#In love with Oda's voice please speak more baby

[sskk-manifesto]

And so the big sskk shortage begins (no sskk for the next 15 episodes) (and the sskk episode coming after kind of sucks)

[livelaughlaw3]

Reconciliation through s*x

Prohibited under 18

TW : creampie, unprotected s*x, bl0w j*b, p*netr*tion, definitely smut, angst, sadness, fluffy end <3333

You are with Shanks in this story. (He has two arms because he's too smart to have lost his arm that way and Oda already said it was his editor who told him to tell that story.)

You argued a lot but for a few minutes at most. All this because of a woman who is a little more enterprising than the others who are used to gravitating around your man. She placed her hand on his forearm and placed a free drink on the table for him when he politely refused. You would have liked him to be much more vehement in his refusal.

After 10 minutes of arguing, everyone went their separate ways, ready to explode. You showered, got into bed and covered yourself. You knew you were in the wrong and you knew you said things you didn't mean. You realize that you must have hurt him a lot. As he has been very busy lately, all of this has affected your confidence in yourself and in him. You shed a few tears but can't sleep. You lay on your side, facing the wall, arms curled up against your chest.

After an hour, you hear a knock on his bedroom door. “It’s Shanks, can I please come in ?..” You sigh, his caution and maturity making you feel even worse. “Yes..”, he inhales and opens the door slowly. He glances at you, you look so weak and vulnerable. He curses himself internally, feeling that your voice is broken, because of the tears you must have shed. You sit and look at him, like a five year old would look at him, and hold your arms out towards him. Desperate to reconcile with your man, you absolutely want a hug. “Please..”, his heart skips a beat hearing you beg him. He walks up to you, on autopilot. He's desperate to hold you too, even though he doesn't think he deserves you or your affection. A lot of emotions run through him, desire, guilt, love, regret. He sits on the bed, at your feet. Your arms are still in the air, in endless waiting. He wants the same thing as you but not before apologizing and explaining. Except that he knows full well that you want physical contact and affection first, then explanations. You know him like the back of your hand, you pull off the blanket, climb into his lap, hug him tight as you burst into tears. He helps you and holds you tightly then rubs your back to calm you down as he hugs you too. "I love you !!! I can not live without you !!! I'm sorry for everything !!! I never wanted to argue or make you suffer!!! I beg your pardon !!!" You cry on his shoulder, he hugs you.

He can’t hold back and kisses your cheek then moves down to your neck quickly. He wants to mark you to make sure everyone knows you belong to him. You’re still shaking and crying in his arms but it’s replaced by your soft moans. He loves the fact that you respond to his lips like this but hates himself for causing you so much pain. He leaves a trail of kisses and bites on the skin of your neck. You ask him “Can we make love now ? I'm sorry and I know I shouldn't ask this right now. But I want to… I want to show you how much I love you and I need you.” He lets out an almost feral growl when he hears you speak.

You remove his belt, he holds you close and kisses you passionately. His hands wander over your body, going under your clothes. He stops for a moment to catch his breath “I can’t resist you..”. You are still saddened but answer him “I love you.. I need you..” He smiles at you “I love you too. I would be gentle. Will you tell me if I hurt you ?” You nod, needy. His lips trail down your neck as he guides you onto the bed. His weight pins you to the bed, your body beneath his. His desire for you grows by the second. “I would do anything to make up.” You smile “Be gentle.. but also.. a little rough.” He bites your neck again “I’ll give you everything you need, I promise baby.” You kiss him again, pushing your body against his, your hips against the growing bulge in his pants. He lets out a heavy moan as his tongue enters your mouth.

You take off his pants and boxers and unbutton his shirt as he continues to pepper your body with kisses. He whispers to you “I don’t deserve you.. But you are everything to me, you know that right ?” You smile at him, he kisses you again “I know I screwed up and hurt you. But I love you more than anything in the world.” You nod, crying but smiling, through the kiss. He wipes away your tears, continuing to kiss you. You remove your dress, leaving your naked body exposed. “You’re so beautiful..” You guide him towards your entrance, his breath catching in his throat for a second. “Are you sure, sweetheart ?” You nod and kiss him. He smiled “Whatever you want, my love.” He tries to control himself and pushes slowly and carefully inside you. He moves gently to stay soft as he feels surrounded perfectly. “I feel so good, angel.” You spread your legs for better access “Keep going Shanks..” He smiled, his pupils growing as he looked at you. His lips resume their bites on your neck. “I will, I will give you everything you ask for, love.” You smile “Faster, deeper Shanks..” He obeys you, his pace quickening “Like that ?” and his body moving with relentless roughness. You nod, he smiles “You take everything I give you, fine, my moon. You want everything I have and I'll give it all to you. It feels good ?" You nod, your eyes rolling back sometimes.

He continues his rapid pace and works to go as far as possible, sinking completely until your pelvises are almost glued together. Both of you begin to see the stars and a piece of Heaven, with each thrust. You moan continuously, he loses himself completely inside you. He moans and breathes heavily “Take it all baby, there you go, you’re close.” He feels you pulse and tighten around him. He feels your water release as you reach your climax. He feels himself filling you deeply, his body shaking with pleasure and need. “You’re amazing doll, you always take me so well.” You hug him to make him lie on your body. He groans as he feels himself getting harder against your thighs. Your breaths are labored and your two chests beat against each other.

“Again ?”, he laughs “Yes my love, are you ready ?” You nod, needy. He stands up, groaning as he sees you naked in front of him. He grabs your hips, looking into your eyes “Hang on, angel, I’m going to give you what you want. I’m going to give you every inch of me, you’ll feel me for days.” You kiss him, pulling him close to you. You feel him entering you, deeper and faster. “That’s it honey, moan for me. Let me hear how good I am doing you. I just started with you.” You moan a lot and louder, making him reach his orgasm, much faster than he ever imagined and faster than you. Two more deep thrusts and you feel his hot cum inside you. He stops, disappointed in himself, looking at you. “God, I'm sorry sweetie, I didn't mean to.. I can do better, I promise.. Just let me try.. please..”

You smile at him and hold his face in your hands, your palms caressing his cheeks and your fingers playing with the strands of his hair that fall in his face. “It’s nothing, little heart, it’s very flattering. You love me too much to hold on for long. I love you." He feels his cheeks blush with affection “B-But.. I wanted to make you feel good..” You smile “Baby.. you’re adorable. You gave me enough tonight. You’re everything I need and want.” He suddenly feels relieved.

You sit back down “Let me do it now, it’s my turn.” He raises an eyebrow, perplexed. “Let you do what, baby girl ?” You laugh “You gave me a lot tonight, Daddy.. and you ?” You have him sit on the bed then lie on his back, placing the pillows comfortably behind him. Surprised and a little embarrassed as you kneel between his legs. “You don’t have to..” He doesn’t have time to finish his sentence as he sees and feels your mouth already at work. He moans loudly but already feels overstimulated. “Doll.. I'm already too sensitive..” But he feels you going even faster, the pleasure coursing through his body makes him tremble and shiver “G-Gently.. Honey.. I'm already.. sensitive..” He now feels the wet warmth of your tongue and your response “You can take it Daddy.” He stammers “I.. I can, I’m already close..” You continue your magic and he sees your saliva forming bubbles around it. The sensation bringing him closer and closer to the peak. “Ohh.. God.. O-Oh.. God.. F-f-f-f..” You give one last thrust with your mouth as the pleasure washes over him. “Aaaaah.. Haaaaaa..”, you help him with your hand to ride out his orgasm. “Mmmmfff.. oh.. f-f..”, you see him laboriously trying to catch his breath as his body shakes all over.

To tease him, you only touch the tip with your fingers. But he already feels too stimulated with his different previous orgasms “Ooh.. N-n-not so much..” He sees you resume your magic with your mouth, taking him deep. “Ooooh.. I’m so sen-mmmf.. s-sensitive, baby..” He holds back, still shaking, dropping his head onto the pillow behind him. “F-fuck.. sweetheart.. You feel so damn good.. I’m close !” You continue to moan to help him with one last turn of your tongue, powerful and hot, he reaches yet another orgasm. The sensation is close to a drug, his body trembles all over. You lay on top of him, covering him with your body and kissing his collarbone to help him. He holds you close and tries to regain normal breathing. You tease him “Somebody’s extra clingy today !” He laughs, you regain your seriousness “Do you forgive me ?” He nods “Of course my princess. Of course. I love you."

You fall asleep against each other, using only your dress to dry and cover yourselves. The next day he was all lovey-dovey.

Enjoy - Do not copy or repost anywhere. Republish of course if you like it. I made edits on Tiktok too if you want to check 🫶🏻🫶🏻

[straycat-writes]

Could I please get 15 (afterlife)? Any bsd character will do.

oda sakunosuke + afterlife

The mellow sunlight filtering in through the window felt warm on your skin. Taking in a deep breath and stretching lazily on the bed, you turned over on your side. You slowly opened your eyes, only to be met with beautiful sleepy blue ones already staring at you. You smiled.

“Hi.”

He chuckled, “Hello.

You snuggled in closer to him, reveling in the familiar, comforting scent that overtook you. Pine cones and gunpowder. “I missed you…”

He draped an arm over your figure, pulling you closer, “I know, sweetheart. I missed you too.”

The deep baritone of his voice comforted you. It felt…soft, somehow, like coming back home after a long day. But at the same time, it also made a strange, melancholic kind of ache spread throughout your chest.

“Oda?”

“Hm?”

A tear leaked from your eye involuntarily, “I’ve been s-so lonely without you.”

“I know, sweetheart, I know…” he whispered into your hair, wiping away the tear from your face, “But not yet.”

Your breathing quickened, “Why not?”

He shook his head, “Not quite yet. This isn’t the time.”

“Odasaku, please,” your voice cracked, more tears falling from your eyes, “I – “

But the sob that wracked through your body didn’t let you complete your sentence. Odasaku frowned, continuing to whisper soft nothings into your ear, though it was clear from his face how much his heart was breaking.

“Sshh, it’s okay, baby, I’m right here.” He stroked your hair, placing a kiss on the top of your head, “And I’m going to be right here. I’m waiting for you, I promise, but you have to stop rushing it, darling.”

You looked at him through a haze of tears. The face of the man you loved more than your own life. “I miss you.”

“I know. I miss you too.” He gave you a heart-breaking smile, “But it’s time for you to go now.”

Your eyes shot open. The bright fluorescent light right above your head burned, and you closed your eyes again. There were people speaking around you, but their voices were too hazy to make out. And there was something else…a steady mechanical beeping.

You forced your eyes open again and looked sideways. A heart monitor. An IV attached to your hand.

“She’s awake!”

You burst into tears.

[I have found that I’m physically incapable of letting go of any opportunity to write heart-wrenching angst]

[cakers-2000]

~Time Flies~ (Chuuya X Fem!Reader)

I’m just really proud of how this came out so please enjoy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You could remember the day you met Chuuya Nakahara like it was yesterday.

You were new to the Port Mafia. Well, sort of new.

You had hung around the Port Mafia plenty of times in your young life. Your father was their lowest ranking member Oda Sakunosuke so you had already been introduced to at least Ango Sakaguchi and the suicidal maniac himself Dazai Osamu. You hung around Dazai quite a lot, he was around your age and he always seemed to be hanging around your father so it wasn't too long before some kind of relationship started to bloom between the two of you. It wasn't too long either before you found yourself being invited to join the Port Mafia. And it again wasn't too long before you accepted and joined the organization.

Your fighting was trash, but you spoke extremely eloquently and so you became a low ranking spy. Gathering information would be a cinch, but you'd have to work on your fighting skills.

But it took a few more years before you met Chuuya.

Even at the age of 15 he was loud. Arrogant and a bit of a show off. but despite that you strangely found yourself drawn to him. But why?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At first he was rather cold to you. When you tried to introduce yourself he shrugged you off, merely replying to your enthusiastic hello with a 'piss off'.

It wasn't the best first greeting.

But you persisted.

You made it a personal mission to bug the boy at least once every day and sure enough, your dumb idea worked. He began to reciprocate your greetings and would even hold conversation with you though most of the time he looked extremely uninterested and spoke in a monotone and bored voice.

But on very rare occasions you would see his lips curve into a smile as he listened to you ramble on and on. True smiles of Chuuya joy were very rare and hard to come by.

Though it did take an awful lot of time, your relationship with Chuuya Nakahara began to form.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"He's gone (Y/N). He's fucking gone."

You perked your head up at the sound of Chuuya stumbling into your bedroom. You hadn't even invited the boy through the front door, but you only sighed to yourself. Of course he would just let himself in. He leaned himself against the door frame, bottle of wine in one hand while his other hand held onto his phone with a tight grip.

"Chuuya are you okay?"

You cautiously approached the older boy with nothing but concern in your eyes. He swayed precariously back and forth, ready to topple over at any moment.

"That asshole left without saying a word."

The closer you got to him the stronger the scent of alcohol became. The bottle he currently held hadn't even been opened yet, but he was drunk off his ass.

"Chuuya, maybe you should lie down."

"I don't need to lie down, I need to get a hold of that bastard. How could he just leave me like that?"

His words were slurred. He attempted to take an angry step forward but nearly fell. You panicked, letting out a small 'eep' and ran in front of him so that he could fall in your arms rather than on the hardwood floor. He didn't move himself from your grip and the bottle in his hand fell to the floor, though thankfully it didn't so much as crack.

"Are you... Are you talking about Dazai?"

"Who else would I be talking about? That no good dirty..."

His voice became muffled as he turned his head forward so that he was practically speaking into your chest and you let out a shaky sigh, your cheeks a bright red. Jesus Christ why me?

You attempted to stand the boy back upwards but his arms wrapped themselves firmly around your waist as he once more turned his head to the side.

"I just need a drink. Juuuuuuust one, then I'll go find that damn asshole and teach him a lesson."

"Chuuya you've already had a drink."

"I just need oneeeeee."

"Chuuya you're drunk."

He shot his head backwards so that he was locking up at you, a look of offense on his features. "I'm not drunk. I haven't even had a... a... a drip."

You couldn't help but laugh at his slurred and broken speech. "You mean drop."

He giggled to himself, finding something amusing but you had no clue what he was laughing about.

"Ooooookay, we're putting you to bed."

This time he didn't fight against you, his body seemed to agree and you helped him stumble over to your bed and helped him lay down before throwing the covers on top of him.

He was out the second his head hit the soft pillow. You smiled slightly at the sight. He looked so peaceful as he slept, nothing like the loud and cocky man that you knew when he was awake. You let out a sigh and grabbed the book you had been reading from off of the comfy mattress and shook your head, preparing to spend the rest of your night on the couch.

"You're lucky I love your ass."

You would never in a million years utter those words to him while he was awake.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Chuuya I swear to god if you say one more fucking word..."

He really did test your patience sometimes.

"You're a fucking idiot you know that?"

And sometimes his words could hurt.

"Excuse me!? How am I the idiot!? You're the one fucking bleeding out because you won't go to a fucking hospital!"

"You're the one who wouldn't move! What kind of dumbass sees someone aiming at them with a fucking gun AND STAYS IN THE SAME SPOT!? You're lucky I was there to save your ass!"

"I had things under control!"

You felt his arm, that was currently swung around your shoulders, tense as his anger rose. "Under control!? He was going to shoot you! They had you found out! How is that under control!?"

"I COULD'VE HANDLED IT!"

You both froze for a second. It took a lot for you to lose your cool, especially for you to lose it at him. In fact, that was the first time you had ever screamed at him like that. You turned your head away from his gaze, instead looking on the other side of you.

"I don't need you guys babying me like my dad did alright? I can take care of myself..."

He snickered to himself and you turned to glare at him but found that he had a smile on his face. And he was laughing.

"What the hell is so funny!?"

"I don't 'baby you'."

"Wha- YES YOU DO! You're the biggest culprit asshole! God I can't even go on my own mission without you trailing me!"

"(Y/N) I'm not an idiot." His gaze fixed directly on you, somewhat harsh and you looked everywhere but at him. "I know what you are and aren't capable of. You don't have the skills yet to be taking on jobs without any kind of protection. It's not babying you."

"Oh come on Chuuya! I've been in the same rank since I was 16! Mori's never going to let me go out on my own!"

"Because you aren't ready." He gestured down to his stomach, the wound still clear and he grit his teeth as he started to move the both of you forwards again. "This is clearly a testimony. What were you going to do if I hadn't been there?"

"Well..."

"Exactly."

You sighed and fixed your gaze onto the ground, falling into silence now as you couldn't argue against his words, though he could tell you were still upset.

"I guess... I do KIND OF baby you."

You smiled a tad bit and turned to face him, winking towards him with a cheeky smile. "It's cause you love me huh?"

You had never seen his face so red before.

"NO! THAT'S NOT IT! I just... I just think Oda would've appreciated it..."

"You barely knew my dad Chuuya."

"IT'S NOT BECAUSE I LIKE YOU DUMBASS! God I never should've even said anything to begin with!"

You only laughed at his hostile and angry tone and listened to him yell at you as you steered him in the direction of the nearest hospital. There was no way in hell you were going to let his stubborn ass get away from receiving treatment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It wasn't long after your visit to the hospital and Chuuya had gotten himself stitched up that he confessed his feelings to you, and your romantic relationship truly blossomed.

You were surprised to find that most of the Port Mafia supported the two of you, and even more surprised to find that there was a certain Executive that didn't support you.

"I'm busy you know."

You smiled cheekily as you sat in his lap, holding onto his cheeks as you nuzzled his nose with your own. Normally in the office setting he would push you away, he'd barely hold your hand in front of his fellow Executives and subordinates but you were sat in his own personal office, in a space all your own.

"I went for a walk today. You'll never guess what I found."

"You want to bring another cat home?"

You nodded and pressed your forehead against his own, the cheeky smile still there. "How did you know?"

"(Y/N), we don't need another cat."

"But Chuuya she was an old lady! It's harder for the older cats to find a home!"

"No (Y/N)."

You pulled your face away from his and crossed your arms over your chest, slightly pouting. "Oda would've let me bring her home..."

He chuckled at your pouty tone and moved his face closer to yours, clasping your hands in his own but stopped at the creaking sound of his door opening. His smile instantly fell to a thunderous glare and he looked over your head to see who had interrupted your moment without so much as a knock.

"What do you want, Old Lady?"

There was only one person Chuuya called Old Lady. You turned yourself around to see Kouyou standing there, her pink kimono sleeve covering her mouth as she gave the two of you a disapproving stare.

"Chuuya, what are these rumors I hear?"

His hands fell to your waist and he gently pushed you to the side. You got the hint and stood up off of his lap and instead sat on his desk.

"Rumors?"

Her eyes fell to you, the disapproving look worsening and you couldn't help but feel a tad bit self conscious.

"If a Mafia Executive is going to be fooling around with anyone, shouldn't it at least be with another Executive? Not a..." Her eyes stayed fixed on you for awhile and you could tell by Chuuya's balled up fists that he was already irked. "Not a subordinate?"

"My personal life has nothing to do with you. What gives you the right to-"

"Chuuya."

She interrupted him mid sentence and he grit his teeth. You could hear him audibly growling in anger. You placed your hand on top of one of his, hoping to calm him though it seemed to do nothing or very little at all.

"I practically raised you from the age of 15 onward. I think I know what and who is best for you. And it's not..." She pondered in her head for a bit, seeming to find the right words but sighed. "Her."

You frowned at her harsh tone. "Hey..."

"She simply isn't good enough for you Dear. I raised you to only accept the finer things in life did I not? There are plenty of females out there worth your affection, but she is not one of them. A subordinate is equal to a peasant. An executive is equal to a king. A peasant and a king just don't belong together."

You couldn't lie. Her words hurt. You stared down at the floor, refusing to meet her eyes that had refused to leave your form since she first entered the room. The more she talked the more anger that festered within him until he popped.

"SHUT UP!"

She was shocked at his outburst and finally drew her eyes away from you and onto him. "Excuse me?"

"I am perfectly capable of making my own decisions. I get to choose who is and isn't best for me, it isn't your place. You may have raised me but that doesn't mean I have to give a shit about your opinion. I'm not going to tolerate you talking shit about my girlfriend and spewing bullshit about how she 'isn't good enough for me'. That's nothing but bullshit lies." He let out a scoff, and pointed towards his office door that had still been left open. A few subordinates had their heads poked around the doorframe, watching the scene unfold before them. "Get out."

Kouyou stared at him in obvious shock, though not moving an inch. His temper was already shot. The red aura of his ability surrounded his body and the floor around him crumbled to pieces.

And she finally got the message. She sauntered out of the room, not without giving you one last disapproving stare and closed the door behind her.

You cautiously got up off of the desk as the aura faded away and wrapped your arms around him tightly in both a way to calm his nerves and to say thank you. He instantly hugged you back, allowing you to bury your face in the crook of his neck.

"I'm sorry..."

Though your voice was muffled he could still hear you speak. "It's okay Chuuya, it's not your fault. I never really liked Kouyou anyways."

He chuckled as your breath hit his skin and nuzzled your hair with his nose. "I know but... You shouldn't have had to listen to that in the first place."

You smiled and moved so that you were facing him and grabbed his face in your hands. You placed a sweet kiss on his lips, lingering for a second when you pulled away as you saw a rare smile fall onto his face. "I'm just glad you stuck up for me..."

"Well I wasn't just going to let her get away with running her mouth."

You giggled and kissed his cheek before resting your head on his chest, your smile only growing as his arms hugged you tighter in a protective embrace. "I love you Chuuya."

"I love you too Princess."

~~~~~~~

Taglist:

@redflannel​

[writingwhimsey]

The Tiger and The Oda Princess Ch. 10

Chapter 10

It was the next day and it was finally time for Shingen and I to head home to Kai. We were getting ready to depart Azuchi, my friends seeing us off. "Safe travels, Ava." Nobunaga said to me.

I smiled at him. "Thank you."

He was then looking at Shingen. "I will be expecting to hear from you soon, Tiger of Kai."

Shingen nodded at Nobunaga. "I...thank you for your help in keeping Ava safe and in bringing Motonari to justice."

Masamune sent us with more snacks and I was soon climbing inside the palanquin. We were on our way. It took about a week and a half for us to get back to Kai. We traveled only so long each day before making camp or stopping at a town and settling in at an inn. Asuna was basically calling the shots on the trip. Shingen listened to her without question as to my health.

We finally made it back home just as the sun was beginning to set. Shingen helped me out of the palanquin and I stretched. "Welcome home, my princess." He told me, placing a gentle kiss on the back of my hand.

I smiled up at him. "It's good to be home."

We made our way inside. I was tired and hungry from the trip. The maids prepared a meal for us, while Shingen and I settled in our room. We had just finished eating when there was a knock on our door. "May I come in?" Called the familiar voice of Yoshimoto from the other side.

"Yes, come in." Shingen called.

He came in and gave us a sad smile. "I am glad to see you are still doing well Ava." He told me. "I assume the baby is doing well, also?"

There was something in the look of his eyes that told me that he truly meant that, but that he was pained. I smiled at him. "Yeah, kicking me a lot. Plus Asuna is rather strict about our care."

"What's on your mind, cousin?" Shingen asked.

Yoshimoto nodded. "I wanted to thank you for your hospitality over these last few months, but I think my vassals and I should leave tomorrow."

"Where is this coming from?" Shingen asked.

Yoshimoto gave us yet another sad smile. He was then looking at me. "I also wanted to apologize to you, Ava."

"Apologize to me for what?" I asked.

"It's my fault you got kidnapped." He answered. "I should have put in more safe guards to help protect you and I failed."

"So that's why you're leaving?" Shingen asked.

Yoshimoto nodded. "Yes, after failing you both, I don't deserve to stay here."

"Don't say that." I found myself speaking up. "My being kidnapped was no one's fault but Motonari's."

"Ava's right, Yoshimoto." Shingen spoke up. "Besides you're family. There's no way I am letting you leave."

"Yes, please stay?" I asked.

Yoshimoto's smile turned gentle. "You both really feel that way?"

"Yes." Shingen and I answered together.

"We want you to stay." Shingen said.

"Yes, stay...besides no one else admires my work the way you do or has such an eye for fabric as you do either." I told him, as he had taken to going shopping with me from time to time and helping me pick out fabrics for my commissions.

"Thank you." He said.

"Hey, I love your work." Shingen said, his tone playfully jealous as he wrapped his arms around me.

I looked up at him and smiled. "I know, but Yoshimoto appreciates it in a different way."

"She is right." Yoshimoto agreed.

The three of us stayed up chatting for a bit longer before Yoshimoto left us alone. Shingen and I moved out to sit on the veranda and look up at the moon. I sat in his lap, leaning against him, my legs stretched out in front of me. His arms were wrapped around me, a hand resting on my belly.

As we sat there, the baby began to move. I placed my hand over Shingen's and guided it to the place I could feel the kicking. "Someone is feeling active tonight." He said and I could hear the smile in his voice.

"She always seems more active at night." I said absently.

"There you go saying she again." He teased me. "I think you have a feeling."

"Maybe." I replied. "Or maybe it's because you keep saying it's going to be a girl."

He chuckled and kissed the top of my head. "We'll find out soon enough."

We sat there for a while, gazing up at the moon and feeling our baby move. Both of us were smiling, happy to be home and have this moment of peace and privacy.

The following days were a blur of trying to finish up plans for the festival. The seamstresses and I were busy making lot of pieces to sell at the festival (though I wasn't allowed to do as much as I normally would, Asuna telling me I needed to still take things easier). Shingen had placed Yukimura in charge of increasing security measures for the festival, wanting everything to be safe and no one to be able to get inside who shouldn't be here.

Shingen spent a lot of time in council meetings and writing letters communicating with Nobunaga and the rest of the Oda forces. He was also receiving lots of reports from his Mitsumono, trying to get more information on where Motonari might be. Though that pirate lord seemed to be more evasive than we thought.

Of course, no matter how busy he was, he made sure to take meals with me and to end his days early enough so that we could spend our evenings together. It was just a week before the festival, Shingen had been in council all day, not even getting to take a break that day.

I looked up at him as he came into our room. "Welcome back." I greeted him with a smile.

Shingen returned my smile as he came to sit beside me. "I'm sorry I haven't been able to see you much today." He said, leaning over and kissing me gently on the cheek.

"I know you've been busy." I replied. "Asuna's finally letting me work a little harder, so I've had my sewing to keep me busy."

Shingen lifted a hand to cup my cheek. "Still, it is such a shame to have to miss my goddess so much." He was then pulling me into his arms and holding me close.

I nestled into his embrace and rested my head on his broad, perfectly sculpted chest. "Well, your goddess missed you, too." I replied.

Shingen placed a hand beneath my chin and coaxed my face up. Our lips met in a warm kiss. I parted my lips on a sigh and Shingen took the opportunity, slipping his tongue inside to deepen the kiss. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled myself closer.

We broke the kiss after a few moments, both of us panting. Shingen kept a hand on my face and I leaned into his touch. "I'm starting to think Asuna is torturing us." He said.

I let out a sigh. "I think I have to agree." I replied. It had been around a month since I was kidnapped. I felt completely fine, the baby was still moving around and I had no signs of bleeding or cramping. Yet she would still not give us the okay for intimacy. "It's just not fair. When a woman is married to as sexy a man as you..." I blurted my thoughts aloud with a pout.

Shingen chuckled. It was then that I realized that I really did say that aloud and my cheeks reddened. As I tried to turn my embarrassed face away, he just brought my gaze back to his and then rested his forehead against mine. "It's good to know I'm not the only one suffering here." He teased me.

I smiled at him through my bashfulness. "I don't know if you know this, but you're quite sexy...and I also know what you can do with these hands...and I miss it."

We shared another kiss, this one briefer, but no less sweet or wanting. Our dinner was brought in shortly after and we began to eat. "So, are you any closer to finding Motonari?" I asked.

Shingen sighed and shook his head. "No. It is likely he's not even in the country and won't return until he has a new plan." He answered. "But I do have some other news that I think should make you very happy."

"Really?" I asked.

"After much debate among the council, everyone has agreed to form an alliance with the Oda...a permanent one."

I couldn't help the smile that came to my face. "Really? That's wonderful."

Shingen smiled at me. "Nobunaga and a few others will be coming here for the festival. We'll be signing the papers to make it official and the festival will be an act of good will as well as a celebration of the new alliance."

I was putting my chopsticks down and throwing my arms around Shingen. I felt his arms wrap around me in response. "I know this wasn't easy for you or the rest of the council considering everything that happened in the past...but I am happy that you all made this decision."

"I know." Shingen replied, embracing me slightly tighter, but still so gently. "I can't deny...especially after seeing the future that what the devil king is doing is necessary in order to achieve true peace, but I am hoping that if I work with him we can bring about that peace faster and costing as few lives s possible."

I pulled back slightly from Shingen. I placed my hands on either side of his face and looked into his eyes. I could see he meant what he said. I smiled at him. "If anyone can do it, it's you."

"Though it's all only possible because of you, my angel." He told me.

"I don't know about that..."

"You don't even realize it." He said with a warm smile. "You're the main reason the Oda are even wanting an alliance with the Takeda in he first place."

"That's not true. I know for a fact that Nobunaga and the others respected you and Kenshin as honorable commanders, even if you were enemies...I heard them talk about your skills and Mitsuhide I am certain envies your information network."

Shingen chuckled. "That may be true...and he did mention that those were reasons for wanting an alliance with me...But we never would have known how we well we could work together had we not come together for your sake."

"Well, when you put it like that..." I replied.

Shingen kissed my forehead. "You are a woman worth fighting for and a woman worth uniting for."

"Okay, now you're just laying it on a little thick." I replied, my tone teasing, though it was to try and deflect from how bashful I was feeling.

"It's the truth though." He told me. "Besides, I can't help myself when I'm around you." He was then giving me a kiss on the lips.

I climbed onto his lap as our kiss continued and deepened, wanting to be as close as possible. It didn't take much for me to feel that needy ache begin to rise up in me. My need for Shingen, to have him all over me and filling all of my senses. Not to mention, I knew that he had mixed feelings about the alliance with the Oda and still fought with jealousy over them...I wanted and needed to be able to show him that he was the only one I want. That he's the man I love and the man I choose.

Shingen broke the kiss, but still held me close. "Dammit." He breathed out as he looked at me. "You're so beautiful...so perfect...and not being able to have you right now..."

"It's killing me too." I replied, resting my head on his shoulder. "I want you so badly."

We sat there for a while, just holding each other while our rapidly beating hearts calmed down. Okay, I am seeing Asuna tomorrow and demanding she lift the ban on sexy times with Shingen. I thought to myself.

Eventually we pulled apart to finish our dinner and then get ready for bed. We lay down in the futon and Shingen pulled me close. The feeling of being in his arms was where I wanted to be most of all. I soon fell into a peaceful sleep, wrapped in those big strong, loving arms.

Shingen lay awake, gazing at his love in the moonlight streaming in form the open window. "Would you believe me if I told you that you really are the reason that devil wants an alliance? He even mentioned it in our game of Go that first night when he brought up the alliance." He whispered to her sleeping form. "I am sorry that I couldn't bring myself to tell you that while you were awake...I really am selfish for wanting to keep you all to myself...and for hoping that Asuna lays off before they get here for the festival so I can mark you and make love to you before they get here."

Shingen let out a sigh before gently kissing Ava on the forehead. She let out a contented little sigh in her sleep and nestled closer to him. He smiled and kissed the top of her head before closing his eyes to sleep as well.

Chapter 11 below!

https://writingwhimsey.tumblr.com/post/656432360937652224/the-tiger-and-the-oda-princess-ch-11

[darkkitsuneprincess]

Homecoming pt.1 (Nobunaga x MC)

Several people have asked for a sequel to Preparations for War and have pretty much begged for fluff. And I started out with fluff...I SWEAR I DID. And then...then Hideyoshi had to go and be dumb and, well, here we are.

Don’t worry, kids...nobody dies. I can’t do that to any of my best boys. And part 2 will be all the fluff you can stand. It should be in your hands tomorrow.

Title: Homecoming (part 1) Pairing: Nobunaga x MC Rating: T/M (talk of violence and surgery) Word Count: ~4,000

Description: After three months, our heroes return from battle, but not in the best of ways. Angst with a dash of H/C and some horny Nobunaga for good measure.

WARNINGS: Angst. Lots and lots and loooooooots of angst. More angst than the first part. Major character injury with talk of death (but no death!). Vivid descriptions of medical procedures. Blood. Lots of blood.

~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~

The page placed the neatly-folded letter in my hand with a bow and offered a sad smile before disappearing from sight. My sewing fell into my lap, forgotten, as I cradled the single sheet of paper in shaking fingers. Before I consciously registered that it was actually in my hands, a single, round spot of wetness marred the otherwise pristine surface.

Three months they’d been gone. Three long, lonely months I’d haunted the halls of Azuchi castle, waiting at Ieyasu’s side for our family to return.

I opened the letter carefully so as not to tear the paper and smoothed it out against my chest. There, in Nobunaga’s beautiful handwriting was yet another heartbreaking update.

  My love,

The tide of battle has finally turned and we may yet persevere. Our men are weary of battle, beaten down and exhausted. Longing for home. Perhaps if I’d thought to bring my lucky charm with me, this battle would have long-since ended and without the casualties.

My hands are stained with blood, yet I long to hold you again. My nights are lonely without you in my arms. I will return as soon as I am able. I love you.

Nobunaga

 I carefully refolded the letter and tucked it into my kimono as tears rolled down my face. I missed him desperately. I wanted him home with me. I wanted him to know the beautiful things that waited here for him. So many times I’d started to tell him in letters but in the end I’d burned them all. I wouldn’t do that to him; give him something else to worry about. No, I’d wait to give him the good news when he returned so that I could enjoy his reaction.

I wiped at my face with my sleeve and turned my attention back to my sewing. There was nothing else left to do but wait. And wait. And wait some more.

***

Another week passed with silence from the battlefield. I sewed, I cleaned, I cooked…I found any number of ways to distract myself from the fact that nearly everyone I loved was at risk. I couldn’t shake the sense of dread when I thought about all of them out there, struggling to make peace out of blood.

With all of my work for the day completed, I sat in the garden enjoying the warmth of the sun on my face. With my eyes closed and my face tilted toward the sky, it was easy to imagine my men coming home, the steady, rhythmic stomp-and-clank of marching warriors rattling the ground beneath them. I pictured Nobunaga’s face, streaked with dirt and smiling that infuriating, devilish smile of his. I imagined his arms sliding around my waist as he pulled me to him. My hand dropped to my belly, rounded enough now that I had to be careful how I dressed and how I sat in order to hide the evidence from the house staff. Only Ieyasu knew, and I wanted it to stay that way until Nobunaga returned.

“Lady Mai,” one of the castle pages called my name, pulling me from my beautiful daydreams and back into that harsh, lonely reality. He bowed when I turned to face him. “Lord Ieyasu has called for you.”

“I’m on my way,” I replied with a smile. He bowed again and disappeared. Once I was certain I was alone, I struggled to my feet, fixed my clothes, and exited the garden.

I found Ieyasu in the audience hall discussing trade arrangements with a new ally. The conversation seemed to be going well, if not a little awkward thanks to my contrarian friend, and when I attempted to back out of the room and leave them to it, Ieyasu lifted his hand and waved me over. The look on his face was almost one of relief when I obliged.

“I apologize for the interruption. A page said you were looking for me.”

“Yes,” he answered as I stepped onto the dais and he offered his hand to help me sit, for which I was grateful. At roughly the half-way mark of this pregnancy, my balance wasn’t exactly great. I tucked my legs beneath me and arranged my kimono to keep my growing belly hidden, and when I cast a glance at our guest, he gasped audibly.

“Lord Hiro, this is Princess Mai, Lady of the Oda.”

“My Lady,” he replied, dropping into a deep formal bow with his head against the floor, “rumors of your beauty abound, but they do not do you justice.”

“Careful, Lord Hiro,” Ieyasu admonished. “Remember that she is the wife of Lord Nobunaga, the man to whom you’ve recently sworn your loyalty.”

“I-I-I’m sorry,” Lord Hiro stammered, trying harder to push his face into the floor, “I meant no harm, I swear!”

“Please rise, Lord Hiro,” I cut in. “No offense was taken, I promise. I assure you, a lady always likes to hear compliments.” I turned to Ieyasu with a scowl. “Now play nice, Ieyasu.” He narrowed his eyes at me and shook his head, so I smiled as sweetly as I could and turned my attention back to our guest. “Tell me, Lord Hiro, what are your hopes for this alliance?”

The man slowly rose from the floor to recompose himself, but I noticed his hands shaking as he folded them into his lap.

“I am new to my position,” he admitted, and out of the corner of my eye I noticed the change in Ieyasu’s expression. This was news even to him. “Our land is small, largely unnoticed by the Shogunate in Kyoto. We are hard workers, my Lady, I promise you. But…”

He trailed off, as if he were afraid to speak.

“Please, Lord Hiro, continue.”

He took a deep, shaky breath and nodded. “My people were mistreated by our former Lord. He wanted the Shogun to notice him, so he would take our crops and our crafts for his tributes and leave us with barely enough to survive.” His voice trembled on the last word. It broke my heart to hear. “When he died, he left no heir. So the Shogun’s people came and assessed our home before the infighting could begin. Because my family is one of the oldest in our land, I was given this charge.”

“That is quite the honor,” Ieyasu said, his voice cold and impassive. I elbowed him in the side when Hiro looked away. He grunted.

“It is,” I answered, turning my attention back to our guest. “I understand that being in charge of something so large can be terrifying,” I told him. “Look at the two of us—Ieyasu and I have kept Azuchi Castle going for months now while Lord Nobunaga is away. Like you, we are here to care for our people. So please, tell us what you need.”

“I…I wanted to open up trade with Azuchi,” Hiro answered. His shoulders straightened and the lines of worry left his face. “We do not have much right now, but with time and a little assistance, I know my people can be a valuable asset to Lord Nobunaga.” Excitement glimmered in his eyes when he spoke next. “We have skilled craftsman—woodworkers, blacksmiths, weavers…so we can pay in trade. But we need food. Our people are starving.”

“Then food you shall have,” Ieyasu answered, his tone much softer than before. The statement brought tears to Hiro’s eyes. “Speak with Daichi on your way out and he will arrange for the deliveries.”

The man fell into a tearful, formal bow, his forehead once again on the floor at our feet. “Thank you, Lord Tokugawa! Thank you so much! And thank you, Lady Mai! Your kindness has healed my heart.”

“You are very welcome, Lord Hiro. Now please, return to your people and help them prosper.”

Once Hiro was out of earshot, Ieyasu sighed and shook his head.

“Did you have to do that in front of him?” he asked.

“He wasn’t looking,” I answered with a sweet smile. “Besides, you totally deserved it.”

“I did not!”

“Yeah, you did.” I laughed when Ieyasu turned his face away to hide his own smile. “So why did you want to see me?”

“They’re coming home today,” he said and produced a letter from his kimono. Everything around me went fuzzy as his words registered in my head. I took the letter and scanned it, Nobunaga’s writing surprisingly sloppy as if he were in a hurry. It was true; Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, Ranmaru, and Mitsunari were on the way home. Masamune and Mitsuhide were staying behind to clean up the mess.

“Really? This is real?” I asked, disbelieving as I waved the paper between us.

Ieyasu rolled his eyes at me. “Of course it is. That was delivered last night. They’ve secured peace along the southern border. However, there’s one more thing.” He held up another letter, though he didn’t let me have it. “Hideyoshi has been injured.”

My breath seized in my lungs and tears sprang to my eyes. “I-is he…”

“He’s alive,” Ieyasu confirmed. “I’m not supposed to tell you this, but he did something stupid and you need to be aware of it.”

My gut roiled and inside my belly, my unborn baby began to squirm. If Hideyoshi managed to get hurt, that meant…

“He covered Nobunaga, didn’t he?” I asked.

Ieyasu nodded. “He took an arrow through the left side of his chest. After the fighting ended, they’d returned to camp. An assassin, acting alone from what I understand, made an attempt on Nobunaga’s life.” My breath escaped in a stuttering cry before I could cover my mouth with my hand. Nausea bubbled up my throat behind it. “Apparently Hideyoshi’s armor was damaged during combat and when he leapt in front of Nobunaga to stop the assassin, the arrow pierced it.”

“No…oh, no. Tell me he’s going to be okay.”

“I won’t know for certain until they arrive. One of the field medics cut the arrow off and bandaged it, but they were afraid to remove it because they don’t know what it might have hit. Nobunaga is bringing him home himself.”

Tears ran freely down my face. While I was thankful that Nobunaga was okay, the idea that Hideyoshi willingly put himself in harm’s way and was actually harmed scared the daylights out of me. My chest ached and what little breakfast I’d managed to eat threatened to come back. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I didn’t want to believe it.

“Mai? Are you still there?” Ieyasu asked, waving his hands in front of my face. My attention snapped back to him.

“Sorry…”

“I said I need you with me for this,” he repeated. “You’ve handled arrow wounds before and Hideyoshi trusts you.” He glanced down at my belly then back at my face. “Do you think you can do it?”

“Yes,” I answered without hesitation.

“Then let’s get ready. They’ll be here soon.”

***

I’d just finished sterilizing our equipment when the doors burst open and in stormed Nobunaga with a flourish. He was covered from head to toe in dirt and blood, and the lines of worry etched into his face broke my heart. His gaze found me and a mixture of relief and fear flooded his features. I didn’t have time to dwell on it, though, as only a breath later Ranmaru and Mitsunari shuffled in carrying an equally muddy and bloody Hideyoshi, though the majority of the blood on him appeared to be his own.

“Careful now,” Ieyasu instructed as he helped them place Hideyoshi on the prepared table.  He was conscious though I had no idea how, and groaning in pain. “Drink this,” Ieyasu ordered, tipping a cup up to Hideyoshi’s lips. Our friend swallowed, though not without great effort, then I began to wipe away the grime from his face.

His skin was pale and waxy from the blood loss, his eyes sunken and yellowed. His breath came in tiny, wet gasps. He looked…he looked like he was dying.

“Hang in there, ‘yoshi,” I whispered in his ear and kissed his cheek. “We’ve got you. You’re gonna make it.” His hazy eyes locked onto mine for a second and recognition flared in his gaze. Then his eyes fell closed as if the effort of recognizing me had sapped all of his energy.

Ieyasu unwound the blood-soaked bandage while I set about removing as much of his armor as I could reach.  With each tug, Hideyoshi groaned in pain. Ieyasu cut his chestplate between the ribs of metal, careful not to disturb the stump of the arrow sticking out of it. The sight and its imagined pain brought about a series of dry heaves in me.

I’ll make him new armor myself, I thought to remove my mind from the wet work in front of me.

“Stick with me, Mai,” Ieyasu murmured. I nodded and pulled the last of the ties free, focusing my attention on my hand and not the possibly fatal wound of my dear friend. Hideyoshi’s eyes rolled in his head and he cried out when Ieyasu lifted him enough for me to pull away the plates of armor surrounding his body. His clothing underneath was soaked through with blood and we could see then just how deep the arrow had gone. Ieyasu wrapped the arrow in cloth and placed my hands around it while he cut away the rest of Hideyoshi’s clothing.

“At least it missed his heart,” I said, my own voice wobbling. “It’s also high enough that it shouldn’t have hit his lung either.”

“You’re right,” Ieyasu replied. “But it’s going to bleed a lot.”

“I know.” This was bad. So bad…

“Here.” He handed me a strip of worn leather. “Double it over and stick it in his mouth.” He glanced over his shoulder at Nobunaga. “I need you to hold him down. This is going to hurt like hell.”

I moved around, lifting Hideyoshi’s head and placing it in my lap while Nobunaga took my place at his other side. He’d stripped off the majority of his armor from the waist up but he, too, was still covered in layers of dirt and blood. Mitsunari squeezed in between Ieyasu and me, then he and Nobunaga placed their hands on Hideyoshi’s shoulders and pinned them to the table. Ranmaru appeared beside Nobunaga, placing his full weight on Hideyoshi’s thighs to further pin him in place.

“Hold still, stupid monkey,” Nobunaga snarled. “You have to live through this so I can kill you myself. Idiot.” I worked the leather into Hideyoshi’s mouth and held it down against the sides of his face, pinioning him against my legs so he couldn’t struggle—not that he had much strength left to fight with anyway.

“Listen to me, Hideyoshi,” Ieyasu said. “This is going to hurt. I have to get the arrow out. Don’t fight or I might kill you.”

The gleaming blade sank into Hideyoshi’s chest, widening the hole. His body tensed and would have bowed upward if not for the six extra hands holding him down. I pulled the strap tighter and felt him bite down on it, muffling his scream. A moment later I heard the thunk of the barbed arrowhead hitting the wooden bowl at Ieyasu’s side. The pressure on the strap eased and I dropped it, leaning over and placing my hands over the wound to push down. Hideyoshi groaned, though this new pain was probably nothing compared to what he’d just felt. Blood bubbled up through my fingers and I could feel the rapid fluttering of his heartbeat under my hands.

“Hurry, Ieyasu…we’re going to lose him!” I cried, and a moment later he swept my hands to the side and poured sake directly into the wound. Hideyoshi cried out again, his voice weaker still. The clear liquid mixed with the blood, turning it a sickly pink color that ran over his chest and down his sides, soaking into the remnants of his clothing. Ieyasu flooded the wound a second time then quickly stuffed the hole with an herb-filled cloth. It immediately turned red, but it was gone from sight a moment later, hidden behind the layers of bandages. I took the long bandages and wrapped them around Hideyoshi’s shoulder while Ieyasu and Nobunaga held him up, then took the rags and warm water we’d prepared and carefully washed his face, neck, arms, and chest while Ieyasu removed the remainder of his armor. Nobunaga rose and herded the others out while we continued to work.

Then all of a sudden, the excitement was over. Weakness filled my limbs, and for a moment I wanted nothing more than to lie down beside Hideyoshi and sleep. It was over. Hideyoshi was no longer screaming. Mitsunari was no longer whimpering, Nobunaga no longer cursing. There was no more blood except what was soaked into my clothes and staining my hands. It was just…quiet.

Hideyoshi’s breathing slowed and when I pressed my palm to his chest, I felt his heartbeat. It was still too fast for my liking, but it was at least steady now that the worst of the trauma was over. I continued to hold his head in my lap, brushing his matted hair back from his forehead, and prayed to anyone who would listen for his recovery.

Ieyasu checked his bandages and, seeing nothing immediately alarming, replaced the wrappings and leveled out another dose of medicine.

“He’s going to be alright, Mai,” Ieyasu said beside me. “He’ll stay here with me for now. I’ll change the bandages and keep giving him medicine to keep the infection away.” He laid a hand on my shoulder. “Someone else needs your attention more.”

My heart stuttered. I’d daydreamed a thousand ways to welcome Nobunaga home…and none of them included emergency surgery on his right-hand man. Every single one of my plans had been foiled and Ieyasu was right…I needed to find him.

Carefully, I worked my way out from under Hideyoshi’s head, bending to kiss his forehead one more time before rising and leaving through the open door.

I found Nobunaga at the end of the hallway, leaning against the wall. His head was tilted upward, his eyes closed. His hands were balled into fists at his sides and he struggled to breathe. He looked so broken…

Though even dirty and bloodstained, he was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen in my life. The sight of him took my breath away and made my heart ache.

“Nobunaga,” I called as I moved to his side. My voice seemed to startle him. “Welcome h—”

Before I could finish my statement I was in his arms, his mouth crushed against mine. He held me so tight I couldn’t breathe and he kissed me with such ferocity that I feared he might devour me whole. My back was against the wall in the next instant, his big body pressed against mine top to bottom. I kissed him back with equal hunger, threading my hands through his dirty hair and pulling him even closer. Every bit of the stress and strain of these last three months melted away under that kiss.

When he released me, we were both breathing hard. His forehead touched mine and we remained like that for a long time, just enjoying the fact that we were together again. That we were still alive.

“I love you, Mai,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I love you too,” I answered. “Now come on. Ieyasu will take good care of Hideyoshi. He’s going to be okay. But you…you’re about to fall over. We both need a bath and we have a lot of catching up to do.”

Nobunaga snickered and his arms tightened around me. “That we do, my love.”

He released me only to drape one arm around my shoulders and lead me away. I leaned into his side, enjoying his warmth and the feel of him beside me. While we walked, I told him of our earlier meeting with Lord Hiro and filled him in on the petty ramblings and gossip of the townspeople—all the things that had filled my days. Everything except…one thing.

The maids were well ahead of us in that they’d already prepared a bath for Nobunaga—probably Ranmaru’s doing if I had to guess—and vacated the area for us. The room was warm and quiet, and smelled of spicy incense. I slid the door closed behind us, and as it clacked against the frame, Nobunaga sighed. The weight of every action over the last three months sat heavy on top of the sound and when I turned I found an unusual expression on his face.

“What?” I asked. His lips quirked up in a lopsided grin.

“There is something different about you,” he replied. “Three months is quite a long time, but…”

“But what?” I turned away to prepare the cloths and his arms closed around me from behind, pulling my back flush with his chest. He caught my earlobe between his teeth and tugged gently, causing a ripple of pleasure to tickle down my back.

“But…I can always tell when my wife is hiding something from me.”

I pulled out of his arms as a near-hysterical giggle clawed its way out of my throat and his gaze darkened. He crossed his arms over his chest, assuming the angry dad pose.

“Now I know you’re hiding something from me.”

“Maybe,” I answered noncommittally. “But that’s for later. We need to get you clean first. Now strip.”

Nobunaga chuckled, letting the conversation go, and unwound the ties holding on his clothes. I knelt at the foot of the stool where he sat and began the slow process of removing three months’ worth of dirt and grime from my husband’s body. The clean water turned a murky brown as it rolled over his skin, and as I began to scrub, various cuts and bruises appeared. Each one was like a tiny knife to my heart, yet served to remind me that he was still here in my arms and very much alive.

“All done,” I said as the last cup of now-clean water rolled down his back. “You soak while I go find you something to eat.”

“You could join me,” he said, pulling me to him and kissing me gently. “We’ve been apart so long and I don’t want to wait any longer to hold you.”

“If I get in that tub with you, we’ll never get back out,” I answered, trying hard to ignore the feel of his big hands sliding over my sides and down my back.

“I see no problem with this.”

“Well I do. The water will go cold and then where will we be?”

“Making love in a tub of cold water,” he answered with a laugh, then kissed my forehead and let me go.

“You’re impossible.”

“Perhaps. I’ll be quick.”

I left him to finish his bath and went to the kitchen in search of food. It was late and the majority of the house staff had already turned in for the night. To my surprise, though, I found Ranmaru had already beaten me to the punch.

“Lady Siobhan!” he chirped when he spotted me, abandoning his task and running up to hug me. “You were so amazing today! And I was so afraid! Lord Hideyoshi…is he…”

“He’s going to be okay,” I confirmed and his shoulders sagged with relief. “Ieyasu is with him and will bring him back just to kill him again if he dies.”

“That’s…scary, but reassuring. I think.”

“What are you doing in here so late?”

“I, well, I thought Lord Nobunaga might be hungry. None of us have had a real meal in months and after all the excitement…” The pretty young man dropped his head, his long eyelashes fluttering against his cheeks.

“You and I had the same thought,” I told him, which brought a smile back to his face. “That’s why I’m here.”

“Oh good!” He grabbed my hand and towed me around to show me what he was working on.

TBC in Part 2

[chocolate-parfait]

Congratulations on the 300! I see you do matchups?! (I really hope this is the right inbox, I'm still new to this) Could you do one for me (Mixed matchup IkeVamp, IkeSen)? INFP-A, like drawing, cooking, reading, writing, languages (translator to be), sarcasm, traveling, dogs. Don't like unnecessary drama, people disturbing my peace. I'm straigt forward and don't like but can be very confrontational but that rarely happens (no one wants to witness this). Unpaid therapist of all my friends. Thx!

Thank you, sweetie! Hope you enjoy~

I match you up with... Dazai!

Dazai is one of the few people in the mansion who enjoys his peace and tranquility, so aside some teasing and clowning here and there he won't be causing too much of a ruckus (unless Ai-chan is involved~)

Your relationship with Dazai evolves pretty slowly. From two acquaintances who exchanged basic greetings and made small talk every now and then, you slowly became friends who chill together while quietly enjoying the other's company, only to turn into a deeper relationship after various syntomps typical syntomps of the phenomenology of love took root in your hearts. Despite a comfortably unhurried evolution and what some may deem as just fleeting and superficial attraction, your feelings are actually genuine and strong. You and Dazai were able to find the perfect balance that not many couples are able to achieve; neither of you forces the other into something they don't want to do, and you can safely call the each other out without fear of hurting or offending, confident in the mutual respect and understanding you both have of the other

You can spend hours sitting together side by side in complete silence, only the ticking of a clock or a little bird outside comfortably filling the background. You read a book and he writes his newest novel or vice versa. Sometimes it's just one snuggling against the other in search of warmth and affection. It's extremely domestic and Dazai literally LIVES for it

Your romance falls into a steady routine that gives Dazai the impression of leading a completely normal life, just like any other man, finally free from all the doubts and sorrows that used to torment him back in his human days. As if the constancy of such lifestyle wasn't enough, he's also got you to fix up whatever trouble may pass through his golden orbs. You're always there to hear and help him out, and you're also the main reason why he was able to break free from his self destructive mentality, and knowing that you can live a happy, safe life just by being with him brings him ungodly amounts of joy.

One particular night you two had a semi-fight. During that period Dazai was already pretty much always on edge, despite concealing it pretty well behind his usual smile, but when the moon is high in the sky people are more vulnerable, and his remorse and self hatred all came flowing out at once. He absolutely didn't expect your reaction. For the first time ever since you arrived at the mansion, he saw fire burning in your moonlit pupils. Your usual serene tone slightly lowered to a much more aggressive and harsh pitch as countless words came out of your pretty lips. With each sentence you destroyed every one of his qualms just like a knight would cut down his enemies to save his princess. By the end of your discussion he was shocked and amazed to find how you had literally flipped everything upside down and gave him much to think about. A new perspective, things he ignored too much and others he cared too much about. After that night Dazai's usual behavior changed considerably towards you. You could now clearly feel the genuineness behind his smiles and gazes, the softness in his voice and movements when addressed to you. It was the spark that ignited the flames of your love.

Your favorite dates vary from strolls around the city to him teaching you Japanese. He has never taught a language to anyone before, but by having such a receptive student as you makes his heart swell with pride and he wants to try harder for your sake! He's actually on cloud nine ever since you asked him to teach you his native language. The fact that you want to get to know his country and a big part of him better means a lot to him, and it does nothing but strengthen his love for you

Dazai loves animals!! So even without pleading too much he'll agree on adopting a dog if you want one. He's going to take great care of it and you will often see him petting him while quietly babbling on various topics as if the poor creature could understand him

Second choice: Mitsunari

As the resident angel of Azuchi becoming friends with him was no difficult task, as he already trusted you with his life the moment you became a part of the Oda Forces. Additionally, he truly admires your kindness and care for others, so much that he can't help but happily praise you with the biggest smile on his face. Barely even a week passes and you already find yourself watching after him as you remind him to eat, sleep and maybe even breathe. Hideyoshi is extremely grateful as he finally can take it easier and not worry too much about the young man (he still does nonetheless, trust me)

On your part, hating Mitsunari is basically impossible, and even though your sarcastic retorts completely fly over his head (in return you gain Ieyasu's sympathy), spending time with him becomes the most natural thing in the world. Before you know it, you find yourself looking forward to being with him and your heartbeat confirms your suspicions. You may or may not have fallen in love with someone from the Sengoku period and the realization is a scary one. What will happen to your family and friends back home? And what about your dream job? But then that handsome smile, those vivid amethyst eyes full of tenderness, that soft voice that caressed your ears leaving pink warmth on your skin; it all came crashing down on you, leaving no other room for doubts.

If and when you confess him about your past and what had brought you to Honnoji that fateful night, you'll see the fires of an incredible passion taking ahold of his usually placid irises. He cannot fully explain with words the endless facets of what he's feeling, but he'll lock your hands in a tight grip and earnestly try to let out as much as he can. He vows eternal gratitude to you, the one who gave up everything for him, he who does not deserve such loyalty but decides to live up to the sacrifice you made. This new side of Mitsunari renews the love you felt for him, and at the end of his speech, in order to seal such an important promise, he kisses you on the lips, fiery and passionate

Everything escalates from there, and anyone in the castle can see how much close you two got in the blink of an eye. The moment you announce your relationship you get submerged from congratulatory blessings and gifts, even from a very grumpy Ieyasu who doesn't let this opportunity to slip in an ironic comment here and there

You may have given up on everything you had, but Ishida has no intention of making you regret choosing him over the rest of the world. If you're vocal and direct enough about your needs and wishes, he'll try to spoil you rotten at the best of his abilities. Your feet hurts? He's going to carry you bridal style to your bedroom to give you a two hours long massage. Headache? He's already in town with Hideyoshi to buy the best infuses for your head. He's very dedicated and it's very surprising to see him so active and attentive. If he starts getting too overwhelming the only choice you'll have is to explicitly tell him to tone it down a notch or two (please give him cuddles later, baby boy just wants to help)

Knowing about your love for travel, he makes sure to take you with him each time an inspection in a domain comes up, though he'll firmly refuse in case he deemed it to be dangerous. If something were to happen to you right in front of his eyes, he'd blame himself for 500 years and even more for not being able to save you. This is actually one of his biggest worries and from time to time he'll have related nightmares that cause him to wake up with a start, soaked in cold sweat. Take him in your arms, snuggle against his chest or cradle his head against your beating heart and most of the job will be done. If you happen to be concious enough and hear him out, console him with firm words of reassurance, press a kiss to his lips and he's going to be out like a candle in no time at all

Mitsunari is fascinated by the foreign languages you speak! You must have put a lot of time to learn all those exotic-sounding words, and he asks you to teach him a word or two. He's a fast learner and his brain has plenty of space to store whatever you say to him, and although he might cutely stumble every now and then, you're pretty surprised at the enthusiasm he's showing for your passion. He's going to take you to the tenshu to discuss with Nobunaga about a possible occupation involved with languages, and in no time at all you're already on your way to Nagasaki to discuss some deals with European and Asian merchants

[fandom-collective-writers]

Endgame

Pairing: Nobunaga x Reader

Genre: Modern AU

Rating: Fluff and Smut

Word count: 1720

Written by @rikumorimachisgirl for Anonymous

A/N: Not the Marvel movie. 😁

The score was 94-92 in favor of the Echigo Samurais. With three more minutes left in the fourth quarter, you press on the Azuchi Warlords assistant coach Mitsunari to call a timeout. Echigo has played a running game throughout and led by as much as ten points in the dying seconds of the first half of the game, but Shigen Takeda openly blowing a kiss at you seemed to have ignited something in the Warlords, as your boyfriend and team captain Nobunaga Oda led the team, powering through the second half. 

You hurriedly handed out towels and sports drinks to the players, who were more than happy to receive them. All, except your boyfriend, who showed no interest in joining the team as they huddled around Mitsunari. A sudden power fluctuation caused the electronic boards to reset, giving each team extra time to rest and strategize, but he didn't move from his spot. He was a sight to behold - his eyes fixed on the scoreboard, his expression unreadable. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of girls cheering. 

"We love you, Nobunaga!" 

You winced at the unabashed declarations of his fans seated on the right side of the court but kept your gaze at him. To your surprise, he gave them a sideline glance and winked, as he wiped the sweat off his forehead with his wristband. 

The fans screamed like harpies, as you sighed, dejected. Normally, he wouldn't pay them as much attention as he just did but given your latest argument and the fact that the man in question wasn't backing down, you knew your boyfriend wasn't about to give you any preferential treatment.  

"Are you two still fighting?"

You almost jumped at the sound of a voice speaking quite near you. 

"Ieyasu?"

Standing next to you, the small guard cocked an eyebrow at you, annoyed. "What are you being all jumpy for?"

"How long have you been here?"

"Long enough to hear you sigh, " he replied, toweling off his sweat-drenched blond hair. "You must be daft if you think I'm going to take instructions from Mitsunari." 

"He's the assistant coach for a reason, you know."

"Yeah because our head coach opted to play team captain today instead of watching from the sidelines, " Ieyasu said curtly, shifting his gaze to Nobunaga. "So, why haven't you made up yet? You're making our lives a living hell." 

You knew how difficult the team's lives have been since that fateful day when Shigen Takeda - of all people - saved you from nearly being mugged by a group of thugs on your way back to your apartment from a quick trip to the grocery. Of course, no sooner than he had beaten up the perpetrators, pictures of the two of you together circulated throughout social media. It only took less than an hour before your own boyfriend saw the picture himself, and of course, the picture he had to see was that of you flashing a gorgeous smile at Shigen to thank him for saving you.

"He really has been giving us a tough time, you know. I couldn't feel my legs last night after practice."

"Well, I would talk to him but he hasn't been responding to my messages nor answering my calls, " you whined. "He hasn't even come home since that evening. Is he staying at Mitsuhide's?"

"You think Hideyoshi would allow that? You better make up with him immediately so that Mitsunari can use his room again. He's been staying with me for two nights now, I might murder him if he stays another night."

The referee whistled to call the players back, and you watched Ieyasu walk back to the court with the rest of the team. You caught sight of Nobunaga making his way back as well, and without thinking, you quickly grabbed his wrist to stop him. 

"I have a game to play -"

"I'm sorry, Nobunaga, " you said, cutting him off mid-sentence, as your vision started to blur. "There really wasn't anything else that happened. You're the only one for me."

He sighed, and broke free from your grip, only to capture your hand in his. "We'll talk later. Right now, I have a game to win. Don't worry, it'll be over soon, " he said, smiling as he wiped a stray tear from cheek before running to his post. From the corner of your eye, you could see Ieyasu rolling his eyes, and Masamune giving you a thumbs up. Your heart soared, knowing that your boyfriend will do everything he can to keep his promise. 

The game ended at 95-94. The entire stadium erupted in cheers as the Azuchi Warlords won the championships once again, three years in a row. Hordes of fans and reporters gathered around the team to take pictures and interviews, as you watched from the sidelines with a huge smile on your face. One by one, the Warlords took their leave to go to the locker room and change. All except your boyfriend, who was still with the press alongside Mitsunari. By the time they'd finished with the interviews, most of the players had emerged from the locker room, looking refreshed and ready to party. 

"We're all going to The Castle to celebrate, " Masamune Date, the team's small forward, and resident playboy told you as he stepped beside you to watch Nobunaga thank the reporters and fans for their support. "I suppose it's safe to say you won't be there later…"

"Please, Masamune, it was your idea to leave these two to party on their own, " Ieyasu said, sounding bored while watching your face turn red. "Just make sure you don't make a mess like you did the last time."

"The last time?" Your eyes widened like saucers. "We've never done anything nasty in the locker room, I'll have you know!"

"Actually, that was me, " Mitsuhide Akechi, the team's center, chimed in sheepishly. "What? The team manager of the Anegawa Daimyos was asking for it, clearly. Anyway, we're leaving. This is all up to you now. Don't forget to lock the door."

You blushed harder, waving them off before you made your way to the lockers where your boyfriend now was. 

"Nobunaga? I'm coming in, " you called before stepping into the locker room. Except for the sound of water running from the shower area where your boyfriend was, the room was incredibly quiet. Slowly, you made your way towards the shower room, stopping by the entrance as Nobunaga's perfect physique, which the glass door did very little to hide. His arms braced the wall, as the stream of warm water cascaded down his back, his tight bum and his long legs. 

As if caught in a trance, you decide just then to give him a celebration he won't forget. You stripped off your clothes, careful not to make any noise while you do. After you'd folded and set them aside, you hurry to the shower room before you lose your nerve. 

The sound of the glass door sliding made him tense, and he immediately glanced behind him. 

"How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough to decide to join you since you were taking your sweet time, " you responded quietly. 

Your retort made him smirk, and you found yourself pinned against the tiles as he molded your lips with his. It was quite a sensation - the cool surface of the shower tiles on your back and the heat of his body pressed against yours almost made you melt. 

"You were waiting?" He asked in between kisses. 

"You said earlier that we'll talk - oh…, " you gasped as he pushed his tongue into your mouth to dance with yours. 

"Yes, I said we were going to talk, " he said, catching his breath before capturing your mouth with his once again. "You've been a naughty girl, socializing with our rivals."

"I have not, " you said, panting while pulling him in for another kiss. 

"Playing the role of damsel in distress, " he continued, as he trailed kisses down your neck. "Trying to get me jealous."

Your eyes flew wide at his admission. "Jealous? You?"

"And this surprises you?" 

"Yes, " you replied, pushing against him hard enough against the wall. The warm water from the shower only made your body feel hotter, as you trailed kisses from his chest down to the tight muscles of his stomach, and finally dropping to your knees as you held the girth of his cock, and gazed up at him. "I'm surprised you're jealous especially because you should know by now that I crave only you."

You flicked the tip of his cock with your tongue, tasting his precum that leaked out of his hardened member. Your eyes never leaving him, you lapped up and down his length slowly again and again until he groaned. Cupping your cheeks with his hands, he shoved his cock into your mouth, reaching all the way to the back of your throat. "That's it, baby. Suck me harder, " he said, his breathing ragged. You placed your hands on his hips for support and he tightened his hold on your hair as he fucked your mouth. 

After a while, he pulled you to your feet and backed you up against the wall once more. Wrapping your legs around his waist, he entered you with one swift motion and drowned your moan with a kiss. 

You clawed at his back and kissed him desperately. He was rougher than usual, but that didn't seem to bother you. You were so close to orgasm as pleasure coursed through you as he pounded into you relentlessly. You missed this - you missed him - and you knew you weren't going to last. 

"Nobunaga!" You cried out as you flew into orgasm, and he followed shortly after, grunting loudly as he came. As soon as you both came down from your high, he carefully set you back on your feet but didn't stop holding you close. 

"I missed you, " you murmured against his chest.

"I missed you too, " he said, as he tucked your hair behind your ear. "And I'm sorry. It was foolish of me to act like I did."

"I'm glad you agree. I won't ever leave you, you know."

He smirked. "I know, baby, " he said. "Because you and me, we're endgame." 

The end. 

[nad-zeta]

Match up (◕‿◕✿)

Hi, can I please have an ikesen matchup? I just saw your other match up and I love it. 💚 I’m introverted at first but I got wack when I’m with my friends, randomly giggle or laugh. I also love animals (all animals) and humans- not very much but if I hear a sob story, I will melt. I also cry easily although I try not to. I’m basically the “I’m baby” meme

Hi, there love! I hope you are having a good day! (◕‿◕✿) He is your match up dear, I hope you enjoy it! Thank you so much for the kind words, I’m so happy you have been enjoying me work so far <3 And soz for making ya wait sooooooooo long for this  <3

So I match you with………………. Yukimura

The first time you meet Yukimura was when he saved you from falling down a freaken cliff. You were soooo freaked out. The whole night had been a massive rollercoaster. First, you get flung into the past, then some hot dude asks you the rule the world by his side, then some other dude death stares you, you freaked out and ran away bare freaken foot through the forest, then ran into the hands-down scariest man you have ever seen and to top it all off, you almost plummet down a mountain to your death. If there was a prize for the worst night of your life tonight would definitely win by a landslide. You couldn’t stop the tears from streaming down your face, you were in shock. Yukimura stared down at the woman he had caught just in time, he was feeling super awkward. He never really speaks to a woman much less comforts them. All he can think to do is pull you from the edge of the cliff and give you a clumsy head pat “Hey look your okay, no need to cry or anything”. The two of you are joined by yet another group of strange men, you take cover behind Yukimura, who starts to chuckle a little. That’s when you spotted a familiar man. He walked up to you and pulled you aside, explaining the whole concept of time-travel. You were shook! Never in a million years did you think this could happen to you. Just before the two of you could finish your conversation, you heard the sound of hoofbeats in the distance. Damn, they are coming to hunt you down. Sasuke disappeared before your eyes, and so did the rest of the strange men leaving you to stand alone in the forest confused

Masa was the one who found you and brought you back to the castle with him, where you were named as the new princess of the Oda forces. You were super-shy, and it took you a looong time to open up to the odd bunch of men. You worked extremely hard to gain their respect and trust, and soon you found yourself befriending all the warlords. As time went on they actually all seemed to adopt you as their sweet little sister

You went out of the markets one day to get Nobunaga some sugar candies. Hideyoshi had hidden all his away, and he needed to replenish his secret stash, so he turned to you his beloved little sister to complete the top-secret mission. As you were out in town basically buying the wholes shop supply, some stranger put a cloth over your mouth causing you to pass out. Yukimura and Sasuke who were nearby and saw the whole scene unfold “Hey Sasuke, isn’t that wild boar woman over there getting kidnapped like a friend of yours or something?” Sasuke’s eyes went wide, he tried to see if one of the Oda warlords were nearby to come to your aid but sadly not, so it was now up to him and his BFF. The two of them trailed the kidnappers back to an abandoned shack in a secluded part of the woods. They were busy writing Nobunaga a ransom letter when a smoke bomb went off in the middle of the room, rendering them sightless.

You were slowly starting to regain consciousness when you saw some scary looking men discussing the terms of your ransom. You prayed at that moment that someone would come to your rescue. And just like that your prayers were heard and answered, Yukimura made quick work of the ropes tying your hands and feet together. You had been sitting for so long that Yukimura had to pick you up and carry you to safety.

The two friends took you back to their safehouse and made you some tea to help calm your nerves. You were yet again in tears before Yuki, and he yet again didn’t know what to do. Sasuke had left the two of you alone to go pick up some snacks to have with the tea. Yuki sat down beside you and clumsily rubbed your back. “Its okay now dummy, see, no one is gonna hurt you!” You picked up a nearby pillow and lightly smacked him with it, embarrassed by the fact that he has now twice seen you in full-blown crying mode. Yukimura smiled and picked up a pillow of his own, “Hey two can play that game dummy”. The two of you were now in a full-blown pillow fight. During the midst of your playful fight, one of the feather pillows actually burst open covering the whole room in feathers. The two of you were now running around throwing each other with the fallen feathers while sneaking in a few hits of the still intact pillows. Sasuke walked into a room covered in feathers, only to see that your sadness and fear of being kidnapped had been long forgotten. You and Yuki were now both clutching your stomach in laughter

You didn’t know what it was about the two men, or maybe it was the adrenalin now pumping through your veins, but you found yourself opening up and revealing your wack personality to both of them. The room was filled with laughter as the three of you drank tea and made the funniest jokes. You honestly found Yukimura to be hilarious. You were so thankful that the two of them had come to your aid, and you were even more grateful to Yukimura from turning an almost horrible day into a super fun one.

Since that day the two of you cuties would almost always run into each other. Both of you would usually have some tea and sweet buns together during his break. The one day while the two of you were out laughing as goofing off in a flower field, as you do, a big wolf pup came bouncing his way through the flowers and hit Yukimura  straight in the chest causing him to topple over. You laughed as the pup now mercilessly licked Yuki’s face. The second the lil thing heard your voice; it was now your turn to be licked to death. The two of you played with the little doggo all afternoon. You couldn’t help but fall in love with Yukimura. He was fun and outgoing, and he even trusted you enough to tell his sob story of a backstory to you which definitely pulled at your heartstrings.

Yuki was determined to take your relationship to the next level, so one day as the two of you was playing in the flower field with the little puppy, you noticed a small note attached to his collar. You took the note and started to read it, it had been a clumsily written love letter. You looked up to see Yukimura staring down at the ground red as a tomato. You had to chuckle at the fact that even his ears had turned a deep shade of red. He shyly looked up into your eyes, and the two of you just gravitated towards each other to meet in a sweet kiss. Which was ruined moments later by the pup jumping on both of you, now licking both your faces.

Yuki loved you so much from your wack personality to your ability to cry so easily. He would always be there to wipe away your tears and replace them with a big bright smile on your face. He loves to bicker and banter with you all day. HE loves nothing more than to hold you in his warm arms as the two of you sit together in the shade of a tree, simply enjoying each other company. Despite appearances Yuki is actually quite the romantic, often planning these little picnics for the two of you. He will literally hold you in his arms for hours while you talk his ear off about the happenings of your day. He will definitely occasionally drop as small butterfly kiss on your cheek all while being bright red.  The two of you can often be found spending time together playing with Yukimura’s little wolf pup or spending a quiet evening in Yuki’s safehouse just cuddling for hours.

Other potential matches……………..Ieyasu

I hope you enjoyed it dear 😊 <3 @fayeyey

[crazyfreckledginger]

Masamune Date x Reader - “Snuggle Bug”

Waking up every morning beside Masamune was the best thing you ever had the pleasure of being exposed to. What will you do when one morning he doesn’t want to get out of bed and keeps you from conducting your work as a chatelaine?

Requested by anon: “*slides a bag of potato chips as payment across the table to you* what about some clingy masamune x reader, where he just wants attention and is like cuddly, and soft, a lot of nuzzling probably, it could be in the morning where he doesn’t want her to leave the bed, bc he wants to cuddle and sneak in a few smooches, thank even if you don’t do it, I’ll just read other works of yours, your writing is just amazing!”

A/N: Hope you like it!

Warnings: Lazy Masa, fluff?

A small hum could be heard from behind her. The arm which was loose around her waist tighten a little. Her skin always became very sensitive around him, he knew that and would never pass up the option of using that to his advantage. His lips unconsciously set against her skin as he nuzzled her neck. In her half awake composure, she smiled softly at his action.

“Morning,” he grumbled, his voice thick from it’s inaction during sleep.

“Good morning,” she chuckled softly, letting him pull her closer in his chest. His nose nuzzled her hair, to which he sighed deeply.

“How was your sleep,” she whispered.

“Good enough.” He murmured before kissing her forehead, “I guess I should thank you for forcing me into bed”

“You were already very tired and then you decide to do extra paperwork, I wasn’t going to leave you on the verge of sleep and hunched over your desk, was I?” He released a small chuckle.

“You’re too good to me!” He reached for her hand and intertwined their fingers together. They savoured the comfortable silence before he groaned loudly.

“What is it?” She jumped at his sudden action.

“I don’t want to do anything today, I wanna cuddle with you,” he mumbled. She grinned widely, laughing.

“You have to, Nobunaga is expecting a report!” (Y/N) turned in his arms, hiding her face in his neck. His arms rested around her again, rubbing circles in her lower back.

“I can call in sick,” he admitted.

“No!” She snorted, shaking her head.

“No, no, that’s a great idea, I tell one of the maids’ I’m sick and I say you caught the bug as well and we can cuddle together all day!” He stated proudly.

“No, really, I can’t Masa, I have too many fittings today!” She cupped his cheek.

“But kitten!” He pouted, “please!”

“I really can’t! Don’t make this harder than it already is, you know how much I love that face!” She pecked his nose.

“Then don’t resist!!” He kept her close, trailing light kisses up and down her neck. She recoiled into herself because of him, a huge grin on her face.

“Stoooop,” her tone was the furthest from serious.

“Nooo,” he retorted.

“I really can’t, I have so much work!” Her eyes were soft as she stared into his.

“I’ll tell Lord Nobunaga to peel some responsibility off of you for today if he comes around okay lass?” He placed his lips against her forehead. Her gaze hardened a little as her expression became more serious.

“You promise this is a one time thing?” She kissed his chin. A small smirk appeared on his lips.

“I don’t guarantee anything but it won’t happen often.” He guaranteed.

“Promise?” She pecked his lips, waiting for a response.

“Promise,” he nodded, capturing her lips in his. His hands travelled up and down her sides before he hovered over her.

“Masa!” She squeaked, holding her hands against her chest and blushing furiously.

“What?” He grinned, palms against the futon either side of her head. He dipped down slowly, her cheeks flushing even more and breathing hitching from the closing distance between them. Slowly, his lips caught hers in a sweet kiss.

“Mmh,” she hummed softly as her hands cupped his cheeks, lips moving against his. She gasped as his teeth bit down on her bottom lip and sucked it softly, eyes locked with hers. Her hands moved up his face, finding their way to the top of his head. Her fingers ran through his hair smoothly, pulling a few strands every now and then.

“Mmh kitten,” he groaned softly, his calloused fingertips trailed down her clothes. A shiver ran down her spine, still somehow feeling his warmth through the fabric that enveloped her. He pulled away to breath, half lidded eyes on her as his lips trailed along her jaw and down to her neck. He left small kisses down to her collarbone before softly nibbling at her skin. A louder gasp escaped her lips.

“Y-you can’t leave a hickey,” her voice was barely above a whisper as she bit her lip shyly.

“I don’t plan to kitten, not now anyway,” she could feel his smirk against her skin before he left a trail of kitten licks up to her cheek. She smiled widely at his action before he nuzzled her neck, pecking it with his lips before letting himself relax above her. Her hands fiddled with small strands on his hair, stopping to hear him breathing from time to time. He chuckled as her thumb ran up and down the back of his neck. (Y/N) swore she could have distinguished a small giggle from the man as well.

“What’s wrong?”

“It tickles!” He nuzzled her neck even more, chest against chest and his arms around her lower back.

“Do you think they will notice if I don’t show up? I can’t be bothered to tell a maid, especially in this position,” he mumbled. The girl chuckled, kissing his forehead.

“It’s the Oda warlords baby, I don’t think they can’t notice, besides, Hideyoshi is there as well, he might be racing here as we speak,”

“And you are correct!” The door slid open, revealing the man in question.

The couples’ eyes widened slightly, a pair of which was hidden by (Y/N)’s neck.

“What are you still doing here? You are late for War Council! And (Y/N), you have duties to fulfil.” Mamabear frowned at them.

“We…. can’t,” Masamune lied.

“And why is that?” Nobunaga’s vassal crossed his arms over his chest, cocking his head to the side questioningly.

Masamune released a fake cough.

“We’re sick,” he admitted wrongly, “ and I’m afraid I might have made the lass sick as well,” the girl found it amusing the conversation the love of her life was having with her skin but directed to his long time colleague and friend.

“You are what?” Hideyoshi’s sudden outburst made them both jump.

“Sick,” the girl whispered, forcing a small cough in the process.

“Oh no!” He shook his head, walking into the room and crouching down beside them.

“No, stay back, you might get sick as well!” Masamune simply raised a weal hand to him, shooing him off.

“But I need to take care of you!” He scoffed.

“Who is going to take care of the rest if you get sick Hideyoshi?” The girl tore his attention away momentarily. He seemed conflicted for a short moment before nodding.

“Very well,” the vassal sighed, “but at least let me send a nurse,”

“Fine,” Masamune replied obligingly. The man stood back up.

“Thank you,” the girl whispered gratefully, to which he responded with a kind smile.

“Rest now,” he nodded, standing back up and slowly sliding the door shut. After his footsteps ceased to be heard, Masamune released an audible breath.

“That was close,”

“Yeah, I’ll have to lecture Hideyoshi as well, he spends too much time worrying about others and disregarding his own health.”

“You’ll still be thinking of me while you do that right?” His grip tightened around her.

“Yes, always!” She chuckled.

Comments, votes and feedback improve motivation, writing and publishing, so it is in your best interest to leave some! :)  

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Tagging: @lumifuer @ijustwantmyshipstobehappy @plethora-of-things @xlatinaaxx @lostnliterature @batette @pythiaaa @nxxttime @gearsinice @mizmahlia @tina8009 @alex--awesome--22@datemasamunemaiwaifu

[selenecrawford]

The Odd Pair 12

Warning: I think cursing and intense red hot fluff (this is not a drill)

The sound of the phone interrupted Shingen's response. He took the phone answering fast, emotionless. When he finished by smashing the auricular on the desk. Closing his eyes he took a deep breath trying to regain his composure. The call came in the worst time of all. He thought finally they were going somewhere, he wanted to sit and talk, but he wanted her to initiate because he wasn't sure she was on the same page as him. Now this, needed to be  put aside until he could deal with this new development. Shingen never knew when Selene closed the distance between them. He got startled a bit when he felt her hand on his arm. Taking a look at her emerald eyes he saw concern, he wanted to protect her from anything and anyone. Smiling back at her he was going to answer when she frowned.

“Please don't me shut me off. I know something is happening and I want to help. We can speak later about us, but now you need support and I want to be there for you. Please let me help you.” her last words were a simple plea.

His body moved on his own, kissing her forehead he hug Selene tightly. She didn't hesitated, and responded to him. A couple of minutes later he broke the hug.

“Come on, let's cook something to eat I'll explain what is happening.” he smiled again.

Selene breathed a sigh of relief smiling back at him. It was a step, she only hope these baby steps can lead to something more definitive.

They went to the kitchen to prepare a simple meal. Selene had to scold Shingen since he was stealing cookies during the cooking process.

“Takeda you are ruining your appetite, you have dessert after dinner.” Selene's tone was trying to be serious but she failed completely giggling softly at the end.

“I'm a kid who needs all the nutrients, I'm still growing, please one more?”  Shingen put his best puppy eyes pleading with a grin.

“You are incorrigible. Ok one more. But that's it. Come on, I need help with the pasta.” with a head shake and smile Selene hold the pasta drainer.

They managed to make dinner then sit and talk while eating.

“So you told Nolan a false last name. May I ask why?” Shingen gave a bite to the pasta eating with appetite.

“ I don't like the man. He made me just want to get locked on a glass container. He made my skin crawl in a bad way. Where did you find him?” Selene felt the ambient calmed , relaxed something that made her feel on a better mood.

During her conversation with Masamune she discovered that she still loved Shingen. A discovery that startled her since she thought was already sorted out. Her fear is that he might not correspond her. But the odds were pretty much unknown. Remembering his expression at the office she saw a change in his eyes. Like he was happy with her approach. Might her feel like her? Perhaps he wants her to take the initiative? She jumped when Shingen reached her hand.

“Something wrong?”

“Sorry I got distracted. I have this tendency to overthink sometimes. What was you were talking about?”

“It was about the call I got. Nolan is on the move, apparently, he found out who you really are. He demands to know why you lied to him.” Shingen was still holding her hand. Selene turned the palm in order to hold his hand.

“I did it on reflex. Usually when I found people in the past that I couldn't stand I just lied my name and went away. I might not be proud of it but that was how I used to deal with things.” She holds her  gaze at Shingen. Letting him process the information.

“Understood, I just will like that one day you could tell me how were those years. You are not alone, not anymore.” dinner resume with Selene's heart running at full speed. Those words, she dare not to have hope for them.

Shingen tried not to let it show his feelings. Selene had decided to give the first step. Which was good. He wanted to keep talking about them, to see if they could do something about this situation. But life had other ideas, the call came on the worst timing possible. Not showing his emotions had been a skill he learned, it was convenient, had helped him on numerous times. A good skill to protect him also from disappointments, heartbreaks. Refraining from reacting to that thought he kept eating. He suddenly was hungry, perhaps it had to do with Selene's approaching, it made him feel in better mood.  

“For the time being, I need to go back to New York. Nolan is being an eyesore and apparently preparing an insurrection. He wants to get completely control of the company.” Shingen stopped he wanted to ask Selene properly but he was hesitant whether she will agree or not. Last time ended up pretty bad for them thanks to his childish jealousy. Understanding his hesitation Selene took the initiative. “ So that means that “we” have to go back?”

“No, I can go back and forth....” the idea was not good that will  put a strain on his health.

“Let's have an agreement. I will go with you, and if any of us gets angry at least we will address the situation when we calm down. Not harsh decisions while being angry ok?” her little smile was cute and Shingen cleared his throat before agreeing with the request.

“ I agree, sounds like a plan.”

“Good because we need Nobunaga for this.”

“Wait, what? What does he have to do with this?” Shingen's defenses went up again.

Selene reached for his temple, softly she caressed the creases on the middle of his eyes. “Before you get all grumpy again. Let me explain first. Just in case, Nobunaga just like Masamune, are great friends nothing more nothing less. So please, control yourself.” Selene reached him and gave him a hug. He was a bit tense until he felt her hand caressing his hair. Little by little he relaxed against her. Kissing the top oh his hair, Selene asked once again

“I know I'm asking a lot, but can you trust me?” Selene separated a bit to look him in the eye.

Shingen took a look at those eyes knowing he will say yes in the end. He could read strength, determination, tenderness. Just like Selene that was a component he didn't want to dare to hope. Besides his family and the gang, trust was a thing he didn't give easily. Selene was being courageous, she was offering a hand to face this problem. His heart started running a bit faster, hope was making the rounds giving him an opportunity. Would he dared to take it?

“Tell me what you have in mind princess.”

Seeing he is on board she gave him a big grin. “Come on, let's clean this place up. I will tell you while doing the dishes. She was turning around when Shingen hug her waist and rest his face against her back. Selene overlap her arms with hers. Her thumbs caressing his hands in circles. No words were needed for them to understand this was a big step. What ever, comes their way they will face it together.

The new trip took place one week later. Selene had to make some arrangements, after coordinating that travel, she called Nobunaga.

“Hey, I wanted to ask how is it going with the information I requested you.”

“Yes, I am fine how are you?”

“Sorry, traveling nerves. How are you?”

“I'm good, work as always. I got some pretty interesting things regarding dear Mr. Nolan. Our Mr board member might not be as clean as he claims to be.”

“Really? So anything we can use on the meeting without looking suspicious?” the information confirmed her suspicions, preparedness was now key given the circumstances.

“Well, right now Shingen has a great lawyer team. But Nolan is not going to aim for him. The target will be you. If you have anything you need to let Shingen know about it before hand. I will be with you as your lawyer, send me the information as soon as you can so I can coordinate the date.”

“Got it, I will let Shingen know.”

“Selene how are you and Shingen right now?”

The question took her by surprise, yet she recovered quickly to answer. “We are good now why?”

“Nolan will seek to exploit any weakness you guys have. The moment you meet him you must be acting as a unit, the minimal crack on the armor, you both will be done.” Nobunaga's tone was definitive, Selene couldn't help getting a shiver running down her spine. Some risks might need to be taken in order for this to work.

“Thank you, Non-nom.”

“Stop calling me that is offensive.”

“Really? I thought calling you a fool was offensive.” her giggles gave Nobunaga a smile reassuring him she was ok. “I will see you then.”

“Bye” Several calls latter she went to find Shingen on the balcony of their bedroom. He seemed to be deep in thought at the moment she found him.

“That frown on your face does not suit you.” Selene stood next to him.

“I wish things weren't so complicated sometimes. Did you managed to speak with Oda?”

“Yes, Nolan is not a lightweight, he told me we need to be really careful.”

“We? as in you and me?” the surprise on Shingen's voice made her look at him.

“Yes, apparently Nolan is not a saint, he will use all his tricks to put you on the spot without touching you, Nobunaga thinks we need to work a strategy a very solid one. Any crack he will take advantage of that to get to us.” Closing her eyes Selene gave a sigh.

“ What are you thinking Princess?”

“We need to let the board know we are married.” When Shingen kept looking at her she continued. “I know you want to protect me, but right now, we can use the marriage card. That will put the board at ease. And turn the balance on your favor. As for the reason to keep this silent is because we can say we wanted our privacy before stepping out into society. So far, this is not medieval times we are allowed to our own privacy and reasons to be together.” crossing her arms she waited for Shingen's response.

“Sounds good to me. Now I have a question. Besides this nice speech we are going to deliver to them we need another mediums to convince them we are madly in love don't you think?”

“Uh, what do you mean?” Selene frown, being caught off guard by the question.

Shingen mischievous smile appeared slowly, he turned to Selene and took his time getting near her until she got pinned against the railing. Selene felt a rush of emotion on the pit of her stomach. Her cheeks started to get a dusty pink color while she let her gaze down looking at floor. Her heart was racing, trying to control her breathing she tried to ignore the warmth Shingen was transmitting.

“Shingen what..., what you thin...think you are doing?” his closeness was making her loose her concentration. He avoided touching her on purpose. He wanted to see how much she really desire him. Will she be as thirsty as he was for her? Will she resist him? He knew he wasn't playing fair. But this was something he needed to do in order to work a strategy to protect her. He saw how she suddenly became shy, almost fragile. Her cheeks looked already dusty rose but with a fast change to red. Shingen's smile only grew bigger, savoring this reaction to him. He was near just enough to let her feel his body heat but not enough to touch him. Since she was looking at the wooden floor, his mouth approached her ear.

“We need to practiced out PDA, Princess. For a couple especially newly weds we need to practice in order to convince the others how much we love each other don't you think.?” Selene gulped down visibly before asking in a ragged voice.

“What do you have in mind?”

With a seductress smile Shingen started nuzzling Selene's neck making her legs double. Seeking support she hold onto his shirt.

“You are not playing fair your know?” Selene managed to rest her buttocks against the railing while her hands and arms were against his chest. Shingen still was in a distance that neither was touching nor far from her. His heart was ramming against his chest. She smelled so nice today, a hint of verbena was on her hair and skin. Part of her cheeks and ears were red as a tomato. He felt he was being intoxicated on her essence. The urge to sink himself on her was growing by the minute. Her neck was soft, slender, not able to contain himself he lick it a bit. His reward was a soft moan escaping near his ear sending shivers to both. Shingen's arms were at each side of her preventing Selene's escape. She dared not to let go of his shirt fearing she might fall on the floor. Shingen's next tease was to nibble softly her earlobe, her legs finally gave in and both fell to their knees. The movement finally made them get in touch with each other. Shingen rest his hands on her hips. Meanwhile, Selene kept holding his shirt like this was the only thing that keeping her floating in a sea of desire. Although she was sinking faster by the minute.

“ There is one more thing we need to practice.” his whispers to her ear.

Selene was resting her forehead on his left shoulder, this was too much for her. She was ready for him at that moment he only had to ask and she will say yes. The beat of her was sounding loud on her ears, his body heat was suffocating her and yet her body still was eager awaiting for his next move. Her brain was shouting for her to stop this but her heart just shut up all reason. She raised her head to look at him with eyes full of lustful desire.

“What is missing?” she whispered.

Shingen started to nuzzle her nose playfully, the unspoken invitation to play was followed by soft licks to her lips and little nips to her chin. The play started innocent until she wanted him to kiss her properly. Her frustration grew until she put her hands on his cheeks catching his mouth with hers on a deep famished kiss. She started assaulting his mouth with purpose until he responded back by taking her hips and spreading her legs so he can position in between them. Selene adjusted to her new position while Shingen lowered her to the floor now leaving him on top of her. The kiss continue until they had stop for air. Panting Selene started laughing at the way he managed to steal a kiss from her.

Shingen look at Selene laughing genuinely for the first in what might be years.   Rolling to the side he lay next to her observing her, until she calmed down. Her cheeks were red, she was all flustered but so radiant and glowing. God, she looked so beautiful, Shingen closed the distance to deliver soft kisses on her whole face. His right hand caressing the curve of her left side until his hand was resting on her hip. In the end both closed their eyes, with foreheads touching. Another silence full of unspoken words, each praying this time things will work different both.

___________________________________________________________

Notes: Thank you for the support. Yes, I know this might be a broken record but for me is important. Those who like, re-blog or comment on my story help me to keep going. I’m dedicating this chapter to @colivara. Woman, your support has been great and thanks to you my inspiration is back. Thank you so much. ^^

@elievalentine @colivara @notsafefortum-blr @datemasamunemaiwaifu @unstoppablelinda @epicdragonlady @yeshasays @masa-little-kitten @mikamiw @kimi00twin @kouei116 @blue-bean-exe @mitsuhidethesnek @la-piperina @pirateprincessyuki @jennacat84 @valfraeyja @little-blue-octopus @sengokuotaku82 @serenity-writes @xathia-89 @shouta-bakugou @cailannuesugi @kitsune-mana @atatera-blog 

[masterlistcrawford]

The Odd Pair 12

Warning: I think cursing and intense red hot fluff (this is not a drill)

The sound of the phone interrupted Shingen’s response. He took the phone answering fast, emotionless. When he finished by smashing the auricular on the desk. Closing his eyes he took a deep breath trying to regain his composure. The call came in the worst time of all. He thought finally they were going somewhere, he wanted to sit and talk, but he wanted her to initiate because he wasn’t sure she was on the same page as him. Now this, needed to be  put aside until he could deal with this new development. Shingen never knew when Selene closed the distance between them. He got startled a bit when he felt her hand on his arm. Taking a look at her emerald eyes he saw concern, he wanted to protect her from anything and anyone. Smiling back at her he was going to answer when she frowned.

“Please don’t me shut me off. I know something is happening and I want to help. We can speak later about us, but now you need support and I want to be there for you. Please let me help you.” her last words were a simple plea.

His body moved on his own, kissing her forehead he hug Selene tightly. She didn’t hesitated, and responded to him. A couple of minutes later he broke the hug.

“Come on, let’s cook something to eat I’ll explain what is happening.” he smiled again.

Selene breathed a sigh of relief smiling back at him. It was a step, she only hope these baby steps can lead to something more definitive.

They went to the kitchen to prepare a simple meal. Selene had to scold Shingen since he was stealing cookies during the cooking process.

“Takeda you are ruining your appetite, you have dessert after dinner.” Selene’s tone was trying to be serious but she failed completely giggling softly at the end.

“I’m a kid who needs all the nutrients, I’m still growing, please one more?”  Shingen put his best puppy eyes pleading with a grin.

“You are incorrigible. Ok one more. But that’s it. Come on, I need help with the pasta.” with a head shake and smile Selene hold the pasta drainer.

They managed to make dinner then sit and talk while eating.

“So you told Nolan a false last name. May I ask why?” Shingen gave a bite to the pasta eating with appetite.

“ I don’t like the man. He made me just want to get locked on a glass container. He made my skin crawl in a bad way. Where did you find him?” Selene felt the ambient calmed , relaxed something that made her feel on a better mood.

During her conversation with Masamune she discovered that she still loved Shingen. A discovery that startled her since she thought was already sorted out. Her fear is that he might not correspond her. But the odds were pretty much unknown. Remembering his expression at the office she saw a change in his eyes. Like he was happy with her approach. Might her feel like her? Perhaps he wants her to take the initiative? She jumped when Shingen reached her hand.

“Something wrong?”

“Sorry I got distracted. I have this tendency to overthink sometimes. What was you were talking about?”

“It was about the call I got. Nolan is on the move, apparently, he found out who you really are. He demands to know why you lied to him.” Shingen was still holding her hand. Selene turned the palm in order to hold his hand.

“I did it on reflex. Usually when I found people in the past that I couldn’t stand I just lied my name and went away. I might not be proud of it but that was how I used to deal with things.” She holds her  gaze at Shingen. Letting him process the information.

“Understood, I just will like that one day you could tell me how were those years. You are not alone, not anymore.” dinner resume with Selene’s heart running at full speed. Those words, she dare not to have hope for them.

Shingen tried not to let it show his feelings. Selene had decided to give the first step. Which was good. He wanted to keep talking about them, to see if they could do something about this situation. But life had other ideas, the call came on the worst timing possible. Not showing his emotions had been a skill he learned, it was convenient, had helped him on numerous times. A good skill to protect him also from disappointments, heartbreaks. Refraining from reacting to that thought he kept eating. He suddenly was hungry, perhaps it had to do with Selene’s approaching, it made him feel in better mood.  

“For the time being, I need to go back to New York. Nolan is being an eyesore and apparently preparing an insurrection. He wants to get completely control of the company.” Shingen stopped he wanted to ask Selene properly but he was hesitant whether she will agree or not. Last time ended up pretty bad for them thanks to his childish jealousy. Understanding his hesitation Selene took the initiative. “ So that means that “we” have to go back?”

“No, I can go back and forth….” the idea was not good that will  put a strain on his health.

“Let’s have an agreement. I will go with you, and if any of us gets angry at least we will address the situation when we calm down. Not harsh decisions while being angry ok?” her little smile was cute and Shingen cleared his throat before agreeing with the request.

“ I agree, sounds like a plan.”

“Good because we need Nobunaga for this.”

“Wait, what? What does he have to do with this?” Shingen’s defenses went up again.

Selene reached for his temple, softly she caressed the creases on the middle of his eyes. “Before you get all grumpy again. Let me explain first. Just in case, Nobunaga just like Masamune, are great friends nothing more nothing less. So please, control yourself.” Selene reached him and gave him a hug. He was a bit tense until he felt her hand caressing his hair. Little by little he relaxed against her. Kissing the top oh his hair, Selene asked once again

“I know I’m asking a lot, but can you trust me?” Selene separated a bit to look him in the eye.

Shingen took a look at those eyes knowing he will say yes in the end. He could read strength, determination, tenderness. Just like Selene that was a component he didn’t want to dare to hope. Besides his family and the gang, trust was a thing he didn’t give easily. Selene was being courageous, she was offering a hand to face this problem. His heart started running a bit faster, hope was making the rounds giving him an opportunity. Would he dared to take it?

“Tell me what you have in mind princess.”

Seeing he is on board she gave him a big grin. “Come on, let’s clean this place up. I will tell you while doing the dishes. She was turning around when Shingen hug her waist and rest his face against her back. Selene overlap her arms with hers. Her thumbs caressing his hands in circles. No words were needed for them to understand this was a big step. What ever, comes their way they will face it together.

The new trip took place one week later. Selene had to make some arrangements, after coordinating that travel, she called Nobunaga.

“Hey, I wanted to ask how is it going with the information I requested you.”

“Yes, I am fine how are you?”

“Sorry, traveling nerves. How are you?”

“I’m good, work as always. I got some pretty interesting things regarding dear Mr. Nolan. Our Mr board member might not be as clean as he claims to be.”

“Really? So anything we can use on the meeting without looking suspicious?” the information confirmed her suspicions, preparedness was now key given the circumstances.

“Well, right now Shingen has a great lawyer team. But Nolan is not going to aim for him. The target will be you. If you have anything you need to let Shingen know about it before hand. I will be with you as your lawyer, send me the information as soon as you can so I can coordinate the date.”

“Got it, I will let Shingen know.”

“Selene how are you and Shingen right now?”

The question took her by surprise, yet she recovered quickly to answer. “We are good now why?”

“Nolan will seek to exploit any weakness you guys have. The moment you meet him you must be acting as a unit, the minimal crack on the armor, you both will be done.” Nobunaga’s tone was definitive, Selene couldn’t help getting a shiver running down her spine. Some risks might need to be taken in order for this to work.

“Thank you, Non-nom.”

“Stop calling me that is offensive.”

“Really? I thought calling you a fool was offensive.” her giggles gave Nobunaga a smile reassuring him she was ok. “I will see you then.”

“Bye” Several calls latter she went to find Shingen on the balcony of their bedroom. He seemed to be deep in thought at the moment she found him.

“That frown on your face does not suit you.” Selene stood next to him.

“I wish things weren’t so complicated sometimes. Did you managed to speak with Oda?”

“Yes, Nolan is not a lightweight, he told me we need to be really careful.”

“We? as in you and me?” the surprise on Shingen’s voice made her look at him.

“Yes, apparently Nolan is not a saint, he will use all his tricks to put you on the spot without touching you, Nobunaga thinks we need to work a strategy a very solid one. Any crack he will take advantage of that to get to us.” Closing her eyes Selene gave a sigh.

“ What are you thinking Princess?”

“We need to let the board know we are married.” When Shingen kept looking at her she continued. “I know you want to protect me, but right now, we can use the marriage card. That will put the board at ease. And turn the balance on your favor. As for the reason to keep this silent is because we can say we wanted our privacy before stepping out into society. So far, this is not medieval times we are allowed to our own privacy and reasons to be together.” crossing her arms she waited for Shingen’s response.

“Sounds good to me. Now I have a question. Besides this nice speech we are going to deliver to them we need another mediums to convince them we are madly in love don’t you think?”

“Uh, what do you mean?” Selene frown, being caught off guard by the question.

Shingen mischievous smile appeared slowly, he turned to Selene and took his time getting near her until she got pinned against the railing. Selene felt a rush of emotion on the pit of her stomach. Her cheeks started to get a dusty pink color while she let her gaze down looking at floor. Her heart was racing, trying to control her breathing she tried to ignore the warmth Shingen was transmitting.

“Shingen what…, what you thin…think you are doing?” his closeness was making her loose her concentration. He avoided touching her on purpose. He wanted to see how much she really desire him. Will she be as thirsty as he was for her? Will she resist him? He knew he wasn’t playing fair. But this was something he needed to do in order to work a strategy to protect her. He saw how she suddenly became shy, almost fragile. Her cheeks looked already dusty rose but with a fast change to red. Shingen’s smile only grew bigger, savoring this reaction to him. He was near just enough to let her feel his body heat but not enough to touch him. Since she was looking at the wooden floor, his mouth approached her ear.

“We need to practiced out PDA, Princess. For a couple especially newly weds we need to practice in order to convince the others how much we love each other don’t you think.?” Selene gulped down visibly before asking in a ragged voice.

“What do you have in mind?”

With a seductress smile Shingen started nuzzling Selene’s neck making her legs double. Seeking support she hold onto his shirt.

“You are not playing fair your know?” Selene managed to rest her buttocks against the railing while her hands and arms were against his chest. Shingen still was in a distance that neither was touching nor far from her. His heart was ramming against his chest. She smelled so nice today, a hint of verbena was on her hair and skin. Part of her cheeks and ears were red as a tomato. He felt he was being intoxicated on her essence. The urge to sink himself on her was growing by the minute. Her neck was soft, slender, not able to contain himself he lick it a bit. His reward was a soft moan escaping near his ear sending shivers to both. Shingen’s arms were at each side of her preventing Selene’s escape. She dared not to let go of his shirt fearing she might fall on the floor. Shingen’s next tease was to nibble softly her earlobe, her legs finally gave in and both fell to their knees. The movement finally made them get in touch with each other. Shingen rest his hands on her hips. Meanwhile, Selene kept holding his shirt like this was the only thing that keeping her floating in a sea of desire. Although she was sinking faster by the minute.

“ There is one more thing we need to practice.” his whispers to her ear.

Selene was resting her forehead on his left shoulder, this was too much for her. She was ready for him at that moment he only had to ask and she will say yes. The beat of her was sounding loud on her ears, his body heat was suffocating her and yet her body still was eager awaiting for his next move. Her brain was shouting for her to stop this but her heart just shut up all reason. She raised her head to look at him with eyes full of lustful desire.

“What is missing?” she whispered.

Shingen started to nuzzle her nose playfully, the unspoken invitation to play was followed by soft licks to her lips and little nips to her chin. The play started innocent until she wanted him to kiss her properly. Her frustration grew until she put her hands on his cheeks catching his mouth with hers on a deep famished kiss. She started assaulting his mouth with purpose until he responded back by taking her hips and spreading her legs so he can position in between them. Selene adjusted to her new position while Shingen lowered her to the floor now leaving him on top of her. The kiss continue until they had stop for air. Panting Selene started laughing at the way he managed to steal a kiss from her.

Shingen look at Selene laughing genuinely for the first in what might be years.   Rolling to the side he lay next to her observing her, until she calmed down. Her cheeks were red, she was all flustered but so radiant and glowing. God, she looked so beautiful, Shingen closed the distance to deliver soft kisses on her whole face. His right hand caressing the curve of her left side until his hand was resting on her hip. In the end both closed their eyes, with foreheads touching. Another silence full of unspoken words, each praying this time things will work different both.

___________________________________________________________

Notes: Thank you for the support. Yes, I know this might be a broken record but for me is important. Those who like, re-blog or comment on my story help me to keep going. I’m dedicating this chapter to @colivara. Woman, your support has been great and thanks to you my inspiration is back. Thank you so much. ^^

[slbp-holiday-exchange-blog]

Little Princess (Nobunaga x MC) SLBP Gift Exchange.

For @yoosungshoodie

Summary: To save Rose from the fires and ashes of Honnoji. Nobunaga drove his blade into the flesh of abdomen , ripping her skin fathersdemning her to a quick and sudden death. What Lord of Fools didn’t know, someone was inside of her.

_____

“I’m not coming home for New Years, mom!” her fingers wrapped around her carbon black smartphone, exasperated with her mother’s condescending voice. Something annoying was about to come out of her mouth and Rose braced for the impact of her scathing words.

Sighing she walked around around her Tokyo Apartment to where her 12 month old daughter sat on her Pom Pom Purin mat engrossed by kids show on NHK.

“Your family has not seen you in a while! We’d like to see Erika!” blasted through the speaker.

“No you mean you want to show off Erika then discuss for hours that she didn’t come from my body!” she sat down on the sofa in front of the tv.

*Squeal*

Erika’s steel grey eyes glittered hearing her mama’s voice so close, she turned herself around, mouth opened in a smile of pure joy, holding her tiny palms out, hoping to be picked up. Bouncing up and down she pouted while Rose balanced the phone between her ear and shoulder. “Pom Pooooooom.” she cried happily turned her head slightly cuddling into her mom’s warm body, she closed her tiny eyes finding comfort as she snuggled closer.

“Mama.” she cooed.

“I’m here sweetie.” Her baby’s features were so different from her own.

“Is that Erika?!” her mother’s blood boiling tone evaporated in a snap. High pitched and cheery you’d swear her mother was now running through a sunny field on the back of a unicorn. “Let me speak to her!”

“She isn’t going to….”

“Hi shweetie how are you? How are you?” ignoring her her mother launched into a high pitched babble of nonsensical baby talk. Rose never understood why having an adopted baby was a stigma.

When she first saw Erika she melted. Who j sang to her and told her stories. The baby just settle her head on her shoulder, thumb in mouth she listened to tales of princesses and emperors. Rose couldn’t wait till she was older to read books to her and they both could get lost in adventures once again. Erika was hers nobody could K that and nobody would take her away from her mama bear.

“There’s so many needy kids in this country. They need love too. Like her.” her eyes glistened for a minute. A show called With Father came on while her mother talked to her daughter. Usually it was for fathers and their babies to do exercises together and suddenly her lingering sadness grew bigger and bigger, the anxiety spreading to her entire body.

Erika had no father to raise her, to play with her, to protect her. Rose wasn’t exactly lucky in love. If she were single it may have been easier but a lot of men who expressed interest in her didn’t want women who j had a child. Changing the channel then closing her eyes the scent of baby powder and fabric softener comforted her. “You’re more important than them all. I’ll protect you like a father too” she whispered.

“This country is under threat, look what North Korea did to our country last week and you insist on sitting there and doing nothing?”

A crisp, determined voice fueled by anger entered their living room from the television. She changed it to a political channel it seems.

4 eyes shot open that word bringing her back from her little world. “Dada!” her cheeks puffed out in joy, eyes sparkling. Squirming out of her grasp Rose put her down. She crawled to the TV and sat in front of it.

“Dada! Dada!”

The phone slipped from Rose’s grasp with her mother still babbling. Grey eyes and dark red hair swept back into a modern style, perfectly fitting black suit hugged his body giving her a good idea of what his body must be like underneath but it also gave him every ounce of power and respect he deserved. He spoke with determination and courage. The passion in his voice for his country drew her in. She felt like he was speaking to her, like she was one of these citizens he needed to protect, she would let him protect her if needed.

Him and Erika shared the same features even when she pouted when she didn’t want her milk, resembled the angry face of this man.

Erika was too young to know if someone was her father. Someone who never held her given the time she was brought in. Did this man abandon her? Did he have her out of wedlock and knowing it would ruin his political career give her up? The adoption agency told her they had no record of her parents. Confusion infiltrated Rose. This wasn’t normal what was the connection?

“Saborou Oda” she murmured

“Dada!” her daughter squealed again.

_____

“According to a recent study done by Waseda it was confirmed that the wife of the warlord Oda Nobunaga was indeed pregnant upon her death.”

Saborou’s fists clenched at the words. Guilt attacked him in this cold amphitheatre raising his pores and angering him even further. He nearly smashed his fist into the chair in front of him. Usually he enjoyed sitting in on conferences about his country. It was a way to see the perspective of what he’d done from an outsider’s point of view.

“ I killed them.” he whispered hoarsely. “I promised her divine rule. I promised her a better world but I’m the one who lives on now to see my failures.” He put the arm he just hit the chair with over his eyes. “And the baby…why? Why did that little one chose me as their father? Why did it choose a time when I was hated and betrayed?”

Maybe they had seen his anguish from heaven and told the gods they wanted to go to him to make him happy. “I promised them the world but they got ashes and death.”

His wife he wanted to save if only he had known. “Was the baby a boy or a girl?” As cruel as it was to have a baby in that time, he couldn’t bear to love them. A son he’d have to raise to be the head of the clan, to murder, to plot to prepare him to be betrayed like he was. A daughter would be a bargaining chip to bring in alliances. Neither he could love properly back then but now, could he?

The former lord thought he could see himself with a daughter. Her face squealing in delight as he tickled her,teased her and kissed her cheeks warmed the Lord’s heart. He read somewhere that daughters were more attached to their than sons. He pouted thinking of having a son that would give his mother more attention than him.

Sighing to himself he listened to the speaker while going over his speech for a later event.

—–

Erika sat playing with her toys as her mother chatted away with Sakurako at their old workplace. Rose was hesitant to bring up what happened with Erika and the politician.

“She’s so cute.” her friend beamed looking at the little girl, quietly focused on her work. “How’s motherhood?”

“Tough but I can handle it.” she smiled at her daughter. “I can do anything for her.”

“Don’t you want to raise her with someone?”

“Not this again.” She sighed. “I’m fine on my own. I don’t need a man to help me.”

A hollow emptiness crawled within her. “I do not depend on a guy. I can take care of myself financially but it would be nice to have company.” She felt as if she lied to her friend but what could she do?

“Ah!” a sharp pain burned her skin from the birthmark on her abdomen. It started off slight before eclipsing into a searing pain that burnt her vision and sent the world reeling, her head spin as she struggled to gain a grip on the table.

“What’s happening?!”

“Rose!” she heard her friend scream the pains anchored her body to the ground where she collapsed. She felt like one hundred arrows pierced her skin giving away to the feeling of flames eating her from the inside.

“Erika…she..can’t see me like this.” She breathed holding her pained flesh. “Hold on dear hold on.”  Sakurako rushed to get ice.

Erika stopped her playing to look at her. Curiosity bubbled in her grey eyes. It was as if the baby could tell something was wrong to her mom but she didn’t know what.

Sakurako came back with ice and flustered as she was began compressing the birthmark. She felt her strength weakening as she sat there on the floor, the world turning black by the minute.

She swore she heard Erika cry out for her father again like that day.

———–

The politician entered the small establishment because he liked their sweets and melon soda the best. It was one habit that did not leave him since those days of the past.

He entered for sweets instead he saw a commotion. One woman frantically applied medical care to another who seemed to have fainted.

“Tch you’re doing it wrong.” he grimaced about to go help. “Dada.” a little voice greeted him. He looked down to see a pillow cheeked cherub at his feet. Some unknown force nearly knocked him over. She raised her hands to be picked up but he staggered back.

“You…”

The baby had his eyes and his hair, and when she saw he wasn’t going to pick her up, her face scrunched into a sulk in the exact same manner. Deep in his heart he knew her.

“Please help.” he heard someone cry to him. Turning to the other women, he realised who the fainted one was. He recognised the scar that was hurting her. “Move out of the way wench!” he shouted to a stunned Sakurako. Grasping his wife’s head, he moved her into a position that was better for her. Trailing softly his fingertips he traced her scar from left to right with featherlight touches.

“Don’t you dare die before me.” Flames surrounded her, arrows protruding from her back. In a haze like dream, she looked down to see a blade in her body. “What are you doing?!” she screamed no words coming from her mouth, the heat licking at her skin. Her pain was terrible, heat, arrows, blades, how was she still alive?

“No..” she cried. The things sticking out of her back secured her death, the little one inside of her had no chance of surviving if she, the mother was fading from this world. “Hanae…” he whispered. White robe bearing a similar wound as he shifted her body in the most comfortable way possible against him. She couldn’t feel his bodily warmth but god could she feel the blood.

Gazing up she met sad, gunmetal eyes and dark red hair.

Instantly Rose’s eyes flew open, the pain instantly disappeared. She breathed in ragged breaths sucking air in and out. Looking into his grey eyes, she saw Erika waddle up next to the man grasping his expensive looking black suit.

“Erika..” she gasped weakly to get her to move away from the fabric but the man wrapped his arm around the baby, pulling her close and kissed her pillow like cheeks. “Your mom is ok now.” From over Erika’s little head he glanced at her.

Rose knew him. Why had she not recognized him before? Why was everything clicking now? Why did she have to be with Sakurako now when all she wanted to do was throw herself in his arms and never let him go.

“My..lord.”

“Hanae.” he responded. “Is it still that?” reaching up to stroke her cheek.

“It’s Rose now, milord.”

“Suits you.” he whispered “Pretty but thorny and stubborn! How dare you hide yourself from me for so long, my foolish little flower. I thought if I could make a fool of myself on

T.V somehow you’d find me. Took you long enough.” he grumbled.

“I’m sorry.”

“How dare you keep my baby a secret?”

“ I didn’t know…if I had known I wouldn’t have gone into the temple.”

“Foolish girl.” grabbing her head, he held it against him for a while before pressing a chaste kiss to her lips. “Foolish, foolish girl.” he whispered.

“Who is her father?” he demanded. Nobunaga needed to know the fool who was lucky enough to get the reborn soul of his child. It killed him to know another man gave his wife their child.

“She’s adopted.”

He didn’t know what was worse what he thought about another man or cowards giving up his little princess. It didn’t matter how, fixing Erika’s hair. “How dare you dress her in rags?!”

“Those are from Ribbon Hakka and Ma Mere excuse you!”

“She deserves Burberry and D&G!”

“That’s going too far!”

“Nothing is too far for my princess. Isn’t that right?” he cooed pressing his cheek against the baby who babbled happily.

“Dada!” she responded.

“You will come with me. You have centuries of making up to do! As for me.” he trailed off. “I killed her. I need to make it up to her. I will be the best father she will ever have!”

“You’re a politician! Having a child out of nowhere will cause a scandal!”

“It doesn’t matter.” gently he held out his hand to her get up. Taking Erika into his arms.

“We’re a family again.”

[aldreaoakley]

THE NIGHTINGALE: ODA NOBUNAGA

(There’s a poem that students in Japan learn to remember the three unifiers of Japan from the Sengoku Era that gave me this idea along with a line from Nobunaga’s story. Basically the poem says that Ieyasu will wait for the bird to sing while Hideyoshi will make it. Nobunaga has the more frightening response of killing the poor thing. This story has a man who wants a specific bird to sing for him. That is the part that got my wheels turning. Our nightingale won’t die but will be extra special.)

Once upon a time there lives a daiyamo by the name of Oda Nobunaga. Nobunaga is not the type of daiyamo anyone will want to disobey. Because if he wants something now, that unfortunate person in charge of it better do it right and quick the first time. If all the requirements aren’t met then it’s an immediate trip to the Sanzu river bank to Hell. One day a rumor reaches the Devil King of the Sixth Hell’s ear. A rumor about a bird with the most beautiful singing voice. Gripping his sake cup to near smithereens, Nobunaga turns to his page. “Ranmaru, seek this bird for me at once,” he hisses. “At once,” Ranmaru nods obediently. While watching the speeding figure, Nobunaga hears his court members whispering and muttering. His grip tightens, forcing the cup to shatter everywhere. Rapid fire orders echo around him but Nobunaga can care less. If that bird doesn’t sing for him, he’ll find pleasure in slicing it to ribbons. A loud “NOBUNAGA-SAMA” shakes his attention back to a terrified Ranmaru. “This better be important,” he snarls at the boy. He watches as Ranmaru gestures for a maid to come forward. While a servant wipes the sake from his face, Nobunaga listens as the maid explains about the truth behind the rumors. The bird is actually a female nightingale spirit who sings mostly in his gardens. “However she loves to sing near the largest pine in the garden,” the maid adds. “I see her when I go to visit my family.” Nobunaga didn’t waste time ordering for the nightingale to be found and taken to the audience chamber. As he watches the servants scramble with the head chamberlain ordering the finest lanterns to be used for the performance. Standing, Nobunaga watches as others mill and scamper around to get everything ready. An hour later, Nobunaga seats himself in the audience chambers waiting for the maid to come back with the nightingale. A knock comes and the doors slide open to reveal them together. Nobunaga notices the bird hesitating a bit before the maid nudges her. The nightingale chirps softly then flies past the perch set in the center and changes shape. Nobunaga ignores the soft shocked voices as a young woman clad in simplistic brown kimono with buff and white feather embroidery emerges. He observes the nightingale hairpin when she bows politely to him. He looks back at the cool inky eyes when she asks: “Shall I sing for you my lord?” with his own scarlet. “Do it,” he demands. Accepting the graceful nod as a sign that she agrees to his order, he observes her transition back into her small form. Fluttering, she lands on the perch. A beautiful note soon rings out from her throat. The same repeats comes with the string of melodious pitches. Unwillingly, a tear slips from Nobunaga’s eyes. He wasn’t the only one. Throughout the performance, the entire audience let silent tears streak their faces. At the end of the song, Nobunaga stands. “Nightingale, you are staying with us.” ~*~ Months pass by and Nobunaga cannot keep a scowl off his face. From the second he declares her to be a permanent resident, the poor bird sings for anyone but him. The worst however is an automaton nightingale from the west. Standing from his office, he goes to the room where the automaton is with the nightingale. He opens it to see that Ranmaru and the maid, whom he appoint to be the caretaker, is looking sad. It doesn’t take him long to figure out why. The breathing nightingale is showing heavy signs of exhaustion while the other stares blankly with its soulless eyes. “I’ll be taking her with me,” he speaks, startling the two. “Yes Nobunaga-sama,” they both nod. As they step to the side, the maid holds a tiny pouch to him. He accepts it then turns to the nightingale. “Come here,” he orders. A tiny bow before she flits over to land rather cutely on his arm. “On my shoulder,” he corrects sternly. She hops up until mid-shoulder and settles in. Once he is sure she is there, away from both ticklish spots, he strides to the garden. He continues until he reaches the tallest and largest pine. Sitting, he opens the pouch and sprinkles the crushed seeds and crumbs to the ground. Watching her eat while chirping happily, Nobunaga somehow feels a sense of confidence. “You are free to leave,” he solemnly speaks. “Why m’lord,” she sings sweetly. “You aren’t happy here. And it won’t be long before someone chases you out. That metal automaton is earning more praises than you. So leave.” A slight rustle of feathers to kimono as she bows in the most politest form then back to feathers again. While she soars away, Nobunaga wonders if he really managed to get his message to her. Danger lurks everywhere for him and he didn’t want to see her hurt. The most important is that she remains away from him. He still recalls seeing her hopping away from him after a scuffle. The blood staining his face, hands and armor, Nobunaga cannot suppress the sorrow flowing through him at the memory. Her plumage that day wasn’t elegant or beautiful. It was dimmer and made her look smaller. “I don’t ever want to see her like that… again,” he mouths wistfully to himself. The once quiet garden slowly blooms with bird song but for Nobunaga, he can’t bring himself to draw his tānto. No. He actually can’t. ~*~ One day, Nobunaga’s nickname as the Devil King burns brighter than ever. Many whisper upon an action that frighten even loyal Ranmaru. Nobunaga storms into the nightingale’s former residence and slice not just the furniture but also the brittle automaton. The said thing is now being stomped by Nobunaga in his private chambers. The mechanical wheels and near audible whirls didn’t faithfully replicate his long gone singer. Slumping to the floor, he cradles his head sighing. Nothing he can do now can bring back the nightingale as many liked the now scrap heap version better. A sudden pain runs through him, forcing him to collapse. He faintly hears Hideyoshi and Ranmaru doing their best to help him before he passes out. A few hours later, Nobunaga learns that what happened to him wasn’t something that the doctors can fix and he has only four days left to live. The crushing judgement gives birth to only one regret that Nobunaga had but he sends everyone out. He didn’t want them to hear his regret. ~*~ The next night, Nobunaga wakes to metal across his neck. He blinks to see a Shinigami’s blade resting there like it actually belongs. As it swings up, Nobunaga keeps his eyes open until… “WAIT! You can’t have his soul yet,” warbles a familiar chirp. Fluttering his lashes, Nobunaga bolts upright to see on the balcony is his nightingale. Her human form stands defiantly as she stares down the supernatural being. “I am afraid it is his time to leave,” the Shinigami hisses. When the blade moves again… “Then let’s make a deal,” she counters, stirring sparks of admiration in Nobunaga’s chest. “For every movement of your katana, I’ll sing one song.” “Done,” the supernatural agrees as the weapon slips a millimeter. Nobunaga stifles a smile as he hears her song about a flowering sakura tree, forcing the Shinigami to stop and pay for his action. The pattern happens a few more times before a rasp signals the sword being put away. “You win,” the being sighs mournfully. “Because your songs remind me of the gardens in Hell…” “Take my nightingale soul,” she offers. Nobunaga can tell from the stance that the Shinigami wasn’t expecting this. To be honest, neither was he. “I can’t be with Lord Nobunaga as a bird forever and the heavens won’t grant me a human form,” she explains. A swift subtle shink whooshes and a small spirit nightingale lands on the Shinigami’s shoulder. A nod of appreciation is the last that Nobunaga sees of it before he dashes out of his futon. He didn’t need his singing fireball hitting her head.

EPILOGUE Nobunaga smiles while setting another scroll down. His now wife is in the same room, singing beautifully as their baby son sleeps in his futon while sewing. Two years has passed since that day where she did that exchange. Two years since making her his bride. Two years passing by to create this miracle in their room. It didn’t seem that long to Nobunaga but with Hideyoshi’s persistent protectiveness, two years was torture in order to calm the dancing monkey. With a pleased sigh, Nobunaga resumes the next bit of work while writing orders. There was no way in heaven or hell he’s going to leave his wife alone! In synchronous rhythm to her voice, his brush moves with equal grace. Brushstrokes forming kanji and katana melding along the dulcet tones morphs into a lullaby that soothes even the crankiest of demons.

A/N: Time to clear the fish tank with my knowledge of Japanese beliefs and mythology. Shintoism is a religion that believes many things on the planet has a spirit. That works since spirits can assume human or another form due to their powers. Shinigami was the only being I can use to replicate how Death appears to the Chinese emperor in the story. I had to research a tree that stands for power and strength which leads to the pine tree that I picked for the nightingale to sing from. Nightingales are beautiful singers and both genders have similar coloration. It was an easier option to make the nightingale female. Four is a terrible number in Asian culture overall. Say four the wrong way in any language, it means death. What’s the total of two and four? It’s six~ A reference to Nobunaga’s nickname~ I also used elements from the Behind the Myth ES for him. Remember what I mentioned in the beginning note and the riddle Sasuke wanted to see if it was accurate? Nobunaga said himself that he would originally kill the bird but he now won’t thanks to the chatelaine. He will let it sing of their love. And that’s what I did. The nightingale turns into his wife so she can sing of their eternal love. As for the gardens of hell… not all hells are depicted as nightmarish zones with punishments raining down on the wicked sent there. Some hells have nice gardens or elements that make them appear more beautiful to their owners. In the original story, Death gave up on getting the emperor because the nightingale’s songs remind him of his garden. And because she’s a spirit, it means she won’t age but she wants to age alongside Nobunaga in this story. @deathbyikemen for her warlords as fathers post. most helpful thing since i don’t want to stick with history for this story.

Has anyone figured out what Nobunaga’s regret was? imnottelling

[isilie-kins]

We’re back everybody (and once again, I’m absurdly behind in my reviews)! After a brief and glorious respite from the heavy formation choreography and the blatant pushing of an Ace member – it’s all made a comeback in Brand New Morning, Momusu’s declaration of war on 2017.

Ok, well it’s actually not a war declaration. It’s an uplifting song about moving forward in confusing times and using all your power for good and so forth; it’s the usual morning fare with perhaps a whiff of politics (although to say this song is about Trump seems stupid to me). But this is a BRAND NEW morning (get it?) and we have two fabulous new members to shake things up.

I didn’t expect this kind of a pv though. I mean, it certainly suits the song, but this is taking the formation dance thing to an absurdly literal place.

The last couple of singles haven’t struck me as heavily formation the way Help Me or Brainstorming are, and there hasn’t been any Ace to push either. They gave Maria a chance to center in Sou Ja Nai and BOSS, Masaki-kins, Fuku-hime and Oda have all had their moments. Mostly, 2016 was a year of unity for Momusu; I was just getting used to the idea of ‘no ace’ and enjoying how much everybody has grown (except maybe Haga, who just is kinda there – adorable, but not really a big part of things yet).

But as soon as I saw this face:

I thought, “Yep. Yokoyama’s gonna be the promoted one, for sure.”

You know how I know? It’s not just because she’s younger and has the kind of generic idol face the Japanese public loves (settle down – I’m not saying she isn’t cute because she definitely is), it’s because I ALWAYS like the one they don’t promote as much better than the Ace.

And I LOVE Kaedi. I think she’s fierce and poised and has strong deep vocals that are really going to add a lot in the future. Besides, she’s demonstratively worked her ass off to be here. We already know she has drive and ambition and you can tell me that the fruits of her labour aren’t clear in her fabulous debut, but I won’t believe you. More than possibly any new member I’ve ever seen, she just blended into the group like she’d always been there. I still notice her, look for her, appreciate her, but she fits in so well that you can only tell she’s new when she’s answering questions; when performing she’s all in and on fire.

Yoko, on the other hand, got in after barely three months of work. Which is fine, I mean, good for her, but if we compare them to each other, I’m not seeing why Yoko deserves to be pushed more. Maybe because of her lack of experience/exposure, but I doubt it.

I also need to point out what many people have pointed out: that she has the same confidence and sly ambition as Riho and that she sings EXACTLY like Zukki. And her name is Reina.

I mean why don’t you just punch me in the FACE, Momusu!?

WOA! Ok, sorry! Also: perfect solo line is perfect. I love her voice. Duet with BOSS about who is more ikemen – now!

You know as much as I complain about one being promoted more than the other, I love the dynamic between these two. Kaedi worked hard for years to get a major debut and now that she has it, she still seems so floored with her victory that she’s perhaps a bit absentminded when she talks. However, her background with H!P Eggs (they will always be Eggs – don’t bother correcting me) has given her confidence and poise in both singing and dance. There’s a real ikemen feel to her even though she has an elegant stature. After working for years for this chance, I seriously doubt she’ll let Yoko just take over.

Yoko, as I’ve said, reminds me of debut-age Riho: she’s absolutely ambitious without alienating anyone  (she has that cute, reassuring smile, after all), she has a background in dance, with singing being a bit more difficult for her, and she’s instantly getting a ton of close-ups and attention from the Japanese fans. Her smirk is the same debut face as Riho. When given the chance to talk, she’ll talk a ton. Have you seen her replies in the Pocket mornings?? Then there’s the crooked-baby-teeth-super smile…

As I mentioned before, they have such an odd senpai-kouhai paradox: Kaedi is the senpai but now they’re part of the same generation, so they’re equal. Kaedi has worked diligently while Yoko (I can’t call her Reina; it’s too traumatic) got into a group quickly on some mysterious charm. The other members cried in happiness that Kaedi had finally gotten in, while they are now constantly mentioning and promoting Yoko in their blogs…Our 13th gen seem to be on good terms, but they definitely get their digs in to each other.

It’s gonna be a fight indeed…in fact it looks like Kaedi kinda punched our little Yoko in the back of her head. Oooh that smarts.

After all, isn’t this pv all about aggression? It’s absolutely saturated in red. Red is an aggressive colour; it means passion and fire and no-time-to-mess around. Coupled with that militaristic marching, what else are we supposed to think about?

Also did anyone else notice this thing:

This red flash happens a few times and I really have no idea what it is. Some angry swiss cheese?

My first thought was, “blood cells”, which it isn’t. There is something biological about that image. Unless, it is angry cheese, in which case, colour my face… red.

*rimshot*

Fuku-hime mentioned the theme is “marching band” and since Momusu have had a few years to get used to formations, they seem to form their X, circle and triangle shapes effortlessly. The costumes are the right mix of cute and strong, although I was hoping for a revival of the Rival Survival concert gear. I suppose I’d have to wait for a concert for that one.

Since the theme is marching band, we gotta have some flag-bearer action! BOSS!

BOSS seems pretty excited in this one, although I honestly didn’t notice her much until her solo lines.

B: “I don’t care if you didn’t notice me – I’m INVINCIBLE.”

B: “RISE MY FANGIRLS AND SWEEP THIS STAGE CLEEEEAAAAAN-“

The terrifying power of our Ikemen: everyone is swooning and they don’t even know why! Look at her eyes people; she’s losing it!!

I love everything about this cap, especially Maria’s very matter-of-fact way of punching the camera. And what’s with that extra hand on Ayumin’s shoulder??

Seriously though, good luck competing with Kaedi for who’s the most boyish, Boss. She’s already protested that her and Kaedi look too much alike and their interests align and therefore clash too. If you notice in some of the performances, Kaedi started to part her hair on the other side…

Y: “Haaaaay, guuuuuuys. Dis about me?”

No, Yoko. No, no. I’ve talked about you already. Just cause there’s a million shots of you doesn’t mean you can just keep popping up like this.

Y: “Whatevs.”

Ahem.

Moving right along…

Today she isn’t Fuku-hime…she is RIIDA!

Honestly, Fuku-hime seems so leader-like in this pv, in a way I haven’t really seen before.

F: “Don’t you steal now. As your princess, I simply don’t approve.”

As far as her performance, it’s pretty much flawless as always. The only thing close to a complaint I have is how quietly she sings during lives. Some times she just doesn’t project enough. I mean, that could be the sound guys screwing up, but since it’s happened so often, I don’t think so. I hope she’ll really belt it out in concert, because you can’t just be ‘cute’ in this kind of song.

…Ok, fine, maybe you can.

F: “Hail to da riida, baby!”

Case and point about cuteness: Haga-chin, who is so adorable whenever she pops up that I don’t even mind how I keep forgetting she exists.

Look at that little face – how can you get mad at her??

Y: “Dat’s just like meeeeee!”

HEY! What did I say, Yoko?! Get outta here! And you STOP that winking!

Ikuta brandishing the MM flag like a weapon! That outta keep them haters away.

Does anybody actively hate Eri-pon? I’m planning a post about her so I won’t go into it too much, but I’ve noticed she’s gotten a lot more sullen in the past few years. She’s still trying really hard, she’s still smiling and being adorable and being the most photogenic of all the members (except maybe Oda, who is so freakin’ gorgeous this year that I can’t even sentence make!), but there always seems to be a frown in her eyes.

But let’s talk about her solo part please!

She gets the second bridge line and I don’t think she’s ever sounded better. It’s a bittersweet line and she delivers it with that unique, but rarely seen Eri-pon vulnerability; I even hear some of that vibratto she’s developed. It was just such a sweet delivery. I nearly teared up I was (am!) so happy for her. I feel happy when members we never hear from get solos, but I’m almost never emotional about it! Eri-pon just wants it so badly! >_<

I think a lot of the girls, despite speaking in rather high registers, don’t have the singing range for super high-pitched melodies. You could also argue they aren’t sure how to hit those notes without bellowing.

I have said it before and will continue to say it forever: singing is a skill and your voice is a muscle as well as an instrument. Using it properly, so that it won’t crap out in three years or get ruined forever, is critical for girls who sing constantly and sing LIVE. We laugh at singers who take ridiculous precautions before their concerts: drinking odd herbal concoctions or not speaking at all until the performance or making ridiculous noises repeatedly to “warm up”, but then these people sing and we shut the hell up because all those preparations WORKED.

This range is somewhere between low and high; it’s easy to sing, just girly enough.

I’ve seen Eri-pon perform this line on shows and she’s clearly not used to getting a center part, but I hope her shyness and insecurity won’t get the better of her. She’s probably the Musume I’m rooting for most, even if she isn’t my favourite.

Y: “Haaaaaay, I’m totally fiiiiiiine with center parts, ne?!”

Yoko, for fracks sake…

ERI-PON WILL ROUNDHOUSE YO’ FAYCE IF YOU DON’T QUIT IT!

Let me just mention here again how amazing Kaedi is during her solo moments.

*dies*

Close-up shots are usually a clear indicator of how much improvement is needed, or how much the girl’s confidence has developed. Kaedi is wonderful to watch. I didn’t get any of the derp I usually find in 12th gen, or the wide-open mouths I find with the 10th. Kaedi seems to already be able to feel the song and not fuss about whether or not she’s enunciating a lot.

Plus there’s the fact that she’s so gorgeous and elegant.

K: “Don’t forget the guns.”

Epic elegance.

I’m not actually sure if that is Kaedi or BOSS…

B: “I-I can’t remember either!”

B: “Who….who am I?”

Boss, settle down. This is Kaedi!

Y: “Hey…hey MOVE KAEDIIIIII-“

An example of both derp and the wide-open-mouth-syndrome. The struggle is real.

I had to include all three of the best shots of Maria, because if you can’t cap Masaki-kins, Maria is where you’re going to get all your unbashed joy. She doesn’t get to do much in this pv, but I always notice her and she always has at least one moment like this one.

…Then she’ll turn around and be gorgeous. She’s totally won me over folks, even with all the Loverinrinwhateveritis nonsense.

Y: “Haaaay, listen, I won’t evar do gags like that, ok? I am an ace.”

Well Kaedi will give us a random Aiiiii~n fail-face in the middle of pwning the choreography. I think you can afford to give us at least one fail-face.

If you’re gonna keep popping up, at least you can give us a renewed Reina-fail.

Y: *random goat noises*

…Okay.

Let’s move on to a completely different kind of awkward and talk about Ogata now.

Ogata has finally gained enough weight to be able to hoist the MM flag. Well..hold it anyway…well mimic holding it. They probably CG-ed in the actual flag…

O: “Look, I didn’t come here to grow an angry Riida out of my head and listen to insults, ok?”

It’s not an insult, really. I’ve just noticed how skeletal she looked in the past few years and now she looks a bit more healthy now. That isn’t really the point though. The point is that there is something about Ogata that means I keep noticing her. It’s probably because she’s just so damn odd.

There’s something odd about that whole 12th gen, isn’t there? Haga is like a stuffed-animal, but can be a bad-ass when she gets the idea; Maria is s giant-smilie-face come to life, but is incredibly versatile as a performer (even if her voice is still pretty rough); Nonaka is derpy even though she’s the most composed out of all of them; and then there is vacantly smiley Ogata who can’t sing and always seems awkward until you strap a pair of skates on her (seriously, look it up – she’s quite capable and looks very comfortable on the ice).

What is this expression? I DON’T KNOW!

Ok…we’ll leave on that note.

Perfect Oda is perfect. Wait…that IS Oda, right?

HAH! Found you!

O: “Woa, center again! No waaaaay!”

I confess 2016 was all about Oda for me. Once I discovered her strange tension with Ayumin and her ‘bullied’ character, I was intrigued. I’d been thoroughly blown away by her birthday solo performances, but I’d never quite seen her as an ace, or potential ace. She’s kept powering up, and I’ve kept wanting to learn more about her. Ultimately what I discovered is, I really like her.

I think she’s gorgeous and I love her voice. I feel like she didn’t really have a character before last year. She was just sorta there as a pleasant back-up. Then one line from Ayumin in a dvd magazine (“I don’t wanna be on camera with Oda.”) led me to discover that they bully her a bit. And rather than shrinking away, she loves it. She requests that they bully her more. It’s like finding her place has given her the confidence to really push herself in performances. Yasuda Kei was a bullied character and it turned her into probably the most infamous member of them all! Being bullied can be a gold mine!

Before the Sexy Cat business, I really couldn’t say she was a potential ace, but that single felt like a starting point. Even if Yokoyama is gonna be pushed, I doubt Oda will stay on the sidelines for too long.

I couldn’t honestly say she’s my favourite member though; I don’t really have a favourite, which is another strange and wonderful thing about this lineup. I feel like I’ve always had someone I’m watching or noticing more than others. Sure, Oda has my favourite voice, but I also love Fukuhime’s voice; I love BOSS’s ikemen stuff and the craziness of Masaki-kins; I’m rooting for Eri-pon and I adore Maria’s nonsense. I simply can’t decide.

There isn’t anyone to really dislike either. Call me boring, but I like that.

Y: “Oh, so dis means you like me? Oooooh…”

Sure, Yoko. Now please be quiet. *sigh*

Turning around is apparently Ayumin’s specialty. I don’t get it any more than you do…

Ayumin has changed so much. I still get that Daichi feeling from her, but now that I know she doesn’t get along with Oda (“they don’t ‘match’ well” – however you wanna say it), she seems a bit more cut-throat to me.

You can call it bias if you like, but I don’t think she’s really shown that side of her. All that aggression in her dancing is finally coming out in her personality. It’s like Riho’s exit finally freed her to aim for center. Or maybe I’m just more wary of her because this Oda thing doesn’t feel like it’s just for tv. Played up some times, sure, but it feels pretty real.

I certainly don’t dislike her and some tension in the group doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It’s not like Oda and her can’t do variety together, it’s just pretty tense when they do. I guess I didn’t think Ayumin was that kinda girl.

Hey, sometimes when you’re wrong, you’re pleasantly surprised.

If she’s pushing forward, I’m loving it. Her voice isn’t my favourite but I respect how much work she’s put into her singing. I love that they’re finally using her rap skills (not in this song, but in Jealousy, Jealousy – the Tsunku addition to this lovely single) and I hope that will become a permanent thing.

Be honest: H!P rap is usually a sad, albeit cute, failure, with lots of ‘uh’, ‘like dis’, and ‘you know?’s. Let’s not forget ‘yo, check it out, yo’.

*facepalm*

Speaking of facepalms, who are the derp-iest derps who ever derped?

Both: “It’s YOU!”

That’s correct!! Both: “Hooray!”

It made me laugh so much when I saw they’d paired up Mega-Derp Iikubo and Derp-chan Nonaka. The two Derps sound great together, blending surprisingly well. It’s fitting as they both seem to cycle from derp-to-cool over and over. Iikubo has fewer instances now, but she’s probably the originator of the derp-face. I was so happy they were together here.

It’s nice to see them get some play. Iikubo felt oddly absent last year, I think suffering from some health issues (please correct me if I’m wrong here) and when she was around she’d sorta fade into the background. There wasn’t even any of her “sweet, sweet honey time” in backstage moments.

Nonaka has been moving up steadily. I read a few rants about how her English-speaking was going to alienate Japanese fans. I don’t know if that’s true, but whether the fans are intimidated or not, she’s gotten a lot of opportunities with those language skills. Her singing has improved every year and her confidence never seems to waver. She always looks so comfortable, even when she says she’s nervous.

N: “Haaaaay, man, don’t like- don’t -no, I’m not that – no…”

I: “Oooh, I’m not derpy at ALL in this!”

True enough, Iikubo, but you’ll always be Mega-derp to me, no matter how many sweet-sweet-honey-times you have.

LOVE the dance-break! So much fist-throwin’ and stompin’ goin on!!

That’s really all I got here. Two new members kill it.

*squee*

So 2017 is starting to take shape as a year about unity. Everything about this slams strength-in-numbers into your face: the formations, the militaristic feel, the flag brandishing. After all, the idol-business is a war for fans and sales and how does Momusu compete?

By dancing and singing…

Together, in unity!

And of course, they want all the fans to move forward and do positive things with whatever strength they have. It’s a lovely message at any time, but I suppose if you’re taking it as a political statement, it’s particularly fitting right now.

This is ‘brand new morning’, pushing forward with their new members, their long history, and their strong unity holding it all together. You could argue the song is “too strong”, but after last years Mukidashi de Mukiatte I feel they are at a level to pull this off. The new members don’t slow it down one bit.

Y: “I’m da ace. Dats why.”

I wouldn’t be so sure about that, Yoko.

~Isilie

Brand New Ace Formation We're back everybody (and once again, I'm absurdly behind in my reviews)! After a brief and glorious respite from the heavy formation choreography and the blatant pushing of an Ace member - it's all made a comeback in Brand New Morning, Momusu's declaration of war on 2017.

[nobuyukia]

Amongst the Angels (Takeda Shingen x MC) Chapter 2 Reupload/Rewrite.

Commentary: Because I am stupid and deleted the original Chapter 2 by accident. Thanks to @noomsu for helping my lethargic self with this. Will edit some stuff later. And yeah a bit different from the original.

Summary: 500 years couldn’t kill his love for her. He broke his promise centuries ago and he now searches the faces in the crowds for her. She has no reason to be there but he still has hope no matter how much it fades day by day. She’s haunted by dreams of a red haired samurai and his faceless lover, she doesn’t know why they’ve been in her head for years. Maybe she knows but she doesn’t remember.

Prologue  Chapter 1

Fear clung to her body, before her stood the Devil’s Hand and his men. His ruthless gunmetal eyes sent shivers of fear through her body. She feared for her and her baby’s life. If they did not kill her, there were other unpleasant tortures she could be a victim of, nevertheless, she had to try something. She had to save him, she needed to save him.

“ Please.” Her cracked voice echoed throughout the night, the desperation to save him, to save the father of her unborn baby was the only reason she was able to stand.

“Spare his life, Lord Nobunaga! Please! I beg of you!” a single tear spilled down her cheeks.

The Lord in front of her scowled, he seemed to pity her for a mere second before his eyes were again cold as icicles. Icicles that were determined to stab the heart out of her chest The coldness numbed her skin, raising prickles of flesh across her arm. Her throat closed up on her, she couldn’t breathe and she knew why they called him the lord of hell. Dripping in blood, his merciless gaze was glued to her, waiting patiently for her, the filthy wife of his rival to speak.

“Please. One life won’t make a difference..please let him live.” Her tears flowed freely, she held them back for too long.

But the red haired lord smiled darkly.

“ Are you talking about Takeda, woman?”

Unable to speak, she nodded. Her hands clutched the fabric of her kimono so hard, her knuckles were white and trembling. Lord Oda’s smile widened as he walked closer , curious to get a better look. Was that trembling little wench supposed to be the rumors called the Tigress of Kai? He wanted to laugh. She was just a little girl.

Kneeling in front of her, he traced the curve of her jaw, relishing in the way she flinched and how her brown eyes fought not to make eye contact.

“Give me what I want and maybe I’ll grant your wish.” The bloody fingers ran down her neck, staining her skin. “Poor girl doesn’t know it’s the blood of her Tiger.” His retainers chuckled behind him and he wanted to burst out laughing too. Oh she was so naïve. They were going to enjoy toying with this girl.

Cupping her cheek, forcing her to look at him, he inched his faced closer, as his other hand ghosted over the neckline of her robes. “I’m curious about what made Takeda Shingen look at you. I want to take you to my bed to see? If you spend the night with me I will spare his life.

She clutched her kimono even harder, the humiliation of those words brought immense shame to her body. Was it worth it? Was it? This was the only way to spare her lover’s life? Would he still do it after discovering she was with child?”

The dark grin never left his lips as he held her in place. It made her tremble slightly. Taking a deep breath.

“If I say yes, will you really spare him?” she sniffled.

This time he roared with laughter. His retainers joining him, all of them enjoying the stupid girl at their mercy. Her naivety was a lovely show. If only she knew, the thought made him laugh more, scaring the crows from the trees.

“He promised you that he would come back? How sweet.” Lord Nobunaga mocked her “ I never thought Takeda was such an emotional man. But well people can change. However did you change?” Shaking his head “Look at you, you’re only a kid, a weak little girl who made a fool of Takeda. Now you are crying over a man, who sooner or later would have broken his precious little promise.”

Her heart stopped in that second.

“You should have stayed at home. Married a normal guy instead of being someone you clearly are not.” His voice lost all mocking, it was ice cold and full of pity that she hung her head, ashamed.

“If you’re the Tigress of Kai, no wonder that fool thought he could have won against the Oda army. He was just as naïve as you, wasn’t he?”

The world stopped for her, all she could hear was laughter , mocking her, making fun of her attempt to save her love. She didn’t notice if they were leaving or surrounding her to kill her.

“I’m sorry Shingen. I failed to save you. I failed you and I failed your child.” Was the only thought in her head.

——————

He never liked the thought of war. He wanted to save lives not spill blood, kill countless men and leave families heartbroken. Mitsuhide sighed, maybe he wasn’t made to be a samurai after all. Unable to help himself, after making sure his clan had gone ahead, he knelt infront of her.

Her eyes widened in fear, he could see the blood draining from her face, leaving her ashen. He smiled at her wiping her tears away gently with his thumb, so soft was his movements because he was afraid of hurting her even more.

She was guilty of nothing, just falling in love. She was guilty of loving a man so much all she could do was beg for him to be saved not knowing he had been killed already.

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

She cried harder, being spoken to so kindly after being humiliated, hurt. She felt vulnerable to this man.

I’m alright.” She sobbed not daring to tell him about her baby.

“Why don’t you go back to your parents’ place or where you grew up. The place before your life in Kai. And start over again, forget, heal…”

She never replied and he feared that she was too terrified of him but no. She was in pain because this man did not look at her with scorn or pity but with true kindness and concern. He was the only man who acted human with her. The only man who seemed to have some humanity left in him even after going to war.

——————

“What’s your name? Let me guess, it must be after a flower since you are so pretty?” She could imagine that closed eye smiled he gave to her on so many occasions when they lived together.

“Oooh.”

“Oh? Is that your name? Peculiar but still pretty.”

The girl in the kitchen wanted to hit her head on the door, on the oans, on the tables whatever could make the second hand embarrassment go away.

“U…u…u…u..umeko.”

“Umeko, my friend you are an idiot.” she rolled her eyes listening to Akechi flirt with her. The same Akechi who told her to stop using his name because he had a new woman he intended to  marry.

“So now you are a polite gentleman huh?”

“Umeko is such a beautiful name, like the blossoms that will be here soon.”

“Ahh..h.. oh.” the pathetic girl could not even speak, she became a rambling fool choking on her words. A man could tell Umeko that she looked as lovely as the overcast sky and she’d be tumbling down the stairs, dreaming of her babies with that said man.

“Now tell me pretty lady, what kind of onigiri do you serve?”

“Myyyntaiko.

Eee..ku…ra

Bo bo nito.”

“Great! I’d like to have Bonito!”

“One minute my….uh sir!”

“Oh god here she comes.” mustering a smile to her face by sheer will power by the time the door opened.

“Eeeeeeeeeeeeee. Don’t you see him? He is so quiet and polite, he looks like a teacher and those gorgeous blue eyes, so calm like the ocean His voice omg his voice so low and smooth. Can’t you hear him my friend?.” Umeko squealed shaking her shoulders before doing a twirl. “He’s so cute. He asked me for my number!”

“I didn’t hear that part of the conversation.” she said brushing Umeko’s hands roughly off

“Besides he’s average,plain and boring.” she said. “You’re trying to find fault with him cause he left you.’ she thought

“Whatever, I doubt you ever dated or anything, what would you know snow queen.”   Umeko pouted. “Do you have my darling’s onigiri.”

“You’ve only met him for less than 20 minutes and all of a sudden he’s your darling?

“I can dream you know.”

“At least have realistic ones.”

“I can’t deal with your put downs, I don’t know why Mari had to leave and have you this grumpy grouch as this replacement.”

“You better get back in here to serve your darling his onigiri. My break is in a bit.”

“Of course, like I’d let you scare him away.”

XxxxxxxxX

“Sir, why do you stand there like tragic romance hero”.

The blonde gaikokujin’s stare read “crazy guy who escaped from an asylum.”

The other’s read “ Romeo o Romeo where thou art.” Shingen thought he was safer off asking the round spectacle one.

“Hello.” he greeted them in a English voice clutching the bouquet. Boiled eyes became the two men’s eyes.

“He can speak to us!. round spectacles nearly tripped over his feet.

“Don’t worry he sometimes forget that not only him can speak more than one languages.” the nodded to Shingen.

“W..which part of America are you from?” the stunned man asked. “I’m not from there, I lived there for some years teaching among some other stuff.”

“Oh no wonder your english is broad like those hunk..”

“Francisco.” glared the other worker who turned back to him with a smile. “What can we help you with sir? You seem to be on a date?”

“DATE?” Francisco’s eyes shot up scanning the cafe. “There’s no good looking girl in here.” Luiz held his head in his hands.

“Ah these two never changed.” Shingen chuckled running a hand through his short hair. It wasn’t unusual for his looks to attract both male and female suitors. Sultry voluptuous women and toned men lay naked on his bed, on his sheets, sometimes he’d have both ravishing his body but all of that would stop today, if he found her.

“I had some lovely Kinako mochi from this establishment. I’d like to get more but I have no idea since I’m not seeing those in the cases.”

“So you mean those flowers are for me?” tears formed instantly in Francisco’s eyes, shining as they ran down his cheeks. “Oh you shouldn’t have I was right when I hired the right girl to make them.”

“Girl?” his heart beat faster, “She’s here.”

“The Japanese sweets are upstairs.”

Before his body gave the command, he was already up the stairs.

“What is wrong with you?” Luiz hissed. “You can’t go doing that with customers.” “Leave me alone heathen, I can dream about broad shoulders like that , he must be a model or something.” “Well whatever he is, he isn’t meant for you.” Fransico just sniffed.

His feet couldn’t stop moving, he practically raced up the stairs, to him no matter how fast he was going it took forever, his breathe stuck in his chest, The cafe was well ventilated but he couldn’t breathe,

“Did she still have her long brown, luscious hair?”

“Was she normal or stylish like the young girls of the era?”

“Would she remember me and all of our times together?” he wondered rubbing the birthmark on his neck.

xXx

Fingers played down her naked body as if it were a fine instrument but she made no sound. Hot breath fanned her lips as her husband’s tongue flicked inside of her mouth. She felt like a robot lying there among the sheets of Akechi’s bed. Opening her mouth, faking her moans and her pleasure. It wasn’t his fault. Something was wrong with her, as her husband continued to pleasure her, she felt nothing just a couple organs sticking themselves inside of her body and poking around. Today she couldn’t even bring herself to arch her back.

Molding the balls of rice together she cursed beneath her breath. Her skin still knew how his fingers felt on those intimate nights. She wanted to scrape herself raw again. Here she was making onigiri for the man she hated more than anything. “It was my fault we are nothing now but I still hate him.”

“urgh.” she smashed on of the rice balls. Shaking she wanted nothing more than to march out there and throw the rice in Akechi’s face. He didn’t deserve her effort, he deserved nothing from her after all.

In her anger, she kicked something under the table. Rubbing her toe against the fabric, she could tell it was a sack but a sack of what? Curiously she peered beneath the table, no smell came from it and the way it felt on her foot felt like there was fruit inside. Tugging open the string, a red sort of fruit with a slightly pungent smell made her wrinkle her nose.

“Carolina Reaper. Holds the world record for the most hottest pepper in the world. Heh must be one of Fran’s weird stuff from all around the world.’ Closing the bag to prepare the onigiri again,

“World’s hottest eh?” she smiled, taking out the sack again.

XxX

In his mind’s eye, she’d be  wearing pink, happily serving customers, smiling cause making desserts was what she’d love to do for his retainers. She’d meet his eyes, time would freeze and she’ll run into his arms, holding him tightly, She’d call him her husband. “I missed you Milord.” “ You look beautiful.” he desperately wanted to say to her. Maybe if there were not much people there he could mark her as his once again. His chest felt light at the words “I’ve finally come home to you while holding her securely in his arms.

Reaching to the top of the stairs, only a few customers were seated, no happy waitress in pink with brown hair just a brown haired girl in white blushing at at a customer, the romantic time freeze couldn’t happen if the one he loved wasn’t there to see him. He wasn’t about to become a husband right now. A few customers sneered at him and his flowers. This wasn’t the reunion he hoped for.

Scanning the cafe, he couldn’t see even an ant that looked like his wife. The turquoise windowsills and beige tills might have well been grey now to his eyes, everything was dark like the dark winter nights, the stars died like the night Takeda Shingen died.

“Leave.” his mind said. “Get the kinako.” his feet objected instead.

"Hello Umeko.” the name of his old maid slipped out before he could catch himself. Both her and the customer’s eyes widened.

"H..how do you know my name?”

she squeaked. “You were my dutiful maid once.” he thought.

“I heard your name from the the men downstairs when I inquired about the kinako mochi. I would very much like to have some if there’s any.”

The blush on her cheek was so bright, he laughed inwardly, that was the effect he had on women and he couldn’t say he was ashamed of it.

His only shame was the the flowers in his hand meant for a wife that didn’t exist.

“Hold on I’ll see if there’s any, sir.” Umeko practically ran to the back.

Seating himself near the counter, he checked his watch hoping, the preparations were going well for the exhibit. “I can’t focus on the exhibit when I failed.” The hammering in his ribs didn’t give away yet, he needed to sit down, the disappointment bashing it’s way in

and the excitement he once held simmered down to zero. “I thought it was hers. I could have sworn it was hers…why? Why am I always so close but yet so far?” “How dare you.” the man next to him spoke turning to face him. Centuries ago he briefly saw this man in  ravishing silver armor standing beside his lord before a rain of bullets fell like a hurricane, killing his men one by one. “Are you talking to me Akechi.” “Who else is here Takeda?”

Surprise turned into a glares.

“How dare you leave that poor girl on the side of the nasty road, caked in dirt, screaming for you while our men laughed and spit at her? Weren’t you the Mighty Tiger of Kai, but then again, animals are nothing against bullets.”

“I’m glad to see you with all your limbs attached, Akechi.”

Akechi frowned. “At least I did best for her.”

“What do you mean?” the predatory look returned to his amber eyes. “I married her and in the modern day too.”  She’s mine Takeda.”

In an instant, a desperate Shingen had Mitsuhide was up by his collar who pushed him off, Shingen’s voice rising above the music in the cafe. “LET ME SEE HER.” the other customers were staring but Shingen didn’t care.

The other sneered  His face turned red, how dare another man touch his wife, the woman he looked for, for centuries, Akechi never looked for her for so long, why was Shingen so idiotic? Why didn’t he think harder, look harder. Did they have sex? Did he have children with his wife, oh his mind went wild, again he gripped Mitsuhide even harder, like a tiger he intended to rip him apart.

“What man lets his wife see another man?” “What is wrong to you ?”

I need to apologize to her.”

“My sweet wife doesn’t remember you or anyone from her past so don’t waste her time or mine. She has no need for a kitten.” roughly the dark haired man pushed him again, knocking over a stool.

"What’s going on here?” Francisco raced upstairs,

"Please don’t argue.” a small, timid voice asked voice asked. Umeko returned carrying the onigiri, frozen at the sight of two bigger men scowling at each other.

"Thank you dear.” Akechi paid and thanked her.

"You’ve lost Takeda, you lost back then and you’ve lost now.” taking a bite of his onigiri. “Stay away from my …*cough* *cough*.” Clutching his throat,

“Ha ha ha ha” he held his chest.

"Wh..ts. in this onigiri.” Akechi wheezed coughing even harder. “Is he choking?” one customer asked fearfully. “Burning…throat burns.” he breathed hunched over. “My chest…*cough*

"I’ll get him water.” Francisco dashed behind the counter. “ I didn’t do I swear, I don’t even know what’s in the onigiri.” the girl panicked as the man hacked away. The red haired man made no effort to help, still bitter that another man got his hands on his wife first.

He promised and promised that he’s find her, she begged him to find her but someone else found her.

While Francisco handed out ice cubes and water, Umeko handed him his kinako mochi. Instantly his body rejected the snack, he didn’t want to see it, the peanut like smell made him sick. Sliding some bills and handing the flowers to his former maid, “I don’t want it anymore.” with that he left without a glance behind. “I’ll ask Matsuko to order sea cucumber mea or something when I get back.”

xXx

You told Yukimura, that we’d be perfect for each other.                                  Similar in age and sexual status. I never forgot you retainer’s blush.                    Evil of me but I never wanted him. He didn’t have your strong arms.                  He didn’t have your experience. I always wanted you, Milord.

The nasty flavor of the sea cucumber faded with every loving,stroke of his tongue in her mouth. His own unique taste, flooded the buds of her tongue. She couldn’t tell made it so pleasant. Her hazy mind, the strong arms gripping her shoulders, Yukimura’s reddening face and her pounding heart. Round and round and round, the room spun but gravity only stopped for the two of them and his wild kisses.“You’re a trusted friend, I know you wouldn’t poison me?” “Do friends kiss each other like this or is this just his nature? Are we lovers? Is the sea cucumber just an excuse for him? He’s a Lord, he can take any woman, am I just another of his conquests?

“Ah!” he bit her tongue, deepening the kiss in her moment of weakness. Wild, hungry and desperate.How long would he keep this up? She heard he drove the women he  pleasured to exhaustion. The Lord didn’t touch her body as yet in that manner and she found herself feeling sorry for those women. “ He’s a wild animal.” Cold hit caressed her lips, her delirious merry go round finally rode to a stop.“This tastes good.” he swallowed. “Or is it just you?” Now it was her turn to join Yukimura.

She jerked herself out of the dream again. She didn’t want to stick around to see her former husband in a coughing fit so she left through the back door in the kitchen and spent her lunch break at one of the nicer restaurants in the neighborhood. Picking up a chicken salad, she sat at the window watching the city go by. So many happy people, happy relationships but her. Akechi coming by hurt her. Of all the places, did he even know she worked there? Why couldn’t he just disappear and leave her to be miserable in peace.

Taking a bite. “Agh.” something a disgusting aftertaste spread across her tongue. It gave her chills, her throat wanted to close up

“What the hell..this doesn’t taste like chicken?!”

In a haste she spit it out, taking a huge gulp out of her drink.

A sea cucumber, lay on her napkin.