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sunnyikemen · 9 months ago

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GALE🥺🥺🥺 I am so speechless, this was absolutely perfect. It was everything I could have wanted and more. Leonardo and flowers??? Two of my favourite things??? Stop it right now

I am actually in disbelief that this is your first time writing Leo because?? Like??? I mean, the writing speaks for itself, no???? He's written PERFECTLY, like the way he speaks and his comforting presence are so spot on I was practically transported into the story. This made me love him more which I didn't think was possible🥺 (also both very telling and lowkey hilarious that both our gifts started with Leo helping the MC settle into the mansion lmaoooo. We really said yes Leo is the single best candidate for comfort fics🤝)

Of COURSE Leonardo knows flower language, it makes so much sense!!! And the way he's so casual about it UGH I love him. And the lowkey flirty but not quite flirting because they don't know What They Are yet was MWAH. GENIUS. You treaded that line so beautifully and that final reveal of "I long for you" had my heart POUNDING. That is so so beautiful, what a gorgeous way to round off.

Thank you so so much Gale for this wonderful gift, I will honestly treasure it forever💛 you are an incredibly skilled writer and I can't wait to read more of your stuff. Keep doing what you're doing!!! Thank you thank you thank you🫶 <3333

Flower Language

➢ pairing: Leonardo x MC [Ikemen Vampire]

➢ word count: 1,413

⚠️ content warnings: None!

This is my entry for @ikemenlibrary's Ikemen Valentine Gift Exchange, dedicated to @sunnyikemen! I have never written for Leo before, but I had a lot of fun with his character, and I hope that I did well enough to make for an enjoyable read at least! Happy belated Valentine's Day, Sunny, and here is some Leo fluff for you :)

Being around the most famous polymath in history, there was always a new surprise in store.

Leonardo da Vinci seemed to know everything about everything. Perhaps it was because of his endless knowledge, gathered over the course of centuries, or perhaps it was because of the air of ease that surrounded him—but it did not escape his notice how the newest resident of the manor seemed to gravitate toward him upon her unexpected arrival.

He never denied her his company. At first, because he knew she was frightened and disoriented.

For a girl who had found herself transported into another time period in the blink of an eye, there was only uncertainty around every corner. Yet Leonardo's breezy personality and apparent ability to handle anything with minimal effort brought her security, as well as distraction. He knew this, and so he made it a note to help her throughout her time in the manor, keeping her mind off her troubles.

You're restless and wish to get out of the manor, cara mia? Well, then, let's take a day outside Paris. The French countryside is an equally worthy sight for a time traveler, and it'd be a shame not to have you visit. Hm? Where to? Well, it's no fun if I tell you all the details, now, is it?

How to paint, you ask? Why, you wish to prove a point to Theo? Ha! Don't pay him too much mind, 'knabbeltje' is merely a term of endearment, I'm sure. But if you really wish to learn, then I am glad to be of service, morso mio. ...Hm, no, of course that's not the same as what Theo says. Would you accuse me of such a thing?

So, you want to hear about Florence back in those days, then. I hope this isn't because of any gossip you heard from the noble Comte. ...Alright, alright. Come, sit. I suppose I ought to make an effort to salvage my good name, at least.

Days turned into weeks of trying to make himself available to her, helping her calm down and settle into her new life at the mansion. He had sworn to himself that was all it was. But as wary as he knew to be of the passage of time, somehow he found it creeping up on him again. Even after she was already well settled, he continually found himself at her side, as if naturally drawn there.

He didn't realize until too late, one afternoon when they were sitting out in the mansion's gardens together.

A certain flower had caught her eye—a yellow daisy—and Leonardo had commented, absentmindedly, "Ah, yes. Joy and friendship."

It was an innocent remark, accompanied by a little chuckle. It made sense to him that this should be the flower that struck her. He had come to associate her with such qualities, after all, because they were what she brought to him. Every little inconsequential story he shared with her, every time he allowed her to watch him paint and work, every time he whisked her out on some spontaneous excursion, it was often met with that look of intrigue, that little excited glimmer in her eyes.

Yet he was somewhat surprised when his passive comment earned him that same look.

Humming to herself, her eyes scanned over the other flowers in the garden and came to rest on another. “And that one?” She nodded her head towards the flower in question.

“Which, the marigold?”

She glanced back at him expectantly and nodded once more, seeming quite eager to hear his explanation. Leonardo, now acutely aware that he was being tested, smiled a little.

“Marigolds represent grief. Or the passage from one life to the next.”

“Really? But they seem so much brighter, warmer…”

He raised an eyebrow. “Are you doubting me, cara mia?”

And for that remark, he found himself rewarded with soft laughter. Despite himself, and despite everything he had assured himself about maintaining his distance, he could not help but feel his heart squeeze. Spending an idyllic afternoon wandering around the mansion’s garden, chatting among the flowers as they bloomed with the new season, it all felt so warm.

“No, no…” She shook her head, still smiling. “It’s just unbelievable, that’s all…”

“So you are doubting me.” Leonardo tsked in faux disapproval, savoring the little back-and-forth of the moment. “Alright, now it’s a challenge, then. Ask me about another.”

Looking around again, she settled on a vibrant purple bud and pointed to it.

“Ah, crocuses stand for young love,” he answered knowingly. “There is an old Greek legend that Crocus was a mortal lover of Hermes, and the god was so devastated when he died that he had him transformed into a flower. The red on the inside, there, is supposed to represent his blood.”

She seemed quite taken by the story as he explained. Ah, he would never tire of seeing that look on her face, when she was so absorbed in what he was saying, when he knew she was hanging on every word. But arguably, it was even better to watch her fluster when he concluded his tale with a triumphant smirk.

“Alright, don’t get too arrogant, now.” She pointed to another flower. “What about that one?”

“Sweetpea, gratitude.”

“And the lily?”

“Purity.”

“And the white camellia?”

“You’re adorable.”

For a moment, silence fell between them. Even the great polymath had his limits, and he did not realize what he was saying—or how it would be construed—until he glanced at her curiously and found her staring back at him.

Oh.

“No, I mean…” He coughed. “That… is what the flower means.”

She blinked. Quickly returning to her senses, she began to shake her head, as if to simply laugh off the misunderstanding. “Yes, right.”

For as much as he was inclined to laugh along with her, however, he found himself unable to do so. Once more he felt his heart squeeze in his chest—though this time, it was a more uncomfortable feeling. Uncomfortable in a familiar, sinking way.

“Well, anyway… I guess it shouldn’t surprise me that you’ve studied flower language at some point as well. You’ve studied practically everything else,” she said, attempting to keep the mood light and teasing. “At times I wonder, is there anything you don’t know?”

Leonardo found himself staring at her a moment longer, somewhat troubled by that old feeling in his chest, and taken aback by the realization that he did, in fact, find her quite adorable. Not wanting to keep her waiting for a response, lest she start to suspect there was something on his mind, he sighed and managed a little smile.

“...Actually, cara mia… There are plenty of things I don’t know.”

With that, he reached over and carefully plucked one of the little flowers nearby. He tucked the flower behind her ear, grinning with satisfaction as he watched her demeanor brighten again.

“Hm, that’s better.”

“That was a pink camellia, right?” She gazed back at him with that curious look he loved so much to see on her.

“Maybe so.”

An ambiguous response, as if he had simply chosen the flower at random, when they both knew that wasn’t the case.

“What does that one mean, then?”

Something in Leonardo’s grin became a bit more wistful. There was another beat of silence, and then, suddenly, he reached out and lightly ruffled her hair.

“...I concede defeat,” he said, after pretending to think for a moment. “I’ve forgotten.”

Laughing at his actions as she tried to fix her hair, she seemed quite pleased by the thought of having gotten one over on him. So pleased that—much to his relief—she let it drop, and did not question him any further about the flower’s meaning.

Leonardo watched her smiling, standing in the sun with a flower in her mussed-up hair, and studied her as though she were one of the wonders of the world. There was no longer any doubt in his mind as to what exactly this feeling was, weighing so heavily upon his heart. And there was no doubt that he had chosen the right flower to express it.

Even if he could never say it to her face—his lovely Crocus, who had so miraculously appeared in his life across time and space, and who was bound to one day return to her own world beyond that door—he could not deny it.

This unspeakable feeling, represented by a pink camellia.

I long for you.

#;-;#i will never be normal about this fic #fics i love #ikevamp leonardo #ikevamp #my ikemen valentine gift exchange

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sunnyikemen · 9 months ago

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Smarty Pants

Pairing: IkeVamp Leonardo x MC

Summary: She was surround by constant reminders of how she didn't quite fit in with the others. She had made progress, and with Leonardo's support she was feeling more and more comfortable in the mansion, but still not fully settled. After a heated discussion with Arthur, though, she decides enough is enough. Much to Leonardo's enjoyment.

Word count: ~2400

Warnings: None!

Notes: This is a gift for @technicolorbirds as part of @ikemenlibrary's My Ikemen Valentine Gift exchange!! I hope you enjoy, Birds :)

***

“Arthur, you’re being gross.”

“All I’m saying, sweetheart, is that a lovely, voluminous skirt leaves a little more to be desired-”

“I don’t care. Women DO wear trousers in the 21st century. They’ve been wearing them since like…the 1920s!”

“Those poor, sexually unfulfilled modern day men. A moment of silence for their losses.”

“You…women look hot in trousers!”

“Must be so sad.”

“Weren’t you literally alive during the 1920s?!”

It had been around half an hour since Leonardo stopped reading his book, his eyes peeking above the pages. A smirk had crept up his face as his gaze dashed between the players of this verbal tennis match. He wondered if he should have left the room when this began, but he was finding it far too amusing. The others rarely challenged Arthur these days, often opting for an eye roll or simply walking away, but she never let him get away with anything. It was refreshing.

And attractive, if he was quite honest.

Leonardo had been keeping a watchful eye since she started living in the mansion. He had heard her footsteps grow stronger, more purposeful, as she explored the halls. He had noticed that the pause between those approaching footsteps and the creak of a door had become shorter, in fact now there was barely a pause at all. And his favourite, was she no longer snuck away back to her own room after their nights together, but rather snuggled up next to him to rest. She was finally settling in. However, he knew there was still some work to do.

“As informative and entertaining as this conversation has been, I unfortunately must be taking my leave now. Can’t leave a lass waiting for too long now, can we?”

He watched her roll her eyes before letting out a huff, “Poor girl. Send her my condolences.”

The comment clearly flew right over Arthur’s head, as he blew her a kiss and slipped out of the room.

Leonardo wasn’t expecting the silence that followed, nor to be met with the back of her head when he glanced up from his book, which he promptly shut and placed it on the table next to him. He waited to see if she would speak first, and when she didn’t, he shuffled over on the sofa and patted the space next to him. The sound finally made her look up, and with a slight gesture from Leonardo, she joined him.

“What is it, cara mia?” She had laid her head on the back of the sofa, and he wasted no time smoothing the hair off her face, letting the strands curl around his fingers before cascading across her shoulder, “You know he just likes to rile you up, you should pay him no mind.”

She sighed, lifting her legs to lay across Leonardo’s thighs. “I know, it’s just moments like that where I realise how differently I see the world than you guys. And I know you all come from different times so none of you really think the same either but,” she let her eyelids droop, sinking into the feeling of Leonardo’s expert hands tracing shapes along her calves and lightly scratching against her scalp. How lucky she is to have the hands of an artist and a genius have their attention fixed on her. “I don’t know. I guess the gap just feels bigger and that makes me feel smaller.”

“I don’t understand how you consistently manage to take the things that make you otherworldly and turn them into insecurities.”

She opened her eyes, only to be met with complete and utter sincerity in the shade of amber, “You don’t understand because you’re an artist. You love those things.”

“You’re right, because they make beautiful art. And who enjoys beautiful art, hm?” When she didn’t answer, he filled her silence. “Let me rephrase that, who doesn’t enjoy beautiful art? Can you think of a single person?”

“I understand your point, grandpa,” she said with a grin, which he easily returned when he felt his words getting through to her, “I just want to be desirable to you, that’s all.”

That statement made him stare a little blankly at her. He knew of her feelings of inadequacy, which he’d promptly tried to squash multiple times before, but undesirable? He doesn’t know a time when he ever lacked desire for her, in fact there were many days where his desire for her proved troublesome. The word “silly” sits on the tip of his tongue but he bites it back. She needed more than a knee jerk comment. She deserved his understanding.

“Cara mia, I’ve been around for a very long time. I’ve seen nearly everything, so nearly nothing is exciting to me now,” his voice lowered, and his head leaned in, “and yet, you fill me with exhilaration even at the mere thought of you. And this is only heightened by how much of you I still have yet to discover. The men in this mansion need to have seen a good thing to finally understand just how good it is. But for me I find-”

Before he could finish his thought, before his hand could finish its journey up her arm and before his lips could reach their final destination upon hers, her eyes widened so wide Leonardo nearly felt reason for concern.

“I HAVE THE BEST IDEA,” she shot up from her place, nearly taking out a pile of her books as she dashed to the door, “THANK YOU, LEONARDO!”

Leonardo was almost dumbfounded at the abrupt explosion, but the thought of mischief he had accidentally facilitated was enough to satiate the disappointment that lingered for only a moment. Nevermind, he’ll prove his previous point to her later.

But for now, he picked his book back up and continued reading, his lips curled in a satisfied smirk at the possibilities of what her wonderful brain would come up with. He knew he was in for a treat, and possibly, so were the rest of the mansion.

He felt smug, however, knowing he would be the only one who’d get to taste it.

***

She flew through the halls of the mansion with ease, her mind fixed on one thing and one thing alone. She reached Leonardo’s bedroom, which had been more or less shared in recent months. She had her own space too, but she simply preferred being in his. She preferred his random, almost illegible notes scattered across his wall, and preferred the subtle smell of pencil shavings, well loved candles and fresh flowers that sat on his windowsill. He only started doing that last one when he met her, she imagined. His room never looked the same as it did when she first entered it, and he never looked more comfortable in it, either.

She left the prickling feeling of nostalgia at the door and immediately moved to his chest of drawers, opening each one with great vigour. Leonardo had always said that anything in his room is fair game, that what’s his is hers. And whilst she didn’t imagine he had this particular item in mind, she felt safe in the assumption that he wouldn’t be in the least bit bothered, as he rarely was.

She had been settling into the mansion for the better part of a year now, and the days of tip-toeing around had long since passed. She had found her place, but too often was she bothered by that prickly reminder that she was inherently different. Not only as the only woman in the mansion, but as seemingly the only one who hadn’t adjusted to the era she found herself in. Certainly the only one was still fighting it.

She enjoyed her talks with Comte over tea, as he was the closest one to understanding her life before, though understanding wasn’t just what she was looking for.

And she supposes that’s how she latched onto Leonardo so fast.

Even though he didn’t have that understanding of what her life looked like before, he had this uncanny ability to trace it back to the root. He reassured and comforted her on things she didn’t realise she needed reassurance or comfort on, but she did. Leonardo knew that. Because he understood.

Everything fell into place after that.

It was easy to find what she was looking for: a pair of trousers she knew he wouldn’t miss. In fact, she doubted she’d ever seen them on him in the whole time they’d known each other. Based on the colour alone, she suspected they were a gift from Comte. Considering the sheer magnitude of their history together, she was surprised by how much they were not Leonardo’s taste. Probably an experiment from Comte. It was sweet that Leonardo kept them, though.

Sweetness aside, and with Comte’s experiment clearly concluded as a failure, she took the trousers and all but marched to Comte’s door. With only a few knocks against the wood, he called for her to enter.

The mischief was clearly written all over her face, as Comte immediately put down his papers and raised an eyebrow.

Her grin was simply delightful as she hid the trousers behind her back, “I have a small favour to ask.”

***

The breakfast hustle and bustle was the same as any other day in the mansion, though with an added buzz as Arthur relayed the events that took place a few days prior.

“Honestly, the things that woman comes up with,” he took a sip of his tea, his ocean irises peaking over the teacup at the man sat opposite to him. He placed it back down into the saucer, leaning back in his chair with an air of pride, “I must say, darling Leonardo, that you really have your work cut out for you.”

“How so?” Leonardo swirled the coffee in his cup with no sense of concern. He knew Arthur was simply playing with him and that he was completely harmless. He very well could have ignored the man, but Arthur needed to be challenged every now and then.

And Leonardo liked to play too.

“You just strike me as someone who doesn’t care for a challenge. As if you can’t be arsed with it.”

“Are you saying she’s challenging?”

Most people would have squirmed under Leonardo’s stare, but Arthur’s eyes only twinkled back at him, “Not challenging, just…troublesome.”

“I thought you liked ‘troublesome’.”

“Oh, I do,” another sip, “very much.”

It seems Comte was the only one to notice the miniscule twitch of Leonardo’s hand and the tightening grip around his cup, as he finally interrupted, “Arthur, I recognise that you’re only having your fun, but I encourage you to be more mindful about how you speak to our newest member of the mansion. She doesn’t know you too well yet, and may not understand your…ways.”

“I think the only reason you find her challenging, Arthur,” Leonardo had his arms crossed on the table, leaning in dangerously, head slightly cocked to one side, “Is because she does such a beautiful job at proving you wrong.”

Arthur smirked, “And how exactly does she do that?”

With gorgeous timing, the door to the dining room creaked open. The tension in the room fizzled out as all heads turned to the figure in the doorway, prompting jaws to drop.

The men were not used to seeing a woman in trousers, but in that split second they had almost forgotten how she’d looked wearing anything else.

Leonardo, with a brain as advanced as his, had already suspected what was happening behind the scenes, but even he was almost at a loss for words. He had seen many, many things in his life. A lot of good, and a lot of bad. A woman in trousers was far from shocking to him.

But she stood so tall, so magnificently powerful and with the cheekiest smirk he had witnessed. The emerald material sat on her figure as though she was carved from marble, as every inch was perfectly tailored to her. The power she held to have silenced a whole room and demanded their eyes’ attention. And yet, of all the eyes in the room, of all the points she was currently proving, her gaze was set on him.

He felt goosebumps tickle his spine.

He spared a quick glance at Comte, who was seemingly taking a sip of his own tea. But he would never be able to hide a smirk behind a teacup from Leonardo.

The sound of her heels hitting the floor echoed in the dining room as she made her way to Leonardo. He stood up to offer his seat, but before he could even utter a ‘good morning’, her lips were on his.

She had always been coy with affection in front of the other members of the mansion, even a simple peck would turn her cheeks rosy. But here she was, hands cupping his face as she melted into him. He didn’t dwell on it for too long, his mind going blank as he brushed his hands against the small of her back and gave her hips a light squeeze. He was moments away from deepening the kiss before she broke it off.

“Are you ready to go?,” she chirped, her smile light and easy as if she hadn’t just turned him into a puddle in her hands.

“I guess I am,” he said, giving her a wink as a silent well played.

“I suppose we’ll see you all later then,” she said to the rest of the room, who’s eyes were still fixed on her.

“Enjoy your Valentine’s Day, you two,” Comte said with a grin, “Behave, Leonardo.”

“I don’t think I’m the one you need to be saying that to, by the looks of it.”

Everyone chuckled, allowing the atmosphere to begin to settle to normal. Arthur, who’s smugness had been replaced by amicable surrender, finally spoke up, “I suppose you win this one, sweetheart.”

She smiled, “I suppose I do.”

Leonardo gave her hand a squeeze, and he felt the tension in her release. He knew that spectacle required some courage from her, and she pulled it off beautifully. He felt at peace knowing she was getting closer and closer to settling in completely, without having to leave any part of herself at the door.

***

Bonus:

Mozart: At least you didn't have to listen to her explain fan fiction.

Arthur: Fan fiction?

Napoleon: It's fictional writing based on existing characters or real people.

Arthur: Oh, so like the Sherlock Holmes collection?

Sebastian: I beg your pardon-

#ikemen gift exchange #my ikemen valentine gift exchange #ikemen vampire #ikevamp leonardo #ikevamp leonardo x reader #ikevamp leonardo x mc

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sunnyikemen · 1 year ago

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REPEAT AFTER ME: WE LOVE BRYN. WE LOVE YUKI AND MAI. WE LOVE WHEN BRYN WRITES YUKI AND MAI.

Damn he really came for her abnormally long and curvy neck with that comment lmfao Yuki that is not flirting.

I just know “boo bear” absolutely KILLED him inside and that Shingen marked that day in the diary for the best day in his damn life. Not only was he finally getting some crumbs for his otp but got some Soft Yuki™ to go with it.

Shingen being an absolute menace one of the finer enjoyments in life that I will ALWAYS indulge.

AND HIM AND SASUKE HAVING A PROUD PARENT MOMENT AT THE END. The way that nothing will ever top that for me and that I now have to come to terms with never feeling that same joy from anything else again.

WELCOME BACK BESTIE GORGEOUS PRINCESS BEAUTIFUL we are so lucky to have you🫶🫶🫶

The Act (Ikemen Sengoku)

Pairing: Yukimura Sanada x MC (Mai) Summary: Mai seeks out Yukimura's help for something that she feels only he can help with - tricking Shingen.

Word count: 1.1k

Request:

A note from the author: Not me returning from the dead after a year away LOL - anyways, this was written as a request from @/belovedstill's prompt list. Requests are still open if you would like to send something in for ikevamp, ikesen, or ikepri! Thank you @belovedstill for this lovely list and prompt, I loved every second of this!

“What do you mean, ‘Yukimura, I need you to pretend to be my fake lover to get Shingen to take a hint.’?” Yukimura and Mai were enjoying some late afternoon tea in his room, when Mai had proposed this idea to him rather nonchalantly. “Are you crazy? He can read me like an open book. He also knows I’d never date an ugly boar woman like you.”

Mai huffed, blowing air out of her hair, making her bangs fly up and lay askew on her forehead. “Don’t say it like that Yuki! Learn some tact, wouldya?”

“Oh shaddup Mai,” Yuki said, gesturing at her with his full teacup. “You know it’s true!”

“It isn’t true and I’m not a boar woman!” Mai argued, her brow furrowing in frustration. “I happen to be a very graceful woman. Like… like a swan!”

Yuki snorted into his teacup. “Yeah, that works.” He leaned in closer, glancing at her neck. “You do have an abnormally long and curvy neck.”

Mai’s cheeks flushed in embarrassment, the way they always do when she gets into a heated argument with Yukimura. He always found a way to get under her skin, and she usually finds herself wondering just why she chooses to spend so much time with him when he’s back in Kasaguyama. This time was no different.

“Yukimura, I’m serious! Shingen won’t leave me alone. He’s constantly calling me a princess, or a goddess, or his angel. I want him to stop!” Mai slammed down her teacup a little too hard, forcing the table to wobble more than Yukimura would’ve liked. “He’s all bark and no bite. Just smile nicely and move on.”

She looked at him with wide eyes, almost panicked - like a deer in headlights. “But he has tried to bite me! Quite recently, might I add.”

“He’s old, probably turning senile too.” Yuki responded, reaching for more hot water to warm his tea that had turned cold. “And shouldn’t we do everything we can to make sure grandpa’s are happy in their old ages?” There was a hint of sadness in Yuki’s eyes as he looked intently at the floor, and Mai dropped whatever retort she had as Shingen brazenly waltzed into Yukimura’s room, pausing only slightly when he noticed Mai sitting nonchalantly on his friend’s floor. “Well, well, well. What do we have here? Yuuuuki, you didn’t mention anything about having any female visitors this afternoon.”

Shingen’s shark-like, suave grin had Mai rolling her eyes, biting her lip so as not to snap back at Shingen. She was in Yukimura’s room, and they were good friends so she wouldn’t disrespect Yuki like that, as much as she wished she could. So, Yukimura’s response to Shingen had Mai, whipping her head up to stare wide eyed at her friend. “Please don’t disrespect Mai like that again, Shingen. The woman I love is more than just a female visitor, maybe you were mistaking me for you?”

Shingen faltered slightly, his grin slipping for a moment before returning. “The woman you love, eh?” He questioned, bringing his hand up to rub at his chin. “And don’t think I didn’t hear you insult me. I’m just in a particularly good mood today and will let it slide.” His gaze fixed on Mai now. “Mai, you didn’t tell me that you and Yuki had this… relationship. No wonder you never took me up on any of my nightly invitations.”

Before Mai could lose her courage, she shoved her hand into Yuki’s, gripping his calloused hand in her own sweaty one. “Yup! I couldn’t betray my Yukimura like that. Sorry Shingen, I should’ve been more honest. My sweetie pie is just very shy, as I’m sure you know well. Right Yuki?”

“Hey! I’m not your–” He cut himself off as Mai dug her nails harshly into her skin, shooting daggers at her before plastering the fakest smile on his face she had ever seen. “You’re right, boo bear. I was a bit embarrassed to admit my feelings for Mai to you, Shingen. That’s why I asked Mai to not mention anything. We’ve been meeting late at night every night, but today I couldn’t bear to wait any longer to see her, so I asked her to meet me for some afternoon tea.”

“I see,” Shingen nodded, eying their tightly clenched hands. “It seems as if I’ve interrupted something, so I’ll leave you two lovebirds to it. Yuki, you know where to find me if you need any tips or suggestions on how to keep a woman happy.” “Goodbye, Shingen.” Yukimura dismissed his elder, his eyes not once leaving Mai’s face as his grip on her hand loosened into a gentle hold.

“Goodbye, you two.” Shingen turned away, and as he exited the doorway, he called over his shoulder. “By the way, if you want anyone to actually believe you two are in love, you better start working on your acting.”

Shingen’s laughter could be heard from down the hall, and Yukimura hastily jerked his hand away from Mai’s rubbing it on his kimono. “Your hand was so sweaty! It was gross!”

Mai recoiled, shoving her finger in his face to point at him. “Yeah well, we wouldn’t have had to hold hands if you didn’t decide to pretend to be in a relationship with me!”

“You asked me to, woman!” Yukimura swiped Mai’s hand away from his face, capturing her hand in his once again, and clumsily interlocking them. “And this is how you hold hands! Not whatever you tried to do before!”

“Why are you always so critical of me?!” Mai asked moving to stand up and rip her hand out of Yukimura’s. He didn’t let go though, instead opting to use their linked hands to tug her back down, tumbling into his lap.

“Because you’re a boar woman, and someone’s gotta keep you in check.” Yukimura’s voice was deeper now, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear. “Plus, you seem to like it. Always asking to spend time with me.”

“I–” Mai faltered, turning to meet Yuki’s gaze, not realizing just how close he had gotten. “You’re just sometimes more tolerable than the rest, is all.” Yukimura squeezed her hand, and a surge of electricity shot through her body. “If I’m tolerable, you should reevaluate your taste in company. Sounds like we need to get you more air.” “Hey Yuki,” Mai muttered, their noses so close they were almost touching.

“Yeah?” He whispered back, his eyes searching her own for any sort of clue as to what she was gonna say next. “Shut up!” She exclaimed and shot up from his lap, escaping from his grip as giggles bubbled from her lips while he scrambled to chase after her, muttering under his breath that he was gonna get her when she least expected it.

On the other side of the wall, unbeknownst to Yukimura and Mai, Shingen and Sasuke stood shoulder to shoulder, exchanging knowing looks as they heard their two friends’ laughter ringing through the hallways of the otherwise quiet castle.

#THAT'S MY GIRL #SHE ATE #ikemenlibrary #ikesen #ikesen yukimura #ikesen shingen #ikesen yukimura x mc

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sunnyikemen · 1 year ago

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Oopsy forgot to reblog but looky!!! Last day for signups!!

Come along and join if ya fancy, lots of very lovely people joining in so far🥰 also more than happy to answer any questions if you're on the fence or just want some more info!! Hopefully see you there🫶

Calling all Ikémen Prince Content Creators!

(as usual, this gorgeous banner was made by our wonderfully talented @sunnyikemen)

This has been quite a long time coming, but I am excited to announce that @sunnyikemen and I are planning the next Ikemen Fandom Gift Exchange!

This time it will be for Ikémen Prince, and I cannot be more thrilled to finally release the sign up sheet for this event.

You can sign up here

The deadline to submit your answers will be due on September 27, two weeks and a few days from today (September 10) - if you’re interested in joining, please make sure to get your answers completed and sent in before then. You can edit your sign up form after it’s been submitted, but please make sure to let one of the hosts know you’ve done that, as we do not get notified when that happens and we want to make sure everyone’s happy with up to date information being shared out. Once the deadline passes, we will turn off the link to edit or submit so if you have any problems after then, please contact a host directly.

Just like before (and if you haven't joined before, here's the information for you!!), once we get everyone’s information organized and sorted, we will be reaching out to everyone individually on October 6 to let you know who you’ve been assigned to as well as how long you have to create the project and everything to know about the due date.

Please note before signing up that we do have a Discord server we’d like everyone to join. We’d love for all the participants (us included!) to get to know one another and work together and potentially help each other out within the event. We also have some fun bots to play with such as a Jukebox and Marriage Hunter!

If using Discord is something you are absolutely not comfortable with, please speak with a host before you send in an application.

Once your application has been accepted for the gift exchange, one of us will reach out with a link to join the Discord server.

Please let us know if you have any questions! We can be reached via DM on Tumblr or Discord (brenna4948 and sunnyygal).

#ikemen prince #ikemen series #ikemen exchange

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sunnyikemen · 2 years ago

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ONION???? OIGNON???? SHALLOT?????

I AM LOSING MY DAMN MIND. HOW. HOWWWWWW

Never before have a seen such a beautiful thing. I am YELLING BRUH HELLO??? I literally just....JUST

I absolutely ADORE what you’ve done with this omfg you’re so clever. Like bro the concept??? the execution???? the fact i’m in love with your style???? in every form???? gonna pop a bLOODVESSEL AT THIS POINT ONION

Genuinely, thank you so so much. I cannot put into words how grateful I am for this gorgeous gift, I am at such a loss for words. Thank you thank you thank you mwah mwah MWAH

this has made starting his route so much more exciting CHRIST

💛💛💛💛

Pairing: Dalim Tweedle x OC

Based off of Klimt's The Kiss

Gift exchange for @sunnyikemen 😳💖🌞

Thank you so much to @sunnyikemen and @ikemenlibrary for organizing yet another lovely gift exchange 💖💖💖 I had so much fun with this and y'all.are so amazing 🌞❤️💕

#this is all i'm gonna think about now #i'm sorry for the person i'm about to become #but like fucking LOOK AT IT #LOOK IT #I WANNA EAT IT #i love it so so much #i can't properly express it #thank you thank you ily MWAH #<33333

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sunnyikemen · 2 years ago

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In His Stride

Pairing: IkeRev Fenrir x Alice

Summary: Love has the power to do many things, to change many things. From the outside, that’s what others would assume from this love - it changed them. But through the window, surrounded by the colours they had painted their walls, Alice knew that change wasn’t the right word. He had always had it, that way of loving, he just hadn’t known it until now. Alice reminisces in a few of the moments that prove that.

Word count: ~3000

Warnings: None! Except for children, lol.

Notes: This is a gift for the lovely @toloveawarlord as part of the gift exchange I co-hosted with my gal @ikemenlibrary !! I hope you enjoy, I had so much fun writing this for you :))

***

Alice’s eyelids drooped lazily as she peered through her lashes, their bedroom bathed in honey and laced with gold. The house felt a silence that became so rare in recent years, though the noise was never unwelcome. It was the noise that gave the walls its colour, laughter and joy hand painting them with hues of home and love. Love was the foundation of this house.

Layed next to her was her best friend, marked by the matching gold bands that embraced their ring fingers. And in between them was the newest member of their little family, barely a few weeks old, but already adding his own colour to their walls.

Fenrir perched on one elbow, head resting in his palm as he dangled his fingers above their son’s face, air huffing out of his nose whenever tiny hands would reach up to meet his, whenever he reflected his smile.

Alice remained quiet, letting the pleasant feeling in her chest sit, letting the tranquillity in her mind settle. She simply loved to watch him like this, completely in his element. The full extent of his pure heart being poured out in front of him, only to be instantly filled back to the brim. Fenrir loved, and he loved honestly and completely.

As her eyes finally fell shut, Alice let her mind wander back to all the times Fenrir’s love had surprised her. Not that it actually surprised her anymore, not when she had already felt so much of it. But it still always warmed her soul to witness all the times his love had contradicted his character. For a man who lived so fiercely, he loved so gently.

Even though she knew it wasn’t a contradiction at all, and those who gift themselves the chance to really know him know this too. Laced into his eccentricity was a deep joy for loving. He cared for those around him so enthusiastically, sometimes aggressively, but it was in a rare moment of tenderness and softness, Fenrir revealed himself to be the gentlest soul of them all.

This became the most evident with the arrival of their firstborn, who was growing into Fenrir’s shoes at a rate he obviously was not comfortable with. But he took it in his stride, and Alice reminisced in a few of the moments he strode so confidently, his little girl’s hand in his.

*** (more under the cut!)

One Friday Evening

Alice stretched out her back after letting the last of her words ink the paper in front of her. The tightness in her muscles slowly subsided as the relief of finishing up her work washed over her. She let the bliss sit with her for a moment, before finally giving in to the urge that had been chewing away at her since she had first sat down all those hours ago - the urge to be with her family.

She descended down the stairs, thick socks meeting wood without even the implication of a sound. Clearly not enough to give away her presence as she approached the kitchen door that was open just a sliver. The gap wasn’t wide enough for her to be spotted as she approached, but enough for her to catch a glimpse of her daughter’s teary face that was being held in her husband’s hands as he was crouched down to her level, his eyebrows knitting together as he studied her expression.

Alice fought every instinct to run in and scoop her child into her arms, as the instinct to hang back triumphed.

“You just have to be more careful, sweetheart. The broken glass can really hurt you.”

It was only then that Alice noticed the shards scattered across the floor a metre or so behind them. Their little girl had a tendency to get a little too excited to properly perceive her surroundings. Not that either her nor Fenrir had any plan to extinguish this enthusiasm, but it didn’t spare them from worry, either.

“I’m sorry,” their daughter squeaked out, which pierced straight through Alice’s chest and left her particularly troubled.

But the way Fenrir pulled her into his chest and quietly shushed her was a balm for Alice’s soul. He let her cry, smoothing her hair as he comforted her.

“It’s okay, I know you didn’t mean to. I was just worried. I don’t want you getting hurt, okay? It’s just a cup, it’s not the end of the world.”

Alice leant her weight against the door when Fenrir stood up with their daughter in his arms, gently rocking side to side. She had stopped crying now, but Fenrir gave her a few extra moments before speaking again.

“Did the loud noise scare you?”

Alice could just about see the little nod of her head against Fenrir’s shoulder before he planted a kiss on the top of her head, the swaying never ceasing.

“Things breaking can be scary, huh? It’s a good thing you’re so brave. You get that from me, you know.”

That was the first time Alice had seen her daughter smile since she came downstairs, and the mischief that painted her features told her that everything was okay.

“Nuh uh! Mummy’s way braver than you. I’m just like her.”

Fenrir’s feigned gasp of disbelief had Alice holding in her laughter, much preferring to spectate the scene than giving herself away.

“How dare you, little miss. What about all the times I’ve bravely scared the monsters away in your room?”

“What about all the time you’ve had to call mummy in to scare the ghosts away in your room?”

Alice let the back and forth carry on organically as she watched on, the corner’s of her lips tugging up as fondness filled her entire being. She could see plenty of herself in her daughter, but most of the time, she was all Fenrir. With such unfettered joy for life and a soul that had an energy she would never be able to describe within the limitations of language. All she knew was that it was absolutely delightful.

***

One Monday Morning

“Good morning, Sirius. Have you…sorry, have you seen my husband? I’ve got his…I’m sorry Sirius but what happened to you?”

The rose that crept into his cheeks did very little to mask the garish blue that coated his eyelids and the messy black line across his waterline. It was not the sight Alice was expecting to see when she arrived at the headquarters. He only chuckled coyly, “Well, that would be-”

“Mummy!”

The little girl came barrelling round the corner straight into her mother’s arms, letting out a squeal as she was lifted into the air. Putting two and two together, Alice blew raspberries into her chubby cheeks, which was promptly followed by a string of giggles.

“Hello, trouble. So, what did you do to poor Uncle Sirius?”

Sirius merely laughed, letting himself give in to the silliness. He gave the girl a squidge of her cheeks, unrelenting as she squirmed in her mother’s embrace, though her grin never faltered. “To be fair, I came away pretty unscathed in comparison.”

Alice raised an eyebrow, “In comparison to…?”

It was then that her daughter had successfully wiggled out of her grasp and started to pull at the hem of her skirt, “Come on, Mummy! You have to see my work!”

“Your work-” Alice’s query was cut short as she rounded the corner, revealing both her husband and his best friend. Two unfortunate victims of the same fate.

Though she had to admit, Ray had some beautiful eyelashes; that beauty being accentuated by the many, many layers of mascara that obviously coated them. The blush, too, was very clearly not organic, though she suspected there was a mixture of that too. At least his hair looked the same, save for the few pink hair clips that failed to hold his fringe back.

However, Alice’s jaw dropped when her eyes finally moved over to Fenrir, who had received the full treatment from their daughter. She wasn’t sure how she had managed the green tips of his hair, which also currently stuck up in two pigtails atop his head. To be honest, Alice couldn’t fault her daughter for the immaculate attention to detail, clearly giving her father her undivided attention. He had the whole deal. Her favourite part had to be the pink lipstick that was a splitting match to his hair, and there was at least an attempt of blending the green and magenta eyeshadow, complemented by glittery blue eyeliner. The earring she recognised as her own, too.

It took all of Alice’s concentration and power to keep a straight face as she greeted the King of Spades. She was successful, but only for a short while.

“Good morning, Ray.”

“Do not.”

“I like the-”

“Do not.”

It was only a matter of seconds until Fenrir was on his feet, bounding towards Alice as he always did when she came to visit him at work. As if nothing was different about today, as if lipstick wasn’t currently printing onto his teeth as he grinned at her.

“Hi, beautiful! What brings you here?”

“Hello, gorgeous, I have your lunch.”

His face lit up as he took the bag from her, still no explanation. “I knew I forgot something, thanks!”

“You’re welcome,” she watched a little longer, waiting for him to address the obvious, but it never came. “Fen, care to explain..?”

“Hm? Oh!” he crouched down so their daughter could crawl onto his shoulders before standing back up to his normal height, “Well, a lot of the soldiers are sick at the moment, so we gave everyone today off, but this little miss got bored without any action to watch so…”

His words trailed off, but Alice’s smile only grew. He always let her do the silliest things to him, and always does it with a smile on his face and encouragement coating his words. He lets her have fun.

“Well, you look very pretty.”

Fenrir heard the genuity in her statement, always picking up on the subtleties of her speech. It was rarely what she said, but the feeling he knew she was trying to convey. She was always successful.

“Is that so? Well you’re prettier,” he said, planting a quick peck on her lips, which was promptly followed by a gag from their daughter.

“You guys are gross.”

“Oh, you think this is gross? What about this?” Before Alice could object, her face was being littered with quick kisses, each one ending with a loud smack. She let him do it, as much for the amusement of her daughter’s disgust as the genuine warmth that her husband’s affection filled her with.

She half expected the King and Queen to cringe, awkwardly shuffling away as Fenrir continued to be blissfully unselfaware, but she caught the small smiles on their faces and the endearment in their eyes. Alice often caught them like this, looking on with genuine fondness in their expression. As if they were family. Which wasn’t far from the truth. In fact, Alice would say it was the truth itself.

She gave them both a look. I’m sorry about all this.

They returned it with another. Don’t be. It’s nice.

As she watched them, she didn’t fight the sentimentality and gratitude that began to prick her eyes. For all the times they’d watched their daughter so she and Fenrir could spend an evening together, and for all the times they’d allowed Fenrir to bring her into work on quieter days like today. For the time they immediately accepted the title ‘uncle’ when it naturally left her daughter’s lips, and every time after. For constantly, unconditionally, and without question nor request, looking out for their child and their whole family through anything and everything. Letting her be young, and letting them be loved.

***

One Saturday afternoon

It was in rare moments that Alice saw doubt on Fenrir’s face. One who was always so open and daring didn’t often express hesitation or uncertainty. Alice was sure she should have been surprised at this reaction to her daughter’s request, but in truth, she wasn’t. That was the inevitability of knowing and loving someone so deeply.

“I don’t know about that one, sweetie,” Fenrir finally responded, the fear of disappointing his child dripping in his voice.

“Oh, pretty please? You look so cool when you’re fighting, and you have so many of them! Just one look? Please?”

Their daughter stood steadfast next to Fenrir’s gun cabinet, particularly entranced by the one that stood proudly on the top shelf, and Alice could practically see the panic and conflict rushing through Fenrir’s head. He wanted to fulfil her wishes, he really did. But he was afraid.

Alice placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a light squeeze before running her hand down his arm to intertwine her fingers with his. He turned his head towards her, letting it rest against hers as her chin sat in the crook of his neck, rubbing circles against his hand, “I know she’s young, but she’s just curious, my darling. Share this with her?”

Fenrir let it sit with him for a moment. He knew she was right, but he couldn’t stop the multitude of possibilities and outcomes racing through his head. What if she were to develop an unhealthy attitude towards the guns? What if she became dangerous to others, or worse, to herself? What if she would want to grow up to be like him and join the Black Army, putting her life at risk everyday? What if, taking something so deadly out of the cabinet and placing it into her tiny hands, would mean that she’s no longer his little girl anymore?

But with another squeeze of Alice’s hand in his, and her unwavering presence behind him, he was reminded that all of these were simply hypotheses and they’d always remain just that. That was his job, after all, as her parent. To make sure all the worst ‘what ifs’ were never more than a niggling anxiety, and if his wife’s constant trust and words of reassurance were anything to go by, he was pretty damn good at this job.

So he took his keys from his belt and opened the cabinet, as Alice sat their daughter on her lap. He joined them on the sofa, letting her curious eyes wander over the machine.

“I need you to remember that this isn’t a toy, okay? We don’t play with these, but we can have a look if I’m here. Does that sound okay?”

She nodded vehemently, but clearly taking in her father’s words, “Mhm! They’re only for daddy’s work. Very dangerous!”

Fenrir chuckled, “Correct, but I don’t want you to be scared of them, either. If you’re ever curious about them, you can always ask me. I know they’re very cool, I like them a lot. I’d be curious too.”

Alice remained silent as Fenrir showed the girl the different parts and how they all connect. She watched as their daughter kept complete focus and wonder as she absorbed her father’s words. He let her touch, examine, and even let her hold it for a short while. He taught her the right etiquette and safety measures when handling it, which she took straight to heart.

Alice could see the concern slowly free his features, pride and excitement beginning to fill the gaps. He’d always yearned to share this part of him with one of his own, but he just didn’t know it until now.

Alice smiled as her faith in him was once again affirmed by his actions. She had never doubted him and his ability to raise their children, and she was proven time and time again that she will never be given a reason to.

Even if he sometimes doubted himself, ultimately, she knew that they were always going to be just fine.

***

Alice was brought back into the quiet of their bedroom when she heard a light knock on the door. Her eyes crept open and fell on Fenrir’s, who was also looking back at her with a growing smile. He called out. “Come in.”

And at that, their daughter bashfully slid through the door, her expression still droopy from sleep and her hands clutching her favourite rabbit toy. She rubbed her eyes, shyly looking up at her parents as Fenrir moved to a sitting position. He opened his arms for her, “Hello, sweetie. Aren’t you meant to be in bed?”

She approached him and grabbed his shirt, her eyes never leaving the middle of the bed.

Fenrir and Alice shared a look before he spoke out to her again, “Did you wanna see your little brother?” He chuckled when she nodded sleepily, picking her up with ease, “Come on then.”

He placed her next to her brother, and she wasted no time settling in beside him. “Hi, mummy,” she whispers.

“Hi, baby,” Alice replied with a gentle laugh, “Would you like to give him a kiss goodnight?”

She studied him again and did just that, planting the softest of kisses against his temple. When he didn’t stir, she laid down next to him, her eyes shutting almost the second her head met the pillow.

They knew they probably shouldn’t, but Alice and Fenrir allowed it. Just this once won’t do any harm. They’d let her join the little sanctuary they had created that quiet evening. It wouldn’t feel right without her, anyway.

“Get some rest, beautiful,” Fenrir whispered to Alice, his hands reaching over to hold hers and embracing his children in the process, “I’ll take care of this.”

She didn’t fight his offer, giving him a smile and letting her eyelids shut once again, until Fenrir was the only one left awake.

Not that he felt alone, he doubted that was possible anymore. Not when he had his whole world in his arms, in the golden bath of their bed, under the steady roof of their home.

Fenrir never thought he liked the quiet, but there he found a love so potent he didn’t remember a time without it. One that he hadn’t believed before, hadn’t even seen before. But now he stitched it into his clothes, slept with it next to his head, and laced it into his every action and thought. The proof, solid and declaring, that that love was true, and that it was his.

***

Thank you for reading!! And I hope you liked it, Bekah💛

Materlist

#cyikemen gift exchange #ikemen revolution #fenrir godspeed #ikerev gift exchange #ikerev fenrir #fenrir godspeed x reader #fenrir godspeed x alice #fenrir godspeed x mc #my writing

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sunnyikemen · 2 years ago

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GAHHH AND HERE THEY ARE IN THE FLESH

Was not a single panel I didn't have my eyes glued to the screen for oml I fr was like 👁👁

OH to be in a bed in Paris, awoken by the look of PURE LOVE and receive SMOOCHES from THIS BEAUTY OF A MAN

They are both so fine look at them I am in agony

I love to create art for others, especially when I do for people I love and inspire me with their stories.

I made this little comic following the amazing @ikemenlibrary story Enchanted

she's one of the sweetest people I have ever talked to and her stories are great. I'm happy that you enjoyed doing this project together as much as I did ❤️

Enjoy~

#don't talk to me for 2-5 business days i am Processing #LOOK AT EM #LOOK AT EM AGAIN #ikevamp napoleon #ikevamp napoleon x mc #fanart i love #kokorokai

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sunnyikemen · 2 years ago

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BABIESSSS GOD THEY’RE SO CUTE

Soft sleepy Napoleon has me running laps I actually can’t cope??? He’s so obviously smitten with her and I??? Don’t know how to deal with it???

Also loving Moinseur de Waha’s appearance like I can imagine his laugh so clearly and GOD IMAGINING IT IN THIS CONTEXT IS RUINING MY LIFE

🤲 napoleon smooches. hand em over. gib.

I’ve missed your writing sm and to be surprised with Napoleon fluff on my timeline?? On this simple saturday afternoon?? You’re keeping me on my toes more than Napoleon and I’m Alive™

Enchanted (Ikemen Vampire)

Pairing: Napoleon Bonaparte x Unnamed MC

Summary: In the moonlight, Napoleon and his lover spend some quality time together.

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: Some smoochin’, Monsieur de Waha really knows how to ruin a moment

Notes from the author: I had the privilege of working on this gorgeous project with one of my best friends, @kokorokai. While I wrote a story, she made it into a gorgeous comic and completely made what I was envisioning come to life! It was such a pleasure working with you, Kokoro. Thank you for all your help and support with this. It was such a blast.

You can find the comic here.

Without further ado, please enjoy.

Napoleon isn’t used to waking up early.

That’s not to say he never does it, just when it happens it’s either because he has a special engagement that he was forced to schedule early, or because there was something on his mind that kept him sleeping soundly.

In this case, it was the latter.

She was lying with her head pillowed on Napoleon’s chest, her hair sprawled all over the fluffy pillow next to the pair, and her plush lips slightly parted as soft snores left her mouth. It’s not that the sounds bothered him that kept him awake, it was the fact that she was next to him, breathing and so warm and so real and… alive. Having her so close to him made him excited for their future spent together, and he couldn’t help but reach out and run his fingers through her hair gently as he watched her sleep in adoration.

It wasn’t even light out yet; the moon was still shining through the ruffles in the curtains and Napoleon could feel his body begging for more sleep. With her next to him though, Napoleon wanted to do nothing more than watch his lover. Sleeping so peacefully next to him, he wished to always see her this way; no care in the world, just complete serenity.

Napoleon vowed to try to always have her feel this way when he was around - he didn’t want to see her sad or worried. He never wanted to see her chewing her bottom lip in frustration or squeezing her eyes free of unshed tears.

Keep reading

#SOFT #SO VERY SOFT #SMOOCHES AND SLEEPY VIBES #MY FAVES #ikevamp napoleon #ikevamp napoleon x mc #ikemenlibrary #fics i love

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sunnyikemen · 2 years ago

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yayyy round two !! can’t wait to co-host another one of these, hopefully see some of you there💛

Calling all Ikémen Revolution Content Creators!

(this gorgeous banner was made by our wonderfully talented @sunnyikemen)

All of you in the Discord server are already aware of this, but I am excited to announce that Sunny @sunnyikemen and I are have planned the next Ikémen Fandom Gift Exchange!

This time it will be for Ikémen Revolution, and I cannot be more thrilled to finally release the sign up sheet for this event.

You can sign up here!

The deadline to submit your answers will be due on August 17, two weeks and a few days from today (August 2) - if you’re interested in joining, please make sure to get your answers completed and sent in before then. You can edit your sign up form after it’s been submitted, but please make sure to let one of the hosts know you’ve done that, as we do not get notified when that happens and we want to make sure everyone’s happy with up to date information. Once the deadline passes, we will turn off the link to edit or submit so if you have any problems after then, please contact a host directly.

Just like before, once we get everyone’s information organized and sorted, we will be reaching out to everyone individually on August 28 to let you know who you’ve been assigned to as well as how long you have to create the project and everything to know about the due date.

If using Discord is something you are absolutely not comfortable with, please speak with a host before you send in an application.

Once your application has been accepted for the gift exchange, one of us will reach out with a link to join the Discord server.

Please let us know if you have any questions! We can be reached via DM on Tumblr or Discord (Brenna~#4948 and sunny🌻#0606).

Keep reading

#ikerev gift exchange #cyikemen gift exchange #ikerev #ikemenlibrary

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sunnyikemen · 2 years ago

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Lies of You, Lies of Me

Pairing: Ikesen Shingen x MC

Summary: Your life had never been an honest one, not before Shingen and not after. Yet the comfort that came with the domesticity of your dishonesty was going to be enough, until it wasn’t. Because now was the very real possibility that you were not the only one lying.

Word count: ~5200 (I got carried away askfjals;kdf)

Warnings: okay there are some sads I’m SORRY but do not WORRY everything will be FINE. Also mentions of illness.

Notes: jeez LOUISE I have cut this even finer than last time good LORD. Val, thank you so much for your patience I am genuinely so sorry I’m posting this right at the end of the window, I just really wanted to make sure you got something that was the best to my abilities. I sincerely hope you enjoy, and I’ve had an absolute blast making this for you and working with your ideas (turns out trying to mix domesticity and mutual pining is FUN AS HECK).

And of course, thank you so so SO much to @ikemenlibrary for allowing me the opportunity to co-host this exchange with you (and for my gifts I’m still weeping), it’s been the most amazing experience and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to do this with. And of course for beta reading it for me, absolute angel of this earth literally saved my life lol. Thank you thank you <3

***

“And there you go. That’s all I got.”

Shingen sipped on his tea thoughtfully, nodding as he placed his cup back onto the table and gave you a gentle smile, “You say that as if you’ve come up short, but that’s everything I needed. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” you returned, taking your own cup and offering him a playful raise of your eyebrow as you brought it to your lips.

The companionable silence fell short, as it usually did when he came to visit, when he began asking all his usual questions. Everyday, without fail. Whenever he came by for tea, whenever he helped you hang up your laundry, or fix some furniture, he always found a way to ask. Did you sleep well? What are your plans for the rest of the day? Will you be joining for drinks later?

Of course, despite his efforts for subtlety during your general domesticity, each question was in the guise of another, you came to learn. Is there anything I can do to make it easier? Are you going to be on your own today? Okay, so will you please come see us later then?

Becoming the first member of Shingen’s Mitsumono was the best blessing, but also the heaviest burden that you’d ever carried. He was beyond all realms of kindness to offer you the position you had, and you’d be lost to the world without it, but it came with its own costs. Most self-inflicted, most known by Shingen. Minus the most costly one of all.

It got lonely, this little life of yours. Just as it had always been. Of course, the days became significantly more vibrant after Shingen came into your life, and everything he came with. Friends – family – and someone who sees you through no lens other than his own eyes. Someone who cares for you truly and wholly, and who you care for in equal measure. Never before had people come for tea, or to help in mundane tasks, simply for the sake of being in your space with you. Not until Shingen.

And that’s why the nights never changed even after he gave you that offer seven years ago. Because whilst you were alone in your bed, he was in another’s. Another girl from the Mitsumono, sometimes Chiyome, sometimes not. You always heard about it the next day from them. And it stung a little more every time, as every time you were reminded that you were the only one he didn’t seek on his lonely nights.

Though you would never fault him for that, you had no reason to. With the vast stretch of time that you’d had together since you met, came a bond that was so abstract yet so firm. You knew himt and he knew you, and there was truly nothing like being known. However, to this day, you never did understand what he saw that day, and in turn what he sees now. Especially when there was one thing that stopped him from knowing you in entirety.

And especially when you have always been a liar.

***

7 years ago, Kai. The day you met.

The guilt was strong, but never quite enough to overpower desperation.

You had just managed to slip into an alleyway, pushing down your heaving breaths as villagers shot past you, none the wiser to your presence. You clutched the bread in your hands like it was your lifeline. And in some ways, you suppose, it was.

“You don’t need to do that-”

It was a reflex, really. You only got a look at his face once you had him pinned to the floor. The face of Takeda Shingen. The son of the Takeda Clan’s leader.

And you currently had a knife to his throat.

But the last thing you were expecting to hear from him was a chuckle. Relaxing above him, he slowly pushed your arm from his neck and peared up at you through brilliant eyes, “I’m impressed. Not everyday you find a princess who can hold their own like that.”

You scrambled off of him like he was boiling to the touch. He stood up slowly as the colour drained from your face, and you tried, impossibly, to prepare yourself for the consequences of your actions. You had stolen from the market, and then threatened the son of a warlord. You weren’t getting out of this without a scratch, and you suspected you weren’t getting out alive either.

However, perhaps even more impossible was preparing for him to pick up the loaf of bread that you had dropped in your panic, brush it off and hand it back to you with a warm smile. Clearly, he noticed your fear and hesitation, as he placed it right into your shaking hand, ignoring your knife wielding hand that shook just as fiercely by your side.

“As I was saying before our little scrap, you don’t need to do that, princess.” When you showed no sign of accepting his reassurance or understanding his suggestion, he sighed softly.

“I’ll be right back.”

It was mere minutes until his return, his smile still kind and his approach gentle. He placed a couple coins into your clammy palm and placed his own on your shoulder, encouraging and without ulterior motive, “Let’s go pay for that, shall we?”

Your instinct was to back away, but Shingen caught you just before the panic realised itself, “Hey, I’ve spoken to the shopkeeper. He’s not angry, I promise. There’ll be no punishment.”

When you wouldn’t meet his eyes, he bent down to meet them himself, the fear trickling out of your muscles drop by drop, “And I’ll be there. I won’t leave you.”

You don’t know what it was inside you that let him lead you to the shopkeeper. Maybe it was his infinitely sweet smile, or the way that his presence oozed pleasance and safety. Or, perhaps, the fact that it was the first time you heard someone sound like they were telling the truth.

And so you apologised profusely to the shopkeeper, who simply patted your back and told you the whole ordeal was forgiven and forgotten, whilst Shingen stood tall behind you – supportive and encouraging.

When you left, you weren’t sure what to do or where to go next. Sure, he’d saved you this time, but this didn’t change your situation. It didn’t change the fact that, tomorrow, you would have to do the same thing again.

But still, you couldn’t let him go without knowing your gratitude, even just for being seen by someone, “Thank you, my lord. You’ve been impossibly kind to me today and…I’m sorry. I’m really so sorry.”

He waved a hand as you spoke, taking out two sweet buns that he had hidden and handed one in your direction. He laughed as your eyes widened, “I paid for them, don’t worry. Please, take it.”

You try to think back to the last time you had eaten such a luxury, something sweet and delightful on the tongue. It felt illegal to take such an offering.

Shingen seemed to disagree, as he pushed the bun into your hand and took a bite out of his own, obviously not taking a declination as an option.

And so you also took a bite, and you weren’t imagining the moisture that lined your waterline as the sweetness settled on your taste buds.

In surprisingly easy and comfortable silence, the two of you finished your treats. Before you could thank him, Shingen spoke up, “Where do you live, sweetheart? I’ll escort you back to your family or partner.”

You must have failed to mask the sorrow that washed over your face and clouded your eyes, as in next to an instance, Shingen knew, which was evident by the way he didn’t press further. He only returned your look with great understanding and compassion.

“Did you know, I’m notorious for keeping my word?”

Not quite understanding his suggestion, he took a step towards you.

I’ll be right there.

“And for having wonderful ideas.”

I won’t leave you.

***

3 years ago, The night of the fire.

“Where’s Shingen?!”

You had burst into the inn where the Mitsumono often met, hair and clothes tousled and eyes wild.

You had been sent on a mission just days before. It was meant to be a quick trip, with only you going, to gather any general information you could. But you’ll never forget the feeling of chilled blood flowing through your veins at the sound of Nobunaga’s emotionless tone, as he revealed his plan to his men.

His cruel, blood rich plan.

“He’s probably with Chiyome or something,” one girl hiccupped, clearly in the amused stage of her evening drink, “we all know she’s the favourite.”

You didn’t even have time to roll your eyes, or to fully acknowledge the slight sting in your chest, “I’m not joking around, I need him right now. Where is he?”

At that the door opened, Chiyome standing alone in the doorway. You had never seen her face so pale, her eyes welling.

“Where is he?”

You could have determined where he was from the second your eyes fell on Chiyome. But you asked anyway.

She swallowed, her eyes regretful and apologetic. She knew you knew the answer. “On the way to the temple.”

You ignored the cries of protest and your name being called out to you as you shot out of the inn. You never let up, you never slowed down, you kept running until your legs and lungs burned.

And yet, when you reached the temple, it was too late.

The flames had already swallowed the temple, leaving it to crumble and collapse in its wake. If there was anyone inside before, there was no way they would have survived. They will have gone down with the temple, clawing and roaring. You tasted bile. You stopped recognising it though after you spotted movement in the corner of your eye, pulling away at the wood that blocked off the outside from the hell inside.

Despite his hair blending in with the flames, you would recognise that man in any circumstance. Maybe even burnt beyond recognition, you would know him in a heartbeat. You were not willing to test this theory.

So as quick as you had noticed the movement, you went to him, as fast as your weary and aching muscles would let you.

You tried to pull him back to no avail.

“Shingen! Please, stop!”

He continued tearing away at the wall, hands blistered and burnt and you could only imagine the pain. On every level.

“Get back! I need to find survivors, go get more help!”

“Shingen, look around you! Snap out of it, you know there couldn’t possibly be any surv-”

“I said get back,” he shot back at you, finally turning your way, his tone sharp and cold and eyes cruel. It all would have sent a chill down your spine, if you didn’t know him so well.

It was over then, though, when he looked back at you. Because when his eyes settled on yours, the fog of rage and searing agony for the people inside had also settled, and he could finally see clearly. And could see that you were right.

“Come away, that’s it,” you said softly, finally able to pull him back from the fire now his muscles had slackened. Getting you both just far away enough to not be at risk of the engulfing flames, you gave him a once over, the only injuries being the burnt flesh of his hand and the shattered pieces of his heart that you could so clearly see in his eyes. You cradled his face, desperately fighting to meet his eyes. He was acting strong, as he always did. As leader, never once did he let himself slip, or let himself falter. He was a beacon of hope and spirit for his people, and he did it so effortlessly. He rarely acted strong, he was strong. But even rock crumbles when hit with enough force.

He finally met your gaze.

“Nobody else is here, Shingen. It’s just us two.”

And so he crumbled.

You tucked his head into the crook of your neck as his arms snaked and tightened around your middle. It would’ve even been uncomfortable, the force with which he was holding onto you, but the discomfort didn’t even register as you raked your fingers through his hair, nails lightly scratching his scalp.

“He did this. I never should have-”

“This isn’t your fault, Shingen.”

“People have died. Innocent, kind people-”

“I know,” you whispered.

“I-”

“Shhh, I know,” you cooed, nuzzling into his hair, “I’m here, I’m not going anywhere.”

***

You don’t know when along the way you started lying, but you had your suspicions. Maybe it was when he helped you, or maybe it was when you helped him, that vulnerability you both showed then opening you up to feeling more. But you suspected, most of all, that it was when you first laid awake at night, staring at your ceiling as you longed for the space next to your futon to feel less cold.

But you were his most trusted Mistumono, and his closest friend. The truth wasn’t a risk you were willing to take.

“So I’ll be seeing you later, then. I’ll tell Kenshin to stock up on extra sake,” he teased, starting to stand up.

“No need,” you scoffed, “I’ll be on my best behaviour tonight.”

“When are you ever well-behaved, hm?”

But before you could answer, Shingen fell back to the ground after only making it halfway up. You could hear the air catch in his throat, and the wheeze that came with every strangled breath as he clutched his chest. You ran to him in an instant, letting his weight fall into your arms so he could relax. You began pouring him some more tea, ready for whenever his episode had finished, ignoring the pounding against your ribcage and in your ears as you soothed him.

Once the pain had subsided and each breath came easier, he accepted your offered cup and took a shallow sip, eyes avoiding yours.

“Shingen-”

“What a silly man I am, catching a cold in the middle of summer. Yuki will never let me hear the end of it.”

“He already doesn’t…” you whispered, barely loud enough for Shingen to register. But he does despite your effort, evident by the way his eyes finally sought yours.

You didn’t shy away from his gaze. You had heard the odd comment from Yukimura when he didn’t know you were there, and had heard the solemnity in his tone behind closed doors. You’d known for months, maybe years that there was something, and you knew this wasn’t a cold.

You were not the only liar.

“I’ll see you later, sweetheart. Don’t make me come out here and drag you there myself.”

He stood again with far more success than before, but still with a greater effort than was warranted from a man of Shingen’s age and build. You almost stopped him, demanded more answers, but you let him slip out of your home as if he was never there. As if it wasn’t his home too.

And because you let him go, you missed the way he leant against the wall in the alleyway next to your home. The cold brick against his back mirroring the cold sweat that he found himself in, a provoking stab in his chest.

Once he felt recovered enough to stand, he pushed himself off the wall and gave one last look to her door, wishing for that which would never come true. Like every wasted wish he made every night since he first started to feel his body shutting down, bit by bit.

“Not yet, body. Not yet. Not now.”

He began to walk away.

“Not to her.”

***

Everyone’s spirits were higher than usual.

It wasn’t long until there were enough cups of sake drank that they began slurring their words, occasionally knocking into each other, and letting one person who was not drinking so much slip from view. He went completely unnoticed, just the way he wanted.

Except for the one other person who also hadn’t been drinking so much. He was a fool to think she wouldn’t seek him out, not when she was the only one who ever really noticed him in times like these.

“You invited me here and then left the party early? Not a very good host, are you?,” you teased, finding him outside by the pond.

“That was very rude of me, wasn’t it? I apologise,” he said, eyes sparkling and his smile an external display of his inner reality. You returned it genuinely, and he’d never wanted something as much as he wanted to keep that smile that graced your features exactly where it was.

In truth, he also wanted to keep you exactly where you were. By his side, and in his every waking thought. A constant in his adult life, responsible for the countless moments of pure, unadulterated joy. There was a deep rooted comfort and familiarity between you both, an inevitable outcome of the times shared, the journey taken, as well as something he would never have the capability to describe. And when that comfort was mixed with sparks of euphoria at the mere thought of you, and when that time also came when he felt the first signs of his downfall, he knew he wouldn’t be able to keep you where you were. Not in good conscience.

“Would you care to join me? Unless you’d rather stay with the party.”

“Well, Kenshin is on his third retelling of the same story, so I think I’ll stick around with you.”

“I’m honoured.”

The quiet was welcomed by the both of you, the subtle trickling of the water and the barely-there breeze were a comfort to the slight tension that hung in the air. It had never been there before, and he didn’t like it.

“I have some news for you.”

His announcement sent a tremor through your composure, obviously hitting a nerve you weren’t previously aware of. You probably thought you’d kept your shock and anticipation below the surface, but Shingen knew you, and he felt you falter, despite it being so small.

“As of tomorrow you can live a free life.”

He felt you falter again. You didn’t even try to hide it that time.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, your last mission was just that. Your last,” he turned to you, his smile kind but dishonest, “after tonight you’ll no longer have to work under me. You’ll be a free woman.”

His words fell on deaf ears, as you stopped reacting to his words after the initial statement. “Shingen…”

He needed to press on.

“Of course, you won’t have to worry financially. It wouldn’t make sense to just leave you to fend for yourself after so long of working for me. Get out there, travel, discover more interests. Do something for you.”

“Shingen, why are you-”

“It’s about time, I think. You’ve done so much for me and taken so many risks on my behalf, now seems right to let you go-”

“I don’t want to.”

It was his turn to falter then, and only then, after seeing the hurt etched into your features.

“I’m not leaving.”

You hesitated.

“Not until the end.”

And his heart shattered. He supposed he was optimistic to think he could let this get past you. Of course you’d figured it out.

“Sweetheart-”

“Shingen, just tell me. I don’t need details I just…” you didn’t seem to know exactly what you needed, except for the one thing he couldn’t bear to tell you. “How much time?”

There was no use now. The curtain had fallen, the players revealed.

“Not much.”

One lie caught, one lie left. He’d never forgive himself for the hurt he’d obviously caused you, which could have been avoided had he not got so swept up in the impossible.

But you nodded in appreciation nonetheless, and scooted closer to him until he felt his arm against yours and rested your head against his shoulder as you both watched the fish explore the water in front of you. A thought crossed his mind at that moment – that this small section of water was all those fish had ever known, but the thought didn’t bring him any sorrow or melancholy, only comfort. Perhaps because it reminded him of his time with you, and he knew when his time came, he would have been content with the thought that everything he’d ever truly known in his life always came back to you. His only regret at the end of it all being that he’d have to break his promise.

***

Shingen’s honesty was all too accurate.

He entered your house weeks later, and just from his footstep, before you could even turn around to face him fully, you knew.

“Please…” you whispered, moisture already collecting along your lash line, “don’t.”

His voice was soft, “I have to.”

You ran to him, arms tight around his torso and face buried in his chest, his kimono collecting the moisture that ran freely down your face now.

It was slow and quiet around you, as if through its cruelty, life had granted you both this one fragment of peace. Despite what had come before, and what was yet to come tomorrow, you could have this. The cursed pair offered one moment of blessing.

“I don’t want you to go.”

“Shh, I know. I know.”

“I never thought it’d actually happen. I never thought we’d have to do this.”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I never planned to leave you so soon. I wish I could give you more time.”

“Please…” You knew it was pointless, you knew it was selfish and cruel, but you had to ask one more time. For any possibility that the answer would be different. For any sliver of a chance that he could stay, and so you could return his honesty. “Don’t go. Not yet.”

“I don’t want to, but I can’t lie to you anymore, gorgeous.” He pushed your hair back, “I can feel it. I’m out of time.”

And all the while, Shingen thinks back to before this. To when you both were younger. When he was able to carry you home without his lungs burning, to laugh with you without having to force the coughs down. When he could look you in the eyes, tell you “I’ll be right back,” and not be lying.

Your voice was muffled by his kimono, but every word of yours rang loud and clear, like it always had done.

“Are you in pain?”

“I’m not.”

“Do you need anything from elsewhere?”

“I don’t.”

“Then, can you stay just for tonight then? Just…to lay by me. I don’t need anything else, please just stay here with me.”

The answer was obvious.

“I’ll stay,” he gently swayed back and forth with you in his arms, pressing a chaste kiss to the top of your head as you continued to weep, his own tears prickling his eyes, “Shh shh, my love it’s okay. I’ll stay. I’m not going anywhere.”

Simply laying next to each other quickly turned into holding one another, limbs intertwined in an embrace pure enough to melt evil. But none of it was enough to change the fate of two people who simply did not have enough time.

The next morning you left him to sleep in, doing the impossible task of taking yourself away from him and missing crucial seconds that he had little left to offer. But you needed to try everything.

Sasuke was surprised to see you at his door so early.

“I’m so sorry to come by at this hour, but…I need to ask you something.”

He invited you in, and when you declined the offer of tea, he encouraged you to ask the question.

“We don’t know much at all about your life before Echigo, and I completely respect that you keep it vague and private, but I need to ask…” you paused, fearful that the answer would be the one you expected, not the one you craved, “This mysterious place you come from, is there…is there anyone who can help Shingen?”

You were grateful that you didn’t need to elaborate, as it seemed Sasuke understood completely. He took one of your hands in his.

“I don’t want to give you false hope and I need you to understand that with this option comes a great risk, but I’ve been doing some calculations” he gave your hand a reassuring squeeze, “there might be a way. But we need to be fast.”

***

“I always knew you were a mysterious and clever little thing, Sasuke, but this has exceeded all my expectations.”

“I appreciate you trusting me, Lord Shingen.”

The air was kept light between the three, but none could deny the inevitable uneasiness that hung over you all. It was a huge risk, no outcome was certain nor promised. And because of that, you needed to be prepared for this to be goodbye.

Sasuke mumbled something about meeting him in a few minutes before walking away, leaving Shingen with the impossible task of finding the best way to leave behind the best thing that had ever happened to him.

You took the initiative, though, by taking him into your arms in the same way you did all those years ago on the worst night of his life, and he let himself melt into you just like he did that night too.

“Are you nervous?” you whispered.

“I have no idea what’s to come, but I’m hopeful.”

“That’s good, that’s good. I’ll be thinking of you the whole time you're gone, so come back soon, yeah?”

“Of course, I couldn’t leave a princess waiting.” There was unexpected reassurance in the way you rolled your eyes. Just one speck of normality before your future was put back into the hands of fate herself, especially when she’d never been particularly kind to you both up until now.

You heard Sasuke call for Shingen in the distance, and you knew it was time. You gave him another squeeze, hoping you could pour all of your reassurance into one action before stepping back, willing yourself not to cry so, worst comes to worst, the last image you left with him wasn’t one of sorrow. You wouldn’t do that to him, not when he loved your smile.

Not when you loved him. Even if he didn’t love you the same.

You made your way to Sasuke just in time for the storm to hit. You stood back so as to not get swept up with them, but close enough to get everything out of your last few seconds before uncertainty.

He gave you a smile, his signature Shingen smile that was filled with all the cheek and humour that you were so greatly fond of.

“I’ll be right back,” he teased, but then his smile evolved into one so genuine, one that held something he’d never shown you before, and one that could have knocked the wind out of you. You didn’t know what to think.

“And one more thing, before I go.”

You realised.

“I love you.”

And he was gone.

***

Weeks had passed.

All the laundry had been hung, every surface had been scrubbed, and every floor had been swept. You had visited every friend and you had travelled to every area of the town. You were running out of things to do, to keep your mind from slipping into a place it was magnetised to.

You wanted to worry, as you felt that worrying would stop you from being caught off guard. You would be prepared for anything. But it was the second week in when you realised that nothing could catch you off guard, because if your nightmare was to come true, there would simply be nothing and no one to tell you it was so. He just wouldn’t come home. And even though that thought ate you up inside, feeding on any speck of hope you had left in your body, you had to carry on until there was none of it left.

So you continued to replant flowers, the only thing you could find to occupy your doomed mind.

But it was then, with your hands covered in soil and your muscles aching, that you were in fact caught off guard after all. In the best, most soul-healing way possible. In the form of that which you’d yearned for, long before he left, and long before you’d even known.

“I like those ones. You should plant more, they match your kimono.”

Anything you had been holding instantly hit the ground as you whipped around. You didn’t trust your hearing alone, but now you could see him. He was there, and he was well.

He had kept his promise after all.

You’d never leapt into his arms so fast.

“Hey, woah, easy there, sweetheart. I’m a recovering man,” he said, though it was in jest for he caught you with ease, and if you hadn’t embraced him a second later, the situation would have been reversed and you probably would have ended up in the soil.

You don’t know how long you stayed there, holding onto each other with as much force as you could muster in the glow of dusk, but an eternity could have passed and you wouldn’t have cared. You had him back, and you also had something to do.

You had to ask about the one thing you didn’t even entertain with your attention until he was back in your sight. But now, as you held your breath in fear but also anticipation, you could finally get your answer.

“Did you mean it?”

You could tell that he wanted to crack a joke, to make some eccentric statement that would give him the smile he had missed dearly over those dreaded weeks. But you could see the thought melt from his features, and absolute sincerity replaced it.

One lie left.

“Yes. I have for a while.”

And he was finally caught out.

And with that, you could return his confession. In whole, and in truth.

You took one last breath before raising your head from his neck, already missing the scent that so often brought you great comfort. But you ignored that and cupped his face in your hands, thumbs brushing against his cheekbones as you peered down at him.

You didn’t hesitate another moment as you lowered your head down, lips a breath away from his as you whispered, “And I love you.”

When they finally met, you cursed yourself for all the time you’d wasted. Because there was never going to be anything like the feeling of his lips moving against yours, his light sighs as reverberating in your head he moved his hand to your hair, bringing you impossibly closer.

At what point the tears had begun was unbeknownst to either of you, but there was not a second wasted in making up for lost time, now that you had so much more of it.

At long last, you could both keep your promise with uncorrupted, unmitigated certainty.

I’m not going anywhere.

***

I really hope you enjoyed, @tiny-wooden-robot 🌻 it was an absolute HONOUR to create for you💛

#ikesen gift exchange #ikesen shingen #ikesen shingen x reader #shingen takeda #shingen takeda x reader #ikesen shingen x mc #shingen takeda x mc #my writing #SHINGEN <3

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