#templeofkitsune2020

[cailann]

Sengoku warlords as vampires, pt. II

Kenshin version here

This is my contribution to

@templeofthesilverkitsune

​. Please join in spreading some love to our local kitsune. More about it

here.

@umbralaperture @missjudge-me @datenoriko @mythiica @jennacat84 @aromantic-misguide-to-romance @vespeshadowmoon @in-words-of-what-maybe @rossyele @firepurplestar @shrimpalompa @all-my-cuffs-have-buttons @ozziegrl71 @crazyfreckledginger @the-hoe-dorus @sengokutrash @tinylittlehell @nad-zeta @lovingikesen @freakingoutmc @princessriver @darkfaerry @peter-pan-on-neverland @valfraeyja @masamune-archive @plumpblueberry @agustd54 @myselfornow @ikesensrandomninjagirl24 Seriously guys, talk to me if you want to be (un)tagged.. i dont bite (like clearly Mitsuhide), even if you want to be put off the list.

[venulus]

Chilly Mornings (Mitshide x reader)

Prompt: (by @thependragonwritersguild​) Lover: “You slept well last night.” Hero: “I was dreaming of us spending the day together.” Lover: “Then let’s make that dream a reality.”

(a/n): This is my contribution to @templeofthesilverkitsune​​ (Please, check out their post and let’s all show our love for this lovable fox)

 I’m so in love with Kitsuhide... it’s not even funneh TwT

Fandom: Ikemen Sengoku Reader-insert: Female Pairing: Mitsuhide Akechi x reader Genre: Romance Warnings: None Word Count: 570 Post Date: 04/20/20

          Feeling Mitsuhide’s slender, cold fingers gently brushing your dishevelled hair, stirred you from sleep on that chilly morning. Slowly, your eyes fluttered open and the first thing you saw was his fond smile and joy-filled, golden eyes.           “You’ve got bedhead.” He snickered, combing your hair with his dexterous fingers.           Your brows knitted together as a small pout formed on your lips. “Your hair looks as bad as mine… probably.” You mumbled, seeing his own tousled hair.           “Heh... heheh… Ahahahaha!” His melodious and contagious laugh brought a content smile to your face. He seemed to be in good spirits. “Good morning, my lovely wife,” he greeted, leaning down to press his warm lips on your forehead.           “Morning~” you lilted, humming pleasantly at his affectionate touch.           “You slept well last night,” he noted, smiling broadly at you as he snaked one of his arms around your waist to pull your closer to his chest.           Nuzzling into his chest, you took a deep breath, revelling into his musky scent and the welcoming heat radiating off his lean body. “I was dreaming of us spending the day together,” you murmured drowsily.           “Then let’s make that dream a reality,” he proposed. His sonorous voice was tender and soothing.           You tilted you head to one side, staring at him with puzzled orbs. “Hm?”           Mitsuhide shook his head playfully, holding a lock of your silken hair in between his digits. “Have you forgotten? I have the day off.” He brought the lock of hair to his lips, giving it a light kiss.           “Oh, that’s right!” You beamed merrily, giving his jaw a fleeting, feather-light kiss.           There was a glint of curiosity in the golden pools of his orbs as he gazed into your eyes. “What would you like to do, hm? Perhaps you’d like to go out for a ride, or would you like to walk through town together? Or, perhaps you’d rather stay in my arms for the rest of the day?” He inquired, tightening his hold around your body as he buried his nose in your honey-scented hair.           “As much as I’d like that, I’ve got some business in town in the afternoon. But for now… staying in your arms sounds nice.” You replied, basking in his warmth and affectionate ministrations.           He let out a satisfied hum. “It does, doesn’t it.”           Mitsuhide covered you with the blankets the moment you began shivering lightly in his strong arms.           “Are you cold? I know exactly what to do to keep you warm.” He let his sneaky fingers tickle your sides ever-so-softly.           “Hahahahah… stop! Ahahahahah, please! I’m warm, I’m warm!”           Your pleas and wails fell on deaf ears as your husband kept tickling you, showing you no mercy.           “I’ll stop if you promise to be a good girl and spend the day with me.” He snickered, stopping his torturous actions.           That was his exasperating way of asking you to let him go with you to town in the afternoon.           “You can come with me! Just don’t tickle me anymore,” you whined much to his delight.           “I’ll be good… for now.” He teased, flashing you a vixen grin.           Cupping your cheeks in his large hands, he leaned in to press a loving kiss to your inviting lips.           “I love you, little mouse,” he susurrated, breath fanning your face, before claiming your lips once more in a lingering, passionate kiss.           He thanked the Heavens every morning for having you in his life.

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[lorei-writes]

The song about Princess and The Fox

Mitsuhide x MC Fantasy AU This work includes suggestive content.

Summary: A short story of lovers - the Princess and the loyal servant to her house.

It’s very different compared to what I usually write. But well, it happened :) (Why is it that whenever I’m writing with Mitsuhide in mind, something funny happens??)  I wanted to include audio file as well, buuut... I can’t read. I gave up after an hour. I really can’t. It’s too hard. 

It was also written as my contribution to @templeofthesilverkitsune :D

Content warnings: none

She had a servant she barely knew – „a man of duty”, her father claimed. An advisor to her house, he was, this silver-haired man. Though young and of sharp mind, he never spoke a word, his smile thinner than a tip of a rose thorn. Yet all she could think of were the golden eyes, the secret kindness she saw at times.

At gloomy nights and on bright days, he was a mystery to her. Be it breakfast or while the supper would still last, he'd stand by elders' chairs – and sometimes, even if sometimes, she'd catch him glance her way. Challenged or allured – I am not the one to say – she came up with a plan, to understand the fox man.

She went into the garden, her father's entourage all dining there. Her parents were seemingly waiting for her as well. „ My daughter, what brings you to this place?” „ I lost my golden hairpin and came looking for some help.”

Without a doubtful thought, he lent her his men – and so, she got the Fox to walk side by side with her. She trilled and she chirped, as he wrote her notes – malice and mischief, those must have been in his oaths. Lovably spiteful, he teased her a lot, of her company he seemingly was fond.

The hairpin reclaimed, she felt so alone... The cheeky smile and pouty lips, the silver hair, the words of wits – all very dear, stayed with her long, the absence of source erasing all joy. Her heart beating faster, she went ahead, another sorrow troubling her head. Bothered and lost, she ventured out, silver moonlight dancing through her gown.

She came around, to see his face, yet her lungs spoke by themselves: „ Sir, your name I must ask for...” He shook his head, but seeing her blush, did mouth the sounds she craved to find. „Mi” - „tsu” - „hi”- „de”, he was – indeed, he was.

Somewhat confused, but oddly elated, she came back, her heart all in shambles. Sudden emotion, a curse of sorts, guiding her through the days to come. To be near and to be seen, two of the things she'd wished to be – yet hardly had known, not only she, was hoping for these. „Princess”, a dreadful word, indeed.

The weeks had passed and she got closer, the half-everythings causing her to wonder. Love or  loyalty, which one was that? Half-touches, half-words, half-glances – half-alive.

Mostly convinced, yet somewhat unsure, she snuck out to meet him, to taste the truth. Moon hanging high, wind played in her hair, the stars shining bright – not brighter than her. Her robe too thin, the frost licked her skin, painting it over with bloom from within. Clutching her chest, she banged on his door, the need to know warmer than snow.

The hinges creaked, as it moved back, the yellow flames replacing the black. Very confused and puzzled no less, he rushed her inside, too sleepy to jest. His book in hand, he wrote her a note, asking, why would a mouse sneak into his home.

Angry-exhausted, she just looked up, her hands on his collar, pulling him down. One glance in his eyes – his lips on her lips, the caresses sweet, to banish the chill. Her hands on his body, craving for more, the heat from within igniting her whole. Her clothes on the floor, their weight on the bed, the silent moans filling the air.

She lay in his arms, the sun soon to rise, the night ending fast, light hiding the stars. She put on her robe, yet still looked back, the trouble inside hurting her bad. Gritting her teeth, she uttered the words: „ Let's run away, here there's no hope.”

Spring had begun, warm winds playing tag, defrosting both rivers and all the small towns. The days long, stretching well into nights, the couple had no time to discuss the plan. Absence of touches, of snarky remarks, had caused her to whither, a plant without light. He, however, was no better, his face just a mask of wellness, crafted by the life of sneaky endeavors.

The day came and so, they packed, soon leaving the vibrant castle behind. Through branches, and bushes, and high grass – forward, just forward, just not to leave tracks. The whinny of horses coming from all sides, they soon were surrounded, no hope to fight back.

Guilty of innocence, he pulled her closer, resting her head against his shoulder. Through leaves and branches, the light snuck in, causing the steel to gleam. Angered, protective – who knows how Fox felt? His hand hoovered over her head.

His palm to her ear, he opened his mouth – yet, the guard was the one to shout: „ Release the Princess!” But then, he spoke – the words of brass, of trumpets and storm, the terror of doom, unlike anything before. Scared for their lives, as in mortal danger, the soldiers fell down - they fainted.

The Princess and Fox... Who knows what had happened? Whatever they did... Huh

***

They sat further away from the bonfire, the people around them laughing and simply enjoying the harvest festival. The story coming to an end, she giggled. „ What do you think about it, hmm? My Fox?” His eyes narrowed, as he looked at her. „ Some parts were a bit overdone,” he gestured in response, not a single word leaving his lips.

Tag list: @datenoriko , @nad-zeta , @tsubaki3192 , @choi-jiyu , @missjudge-me ,  @ikemencrossedmyth , @briars7 If you want to be tagged under my future works, let me know (any way works)!^^ Also, if you have some preferences (for example: you’d rather not be tagged under some series, etc.), please, tell me. 

[zeetasposts]

A Kitsune Easter

Hey, there loves! I can't believe i just hit 100 followers, like whaaat. I just wanted to say thank you so so much to all my followers for the support and love! I love each and every one of you! I made this lil Easter story as an appreciation post for all of you and cause i realized Mitsu's route is basically being released on Easter! Once again thanx to everyone i have no words to describe how happy i am! 

Also, take note this is my first real story story/drabble/fanfic I’ve ever written so it might be pretty shit lol oooh well you live, and you learn 

Fandom: Ikemen Sengoku

Pairing: Daddy!Mitsuhide Akechi x Mommy!reader

Genre: Romance

Word Count: 1227

Date: 6 April 2020

You were sitting in the shade of your favorite tree outside in the garden of your palace, watching your two little kits play in the sun. The two boys were the spitting image of their father, and just as playful and mischievous as he is. The only thing your children seem to have inherited from you is your imagination and creativity. Although this, combined with their playful nature, has proven quite troublesome. These two critters of yours and Mitsuhide would get up to all sorts of nonsense together, from painting little scribbles on the bedroom walls to drawing little doodles of butts on Mitsuhide’s important documents for laughs.

Thinking of all the shenanigans, your two children, have gotten up to in the past, sparked a kind of nostalgia of your own childhood. You thought back to the memories of you and your own siblings getting into all sorts of trouble for all the pranks you used to play on your parents. You and your sibling were probably responsible for your parent’s early greying. Perhaps Mitsuhide was right in stating that the children had gotten the mischievous streak from you rather than him. Thinking about your childhood had made you come to the sudden realization that an important holiday was fast approaching. Easter. You couldn’t believe you had almost forgotten.

That night as you and Mitushide tucked your two loves into bed, you decided to tell them a bit more of your childhood and the special holiday you used to celebrate. Their ears perked up at hearing the mention of a new bedtime story and scooted closer to their beloved mother, each laying their heads down on your lap. You and Mitshide would often tell the twins’ bedtime stories while gently tickling their backs to coax them to sleep. Mitsuhide was curious about this new story, his little mouse was to tell. He took his position behind you, snaking his arms around your waist and placing his head on your shoulder to join in on the family storytime. You gently started rubbing your children’s backs, closed your eyes, and started your story.

“Once upon a time, there was a fluffy bunny named the easter bunny……”. You told your sweet little kitsunes all about the Easter you had celebrated as a child. From painting and decorating rocks in the garden, to the magical bunny that would bring you candy as a celebration to the coming of spring. You told them that you had especially loved the eaters egg hunts you used to have with your siblings to find the hidden candy all over the garden. You couldn’t help but smile at your sweet childhood memories all flooding back as you told your story.

 Once you were done with the story, you looked down to see your sweet children had fallen asleep. You and Mitsuhide carried them to bed, tucked them in, and kissed their foreheads, while slowly making your way together to your own room to retire for the night.

Curled up together in the futon, you and Mitsuhide had started to plan your own version of the Easter holidays to celebrate with the children. You loved how accepting your husband was about the strange traditions of the future. The two of you cuddled up together while basking in your shared warmth and gently drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms.

In the morning, your sweet slumber was distributed by two noisy kitsunes snaking you and Mitsu awake. “Mommy, daddy, waaaake up!”. When Mitsuhide threw the blanket over your heads to attempt to get a few more minutes of sleep and peace, the two boys started climbing on him “Come onnnnn, wake up, daddy!”. “We want to paint and decorate the house in time for the Easter bunny.” Mitsuhide couldn’t help but smile at their enthusiasm. Mitsuhide slowly started getting up, dropping a sweet kiss on your forehead, nose, and finally lips. “Very well, them, however, let’s make some breakfast first and give your mother some time to get dressed and ready.” At the sound of their dad’s agreement to the plans of the day, the two kitsunes bolted out the room full of energy to get dressed and help their dad make breakfast.

Once everyone was dressed and fed, you gathered up all the paint and supplies needed to make the decorations. You and Mitsuhide couldn’t help, but exchange smiles at the cute decorations the two kitsunes were making. “My dear, I believe its time for us to slip out and source some Easter candy for the children’s hunt tomorrow.” You gently grabbed his hand and squeezed it. The two of you snuck out to the markets, leaving the children in the care of the head maid.

When the two of you arrived back home, you were met by a messy room and two sleeping kitsunes. “It seems they have tired themselves out, making this mess.” Mitsuhide just shook his head and carried to boys to bed, while you got started on making little candy parcels to hide in the garden.

At the crack of dawn, Mitsuhide slipped out of the warm futon and quickly hid the little parcels around the garden for the children to find. He nodded to himself at a job well-done and smirked while turning to get back to his beloved in the nice warm futon. He slipped back under the sheet and pulled you closer to him by the waist. He nuzzled into your hair, taking in your sweet scent and warmth. You turned around in his arms and stared up into his golden eyes that you love so much. You place a sweet little kiss on his nose, “Good morning, love.” “Good morning, little mouse” Mtsuhide tightened his grip pulling you closer to him while giving you an Eskimo kiss. 

The two of you could hear the faint sound of your two kitsunes sprinting their way to your shared room to wake you, and you husband up “I do believe our gremlins are awake and ready to hunt” you smile and” Never a moment with of peace with those two trouble makers.” You chuckled as your two kitsunes burst through the door and jumped onto the futon. Two pairs of golden eyes stared at the two of you while excitingly bouncing up and down, “Mommy, do you think the easter bunny came to visit this morning?” You looked at Mitsuhide, who gave the little kits his trademark grin and said: “Well, I do believe we should look around the garden to find out.” The two of you chucked; you had never seen your children run out the sliding doors so fast in your life.

Lazily you and Mitsuhide got up and stood on the porch overlooking the garden. Mitsuhide draped his hoari around your shoulders and pulled you into a hug and watched as your children ran around the garden, jumping for joy every time they had found a new parcel. You stood there in each other’s arms, smiling at the pure looks of joy on your children’s faces. You smiled up at Mitsuhide and kissed his cheek, “Happy Easter love.” Your children ran up to the both of you, showing off all the candy parcels they had found. They were so happy with the little treasures left by the mystical easter bunny. After seeing the happy smiles on your children’s faces, the two of you decided to make it a new family tradition to celebrate Easter together. Mitsuhide gave you the sweetest smile and kissed your temple,” Happy Easter, my dear, and thank you for introducing this wonderful to us.”

Thanx so much, everyone! I hope ya enjoyed it! @kickingasssince98 @templeofthesilverkitsune @towa-no-yume

[cognitivefunk]

The cropped version looks a bit better because honestly his clothes confuse the hell out of me, but I drew Mitsuhide~~~ 4/5/20

[theravenshade]

April 18, 2020

We stan one (1) fox man!

I really let this one get away from me, but I sincerely hope you all enjoy! Here's a kistune soulmate story!

@towa-no-yume @templeofthesilverkitsune

Rome padded through the village, early sunlight bathed the houses, plants, and homes in a warm light. She loved this time of day for it's silence whenever she would take a walk. This morning, however, wasn't quiet. She was making her way through town so she could go ahead and deliver a sewing commission that had taken her some time to finish. The family that commissioned the piece lived just about as far from her own home as one could get, so she was beginning the journey early so as not to have to walk home in the dark. The dark was dangerous.

Normally, Rome would be a little miffed at having to walk so far to deliver her work, but this family was wealthy and always paid well. They were frequent customers, and she would always use the money they paid her with so she could continue living independently, if she missed even one payment, she'd be screwed. A unique factor in delivering to them was their neighbor, a powerful man by the name of Akimasa Fujiwara.

Akimasa had taken a special interest in Rome, one that she originally wasn't sure how she felt about. Maybe she could like him if she gave it some more time, and it seemed innocent enough, right? Flirting, walking her home, or offering to pay for her meals whenever he found her eating in town. It seemed perfect, she wouldn't have to struggle on her own anymore. So why couldn't she pursue him?

She didn't love him. That's why. Something felt off about him that kept her from allowing herself to just dive into whatever life Akimasa had to offer.

When he realized that she wasn't going to surrender herself to him, things took their turn. Whenever she was out, so was he. He would always somehow find her in town. He showed up at her house unexpected.

Uninvited.

Thats when she made up her mind on him. Rome became pretty good at avoiding Akimasa in the hopes that he would just lay off one day and stop bothering with a woman who wanted nothing to do with him, but he didn't.

She looked up, the sun had risen almost to its peak and her feet had taken her all the way to the family she was delivering to. Akimasa hadn't tailed her yet, maybe he was out on business. The transaction was over fairly quickly and Rome was back in the heart of town soon enough with a red bag of coins that softly jingled in the sleeve of her kimono.

Her stomach grumbled and she bit her lip. Looking at the fabric stalls would have to wait for now, she hadn't eaten anything for breakfast and the consequences were appearing.

She hurried to a crowded teahouse and sat down. She quickly placed an order and tried to make herself as unobtrusive as possible so as not to attract any unwanted attention. A plate of dumplings was set in front of her before the server was swept away in the bustle. Rome smiled and began to pick one up when she felt the weight of someone's gaze, she looked up to do a quick sweep of the room when an arm slung around her shoulder.

"My dear Rome!" A voice boomed. She cringed away, holding back a sigh. "Come with me." Akimasa grinned at her, grabbed her hand, and less than gently brought her to her feet. "But I need to pay, and I haven't eaten yet.." Rome started to protest. "The owner owes me a favor." Akimasa turned her towards him with a soft smile. "No no..." Rome began. "I insist on paying this time, you always pay for me, please?" She found herself begging softly. Akimasa nodded, smile ever present. Her gave her hand a light squeeze and rubbed her wrist. "Of course, I'll be waiting right outside of the exit for you. I have special plans laid out for us today." She found herself agreeing just to get him away from her, she would come up with an excuse to cancel in the meantime.

The server returned soon after. "I hope you enjoyed your meal, how will you be paying today, miss?" He rushed out, clearly stressed by the amount of customers. "I have it right- here?" Rome reached for the money that she had just gotten from the commission and found herself grasping at air. "My money is gone!" She gasped. "It must've fallen out of my sleeve, oh, please let me go home to get the money-" Rome started pleading, genuinely upset. She had a bad habit of not tying up her belongings properly, it was bound to happen some time. "No!" The server snapped, quickly shedding his thin facade of pleasantness. Customers nearby began to notice the interaction. One black-haired woman began to shield her child's eyes, a golden-eyed man raised an eyebrow. "We have no tolerance for thieving women! You're not going anywhere!" He aggressively started towards her, rearing one hand back, when someone jumped in between them, blocking the blow. It was Akimasa!

Akimasa shoved the angry man away, getting in front of Rome in a protective stance. "Are you alright, Rome?" He turned around, genuinely seeming concerned. "That woman is a thief!" The enraged server pointed at Rome who was clutching tightly to Akimasa. "You heard her, her money was gone." Akimasa glared at the man. "I'll pay her bill." He stepped forward, slamming more than enough money on the table. "We'll be leaving now." Akimasa took hold of Rome's hand and she let herself go with him, anything was better than staying.

"Are you okay?" Akimasa asked again, softening his voice as he began leading her away from the teahouse. "I- I am." Rome nodded. "I can't believe I lost my money! I feel like such a fool. I needed that money!" She began to panic, without that commission money, she wouldn't be able to afford living by herself anymore. She was so in her head that she hadn't noticed that they stopped.

"Rome." Akimasa turned her to face him, using a finger to tip her chin up to look him in the eyes. "I brought you here because I need you to know something. I'm in love with you." She froze. In love? "Please, marry me."

The sight began to attract a few onlookers, but Rome payed them no mind.

She immediately began thinking up excuses. There was no way she could do this! "I have nothing to offer, without that money I will be out on the streets. You don't want someone like me." Rome shook her head furiously. "I could provide everything for you, and do it happily!" Akimasa got to a knee, urging her softly. Her resolve began to weaken. All she would have to do was marry him. That's what people did in this time. They married not for love, but for financial and social security.

The fear of dying a beggar outweighed what felt like common sense, alarms sounded loudly in her head, and she said yes. Akimasa got to his feet with a triumphant grin as a stranger walked by, accidentally bumping him by the hip as he tried to get past. Akimasa ignored him, choosing to crush her to his chest in a hug instead.

She heard a slight tinkle, so quiet it shouldn't have been possible to hear, but she did.

Her eyes drew a slow path down to where he had a pocket by his hip, red fabric hung out ever so slightly.

Very familiar red fabric.

The consequence of what she had done rushed down her body as if someone had poured cold water over her head, focusing on her heart. Akimasa had her money.

"You see, I just knew you would say yes, that's why I had already drawn up our marriage contract. You've been my wife since this morning, and you didn't even know it!" Akimasa announced boastfully. Rome knew at once that she was in a very dangerous situation, and whatever she said or did would have drastic consequences. She had to be smart.

"That's so smart!" Rome forced a beaming smile upon her face. "I was just ready to ask about moving in with you as soon as possible- but I don't have to wait past tonight." Akimasa was quite pleased he had managed to tame this woman after so long. "I love the way you think, Lady Fujiwara!" He clasped her shoulders. "Please, let me gather some of my essential items so I can meet you quickly at your home." Rome blinked hopefully at him, sick to her core that her family name had changed and she hadn't the slightest clue or given consent in any form. "Of course, this gives me time to put finishing touches in place. You have one hour." Akimasa smiled and sent her on her way.

It took every bit of strength in her body to not immediately bolt, she knew he was watching. Rome maintained a calm pace as she walked in the direction of her home, tears silently sliding down her cheeks. As soon as she was out of sight- she bolted. Not home. She could never go home. She ran for the forest.

Rome eventually slowed to a stop, sitting against a sturdy tree. She bit her lip and furrowed her brow, something felt off. She felt something in her chest. Was someone watching her? Had Akimasa managed to follow her without getting noticed? Rome clutched her kimono in her hands, ready to run as far as she needed to get away, but a low chuckle halted her movements.

She looked up, golden eyes gleamed in the low light, amusement filtering through them. Whoever this was, it wasn't Akimasa, he had brown eyes. Meekly, Rome began to speak. "Hello?"

"So the little mouse can squeak after all."

She could hear the grin in the deep voice that responded to her. "Who are you?" Rome frowned, tilting her head. "Are you from the village? I don't recognize you." She stayed still, body stiff. The stranger seemed to ponder his responses deeply before choosing to speak. "My name is Mitsuhide."

The man- Mitsuhide- walked forward. He was tall, with hair the color of pure snow. His eyes resembled the purest gold. Secrets swirled just under their surface, Rome could tell. He wore a primarily white kimono, the family crest was one that was unfamiliar. But ultimately, he was attractive. Very much so.

"Now, little mouse, what are you doing all the way in these woods? Haven't you heard that they're dangerous?" Mitsuhide raised a snowy eyebrow. "Trickster spirits are said to inhabit these lands, preying on beautiful young women as yourself." He grinned wryly, that smile stirred something within Rome. Anger, indignation?

Attraction.

Rome shook her head as if to fling the thought from her mind. No, she was upset, definitely upset. He was treating her like she was a child! "I haven't met any problem so far, I'd rather take my chances here than the village at the moment." She grumbled. "Oh? Is there trouble?" Mitsuhide questioned, stepping closer. The sly smile never left his face. "I don't understand why this information is necessary to you." Rome huffed. She didn't need to tell him anything!

"But it is necessary." Mitsuhide nodded. "Oh very necessary indeed. For I have just made my way out of your village on a check-up, and if something were to be wrong, I would need to know." He crouched down to her level and held out a large hand in offering. Rome stared at it and begrudgingly took hold. Shocks as strong as lightning pricked her hands and raced up her arms and down her body, but she could not let go. They seemed to hold the both of them together. The sensation dulled as he helped pull her to her feet with little effort, and her thoughts quickly drifted away.

How strong is he?

"I can never go back." Rome stated quietly. Mitsuhide halted for a fraction of a second, too short for Rome to notice. "I see. Would you care for an escort away?"

That was how Rome met Mitsuhide. He was from Azuchi, the left hand of Nobunaga Oda. The warlords of Azuchi castle had taken to Rome very quickly and Nobunaga was so amused by this new fireball that she was taken on as a new princess of the Oda. Rome protested, and while Nobunaga still kept her a princess, he allowed her to take up the role of chatelaine to soothe her adamancy at doing a real job.

Life had never been better, though she loved all of the Oda allies, one had always stuck out. Mitsuhide Akechi, the one who had brought her from her old life and into a new one. She began to truly get an understanding of who he was as a person, but she would never get over the teasing that left her red everyday. Yet, she found that she wouldn't change it for the world. They became fast friends, and she developed feelings just as quick. Sadly, Mitsuhide seemed to keep any feelings of his own hidden. She never saw any form of attraction on his end and tried desperately to keep her own concealed. Rome didn't want to appear the foolish, naive girl he would occasionally point out in his teasing.

She sat on the veranda, a needle and thread on her hands as she stared at the commission before her. She was awfully distracted, the image of a certain mischievous man danced in her mind.

The moon chased the sun across the sky until it was out of sight and the stars revealed themselves, twinkling down upon the woman with the needle. Rome had met Mitsuhide earlier in town as she bought the fabric she was currently working with. They had stopped at a teahouse she would frequent and just enjoyed each others company. He claimed she had a crumb on her cheek and brushed it away with his thumb with the grin now familiar to her, and watched as her face bloomed red like a rose, pleasant sparks traveling outwards from his contact. What wouldn't come to her mind until much later was that they had not even begun eating yet.

The sparks, oh the sparks.

Rome couldn't explain the sparks, he never mentioned them so she supposed it was just herself that felt them. They were no ordinary butterfly-in-stomach nervous jitters, they were actual sparks that she felt across the skin where they touched. It felt like when she sat on her leg too long and then tried to walk as her leg woke up. These sparks were unnatural, and she figured mentioning them might garner more than a few strange looks.

Rome looked back down at her latest work, gasping in disbelief. She was so distracted that she sewed the sleeve inside out! She let out a groan of frustration, a certain white-haired man wouldn't get out of her head, and she knew he wouldn't leave any time soon.

She sighed, leaving the kimono on the floor, and stood up with a stretch. She would take a walk through the garden to clear her head before she came back and went to sleep. Something in the woods beyond caught her eye, a flash of color through the trees. She couldn't make it out too well in the darkness, but curiosity got the best of her. She walked into the forest.

A tugging in her chest caused her to stop and look up. Rome's walk took her farther than she had planned, and she found herself in the woods. She grasped her heart, it was as if an invisible tether urged her to go back home. Before Rome could turn around, a loud snap from directly in front of her stopped her in her tracks. She looked up, eyes wide and mouth agape in horror, she cried out in distress as her eyes met brown ones.

----

Mitsuhide frowned, bringing a hand to his chest as he felt their soul-tether stress.

She must be far. Why?

Mitsuhide questioned himself as he stood up, ready to retrieve a certain mouse who had strayed too far from her den when their invisible tie lit up an alarming scarlet.

She is in danger.

Mitsuhide wasted no time in bolting from his room, following the string that led to his soulmate.

He had only just met her by accident when drinking at a teahouse in one of the neighboring villages. Mitsuhide took note of the man she was with and watched them very carefully. Watched the man obsess over her. Watched the man steal her money to look like a hero. Watched the man steal her life in the ways of the human world. All Mitsuhide did was make the man's actions a little clearer to protect his little mouse. Now that he had her, he would never let her go.

I've been too slow to introduce her to the world she really lives in.

Mitsuhide cursed himself, she was going to have to find out in a very difficult fashion.

----

"You whore!" Akimasa spit out, pointing his finger at her from where he stood. "I search high and low, I come to Azuchi and I find you!" He hissed. "All I wanted was to bring you home to my side where you belong! And you shack up with that random man like the prostitute you are!" Rome started backing up. Her eyes were wide and full of tears. "You're coming back with me, I don't care if that other man thinks he loves you, I'm the only man who gets to love you!" Akimasa was yelling, red in the face.

He must've watched us in town. Rome deducted. But why does he assume Mitsuhide loves me? Perhaps he saw my own love for him.

"You do not get to just stand there quietly and cry, I'll give you something to cry about!" Akimasa unsheathed the shortsword he always kept on his waist and reared it back. Rome threw her hands over her head and squeezed her eyes shut.

The tugging in her chest went away.

The blow never came.

She opened her eyes and choked on a gasp, there stood... Mitsuhide? It looked like him but...

"Kitsune!" Akimasa cried out. Rome saw that his sword had been bent out of proportion and tossed aside. Mitsuhide stood in front of her, turning around. The large, white ears on his head swiveled and his large tail twitched. "Are you alright, Rome?" It was a twisted parallel to what Akimasa had done at the teahouse that felt like ages ago. Only this time, she smiled.

Mitsuhide walked forward, cradling her in his arms. She had never felt so safe or protected. These circumstances were so strange, but everything just felt right. "I'll answer your questions later my darling, but right now, I need you to close your eyes and keep them closed no matter what you hear, can you do this?"

Rome nodded, looking into his golden gaze, beyond his shoulder she swore she saw another figure stride towards Akimasa, but she closed her eyes and leaned against Mitsuhide's warm chest, pressing one ear to it. The sound of his steady heartbeat did well to soothe her own. Sparks filled her body with a pleasant feeling as Mitsuhide hummed. He stroked her hair with one hand and placed his free hand over her ear to drown out the screams of pain that his illusion was drawing out of the man who had threatened the soulmate of a kitsune.