#kenstab is a valid stab

[dreamscapesin1582]

K E N S H I N    W E E K

Uesugi Kenshin’s birthday is on the 18th of February!

okay so i’m doing this thing again because, as you all may know already, I love this man. 

actually i fear that bday weeks are going to be a thing for this blog now and i will just kinda laugh it off because yay for sleep deprivation

don’t do this at home kiddos

I’ll probably start posting around Valentine’s Day until his birthday (February 14 - 18) with another stupid tag #kenstab is a valid stab. 

first of all, do not judge me. somehow it makes sense. at some point. in my mind. you don’t need to know what context it beholds lmao. 

See you then~

[dreamscapesin1582]

Day Two: Moodboard

i’m sorry i really have no idea what i’m doing haha

[dreamscapesin1582]

Day One: Together

Uesugi Kenshin x MC

was not able to proofread pls forgive my tired ass haha. also 2k+ words soooo

“Just keep practicing and you’ll be better eventually.”

I smiled as the new castle seamstresses asked me to teach them a few techniques.

“Thank you, my lady!” One of them was joyful as she clutched the unfinished haori on her hands with a bashful smile. “I’ll keep practicing!”

“You are so enthusiastic,” another seamstress spoke up with a teasing voice, “I’m sure he’d like whatever you’d give him.”

“Oh, are you planning to give the haori as a gift?”

The eager one now blushed and coyly nodded. “My lover is working hard as well, and I appreciate his efforts… so I figured I’d give him something to show my appreciation… and it also gets quite chilly at night, and I don’t want him to catch a cold so…”

“That’s so cute.” I couldn’t suppress a giggle. “Good luck.”

They waved goodbye as they went on to practice. I stared at them with a smile. She was quite inexperienced, but she looked so determined to master it. By then, I knew she would do a good job.

A gift, huh?

I left the room to take a walk out the garden. A few thoughts lingered in my mind. Should I make Kenshin something as well?

“Hey,” I stopped as I heard Sasuke’s voice behind me, “I didn’t want to interrupt you, but you’re going to trip on that rock if you kept walking.”

“Huh?” I glanced down on my feet. “Oh! Uh, yeah, sorry… and thanks.”

He approached me with the usual stoic face he always had. “Were you worried about something?”

“Nah, just a passing thought while I listened to the seamstresses talk about giving gifts for their lovers.” I laughed. “They were so cute.”

“Well, it is February.” He nodded while adjusting his glasses. “It seems like Valentine’s Day still goes around even though it’s only us who are aware of it.”

“…Gosh, you’re right!”

It’s only been a few days since February came around. Valentine’s Day didn’t occur to me until he mentioned it, which was surprising because it’s such a popular event back in the modern day...

Now I really want to give him a gift!

“I was just contemplating whether I’d give Kenshin a gift too, but now I decided. I’m going to give him a Valentine’s Day gift.” I nodded to myself, but then my shoulders slumped as I realized another thing. “…But I can’t make chocolate.”

Sasuke frowned sympathetically. “Hmm, true. You can’t find ingredients to making chocolate around here.”

“Other than that, Kenshin doesn’t really like sweets.”

I sighed as I tried to think of a different gift. Sasuke brainstormed with me. "How about making something he does like?"

Food he likes? Well, there’s...

Suddenly, one idea popped in my head and I immediately knew it was one thing I could do.

"That's it!" I exclaimed, not being able to hide the excitement. "I already have an idea. Thanks, Sasuke."

I ran off to practice it immediately. I heard Sasuke shout a 'good luck to whatever!', so I waved as I went to the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Sasuke stared at her as she dashed off like an excited little kid, which made him smile a little.

That lasted only three seconds at most.

The glint of silver was already pointed at his neck and he knew the only person behind him right that moment. "Lord Kenshin, please put that down. That's dangerous."

“You will answer my questions thoroughly, or else I will cut you down.” He said sternly. “What is this... Valentine's Day?”

Sasuke blinked once, twice, and finally managed to stay calm as he realized what was going on. “To put it simply, it's a day where love is celebrated in our time.”

Kenshin narrowed his eyes as he slowly lowered the sword. Sasuke faced his confused expression with his stoic one. “Love? How is it celebrated?”

“Usually, it's a day where women give chocolates to the person they like and confess their feelings. But then, it’s not rare to find some couples give gifts to each other on the same day. Either way, it’s meant to celebrate romance."

"Choco...late? Couples? This is the first time I've heard of those."

"Of course, since chocolate is not available in this time just yet." Sasuke replied coolly. "And a couple is a modern term for two lovers."

Kenshin stared at his vassal with a little disdain. Sasuke is his lover's only companion from that peaceful time they were in before, and it bothered him that both of them can relate on a lot of things... whereas he is still in the process of learning all about her.

But is there anything he won’t do for her?

“Sasuke.”

“Yes, Lord Kenshin?”

“...Tell me more about this Valentine's Day.”

.....

It was already the 14th of February.

I undid the cord that tied up my sleeves as I gazed at my work with a satisfied smile. I don’t experiment much in the kitchen—I’m more adventurous on fashion than on cuisine—so having able to make something with a decent taste just from scratch makes me feel somewhat proud of myself.

Throughout my breaks from work, I was cooped up inside the kitchen, trying to practice making something out of my idea. The kitchen maids were so helpful on trying to assist me. Although I tried to do as much of it by myself, since I want it to be special.

And I kept thinking about him as I made it. I intended to pour all my love for him into this simple gift.

I planned it to be a surprise, but Sasuke told me he was forced to tell Kenshin about Valentine’s Day since Kenshin overhead our conversation from before and he demanded information from his vassal. It couldn’t be helped; my friend could have lost his job (and probably his head) if he kept his mouth shut.

Well, Kenshin has been out for a few days, so either way he won't have an idea on what's coming for him!

I nodded to myself as I placed my ‘gift’ carefully into a container and took it outside to wait for him to come back. It’s been quite a while since we last saw each other, and while I was occupied on my work and preparing for my gift, I still missed him each day he was away.

I was excited while preparing his gift, but I still felt nervous about giving it to him… like a girl with a crush who’s about to confess her feelings. But I reminded myself that there’s nothing to be afraid of. It’s already clear as day that Kenshin feels the same way, and we have already been through a lot.

I couldn’t wait to see his reaction when he sees this though. He’s probably going to be wearing that confused expression, which I still find cute, but he wouldn’t like hearing me making fun of him. My boyfriend is a lot of work, but I adore him.

…And I see that boyfriend riding to my direction safe and sound.

I locked eyes with Kenshin and a smile immediately bloomed on his face as he approached. He looked like a prince that popped out of a fairytale and I, like a princess who admired her prince, fell heads over heels for him all over again.

“Welcome home.”

“I’m back.” He got off his horse and stood before me, looking sort of smug. “It feels nice to be welcomed by you after being away for so long.”

I pecked a swift kiss on his smiling lips. His smug expression faltered as I giggled. “It’s only been 3 days, Kenshin. It wasn’t that long.”

“…But I missed you terribly.”

He didn’t seemed satisfied by my welcome present and he wanted me to take responsibility. He caught me firmly in his arms and leaned forward for a more daring kiss.

I almost dropped what I held in my hand in surprise, but fortunately I got ahold of myself… although it came with a little indulgence of his response to my welcome.

Before it went out of control I took a step back and whispered, “There’s people around.”

He gazed at me with conflicted eyes that looked dangerously arousing. If I didn’t know better, I would have surrendered myself to him completely.

But the day is still young.

He sighed and let me go. I wryly smiled at him. “I’m sorry, Kenshin. I missed you too, but you’ll have to wait.”

“I know.” He breathed out an airy chuckle as he stepped back. He glanced at the side and reverted back to his lordly self. “What is it, Sasuke?”

“Lord Kenshin, we will take care of everything from your travel. For now, you should rest on your quarters.”

“Hmm, fine.”

I caught Sasuke’s gaze at me and he flashed me a thumbs-up. I laughed and mouthed a ‘thanks’. When I turned to Kenshin, he quickly took something from his vassal (I wasn't able to see what it was) and was already striding inside to go to his room so I hurried my step and followed him.

When we arrived, Kenshin turned and presented what he was holding to me.

Flowers?

“Sasuke told me these… choco…lates… are not available to be produced here but it seems that’s not the only gift you can give to this day.”

“…Tulips? Where did you find these?”

“I happened to pass by them on the way, and I remember someone telling me it was a symbol of love.” He seemed to avoid my gaze after mentioning ‘someone’, and I have a good guess on who that was. Someone who adores women and is fluent in the language of romance. “I overheard your conversation with Sasuke about this Valentine’s Day. You seemed happy about the concept of it, so I wanted to have this celebration with you.”

My heart was pounding on my chest as he handed me the fresh red tulips bundled like a bouquet. He didn’t even have to do this, I mean he barely knows about Valentine’s Day and all, but he still wanted to give me something.

I never felt this happy for a Valentine's Day gift! It feels like I saved the world in my previous life!

“These flowers may beautiful and ephemeral, but our love will last forever. That I know, and that I swear.” He pressed a kiss on my forehead, like a seal for his vow to me. "On this... Valentine's Day... I will remind you that I am yours, now and until the day I die."

How can someone be so sweet?

“Thank you…” I beamed in delight as he returned it with a smile of his own. It was beautiful to look at that I almost forgot I had a gift as well. “Oh, right! This is for you.”

I handed him a food container wrapped in a pretty pink cloth. He stared at me in bewilderment as he gently placed it in the table and unraveled the cloth.

Here goes...

“...Onigiri?” He uttered as his brows furrowed while looking at it. “It has... a different shape.”

“That’s a heart symbol.” I sheepishly smiled at him as I scratched my head. “You see, I wanted to give you chocolate because it only felt right for this occasion, but it was really difficult to do it with the lack of ingredients. So I had a change of plans…”

“You don’t usually cook,” he remarked as he picked up one rice ball, “I’m grateful for your efforts.”

“Making the onigiri wasn’t really hard, but getting the shape right is the tricky part.” I shrugged. "I tried my best, but I can't guarantee it would taste amazing though."

"May I try it?"

"Of course."

I watched as he took a bite and his eyes lit up immediately in recognition. “Is this…”

“I also went with your favorite.” I smiled, pleased at his reaction. “You really like pickled plums, don’t you?”

He stared at the bitten rice ball on his hand, the conflict in his eyes returned. I grew nervous in his silence.

"...I'm not really a good cook, so I'm sorry if it tastes bad-"

"No, it's not like that." he mumbled. “It feels like a waste, eating it like this. I feel strangely... too happy."

The dark thought I had vanished almost immediately. My heart was suddenly filled with affection for him. But—

"I'd be happier if you finished it." I said. "You just came back from your trip. You must be tired, so I want you to eat well and be energized. I'd like it if you were in good health."

He gave me a thoughtful nod, taking his time to eat the rice ball. "It's delicious. Thank you."

Then he approached me all of a sudden, and cupped my cheeks with both his hands.

"I have decided." He told me as his mismatched eyes gazed at mine with clarity and resolve. "It was a simple gesture, but it made me realize a lot of things."

"...and what would those be?"

"I will take care of myself while protecting you." He smiled at me as his thumb tenderly caressed my cheek. "That way, we can be together longer. Both of us, growing old together. Can you imagine?"

Being together until the end of our lives... Living together... Staying together... Having a family together... Growing old together...

I reached out to wrap my arms around his neck as I pulled him close. "...Yes."

That is a future I want to have.

[dreamscapesin1582]

Day Four: Go On

I had been sparring with Sasuke for the past three hours in the gardens before I realized that my beautiful wife and my precious daughter was at the corner, almost out of sight.

Two people who give light to my life. My family.

And indeed a ninja I’ve trained, Sasuke took my appreciating of my family into a chance to sneak an attack. But it proved useless since I was able to deflect it with my blade.

“Ah, shoot,” he breathed out almost like a distressed sigh before adjusting his glasses, “I guess you’re not too spaced out.”

“I do not understand what you meant, but I will acknowledge that you bravely took the opportunity when it presented itself.” I sheathed my sword and so did he. “The duel is over.”

“I understand.” He said, turning his eyes on what caught my attention in the first place. “They seem to be talking about something.”

When I glanced at them, I saw that my wife was supposed to walk towards my direction but my daughter was tugging her hand.

“Kenshin!” She beamed when she noticed me looking at them. My little one was surprised and an anxious expression fell over her pretty face. I got curious.

She finally walked over while holding my daughter’s hand. But she couldn’t seem to look at me. It felt like a stab to my chest—no, it was worse.

Did she grow uncomfortable watching me spar?

“Go on, sweetie.” My wife cooed with a gentle smile as she led my child to me. My little one took little steps towards me as I knelt down to meet her gaze, but she seems so interested on looking at her feet.

Looking up closer, I noticed she was hiding something behind her.

“What is it?” I told her. She was still quiet. “Go on, little one.”

Her cheeks were like pale peaches as she suddenly shoved something in my chest. It was a surprise attack that I could not defend myself with as I leaned back a little, almost losing my balance.

I immediately caught the thing she pushed onto me before it dropped. It was paper. In my confusion, my eyes landed on her—and her cheeks were now a shade like that of cherry blossoms.

Then I took notice of what was in the paper, and there I saw—

“H-Happy birthday, Papa..!” She cried out, eyes squeezed shut as she stood before me, seemingly embarrassed.

But I was almost driven to tears.

She drew a picture of myself, with her and my wife. The three of us together… along with the stupid addition of Shingen, Yukimura and Sasuke at the side.

But we were together regardless, with smiles and cheers.

She also tried to write, it seems. She has not been long in temple school but I felt proud that she could already write, even if it was imperfect.

I love you. Happy birthday.

But it was perfect in my eyes.

“This is…” I couldn’t even get the right words. My heart is filled with so much adoration that it seems insufficient to describe by words alone. “…Come here.”

She was reluctant but still obeyed, and I wrapped my arms around her and stood up, lifting her up high. She was giggling.

The gift she offered is one thing, but seeing my child’s honest smile is still an incomparable gift.

“Thank you.” I nuzzled my nose on hers as she continued to laugh still. It brings me so much joy to hear such music to my ears. “I will cherish this forever.”

She nodded happily as I kissed her forehead before I set her down the ground. I glanced at my wife who was smiling at us along with Sasuke beside her.

“I think that melted my stone cold heart.”

“Sasuke, stop. You’re not stone cold.” She shook her head as she took a step towards us. “See, didn’t I tell you? He would like it.”

“Why, did you think I wouldn’t?” I asked.

The little one twiddled with her fingers as she spoke softly. “Papa has a lot of nice gifts today… so I thought mine wasn’t good.”

I chuckled. She’s too adorable… just like her mother.

I placed my hand on top of her head. “Silly girl. Of course I would like anything you would give me, as long as it’s from you. You are special to me. Nothing among those other gifts would hold a candle to yours, I assure you.”

“Are you sure?”

“Would I trick you?”

“…No.” And she had that big grin again. Ah, she was so cute.

“Kenshin. Excuse us now but we’re going to go prepare.” My partner said as she approached our child. “We’re still going to have a nice party for your papa, aren’t we?”

“Yes!”

She seemed so excited for the banquet that she ran off immediately, almost as if she wasn’t embarrassed a while ago. My wife then faced me with a smile mirroring my little sunshine’s grin.

She placed a brief peck on my lips. “I’ll see you later.”

“I can’t seem to wait.” I smiled back. She giggled as she followed inside. I watched them with all the love I felt for them.

“…Sasuke.”

“Yes, Lord Kenshin?”

“Find a way to frame this drawing.”

I wasn’t facing him, but I had a feeling he was smiling too. “As you wish.”

[dreamscapesin1582]

Day Three: Quote Aesthetics

From his Dramatic and Romantic route!

[dreamscapesin1582]

Day Five: Memes ???