Author’s Note: Happy birthday, Yukimura! Here is my birthday celebration to you! 🥳
It was a very warm day in the land of Kai, despite it being landlocked by many mountains.
To have been able to return back to Kai so soon… It was a grand feeling like no other.
And this couldn’t have happened without the assistance of the Oda princess… the one he had a massive crush on, though he dared not to tell anyone. Unfortunately for Yukimura, everything he thought was plain to see on his face, so his friends were very quick to learn about his infatuation.
“If you need advice to win her over, why not ask me for some?” His lord Shingen questioned with a very clear teasing smirk, which caused Yukimura to frown.
“...No! I do not need your help in this! Er, I do not need any help at all! I am not interested in her!” Yukimura stammered as he nervously scratched his head, causing Shingen to let out a lighthearted laugh.
“That is not what that blush and smile on your face says. Why do you insist on lying to me, Yuki?” Shingen shook his head, finding his embarrassment very amusing. “She is coming to Kai soon on behalf of the Oda to see how we are settling down,” He informed him with folded arms, “I heard Sasuke was also going to stop by here, alongside the rest of our friends. Your birthday is coming up, so what convenient timing for them to show up in time for it,” Shingen chuckled as Yukimura averted his gaze. “I know you set this up…”
“Naturally. If I left you alone, you will never get married!” Shingen shook his head, as Yukimura once again became a blushing mess. He tried his best to keep his cool, though that was proving to be a bit more difficult the more he talked with his lord. Could he for once stop teasing him, and most importantly, stop treating him like he was a kid? He is a grown man, and was a grown man for many years now!
“W-Well, it is nice to see everyone again. It has been a while, hasn’t it?” Yukimura asked his lord, who nodded. “Yes, and it has been even longer since we have been in Kai,” He pointed out, his gray eyes taking in the sight of the land with great fondness. It felt so good to be back home.
“...You have yourself a real angel, Yuki, do not let her fly away from you. She has to be an angel to have peacefully come about a solution that befitted everyone,” He told him before parentally patting his shoulder. It was not a quick or easy process, but she had managed to not only give them back their homes, with Shingen as the rightful lord of Kai, she also helped resolve the issues of other disputes. She had a bright mind, and an even brighter heart. It was no wonder she had so many that were enamored by her, Yukimura included.
“I do not know what she is, but she is something…” He said with a big grin gracing his usually frowning face, which amused Shingen. “See? You are smiling at the thought of her. She is coming here, so show her the best sights around Kai when she comes here. But, be sure not to miss the birthday celebration in Tsutsujigasaki castle!” Shingen snickered, as Yukimura frowned up at him. “And who says I am going to do that on my birthday? What if I want to sleep in to prepare for the headache that the party will give me?” He huffed, as Shingen playfully rolled his eyes. “Just let her know how you really feel.” He advised him, before turning around. “I have some arrangements to tend to. You figure out how you are going to greet her when she arrives. To prepare nothing for her arrival would be in poor taste. She is a princess, after all, and I know I raised you better than that,” He told Yukimura before walking off.
‘Preparing for her arrival… What the hell would I do?’ Yukimura sighed as he paced back and forth. She liked clothes, so maybe he could get her something in red…
Kenshin, Kanetsugu, Sasuke, and even Yoshimoto had arrived earlier than Yukimura expected to Kai, and they all had knowing looks that bothered him very much.
“Where is she?” Kenshin immediately questioned him, as Yukimura folded his arms. “How should I know? And why are you guys here so early?” Yukimura frowned, as Kanetsugu answered him bluntly. “We want to see her presence embarrass you.”
“O-Oh, give me a break!” Yukimura blushed, as Yoshimoto fanned himself with a light chuckle. “How shall you finally tackle your clear infatuation for her? Will you clumsily confess to her? Would you pull off a surprising romantic proposal? I have some scribes on standby to note this grand occassion, where the boy becomes a man,” He smiled, causing Yukimura to glare at him. “I am a man! Can you all stop treating me like a kid?!”
“No matter what happens, you have my full support, Yukimura,” Sasuke gave him an encouraging smile, which made Yukimura sigh. He appreciated their clear support, but how did they catch onto him so fast, and why did they like to tease him so much about his crush on the Oda princess?
“Anyway, I got some things to take care of…” Yukimura turned away from them. “As do we. I have brought plenty of sake for the party. You better be glad I spared no expense to get the very best, Yukimura,” Kenshin smiled, while Yukimura sweated nervously. That sounded more like a threat than a birthday gift. Kenshin had a very… roundabout way of showing his friends how much he cared for them, but he really did mean well… in his own unique way.
Yukimura was no romantic, but he did know the Oda princess well. She was a good friend of his, after all, and maybe, just maybe, they could become more… if birthday wishes actually worked, as Sasuke claimed they did, then that would be his wish. He really liked her a lot, and he never felt this way towards anyone before.
“I know you do not like this, Muramasa, but just stay still until she arrives,” Yukimura told his wolf companion, who was currently nibbling at the fabric of the red yukata he was now wearing. Yukimura was also wearing a matching yukata, while holding another identical pair in his hands. He just got news that she would be arriving any minute, and he decided since she liked clothes so much, why not give her some clothes in his colors and insignia so she thought of him? He was talking with Sasuke, and apparently, wearing matching clothes was a great way to bond with someone.
When he spotted her from a distance… he felt his heart immediately start to drum heavily in his chest. Surely his cheeks were just as red as his outfit, but he did not care. He was so happy that she could make it, and just in time for his birthday celebration.
“Yuki! I am so sorry I am late, we had some delays on the way-” She began before she snickered at spotting Yukimura and Muramasa. “Are you two… wearing matching outfits?~ That is so cute!” She giggled, which made Yukimura’s heart flutter, before he hurriedly handed her the extra yukata.
“Yeah, and here is yours. Sasuke says that where you two are from, you like to follow the orders of whoever’s birthday it is, so I order you to wear this and match us,” Yukimura smiled, as she playfully pouted at him. “But your birthday is tomorrow!” She argued, “Yeah, but Muramasa doesn’t like wearing clothes for long.” He retorted back, as she puffed her cheeks at him.
“Fine… but only because I think this would be cute!” She pointed out, before hurrying to go somewhere in private to change into the yukata.
“Good job, Muramasa. Using your charms won her over!” Yukimura chuckled as he began to pet the wolf, who was more than happy to receive the pets.
When she came back… she looked absolutely stunning in the matching yukata, as she spun around, showing the fabric of it off. “How do I look?” She grinned at him, as Yukimura felt his jaw grow a bit slack, before he cleared his throat. “Uh… just like us…” He answered. He couldn’t tell her she took his breath away! Not yet, anyway! He was not Lord Shingen!
Besides, his lord has advised him that the atmosphere and mood had to be perfect for making a confession… not like he planned on doing one, though!
“So, I have to ask… why this?” She motioned towards their outfits, as Yukimura scratched his head. “Because I thought it could be fun… something special to do for your arrival, since you are a princess and all that…”
“Well, we have the whole day to ourselves. Why don’t I show you all the best spots in Kai? If we wait until tomorrow, I wouldn’t be able to show you all of it,” He smiled before taking her hand in his. “Sure, but let me just say something to my companions really quick-” She nodded, before turning towards the group she arrived with, and giving them a knowing nod. “Make sure to give all the items to Shingen, he would know what to do with them.” She informed them, as they gave her a nod back. Just what were the items? A delivery? Knowing his lord, he probably ordered many sweets to be brought in.
‘I do not know what I am going to do with you and your sweet obsession, Shingen…’ Yukimura thought with an eyeroll, before giving the princess beside him a smile. “If you are done, then let’s go.”
The next day, as he had expected, was full of many people wishing him a happy birthday. He started the day off with having quite the hearty breakfast with friends, and of course, a certain princess was in attendance.
“Lord Kenshin, the official party is tonight,” Sasuke informed Kenshin, who was already drinking sake. “So?” He merely frowned as he downed his cup. To the blond, there was no such as drinking too early.
“This was really not necessary, my lord…” Yukimura told Shingen with a sweatdrop, as Shingen waved him off. “I find it very necessary to treat one of my most loyal vassals well on his birthday,” He smiled, before looking at the Oda princess. “I have to admit, I feel quite envious that you have your very own goddess to celebrate your birthday. Perhaps I could learn a thing or two from you, Yuki,” He chuckled, which caused Yukimura to fume at him, his cheeks flushing in embarrassment at his teasing. Out of all times… why now?
Now, everyone was staring at him, including the princess, who also seemed quite embarrassed at Shingen’s teasing. Sometimes, he acted a bit too fatherly to him.
“...Let’s just eat before the food gets cold…” Yukimura huffed, before he started to dig into the food, with some of the food tasting quite different than the food he was used to, though it did taste delicious. It tasted… sweet.
Out of the corner of his eye, he could spot his crush looking at him with a big grin on her face, which just made him have to ask her a question.
“Why are you looking at me like that? Do I have something on my face?” He began to feel at his face, as his friends stared blankly at him, with Shingen shaking his head. “Oh, Yuki… where did I go wrong in raising you?” He sighed.
She merely giggled in response, and shook her head. “No… I am wondering what you think of the special ingredients I brought in? Many of the food you are trying now have honey in it,” She grinned, as Yukimura’s eyes widened. “Honey?... Is that your birthday gift to me?” He questioned her bluntly, which caused her to look directly into his eyes, and nod.
“Yes. I was trying to find something that reminded me of you, and when I saw this tub of honey at the market… it reminded me of you, and it gave me the idea to get plenty of honey for you birthday! It maybe can also make you a bit sweeter!” She chuckled, while Yukimura blushed heavily and desperately averted his gaze from her. “H-Honey? Who do I look like, Shingen? I am not the sweets guy!” He shook his head, trying to still the racing of his heart at her gesture.
“No. I got the honey because it reminded me of your eyes… your eyes are like the color of honey,” She answered.
Yukimura froze. Not only did she do something for his birthday, but she also got him something that specifically reminded her about something about him, his eyes?...
“Well, uh… thanks…” He nodded towards her, regaining eye contact, while she nodded back at him with a soft smile. That smile…
“Your smile is sweet like honey, too.” He smiled back at her, which just made her smile widen.
“If you two are going to be mushy, can you do it in another room?” Kenshin complained.
“Yes, go spend time with your goddess,” Shingen encouraged with a teasing grin, as Yukimura gawked at them, before immediately getting up, and going to grab for the princess’ hand. “Let’s get out of here,” He suggested, to which she had no qualms with.
In a room with just the two of them, Yukimura took a deep breath, as he went to hold both her hands gently in his.
“Sorry about them… They’re idiots…” Yukimura began, as she shook her head. “N-No, it’s fine… So… why did you bring me here away from them?” She questioned him before looking into his eyes, eyes that reminded her of honey.
Yukimura took a deep breath. He prepared himself mentally for what he was about to do next.
Quickly, he gave her a kiss on her cheek, before immediately taking interest in staring at the floor.
“I… like you. A lot. More than friends,” He informed her rapid fire, his cheeks now a deep crimson red. Was he doing this right?... Was he rushing this?...
“So… do you… want to be with me?... The honey is a nice gift and all, but I would prefer to be with you…” He bit his lip. He just couldn’t help himself but to keep blabbing. What if he just made her feel uncomfortable? What if he was being too forward?
A kiss on his cheek, however, eased all of his worries.
“...I was waiting for you to say that, you big dummy,” She smiled at him, as he immediately couldn’t help but retort back.
“Who are you calling dummy, dummy? I thought we were having something sweet going on here!” He bickered, as she happily began to bicker back with him.
He did not have to be anything but himself, and he felt like this was the best birthday he ever had.
characters: Ieyasu, mitsuhide, kenshin, shingen and yukimura
genre: angst with fluff end
warnings: suggestive on Ieyasu’s part, and mostly the boys being affectionate and showing how much they love you, also I think I went a little overboard with yuki and shingen ahahahha
ieyasu’s body froze when he saw you curled on the bed and hearing sniffles coming from you; following his heart, he walked towards the futon and embracing you with a tight grip he stood there until you calmed yourself, some time passed until you looked at him, puffy eyes full of regret and sadness, two feelings that he swore he would never let you to feel, but there you were.
a few moments before arriving at his manor hideyoshi called for him, the lord told him that early that day he was talking to you, and you confessed to him that lately you have been feeling that you weren’t worthy enough to be with ieyasu, hideyoshi tried to persuade you, but you were to blinded to see the real truth and that’s how everything ended up.
now ieyasu was looking at you with such a soft and loving gaze that you swore that never in your life someone looked at you in that way “don’t ever think again that you’re not worthy of being with me, you’re the person that I most love in this world and the only one I would ever” his voice was serious but his gaze held that intense gaze “I love you too Ieyasu and I’m so sorry that I made you worry” you said while trying to contain your tears again “don’t be sorry, now let me show you how much I love you” and with that you let yourselves get lost on the pleasure of your bodies, showing the love and the affection that could be said through words.
mitsuhide knew that something was wrong with you when he found himself another night in his room alone. few days prior he asked one of the maids if the saw you, and all of them had the same answer “lady (y/n) is on her room”, but it’s been three days since that and he still didn’t saw any trace of your persona. once he finished his work he went towards your room and knocked “who is it?” your voice was merely a whisper it was so weak that it wasn’t for his good audition he would thought that you were already asleep. you made him enter, his eyes widened at the sight in front of him, pale face and dark bags under your eyes, your lips were dried and your eyes didn’t had the same sparkle that he was used to.
“I don’t know who did this to you, but I’ll make sure that they will pay the price” his eyes were full of anger but everything stoped when you talked “it was me” you said “lately I’ve been thinking about us and that I’m not enough and that–” a pair of arms enveloped your tired body, even thought that you were on you bedroom for the past few days your energy drained at the feeling of losing mitsuhide.
“don’t” he whispered “if we have to talk in terms of who isn’t enough for each other, that one is me, but the merely thought of you being gone it breaks my heart” he tightened his grip on you “so don’t leave me, because you’re the only one I love”
walking through the garden kenshin saw looking at some flowers but something the way you looked at them seemed off the sadness and melancholy that were dancing in your eyes disappeared once you saw him and with a smile you made a sign to him to approach. a smile that didn’t reach your eyes.
“did something happen?” your eyes widened at his question “well…” you started “for some time I’ve been feeling a little bit down, sometimes I think about our relationship and how I don’t deserve you and that someday you’ll find someone better to be with”
you knew that kenshin wasn’t a man of words but actions; carefully he took your hands with his and placed them on his chest, right where you could feel his heart. “Im the one who should be saying this, I love you so much that sometimes I just want to lock you up somewhere were none would snatch you of my arms” his gaze met yours and you saw softness in them “so don’t ever dare to feel like that again” you laughed “but kenshin that doesn’t work lik–” “I told you to not” something in the way he said those words made you feel much better, because even if kenshin didn’t said out loud how much he loved you, instead his actions would always spoke for him.
it wasn’t any secret that shingen was popular with women, every time the two of you would go in town, many women approached him, and even though that you knew he loved you, there were some ladies that didn’t accept that.
it was a sunny day when you decided to go to the market and buy some new fabrics for your next work. everything was going smoothly until you saw a young lady approaching you with a innocent smile plastered on her face “you’re lady (y/n) aren’t you?” you smiled at her “yes, so you need something?”
“well it’s more that I want to give you an advice” she said while looking around and the approaching her face on your ear “before you realize, shingen will get bored of you and dump you as he had done with many other woman” even if she seemed serious the glint in her eyes told you something else “thank you for the advice” and with that you headed on the opposite direction where you came.
even if you wanted to keep your composure in front of the lady, something inside you made you question if what she said was really true. With her advice going through your mind you arrived at the castle where you went straight to your room. you of his popularity, who wouldn’t? you were only a normal girl who got stuck on a wormhole and went to the past, many ladies of this era were more worthy of being with him than you. your hands were trembling just like your lower lip, tears were on the edge of falling down, yes I’m another girl with whom he will be, and that’s all.
crying in silence, you curled yourself inside your futon, it wasn’t fair, your heart gutted so much and so your soul. too busy dealing with your burden, you didn’t realize the door sliding open and the figure of shingen entering. the sight he was meeting took him aback, his beautiful goddess, the angel of his life was crying if there was no tomorrow.
sliding the door closed, shingen appeared on your side on an inhuman pace, his strong arms met your body and your face on his chest. “shingen, I hope you can find someone on the future who can make you happy” your statement made his heart break, even if you couldn’t see his eyes started watering “how could you say something like that?” his voice sounded so offended “you’re my goddess and the person that I love the most in this world (y/n), seeing you thinking about yourself as someone who is just passing by in my life makes me want to cry, swear to my that you would never ever think like that again, I know my reputation doesn’t work on my favor but if I could see yourself the way that I see you I think it would make you change your way of thinking” his voice was low but the way he said everything without an ounce of hesitation made you want to bonk yourself to be so dumb and believe some random woman’s words “I love you (y/n)”
“I love you too shingen” and with that every doubt disappeared from your mind like dust does when the wind comes.
aah yuki poor soul, he was on the wrong place and the wrong time. since your birthday was approaching yuki decided to buy something that you’ve been looking everytime the two of you would take a walk near the shopping stands, it was a beautiful camelia brooch with a hair pin of the same color, but before purchasing it the flower of the brooch fell, the lady apologized to him saying that she would fix it before dark.
unbeknownst to yuki, you were on your room finishing a new kimono with a sad look on your face, something inside you made you feel like the world was against you, even if you tried your best to stay positive everything was blue. With the final touches were made you started to head out of the manor when you heard two maids talking between them.
“I just saw how he was giving the flower to that young lady” one said earning a gasp from the other “but yukimura-sama seems to love lady (y/n) so much… aah what should we do?” everything as silent until the first one talked again “perhaps… do you think he got bored of her?”
something broke inside you, probably that was right, it has been a while since the last time he came to see you, he always would make some time to meet with you, but lately he didn’t even bother to let you know if he would come. With your spirits down and a huge desire to cry you went back to your room and told one of the maids to deliver the kimono instead of you.
letting your body fell on the futon you eyes started to water and without even realizing you were a crying mess. on the other hand, yukimura was making his way towards the manor, when he saw on of the maids that you worked along with what it seemed a kimono, when the made saw him she tried to ignore him and change ways, yukimura stopped her; “did something happen?” the maid looked at him nervously, her hands shaking slightly “well… I think that there’s something wrong with the lady, but I don’t think it’s yukimura’s business, since you got tired of her” and with that the maid headed out.
Without a second thought yukimura ran to your room, where from outside he could hear you sobbing uncontrollably, he entered and sat next to you, his hand on each side of his body, his eyes wandering everywhere but you; his heart was aching. “look at me (y/n)” he said his hands now on your face “I don’t know what happened here while I was gone, but I swear that anything has happened” his eyes who were looking at the floor now connected to yours “I love you and I would never get bored or tired of you, I would prefer dying one hundred times before ever thinking about that, so please, believe me” you cried again, not because of the sadness that had left at the same time you saw yuki entering but because of your foolishness “I know yuki, thats why I will always love you too”
Comments: Eeeeek!❤🌈❤ HAAAAAAPPPY BIRTHDAYYYY lil BRYNNN! @ikemenlibrary 🌈❤ 🌈❤ hehehe hope you have a great day filled with all the food, love and blessing!!!! Love ya lots! Sending all the birthday sparkles and cheer! Hope you eat waaaay toooo much candy! ❤🌈❤
Once upon a time, in a kingdom far, far away, deep within the forest’s greens and just beyond the ocean’s blue, lay a beautiful young baby boy with bright, inquisitive eyes. A little blessing to the king, after many, many, many years of trying for his own son.
As if sent by the goddess of the moon herself, the king instantly decided to adopt the little orphaned babe left at the palace gates in the dead of night.
It was love at first sight for king Shingen, and the moment the little thing opened his hazel eyes, Shingen declared the child to be the first prince of the Takeda, heir to the throne. Of course, the kingdom rejoiced at the glorious news as a long-awaited heir finally appeared.
However, not all shared in the joyous sentiments
For deep below the claggy swamp, far beyond palace gates and walls, a bitter old fairy did live. Cast out after her first attempt to claim the throne, a bubbling plasma of hatred grew within her heart at the announcement of the news.
She spurred into action immediately, flying on her broomstick to pay the little prince a visit under the veils of night.
“Keep my seat warm, child, for out of the goodness of my heart I shall spare you and instead bestow onto you a gift,” a lie told, for no matter how wicked the fairy, when gazing upon the boy, the sacred vows of the fae played in her mind, and she was prevented from taking the boy's life.
“Though golden heart, may words not mirror thine sweet, pure exterior”; with that, a sprinkle of dust and wisp of air, the fairy touched his forehead and was gone. Satisfied that no woman would ever grow to love the child, ultimately ending the bloodline with him, she vanished.
True to her words, Yukimura grew to be a bright young man with a heart pure as gold and looks that could hold anyone captive. However, most had not known of his kind nature, saying he was “beautiful from far but far from beautiful,” a fact which had worried Shingen greatly.
That is, until one day.
On the city’s outskirts, far, far from prying eyes and chittering tattles, a woman ran. Of origin unknown, but the fair maiden ran and ran and ran until she almost ran herself over the cliff’s edge.
“Hey! What are you crazy or something running like a wild boar through the forest,” just in the nick of time, Yukimura abandoned his sword and caught the falling woman in his arms.
Her face flushed, and wide eyes stared up at the cliff above in disbelief, “that wasn’t there yesterday, I swear.”
“Uh-huh,” the prince huffed.
“It’s true!”
“Sure, whatever you say, crazy lady,” his shoulders shot up innocently, and despite the clumsy exterior and blunt words, he put her down on the ground with all the care and gentleness of handling a precious treasure.
“Wow, you’re a real prince charming, aren’t you,” she shot back at him gathering her fallen bag, not even giving Yukimura a second glance.
Although red stained the young prince’s cheeks and a stutter befell his lips, he turned on his heel with a “whatever” and disappeared on his way.
Not even a week had passed, and prince Yukimura found himself back in the familiar forest, this time with his companion by his side, tail swishing happily, as they walked along the beaten path.
All was calm until children’s laughter echoed through the forest and reached his ears just in time for him to clear the way for a charging boar. Or at least that was his recollection of their second encounter.
“Move you, big oaf,” she squealed, flaring her arms while an army of little ragged munchkins trailed behind. The stonewalled pup stood unmoving in the path sniffing the air to assess the coming danger. She sidestepped the hound just in time; however, her foot landed straight into a shallow ditch, causing her to lose her balance.
She grasped for strays thanking the goddess of luck for smiling upon her as she managed to grab hold of something, or rather someone. The gods rolled the dice, and the intimacy check was declined, causing an unsuspecting brunette to fall alongside her onto the dried grass. A choir of voices surrounded them with oooohs and aaaaahs, bringing warmth to both faces as they scrambled away like magnets.
Despite the fairy’s curse, the wheels of fate were already in motion.
The mere week that followed was uneventful. Well, not quite uneventful, as court members had been growing increasingly restless as of late. It certainly didn’t help that the prince was utterly hopeless when it came to the fairer sex.
Women rejected him without even giving him a chance. He tried to speak to them; truly, he did. But the words would just stumble from his mouth like a freight train, knocking down every unsuspecting victim that crossed its path.
The downcast prince sat on the cliffside, swinging his feet with upcast eyes. He wished the day away, rejection stinging his heart and shame welling in his chest at the memory of his father witnessing the flopped interaction with a crush.
He wanted, nay needed, to avoid Shingen at all costs. More so after the man had gotten it in his head to throw a ball and invite the whole kingdom’s single ladies with the promise of meeting Kai’s most eligible bachelor. Especially after seeing Yukimura’s hopelessness in action. Only said Batchelor would rather do literally anything else. Every woman in the kingdom already hated his guts, so why should he entertain such a roasting party anyways?
“Hey, watch where you are throwing those rocks, you big oaf,”
Startled, prince Yukimura jumped up from his place and cupped a hand over his eyes to peer out onto the body of water, only to be met with a cold shower.
“Ack!” He squealed, losing balance and landing headfirst into the river
Bodacious laughter followed bright, inquisitive eyes. “Instant karma,” the words came between huffs of laughter.
“Why you, you-, you, DUMMY!” He huffed, splashing her right back.
“Who you calling dummy, dummy,” the battle that had barely begun ended all too soon when Yukimura’s vassal summoned him back to the castle.
Their next encounter bore some resemblances of their first, and Yukimura began to wonder whether the evil fairy of which he dreamed had been real after all and cursed him with the luck of a devil.
Storming full speed ahead, he was helpless but to yield to the ton of bricks topping him over. They were a tangle of scrambling limbs silenced by the approaching footsteps crunching on the autumn leaves.
“Please,” the voice pleaded with small hands to silence his grumbling resorts.
The footsteps grew louder and unrelenting before Yuki found a sword at his throat and a frenzy of eyes surrounding them.
“Leave him be; he is nothing but a servant boy. If you let him live, I will marry your king,” the quiver of her voice matching the unsteady hand still pressed to his mouth.
‘Sorry,’ she said, finally untangling herself from him and standing tall on unsteady feet. Far different from the fierce woman he had come to know. He watched the scene unfold with confusion, just who was this woman?
He eyed the unmistakable uniform of the neighbouring kingdoms’ guards, and the puzzles began to fall into place.
In a blink of an eye, the prince was on his feet, “who are you calling a servant boy,” he drew his sword with a confident smile, parrying all attacks sent his way. It wasn’t long before the men were on their asses, tied up.
“I could have handled it on my own,” the woman pouted with downcast eyes.
“Uh-huh, whatever you say, dummy,”
“Smartass,” a gentle punch graced his shoulder.
The prince glanced her way just in time to see a roll of the eyes eliciting a wide, boyish smile from his lips.
“Hey, so uh- there is this ball tomorrow night,” he mumbled, scratching the back of his neck.
“You really have no tact, do you,” she half ginned, poking his chest, “but yes, I am aware and was planning on going anyway as Princess of the Oda,” her smile widening at the sight of his ever-reddening cheeks upon realization of who she really was.
“Oh, cool. Same. Not the princess part but the going to the ball part,” the words fell from his mouth as his face heated further.
“That is to say, I, uh, will see you there!” he turned on his heel embarrassed, quickly stomping back the way he came, only to look back momentarily to shoot her the brightest smile she had ever seen.
Shaking her head, the princess decided to follow lead and head back home herself. With eyes turned to the blue sky, she repeated his words in her head, “I will see you there,” the man really was a doofus, but the flutter of her heart was undeniable. Seeds of hope planted that perhaps one day he would be her doofus.
📖 sfw / pg13 / angsty with a happy ending / 3.5k words
⚠️ death mention, pregnancy mention, allusions to depression & unhealthy coping mechanisms (all of this is mainly in passing), time skips, there's dialogue as the story progresses, i swear! 🙏🏻
🛑 major spoilers for yukimura's route, and potentially some light spoilers for kenshin and sasuke's as well
Once upon a time, Aerin was given a second chance with her one and only, but this time, will they finally get their happy ending?
Our story starts out one stormy day in Japan, in which Aerin was on vacation and got caught in a nasty thunderstorm while sightseeing, and meets a man she later knows as Sasuke. They both fall into a wormhole and end up in the Sengoku era of Japan, roughly 500 years into the past. Sasuke arrives 4 years before the time in which Aerin lands, and they only reunite (and officially get to know one another) when she does. After Aerin ends up staying with the Oda in Azuchi Castle, she meets "Yuki", a traveling merchant with a foul mouth and not a hint of knowledge on women. The two clumsily fall in love, unbeknownst to them that they were each from enemy territory. Thus the chaos that was their Romeo and Juliet-esque love story began. The two fought tooth and nail to reunite and so they did, nearly three months after Aerin had landed in the Sengoku period, after she had chosen to give up on her future to focus on her past (with Yukimura). Until one fateful day when assassins who had mistakenly assumed the woman who now resided in Echigo's castle to be the God of War's, Kenshin's, woman. Yukimura, not having enough time to fight back as they had only been out on a walk and as such, distracted, ended up pushing Aerin out of the way, taking the sword meant to kill her instead. They managed to exchange some tearful last words ("I'm sorry I couldn't protect you.. I love you..) before he ultimately died in her arms, the loss of blood too much too fast for anyone to have survived. In a frenzy, Aerin takes Muramasa (Yukimura's sword) and kills the attacker who took her beloved from her, only to realize what she had done when the adrenaline wore off. Her hands had now been stained, and there was no coming back from this. She manages to bring the leader of the Sanada clan and his belongings back to Echigo, taking nothing for herself, and burying them altogether as is.
It's a very rough time in the castle, and she and Sasuke spend time together to keep the memory of him alive, even despite Shingen's worries that the two aren't coping healthily and need to work towards moving on. Aerin makes the decision to return to her time once the wormhole appears, given that her reason for staying is no longer among them, and that the pain of the memories they shared feels like it's suffocating her. Not even the presence of Yuki's pet wolf, Muramasa, was enough to comfort her anymore. It was only a matter of time before she could no longer handle the sad looks she received from those at the castle, or deal with the grief of being the reason why he had been taken from those they loved. Sasuke remains in the Sengoku period, for as much as he had always been in love with Aerin, he would never risk making a move on his best friend's fiancee when they were both so miserable, and he had his own found family to attend to now. Aerin had a pregnancy scare upon returning to her time, both terrified as to how she was going to explain a baby Sanada in the future, and somehow comforted by the thought of always having a piece of him with her. (Un)fortunately, it was just a scare after all, and she couldn't tell whether she was more relieved or disheartened by the news, knowing now that it would never and could never be. Unless...
...
Fast forward to the here and now, two years after everything happened. On a trip back to Japan, Aerin decides to try and make peace with everything that happened in her life prior. Reminiscing on when she first met Sasuke and how she unwillingly ended up a time traveler, before all of the good and the bad happened 500 years ago. It starts to rain after she approaches the monument where it all began, and she is hit by a strong sense of deja vu... suddenly, lightning strikes, but she never feels the pain, only opens her eyes after the bright light dissipates to find herself at the now familiar place she'd wound up in last: the very same temple she saved Nobunaga's life at. Stunned, she blinks at the flames for a moment, before making out the unconscious man on the floor. Had she really gone back in time... again? "Act fast, question later," she thinks, waking the man up and helping him out of the wreckage. The events play out nearly exactly as they did the last time, with her meeting the Oda and Uesugi-Takeda forces before ending up at Azuchi's castle. Only this time, she's baffled by the fact that Yukimura is still alive... and has no memory of his "boar-woman".
Determined to keep her live safe this time around, Aerin takes the first opportunity to convince Sasuke to let her run away with him to Echigo. It takes a lot of convincing for them to allow her to take refuge there, but once they do, everyone comes to appreciate Aerin's constant presence and assistance. All except one, poor Yukimura who just can't seem to understand why Aerin always seems so sad when he's around, or why she avoids being alone with him. Had he done something to offend her? Had one of the people he'd killed in battle been someone she knew? He just couldn't wrap his head around it no matter how hard he tried, and it didn't help that Yukimura wasn't even sure as to why it bothered him so much in the first place.
One day, when everyone was gathered for dinner and drinks, it is Kenshin who unintentionally opens the floodgates of emotion in Aerin's past. Some offhand comment he makes about not being able to change the past and losing those you care about triggers a drunken rambling from Aerin. About how she'd never be able to wipe the blood off her hands, how her blade had been forged for revenge, about how she'd never love again because she couldn't ever handle the pain again. Though Kenshin himself could relate, to an extent, he said nothing, opting to drink away his sorrows instead, as usual. By this point in time, it is known to everyone present (Sasuke, Kenshin, Shingen, Yukimura, and Yoshimoto) that Aerin comes from the future; however, no one, not even Sasuke, knows that this is actually her second trip back... yet.
It only takes a little more prodding from Shingen for Aerin to spill that she's not only back in time, but also back to back in time. They're all shocked to find out, but at the same time, something seems to click. How she knew so much about everyone and could read them so well, how she adapted so quickly, how her memory always seemed "fuzzy" because she couldn't tell if certain things had happened in this trip or the last. Suddenly, Shingen and Sasuke share a look, seemingly having figured out the missing piece of the puzzle. Yoshimoto eyes the trio curiously as the two men corner Aerin for some interrogation investigation, whilst Kenshin pretends to be disinterested. All the while Yukimura is still reeling, processing the knowledge that's been thrown at him like cold water to the face after a nap, wondering why his boss and best friend look like they're about to make Aerin cry. And again, he just can't seem to understand why it bothers him to see her hurting, but not in the way it would usually annoy him to see a someone so emotional and upset.
"It's Yukimura, isn't it?" Shingen gets straight to the point, knocking the air right out of Aerin's lungs. Too caught off guard to deny it, her face immediately gives the answer away, contorting in pain she only manages to mask all too late. "That's why you avoid him but always stare longing glances his way, isn't that right, goddess?" Exasperated, she sighs, but she doesn't deny his observations. After all, it was obvious to anyone that something didn't seem right about those two. "The reason you wanted to run away with me to Echigo was to keep an eye on him then, wasn't it?" Sasuke chimes in, thinking back to how her desperation to leave Azuchi to cross into enemy territory never made sense, given how well she was being treated there. The two give her looks of pity, attempting to comfort her, while Yukimura zones out during his conversation with Yoshimoto, fixated instead on the way Shingen's head is in her hair, and the way he grips his cup too tightly makes even Yoshimoto tilt his head in curiosity.
One breezy winter night, Aerin and Shingen are conversing in the latter's room, as he had wanted to know more about how her relationship with Yukimura was like, and what events lead up to how things played out. It would never not be painful for her to remember, but being able to talk about it now felt liberating, even moreso knowing that Yukimura was alive again and would continue to be, so long as she stayed away from him (or so her brain always screamed). Towards the tail end of the conversation, Yukimura happened to be passing by to deliver some news to Shingen, only to end up overhearing the tail end of a discussion that would forever change his life.
"As soon as I saw him alive and well, I just couldn't believe my eyes. I'd always blamed myself for his death but even just getting to speak to him again... I can't even put it into words. I missed Yukimura so much I couldn't bear the weight of it all. I was prepared to take his six coins and cross the river myself just to bring him back. Thank you so much for convincing Kenshin to let me stay here, Shingen, I truly owe you."
The dead fiance Aerin was always full of grief over... was him? He had not only been engaged to her, but had died to protect her? With so many thoughts now swirling in his head, he forgot all about the news he was meant to deliver and went walking off into the cold of the night, wandering aimlessly with his thoughts until he bumped into his one and only trusted best friend. Seeing the state the confused young warlord was in, Sasuke immediately invited the former into his room, making tea for awhile before Yukimura finally spoke up. "Did you know?" To which Sasuke furrowed his brows quizzically. "Did you know... it was me?" A few silent moments passed before Sasuke came to a conclusion. "Did I know it was you that Aerin was engaged to, you mean?" Yuki nods, his troubled expression and unfocused eyes making the ninja sigh at the sorry state he was in. "Shingen and I figured it out that night in the banquet hall," he confessed, "the way she avoided you like the plague made sense when you think of it. Aerin is likely convinced the same will happen again, and is afraid to risk the second chance you've been given. I'll wager she had meant to stay away altogether, but worried for you too much to be able to." "Why couldn't she just tell me that? Why would she just..." he trails off for a moment, "just deal with that all by herself?"
"I suppose it was for the very same reason she stays away from you, in order to protect you, in her own way." "But I fight in so many battles where I risk my life, that makes no sense." "Then perhaps she didn't want to influence you this time around. How would you feel if she had come up to you and told you she was your fiancee the day you both met in the Azuchi marketplace? Would you have even believed her?" Shaking his head, Yukimura starts to shed some clarity on the situation from her perspective. "Why would I? I had no idea who she was, much less that she wasn't even from around here yet." "Give it some time and she'll warm up to you again, you'll see," Sasuke grins knowingly at his bestie from over his teacup before adding one last remark. "Besides, why does it even trouble you so much, anyway?" The same question that had been ringing in his head since her (second) arrival was no less obvious to him than ever.
After that insightful conversation with Sasuke, Yukimura decidedly marches to Aerin's quarters, seeking answers that only she could have for him. As per his luck, however, Yukimura forgot to knock, being so used to being around other men all the time, and accidentally ends up seeing her in the bath. Aerin, who heard the door slide open, half rises out of the tub, expecting one of the maids to be stopping by with a towel and a change of clothes. Instead, she's met face to face with the crimson, wide-eyed face of her lover- no, her former lover. In a panic, Yukimura shuts the door and apologizes profusely, subconsciously making a mental note of everything he just accidentally took in.
It's funny, Aerin thinks, how she should be more flustered, but she had been with him so many times that even now she couldn't find it in her to feel any shame to be naked around Yuki. "Well, did you at least enjoy the show?" she jokes, trying to make light of the situation to ease him out of his awkwardness. She knew better than anyone that she was the only woman he'd ever been with, and given that they had yet to unite this time... he must be as shy as when they'd first met. Nostalgia rang in her heart and through her veins, making it harder than usual to keep the floodgate of tears at bay. Not taking the bait, Yukimura clears his throat and goes in for exactly what he came to ask about.
"Were you ever going to tell me?" he starts, unable to hide the betrayal he feels in his trembling voice, "Or were you just going to keep avoiding me like you couldn't stand my guts?" The words stab at Aerin's conscience, and the dam she'd so carefully been holding onto collapses, tears spilling freely down her cheeks.
"Yukimura... I just..." she steels herself before managing to choke out a reply. "I couldn't handle losing you again. I didn't want to risk getting close to you, but I just couldn't help it. I'm sorry," she sighs, sinking further into the tub until the water laps at her lips with every ripple.
"So... do you still love me?" he blurts out, unable to tamp down his burning curiosity.
"As much as I always did," she chuckles, but it's hollow, the sadness in it palpable even in the darkness of night. "But to tell you would be to risk influencing you, and I didn't ever want you to feel responsible for what happened in another timeline. You're free to love whoever you wish, please don't concern yourself with all this. I'll be alright, really." And young, stubborn Yukimura finally puts a name to the burdensome emotion that always managed to show up in Aerin's presence... love. Even in this timeline, even under such different circumstances, he had fallen in love with her all over again. Their silly banter at the marketplace, her strong will, her sense of justice, her empathy, the way they could never take their eyes off one another, wordlessly... all this time he'd been feeling jealous of Shingen and Sasuke for how much time they spent with her, of how well she got along with Yoshimoto, of the laughs they all shared together with her without... without him at her side.
Before he lost the courage to, the burning yearning within him took hold of the rational part of his brain, getting to his mouth first instead. "And who said I didn't care about you, dummy?" Her gasp was audible even from the other side of the screen, over even the splash of water from her arms coming up to cover her mouth in shock. Not even the half-hearted offense to play off his heartfelt words could get to her, if anything, she recalled their banter with more fondness than ever. 'I may be a dummy,' she thinks to herself, 'but I'm your dummy.'
Yuki starts up again before he loses the guts to continue wooing his girl, gods he loves the way that sounds, his girl, his Aerin. "What makes you think that I wouldn't fall in love with you all over again? Even despite knowing what happened, that's all in the past now, isn't it?" The emotions take hold and before she even knows what she's doing, Aerin had put on her night robes and pulled the door open just to see him again. Uncaring for the way the clothing sticks to her wet body or the way the night chill seeps into her dripping hair, she pants from the adrenaline of having all but run into his arms once more.
"What do you mean by that, Yuki?" The nickname tugs at his heartstrings, and somehow, he thinks, somehow... things will end up alright this time. The feeling in his gut when he sees her face lights up makes him wonder how he ever doubted that love was real, and he instantly knew why the past him had died protecting her. He'd do it again in a heartbeat too, he thought, if only he hadn't witnessed firsthand the effect his loss would have on her.
"It means... get over here and I'll show you," Yukimura's shit-eating grin is betrayed only by the breathlessness in his voice, too stunned by her happiness and how well she wears it. And with it finally being directed at him, he all but squints at her radiance. Without hesitation, Aerin throws herself onto Yukimura's lap, the two lovers reuniting for a long-awaited searing kiss, full of all the words unspoken between the Sengoku's own Yukio and Aerinette; and with no Shakespeare to write them a tragic ending, they would work towards writing their own, much happier ending this time.
...
"So you're telling me we uh... first... got together," Yukimura coughs, embarrassed to think about sleeping with the woman of his dreams in so vulgar a fashion, "in the middle of a warzone?"
Aerin tilts her head back as much as she can within his arms and laughs heartily, reminiscing on how different their firsts were the second time around. "Mhm," she confirms, "our first kiss was after a festival, with fireworks going off in the background and everything," the wistfulness apparent in her eyes as well as her voice. "But after we'd found out we were enemies, we snuck out in the middle of the night and sought each other out. One thing let to another and well, in the heat of the moment..." she grins over at her lover, who is currently trying to find a hole in the ground big enough to jump into.
"How did we even.. I mean.. I didn't.. hurt you or anything, did I?" She's touched by the sincerity in his voice, but even then, after all she's been through, Aerin can't help but want to tease him a little bit more. After all, it had been years since they'd last had a moment together, at least for her.
"Oh, that," she taps at her chin, trying to mask the amusement on her features, "you kind of just used my kimono as a blanket, really. Ugh, we got leaves EVERYWHERE." It is only when she chokes on her laughter at his sputtering that he realizes she was messing with him, and despite his embarrassment, he can't find it in him to stay mad when she only just started smiling again, real smiles at that. So instead, he takes out his revenge by tickling her sides with his calloused hands and her neck with feather-light kisses. It doesn't take too long for them to calm down, but once they do, Yukimura suddenly grows serious.
"Hey," he prods, nosing at her hair. She hums, sleepily grabbing hold of his robes as she makes herself comfy. "I never really said it earlier but um.." he coughs, red from the apples of his cheeks to the tips of his ears, "I love you." To her, no other words could ever make her happier than those three, and not even a lifetime of hearing them could ever tire her out. Aerin sits up, leaning over to lay a hand on Yuki's cheek, looking down at him fondly before muttering softly, just loud enough for them both to hear. "Hey, Yuki?" He hums quietly, for fear of breaking the trance of the moment, "I love you too." And maybe, just maybe, she thinks, this time it'll be alright.
Once upon a time, Aerin gave the young warlord who called her funny names a second chance, and now.. now he was the one giving her the chance to mend her broken heart with his love once more. Life doesn't often give you second chances, and she'd be damned if she let this one pass her by.
Ahhhhhh I’m so excited that your requests are open!! I love your writing 💞 Could I please request c, j, and o for Yukimura, Luka, and Sirius?
Thank you so much my dear!! I hope you enjoy ❣️❣️🥰🥰
Yukimura
C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)
- He knows it’s dangerous (Shingen had lectured him of how certain actions can have...consequences), but he can’t help but be obsessed with the thought of shoving his come as deep inside you as he can get it
- You love it too, it’s just so good when he grinds in deep, tip of his cock hitting you just right
- He gets the most beautiful expression on his face; mouth dropping open, two blazing streaks of red high up on his cheeks, like he’s shocked every time that you’re letting him do this
- He moans when he pulls out and sees his come start to drip out of you, that just makes him want to stuff you full all over again
J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)
- It’s a well-known fact that he is easy for you; truly, just the bat of your eyelashes can get him going, arousal hitting him low in the gut from only a look
- So when you tell him how much you’re looking forward to him pounding you into the floor later before vanishing to attend your work, his blood rushes downward so fast that he nearly goes lightheaded
- It’ll be hours until he can get you alone and just ravage you, but until then he needs relief - stumbling to his room and hoping that no one noticed his growing problem
- He presses the heel of his palm to his bulge, picturing your smug face smirking up at him, your delicate fingers freeing him from his clothes just to stroke at him teasingly
- His hands don’t feel at all like yours but he’s too far gone for that to matter, light strokes enough for him to spurt all over himself, moaning at the thought of your pink tongue cleaning it up
- You’re in for a sleepless night that’s for sure
O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)
- He’s a hesitant at first, a little nervous; but he absolutely loves going down on you
- He could barely ask for it when you first started sleeping together, turning into a blushing mess; the second you’d spread your legs for him he would get tongue tied, overwhelmed by how badly he wanted to taste you
- He still craves it, gets greedy for it; now though, he’s aware of how much you enjoy it too, grinning when you shiver from his hands gripping your thighs
- Won’t stop until your entire body is shaking, fingers buried in his hair, desperate cries of his name escaping your lips
- He especially adores it when your hands press him even closer, loves that he can feel you throb on his tongue; he moans as much as you do when you break, shuddering around his fingers
- Could keep going until you’re screaming, wanting to spoil you until you’re no longer coherent
Luka
C = Cum
- For as bashful as he is, there are moments when he seems to shed every inhibition, eyes sharpening with striking clarity
- It never lasts a long period of time which is probably good for you, because you swear that these moments nearly cause your heart to give out
- Gaze unwavering as he watches the push of his fingers in you, stretching
- You’re so wet around him, his own come adding to the mess inside you; knuckle-deep and gently rubbing himself into your body
- His cheeks go faintly pink as he tells you that he wants you to keep it inside for just a little longer
J = Jack off
- The first time he thought of you while jacking off is burned into his mind
- He’d been trying so hard to hold off, keeping his hands busy because he knew he’d only be able to picture you; but then you suck your spoon just so while taste-testing in the kitchens
- His resolve crumbles into dust, and he can barely wait for you to leave before hiding in the pantry and getting his hand around his cock
- He bites his lip to try and gather control it doesn’t work at all, he wants to bite your neck instead
- Can’t stop himself from gasping, knees weakening from how hard he comes, mortified at his own depravity
O = Oral
- Your mouth is his single biggest temptation in life
- He absolutely has a problem with staring at your lips in public and then flushing like mad when he realizes
- It’s not his fault; you just smile at him so sweetly, kiss him until his lips are sore and then you part that pretty mouth, sliding down onto him with a moan, like it’s easy
- Oh god, it takes all of his strength not to lose it immediately with he feels your tongue, how you swallow on him
- It’s a lot and the only time he gets rather loud, helplessly taking in the lewd sight before him
Sirius
C = Cum
- Grips your jaw, slowly pushing in and out of your slick, fucked-red mouth
- His voice is low, so low when he asks you if you want it, if you need his come down your throat
- He doesn’t give you space to answer with words, but the way your eyes close, lashes shivering against flushed cheeks as you moan around him
- That’s all the answer he needs really, keeping up his steady rhythm until he shoves in just a touch more roughly and comes
- When he pulls out he gets a hand around your jaw again, pressing just hard enough that you open up to show him the mess he made on your tongue
J = Jack off
- Uses his persuasive voice to convince you to touch yourself in front of him
- Kisses you so filthy as he tells you how he wants to watch, to see where you like to touch
- It’s a little awkward until it isn’t, the power at having this man at your mercy electrifying your veins
- He’s enraptured and it’s not hard to get yourself worked up as you watch his pupils blow, rubbing himself through his trousers, lips parting on a stuttered exhale
- When you slide your fingers inside, bringing yourself over the edge with a shout of his name, he can’t keep his hands to himself any longer
- Covers you in his body, still fully clothed while you’re naked and still moaning
- Get ready to forget your own name
O = Oral
- He watches you suck him off with such a pleased look in his eyes
- Gets a hand in your hair, taking over the speed of your movements and smiling as you moan
- Tells you how absolutely gorgeous you are while his cock slides tightly into your throat
- Sometimes will pull you off and chuckle when you stick your tongue out and whine, jaw aching but still wild for the thick weight of him in your mouth
- Getting on your knees for him feels like such a privilege, and it’s even better knowing that he always returns the favour tenfold
Watching your chest rise and fall in the steady rhythm of your breath, he’s positive that you’re already fast asleep. He, on the other hand, finds it hard to, not with the excruciatingly fast heartbeat hammering against his ribcage. He’s lucky you’re not awake to observe the redness on the tip of his ears.
Yes, he’s Yukimura Sanada, the Crimson Demon of War, commander of countless troops under his red banner. What most people often forget is that he’s a young man who, having dedicated most his life to his liege Shingen, is left rather inexperienced in the romantic department despite the Tiger of Kai’s womanizing ways. One would think he’d pick up that habit after his lord...
In his arms lies the person who holds his heart in a pocket—his chestnut eyes soften as he looks upon your sleeping face, seemingly free of burden and strife. Not that you’re particularly severe when awake—he always thought you were unusually optimistic given the constant struggle happening across the land (before he found out you were from the future, of course).
Yukimura can’t help but stroke your hair as he watches you. Everything about you seems to beckon for him: his eyes to look at you, his fingers to touch you, his mind to think of you... and in retrospect, it’s always been that way, even when he called you names that aren’t so nice. He realizes it’s just his way of defending himself from being pulled in by your storm.
“Mmngh,” he hears you gurgle as you move closer to him, seeking his warmth. He covers his face with his palm as you nestle your face at the crook of his neck, your nose gently nudging the bump on his throat. Heavens, he can feel you breathing against his skin (he remembers you once said he smelled nice)... great, now his face is burning.
Ignoring the ever-rising heat on his cheeks, he plays with your hair some more, seemingly abandoning the idea of sleep. How can he, when his whole body is on alert at the presence of yours, so close, so warm? He swears you’re turning him into the greediest, greediest man on earth for wanting to hold you so much more than his arms are capable of, to make you happy and keep that beautiful smile on your face, to make you look only at him.
His arms, once draped casually around your shoulder, move to capture your waist, pressing you so close to him that there’s no longer distance between your body and his. Though asleep, you welcome this slight change in position, your own arms moving slowly to wrap around his body, searching for a place to latch onto.
“Yuki,” you murmur, once again adjusting your face in the crook of his neck.
“You’re cute even while you sleep, stupid.”
He kisses the top of your head and runs his hand up and down your back, hoping the loud beat of his heart isn’t enough to disturb your slumber.
