wingedtiger | OPEN RP POST

One Two Three Four Five Six

i told u i wuz hardcore

[ There are several long stories that need to be made short in order to make sense of the current situation.

The first is that Denny's occupies a unique area in space and time, bringing together of many different worlds. Weird flex on its part, but okay.

The second is that given the interdimensional nature of Denny's, Sanada Yukimura, the samurai, was able to meet Date Masamune's younger, reincarnated self and recognize him as such.

The third is that Yukimura managed to come to terms with this insane new truth of reality at some point off-screen, because this is not a 'Yukimura has an existential crisis in a Denny's' thread, although that would be hilarious.

The fourth and final long story short is that Sanada Yukimura and Date Masamune being both rivals and fuckbuddies is a truth that transcends time and space just as much as this fucking Denny's manages to.

That leads us to the present. It's hard to imagine anyone managing to get horny in a Denny's restaurant, but our very stupid protagonists have managed it, and have decided to take advantage of the exceptionally convenient fact that they are literally the only two people here.

An almost-vacant Denny's is actually a little unsettling, but that's evidently not a boner-killer. No, it just means there's more restaurant space to get freaky with.

Yukimura has Masamune - the reincarnated Masamune, who seems like he needs a different form of address than "Lord Masamune", but Yukimura can't settle on a good substitute just yet - pushed up against a booth.

For once he's taller than his rival, and he can't deny he's pleased by that. Not only is it just plain novel, but it gives Masamune a surprisingly cute impression. But he hasn't said that aloud, because he gets the feeling this Masamune would be more affronted than his older counterpart.

(That's another thing: he's older than this Masamune. What a trip.)

Yukimura's hands are on Masamune's belt. It's a style apparently worn in the future and is therefore unfamiliar to Yukimura. ]

This "modern" garb is... nngh, my apologies, but--!

[ There is a tearing sound.

Yukimura's clothing-destroying tendencies strike again, and that belt just fucking tears, no fire necessary. That might be an affront to this Masamune, but he thinks it's one that can be overlooked.

With that, he can shove down Masamune's pants - except there's a button there? Oh, come on!!

He at least undoes the button properly, if impatiently. Masamini will not lose all of his clothing at this Denny's tonight.

Though it does depend on your definition of 'lose'. ]

[Oh, he's going to be losing something here, alright.

How the hell did it even come to this? Masamune was there for the full version of each of those long stories, in a lead role, and it still makes about as much sense as... anything else in his daily life, honestly. Maybe that's why it's easier to just roll with it. Or maybe it's because some part of him is convinced this is all one big weird but incredibly sexy dream.

Yukimura's weight against him sure feels convincing enough, and- so does the tightening and sudden release of his belt being snapped right in half. Karma finally caught up with him over that panty thing, not that his present self knows a damn thing about it. He hisses a half-hearted 'oi!' in protest, but honestly? That is equal parts terrifying and super hot. ~~he's at that tender age where the line's blurred anyway.~~ He wonders if the Yukimura he knows, younger and more likely to wear shirts, would be able to do something like that.

Of course he's had his fair share of fantasies about similar situations. He's always gotten worked up in every conceivable way just by getting in the radius of that passionate tiger spirit. And the energy radiating off this bigger version is the tiger fully unleashed, and it's got Masamune in such a tizzy that he doesn't even care that they're about to fuck in the middle of Denny's. He needs his own spirit to surge just as brightly as Yukimura's, and he needs to satisfy all these wacky teenage hormones, and where the hell else are they even going to get the chance?!]

Forget about the damn clothes. Just- touch me more, it feels great...

[He considers asking what he should do in return, but that would be like flat-out admitting he has no idea what he's doing and that Yukimura's on a whole different level! Forget it! Maybe it'll be fine if he grinds his ass against Yukimura's hips for now.]

[ In all honesty, Yukimura still isn't wholly convinced he knows what he's doing. He's been playing everything by ear all this time.

Yet despite how that sounds, he doesn't think this won't go well. He's confident, in fact. Because even if he doesn't know what he's doing, he trusts that everything will work out anyway. Following intuition works a lot better for him than overthinking ever did.

In any case, he hasn't really noticed that Masamune doesn't know what he's doing either. He sure is frisky, though. Yukimura makes a pleased noise as Masamune grinds against him. More of that! ]

Ahh... Then, allow me to oblige.

[ He leaves Masamune's pants alone - for now - and splays his hands over Masamune's chest, caressing him over the fabric and snaking another hand beneath his shirt. He's built so differently from his Masamune! This isn't the body of a warrior, but it's no disappointment - there's something charming about the fact that it's not. This Masamune really is cute...

He gropes Masamune's chest, rubbing the pads of his fingers over his nipples. Are they sensitive? ]

[THEY SURE ARE. At least when it's someone else's hands on his already flushed skin. Especially Yukimura's. They both get to learn this at the same time as Masamune takes a sharp breath and makes a small, strained sound in the back of his throat. Like he's embarrassed by the possibility of hearing himself. It would be even more embarrassing if a waiter heard it or finally decided to show up, but somehow that thought doesn't deter him at all.

One hand settles atop the one over his shirt
(holding Sanada Yukimura's hand! Not at all like he pictured it! ...N-not that he has pictured it or anything!!)
while the other darts down to fumble with his pants and try to finish what Yukimura started. With less destruction, maybe. He manages to get half his ass exposed, at least. ]

[ That reaction is in equal parts arousing and endearing. It's settled, then: he needs to coax as much noise out of Masamune as he can.

Tender-hearted sap that he is, Masamune's hand over his evokes an entirely wholesome feeling. He likes the romantic stuff, sue him.

With his free hand, he helps Masamune's pants situation along and yanks them down in a swift, decisive motion. Full view of Masamune's underwear achieved! The panty situation really gave him an appreciation for this particular article of clothing.

He reaches down between Masamune's legs and cups his groin, feeling him out through the fabric. ]

Do not feel as if you must hold back for pride's sake.

[ He nips Masamune's earlobe. ]

I wish for you to show me your pleasure without restraint!

[It sure is a shame that he's wearing those goddamn SAMURAI SOUL undies instead of lacy ones, but if Yukimura still likes it, there's no accounting for taste...

Good old teenage hormones already had him noticeably harder than his other self would have been this soon, and the process is just that much more hurried under Yukimura's touch. Shit! If that's how it feels through his clothes, he can't even imagine how intense skin-on-skin is going to feel. That's not fair, his own hand isn't going to cut it anymore...!

His shoulders bunch up as he squirms against Yukimura, not necessarily to get away from him, but simply because his whole body is so eager to move. Preferably with Yukimura's.]

You're crazy... What if someone else hears it? [OH, HOW THE TURNTABLES... His eyelid flutters shut as he takes a shaky breath.] ...It does feel good, I'll, mmh... I'll give you that...

[ Masamune is the one worrying about that now?! Yukimura almost can't believe it. ]

I can say without hesitation that we will not be overheard; you need not worry.

[ Did he rent out the interdimensional Denny's? Did Sasuke get enough of a raise to agree to keep people away from here for a while?

We may never know...

But that mystery aside, he really doesn't want Masamune to worry about getting caught like this. Don't stress, Masamini. Let him take care of you.

He feels a spark of pride hearing say Masamune say he likes this, and continues rubbing his crotch, stroking the burgeoning erection with a steady hand.

Beneath his own clothes, he can feel himself getting hard too. ]

I will not settle for 'good'... I must put into practice all that I have learned...!

[ He dips his head down, nuzzling the nape of Masamune's neck. Then he opens his mouth and presses his lips to Masamune's skin, sucking and licking what he knows is a tender area. ]

You sure seem con- nnh-!

[ Just as sensitive at his nape in this life... no, even more so; his knees go weak at the unexpected and incredibly intimate sensation and he droops forward to brace himself against the booth. What the hell! He'd better figure out a way to get even with Yukimura by the time this is over! Maybe he can learn a few things for when the time inevitably comes with the version he's on more equal ground with.

The only thing redder than his face right now is Yukimura's outfit, and Masamune looks down at the arms around him and finally takes notice of just how much smaller his own body is. Fit, but not from a lifetime of constant battle, and nowhere near a match for this Yukimura.

It's... strange to think about.

Fortunately, he's pretty quickly distracted as more blood rushes to his groin. He can't help it- he does make an embarrassingly loud sound before he's able to cut it off.]

Just- just how much do you know, anyway?! [ He's more used to provoking flustered and offended yelling by so little as commenting on flirty celebrity shots! Who in the world could have corrupted this tiger?!]

[ Since it's the fault of a one Date Masamune that Yukimura is this corrupted... it's fair to say that the One-Eyed Dragon played himself.

Yukimura savors that sound; he definitely needs to hear more. His skin is flushed, if not quite to the degree that Masamune's is. The novelty of being the most sexually experienced person is the room is one that Yukimura is very much enjoying. ]

I do not consider myself an expert by any means, but I can say I have learned enough that you will not find yourself underwhelmed.

[ His breath is hot against Masamune's neck. If this is a sensitive spot, and his nipples are too...

He focuses so that he can successfully multitask. He resumes mouthing Masamune's nape, gropes him through his underwear, and teases his nipples.

To think he once believed the most exciting thing a Denny's had to offer was its food. ]

[ Yeah, being underwhelmed was never a concern. Masamune's more afraid of coming right in his pants and putting an end to this living fantasy before it gets to really take off. His head's too foggy to come up with a clever retort, his entire body feeling laden with the charge of a thunderstorm, every nerve on fire. Something laying dormant in his soul stirs.

At least now that he's made a few small noises, it's a little easier to keep going with them. Or maybe he's realized that there's no dignity left in getting fucked in a goddamn Denny's in the first place. His breaths come out hot and ragged and loud, punctuated with quiet vocalizations from his slack mouth.

Damn it, he's supposed to be the cool one here! Or at the very least, not the one getting completely dominated... It feels fantastic to be touched, he's not complaining about that, but how the hell is he supposed to get even one equally embarrassing noise out of Yukimura like this?

He writhes against his technical rival, rubbing his back up against mostly-bare torso, turning in his grip to at least face him. Being able to put his hands against that stupid sexy chest without dislocating something is a good start. ]

M-more. [ He wants it to sound like an order but it comes out more like a plea. He can't even make eye contact without needing to shyly break off immediately. That's not cool at all! ] Show me everything you got.

[ holy shit he's so cute he can hardly stand iitttttt

If this weren't a Denny's and they're weren't both horny, Masamini would be getting cuddled so hard right now. Masamune acting shy? That could kill a man. And he can't even say anything about it, too!!

To spare Masamune's pride and not ruin this for them, he'll keep all these warm fuzzy feelings to himself. Even if it's so hard.

So hard.

He tips Masamune's chin up with his thumb and forefinger and presses a firm kiss against Masamune's mouth.

(This is the kind of trick he learned from normal Masamune. Masamini, you played yourseeeeelf-) ]

That is just what I would expect you to say, Lord Masamune.

[ That form of address brings to mind a far more imposing man, but a Dragon is a Dragon no matter the shape it's taken. It will suit this Masamune just fine, Yukimura thinks.

He closes in again like he's going for a kiss, but he stops short. ]

I shall do as you wish if you look me in the eye.

[He wouldn't be opposed to a cuddlefuck...! Masamini's softer than he tries to look!

Case in point: as maddeningly pleasurable as it's been to have his crush-but-not-but-technically-yes leaving red-hot trails of goosebumps all over Masamune's skin, it's the kiss that gets him the most. He feels like something's exploded in his heart, or his stomach- not his pants yet, thank fuck, but the way his insides all jump and shudder at once isn't that different from orgasm, honestly. Like he's gone and sprung a full heart-on.

He stares at Yukimura'a lips in wonder and longing, dying for the chance to taste them properly, watching them move, and... oh, he's saying something.]

H-Huh? [Shit! This smooth motherfucker! He should just close the gap himself! That'll show him.

That thought, along with all others, leaves his mind as soon as he locks eyes with Yukimura. He feels like a deer frozen in headlights, time coming to a standstill for this single, helpless moment. He's exposed, vulnerable, like Yukimura can see everything inside him.

Through his sharp gaze, the Dragon inside thunders its challenge across time.

He takes a breath and circles his arms around Yukimura's neck, his voice a low growl that sounds unfamiliar to his own ears.]

Touch me everywhere, inside and out. Don't you dare hold back.

[ The eye that stares back at him is bright and familiar; the slit pupil could belong only to Date Masamune. And the voice that answers him sounds as if it comes from the warlord himself.

The Tiger in Yukimura's soul rumbles, wanting to sink its teeth into Masamune.

Yukimura doesn't answer with words. He pulls Masamune closer, a hand on the small of his back and a hand in his hair, and claims his mouth with his own with hungry urgency. He kisses him hard and deep, and backs him up against the booth once again. His mouth is warm, and he can't get enough.

He presses against Masamune again, grinding his hips in search of friction. Masamune should easily be able to feel Yukimura's erection. ]

--Haaaaah, Lord Masamune... This garb...

[ Exhaling with a pleased noise, he tugs meaningfully on Masamune's collar. He needs to get out of these clothes, and Yukimura thinks he might just destroy them if it's left up to him. He doesn't want to make a habit of that. ]

[He readily melts into Yukimura's touch, pushing back just as firmly to press their bodies as close as they can possibly be. The proud Dragon wants Yukimura to claim him for his own, and earn every damn part of him. The need he feels both in the kiss and Yukimura's pants just make him that much bolder to offer up more and more of himself.

He pulls back and runs his tongue over wet lips, parted for heavy lungfuls of air. Right. Shirt. He grunts his agreement and bats Yukimura's hands away so he can pull it up over his head, dog tags clinking together as they fall back across his clavicle.

Where should... ah, screw it, he'll just toss the shirt over to the next booth. Who cares. He hoists himself up onto the table and wiggles his pants down a little more before deciding he'd much rather have Yukimura do it. ...But only if he's guiding his hands. Getting home without a belt is one thing, but he needs the pants.

He holds his arms out impatiently, grabbing for Yukimura's hands.]

Okay. Come here, Big Sexy.

[BIG SEXY.]

[ Yukimura, thank god, has no idea how silly 'Big Sexy' actually sounds to anyone who can understand it. It's just more charming Dragon Language from Date Masamune, and almost certainly a compliment!

(Someone please tell him it's just called English...) ]

Mm!

[ He more than gladly lets Masamune take him by the hands. Time to do away with those pants in a non-destructive fashion. ]

There is something I have been wishing to try, so please stay where you are.

[If Yukimura wants to believe things like some high school delinquent being worthy of Lordship or that there's a secret Dragon's Tongue, then let him believe! The world needs magic!

...Just having Yukimura's hands near his thighs has him trembling in anticipation. He swallows hard.]

Yeah...? Alright, then go for it. I'm more than ready.

[Part of him is worried that this sexually liberated Yukimura is going to spring some really obscure extreme kink on him. But that's also super exciting.]

[ Now that pants aren't a problem, Yukimura takes care of the final bit of clothing getting in between him and Masamune's cock. It's tempting as hell to yank off his underwear, but again - self restraint! Self-restraint!! Besides, taking it a little slowly ups the anticipation factor that's getting to Yukimura almost as much as it's getting to Masamune.

He's never actually sucked dick before, but he has gotten a blowjob from - who else - Sengoku Masamune, and he's pretty confident he can do as good as job as his Masamune did. Actually, no, he's got to be better.

Rivalry extends to 'who's better at sucking dick', because of course it fucking does.

Yukimura kneels before Masamune, placing his hands on his thighs and spreading them open. Masamune's rock hard, and Yukimura's own dick is straining at his pants. (Right against the pants fabric, because hahahah, what's underwear.)

He's actually nervous, because he really isn't some kind of sex fiend, even if it looks that way from Masamune's perspective. It would kill him if he under performed!

Okay, now what did he learn from his Masamune...?

He keeps one hand on Masamune's thigh, and then takes his cock in hand. A brief moment of consideration, and then he gives the head a few experimental licks. His expression is serious; he's going to give it his all! ]

[Pretty clever of Yukimura to practice on the guy who wouldn't know any better to impress the one who does!

All the courage he'd built up before runs dry and he's overcome once more as his eager cock is finally exposed to chilly air, flushed deep and practically begging for attention. Is- it's a good enough penis, right? For not being an American pornstar?? Doesn't look like Yukimura's UNimpressed as he goes down to-

to-- holy shit! Masamune's eye widens as his gaze follows Yukimura's every movement, and honestly from down there it's probably really easy to tell when Masamune starts holding his breath. He grips the table ledge and tries desperately to keep his legs from clamping shut as Yukimura's breath and hair and headband tickle at his thighs.

Holy shit, holy shit! It's not even anything wild, but having Yukimura's face right there in front of his cock is even more satisfying than he pictured it. The second he feels a warm tongue drag over his sensitive head he moans loudly, the kind of helpless noise that jumps in pitch right in the middle, the kind made by a guy with no chance of holding back a sudden orgasm.

...Sorry, Yukimura.]

[ O-oh. Yukimura... hadn't expected that. There's cum all over his face now.

Just another average day at Denny's.

A little stunned, Yukimura wipes a finger across his cheek and tastes it, like he actually needs to verify what it is or something.

--Well, not really, he's just curious.

And it's maybe ten seconds into this awkward situation that he realizes that it is an awkward situation. Oh man. Masamune definitely meant to last longer than that. ]

A-ah, Lord Masamune... If you have not done much of this sort of thing, then it is completely understandable!

[Oh god. Oh fuck oh shit. Seeing Sanada Yukimura's face dripping with his semen is so immensely satisfying he's not sure if the fluttering in his stomach isn't some smaller, secondary orgasm. He wants to be proud of himself for that, but how the hell can he be when it wasn't supposed to happen like that?! He struggles to stammer out an apology - or any sound that isn't just the pure essence of being overwhelmed, when Yukimura has to go ahead and make things EVEN WORSE.]

I-It's not like that!!

[His voice cracks, but at least he's able to form words at all now. Even if the next few are little more than English expletives to himself. He looks away, red-faced, and clumsily pulls a few napkins out of the dispenser behind him.]

I got plenty of experience... [He can count his partners on BOTH HANDS... because sometimes his left needs a break. Ba dum tish.

He shoves a napkin against Yukimura's face and lets it stick there.]

[ Ohhh, welp, he embarrassed him. He didn't mean to! He was trying to be considerate!

Yukimura's not sure he's even heard some of these English words from Masamune before.

And there he goes, sticking the napkin... to his face...

...This is the most self-conscious he's felt this entire time.

He takes the napkin he was not-so kindly provided with and wipes the semen off of his face. There's some in his hair, too. That's going to have to wash out, isn't it? ]

You do?

[ HE GENUINELY CAN'T HELP SOUNDING SURPRISED, OKAY. ]

Wh-! Don't say it like you're surprised, asshole!!

[He crumples the napkin he was using for himself and whips it right at Yukimura's head. At least he's too agitated to be embarrassed anymore?!]

[ HEY, that's... not painful or anything, but a little gross!! ]

--I mean you no insult!!

[ If Yukimura had managed to keep his mouth shut, would he be Yukimura? ]

It is simply the impression I got from you!

[NOT BETTER.]

Ha! Shows what you know. I could give a better one any day!

...You believe you possess more skill than I do?

[ That's a bold statement if you ask Yukimura! One that needs to be tested. ]

Then I would like to see you prove it!

Edited (my brain is asleep o god) 2019-10-29 04:54 (UTC)

Too easy.

[...It's right about now that it finally dawns on him what he's not only just agreed to, but what he needs to excel at or DIE. His arrogant smirk fslls flat. Whoops, maybe sometimes he should actually pause to consider a challenge before accepting it. Even if it is from Yukimura.

What the hell is he supposed to do if Yukimura has had his dick sucked before?! HE'S IN TOO DEEP.

Masamune glances down at his lap, at a loss... and just slides right off the table. Should he bother getting redressed, he wonders? Better not risk getting jizz all over his clothes, right? BUT HE'S ALSO JUST NAKED IN DENNY'S.]

What're you waiting for? Get your pants off and get ready to have your mind blown.

[ Emotionally, we're all a little naked in Denny's.

He almost wonders if Masamune's going to back out, but it seems the Dragon is a stubborn beast no matter the era. It's on, then.

Yukimura discards his armor and removes his pants, allowing Masamune to see two things:

One, Yukimura doesn't wear underwear, and two, he's rock hard.

(In a Denny's, holy shit you two, reconsider your life choices-)

He sits down on the table right where Masamune had been a moment before. ]

All right, Lord Masamune. Show me what you're capable of.

[He was just... letting it all hang out the whole time... Does the Yukimura at school wear anything under those soccer shorts, Masamune wonders? Maybe he'll spy on a game or two...

Ahem.

He even clears his throat out loud and settles on his haunches between Yukimura's legs, trying very hard (failing even harder) to not stare too blatantly at the boner right in front of him. He hasn't even been this close and personal with his own dick!

(He has tried. He put his neck out for three days.)

He glances up at Yukimura, then to the side, then the dick, then aside again. Shit, don't watch him, how the hell is he supposed to focus with this kind of pressure?! Deep breath in, then out. He settles one hand on Yukimura's knee and leans in to put the other around his cock, taking a moment to just kind of... marvel at its unfamiliarity. Already so hard, just from him... that's kinda nice.

He rubs his thumb along the underside and licks his lips in preparation. Here he goes. He's gonna do it. Any second now.

. . . ]

Are you ready?

[GOD.]

[ YOU'RE NOT CONVINCING HIM OF YOUR IMMENSE SEXUAL PROWESS, MASAMINI.

The Masamune he knows sucks dick like a pro. Yukimura doesn't exactly have any else to compare him to, but if there were awards for good blowjobs, Masamune would have, like, a lot of them. Yukimura would definitely give him one.

By contrast, this Masamune might as well be the most virginal virgin to ever exist. But the thing is, Yukimura sympathizes, because it wasn't all that long ago that it felt like just kissing Masamune was going to fluster him right into a heart attack. ]

Yes, most certainly.

[ Masamune's definitely stalling, so Yukimura wants to think of a way to make this less intimidating... His pride might make things difficult, and Yukimura is not the most subtle man in the universe, but! He'll find a way. ]

However, you do not need to rush.

[ That's something, but not good enough. Uh...

Wait, wait, he's got something. ]

For in a sense, I am at your mercy!

Shut up, I'm doing it!

[He doesn't know what's worse: the fact that Yukimura isn't being subtle at all or the fact that Masamini knows he's being patronized and STILL feels emboldened. Sanada Yukimura at his complete mercy... What a dream. Wouldn't it be nice to just make him squirm and beg and cry, just a little? Just enough to get him to admit defeat?

His grip readjusts into something a little more self-assured, and he shoots one final glance to Yukimura's face (uh, you missed a spot buddy) before going in for real.

Masamune may not have the experience of his feudal counterpart, but he has something even better: a world wide web just overflowing with handy-dandy reference material. He's studied blowjobs from all angles. With more enthusiasm than he's ever put into his real schoolwork.

His tongue hangs out of his mouth, complete with a "mlaaah" sound, and he drags it along the underside of Yukimura's cock from base to tip before taking the head between his lips. It's not so bad, now that he's taken that big step. Weird, but not bad. He doesn't go further down yet, just takes a moment to experiment with how it feels to work his mouth around it, sucking and pulling. ~~THERE MAY BE TEETH.~~

See?! He's totally doing it! Praise him!!]

[ So he totally failed at subtlety (SHOCKING), but it still had the intended effect on Masamune! This counts as a success!!

The internet is a mysterious thing, and today is the day Yukimura discovers its terrifying power. All of a sudden, Masamune is acting like he knows what he's doing! Was he not bluffing when he said he had a lot of experience?!

Yukimura's thighs quiver. That feels good.

Even the teeth.

He lets out a pleased groan. ]

I underestimated you...! Just a moment ago - that was a ruse to make me let down my guard!

Hnn? Nhh... Mmhmm!

[If that's the story Yukimura wants to believe, then sure, Masamune will go with that. He's just as surprised to hear he's off to such a strong start! He just has to keep it up.

Emboldened as he is, he's still careful in how he eases his mouth forward and back again. There's a whole slew of embarrassing and stupid ways to die that Masamune pays no heed to, but choking on a dick in Denny's? NO THANK YOU. He finds a passable groove soon enough, and a few dozen bobs of the head later he pulls off with a loud, wet sound.]

Well~?

[He clears his throat and wipes the back of his hand over his swollen lips, taking a moment to admire his handiwork. Mouthiwork. Fuck Yukimura's dick looks good when it's glistening and so darkly flushed. Masamune wraps his hand around the base and kisses along the side, peering up at Yukimura to gauge his reactions.]

[ Choking on a dick in Ikea is one thing. Denny's, though? That's just sad.

Masamune's groove works just fine for Yukimura. It's not at the level of his older self, granted, but that doesn't mean much when most people aren't going to be as good at this as that Masamune is.

He doesn't know that for a fact, but he's like, pretty sure it's true. ]

To be sure, you have a solid technique...!

[ Why are you so bad at dirty talk, Yukimura.

It's the kisses that really get to him. The combination of 'incredibly cute' and 'incredibly filthy' strikes him right in the heart - and groin. He clamps his hand over his mouth, his face flushed as red as it's ever been. ]

[The look on his face...! That's adorable. Masamune feels powerful even on his knees with his lips on a cock. He'll treasure this moment forever. Even if Yukimura's word choice doesn't exactly help to set the mood, here.]

...hey, Sanada...

[Masamune carefully pumps his hand along Yukimura's erection and his gaze grows a little distant while he works something out in his head. Hm...]

...I want to feel it inside of me.

I-Is that so?

[ Yukimura's voice cracks. He just went and said it!! Without an ounce of shame!! That's really hot!! ]

I would, ah, I could--

[ Oh no, he's short-circuiting.

Underneath some newfound confidence and experience is still the same flustered Yukimura. ]

I can. Do that. For you.

[Holy shit! He said yes! Or just barely managed to get it out... It is a huge comfort to see that Yukimura's just as flustered as he is, because even at that he can feel his stomach drop in that anxious, giddy way it might before a rollercoaster drops.

He grips Yukimura's thighs to pull himself up, glancing around eagerly. He brushes his messy hair away from his eye.]

So- where do you want me, then?

[ The time has COME to get ASS-FUCKED in a DENNY'S DINER. With MAYO.

Tune in next week to watch these two desecrate a Waffle House. You won't believe where the syrup ends up.

--Where does he want Masamune, indeed? Yukimura slides off of the table.

This table has served them well so far. It's the secret hero of this whole thread. Yes, there is no need for them to abandon it! ]

Er... Rest your elbows on the table.

Edited 2019-11-07 21:15 (UTC)

[Tables don't get the recognition they deserve. They're handy for just about anything! Eating, studying, fucking...

People have eaten off this table and are going to continue to do so long after these two are done. Makes you think.]

Got it... like this?

[Masamune leans across the table and rests his arms on front of him, hands side by side; he curves his spine to jut his butt out as much as he can and widens his stance. It's more than a little awkward to ASSUME THE POSITION and be left waiting naked and chilly, but the suspense is kind of exciting! He can even feel himself getting hard again.

He cranes his neck to watch Yukimura's every move over his shoulder, wide-eyed. Part of him wonders if this is the part where he wakes up... is this real life? Holy shit holy shit holy shit holy shit holy shit!!]

[ You really have to hope they clean these tables well. But still... what the table has seen, it cannot unsee. ]

--Yes, just like that!

[ Good work on ASSUMING THE POSITION, Masamune.

Yukimura needs a second to just stand there and take this all in. Commit to memory forever. Masamune's not the only one going 'holy shit' in his head.

There he is. And there's Masamune's ass. Yukimura's plenty hard, so now he just has to...

...If this were the older Masamune, he'd think to himself, 'ah, he can take it', but this Masamune... Has anybody ever fucked him before?? He's not sure he'll get an honest answer if he asks, and for the sake of both their pride doesn't really want to ask in the first place.

He doesn't want to absolutely wreck Masamune's ass, but he didn't bring any kind of lubricant with him. We now have to ask a very important question: did they intend to fuck when they met up at this Denny's, or did it just kind of happen? In the former case, Yukimura would be chastising himself for his lack of foresight.

But. Okay. He's been to Denny's before. You know, somehow. And there he discovered mayonnaise. It's made of egg yolk. And some other things. Probably safe enough to stick in your ass. And it has the right kind of consistency for lubricant! This is a brilliant idea!

On the table is some extremely convenient mayonnaise. Was it there the whole time, or was it summoned when they both weren't looking, as if the inter-dimensional Denny's itself knew they would be in need of its services?

It doesn't matter. Yukimura takes the mayonnaise bottle, fiddles with the top for a second, and pours some mayo into his hand.

And he SLICKS UP HIS DICK IN MAYONNAISE. AS IF THAT'S TOTALLY NORMAL.

THERE WE GO. THERE'S THE LUBE. MASAMUNE'S ASS IS SAVED, BUT AT WHAT COST??

He plants one hand (the non-mayo'd hand) on Masamune's shoulder, and positions the tip of his dick at Masamune's entrance. (It's a little bit cold from mayo, but normal lube probably would be too.) ]

Prepare yourself, Lord Masamune.

[ It's too late for proper preparation. What's a lubed condom? Good fucking question.

Following that statement, Yukimura eases himself inside. ]

Edited (i can correct a wording error but i can't correct this tag's existence) 2019-11-09 10:57 (UTC)

[He's as prepared as he could possibly get right now! What more does Yukimura expect from him?! It's actually a good thing that Yukimura's able to take his own preparation a step further with the... uh...

w

wait a second

he only caught a glimpse of it over his shoulder, but that bottle kinda looked like

OH NO]

Wait, was that- aaaahh! ♡

[Despite knowing full well what was going to happen he's STILL completely surprised at the feeling of Yukimura's hot mayo dog pushing inside him, and at the astonishing fact that lube doesn't automatically prevent all pain entirely. But despite the discomfort, he doesn't dislike it...

He hangs his head and arches his back, taking a few shuddering breaths and pushing himself back against Yukimura to urge him deeper. He won't accept him going easy on him now!]

Ahh, holy shit, I... w-wow, okay, okay, we're good. [Maybe.]

[ Yukimura heard that hentai heart. Don't question how. Don't worry about it. Just know that he did, and it sounds real fuckin' good.

And he meant mental preparation, Masamune! You have to mentally prepare for a sausage of this girth, mayo or no mayo, and that's because it's always a little spicy the first time around! It's a bit of an acquired taste.

Fortunately, Masamune appears to be on his way to doing just that. It's always a good thing to be receptive to new flavors. ]

If that so... allow me to set your loins aflame!!

[ Yeah, he really isn't good at dirty talk.

You know what he can do pretty well, though?

Slam his hot mayo dog right into Masamune's soft buns. That's what.

And you better believe they'll be seeded buns by the end of this. ]

[God damn it that's such an unsexy way to put it, but so very Yukimura that Masamune's loins are indeed burning like a backyard barbeque. Or maybe it's just each thrust of that premium meat sending waves of pleasure and pain through his entire being, and he absolutely relishes it. Each loud slam of pelvis against pelvis rocks his body to and fro over the table, forcing out gasps and moans with every movement, makes his toes curl tightly in his socks and his fingers grasp helplessly at the table's edges.

How rough it really is in the grand scheme of things, he has no fucking idea. Just that his soft, fresh buns have never felt anything like it. He's getting porked real good.]

[ Every single reaction Yukimura thrusts out of him is delicious. It's a whole menu of feedback, and it says 'regards to the chef'.

He's practically on top of Masamune, because the toppings add just that much more flavor to the dish.

The fucking's not as rough as a melon rind, but it is intense, like cured meat. And Yukimura's meat thrusts in deep, right to the base each time. He's going for a savory experience.

His nose nuzzles Masamune's neck, and he takes in his scent. He kind of smells like what they serve here.

It doesn't make Yukimura any less hungry for him. ]

[It may not be nutritious but it's perfectly filling. Masamune already knows he won't be able to manage a second helping no matter how much he'll be craving it.

He whimpers hungrily as Yukimura tenderizes his tender rump roast and fucks him raw. He's lasting longer through his second course than he did with the blowjob, but he knows he's almost done for. Despite that, one hand snakes down to work his breakfast sausage and amplify his pleasure.]

Shit, Sanada... Sssana...da... I'm gonna...

[UNLEASH RHE SECRET SAUCE.]

[ Yukimura plows his bratwurst into Masamune's hot pocket, encouraging him to forego all restraint and spill his own personal brand of mayo all over the floor -- because it probably, somehow, won't be the worst thing this Denny's has ever seen. ]

Let yourself... come undone... Date Masamune!!!

[ UNLEASH

THE

SECRET

SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUCE ]

S-Sanada... YukimuraaaAAAAAA!!

[Even in this life. For fuck's sake.

One final tug and he does indeed come undone, and now he's dribbling thick white mystery substances on both sides. He pushes against the table, lifts himself back against Yukimura to writhe and shudder against him, yearning to feel as close as possible at the moment of climax. His breathless yelps are the review of one happy customer.]

Date... MASAMUNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

[ Apologies to the waiter in the backroom.

Yukimura gasps and his non-FDA approved salad dressing dresses Masamune's insides. This was incredible. The crème de la crème of fucking-in-a-restaurant experiences. Three stars.

(That's not a slight, the Michelin stars really only go up to three. This thread, in which a man uses mayonnaise for lube, strives for the utmost accuracy.)

Gochisousama-deshita. ]

[FINGER-LICKIN GOOD TO THE VERY LAST DROP.

Someone condemn this fucking restaurant. Neither of us OR the happy couple deserve post-coital cuddling now. They only deserve indigestion.

Nonetheless, Masamini's just going to collapse heavily on the table and think about his life choices. He just lost his virginity in a Denny's. When will there be a timeline where it doesn't happen in the worst possible place?!]

[ That timeline will never exist, as punishment for allowing this to happen.

They had better start cleaning things up before they're banned for life.

Is this a happy ending? ]

[Only until the mayo infections flare up.]

so now that we've successfully left this denny's to be condemned

what's next on the agenda

The same way we end every thread, Pinky

TRY TO CONDEMN THE WORLD

WE WILL BEGIN THE FUCKPOCALYPSE

Does this mean we made the wrong sacrifice to Lord Helix or exactly the right one?

exactly the right one

may his tentacleness watch over us

What IS next on the list

Tentacles
Masamune gets fucking wrekt
Children
???

public vibrator
fucking a Real Dragon

cnc

cnc

GOD HOW COULD I FORGET THOSE ONES I need to start writing shit down

UH, PICK ONE, OR RNG?

I DID THE RNG AND IT GAVE ME MASAMUNE GETS FUCKING WREKT and i am happy with that

.....i am super thirsty for the good cnc content though so i had an idea, give me your thoughts

part 1 is yukimura ~~making masamune jizz his pants with violence~~ wrecking masamune

part 2 is masamune's "payback", where it's his turn to have the upper hand in good old rp-within-rp fashion

everybody wins and is horny

PERFECT

Do you want me to set it up or have you got something in mind?

EHEHEHEHEEEE

maybe you could set up part 1 and then i'll set up part 2 when it comes up, since they're our respective ideas

watchin ishuzoku reviewers like

I THINK I GOT DRAGONFUCKING AU FIGURED OUT

OHOHOHOHO

excellent

i forgot about Big Sexy......... god

it's got a certain karamatsu-sais-qoui

[What

the fuck just happened?

Skilled as Date Masamune may be when it comes to swordplay, he doesn't win every match against Sanada Yukimura; his rival is equally talented with his spears, and it's a true struggle to determine the victor each and every time - if the outcome can even be determined at all. And that's just how Masamune likes it.

But the thing about putting everything you have into something is that one wrong move can lose it all, too. A slight misstep, a delayed reflex, even blinking at the wrong moment... one small mistake and now Masamune's flat on his back, the wind knocked out of him, pointed steel pressed right to his throat. Yukimura seems so far above him right now, looking down on him, looking down on his equal.

If he can even be called that, at this moment. This is exactly when Yukimura should take the kill, as he deserves for taking the Dragon down. But will he do it? The realization that he very well could die right here and now is... terrifying. A dread Masamune isn't actually familiar with. But if anyone gets to kill him, then who better than his beloved rival? This has always been their goal.

His pulse pounds deafening in his ear, and his wide and wild-eyed gaze fixes on Yukimura, a mix of fear and challenge both in his slitted pupil. Seconds stretch into eternity and the world beyond them fades to white. He forgets to breathem Do it, do it, kill him!!]

[ In the span of a breath, the battle is decided.

Masamune is on the ground, looking up at him. Yukimura's spear is at his throat. His rival's life is held entirely in his hands. If he wanted to take it, nothing could stop him.

Time feels as if it has stopped.

He's transfixed by the look in Masamune eye, the dread and the challenge. He can almost hear Masamune goading him on to bring down his spear and finish this. And like a shark that's caught the scent of blood, part of him wants to. Is compelled to. Sanada Yukimura is a warrior through and through.

But. ]

I, Sanada Yukimura, claim this victory!

[ Yukimura raises his spear -- and sheathes it.

Today is not the day this ends. ]

[The spears move away from his throat and all at once air floods his lungs and a dozen conflicting emotions flood his heart. Relief, first and foremost - and with it the realization that losing his life would mean losing this, which he fears most of all. Then there's his deep love for Yukimura, who only could have spared his life in the end.

And the shame and fury of not even being granted the only death that could satisfy him. Without that danger, will the thrill ever be the same? Does Yukimura even realize what he's done?!

Maybe if Kojuro were here, he'd scold his adrenaline junkie ass. But right now, Masamune as high as fuck with no tether to common sense.

He makes a noise of agitation between shallow, rapid breaths, and props himself up on his elbows.]

But you won't even claim it properly...?

[He really should just wait a minute to calm down and maybe even give Yukimura proper and sincere congratulations. But there you have it.]

[ Yukimura hardly looks repentant. Excuse him for trying to keep a good thing going, gosh. ]

Lord Masamune, was every other victory we have experienced against one another "improper"?

[ Their rivalry is a serious affair, a matter of life and death. So when that final blow is struck, it must be at a fitting time. No, the perfect time. The circumstances can be nothing less than perfect.

They haven't reached their final battlefield. Yukimura is sure of this.

He's not about to kill Masamune knowing damn well that he'd regret being so hasty. ]

[Don't lecture him, asshole!!

...But he knows Yukimura's in the right. How many times has Masamune himself called a draw despite having a clear advantage, or been conveniently "distracted" just before the killing blow?

He sits up, hunching over in exhaustion.]

More like warmups for the real thing. [Sure, he's being a shit about it, but this is as close to conceding as Yukimura's going to get out of him. At least there's a hint of a smile on his lips as he starts to rise to his feet.]

Well, then. I suppose a proper congratulations is in order.

[ You blue-balled him with a bullshit "draw" one too many times, Masamune! This is what you get!

--Okay, that's not actually what Yukimura's thinking.

He is thinking that Masamune certainly likes to be difficult sometimes. Would properly conceding the point really be too much to ask?

...But that stubbornness is part of what he loves about him - and Masamune looks like he just might be smiling, anyway. ]

I thank you, Lord Masamune. It was a battle well fought.

[ And he means it. Just because he won the way he did doesn't mean he wasn't putting his all into it beforehand.

Yukimura extends his hand, though even he thinks it's about fifty-fifty whether or not Masamune will actually take it. ]

[Stubbornness is part of his charm!

...Charm. That's the word we'll go with.

For a split-second he is almost too stubborn to accept Yukimura's hand, still infuriated woth himself for messing up that badly. He certainly wouldn't spare so much as a "good game" to anybody else who put him in that position.

But Sanada Yukimura isn't doing it to be condescending, and he isn't doing it out of obligation. The least Masamune can do is return at least a little bit of that warmth and sincerity to the man who's truly earned it.

He accepts.]

Just don't start thinking it'll always be this easy. All you've done is set a new bar for me to pass.

[He squeezes Yukimura's hand fondly.]

[ Yukimura's eyes are full of warmth when he looks at Masamune. Would an onlooker stumbling across this scene ever believe he held a weapon to Masamune's throat just a moment ago? ]

That is what I wish to hear! When I seek to have the mettle of my very soul tested, it is you I face!

[ No one fights like Date Masamune. That's why he's Yukimura's one true rival. ]

I expect much from your counterattack!

Then you'd better expect the real deal.

[How many times can you make the same empty threat? Just ask him out like a regular person, god.

Maybe Masamune won't kill Yukimura next time. But he intends to strike him down and claim victory in a way he'll never forget, just as Masamune will obsess over this loss every waking hour. At least until he gets the chance to rebuild his pride and feel like they're on equal footing once again.

Yukimura better guard his rear.]

meanwhile, kojuro

kojuro goes through so much. so much.

SO SCENE CHANGE TIME OR??

CUE THE SPONGEBOB TIME CARD

[ Masamune's chance to strike Yukimura down comes fairly soon, in the form of a ~~booty call~~ message from Yukimura inviting him to Kai for another round. After how last time went, he's more eager than ever to have another go and see what Masamune's retaliation looks like.

But if that battle comes in a form different from what Yukimura's expecting, well... a challenge is a challenge, right? Having a variety of experiences makes you a well-rounded person.

...This will make him a more well-rounded deviant, at least.

Yukimura waits in Ueda Castle, all decked out in his red armor.

~~Be careful with the gates, Masamune. They don't pay for themselves.~~ ]

[Well it's no fun if Yukimura's ready for it!

Then again, in all his silent syewing over his loss, retracing his steps again and again, Masamune has thought of a few ways to take the young cub completely by surprise. They're a dramatic departure from Masamune's usual style, but maybe Yukimura will find it in himself to forgive him for spicing things up. At the very least, Masamune will finally be able to forgive Yukimura.

Step one in a this bold new direction: approaching the designated arena from the front in a leisurely saunter like he didn't just trash the rest of the castle. Did he need cause so much property damage? Nah, but the flooding should keep the Takeda boys busy for a while.

He spreads his arms as he crosses over the bridge and raises his voice just enough to be heard over the commotion in the background.]

Sanada Yukimura! I certainly wasn't expecting your generous invitation so soon... what's the occasion?

[ This motherfucker.

He's happy to see Masamune again - of course he is, he invited him - but look! Look at this damage!! Sasuke is going to kill the both of them for this!!

When he hears Masamune's voice, he takes off to confront him. ]

--Lord Masamune!! I cannot believe I have allowed you to flood this castle once again...!

[ Fool me once, etc.]

I was intending to let you in!

[ Bless his heart for thinking it wouldn't go exactly like this. ]

[This motherfucker.]

Too bad it was never my intention to ask permission!

[Just like that, the One-Eyed Dragon has arrived.

GUNS: ON

PARTY: READY

CLAWS: OUT

Good luck forcibly removing him from the premises. When he's got his sights on something, there's no stopping him, but isn't that stubbornness what Yukimura loooves?

How much can he still love it when, for once, Masamune isn't after the thrill of the fight? Instead of his usual battle frenzy, Masamune seeks to make every blow count; he's not going to waste any time matching Yukimura's blows when he'd rather have his blades meet cloth and armour. He's gone from a proud Dragon showing off to a viper striking with lethal intent. ]

[ Masamune's approach is wickedly precise, exclusively honing in on his weak spots. The flashiness of their normal bouts is gone, replaced with a chilly efficacy. His brain and heart both expected a different kind of battle, and now he's struggling to adjust, anticipating blows that aren't coming and eating the ones that are.

He shifts gears and goes on the defensive, but it's too late by then. His knee buckles and he hits the ground. ]

Agh...

[Oh, poor fool. Yukimura should know better than to go up against Masamune when he's on a quest for vengeance. And this time, Kojuro isn't around to save him.

But Masamune isn't driven by hatred this time, and Yukimura isn't just some roadblock-- he's the finish line, he's always been the goal to strive for, and this time he drinks in every second of this victory. The sting of each ragged breath in the back of his throat, the way Yukimura looks on his knees. The intoxicating rush of knowing that he very well could end it all right here and now, take Yukimura's head and let the whole world see his greatest treasure.

He wonders if Yukimura feels that same pulse-pounding exhilaration he sparked in Masamune, now that the tables have turned.

He sheathes his claws in one cool fluid motion and grabs Yukimura by the hair to turn his head and make sure he's looking him right in the eye.]

[ There's no denying it: Masamune came back with a vengeance and obliterated him. The radical change in tactics completely threw Yukimura off guard. It's brilliant, honestly, the way he channeled that ruthlessness within him while remaining so deliberate in his actions. This is why the One-Eyed Dragon is a man to be respected and feared.

When he catches his breath, he means to voice this - but Masamune doesn't give him the chance to do either. He grunts in pain, but he meets Masamune's eye.

His heart is thumping in his chest.

Is this the day Masamune takes his head? He's earned his victory, earned his trophy.

If that is so, so shall it be.

No one may else may have this privilege.

His adrenaline skyrocketing, Yukimura's gaze does not waver. ]

[Fuck, he wants to. His fingers itch to hold a sword, feel the barest trace of resistance a fraction of a second before steel cuts effortlessly through flesh. He too has the heart of a warrior, after all.]

You see? I told you I wasn't going to play around this time... are you just as serious about accepting defeat?

[His warrior's heart will break the day he does kill Yukimura. But it won't be on Yukimura's own damn invitation.]

[ Yukimura's voice comes out sounding rough, but there's no doubt or hesitation in his answer. ]

I am.

[ The look in his eyes is intense -- even grave.

Do not hesitate, it seems to say. ]

[It's a look that sends a chill down Masamune's spine. Intense and haunting but not unpleasant. No, not at all.

He keeps his fingers entangled in Yukimura's hair, free hand reaching across his body. As though hypnotized in the piercing gaze of the tiger, Masamune's fingers do brush over the hilt of a sword...

...before pulling back to undo his sash and the plating around his waist.]

--Huh?

[ The smoldering look in his eyes shifts in to one of confusion.

The sword, he could have anticipated.

Masamune beginning to disrobe? No, that catches him off guard. It's not like Yukimura came out here in a maid outfit once again.

Is claiming victory really going to take this kind of turn? ]

I'm taking my prize. Your head. [Said quietly, but plainly enough as though it were the standard. Who knows, maybe it will be.

He releases Yukimura just long enough to wrest his dick out of his pants and give it a few rough strokes to get himself going. He takes a much bigger fistful of Yukimura's hair this time and harshly tilts his face more to his liking.]

Open up.

You -- you intend to humiliate me?

[ Yukimura grimaces, baring his teeth. It's true, he lost, but Masamune can't be serious. What kind of obscene victory condition is this?! Is he really this angry about having been defeated? ]

Hah! Wouldn't it be more humiliating to brace yourself for the consequences of defeat, only to be let go like it was just a game?

[YEAH, HE MAD.]

Or was that all for show just now?

[What lovely teeth. They could easily become the tools of his demise, and he wants nothing more than to tempt that fate. Masamune hooks a thumb deep into the corner of Yukimura's mouth, trying to pry his jaw open.]

[ Damn it, what does Masamune think he's doing?! Scowling, Yukimura does open up his mouth... to snap at him with those lovely teeth just like an animal would. ]

My conviction is not for show!

[ This tiger is getting all riled up. ]

[Masamune pulls his hand back with a sharp laugh. Nice! Even now, the Tiger's still got some fire in him... if it ends up with a round two, that wouldn't be the worst. But Masamune hasn't given up on his first idea just yet.]

Then I'll be nice and let you choose. I could do it the good old fashioned way - [a gesture to his swords] - or I can do it my way. [A gesture to his... uh... "sword."]

Orrr... you can go back on your word and run away at any time. You just might be able to save yourself some embarrassment if you do it before your men show up.

[ He can accept the defeat conditions, in whatever form they take, or he can run away.

In Option A, he dies. If that were the only condition, he... well, he would accept it. He lost. Masamune can take his head. That's how this works. It's not like death isn't frightening to him - of course it is, he's a human being - but it's something he's willing to face head-on.

Option 2, he sucks Masamune's dick. That's not some terrible thing - it's something he'd do whether or not he were in the position he currently finds himself. But the thought of his men seeing it... he might straight-up die anyway! Embarrassment can probably kill a man! Yukimura's not ruling that out!!

Option 3, he doesn't die, and he doesn't risk being seen getting Masamune off, but the price is his pride. Running away would be an indignity. A stain on his character! No, he doesn't want to live with that shame. Option 3 is ruled out.

So.

He doesn't want to die. He's sure of this.

And because there is another option, he doesn't have to. ]

...I will do things your way. Do not expect me to turn tail, Date Masamune.

[No number of potential onlookers can stop Masamune now. He's had a taste of the risk of discovery and now he's craving it badly. Sorry about your new life as the concubine of a degenerate and a deviant, Yukimura.]

I figured as much.

[If there were still true disgust and shame in Yukimura's eyes, Masamune might have waved it off as a bad joke - the important thing is that he did indeed win the fight. But for now he sees no need to shed light on that.

He smirks and takes Yukimura's face in his hands, turning it back the right way.]

Now suck Daddy's dick.

[ What? What?? What did Masamune just say???

Yukimura's face starts burning up. Is that a thing? That can't be a thing. He should end this right now and incinerate them both. It's the only way to be cleansed.

But he won't. Not just because he said he wouldn't turn tail.

There's something about vulgar it is that's going right to his dick.

Being a deviant is contagious. It must be. ]

...C-completely filthy...

[ Saying this more to himself than anyone else, he grips Masamune's cock with both gloved hands. He's keenly aware of the chaos happening not-so far away. It's not even just his own men he's risking letting see him. Masamune's are here too. Everyone already knows what these two do with each other, but that's worlds away from watching them do it!! He really will look like a concubine!! And he's not prepared to thoroughly examine his thoughts on that right now!! What will he find if he does?!

So instead of thinking about that, he focuses on the... task at hand, so to speak. He opens wide and takes Masamune's cock into his mouth - and then almost immediately gags and has to try again because took too much at once.

You wanted a blowjob from a guy who's never given a blowjob before, Masamune. ]

[Maybe the deviant was inside you all along, Yukimura. Search your feelings. You know it to be true.

--Anyway, Masamune barely has enough time to ham up a sigh of satisfaction before Yukimura goes and gets things off ~~heh~~ to a less than stellar start. So the noise he makes is one of annoyance. As much as it warms his heart to be Yukimura's one and only, he really wouldn't object to the guy getting a little practice in between visits... and it's not like he can tell Yukimura to take it easy or give him advice! He's trying to set a mood here, damn it!

He deliberates for a moment while he watches Yukimura's second attempt like a hawk. The top of someone's head never looked more beautiful. Next time, he'll thread his fingers so lovingly through that hair and murmur soft praise and encouragement. This is not that time. Today he sets his hand at the back of Yukimura's head to keep him nice and steady.]

Take a deep breath. I'll show you how it's done.

[By fucking his pretty little mouth.]

[ Yukimura takes a deep breath and braces himself, because he knows Masamune's not about to go easy on him.

He makes a choked noise in the back of his throat as Masamune starts thrusting into his mouth. He's lucky he can even open up this wide! Yukimura's not thinking about whether Masamune can feel his teeth or what his tongue is doing; he's just trying to focus on breathing through his nose and controlling his gag reflex.

He doesn't really need to worry about giving a good blowjob when Masamune's going ahead and taking what he wants from him. Being used like this is...

...It's really arousing. Masamune's playing rough and by god, he likes it. ]

Mmhm... that's it...

[Keep up the good work letting Masamune do all of it! Even the teeth bumping and dragging along sensitive skin is worth it, so worth it to have Sanada Yukimura completely at his mercy. A pliant fucktoy with his rival's determined face.

He holds himself back just enough to keep from slamming right into the back of Yukimura's throat (that's for when he knows how to take it!), but plunges himself deep enough with each steady thrust to enjoy wet, throaty sounds mixed with Yukimura's efforts to breathe. Masamune closes his eyes and rolls his head back, sighing his satisfaction.]

Ahh, yeah... what do you think, Sanada Yukimura? Enjoying the taste of defeat?

[He's even gracious enough to pull Yukimura's head back so he can answer.]

[ Yukimura inhales deeply as soon as Masamune pulls his head back. He doesn't answer right away so he can catch his breath and wipe off the saliva trailing down his chin. He's listening hard to the sound of battle, too. It hasn't reached them yet... ]

I admit that your terms surprised me... but it is nothing I cannot take...!

[ That's a very neutral way of saying, "I'm enjoying this more than I think I'm supposed to." ]

I can endure anything you have in mind, Date Masamune.

[What he wouldn't give to see that same face coated in jizz. Things to keep in mind for next time. Right now that would be going way too easy on Yukimura after a comment like that. He grunts in approval.]

It wouldn't be as satisfying with anyone who couldn't. That said, I--

[Something explodes just beyond the gates; a man screams as he flies through the air right over their heads. Masamune's entire head moves to track his path until he vanishes behind another wall. Things are getting kind of serious out there, huh...]

...That... said... [He clears his throat and circles around behind Yukimura, keeping one hand on his head.] I fully intend to leave you with enough incentive to try not to lose next time.

[A beat later and he drops down to one knee, shoving his weight against Yukimura as he does to push his face to the ground. Or at least low enough to bring his rear up where it's nice and convenient for Masamune. At least he'll kind of try to push his armour out of the way instead of destroying yet another outfit.]

[ Yukimura can't help but watch the guy fly past them, too. See you, space cowboy...

You've got to be made of sturdy stuff to serve either of these two idiots, so he's probably fine... as well as too occupied with being flung through the air to worry about what Masamune and Yukimura are getting up to.

But it can't be long before the gates burst open and the battle spills over to this area of the castle... ]

I--

[ Yukimura grunts, his chin hitting the dirt before he can properly respond.

Ah, so this is where things are going. He could stand to be a little more surprised, but it's not hard to guess that he'd been trying to goad Masamune on, even if it raised the risk of humiliation that much more. ]

I did try! I would never lose on purpose!

[ Even if the end result is kinky! ]

Oh, I know. That is what I love about you.

[OF ALL TIMES... well, maybe it's the degree of unspoken fantasy to the situation that makes it easier to fling the l-word so casually.

Masamune takes one end of Yukimura's headband, thoughtfully running it between his fingers. Perfect.]

So you understand why I can't let you start wanting to lose now.

[If you want to enjoy it next time, beat me. It's a taunt and a request underlying his every word and by god he hopes Yukimura's catching that drift. At least Masamune's own pride is enough to keep him from inviting defeat, either. That pride makes him take great glee in binding Yukimura's wrists behind his back. The thing about ribbons long enough to flutter so dramatically in the breeze is that they're also long enough to do this without even having to take it off.]

Unless you think the shame of going back on your word is a more fitting punishment.

[He keeps one hand to Yukimura's back, the other teasing the head of his cock along the crack in the guarded rear. Just so there's no mistaking what's going down at Yukimura's confirmation.

ONE MORE FOR THE NO-LUBE COUNT.]

[ HE USES THE L WORD NOW?!

Come to think of it, the first time he said it was during the maid dress escapade. Should he start expecting to hear it when they're in the middle of something involving exhibitionism? Is this the ideal time to get him to say it?!

Yukimura is drawing conclusions from this, that's for sure.

At any rate - he understands perfectly. ]

Next time... I will win.

[ Having his hands bound behind him doesn't damper that determination one bit. ]

I do not go back on my word. So...

[ He shivers from anticipation, trepidation. He knows exactly what he's getting into. ]

Give me your punishment, and it will become fuel for my victory!

Good answer.

[He plunges himself deep inside Yukimura without mercy, making no time for either one of them to ease into it or adjust to the mayo-free burn. Masamune puffs a loud, wet hiss through his teeth with every breath, but he's so much more interested in listening to Yukimura than making any more noise of his own.

Something splashes loudly in the pathetic puddles left in the moat around them. Shit, they're cutting it pretty close. Masamune grunts and redoubles his efforts in getting this over with quickly.]

[ oh god his ass is not happy right now WHY DO THEY NEVER USE LUBE

Or in other words... Oh god, his ass is not happy right now. Why do they never use lube?!

Granted, lube would take away from the fact that this is supposed to be a punishment; a deterrent from future failure. Stifling his grunts and groans of pain is close to impossible. Just like in the battle that prompted this, Masamune's all business, rough and relentless.

But pain isn't all he feels; being fucked, used like this with his hands bound and his ass in the air is arousing in its own right. The pain might even be making it hotter.

--What was that splashing? Was that a person? The battle is way too close for comfort now.

He cries out again as Masamune fucks him faster, and he's lucky that the sound could be mistaken for a simple reaction to a battlefield injury.

Even as a greater embarrassment approaches, Yukimura doesn't even consider calling this off. He has the option, and he knows he does, but he wants to see this through to its end. He grunts and pants into the dirt, enduring the results of his loss with an unwavering will. ]

[God damn it... He could go on for a while if it weren't for the urgency of getting out of here. Yeah, his dick would be chafed raw, and yeah, it kind of already is, but isn't it worth it to hear Yukimura's pain at his hands? To know that Yukimura's willingly put his body at Masamune's mercy, just as when they battle? You bet it is. He can't wait for the tables to turn.

He growls low in frustration and pulls out to take the matter into his own hands, as it were. As hot and tight and perfect as Yukimura is, Masamune's own fingers are agile and dextrous even with gloves on. He knows exactly where to tug and press to push himself to the edge as soon as possible, and when he does, he comes freely over Yukimura's ass and bound hands... and makes sure to leave a nice mark on the six coins on his back, too. Not that he sees a need to mention that.]

[ And just like that, Yukimura's punishment reaches its climax.

~~heh~~

He can feel the cum on his skin, but doesn't pick up on where else Masamune left his mark. One can only hope that his men will be merciful enough to pretend they didn't see the very conspicuous stain... Yukimura agreed to this and all, but he's going to be a little bit salty when he finally notices what Masamune did there. That is, after he faints from the realization he was walking around with that on his back. Masamune, you are a deviant! A deviant!!

Yukimura's feeling hot and bothered, but he knows Masamune's not going to do him the favor of getting him off, and even if he were inclined to, they've just plain run out of time. He makes a frustrated noise in the back of his throat without even meaning to. This is going to be so uncomfortable to put up with... ]

[Only winners get to orgasm today, too bad, so sad. Masamune is gracious enough to hike Yukimura's pants back up and hide most of the mess, but that's where it ends. He doesn't think about untying him, or even about helping him into a position without his ass high in the air.

He hastily readjusts his armour just in time for the heavy doors to slam wide open. Kojuro calls for him, and Masamune smirks to himself.]

Welp! I think we got what we came here for. Sorry I can't stick around, Sanada Yukimura. [He very lovingly pats the butt.] Let's make up for it next time.

[ Hearing Kojuro's voice right now is the psychological equivalent of being kicked in the nuts. Of all the people who might see him like this... ugh.

But he'll take this disgrace with all the dignity he can muster; he won't snarl at Masamune for leaving him high and dry, or demand he untie him.

(He can burn his way out of the restraints, besides. What, you didn't think he only had one red headband, did you?) ]

Nnngh... Next time.

[ Patting him on the ass kinda makes him want to snap at him again. Masamune, if you want to be bit by a tiger, there's easier ways to go about it.

Yukimura will free himself, make an effort to look a little bit less disheveled... and several hours later, when the battle is long over, have the stain on his jacket pointed out to him.

And then... he'll turn so red he'll overheat. Following that, he'll get to training ten times as hard as usual so he can return the ass-kicking favor.

Masamune is so lucky Yukimura loves him. ]

as soon as yukimura got the opportunity he was furiously masturbating over all this btw

ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE

FUCKING DESTROY ME

[ The cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and there are none more beautiful to behold than those from the cherry trees planted at Aoba Castle. It's so that Yukimura might see these wonders of nature at their most magnificent that he has been invited to the castle.

Yukimura suspects that Masamune's motivations are partly just a desire to show off to him, like a courting peacock fanning its tail feathers to prove that its colors are the best and the brightest, but he's also certain that the One-Eyed Dragon genuinely wants to spend time with him; a relaxing evening spent watching the pink petals fall.

A laid-back meetup like this is probably warranted after how risky and rough their last encounter was. Yukimura regrets nothing besides losing so quickly, but not every encounter needs to be so brutal.

Granted, Yukimura's been training extra hard as of late so he can give as good as he got, and he would like the satisfaction of again defeating Masamune so overwhelmingly, with such fiery passion, that he'd gaze up at him with a look that's impressed and shocked and chafed and proud and like, a little turned on -- but he's setting all that aside for another time.

...This kind of calm atmosphere is also ideal for if he happens to bring up certain developments with Sasuke. He's been awfully curious as to what Masamune might say. He doesn't seen keen on sharing, but he also might as well be married to Kojuro, so he's got no room to talk, honestly.

Yukimura brings his weapons and armor just in case something unpredictable happens, like Honda Tadakatsu suddenly crashing through one of the castle walls, or Fuuma Kotaro appearing out of nowhere to assassinate somebody (it's not having an overactive imagination if you live in this universe), but the armor's packed up and he'll take off the spear sheath on his back once he gets comfortable.

He arrives wearing something different from his usual garb: a dark red yukata with a gold rokumonsen pattern.

It sure as hell ain't subtle, but neither is he.

It's also a lot more loose-fitting than it's supposed to be. As in, that's a lot of chest and shoulder he's showing off. This man just can't keep his top half covered. ]

DATE MASAMUNEEEEEEEEE! I HAVE ARRIVED!!!!!!!!

[ Cherry blossom petals swirl around him in dramatic fashion, as if they know his entrance needs to be that much more extra.

His horse also looks super gallant too. Mane flowing in the wind and all that jazz. ]

[The party's already well underway when Yukimura arrives (and has been for days, as is the Date way), but the air is filled with soft pops and the smell of freshly opened sake as dozens of jugs and casks are opened up in a hurry.

Quickly followed by:]

SANADA YUKIMUUURAAAAAA!!!

[Masamune bellows from atop his own horse, which itself is atop the highest point of the castle roof, rearing back to paw dramatically at the air. Don't ask how he got Gotoguro up there, and definitely don't ask how many hours he's been waiting in position. It's all worth it for this single moment, when his horse leaps down and lands heavily in front of Yukimura's, kicking up a cloud of dust and petals. ~~Maybe Masamune should discourage this jumping-off-tall-buildings thing before SOMETHING TRAGIC HAPPENS...~~

He grins proudly as though to ask, did you see me? Wasn't I cool? Isn't my land beautiful?]

I knew you wouldn't keep me waiting.

[ Just the kind of impressive welcome Yukimura was anticipating!! Masamune never fails to go all out.

(But how did Gotoguro get up there?? He's going to be wondering about that.)

Yukimura beams back at him. ]

When I received your invitation, I head out at the first opportunity!!

[ He probably tried to get going literally as soon as he was done reading the letter, only to be reeled back in by a little thing called "responsibilities". Sasuke puts up with so much. ]

This was not something I could miss, under any circumstances!!

Your timing couldn't be better. Any later and you'd have missed the blossoms at their finest.

[In the small number of springs Masamune's been alive to witness, he's picked up pretty quickly on when such fleeting displays are at their peak. It's fitting that he gets to see them with somebody whose life has bloomed just as brilliantly.

He dismounts with just as much flair as before, his polkadotted surcoat fluttering more than it should from such a short drop. Flashiness finds a way...]

C'mon. I made sure we have the best seats in the house all to ourselves.

[ Masamune manages to make colorful polka dots look cool, and that is no small feat. Just as his surcoat flutters more than is reasonable, Yukimura's headband and ponytail are swaying in the wind waaay more than makes sense.

They have harnessed the power of flashiness and are using it to alter reality in slight but noticeable ways. Who knows how else this power can be applied... Maybe that's how the horse got up there??

Yukimura leaps off of his horse, his enthusiasm overflowing. ]

Verily, I am honored!

[ Just the two of them, viewing the cherry blossoms... No matter what they get up to, something like this, so simple and pure, will never lose its appeal to Yukimura. ]

Lead the way, Lord Masamune! I expect the view will be everything I have imagined and more!

Edited (the only purpose of this edit is to say i really wanted to use 'verily' in a tag) 2019-12-27 03:40 (UTC)

Ha! I doubt any man could begin to imagine this without having seen it first.

[He does want to show it off and impress Yukimura. That goes without saying. But he wants to see the wonder in his eyes, and enjoy an evening appreciating life without worrying about war or fighting.

...Maybe they can have a little bout or two before Yukimura heads home, but that's not the plan for tonight! Tonight, Masamune is not the leader or warrior Yukimura knows so well, but the gentle-natured artist and dreamer who surely would have flourished in more peaceful times. Don't tell Keiji.

They leave the horses to the attendants, and Masamune leads Yukimura... indoors. ~~RIGHT TO THE BED~~ No, look, there's a method to his madness - one end of the castle protrudes over the cliffside of Mt. Aoba, sheltered from rain but otherwise exposed to the open air and the spectacular view of the (currently humble) town below and the pink and purple clouds up above. The sake and sweets have already been laid out, as have silk cushions, and Masamune cocks his head toward them.]

Have a seat.

[ Yukimura's eyes go wide at the sight he's treated to. The expanse of the town, and the beautiful hues of the clouds... he feels as if what he's seeing right now is a world unto itself. A hidden realm revealed to only a select few.

Yukimura sits on one of the cushions in a nearly reverent manner. ]

Silk...?

[ A man of culture indeed. He knows that Masamune's tastes are expensive, but he's so awestruck that even a luxury he would expect of Masamune has a kind of mystical quality to it. ]

This view, Lord Masamune! It stirs something within my soul... as if it were the heavens themselves before me!

It is as close as any man can hope to get. [It's not like anyone will ever figure out how to build flying machines, or even crazier,leave the entire planet. Pff.] No better place for a Dragon to watch over his domain than from the skies.

[Nothing's too expensive when that domain contains most of the land the country's most luxurious goods even come from. It's a good thing he's so humble about it. In comparison to what he could be, anyway. Cripes.

His greatest treasure and the greatest view are right here in front of him, and what he won't say with words is broadcasted loud and clear in the way he keeps Yukimura in his deep and gentle gaze. Yeah, the sunset's nice too. But there's only one chance to watch Yukimura experience it for the first time.

He takes his seat right alongside Yukimura, not at all shy about bumping up against him, and he motions with the sake bottle. It's probably better for now if he handles Yukimura's servings.]

[ Masamune staying in charge of the booze is definitely for the best. It would be a problem if Yukimura got too carried away three steps away from a cliff... Sure, he'd survive, but that's not the point.

Yukimura holds out his cup eagerly, but his eyes are quickly drawn back to the view. ]

If we humans could soar the skies as birds do, we might come to take it for granted.

[ And sharing this view with Masamune wouldn't hold the same magic it possesses now. ]

True, you have to know how it is to crawl along the ground and struggle against the current to really appreciate where wings might take you.

Even so... I think I'd like to be reborn as a bird in the next life.

[ Yukimura can easily picture it: a vibrant blue bird darting through the sky at sunset. ]

If you become a bird, I must grow my own wings and join you.

[ He won't be left behind. ]

[Would you follow me even beyond the end, Yukimura?

A precious, delicate thought that may very well shatter if he lets it out, so he doesn't.

Instead he pours some drink for himself and nestles in closer, resting his head on Yukimura's shoulder.]

Well, I don't intend on giving up this life any time soon. Don't change your mind before then.

[ When Masamune cuddles up against him like this, it feels like they're both puzzle pieces that fit right together.

Yukimura takes a sip from his own cup. The fuzzy warmth induced by the alcohol will make this all the comfier. ]

My mind won't ever change; not on this matter. That is a promise from the depths of my heart.

[ He seeks out Masamune's hand to take it. ]

[He hums contentedly and laces his fingers between Yukimura's. What a wonder it is that Masamune has two people he can love and trust to such an extent. That takes him higher than his own wings ever could.

He raises their hands together and presses his lips to Yukimura's knuckles. Such warm hands, as always.]

[ What a wonder it is that a man so like a force of nature could have such a tender side to him. It's not something Masamune advertises; no, this is a part of him that only those he holds close could ever be allowed to see.

Yukimura's knuckles almost tingle at the touch of Masamune's lips. ]

Lord Masamune, this side of you is...

[ It's sweet. It's cute. Really, really cute! But he can't just go ahead and say anything like that, can he? ]

It is endearing.

[ There. Maybe that will keep the dragon's pride intact. ]

[...He totally wants to use the word "cute," doesn't he? Masamune can tell that's what he's thinking! He huffs under his breath.]

It's as rare and fleeting a sight as these spring blossoms, so enjoy it while it lasts.

[ Oh no, Masamune, you're only making yourself cuter! ]

I shall! For it is more invaluable to me than even the view before us!

We'll see about that once it's nice and dark.

[He grins the devilish grin of a man who has plans for some BIG SHENANIGANS tonight. Even crazier than a horse on the roof...? That's probably subjective.]

[ Yukimura is intrigued. Just what does Masamune have up his sleeve? There's seriously no predicting him. ]

We will see. I think it will be no easy task to outdo what I am looking at right now.

[ And he's looking right at the cuddling Masamune. ]

[He does indeed have something stowed in his flowing sleeves, but that's for different shenanigans.

(Spoiler: LUBE AT LAST.)

Although if Yukimura's going to keep talking like that, maybe it won't even come into play. Even with his walls down, that's disgusting.]

If you're hoping to see me blush like some cute maiden, you're outta luck. But I might let you see how long a fall it is off the ledge there.

[He drains his sake dish in one go and turns to put his arms around Yukimura's shoulders and toy with his ponytail.]

[ HE'S DISGUSTINGLY IN LOVE, WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM HIM ]

Agh... Was my intention so obvious?

[ He was being entirely sincere, but yes, he did want to see Masamune blushing like a cute maiden. Is that so wrong?! He had to at least try!! ]

I will find a way, Lord Masamune. I do not care if I am pushed off a cliff for my trouble!!

[ This Loud Yukimura Declaration is undercut by a slight wavering of his voice. Masamune toying with his ponytail is really cute, and it's making him blush like a cute maiden.

Damn it, this is the opposite of what he was trying to accomplish!! ]

[There it is. Feels good to turn Yukimura's own ploy against him. To give credit where it's due, it was pretty subtle. For the guy who's practically shouting his plans to the world now.]

I'd spare myself the trouble if I were you. Don't forget, I've been at this far too long for anything to make me blush.

[BOLD WORDS for someone who's reserved about his warm fuzzy feelings. But, uh, never mind that. Masamune smirks and pinches one of Yukimura's cheeks.]

Red's much cuter on you, anyway.

Cuter...??

[ The word come out half-squeaked. If red is cute on him, then he must be adorable right this second. He can't even bring himself to swat at Masamune's hand. Yukimura's ploy is very effective when he's on the other end of it. ]

I!! I think even you are capable of blushing, Lord Masamune!! In a manner that is cute!!!

[ The more flustered he is, the louder he gets. ]

[Well he might just start blushing if Yukimura keeps yelling that shit in this HALF-OPEN PATIO. He doesn't need him putting that image in anyone's head!!

Time for the age-old classic of silencing with a kiss. SHUT UP SANADA.]

[ THE ONLY METHOD OF SHUTTING YUKIMURA UP THAT WORKS. He makes a confused "mmph?!" sound before he just rolls with the kiss.

Masamune, you fool. Suddenly kissing him is also very cute!! ]

--Isn't what you just did considered very romantic?

[Apparently it doesn't work as well as Masamune was going for! He stares flatly at Yukimura after that question, trying to gauge whether it's serious or teasing.]

You don't say.

[This whole visit is supposed to be very romantic. But that's all supposed to go WITHOUT saying...!

This time he pinches both of Yukimura's cheeks.]

[ Owie. So mean, Masamune. ]

--It is cute to perform a blatantly romantic gesture!!

[ That's his point! Masamune, you can't escape your cuteness!! Now BLUSH LIKE A CUTE MAIDEN, DAMMIT-- ]

[HE MIGHT BE. JUST A LITTLE. Or maybe it's just a flush from alcohol, or the glow from the setting sun. He'll go with one of those.]

Shit, you're determined to win on this one? Fine, if you say so.

[If he plays it off as nothing he wins, right?]

[ He is always determined to win everything if he's up against Masamune!

That reaction is incredibly underwhelming. Too underwhelming. Calculatedly underwhelming... This is most certainly a ploy!

Yukimura leans in close. ]

I won't accept a lukewarm victory, Lord Masamune!

[ He's not entirely sure what his endgame is, but... it doesn't matter! ]

[Ah yes, back to comfortably having the upper hand. King in his own castle. Literally.

A lazy smile spreads over his face.]

And just what are you going to do about it?

[ Hm. What is he going to do about it?

For starters, he leans in even closer. Super close.

Okay, good, he's really close.

...Part two of this excellent plan is... he's going to find a way to make Masamune blush! Red all over! Heart pounding in his chest while cherry blossoms flutter!!

Yukimura grabs Masamune by the hands.

And. ]

I am going to tell you... that I love every part of you! The gentle parts and the ruthless parts, the "partying" parts and the somber parts! The part of you that would strike me down and take my head, and the part of you that would drag me back from the depths of hell!

[ He went full-on heartfelt. ]

[CRITICAL HIT!!

Well, what else did he expect? He challenged Yukimura, and Yukimura never disappoints. That's why Masamune loves him so much, too.

...Bastard.

He purses his lips tightly, struggling to maintain his composure, but it is way too late for that. His cheeks are definitely flushed deeper than he can pin on one measly little drink, and his eye shines with vulnerability. He drops his gaxe and huffs a small laugh. Squeezing Yukimura's hands.]

Even this embarrassing and "cute" part of me done in by a few sappy words, I bet.

[ VICTORY!!

This blushing Masamune is as adorable as adorable gets. This is the power of an earnest tiger!! ]

Without a doubt.

[ Yukimura's gaze could not be more fond. ]

I will tell no one of how cute you are capable of being. It will remain a secret.

[ Even Yukimura can keep secrets! Really! ]

[Says the guy who was just yelling about it not even a minute ago...

Masamune closes his eye, one corner of his mouth curving in good humour.]

Not everyone would love the less cool side of me. This so-called cute side, the side that still needs guidance from time-to-time... [The side that so desperately wants to feel this kind of love but is too afraid to ask.] The parts that are more man than Dragon.

You really are one of a kind, Sanada Yukimura.

Edited 2020-01-12 14:45 (UTC)

[ He can't imagine not loving those sides of Masamune. It feels only natural that he should. ]

That you are human is not something that should be held against you. I am only human, too.

[ They all are. Just humans doing their best.

Yukimura pulls him into a hug, and speaks into Masamune's ear. ]

But for each soul that cannot accept this, I vow to love your humanity all the more fiercely.

[Even if he is one very such soul?

If there are parts of himself that Masamune still cannot accept, let alone love, then maybe it's enough to love the part of Yukimura that does instead. This beautiful human being.

He clings tightly to Yukimura, burying his face into his shoulder. Hiding his big, stupid smile.]

...Yukimura.

[ Yukimura swears his heart stops for a good few seconds.

That was his name. Just his given name, no "Sanada" preceding it.

It's just as much of a shock as any "I love you"; every bit as impactful. ]

...Masamune?

[ Is that alright, then? Can he call him that? ]

[Not even Kojuro's been that bold. It is a little jarring to hear, but he likes it. Loves it, even.

(Of course, he still fully intends to dramatically scream out SANADAAAA YUKIMURAAAA in battle, because he loves that, too.)]

Well, Yukimura... I think I owe it to you to love you at least as much in return. Be it with my words or my flesh or through any other means.

[A very well-timed explosion crackles in the air over the castle town, raining down golden sparks. Masamune glances out at it and perks up.]

Ahh. About time!

[There's a long pause after the starting signal before a bigger cluster of fireworks is set off. Masamune's more than happy to sacrifice part of the New Year's supply for a night like this.]

[ He called him Yukimura again, and it's not even the thing that carries the most impact. Hearing a vow like that would be enough to make him cry, normally. The only reason he doesn't is the sudden shock of the explosion. Those golden sparks... are they what he thinks they are?

He waits with bated breath, and sure enough, a flurry of fireworks follow in the wake of the first one. ]

Magnificent...! I had not anticipated fireworks, Masamune!!

[ That beautiful view is all the more compelling with colorful sparks filling the sky. Yukimura looks downright enchanted. ]

[It's better that Yukimura watches the fireworks instead of looking at Masamune's face right now, because his big fat smarmy smirk is a real mood-killer.]

So, how much does it outdo the previous view?

The difference is so great it cannot be measured!!

[ It's a real treat to behold, and it makes his heart swell to think that Masamune wanted him to see this. ]

Yeah, I figured you'd like it.

[He really wanted to be balls deep while Yukimura watched the display, but this still isn't bad. And it's not like the show's over yet...

He shifts his position to sit behind Yukimura somewhat and pull him into his lap, arms around his waist.]

[ There's still plenty of time for that lube to make its grand appearance (as shocking and unexpected as the fireworks themselves).

Yukimura's more than happy to get comfortable in Masamune's lap. The fireworks-watching experience can only be improved by cuddling. He sighs contentedly. ]

Such bright colors, contrasted against the darkness of the sky... This will be a lasting memory, Masamune.

[ It does feel odd to say his name without any honorific attached, but he figures that means he's just going to have to keep saying it until he gets used to doing so. ]

Good! I'd just plain old be offended if you went and forgot after I put all this together for you.

[Will they remember it as birds flitting about together in the next life? He wonders. Will a more peaceful existence still give them reason to meet?

He rests his head against Yukimura's shoulder this time. Whatever happens, he wants to remember this moment of peace. The warmth of a pulse beneath his touch that isn't in rapid decline; explosions of bright colour and wonder that aren't followed by screams and the stench of charred earth. Being able to hold an enemy as a lover instead.

He brushes Yukimura's long hair aside to kiss at the back of his neck, slow and delicately.]

[ Yukimura's whole body shivers with the kiss. He likes when they do it rough -- of course he does -- but nothing suits right now better than gentle intimacy. He tilts his head to give Masamune better access. ]

I am thankful... no, I am far more than thankful. I fear that words alone will fail to convey the depths of my gratitude, and how much this evening means to me.

[ The view and the fireworks are splendid, but the most wonderful part is that Masamune wanted to share these things with him. ]

Fortunately for you, I've never cared much for words alone. [And yet he loves poetry...] But I know the heart behind them well enough to believe in them.

[Even if he can be naive at times when it comes to the harsher realities of the world (less so these days, though that's a mixed blessing), Yukimura's conviction in his own feelings has always been strong and pure. Though it may be embarrassing to hear, Masamune can still listen to Yukimura speak of love and know he'll act on it without hesitation, for better or for worse.

He isn't someone who'd flee from his responsibilities and then have the gall to try to tell others how to care for the people and land that they love.

Masamune traces his fingertips along Yukimura's nape, from his hairline to the ridges at the base of his neck and back again.

And then he stands.

Because within this room (within practically every room) is a decorative display of blades, of which Masamune takes the smallest and regards the gilded sheath thoughtfully.]

[ Yukimura savors every warm admission, every tender touch Masamune has to offer. He loves this. He loves him.

Where would they be now if Yukimura hadn't faced his own heart and realized his feelings? To think that he could have missed out on this...

But they're here now, and that's what matters.

Yukimura watches Masamune with curiosity as he stands and examines one of the decorative blades.

(Of course he has all these decorative blades on display. Peak Masamune decoration.) ]

What are you thinking?

[Peak Masamune decor is the gold leafed sliding screen door with the phoenix, or a steaming dragon arena carved into the mountainside, come on. This is Masamune Lite. Even if the display does hold six blades.]

I'm thinking... it's well past time we started carrying a physical reminder of this moment as well.

[ OKAY, TRUE. BUT STILL. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HE EXPECTS OF MASAMUNE'S DECORATING.

Yukimura's expression grows yet more curious, but with a touch of understanding. ]

Carving the memory into our skin... That is what you mean?

[ ~~Sounds kinky.~~ ]

Atta boy.

[He makes his way back over to Yukimura, slowly drawing the knife from its case. He turns it to reflect the light from oil lamps and distant fireworks both.]

The scars from our battles are ones I look upon with pride and- yeah, you could say love. ...I'd just as gladly shed blood for times like these if it meant I could summon that same feeling anytime, any place.

[ When Masamune describes it that way, Yukimura is certain he's on board with this. No matter what might happen in the future, that eternal physical reminder of this moment, of their bond, would ground him. Give him the strength to persevere.

And even in quiet and peaceful times, just glancing at that mark would remind him of Masamune, and this wonderful night. ]

I understand... And I, too, want what I am feeling right now -- these feelings I harbor for you -- to be etched into this body of mine.

[When words don't do their passion justice, their bodies will speak for them. That is how it's always been with them. A man who is unwilling to shed blood for his beliefs is a liar anyway.

Masamune tilts his chin slightly in gratitude and appreciation, the softest of all smiles on his lips. Of course Yukimura understands.

He sits before Yukimura and draws one of his knees up, sliding his kimono up and aside in a purposefully sultry way. Of course. He slides his hand over the inside of his exposed thigh and the neat lines of pledges already made.

(Guess whose scars match most of them. Guess.)]

Then it's only right that you're the one to wound me.

[something something kizuna / kizu na wordplay god damn it

MORE IMPORTANTLY, he's holding the knife out with both hands, all nice and proper. Amazing.]

[ Yukimura takes the knife as if he's accepting a treasure. ]

It is my honor.

[ He feels no jealousy as he looks at the scars Masamune has already accumulated. Loving one person doesn't mean you can't love another one too. That truth has become all the more real to him as of late.

Carefully, and with great focus, he presses the blade's edge to an unmarked part of Masamune's inner thigh, and draws a clean line across. ]

[Despite being purely decorative, the steel is still sharp enough that it slices right through Masamune's skin without resistance or pain. It almost seems not to have left a mark at all, until blood rushes up to cover the blade's path.

He whistles like absolute fucking madman he is.]

Nice one, Yukimura...

[ The praise carries even more weight with Masamune calling him by name. Yukimura looks at his handiwork with satisfaction. It will scar beautifully. ]

This is the proof of our entwined fates, written in blood.

[ Yukimura follows Masamune's example, pulling back the fabric of his kimono to reveal his inner thigh -- devoid entirely of scars and pledges -- and offers back the knife with both hands. ]

Leave your mark, Masamune.

[He takes the blade back just as delicately and reaches out to run his hand along Yukimura's thigh. Even relaxed like this, it feels sturdy and powerful. Thighs that could crush a man's skull. Thighs that could flip an entire horse.

Unmarred thighs waiting for Masamune to be the first to stake his claim, leave his presence right where any future lovers will see he's already been. Of course that's all just as appealing to a man like him as the romantic intent behind it.

He slices swiftly and effortlessly as if he were using one of his own claws, deep enough to last but avoiding major arteries; tis is not what he had in mind for the day they finally kill eachother.]

This proof of our passion'll last just as long as our bodies do, and tge memory even longer.

[He resheaths the knife and leans aside to set it as far as he can reach. Good enough. He doesn't want to get up again.]

[ Yukimura watches the blood rise to the surface, fascinated and moved. ]

I will bear this scar with the utmost pride.

[ And there is a thrill in the thought of carrying a mark that proves beyond a shadow of a doubt what he is to Masamune, and what Masamune is to him.

Who knew how romantic a wound could be? ]

When you invited me here, had you already planned for us to exchange these vows?

[ ~~Like how he's planned the lube.~~ ]

Humm... I've thought about it before, from time to time.

[A familiar warmth rises to his cheeks as he admits that, but he looks away to make a grab for the sake bottle before he has to hear Yukimura call him cute again. He trickles some over the cut in his leg and sucks in a breath at the sting.]

But the moment never felt quite right until now, that's all.

[ It makes his heart all the fuller knowing Masamune's had this on the mind for some time now. ]

As I consider the past... I believe that there has been no better time than now, when we have put these feelings into words, and have begun to address one another more intimately.

[ Also, Masamune better share that sake. ]

[Of course. He'll even do the honours, carefully pouring drink over Yukimura's thigh and watching it run pink. Feels familiar.]

Ha. I still prefer to let my actions do the talking, but maybe saying it out loud from time to time isn't a bad way to mix things up.

[His gaze flicks up to Yukimura's face. There are still certain physical acts he very much did plan, and they're coming to mind now with so much bare flesh on display.]

[ There is something oddly familiar about that, but Yukimura just can't place it. Maybe he's reminded of a dream he might have had...? ]

At times, it is good to underscore actions with words. You can be certain then that you have conveyed your thoughts to the utmost!

[ As for what's coming to Yukimura's mind...

Not much. ]

For instance... I sense that you have something in mind, but I know not what it is!

[ Oh, for Christ's sake, Yukimura, read the room. ]

[ BOI. ]

[Masamune hangs his head for just a moment. Maybe Yukimura's right. He can't read Masamune's mind like Kojuro can. Now that he's more on board with this emotional openness thing, there's no point in playing it cool.

The last of the fireworks fizzle away into the night, and the silence between the echoing explosion and the festivities starting back up is almost crushing.

Masamune leans in close to Yukimura's ear.]

Make love to me, Yukimura.

[SOMETHING MYSTERIOUS tumbles out of his sleeve and into Yukimura's lap. Maybe he can still be a little bit coy about it.]

[ O-oh, that's what Masamune is thinking about. Yukimura feels a bit foolish for being so oblivious.

The way Masamune phrased it, though: make love to him. That conjures mental images that are somewhat different than the previous times they've had sex. Gentler images of slow and tender intimacy.

Yukimura's happy to give this change of pace a try. What would suit tonight any better than lovemaking, anyway? ]

Let us--

[ Then the MYSTERIOUS SOMETHING drops right into his lap. He picks it up and regards it with interest. ]

--Ah? What is inside of this?

[ They've never used it, so... he doesn't know... ]

Edited 2020-01-15 20:05 (UTC)

Something else I've been meaning to bring up.

[He leans back on his hands and grins lopsidedly.]

A bit of oil should help things go a little more smoothly than usual.

[ He wants to say he's not afraid of a little pain, and that he knows Masamune isn't either, but making love, as it were, is probably supposed to involve as little pain as possible. ]

How wise of you to think ahead! I had never considered making use of a lubricant.

[ And no one is surprised. ]

Then, I am to apply this onto myself? How much is required?

[Hold on, just who's going to end up getting balls-deep, here...

Ah, who is he kidding. Of course they'll both get a turn or five.]

Just enough to coat it should work fine. [He makes a suggestive hand motion in the air. Yeah, no hesitation at all when it comes to this side of things.] But what do you say we make sure you're nice and hard first?

[He opens his kimono further, letting it bunch around his arms like a well-practiced seductress.]

[ IT'S A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT FOR MARATHON SEX.

How come a suggestive hand motion is still enough to make Yukimura blush? Some things never change.

--Masamune sure knows how to work a kimono. Yukimura doesn't even bother trying to hide the eyeful he's giving him. ]

I do not think it will take long, if this is your approach...

[ Never mind a seductress, Masamune is succubus-tier.

If you're asking Yukimura, anyway. ]

[Yukimura's the one who came riding in with his tits out from the get-go. If Masamune's a succubus, what does that make him? ~~the one getting the succ.~~

Hearing it makes Masamune pleased as punch every time. The kind of pleased that deserves to be punched, that is. Mouth curved into a wide smug kitty smirk and all. He scoots closer, seating himself between Yukimura's legs, his fingers brushing over the scar he left. It's still bleeding, but that's fine.]

Take it easy. Here I wanted to try going nice and slow, but if you tell me something like that it's going to get me revved up in no time, too.

[Like he isn't already. Yukimura does it to him every time.

He steals a quick kiss... aaand the opportunity to pat Yukimura's crotch for curiousity's sake.]

[ Yukimura's too much of a furry not to love that smug kitty smirk. And how fortunate for them that blood is more of a turn on than a turn off.

He makes a little noise in the back of his throat as Masamune makes crotch contact. He's actually only a little bit hard, though.

His dick doesn't have an automatic 'full power' button, okay! Seductress Masamune is incredibly hot, but he needs more stimulation! ]

Taking it slowly is what suits the atmosphere we have cultivated...! I -- would like to make love to you, Masamune. Just as you said!

[ Yukimura, please don't forget that this is an open patio, and that your voice carries. ]

[The whole damn town was going to end up hearing them anyway, open air or not. But to hear that-!

Masamune freezes, then turns his blind side to Yukimura, biting the inside of his cheek hard.]

[ Immediately, he wonders if that was the wrong thing to say. Just as quickly, he discards the notion. This is Masamune. Unlike Yukimura, emotional vulnerability is difficult for him to deal with. ]

Masamune... Please do not hide your expression from me.

[The wrong thing to YELL, most certainly. He's still got a reputation to keep around here! It helps keep the boys in line if they can think he's at least a little scary!]

I'm doing you a favour. It would be a shame if the novelty wore off on my supposed cute side so soon.

[ Can't hear you over the sound of shouting about making love!!! ]

What you say makes sense, and yet I cannot shake the feeling I will appear foolish if I take you at face value...

[That's your secret, captain. You always appear foolish.]

Mm... don't worry about it. [That blush is BACK UNDER CONTROL. He turns again to slip his arms around his neck, curving his body against Yukimura's.]

What were you saying? -No, show me...

[ Lucky for Yukimura that he can turn foolishness into moe appeal!

He answers by cupping Masamune's face and drawing him into a kiss -- passionate, but tender. Yukimura may not be the most well-versed man in the world where romance is concerned (until recently, he would hastily skim through even the tamest of romantic scenes in books), but he knows what feels right.

When he draws back, he doesn't pull back far at all. Masamune's lone eye catches his attention. ]

...Only now do I notice that your pupil is slit, just like the eye of a dragon....!

[ And now that he's noticed it, he's captivated by it. It's so cool! ]

[It's cool until the light shifts they start to dilate, then it's just creepy as hell.

Masamune blinks that big ol' lizard eye a few times. It's not like he can really verify that for himself right now, and he tends to avoid eye contact with his own reflection.

But he's seen the same eyes glaring at him from elsewhere.]

Huh... is that so. Good to know I'm still fierce as ever, even at a time like this.

[The gaze of a dragon must be truly terrible, then. And that doesn't bother Yukimura?]

[ Even he didn't realize?

...Well. Even clueless Yukimura can imagine why Masamune might not examine his own reflection too closely. He's seen for himself how much the loss of one eye has impacted him.

Yukimura shakes his head. ]

A slit pupil alone is not enough to make one's gaze fierce. There must be ferocity behind it. And at a time like this... there is no such thing.

[He entertains a brief thought about turning the ferocity on, but the mood's been so well set he'd hate to ruin it now. Maybe next time.

Tenderly he leans his cheek into Yukimura's palm, resisting the urge to close his eyes in comfort so he can keep looking into his rivalover's.]

What do you see, then?

[He can't recall anyone speaking kindly of his eyes. Huh.]

Edited 2020-01-17 01:34 (UTC)

I see melancholy, brought on by the subject at hand.

[ With his thumb, he rubs gentle circles into Masamune's skin. ]

But more than that, I see affection, and warmth, and trust. Deeper still, I see reflected in that eye a soul that is noble... that harbors a love for a land and a people, and that carries a most worthy ambition.

And I see myself, and I am gladdened to be reflected in your eye. To be seen by you... has brought me the greatest happiness.

[...This fucking guy.

This beautiful, earnest, hopeful, kind, valiant, unbreakable guy. The kind of guy who could only come around once every hundred years, if even that.

The only man whose words reflect his heart just as clearly as his actions.

Masamune's just as glad to be looked at so lovingly by Yukimura. To see himself in those eyes that see through him without judgment. And it's good that Yukimura can read his eye so well, because he can't find the words to describe the light feeling in his heart. Which is kind of shameful, considering.

After a long moment he lets out a quiet 'hah' and runs a hand through his hair.]

Funny you should mention seeing yourself... Those are the kinds of things that you caught my eye with in the first place.

[Perhaps not so much ambitious, but steadfast in his cause nonetheless. Close enough.

Masamune hesitates before finally pulling his eyepatch off and casting it aside. That, he decides, should say everything.]

[ What he sees in Masamune, Masamune sees in him.

What a beautiful thing that is. Hearing Masamune say that makes him so happy, but it's nothing compared to the intense emotion that washes over him when he watches Masamune cast his eyepatch away.

The shield that protects him from judgment, from shame.

But there is nothing to be ashamed of. He must know that.

He trusts Yukimura with this scar and all the pain it represents, and what this means to Yukimura cannot be overstated.

He looks at Masamune head-on. At his slit-pupil dragon's eye, and at the scar where a right eye once was. Yukimura's own eyes are wide and shiny. Everything he's feeling threatens to overwhelm him, and he hardly knows what to do with himself.

Masamune cast away his eyepatch. ]

Masamune...!

[ The words won't come. What can he say that will do justice to the gravity of this?

All at once, he knows what to do. He, too, will speak with his actions.

Yukimura kisses the scar. ]

[Even if this isn't the first time Yukimura's seen the scar, Masamune is no less impressed and mystified by his lack of revulsion even when such a sight is sprung on him without warning. If Yukimura's heart can truly hold the love to make up for every soul who won't accept this wretched weakness, this humanity hidden beneath dragon scales, then his capacity for it must be without limit.

The kiss is so gentle on his flesh but powerful enough to send a tremor down his spine, enough to make him feel like he's falling, or perhaps flying. Tonight he really has laid himself completely bare for Yukimura; from his scar to his honest words to the very blood that runs through him. What a concept. He wonders if he somehow had a few more cups of sake without even realizing it.

But he doesn't regret this. Never will. He tightens his hold around Yukimura's shoulders and assaults his cheek and chin and lips with a flurry of kisses, and then tumbles backwards to pull him down with him. Fuck, he's in love. He loves his rival so damn much he could run to the balcony's edge and scream it to the whole town.

-But he doesn't, because that would ruin his image.

This cute side is all for Yukimura.]

[ He's certain he's never seen Masamune this affectionate before. Seeing the rarest sides of Date Masamune appears to be the theme of the evening, and he will cherish every minute of it. ]

Uaaah!

[ He pulled them both down! Yukimura didn't expect that!! And it's so unexpected, so endearing, that as Yukimura lands on top of him, he starts to laugh, nuzzling his head into Masamune's chest. What a wonderful man. ]

[Even if Yukimura told anybody about this secret cuddly dragon, NOBODY WOULD EVER BELIEVE HIM. Except Kojuro, who already knows. But it's a perfect ploy otherwise!

Yukimura being cuddly is something more familiar, though. Last time Masamune had him on top of him like this, he was more drunk and less clothed. How Masamune managed to behave under those circumstances is a mystery even to himself. But tonight he doesn't have to.

He brushes Yukimura's hair behind his ear and offers a lazy smile.]

What do you know... looks like I did end up keeping you for myself after all, little tiger.

[ Oh yes, he remembers that conversation. Yukimura props himself up on his elbows. ]

What you have yet to realize, Date Masamune, is that I am the one who is keeping you.

[ What, like he's going to let Masamune say just things like that without responding in kind?

He can't make himself say the words 'little dragon', though. That's too much like a legitimate pet name, and that's so embarrassing!! ]

Ohh?

[It is definitely the kind of 'OH' one makes when torn between wanting to laugh and joke along and being offended by the sheer tiger balls. Masamune's eyebrows arch incredulously, and he lifts his head as if to dare Yukimura to prove it.]

Indeed!! It is true that I am the one in your territory, but that only means I ventured all this way to retrieve you!!

[ He's making this up on the spot and saying it with the utmost confidence. ]

Interesting. I have heard it said that you must venture into the tiger's den if you hope to catch its cub...

[He grins, all sharp teeth and hungry eye.]

But in this case, it looks to me like that cub's come out to walk right into the jaws of the Dragon.

Edited 2020-01-19 06:47 (UTC)

Feel the Tiger's jaws instead!!

[ If Masamune thought he could say that without getting chomped, he was very mistaken!

Well, it's more of a love-bite to the side of the neck. ]

[Aww yeah, there's what he likes. His pleased groan quickly turns into a played-up growl as he turns his head to catch Yukimura's ear between his teeth.

Fucking furries.]

[ If Yukimura were a cat, he'd probably be purring.

Incidentally, tigers can't purr, and that is a shame, though do they make an equally cute sound. Subscribe for more dank tiger facts. ]

Crimson fangs of the Tiger!!

[ Did he just name and call out an "attack"?

God, Masamune is rubbing off on him.

He bites Masamune's jaw this time. ]

[God that's embarrassing as hell. Do of course Masamune loves it. He laughs and tilts his head back, baring his own fangs in a manic grin.]

Getting serious, are we? Well then... you asked for it!

[He wraps his arms tightly around Yukimura and rolls them both over.]

[ And what pointy fangs they are! Yukimura's into that.

A ROLLIN' THEY GO. ~~RIGHT OFF THE CLIFF.~~ Now Yukimura gets to look up at that grinning face and those pointy dragon teeth. ]

And by what name does that tactic go?!

[ It has to have a dumb name. That's the rule now. ]

Dragon Roll.

[That's not a gagtag.]

A fine name, as I anticipated!!

[ He doesn't know what "roll" in English means, but it sounds good, and that's what matters. ]

But now, you must answer to... Scarlet Befuddlement!!

[ ...

...

He's not doing anything.

Which might be the point.

This is Yukimura's version of psyching out his opponent. BE BEFUDDLED!! ]

[He just stares down at Yukimura for a moment, one eyebrow raised, lips pursed into the tiniest of pouts. And then he shrugs one shoulder dismissively.]

Sorry, General Befuddlement, but this Dragon answers to no one.

[Time to unleash an assault of nips and love bites on Yukimura's collar and shoulders, and get the rest of that pesky kimono out of the way.]

[ So trying to confuse Masamune by doing nothing is not a winning strategy... Maybe he needs to try the tsundere act again? Sure, Masamune probably won't fall for it twice, but there's always a chance!!

General Befuddlement, though... ]

No...! What a foolish name!!!

[ Coming up with good attack names that can't be used against him is harder than he thought. Even the love bite barrage (huh, is that a good name?) can't distract him from the echo of General Befuddlement in his head. ]

[

Please give him a minute to recover from the shame. ]

[ Okay, all better.

But a suitable retaliation is in order.

Prepare for the Tiger's Love Bite Counterattack!

He's not saying that bit aloud, to be on the safe side. ]

[That's right. It'll take more than a silly attack name to dethrone the king of bullshit!

It's a shame that Yukimura seems to gave given up on calling them out now, though. Masamune'll have to goad him back into it at a later date. For now he turns his face to meet the nameless attack head-on, rumbling a playful growl as he tries to take Yukimura's lip between his teeth.

A task only made harder by talking.]

Hey, you mind? I'm trying to get my mouth on your cock, here.

[ Remind him again how Masamune can just say these things without an ounce of shame?

Don't get him wrong. It's a hot thing to say.

(The growl's hot too, in it's own dragongator way.) ]

III AM NOT ATTEMPTING TO INTERFERE--!!

[ Captain Flusterment might be a better name.

That's not a word, but it captures the essence of Yukimura, no? ]

[Just calling him Scarlet works any which way, frankly.

And is the growling really that hot when Masamune continues to do it as his head vanishes beneath the kimono? Accompanied by some equally hammy chomping sounds? AND TEETH-- a nip on Yukimura's undamaged thigh, a bite along the ridge of his pelvis... the barest scrape of teeth along the side of his dick--]

[ Yukimura, who can yiff with the best of them, is of course turned on by the continued growling accompanied by chomping sounds. How could he call himself a furry if he wasn't?

His whole body shivers at that faint tooth-on-dick contact. Yukimura's kinda into teeth when they're Masamune's. Those pointy fangs are a turn-on. And that's totally not weird when plenty of people think vampires are hot. HE'S NORMAL, OKAY. ]

Just now, I felt -- the Dragon's fangs...!

[Hearing him say that out loud is enough to get a small HA from Masamune. At least Yukimura sounds excited about it instead of afraid that he'll bite his dick right off... although that would have been kind of funny, too.

He wonders if Yukimura would be into that.

The Dragon drags his fangs down the shaft's length, following up with a long swipe of the tongue. And after a moment's consideration, he turns his head to lap at Yukimura's new scar, too.]

[ Hey, what's the laugh for!? Yukimura would grumble about that if the Dragon Blowjob weren't immediately redirecting his thoughts elsewhere.

Those fangs. Feeling them drag against the tender skin of his cock invites the illusion of danger, and there are precious few things more erotic than danger to a guy who probably considers a date and a duel to the death to be more or less the same thing.

But when Masamune laps at his new scar, there's an emotional component to that. That scar is their relationship summed up in a single mark. Sentimental feelings, an eternal vow, made with a knife and the shedding of blood. Heartfelt and violent.

That's them.

Yukimura grunts and groans, squirming beneath Masamune's tongue. ]

This... is a new weak point...!?

One you'll never get rid of.

[Yukimura's skin tastes of the remnants of alcohol and not-quite-dry blood. It's tempting to keep tonguing at the wound until it tears open and spills fresh blood into Masamune's waiting mouth, bringing Yukimura into him as much as he pushes into Yukimura.

~~But then it would be eroguro and I'm a WEENIE~~

Masamune savours the sharp tang on his tongue for a moment before moving his attention towards Yukimura's cock proper. Letting the taste of blood mingle with the salt on skin and voicing his satisfaction in a drawn out "mmm~." Can't even shut up with a mouthful of dick.]

[ AND SO, ON THIS DAY, THE EROGURO WAS NOT TO BE...

Masamune really did just go "mmm~" with Yukimura's dick in his mouth, huh. Yukimura makes a sound like a deflating balloon and hides his face in his hands. Take notes, Masamune, this is another exploitable weak point. ]

That -- the taste can't -- does not warrant that!!!

[One of these days Masamune is going to find a way to exploit these weaknesses in an actual battle and maybe that day will be one for eroguro.

Yukimura's protest, of course, is met with an even louder MMM~ until the implications smack Masamune right in the face.

He pulls off neatly enough and resurfaces from the depths of fellatio hell, eyebrows raised.

His hand can keep the momentum going in the meantime.]

You saying you don't like it?

[How could Yukimura not love THE TASTE OF DEFEAT?]

That is not what I mean!!

[ He's sure that no one sucks dick better than Masamune, even if he has no other points of comparison. ]

But that sound!! It is as if... as if you were savoring dango on a skewer!!

You know, now that you mention it... the mouthfeel isn't all that different.

[At least before the thing's fully worked up. He squeezes Yukimura's dick like he's giving this comparison more serious thought.]

[ And now Yukimura sounds like a dying animal. ]

N-NEVER AGAIN WILL I EXPERIENCE DANGO IN THE SAME WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!

[THAT IS CONSIDERABLY LESS SEXY THAN GROWLING.]

Now you can use it for practice.

[ Yukimura entertains this mental image for three entire seconds before burying his face in his hands twice as hard. ]

No, do you not see?! Biting into it is the best part...!

Is that.

So.

[He opens his mouth to run his tongue over his fangs. Very very slowly.]

[ Yukimura peers through his fingers and -- oh. Oh fuck.

This is pinging his erotic danger kink so hard.

Any reasonable person would be closing their legs, but not Yukimura. ]

Surely... you are bluffing...?

[He was kind of hoping to be taking that dick in the other end, but something in Yukimura's voice makes Masamune's breath catch in his throat. He's had a taste of blood already, after all.]

Who knows? Hearing you talk like that really works up a guy's appetite.

[ Slowly, Yukimura pulls his hands from his face. He's a furious shade of red, but he looks warily intrigued.

Of all things, it's this that's getting his dick hard. ]

Then... perhaps...

[ Yukimura swallows hard. Where is this going? He has no idea, but he wants to find out. ]

You ought to sate that hunger.

[Holy shit, the man's serious. Masamune knows because he can feel the throbbing heat intensify in his palm while a rational human being might find the thought to be a bit of a boner-killer.

Well, Yukimura's never really been 'normal' by any means..,

...and neither has Masamune.

Despite the expressive emotional journey that plays out on his face, he decides he doesn't hate the idea. No, he's very curious as to how far he should take this. To leave his mark there, of all places... That's kind of hot.

At the same time, he doesn't want to damage anything. This would be the worst way to put an end to their night of passionate romance, or worse, any future nights together. It'd be a damn shame to waste a penis like that.

(He is salivating like a hungry beast. Awful.)

So Masamune flings open the rest of the kimono to properly lay Yukimura bare, ducking his head down to consider his approach.]

Edited 2020-01-24 17:43 (UTC)

[...Eh, it'll probably be fine as long as he doesn't draw too much blood. There's still sake left if things turn ugly.

And so he opens his mouth wide and turns his head a little to take Yukimura's cock, sitting the head between his molars and adding pressure, little by little. Just to see what happens.]

[ Yukimura has to wonder for a good few seconds if Masamune's not about to ask him if he's totally crazy (to which Yukimura would have no good reply to, because... dick biting? That's kind of out there). Fortunately, it looks like his equally crazy rival is on board after all.

The pressure on his dick can be felt immediately. He's hyper-aware of it, if anything, because that's his dick that Masamune's got between his teeth. The part of Yukimura's brain that's in charge of self-preservation is shouting at him that this is the world's stupidest idea. His libido, meanwhile, is going "oh, hell yes", and it gets the final say.

Danger is sexy. What else can be said? ]

Had you a sword at my throat... it would feel akin to this! There is no pain, per se, but my entire body is tensed in anticipation...!

[ Especially his dick. That thing is "tensing up", all right. ]

[Well, he can't exactly give more of a response than an emphatic hmmh, but boy is he all ears for Yukimura's perspective. If Masamune had any idea that this was a hidden kink of the young cub's, he would have kept that damn knife close at hand after all!

...in hindsight, how didn't he expect this to end up being a kink for at least one of them...

Encouraged by Yukimura's excitement, he sets his fangs just beyond the edge of the glans and bites harder. Still careful not to draw blood, but it wouldn't take much more pressure at their sharpest points.]

[ EVEN YUKIMURA WOULD HAVE TO SAY NO TO A KNIFE. Maybe it seems like an arbitrary line to draw, but a knife's point -- no pun intended -- is to cut. At least where teeth are concerned they can stick to toeing that line.

And toeing it they are. It has to speak to Yukimura's sheer trust in Masamune that he's not only letting him bite his dick, but letting him bite harder.

Yukimura's body wants to shudder in arousal, but sudden movements feel like a bad idea. ]

Masamuneeeee...!

[ But that energy has to go somewhere, so he groans Masamune's name. (And the novelty of calling him just 'Masamune' has not even begun to wear off.) ]

The sense of danger is overwhelming... Just how I like it!!

[So Yukimura can trust a Dragon's teeth but not his mastery over his own claws? After all their fights...

The important thing is that Yukimura's opened his eyes to exactly how exhilarating a little risk can be, and hearing that confirmed for him out loud makes Masamune's cock throb in anticipation. ...Hearing his name drawn out like that does a lot for him too, naturally.

He wants to much to keep pushing and see just where Yukimura's boundaries are, or if they'd get so caught up in eachother they'd enjoy every second of their mutually assured destruction. Masamune's got enough control to know that's not the best plan (RIGHT NOW) but his blood's pumping red-hot and getting him charged up to- to do something. It would be a battle, normally. He'd like a little danger for himself.

Fuck it. He can't take it slow anymore.

He pulls off Yukimura's cock, his voice raw and husky. There's endless hunger and challenge behind the eye that locks onto Yukimura's.]

Lube it up.

[ Masamune is free to put a knife to his own dick if he wants to convince Yukimura to give that a go...

(And then they start playing Knife Dick Chicken or something.)

Yukimura can't refrain from groaning in frustration as Masamune removes his teeth. Sure, it would be anti-climactic to finish now, but he was really getting into this!!

But that look of hunger and challenge keeps Yukimura from feeling the frustration long.

Time for the lube. ]

...Where did it...?

[ Oh, come on, where did the lube go? They finally have some!

Give him a minute. He didn't lose it. He definitely did not lose it, because that would be silly.

Haha... No, he's not sweating at all, don't be absurd.

Um.

--Oh, thank goodness, he found it. ]

AHA!!

[ And he triumphantly raises it into the air, like Link after opening up a chest. Dun dun dun DUUUUN~♪

...

Alright, alright, he'll start lathering his dick up. ]

Edited 2020-01-30 05:27 (UTC)

[Good thing Yukimura found it when he did, because Masamune was getting impatient to the point of... well. Definitely not taking it slow and romantic, which would ruin the whole point of everything he bothered to set up tonight!

He's still not interested in wasting any more time. Anything else, like asking Yukimura how he got the jar to hover over his head like that for a second there, can wait until they're both good and satisfied. So, a long while.

While Yukimura takes care of business, Masamune dips a finger into the oil to smear along his buttcrack. He reclines as he does so, spreading his legs to further entice Yukimura.]

Come on, do it. Yu - ki - mu - ra...

[ What, you don't levitate objects after finding them, Masamune?

'Entice' doesn't quite cover what he's doing to Yukimura. That pose is bad enough (which is to say, fantastic, A+, real fucking good, deserving of being immortalized on paper -- so on and so forth), so never mind how hearing his name punctuated like that is making him feel. His given name.

He's aware that he's probably going to have to remind himself that it's tender lovemaking they're going for. He'll want to fuck Masamune senseless if he forgets. ]

Already I'm certain of how mightily my self-control shall be tested...!

[ He crawls on top of Masamune and, despite the concerns of three seconds ago, pauses to just take in the image of Date Masamune sans eyepatch. He knows perfectly well what Masamune thinks of his scars, but where Masamune sees something loathsome in his own reflection, Yukimura sees something beautiful in its own right.

Of course it's caused Masamune untold suffering. Of course, he wishes Masamune never endured that suffering.

But that scar is there and it's not going away, and the least anyone on this planet can do is give Masamune a reason to hate it a little less.

Yukimura presses a kiss to the scar on Masamune's face.

Slow and deliberate and lingering. ]

Your face is most handsome when I can see the whole of it. You are breathtaking, Masamune.

[ He could stare at him forever.

Of course, if he tried to, Masamune would wonder if he were in some kind of weird trance or something. And so.

With a cock that has actually been lubed for the first time in this, well, timeline, Yukimura steadily, carefully begins to push inside. He won't try going all the way right off the bat. He's trying for romantic lovemaking here, and to get hasty is to get rough. ]

Yeah, yeah, you're just flattering me now.

[He says that, but really, he's delighted to hear those sweet words. If a charming young man gave a girl flowers and told her she was pretty, she'd probably make the very same expression Masamune's wearing now. There are few he can trust to look upon his bare face without pity or disgust. Fewer still who openly love it. Masamune wouldn't mind being stared at for at least a little longer.

But getting to the ~sexual healing~ is pretty good, too. He puts one arm behind his head, watching Yukimura's expression fondly. His brow furrows and his lips circle around soft sighs.]

That's it... that's good, Yukimura.

[Now that lube has finally come into play, things are going smoothly enough for Masamune to really feel Yukimura's cock and how it fills him, and he murmurs wordless satisfaction.

When he decides it's at a fine starting point, he lifts his arms toward Yukimura and makes beckoning gestures with his fingers.]

C'mere, loverboy.

[ He got Masamune to blush like a maiden!! Victory!!

Yukimura's expression is focused, and he doesn't take his eyes off of Masamune. He's taking in every detail on Masamune's face, savoring that warm, satisfied look. What a gorgeous man, his rival.

That's good, Yukimura.

That fills his heart and makes him hot.

Masamune beckons, and Yukimura responds. Without allowing himself to get hasty, Yukimura sets a languidly-paced rhythm. He lowers his head, his forehead brushing against Masamune's. ]

Mm... Masamune...

[ He just wants to meld into him. ]

I am... beginning to better appreciate the value in taking one's time.

Hah... It's not so bad to take it slow once in a while.

[An affirmation as much as it is a reminder to himself. When Yukimura's looking at him like he's all there is to see, even with the view offered by the special room, how can Masamune not want to be ravished all at once?

He cups the back of Yukimura's neck and lifts his head to kiss him again and again between breathy words.]

The night'll fade eventually... so I want to take the time and... build a memory that never will.

[His legs curl loosely around Yukimura's waist, tracing up his spine with an unexpectedly(?) soft heel.]

[ Ohh, this is new. A way to be kept close that hadn't crossed Yukimura's mind before. He likes that soft touch against his spine.

He rocks his hips to an unfaltering beat, thinking about how lucky he is. Once again, his lips touch the scar on Masamune's face. ]

Let us recall this night... above all others...

[ Because this night is special even among so many others they've shared. ]

I shall tell you now, again... that I love you.

[Maybe there IS no better way to describe an orgasm of the heart. Masamune's chest aches with unfathomable adoration that sends warmth and pleasant chills through his entire body.

It's embarrassing for a Dragon to be undone by such simple words. But here he is.]

...Thanks.

[For saying so. For meaning it. For allowing Masamune to love him right back.

He tilts his own hips to easily match Yukimura's rhythm, yearning to take him as deep as he possibly can. The closest they can be to becoming one being.

And he murmurs Yukimura's name to himself again and again, holding him close.]

[ He hears that 'thanks' and all of the meaning it carries, and it's impossible not to smile.

Yukimura thrusts in as deep as he can while taking care not to get too swept up in the moment. It takes a fair amount of self-control keep the loving tender; after all, lube helps, but it only goes so far. The friction and Masamune's murmurs of his name are testing him, and the cool fresh air against his skin tells him he's starting to sweat.

He grabs one of Masamune's hands and threads their fingers together. He wants all the contact he can get. ]

Is this how -- you envisioned it? Making love... that is.

[ If this is going to be something they remember forever, he wants to make sure he's doing it right. ]

[There's something so- endearingly innocent about asking that during the act itself, and Masamune has to laugh. Ah, he can really feel Yukimura when he does.]

Mmhm... Something's missing.

[It's not that he dislikes it. Besides their positions being reversed, this is about how it looked in his fantasies.

But he knows himself, and he knows Yukimura. He knows slow and steady just doesn't suit them.

He squeezes Yukimura's hand tightly.]

You're holding back.

[ Yukimura offers him a slightly puzzled look. ]

Yes? That's -- is that not how this works?

[ Curse his relative lack of experience!

But he can't deny it's driving him a little crazy keeping this measured pace. ]

No, I... understand. For us, "love-making" must... encompass more.

[ He squeezes Masamune's hand back.

All right, he can make this work. He can stop holding back and keep the romantic atmosphere.

Their location has set the perfect mood, so it'll be that much easier.

Yukimura breathes in deep and begins to gradually pick up the pace. ]

[Oh, thank fuck. Masamune isn't sure he'd have had the patience to explain things with a dick up his ass

The most romantic way he can think about the situation, clearly.

He lets his head fall back with a pleased groan, and his free hand alternates between rubbing and grabbing at Yukimura's shoulder.]

Now you're getting it... Show me your passion...! Do whatever you want most when I, ah, say I love you, Yukimura.

[ New theme for orgasm denial: nobody comes until a random topic is properly, thoroughly explained. Let's start with quantum mechanics!

Anyway.

Is there anything Yukimura is better at than showing his passion? Certainly not. But 'whatever you want most' is such a difficult thing to determine. What does he want to do most? There are so many things he could do. How to choose?

I love you, Yukimura.

That's what he wants to hear the most. It doesn't solve his conundrum, but it's nice to have figured out.

Despite how hard he's thinking, he's not letting up in the slightest. This is starting to resemble some of their previous escapades now. The tender approach has its merits, but this does feel most natural. ]

Do what... I want most...

[ Is he overthinking this? He could be.

Yes... he's sure he is.

If he clears his mind and thinks with his heart instead, the answer emerges. ]

Being with you... is already what I want most!!

[God, that's adorable.

And not at all what Masamune meant.

Forget gagtags-- Masamune actually does shove his hand right into Yukimura's face, because even though he's the one who was determined to have a sweet romantic evening, there's only so much schmaltz he can take at a time.

...He still laughs a little, despite himself.]

Hold on, help get my legs up over your shoulders-- there... mm, like that. Now come here.

[Maybe he'll get the picture if Masamune leads by example, by pulling Yukimura into a deep kiss and slowly pressing and grinding his body up against his, going for as much skin-on-skin contact as he can possibly manage. Going for even more than that.]

[ Yukimura protests upon suddenly having Masamune's hand in his face. He's being sincere, dammit!!

He'll follow Masamune's example, but he is pouting. Like a mature person who is in the middle of having sex. ]

I answered in -- the most honest way, Masamune...

[ He's thrusting and grumbling at the same time. ]

[Somewhere between the huffs of exertion there is one that sounds a little more indignant.]

The idea... was to be honest with... your body... hahh, there, there-!

Then... say that... to begin with!!!

[ And now Yukimura's indignant too. The good news is, this is all getting channeled into raw animal lust.

The surefire strategy to getting him to Fuck Real Hard is to rile him up. ]

I thought you fi-- ahh, fuck!-- finally understood- my intent--

[It's hard to keep grumbling when it feels this good, though. His knees squeeze Yukimura's head between them, and he bites down on his lip to muffle a groan.

Oh well, who cares about soft and slow anyway? It's just not them.]

Evidently... there was a... mis - com - mun - i - ca - tion!

[ Yes, that six syllable word is punctuated by thrusts.

Don't think too hard about how this sentence works in Japanese.

And after he says it, he doesn't even think he's annoyed anymore, but he keeps up the pace it got him to easily. Even in the heat of the moment he has to consider the effect a little frustration has on him in the bedroom. This burst of energy feels pretty damn good coupled with Masamune's fractured words, and the way he's got Yukimura's head between his knees. They're entertwined so closely, and Yukimura wants to be closer still, Tiger and Dragon entangled and inseparable.

He's close in the other sense too. ]

Masamune-- you-- drive me mad...!!

Hah! And you... make me crazy like-- nobody-- else-- Sssaaanadaaa Yuuukiiimurrraaa--!!

[Sorry, Yukimura, but it feels natural to throw the whole name out there when there's that element of friendly aggression in the air now. And the current of static that makes Masamune's hair fluff out even when damp with sweat.

The position means he's practically bent in half and feeling Yukimura's thrusts to their deepest, just as planned, but he needs more. He needs Yukimura, Yukimura, Yukimura...! He clutches blindly, desperately at Yukimura's back, raking long red stripes the tiger will wear well.

It can't end this soon, but it's so good...! He grits his teeth stubbornly. Time for the hard choices in life.]

W-wait... Wait, stop!

[ He's clashed with Masamune so many times that the crackle of static electricity gives him goosebumps, bringing to mind all those intimate battlefield exchanges of words and wounds.

Wounds -- not unlike the marks Masamune is leaving behind as he claws into his skin. The pain registers as pleasure.

Then suddenly Masamune tells him to stop, and the effect is akin to being jolted awake from a wonderful dream. Yukimura stops, a confused look on his face. Masamune seemed like he was enjoying this so much! ]

Haaah... Masamune? What is the matter?

[He holds up a finger to signal Yukimura to let him wait and take a few breaths first. Ugh, stopping while he was that into it is brutal! He's a fool!]

I'm going to clear up our little... misunderstanding. Hah. Let's switch. [He pats the floor next to him, invitingly.]

[ Yukimura's got no objections to that. His dick is objecting a little, maybe, because he really was having a great time fucking Masamune... but what kind of madman would he be if he turned down getting fucked by Masamune?

So it's only with some regret that Yukimura pulls out and settled down on the floor beside Masamune. ]

--All right. Let everything be thoroughly understood.

[ Thoroughly. ]

[This was all his idea and Masamune's body still feels like it's being cheated as Yukimura leaves him empty. He didn't realize just how close he was cutting it, there...

He sits up with a strained noise and takes a glance around for where the oil's gotten to. Not far. Good.]

Face the other way... trust me on this.

[It takes no time at all for Masamune to oil himself up and get all nestled in behind Yukimura. Two slicked fingers wriggle firmly up against Yukimura's hole, but not inside. Just a little extra lubing.

Masamune lifts Yukimura's leg a bit and now it's his cock against that ass, desperate to feel his tight heat around it. He hopes Yukimura's feeling just as needy for him.]

Are you ready?

[ Face the other way? All right, he can do that. He flips himself over, resting his front half on his forearms, his ass in the perfect position for Masamune to do whatever the hell he wants with it. He assumes Masamune's going to finger-fuck him, but no, he's just applying more lube. He feels a bit like he's being teased, even if Masamune's actually just being considerate here. He needs to exercise some patience, here.

Then it's Masamune's cock he feels, and all thoughts of patience immediately go right out the window. ]

Need you even ask?!

[ GET THAT TIGER TAIL ]

[God! Fucking! Damn it!!

If Masamune weren't equally as impatient and so dead set on his romantic notions, he really would love to tease Yukimura a little more. See how much he can rile him up before he breaks. Catch a tiger, start to blow, when he hollers, let it go...

Masamune shivers and buries his face in Yukimura's neck. He adjusts his hold on Yukimura's leg and smoothly sinks himself inside, getting halfway in a single motion. Just going to give the both of them a few seconds, here.]

There we go... You feel so good, Yukimura.

[His arms wrap around Yukimura's chest as he spoons snugly against him and starts off a few shallow thrusts.]

[ Worry not, Masamune. There will always be another opportunity to tease Yukimura senseless.

Yukimura groans low in his throat. This is so much different from the last time Masamune fucked him, and it's a hell of a lot better. He likes rough sex, don't get him wrong, and he doesn't regret how that encounter went either -- but who can blame him for preferring the loving consideration that's present here?

You feel so good, Yukimura, god, how is he supposed to last, hearing things like that? Being held close like this? ]

Masamune...! I was -- had been hoping... for this...

[ He grunts and bites his knuckle. Keep it together, Yukimura. ]

It was -- about time.

[ About time they did this properly again. ]

[It's fantastic to hold someone so close to his own size, and so damn warm frim the inside out. Masamune kisses along the side of Yukimura's neck, tracing his jugular up to his ear.]

And you just waited for it?

[On the one hand, it does maybe the payoff all the sweeter, but on the other... Masamune wouldn't object to Yukimura getting a little pushy now and then.

(He'd pretend to put up a LITTLE fuss, but they both know better.)]

[ Yukimura shivers, goosebumps running up his skin. ]

Patience is -- is a virtue! And how I am to choose against -- making love to you?

[ Because come on. It's Masamune. What self-respecting dude-loving-dude says, "nah, I don't think I'll fuck this fine specimen of a man in the ass today" when presented with the opportunity?

(Sasuke, maybe, buuut Yukimura can forgive that.)

But now that this is finally happening... ]

...I... may have been too patient.

Ha! Believe me... it was a tough decision, haaah, to make.

[His hand moves slowly up Yukimura's chest, following the curve of his shoulder and down along his arm... You bet it's time for some more cute hand-holding shit.]

Your dick's incredible, after all.

[His other hand is going to go for that. Just to hold it, for now.]

This is how I want it... next time... you see?

[ He's so weak for hand-holding! It might even be worse (better??) than dick-holding! The latter just makes Masamune a total tease. Such cruelty. ]

Y-yes... Yes! Next time!! I am already eager for it...!

[ Hold your horses, Yukimura. One sex session at a time! ]

Do to me whatever... you want. And ask of me the same. I'll try anything -- with you.

Same goes for me.

[Anything, huh? The possibilities truly are endless. Masamune will think more on this another night.

Why does it always surprise him to think about how much he fucking loves Yukimura? Every time the realization crosses his mind is like the first time all over again, deeply overwhelming and exciting.

It makes him shudder and buck harder against Yukimura, plunging deeper and deeper until he's just grinding their hips right into eachother. He starts fondling Yukimura's cock good and proper, stroking in time with his thrusts.]

I'm-- so... so, close, Yu-- hey, Yukimura, can you see the stars?

[Ideally the fireworks would have been still going, but the night sky isn't bad.]

[ Yukimura is gasping, his whole body shaking. Masamune is so deep inside of him, filling him to brim, and he's all over him, too. Every touch and every movement sends shocks of pleasure through his groin. He's so hard; burning up with need.

All he can feel is Masamune. All he can think about is Masamune, Masamune, Masamune...

He's murmuring Masamune's name without even realizing it. Masamune. No honorifics.

Yukimura and Masamune. Tiger and Dragon. Crimson and azure. Equals and opposites. Rivals and lovers.

Yukimura raises his head. Sweat sticks his hair to his face, but it doesn't block his view of the sky by much. ]

I... see them...

[ This beautiful, clear view that Masamune wanted to show him. ]

They are b-brighter and more -- more radiant than.. I have ever... seen...!

[ He trails off into a whine. He can hardly get the words out; his endurance is near its limit. ]

[If only they shone half as bright as Yukimura's spirit. What a sight that would be.

Masamune would love to say as much, or at least a line about how all he wants to look at right now is Yukimura's face, but somewhere between hearing breathless chanting of his name and feeling the young tiger tremble in his arms, Masamune's completely at a loss for words. Nothing could possibly do justice to what he's feeling when they're merged like this, anyway.

It may be counter-productive to wanting Yukimura to enjoy the view, but Masamune props himself up and turns Yukimura's face towards him to lock them together in a kiss. He wants to fill himself with Yukimura's taste as he fills Yukimura with his own essence, and with a few erratic, forceful thrusts he lets himself come deep inside of him. His body seizes up but he's sure to keep working Yukimura's cock throughout, clumsy as he is about it.]

[ Yukimura answers the kiss clumsily but with enthusiasm. The stars are radiant, but they aren't Masamune. He's barely keeping it together, and that tenuous control unravels all at once as Masamune comes inside of him. Yukimura moans shameless and loud into Masamune's mouth as orgasm rocks him.

His limbs feel like jelly, and Masamune's hand on his cock starts to feel like it's almost too much, but he doesn't breathe a word of complaint. Almost too much, stimulated to the point of pain, perhaps suits him better than anything else. ]

[Fuck yes. The satisfaction of climax and watching Yukimura let himself just break in Masamune's arms? Masamune is in bliss on every level.

Despite that, he doesn't stop until he feels his hand sticky with the evidence of a job well done. Then he finally lets himself slump against Yukimura, gasping for air. The stars he sees when he closes his eye are surely more dazzling than the skies above them. Or maybe it's his soul soaring the heavens right now...

He nudges Yukimura's shoulder to encourage him to roll over for some proper face-to-face cuddling. Masamune never wants to let him go.]

Mm...hmhm. So... What do you think...?

[ Yukimura has to take a solid few seconds to catch his breath before he even thinks about asking his body to do anything that involves movement. Masamune damn near fucked the strength right out of him. The comfy post-coital haze descends upon him like a blanket.

He rolls over onto his back with some degree of effort. He looks up at Masamune with half-lidded eyes and blown pupils. He's warm and sweaty and disheveled and spent, just as if they'd been dueling. ]

...It was... exceptional.

[ His voice comes out breathy and utterly sated.

He'd have hearts in his eyes if this were a hentai doujin. ]

I'll say.

[And he wishes he could say something cooler than that, but until he returns to the realm of the living he just can't manage his usual levels of smug. Surely Yukimura will forgive his lapse in wit.

He sucks his fingers clean without even making a fun little show of it, too impatient to get to the cuddling, which might just be his favourite thing of all. Especially when Yukimura fits so perfectly against or around or into any part of him.

Masamune brushes some of Yukimura's disheveled hair behind his ear and places a kiss to his temple.]

You are perfect, Yukimura.

[ The gears in Yukimura's brain grind to a halt. ]

Wh-wh-what?

[ All he can do is lie there staring wide-eyed at Masamune. ]

I... I take great pride in myself, but I am the furthest thing from... perfect.

[ Even knowing that to be true, he's moved.

Deeply, deeply moved, because Masamune wouldn't say that lightly. ]

Hah, maybe so... but you're constantly bettering yourself. Inspiring others to do the same. Always keeping me on my toes...

[And there's that new movement about the perfection of imperfection and all that.

Masamune yawns and curls up against Yukimura, sleepiness settling over him like a warm blanket. He should probably fetch an actual blanket but even the discarded clothing in arm's reach just seems like too much effort right now.]

I wouldn't want it any other way.

[ Yukimura snuggles in close. Forget blankets; having Masamune right here beside him is all the comfort he needs. ]

...I would not be the person I am now were it not for your influence. Even in my dreams, you are helping me forward.

[ A hellscape littered with blood and bones. A tiger, rotting and matted. Despairing.

A dragon who gave the tiger the strength to keep going. Whose tears washed the rot away. ]

I am starting to understand why you chose not to put these feelings into words. Were I to say one thousand times that I love you, I know not if it would convey the depth of my emotions.

[Even in dreams, huh...

Oddly enough, Masamune feels like he understands it perfectly. For all of the reason and support Masamune would have even without Yukimura, nothing about that kind of future appeals to him. The Dragon and the Phoenix should fly together, weaving light and life through the world, and through eachother.

He strokes Yukimura's hair much in the same way he might sleepily pet a cat. But Masamune's the one who might as well be purring.]

I don't know how many times I could stand to hear it before it just gets embarrassing. I'd rather wake a thousand mornings beside you, no words needed.

[ Purr, kittydragon, purr. ]

I feel much the same... save for the embarrassment.

[ There's nothing embarrassing about expressing your feelings! Yukimura does it all the time, trust him! ]

...If that future is what we both desire, we should make it so. This right here ought not be possible, but we are living it. Why should we not continue to break past the barriers that appear to stand in our way?

[It's such an absurd notion; between political affiliations and plain old geography, there's no way they could realistically do this every day.

Good thing reality doesn't apply to Dragons.]

I like the way you think. [When it comes to this.] Then tomorrow I'll send the old Tiger the news that I'm keeping you.

Wait... wait a moment. That particular wording leaves with questions. Is it 'keeping' as in I will be staying for longer than a night, or 'keeping' as in... as in I am now a concubine? What do you have in mind, Date Masamune?!

[ How would he ever explain that to Sasuke?! HOW WOULD MASAMUNE EXPLAIN THAT TO SHINGEN?

OH, GOD. ]

[YAAAWN~]

Man, I am beat. Good night, my Yukimura.

[Time to PRETEND TO BE ASLEEP until he actually does drift off!]

I THINK... THIS MIGHT BE THE PERFECT END TO THE THREAD

the earth exploding is yukimura's brain when masamune says "my yukimura"

he just fucking passes out

Just this the whole night:

THIS THREAD LASTED 3 FUCKING MONTHS

Edited (whoa there photo i think you need to shrink down) 2020-03-23 17:48 (UTC)

three months and i made this icon for this thread and used it once

SO I'M USING IT AGAIN

THEY LUBED AND MARRIED THAT'S IT IT'S ENDGAME

SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR ICON

NOOOOOOOOOOOO

sayonara icon the hedgehog

i can't believe icon the hedgehog is fucking dead........

i feel very strongly that yukimura and masamune would have sonic self-insert ocs

https://www.pixiv.net/en/artworks/80941280#manga there is some truly cursed content in the nsfw section of this log but THE HAIR BRAIDING? DEFINITELY CANON TO THIS THREAD JSYK

ABSOLUTELY 100% CANON

hey wait a minute

wait a FUCKING minute here

YUKIMURA'S INTO CBT!!!!!!!!!

CO-CO-CO-COCK AND BALL TORTURE

FRO-FROM WI KI PE DI A

THE FREEEE EN CY CLO PEDIA AT WIKIPEDIA DOT ORG.

COOOCK AND BALL TORTURE (CBT) IS A SEXUAL ACTIV I TYINVOLVING TORTURE OF THE MALE GENITALSTHISMAYINVOLVE GENITAL SPANKINGGG

BALL BUSTING

U R E T H R A L P L A Y

im gonna fuking kill y

:3

:3

Some things even I hesitate to put on plurk, but I want you to know that somewhere out there exists cbt with Matsunaga sinking his tiny little kitty claw into Kojuro's urethra and I hate that I've remembered that

HHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH WHAT

https://www.pixiv.net/en/artworks/71020292 okay there is no fucking reason that should have been so easy to find. THANKS, PIXIV...

..........................kojuro's expressions are reaaaaaaaally hot not gonna lie

FREE HIM

no

this is the sadism only zone

what does that make me

FRESH MEAT

iyaaaAAAAAA~

ＴＨＥＲＥＩＳＮＯＥＳＣＡＰＩＮＧＴＨＩＳＤＥＮＮＹ＇Ｓ

PLEASE SIR

NOT ANOTHER GRAND SLAM

I'M GONNA

I'M

...!!!!

IT'S TIME TO ＳＰＩＬＬＴＨＥＭＩＬＫＳＨＡＫＥ

please i'm so full

free refill? oh no it's not gonna fit

n

noooOOooOooO

>free refill

bitch you better be paying me for this i don't come cheap

but as long as i come it's all good

leaves

you see someone that you know and they ask you how you are and you just have to say that you're fine when you're not really fine but you just can't get into it because they would never understand

so

when can they fuck for real

SEDUCE HIM

and also my rp drive

and they can have ameijing faq

are you telling me to seduce your rp drive

yeah

name something on your flist you haven't done yet

oh fuck uhhh

stepping on dudes, heavy overstimulation/post-orgasm torture, chastity and orgasm control/denial, animal transformation, humiliation and degredation, drugging/hypnotism, gangbangs, blackmail/coercion, why the fuck is this list so DARK

i see, i see. i could fulfill all of these. would depend on the character/i might have to cobble together an oc, but oh yes. i could do these.

i'm the one being bullied now

C'MON SENPAI LET'S DO THE DARK RP

SEDUCED BY DARKNESS

in hindsight, it was the obvious outcome, huh...

oh yeah well i changed my mind let's do every single one of your nos

wait fuck almost all of those are my nos too. DAMN

HA HA HA HA HA

what if i've changed my mind on some, huh, what if i could be convinced to rp living insertions

do you think i'm a coward

do you think i wouldn't let a worm worm its way into yukimura's wormhole

is this fate//

it could be

A dangerous new world lies before us

I'm in your care

almost 3 hours into this yugioh video my mind has ascended my eternal soul has awakened

1. what if some rich billionaire douchebag who is also charming decides to make masamini his personal pet through devious means. you can fit so much kink into this. stepping on dudes, humiliation/degradation, blackmail/coercion, all that good stuff

2. obviously animal transformation is god tier. what if we add breeding kink to this. really makes you think

3. drugging could be incorporated into medical play... hypnotism makes me think of ....... hypno, actually, or any pokemon that learns hypnosis. i feel like we were talking about pokefucking ages ago

YES I"M THINKING HARD ABOUT THIS

rich douchebag pokemon trainer makes masamini into a pet and then MAKES masamini into a pet with drugs and science and shit

OHHHHH YES I CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN

exeggcute can learn hypnosis... how's that for living insertions and training for breeding/egg-laying

jesus christ

HOLY FUCK LOL???

that's terrifying

and also fucking hysterical because oh my god this is how they sound

imagine this whole scenario while THOSE VOICES are just constantly going EXEGGCUTE

Edited 2020-10-19 04:27 (UTC)

it says pokemon cries but i'm the one who's crying

what if gangbanged by regis

oh yeah talk fucking dirty to me

BbbbWUPWUPWUP [regigigas noises]

regigigas is probably a gentle giant who doesn't want to fuck and all the BWWUUWUWUWEOPEUEWOEEWP is just it saying very nice and affirming things

it gently pats your head with its fucking giant hand

and because of its Slow Start ability it just can't get it up anyway

The perfect pokewaifu...

puts a wedding dress on him

i wonder what it feels like to fuck a muk

THAT WOULD STING

like first it's rough and gritty and probably full of little scraps of trash but then it's also toxic, right. so then you get this nasty burning infection going on and probably also toxic shock syndrome

some nurse joy has had to treat someone who did this

you KNOW it's happened

god i bet there are some weird pokemon er stories...

other good candidates:
arcanine
goodra
machamp
tentacruel
incineroar
omanyte
among many others

man do you think he should be bred or should he have to be the one having to impregnate a pokemon while douchebag watches

or both, for science

trying to create the ultimate hybrids

WE DREAMED OF CREATING THE WORLD'S MOST FUCKED UP POKEMON...

i have to admit to being squicked by doggomons being lewd so arcanine is out (because THAT'S where i apparently draw the line) but anything that isn't a pupper is good

cofagrigus also has good potential since it's good four whole arms for lewding but god knows how that thing reproduces so ghosts might be out

i also wanna cast a vote for some bug-types on account of sleep/poison/paralysis powder potential. or web-spinning bondage.

both for science is excellent though there is something kind of especially fucked up about making someone fuck a pokemon rather than the other way around. like, a human is supposed to know better. but douchebag can comfort masamini about the horrible fucked up things he's doing and tell him he's so proud of him etc etc

I don't know why the lines like this and rimming being so much less extreme than the other stuff is so funny, but here we are. I guess Incineroar can still fill in for being tigerlike...

Ghosts can lay eggs, they gotta lewd somehow. Open cofagrigus right up and toss masamini in and it can be a complete nightmare in there. Or some other ghost for invisible fuck. 👀 as for bugs... ~~insert age-old metapod joke here~~

....

time to fuckle a shuckle

but yes OHH. STRING SHOT. PARALYSIS. SQUIRMY WORMIES.

At this rate it can only end with Masamini breaking free and fucking douchebag, maybe to death,
or else it just doesn't end... B)

LMAOOOOOOOOO my name is ruto and my lines are a mystery to all

what if having to be inside cofagrigus is a punishment for when masamini is a bad, disobedient boy...

FUCKLE

DAT

SHUCKLE

douchebag has a shuckle that is unexpectedly a sex fiend, that's now official character lore

FUCK THE DOUCHEBAG, MASAMINI

but don't forget that douchebag has dirt on him... it would be a shame if all this filmed footage of masamini fucking pokemon got out...

I would have been none the wiser about your thirst since I know just about nothing about FF7 but since you asked not to be judged, I'll bully you about it later. (´・ω・｀)

If it's punishment for disobedience Masamini's going to be in ghostbox for the rest of his life AND afterlife... GOOD. Fuck him right in his soul, somehow. FUCK THE DRAGON IN SOUL HELL YEAH!!

Man though what if he's like. Put in a pillory or some other hole in the wall kind of thing, all spread out and presenting against his will, to test out different artificial pheromones and shit and see what's SUPER EFFECTIVE for various pokemans. What if he's milked mercilessly for breeding tests. What if what if.

I guess he will have to kill douchebag after all then. WHAT IF HE'S JUST A VIOLENT SEX CRAZED MUTANT BEAST BY THEN ANYWAY. ~~it's the shuckle dna~~ Maybe he'll fuck him and then bite his head off. Maybe he can never return to society. Maybe a ditto has taken his place.

Maybe there are fancy rich douchebag dinner parties where Masamini is shown off and made to perform tricks. Maybe there are auctions for getting in on weird experiments or requesting modifications or something. Maybe there are/were some other test subjects who didn't do so well.

hhhhh

could you fuck a porygon in vr

noooo you can't bully me!! i'm supposed to be the bullyyyy!!!!!

cofagrigus mindbreaking masamini, got it. jots this down

all of these ideas are good

and yes

you can fuck a porygon in vr

maybe rich douchebag works ("works") in software development

rich douchebag spends three months a year at the oilsands to fund his weird illegal hobby

god now i'm just imagining a progression of body horror from cute pikachu ears and tail to some kind of ugly were-thing to some horrible abomination ~~final form is just mewthree</s~~

bayonetta pikachu

TIL bayo was a furry all along wtf

I MISSED OUT BIG TIME

pokecanadian is now part of his backstory

i bet he voted ucp

listen i know i'm conceiving a character who is a monster but there's a line, y'know

"sure, i fuck animals and have teenagers fuck animals, but goodness."

well i've now officially committed to this nightmare

oh god, it's happening

no it's cumming

I'm going to kill you

if you kill me, masamini will never encounter this fuckable face

oh my god that's such an edgy pouty jrocker look

I KNOW AND I LOVE IT

you should see how many belts nomura gave him for the remake

I had to go see for myself and I think I'm more offended by his TRENCHCOAT HAKAMA OR WHATEVER THE FUCK LMAO

WHY

NOMURA'S BELT KINK CANNOT BE STOPPED

THE MORE WE KINKSHAME HIM THE STRONGER HE GETS

okay so updates to kink list:

-belts as whips
-belts as collars
-belts as blindfolds
-belts as entire wardrobes
-belts as restraints

YES

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

i remembered this megaten design

wow angewomon was a babe

ANGEWOMON IS UNIRONICALLY 10/10

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CF2xBDFUUAIkzv2.jpg

/adds hot limit costume to the list

maybe masamini puts it on and then goodra gets all up in his business and thanks to its sticky slimy goo he can't even take it off

hahah

jk

unless

Are we torturing Masamini or ME here

(i'm in)

GOOd

this is a pokesnax au

YOU"RE RIGHT ABND I HATE IT

vore the pokemon

vore their semen??

i cannot begin to tell you how much i hate that sentence

https://dailydead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/killersaurus.jpg

my brain wants to turn this into a chuck tingle story

pounded in the butt by my part human part dinosaur all soldier boyfriend killersaurus

Do I have to finally buy one of those books to study his writing style

i mean, if you want to become a chuckle tingleologist

I failed in my phd in masamune so i'll get a phd in butts instead

WAIT

ISN'T PROCTOLOGY A FIELD THAT GETS YOU A PHD IN BUTTS

yeah and you do a lot of analysis

i am unappreciated in my time

the trenchcoat hakama is just a natural extension of the belt kink, you see

aggressively brushes masamini's teeth

maintain his big new monster fangies

also fuck you

open wide

This isn't toothpaste!!!!!!

DSHGSDJJSD SCREAMS

you're right

it's mayonnaise

JESUS CHRIST

GAGS AND RETCHES IRL

CUM IS SOMEHOW LESS GROSS????

it used to be but i think i'm just rp desensitized

PLUS I CAN BETTER IMAGINE THE TASTE AND TEXTURE OF MAYO ASRGGHFGHLLL

this post needs an exorcism

i think WE need to be purged

not until i've rickrolled you six hundred times!!!!

rickroll THIS

also if i decide that douchebag maybe happens to look like rufus shinra from final fantasy seven don't you dare laugh at me i JUST HAVE A THIRST

which would make fucking him to death even hotter tbh

Edited 2020-10-19 05:35 (UTC)

OKAY, THE THING I FORGOT BUT THEN I REMEMBERED for whenever you're in the mood again

i was thinking about the above thread and specifically this line

>Next time, he'll thread his fingers so lovingly through that hair and murmur soft praise and encouragement.

that sound so cute so WHAT IF: PRAISE KINK

to give cuddlefucking maximum softness

OH FUCK... dat cute, I'm into it.

of course now I'm just picturing like
yukimura: hey so me and sasuke are-
masamune: MY SWEET, MY LOVE, SHH, NO WORDS ONLY DREAMS

and he says it in english too

That goes without saying

MEANWHILE, HIGHLY TARGETED ADS

AAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAA

get that pussy

what if

yukimura fucked masamune into a coma

...

time to get all end of evangelion then

I

i guess it is soul hell

i'm still on a smut hiatus but what if masamune had no choice but to put on a dress and get force femmed because The Room You Can't Leave demanded it

holy shit

yes.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wsZ7013yHiw

hey

do you think yukimura would be pro-vuvuzela

he would be 100% pro-vuvuzela

both before and after sasuke has to explain to him "vuvuzela" is not a euphemism for anything

♪ and if a ten ton truck
kills the both of us
to die by your side
well, the pleasure, the privilege is mine ♪

oh...

destroyed by surprise

ROLLS UP SLEEVES

I'M SCARED, MOGAMI DOES NOT GET TO FUCK

BRING ME IEYASU'S ASS-U

i will not fuck you in a camp
i will not fuck you on a ramp
i will not fuck you with a fox
no, i will not get off your rocks

[ The scene plays out over and over in Sasuke's mind. Their faulty intel, the trap sprung by that bastard Matsunaga, his haunting words, the explosion, the flurry of sword strikes, Yukimura's body falling to the ground... Sasuke screaming Yukimura's name...

No no no no! Focus damn it!

They escaped by sinking into darkness and emerged only when Sasuke feared it would be too much for Yukimura. Sasuke has been on the run with Yukimura limp in his arms ever since. By sheer luck, he carries Yukimura to a familiar isolated hut. It's the same hut they took shelter in during the storm. There's no mistaking it. The woodpile is just how they left it along with everything else they used from their last visit. (Sasuke gave the place a quick cleaning as thanks in case it wasn't as abandoned as they thought.)

Sasuke gently sets Yukimura on one of the blankets and immediately starts tending Yukimura's wounds. He cleans away the blood and dirt, sets broken bone, stitches together the cuts, applies salves to the burns, and then bandages everything up. The second blanket covers Yukimura's body to keep him warm, and Sasuke fold his own camouflage poncho for Yukimura to use as a pillow. Yukimura's clothing is in a pile awaiting cleaning and mending.

Yukimura has gotten through worse than this, right? He'll wake up soon.

Except Yukimura hasn't. He hasn't woken up yet.

Sasuke starts a weak fire with trembling fingers to make some rice porridge. Yukimura will be hungry when he wakes.

Except Yukimura hasn't. He hasn't woken up yet.

Yukimura's clothing is mended because Yukimura really can't go around wearing only bandages when he wakes.

Except Yukimura hasn't. He hasn't woken up yet.

Sasuke doesn't sleep. Every moment he starts to nod off, he startles awake by any sound or even the lack of it. He's a mess, pale and half dressed because he sacrificed his own clothing for Yukimura's comfort or as a change of bandages. His face paint is mostly wiped away from the many times he rubbed his watery eyes to clear his vision. He's only cleaned up because he needed to be as he tended Yukimura's wounds.

Curled up beside Yukimura lying supine, Sasuke clutches the end of Yukimura's ponytail and holds it close to face, as if in prayer. He doesn't dare cling to Yukimura in case he reopens a wound, but Yukimura has never felt so cold and far away... ]

... Don't... leave me too... Don't make me human... and then leave me...

[ He chokes back a sob. He can't fall apart. Yukimura needs him to... to... do his job...

Except Yukimura hasn't. He hasn't woken up yet. ]

[ Yukimura's dreams don't make sense.

Dreams don't tend to follow logic, generally speaking, but the things he sees while still unconscious are strange even by normal standards. Strange, loud, chaotic. A sinister voice delivers a monologue spoken in no language Yukimura has ever heard before. The words take shape. Scribbled black symbols form nonsense words, and the nonsense words and nonsense symbols pour down his throat and choke him.

The words smell like gunpowder and iron. They taste like dust.

And they burn like the fires of hell.

They choke him. It takes some time.

He doesn't know how much time. Maybe an eternity.

But eventually, he dies. He has no grave. There is only a pile of ash left.

--Then he is a ghost, watching himself from afar. The other him is alive, but tears, red and tar-like, ooze from his eyes.

The viscous red keeps dripping down. Red blots out the sky. The ground opens up and spills out red. All he can see is red.

All he can hear is a nonsense monologue. It's all he can feel. The nonsense is crawling into his skin. It's taking him over from the inside out, and it burns white-hot. His ghost will melt away, so that even his soul is destroyed. His head is a cacophony of noise, noise, burning noise.

But then he hears another voice. He can't place it, but it gives him a sense of déjà vu. He should know this voice.

He should follow this voice.

He, Sanada Yukimura, should help this person who sounds so sad.

Ah. That's right. His name is Sanada Yukimura, and this is only a dream.

This is only a dream -- but that sorrowful voice is real.

Yukimura opens his eyes, and is greeted by a blurry ceiling. That's strange. He blinks once or twice, but it doesn't get any less blurry.

He tries to sit up and gather his bearings, but his whole body is gripped with vicious pain, forcing him to lie right back down. What... happened? He can't remember off of the top of his head.

But in his peripheral vision, he spots a familiar shape. Even with his vision suffering (did he hit his head?), he would recognize Sasuke's silhouette anywhere. ]

...Sasu...ke?

[ His voice, which should be loud and full of energy, is uncharacteristically weak. He sounds dazed. ]

[ "Sasuke." It's such a faint, trembling word, but it has more power than any word Sasuke has ever heard previous. He bolts upright and smooths down Yukimura's hair with utmost gentleness. ]

I'm here.

[ Sasuke's voice is shaky and weak, matching Yukimura's. People say the brighter the flame, the darker the shadow, and surely, the reverse is true. The weaker the flame, the weaker the shadow. And if the flame goes out, the shadow is swallowed up by the darkness.

But Yukimura has finally woken. There is still light in Sasuke's life. So much can still go wrong, but Yukimura is awake. Sasuke has to take a breath to steady himself. He feels the urge to bury his face into Yukimura's chest and cry with relief as he's held. Such a stupid thought. Sasuke should be stronger than that.

... It's been awhile since Sasuke had been so terrified and felt so helpless. ]

I'm here, Master.

[ Master, not General, as if that title would keep Yukimura closer to the land of the living. Closer to him. ]

Are you thirsty? Hungry? Cold? In pain?

[ That last one may be obvious given the extent of Yukimura's injuries, but since Yukimura is awake, Sasuke can find something to dull it now. He wants to do something for Yukimura. Anything. Anything besides just watching and praying that Yukimura doesn't pay the toll to cross the river in death. Or pleading and bargaining with any soul that might hear to take him instead and let Yukimura live. ]

Edited (fixed a word and added a bit more) 2020-01-16 04:37 (UTC)

[ Yukimura needs a moment to process Sasuke's words. His mind feels so sluggish...

Sasuke sounds like he's been through hell. Looks like it, too, even with whatever's wrong with his sight. Was he worrying about Yukimura all this time? For that matter, how long was Yukimura out?

And what happened?

In his mind's eye, he sees fire. In the middle of that fire, there is a smudge of black and white and yellow that is probably a person. It almost rings a bell. ]

I'm...

[ He would normally be hungry after a battle -- and it's fair to assume a battle occurred -- but right now he just feels vaguely sick. He is in pain, but he's not even sure where to start describing it, because it's his entire body that hurts. ]

...glad you're here, Sasuke.

[ First and foremost, he wants to say that.

He needs to say that. ]

You look... blurry.

Where else would I be?

[ Sasuke tries to say lightly, but it's too forced. Besides, there is no other place Sasuke would be. Especially now. His place is at Yukimura's back as his shadow. ]

I'm... I'm glad you're here too.

[ At the mention of blurry vision, Sasuke stops petting Yukimura's hair and moves to stare closely into his eyes. From this distance, Yukimura might see Sasuke's red eyes and lack of facial paint... if his vision was clearer. ]

You were hit pretty hard. [ That's an understatement. ] With everything else that bastard did, it probably gave you a concussion. Your eyes look fine, just... unfocused. It'll clear.

[ Sasuke doesn't know this for sure, but he forces optimism for Yukimura's sake. The punches Yukimura and Shingen give each other rival the force of Matsunaga's blast and following impact against Sasuke as he tried cushion his landing. Yukimura's body should be able to recover like usual.

Then why can't Sasuke make himself believe it? ]

Do you want to try some water?

[ Sasuke asks. They still don't have any cups in this place. However, Sasuke could try to help Yukimura prop himself up. Or if he can't sit up, Sasuke could try trickling water from a cloth, his hands, or even transferring it mouth to mouth. ]

[ "That bastard"... The image of the black and white and yellow figure, surrounded by fire, becomes clearer.

Matsunaga Hisahide. There is one thing Yukimura knows for sure about Matsunaga, and it's that he possesses the insatiable desire to take. Nothing will ever be enough. Like a black hole, he takes, and takes; tangible things, intangible things, uniformly irreplaceable things.

He doesn't remember why they were fighting, but it's not hard to imagine a reason.

But if he's so badly wounded, they lost, didn't they?

He must have let everyone down again.

...

His throat is dry.]

...Yeah.

[ Then, a beat later: ]

Were you injured?

[ Sasuke's fears mirror Yukimura's. He feels he let everyone down. Gathering intelligence is one of his jobs, and they acted on the wrong information. His other job is as Yukimura's kagemusha... and he did no better at that. Their only saving grace was that they hadn't prepared for a full assault, merely aiding a battle that was supposed to be already happening. Except, there wasn't a battle to aid in. There was just Matsunaga. ]

Not much.

[ Some small wounds, but Sasuke has had worse. It's the parts unseen within him which have been mangled, his heart and soul. He moves to get some of the water he boiled and left to cool. It's still warm but not hot. With pot closer, he sits by Yukimura's head. ]

I'm going to help you sit up a little. If there's pain, let me know.

[ And he'll lay Yukimura back down and give him water another way. Maybe he should whittle one of the pieces of firewood into a spoon/bowl/cup shape... ]

[ Sasuke's not badly hurt. Yukimura can be grateful for that much.

Even if none of this should have happened in the first place.

With Sasuke's help he attempts to sit up, but he grimaces as intense pain shoots through him. ]

I just need... a moment...

[ No, he needs to lay back down. ]

[ He gently lowers Yukimura back to his camouflage poncho pillow. That grimace says enough, and nothing would make Sasuke continue. Not even a direct order. ]

We can try sitting up again later.

[ He soaks a small, clean piece of cloth, and places it near Yukimura's mouth. Sasuke squeezes it to trickle a little water past his lips. ]

There's no need to rush now.

I... won't argue with your judgment.

[ He wants to, if only because he can hardly stand being so helpless, but he knows that no amount of protesting is going to change the facts of his current condition.

He can't help feeling frustrated, though.

At least there's water, however slow-going the process of drinking it will be. ]

...I didn't realize I was so thirsty.

[ He dips the cloth into the water again and repeats. Sasuke manages a weak smile. Should he mention how long Yukimura was out for? Maybe not. It'll just worry him needlessly. ]

This will have to do unless you want to wait until I make a cup or transfer it mouth to mouth. I don't want to accidentally get you soaked and have to replace your bandages.

[ Sasuke makes a mental note to return to this place and stock it with essentials. If no one lives here, it's now a secret Sanada hideout. ]

[ The water-from-the-cloth technique is going to take so long, to say nothing of making a cup. Which leaves the mouth to mouth option.

It's a suggestion that brings on that familiar embarrassed feeling -- even with the recent change in their relationship -- but he needs water. ]

If you do not mind transferring it that way, then... Sasuke, would you... do that for me?

[ The request brings a little color to Sasuke's cheeks (an improvement for how pale he's been), but to his surprise, he's not as flustered as he might have thought he'd be. Perhaps it's because this action is more for survival than anything else. ]

There's very little I wouldn't do for you.

[ Having learned his mistake from the sake jug, Sasuke carefully tips the pot to his lips until he has sipped a small mouthful of water. He braces himself, one arm to each side of Yukimura, and lowers his head until their lips touch. Sasuke is very mindful of Yukimura below him and avoids putting any weight upon his injured body. ]

[ And that's why Yukimura can always count on him.

Sasuke seems kind of pink in the face, but Yukimura can't see clearly enough to tell if it's his imagination or not.

Yukimura opens up his mouth to let the water in, and then suddenly embarrassment doesn't factor in anymore. The relief of having something to drink is so much greater than any hang-ups about how this looks or what it reminds him of. It's still not ideal from a pure efficiency standpoint, but it's so much better than the cloth.

(Though that frustration with himself still simmers. He could have avoided this. He can't remember what happened, but he knows he could have avoided this.) ]

I... have never been more grateful for water... Thank you, Sasuke.

[ As many times as Yukimura needs or requests, Sasuke will continue to bring him water. He'll plant a feather light kiss to Yukimura's forehead after the last one. Then he sits again by Yukimura's side, ready to continue nursing Yukimura to a stable condition. He won't risk returning to the compound until he's sure Yukimura can weather the trip. ]

Are you warm enough, Master?

[ Again, Sasuke falls back on that more familiar title. A lieutenant general should be with the troops when the general is out of action, but to hell with that! His place is with Yukimura.

Sure they don't have to worry about the rainy weather this time, but Yukimura normally burns hotter and brighter than he is now. The last thing Sasuke wants is for Yukimura to feel like he's drowning in those cold waters like in some of his nightmares. ]

[ Sasuke's light kiss gets a smile from Yukimura, however short-lived. He hates to make Sasuke worry, but there's also no one else he'd rather have looking after him at a time like this.

Yukimura considers the question. ]

...Mm. This blanket is enough.

[ He's running cooler than usual, but not enough so that it's uncomfortable. ]

Sasuke, what... happened to me? I cannot remember feeling so... Feeling like...

[ Damn it. What word does he want? There's a terrible fog in his head. ]

Bad. This feels bad.

[ Not the word he was looking for, but it'll have to do. ]

[ Yukimura will hear shuffling beside him, and a light thud as Sasuke puts his forehead to the wooden floor, bowing as low as he possibly can. He takes a deep breath, trying to will himself to say this steadily. ]

It-It's my fault. My intel didn't lead us to assisting an ally needing help. It was a trap set by Hisahide Matsunaga. He--

[ Sasuke's voice chokes just then. Matsunaga snapping his fingers and the explosion fills his vision. Keep it together... Not now... ]

He said he'd either take the tiger cub's fire or the tiger cub's shadow. You took the brunt of his attacks.

[ ...Sure explains why Yukimura's in such an awful state.

What is wrong with Matsunaga? What compels a person to act out such selfish cruelty?

He can't understand, and he doesn't think he wants to.

Yukimura's response comes slowly as fights the fog in the head. ]

...If even you were tricked, it is only because that villain is so skilled in deceit. It does not reflect poorly upon you, Sasuke. This is not your fault. And he cannot get away with the same deception again.

[ The tiger cub's fire or the tiger cub's shadow. ]

Furthermore... he lost. We are both alive.

[ Sasuke doesn't think he could try to understand Matsunaga either, and perhaps that's why he was deceived. He couldn't think in the same way as that man. He can't be as selfish or as cruel as him.

Yukimura's right. They're alive, so Matsunaga lost... didn't he? Why then does Sasuke feel doubt sinking its claws into his... heart? ]

... What if... he didn't need to kill someone to take something of his?

[ Yukimura frowns. ]

...I... don't understand. What, besides our lives, could he have meant to take...?

Edited 2020-01-19 08:17 (UTC)

[ And Sasuke can see that frown because he's no longer bowing his head to the floor. Instead, he brings his arms around himself. ]

It's something he said to me as I disappeared into the darkness with you. It would've...

[ Sasuke swallows. The words are heavy on his tongue. ]

It's sounds so random unless you know what it might refer to. I don't... I don't know how he could possibly... He said the shadows can't hide the little monkey from the springtime clouds forever.

Edited (Posted too soon) 2020-01-19 08:30 (UTC)

[ Yukimura repeats the phrase a few times in his mind. It must refer to Sasuke... and it's something no one else should know.

There's a lot of things Sasuke keeps secret, but he'll venture a guess. ]

...Is this... Does he mean your... past?

He... he must have. Anything else... Just doesn't... It doesn't... He can't... but...

[ His voice trembles. Sasuke's breathing grows shallower and unsteady. ]

... The springtime clouds... It-It can only refer to... to... Y-Yoshiharu Mikumo...

[ How long has it been since he heard that name in the waking world? Much less said it? ]

[ "The shadows can't hide Sasuke from Yoshiharu Mikumo forever".

Everyone Sasuke knew died. That's what he said, right?

Only one person from that village remained, and he's right here in this room.

Yukimura is quiet for a long moment. ]

Was that... your name?

[ The silence goes on for so long after Yukimura's question that it almost seems like Yukimura won't receive an answer. But he does get one, quiet and fearful. ]

... Yes.

[ He wasn't always a ninja. He had been human once... like he's human again now. ]

"Sasuke" was the name my mother called me when we were alone, but I... I was Yoshiharu Mikumo, son of Katamochi Mikumo who served the Rokkaku Clan.

[ Yukimura's heart clenches. It's both strange and heartbreaking to think about how Sasuke had a whole life before the Takeda -- an identity, a family, a clan -- and it was all stolen from him.

Everything eradicated.

And yet, Matsunaga knows.

Yukimura wasn't cold before, but that makes a chill run through him. Matsunaga speaks as though he understands everything, and what's terrifying is that he actually seems to. ]

...But... I don't understand. What does any of this mean?

[ It was a life that lasted for only a few years. Sasuke's memories of that time are so faint, and he struggled to keep within his grasp, safe but unknown to anyone. Or so he thought. ]

I don't know... there shouldn't be anyone alive that...

[ No one alive from Sasuke's side of things, but what of the people who attacked the Mikumo and the Rokkaku? ]

Maybe Mother... didn't kill all the men chasing us to Togakushi Village....

[ He trails off. As a child, he took some small, dark comfort in the idea that his mother killed the bad men before dying herself. It hardly matters now, but it had been something that tiny, traumatized boy clung to. ]

No. No. You're right. It doesn't have to mean anything. I just have to get my act back together and forget everything and return to just being your shadow. Yoshiharu is dead. There's nothing of him left. He was just a stupid, weak, human boy who couldn't save the people he loved. The last bits of him burned up when all the Togakushi ninja did.

[ Matsunaga's inside Sasuke's head, making him relive the past and fear its repeat for a third time. And he messed up so badly and nearly got Yukimura killed... ]

I-I'm sorry. I can do something this time, Master. I won't let it happen again.

[ Yukimura forces himself to sit up, just so that he can look Sasuke in the eye.

He can't see well, and the pain's enough to make him sick. Getting the words out is a struggle.

But he perseveres. ]

Sasuke -- stop. Stop talking like that.

[ Despite being on the cusp of an emotional break, he moves to support Yukimura's attempt to sit up with an arm across his back. ]

... Master?

[ He returns Yukimura's gaze, but he looks lost, scared. ]

Stop putting yourself down. Your past self! Your current self!

[ Yukimura's words come in between ragged breaths. ]

Don't say that... that you will just be a shadow again...!

[ Sasuke moves so that Yukimura can lean against him to ease the strain on his body. The pain must be horrible... ]

... Are you okay with... losing your shadow to him...?

[ With a hand scorched by Matsunaga's flame, Yukimura reaches out and grabs Sasuke's shoulder.

His grip lacks strength, and the contact shoots fire through his palm even with the bandages, but he doesn't let go. ]

To whom? Yoshiharu Mikumo? He is you! And thus, he is my friend and partner!!

[ Wordlessly, Sasuke entwines his burn scarred fingers with Yukimura's bandaged ones.

He had meant Matsunaga, but Yukimura's interpretation shakes something loose within him. Sasuke and Yoshiharu are the same person, and Yukimura sees him no differently. So what if the Tiger Cub's shadow disappears? The disappearance is because the Tiger Cub wants the shadow to be something more, a friend and partner, not because the shadow is being taken away. Sasuke has been thinking about this all wrong. Why couldn't he see it earlier?

It's because he finally was forced to stop hiding in front of someone he loves.... His darkest secret is before him in the light.

Sasuke doesn't realize the tears spilling from his eyes as he rests his head against Yukimura's. It's been so long since he heard that name spoken in a voice other than his own. And to have it said by Yukimura means more to Sasuke than he ever could have guessed. ]

I, this Yoshiharu, will try to be the best friend and partner I can be then. Though I... am not sure how.

[ He won't tell Sasuke not to cry. It's fine to cry at a time like this. Tears have a healing power. ]

You... we will find out in time. Together.

[ ...And having said that, Yukimura groans and thunks back onto his makeshift pillow. If he was running on fumes before, then by now even the fumes have been exhausted.

This isn't the best condition for providing emotional support... ]

[ Sasuke is overdue for one long, ugly crying session over his life, but that will not happen here or now. Yukimura needs his help. Even if he needs to not ignore his feelings, Sasuke must focus on Yukimura until he's healed. ]

... Thank you.

[ He could have easily given another apology, but Sasuke thinks this is what actually needs to be said and what Yukimura needs to hear. ]

I'm going to check your bandages, okay?

[ That effort of his could have broken open some of his wounds, and it'll do Yukimura no good to be soaked through with blood. ]

[ That 'thank you' is indeed what Yukimura needs to hear. It's reassurance that Sasuke won't change his mind and retreat back into his own darkness. ]

Mmmngh... all right.

[ Something probably got reopened. He was fine with risking that if it meant Sasuke would listen to him, but it's not recommended patient behavior. ]

[ It's not recommended emotional support behavior either, but now they both can resume more beneficial behaviors.

Sasuke pulls back the blanket and tries not the grimace at the red seeping through the bandages. Is this from some of the smaller wounds, or did some of the stitching of the larger wounds come undone? Regardless of which it is, Yukimura will hear the tearing of fabric as Sasuke makes some new cloth bandages. He'll have to wash and hang to dry the ones he removes. He's running out of clothing to sacrifice. ]

Just relax, Master. I'll take care of this.

[ His fingers gently prod around the edges of the bandages as he begins to unwrap the bloodied ones to assess the damage. ]

... If you want, you can ask me whatever you want, and I'll try to answer.

[ Maybe it'll provide Yukimura some distraction from the pain and redoing the stitching should Sasuke need to do that. ]

[ There's a pang of guilt in his chest when he hears the tearing of fabric. When this is all over, he's going to get Sasuke some new clothes. It's the least he can do.

Relax, huh... He can certainly try.

...What would he want to ask Sasuke? He must mean that questions about his past are on the table, but Yukimura's not sure he wants to go prodding at old wounds even with permission. Hasn't all this been hard enough on Sasuke?

Maybe Yukimura will change his mind, but for now, he searches for a nice, safe topic. ]

...Do you have any idea who that Tenko Mask character was?

[ It's a clumsy attempt for distraction, and it's a clumsy attempt to open himself up to Yukimura. Sasuke's lived most of his life in secret, and now that he wants to reveal himself to someone, he has no idea how to do it. Does he just start listing his favorite foods? Does he start telling him of his mother's graceful dancing or beautiful singing? Does he admit that most of the time his raises goes towards spoiling the very tiger cub he bugs about them?

However, later Sasuke can clarify that the offer continues even after this. Just like how he still owes Yukimura a night with him dressed in a kimono. (He makes a mental note to find a way for it to happen sooner than later after all this.)

The question he does receive isn't one he expected. Sasuke can't help it. He laughs softly. How can someone figure out he is Yoshiharu while not realizing he is also Tenko Kamen? ]

I do. Maybe I don't know him nearly as well as I thought I did, but... well, do you want me to tell you his identity? Or do you want to find out on your own?

Mmmmm...

[ The mysterious (and oddly familiar) Tenko Kamen... He would like to find out on his own, but he has no way of knowing when they'll next cross paths. What if they never meet again? That man is so elusive... ]

This time... I must yield to my burning curiosity. What is that man's true name?

[ Yes, the Tenko Kamen with the forest camouflage, large shuriken, and familiar mouth and chin... he's so mysterious, someone Yukimura has never met before. Sasuke is trying so hard not to laugh too loudly, but he really can't help it. His master is so naive. It's... cute. ~~Oh gods, Sasuke is so moronsexual.~~ ]

Do you remember how the final masked man was actually Lord Shingen? Or how Tengu Kamen was the Dragon's Right-Eye?

[ Oh wait. Yukimura thought that had been someone who looked exactly like Kojuro... Did he ever realize the truth? Sasuke pauses to concentrate on patching a wound before continuing. ]

Tenko Kamen, unmasked, is Sasuke Sarutobi or Yoshiharu Mikumo. At this point... I guess you can take your pick on which to use whenever we're alone.

[ ...Tengu Kamen was Lord Katakura?!

..............SASUKE IS TENKO KAMEN?!

Yukimura is now officially too concussed for this. He stares vacantly at the ceiling. ]

Sasuke... you do not have any more names, do you? I... do not think I can remember any more... My mind is pushed to its limit...

[ No, Yukimura, that's the head injury making things complicated.

He probably wouldn't have this reaction normally.

Probably. ]

[ Thankful that Yukimura can't see his face, laying down and staring up to the ceiling as he is, Sasuke still tries to suppress his laughter. (Along with the urge to go "Kon kon!" at his poor master.) He finishes wrapping the wound by pressing a light kiss to the skin beside it. If only it was that easy to just kiss it to make it better. ]

I don't think I do, not unless you or someone else gives me one. For the record, that whole thing was Lord Shingen's idea.

[ He's still amazed they roped Kojuro into it. He pulls the blanket back over Yukimura. Hopefully, he didn't get too cold. ]

I think you're patched up again. How do you feel?

[ A light kiss might not cure everything, but it does make Yukimura feel better. ]

And I suspected nothing... Only a feat His Lordship could achieve!

[ No, Yukimura, this is something that would fool only you.

He welcomes the return of the blanket. Like this kiss, any additional comfort makes a world of difference at a time like this. ]

I feel... bandaged?

[ "I feel like my blood isn't going to leak everywhere, now" is another possible answer. ]

In terms of pain, it... could be worse.

[ As in, he could be actively dying. That's about the only way to make this worse. ]

[ It really was something that would only fool Yukimura, but as reluctant he was to participate in the whole ordeal... it's a nice memory now.

Sasuke puts another log on the fire and starts to clean those used up bandages to then hang to dry. ]

I do have a little pain killer I can mix with water, but it's bitter.

[ Were they back at home or at a camp, Sasuke would try to hide the bitterness in something sweet. They don't have the option here. ]

If you want it, maybe I can give you a treat after to make up for the bitterness.

Like dango?

[ If he weren't totally out of commission, he'd have shot upright, alert as can be. Treats make everything better!

This man has the brain of a puppy. ]

A bitter taste is a small price to pay for the relief of this pain... particularly if there is a treat waiting for me at the end...!

When we get back home, I'll get you a whole plate of dango. I promise.

[ But there's no dango here, and Sasuke isn't about to leave Yukimura defenseless and alone in this isolated hut.

However, he thinks he knows something to reward and distract Yukimura from the bitter medicine after. He pours a small packet of powder into his mouth then sips until he has a mouthful of water. Sasuke is at Yukimura's side and leaning over him soon after, pressing his mouth against Yukimura's. ]

[ A whole plate! Ohh, he can almost taste it... but he'll have to be patient. A patient patient.

The immediate reward that Sasuke comes up with, however, certainly helps the medicine go down. The bitter taste is so much easier to take when it's accompanied by Sasuke's lips on his.

Yukimura swallows the medicine and barely manages not to shudder. (He really is no good with bitter flavors.) ]

...This is what happens in romantic stories, isn't it? I have not read many, but... one person takes care of the other, and then there is medicine shared with a kiss because it is the only way, or something like that...

Edited 2020-01-25 06:14 (UTC)

[ Yukimura won't mind if his lips linger a moment longer than necessary, would he? Sasuke does just that, and he might have gone for a second, longer, and more deliberate kiss if Yukimura hadn't started talking. However, he doesn't quite pull away. He just shifts his weight to be more comfortable. ]

It... does. It's a theme that happens a lot in those stories....

[ Opening up to Yukimura or not, Sasuke still is embarrassed about reading romantic stories or poetry. His face feels hot as he flushes at the admission that he's read them. ]

You read them, Sasuke?

[ That's so... cute.

And so is the red in his face. ]

I always assumed you read military dramas, or those stories where animals talk...

[ ...At least he assumes Sasuke likes variety.

He frowns, thinking. ]

Though... there could be romance in tales like those. I must not take a narrow-minded view of what any genre is capable of depicting...

[ To think he's like this even when his head is just fine. ]

[ Sasuke makes the most flustered noise, but he responds honestly, albeit a little hesitantly. ~~His inner moe is showing.~~ ]

There is overlap... romances in military dramas or romances between animals or youkai... Sometimes they even get happy endings.

[ He has read a number of them... ]

[ If Yukimura didn't feel like every bone in his body were broken, he'd be jumping Sasuke's bones about now. Moe Sasuke is just too cute. ]

Animals and youkai with... humans?

[ Well, he can imagine it, honestly. Who hasn't heard a tale or two of a youkai taking human form out of love or lust?

Yukimura's concussion-brain does its best to continue this line of conversation. ]

Were there any tigers?

[ He'll have his chance to jump Sasuke's bones when he's in a kimono. The soft moe Sasuke will be even stronger then, and Yukimura will be in better shape. ]

Yes, they had the ability to shapeshift and fell in love with a human. Many times the human didn't know, and when they learned their true nature... the youkai had to leave. Or like in the case of a kitsune, could only come back to her love at night.

A few stories had tigers. The tiger was a protector, and his identity was found out when he protected his lover. But he didn't care if he was shunned. He was going to protect his bride. I think they got to stay together in the end.

Edited (typo) 2020-01-25 18:41 (UTC)

[ It does make its own kind of sense that so many stories like that would have unhappy or less than ideal endings. But for as little romance as Yukimura's read, he's certain he prefers the ones where everything ends up working out, one way or another. ]

That sounds like a tiger.

[ He feels kind of proud of this fictional tiger man. ]

We will protect those we love, no matter what... And nothing will keep us from their sides.

[ Yukimura will be pleased to know that Sasuke prefers the ones with happy endings too. For all his darkness, he hopes that someone can have live happily ever after... even if he doesn't believe it's possible for him. ]

Tigers deserve all the honor and respect people give them, and those who earn their love should count themselves lucky.

[ Despite his physical condition, Yukimura's able to smile, hearing that. ]

I'll protect you, Sasuke.

[ Even if he ends up like this again.

Of course he'd end up like this again, gladly, if Sasuke were on the line. ]

Just like in those stories. And we'll get to stay together. That... I promise you that.

[ "...I need you, Sasuke. I need you beside me. I want us both to live."

"I do! And I would fight any devil for your soul, Sasuke! I mean it. Whatever your soul is made of, whatever damage it bears, it is precious to me! Above all else, I need you to understand -- you are precious to me."

"I understand well the gravity of my words... my actions. To entrust your heart to another is no simple feat. I, Sanada Yukimura, swear to you that I will not let this be a decision you come to regret. Can you trust me?" ]

... I...

[ The sincerity of Yukimura's promise breaks down any remaining defenses. Sasuke ~~goes full moe mode~~ chokes up. ]

Please protect this broken heart of mine. If anyone could do it, keep it warm and alive... I think you could.

[ He hopes that will be the case as much as the idea terrifies him. This is new, something that goes against how he's lived his life thus far. Yukimura asked him to trust him and promises to protect him. Even if it's Sasuke's job to protect Yukimura's life, would it... really be so bad to have Yukimura protect his heart? Yukimura was the one to find it still existed within his darkness in the first place. ]

[ Underneath all those masks, Sasuke sure is a crybaby.

He's in good company. Though right now, Yukimura doesn't want to cry. Sasuke might think it's from pain.

So what he does is raise one hand -- he's pretty sure this arm wasn't broken -- hoping that Sasuke will take it. ]

I'll protect your heart... And I shall help you mend it. No matter what it takes.

[ There's no heart that can't heal. Yukimura refuses to believe otherwise. Maybe it won't ever be quite the same as it once was, but it can always be put back together with enough love and patience. ]

This fire in my soul... will not go out. If you think you're straying too far into the dark... let this blazing light be your beacon.

[ Underneath all those masks, there is a lonely soul finally being heard and allowed to express his pain in other ways. Hiding in the dark isn't his only option. Not when there's his beacon leading him out of it.

Sasuke takes Yukimura's hand. It's almost a shame that Yukimura's vision is still blurry. He can't see Sasuke's face, see the faint spark in his eyes. It's not just love. There's something else. Hope?

Although, maybe Sasuke can take advantage of that blurry eyesight. His body is cramping up from bracing his weight awkwardly to avoid Yukimura's injuries but also keep close. And well... there's a chill wearing most chain mail and little else. (The Tiger Cub is the one who can hide among the trees right now.) ]

... Will you give me a moment? I think I can help the both of us get more comfortable....

[ Unless Yukimura needs him to do something first. Sasuke's not too keen on letting of his hand, even if he'll quickly grab it again. ]

[ (When Yukimura's better, he's definitely going to borrow Sasuke's clothes again just to see if he can ~~LARP Metal Gear~~ successfully hide in the trees too.)

Yukimura doesn't want to let go either, but getting more comfortable sounds fantastic. ]

Mm. But take my hand again, after.

[ Sasuke will even let Yukimura use some of his face paint to complete the look. ~~And get a bit turned on by the idea that Yukimura is wearing his clothes.~~

But for now, Sasuke will pull away. He puts another log on the fire. Then Yukimura may hear the clink of metal on metal as it's dropped on the floor. They're not separated for much longer as Sasuke wiggles his way under the blanket to nestle his body gently against Yukimura's. He's very mindful of Yukimura's injuries as he brings an arm across Yukimura's torso to once more entwine their hands together.

Sasuke feels heat on his face. He's still ashamed of the scars littering his body, as many and ugly as they are, and he worries about what Yukimura will think if he sees the extent of them. And... even if they aren't going to be doing anything, this is still very intimate.

What did Yukimura say? "There is nothing like feeling the warmth of another's person's bare skin against yours."...? Well, Sasuke isn't stripped completely bare ~~unlike a certain someone, he wears a fundoshi~~, but Yukimura probably has more cover due to all his bandages. ]

Is... this okay?

[ He asks shyly. Like a moth to a flame, he's drawn to Yukimura's warmth. Maybe he can give some warmth of his own back to its source. ]

[ UNDERWEAR IS FOR COWARDS

sure hope he's wearing some when he's doing his sasuke cosplay--

It's a rare day indeed when Yukimura's wearing more than anybody else in the vicinity. And to think it's only because he literally has to right now. Sasuke loves a ridiculous man. ]

This is much better...!

[ Yukimura would snuggle closer if it didn't mean Sasuke might have to check on the bandages again. Being stuck in one spot is about as bad as being injured in the first place. But if Sasuke's right here next to him, it's that much more tolerable. ]

You are so much warmer than you think.

[ ~~Underwear is for people who don't want their junk catching on chain mail! He may regret it if he doesn't.~~

As if he senses that Yukimura wants them to be closer, Sasuke plants a kiss on a bare patch of skin on Yukimura's shoulder. He does love a ridiculous man. May the gods help them both. ]

If I am, it's no doing of my own... but I'm glad. You deserve all the comfort and warmth you can get.

[ ~~Some lessons have to be learned the hard way.~~

Until that kiss just now, Yukimura had almost wondered if there were a part of him that wasn't all bandaged up. Kiss him more, Sasuke! Everywhere that's still available! ]

Your soul, too, can burn if the embers are stoked.

[ ~~Given the location, kissing it and making it better will have a completely different connotation.~~

But responding to Yukimura's unsaid request, Sasuke adds kiss after kiss from Yukimura's shoulder, over his collarbone, up to his neck, and to his jawline. No, not every part of Yukimura is bandaged up, and Sasuke is more than willing to give Yukimura distraction from the pain and make him feel alive. ]

And you're good at doing that. I can only imagine how it must feel if you make me burn.

[ ~~sasuke hurry and administer the first-aid blowjob~~

With every kiss, Yukimura is made aware of one more part of himself that was left unscathed. It's grounding, if anything, because it's easy to feel not-quite-here when you can't see clearly and you can hardly even move. ]

You won't have to imagine forever. I'll... I'll stoke your embers until you're hot!

[ ...

Bless that sincerity of his. ]

[ Sasuke sputters at Yukimura's honesty just when Sasuke thought he was doing a better job of keeping his feelings in check and less like some flustered maiden. (Along with previous emotional breakdowns and outbursts.) How much of those words are Yukimura as usual, and how much is the Yukimura who has awoken to more carnal desires? ]

I-I look forward to it?

[ Maybe he'll just busy himself with leaving more kisses on Yukimura's skin since he didn't object to it. He places a few more kisses to his jawline before trailing them back down his neck. Now, it's a distraction for himself as much as Yukimura. ]

[ This time, it really is just Yukimura as usual. He's gotten better at picking up other people's innuendo, but unless he's actually trying to make a double entendre... he's still kind of oblivious to how certain things may sound.

Sasuke's reaction makes it seem like he did suggest something dirty, but on the other hand, maybe he was just surprised to hear that Yukimura intended to make his soul as BLAZING HOT as his own?

Logic is hard for him even on a good day, okay. And Sasuke's kisses are very distracting, just as they were intended to be. Clever, clever, Sasuke.

Despite everything that's happened, Yukimura's feeling better. Emotionally, anyway. The whole atmosphere has changed since when he first woke back up in the hut. It feels like everything is going to be okay.

They're going to be okay.

Ha. Take that, Matsunaga.

And yet... a slight frown creases his forehead. ]

...can't remember..

[ Yukimura murmurs something to himself. ]

My memory is failing me still... I am unsure if I told you that I love you. It is important that you know.

[ The mood has changed. Both of them have been pulled back from their individual brinks. They're alive, together. The future doesn't look as bleak. There's hope. Yukimura's body will mend. Sasuke, too, might yet be mended; his darkest secret has been brought out into the light and accepted.

No, Yukimura had called Sasuke precious, a friend, a partner. He said Sasuke was wanted, that there was a place in his heart for him, that he'd protect him, and fight for his soul... but he had not said those words to Sasuke previously.

Unlike his earlier fluster, Sasuke's reaction is surprisingly subdue and quiet. Nearly too quiet. How could three small words rattle Sasuke to the core? How could they also be words he desperately needed to hear? ]

... Do you... really...?

[ The question sounds so stupid once it's said, but the voice saying it is so timid and fearful. Sasuke can't believe it came from his mouth. ]

[ Sasuke is quiet... Is he surprised? Shocked?

No, worse than that. When Sasuke answers, he sounds afraid again. After all that's been said and done, does he not believe him? Yukimura would never say something like that if he didn't mean it... But, Yukimura reasons, Sasuke wouldn't think he's lying. It's just that he needs to hear it again. Needs to let it sink in. Allow it to sink it, maybe. Yukimura has sworn to repair to Sasuke's heart, but that won't happen in a day, no matter how many revelations Sasuke may have had.

Love takes patience, and for Sasuke, Yukimura will find that patience. ]

I do. I love you. Not only as a friend, but in the romantic way as well. Like the tiger who protected the human he loved no matter the cost.

Edited 2020-02-01 15:33 (UTC)

I... needed to hear that.

[ He admits. He needed to hear the words much like how he needed to hear Yukimura say his name, Yoshiharu. Sasuke can and will twist words left unsaid to not be in his favor. He trusts Yukimura. Yukimura wouldn't lie, especially about something that could be so potentially damaging. That's not the person he is.

However, that doesn't mean Sasuke is fully confident in his new role in life. A heart, humanity, Yoshiharu, loving and being loved by Yukimura, to not be a shadow... There are a lot of radical changes for Sasuke to accept and make an effort to adopt. He wants to, yet, no one learns how to master a weapon upon the first try. It takes practice, mistakes, successes, time. The same applies for matters of the heart, especially one so fragile from years of pain. Or perhaps his reaction is closer to a skittish, wild animal who befriends a human but still must contend with years of animal instincts urging him to run.

Yukimura can rest assured that Sasuke will make the effort if Yukimura continues to be patient and persistent. He can be proud of the progress they've already made together. ]

I love you too, Master. You've been the light in my dark life for such a long time.

[ Maybe this has all been one of those human-youkai romances after all, and Sasuke's taken the youkai's role. A kitsune, most certainly.

Yukimura didn't doubt that Sasuke loves him, though that doesn't make hearing it spoken any less special.

There's just one thing that strikes Yukimura as being slightly wrong. ]

This may be selfish of me... but Sasuke... would you call me by my name? You don't have to all the time. Just when you say those words... rather than being your lord, or general, or master, I... want to be "Yukimura".

[ Maybe it is. After all, Yukimura learned that Tenko Kamen and Sasuke are the same person, and he has transformed himself into other forms before. If Sasuke isn't a monkey as he once claimed, then he might just be a fox following a tiger's lead. Perhaps Yukimura should check to make sure Sasuke isn't hiding a long fluffy tail.

He gives Yukimura a brief kiss to the lips. ]

I love you, Yukimura. In so many ways, it scares me.

[ Though the unadorned name feels awkward on his tongue, it tastes so sweet. Sasuke could get used to this. He can get used to saying it in his company and whispering it softly into his ears. ]

You're my light. You give me hope and a reason to live when I had given up. You've seen past my mask and embraced that fragile part of me I tried to hide. You make me, this Sasuke, this Yoshiharu, want to... try to become who you think I could be. I want to stay by your side as long as you'll let me.

God damn it, I'm not as good at this as you are, Yukimura.

[ He'll try to give Yukimura another kiss, longer, and deeper this time. ]

[ "I love you, Yukimura."

There it is. There are the words he so wanted to hear, spoken so readily.

Yukimura reciprocates the kiss as best he can in his state. That last thing Sasuke says gets a chuckle out of him, which doesn't make it any easier. ]

--So long as you're speaking from the heart, it does not matter... if you're eloquent, or have to grasp for what to say... The meaning behind the words... that is what matters.

[ Sasuke chuckles as well as he feels Yukimura's lips pull into a smile from his laughter. He'll leave another kiss to his forehead before snuggling his way back against Yukimura's body. Maybe that's enough distraction for the moment. ]

I'll leave the bold proclamations to you. It's easier to read the stories with those than come up with my own.

[ But maybe he underestimates himself. ~~And then in his next life he becomes a writer and more willing to admit being a book nerd.~~ ]

[ Kissing is always good, but right now snuggling is really where it's at. ]

By the way... Those stories...

[ Making out didn't embarrass him, but now his cheeks are tinged pink. ]

I maybe... might... possibly want to borrow one of them? It is, ah, good, I think, to expand my horizons... and such.

[ Yukimura isn't the only one with cheeks tinged red more from reading material than make outs while both parties are near-naked. What a pair they make. ]

You... want to read them? I--Sure. It'd be a good way for you to pass the time.

[ When he's still healing and unable to return to duty as normal. Even with his rapid healing (even faster with Shingen punching him), he'll still need to rest. ]

When we get back to camp, I'll bring you some.

[ They're dorks through and through. ]

Lend me some of your favorites.

[ Sasuke's bound to have good taste, right? ]

[ Sasuke will throw in a few action oriented stories, but Yukimura will soon find out that Sasuke reads a number of romances or stories where a character is reunited with loved ones. ~~Maybe he's doing a little wish fulfillment while also hoping for happy endings.~~ If Yukimura needs any more proof that his ninja is a big softy on the inside, the stories will only give him more evidence... not that it's a surprise by this point.

To the relief of them both, Yukimura's condition improves enough to allow him to not be so bed-stricken. He's still on the mend. If he overdoes it, his injuries make themselves known and possibly need attention. There's no going out to battle or even light sparring for this tiger cub. Not yet. Still, the situation isn't all bad. Sasuke remains ever present by Yukimura's side, whether they've made it back to the Takeda compound or remain in that isolated hut at the edge of the forest. ]

And how's Japan's number one warrior feeling?

[ It's no wonder Yukimura got some phoenix imagery in his own game; his healing factor makes him more than deserving. Given the severity of his injuries, he's still barred from any physical activity that could be called strenuous and wearing far too many bandages for his liking, but most people in his shoes would still be entirely confined to their beds.

They're back at the Takeda compound by now, and the familiar surroundings aid in his recovery -- eventually. At first, the shame of having gotten himself into such bad shape in the first place was churning constantly in his stomach. He's sure the only reason Shingen didn't punch him skyward and call him a fool is because for once, he wouldn't be able to take it, and knowing that hurt worse than he imagined the punch itself ever would.

Fortunately, the shame lessens the more he heals. Staying put and resting is hard for a person like Yukimura, but the variety of stories Sasuke brings him keep him from getting too stir-crazy and jeopardizing his healing as a result. It's a little hard to read through the more scandalous parts, like when people hold hands, but he thinks he gets a little stronger as a person every time he makes it through a scene like that. He doesn't even let himself skim over them!

He's lying on his side, intently reading one of those stories when Sasuke comes to check on him. ]

Improved from yesterday, Japan's Number One Ninja!

[ It hurts to do most things that aren't lying in bed (and even that's not painless), but it's a lot more bearable than it was at first. ]

[ Everyone in the Takeda both breathed a sigh of relief upon their return and raised an eyebrow at Sasuke. They can tell something has changed, but they haven't figured out what. They simply sense that the ninja's aura has shifted. The Sanada ~~Braves~~ Ninja Corps have their own ideas, but they show more restraint over expressing them. (They instead place bets among themselves.) No one tries to convince Sasuke to let someone else nurse Yukimura back to health. It's like everyone realizes he needs to do this. ]

I brought you something.

[ He places a large plate of dango next to Yukimura. There's also tea and some pain medicine (if he needs it), but the important thing is that Sasuke made good on his promise to get him dango. He's relieved that Yukimura is taking it easy. Were their roles reversed, Sasuke doesn't know if he'd be able to remain resting. ]

Would you mind some company?

[ Since he needs to remake his forest camouflage outfit, Sasuke has taken to wearing his more standard ninja black attire around the compound. He's... not comfortable wearing a kimono around others besides Yukimura. That doesn't stop him from bringing the kimono over with the rest of his sewing supplies. Sasuke has a lot of general sewing to do. ]

[ Yukimura lays eyes upon the dango and is delighted. It's here!! The dango is real!! What better medicine could there possibly be?!

...Okay, no, the real pain meds (along with the tea) are appreciated too. ]

Not at all!

[ Yukimura pats the space next to him with a bandaged hand. The burns he received are going to scar, but he's trying to keep his mind off of things like that. ]

I have been wanting to tell you my thoughts on this tale.

[ Sasuke is willing to hide the medicine within the dango or create a sweetened tea mixed with the medicine. Yukimura won't have to worry too much about the bitter taste if he decides to take it. His ninja will do what he can.

Setting down his sewing bundle within reach, Sasuke sits next to Yukimura right where he patted the floor. He also tries not to think about which wounds will leave scars. It seems wrong for someone so fiery to bear burn scars like he has. ]

Did you finish it all ready? That was fast.

[ It took Sasuke longer to finish it, but he also had multiple other things dividing his attention at the time. ]

[ Yukimura shakes his head, slowly so as not to give himself a headache. ]

Not yet. I have reached the halfway point, where the youkai and her lover have been separated by the meddling onmyouji.

[ It's a gripping tale. He can't until he's finished the story before discussing it! ]

I was sympathetic to his unrequited love for the youkai at first, but he has made himself the villain now! How can he not see that he cannot take her love by force?!

[ Oh that point. Sasuke remembers how pained the youkai became. Her spirit seemed to fade, losing hope for life the longer she was held captive. ]

I think the onmyouji confused his desire for the youkai for love. He doesn't love her. He wants ownership, to claim her as his prized possession. However, he calls it love to justify his actions.

[ The onmyouji might have been sympathetic at first, but he started to show his true colors. A person shouldn't hurt their lover the way he has. ]

He cannot see his own selfishness, and looks away from her unhappiness as if it will resolve itself...

[ Yukimura's brow furrows as he thinks of the youkai woman's plight. ]

I cannot predict what will happen next, but I would like to believe that he will see the error of his ways, and learn from the youkai's example what true love is supposed to look like.

Some people only see what they want to see. Others have been blinded and don't know what they're missing. They need someone to help open their eyes.

[ Maybe the onmyouji will. Maybe he won't. Sasuke won't give Yukimura a spoiler. That'll ruin the story. ]

Which way will this story go...?

[ Sasuke takes off his gauntlets, spreads a piece of green fabric over his folded legs, and begins to stitch. ]

[ Yukimura gives both the story and Sasuke a pointed stare before rolling onto his back and making an impatient noise. ]

Why must it take so long to reach the ending? Is there a way to train myself to read more quickly??

[ Maybe he could just skip ahead a few pages... No, no, he has to finish it properly! But the poor youkai maiden...! ]

[ Sasuke can't help but laugh at the adorable tiger cub. And it feels good to laugh like this, brightly and honestly. ]

You can take a break and rest your eyes, you know. You're making me wonder if you forgot about the dango and tea.

[ Highly unlikely, given who he's speaking to, but the plate of dango has lasted longer than he expected. ]

And if you try to read too quickly, you won't enjoy the story as much.

[ Laughing at his very serious dilemma!! So mean, Sasuke!!

Yukimura frowns at the ceiling before huffing a sigh and rolling back onto his side. ]

I have no argument for that...! A story must be savored the way one savors dango!

[ He picks up one of the skewers and starts munching on the dango. ]

...But what if the ending is not sweet the way the dango is?

[ Compared to everything else they've gone through, the frustration over not reading fast enough in so lighthearted. At least there isn't blurry vision for him to contend with! ]

Do you think I'd give you something that would leave a bitter taste in your mouth? ... Besides the medicine.

[ While not a spoiler, Yukimura might be able to read between the lines: Sasuke wouldn't give Yukimura book with a bad ending. ]

[ Right, the medicine... He needs it, but why does it have to taste like that? ]

...No.

[ He's got to concede that. Sasuke's recommended tales have all had happy, satisfying endings, just how Yukimura likes them. ]

I suppose I know already that this story will end happily, but... the suspense, Sasuke! It makes me doubt what is certain!

[ Shinobi must learn herbal medicine for use in the field to combat injury and poison. It's a necessary skill, and unfortunately, the plants that help do not taste good on their own. They need a little extra work. ]

That's how you know the author is skilled. Word have a certain power, don't they? They can grip you in ways a sword can and can't.

You're right...! These tales speak to my heart! I care for the fates of the characters as if they were people I knew!

[ ...Pause for more dango. ]

I confess that I have, until now, failed to appreciate the power of a well-crafted tale. How even a single sentence can shake one's soul. May the authors of this world forgive my ignorance...!

I think the author would be honored that their book helped you see the possibility stories can have.

[ Sasuke almost relates the text to the talks Shingen gives, but he doesn't want to rile Yukimura up needlessly and risk upsetting his injuries. It can be something he says later. ]

I liked how the author described the festival they attended. It was like I could see and hear it happening.

[ Yukimura nods enthusiastically... and then winces, rubbing his head. Ow. He probably needs that pain medicine sooner than later. ]

Gah... Yes, I felt the same! The scene was perfectly clear in my mind. The food stalls, and the lantern lights... the people milling about, and the fireworks overhead. It was very -- very romantic.

[ He looks down as he says that, somehow embarrassed. ]

Particularly when they shared a candied apple...

[ Sasuke sees that wince of pain and puts down his sewing. In a cleared off spot on the plate, he pulls the dango off the skewer and begins to kneed the pain medicine into the the sweet. ]

I'm glad for the writer's skill in telling scenes like that. It's a chance to experience something I'll never get to.... Here.

[ He holds out the drugged dango out to Yukimura. ]

This should make it easier for you take.

[ Yukimura takes it gratefully, biting into the now-medicinal dango right away. He can hardly taste the medicine! ]

Thank you.

[ He says, with his mouth full. Yukimura, honestly... ]

--But what do you mean? You will never be able to visit a festival with someone important...? I would attend a festival with you.

[ It's a relief to Sasuke when Yukimura takes the pain relief dango without argument. There's always a small part of him which worries Yukimura outright refusing medicine even if it would help him.

Also, Danna please. Manners. That's not a good look on you. ]

... You would? It's not really something a ninja...

[ Oh no. Yukimura's vision has cleared and can see the crimson coloring his cheeks. ]

Well, I suppose I may have a chance to now.

[ Note to self, start making a yukata for festival times.... so much sewing! ]

[ Sasuke would have never considered anything like this before. He's come so far.

And yes, he sure can see that blush. Sasuke is cute... ]

Let us go, the both of us, the next time there is a festival. By then, my wounds will be healed entirely! Ahhhh, there will be so much delicious food...!!

[ Forgive him, Sasuke, his mind is on snacks. ]

[ He's making the effort. As long as Yukimura is patient, supportive, and persistent, he'll find Sasuke continue to open up to this new outlook on his life. Yukimura, his light, inspires him to try.

And how far Yukimura has come. He's changed much from when he was trying to force the change in his ninja, only to make them feel worse by the end of it. ]

I'd like that at lot. I'd have my own memory instead only one from a book. Sharing the night, the fireworks and food together, will make it all the more special.

[ It turns out you can't brute-force growth in other people. WHO KNEW.

Just thinking about this future festival and attending it with Sasuke is making Yukimura feel like he's healthier.

(That, or those pain meds work fast.) ]

And that will only be the beginning. I want to make more memories with you.

[ Sasuke needs more happy memories. ]

When is the next festival, Sasuke?

[ Maybe the idea of the festival makes Yukimura's heart race and speeds up the circulation of the medicine through his body. ]

A festival, a night in kimono... I'm going to need to keep track of all these.

[ He laughs, buut he doesn't sound worried in the slightest. Quite the opposite really. He's... excited. And he even tries to quiet the voice which questions if he should be so excited.

Sasuke desperately needs more happy memories, ones he can recall again and again when he needs strength and light. ]

At this time of year... it'd be the plum blossom festivals.

Right...! Of course! Spring is nearly upon us, and it is heralded by the plum blossoms!

[ Sightseeing with Sasuke sounds like fun. And of course, there will be food. ]

This may be the year I triumph over the sour taste of umeboshi once and for all!

Yes, the plum trees in bloom remind me I've somehow grown another year older more than the New Year's festivities.

[ ~~Literally, since his birthday occurs around the same time.~~ Sasuke will be glad for the warmer weather, though he may discover he misses the cold for the easy excuse to obtain tiger cuddles. Mark that down as another way he's starting to change. ]

Should I try hiding an umeboshi in your dango?

[ He teases. He's not about to surprise Yukimura that way. ]

A fiendish thought!! ...And yet...

[ It kind of gives him an idea. ]

Imagine... a plate full of ordinary dango... but among them is an impostor! Umeboshi disguised as dango! Picture the thrill of it, Sasuke! Taking dango one by one, unknowing if it is what it appears to be!!

[ Russian roulette: food style. ]

[ The idea is so ridiculous and so Yukimura, that Sasuke bursts out laughing. Again. What has Yukimura done to him? To make him laugh and smile so easily, so earnestly? ]

If that is what you wish, then I'll make you a plate of dango with a few surprises hidden among them.

[ He's already thinking of the possibilities. Sasuke won't be too mean. Not all surprises need to be as shocking as an umeboshi. ]

[ Yukimura beams. ]

I am grateful!!

[ Dango has always been tasty, but now it can be exciting too. ]

We could make a competition of it! If the dango are scrambled, even you would not know which one is which! The winner is the one who picks out the most ordinary dango!

[ He's not sure how fair that would be. Yukimura will eat them faster than he could, even with them tasting different. Yukimura just loves his dango that much. Snatching a dango away from Yukimura is like risking losing one's fingers to a tiger. ]

Shall we make a night of it? I could probably get everything done in a few days. It'll give you more time to heal, so we don't have to worry about your head as much.

[ And would Yukimura object to Sasuke bringing the dango roulette while wearing that kimono he wanted to see him in again? Sasuke can be efficient and knock out two of Yukimura's desires at once. (Or would the kimono moe ninja be too alluring and distracting?) ]

[ He might pull a Kirby and inhale them all before Sasuke can even grab one... ]

That is fantastic thinking, Sasuke!! We can call it a celebration for overcoming what recently transpired!!

[ 'What recently transpired' is sort of a vague way to put it, but he'd rather not mention Matsunaga by name and sour the mood.

(Kimono plus dango = the greatest celebration ever, naturally.) ]

Edited 2020-02-20 05:35 (UTC)

[ That would go against the entire purpose of the game, silly Danna! ]

Then your job is to heal and to finish your book. In... three days, I'll come here once the sun goes down. Does that sound good?

[ Sasuke doesn't need any elaboration on what transpired. He could happily live the rest of his life without needing to give that bastard another thought. He'd much rather think of the flame before him, growing stronger and stronger. ]

[ Sasuke may have to remind him of the actual point of the game. Possibly more than once. ]

Three days to finish--?!

[ Can he finish a book in three days?

It's not like he's got much to do besides read, and it is a gripping tale, so actually... ]

Very well!! I accept these terms!! But before the challenge begins, you must hear out my thoughts on the story's end!!

[ It's a game Sasuke won't mind losing to Yukimura. He doesn't actually believe he'll win it unless he cheats, and he won't. Not when his consolation prize (a smiling, victorious Yukimura) is so much sweeter than any dango can be. ]

And I accept that term as well. I look forward to hearing it.

[ The tale remains gripping with maybe more than a little scandalous hand holding and the like all the way to the end. The youkai maiden and her lover will get their happy ending even if the world seems to suggest otherwise. ]

[[ OOC: Jump to 3 days later/start a new thread for 3 days later? ]]

i think it's about time for a new thread! ♡ 3-day timeskip works for me

One new start for dango kimono book club whatever fun times coming up!

[ The three days come and go quickly. Sasuke has been busy at work with both taking care of Yukimura, getting things ready for dango roulette, and slowly returning to doing his own job. It helps the soldiers' anxiety over both of them not quite bouncing back to action as fast as usual. Shingen also had a few tasks for him to take care of, and Sasuke can't exactly deny him those. It would look badly on Yukimura and himself.

It's a crisp, cool night when Sasuke whispers softly at Yukimura's door. ]

Master Sanada, I'm entering.

[ He doesn't wait for a reply as he slips through the door and quickly closes it behind him. His movements are feather-soft like he sneaked into enemy territory. In his hands, he carries a tray with the plate of dango, some tea, and some sake. (He's giving Yukimura a choice of beverage to enjoy with his dango.) That's hardly any reason for Sasuke's haste and secrecy.

However, fulfilling an earlier request of Yukimura's does call for ninja skills. Yukimura will see Sasuke in that green kimono again. Sasuke is doing his best not to blush. He doesn't have a real "excuse" to blame his dress on; he feels so exposed. But... he also understands he feels less like a ninja (more human?) dressed like this. It's worth exploring more even if Yukimura hadn't wished to see him in this again.

Kneeling down, making sure to sweep the kimono underneath his legs and not expose himself, Sasuke begins to arrange the items more pleasingly on the tray. ]

Have you finished the book?

[ There he is! Dressed in the kimono that gives him such an ethereal air!! Sasuke's as bewitching to Yukimura as he was the first time he saw him dressed like this. Just what kind of stat bonuses does this outfit possess?! Too OP, pls nerf!!

--So anyway, Yukimura's happy to see him. And he's looking even healthier, too. The young cub's healing properties are pretty OP themselves.

Yukimura nods. ]

Yes!!

[ He holds up the book triumphantly. ]

I struggled to put it down...! I believe I would have finished it within three days even without the deadline!!

[ Item: Simple Handmade Kimono (Green)
Effect: Alluring Soft Moe
STR: 0
DEX: -2
CON: -3
INT: +1
WIS: +1
CHA: +10 ]

Were you surprised when the youkai's lover was the priest in disguise? He survived the onmyouji's attack and came up with a way to enter his lair. He might have fooled the onmyouji, but the youkai knew instantly. What about the fact that the animal caught in the bear trap was--

[ The excitement is obvious in his voice. He's like a fox kit who's eager to play after being alone with his (secret) hobby for so long, clearly never having the chance to discuss the books he's read.

But Sasuke quickly turns bright red. ]

I-I'm sorry. You wanted to tell me about your thoughts. I should let you speak first.

Your enthusiasm fuels my own!!

[ Yukimura beams. It's wonderful to see Sasuke so earnestly excited and eager to share. ]

When his true identity was revealed I was utterly shocked, and yet it made perfect sense in retrospect! So many things came together all at once! This is what they call "foreshadowing", isn't it?!

Yes, that's exactly what it's called.

[ He is eager, and he is returns to his previous energy. The ninja seeped in darkness shows a spark of fire within him. This is nothing related to his job or role in life. This belongs to that heart Yukimura protects. ]

The animal being freed from the bear trap was also foreshadowing. The youkai wore a scrap of her lover's haori around her leg like a bandage. It hid her scar and was her treasured keepsake. Just like she realized who the priest was, her lover realized she was the same animal once he saw recognized it.

[ Her lover learned the truth when they shared a more intimate moment, but he didn't drive her away in disgust or fear. So his love was actually a youkai, so what? It hadn't mattered at all. ]

[ Aha, he was right! His knowledge of literary terms grows!

He pays close attention to Sasuke's elaboration on the subject. ]

How clever! No detail presented to the reader is without meaning! It is all so carefully crafted!

[ Yukimura's respect for the art of writing grows. ]

When the priest accepted his lover for what she was without hesitation, I was so deeply moved, Sasuke!! Her anxiety regarding her true nature and her fear of rejection had run so deep, but then she realized his love for her was unconditional, and I was in tears!!

Their fates had really seemed hopeless, you know? I might have shed a few tears at the end too.... It was the perfect ending for a pair who had gone through so much. They both deserved to spend each day waking up in each other's arms.

[ The two characters' love and trust couldn't be matched. The author clearly wanted to show how a small token of kindness could bloom into something powerful and beautiful. Sasuke wishes more stories ended like this one did. The author wrote a few more, but Sasuke has yet to find copies. (And it's not like he could go around asking for them when he had tried to keep this pastime hidden from others.) ]

Now for my end of the deal... Yukimura....

[ Sasuke pushes the tray of dango and beverages (tea and sake) toward Yukimura so that it's between them. He did his best to disguise all the fillings with a layer of normal dango. There are wooden picks to use to eat them since Sasuke didn't make multiples to skewer on a stick. ]

Flavored dango are mixed among the normal variety. You won't know what you get until you bite into it.

[ It even made Sasuke cry? It's a sweet thought, but at the same time, Yukimura doesn't want to picture him shedding tears. Sasuke shouldn't ever have to cry!

Ahhhh, it's dango roulette time. He's been waiting for this. Will the food be friend or foe? ]

Superb! They all look identical!

[ The beverages will help wash down any unsavory flavors, too. ]

To begin with, I choose... this one!!

[ Yukimura picks up dango number two, biting into it without hesitation.

It's... entirely normal! A lucky first start! ]

[ It is a good thing that Yukimura's vision had been blurry back at the hut. Sasuke had shed so many tears; his cheeks were stained with them. However, Yukimura had been spared committing the image to memory. He had enough bad memories from that incident. ]

That's one point for you, Gen--Yukimura.

[ Sasuke's making an effort to call him by his personal name, but habits are hard to break. (Even if he had just done so.) Sasuke wants to break this one. The thought mildly surprises Sasuke. He wants to call Yukimura by Yukimura?

But then he focuses on the dango, studying each one and looking for any hint of what they do or do not contain. ]

I made an odd number of regular dango, so there should be eight still available...

[ With a quick, precise jab, Sasuke skewers Dango #5 and takes a bite. He then shows the insides to Yukimura, dango all the way through. ]

It looks like we're tied.

[ He couldn't be happier that Sasuke is making the effort to call him by name. He knows the adjustment can't be easy. ]

And now seven...

[ The less normal dango there are, the more likely it is he'll pick a peculiar one. ]

What does this dango hold?!

[ Yukimura seizes Dango #19 and bites it in half. It's another normal one! Following Sasuke's lead, he shows his dango's insides.

It's not like he'd lie (or that he'd be able to hide it if he got a weird one), but it's the principle of the thing. ]

Down to six normal dango...!

[ Sasuke doesn't try to guess the contents this time. He chooses one closest to him and bites into it. The dango bites into two easily, almost as if it's hollow. Sticky, amber liquid dribbles out of the dango and onto Sasuke's lips. ]

Ah, I picked wrong.

[ When he shows Yukimura Dango #13, there's the sweetened soy sauce syrup normally covering mitarashi dango inside of it. Sasuke might be able to hide eating a flavored dango, but he's not going to. That's against the spirit of the game, and Sasuke spent so much effort on making this possible. ]

But... it could have been worse. This is pretty normal for a dango flavor, even if the syrup's usually on the outside.

[ He eats the rest and licks some of the syrup off his lips. ]

--Right you are! About that. The flavor.

[ Pardon him. Watching Sasuke lick the syrup from his lips had him a little preoccupied.

Yukimura hurriedly grabs a random dango, which happens to be Dango #12. ]

Another ordinary dango?

[ He's a little nervous now. This luck is too good! Suspiciously good! ]

[ It was just Sasuke's luck that he got the messiest one, but when he notices Yukimura staring, he flushes a little. However, he... doesn't... mind the attention.... The blush is still apparent as Sasuke picks his next dango. ]

I'm going to need to catch up if I have any chance of winning.

[ Sasuke doesn't needs to show the insides of Dango #16 for Yukimura to guess what it contains. His face and lips pucker from the sour taste. Does he even want to finish this one? ]

So much for you trying to best the umeboshi; I got it.

[ Oh no! Sasuke caught him staring! (Because he was very obvious about it...)

But double oh no! Sasuke got the umeboshi dango! Yukimura should be relieved that he didn't get to it first, but that sour flavor was entirely Yukimura's idea! ]

I'll not forget your sacrifice, Sasuke!!

[ Yukimura, just what do you think this is?

He picks up Dango #7 and his lucky streak is finally broken. ]

So salty!! This is... miso!!

[ Sasuke shudders a little as he eats the other half of the umeboshi dango. He doesn't want to waste the food, and he doesn't want to subject Yukimura or Mr. Tori (who is probably sleeping in a tree anyways) to it. A kagemusha must be prepared to sacrifice himself to foods poisoned by... very sour umeboshi.

But he tries not to laugh when Yukimura is shocked by the small ball of miso inside of his choice. ]

Finally, your luck runs out, and I might have a chance.

[ It's a relief when he picks Dango #15. It closes the gap and helps him recover from his previous pick. ]

Just the usual dango.

The stakes are rising!!

[ Yukimura takes a bite out of Dango #3, and frowns in confusion. It's not bad, but it's not really good, either... And are these petals?? ]

Is this... flower filling?

[ How curious! He's sure it's safe to eat, so he finishes the dango. ]

What kind of flower was that?

Edited 2020-03-09 01:36 (UTC)

They're plum blossoms. Some of them are starting to bloom.

[ Sasuke might have been inspired by their talk of the plum blossom festivals coming. Dango #1 is chestnut, and why is Sasuke getting the messier ones which make him lick his lips? Does ~~RNG~~ some god really have it out for him? Or is trying to "help" somehow by distracting Yukimura? It's not that kind of game. ]

I know this is a game, and the winner is whoever found the most regular dango. But, did we ever decide on a prize for the winner?

[ Maybe the reward is just eating dango or bragging rights, but if Yukimura would like to up those stakes a bit more, they could come up with something. ]

[ A timely type of flower! Yukimura decides that, even if the taste is not to his taste, Sasuke picked well.

He picked well with the chestnut dango, too. Yukimura doesn't want to look like he's staring, or even show that he's noticed that the filling is on the messy side, but the way he keeps glancing to and from from Sasuke says it all. ]

Um...

[ Did they? He doesn't think they did, but he's kind of... distracted. ]

I think we... did not! Though a competition deserves a prize, so we ought to come up with one! Such as... such as...

[ He can't think. Help. ]

W-well, the victor can decide!!

[ Yukimura then picks a dango at random and stuffs it into his mouth. It's Dango #8, and it's normal. ]

Howsh dat shound??

[ He's talking with his mouth full... ]

Edited 2020-03-09 05:02 (UTC)

The victor can decide.

[ If they were playing a strategy game, Sasuke would have a tactical advantage. Dango #11 is sweet potato, and the mashed filling is slightly sticky, slightly crumbly. He licks the remains off his lips and a little off his fingers too. ~~Might as well go all in if RNG wants to distract Yukimura. I see you thirsty RNG.~~

However, Sasuke's not even trying to be tempting or alluring right now. His brows are furrowed as he leans over the tray and calculates the odds. Yukimura might be treated to glimpses of skin he's only seen with blurry vision. Enjoy the view while Sasuke is distracted in his own way.

There are only 3 normal dango left. Yukimura has eaten 4 while he's had 2. Should Yukimura even get 1 more regular dango, the game goes to him. Oh. Damn. That last one Yukimura had really put things in his favor. ]

[ This... this is madness! How does Sasuke keep getting dango like these?! He's far from unappreciative, he's just getting increasingly flustered. And those flashes of bare chest Sasuke's accidentally revealing are only making matters worse. Or... better. Depending.

Haha, is it hot in here or is it just him? Yukimura tries to focus especially hard on the dango he's picking out so it doesn't look like he's checking out Sasuke.

Except he kind of totally is.

Yukimura bites into Dango #14: toasted rice. A few grains of rice stick to the sides of his mouth, unnoticed by him. ]

I've not often eaten toasted rice... The versatility of rice knows no bounds!

[ Just focus on the dango and everything will be fine. The horny will resolve itself. ]

[ Yukimura didn't get a normal dango! There's hope! And then the hope dissipates when dango #10 turns out to be red bean filling. By this point, Sasuke is just licking his lips to be sure he's gotten it all because his past few have been on the messy side.

Did Yukimura think the horny will resolve itself? How about getting worse? ]

Ah, Gen--Yukimura, you have a piece of rice... Let me...

[ He leans over further to pluck a piece of rice from the corner of Yukimura's mouth, turning slightly pink in the cheeks as he does so. Sasuke can sense a change in the air around Yukimura... and his heart thumps in his chest anxiously. There's a game within a game here. ]

[ The horny is not diminishing! It's getting stronger!! Sasuke's still licking his lips all... all accidentally lewd-like and he actually went and picked some food off of Yukimura's face! They're eating dango, but Yukimura's turning tomato red. ]

Ghh... Thank you, Sasuke.

[ His thanks comes out noticeably strained.

Deep breaths. Play the dango game. This time he picks Dango #4: green tea. This kind is on the sweeter side, which Yukimura appreciates.

It reminds him that they do have tea to drink, and his mouth is feeling kind of dry. He means to grab a teacup, but distracted as he is, he picks up the wrong cup and takes a big gulp... ]

This tea tastes like... sake?!

[ Whoops. ]

[ Oh. Oh no. Sasuke looks at Yukimura's flushed skin, looking like he's about to overheat. Was that the green tea or the wasabi dango? Would it have affected him that much it if had been wasabi? After confirming that dango #20 is one of the normal kind (There's still hope!), Sasuke finishes it in a few bites and moves on his knees to sit beside Yukimura instead of across. Just in case Yukimura does overheat and pass out. ]

That's because it is sake? Here, let me pour you some tea.

[ Yukimura likes sake, so Sasuke thought that he'd like it with his dango too.... Well, Yukimura isn't like Sasuke with his horrible alcohol tolerance. He's not going to get drunk off of one glup, right? (Who knows with how the night is progressing thus far.) Sasuke twists to serve the tea, and some bit of past training kicks in. He properly sweeps his sleeve out of the way and pours in a way that is poised and practiced. (A young, pretty boy can make a young, pretty tea shop girl to listen for information.)

Although, his earlier movements had left the bottom hem of his kimono bunched up to reveal an ankle. ~~How shameless!~~ It happens to be the ankle which has his bear trap scar. Although unlike the yokai from the book and many other stories, it's not hidden by a strap of fabric. ]

[ NOT HELPING, SASUKE!!

Close physical proximity can only make the horny worse! Doubly so when he's acting so proper and elegant as he pours that tea! Xavi have mercy. ]

That's... er... appreciated.

[ Only dango can save him now. He grabs Dango #17. He's got too much of a sweet tooth for vegetables to be his favorite dango filling, but it could be worse.

He glances down at Sasuke's bared ankle and does a double take. He's got a scar there, and an awfully painful-looking one at that. What on earth could have caused it? Should he say something? Sasuke probably wouldn't want him to see it...

Yukimura continues eating his dango, try and failing not to look disconcerted. ]

[ Since there are so few choices on the plate, Sasuke picks whichever is nearest and takes a bite. Then he shakes his head. Dango #6 has a small piece of cooked meat inside. Of the remaining ones, two are normal. One has wasabi. Either way, Sasuke can't win now.

He's about to admit his defeat when he catches Yukimura looking towards the floor? What has gotten into Yukimura? Did he do something? Then he sees what Yukimura does. Sasuke gives a sheepish smile, color on his cheeks. He's about to tug the hem back over his ankle when his hand freezes in mid-air. He puts his hand in his lap again. Well, that's what he gets for wearing a kimono. He's left unguarded in a multitude of ways.

He takes a breath. Sasuke's trying not to hide in front of Yukimura, but even still, he's ashamed of his scars. ]

... Hunter traps are left everywhere in the forest. I didn't turn into darkness quick enough to avoid getting caught.

[ Then he turns to brush a few locks of hair out of Yukimura's face. ]

Are you doing okay? We can stop if you're feeling unwell. Besides, you've already won.

[ He won? He hadn't been paying attention.

He doesn't want to imagine Sasuke getting caught in a hunter's trap, but the image comes to him unbidden. He struggles to dispel it.

He looks at Sasuke as he brushes the hair from Yukimura's face. ]

I am -- fine.

[ He fidgets with his sleeve. ]

...I hate to think of the pain you have endured. That is what troubles me.

[ Oh. Yes, that would do it. Sasuke pulls away and starts to adjust his kimono, pulling it tighter around him and properly tucking it beneath his legs. ]

Then... don't. These are my scars to bear. You don't need to see them.

[ Why does Sasuke feel little colder? Disappointed? Was he expecting, hoping for something else? He's not even completely sure what he wants besides... besides being close to Yukimura. ]

Please, don't concern yourself with the darkness I've been through. Don't... don't do that to yourself.

How can I not?

[ Yukimura answers immediately, and with sudden intensity. ]

When those we love suffer, it is natural that we concern ourselves with their strife! If my heart did not hurt for you, then how could I call myself your -- your anything?

[ ...What does he call himself in relation to Sasuke? It's so much more complicated than a lord and master relationship now.

Or maybe it always has been. ]

[ That impassioned outburst brings a new wave of redness to his face, and he can feel his heart beat in his chest. ]

This... this is all so complicated. It seems so much easier to understand in a book...

[Sasuke feels so foolish to admit that. How much is he going to stumble? ]

I don't want you to hurt either.

[ Complicated is an understatement, Yukimura thinks. ]

...I know.

[ He frowns, deep in thought. ]

When we share our pain with others, we are no longer carrying that burden alone. And Sasuke, you have been carrying so much for so long, all by yourself...! It hurts me to know how you have suffered, but all wounds must hurt before they can heal!!

[ Sasuke is reminded of Yukimura proclaiming that he'll burn brighter than any darkness. He doesn't fear it. ]

So it's less being disgusted by my scars and more realizing the extent of what I've been through?

[ And seeing what he tried to hide all these years. How battered and fragile he is behind the mask. ]

That's what you want, right? Even if it pains you at first?

Yes! I want to understand it, and I don't care if it hurts!

[ Yukimura flings his arms around Sasuke, pulling him as close as he can. ]

And I don't feel disgust! I never have! I never will! Why... why would I be disgusted?! What is there to recoil from?!

[ He holds him tightly. Yukimura is not going anywhere. He won't run from Sasuke's past, his scars, his pain, and nothing can pull him away. ]

[ Sasuke gasps in surprise at being pulled into that tight, warm embrace, but his arms automatically close around Yukimura's back. His body settles against Yukimura's. He tucks his head in the crook of Yukimura's neck. He doesn't think of doing so. His body just does. ]

Because... that's how I feel about them...

[ He admits. He sees his scars as ugly reminders of his failures or trauma. ]

[ Yukimura keeps on holding him. ]

But...

[ They're not disgusting. There's nothing to be ashamed of.

That's absolutely true, but he's learned by now that he can't force Sasuke to feel better about himself. He takes a deep breath and tries again. ]

I lack the power to rid you of those feelings... My words alone cannot accomplish that. But I will never shy away from your scars, and I will never think lesser of you for them. To me, they are testaments to all that you have survived. You have been through so much, and you are still here. And... and I am with you.

Your words do more than you think.

[ Especially when he's never heard such sentiments expressed about him. However, Sasuke knows he has a depth of darkness to get through, and he's trying. He really is. But he's still like that skittish animal, retreating to familiar instincts when he thinks he's done something wrong. ]

You are still here, and I am with you.

[ He repeats. ]

[ Yukimura keeps on holding him close. ]

That's right. I won't leave you, Sasuke, I swear it. There is no force in this world that could take me away.

And I'll be with you until my dying breath. I swear it.

[ Sasuke will let himself be held as long as Yukimura lets him. ]

... Truthfully, if I had won. I would have asked for you to hold me all night...

[ That dying breath will be no time soon, if Yukimura has any say in the matter.

(And he'll make sure he has his say no matter what.) ]

I had nothing in mind when I said that the victor could decide what they wanted. I was... not thinking so far ahead.

[ He was rather distracted, after all. ]

So instead of hurriedly formulating a half-thought out reward, I will borrow your idea. I will not let you go until the sun rises.

[ Right now, neither of them have to worry about any dying breaths. Nothing is going to endanger them here.

Sasuke will give a light kiss to Yukimura's cheek before settling back down into his hold. ]

It can be a temporary reward until you think of something else. I don't mind.

[ Sasuke is just glad that Yukimura can hug him back, giving him further comfort and reaffirming that he's alive after the incident. He had wanted to curl up into Yukimura and be held. And he couldn't at the time. ]

It's funny... I'm so defenseless like this, but I don't think I've ever felt so safe like I do in your arms.

[ Yukimura sure could get used to this cuddly, affectionate side of Sasuke.

He decides he'll come up with a different kind of reward later. No reason not to.

He casts Sasuke a curious look. He's slightly missed the point. ]

But you aren't defenseless, because I am here.

[ I will not let anything happen to you.

To Yukimura, it's that simple. ]

[ Yukimura will quickly learn how touch starved his ninja is. He truly enjoys and feels comforted by Yukimura holding him, kissing him, touching him. He'll melt in his arms and shift his body so they are both comfortable and have as much contact between them as possible. Yukimura could pull Sasuke into his lap, and Sasuke wouldn't protest in the least.

Although, Sasuke has break eye contact and gaze down, feeling himself blushing all the way to the tips of his ears. ]

You're stronger than any armor I could wear.

[ He says shyly. Yukimura might have slightly missed the point, but what he gives in return makes his heart flutter. ~~He's so love-struck. Help him.~~ It's like how Yukimura will never be defenseless as long as Sasuke is there. (Which is good because his armor leaves a huge exposed area on his body.) ]

That's right. Because unlike simple armor, I possess a heart that wishes with all its might to protect you.

[ If he's going to be holding Sasuke until sunrise, then maybe they ought to get comfortable. ]

Mm... Let's lay down, Sasuke.

[ Yukimura stop. His heart can't take any more. (Never stop; he needs to hear these things until his stubbornness and trauma burn away by Yukimura's fire.) ]

Ah, that would probably be more comfortable.

[ The crimson on Sasuke's skin remains as he pulls away from Yukimura's hold, leaving a final kiss to the edge of his jaw. However, he doesn't want to lose contact with him. Sasuke takes both of Yukimura's hands in his to help pull him up to his feet and away from the remains of their dango game.

... There are still dango left. Yukimura must be really distracted to forget about the dango. Well, Sasuke is a little distracted too, and there are more important things to focus on than dango. ]

[ Water.

It's what makes up most of the planet.

It's everywhere.

In a country where the ocean is never far away, it's preferable not to dislike it. And Yukimura never used to. But one-too-many disconcertingly realistic nightmares have left Yukimura wary of deep water.

He knows how to swim, and he can even swim well. And yet, as he looks out at the ocean, he feels like he might forget. Like all of a sudden his mind will go empty and even instinct won't save him.

But running from the water won't solve anything, and that's why Yukimura is here -- with Masamune.

This beach episode is more like a trek through the Water Temple for Yukimura. He's glaring at the ocean like it's going to rise up and wash him out to sea or something.

Wait. Waves can do that!

That's fucking scary!

He glares harder. ]

[Of all the ways having to unload his emotional baggage on Yukimura might have gone, Masamune doubts anyone would have predicted it leading into a beach episode. Not that he's complaining-- he's more than happy to focus on Yukimura's issues instead of his own. Especially when it's such an easy fix.

He stands just behind the water's reach, arms crossed, hair blowing gracefully in the chilly breeze, pretending his commanding stance doesn't feel reeeally uncomfortable with the loose sand beneath his feet. He glances to Yukimura and tilts his head toward the sea.]

Well? Better get to it!

[ Yukimura casts a less-than-appreciative look over his shoulder. ]

Nngh... Yes. No reason to... delay.

[ It's just water.

A vast expanse of water.

Impossibly deep and dark.

Yeah. Just that. No big deal. ]

My burning soul... does not take kindly to getting wet.

[ Yukimura... ]

Edited 2021-01-01 05:17 (UTC)

[A familiar sharp wheeze of a laugh cuts the air. Masamune claps a hand firmly between Yukimura's shoulders and gives him a push.]

A little water isn't enough to douse that inferno.

[At least Masamune was gracious enough to do this at the beach instead of inside Ueda! Don't make him change his mind.]

You said you already know how to swim, right? So there's no problem. I'm right here.

[ Masamune's here. Yukimura's not going to drown.

Except... does Masamune know how to swim?

He must, right? He would have said so if he couldn't... wouldn't he?

...

Haha. Yeah. He totally would.

For sure.

Yukimura takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. It doesn't dispel the anxious knot in his chest, but he can't just stand here doing deep-breathing exercises, waiting for his fear to magically dissipate.

He steps forward, decisively placing one bare foot in the water, and -- yelps. ]

C-COLD!!

[There is a reason Masamune has no plans of joining Yukimura in the water, but it seems he's already discovered it.]

Yeaaah, well, it is winter. I didn't know your burning soul could even get cold.

It is the water's effect! I am not bothered by the chill in the air, but my reservations about the ocean are affecting me in both mind and body!!

[ Is that actually the case? Well, Yukimura really doesn't seem to be bothered by the cold weather. Somehow. ]

This is more dire a situation than I had believed it to be...

[Damn, it's even worse than Masamune thought.

And it pisses him off to know that something could have such a profound impact on Yukimura's spirit that isn't him.

He comes up behind Yukimura and puts his hands at his sides to discourage him from turning around. Though his voice is low against Yukimura's ear, it isn't the usual gentle tease of a lover.]

Close your eyes and tell me what you see, Sanada Yukimura.

[ Yukimura makes a confused noise, wondering what Masamune's doing; is he going to shove him in as a show of tough love? Then he hears Masamune's voice in his ear.

Yukimura closes his eyes. ]

...

I see... water. I am submerged in water. There is a light reflected on the surface, but I cannot reach it. I swim for it, but I get no closer. Instead, it gets... further and further away the harder I try.

I look beneath me, and it is dark. An impenetrable darkness at the bottom of the sea. A mass is writhing in the darkness. As I sink, it is reaching for me.

[ He pauses. ]

It whispers in many voices. "Join us here, you put us here."

[It sounds familiar.

Masamune remembers a discussion in which Yukimura confessed to having nightmares not unlike that. Not of the water, but of the lives he's failed to protect. The lives he's taken. It's so easy to picture because it mirrors so many of his own.

He remembers a sea of blood and corpses and the husk of a tiger stranded among them.

He closes his eye and leans his forehead against the back of Yukimura's head. This may be better suited to a priest or the Oracle, but it's just the two of them here.

Just Masamune, Yukimura, and the cold uncaring sea.]

...Now, sink. I won't let you drown.

Eh-?!

[ Sink? Is he serious?

...But then, maybe he needs to face the nightmares as much as he needs to face the water.

Masamune is here. Right here, so close. He won't let go.

He won't let him drown.

Keeping his eyes closed, Yukimura -- sinks. ]

...The light reflected on the water... is disappearing.

[ Deeper. ]

The ocean grows blacker.

[ Go deeper. ]

The writhing mass grows closer.

[ Hands outstretched, clawing for him. ]

It's...

[ Heavy. Constricting. Claustrophobic. The voices buzz like mosquitoes. ]

In the darkness, there are... The mass is...

[ The hollow eyes of bloated corpses stare at him unblinkingly as they beckon him.

That's right, go deeper, and deeper still. ]

Closing in...

[ They're close. Closer. Almost there. It's too dark to see. It's too cold to move.

Closer, and closer, and closer.

The pressure in his chest in unbearable.

Like water-filled lungs.

His anxiety spikes, comes to a head, and he gasps. ]

I can't breathe--!

[Maybe Masamune's mental image can't fully capture the horror in Yukimura's mind. But he can hear the terror creeping into his voice and feel his sides moving with rapid, shallow breaths.

He holds tighter.]

Yes you can! Don't you dare run away now, Sanada Yukimura! That thing'll never stop hunting you down.

[ He can't take a deep breath no matter how hard he tries, and that only intensifies the feeling that he's drowning.

But Masamune is still here. ]

I won't -- run. I'm not... running.

[ He clutches his chest, feeling for his heartbeat to prove he's not dying. He keeps his eyes shut.

He has to go into it.

Into the writhing mass. Into its clutches.

It's made of-- ]

Bodies. Uncountable bodies.

[ Rotting and decayed but aware.

All eyes on him.

Even if they're only sockets. ]

All around me. Suspended... in the deep.

[ On all sides. Staring, smiling, glaring. Reaching.

Further than a human arm should be able to reach.

Reaching for his throat, can you breathe, Sanada Yukimura? Because -- ]

...They can't...

[ It's not going to make sense to Masamune, but simply keeping himself together is his first priority. ]

What do I...

[ What do you do?

Just come closer. We'll wrap our arms around you and we won't let go.

Sanada Yukimura, how long can you hold your breath? ]

I don't...

[ Know? We know. The answer is -- ]

Not forever. I know. I'm sorry...

[ If you're really sorry, then you'll-- ]

Drown. I won't. I won't drown.

[ Yukimura clutches his head. ]

I will not!

[ The buzzing voices are so very loud. ]

[What are you hearing?

Above the steadily rolling waves, the only voice Masamune hears is Yukimura's, and he can only guess what kind of nightmare he's being made to face.

But that's all it is. A nightmare.

Regrettable things from the past.

In reality, in the present, Masamune pulls Yukimura closer and wraps his arms around him. His knee bumps Yukimura's leg from behind to see if he can't edge him closer to the water.]

Good, Yukimura. Now... let it take you. This darkness is a part of you, so face it.

[His lays a palm over Yukimura's chest.]

Even when the eyes of your heart can't see, I'm right here.

[ This darkness is a part of you, so face it.

Masamune is right.

He's absolutely right.

It's not the voices of the dead and damned he's hearing.

It's his own voice.

There are no ghosts here. There never were.

Even when he still dreamed of water, those whispers and curses were all him.

He was only drowning because he'd tied an anchor to his own leg.

He doesn't need to exorcise these demons. He needs to make his peace with them.

Masamune is right here, he reminds himself. And at Masamune's nudge, he takes a step forward, closer to the water's edge.

In his mind, he lets himself sink.

This ocean has no bottom. It's darkness all the way down. He can't see the bodies, but he can feel them. They're clustered around him, holding on tight. ]

...I'm sorry.

[ You're sorry. You're so sorry. When are you going to stop being sorry? Don't you know where "sorry" is getting you?

Nowhere.

Nowhere.

Just the deepness. Just the darkness. Do you think we want to hear "sorry"?

Do you think they want to hear sorry? Isn't everyone who died tired of "sorry" by now?

Shouldn't I keep moving forward so I don't have to keep apologizing?

Isn't that what Masamune has done?

I don't need forgiveness or sympathy.

I just have to stop drowning myself. ]

I... have to stop letting myself drown.

[ Because. ]

Because I won't change. And... I will pull down others with me. Those who rely on me. I'm still... breathing. I can still swim.

[ Masamune is here.

It's just him and Masamune here. ]

That's right.

[The Tiger is said to rule the land and the winds that billow over it, while the Dragon rules the skies and sea. It brings the storms and rain and floods that wash away and cleanse the land to make way for regrowth.

Masamune remembers a Tiger among a sea of corpses, and the Phoenix that burst forth from within.

He presses forward until he feels the cold washing over the tops of his sandaled feet, but he doesn't flinch away. The heat he seeks is just within reach, and his heartbeat drums excitedly through his chest.]

Show me how that burning soul shines, Sanada Yukimura! Light up!

[Now is probably a good time to loosen his grip.]

[ Light up the pitch-black darkness.

Burn the guilt and regrets to ash.

And rise up anew. ]

Burn...

[ Yukimura opens his eyes. ]

BURN, MY SOUL!!

[ His body blazes, spirals of fire whirling around him.

He shines, bright like the sun, and for a moment it's too bright to see.

There is the sound of massive wings beating.

When the light dies down, it is still just them, with ash and embers beneath their feet. ]

[It's too bright to see, too hot to touch, and Masamune watches unblinking and unmoving. His eye gleams bright even when there's no firelight left to reflect. Plumes of thick steam curl around him like clouds, like a soft ethereal mane, like the coiling body of a serpent.

It's just the two of them here, but this time it was only Yukimura who brought them here. It was a trail he needed to blaze for himself, but not one he needed to walk alone.

Masamune's chest feels light, inflated with the utmost pride and love.]

How cool... That's the rival I know and love. What do you see, Sanada Yukimura?!

The ocean, stretched out before me! It is a vivid blue... just as you are.

[ Bright and beautiful to behold.

The water rushes over his feet, and it is no longer too cold. ]

It is vast. I do not know how far it stretches, or how deep it goes... But I... am not afraid to swim.

[ He doesn't know if he'll like it just yet -- some things take time -- but the fear and unease from before is gone. Burnt away. ]

[He rubs Yukimura's back firmly, beaming with delight.

And then

he charges forward, bulldozing him in deeper.]

YEAAAAHAH!

[ That feels so good on his back!

He should have expected it was leading up to something. ]

GWAAAAHGH-!

[ With a great splash, Yukimura is thrust into the sea. ]

[ He pops back up and shakes out his hair, spitting water and looking very much like a cat that's been plonked in the bath.

And that is the extent of how troubled he seems. ]

Masamuneeeeee...!! To attack from the rear when I am unsuspecting..!!

[ He springs from the water -- a more tiger-like maneuver -- to drag Masamune into the sea with him. ]

Edited 2021-01-03 02:35 (UTC)

[He hardly has the time to laugh at Yukimura or insist that he's helping, honest, before he is tackled down by one very wet tiger.

Forget that crack in the other thread about not minding is Yukimura decided to jump him-- he totally minds, and he sputters and desperately tries to push Yukimura away.]

Shit! That's cold! You...!

[Forget all that before about Dragons ruling the seas, while we're at it. There is nothing powerful or graceful about Masamune loudly blowing water from his lips or the way his drenched hair and clothing are plastered to his skin. (He can make that a good look in the rain, but not the ocean!)]

Edited 2021-01-03 02:55 (UTC)

[ Yukimura beams in triumph. ]

You truly did not anticipate my counterattack?! Then you have only yourself to blame!

[ It's a rare sight to see the magnificent One-Eyed Dragon so out of sorts, and Yukimura is relishing it. ]

Please. You turned on your ally!

[Ingrate! Masamune reaches into the murky depths to retrieve a handful of slimy kelp to launch at Yukimura.]

Hmmph. At least you're enjoying yourself.

[...It's nice to see.]

[ The kelp hits him in the face. It's very gross.

He laughs anyway, peeling off the kelp and tossing it back into the sea.

Laughs, and then... marvels at how he is here in the water and it's fine. ]

Ah... so I am.

[ He dives back underwater and resurfaces moments later, that marveling look still glittering in his eyes. ]

Masamune, I remember now! In truth... I used to love to swim!

[Sanada Yukimura is positively radiant.

The sunlight dappling across the rippling water around him, the sparkling droplets running down his face and hair, and that smile...

The warmth filling Masamune's chest drives away the chill upon his skin and without even realizing it, his expression matches Yukimura's joy and wonder. This is his fervent dream, the feeling he's been chasing all along: proof that he can light up the dark, even with just a spark.

He's so captivated that he forgets to tread water until a cresting wave smacks him right in the face. He gags on salt and backs up to where his feet can stay firmly on the bottom.]

Ugh...! That makes one of us. But don't let me stop you.

[It's not that Masamune can't swim. It's so much worse than that.

He just can't do it well.]

[ This is not the most graceful he's ever seen Masamune. It is kind of funny, but more than that, it's disappointing that Masamune won't be joining him! ]

A love for swimming can yet be discovered within your heart, Masamune!!

[ Can you resist this face, Masamune? Can anyone? ]

[He just hums noncommittally and stays right where he is.

He'd sooner drown than look uncool in front of Yukimura. THIS IS HIS DARKNESS.]

Could it be... I am a better swimmer than you are? You do not wish to be shown up by me?

[ Yukimura is a blockhead, but he knows Masamune's weakness is pride! ]

I know how to avoid drowning. That works just fine for me.

[MAYBE HE SHOULD DROWN YUKIMURA INSTEAD.]

[ It's a little risky to goad Masamune like this, but what is Yukimura if not a risk-taker?

SO GO AHEAD AND TRY DROWNING HIM, MASAMUNE!! ]

Do you not wish to become better? To attempt to surpass me?

Ha! You can't seriously think I'm that petty that I need to beat you in this, too.

[...Right??

Because he is. And secretly, he's really more offended that Yukimura thought he could be goaded into it that easily.

Even if he can feel that heat rising inside him.

Even if he never could resist Yukimura.

Even if Kojuro isn't here to stop him from making an ass of himself.]

Edited 2021-01-05 03:34 (UTC)

Of course I do!!

[ Oh. Uh. That came out very wrong. ]

Er, that is to say -- I know how hot the fire of competition burns in your chest!!

[ Smooth save, Mister Tact. ]

. . .

[He crosses his arms and turns his head aside.

This is so stupid. Dragons are above this. Yukimura's not going to get the best of him. Why does he need to swim to dominate the country? Why can't he just build a boat? Yeah, he'll to that, he'll make it sail across the whole world, all the way to Europe, he'd like to see dolphin boy here do a thing like THAT, so basically he's already won and doesn't need to pr]

So, what's your bright idea then? If you're so determined to discover this love of competitive swimming you think I have. [If you're so determined to lose.]

[ Just as keikaku. ]

First, I want to see the level of skill you currently possess! What is your swimming technique? For how long can you hold your breath? Then, you can compare yourself to me!

It's not much of a technique.

[He's spent his life practicing MORE IMPORTANT THINGS, like fine arts and world domination.

He grumbles and paces back out into the deeper water, far enough this time that he can't even bounce on his toes, and slaps noisily at the surface to keep himself from sinking.]

There. I can flo- pbbfft!- I float. Ugh. [Just not enough to keep water out of his open mouth. He's not even going to bother trying the underwater thing yet.

Poor baby. Apparently just adding water can turn a dignified Dragon into a miserable cat.]

[ Ohhhh no. No, that is not much of a technique at all. That is quite possibly not even anything that can be categorized as swimming in the first place.

(What was Masamune going to do if Yukimura really did start drowning?! Some lifeguard!) ]

Ah...

[ How should he phrase this... ]

I see the level of skill you are currently at. There... is room for improvement!!

[ TRYING TO SOUND OPTIMISTIC ]

[That's it. That's The Look.]

Yeah, we're done here.

[]It's fine to guide Yukimura and help him improve, but like hell is Masamune going to put up with being on the other end! He scowls and paddles back to the shallows.

Beach episode more like little bitch episode.]

[ GET BACK IN THE WATER, FUCKER-

Yukimura's face crumples in disappointment.

Look at him. The tiger is sad. ]

Wait, Masamune! It's too early to give up!!

[ Though even Yukimura knows it's not quite feasible to teach someone to swim in an afternoon... ]

I... I can show you how to catch fish with your bare hands!!

[ That's a fun and totally normal beach activity, right? ]

[AW HELL NO. It's not giving up, it's taking his toys and home and stubbornly practicing in secret until he's exhausted and Kojuro calls him out on it and Masamune gets even crankier about it until he is persuaded to get Motochika involved or something so he can just casually show off to Yukimura next time they happen to be near a big body of water and really impress him instead of having him not even respect him enough to just say his current technique sucks!! THAT'S ALL IT IS!!

...anyway.

Masamune halts, already in waist-deep water, and presses his lips into a flat line. This feels like exactly the kind of weird Takeda shit he would rather not get dragged into, but here he is.

He glances back over his shoulder.]

What are you, a bear?

A foolish question, Masamune! I am a tiger!

[ ...

C'mon, what else was he going to say? ]

And tigers are as adept in water as they are on land! That includes hunting!

[ So, yes, because he takes the otherkin thing too far, he knows how to catch fish with his bare hands.

Possibly his mouth, too. ]

I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU RICKROLLED ME

can't you though

okay yes i can believe it

it actually works though

yukimura WILL never gonna give masamune up

He doesn't give up on anyone huh... Masamune, Sasuke, Shingen, rando villager mobs, Mitsunari... Thinkin bout how Masamune even says that's so like him...

huh...

i mean uh YES I PLANNED THIS FROM THE START I AM A GENIUS!!!

OPEN RP POST

nsfw images

HERE WE GO

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1/2

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CUDDLE HIM. CUDDLE HIM. CUDDLE HIM.

THEN HE WILL BE CUDDLED

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it's been a week and i still cant fucking deal with this

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FIN

Re: FIN

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cw: rapeplay

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