced in them during his life, there, the feeling was oppressive and he felt watched, judged by every single one of his actions.

Now, as he bowed formally at the end of the ceremony, not feeling thankful in the slightest, he stole a glance to his right. The young woman who was going to be his wife was sitting straighter than he had ever seen someone do it, with her head slightly bowed, as every single time before. He had to suppress a frustrated sigh and he straightened, looking ahead again. One more day that he could not talk to her. At that rate, they would be married without him knowing her favourite colour.

“I hope you forgive my rudeness” her aunt turned to him with a slight bow after all the utensils had been collected. “But I have a previous appointment in a few minutes, so I feel myself in the difficult position of shortening your visit.”

Definitely, she was a damned witch.

“Of course” he bowed his head too, briefly. “Please, rest assured that I'm not an- disgruntled at all” the old woman smiled satisfied. “However, I would like to request something of you before I go.”

It was obvious that nobody expected that, because the silence hung in the room a bit too longer than it had been desirable.

“Yes?” he had to suppress a smirk hearing her slightly displeased tone.

“I'd like to request your permission to take my fiancée out next Sunday.”

The silence was even heavier/thicker this time as he waited for an answer.

“Well, the engagement has already made official so I don't see any inconvenience for her to attend any event that your family organises...”

It was his turn to furrow his brows.

“It's neither a family gathering or a social event” he breathed deeply and lifted his chin proudly. “I would like to get to know her better so I had thought of us having lunch together.”

He side glanced at her, only to see her turn her head quickly, just in time to see her expression, a mixture of surprise and horror. Yahiko was looking at both of them alternatively, his eyes wide.

The elderly woman's hardened features and her tightly pressed mouth followed by a sharp intake of breath told him immediately he had stepped on a landmine.

“I'm going to be frank with you” she started, and her voice was cold like ice. “Even though I'm old and traditional, I am well aware of what young people nowadays consider “get to know better”, as I am of your reputation. I can't believe you're asking such a thing, expecting us to agree. No, I will not allow you to tarnish the immaculate reputation of this household. You will have time to 'get to know her' once the marriage ceremony takes place” she squared her shoulders. “I expect you to reflect upon your behaviour before your next visit. And now,” she bowed curtly and then, lifted herself up. “If you please...”

Shingen tightened his jaw until he felt pain and took a moment to stand up. In any other occasion, he would not have let her humiliate him like that, but the last thing he wanted to hear was his father berating him for offending them and risking the engagement. Dying to get out of that room, of that house, he did not look at anyone. He held his head high, proudly, before leaving the place.

How could things have gone so wrong?

The young woman had listened to the exchange between her fiancé and her aunt terrified. It seemed that she still had the power to destroy her happiness if she wanted to. Out of the corner of her eye, she had seen him bear stoically the old woman's harsh words, and though his eyes reflected the hardness of precious stones, she had seen his wounded pride in them too. That was something that her aunt knew how to do really well, being one of her victims herself. She attacked someone's vulnerable points until rendering them speechless and backing them against the wall, and she knew why he was willing to marry her and that he could not risk his chance.

She had sprung to her feet as soon as she had done it, at the same time as everybody except for him. As if challenging the old woman, he had stood up slowly, a second later than the rest, towering them all, his eyes never leaving her aunt's.

She had felt so useless at that moment, thinking that the engagement had ended, that he would walk out of her life that very moment leaving her broken forever without knowing it. And then, she would probably be betrothed to another without a second thought. A sudden wave of nausea at the idea overcame her and in that moment, she knew that she had to do something.

When she had come out of the room, trying to remain calm and at the same time to think fast about what to do, she had seen Matsuko, her expressive eyes worried. Then, it came to her mind what to do. If she could not speak to him or send him a message, as she had been denied his phone number, she could write him a note. She looked at her relatives, gathered around the main entrance, around him who was with his back to them, probably putting on his shoes, and with a quick gesture, she asked the maid for paper and pen. She looked around and then, a dawning expression lighted her face, as she brought her hand to her obi and extracted what seemed a supermarket receipt. She took them quickly, scribbling something just before her aunt's voice, calling her name, sounded in the hall. With a few short steps, she arrived at the line of people waiting. However, just before she could stop herself, she treaded on the step and lost her balance.

His hand was fast, holding her arm and steadying her before she crashed against him. His fingers were strong but strangely gentle in their grasp, and for a moment, she forgot everything around her as she perceived the sensuous, though faint, smell of his perfume and the slight warmth that was starting to seep through the layers of her sleeve. His eyes were even more beautiful than she had imagined, reflecting his surprise at the situation and a faint curiosity. After all, it was the first time they had truly looked at each other.

Her aunt's authoritative voice broke through her daydreaming and she jumped, snatching her arm from his hand and taking her place in the row of relatives, bowing to him when the old woman bid her farewell to him. Through her eyelashes, she saw him take a last reflexive look at her before disappearing through the sliding door.

A low murmur filled the hall when the five people next to her started to move to other parts of the house, and she could feel Yahiko's concerned gaze on her. She walked past him, her fingers brushing his softly, as a way to calm him.

“Clumsy child” her aunt's voice carried a disdaining tone, and she bowed her head in a submissive gesture. “I expect you to behave properly next time.”

She nodded, her eyes not leaving the floor. However, instead of embarrassment, all that filled her heart was the hope of him reading her note.

Shingen closed the door of his car with more force than necessary. How he hated them... If it was not for the advantages that the wedding would bring him, he would never go back.

He reclined his head back, letting it rest briefly against the seat, his lids fluttering close for a moment, trying to calm himself. As soon as they were married, he would take her out of that house and, if possible, they would only return to give their New Year greetings.

With a sigh, he grabbed the seatbelt with one hand while searching for his car keys in the pocket of his jacket with the other. However, there was something else in his pocket. Slightly confused, he took it out. It was the receipt of a convenience store, something he was sure he had never put in there. He turned it around and his sight fell on some hasty strokes written with a pencil.

I'm sorry.

Without realising it, a soft smile drew across his lips, knowing instinctively who the author of that note was. So, the fall had not been an accident, as she had made all of them believe. His smile widened, turning into a smirk. It seemed that the delicate submissive pretty flower he was supposed to marry was not so obedient.

A desperate knock on the window took him out of his thoughts abruptly and he saw a boy look at left and right quickly, a frantic expression marring his features. He lowered the glass.

“Yahiko... right?”

He nodded once.

“I have to show you something” his tone was urgent. “Park at the back of the house and wait for me there.”

Before he could reply, the boy started running and soon disappeared around the corner of the enormous stone wall that surrounded the compound. Shingen blinked a few times, a bit perplexed, but his interest had been picked between the note and the boy's promise so, he started the car, drove for a few minutes to avoid suspicions and then, turned around a street to go back to the house.

As he had promised, by the time he arrived, Yahiko was waiting for him next to a small wooden door. Without a word, he motioned him inside and guided him carefully, without barely making a noise, through a bamboo garden before finding themselves in front of a small deteriorated wooden storage house. Then, the young man turned to him, his face serious and his eyes shining with resolve.

“You see, I'm doing this for my sister's sake...” he straightened his shoulders. “So before I take you inside, I have to know... What do you think about her?”

He was left speechless for a moment and then, even though he tried to stifle it, a hearty laugh left his lips.

“What's so funny?” Yahiko crossed his arms and furrowed his brows.

“Nothing, kid but, do you realise that you're asking for an explanation to a guy who is more than twice your age, height and built? Who could lay you flat on the ground in this same moment?”

The boy did not change his attitude, neither seemed intimidated by him, and Shingen felt satisfied with that. He bent over, putting his hands on his knees so he could look at him eye to eye.

“I'm going to be sincere with you. She is my freedom to do what I like the most, if I marry her, I can continue my music career without my father meddling in my business and that's what I desire the most” the light in the boy's dark brown pupils wavered but Shingen knew that he had done right. “She's pretty and, though her docile character was not very appealing to me, it seems that there's more to her than that.”

Yahiko swallowed hard and breathed deeply. It had been hard to hear his reasons, but he also knew that his sister was aware of his feelings even though she had barely talked to him, and that she loved what he did, so he just nodded.

“Thank you” he bowed, and was slightly surprised when he saw Shingen return the gesture. “As I promised you, I'm going to show you something...” he took out a key from his pocket. “It's my sister's dearest treasure.”

The feeling of curiosity sparkled even brighter inside him as the lock slid back smoothly, a sign that, despite the run-down state of the whole building, it was used frequently. Yahiko opened the door carefully, stopping when the hinges squeaked.

“I think that's enough space for you to slip past...” he said, taking a look at his broad shoulders and muscled body.

His jacket brushed the frame with a whishing sound and he was almost sure that the fabric had been damaged in some way. Then, he found himself in a dark room, the scarce sunlight that entered through the crack only showing him a step and part of a light brown tatami mat just before the door closed quickly behind him. He heard some rustling of clothes beside him and a switch turned on, the beam of a flashlight crossing the room.

“My big sister always uses a candle because she usually comes at night and she wants to avoid anyone knowing that this place is being used. But now it's daylight and there's a lot of commotion in the house so I don't think the flashlight will be seen. And we have to be quick, so it's more convenient.”

The boy, who had been taking off his shoes while speaking, stepped in the room with a dull sound, turning to him with a small smile, the light dancing around the place with each of his movements. He followed him, looking around. By what he could grasp, it seemed that the place served its purpose of storing things but curiously, everything was tidy and clean. Also, there were pictures on the walls and objects carefully set on top of the shelves, as if they were there to be admired and cherished. His fingers brushed the flower patterned skirt of a western doll which was smiling widely at him and his eyes fell on the titles printed on the spines of a few books.

“Before our parents died in the plane crash” Yahiko's voice was subdued, and he approached him, his eyes still darting around, trying to absorb as much information as possible. “My sister was a normal teenager who read cheesy romance novels and went to the cinema with her friends. Even though our family was prestigious, mum and dad wanted us to grow up as ordinary children and enjoy life while we could. I remember that she was cheerful and kind and that I loved her bright smile.”

He smiled bitterly.

“However, when our relatives took us in, that ended. I was still a little boy so they mostly left me alone. However, she was already fifteen years old and they decided that she was old enough to start being trained as a wife and disposed of all her things” his gaze had wandered around, but then, it returned to the man in front of him. “What you see here is what we could save: a doll, a few books, her medals and trophies from the track and field competitions she participated in, photos...” he paused for a moment. “She was forced to leave all that behind. They tried to tame her and make her the perfect wife for a renown family and, after seeing that rebelling didn't bring her any good, she complied.”

There were some photos on the wall, and Shingen walked to them to see them better in the semi-darkness. The beam of light followed him and, lit them over his shoulder. There, different pictures of teenagers smiled back at him, and in all of them, an all too familiar girl he could barely relate to the demure lady he was engaged to stood out on her own.

“However, she's strong like my mother and she has managed to keep at least part of her spirit. Sometimes, she escapes from here with the help of her best friend, the only one our relatives approved from her past, and meet old acquaintances or do things that she's not allowed anymore.”

While listening to the story, Shingen had kept on wandering the room, finding small objects that were surely attached to a memory. Fleetingly, he thought that, once they were married, maybe he could get her to tell him about them. Lifting the lid of a box, he saw a small pile of Cds and, curious, he took one to see what type of tastes his fiancé had in music. His eyes widened in astonishment.

“I bet you didn't imagine she was a fan of your band...”

He lifted his head to look at the young boy. He was with his back to him, pointing the flashlight to a poster in front of him, one Shingen knew too well. It had been the promotional image of their first national tour. He walked to him, staring at the picture too. It was a bit flashier than he remembered, and he could not help a small smile seeing that he still had his hair short at that time. However, there was another one next to that and he pushed the light with his fingertips to take a better look at it. It was a recent one and he was alone in there. It had been taken at one of the concerts and on it, he was with his back to the watcher, his profile outlined by the spotlights and his hair braided in small plaits on the sides of his head and then tied up in a high ponytail as he played one of the enormous waidaiko around him.

“She had admired you for a long time, and she barely could believe it when they told her that you were her betrothed” Yahiko's voice had turned slightly amused. “I'd never seen her more bewildered than at that moment. However, she had to make an effort to recover so our aunt wouldn't suspect something. But her hands were trembling under the sleeves of her kimono.”

He turned to the man.

“Now you know a bit more about her” a smile made its way across his lips. “It's what you wanted, right?” Shingen could only nod absently, still looking at the posters in front of him, trying to reconcile all the information in his mind. “Now, let's go. Somebody could come looking for me at any moment and it would be bad if they caught us. Especially for her.”

He nodded once again, more firmly this time, and it was then that something caught his attention.

Yahiko took some steps towards the entrance and turned to see if he was following him. However, he was still in the same place, looking at something in his hand. He pointed the light to him.

“Your sister... was at last night concert...”

Yahiko chuckled. “Of course! I told you she escapes the house sometimes, didn't I?

After coming out of the building and making their way carefully to the wooden door in the fence, Yahiko rummaged in the the folds of his kimono.

“Before I forget, here's her phone number and mail”

“I already have those...” Shingen paused for a moment and glanced at the boy, feeling a bit troubled. “Though to tell you the truth, I've never used them.”

Yahiko moved his head.

“Those are my aunt's, she had to make sure you had as little contact with her as possible. However, she doesn't know she has a private one that only the close friends who they think she has cut ties with have. Maybe she'll take some time to answer, since she can't check it often but you can talk to her without them knowing about it.”

He took the paper and looked at it reflexively.

“Why are you doing all this? Am I not supposed to be the bad guy who's marrying her for his own benefit?”

The boy looked at him seriously, putting a hand on his waist.

“My big sister is my only true family and I want her to be happy. And I know her only way to that is getting out of this house. To tell you the truth, I hated you so much when you came for the first time. But I've watching you this whole time and you seemed interested in her as a person. And that became clear today. Beside, you didn't freak out when you saw all this and realised that she's admired you for a long time. Any other would've thought she was a creep. That made me trust you.”

For a moment, the memory of her panicked eyes, of a beautiful shade of brown, and the rushed apology on the supermarket ticket, appeared in his mind and he could not help a soft smile. Then, he lifted his hand and tousled Yahiko's hair softly. The teenager's eyes stared directly at his, a sudden wave of uncertainty shining briefly in them.

“You'll free her, right?”

Shingen smiled widely, feeling strangely proud of that boy he barely knew but who already felt like a little brother to him.

“Leave it to me, kid.”

It was late at night when the young woman got up from bed and crossed her room. Silently, she pulled at the lowest drawer of the chest where she kept her clothes, taking it out completely, and she introduced her arm in the space. She closed her fingers around the thin device hidden there, a smartphone Umeko, her best friend, had bought for her. She extracted it from the fabric bag she had made to protect it and she switched it on.

Umeko had sent her some photos of the concert and she smiled upon seeing them, a few butterflies coming to life in her stomach when she saw one of Shingen that Umeko had edited with some hearts and sparkles, and the text “Your Husband” at the bottom.

Silly, she typed on the screen, feeling the blush that dusted her cheeks even hotter.

Also, she had notifications from communities about the band, where the fans were going overboard about their performance, and other less innocent things.

The phone vibrated when she was about to turn it off and she opened a new mail that she had received, even though she did not recognise the address at that moment. She became stunned upon reading the greeting, her heart thundering in her chest painfully, so loud that she feared for a moment somebody else could hear it.

She breathed deeply through her mouth as her fingertips brushed the screen, her pupils absorbing his words as if they were trying to engrave them in her mind.

He had read her note and she did not have to apologise for anything.

Something broke inside her and she felt weak with relief, her limbs suddenly heavy.

But he insisted on having that date he had asked for...

She bit her trembling lower lip, letting her hands fall on her lap as they held the device tightly, and closed her eyes for a moment, trying to regain her calmness.

A part of her was dying to say yes. Until that afternoon, she had been convinced that he had no interest in her and that he thought their engagement was a bother. That he had a lover... But the tone of his voice and the solemnity of his expression had told her of his serious commitment. And that he wanted to know more about her said that he wished to look at her as a person and not just as his freedom to live his life as he pleased.

However, a small voice at the back of her mind told her that she would embarrass herself in front of him. Up to that moment, she had been partly relieved that she had barely had to talk during his visits, as she was sure she would get flustered and stutter so much that she would be scolded in front of him.

Her fingertips hovered over the keyboard. She breathed deeply and pressed her lips in a thin line. However, she could not go on like that forever. There would be a time where she would have to break that barrier. She could not become his wife without being able to look at him directly or talk to him. And she had the feeling that if she refused, things would become awkward between them and starting a life in common under such circumstances would only damage their relationship. She needed to be brave, however nerve wracking the experience would be.

In that moment, a creak was heard in the corridor and she jumped. Quickly, she put the smartphone in her sleeve, put the drawer in its place and ran trying not to make any noise. She covered herself just in time for the door to slide a bit. She buried her face in the pillow to calm her breathing. She had discovered a few months before that her relatives sometimes watched her at night, especially when they had any suspicion about her actions. And that day events had shaken them deeply. She felt the urge to snort. As if a fiancé asking for a date with his betrothed would be something so scandalous.

After she felt calmer, she sighed and turned to the other side. She had mastered the art of feigning sleep to its finest after so many times staying up surfing the internet or chatting with her old friends until the early hours.

The minutes ticked away in the antique clock of her room until she finally heard the sliding door close again and light steps walk off until they faded in the corridor. She breathed relieved and, after listening attentively for some more time, she rummaged in her sleeve to extract the phone.

Her eyes read his messages again and then, swallowing hard, she started to type.

They had agreed to meet the following Saturday instead of the Sunday he had requested at first, to avoid suspicions, and upon telling her their plans, her best friend Umeko had readily offered her help. And that day, as he had told her, he was waiting for her at the entrance of a park situated in one of the wards in Kyoto further from her house, where her relatives would not probably find them.

For a moment, she contemplated him as he checked his mobile phone. He was leaning against one of the pillars that formed the gate, obviously dressed as not to attract too much attention though she could see that even wearing dark blue jeans, boots, a dark grey sweatshirt with an orange motive on the chest under the black gilet and a woolen hat which covered his blazing-red hair, some people turned their heads to him, admiration clearly showing in their eyes.

“He's even more gorgeous when up close” Umeko's voice contained a mixture of amusement and admiration, and then, she felt a soft push on the shoulder. “Come on, go and show them that he's taken.”

She turned to her friend, a grateful smile dancing in her lips.

“Thank you very much, Umeko...”

The girl nodded and then winked at her.

“Enjoy your date, and send me a text when you want me to pick you up.”

She made an affirmative sound and then, opened the door of the car.

Umeko observed her as she made her way to her future husband, and how he lifted his face when he sensed her near and smiled. Maybe it was not the smile of someone in love but at least, it was the gesture of a sincerely contented man who appreciated what he was seeing. She smiled satisfied as she used her turn signal and, giving them a last glance, joined the traffic to leave them in their own world.

“I'm glad to see you again” he replied to her formal bow and greeting. “And with not so many witnesses around us.”

She nodded briefly and swallowed hard, not really trusting her voice. Her heartbeat was almost deafening and she was sure that if there was not so much traffic and people walking and chatting around them, he could have heard it clearly.

“Did you have any problems to come today? Did your family said something, or were suspicious?”

“N-No...”

She frowned and berated herself when the first stutter left her lips. It was as if his mere presence rendered her unable to think or move coherently. She closed her eyes briefly, trying to even her breath. He was someone she had never dreamt of being near of, a man who had meant the world to her since she was a teenager. However, he was also a human being, like her, and the person she would share her life with. She had to gather her thoughts and courage, and start treating him, not just as her idol, but as her future husband.

“Are you feeling okay?”

His concerned voice brought her back to reality and she realised that her fear of embarrassing herself in front of him was becoming a reality.

“I'm sorry...”

Shingen looked at her slightly confused, tilting his head to the side to get a better look at her face.

“I'm making a fool of myself...” she lifted her hand and with the back, she touched the burning skin of her cheeks. “I'm really nervous today...”

A tender smile drew across his lips, realising that what for him was something pleasant and quite common like a tryst, for her, it probably was a nerve wracking situation between breaking even more rules imposed to her than just merely escaping to see a concert and being with someone she admired deeply. He recalled her brother's words about his band and himself in the warehouse, and understood that he could not behave as always with his past lovers or friends with benefits. He would have to break her walls one by one, forcefully and at the same time, gently.

“You don't have to apologise” she side-glanced at him. “Just forget about all that, at least for a few minutes” she furrowed her brows in a delicate frown, wondering what he had meant by 'all that' but he continued. “I just want you to enjoy today and, as I told your aunt, to get to know you a bit better” he let out a little sigh. “We're going to get married and I don't even know what your favourite colour is.”

'Even though you probably know everything about me...' the afterthought that flashed in his mind after his own words

She watched him for a few seconds and then, a small, wistful smile appeared on her face.

“You're right” she straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin slightly. “I should probably relax a bit and appreciate what Umeko and you are doing for me. It's just...” she paused, giving some thinking to her next words. “I think I'm not used to unwind anymore...”

He observed her for a moment, having a slight suspicion about that pause she had made, but did not say anything about it. Up to that moment, she had not mentioned a thing about him being a famous musician and, even though it intrigued him, especially since he knew how she felt about him, he decided it was not the time to bring up the topic, seeing her finally at ease in his company.

“Okay” he said putting one of his hands on his hip. “Did you think of anywhere you'd like to go?”

“Not really...” her cheeks became a bit warm when he smiled, but she swallowed, reflexively clenching her fingers into fists to suppress the anxious feeling that was, once again, arising in her chest, focusing her thoughts on her words. “You told me that you wanted to take me somewhere special so I didn't really give it too much thought. I'm really fine with any type of food.”

His smile widened.

“I wasn't talking about any restaurants, but about another place I think you'll appreciate much more.”

For a moment, a flash of mischief played in his amber pupils and her aunt's words when she had refused his request of a date with her sounded in her mind. However, she shook her head lightly, refusing to think that had been his purpose since the beginning. She had decided to trust him when she had accepted to go out with him, and that was what she was going to do.

“There's a taxi stop at a short walk from here” he extended his hand to her. “Let's go?”

She stared at it for a moment and then, she pressed her mouth in a thin line, her fingers closing tightly around the handle of her small bag. A single word left her lips and Shingen stared at her curiously.

“That's my favourite colour.”

His smile was wide and sincere, and she found herself answering it with one of her own while she extended her arm put her fingers in his palm. His slightly calloused skin was warm and she felt a pleasant tingle when he took hold of hers, tugging so she would follow him.

They walked at a leisure step, Shingen asking her simple questions about her hobbies and tastes and answering some of hers. From time to time, she glanced around, especially when she felt someone staring at them. She chuckled silently and that drew his attention.

“What's so funny?”

She shook her head.

“Nothing really... I was just thinking that no matter how you disguise yourself, you attract people's attention.”

He grinned at the amused edge of her words and how she had lowered her guard against her own thoughts.

“I know it's not the best one but at least, it conceals my special traits” he brushed the red bangs which sticked out of his woolen hat. “It'll be too much of a bother if they recognised me right away, when all I want is to enjoy this day with you” he watched satisfied as her expression became somewhat disconcerted. “And,” he added. “how do you know that they're not looking at you” he gave her a side smile. “That kimono really suits you.”

A wave of shyness washed over her. It was true that, after thinking and considering clothes for far longer that she had ever done, she had finally opted for her favourite kimono, a tsukesage in shades of purple with a seasonal motive in the hem, the upper part of the back and the sleeves, and as Umeko used to say, it was obvious in every one of her gestures and expressions that she loved to wear it.

However, she had never faced such an open flirting, not even in the only relationship she had had in all her life. Her boyfriend in high school had been easy-going and fun, but he had always felt a bit awkward when they had been in a situation that could lead to a romantic outcome. He had never behaved in any remotely similar way to how Shingen was doing. And she did not know well how to react.

Before she could think of a right way to answer his comment, he stopped, pointing to the row of taxis next to them.

“Come on, let's be quick or we'll be late.”

Instead of a place where they could have more privacy, the taxi stopped at the entrance of a large venue. As she got out of the vehicle, looking at the building with open curiosity, Shingen started rummaging in the bag he carried. He, then extracted two passes.

“Keep this with you all the time” he said giving her one with the logo of his band. “Though... I don't know if the clip will damage your kimono...”

“Don't worry” she replied, taking it from him and observing the little clamp for a moment before securing it in one of the inner wraps of her obi. “The fabric is not very delicate and in case it leaves a mark, nobody will see it there.”

He opened his gilet and hanged it from the belt of his jeans.

“Now we're ready” he took her hand again, pulling her towards the entrance.

“But, where are we going?” she tried to remember if the band had any event that morning, in whose case, he could not have been there with her.

His only response was an enigmatic smile over his shoulder.

They entered the building through a glass automatic sliding door, being greeted by a security guard and some of the venue workers and finally, he stopped just in front of a double door with a small window at the top. He turned and his grin was even wider than before. She inhaled deeply, trying to regain her breath after trying to match his long strides across the hall.

“I talked to our manager so you could watch our rehearsal for tomorrow night's concert” her eyes opened, pure bewilderment flashing in them, regarding him, and her lower lip hung slightly open, feeling unable to react. “After all,” he lowered his voice to barely a whisper. “You're my most precious fan.”

His words sounded deeply inside her and her chin trembled a bit. It was impossible that he knew her secret, she had been extremely careful not to let a single word about him or his band, or her deep admiration for him out, and it was impossible that with such a short time together he could have figured it out.

“Ho... do you know that...?”

“A little bird who loves you dearly showed me a very special room where my lovely fiancee keeps her treasures...”

She was mortified. He had learnt all her deepest secrets without her realising and now she was sure he would definitely feel uncomfortable with her. However, at that moment, her racing mind registered two facts. He had already known by the time they had met, and also, he had just called her 'lovely'...

“Don't look so troubled” he bent over her a bit to take a better look at her face. “He did it because he adores you so don't be too hard on him when you return home.”

She blinked slowly.

“Yahiko...?”

He nodded and was about to add something else when a stingy voice interrupted them.

“Could you cut out the flirting so we can start the rehearsal?” both of them turned , finding a blond man watching them with a disgusted expression.

Shingen gave him a side- looped smile and then, glanced at her, who was still recovering her composure.

“I bet you didn't expect our little angel to have such a sharp tongue. He's always so polite and smiles complacently to the public, but it's better not to be on the wrong side in one of his bad days.”

“So?” he crossed his arms on his chest and glanced at her for a moment with apparent disinterest. “Who's the wrench?” there were murmurs approaching, and behind Ieyasu, a few figures appeared after turning a corner, chatting among them. “It seems that you forgot that outsiders are forbidden after the mayhem with Hideyoshi and his messy double-dating game.”

That comment gained the irated glare of one of the other men who had just stopped by them.

“Don't you dare talk about Hideyoshi like that!”

They both got into an argument immediately and the others groaned, except for a light-built man with short light brown hair, who just smiled.

“And before you ask,” Shingen murmured in a clearly amused tone. “Yes, they're always like that.”

She stared worriedly at them for a few more seconds and then tilted her head upwards.

“Is it really okay for me to be here?”

But before he could answer, a blond man with an almost ethereal presence, turned to them and peered at her with slightly closed eyelids and a pleasant smile.

“And who is this charming lady, little tiger? An acquaintance?”

“She's my fiancée” his expression softened as he glanced at her, watching her cheeks dusted with a soft colour and her fingers grasp the handle of her bag even tighter, as she introduced herself to them.

Silence hung for a long moment in the hall and then, all of them started to talk at the same time, alternating incredulous remarks, the loudest ones from a man with dark hair and a pink T-shirt, with some congratulations and skeptical looks. All those ended when another man entered the scene and put some order. After a new introduction, the man ushered them all inside, indicating the musicians to take their places on the stage and her, a seat in the third row.

Shingen took out his gilet and sweatshirt, under which he wore a dark orange sleeveless T-shirt, leaving all that on the seat next to her. Before straightening and going with his mates, a slow smile drew across his lips and his eyes gleamed with satisfaction, a small spark of untamed passion flickering in them.

“I hope you have the time of your life.”

It was difficult to recognise the meek girl he had met a few weeks ago in the exultant young woman who walked beside him at the moment. Shingen watched her almost fascinated. It was as if every cell of her body was alive and everything, her steps, her posture, her long hair swaying in the gentle breeze, radiated light.

“So,” he said, lifting his brows slightly and pursing his lips momentarily. “I assume that you liked my surprise.”

She turned to him, her eyes bright and her cheeks flushed with excitement.

“It was one of the most beautiful things someone has ever done for me” she stopped, facing him and bowing. “Thank you very much, I'll never forget it.”

“Come on,” he said putting a hand in his hip. “Don't be so formal now.”

“But it was something amazing, like a dream coming true. I've heard a whole performance, I've talked with you all and you even invited them to our wedding...” she covered part of her face, trying to hide her embarrassment. “I won't be able to return such an unbelievable gift, even if I had three lives...”

Shingen laughed, watching each and every one of the small changes in her expression. Something inside him wondered how many more layers and expressions she had, and if he would be able to uncover them all.

“You don't have to give anything. I knew it would mean so much to you and it was something really easy to achieve.”

But she was not listening to him.

“Hey...” he insisted.

“I know!” her little outburst startled him. “I'll cook for you.”

He lifted an elegant brow, looking doubtfully at her.

“Do you know how to cook?”

She frowned, her eyes flashing with an offended gleam.

“”What do you take me for?” she crossed her arms over her chest, lifting her chin defiantly. “My father was convinced that you can't manage a food emporium without knowing it in depth. He was a great cook and he taught me well” her eyes misted a bit. “He had started to let Yahiko into the kitchen when... he passed away.”

It still hurt. Even though years had passed, she still missed them dearly and in each step of her life, she wondered what they would do in her place, and if they would have been proud of her. Now that her wedding approached, she wished they would be there to see her become a bride.

Shingen watched the change in her with concern, though he could understand it. His parents were still alive but he had missed the warmth of a true family and she had had it but lost it under tragic circumstances. However, it was easier to live without it not having experienced it than having done it and then being deprived of it.

He touched her back softly, attracting her attention back to him, and offered her a small smile.

“Alright, if you're so convinced, I'd love to try your food.”

She breathed deeply and then returned his smile, nodding.

“Though I have to warn you that my fridge is almost empty. I barely eat at home and when I return at night, I either grab something to eat at the convenience store or buy some take-out.”

She frowned.

“That's not healthy at all” he shrugged lightly and she sighed, a small sound vibrating in her throat. “Okay, I'll make you something really nutritive to give you strength for tomorrow's concert, so first, we have to stop by a supermarket.”

Once they arrived at his flat, he took out his keys from his jeans pocket.

“Welcome to your future home, milady” he said half jokingly opening the door for her to see a spacious hall.

She doubted for a moment, suddenly becoming fully conscious of the place where she was about to enter, and a sense of trepidation overwhelmed her. Shingen gazed at her, expectant at first and uneasy later, as if he was suddenly aware of her feelings. His smile faltered.

“If you're having second thoughts about this, we can still go to eat somewhere. There are some good restaurants in this area that can take us without a reservation” he made a motion to take the shopping bag she was carrying. “Give that to me. I'll put everything in the fridge and Kansuke can sort it out later.”

She shook her head, lifting her eyes to him. Her pupils still showed a hint of insecurity but her expression was serene.

“I'm fine.”

And then, she stepped into the house.

She took off her sandals, putting them correctly out of habit, and then, glanced at him, waiting for him to show her the way. The flat was a luxurious one room duplex with a spacious living room with enormous windows from where they could overwatch great part of the city. On their left, there was a completely equipped open plan kitchen with breakfast bar and beyond, a staircase led to the bedroom. Under the second floor, a half opened Japanese sliding door let her get a glimpse of a large bathroom with an ample vintage bath in the centre.

Shingen watched satisfied as she looked around filled with curiosity, her previous apprehension seemingly vanished.

“This way” he guided her to the kitchen and, after leaving their bags on the breakfast bar, both of them searched through all the cupboards and drawers to find the kitchenware she would need.

“Is there anything you can't eat?” she asked once everything had been placed in an orderly way.

He shook his head and then, leant his weight on the counter beside her.

“Are you sure you don't need any help?”

“Do you know how to cook?” she answered with a question of her own, and then pursed her lips seeing him deny it again. “Then, it's better if I do it alone” she gathered her sleeves. “Do you have anything that could be useful to tie them?”

“Maybe.”

Shingen returned with a male obi tha he had folded in three.

“But I didn't-” she was interrupted when he started to fasten them expertly.

“I don't keep ribbons or anything like that here, so this must do” he saw her open her mouth to reply but was faster. “And if it worries you so much, it's an old one, and made of synthetic fabric, so it's easy to take care of it.”

She sighed, resigned.

“And now, since I only would be in the way, I'll disappear from here and make myself decent.”

And turning around, he took the set of clothes he had left on the breakfast bar and made his way to the bathroom, closing the door behind him and leaving her dumbfounded and with the thought of having her fiancé taking a bath just a few metres away from her.

“This is delicious” Shingen picked up a few more vegetables with his chopsticks and ate them almost greedily, enjoying every single bit.

“I'm glad” she could not help the proud smile as she watched him, picking up a piece of meat from her own plate. He had come out of the bathroom just in time for the food to be served. They were sitting at the dining table he had near the enormous windows that faced the city, the sky a light shade of blue with only a few clouds floating in the distance.

He had changed into another pair of jeans and a long sleeved T-shirt and his red hair, long and luxuriant, fell down his back except for a lock which fell across his shoulder and chest.

He seemed to notice how her eyes returned to it once and again and he smiled, letting his chopsticks on the rest and propping an elbow on the table, his cheek leaning on his hand, some of his tresses following the movement and hanging like a curtain behind his shoulder, the light spreading its reflection on it.

“Anything interesting you care to share with me?”

His smile was flirtatious again, like that morning and a small voice inside her warned her against him. The situation was completely different and now they were alone in his own territory. And he was like a tiger, as Kenshin had called him, elegant, fascinating, tempting and dangerous.

She turned her attention to her own food and took her time to answer, searching for a convincing reason.

“I feel envious” she finally said, setting for the most inofensive reply she had been able to come up in such a short time. “You have really beautiful hair while mine” she took one of her locks, “ is just... normal.”

Before she could drop it, he got a hold of it and slided it down between his fingers, twisting the end loosely in his index.

“It's soft like silk...”

The warning filled her mind again but before she could act on it, he let it fall from his grasp and resumed his meal.

“I hope you can come back to cook for me again soon... It's been long since I had such a satisfying meal like this.”

The young woman smiled, feeling disconcerted at the sudden change in his behaviour and not really trusting her voice at that moment, quickly eating something to fill her silence.

Some minutes later, they finished the main course and she went back to the kitchen to bring tea and some dessert. Shingen widened his eyes in surprise and delight as she put a small plate with a few pieces of kinako mochi in front of him.

“I can't believe you managed to make this feast and my favourite sweets in such a short amount of time.”

“A good cook knows how to organise themselves and their time” she replied sitting down again.

He did not waste a second to try it, and she felt pleased to see his expression of joy. Way before she finished hers, he had eaten everything, not leaving even the smallest piece.

After finishing the tea and, as she showed sign to stand up, he beat her to it and picked up the tableware.

“I can do this” he said with a small smile. “Even I know how a dishwasher works” she laughed softly. “Have some rest while you can.”

He finished tidying everything up quickly, not wanting to waste the minutes they could still be together, but when he returned to the table, he did not find her resting. Instead, she was looking through the window at the city that extended beyond, the outline of the old buildings and pagodas giving the skyline the appearance of a city from a time long gone. Her fingers were barely touching the glass and it was obvious that her mind was far from there. Frowning slightly, wondering what had absorbed her mind so deeply, he stood by her, studying her profile, her long hair falling freely from the hairpin that gathered the top half of her tresses at her nape and the sparkles that the sunlight brought to her eyes.

When he realised it, he had lifted his hand to touch her, but before he could lower it down, she turned her head to him, staring into his eyes, serene and relaxed.

“What were you thinking?” his voice was barely a murmur, low and quiet.

Her cheeks covered in a beautiful shade of pink, but her eyes never wavered.

“That I'll get to see this view and live this life every day once I become your wife.”

Shingen swallowed hard because he knew he was about to give a step forward and he felt slightly uneasy that she would not follow, because a marriage to him was not just a quiet moment and a gold ring and after hours of relishing in the company of each other, sharing what both loved, there was another way of getting to know each other that he wanted to try up to where she let him. His fingertips caressed her warm skin and, maybe reading in his pupils his intention, she smiled softly.

He bent forward slowly to give her time to step back, to stop him, but she did not and he was the one who, stopped just a breath away from her face.

“Have you been kissed before?”

Her cheeks burnt at his question, her eyes searching his questioningly.

“O-Only once... A long time ago...”

He blinked slowly, his golden pupils never truly leaving hers, as he brushed her lower lip with the tip of his thumb in a deliberate caress. Her eyelids fluttered closed and Shingen dropped his finger, replacing it with his mouth, reminding himself to be gentle in that first chaste kiss. Her mouth tasted like the dessert they had eaten a few minutes ago and he felt compelled to try it again. He had barely separated from her when he returned, pressing more urgently against her, his teeth gracing the plump flesh of her mouth. Their breaths mingled as they parted for just a fleeting moment, seeking each other again, his tongue delving between her lips to entice her to follow him without reserves. A small sound left her throat, her fingers grasping the sleeves of his T-shirt when she felt her legs shake and Shingen's arms held her tighter against him. She was almost out of breath, her chest burning when he finally released her, his mouth brushing her cheek, dropping feathered kisses along it.

“You're so adorable... so endearing...”

He nuzzled at her jaw whispering her name and venturing lower. His lips locked on her throat, his teeth gracing her skin. Her heart thundered in her chest, abruptly taking her out of the pleasurable bliss she had been drowning in, and her eyes widened, her hands pushing at his chest.

“No, please...” she begged. “I can't have any... marks...”

He stilled, his mouth leaving her neck. However, he did not move. Instead, she felt the tip of his tongue trace slowly, almost lazily, a small pattern on her skin, making her shiver. Then, he pecked the same spot and lifted his head to look at her. His pupils were darken than before, almost golden like the sunset, a wave of desire still lingering in them. She lowered her head, feeling strangely awkward.

“I'm sorry...”

He cupped her face, his thumbs caressing her cheeks softly.

“Don't” he kissed her once again, briefly. “I just got impatient...”

Shingen leant his forehead against hers as her fingers covered the back of one of his hands.

“If it's a must, we'll wait until our wedding night” a mischievous smirk drew across his lips. “But I warn you that after so much restraining, I won't be letting you sleep at all, so be ready.”

He laughed heartily when she pouted a bit, her cheeks as red as ripped apples, and then, he drew her closer in a loving embrace. Her fingers grasped the back of his T-shirt and she buried her face in his chest.

“I promise you that I'll do whatever in my hand to make you happy.”

“And I'll try my best to become a woman you can fall in love with.”

He kissed the top of her head.

“You're fine as you are now. Your sweet side is charming, as well as the fire and the strength that lie behind it. In your own way, you're a great woman and I'm starting to like her much more than I had imagined at first.”

Her only response was to tighten her hold around him and he thought that they would really be happy, despite the peebles that life had and would be putting in their way. After all, he had a admirable woman beside him, one that he felt he had already started to love.

[slbp-secret-cupid]

To one of the sweetest, kindest people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting @faeriesplaygames

I wish for you all the love, support, and happiness ♥️ @otomelin

[slbp-secret-cupid]

A Moonlit Dance

Cupid Gift for @mega-anime-posts

From @chibibugeisha 

With the moon shining bright above you, you walked around the castle grounds, looking for Lord Kenshin. It was typical that he wandered off, but he usually invited you to accompany him first. Although you were slightly upset he didn’t ask you to escape with him, the fact that he didn’t worried you. Your steps quickened as your mind began racing at all the negative possibilities to what your lord could be up to. Finally, as a last resort, you set off for the nearby pond Kenshin once showed you.

A breath of relief left you as you spotted a figure laying on a blanket under the small clearing next to the pond. Rushing over, the closer you came the more your suspicions were confirmed - it was indeed Lord Kenshin laying there.

“Lord Kenshin, are you alright?”

Your question was genuine but ignored the moment Kenshin’s eyes met yours, immediately his face lit up, “(Y/N)! I’m knew you’d find me here, little one!”

Confusion waved over you, were you supposed to find him? Nevertheless, Kenshin patted the blanket next to him and you obediently sat. The moon shined brightly as you took in the illuminated landscape in front of you. Kenshin seemed to sense what you were doing and pointed out little details he gathered from having been sitting there for a while now. His watchful eye pointed out a small tanuki peeking its head out of a bush while the koi fish babbled in the pond. The sight truly was breathtaking. Of course it was all brought together by having such an attractive man seated by your side.

Lord Kenshin seemed not to notice as you transfixed yourself on the lighted features of his face. Everyone from castle workers to townspeople were enthralled with his beauty and with good reasoning. Your lover was undoubtedly the most physically beautiful person around, but it was unfortunate that a large amount of people only stopped there. So many people never bothered to stop and see that there was so much more to him than just his handsome features. The thought angered you while swelling your chest with pride at the same time. Your hand reached up on its own and caressed his cheek while gently turning his head to face you.

Without a word, he already knew your intentions from the soft smile on his face and he leaned in as well to press his lips against yours. You didn’t let him slip away thought and quickly led him back to your lips when he began to pull away. A small laugh came from him as he gladly kept kissing you. Your hands wandered over his clothed chest, fingers splayed out over the wide expanse. Kenshin reciprocated and his own hands slipped down and slowly wrapped themselves around your waist. At the gentle, silent gesture you succumbed to your subconscious and brought yourself closer to the man in front of you.

A wave of confidence washed over you and your lips pulled away from Kenshin’s only to travel down his jaw to his neck. Once again, Kenshin let out a low laugh at your sudden boldness but he wasn’t about to complain. Instead, his hands began to wander, pulling you tight to his body in order to properly hold you as close as possible. His lips returned the favor and left an array of marks along your neck and collarbone while he slowly slipped your collar further and further down.

In a mere few minutes you both were taking in each other’s bare bodies, the moonlight aiding in your swift movements. Kenshin cupped your cheeks affectionately, taking a moment to memorize the look of passion on your face. After his hands once again started exploring your body he gently laid you down on the blanket. The gesture sent a shiver down your spine and you took a deep breath in, the scent of lust thick in the air as you both pressed yourselves into the other.

Lord Kenshin embraced you warmly, over and over until finally you both were satisfied. The night was passionate and much needed, though you only wished you would have had enough energy to make it back to the castle afterwards. As you stirred awake you opened your eyes to see your lover propped up on his elbow, blissfully watching you. A content sigh left your mouth as you pulled him down towards you where he happily wrapped his arms around you as well as the second blanket that was covering you both. The sky above you was bright blue and the trees surrounding you gently swayed in the light breeze. While the birds chirped you laid in Lord Kenshin’s arms, entirely enraptured with this man and as you laid there you knew this is exactly what you wanted for the rest of your life.

[slbp-secret-cupid]

To @otomelin:

Thank you for your friendship and everything that you've contributed to the SLBP fandom. You are an amazing and selfless person truly deserving of all the best this world has to offer. Happy Valentine's Day my friend ♡ - @lizlisadolly

[slbp-secret-cupid]

My DEAREST and MOST DARLING Virgilia! ( @space-romantic ) I had every intention of writing you something for Ieyasu, but I have the impulse control of a gnat. Please forgive me for this disaster of a gift, and know that I adore you dearly. - @yoolee

(also, Hanzo did not make it because I could not find my rubber snake - that will make sense a few seconds in)

Hugs, kisses, and happiest of Valentine’s Days!

[slbp-secret-cupid]

Kojuro's Messy Room & Genya's Punishment

Pair: Kojuro x MC x Genya (not a threesome)

Fandom: SLBP

Rating: NSFW

  For @obsessedotomeplayer - Kojuro finds his turtle at the wrong moment.

══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

  “Bontenmaru! Bontenmaru, where did you go now…” Kojuro mutters as he races through the hallway, looking at every small crack in the corners to find some sign of his little reptilian friend. Of course cleaning his room wasn’t a good punishment-he’s always fooling around with his girl. Genya, that lazy ass of his, has not lifted a single finger since his last mission. His lord had paid Genya a hefty amount of money, and knowing that his lord’s money was going to waste, Kojuro had quickly assigned a task for him: to clean up Kojuro’s room.

  Genya’s little doll decided to help him out because she claimed that she was finished with her medicine making. He quickly shoved the couple into his room a couple of hours before his meeting with the lord, hoping that his incredibly disheveled room will keep them working.

  Unfortunately, once the meeting ended, Kojuro entered his room and it was still in a state of utter chaos. Genya was just sitting there. Fanning himself with his intricately designed fan full of red flowers matching his kimono. Only his sweetheart, crouched on the ground, was picking up my battle maps and booklets.

  Walking into the room, Kojuro had given Genya a disapproving frown and a look that said I’m gonna find another piece of work that’ll kick your ass up to work. Genya’s reply was a long languid wave of his fan with a nonchalant face. Before he could reprimand him, a sweet voice interrupted him.

  “Oh no, Genya! I told you to watch Bontenmaru when I was cleaning his pen! Where is he now-” she had asked Genya before making direct eye contact with Kojuro. “Ah, Kojuro-san! I’m so sorry but it seems like we lost Bontenmaru!”

  All thoughts of scolding Genya disappeared when Kojuro heard her. Bontenmaru is gone. So he went out to search for him.

  He’s presently still running down the hall, squatting down in a bunch of places, yet the little turtlette is nowhere to be found. Kojuro pushed his hand into a crack, but no signs of Bontenmaru sadly. He tries to retreat his hand, yet it won’t budge. What an embarrassing situation, Kojuro voiced in his head as he realises his position.

  And that’s how Masamune finds him a few minutes later. With his ass in the air.

“What’s got your panties in a twist?” He felt a slap on his left buttock.

  “Shigezane, stop it. Kojuro, what’s the problem? Why are you…displaying yourself out in the hall in such an indecent manner?”

  He explained to his Lord and the mischievous cousin the situation. The kind lord decided he would help Kojuro out, since his right hand man did do almost everything for Masamune. It was only right to pay back with kindness.

  So for the next 30 minutes, the maids had a wonderful sight of three grown men running around the castle looking for the scaled pet. They looked ridiculous-what with them kneeling everywhere like a young boy seeking a lost ball.

  After a while, Kojuro hears Shigezane’s,“Oh! I think I found him over here!” He swifty runs past Shigezane with a “It’s okay, I got him Masamune, Shigezane!” With a quick small “thank you” to his lords he found the small lump of green slowly walking back to Kojuro’s room.

  “There you are, my little Bontenmaru!” Before the turtle could slip through the cracks of his bedroom doors, Kojuro did a quick dive down to the floor and scooped Bontenmaru into his arms.

  He silently cheers himself for his swiftness, wishing his lord saw how amazing that stunt was-until he heard strange squelching sounds in his room. It did not sound like someone was cleaning. What in the hells is going on in there?

  Just as he was about to get up from the floor and open his doors, he peeks through the crack of his bedroom and sees something that almost digs out his virgin eyes.

  If he did not notice the squelching sounds, he sure did now. He saw Genya disheveled, hunched over, and oh boy did he notice Genya’s right arm moving. The scene in front of him stunned Kojuro so much, he had not realized he had dropped Bontenmaru while he was watching the whole scene.

  She was lying amidst his booklets, her kimono opened to the world. From his view, he could see Genya take his tongue out and languidly lick her from her navel towards the top of her stomach, to the valley of her breasts….

  He puckered his lips and placed it over her luscious, teasing pink cherries. The audible sucking noises reached Kojuro’s ears. He felt his face heat up as hot as the onsen he visited a few weeks ago. He wrapped his hand around his aching member under his clothes. God, the view of her. Knowing she was being defiled in his very room made him a mess.

  Genya’s arm was still moving back and forth; her voice was muffled by her right hand. Kojuro has no idea what he’s doing to her, until Genya moves a little out of the way, and Kojuro almost gasped out loud. Genya’s long thin fingers were rubbing her. His thumb rolling around her nub in circles, while three fingers were stuck in her cunt, scissoring her to death. The squelching noises making his ears warm.

  Her hand suddenly grasped onto Genya’s arm and she quietly whined “Oh, right there! Oh god, please let me come!” Her orgasm denial was starting to get to her, and if Genya didn’t make her come soon, she might really scream.

  Genya took his mouth off her right left nipple and hoarsely whispered, “Oh baby, you want to come so badly? Huh? Tell me how do it. Want it this way?” He moved his fingers more rapidly and she spasmed lightly.

  “Or this way?” His thumb rubbed vigorously over her clit, which caused a clear liquid to squirt out from her.

  “Both! Both please! Hurry before Kojuro comes!”

  Hearing his name, he remembered who and where he was. His dick was dripping with precum, and his groin area felt so so hot. Oh god, what do I do with this..problem. Kojuro certainly can’t relieve himself in his room now, knowing what…is happening in there.

  He tries to back away from his room, trying to not make any noises that indicates his peeking. He tries to cover his erection and wet spot while getting up; he walks a little down the hall, dizzily trying to forget what happened. I need the bathroom. Now. He felt like he could come on the spot, remembering the shape of her breasts, and the shape of her wonderfully cherry blossomed colored pussy sucking in the ninja’s fingers…

  “Yoooooo! Kojuro, did you find Bontenmaru?” Hearing Shigezane’s voice, Kojuro accidentally grips his prick to hard, letting out a hiss that the lord’s cousin doesn’t miss. “What, you lost him again? Let’s check your room, he was heading that direction anyway-”

  He covered Shigezane’s mouth with his left, afraid the couple could hear them. “Don’t. I found him. Placed him in my room. My room is off limits today Shigezane. It’s…er…currently messy again.”

  Kojuro’s right hand lets go of his dick before Shigezane looks down. He pushes Shigezane out of the hallway, out of any place that’s close to his room. There’s no way he’s letting anyone see what he saw. And his problem…he needed to visit the bathroom as soon as possible.

  After I’m done with mister down there, Genya is definitely cleaning my room as a punishment again.

  Let’s just say, Bontenmaru was forget again on that day.

[slbp-secret-cupid]

Kiyohiro 💘

Submission for @tentori21! I included both the sketch and the finished product since the sketch is way better lol. Hope you like it!

[slbp-secret-cupid]

For Sana (aka Ieyashoe) <3 @anime-aki // @imagineswd

note: this was my first time writing for slbp and I had a lot of fun doing this! this brushes slightly against the barrier of being M rather than T and I hope that is alright (I got a little carried away with the angst prompt). i hope you enjoy at least a little <3

——————————————————–

Ieyasu’s eyes followed your movements as you entered his quarters to bring his dinner and evening tea. Something seemed off about the way you held yourself. Perhaps not a cause for utmost concerns on his behalf yet, but he found himself keenly aware of your every motion. 

 With every bite of his meal and every sip of his tea, Ieyasu took note of your actions. He was shocked to find you extra quiet during dinner; barely offering any conversation. Perhaps even stranger was that your own meal remained largely unfinished. 

 “Is something wrong, Lord Ieyasu?” You finally broke the increasingly stagnant silence.

 “You should rest if you are not well.” 

 “I apol-“

 “Just take this and go to bed.” Ieyasu murmured grabbing your hand and placing a small pill in your palm. 

 “Thank you…but…I don’t believe it will be of much help.” Ieyasu’s eyes narrowed and your own gaze fell to the tatami floor. 

 “Exactly what sort of information are you withholding from me?” His voice had become noticeably colder and you nearly winced at the hint of distrust masked in his words. 

 “I should have told you sooner, Lord Ieyasu…” You hands twisted together, unsure of how to proceed, but found yourself quickly cut off.

 “Out with it. I haven’t got all night.” Bile was quickly rising in your throat, as was the heat in your cheeks.

 “I’m with child,” you finally managed to confess. At the same time, something seemed to snap within Ieyasu. 

 “Leave.”

 “Milord?” you asked shocked at his sudden outburst.

 “I said leave,” he spit the words at you. “Now. Get out of my chambers.” He was shouting before he even realized it, knuckles white as he clenched his fists. Unsteadily you quickly rose to your feet, tears already streaming down your face. You didn’t take the time to bow before fleeing the room and slamming the sliding door behind you. 

 ————————————

 Alone in his room, Ieyasu shoved his writing desk aside, scattering the cold remnants of tea and the dinner you had prepared. His head was spinning; your confession repeating in his head like a mantra.

A child. Hells, what had he done? Of course he knew this was a possibility all along. He wasn’t so naïve as Tadatsugu seemed to worry at times. None-the-less, a part of him had half wished he were sterile. A foolish wish for the head of a clan, but one he dared to dream at times regardless. His own childhood had been hellacious enough that the thought of trying to raise a child was not one he dreamed of at all. 

Would his child have to face a similar hell? What would happen should he fall in battle or the Tokugawa clan be over taken? He was not immune to defeat after all. Mikatagahara had seen to that. 

If he were to fall his son would likely be killed or sent as a hostage to a rival clan. He himself had lived the life as a hostage and could only imagine the cruel fate of his own issue. Would he be tortured? Left alone with no one but himself? A shudder ran down Ieyasu’s spine as unwanted memories flooded in. 

What if it was a daughter? The life of a hostage was still a possibility albeit different. Her fate likely entailed her marriage to a man far too old with little regard to her other than as a vessel to bear children. The chances of her being treated with kindness were few and far between. 

Ieyasu had seemingly been frozen in his spot since you had fled his chambers. Slowly rising, he made his way past the mess of food on the tatami to the sliding door. As he pushed it open he let the cold breeze of the night wisp into the room. The wood of the veranda sends a chilly jolt through his body with each passing step as he mindlessly made his way around. 

Guilt slowly builds in the pit of his stomach for the way he spoke to you and for the fate that you would face should he allow you to raise his child in Mikawa. 

He could send you away. Send you home to Kyoto. There you could raise your child in the protection of normalcy. No one need know that it is his; the babe of Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu. Together you could live an average life in your family’s restaurant. He could send ninja to watch over your from a distance…or he could leave you alone entirely. Unburden him from knowing your fate. Or perhaps burden him all the more in constant wonder as to your wellbeing and that of his child. 

A sudden unexpected thought nagged him. Could he even be certain the child is his? After all, you didn’t explicitly state that it was his. You only said that you were with child. He had to catch himself on one of the wooden pillars of the veranda to stop him from stumbling into the garden bellow. For a moment, the blind rage he had experienced earlier returned at the mere notion that the child you bore was another man’s. 

A sharp intake of the biting air brought him back to his previous reality. No. This child was his, he was sure of it. He could already imagine his golden curls framing kind eyes that matched your own on the face of his unborn child that you carried. 

An unexpected longing took hold as he imagined watching you play together in the garden in the warm summer sun. As quickly as his rage and come and gone, he felt the prickle of tears well in his eyes and begin to cascade down his icy cheeks. 

Hells how he longed to hold you and your child in his arms; to see your smile and feel the warmth of your presence. He had hardly realized it when he reached your door that he had been drawn to you all along.

“Y/N…” his voice rasped, heavy with sorrow and guilt for the way he had acted. “I’m coming in.” He didn’t give the option to deny him entry nor wait for a response. 

Sliding the door open he found your candles still lit, but your form huddled on your futon; tear marks staining your cheeks and asleep. Gently he slid the door closed behind him and slipped down beside you. Slowly he began to reach out to wake you, but stopped himself before he could touch your sleeping form. 

“I’m sorry…” he muttered instead. “I’m so sorry. I’m afraid.” His own tears continued to fall towards his balled fists resting in his lap. His words were quiet. Timid. Apologetic. 

Little did he know that you weren’t actually asleep. Holding in your hiccupped sobs as best you could you listened intently as he confessed to you his fears. 

“Ieyasu…” you finally cut him off while rolling on your side to face him. Your hand reached out to grasp his own and you could feel him stiffen. You watched as his eyes went wide and his rambled muffling of his fears ceased. 

Slowly you pulled yourself up to meet his amber eyes. For a moment you study him intently before pulling him towards you in an embrace. His face buries in your chest and you can feel his tears slowly seeping into your kimono; your own tears steadily wetting his hair. 

“I love you…forgive me…I was…afraid.” His voice is low but it reverberates into your skin. You can feel his guilt dripping from each word and pull him closer. 

“I love you too; please let me stay by your side.” As if knowing he had considered sending you away…again…you slip in the last bit. 

Ieyasu’s fingers grip into your back tighter, pressing your bodies impossibly close. 

“I will never let you leave me.” Resolute, he pulls away just enough to meet your eyes as he says it. “Is that understood?” 

Biting your lip to hold back a sudden sob, you nod in response. Deftly Ieyasu pulls you in for a brief kiss. His lips perfectly capturing your own, he holds you close. 

“Let’s get some rest. I can’t have you putting my child at risk by not getting enough rest.” 

You had taught Ieyasu to trust many times over. He was afraid, but in the warmth of your arms he knew that together you would be all right. 

[slbp-secret-cupid]

For M Xiong - a mixed media portrait of Genya! - @pendingreply

Title: Gains and Grains Alternate title: Lifting and Legumes Optional subtitle: Lazily Lustful Legume Layabout 

[slbp-secret-cupid]

@rubird--playsotome

[slbp-secret-cupid]

Happy Valentines Day to @otomeprincessstuff!!! I hope you like modern mitsunari!! :DD 💕💕

[slbp-secret-cupid]

Aphrodisiacs (Nobuyuki/MC, 18+)

Happy Valentine’s Day, @meruchan!! I am your Secret Cupid~ I’m here to deliver you some Nobuyuki love~ I know you were hoping for something M-rated/smutty, so I tried my best to insert a couple of steamy scenes, haha! I’ve never actually written smut before, so hopefully this turned out okay!

Also, it’s been a looong time since I’ve written something, so I’m sure everything’s all over the place! Since I’m just trying to get back into the swing of writing again, any comments would be appreciated! :) Enjoy!

APHRODISIACS

PAIRING: Sanada Nobuyuki/MC

RATING: 18+ (contains some smutty descriptions and adult/sexual topics)

~*~*~*~

“WHAT?!” Umeko exclaimed. “You’ve been dating for over a month and you STILL haven’t done it?! How is that even possible?!”

“Now, now, Umeko! Maybe he’s just being a gentleman…?” Matsuko interjected as she gestured for Umeko to calm down.

I could only cringe at Umeko’s outburst – not that I blamed her for her reaction, since I was starting to get concerned myself. It was already a shock to me that I was even dating THE Nobuyuki Sanada! He was the heir to an illustrious family business and I was but an apprentice cook at a small, though well-known, Japanese restaurant. He frequented the restaurant often as a customer, and, somehow, we had hit it off and eventually started dating almost two months ago.

“Yeah, he’s been nothing but a gentleman, in fact,” I responded with a sigh. “Maybe it’s because he knows I’m a virgin and doesn’t want to rush me… But, to be honest, I want him to try something with me!”

“Have you tried telling him that?” Umeko asked. “Sometimes you just have to get straight to the point!”

“Well… I’ve been too embarrassed to say anything. This is my first real relationship, and I don’t want to come off weird, you know,” I replied, feeling my face heat up with a blush. Really, I was mostly embarrassed at the amount of time I spent fantasizing about him in inappropriate ways. He really didn’t need to know that.

“Hmmmm, yeah, you don’t want to look too desperate either, I guess,” Matsuko added with a nod.

We all fell silent as we pondered my dilemma. After a few seconds, I opened my mouth to tell them to not worry about it, but was interrupted by Umeko snapping her fingers with a gasp.

“I’ve got it! I just remembered this article I read in a magazine!! I still have it in my purse – hold on!”

Umeko scrambled off my couch and dashed over to her purse, nearly colliding with the wall in her excitement. Moments later, she pulled out a popular tabloid I’d often seen at the checkouts at the grocery store and dropped it into my lap.

“Here, I’ll lend it to you. There was an article in there about natural aphrodisiacs and it lists a bunch of food that apparently makes you super horny! Why don’t you try cooking him up a dinner with some of those aphrodisiacs and get him in the mood! You know, seduce him!!Maybe that will jump start him to, well, jump you!”

“Oooh, seduction might not be a bad idea! Nowadays it’s totally normal for the girl to make the first move, you know!” Matsuko chimed in, having seemingly forgotten her previous comment about not looking desperate.

“Seriously?!” I exclaimed. It’s not that I hadn’t heard of aphrodisiacs, but I just didn’t think they were actually real. Besides that, me seduce him?! I already felt way out of my league!! He was always so calm and collected, I couldn’t even imagine him falling for any kind of seductions!

“Well, just read it first and decide! You never know!” Umeko giggled.

All I could do was sigh and reluctantly accept the magazine. Once I’d promised to give the article a read, our conversation moved on to other topics and it wasn’t long before our girls’ night ended and Umeko and Matsuko went home.

Alone now in my apartment, I settled down on my couch and started to flip through the magazine. It was aimed primarily at women and contained various articles on skin care, fashion, diets and of course… love advice. I blushed as I landed on an article about the newest sex toys. Though I’d heard about them from my friends, I’d always been too shy to buy one myself. I couldn’t help but skim the article out of curiosity. It was a review on a new product that was aimed at virgins – apparently it was designed to help ‘train’ women who were nervous about having sex for the first time.

I could feel a blush spread across my cheeks and the skin on the back of my neck prickled. I ignored the warm feeling that spread through my abdomen and quickly flipped to the next page.

“Here it is… ‘In this edition of ‘The Lover’s Guide’, we’ll introduce you to thirty natural aphrodisiacs to spice up your love life!’” I read out loud to myself, cringing at how corny it sounded.

However, despite my doubts, I started reading the article, mostly fueled by my own desperation. The article listed out various food products that would, apparently, increase one’s sex drive while explaining the ‘science’ behind it. Oysters apparently contained zinc, which is supposed to boost the male sex drive, and amino acids, which can trigger increased levels of sex hormones. Chocolate contains 'feel-good’ chemicals phenylethylamine and serotonin. Certain spices acted as sexual stimulants. The list went on and on.

As I read more of the article, I soon found myself forgetting my skepticism as the culinary side of my brain automatically started piecing together a menu using these ‘aphrodisiacs’. Soon, I was already making a mental grocery list and thinking of how I could plate and present each course…

~*~*~*~

I had just placed the plate of dessert into my fridge when I heard the doorbell ring.

“Coming!” I called as I stripped off my apron and hung it up on its hook. When I opened the door, I came face-to-face with the handsome, smiling face of my boyfriend.

“Good evening,” Nobuyuki greeted before leaning down to kiss me chastely on the cheek. Leaning back, he gently handed me a bouquet of vibrant red roses. “For you. Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“They’re beautiful! Thank you!” I exclaimed, cradling the bouquet gently as I stepped aside to let him inside.

“I also brought a bottle of champagne,” Nobuyuki added as he shut the door behind him. He slipped off his shoes and placed his work bag on the floor. I couldn’t stop myself from admiring his broad shoulders through his perfectly-tailored shirt as they shrugged off his coat.

“Is something wrong?”

I was suddenly snapped out of my ogling by Nobuyuki’s voice and I realized that I hadn’t moved since he’d come in.

“Sorry, I was just distracted! Are you hungry?” I asked, turning my back to him to hide the guilty flush on my face. Trying to distract myself, I walked into my kitchen, intending to look for a vase for the flowers.

However, a moment later, I squeaked as I suddenly felt Nobuyuki wrap his arms around me from behind.

“I’m famished,” he breathed into my ear. I shuddered as I felt his breath on the back of my neck. All too quickly, though, he let me go with a chuckle and made his way over to the dining table.

“Gr-great!” I stammered. This man was not good for my heart!! “Because I prepared a lot of food!”

Taking a deep breath, I opened my fridge and prepared myself for… the worst? The best? I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect, but, well…. here went nothing.

I reached into my fridge, pulled out a bowl and set it on the table. It contained raw oysters laid out on a bed of ice chips.

“Oysters?” Nobuyuki breathed, his slender eyebrows raising in surprise.

“Yes, they were on sale! So, I thought it might be nice to indulge!” I quipped, sitting down across from him and setting down a plate of lemon wedges and a couple of small serving plates. “Umm, you don’t dislike oysters, do you?”

I raised my eyes to study his face nervously, but he simply smiled back at me gently, his head tilting slightly to one side with the gesture.

“Not at all. I just wasn’t… expecting it. I’m happy to eat anything you make for me.”

“Well, that’s a relief! Help yourself then!”

I knew that any effects from the food wouldn’t be instantaneously, but I found myself holding my breath anyway as I watched Nobuyuki reach for an oyster. He squeezed a few drops of lemon juice on it before delicately raising it to his mouth. My mind automatically flickered back to the magazine article I had read earlier last week. Not only were oysters full of zinc and amino acids for boosting the sex drive, it was said that oysters were also sexually appealing because of the sensual way that they were eaten.

That article couldn’t have been more right. It was as if my brain was running in slow-motion. My eyes fixated on Nobuyuki’s mouth as he tipped the oyster into his mouth. I was acutely aware of every movement of his lips as the oyster moved past his lips and I could feel a hot coiling feeling ignite in my stomach as he made a slurping sound. My mouth went dry as he made an appreciative sound – moan, it was a moan, my brain screamed – and licked his lips.

God, those lips… I couldn’t even count the amount of times he’d kissed me breathless with those lips. He was an amazing kisser, and I couldn’t help but wonder how it would feel if those skillful lips kissed the rest of my body. Especially between my thighs.

Before I knew it, my brain flashed to an image of Nobuyuki’s head between my legs. He would moan, as he had just now, as his tongue languidly licked along my folds. I could hear wet, slurping sounds as his lips sucked at my pussy, drinking up the juices flowing out. I had never felt so wet before, and I couldn’t tell whether the wetness came from myself or was simply his saliva. Then, suddenly, I gasped as he teased a finger between my wet lower lips, pushing in as he continued his ministrations with his mouth.  The sensation made me groan and I could feel another gush of hot liquid flow out as he reached in deeper with his finger. I couldn’t help pressing myself against his face, pushing him in deeper—

“You’re not eating?”

“S-sorry! I was just waiting for you to try the first one!” I yelped, my mind slamming back to reality at his question.

I couldn’t believe that I had just did that!! I mentally slapped myself for suddenly drifting off to fantasyland and reached for an oyster myself. Instead, I forced myself to make small talk to distract my brain, and soon we had finished the oysters, along with some of the champagne. I then pulled out the next course from the oven.

“Baked salmon with asparagus,” I said, placing Nobuyuki’s plate before him.

According to the article, salmon contained omega 3s which are linked to serotonin boosting your happiness and mood. Meanwhile, asparagus is rich in vitamin B6 and folate, which are said to increase arousal and orgasm. Not to mention their suggestive shape…

“Oh, I also tried making it spicy – since I know you like your food on the flavourful side,” I added. Chili peppers apparently stimulated the release of endorphins and generated physiological responses in the body similar to those experienced during arousal, like sweating and increased heartrate.

“Ah, that definitely has quite a kick to it,” Nobuyuki commented as he finished several bites of his salmon. “I’m certainly feeling the heat, now, haha.”

He put down his fork and knife and loosened the collar of his dress shirt, undoing the first couple of buttons. My eyes automatically followed the sudden motion of his hands and followed the ‘v’ of his slightly open shirt. I could see a light sheen of sweat along his neck, which was slightly flushed. My gaze moved up to his face, staring at his parted lips as he fanned himself lightly with his hand. The look on his face instantly sent another shot of heat down to my privates and I shifted uncomfortably in my seat.

I couldn’t help but wonder if this would be the expression he’d make in bed. Perhaps he’d look like that, covered in a light layer of sweat, with locks of his soft hair sticking to his skin and lips parted in pants as my hand moved along his shaft. I imagined him groaning my name as I stroked him up and down, keeping my grip at just the right pressure for his abdomen to tense underneath me. Just when beads of pre-cum start dripping out, I dipped my head down to cover his tip with my mouth. I flick my tongue over his head, lapping up the beads of liquid, relishing in the gasp that escapes his mouth. Then, I slipped my grip lower as I took in more of him into my mouth—

Oh my GOD, STOOOOOP!!! I screamed at my mind, shaking my head as I quickly went back to my meal, attacking my salmon with a vengeance.

I thanked the magazine article for giving me the idea to use chili, as the heat from the food gave me an excuse to hide the blush on my face. I felt my face get even warmer as I realized that I could feel a slight wetness between my legs. How was it possible that I was this turned on?! Maybe there was something to this aphrodisiac business…

Though I was feeling heated, when I glanced over at Nobuyuki, he looked completely calm, the heat from the chili seasoning long gone. He had finished eating his portion already and was casually sipping at his champagne while watching me with hooded eyes and a light smile. It was a familiar expression on him, and I often caught him looking at me this way, though I never could figure out what he was thinking. One thing was for certain, though: this look always gave me butterflies.

“Do you still have room for dessert?” I asked, trying to distract myself from drowning in that smoldering gaze.

“Certainly. What’s on the menu?”

“Well, since it’s Valentine’s Day, I really wanted to do something with chocolate! And I saw this fondue set on sale at the department store the other day, so – chocolate fondue!” I responded as I cleared the dining table of our dinner plates.

I then quickly put together the fondue set and started melting the dark chocolate I had bought. I then pulled out the plate of fresh fruit that I had painstakingly prepared. The article had cited chocolate as an aphrodisiac, which made it a convenient fit for our Valentine’s dinner. I had also relied on the article to pick out many of the fruits on the platter. Those fruits apparently contained certain vitamins and minerals that were supposed to elevate energy levels and promote positive moods – which would lead to being in the mood.

“Ah, the fruits look delicious,” Nobuyuki commented, already swiping up a strawberry and popping it into his mouth.

I smiled at his boyish behaviour. He was always so put together, but, when it came to dessert, he always let his guard down just a little bit. I would have never expected him to have such a sweet tooth – and he was especially partial to fruits.

“Strawberries, bananas, cherries, mangos, pineapples… and what’s this?” Nobuyuki asked, pointing at the small round balls sitting with the fruit on the platter.

“Oh, they’re cinnamon doughnut bites. I thought it might be nice to toss in a different texture.” I responded. The real reason, though, was that cinnamon had also been listed in the article as an aphrodisiac. Apparently, the spice produced heat within the body and facilitated sexual arousal.

“Doughnuts, hmmm? Yukimura would be jealous – he loves doughnuts.”

“Oh, I made a lot – you can take some leftovers for him, if you want.”

“Thank you, I think I will. It’ll be a nice repayment since I borrowed something from him earlier this week.”

As soon as the chocolate was melted and ready, Nobuyuki immediately picked up one of the doughnuts with his fingers – completely ignoring the small fork I had put out for him – and dipped it into the chocolate. However, instead of putting it into his own mouth, I found the chocolate-covered doughnut dangling in front of my lips.

“Say, ‘ahhhh’,” Nobuyuki said, his eyes narrowing in a smile.

I couldn’t help but blush a little as I opened my mouth. Nobuyuki popped the doughnut into my mouth and I felt my lips and tongue brush against his fingers before he moved them away.

“Oh my, looks like I made a bit of a mess,” he remarked, looking at his hand. Perhaps he had dipped the doughnut into too much chocolate, or it had simply dripped down onto his hand when he had fed it to me, but bits of melted chocolate covered his fingers.

Without another thought, he brought his hand to his lips and began to languidly lick the chocolate off his fingers. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from watching the movement of his tongue lapping over his fingers – the motion was far more sensual than it had any right to be. Whether it was caused by the cinnamon on the doughnut or something completely more primitive, I immediately felt a burst of heat through my lower abdomen.

It was going to be a long night….

~*~*~*~

As I stepped out of the washroom, I saw Nobuyuki slip something – it looked like a card – into a gift bag. He then capped the pen he was holding, stowing it back into his pocket.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t stay later, dear one,” he murmured apologetically as he shrugged on his coat. He had suddenly been called back to the office to deal with an urgent work situation, so our night had been cut shorter than expected.

“Oh, please, don’t feel bad! You can’t help it if an emergency comes up. I’m just happy that we were able to finish eating dinner!” I responded, leaning into the kiss he placed on my cheek.

“I’ll make it up to you next time,” he said with a smile before handing me the gift bag. “This is for you, by the way. Please do open it after I leave. I hope you’ll enjoy it.”

“Thank you, Nobuyuki. Flowers and a present? You’re spoiling me!”

“Not at all. Giving this to you may as well be a gift for myself, my dear.”

After slipping on his shoes, he turned around and suddenly I found my face caught between his large hands. A second later, he pulled me in for a kiss. His lips hungrily moved over my own and the soft, pleasant sensation made me moan before I realized – my body still felt hot and bothered and this kiss was doing things to me. I felt his tongue push past my slightly parted lips, deepening the kiss, and I could taste the lingering flavour of chocolate. I was desperate to taste more of him, and pressed myself further into his kiss, but he suddenly pulled away.

“I have to go, now,” he said with a small smile.

Though he sounded apologetic, I could see a teasing twinkle in his eye – he knew exactly what he was doing. He chuckled as I tried to glare at him, but my scowl quickly turned into a smile when he gave me another peck on the cheek.

“Good night, Nobuyuki. Drive safe!”

“Good night. Don’t stay up too late,” he responded with another smile. Then, he left, and I was alone once more in my apartment.

I let out a sigh. Well, there went that plan. I had hoped that he would stay the night and that my aphrodisiac-laden dinner would entice him into finally making a move on me.

Feeling sorry for myself, I picked up the gift bag Nobuyuki had given me and pulled out the tissue paper. I immediately saw an envelope and pulled that out first. I opened the card that was inside and was greeted with Nobuyuki’s neat, flowing script along with a folded piece of paper.

The card itself contained a short and sweet message from Nobuyuki wishing me a happy Valentine’s Day. I then unfolded the piece of paper – it looked like it had been a page ripped out of his notepad or day planner – but, as I read the message, I felt an odd feeling of dread flood through me.

'Happy Valentine’s Day, dear one. The other day, I was reading an article in a magazine that I found in Yukimura’s room. There were some fascinating articles that were quite enlightening. One of those articles gave me the perfect idea for your Valentine’s Day gift. I’m sorry I couldn’t stay to witness you opening your gift. I would’ve loved to see you try it out. I’ve left the magazine for you to read the article yourself as it’s quite informative. I’ve bookmarked the pages for you.’

I immediately looked back into the gift bag as I felt my heart race faster. Sure enough, there was a magazine tucked against the inner siding of the bag. My hand trembled slightly as I pulled it out. It was the exact same magazine that Umeko had lent me, and there were two sticky notes sticking out of the pages.

I flipped to the first sticky note and found myself face-to-face with the article about the sex toy for virgins. I immediately felt heat rush simultaneously up my face and down my neck. Seriously?! A second glance into the gift bag revealed a discreet black box labeled with the name of the sex toy. I wasn’t sure if I should feel flattered or embarrassed.

However, as I flipped to the second bookmark, I decided that I most definitely felt embarrassed.

The second sticky note was stuck on the article about aphrodisiacs and written on said sticky note were the words: 'Thank you for dinner.’

END

[slbp-secret-cupid]

Ieyasu and MC Valentines Day Story For [email protected]

My eyes swiftly opened up upon hearing the sounds of a certain someone getting dressed. My lover, oh how embarrassing that is to say, was putting on her fresh kimono. She was oblivious that I was awake until I said in a loud tone, “Isn’t it time to get up? Why didn’t you wake me you dullard?” After hearing me suddenly yell at her, her body jolted up. MC quickly replied with, “I didn’t wake you up because I thought you needed more rest after doing so much work last night! Besides, it’s incredibly early, Ieyasu. I have to head off to the kitchen in order to start off breakfast. Now, if you’d excuse me, I’d like to go work!” How dare she raise her voice at me! I thought to myself. “Oh really? Fine then, go about your duties.” I snapped back. After a brief couple of seconds passing by, MC broke the silence by suddenly walking out. “I never can understand her.” I mutter to myself, unable to hide my desperation of wanting to seek out what she’s truly feeling.

A time period of two hours went by and the thoughts of Valentines Day popped up into my mind. MC had mentioned it to me once or twice before but now that we are lovers, it suddenly became obvious that she indeed wants a Valentines gift. “How utterly stupid.” I grumble while walking towards the kitchen. It was indeed February 13, so I had decided to quickly gather up my thoughts of what her present shall be. My plan was to take her out, stroll through the shops, and then get her a present. The whole plan was thought of relatively smoothly, but i couldn’t help but  be revolved around the thought of the worse outcome; what if I couldn’t get her a gift? Instead of listening to my thoughts, I pushed them out of my mind and continued strolling into the kitchen. MC was making teriyaki salmon and it indeed smelled pleasing. “Is that for me?” I asked, peering into the bowl that had the ingredients made for the teriyaki topping of the salmon. MC replied with a casual tone, “Yes, it’ll be ready soon. Why did you come into the kitchen?” “We are going out.” I finally muttered after a short period of watching her cook, my tone accidentally making me sound irritated. My last response was the ending of the conversation since I walked out as soon as I said it.

  It took MC a total of 30 minutes to finish dinner, get ready, then walk her way down to my room. We both took our currency and headed off down into the shops. MC’s eyes kept darting back and forth between shop to shop, examining which shop she wanted to go to next. My hand quickly found hers before she could walk further though. “So you don’t get lost.” I muttered. My face was disgustingly getting red and her face was as well. Her smile quickly became apparent and made me feel weird inside, what the utter hell was this feeling? Continuing on down the street, her eyes locked onto a purple necklace marked with a soaring price. The utter disbelief of not being able to get the necklace must’ve gotten to her since it was readable on her face. “We can’t afford it so let’s come back over to this shop another time.” She suggested, her voice was high and cheerful but I could see through it. We ended up not getting anything, but I was already planning in my mind to come back while she was cooking later on throughout tomorrow.

  The rest of the next day, Valentines Day, proceeded with endless boring jobs to do and getting on Tadatsugu’s ass about him annoying the utter hell out of me; I managed to pick up the necklace after being with Tadatsugu though, so thank God. After all this nonsense, I decided to check in on MC since I was free tonight. Before I could even get there though, I saw her appearing around the corner. “Oh, Ieyasu! I was going to see you in your room, where are you going?” She wondered, her eyes glistening in the moonlight while she maintained eye contact. I didn’t reply, instead I gripped her hand and led her back to my room. When we arrived, I led myself over to a small jewelry box on top of my table that had scattered papers everywhere. The box had inside the necklace my lover had wanted yesterday afternoon. Instead of saying what was inside the box, I thrusted it out towards her and expected her to instantly get the memo. She blinked several times then proceeded to quickly uncover the box. A gasp left her mouth as she gazed upon the necklace she was just admiring a day before. “It’s so beautiful.” She gushed, her smile beaming straight at me. My eyes quickly focused on something else so I wouldn’t have to see her bothersome, dullard smile. The light from within the room glistened across the necklace, showing off its pure natural beauty. I realized she hadn’t put it on yet, only examining it, so I decided to place it around her neck.

  MC’s neck was cold yet amazingly smooth, but I didn’t tell her that. I’m not one for expressing emotions easily so I dodged around complimenting her and went right onto examining the necklace once I fastened it on. “Thank you so much, Ieyasu! But…I didn’t get you anything because I was-” She didn’t get a chance to finish due to my lips fastening on hers, my tongue reaching itself through her mouth. She was stiff at first but she accepted me. The moans escaping her mouth made nice entertainment since it’s so fulfilling to hear her subconsciously beg for more. My body moved hastily, quickly disrobing and draping itself over MC. Nothing could stop this sudden urge to hold her in my arms and give her all of me. The thrusting and pumping of my vital organs and body made me disgustingly drenched in sweat but I didn’t give a damn. MC and I were polar opposites but her love for me made me open my curtains to see her standing there, with her dullard smile shining a light upon me and my unmerciful soul. Her eyes showing love for me and her beautiful body staring at me made me suddenly yell her name one last time, then I collapsed next to her. When I turned over and saw those bright eyes of hers, I knew today was Valentine’s Day.

[slbp-secret-cupid]

The ways I love you

A/N: Hello @quincette !!! I’m @mandakatt!

And here’s where I admit that when I got the note that I was writing for you, I about freaked out for an hour. XD

You were one of the first blogs for SLBP I followed, and I have adored your writing for ages and a day…so…here’s hoping this is much to your liking!

Happy Valentines day! 

Characters: Sanada Nobuyuki x Reader Theme: Fluff Setting: Modern AU Wordcount: 1546 Summary: Unsure of what to get Nobuyuki for Valentines day, you decide to write down 100 reasons of why you love him on small origami hearts. But instead of putting them all in a jar, you leave them in other places for him to find…

The warmth of the morning sun started to rouse you from your slumber, and with a frown, you rolled away from the light that played across your eyelids. Groaning softly you nuzzled gently against the warmth along side you as you gave off a soft, pleased sigh. You were pleasantly sore all over. Your skin still tingled with all the marks he’d left along your skin and you shifted again. Once more nuzzling into him only to hear him softly chuckle and move enough to place his hand at the back of your head. Slowly petting his fingers over your hair.

“Good morning, Dear one,”

You groaned quietly in reply, only go smile as he laughed and gently buried his nose into your hair and pressed a kiss to the crown of your head. He gently drew you in closer, his fingers slowly making their way over your hair.

“I take it you are not willing to rise and shine?”

“…coffee first,” you mumbled against his skin. “Then maybe, I’ll rise.”

His deep rich chuckle caused you to slowly tilt your head back to look up at him as he asked you softly. “But you refuse to shine?”

“…maybe…”

“That is where you are wrong,” and he moved his hand from your hair to gently cup your cheek, petting his thumb slowly against your skin. “You shine no matter what it is you are doing. Brighter than any star I could wish upon…” and he laughed again at your soft groan.

“It’s too early for—” anything you were about to say as a rebuke was cut off by his kiss, that caused your eyes to flutter shut. It was soft and languid. And you couldn’t help but smile into it a little before he broke it.

“It is never too early. Especially on Valentines day.”

Opening your eyes to look up at him your smile grew when he pressed a kiss to your forehead. “Are we still on for dinner then this evening?”

“Of course we are. I have cleared my afternoon schedule and should be home by six.”

Sitting up gently on your elbow you looked down at him, taking in the relaxed expression upon his face. It was something you relished in, because this was something that he only shared with you.

Nobuyuki was always on that could hide his emotions behind that perfect smile of his. The smile that could charm a room. But this. This was something that you were only allowed to see. The way his blue eyes seemed to dance with mischief. Or how the corners of his lips turned upwards and his eyes gently crinkled just so with his real smile.

“I look forward to it then…” and you dipped your head, attempting to kiss the corner of his mouth.

He surprised you before you could kiss him by threading his fingers up into your hair at the back of your head to turn it gently the way he desired to kiss you properly. He moaned softly into it, sending a gentle shiver down your spine, before he pulled away.

“I could simply call out today…”

“You could, but we both know you won’t.”

“My father’s company, though it may be, would not miss me for a day.”

“Hmn, maybe, but would you feel right leaving your meetings this morning in the hands of Yukimura?”

“Saizo should be there…”

“And with those two, this idea doesn’t scare you?”

“No.”

“We both know that’s a lie.”

“…I am no match for you it seems.”

“No, you’re not,” with a bit of laughter in your voice you kissed his nose then slowly slipped from his grasp to get up from bed. Pulling your nightgown back over your head you turned your head to look back at him. “So, I’ll go get breakfast started.” and you quickly left the bedroom before that smile could tempt you back into bed.

By the time he had gotten showered and dressed, you had breakfast waiting for him on the dining table. He came up behind you and gently brushed his lips against the back of your neck, smiling against your skin at your soft giggle. You turned about in his arms and kissed him gently.

“Mmn, you’ve had your coffee I see.”

“Yes, for now I have risen,” you kissed him again then slipped out of his arms, knowing full well it was a dangerous place to be if you wished to get ready for work. “Enjoy your breakfast, and I’ll see you tonight.”

“Of course, Dear one.” he stepped close and pressed another gentle kiss to your forehead. “Please say hello to your Mother for me.”

Watching you leave the room he sighed softly. Part of him wishes that he could have spent the day in bed with you, but. He was supposed to be the responsible one. Glancing down at his breakfast he smiled. He found a small folded origami heart near his plate. Picking it up he tilted his head curious, when on the back of it he found a small note from you.

“Have a good day at work.”

With a chuckle he tucked it into his suit coat pocket, then glanced at the time. He was going to be late if he didn’t hurry. Eating quickly, he scooped up his briefcase from the seat nearby and rushed out the door.  

But that wasn’t the only paper heart he would find.

Throughout his day he found them pretty much everywhere he went.

There was one in his briefcase, tucked gently into one of the folders he needed for his morning meeting; “Good luck!”

Another, was gently tucked within his lunchbox; “I made your favorite!”

A third had somehow found its way into his desk’s top drawer; “Just because.”

Each one brought a genuine smile to his face. All in all, he found almost one hundred of them. Each having a different message written by you upon it, and all of them in places where he was sure to find them. Though he was positive he looked silly snooping about his office for them, but he couldn’t bring himself to care.

Upon his arrival home he was quick to unlock the door, eager to see you and have you in his arms. Wanting to remark on the little game you had made for him, he paused just inside the door. You were waiting in the living room for him, hair and makeup done to perfection with the gown he had picked for you for dinner. And he found his breath stolen at the gentle smile you gave him.

“Welcome home.”

Dropping his briefcase at the door he made his way across the room, and gently reached out for you. And once he felt your fingers in his he drew you into his arms, burying his nose into your hair as he held you oh so tightly against him.

“I am home, Dear one.”

With a chuckle you gently pressed your hands to his chest, pushing him back just enough to look up at him and smile. “Did you have a good day?”

“Yes,” he replied simply, flashing that smile he only shared with you. “I found the small hearts you left for me.”

“They weren’t just hearts,” and you chuckled at the slight bit of confusion on his face. “You read them, yes?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Then you found almost all the ways I love you.”

His brows furrowed slightly a moment till he realized what you had done. You left love for him everywhere he went. Not so much in the ways of just saying the words that you loved him, but small things to make him smile and to remind him that you were there.

“I wanted to get you something for Valentines day, but I didn’t know what to get you,” you mumbled softly as you smiled up at him. “And I had heard about putting the hearts in a jar, but I figured, the small hunt for them might make things just a bit more interesting.”

“Interesting indeed,” he smiled. “I am positive that I must have looked half mad to Yukimura and Saizo when I was searching for them in my office.”

“They kinda helped me hide them, so…probably.”

“That explains how one magically appeared in my desk then.”

“Ah,” you chuckled softly the hummed. “Though, there is still one more to find.”

“Oh? And tell me, Dear one, where should I start looking?”

Without a word you moved and pulled one of the small hearts from inside your dress that you had tucked near your left shoulder, and offered it to him. He blinked at it a moment, before he chuckled again and gently took the small red heart from your fingers. Turning it slowly he glanced up at you, then back down to the heart, to turn it over; “I love you. Nobuyuki.”

Huffing out a soft laugh he looked up at you, and before you could say a word he gently cupped your cheek, that small paper heart still in the palm of his hand as he leaned in to kiss you. He let it linger, before breaking it to rest his forehead against yours.

“And I you, Dear one. Forever, and always.”

[slbp-secret-cupid]

The Good Student

Dear @kazesuke, I heard you like fluff! Here’s a theme park sized bag of cotton candy! Starring Yoshichi! Thank you for being an awesome part of the fandom!

For Yoshichi, a trip to the capital proves to be a valuable learning experience in the art of love. Especially when he finds an unlikely tutor. But will the prize he eyes land him in hot water instead?  

“Why are you always so loud when we go to the capital?”

“Because we don’t get to come here very often!” Yoshichi’s eyes sparkled like precious gems as he peered around at anything and everything that caught his attention. “There’s so many pretty girls here too!”

“We aren’t going to be here that long…” Kagetsugu pointed out stoically.

“But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try, does it? I always stay cooped up in the castle and I’ll never meet a girl there! I don’t want to be a bachelor forever!” The whine in his voice aged him significantly as they walked down the street.

“You do have a point there. But even if you find one willing to talk to you, there’s no way you could charm your way into her skirts.” Kageie teased him before a sour voice chided them all from behind.

“Need I remind all of you we are here on official business as representing the Uesugi clan?” A reflexive flinch across the board.

“Now, now Kanetsugu. Yoshichi does have a point. He isn’t going to be our bright-eyed little brother forever! He could do with some practice.” Lord Kenshin cut in with his approval much to Kanetsugu’s chagrin.

“Need I remind YOU why we are here?” He glared at his liege lord with no less harshness than he would a common samurai among their ranks.

“Yes, yes. Official summons and all that. But all work and no play makes Kenshin a dull boy, would you not agree?” He gave his right hand a winning grin. All it got him was a deeper scowl.

“If left to your own devices it would be all play and no work makes Kanetsugu prematurely grey.” With one hand firmly affixed to Kenshin’s collar he started marching down the road again.

“Sounds like Kanetsugu needs to have a little fun while we’re here.” Even though Kageie whispered to Kagetsugu directly, his snide remark wasn’t missed.

“I HEARD THAT!”

Once they were finished attending lord Kenshin for the day, the trio decided to go to one of Kyoto’s famous restaurants. It was clear from Yoshichi’s slouch and disinterested stare he wasn’t enjoying himself.

“Are you still thinking about getting a girl?” Kagetsugu poked Yoshichi in the forehead until he was sitting straight.

“Yeah…” Yoshichi immediately slumped down again. “How am I ever supposed to practice if there’s no girls around to practice on? Now’s the perfect time!”

“So go do it?” Kageie lounged lazily on his side eating dango.

“Easier said than done!” He dramatically lamented as he got to his feet. Suddenly, one foot was out from under him and he was falling to the floor.

“First, catch them off guard.” Kageie’s delivery was completely deadpan as he held Yoshichi mid fall.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to go around tripping people to get their attention…” Yoshichi was stiff and awkward as a board in Kageie’s arms. Meanwhile, Kagetsugu snickered in the background.

“Once you have their attention, you go in for the kiss…” Kageie gave Yoshichi an alluring look.

“No way, Kakki!” Yoshichi flailed trying to get free as he guarded his mouth with both hands.  Kageie held him fast in order to deliver his last piece of advice.

“If they don’t respond the way you want, drop them.” Thunk! Yoshichi was immediately sprawled out on the floor. Kagetsugu could barely contain his laughter as Kageie returned to his lounging.

“Is that really how it’s done?” His beseeching voice and pleading eyes made Kagetsugu stop laughing.

“Absolutely.” His face was a picture of seriousness.

“Then I guess I should go give it a try…” Yoshichi was visibly uncomfortable as he left, fidgeting at his sleeves.

“You don’t actually think he’s dumb enough to try that, do you?” Kageie shrugged the one arm he wasn’t learning on.

“If he is, whatever happens is his own fault.” Kagetsugu missed in agreement.

Outside, Yoshichi chewed on his lip and wiped his sweaty palms on his hakama. He looked around trying to figure whose attention he could “catch” and when.

“If you are so nervous as to the consequences, perhaps you should reconsider what you are thinking of doing.” A stern voice made Yoshichi jump so high he hit his head on the low hanging eaves.

“Owe… owe… owe…” He deflated as he gingerly rubbed his head. “Was it really so obvious how pathetic I am?” He turned to the source of the voice, coming face to face with an older samurai. One eye brow was quirked slightly above emerald eyes.

“What makes you say such a thing?” His expression took on an unreadable state.

“My friends gave me advice about how to get a nice girl, but I couldn’t even bring myself to follow it!” His gaze sank to the ground making his shoulders slump even more. A low chuckle made him feel even worse.

“Is that what this is about?” He pushed Yoshichi upright again. “I have a bit of experience in that regard. Perhaps I can expound on their advice?” The tension seemed to leave the young samurai as a smile forged across his face.

“Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“Not at all! We can talk about this over dinner.” The older samurai placed a gentle hand on Yoshichi’s shoulder to pull him out of his deep bow.

“What sort of advice did your friends give you?"  The older samurai, who introduced himself as Kagetsuna, gave Yoshichi a kind smile to urge him on.

"That I should catch them off guard by tripping them. Then go in for a kiss. If they don’t respond how I like I should drop them.” Kagetsuna choked and coughed on the smoke from his kiseru.

“Please tell me you didn’t think that was sound relationship advice.” All formality in Kagetsuna seemed to evaporate as his bangs fell in his face from coughing.

“Well no. But I didn’t have anything else to go on. So… I thought I’d give it a try.” The look on Kagetsuna’s face made Yoshichi whither into his cushion.

“My first piece of advice is to reconsider who you call your friends…” He pinched the bridge of his nose as he said so. After a deep sigh, he continued. “Do you have an idea of the type of person you’d like to be with?”

Yoshichi gave it careful thought before answering. “Someone my age with a kind heart. Where I’m from we’re very close to the people. They’re very important to my lord. So, they’d need to be willing to ensure our people are cared for. And someone strong… Oh! And good with kids! I have a niece you see. Oh! But it would be nice if they spoil me sometimes so I could spoil them back!” He gushed like a mountain spring until a soft chuckle made him stop. With pink cheeks he went on bashfully. “Sorry.”

“It’s good to know exactly what you like. The best place to meet someone like that is among the people. If you’re looking for a young lady from Kyoto, I suggest you avoid the parts of town where visitors frequent.” After saying as much, Kagetsuna went on to point out parts of town to avoid.

“What should I do if I find someone I like though?” The young samurai was fraught with anxiety again. Kagetsuna was convinced he would fray the hem of his sleeves before long.

“Take them by surprise… with a compliment.” He emphasized the last word with a pointed look. “Avoid superficial compliments. If you enjoy her kindness, compliment her on something nice she did.”

“Right!” He nodded earnestly. “Once I have their attention, what do I do?”

“Ask for their name?” Kagetsuna seemed amused.

“Right!” He nodded earnestly again.

“Then offer to treat them to tea. Let them set the time and location. If it is later, offer to pick them up or meet them somewhere so you can go together. If they accept, express your happiness without appearing too eager.”

“Right! Then what?” He was practically leaning across the table in his enthrallment.

“When that happens, come back to the inn across the street and ask for me. I’ll be glad to assist you from there.” Kagetsuna gently pushed him into a sitting position again.

“Right…” He placed his hands in his lap and looked away bashfully. Kagetsuna chuckled again. Yoshichi looked at him worried.

“You remind me of someone. Nothing bad, I promise.” The soothing lilt to Kagetsuna’s voice put Yoshichi at ease immediately.

“I should get back to my room before my brother gets to worried… He has his hands full as it is right now.” He bowed deeply once again. “Thank you very much for your help!”

“I’m actually heading out myself. I’ll accompany you as far as I can.” Kagetsuna got to his feet and followed.

Almost as soon as his feet hit the road, Yoshichi jumped. A booming, angry voice making him shrink. “So here you are. Off on a dalliance with some poor, unfortunate young lady you will simply leave behind without a care.”

“What? No! That’s not what happened!”

“Doors are for passing through, not loitering in.  Someone needs out.” He gave Yoshichi a stiff yank by the collar so Kagetsuna could come out. “Please forgive my brother and his ineptitude.”

“Think nothing of it. I rather enjoyed his company.” Kagetsuna’s amused smile and vague statement was bound to cause a misunderstanding. Thankfully, he went on. “He had some fairly interesting notions for how to woo a love interest. I simply set him straight.” He wrest Kanetsugu’s hand from Yoshichi. “Fine young man you have here.”

Yoshichi stared blankly at Kagetsuna’s back, shoulders quaking with barely contained laughter, as he walked away. Somehow, that made the misunderstanding worse.

“Brother…”

“Who was that man?”

“Kagetsuna. Listen, brother, he was just giving me advice!” Though Yoshichi pleaded, his brother was having none of it.

“Call it what you will, just spare me the details of your love life.”

“Loooovveee???!! It’s not like that at all!”

“Enough! I have to get back to the inn before lord Kenshin wanders off again…” Resigned to not resolving the misunderstanding just then, Yoshichi followed with head down and feet shuffling through the dirt.

The next day, Yoshichi booked it as soon as they were done with their duties. He made a bee line for a part of town Kagetsuna suggested.  His mentor did not disappoint. Even a cursory glance told him this was where the locals lived and worked. He followed the chatter to a small restaurant. His vacillating outside was abruptly ended by a jovial clap on the shoulder.

“New to town?” A genial older fellow looked at him kindly.

“Yes. How is this restaurant?”

“One of the best in town!” Without further explanation, he shoved Yoshichi through the door.

“Whoa!” He staggered a few steps before spinning around and falling on to a seat.

“Oh! Hello!” A bright, though slightly confused smile greeted him when he looked around. “Welcome to our restaurant! Please let me know when you’re ready to order!” Yoshichi absently nodded and she walked away.

“She’s single, ya know.” The same genial young man gave Yoshichi a playful punch from across the table.

“I don’t even know her name!” A bright blush painted his face as he spun around to sit at the table properly. The older fellow laughed.

“Then you should fix that!”

“Maybe… I should decide what to order first…”

“Absolute Victory bowl.”

“Excuse me?”

“That’s what you should order. It’s said to bring good luck on the battlefield to those who eat it. What greater battlefield is there than love?”

“Well I wouldn’t go quite that far… It does sound good though.” He jumped when a cheerful voice pulled him out of his thoughts.

“Are you ready to order?”

“Oh! Yes!” He glanced nervously at the old man. “An absolute victory bowl, please.”

“Coming right up!” She turned to the old man.

“Just dango and sake for me.”

“All right! We’ll have that out shortly!”

It was later in the evening and the only people left in the restaurant were Yoshichi, the old man, a young woman, and a few rowdy drunks. Yoshichi ate his food quietly as he mustered up the courage to ask the waitress her name. A harsh admonishment brought his attention to the drunks.

“You should unhand me, pay your bill, and leave.” The ice in it seemed at odds with the brightness that previously colored it.

“Come on sweet stuff. You know you want a real man to show you a good time.” In one fluid movement, she turned the tables on him by taking the arm that held her and twisting it behind his back.

“Please don’t make this difficult.” She held her ground until the other two at the table got up.

“I don’t think there’s any need to be hasty.” Yoshichi had an uncharacteristic sharpness of tone and look as he got to his feet. “It’s rude to come into a place like this and behave like that. There’s plenty of places to do that around here without causing trouble.” Out of instinct, his hand went to his sword. The men all looked at him with menacing scowls but he stood his ground, somehow.

“Fine…” The other men head towards the door, tossing money unceremoniously on the table as they went. The waitress released the final thug and saw him out. Once they were gone, Yoshichi collapsed into his seat with a sigh.

“That was very brave. Thank you for backing me up.”

“Oh no! I think you were calmer about it than I was!” Yoshichi held up his shaking hands with a self-deprecating smile on his face.

“Still, at least let me cover your meal as thanks.”

“Oh no! I couldn’t!” Still she insisted. In the end, Yoshichi ended up leaving the money under his bowl and leaving before she found it. Positively beside himself, he headed back to the inn.

“Someone looks quite pleased with himself.” He spun around at the sound of Kagetsuna’s voice.

“I met a very nice girl today!” The smile on his face was quite contagious.

“Congratulations. Have you made it to the last step we discussed?”

“Not yet. I’m going to invite her on a date tomorrow!” Kagetsuna’s smile broadened in light of Yoshichi’s enthusiasm.

“I should like to hear all the details later. If you would excuse me, I have a date of sorts awaiting me.” With that they parted ways.

“I still do not approve of that man, but I won’t stand in your way…”

“Wah ah ah! Brother! Don’t scare me like that!”

The Uesugi clan found themselves with time off on the third day of their trip. Yoshichi used it to go straight to the restaurant just before lunch. He hoped by going a bit early, he would miss the crowd and have some time to talk with the waitress more. As he approached the restaurant, the young lady from the night before was walking towards him. Her face lit up with a smile when she saw him.

“Excuse me! I never got to tell you last night, but you were very brave.”

“Oh no. Really it was nothing! If it came to a fight, things probably wouldn’t have gone so well.” He blushed a little at her open compliment.

“Even so…”

“Oh! Are you reading something?” Her eyes went wide and she shifted the book behind her.

“No! Well yes! But it’s really … you wouldn’t be interested in it! Well it’s rude to keep you like this! BYE!” Off she went almost running. Yoshichi watched her running away bewildered. The sound of someone struggling brought his attention to the waitress. She had a large load in her arms.

“That’s quite the stack of boxes you have there!” He gave the waitress a wave as he approached. “Can I help you?”

“Oh no! I couldn’t impose on you anymore!” Her face lit up in recognition when she spotted him around the stack of lunch boxes.

“It’s really not a problem!”

“Oh… well if you really don’t mind…” Having gained her consent, he took half the lunch boxes. “You really are such a big help! I was afraid I wasn’t going to get these boxes to the workers in time!”

“Workers?”

“Yes! One of the families in the neighborhood lost their home when the roof collapsed. No one was home, thank goodness.”

“That’s a relief!” Yoshichi let out an audible sigh. “So, are these for workers rebuilding the house?”

“They are! The family has always supplied us with the best ingredients at fair prices. The relationship between our families goes back a long way.” She smiled brightly as she explained.

“It’s nice to see everyone coming together to help!”

They delivered the lunches, retrieving the boxes from the day before in the process. As they headed back to the restaurant, Yoshichi explained he had been coming back for lunch. As they took a short cut through a less traveled back street, he slowed down.

“Do you get the feeling we’re being followed?” She looked around thoughtful for a moment.

“I haven’t really noticed before now. But it does feel a bit off, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah… let’s hurry.” He instinctively took her hand and started on again at a faster clip.

“Yoshichi… it’s the men from yesterday.” He glanced over his shoulder then started looking for an escape route. He dashed down a side street and threw her down a dark gap between two houses.  She hid behind him as he watched the drunk thugs run by. When he turned around their faces were far closer than he expected. The distance was intimate compared to what he was used to, but hardly salacious. She, mostly unbothered by the situation, watched his cheeks turn a shade of red still visible in the dim light.

“Too close!” He repeated this with each slow step back. “I’m so sorry!” With that, he took off running out of sight. She tried to stop him, but he was long gone. It wasn’t until he was almost back to the inn he realized he had abandoned her in a dangerous situation. He dashed back the way he came. He came back to the side street in time to watch Kagetsuna dispatch the thugs with nothing but the butt of his sword and a fist. He marveled at the ease and grace with which he moved. Yoshichi could see why the waitress watched Kagetsuna move with every ounce of attention. 

“If you will wait until the magistrate comes, I’ll escort you back to the restaurant.” He had the same warm smile he always did with Yoshichi.

“Oh no. I couldn’t trouble you anymore than I already have.” Yoshichi walked away dejectedly, having seen more than enough.

He wandered the streets idly, kicking rocks as he went until he came across Kagetsuna again.

“I take it things did not go so well?” He had a knowing look that made Yoshichi crumble.

“As long as there are cool, strong guys like you in the world how are shy, weak guys like me supposed to compete?” A long, forlorn sigh emphasized how low he felt. Kagetsuna gripped him by the shoulders and pushed him upright.

“There is a season for all things, including failure. During this time you must accept your failures and learn from. That’s how you prepare yourself for the season in which you succeed.” Yoshichi’s brows furrowed for a moment as he took in those words.

“I can’t just wait around for the right season to come to me. I have to be ready for that season when it comes. Like when we stockpile for the winter…” His eyes got larger as the lesson sank in. “What can I learn from this?”

“That is the question, isn’t it?” Kagetsuna released his shoulders and smiled warmly.

“I think… I need to get stronger so I can actually protect the person I’m meant to be with. I can do that. An be try to be less shy.”

“What exactly happened?” The more Yoshichi explained the more Kagetsuna’s brow furrowed. Just as he finished a familiar voice called from behind Kagetsuna.

“Lord Kojuro! Oh I mean Kagetsuna! Damn…” Kagetsuna smiled bitterly and put a finger to his lips. He turned to face the waitress.

“It’s all right, my precious girl. It takes time to break old habits, does it not?”

“Yes, I suppose so.” She smiled warmly at Kagetsuna. “Oh hello Yoshichi! Was I interrupting?”

“Oh! OH! OH NO! NO! I was just leaving.” A terror stricken look on his face Yoshichi started to leave. Kojuro grabbed his wrist firmly. A stern look on his face. Yoshichi swallowed hard and looked up at him cautiously.

“Thank you for helping her out. She seems to have a knack for getting into trouble.” A smile on his face as he spoke, he released Yoshichi’s wrist.

“It was nothing really.”

“Are you sure I’m not interrupting?” She looked between the two with a confused look.

“Not at all. I believe I promised you a trip to the festival.”

“You did.” He offered his arm and she took it. Yoshichi gave them a forced smile and wave before turning to a tea house. He hadn’t gotten lunch, after all. While absently eating he mulled over what he could learn from his experience. Ultimately, he decided he ran away because he liked that waitress.

“I ran away because I liked her and I’m too shy…” Wheels started clicking in his brain and he almost dropped his chopsticks. “Then that means… Did that other girl run away because she liked me?” His forehead hitting the table drowned out the groan he made during his descent.

“Yes.” His head shifted to the side. “I ran away because I like you.” His head shot up so fast it made him momentarily dizzy.

“There’s a festival! Do you want to go?” She started laughing as he struggled to get to his feet to greet the voice’s owner.

“You skipped a step!” She hid her face behind the cover of a book. One she let him see this time. A beginner lover’s guide.

“I did? OOH! I did!” He stood up straight, smoothed out his clothes and gave her a formal bow. “Hello, My name is Yoshichi! What’s your name?”

“My name is…”