#mitsuhide you have been a joy

[misty-moth]

I’m one day away from finishing Mitsuhide’s route, and I am SO SAD ABOUT IT

He says the mooshiest, smooshiest things, and he’s a big ol’ sweetie pie, and he isn’t shy about being a floof man, and I’ll miss him terribly 😭

[mbruben-stein]

Hello, can I please request Akagami no shirayukihime/Snow white with red hair characters (Raji Shenazard, Zen Wisteria, Mitsuhide Louen, and Obi) headcanons with a shy s/o who suddenly gave them a kiss on the cheek?

Snow white with red hair characters reaction to shy female s/o kissing them on the cheek.

~Zen Wistalia~

When Zen's shy female significant other unexpectedly leans in and plants a gentle kiss on his cheek, his initial reaction is one of pleasant surprise. His eyes widen slightly, his lips curling into a soft smile as he feels a warm, fuzzy sensation spreading through his chest. He can't help but feel touched by her bold yet sweet gesture, appreciating the thought and courage it must have taken for her to make such a move.

As he gazes into her eyes, he can see the slight blush on her cheeks, and it only serves to make his heart swell with affection for her. He reaches up to gently cup her face in his hand, his thumb brushing against her cheek as he leans in to press a tender kiss to her forehead.

"Thank you," he murmurs softly, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity. "That was really sweet of you. I appreciate it more than words can express."

Zen's heart flutters with a mix of happiness and adoration for his shy s/o, feeling grateful to have someone so caring and thoughtful in his life. He wraps his arms around her in a gentle embrace, holding her close as he presses another kiss to the top of her head.

In that moment, Zen realizes just how much he cherishes his shy s/o and the depth of his feelings for her. He vows to always make her feel loved and cherished, knowing that her shy gestures hold a special place in his heart. With a content smile on his face, he whispers, "I love you," knowing that his feelings for her only continue to grow stronger with each passing day.

~Raji Shenazard~

Raji would be completely caught off guard by his shy female s/o kissing him on the cheek. At first, he would freeze in shock, his eyes widening as he processes what just happened. His cheeks would flush a deep shade of red as he stammers out a response, not quite sure how to react to such a bold gesture from his normally reserved partner.

After a moment of awkward silence, Raji would tentatively touch his fingers to his cheek where her lips had just been, a shy smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He would then turn to his s/o, his eyes filled with a mix of surprise and adoration, grateful for the unexpected display of affection.

"Wow, that was…unexpected," he would finally say, his voice soft and filled with emotion. "But…thank you. It means a lot to me." Raji would then gather his composure, trying to act more princely and confident despite the butterflies in his stomach.

From that moment on, Raji would find himself thinking about the sweet gesture constantly, his heart swelling with warmth whenever he remembers the feel of her lips on his cheek. He would become more attentive and affectionate towards his s/o, wanting to show her how much he appreciates her boldness and the love she has for him.

Overall, Raji would be deeply touched by the kiss on the cheek, and it would mark a turning point in their relationship as he learns to open up more and express his own feelings for his s/o.

~Mitsuhide Louen~

Mitsuhide's reaction to his shy female s/o kissing him on the cheek would be a mixture of surprise, flusteredness, and pure joy. At first, he would freeze in shock, his eyes widening slightly as he processes what just happened. His cheeks would instantly flush a deep shade of red, a shy smile forming on his lips as he tries to regain his composure.

"Wow, that was unexpected," he would say softly, his voice filled with a mix of happiness and disbelief. He would gently touch the spot on his cheek where she had kissed him, feeling a warm sensation spreading through his body.

As he looks into her eyes, he would see the vulnerability and shyness in them, causing his heart to swell with affection for her. He would then wrap his arms around her in a gentle embrace, pulling her close to him as he whispers, "Thank you, my dear. That was truly sweet of you."

Mitsuhide would then shower her with compliments, praising her courage and expressing his gratitude for her affectionate gesture. He would make sure to reassure her of his feelings for her, letting her know how much he cherishes her and how lucky he feels to have her in his life.

Overall, Mitsuhide's reaction would be one of genuine happiness and appreciation, as he realizes just how much he cares for his shy s/o and how much her simple gesture means to him.

~Obi~

Obi's initial reaction to his shy female s/o kissing him on the cheek would be one of surprise and slight confusion. He would freeze for a moment, not quite sure how to respond to such a bold display of affection. His eyes would widen slightly as he processed what had just happened, his mind racing with various thoughts and emotions.

After the initial shock wore off, Obi would feel a warmth spread through his chest, a feeling of happiness and contentment at the fact that someone cared for him enough to show him such affection. He would turn his gaze to his s/o, a soft smile playing on his lips as he took in the sight of her blushing face and shy expression.

In that moment, Obi would feel a sense of gratitude towards his s/o for trusting him enough to make such a gesture. He would gently reach out to cup her cheek, his touch tender and reassuring as he leaned in to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. He would whisper softly, "Thank you… for showing me that you care."

Obi would then pull his s/o into a warm embrace, holding her close as he savored the feeling of her in his arms. In that moment, he would realize just how much she meant to him, and how lucky he was to have someone like her by his side. And from that day on, he would make sure to show his s/o just how much he cherished her, in his own quiet and aloof way.

[the12thnightproject]

Chapter One: Nobody Expects the Spanish Inquisition - Katsuko accepts a mysterious mission that will take her to Azuchi.

Mitsunari x OC; Nobunaga x Mai

Logline - In order to protect a political alliance, Katusko and Mitsunari must pretend an engagement. But this "all business" arrangement is threatened by a coup against Nobunaga... and by feelings.

Notes - Takes place after the ending of Nobunaga's romantic route, but before the epilogue. Slow burn (very slow burn). Friends to lovers. Canon typical violence.

From the Military Notes of Ishida Mitsunari: A primary goal of military planning is to enable Generals to meet their manning objectives for force size, composition, and wartime capability. To attain these objectives, forces must be appropriately structured with motivated personnel who are deployed to jobs suitable for their talents, and given training to improve their skills, even when the country’s security goals evolve to meet new threats. 

On occasion, it may be necessary to contract additional personnel, often mercenaries, who are specifically trained to carry out special projects.

Personal comments: Lord Hideyoshi read the above notes and reminded me that the hiring of additional persons should be performed by himself, and none other. He also said something that I am not certain I heard correctly, but it involved Lord Mitsuhide and a word that I am not comfortable writing down.

“She likes you better – it should come from you.” I eyed the missive in Aki’s hand as if it were an unexploded bomb. Ok, technically it was the match. The UXB was Fume. “She hates me. If I give her this, it will make it worse.” Yes, I am a messenger. Delivering messages is my job. At the same time, I’ve managed to do this job for years without becoming victim to the cliché, ‘kill the messenger.’ I had no desire to ruin this streak of not-being-killedness.

“I’ve been travelling for what feels like a thousand years.” There was wry twist to his mouth, as if those imaginary years had stolen not only time but also something incalculable.

It had felt like a thousand years to me too – I’d been here all summer, with only Fume’s dubious companionship. I was so happy to see a friendly face that I was almost willing to do as requested. Almost. “Well then, the time it takes for you to go into the kitchen and hand her the letter will feel like the blink of an eye, won’t it?”

“I cannot handle what is sure to be an unending spate of feminine histrionics.” He grabbed my hand and stuck the letter in it.

“Are you forgetting that I’m also female?” I shoved the letter back into his hands.

“You, my dear child, are never histrionic.” He waved the letter in the air. “Did I mention it’s in Portuguese?”

Dammit.

With a sigh I took the letter back, my fingers closing around the unfamiliar weight of the European vellum.

He patted my shoulder. “Good luck.” Shouldering his travel gear, he turned toward his quarters. “I’m off to sleep until tomorrow. Don’t bother me unless the world is ending. Don’t bother me then either.”

His footsteps trailed off, then I heard him pause at the doorway to the kitchen and tell Fume that he was under no circumstances to be disturbed. He was also probably telling her –

“Francisco sent me a letter?” Fume planted her squat body in front of me (had she teleported across the room?) and reached for the message. She must have been cooking when Aki stopped in to talk to her, because she still had a kitchen knife in her hand. The entrails of whatever she had been dismembering shone red and wet across the blade.

I felt less optimistic about that messenger not being killed thing.

Fume snatched the letter out of my hand, I had the dubious joy of watching her smell it, then clutch it to her cleavage. Finally, she opened it, sighed, and handed it back to me. “Translate this, Kaya.”

No ‘please.’ I considered requesting that she say it, but the letter was going to infuriate her anyway. No reason to push my luck. I opened the letter and skimmed through it, hoping Aki had been wrong about the contents… and-

Aki’s never wrong.

I wonder if Nobunaga’s job offer is still on the table.

“Don’t stand there like a witless idiot, what does he have to say?” Fume glared at me, and a bit of whatever she had been cutting slid to the edge of the knife and dangled. It was almost hypnotizing to watch that bit of intestine swing back and forth and back and –

“Kaya!”

Once, in a forest in Echigo, I encountered the God of War, and I was less scared of him than I am of Fume. I took a discreet step back, knowing that the knife would be flung at me once she heard what Francisco had to say. I opened the letter and read it to Fume. “My Dearest Little Squash Blossom.” (It absolutely did not begin that way, but my bedroom was close enough to Fume’s that I was aware of every pet name Francisco had ever called her. I unfortunately knew the pet name he used for his penis – which was not information I had ever expected or wanted to know).

“And?” She stomped her foot, and that bit of meat finally gave up and fell off the knife, landing on the floor with a loud, squelchy splat. Sigh. I was going to have to scrub that. “I swear Kaya, some days I wonder why Aki bothers to keep you.”

“Sorry Fume-sama. His handwriting is terrible.” I pretended to squint at the letter, rotating it as if to find a better angle. Mentally, I scrambled to find a diplomatic way to rephrase this ‘Dear John’ letter. “He had to travel to Goa for a family obligation.” I took another tiny step back.

“When will he come back to Japan?” When she was upset, Fume’s voice often rocketed through several octaves to reach a glass shattering pitch.

“That, he does not say.” Aside from what amounted to ‘don’t wait for me to return, have a nice life.’ Basically, it was the Sengoku version of break-up-via-text-message.

Fume’s screech of dismay would likely have all dogs in the district howling. The knife came flying, but though Fume has a terrible temper, she has worse aim, and I ducked it. While she was still raining curses upon Francisco, I escaped to the training grounds behind the manor.

During Aki’s absence, in whatever free time I could squeeze from the maid work Fume gave me, I had been working on my archery skills. My self-assigned task had been to become adept at hitting targets while I was on a moving horse. I’d gotten pretty good at this (it had been a really long summer) and could hit the target while seated in the saddle and while standing up in the stirrups.

Unfortunately, my current goal of hitting the target while hanging off the side of my horse was proving difficult. I either needed an extra hand or a better saddle, because my knee kept slipping off the pommel and I inevitably ended up thudding to the ground. Still, I continued to make the attempt. Falling off my horse was better than dealing with Fume when she was #MOOD.

After each fall, Moonlight would halt, trot back to my side, and nudge me with her nose. “What are you doing, you silly human?” At least, that was what I imagined she was saying. Fume might hate me, but my horse was my best buddy.

On my third attempt of the afternoon, I’d managed to get off a shot that landed at the edge of the target before thumping gracelessly to the turf.

Euuf. That one almost knocked the breath out of me.

Even with Moonlight nosing me, I spent a moment on the ground, staring at the puffy clouds in the sky, and pondering my life choices.

“Katsu, was there a purpose to this exercise other than practicing your falling skills?” The dry comment came from the gate to the yard, where a man with long dark hair looked down on me from his position on his own horse.

“Kyubei!” I got to my feet and dusted off my rear end. I couldn’t remember my Azuchi contact ever coming to this part of the country. I always travelled there, not the reverse. “Has something happened?”

“That was my question for you.” He climbed off his horse and glanced back over his shoulder at where the path angled steeply down the mountain. “We haven’t seen you in weeks, and Mitsuhide has an urgent request of your master.”

“Oh. Nothing’s wrong. Aki’s been away for some time. He finally returned this morning.” I glanced back toward the manor, wondering if ‘urgent business from Mitsuhide’ would meet his definition of the world ending. “I’ve been mired here all summer.”

I looped Moonlight’s reigns over the fence so she wouldn’t wander into the garden and eat something that would annoy Fume even more. “In any case, it’s good to see a friendly face. Welcome to The Mountain.” Aki had never actually named his manor, but given its location, most people referred to it this way.

“Mountain is rather an understatement. The path to here is vertical.” Once again, Kyubei looked over his shoulder at the view.

“You ought to see it in winter.” There were times when it was impassible for days. “It’s really an adventure coming and going then.”

He literally turned pale at that. “I will take your word for it.” His hand went to his waist where the edge of an oilskin pack peeped out from the vee of his kimono. “Do you know if Akihira is available to speak with me?”

“Um. Well, he did say he didn’t wish to be disturbed until tomorrow. Is there anything I can help you with in the meanwhile?” I directed Kyubei around to the front.

Kyubei paused and scrutinized me from toes to the top of my head, and I suddenly had the odd feeling he could see right into my soul. “Actually, I believe you can. Katsu, pardon me if this is an intrusive question, but are you a girl?”

Whoops! When I was here at home, I usually didn’t bother with the leather binder I used to flatten my figure, and my hair wasn’t neatly hidden away. Oh well. Too late now. “Not intrusive, and yes – though I am still Katsu. My birth name is Katsuko.”

He smiled. “You might be the perfect solution to our problem, Katsuko.”

Oh? Please. Let me be a solution to a problem, and not-

Just then the woman who generally considered me her problem blocked the front door of the manor. “Kaya stop flirting with this vagrant and come help me clean up.”

“Fume-sama, this man urgently needs to speak with Akihira.” I gestured to Kyubei, who bowed politely, but not with any particular deference.

“He isn’t to be disturbed until tomorrow, and I intend to make sure of that.” She eyed Kyubei with suspicion. “If he must speak with Akihira, then he can spend the night in the stable. Where, I might add, your horse also belongs, and not tied to the gate.”

I can’t win with this woman. “Play along,” I murmured to Kyubei before returning my attention to Fume. “This is Oda Nobunaga’s ally Akechi Mitsuhide. His message is extremely important.”

Kyubei instantly underwent a top to toes transformation – his posture straightened, his eyes took on a sharp gleam, and he flashed Fume a mocking smile. I appreciated how quickly he had done that. Although I was used to passing as a boy, and occasionally as an old man, I’d never tried to impersonate someone particular. “I’m given to understand that Yamaoka Akihira is in residence at present.”

A similar transformation affected Fume, who went from condescending to obsequious in the same amount of time. She bowed low and long. “He does not wish to be disturbed, but I am certain he would wish you treated as an honored guest. Kaya! Prepare a room for Lord Akechi.” She stepped aside and shooed me toward the guest quarters. “My apologies my lord. Akihira has treated this one as a pet.”

A pet would have people to play with, but… details.

When Fume is in a #MOOD, it’s easier to stand back and take it (while imagining a creative revenge to be named later). I turned to go inside, but Kyubei stopped me. “You do me honor, but it is, as I said, a matter of some urgency. Is there any way I can convince you to disturb him?”

“No need.” Aki padded down the hall, dressed in his nighttime robes. “It’s impossible to get any sleep with all this commotion.”

“Aki,” I said, hoping to clue him in before he broke Kyubei’s cover. “Mitsuhide – oof.” Fume had elbowed me, none to gently. “That is, Lord Aketchi travelled all the way from Azuchi to speak with you.”

With a conspiratorial smile, Aki turned to Kyubei. “He did, eh? Well, Mitsuhide, it’s a pleasure to see you… again. Shall we discuss this matter in my receiving room?”

Kyubei inclined his head and followed Aki into the house. I made to join them, but Fume grabbed my arm and yanked me back. “The floor, Kaya. There is something on it.” She pointed to the meat that had dripped from her knife earlier.

With a glance back to me, Kyubei paused. “This involves your messenger. Can she meet with us as well? It would save time.”

The “she” pronoun caused Aki’s eyebrow to raise, but he simply nodded and motioned me along. I resisted the impulse to give Fume a look of triumph.

I hurried after Kyubei into Aki’s office, skidding to a halt to avoid running into him. He’d stopped just inside the door and was looking around. I tried to imagine how the office would look to an outsider: an eye-searing jumble of odds and ends, Western trinkets and Chinese artwork culled from his dealings with the Portuguese traders, a mismatch of both Japanese style and European furnishings, and of course two shogi boards – one of which consisted of his ongoing long-distance game with Mitsuhide. I was used to it… but it could definitely be sensory overload to a stranger.

Kyubei looked down at shogi game-in-process. “This at least, is a familiar sight.”

“One would hope that this visit isn’t simply because Mitsuhide is impatient for my next move.” Aki paused by the firepit to put the tea water on to boil.

“No, of course not. Although, I will admit to being tired of losing to him every night while we wait for your message.” Kyubei glanced back and forth between the chairs that were facing a large European crafted desk, and the cushions around a traditional writing desk.

Aki gestured to the larger desk and chairs, which he preferred to use, claiming height was better on his knees. In all the years I had known him, he had not shown any evidence of knee pain. Once I had pointed that out to him, he’d told me it was because he sat in Nanban chairs. I think he chooses to sit there because it makes him look like a king facing his subjects.

Once we were seated at the desk, with cups of te- wait. Was Aki drinking… coffee? I sniffed the air and glanced at his cup.

“My latest find from a Nanban merchant.” He took a long sip. “Who, I believe, purchased it from a Dutch trader. Do you wish to taste it?” He pushed the cup toward me.

I knew what coffee tasted like, but ‘Katsu’ would not, so I took a sip then made a face that was not entirely fake. “It’s rather strong. Slightly bitter.” I don’t mind bitter. But I like my tea.

I passed the cup to Kyubei who also took a taste. “I imagine it could be an acquired taste but…hm.” He tapped his fingers on the cup. “I wonder if I might have some of this to take back to my master to see if he can taste it.”

That was an odd turn of phrase, but Aki simply nodded. “I’ll send a package with instructions on how to prepare it back with you. Meanwhile, I understand you have an important message from him?”

Kyubei handed over the message. Aki unfolded it and read through it with a few absent-minded hmmms of his own, a chin rub, and sidelong glances at me. “Mitsuhide asks if I have an apprentice or messenger who can pass as a woman. It appears to me that having Katsuko pretend to be a boy pretending to be a girl would be unnecessarily complicated.”

I imagine Julie Andrews would have something to say about that.

“Indeed.” Kyubei glanced at me critically. “However, we can do as well with Katsuko as herself. True, there would still be a bit of a disguise involved, but no one expects there to be any danger.”

No one expects the Spanish inquisition either.

I’m not really bothered by the idea of danger. After the past couple of months, I’d gladly take a change of scenery and would welcome. The denizens of Azuchi couldn’t be any worse than Fume, and even if there was some danger, it wasn’t likely to throw a bloody kitchen knife at me.

Aki rubbed his chin. “Kyubei, do you mind giving us a moment of privacy to discuss the matter?”

Kyubei bowed. “Not in the least. I’ll find your, er, kind, chatelaine and ask for a place where I can wash the mountain off me.” It sounded like he and the mountain were not fond of one another.

Once Kyubei had whisked himself away with all the discretion and attitude of an upper crust British butler (or at least a Netflix version of same), Aki turned to me. “I suppose the first question is, do you wish to do this?”

“My first preference would be to go with you on your next mission.” Aki often took me with him on short jobs, but not the long journeys where he went away, only to return looking as if the fate of the world rested on his shoulders… I would like to share that burden with him, if he would let me. Somewhere along the line, I’d stopped being just an apprentice to him, but he still shielded me from much of his work.

Aki smiled at me, but he looked … sad. Sad? Not an emotion that I usually associated with him. “That’s very … kind of you Katsuko. But these are missions that I must do on my own.”

“If that is the case then yes, please send me to Azuchi.” Not wanting to sound too overeager to be gone from home, I added, “If Fume and I spend much more time together, the next time you return, I cannot promise we’d both be alive to greet you.”

He laughed and ruffled my hair. “Alright my fierce… apprentice. Bear in mind you’ll be working for Mitsuhide who will not have as much tolerance for your brand of cheekiness as I do.”

I stole another sip of his coffee just to tease him. “You did teach me manners, remember?”

He groaned. “I do remember. That’s why I’m worried.” He looked out the window, but I had a feeling he wasn’t seeing lush summer greenery in the yard, but something less friendly…  something that weighed on him. Then he seemed to shake it off and looked back to me with that familiar professorial tone. “As it happens, you’ll also be spending time in the Hida region, and it suits me very much to have someone in that area, so I’m inclined to send you with Kyubei.”

I sat up straighter. Aside from the couple of weeks I had spent in the booksellers in Azuchi, I’d never had a solo mission. “What needs doing in Hida?”

Aki rustled around with the papers on his desk and pulled out a map. “There’s a great deal of mining in the area – many parties are very interested in those mines as the desire for Japanese silver exports increases. It goes without saying that Nobunaga wants control, but there may be people not happy for him to have that. I don’t expect that the area will destabilize – at least not quickly, but when you return, I would like to know your impression of the situation.”

Thrilled that he trusted me with this, I lifted my chin and fought back the urge to smile. Professionals don’t smile. “I won’t let you down.” Again though, there was part of my brain that had on repeat, nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition.

“I know you won’t.” He took a large sip of coffee, savoring it as if it were the best beverage on the planet. “Or you’ll spend the next year solely under Fume’s authority.” He softened that threat with a smile. “I trust you know how to take care of yourself, but it goes without saying that I hope you’ll be careful and stay safe.”

Maybe it went without saying, but he had never before said it to me, especially not in that tone of voice that almost made me want to hug him.

And, so, I did hug him, and after a startled moment, he held onto me tightly, his palms pressed firmly into my back.

Although Aki encouraged Kyubei to spend the night and get an early and well-rested start in the morning, he preferred to leave right away, claiming that time was of the essence. Kyubei advised me not to bother packing any of “Kaya’s” clothing – advice that cheered me immensely, as Kaya’s clothing was a dreary pile of ugly kimonos in varying shades of mud. “Nobunaga will see that an appropriate wardrobe is provided for you. The Lady Mai is a talented seamstress and will be happy to outfit you.”

That didn’t provide much of a clue to what I would be doing, or what I should pack, but I simply threw together everything I would have brought along were I going on a trip with Aki, as well as my (sadly fraying) portrait of Toshiie, and the portable shogi set that Aki had given me on my most recent birthday. Though I knew I’d be dressing as a female, I chose to travel as Katsu – it was safer. Moreover, ‘Katsu’ was familiar, and I’d learned to keep as many familiar things close to me as possible, lest they disappear forever.

“I’m glad you were quick,” Kyubei said once we were on our way. “I do not want to make this descent after dark.”

“It’s actually easier if you can’t see where you are going,” I said, just for the fun of seeing him turn pale again. “At least if you fall off the mountain, you won’t see the rocks before you hit them.”

“I can’t wait for Mitsuhide to meet you,” he muttered as we led our horses along the steep path. Riding would have been faster, but I didn’t know how surefooted his horse was. Also, I doubted Kyubei even wanted to add another four feet of height to the equation.

“Why?” In truth, after delivering so many messages to him via Kyubei over the past four years, I was surprised that our paths hadn’t crossed.

“No reason… Katsu, can we stop talking until we reach flatter territory? I’d prefer to concentrate on not plunging to my death.” Kyubei sounded out of breath.

I glanced over my shoulder and felt bad for teasing him. I mean, put me in front of a tunnel, a cave or even a tiny windowless room, and I’d be a sobbing mess. “Alright, but to be honest, it looks worse than it is. Nobody’s ever fallen off the mountain in the summer. Well, not anyone who wasn’t drunk first.”

He grumbled something along the lines of about needing to be drunk to take this path.

It wasn’t until we made our way to flatter terrain that he regained his normal distantly friendly attitude. By the time we had camped for the night, he had relaxed enough to entertain me with some of his exploits.

“How did you manage to pretend to be Mitsuhide so quickly?” I set a copper tea kettle over the fire. “Oh, I wouldn’t eat those if I were you,” I added as Kyubei shook some of the coffee beans into his hand.

He ignored my advice and bit into one but managed to keep a straight face while what I imagined was very bitter coffee attacked his taste buds. “Some of it is training – but I’ve also had a lot of practice. He and I have exchanged identities in the past.”

“Really? I thought Mitsuhide was… older?” I’d once seen the back of his head – in fact that was the only glance I had ever seen of him – and his hair was silver-white.

“No, we’re of the same age.” Kyubei poured the coffee beans back into their metal tin. “Put me in a silver wig and anyone who doesn’t know him well would be fooled.”

Wow – I bet that made them fun at Halloween. “Will I be in disguise too?” Please don’t say housemaid.

“We’ll be presenting you Oda Princess.” Kyubei had a faint smile on his face.

“A wha-” I paused, realizing I had spoken with an unprincesslike mouthful. I swallowed, the tried… and failed… to come up with an appropriately regal reply. “Er, not that I’m not flattered, but you could have gotten an actress and done just as well.”

Kyubei inclined his head. “Indeed. Our Princess might have some additional duties more generally assigned to personal guards. But truly, as I said, we don’t expect this to be very dangerous.”

In other words, Princess-slash-bodyguard. On one hand, that sounded pretty awesome… aside from that voice in my head had that had swelled to an eight-part chorale: Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition.

@lorei-writes @bestbryn @lyds323 @katriniac @briars7

[ikeromantic]

Mitsuhide - Envy 😱

for @hannadelacour

Mitsuhide and envy go together like cheese and crackers. Sake and pickled plums. Salt and seawater. Approx. 900 words of our favorite kitsune getting a little jelly. 1K Follower Celebration Ikesen Edition!

Mitsuhide hated this party. Normally, he enjoyed such feasts. They were a chance to make connections with new informants or to overhear gossip that might come in handy later. He could make use of his charm and ability to read people. But tonight, that charm was nowhere to be found and his insightful gaze followed only one figure. 

The chatelaine flitted through the crowd like a spirit, leaving bemused smiles in her wake. Her wandering path led her from Nobunaga to Hideyoshi, to Ieyasu and then to Mitsunari. Each of them held her attention for a while before she floated off again. 

Mitsuhide wanted to interrupt her travel through the gathering and take all her smiles for himself. He wanted to be the only one she laughed for, the only one she hugged. The temptation to steal her away was hard to resist. Especially now. 

She stood beside Masamune, laughing with him over something he’d said. Her eyes crinkled at the edges with genuine mirth and even at a distance, Mitsuhide could hear the joy in her voice. 

Masamune took the chatelaine’s arm and led her over to a low table. He pointed to a dish on the table and she looked surprised. Mitsuhide watched as Masamune lifted a bite of whatever it was to her lips. 

Her expression of pleasure as she tasted Masamune’s cooking left a bitter taste in Mitsuhide’s mouth. He comforted himself in knowing whose arm she would leave on when this party ended, but the knowledge did little to quell the bile in his throat. It was, he thought, terribly unfair that of all the skills he had there were so few he could use to make her smile. 

Mitsuhide was no cook. No artist. No comedian. He had only his wit, and that was a sharper blade than one should wield with a lover. He wished, not for the first time, that he could have Masamune’s humor. His wildness. His cooking skills. And he wondered if his little mouse might not have been happier with another . . .

The chatelaine was taking another bite of something. Masamune held it to her mouth, a wide grin on his face. She was blushing, her lips parted. 

Mitsuhide closed the distance between them before he realized he was moving. He pulled his little one toward him, and before she could say a word in favor or against, he kissed her. 

Her lips were soft and yielding, and her arms curled around his waist. 

When he broke the kiss, she gave him a knowing look that he ignored. “I’m afraid we have to leave the party a bit early.” Mitsuhide pretended regret as he told her this, even though he knew his little mouse could see right through the charade. 

“Taking the lass away so soon?” Masamune laughed. He knew full well why.

“I’m afraid so. I just remembered something urgent I need to do at home.” Mitsuhide gave his friend a thin smile. “Please give my apology to Nobunaga.”

Masamune’s grin went even wider. “Oh I will. I’m sure he’ll understand.”

“He might, but I don’t. What do you have to -” The chatelaine’s question ended in a surprised squeak as he lifted her into his arms. 

“I’ll see you another day,” Mitsuhide gave Masamune a nod and carried the chatelaine out. She was blushing furiously as stares followed them to the door. 

“Mitsuhide! Have you lost your mind? I don’t care what urgent task you have! There’s no excuse for just - just picking me up like a sack of rice! Put me down!” The chatelaine wriggled enticingly in his arms, with just the right amount of furious confusion. 

Once in the hall and alone with just his little mouse and some trays of food and drink for the party, he did set her down. No reason to overdo it, afterall. Mitsuhide smiled at her, and brushed a finger along her jaw. “Are you angry with me, little one?”

“Yes,” she huffed. “You just pick me up and carry me out without even asking? What’s so important that you need to do right now?”

Mitsuhide set a hand on the wall beside her and leaned in close. His lips almost brushed her ear before he spoke. And then he gave her just one word. “You.”

Heat rushed through her cheeks and he could feel a slight wobble in her knees as her body reacted to his closeness and that one little word. 

“I’m going to take you home, lay you down on my bed, and then I am going to strip every layer of this fancy kimono from you until you are naked. And then I am going to kiss every bit of your beautiful body until you can think of nothing but me.” 

Desire danced in her eyes at his words, and her lips curved up in a small smile. “Mitsuhide . . . are you jealous?”

“No,” he said, meaning yes. 

She laughed softly and went up on tiptoe to brush a kiss across his cheek. “Take me home then. This sounds like a - a very important task. It’s going to take some time . . .”

He felt his own smile change to one more tender and heated. “I think it will. Perhaps all night. Maybe tomorrow as well.” Mitsuhide picked her up and carried her toward the door. 

Before he left he took a moment to switch the sake and water jugs around. A little petty vengeance never hurt anyone, afterall.

[cherryxblossxms]

Hormones are raging so I've been thinking about introducing sex toys to the ikesen boys.... (we'll say they go to the future for a lil vacation/extended period, idk)

[GN reader, nsfw, obvious discussion of various sex toys. Im fairly vanilla sorry. Suitors: Mitsunari, Mitsuhide, Yoshimoto, Kenshin, Shingen]

♡ Imagine introducing vibrators/vibrating toys to Mitsunari.. using it on him, he's so sensitive. He's whining and moaning, a total whimpering mess not even a half hour into the session. He's never realized how many places he's sensitive until you touch it with the toy. Despite how lost in pleasure he is, though, don't underestimate him. The very next day, he's using those same toys on you like he's an expert, mapping out all of your weak points as well until you're both collapsing in mutual pleasure. Although, nothing brings him as much joy as delivering that pleasure to you himself, rather than with a toy.

♡ Using toys on Mitsuhide seems dangerous but all depends on how far you go. Of course he's very curious about all the things people have designed, and can guess the function on most at a quick glance. He'll let you play first. He's very susceptible to cock rings and collars. Even though he exudes dom energy, he does love when you take control, and it's a major turn on for you to use toys on him like that, controlling his orgasm and maybe using him to get off. If you give him the chance, though, he can 100% turn the tables on you until you're a puddle.

♡ Shibari already exists at this point in their time period, but Yoshimoto would still go nuts being tied up and if you introduce fleshlights along with it. You think he can't get any more beautiful but somehow he still exceeds expectations, trying to thrust up into the toy but is restrained by the ties. He loves seeing you take control and control his pleasure with the pace you set with the toy. Loves tying you up right back, seeing you squirm against the binding as he attacks all your weak spots when you can't retaliate and all you can do is moan, using his mouth and fingers on you for several sessions before even thinking of penetrating. Also loves seeing the light marks of the rope/ribbon on you after the fact~

♡ No toys for Kenshin. Gets insanely jealous tbh. At first, he wants to play along, he always wants to make you happy. If you show him the different types of dildos, he'll even use one on you. It's such a different experience for him to see you writhe in pleasure but it's not him thrusting into you, and might get a little sadistic with it. Eventually gets a little ticked, will fuck you himself afterwards to show you how much better he is than that pathetic toy. Might be open to trying double penetration on you as a compromise (and might get addicted to it based on your reactions).

♡ Shingen LOVES toys, loves the fluffy handcuffs and pink toys and rainbow toys and everything people have thought to create. He'd happily spend a week trying out every toy possible on you if you were interested. Maybe not a fan of pain toys, like clamps, but most things are good. He discovers flavored lube and is obsessed with it. Also love love loves the couples sex toys, like the app controlled stuff. It turns him on so much to know he can affect you with just the touch of a button, so that you're already ready to fold by the time he gets his hands on you. Might enjoy the use of plugs, perhaps after sex to keep his cum in you... Also like Kenshin, may be interested in trying double penetration with a toy, but is much sweeter about it lol.

[little-butterfly-writes]

Commissions

Hello everyone! I know it has been a while, but I hope you are all well.

I’m happy to be here with everyone, but I have an ulterior motive (and I apologize for this being my comeback post). Recently, there was a fire in my sister’s neighborhood and it spread to her house.

Why is this important?

Due to the fire spreading, my sister’s house took a lot of damage. With damage comes (expensive!!) costs to repair the building and replace furniture. Fortunately, no one was in the house at the time of the fire and my sister is safe.

To help my sister out, I am opening commissions where all profits go to her. As long as the rules are followed, I will be writing something personal for you! Down below, my rules, what I refuse to write, fandoms I write for, what I will write, and costs.

Here is the link to our Cash App for all purchases or donations. - Pay $LittleButterflyWrites

Note: Anyone who has made a request before the date of me posting this (07/02/2024) will get their requests free of charge as originally intended before my unannounced hiatus.

This is available until July 30th, (07/30/2024), so please act fast since I'm not sure if I'll open them again! Read more if you're interested!

Rules *read and approved by my sister

I have the right to refuse any request. Respect my final decision and read what I will not write for before making a request.

Refunds will only be available 24 hours after you place the order. If you do not tell/ask for a refund within 24 hours of your transaction, I will write what you requested and you will  NOT get your money back.

Before making a request, please consult with me about what you want for your writing. See below on how to request. This makes things easier in case I am unable to fulfill/accept a request, AND it prevents you, the buyer, from spending money before you get an answer.

If you want any changes to the details, let me know within 24 hours of talking to me.

If you request for a character letter, you will have to give PROOF OF PERMISSION by an adult if you are a minor. You will also have to be comfortable with giving me your address.

If I find that you request anything NSFW as a minor, you will be BLOCKED AND REPORTED. I will reject your request and you will get your money back.

What Do You Refuse To Write?

Dub/non-con

Incest

Hate towards another group of people (race, orientation, gender, etc.)

Beastiality/Zoophilia

Pedophilia

I will NOT write NSFW for certain characters. Said characters will be in a bracketed list after their name. (example: [Character] = no NSFW). The NSFW list of characters will always be BEFORE the NO NSFW character list.

Anything I am not comfortable writing. Again, I reserve the right to refuse any request. If you are unsure and need clarification, please message me with questions.

What Fandoms Do You Write For?

With this new post comes some new fandoms!

Mystic Messenger

- Yoosung Kim, Zen/Hyun Ryu, Jaehee Kang, Jumin Han, 707/Saeyoung Choi, Ray, Saeran Choi, V/Jihyun Kim, Rika Kim, Vanderwood

Mr. Love, Queen’s Choice

- Lucien Xu, Victor Li, Gavin Bai, Kiro Zhou, Shaw Bai

Stardew Valley

- Alex, Elliot, Harvey, Sam, Sebastian, Shane, Abigail, Emily, Hayley, Jodi, Leah, Maru, Penny, Caroline, Robin, Sandy, Willy, Wizard M. Rasmodius - [Clint, Demetrius, Evelyn, George, Gunther, Gus, Jas, Kent, Krobus, Leo, Lewis, Linus, Marnie, Pam, Pierre, Willy, Wizard M. Rasmodius, Vincent]

Monster Prom/Camp

- Vera Oberlin, Damien LaVey, Zoe, Polly Geist, Miranda Vanderbilt, Calculester Hewlett-Packard, Scott Howl, Liam de Lioncourt, Joy Johnson-Johjima, Dahlia Aquino, Aaravi Mishra

Ikemen Sengoku

- Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Akechi Mitsuhide, Date Masamune, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Ishida Mitsunari, Uesugi Kenshin, Takeda Shingen, Sanada Yukimura, Sarutobi Sauske, Kennyo

The Walking Dead - Up to season 5 in the TV show OR first comic compendium. I can write apocalypse TWD or non-apocalypse lives, just tell me your preference.

- Rick Grimes, Lori Grimes, Shane Walsh, Glenn Rhee, Maggie Greene, Daryl Dixon, Tyresse, Sasha, Abraham Ford, Carol Peletier, Michonne, Negan, Tara Chambler, Rosita Espinosa, Gabriel Stokes - [Herschel Greene, Dale Horvath] - *I will write NSFW for Beth Greene or Carl Grimes BUT they will be AGED UP TO BE 18 or OLDER.

What Will You Write?

Comfort

Fluff

Angst

SFW

NSFW

Character x Character

OC x Character

Unnamed FemReader x Character

Unnamed MascReader x Character

Unnamed GenNeuReader x Character

CMC x Character

What Can I Get And For How Much?

*Before making a request, please consult with me about what you want so I can give you a set price before I start working. Some prices depend on the details like how many characters you want, so talk to me before paying!

Personalized Playlist - $2

I make you a playlist for your character x character, OC x character, or CMC x character. I will give you links via Spotify or YouTube using my taste in music along with your taste. Minimum of 20 songs.

Headcanons - $3-6 (Depends on the amount of characters. Maximum of 8 characters)

I write headcanons about the character, how they interact with other characters within their fandom, and how they interact with your OC/CMC.

Matchmaker - $3-9 (Depends on amount of characters

You choose between 1-3 characters from any fandom (can be different fandoms) and give a description of yourself to me (including MBTI, hobbies, likes/dislikes, and preferences). Can be SFW or NSFW.

Dabble (500+ words) - $4

A small piece with details you customize for a character. This can include interactions with other characters in their fandom, interactions with OC/CMC, or something about themself.

Character Letter (Only within the US and Canada) - $6 + any mailing fees

A letter from a character of your choice. Must show PROOF OF PERMISSION if you are a minor as we mail it to your address.

Fic (1000+ words) - $7

A piece with details you customize for a character. This can include interactions with other characters in their fandom, interactions with OC/CMC, or something about themself.

Oneshot (1500-2000+ words) - $10

A larger piece with details you customize for a character. This can include interactions with other characters in their fandom, interactions with OC/CMC, or something about themself.

How Do I Order A Commission? *Very important!

Look at the list of fandoms/characters I will write for.

Choose what you would like me to write for you. (Example: FemReader x Character, SFW, Dabble, with [insert details]).

Consult with me BEFORE PURCHASING to determine if I will accept the request and set the price.

Once all details are given and the request is approved, continue with purchase using the link to the Cash App linked above.

Here’s another link for purchases or donations in case you don’t want to scroll up! - Pay $LittleButterflyWrites

Reblogs are always helpful if you are uninterested or want to help :)

[floatsthruspace]

I found this in my drafts after posting the other one!

Hi! This is the exact moment where I was convinced. I was convinced that this needed to happen. Obi was my favorite character after Shirayuki. This was the moment I put two and two together. And ever since, I've wanted a very specific plot line to play out. Obviously, I try to read through every fic on AO3 and here. There are so many brilliant authors and artists and other creatives that make this fandom a joy to return to. They all live rent free in my head.

Ive tried and failed to put down my thoughts in words. I am not a writer. But here is a snippet of a song fic (?) I had in my head for the longest time. It won't leave me alone. If there is something similar out there please please tell me where ;-;

Can't keep my hands to myself- Selena Gomez

Can't keep my hands to myself

Shirayuki had a problem. At first, she didn't think nothing of it. They are best friends and they spend so much time together. They work so well together and they can communicate without a word. Of course some of that communication would be through touch. A brush of a hand here, a touch to his strong shoulder there, and her hand wrapped around a wrist. She never noticed it was different from when she worked with Ryuu or with Suzu or even Mitsuhide. Until she did.

They had been working for two weeks to pull this garden together. She wiped her brow as she walked over to where Obi worked. She admired his form as he moved wood poles to where they need to be and then returned back to his task with the plants. She placed her hand on his shoulder as she leaned over him to peer at his work in harvesting the herb in his section. His muscles tensed as she let her palm run down his arm.

No matter how much I'm trying to

Her palm tingled as he pulled her through the market place in search of the stall that Suzu raved about last night. She couldn't help that her mind went straight to how strong his hands were and how rough his callouses felt on her skin. She tried not to think about how he gently tugs her along to speed her past groups of people. She tried not to think about how his hands would feel on her skin and how her hands would feel on his skin... Shirayuki barely misses crashing into a patron at the tea stall. She takes a steadying breath and focuses on her path following Obi.

I want you all to myself

As Shirayuki stood up and wiped her brow she wondered if Obi regretted suggesting they stop to rest in this town. She couldn't help it, she saw a garden in disrepair and knew it would help the town to have a community space. It just needed a little love. She looked over at Obi and saw him bent over a pile of wood looking for strong pieces for the outer fence. She admired his lean frame as he stood up with his prize. That's when she noticed his fan club had gathered nearby. She frowned and grumbled at the group of girls waiting to give him water or a rag to wipe his sweat. One of the more daring ones was gushing about how strong he was to be able to pick up those heavy planks of wood. Shirayuki didn't miss how she hung off his arm. Obi for his part was eating it up. She had enough when the girl giggled at him and ran her hand up his arm. She marched over to them and put her hands on his shoulder to focus him back to the task at hand. She asked him to help her with the wheel barrow. She grinned as he followed her without hesitation. She glanced over her shoulder at the pouting fan club. For good measure, she made to fuss over him about taking care of his hands and watching out for his shoulder. She rubbed his hands while glancing at his eyes just so. When she saw his blush she felt warm all over. They continued to work together using the wheelbarrow to spread the soil in the garden. She helped him use his planks to patch the fence. They worked into the early evening and neither of them noticing that they were alone. Glances and hands brushing past each other were the only things on their mind.

Thants all I got! Thank you for reading!

[writingwhimsey]

All's Fair In Love & War- Nobunaga Ch. 20

Chapter 20

Nobunaga sat in council with Ava and his men, the rest of his inner circle coming from Azuchi. Everything had been going well and then Ava’s aid Kei was announcing that she had a new visitor. “I’m sorry to interrupt my lords, but Master Iksu is here and he is being rather insistent.”

Nobunaga noticed Ava fighting off a groan and she honestly looked rather irritated. She turned to Sato. “Will you go get rid of him for me? I don’t want to end up with a headache and he is your brother.”

“I would be delighted, my lord.” Sato replied, grinning. “Do you give me permission to completely crush his spirit?” Sato seemed rather excited about the idea of getting to go after her brother in such a way.

“That’s a given.” Ava answered. “Apparently picking you over him wasn’t enough to do that.”

Nobunaga and the others were watching this exchange with a curious expression. The choice of words was rather interesting. Clearly there was some story here and Nobunaga was curious about it. Deciding he would ask Ava for the story later when they were alone.

Just as Sato was getting up and heading towards the door, it was opening and an unremarkable man was coming in the room. He had his arms full of rather cheap looking trinkets. Things that must have been gifts, perhaps?

“I have come for your hand once again, my love!” This man declared, a rather large smile on his face.

“I am not your love.” Ava replied, an expression of annoyance on her face.

“Oh, but my lady don’t say such things…” The man who must have been Iksu began to protest before Sato was punching him in the gut.

“Have some respect and remember to address her as my lord you dumbass.” Sato said, glaring at the man who must have been her brother.

The man let out a groan as he fell to his knees. He was then looking up at Sato a brief flash of anger in his eyes before he plastered a smile on his face. “Good to see you, too dear sister!”

Sato was rolling her eyes. “How can I be related to such an idiot?”

Iksu was then turning back to Ava. “Forgive me, my lord. I always lose myself when I gaze upon your beauty.” Ikesu said. “You are far too beautiful to be a warlord.”

“Cut the bullshit and just leave.” Ava said, waving her hand at the man dismissively. “You have already tested enough of my patience interrupting my council instead of waiting to be granted permission to enter.”

It was then that Iksu looked around. “Well, these are some new faces.” He said his eyes were then on Nobunaga, taking in the proximity in which he sat to Ava. He then looked over at Jiro. “Are you no longer the right hand man?”

“Unlike some people, I know where my place is, Iksu.” Jiro replied, not elaborating any further.

“What…”

“Ava, who is this fool?” Nobunaga asked Ava, as he moved to casually put an arm around her waist.

Nobunaga caught the look of surprise in Ava’s eyes, but her eyes were the only part of her that showed that surprise. It now appeared she was fighting a smile. She was quickly relaxing into him then. “This is Ikesu. He is Sato’s brother and has been foolishly trying to court me for the last decade. All so he can try and take what I have.”

“I don’t want what you have, Ava. I only want to help you. Take some of the burden from you. Rulership is too much for any woman to bear alone.” Ikesu said.

Masamune was grinning. He leaned over to Mitsuhide. “Who do you think is going to gut him first? Ava or Nobunaga?”

“I’m nit certain. It could go either way. Though I think Ava definitely has murder in her eyes while looking at this guy right now.” Mitsuhide answered.

“YOU do not have permission to address me so informally.” Ava said to Iksu. “You will address me by my proper title. And I don’t need help, especially from you.”

“But my love…”

Sato was smacking her brother upside the head. “My lord to you.” She corrected, obviously taking joy in hitting her brother.

“A great fool he is.” Nobunaga commented. While he knew Ava could handle herself in this situation, he still wanted to help her…there may or may not have also been a part of him that wanted to make sure this fool knew that the only person who belonged at Ava’s side was himself.

“Who are you anyway? To keep calling ME a fool?” Iksu questioned.

Hideyoshi’s jaw was practically hitting the floor. “Do you really have no idea who you are talking to right now?” He asked in utter disbelief.

“Some idiot who thinks he can come in and make a move on the love of my life.” Iksu answered.

“You know, forgive my manners. I should have introduced you to my allies, Iksu.” Ava said, a devilishly delighted smile on her face. “We have Mitsunari Ishida over there, Ieyasu Tokugawa, Masamune Date, Mitsuhide Akechi…”

 Nobunaga watched as Iksu’s face seemed to grow paler with each introduction. Clearly he was realizing his folly.

“...Hideyoshi Toyotomi, and saved the best for last Lord Nobunaga Oda here beside me.” Ava finished.

Iksu looked rather nervous all of a sudden. “I…uh…” He began to stammer.

A cocky and amused smirk appeared on Nobunaga’s face. “Clearly you have realized what a fool you are. To think someone like you even deserves to be by the side of such a remarkable woman as Ava. To think you could do a better job as a leader when it was her rulership and tenacity that caught my attention in the first place. There’s no way someone such as yourself could have led the Yamada clan to the greatness Ava has.”

Nobunaga heard Ava’s breath catch as she sat next to him. It seemed for all the confidence with which she carried herself, she still needed reassurance at times. Ava was quickly recovering from whatever, but Nobunaga was quite certain he could still feel that her heart beat still a bit faster than normal.

“Yes, what could YOU possibly have to offer, Iksu, second son of the Hayashi Clan? With no vassals, no land, no martial prowess…” Ava went on.

Sato was then grabbing her brother by his collar. “Come dear brother, you have taken enough of my lord’s time.” She said, then dragged a stunned Iksu from the room.

“I almost feel sorry for that man.” Mitsuhide said, an amused smile on his face.

“That was entertaining.” Masamune said, chuckling.

“Jiro, go make sure Sato doesn’t do worse than throwing her brother out of the castle.” Ava said. “He may be a fool, but I’d hate to deal with the mess that would come from his death. His elder brother has been looking for an excuse.”

“Yeah, he hasn’t been happy ever since you took away his chances of marrying Sato off.” Jiro replied.

“She’s more valuable as she is now than as some pawn to be married off to some creepy old man as a baby maker.” Ava replied, her eyes icy.

“Yes, my lord.” Jiro replied, bowing before going after Sato and her brother.

“Alright, let’s continue.” Ava said, clearly not wanting to share with everyone what all that was about.

They continued the council discussing their strategy and investigation as well as their next steps. During the entire rest of the council, Nobunaga kept his arm around Ava. Perhaps he would start keeping her close like this during more councils.

Mitsuhide and Masamune seemed to be watching Nobunaga and Ava with amused smiles. Ieyasu had his usual annoyed look on his face as if any distraction was a great pain to him personally.

Later that night…

Nobunaga came to Ava’s room, finding her sitting out on the veranda with a cup of sake in hand and the bottle next to her. She was dressed in her night robes, though these were a bit different than the ones Nobunaga had seen her before. The fabric seemed thinner and lighter than her usual night robes. Her long hair was in a single braid draped over her shoulder. She looked stunning in the moonlight.

“I was wondering when you would be joining me.” She said, smiling up at him.

Nobunaga came to sit beside her, wrapping his arm around her and pulling her close. He kissed her temple. “Not if? You expect me now?” He asked, grinning at her.

“Oh as if you don’t look forward to our nights together,” Ava countered. “Mr. Pull me close in the middle of council.”

“That was to make a point to that fool who showed up.”

“And then keeping a hold of me for the rest of council?” Ava asked, grinning at him.

“That was because I enjoy having you close.” Nobunaga replied, smirking down at her.

Ava giggled. “I’ll allow it…but only because it’s you.”

Nobunaga chuckled. “Are you saying you wouldn’t allow anyone else such liberties?”

“That’s exactly what I am saying.” Ava replied. She was then holding up the sake. “Would you like me to pour you a cup?” 

“I already have one.” Nobunaga answered, smirking. He was then taking the cup from Ava’s fingers, but instead of bringing it to his own lips brought it to hers. Grinning quite devilishly at her.

Ava smiled as she parted her lips accepting the sake as Nobunaga tipped the cup back. Then he set the cup aside, his rough fingers coming beneath her chin, tilting her head up and drawing her in. His mouth was over hers, tasting the sake from her lips, though it was all just an excuse and soon the sake was gone, but their lips remained locked.

Ava’s own arms were wrapping around Nobunaga as she pressed herself closer to him and their kiss deepened. Ava was warm as she pressed herself against him and steadily getting warmer. That warmth soaks through to Nobunaga and his own heart felt like a drum in his chest.

When they broke the kiss they were both panting. Nobunaga looked into Ava’s eyes, his own gazed lidded with desire. Yet despite his desire, Nobunaga could see the tiredness in Ava’s eyes. She had definitely not had much rest since they had been in her land. He was about to say something when he felt something pounce on him and climb up his back.

Nobunaga was reaching up to get whatever it was off of him, but it leaped away. Ava was doing her best not to laugh. “Katsumi, you can’t just jump on our guests like that.” Ava said, her tone lightly scolding.

That was when Nobunaga noticed the black ball of fur that was in Ava’s lap. “You…have a cat?” Nobunaga asked, looking at the creature who was looking back at him with what one could assume was a glare.

“Yes, this is Katsumi.” Ava said as she pet the cat who moved with Ava’s hand, guiding Ava in where she wanted to be pet. “She keeps the castle safe from mice and other pests…and she likes to consider herself my personal guard.” 

As Ava spoke, she looked at the cat with warm affection, The cat turned to face Ava and then was nuzzling its nose against Ava’s. “Your personal guard?” Nobunaga asked, an amused smile on his face.

“Yes, she’s attacked and clawed at some would be suitors for me in the past.” Ava answered with a laugh. “Though with you she must be able to tell your advances are welcomed.”

“She still looks at me as if she does not like me.” Nobunaga replied, for whenever the cat turned to him, he swore anger appeared in its eyes.

“She’s probably jealous.” Ava replied. She was then looking at the cat. Her voice changed a bit, taking on an almost childish tone. “You get jealous of anything that takes me attention and affection, don’t you? Yes, you do. You jealous girl.”

Nobunaga was chuckling at the way Ava spoke to the cat. It was then it seemed that Ava realized what she had just done and her cheeks reddened in embarrassment. “I never would have guessed you would be one for such things.” He teased. 

Ava cleared her throat awkwardly. “Well, you know we all have our things.”

Nobunaga leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “It’s…cute.”

Ava’s cheeks reddened further. “Well…”

“Speaking of would be suitors, what is the story with that fool from today?” Nobunaga asked.

“Nothing too complicated.” Ava answered with a sigh as she continued to stroke the cat’s back. “He came ten years ago when Father was out. I believe he was actually meeting you for one of your games. I was left in charge while he was gone. Iksu showed up with Sato. He said he wanted my hand in marriage and he brought Sato with him saying she would be a lady in waiting or some such trivial nonsense. I asked him what all he had to offer me and he claimed he would help me run things and had all these trinkets and such…but ultimately he had nothing. I did tell him I would be taking Sato though and he could be on his way.”

Nobunaga was chuckling. “Why exactly did you take Sato?”

“Partially to fully insult the little prick.” Ava answered. “But also because I saw something in her eyes. She wanted more than the life that was planned for her. She quickly proved herself to be skilled in many things and that’s when she became as close and important to me as Jiro.”

“I see.” Nobunaga replied. “That is one of your strengths, seeing the value in those around you.”

“I try.” Ava replied. “My father saw something in me…and I try to always look for what hidden talents others might have and how to best use them.”

The cat had seemed to settle down but was quickly bouncing up from Ava’s lap and running off, moving stealthily out into the garden. “She must have spotted some prey.” Ava said with a laugh.

Nobunaga smiled as he wrapped his arm around Ava and pulled her close once more. He kissed the top of her head as she settled against his side, her head resting on his shoulder. It was a peaceful and beautiful night, one Nobunaga found himself enjoying. He was looking forward to many more with her.

[sabraeal]

The Strong Pack Thrives, Part 1

[Read on AO3]

Sequel to The Lone Wolf Survives

Hardly two steps into the breakfast room and the scent assaults her: pork sausage with fennel and garlic, some root vegetable-- potato perhaps-- fried crisp and spritzed with lemon, charred tomatoes with spring onions, a milky sauce of indeterminate spice but what is there is certainly a lot. There’s more besides; an entire basket full of muffins calls to her, as well as small danishes laid out on a tray and topped with generous helpings of jam and custard. But none of those pastries cling to her nose, overwhelming her with choice. Eisetsu’s table had never been sparse, but this morning--

Well, no one would ever guess that they had all spent almost an hour trying to scrub char and pitch and dirt from their skin last night, or that what remained of her clothes had been resigned to the furnace, not the laundry. Thank goodness they’d thought to change before riding out after Ryuu; Eisetsu was no alpha to begrudge her a ruined gift, especially if the ruination was in his service, but still-- she would have spent all breakfast, wondering if she should bare her neck.

“Good morning, Shirayuki,” he calls out, his usual sunny smile sedate. It’s habit to ask if there’s something the matter-- or, more pressing, if there’s anything she can do about it-- but she remembers the woman locked in the suite upstairs, still wrangling with the after effects of Touka Bergatt’s long-term attentions, and bites it back. Obi hadn’t had time to delve into the details of just what happened at the masque, but it didn’t take much to gather that it hadn’t been the joyous reunion Eisetsu had hoped.

“Ah, yes.” She bustles over to breakfast, attempting to be chipper enough for the both of them. “Good morn--”

“Shirayuki!” The chair legs screech across the parquet before Zen catches himself, half risen from his seat. “Ah, I mean. Mistress Shirayuki. It’s pleasure to see you.”

A lord does not rise for a commoners. An alpha does not rise for a beta. And a prince, well...there is a reason why Zen coughs, awkward, before shuffling his chair beneath him. Eisetsu, for his part, only tilts his head, sending a curious glance her way.

“Good morning, Your Highness,” she replies with as formal a bow as she can make with a plate in her hands. “Lady Kiki. Sir Mitsuhide. It’s an honor to dine with you this morning.”

A raised eyebrow from Rugilia’s lord warns her that she has perhaps laid it all on too thick. Obi is a knight of the Royal Circle, an aide to the prince of Clarines; as high as the rest of them ranked, both by blood and inclination, they were his close colleagues. And if she were his, er...

I think I mentioned-- even now she fells the rumble at her back, the hot breath washing over her ear --that alphas like to take care of their mates, Miss.

...Ah, whatever she might be, she would know them. Not well, but enough that she wouldn’t need to bow and scrape. Ugh, this one little lie had seemed so simple when it was just between her and Obi, but now with Zen here, and Kiki, and Mitsuhide-- it’s unwieldy. Every action must be calculated, joy rationed in every smile, and--

And she’s saved from much more of it by a shuffle in the hall. Or several shuffles, perhaps even a scuffle, each one far more awkward than her own, until somehow all the jostling ejects both offenders through the door.

“Lord Tsuruba!” Eisetsu calls out, a hair too loud for the room. “And, er...Lord Tariga...? What a pleasure for you two to join us.”

Side by side, the differences between them are stark; not simply because of Tariga’s braid and Tsuruba’s scar, but because of the way they hold their faces. Similar features mold to distinct persons now that she can see that Tsuruba wields a bland politeness like a shield, making each twitch of his nose or lift of his lips a full expression in itself; or that Tariga’s brows naturally settle at a quizzical angle, like a constant question caught is between his teeth, ready to fall with every breath.

And yet, despite their expression, their scent shifts to a similar shade of skeptical, dubious that their presence at this table could be anything but tolerated, that their duty to attend might be anything but a burden to those already seated.

Ah. Shirayuki rubs at her nose. Strange. She’s not use to so much from a simple sniff. Perhaps she’s simply overstimulated; Eisetsu’s spread is far more pungent this morning, most likely to impress the alphas in the royal party-- or at least, who he assumes are alphas. Still, it pales to the banquets at the palace; there may be a glut of scents, a veritable feast for the nose, but it lacks the complexity of what the castle kitchens put out.

Or maybe, a traitorous part of her whispers in her ear, it has something to do with last night.

It’s-- it’s impossible. It’s not as if she hadn’t-- if she had never--

Well, a beta may not fly into heat or fall into a rut, but Shirayuki had certainly put a hand between her legs before. A few times, even, when the nights ran late and her mind still paced the lab’s floors, composing notes that wouldn’t make it to the page until morning. Something to...to ease the way to sleep. To shut off.

Ah, but in that carriage, shutting off had been the furthest thing from her mind. His hands had skimmed up her thighs, and she had wanted to-- to--

Do something. She hardly knew what, but seeing Obi there across from her after, unfinished and undone--

Her hands had itched, her lips stung. We can do more later, he had rumbled, too low, and--

Clink.

“Shirayuki!” Eisetsu springs to his feet, blinking owlishly at where she stands. “Are you quite all right.”

She glances down, and, ah...the plate rests in one palm, and in another, a piece of it, broken in the shape of her grip. “Oh, goodness! I’m, ah...”

When she dressed this morning, grimacing at the marks she could only hope a high collar would cover, the choice had not felt convenient let alone fortunate. But now, with heat flaring over her chest, threatening to spill up the column of her neck, she feels...armored, if not precisely comfortable. Protected, from scrutiny, at least.

“Please, don’t worry yourself.” With a wave of his hand, a footman appears to take it from her, scurrying it away into the kitchens. “I’m sure it was just...badly thrown. Flawed before it even came to the table!”

“Right.” Considering the expense for gilded dishware she would hope not, but there’s hardly a better explanation. “I just...is Obi coming down to breakfast?”

Zen blinks at her. “I was about to ask you the same thing.”

“My thought exactly, Your Highness.” Eisetsu’s mouth curves impishly as he tucks in behind his meal. “You are the one with the best opportunity to inquire as to his, mm, morning plans, aren’t you?”

As if the insinuation wasn’t enough, Eisetsu glances around the table, expectant. He’s anticipates their knowing looks, that the royal party will gleefully seize the opportunity to tease Lilias’s most famous lovebirds--

But it is only met with a quizzical silence. Zen’s narrowed gaze darts between them before he ventures, “What's that supposed to mean?”

“If you’re looking for Obi,” comes a soft voice from the hall, “I think I might be able to provide some assistance.”

They’d arrived here last night, all squeezed in on one carriage bench, pressed shoulder-to-shoulder like sardines in can-- him, Miss, and their little pup. No reason for it either; Master had hopped in with Eisetsu without a whisper of warning, Miss Kiki and Sir keeping pace on either of side of them in case of trouble. So they might have taken up the whole cab, letting Obi stretch out his cramped legs and letting the air carry away Miss’s troublesome scent. It’s just--

It felt right. Charred and dirt-stained and foul-smelling as they were, the moment he’d thrown himself to the cushions and Ryuu had followed, burying his nose in the rent beneath his shoulder, Obi felt...

Home. It was home. And Miss piling in on the other side, the sweet scent of her still there, strong beneath the smoke and soil--

His cock twitches, the mattress rising to cradle it, to give it far more attention than its due. He shifts, just enough that his groan is lost in the labyrinth of the pillow’s down, but it doesn’t help, doesn’t do anything but make him wish her soft skin was beneath his neck. Reminds him that he could sink his cock as deep as his teeth into something warm, into something that sighed at Miss’s pitch--

“Obi?”

It’s an effort to lift his head, to even turn enough so that he can see who shuffles at his bedside. His senses are addled by her scent, searching for it, yearning, but-- but the one in his room isn’t hers. Isn’t one he knows, not at first, not until his eyes finally focus and he’s met with blue in a moon-pale face, dark hair no longer long enough to tumble over his forehead. No, it’s cut to look just like his. In the market, a woman asked whether they were brothers, and he--

He needs to focus. “Ryuu...” Haah, his mouth is parched. “What...what are you doing here?”

Big eyes blink at him in a face he can’t quite reconcile to the shaggy mop of a kid he caught under Miss’s desk all those years ago. The one who hadn’t climbed a tree or caught fireflies or had a growth spurt that made his legs ache. The one who used to smell like the stockroom, herby and indistinct, like he caught a whiff of it through an open door, and now--

Now there’s a musk to it, a hint of something deeper. He’s changing; no, Ryuu’s growing up, and Obi’s not sure into who. Someone better than him, that’s for sure. “Breakfast.”

The smell might be different, less herbal tea and more...forest floor, but it’s soothing. Like a cool compress to a fever, the first stirrings of his rut eases. “Where at?”

If it’s one of those informal grab-and-go businesses, he might be able to make it. Just throw his loosest tunic over this whole situation and stuff his pockets full of food. In and out and no one the wiser. “The usual room.”

Which means the informal dining room. Same as the formal one, but no dressing up required. Grabbing encouraged, but not the going. “Right.”

Intimate, is what Eisetsu liked to call his breakfasts. Table right up close to the spread so everyone can comment on what is and isn’t going on a plate. Best seats in the house to witness his ever-growing situation while he got his bacon and eggs.

Damn. He’d really been hoping for a handful of that sausage. Betas keep their table bland-- they don’t know better, really-- but it was recipe from the old count’s time. Man might have been a bastard, but he sure knew how to spice a--

“Obi.” Ryuu stares at him-- no, through him, brows angled like arrows over his nose. “Last night you ate quickly and left.”

It was that or break his hand to keep from feeding Miss from his plate. Kiki had offered her half a scone and he nearly jumped the table.

“You don’t smell right either.” Those wide eyes squint, suspicion caught up in their corners. A knowing he’d rather the kid not have. Not about this. “Are you feeling unwell?”

There’s a stress on it, unwell. Like the way Sir said indisposed when Kiki spent three days locked in her room after Sereg, or Miss said unavailable when Yuzuri made the whole wing smell like butter and citrus.

“Me, pup? I’m in top form.” He gives his chest a rap, just to prove it. “That perfume rattled me a bit, I’m not too proud to admit it, but everything’s right as rain now. Problem is--” he leans in, conspiratorial “--it’s getting crowded around here.”

His mouth fouls up into a frown. “Do you need more suppressants? I made another batch before we left. I can get them now.”

“Ahh. No, no.” There’s nothing those can do for him now, not with a rut so close even his bones feel heavy, begging him to find someone to hold his weight. “I just. Need a bit. Just a day or two to clear out my nose before I play the good omega again.”

“Uh-huh.” Ryuu hasn’t gotten as far as he has at Lilias without knowing a lie when he hears it. But he’s also got experience in keeping secrets, and Obi knows: he’ll keep this one too, so long as it’s safe. “You’ll let me know if you need something. Or Shirayuki?”

“I’ll tell you.” That’s the last thing he needs right now, having her in here. But her scent... “Hey, Little Ryuu, do you think you could do me a favor?”

“Which is why he’s still in his room.” There’s a tightness around Ryuu’s mouth as he speaks, a grimace concealed through movement. He’s keeping something from them, holding something back, and by the way he can’t quite meet her eye, Shirayuki knows it’s not about the crowd.

“He’s not coming, then?” He nods, tight and quick, before turning to the buffet, plate already in hand. “Maybe he’s finally able to relax.”

The muffin drops from between his tongs, rolling across the table before he stiffly picks it up. “Maybe. He definitely slept.”

Guilt stings her nose, sharp and strong as vinegar. She wants to press, to ask just how he might know that for a fact, but Zen’s snort interrupts her. “That one? I bet. He’s practically nocturnal.”

“I don’t think sleep is the issue here,” Kiki hums, her smirk tipping into a wry slant.

“You know how he leans against a wall with his arms crossed sometimes?” Zen leans toward Ryuu, a grin stretched across his lips. “He’s actually sleeping.”

This time when heat gathers at her collar, it’s not pleasant. No, this time her stomach roils, and the flush spreads like steam, right up to the tips of her ears. “That’s--”

That’s because his work keeps him up at night, she manages to snap her teeth around just in time, and then by morning you expect him to sit at your heels.

It takes a breath-- several, all of them under the table’s intense scrutiny-- for her to catch herself, for her to calm enough to say, “I mean that he’s able to relax now that all of you are here. With you around, he doesn’t have to worry...”

About keeping me safe. She glances up at Eisetsu, his curiosity politely perked. “He’s had a long few days, I mean.”

“Oh, I bet. He’ll emerge sooner or later.” Zen smiles at her over the rim of his teacup. “He’ll sneak out of his room, prowling and hungry for lunch.”

“Oh.” Ryuu blinks from his position at the buffet. “He told me to bring him some kind of sandwich.”

Kiki’s brows lift. “A brazen request for an absentee.”

“He put in his appearances last night,” Mitsuhide reminds them, slicing into a thick piece of ham. For one, bright moment, she believes he might be on her side, that he might defend Obi as well, but then he adds, disgruntled, “Maybe he thought that would earn him brownie points.”

“Clever.” Kiki hums, unimpressed. “Give up time now for a little time to himself later.”

Zen glances down the table, smile brimming with his usual charm. “I do apologize, Lord Eisetsu. He’s usually better behaved.”

“Oh, it’s, ah, no trouble at all.” He spares her a startled look, a question she can’t possibly answer brewing in his eyes. “Last night the man told me himself that he planned to spend half the day in his chambers. Well deserved too, if I say so myself.”

It’s with a theatrical sigh that Zen settles back in his chair, the barest hint of a smirk lingering at the corners of his mouth. “Well, what do we think? Should we forgive him? He did inform the master of the house.”

Kiki sips, too delicate, at her tea. “He certainly laid the groundwork.”

“Agreed. However--”

“I don’t think Obi needs your forgiveness.”

It’s not until every eye at the table swivels her way, aristocratic eyebrows all raised to their loftiest arches, that Shirayuki realizes that she’s spoken. That it was her foot that has come down on the neck of this conversation. But now that she has, it’s too late to stop, to keep the words from spilling out like a tea kettle boiled too hot.

“He has spent the last week getting to the bottom of a conspiracy that none of you knew anything about until after we--” Shirayuki hauls herself short of, we told you. Eisetsu has proven himself a trustworthy ally, maybe even friend; she would hate to ruin it by informing him that the prince of Clarines had been a guest in his house without his knowledge. “Last night he not only delivered the culprits to you, but a key witness, and on top of that, saved...”

It’s impossible to put into words what Ryuu is to her. To them. How frantically her heart had raced when they found that bookmark in the forest, the terrible tearing in her gut as she traced the bloody patterns of their secret knock.

“Shira--” There’s the smallest scrape of a chair as Zen makes to rise, his hand lifting off the table to reach out to her, but--

But one curious glance from Eisetsu keeps him in his seat. Because, of course, to him Zen is merely her lover’s lord, an acquaintance that only reflects the favor he must shower on Obi.

“Ah...” There’s an apology in Zen’s eyes, but it’s only for her. “Of course, Miss Shirayuki. We were only teasing. Force of habit. For an omega, Obi always gives as good as he gets.”

Right. Because that’s what they know him as: an omega, an easy and eager target. Not the alpha who bows his head to earn his place. Not the man who--

“If you would excuse me.” Her chair screeches back as she stands, the room suddenly too small, too hot. She glances at Eisetsu. “My lord?”

He blinks back at her. “O-of course, Shirayuki. Was the food not to your liking? You’ve barely eaten--?”

“No.” She can’t bear to look at any of them as she says, “I’ve lost my appetite.”

“Shira--” Zen catches himself. “Miss Shirayuki, do you need someone to--?”

“No, I’m fine. Just...” She shakes her head. “I need space.”

Shirayuki’s hardly more than a few steps from the hall before she collapses against the wall, tearing at the neck of her dress. She’s sweating, cold and hot at the same time.

“What,” she gasps, pressing her head into her hands, “is wrong with me?”

[selenacosmic]

Hiya! Absolutely love ur blog. Could I request a MC with super strong and weird pregnancy cravings?? With Masamune, Nobunaga, Kenshin, Hideyoshi, and Shingen? Thanks, love!! Ofc, if you don’t wanna do the request do not feel pressured to at ALL. Hope ur having a good day (or night lol)!

Hello! I feel flattered that I like my blog! Thank you for requesting!

MC with weird pregnancy cravings.

Oda forces.

Nobunaga Oda.

Ever since you confirmed that you were pregnant, he felt an immense amount of joy, he was ready to take care of you in your times of need. Pregnancy was a bit dangerous during that time, but he would make sure to protect you and their baby. But on the other side… there was those strange craving of yours.

He had heard from his vassals that it was common for women to suddenly crave food that they normally wouldn’t eat, but on your case? It was a bit too… extreme.

“My love… must you really mix the Konpeito with the soup?” He knew that the candy wouldn’t have the same flavor after being mixed in there.

“Hm? Of course! It actually tastes delicious! You should try mixing sweets with sour food!” You may say that with a smile, but Nobunaga knew that wasn’t true. He would still oblige to any strange dish you asked from him.

Hideyoshi Toyotomi.

He was… worried. He would do anything for you, but on contrast to Nobunaga, he would seriously question if those cravings were healthy to you. Some of those mixtures were bound to make you sick, what if affected the baby too? The first time you requested, he was wide eyed, looking at you in shock.

“I am sorry, my love… what is it that you want to eat for lunch today…”

“I want to eat Mitsuhide’s food! I have been wanting to eat it again.” He thought only a crazy person or someone who couldn’t taste anything would ask for that, it made him even more worried compared to before. Mitsuhide would be smirking, as he had a way to tease Hideyoshi in a new way.

Masamune Date.

He is a chef himself, the best there is! His food will always taste delicious, regardless of what he made. Which is why he promised you that he would cook only the most delicious food for you in your pregnancy, he knew that you would need to eat more because of the baby. But… he didn’t know what a nightmare it would be.

It was already horrible to watch as Mitsuhide mixes the food he makes all together into one, big ball of food. But you? He wondered what made you do the same?

“Wait, why are you doing that? You should enjoy everything one at a time.” He was shocked, his only eye almost popping out.

“But it all tastes so good when you mix it?”

It was worst when you would request for specific dishes, you would come up with them yourself… and he would make it, but with a tear in his eye.

Uesugi-takeda alliance.

Kenshin Uesugi.

He doesn’t have much knowledge on the woman’s body, he was still learning it. So he had no previous knowledge about pregnancy, he only got a few tips from his vassals (and some from shingen too). He didn’t expect much would happen during your pregnancy, but he was in for a surprise.

He loved sour things, but hated sweets. However, he wouldn’t decline your request for sweets. What he didn’t expect was how you were eating it…

You were shoving both sweets and his favorite pickled plums together, it was a sight that he didn’t know would horrify him.

“MC… are you sure you must eat them like that”

“Yes! I am in love with this mixture!” He was frozen, perhaps broken from seeing his favorite dish being eaten with his most hated one. He wouldn’t stop you though.

Shingen Takeda

Let’s just say that your pregnancy would be filled with pampering, he would give you everything you asked for, practically spoil you completely. He was much more knowledgeable when it came to what would happen to you, so he was half prepared to what would happen. Only half prepared, though.

He would naturally give you any weird food you would request, but he would sometimes frown depending on how weird your craving was. He worried that you would get sick, because he knew he would get sick at some of those mixtures.

It was a similar case to kenshin, except shingen would try to persuade you to eat something else.

“My dear goddess… I don’t think it will be good to mix the sweets with those sour things. You should appreciate the sweets on their own.” He was trying his best to change your mind.

“No, I want both. You aren’t going to deny me… are you?.” In the end he really couldn’t deny you, but he had to turn away, otherwise he would faint(that was pretty dramatic, but it would be similar to that).

[gossamer-sky]

Hey ikemen fam!

I just wanted to give a little summary of what’s been happening with me and this blog. I’m sure it’s obvious by now, but I’ve definitely taken a step back in the past year. With work and dealing with loss in my personal life, it just became too much for me to continue working on writing and abc requests. I think I just started putting so much pressure on myself that fandom/fic writing morphed from something that was a stress outlet to the stressor itself.

Right now I’m not as involved in the ikemen fandom as I was, I’m sure you’ve all seen the new content/fandoms on my blog and I’m beyond pleased that so many of you have stuck around!! This is not to say that I’m leaving the ikemen fandom at all, rather that I don’t know how much content I will be producing going forward. At the moment there are still requests in my inbox, and I don’t know if/when I will be getting around to those; I won’t be deleting them, just in case the mood to write for ikemen ever strikes again.

I generally hate giving updates, because as soon as I say I’m working on something it seems like real life always blows up completely and ruins my plans, however

I have been planning a follow up sequel to Ellipsism forever; even when I originally published it (all the way back in Jan 2021!) I had a vague idea of where I wanted to take the characters overall. It’s something I’ve kept in the back of my brain for about a year and a half, but I knew that if I did end up writing a sequel it would be a big undertaking (absolutely a multi-chap fic) and I wanted to make sure that I did my original fic/the characters of Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide justice. I think I’ve finally landed on a solid premise that will take the characters where I want them to go, and although there is no date when this will be out, know that I am working on the first chapters currently. I’d love to complete this as a final swan song, sort of my own love letter to ikesen and the Misuhide/Hideyoshi pairing.

To end this long post, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone for sticking around. The amount of beautiful comments I’ve received on my work still fills my heart with joy even years later; to those who have recently commented on AO3 or reblogged here on tumblr, an extra blessing to you bc I’m pretty sure that’s what has re-inspired me to pick up the pen again. Much love 💗

[a-very-bored-blogger]

𝓈𝑒𝓃𝑔𝑜𝓀𝓊 𝒿𝒾𝒹𝒶𝒾 (𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓏𝑜 𝓍 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝑒𝓇)

summary: reader chan makes a pit stop at honno-ji temple while she's working on a mission. unknowingly, hanzo also happens to be a big fan of japanese history and saw (y/n) at the temple.

tags: fluff, romanticism, friends to lovers

word count: 536

The autumn breeze whisked by as the dead leaves fall and flew from the trees. In the very warm autumn of Japan, people were flocking around Kyoto as tourists from all around the world come over to visit famous places. Mochi shops, sake breweries, as well as other shops surrounding the area, were full to the brim, filled with tourists. But one location, amongst the chaos, was completely empty.

Honno-ji Temple stood proud on its pagoda as (y/n) walked below the entrance, with her nose on a book, as well as a polaroid camera that she held. She observed the way the book described the temple that Oda Nobunaga rested in, before being betrayed by his longtime ally, Akechi Mitsuhide.

(y/n) paced forward bit by bit, taking in the atmosphere as much as she could, her nose breathing in the scents of the old temple.

~~~~ Meanwhile, Hanzo Shimada is seen passing by the streets of Kyoto by a couple of passerby's. The way his marvelous dragon tattoo is being shown attracted the eyes of many people.

Hanzo entered the temple, focusing on the eyes of his colleague, as well as his crush, with glimmering eyes. Trying to blend in, he lowered his hoodie and wore his sunglasses.

"Hey, Hanzo! I can see you there ya know?" her silky smooth voice chanted.

"What are you doing here?" Hanzo's coarse Japanese accent arose.

"I had always been fascinated in Japanese Edo period history, so I thought why not make a visit to good ol' Honno-Ji once when I'm here," she said with pure bliss in her voice. Hanzo had finally found a way to talk to his crush once and for all.

"Who's your favorite warlord, (y/n) - chan?" Hanzo asked with a smirk. He had always been a keen learner on Sengoku history.

"I would argue that it's either Tokugawa Ieyasu, or Date Masamune. Either way, I love them both." (y/n) said, her eyes lighting up whenever the subject of Japanese history is involved.

"Had you been to Aoba Castle? It's a wonderful place to visit, especially being the hometown of Date Masamune." Hanzo questioned with a grin. He had always tried to find a topic to talk about with his crush, and right now, the opportunity is just right for him to approach.

"I would go there but I feel like I wanna go there with a friend or so." (y/n) said with a smile. The (h/c) girl gleamed in delight.

"How about we go tomorrow? My treat." Hanzo said with a leer.

"That would be amazing Hanzo, I would be more than just honored!" the female said, jumping out of excitement as well as hugging Hanzo out of pure joy that she is currently feeling.

Then, Hanzo felt a light peck on his cheek.

"Too much?" (y/n) asked after having kissed Hanzo out of pure excitement.

It took Hanzo a minute to realize.

"How...did you know?" Hanzo asked softly and nervously.

"You were blushing the entire time and I happened to see the fanfiction you were working on the other day." (y/n) spoke, with a laugh or two, barely containing her laughter.

"And plus, I like you too."

[the12thnightproject]

Chapter 26: Stealth: Mitsuhide, Kyubei, and Katsu try to discover where Mai and Hideyoshi are being held captive.

Mitsuhide x OC; Hideyoshi x MC (Mai)

All Chapters Archived on Ao3 

Logline - With Mai, Hideyoshi, and Aki missing, Mitsuhide and Katsuko reluctantly team up. Disguised as a merchant and his concubine, can they outsmart the man known as the God of Deceit?

“I put you through a lot today.” Mitsuhide glanced at where I had hung up my clothing to dry. What was left of my inner kimono was little more than a rag at this point, with shreds of fabric fluttering in the breeze. There was a look of regret on his face. “You should take the opportunity to rest when it is offered.”

After all he had demanded of ‘Kaya,’ why not put me to work as Katsu, especially since I was far more suited for this job? “I at least have had a bed to sleep in this week, rather than a cell floor. If anyone needs rest, it’s you.”

Before the argument could escalate, Kyubei stepped between us. “Katsu makes an excellent point about the potential advantage of a translator, Lord Mitsuhide.” While Mitsuhide was still processing what had to have been an uncharacteristic rebellion from his vassal, Kyubei turned to me. “Katsu, make certain you return with Mitsuhide.”

Something unspoken passed between the two of them, but I didn’t need further insight into Kyubei’s motivation. He suspected that if given the opportunity, Mitushide would make a suicide run to rescue the others. That… was clearly a possibility. “I’ll bring him back.” How I would manage that, I did not know – it wasn’t as if I had ever been able to get Mitsuhide to do what I wanted. “Even if I have to tie him to me.”

“Dear me, I hadn’t realized how fond you’d become of restraints.” The smirk had returned. “I weep for a lost opportunity.”

Sigh.

“I … might have been too quick to promise to bring him back,” I said to Kyubei. “Too many more of those comments and he will find himself tied to a tree instead.”

Kyubei suddenly smiled, a look of joy that nearly split his face open. What had amused the normally stoic vassal? Mitsuhide loudly cleared his throat, and Kyubei sobered up instantly. “I’ll finish organizing and double checking our weapons and supplies.” He unearthed a spyglass from his pack. “As well as monitor the shoreline, although I expect Lord Nobunaga will keep Motonari busy for the remainder of the day.”

With a nod, Mitsuhide acknowledged Kyubei’s plans, then beckoned me to follow him. “I presume I will not need to tell you that stealth is of prime importance.”

“You just did. Besides, I’m not the one wearing noisy armor.” Though to be honest, Mitsuhide’s clothing wasn’t all that loud. He wore his battle gear relatively tight against that… body. Stop that Katsu! Consciously imitating his phrasing, I added, “I presume what you actually meant is that you would prefer that I don’t talk.”

“Indeed.” He rubbed his finger across his bottom lip. “Interesting that your understanding doesn’t translate to obedience.”

He … had a point, so I mimed zipping my lips. Probably a useless gesture, since zippers would mean nothing to him. Therefore I was surprised to notice that an expression of stunned amazement on his face. Maybe Mai had zipped her lips at one point or another?

Without continuing the conversation, Mitsuhide simply turned around and melted into the forest. I mentally shrugged – another mystery of Mitsuhide – and hurried to silently catch up to him.

Since we already had a general idea where we were heading, the uphill climb involved less tracking and more pausing to hide at the sound of other beings crashing through the brush. Most of those tended to be wildlife, though once we had to roll into the underbrush when a contingent of about half a dozen soldiers stomped down the hill. They were not making any attempt to be quiet or stay hidden themselves, so apparently they didn’t expect to encounter anyone.

As they closed in on our location, Mitsuhide pushed me underneath him. “Shhhh.”

I hadn’t said anything.

I hadn’t even planned to say anything.

I couldn’t protest that I wasn’t going to say anything, because that … would be saying something. Nor could I give him my death-glare, because I was facing away from him. I settled upon showing my annoyance by poking his side… and in the process, jammed my finger on his armor. His amusement of my plight showed in a brief quiver of his stomach… it felt like he swallowed his laughter.

Only then did I become how deeply aware of how intimate we were. Working with Mitsuhide seemed to involve quite a bit of ambient touching. I mean, I knew I was totally swathed in Katsu’s clothing and that he was wearing armor. But the way my body responded, we could have been naked. Thanks to our dip in the ocean earlier today, I had a very vivid memory of what his body looked like, the sharp planes of his muscles, and that taught belly.

Maybe I was just dealing with a delayed reaction to wet, half-naked, Mitsuhide?

Yeah, it was an image with an extended mental half-life. Maybe in about six… years… I’d forget what he had looked like.  

While I was distracted by my untimely fantasy, the soldiers came close enough to us for their conversation to be audible. They spoke in Japanese, speculating on the very obvious battle going on just offshore. I understood from what little was said within earshot, that while they had been expecting Motonari to lead the Oda here, they were not expecting it to occur this soon. “Weren’t he gonna let Oda stew in his own juices for a while longer?”

One of the other soldiers made a dismissive noise. “Eh, he probably had his reasons. By the time we get back to camp, I expect we’ll have a message from Lord Motonari.”

Message.

Hadn’t thought of that.

Crap. The men on the hill might even now be expecting us.

“Not to worry, brat.” Several moments after the soldiers left our vicinity, Mitsuhide’s voice purred low in my ears. “Kyubei will make sure no messenger reaches them.”

“How did you know?” He couldn’t even see my face to read my thoughts.

“You tensed up, and it was a logical progression. You are nothing if not logical.” He rolled off me, stood up, and helped me to my feet.

Still, even though he had spoken confidently, Mitsuhide’s trek up the mountain became more purposeful, and he walked in grim silence, with his hand on the gun Kyubei had brought for him. His intensity was contagious, and I grabbed my sword, readying myself to fight if needed. Our caution was unnecessary though, and within another half an hour, we’d reached the summit of the hill without any further encounters.

Although the Mouri’s camp didn’t look like a permanent fort, it was clear they’d been here long enough to dig in, erect a few buildings and shore up defences. A rough wooden wall encircled the entire area. There was only one entry, right at the end of the footpath. Even so, while they might be able to fend off a direct attack, they would still be vulnerable to stealth. All of the surrounding trees were tall and sturdy and several had branches that hung over the camp. Easy enough for a few ninja – or one Kitsune and one scout - to climb over and drop in (though exiting would be a different story).

Mitsuhide and I crept around the perimeter of the wall before boosting ourselves into a thick tree that shaded a narrow windowless building in the corner. We could see the entire fort from where we perched. This building, and another on the opposite side, were the only solid structures in the compound. Several large tents covered the grounds. In the center of the camp was a cookfire, a command tent, and far too many barrels of gunpowder. They were armed enough to withstand a long siege – much better equipped than we were, in fact.

From what I could see of them, the majority of the soldiers were Japanese, but a couple were Nanban. Mercenaries, from the look of them, for they were subservient to a Japanese man who appeared to be in charge. We had arrived at a meal time and most of the men were sitting around eating off trays, or slurping some kind of soup from wooden bowls.

Suddenly a yelp of pain came from inside the building directly below us. I looked at Mitsuhide, wondering if that noise had come from his friend Hideyoshi, but he didn’t appear to recognize the voice. Then the yelper continued in Portuguese, “Let go of my hand, you bitch!” This was followed by a-

Thwap!

A few moments later, a man stalked out of building, cradling a bleeding hand to his chest. “The Oda whore bit me,” he said to one of the other Nanban mercenaries. The two of them walked over to the commander and had a conversation involving a fair amount of mime. Eventually, the commander himself marched over to the building below us and disappeared inside.

“The next time you bite one of my men, I will remove every one of your lover’s teeth.” His voice was a low growl, but the acoustics of the building sent the conversation straight upward, right into Mitsuhide and my ears.

“How do I even know he’s still alive?” The woman’s voice carried a mixture of defiance and despair. Mitshuhide’s hand clenched convulsively on the tree branch he was holding until his knuckles were pale with tension. I wanted to comfort him, but what could I say? What could I do that wouldn’t seem patronizing or appear to be making light of his friends’ situation. I finally settled on placing my hand on top of his for a moment – a brief touch, to remind him I was here if he needed me.

“He’s alive… whether he remains so, depends on you.” Then something was said that I didn’t catch, and a few moments later, the commander returned to the campfire and again spoke to the Nanban who had been bitten. The Nanban took a bowl of food to the other building … and…

Two buildings. Two bowls of food. Two prisoners.

Mai. Hideyoshi.

There was no evidence of Aki.

“Mai bit the Nanban.” Probably that was unnecessary information, as Mitsuhide could have figured that out from the context, but after nearly half an hour of hiking in silence back down the mountain, I felt the need to offer something of value to justify my inclusion in the scouting mission.

“Indeed. She is but a mouse, but she can be quite fierce when she is passionate about something. It’s quite compelling.” Yet again, a reminder that this girl, though unattainable to him, was probably the love his his life. It was essential not to forget that. “What is wrong, brat?”

Not wanting to admit to… was it jealousy? It didn’t feel like jealousy; it felt like… loss. I seized upon the other thing that had bothered me. “Aki isn’t there, is he?”

He was quiet for a long moment, then Mitsuhide took my hand and gave it a squeeze. “I don’t believe so. But … we’ll find him.”

We continued back to our camp and only when we got within view of Kyubei did I realize we were still holding hands. We let go… but not before Kyubei saw us and gave us that smile again. “All has been quiet here. I intercepted one messenger.”

There was no evidence of either a fight, or a messenger, or a body, but before I could ask for more details, Mitsuhide interrupted my train of thought. “Brat, why don’t you get some sleep? Kyubei and need to set some things up, and you might as well rest while you can.”

I wanted to protest being told to nap like a two year old, but my head had been aching for a while, and Mitsuhide had probably noticed. So, like a good girl, I made a bed on a pile of leaves, curled up in a ball, and took a quick snooze under the warm late afternoon sun. I must have needed the rest, because even the sound of the distant battle at sea did not prevent me from dropping into a deep slumber.

When I woke up some time later, the sun had set, and Mitsuhide was sitting next to me, gazing down at me with an unreadable expression. I cautiously swiped my hand across my face, to check for drool. "Don’t do that. Yeesh. Fifty shades of creepy."

He tilted his head in mock confusion. "Am I to understand from that rather odd colloquial expression that you feel uncomfortable if someone watches you sleep?"

"Yes. Wouldn't you?" I sat up, searched for my waterskin, and quickly rinsed my mouth out. "For the record, calling my name is enough to wake me up."

And before he could take that statement and turn it into a teasing opportunity, I changed the subject. "What is the plan?"

With a stick, he sketched out a map of the Mouri camp in the dirt. "While they appear to be guarding against attacks from this two direction," he made a mark on the map, "it seems they anticipate a large force and are prepared for a prolonged battle. However, they will not expect a single agent to slip in, and there are weaknesses from above." He drew a fairly accurate line of trees around the fort.

"Kyubei will create a diversion, here.” He pointed to another grove of trees that was on the opposite side of the hill. “While they are distracted Katsu and I will approach through the forest here. Katsu, you will be stationed in this tree to provide cover, while I slip in and free the others."

“They are being held on opposite sides of the fort.” I didn’t want to argue with him, not now, but... oh what the hell, I'm not going to start censoring myself at this point, especially when I thought he was wrong. "As soon as you free one of them, the guards could be alerted and thus increase the danger to the other prisoner. Look, I'm completely happy to stay in the tree, and pick off as many as possible, but wouldn’t it be better if we each went after one of them and snuck them out?"

"Are you doubting my ability?" Those eyes dared me to say yes.

"No... I'm just noting another way might be more efficient." I wasn't asking to throw myself into more danger on a whim.

“Duly noted." He poked at the area within the tree line. "Stay in the tree. I do not have time to give you a refresher lesson on the importance of doing exactly what I say when in a battle situation.”

It was, more or less, a variation on gigs I'd done with Aki in the past, so it wasn’t like I didn’t understand was was expected of…

 “I told you to wait for my signal! Then you were to stay in the tree. Are you in the tree?”

“No, but-“

Aki didn’t let me finish. “Are. You. In. The. Tree?”

“You said stay hidden unless it was necessary. I made a judgment call that improvisation was necessary.” I glanced back toward the travelers, where the warlord-from-the-brothel was tying up the sniper I had shot out of the tree.

“Judgment call? Your job is not to make judgment calls. Your job is not to improvise.  Your job is to do what I say!” Aki was actually yelling… yelling at me. He’d never yelled before. “You’re too impulsive, Katsu!”

“Katsu!” Mitsuhide placed his fingers under my chin, and lifted my face until we stared into each others eyes. “Promise to stay in the tree.”

“Yes.” My answer came quickly, but my mind was on that memory/not-memory that had just popped into my brain. What the hell had that been? Was my concussion acting up again? Aki and I had never had a fight like that. If  it hadn’t been the concussion, was I going crazy? No… I couldn’t dwell on that new worry now. It was not the time to add to the confusion. Aware that Mitsuhide was watching me closely, I shook off that… whatever, and got to my feet.

The three of us packed up our supplies and hid them. If we needed them later, they would be ready to grab on our way out.  Everything else - our weapons, a couple of small, easily shutterable lanterns, some portable medical supplies (Kyubei had been thorough – one would think he had done this before) - we carried with us.

On this cloudy night, the climb back up the hill was slow going. Even with the small amount of lantern light, the need for silence and the uncertain ground made us careful in our steps. Kyubei split off first, taking with him some incendiary devices, as he planned to light fires all along the eastern approach to the Mouri camp. We were high enough that I could see the lights of the battle happening out at sea. "I thought the Oda navy was bigger," I said to Mitsuhide.

"It is, but the object is to keep Motonari too busy to come to shore. Nobunaga has some iron hulled warships lying in wait if Motomari brings in his navy." Then he put his finger to his lips and indicated the path with a nod of his head. We were getting too close to talk any more.

We circled the wooden barrier until Mitsuhide stopped in front of the maple tree we had climbed earlier. "Up you go, Brat. Do try to stay put. I would prefer not to start torturing you at this late juncture."

He hasn't been torturing me all this time?

Since it was too dark for him to see my face, I rolled my eyes, then boosted myself up into the tree. The thick branches hung over the building where they were holding Mai prisoner.

While there were guards stationed at posts around the camp, the majority of the solders were seated around a fire pit. It looked like we had once again timed our visit with a meal. I imagined that Mitsuhide had, in fact, accounted for that, and planned things that way. Men with full bellies are slower to react. I settled in, and took the time to memorize where everything was within the camp, trying to determine how many men were armed with guns versus swords. Below me, Mitsuhide was running his hands along the rough-hewn bark of the wall, pressing his palms against it, as if he could become insubstantial and walk through it like a ghost.

What did I know? Maybe he could indeed.

About twenty minutes later, a shout went up amongst one of guards at the gate.  He'd spotted one of Kyubei's fires. The commander sent a detachment of about a dozen out to investigate.

While the commander ordered another group of men to monitor the progress of the sea battle, the rest hurried to finish off their meal. One man picked up a bucket and poured the remains of dinner into it. It looked like Hideyoshi and Mai were getting the slops of everyone else's food, which, yuck, but at least they were not being starved, not even during this potential attack situation.

I quietly relayed that information to Mitsuhide. "They're bringing food to Hideyoshi’s building."

Mitsuhide nodded and hauled himself over the wooden fence. He dropped silently to the ground on the other side. I doubted any of Motonari’s men would notice him. Even I, who knew where he was, couldn’t see him, for he stayed in the shadows untouched by lantern light.

When the guard returned with the empty bucket, a faint shadow eased the building – I only saw him because I knew what to look for. Meanwhile the bringer of food filled the bucket with more slop and headed toward the building below me.

“Watch your fingers,” someone called to him. “The bitch bites.”  

“I’m not scared of a little girl.” The man shrugged and continued into the building. I listened as his footsteps progressed deeper inside.

"Here's your dinner Princess.” The words were gruff and sarcastic on the word ‘Princess.’

If all went well, I'd soon be able to hear Mai’s joyful reunion with Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide.

Unfortunately as it turned out, what I heard was:

Clunk!

Oof!

As if someone, like a mercenary, had just been hit with something heavy. Like… a bucket of food.

Those were not good sounds.

Those were the sounds of a woman who had gotten impatient and was trying to stage her own rescue, which good for her (#GirlPower) but her timing sucked. Because if her Birdman of Alcatraz cosplay attracted the attention of any more guards, this camp could become a battleground before Mitsuhide could break Hideyoshi out.

Should I do something?

Stay in the tree. I do not have time to give you a refresher lesson on the importance of doing exactly what I say when in a battle situation.

I couldn't tell if Mai had managed to free herself.

Maybe all hell was about to break loose.

Stay in the tree.

Maybe she had things under control.

I hung out in the tree for a few more moments, listening closely for any sounds below that would indicated whether or not Mai was in any additional trouble, but all I heard was soft clanking.

Ok, she… might be ok.

Then the commander looked toward Mai’s prison and motioned for another guard to check on her. “Looks like someone needs to be taught a lesson.”

Hell breaking loose, it is.

@bestbryn @selenacosmic @lorei-writes @lyds323 @tele86 @akitsuneswife

[ikeromantic]

Auughh.... almost forgot!

Mitsuhide + Victory + 😘

Thank you!

We mustn't forget Mitsuhide! A little victory for our foxy warlord. Approx. 1000 words, fluff and light spice.

Mitsuhide dismounted in a cloud of dust and ash. It clung to his skin and hair, mixing with the slick layer of sweat from summer sun’s merciless heat. The village was a ruin. Most of the houses burned in the conflict, and what hadn’t been destroyed was looted and befouled. 

The chatelaine surveyed the desolation with a stricken look. She’d never seen the aftermath of a crushed uprising. “Mitsuhide,” she said his name after a moment, and he turned his head to look up at her where she still sat her mount. “I thought you said we won this one.”

“We did. The Oda forces were victorious. This is one of three villages overrun by the battle between our soldiers and the daimyo’s rebels.” 

She took a breath and then nodded. Her expression went from one of shock and horror to a determined frown. “I see.” Then, “We have a lot of work to do.”

Mitsuhide helped her dismount and together, they walked through the center street. Most of the villagers fled when the army approached and only a few returned. They watched with sullen gazes, still afraid of further violence.  Still angry at what they’d suffered.

The chatelaine didn’t seem to notice the hurt and anger. Or rather, she chose not to as she pushed her sleeves up and approached a small group of bent-backed farmers. “Hi there!”

They didn’t respond at first, but when she walked past them to start cleaning up the rubble, the farmers went to help with mumbled hellos and thank yous. What began as an uncertain and awkward team turned efficient after a little while. The villagers began to tell her their stories, to point to where they used to live, and share what they wanted and needed.

Mitsuhide stayed out of it. He had to. He was the wicked kitsune, the bloody left hand of the Oda. Capable of any violence, any outrage. It did not matter that he dirtied his hands with ash and mud doing the same cleanup. Or that he ordered his soldiers to help. People would never trust him with their hopes and sorrows. 

This was her strength, and he envied her for it. And loved her because of it. She caught him watching and flashed Mitsuhide a shy smile. Her face was smeared with ash and her clothes were filthy from mud but she’d never looked more beautiful. When he smiled back, her cheeks flushed and she quickly went back to work. 

They called a halt at sundown, unable to safely work in the dark. There were two homes rebuilt and another two cleared and repaired enough to sleep in. The villagers offered them one, and Mitsuhide accepted. His men set up tents nearby and settled in to camp for the night.

The Oda forced shared out food and cookfires, and soon the survivors of the battle soldier and villager alike, were celebrating. Wine and harder liquors lubricated the day’s new friendships. Someone began singing and soon, most of the camp joined in. All but Mitsuhide and the chatelaine, who watched from the front step of the little house. 

“I didn’t expect to see a celebration tonight,” she told him. She leaned her head against his shoulder, tired from the hard work and the journey before it. “I thought they would be too sad. And exhausted!” 

Mitsuhide kissed the top of her head. “You underestimate the sheer joy of still being alive. Even knowing what was lost, they cannot help but celebrate.” He paused, his gaze narrowed. “There will be more tears later. Grief as life continues on past the loss of loved ones. But tonight, there is only relief that they have a chance to begin again.”

She nodded understanding. Her cold hand sought the warmth of his grasp, and she burrowed closer to his side. 

He put an arm around her, understanding what she sought without words. Reassurance. Stability. The certainty of his presence and love. Mitsuhide pulled her tight against his side. Even in victory, it was easy to see how fragile these moments were. How delicate the construct of love, the framework of a life. 

“Let’s go to bed, little one,” he said softly, layering his meaning. 

She looked up at him, surprised. “You can’t be serious. I’m filthy! And you are too!”

Mitsuhide grinned. “Why wouldn’t I be? A little dirt never hurt anyone. And I have reason to celebrate.” He caressed her side, sliding his hand down to her thigh. “My lover is by my side, and I am alive to appreciate her.”

“But the soldiers - and, and the villagers. What if someone hears us?” Her entire face was hot now, and she looked away, unable to meet his bright gaze.

“What if they do? They might know I love you?” He kissed the top of her ear. 

“Mitsuhide!”

He laughed at the quaver in her voice, such a heady mix of excitement and embarrassment all at once. It was why she was still so very much fun to tease. Mitsuhide nipped her earlobe and whispered. “What if I promise to smother your moans with my lips and swallow every sound you make as I remind you how very much I adore you?”

“You -” She cleared her throat. “You can’t really do that.”

“Ah. Now you’ve challenged me, little mouse.” He stood and pulled her to her feet. 

Her eyes were wide and bright in the silvered star light. “You’re kidding, right?” The words were half-hopeful and equally worried he would agree this was all a joke.

Mitsuhide kissed her then, a passionate tangling of lips and tongue, fingers tangling in her hair. She tasted of sweat and smoke and that certain flavor that was just and only her and if he had been teasing before, he wasn’t now. He wanted her. He wanted to make love to her and feel her pleasure and his in that sweet twining of limbs and flesh and heart and soul that said ‘I am alive and in love and my lover is with me!’ 

When he drew back for a breath, he could see she wanted him to. Desire lit her gaze and heated her skin. She didn’t argue as he tugged her inside and closed the thin-framed door behind them.

[traditional-with-a-twist]

The Bonds Surely Connected Us - Part V

Day 1 - Connected (part 5)

<<Previous

Mitsuhide cleared his throat. “Ah, Zen? Have you considered… If Shirayuki goes to help the people of Tanburun rebuild, it may be some time before… Well, who knows how long it might take?” A worry line had formed between his eyebrows. “Please think carefully before you decide.”

“Master, your timing is terrible,” Obi put in. “This is the moment you would send the miss away?”

Glancing between them, Shirayuki bent her mouth down. “That’s not… Zen, I promise I’ll hurry. I won’t keep you waiting if I can help it.”

Zen smiled at her expression. Without breaking eye contact with her, he said, “Hey, you three--would you give us a few minutes? We still haven’t finished our marriage interview.”

Shirayuki blinked. "Zen? But... the letter..." 

The three attendants smiled knowingly. 

Zen held out his hand to her. "I know, Shirayuki." 

She wrapped her fingers around his without thinking, her forehead still creased with confusion. The fit of their hands had become comfortable and familiar. To lose that would be hard. Zen wanted to savor it a bit longer.

He waited for the others to retreat out of hearing distance before bending his head to rest it against Shirayuki’s.

"Shirayuki, this may take a long time, you know. This effort for the people of Tanburun." 

Shirayuki tightened her grip for a second then started to draw her hand away, her mouth falling open a little. "Zen? What are you saying?"

He wouldn't let her go. "I'm telling that I will be here. Waiting for you." His smile was wry. "It's only right that I wait for you for a while. It's been so long and you've been so patient with me." 

The concern smoothed out of Shirayuki's face. She leaned into Zen. “I haven’t minded. I’m glad for all the things I’ve been able to do in order to stand by your side.”

He touched his forehead to hers. "Thank you, Shirayuki." He took a breath. “But I don’t want you to go to Tanburun only because you’re thinking of me. If you decide to go to Tanburun now, it should be because your path is taking you there.”

Shirayuki hesitated, pulling back a little and looking down. “Zen, I…” Her hands tightened on his. When she looked up again, resolve was firm in her eyes. 

“Zen, because of you, I changed my fate.” Shirayuki’s face was alight with her passion. She held Zen’s hand to her chest. “I want everyone in Tanburun to know what you’ve done for me. There’s this feeling…that I need to help the people there. So they can see it. I think…this is the next step in my path. It feels right.” 

In her mind’s eye, Shirayuki could see the little pharmacy she would open, the worn faces of the people lifting into hope and joy when they realized that they were not alone. She thought of the friends she had made, that she could turn to, who might be willing to help her in this effort. The pharmacists of Lilias would surely have advice. And in Tanburun, Raj might be able to do something or perhaps even the Lions of the Mountain…

She would have to get to know the people in Tanburun, discover what they truly needed. They might be suspicious of newcomers. She would have to earn their trust, show them that there were people they could truly depend on.

Already her thoughts were coming together into a list of where to start. There would be so much to do. Shirayuki could feel her back straightening to hold this new weight.  

Zen smiled as he looked at her. He loved her for the determination that suffused her, from the set of her petite shoulders to the way she held her head high when she fixed her eyes on the future. 

Shirayuki saw his smile and blushed, turning shy. “I know I’ll be gone a long time.” Her face fell a little. “Zen, are you sure? This…it could be years. What if…?”

Dropping her hands, Zen gathered her into his arms. She went eagerly, wrapping her arms tight around his neck. He bent to whisper in her ear. “Don’t worry, Shirayuki. Our fates are tied together. You can follow your path. Don’t be afraid.”

Shirayuki tightened her hold on him. “I’m not. Not with you, Zen. I trust where our paths are leading us.”

He pressed his lips to her cheek. “So do I.” 

The wind stirred their clothes as they held each other, sending the trees around them rustling. Change was coming. Not the change they had expected, but still the turning of a new leaf for the two of them.

Fin

[dear-mrs-otome]

Tamamo

The Basics:

(First off - the tail and ears are not always there. Makes it a bit hard to hide what you are otherwise!)

Tamamo is one of the three starter routes, alongside Yoritomo and Benkei.

The ultimate fox spirit, Tamamo is an ethereal trickster, the rare powerful nine-tailed fox whose life is saved by the MC and subsequently binds her soul to his in a pact. Charming and sensual, always quick with a mischievous smile, he sashays his way through life finding entertainment in novelties both great and small. A consummate aesthete and somewhat of a hedonist, good food, beautiful things, and the general finer things in life bring this free spirit great joy.

Along for the ride and fascinated by MC and her 'beautiful soul', he follows her as she joins forces with the shogunate and finds a place for himself amongst their tight-knit group, his experience and wisdom especially in all things supernatural a great boon to Yoritomo's forces. His powers temporarily reduced after being hunted down by Yoshitsune and his rebels, the pact he has with MC allows Tamamo to regain his strength every time she absorbs another ayakashi's power. But what is a fox if not wearing a mask...and the figure lurking behind it may be something far different than his comrades or even his soul-bound partner suspects.

The Spoilery Stuff:

Tamamo is based on one of the Three Great Evil Youkai of Japan, Tamamo-no-Mae, a fox that seduced her way through a line of Chinese and Indian leaders before becoming the concubine of Emperor Toba, causing his eventual death.

Prior to the events of the story, Tamamo was caught flitting around the Imperial Court by Yasuchika and imprisoned by him within the Sesshou-seki (a stone that still stands today, said to be formed from the body of Tamamo-no-Mae). This stone was stolen by Yoshitsune and an attempt made at destroying it in the hopes of removing any potential threat to Yoshitsune's rebellion...but this backfired when they didn't manage to kill the fox, only set him free wounded to be found by MC.

Our Tamamo may seem like the epitome of 'a rolling stone gathers no moss', a carefree individual dedicated to nothing more than whimsy. But his insouciant front covers a history dyed in blood, one in which Tamamo cut a brutal swath through the ayakashi world in his quest to become King of the ayakashi.

Born over 800 years ago across the sea (note the jian he carries, a Chinese sword) as a rare and all-powerful nine-tailed kyuubi fox, from the time of his birth Tamamo has been subjected to a mixture of awe, envy, and fear by his fellow ayakashi. The foxes, a bellicose and self-centered race, set aside their struggles for individual power and rallied around him after they failed to kill him in his youth, pushing him against his will to conquer and subjugate the other ayakashi races. It took a long time and many years before Tamamo turned his back on their demands and gave up his warlord ways, choosing instead to wander the world and observe humanity.

He remains fascinated by the beauty of humanity, both in their personalities and the things they craft - perpetually looking in on them from the outside, interacting with them tangentially but never able to do more than flit through their lives after the sobering experiences of having his ayakashi nature exposed and suffering the backlash of human fear and revulsion. Underneath all the whimsy and the smiles, the charm and the allure, lies a heart painfully lonely even if Tamamo himself is only vaguely aware of it being so.

He admires each of the men of the shogunate for their own unique strengths, and delights in teasing them all mercilessly, especially Shigehira - often making amends for it by letting Shigehira pet his fluffy tail, much to Shigehira's chagrin at having his weakness so easily exploited. Tamamo believes MC to be a diamond in the rough, a beautiful and kind soul that he looks forward to watching shine as she's polished by the struggles of conflict. He and Kurama have a long established rivalry, although it's more one-sided than anything...Kurama delights in nothing more than fighting and considers Tamamo to be one of the only opponents strong enough to be worthy of his time, while Tamamo finds him often little more than an annoyance.

Tamamo's route deals with him navigating the uncharted waters of opening up enough to allow the 'real' him out, and realizing that no amount of watching humans can truly tell him what it is like to be one, or be seen by one in return. That the differences between humans and ayakashi are something perhaps to be celebrated, rather than mourned.

Lines that ended me: 'I can bring a human pleasure beyond compare...but I can never make them truly happy.'

Tamamo's personality in a few words:

Elegant

Mischievous

Wise

Sensual

Shrewd

Similar characters (note I do not say EXACT):

IkeVamp - Saint Germain (charming gentleman, outside of time)

IkeSen - Mitsuhide (the trickster comparison and kitsune an obvious connection)

SLBP - Kenshin