'i want the k' only if ur up for it !
21: Then there’s tongue
"--but it is thought that the Impressionist Movement in Europe was born not solely out of creativity, but also of happenstance.” Yusuke’s voice was soft, but utterly animated with the passion he felt about the subject at hand as he walked with Anne down the hallway of a museum. One of the many panels of Monet’s Waterlillies was in front of them--and they had the space to themselves for the moment. The Emperor glanced over to her, ensuring that she’s looking at the painting before he posed his question. “Do you see the brushstrokes?”
“Oh, yeah!” The blond nodded, her eyes focused upon the oil painting. Even if they were fifty feet away--at least!--the brush strokes that created the scene of a lily-filled river were clear as day.
"Many scholars believe that Monet had a common malady that was not so easily treated back then.” Yusuke leaned in a little, his voice dropping to a murmur as his hand drifted from her shoulder to the center of her back. The feeling of his breath against her ear made her shiver, but if he felt it? He was the perfect gentleman in not mentioning it. “Squint your eyes a little for me?”
“H-Huh?” Casting a brief look of confusion in the Emperor’s direction, she turned her gaze back to the painting and did as he asked... and as soon as she did, a lightbulb went off in the back of her mind. “--wait, you mean Monet was nearsighted?”
“Correct!” Yusuke’s smile was wide with pride as he rubbed the center of her back, his touch gentle--just the right amount of gentle, she couldn’t help but think. They walked up to the rope that was erected to keep patrons of the museum from getting too close to the priceless masterpiece. “Monet was an undeniable talent, but what truly made him special was how he took a hindrance and turned it into his signature. An entire generation of artists in France followed his lead.”
“Wow....” Turning her head, she looked up at the Emperor with a smile. What slipped free of the blond’s lips next was meant as a joke, but it came out wrong--horrifically so!--and by the time she realized it? The damage was done. “I wonder how the history books will describe you overcoming being used by Madarame.”
The way he winced cut her deeper than his katana ever could.
“Ann, I...” He was trying to be gracious, but she had obviously wounded him by bringing up that horrible business in the first place. To see that empassioned delight fall from his features to shatter at his feet--it ripped her heart out right along with it as it tumble downward, leaving her with a hollow feeling in the pit of her stomach. Seeing Yusuke like this while he was in his element, surrounded by his bliss... desperation flared large in her mind at the sight of his distress as her mind raced, trying to find a way to bring a smile back to his face. He deserved to be happy, to be fulfilled--
The memory of the way he looked at her the first time they met was what gave her a hint.
“Yusuke...” Her voice came out in a murmur as she took him by the shoulder, turning him to face her properly. He went with it, likely expecting a hug--and he got one--but what she truly wanted happened when her lips met his. It was meant to be nothing but a peck, a show of affection to apologize for what she had said... but the moment that the shock wore off of the Emperor? He was wrapping his arms around her, pulling her in close as he took the passion he usually only used for his art and turned it on her. It was his tongue that mischievously coaxed hers into playing with it, that glint of something trickster-esque somehow a cool and refreshing thing that had her nigh-swooning.
It was only at the sound of approaching footsteps that they parted, hurriedly turning to face the canvas so as to obscure their blushing cheeks.
