#Ikemen Sengoku angst

[freya-remy]

"You've always told me to question everything. I never thought that would include you as well."

"A painful irony. My own lessons coming back to haunt me."

"So, what now? How do you plan to fix this? Because if I'm being completely honest, I don't know if you're capable of fixing this if you continue as you always have."

"By.. being honest with you.. no lies.. no tricks.. no deceit. Just complete and utter honesty from this moment forward. It's all that I can offer you."

[otomefoxystar]

Decisions

Fandom: Ikemen Sengoku

Pairing : Nobunaga X MC

Genre : Angst

Written By: Otomefoxystar

TW: Mentions of leaving

A/N: This will end up being a multi part fic, once I started I couldn’t stop.

When she decided to stay in the Sengoku era, everything felt so perfect, and she was in bliss. Maybe that’s the honeymoon period everyone talks about. It had been three years, and sometimes, she struggled to get through the fog. Did she love Nobunaga? Yes, of course, she did, but was it enough just to love him? Did Nobunaga love her? Sometimes, she wasn’t so sure. When was the last time they were intimate? She couldn’t remember. It had been months. 

She walked over to where cherry blossom trees were gathered and overlooked a large clearing. She put her hand out, and a petal landed in her palm. She closed her hand tightly and looked up at the tree. “Are you sad when your petals fall?” She asked the tree, knowing it couldn’t talk back.  She sat against the tree, watching the petals fall around her. She looked into the clearing, and a single tear escaped her eye, and she wiped it away as soon as it fell.

A shadow appeared, and she looked up to see a tall figure standing there. “Hideyoshi?” He gave her a sad smile. “What are you doing over here by yourself?” 

“I needed to be alone,” a deep crease formed between Hideyoshi’s eyebrows. “If I may?” He motioned to the ground, asking if he could sit with her. She nodded. “Sure.” He sat next to her and extended his legs, crossing his ankles. “I’m worried about you. You seem to be in low spirits. You can talk to me; you can talk to any of us.” She forced a small smile. “I know, but if I talk about it, I’ll start crying.” Hideyoshi took her hand. “It’s okay to cry. Keeping your issues inside isn’t good.” When it finally fell from her lips, she mulled over what to say, “I want to go home, Hideyoshi.” He nodded.

“I’ll walk with you.” He went to get up, but she squeezed his hand. “That’s not what I mean. I want to go to where I’m from; I need to get away, at least for a while. I need space.” He looked at her with a pained expression, “Are you okay _ _ _? I understand if you want to leave, but are you okay?” She stood up and shook her head. “No… No, I’m not, and that’s why I need to leave.” She said, looking down at Hideyoshi. 

“What about Nobunaga?” The mention of his name made the emotion fill her, and she had to take a deep breath to push it down. “It’s him, he’s the reason.” She sighed, “I’ll tell him,” She said, and Hideyoshi stood up. “He won’t be happy.” She looked into Hideyoshi’s worried amber eyes. “I’m not happy. I’m going with or without his approval.” Hideyoshi bowed his head. “If you need this, I support your decision, but he loves you. I hope you know that.” She scoffed. “I don’t know about that. I’m going inside.” Hideyoshi went to follow her, but he hesitated, as it was apparent she wanted to be alone. He watched as she walked towards the palace.  If time is what she needs, he’ll find a way to give it to her, even if it means that Nobunaga is unhappy.

Once in the tenshu, she looked at their lives together: her clothes, his clothes. It made her heart weep. She hadn’t realized she wanted to return until she blurted it out to Hideyoshi. She sat at Nobunaga’s desk with a brush and ink. She drew up a letter to her most trusted ally and best friend, Sasuke. She blew on the page and waved it in the air, trying to speed up the drying; what she would give to have a pencil at that moment.

Finally dry enough that it wouldn’t smudge, she rolled it up and tied it to the foot of Haguro, Nobunaga’s hawk. Using Haguro to send Sasuke a message about leaving felt like a betrayal, but she needed to do this. Once the letter was secured onto the hawk’s ankle, Haguro jumped off the window sill and flew away, heading towards Echigo.

She had purposely left the letter vague in case someone got ahold of the letter. She said, “Come see me, it’s important.” She signed her name next to the words “with love.” She wrote the letter in the handwriting from the modern world. Even though she had become accustomed to writing in the Sengoku, she always wrote to Sasuke that way. It was their special way of sharing the secret of where they were from.

Two days later, she was in the market enjoying the feel of the luscious silk fabrics, looking at their intricate patterns, and taking in the beauty of the Sengoku market with the hustle and bustle of business owners and patrons.  She was looking at a fabric roll when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around and saw Sasuke, and she gave him a small smile and hugged him. “Is everything okay? You’re letter was vague it made me worry.” She frowned. “I’m sorry.” He shook his head. “No worries, so what’s going on.” She bit her lip. “Let’s sit down somewhere and maybe get a bite to eat.”

They found a restaurant and shared a drink and a sweet dessert. She looked up and felt conflicted as she took a bite, but she had to do this. “What is it?” She pressed her lips together. “Is there any way you can get me home?” She said, holding back tears, but the emotion seeped through her voice anyway. “You mean our hometown?”  She closed her eyes. “Yes,” He studied her. “Are you sure this is what you want? You don’t seem certain.” 

“I need to get away.” He grabbed her hand from across the table, “You know I would never pry, but talking about it might help.” He grasped her hand tightly, “it’s Nobunga and I, things have changed. I love him, but this is torture. His thumb graced her skin as a tear ran down her cheek. “Why don’t you come to Echigo with me for a while? Then you can figure out what you want.” She grimaced. “I’m an enemy princess.” He scoffed. “You’re my friend. I won’t let anything happen. I think they’ll like you. I know they will.” She wiped her tears away. “Okay, I trust you.” He smiled, “this will be good for you. Can you be ready tomorrow morning?” She nodded. “Yes, I’ll meet you here.” He nodded.  He paid, they went their separate ways, and she knew what she had to do. 

[ikeromantic]

Mitsuhide Never 😡

For @nellzzz some Mitsuhide angst, because romancing the kitsune is never simple. Approx. 800 words of Never with our favorite foxy warlord.

Mitsuhide looked up from his work, a frown in place of his usual sharp smile. He hated being disturbed while he worked. There were few enough hours in the day to do all the things that needed doing. He readied a sharp comment that died on his lips as he looked up.

The chatelaine stood in the doorway, an uncertain expression on her pretty face. 

He felt his annoyance evaporate. A fluttery feeling replaced it in his gut, a warm, delicate affection that surprised him every time it struck. Mitsuhide was no blushing maiden nor virgin boy. But the chatelaine had this effect on him. He hid it behind his serpent’s smile. “Mai! What an unexpected pleasure.”

She took a step inside and looked around. It wasn’t her first time visiting his study but it seemed caution was her watchword where he was concerned. “Good evening.” Her eyes tracked around the room, looking anywhere but at him.

Mitsuhide stood and came around his desk. “Is there something you needed? Not that I mind you dropping in . . .” 

Mai startled as she realized he was closer. “I - I didn’t - I mean . . . I just stopped by to let you know . . .” 

He could see her struggling to tell him the lie she’d crafted before walking over. Knowing how ridiculous it would sound now that she was here and looking him in the eye. He let her flounder, his smile growing wider as she grasped for words.

“That is . . . tomorrow. Masamune is making lunch.”

Mitsuhide stepped closer yet. “He does that every day.”

“Mhmm. But! This one is special!” The words came out an adorable squeak. 

“Was that your excuse to come visit me? You wanted to see me so badly?” He chuckled. “You know you can come over anytime, Mai. And stay as long as you like.” His fingers stretched out to tuck a loose bit of hair back into her bun.

Her gaze snapped onto him as she slapped his hand away. “Hey!”

Mitsuhide laughed again. “It’s ok, Mai. You don’t need to pretend. No one is watching us here.” He leaned close, watching the way her eyes widened. The slight shift toward him as he body fought with her mind. 

“If you don’t care about the invitation, I can just go,” she replied, but her heart wasn’t in it.

“Do you want me to kiss you again, little mouse? Is that what brought you scurrying here, late at night and alone? If it was just an invitation to lunch, Masamune would have sent a servant.” The memory of their last shared kiss burned through him. A stolen moment after a feast, a dark hallway, the feel of her pressed against him. Breath coming in short gasps as lips parted and came together again. 

She looked away. “No.”

“I can tell when you’re lying.” He brushed against her cheek as he spoke, and felt a shiver pass through her.

“Don’t.” 

Mitsuhide slid his hand from her shoulder down her arm. “Why don’t you stay the night, hm? It’s late. And you told no one where you were going. Not even Masamune.”

Mai inhaled sharply. “How . . . damn it. Stop reading my mind.”

“Can you imagine what it would be like to make love to a man who knows what you want?” His lips grazed her ear. “One who reads your mind so that you never need speak your desires aloud? Merely think of them, and I will give them to you.” 

Her skin was hot and flushed, heart racing. “That’s never going to happen.” The words lacked any conviction, coming as they did with a needy breath. 

Mitsuhide bowed his head to press a kiss to the sensitive spot on her neck, just below her ear. “All you need do is permit me, Mai. Say yes. No one will know what happened here tonight. No one but us.”

He could feel she was at the cusp of surrender. She wanted him as much as he did her. It was only pride that held her aloft. Mai pushed him away. “Never. I don’t . . . I don’t want you.”

The words cut more deeply than he would let her see. He turned his smile hard and sharp. “I see my teasing has more an effect than I expected. Interesting.” Mitsuhide sat back down at his desk and picked up a piece of correspondence. 

“Mitsuhide.” Her voice was thick with emotion, a tangle even she couldn’t see all the skeins of. 

“Go, Mai. I am bored with our game and quite busy. Your message was delivered and I want nothing else from you.” He glanced up. “And you want nothing else from me. So why do you linger?”

Hurt and anger flickered in her gaze. She turned and stalked away without another word.

[krys-loves-otome]

Trick or treat! Mostly treat, please!

Mostly a treat, you say? Which means there is a little room for trickery, yes?

And who is better at trickery than dearest Mitsuhide?

A while ago, I made an attempt of using clusters to try and map out my thinking process when it comes to fic writing, so I could try and visually see where ramblings could take me. Here's the IkeSen portion of that (admittedly quite large) clusterfuck of ideas, based on an idea from an old Fictober prompt: You Keep Me Warm

So, based on this image and that Mitsuhide is at the forefront of this idea, let's go have a lil wip!

----

The road to recovery wasn't an easy one, Mitsuhide was quick to realize, when he had found you had thrown your blankets off, once again. Even wrapping you as if you were a small caterpillar in the chrysalis did little to deter you. Perhaps he should next seek out midwifes for advice on techniques swaddling fussy infants as clearly his method was lacking. With a sigh, he knelt beside your bed and corrected the sheets, pulling them over your shoulders. It eased his frayed nerves that you were steadily gaining your strength back, thankfully. What he didn't like was discovering your chilled limbs whenever he checked on your during the night. Doubly frustrating was finding other parts clammy with fever. He wiped your brow with a cool, damp cloth. "…Is cold." you whispered hoarsely, shivering. "You'd be warmer if you kept your blankets on." Heavens above, he was turning into Hideyoshi, he thought with a bitter laugh.

Askbox Trick or Treat!

[dove-chan32931]

Blame by Air Traffic Control

For the MC of Ikemen Sengoku. It fits perfectly 😭 💕

I can just imagine it. Hideyoshi or Sasuke singing this to her. Or Lord Nobunaga singing this to her. She was afraid and scared at first but as she got to know them all, she warmed up to them all. And everything is going good before something happens. The wormhole is searching for her, and trying to get history back on track. But Mc fell for Nobunaga, or something and is trying to stop Nobunaga from living his true fate. Keep him from dying in a temple. But fate has other plans. And they're in a burning temple. And Nobunaga is laying on the ground, bleeding to death, head on her lap as she sobs over him, tears falling onto him and he lifts his hand, wiping her tears away. Telling her it'll be okay and that he'll be fine. That he's not afraid. That he's Happy to die here with her by his side. His hand falls and his eyes close as he slowly whispers don't blame yourself. Before dying in her arms. She cries from the heartbreak. And stays there by his side.

Flash forward to a few months forward and she's once again living her best life, visiting his grave once in awhile, smiling at the fond memories she made before someone calls out to her,and it's the boys, beckoning her over to hurry up, teasing her, saying it's time to go. They have a war to fight. She says goodbye to him and asks for him to keep them safe. To win the war and get Japan back on track. To have peace. Like he always wanted for their country.

Mc walks away with a smile, ready to lead the Nobunaga Oda army to victory. In honor of her friend or past lover.

I want to write this. But my writing skills are crap. :) anyways I like angst. I like happy endings too but this time, I don't wish for that.

[corpiote]

I finished masamune's tragic end finally so now I'm gonna be in a ball on the floor listening to losing your memory

if you don't know the song ^

[aquagirl1978]

Happy Thanksgiving to all everyone. Thank you to everyone who participated in the event, we loved reading all of your entries.

Day 1 - leaves

Dance with Me | Vlad | by @aquagirl1978

Colors of Love | Chevalier Michel | by @queengiuliettafirstlady

Leaves | Comte de Saint-Germain | by @pieground

Leaves | Lucifer | by @ariamichel

Day 2 - hot apple cider

Late Night Drinks with Keith | Keith Howell | by @atelieredux

Hot Apple Cider | Napoleon Bonaparte | by @violettduchess

Hot Apple Cider | Mozart | by @violettduchess

Day 3 - bonfires

Jean and Bonfires | Jean d'Arc | by @bluesparklingmoon

Day 4 - pumpkins

Pumpkins | Motonari Mouri | by @aquagirl1978

Pumpkins | Chevalier Michel | by @violettduchess

Day 5 - cozy sweaters

These Dreams | Clavis Lelouch | by @aquagirl1978

Cozy Sweater | Clavis Lelouch | by @violettduchess

Cozy Sweater | Luke Randolph | by @violettduchess

Cozy Sweater | Leonardo da Vinci | by @violettduchess

Day 6 - ghosts

Ghosts | Leon Dompteur | by @violettduchess

Ghosts | Lucifer | by @devildomwritersposts

Ghosts of the Past | Rio Ortiz | by @venti-tangents

Ghosts | Clavis Lelouch | by @violettduchess

Ghosts | Leonardo da Vinci | by @violettduchessuchess

Trapped | Clavis Lelouch | by @aquagirl1978

Ghosts | Lancelot Kingsley | by @ludivineikewolf

Day 7 - harvest moon

Harvest Moon | Gilbert von Obsidian | by @violettduchess

Harvest Moon | Hideyoshi Toyotomi | by @aquagirl1978

Day 8 - tricks

Multi-prompt Fic | Sirius x Seth | by @badass-at-fandoming

Day 9 - treats

A Rare Treat | Chevalier Michel | by @aquagirl1978

Home Sweet Homesick | Clavis, Chevalier | by @scorchieart

Day 10 - warming hands

Warming Hands | Chevalier Michel | by @violettduchess

Warming Hands | Gilbert von Obsidian | by @aquagirl1978

Warm Date | Gilbert von Obsidian | by @queen-dahlia

Warming Hands | Leon Dompteur | by @violettduchess

A Sweet Treat | Licht Klein | by @aquagirl1978

Day 11 - changing seasons

Changing Seasons | Comte de Saint-Germain | by @violettduchess

Nothing Gold Can Stay | Leonardo da Vinci | by @iphigeniainaulis

Change for the Better | Keith, Yves, Licht | by @scorchieart

Changing Seasons | Theodorus van Gogh | by @violettduchess

Seasons of Change | Chevalier Michel | by @aquagirl1978

The Queen's Command | Chevalier Michel | by @aquagirl1978

Day 12 - crisp autumn air

no entries

Day 13 - cinnamon kiss

Cinnamon Kiss | Gilbert von Obsidian | by @aquagirl1978

Cinnamon Kiss | Clavis Lelouch | by @violettduchess

Cinnamon Kiss | Chevalier Michel | by @violettduchess

Day 14 - masks

Masks | Gilbert von Obsidian | by @violettduchess

Wanderer | Dazai Osamu | by @queengiuliettafirstlady

Portrait of a Gentleman in Disguise | Clavis Lelouch | by @queengiuliettafirstlady

Three Masks | Keith Howell | by @aquagirl1978

[the12thnightproject]

Chapter 40: The Twelfth Lie. It was Kenshin's idea... but that doesn't make anyone else involved less guilty.

Shingen x OC; Kenshin x MC (Mai)

Mind the tagged TWs on this chapter...

Previous Chapter (posted earlier today): Here

Logline - Disguised as a boy, Katsuko finds herself working for Shingen, but her dangerous masquerade becomes difficult to sustain when she falls for the man with a fatal secret.

On a beautiful Autumn day, an unusual caravan set off from Kasugayama toward Kyoto. Sasuke was being escorted to Honno-ji by Kenshin, Yukimura, and Mai, all of whom wanted a few more days with their friend before he blipped off into the future for a few months. Shingen and I travelled with them, because Kyoto was along the way to Ikuno, where Toshiie was, at last report, living as healer.

At least, that is what we claimed our plans were.    

Four of us were lying.

The weather was perfect, the kind of day I would normally have loved riding through, but the preemptive guilt about what the four of us were about to do weighed on me. I had told many lies in my life, most justifiable – although others may not agree with my justifications. Even though I knew the lie I was currently living was for a good cause, I was pretty sure the person who would be most affected by it would not agree.

“You’ve been quiet these past couple days.” Shingen drew Good Horse up to Moonlight’s side. Moonlight hadn’t had much exercise of late, and shot a glare at Good Horse, just because she was in a mood. I patted her side, and mentally willed her to behave.

“I’m quiet a lot of days.” Although usually when I was alone. But to forestall additional questions, I added a burst of inane chatter – apparently my “tell” that I was being truthful. “I’m listening to the day. I love the sound the leaves make this time of year. They crunch underfoot. Under hoof. I also love the way they rattle when the wind blows.”

He turned his face into the breeze, and I took a moment to appreciate his profile as his hair ruffled about. “I forget sometimes, what it can be like to taking what amounts to a pleasure ride.” Was he stockpiling experiences? Having decided to risk postponing treatment, was he saving up memories to keep if there came a time when he’d be too ill to go outside?

I forced my attention back to the present - if I kept dwelling on that thought, he was sure to stay suspicious of my behavior. “It’s what I liked the most about being a courier. Getting to spend a lot of time outside.” When the weather was nice, anyway. Or at least, dry. “Especially after… well, I always liked being outside, all my life, but I did appreciate it more after being trapped in that crate.”

Shingen brought Good Horse closer, then reached over and ran the back of his hand across my face – a touch so fleeting, it was almost a whisper. “I imagine so. A close brush with death tends to heighten one’s appreciation of… everything.”

He smiled at me, then turned to face the path again. We rode for a while in companionable silence. I took a few deep breaths and focused on the fact that he was with me now, and not on the separation to come.

“I can’t stand much more of this,” I said to Sasuke the following day. If the weather held, we’d likely arrive in Kyoto the next afternoon, but after three days of trying to pretend that everything was ok, my nerves were on edge.

Sasuke looked ahead, where Shingen was in the middle of an intense debate with Kenshin. He didn’t pretend to misunderstand me. “It’s difficult for me too – modern medical ethics being what they are. Yuki and Kenshin are different – well, Kenshin decides what’s best and kills you if you disagree. Yuki can’t stand the thought of losing Shingen.”

“He might… we might anyway.” I was not used to feeling this conflicted. Normally I figured out what I needed to do and did it, by whatever means necessary. I always told myself that anyone who was hurt by my actions would have been worse off if I had done nothing… but now I was second guessing everything. “It feels like whatever I do, it’s going to be the wrong decision.”

“There is no right decision,” Sasuke said.

“If you are trying to make me feel better, it is not helping.” I don’t know what I was looking for in terms of “help” anyway. Maybe all I wanted was a break from pretending.

“Damn it, Katsu, I’m a physicist, not a philosopher,” Sasuke peered at me hopefully through his glasses. “Normally, you would have laughed at that.”

“Sorry. I know you’re trying.” I summoned up the ghost of a smile. “Why is this suddenly so difficult for me? It’s not like haven’t spent the last few years of my life lying to everyone.”

He was quiet a long moment – knowing him it was because he was examining the data before him, then choosing his words carefully. “Probably because you never cared as much before.”

Ouch. Ok. Not choosing his words all that carefully.

I must have visibly recoiled because Sasuke continued. “Sorry, obviously I’m unlikely to make an adequate psychologist either. I didn’t mean to suggest that I ever considered you to be uncaring. Simply that as someone who’s known you for almost four years, you often seemed  somewhat… apart from things. Once you were revealed to as… well… you, you’re having to put all the pieces of yourself back into one person again, and some of the things that didn’t serve you as Katsu, or even as Kaya, are ummm… coming back online.”

“Alright. There were about three different metaphors tangled up in that, but I get your point.” Having my conscience return at this point was rotten timing, but my life was full of rotten timing. “It still leaves me questioning my judgment.”

“What I said earlier – that there’s no right answer – goes the opposite too,” Sasuke said. “It is equally true that there’s no wrong answer either.” He looked up above the trees, where the sun was resting on the one lone cloud visible in the otherwise clear sky. I suppose he was so used to looking for answers in the cosmos that it was his go to. “Perhaps that isn’t much of a comfort, but if you keep telling yourself that, maybe it will be easier to keep up the charade.”

“Maybe…” Our conversation was cut off when Yuki and Mai, who had been having another of their siblingesque spats, got tired of bickering and dropped back to chat with us.

Of necessity, due to her complete inability to carry out a deception of this magnitude, Mai had been kept in the dark as to our plans. So Sasuke immediately changed the subject midstream. “What’s to question? Even if Dr. Strange kills Dr. Who, Dr. Who could simply regenerate into a more powerful being.”

“I’m still going with stalemate.” I picked up the thread of the imaginary conversation. “Sorcerer versus Time Lord might be the first working perpetual motion machine.”

Mai jumped into the debate. “I vote Dr. Strange. In the blink of his eyes, he can figure out the only way in one billion simulations that will kill Dr. Who… so he’ll always be one step ahead.”

Yuki slapped his hand to his forehead and groaned. “Not again. It was bad enough when there were only two of you doing that.”

It’s too bad I didn’t have a Sorcerer like Dr. Strange hand to run simulations until he had the correct answer for the current dilemma.

“Is there room for another up there?” Shingen called softly, looking up into the tree where I was currently perched.

I glanced at the next branch that – after an experimental shake – I judged sturdy enough to hold his weight. “Yes, but, I understand the concept of keeping lookout is that one person looks while everyone else – “

Shingen hauled himself into the tree.

“-sleeps.”

We had made camp just after sunset, and as with the previous nights, I had the first watch. Which generally was the easiest one, but at least they had given me one.

“Agreed, but I’m not yet ready to sleep.” He might also possibly be annoyed at the fact that Kenshin had vetoed even the thought of Shingen taking a watch shift. But by now, Kenshin, as well as everyone else, knew full well how often Shingen succumbed to the coughing fits. There are no secrets in camping.

Shingen rested against the tree trunk, looked around, the pulled a leaf out of my hair. “With the moon shining down on you, you look like a magical woodland creature. An enchantress.”

I conquered the urge to roll my eyes at that, have accepted that his flowery compliments were basically a form of Tourettes. Easier to simply be entertained by whatever he came up with next. “In Greek mythology, woodland enchantresses had a habit of transforming men into trees.”

“Were I transformed into a tree, you would very likely have climbed me… and it would have been the highlight of my days.” His face was shaded from the moon by leaves, but I imagined that if I had been able to make out his expression, I would have seen him wink.

This time the eyeroll won. I had walked into that one. And it did bring to mind the possibility of certain activities… that we’d likely not have time to try in the near future – if at all. My prior gloom returned.

Unlike Shingen’s, my face was apparently not hidden from the moonlight, for Shingen said, “There it is again. You are upset about something.”

Easier to divert to the thing that he already knew I was upset about. “I am, but as it’s something we’ve already discussed without coming to an agreement, it’s not worth ruining a pretty night light this bringing it up again.”

Shingen companionably took my hand. “Fair enough.”

We were quiet for a while, as I really was supposed to be the lookout. But eventually Shingen asked, “You’ve never mentioned any other family except for your brother. What about your parents? Friends? Do you think they are stuck in your time wondering what happened to the two of you?”

What thought had brought him to that line of questioning? “There might have been some fellow classmates who wondered at my disappearance – but as for family – no.” If the wormhole – and I was probably giving it anthropomorphic tendencies that it didn’t truly possess – had looked for two people whose disappearance was the least likely to cause a ripple, it had found them in Toshiie and me. I’d always been a bit of a loner and Toshiie was too busy with his studies (and checking up on me) to have much of a social life beyond an occasional hook-up.

He didn’t press for more details… I was well aware that silence was an interrogation technique, because we’d actually discussed such things. For a few moments I allowed the last of the summer cicadas, the rustle of the wind, and the sound of Yukimura’s snores filled the space between us. I might not have said anything more, but Sasuke’s prior comment about holding myself apart from others had stung. Shingen had told me plenty about his home, family and people, and I had been less reciprocal about my own family. “We never met our father. He left before we were born.” All my mother would say was that she had met him at University, and he’d pulled a disappearing act on her. “I’m honestly not sure if he even knew about us. And our mother…” I paused, not entirely sure how to explain, or even if I even wanted to. Certainly it was something that Toshiie and I never discussed, even though I was aware he believed we should. I’d shut him down every time he brought her up.

Shingen squeezed my hand. Maybe he was encouraging me to continue, or maybe he was telling me it was ok if I did not. But that made me feel ok to tell him the rest of it – at least in words someone of this time would understand. Suicide was not uncommon here at all. Seppuku was a ritual, an honorable death for defeated warriors and their families – and I didn’t know if Shingen would understand that my mother’s act had been something different. She hadn’t been defeated by war, but by her brain chemistry.  “She was always very sad. Until she finally decided she could no longer stand to live like that.” She’d hung on until Toshiie and I had started University, so at least one couldn’t claim that she’d abandoned small children. There was that, anyway.

Once again, he squeezed my hand. I appreciated that he hadn’t reflexively said he was sorry. “I imagine it wasn’t easy – for any of you.”

“No. But… it didn’t come as a shock.” I’d always had a checklist in my head to rate my mother’s moods on a daily basis. There had been times when I was afraid to go into her room because I never knew what I would find. Logically, I knew what she had was as much of a disease as if there had been something physical consuming her from within. Logic didn’t always stop me from sometimes being angry or resentful that I hadn’t been enough for her. It only made me feel guilty when the anger and resentment took hold.

As I looked down on the array of tents below, it occurred to me that this group of people was a stronger family unit than the one that had been composed of my mother, Toshiie and I.

At that moment, the gruff patriarch figure called up to us from under the tree. “Shingen, stop distracting the lookout.”

I hadn’t been that distracted, since I still had kept an eye on our surroundings, but I wondered if our low-voiced conversation had woken up Kenshin.

“I’m sorry, I found this tree sprite too tempting to resist,” Shingen called down to him.

“As I am awake now and not likely to sleep as long as the two of you keep babbling away, I may as well take over.” Kenshin grumbled and drew his sword. “Maybe I’ll get lucky and someone will attack us.”

Shingen climbed down from the tree, then glanced up at me before I made my own descent. “Would it do me any good at all to offer to catch you?”

“Nope. Don’t look if it bothers you so much.” I flipped myself down.

Once I was on the ground, Kenshin gave me a long look then… patted me on the head.

?!

“Don’t spend all night talking,” was all he said, before climbing up to take my place.

“He… just… patted me on the head.” Kenshin had patted me on the head like I was his little sister.

“Yes.” Shingen placed his hand on my lower back and steered me toward our tent.

“Why?” Had he overheard our talk? Did he feel sorry for me?

“Perhaps some day he will tell you,” Shingen replied with a finality. “Come on, Devil. Let’s make the most of the night.” He held open the tent flap.

“Did you not just hear Kenshin caution us not to stay up all night?” I ducked inside and Shingen pulled me into his arms.

“He said don’t spend all night talking. I have no intention of talking.” He kissed the side of my throat. “Perhaps I’ll be permitted to whisper.” His voice got lower, not as much as a whisper by a caramel coated come-hither. “I’ll tell you how lovely you looked in the tree, how lovely you look now, wrapped in my arms.”

…Later, as I curled next to him, his arm under my head, I discovered tears leaking from my eyes. This had been my goodbye, though Shingen would not learn that yes. Though I hoped it would not be too long before we could be reunited, there would then be the necessity of earning forgiveness – if indeed that could be earned after this kind of betrayal.

There was a brush of his fingertip against my cheek, as he caught the next tear before it could travel further on its own. To my relief, he didn’t question, saving me the trouble of telling him yet another lie.

We reached Honno-ji just after sunset the next day. Sasuke had calculated that the wormhole would open up later that night and the sound of a distant storm seemed to confirm that. The electricity hovered in the air, a familiar static crackle that felt like there centipedes running along my arms. Yes. It had been almost seven years, but I remembered this.

Citing a concern for Shingen’s health, Yuki shepherded us into the temple as rain began falling. The fire damage from earlier this summer had yet to be repaired and smoke stains were everywhere. Shingen eyed a broken beam. “This building is not particularly stable.”

“It’s also not raining in here,” Yuki said, as he plunked himself down against the wall.

A splatter of water hit me on the nose. I looked up to see a hole in the ceiling. “Yes, it is.”

“How will you know when this wormhole is open?” Kenshin asked Sasuke, who was poking around with interest.

“You’ll know. It’s difficult to miss,” Sasuke said. A flash of lightning turned the room pinkish purple for a moment. “It may be arriving sooner than I anticipated.” He gathered his pack, which aside from containing his modern clothing, also held a letter I had written before leaving Kasugayama. While he did that, Yuki slipped outside for a moment.

In my own things, I had instructions from Sasuke, giving me his best estimate for when the Togakushi “node” would open up – a window of time beginning in about ten weeks. He had handed me the scroll, with a disclaimer. “I can’t be completely certain until I am back at my lab. But this ought to work,” He had said as he pushed his glasses up on his nose. “At least theo-“

“If you say ‘theoretically’ one more time, I’m going to borrow Kenshin’s sword and stab you myself,” had been my reply to that.

“Not one of your daggers?”

“The occasion would call for an upgrade.”

Now, as I remembered that rushed private meeting back in Kasugayama, I wondered if Sasuke had been hedging his bets because he truly wasn’t sure what was going on with the timeline, or because he didn’t think this gamble would pay off at all.

I looked back up at the dripping ceiling and sighed. Shingen pulled me away from the leak. “Get out of the rain, Devil.” He brushed raindrops off my hair. “I’m well aware you’ve spent a significant amount of time in my presence while soaked to the skin, but in this case, it is not necessary.” He led me into a drier section of the temple. He kissed the top of my head. “Something seems to be eating at you, and once we are on our way again, I’m going to insist we talk about it.”

“That would be good.” It would be, if it actually were to happen. Odd though, for him to insist on a conversation, when he’d been ducking so many of my own overtures this past month.

“Sasuke.” Mai’s voice sounded loud over a lull in the conversation. “I don’t suppose you could bring back some chocolate? It might be the one thing I miss that you could actually carry back.”

“What is chocolate?” Shingen asked, having caught on to the fact that it was something to be desired.

Mai side eyed him. “Bring a lot.”

While Mai conveniently had Shingen’s attention, Yuki slipped back inside carrying Shingen’s pack, which he’d liberated from Good Horse’s saddlebag. He handed it to Sasuke, who slung it over his shoulder.

“It’s coming,” Sasuke said, prompting last-minute hugs and bro-slaps.

I could still change my mind.

I could grab Shingen’s hand and pull him out of here. Kenshin and Yuki would eventually catch us, but it would be too late by then. I could do that. But… could I keep him alive long enough to get to Togakushi? Could I even get him there at all? I remembered that awful morning when I’d managed to get him out of the cave. I’d barely managed to go five kilometers before Yukimura had taken over. That had been in summer, over relatively flat territory; not in winter, in the mountains.

It wouldn’t be enough.

I wouldn’t be enough.

No – I pushed away my second thoughts (by this time they were more like fifth thoughts).  Kenshin’s plan was Shingen’s best chance to live.

In the flurry of activity and the howling of the storm, I moved to distract Shingen from Yukimura and Kenshin, who had drawn their swords. But while throwing my arms around his neck and giving him a kiss may have begun as a distraction, I willed everything I had not and could not say into the kiss, until emboldened by the way his arms tightened around me, I broke away. “Don’t hate me. I’d rather be apart from you and believe you alive and healthy, than watch you painfully slip away.”

“Katsuko… what?” That was all he got out before Yuki and Kenshin advanced on him, swords drawn. Realization dawned, and he reached for me again.

“I love you,” I whispered, but I don’t think he heard me.

He stretched his hand toward me. Our fingers nearly touched, slipping past each other, as Sasuke grabbed him, and pulled him into the wormhole.

Then Kenshin herded us all backward, away from the fog, which disappeared after Sasuke and Shingen in a swirl of wind like a cyclone drawing back into itself.

Only a bit of leftover rain dripping from the ceiling was all that remained of the storm.

“What the hell did you guys just do?” Mai whispered into the sudden silence.

@bestbryn

[writingwhimsey]

Second Chance Love Ch. 7

Chapter 7

Ava found herself sitting in between Mitsuhide and Ieyasu in one of the spare rooms of the castle. They were interviewing midwives. Ava couldn’t help but to keep looking down at her hands during the interview process. It felt so strange to have to interview midwives instead of back home meeting with a doctor…it felt even crueler that Hideyoshi wasn’t beside her.

Mitsuhide took notice of Ava’s behavior. He always took notice of everything, but he paid especially close attention to her. She seemed down, but also jumpy…especially jumpy when they brought up questions involving the midwives’ success rates if both mother and child living.

After what felt like the hundredth midwife to Ava, Mitsuhide was speaking up. “I think we should call an end to the interviews for today.” He said. “Come little mouse.”

“Where are you planning on taking me?” Ava asked him, looking at him suspiciously.

“I thought perhaps we could go out for a bite to eat. We do have to keep you and the little one fed.” Mitsuhide reminded her. 

“Well…food does sound nice.” Ava agreed. She was then looking over at Ieyasu. “You want to come with us?” She felt it was rude not to invite him. He had been helping with trying to find a midwife just as much as Mitsuhide had been.

Before Ieyasu could respond, Masamune was bursting in the room, his signature grin on his face. “Taking a break?” He asked.

“Yes, I was just about to take Ava into town to get something at one of the tea houses.” Mitsuhide answered.

Masamune nodded. “As you should.” He was then going over to Ieyasu and pulling him into a headlock. “And you’re coming with me. We haven’t had a good round of practice in a while.”

“Hey, let me go. You could just ask me to train with you like a normal person.” Ieyasu grumbled even as Masamune began to drag him off.

“Yeah, but you’d just tell me no. So I have to drag you off.” Masamune replied before the two disappeared.

Ava let out a small laugh. She was amused by Masamune and his antics.

Mitsuhide smiled. The sound of her laughter was like music. Even if it was a small laugh. He cherished the sound. Laughter meant happiness and healing. “I am glad to hear your laughter once again, little mouse.” He spoke aloud.

Ava turned to him, noticing how tender the look in his eyes was. She felt her cheek reddening. “Well…Masamune and Ieyasu are always entertaining. They’re like a comedy team.” She replied.

Mitsuhide was quickly turning his back to Ava and clearing his throat. “Yes…well come little mouse.” He informed her, his words short and clipped.

Ava followed him, her brow furrowed in confusion. There had been no teasing comment from Mitsuhide and if she was not mistaken…she thought she had seen a faint flush to his cheeks. 

Ava caught up to Mitsuhide and tried to look at his face. Whatever she had thought she’d seen must have quickly cleared up for now his teasing smile was in place. “Do you like my face, little one?”

Ava frowned. “I just…thought I’d…seen something.” She replied.

Mitsuhide was grinning devilishly as he came to a stop, turning to fully face Ava, his fingers going beneath her chin and tilting her face up so that her eyes met his. “Now, no need to be shy little mouse. If you like my face feel free to look at it all you wish. Maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of whatever you thought you saw.” Teasing her like this was easier.

Ava wrenched her chin from his hand and then shoved him back. “Oh, just stop it!” She was then marching on out from the castle, her cheeks pink and her brows knit together in frustration.

Mitsuhide chuckled as his long legs allowed him to quickly catch up to her. He was happy to get these reactions from her. Her fire was one of the things he loved about her. He was glad to see it returning. “Such strength you are showing.” He told her his tone teasing, though his words were the truth. “Able to shove me back like that.”

“Oh like you couldn’t have stopped me.” Ava replied, not looking at him. “No need to patronize me.”

“Think whatever you like, little mouse.” Mitsuhide replied, patting her shoulder.

Ava shrugged him off. “Can we just go eat? I’m freaking hungry. I’m growing another person you know.”

“Then let us get you some nourishment.” Mitsuhide replied, directing her to a tea house. It was one they had been to previously. They sat down, Mitsuhide taking the seat across from Ava. “Have whatever you like, little mouse.” 

“I will.” She replied, fixing a glare at him before proceeding to order one of everything on the menu.

Mitsuhide chuckled, but was happy to pay such a bill. He was rather excited that her appetite was coming back. “I see your stomach must be feeling just fine today.”

Ava fought the urge to stick out her tongue at him. “You did say anything…and it all sounded good.”

Mitsuhide gave her a genuinely warm smile. “Then I am more than happy to make sure you are well fed.”

“I thought that was Masamune’s job.” Ava quipped.

“It may be his job with cooking for you, but it doesn’t mean he is the only one that can feed you.” Mitsuhide remarked.

The food was soon arriving, their little table being completely filled. Ava quickly began to dig into the food. Mitsuhide just sat there, happily watching her enjoy stuffing her cheeks. She was definitely seeming to return to her normal self and he was rather happy to see it.

“Do I have some food on my face?” Ava asked after a moment.

“No, why would you ask that, little mouse?” Mitsuhide replied.

“Because, you’re staring.” She answered. “Perhaps you’re the one who likes my face.” She decided to tease him.

Mitsuhide chuckled. He enjoyed their back and forth. “I was just thinking how much you really do look like a little mouse.” He teased. And how utterly adorable you are. He added mentally.

Ava made a face at him, but then went back to eating. “You know…I may have ordered all of this…and I may be eating for two… but there’s no way I can eat all of this by myself. You should eat something too.”

“But I am not hungry.” Mitsuhide replied.

“How can you not be hungry?” Ava asked. “It’s been just as long since your last meal as it has been mine.”

“As you mentioned however, you are eating for two. I am not.” Mitsuhide countered.

“Okay, but, not all of this food is stuff you eat because you’re hungry. Some of it you eat just for the enjoyment of the food. Just for the flavor.” Ava went on.

“Hmm…eating food for enjoyment.” Mitsuhide pondered. “One would have to be able to taste food for that to happen.”

Ava blinked. “You…you can’t taste? Well that would explain…your eating habits at the banquets.”

“But do not let that stop you from enjoying your meal.” Mitsuhide told her. “I am just glad to see you more relaxed now.”

Ava frowned. “You should still eat some of this. If nothing else, it doesn’t go to waste.”

“Alright.” Mitsuhide told her, before picking up chopsticks and going to take a bite of some of the food.

“But…what do you mean by you’re glad to see me more relaxed?” She asked. “Was I that obvious?”

“You did cringe quite often in the interviews.” Mitsuhide told her. “Did these questions we were asking never occur to you?”

Ava sighed as she set her chopsticks aside. She took a sip of her tea before answering. “It’s just… in my hometown…things are…different…a lot different.” She explained. “Those things are… they’re not things most pregnant women worry about.”

Mitsuhide blinked. He knew Ava was not capable of lying… yet how could a pregnant woman not have to worry about the potential death of herself or the child? Or both? Those were concerns for many of the women in these times. “Perhaps one of these days, you’ll have to tell me more about your hometown. Like where it is.” He spoke. With as open as Ava was, there was still a great mystery as to where she had come from. She clearly came from some place much more peaceful than what he was used to. She’d clearly never had to lie and deceive… and yet she kept this one secret.

Ava looked at him a moment. “You mean…you didn’t read…that letter? The one you made sure… HE got.”

“That was never my place.” Mitsuhide replied. “Only to ensure he got it before you had a chance to truly disappear.”

“Well…maybe one day I’ll tell you.” Ava replied, still shocked that he hadn’t read the letter.  

Mitsuhide smiled. “I look forward to one day then.” Normally, he would have pressed for such details…but with Ava he wouldn’t pry her secrets from her. He would only help her and hope that one day would come.

“Is that why you brought me here?” Ava asked after a moment.

“Hmm?” Mitsuhide replied. 

“To let me have a break.” Ava clarified. “You…you could sense that I was having a hard time…during the interviews.”

“Sometimes one needs a break.” Mitsuhide replied.

“Well…thank you.” Ava told him. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

“Just keeping Lord Nobunaga’s lucky charm in good spirits and good health.” He told her.

Ava nodded. “Well, whatever your reasons…still thank you.”

The pair sat and talked for a while. Ava eating most of the food and Mitsuhide even eating a few of the items as well. They were then returning to the castle. They were surprised when they saw an exhausted Ieyasu was talking to a young woman at the gate.

As they approached, they could hear the woman speaking. “I was told the Princess needed a midwife and I came here to apply for the job.”

“We ended things for the day. You can come back tomorrow.” Ieyasu told the woman.

“Look, I am not leaving until I see the Princess and have a chance to be her midwife. I want to make sure she is safe and well cared for. I want to help her.” The woman replied.

“Well, I am here so we might as well talk to you.” Ava said, something intriguing her about this woman. She appeared to be around the same age as Ava, with long dark hair she wore up in a simple ponytail and green eyes.

The woman smiled. She then seemed as if she was remembering herself and bowed. “I am honored to meet you Princess. My name is Akari and I would be honored if I could be your midwife.”

The group was soon sitting in the empty hall they had been in earlier. “So, what is your background?” Mistuhide asked.

“I have been a midwife for about the last ten years. I learned under my mother from the time I was a young girl.” Akari answered. “And not only did she teach me about properly caring for a woman during pregnancy and birth, but also supporting the mother after birth.”

Ava perked up. Akari was the first woman to mention such a thing. “Really?” She asked.

Akari nodded. “Yes, she taught me that some women can get rather melancholy after giving birth. She also taught me how to look out and protect the new mothers from infections.”

“Are you open to working under anyone else in caring for Ava?” Ieyasu asked.

Akari nodded. “Yes, I would consider it an honor to work under you Lord Ieyasu.”

“I didn’t say it would be me…” Ieyasu grumbled.

Akari smiled. “I just assumed since you are here now.”

Ieyasu seemed to grumble unintelligibly, but just nodded. Mitsuhide was fighting off a chuckle, though his eyes were looking over Akari, as if appraising her. “What makes you believe you are fit to treat our dear Princess?” He asked.

“As I’ve already said, I know how to care for her not only during pregnancy, but after as well.” Akari answered. “And I have not lost a mother or child.”

“Really?” Mitsuhide asked.

Akari nodded. “That’s right.”

“I like her.” Ava declared. She was then looking at Akari. “You’re my midwife.”

“Wait just a second, you can’t…” Ieyasu began.

Ava looked over at him. “But I like her…and I am the one having the baby.”

“If our little mouse is comfortable with her, then this is who we should choose.” Mitsuhide agreed…naturally he would be checking further into Akari’s background. But for now… he would just keep an eye on the midwife and be sure she truly kept Ava and her child safe.

[bakersgrief]

Masterlist

(Writing requests open. Rules here.)

My Writing

- Ikemen Prince

Rio Ortiz:

Cock ring and bondage (NSFW)

Wax play (NSFW) (Rio x Ciel) (Ciel is @floydsteeth 's oc)

Silvio Ricci:

Collaring Silvio (NSFW)

Reunion sex (NSFW)

Keith Howell:

Twins!Keith au pt 1 (original au by @ndoandou)

Twins!Keith au pt 2

Keith x Maeve (Maeve is @keithsandwich 's oc) (NSFW)

Teasing Keith (NSFW)

Emma:

Vibrator thoughts (NSFW)

Miscellaneous/multiple characters:

Ikepri x ikevamp crossover (hc)

Ikepri with a lesbian mc (hc pt 1)

Ikepri with a lesbian mc (hc pt 2)

Ikepri with a lesbian mc (hc pt 3)

-Ikemen Sengoku

Kenshin Uesugi:

Pegging Kenshin (NSFW)

Angst with a happy ending

Spanking (NSFW)

-Ikemen Villains

Kate:

Learning to type

- A3!

Juza Hyodo:

Bear Juza

Art

(Comissioned from others, I'm just listing it here to show it off! Links to original posts by the artists.)

Keith Howell:

Bunnyboy Keith (suggestive)

Body harness (suggestive)

Keith bulge (suggestive)

Emma:

Sleepy morning (nonsexual nudity)

Kenshin Uesugi:

Kenshin and his buns

Le Comte de Saint-Germain:

Long haired Comte

Julian Devorak:

Wedding charm

Miscellaneous:

Scylla and Anisa

[freya-remy]

"Do you understand the gravity of your actions, letting me believe the hearsay that you had been injured?"

"I didn't mean for it to go that far. It was a mistake."

"A mistake? You call causing an uproar, leading me to think I'd lost you, a mistake?"

"I... I didn't think it through. I'm so sorry."

"Your apologies cannot mend the fear that gripped my heart. Be more cautious; you're not just anyone to me anymore."

[otomefoxystar]

Finding the Light - Chapter 12

Fandom: Ikemen Sengoku

Pairing Mistuhide X OC ( Evelyn)

TW: descriptions of being kidnapped

Everyone looked at Evelyn with worry, but they were all excited to see her nonetheless. She hugged each of them, but they were all gentle when they hugged her back. No one commented on her appearance, which was a nice reprieve. She was sure they were all questioning what happened and why she was so thin.

As soon as Nobunaga entered the room, everyone quieted down. “My lucky charm is back!” Nobunaga announced. She walked over to him, and he gathered her in his arms. “You’re too skinny. Has Mitsuhide been feeding you?” It was a nice reprieve until now. Of course, Nobunaga would say something. He always spoke his mind no matter who it would insult. “He’s been feeding me and taking really good care of me.”  Nobunaga’s eyebrows furrowed. “Why are you so nervous?” She cleared her throat. “It took a lot for me to come.” He looked her up and down, and she knew he wouldn’t let up. “You aren’t going to let me go until I tell you everything, are you?” A smile spread across his face. “Nope, so please do tell, why all the mystery? What’s going on with you?” 

Ieyasu cleared his throat. “Lord Nobunaga, maybe give her time to get settled.” Nobunaga chuckled. “She knows how I am. She should’ve expected that I would want answers.” Looking away from Ieyasu, she was met with crimson eyes surging with concern. “I can’t,” Nobunaga drew her into his strong arms. “You’re not sick; something happened, didn’t it?.” He squeezed her tighter. “I’ll tell you, just not here.” He pulled away and put his hand on her back.  “Okay” 

Nobunaga cleared his throat, and everyone’s attention turned to him. “Let’s start.” Evelyn sat in between Ieyasu and Masamune, and Ieyasu patted her head, then whispered in her ear, “You’re doing well.” She sighed, trying to relax. 

Nobunaga took his seat in facing them. “There’s a group of rebels terrorizing the townspeople. Masamune found where their camp is. We must go in there and persuade them to leave by any means necessary.” Nobunaga looked at Evelyn. “I think you should stay behind this time, Evelyn.” She gulped at the thought of being alone and clutched at the sleeves of her Kimono. Ieyasu grabbed her hand and squeezed tightly.

A knot formed in her stomach, making her feel sick.  “We’ll have dinner together, and in the morning, we’ll leave,” Nobunaga announced before he stood. Everyone stood along with him, and Nobunaga glanced over at Evelyn with a look of unease. “Mitsuhide, Hideyoshi, I need you two in the tenshu,” Nobunaga said as his eyes left her. Mitsuhide looked over to Evelyn and gave her a smile and a nod before he left her behind as he followed Nobunaga obediently along with Hideyoshi. Ieyasu turned to her. “Come get me if you need anything, okay?” She nodded, “I will,” and she exited the room with everyone else.

Evelyn reminisced about living there. She walked the gardens and chatted with Masamune and Mitsunari. The worry was written on their faces the whole time she was with them. Mitsunari had excused himself so he could start planning for their mission. Masamune wanted to make dessert for dinner; he invited her to bake with him, but she turned him down. She wanted to be alone; she didn’t want to see him look at her with worry.

She found herself in her room, and as she looked around, she remembered the night Mitsuhuide discovered something was wrong. He sat with her and wouldn’t leave until she ate. The very next day, he dragged her to his manor.

She was in such a low state, the trauma of what happened still so fresh. Images climbed into her mind, images she would rather forget. A large, warm hand covered her mouth. A firm chest pressed against her back as they held her arms behind her, making it impossible for her to escape. He dragged her behind the building into the alleyway. A moment later, she was blindfolded. Her heart rate quickened, and her chest felt tight. She had to distract herself and get out of that room. Tears trickled down her face as she walked the halls briskly to seek out Ieyasu and quickly wiped them away.

She found him in the infirmary sorting through his herbs. “Ieyasu.” He placed a jar down, looked toward her, and raised his eyebrows, noticing her puffy eyes. “Do you want to talk about it?” he asked. “Being here brings back the worst memories. I just need a distraction.”

Ieyasu grimaced at her explanation; he wished she didn’t have to suffer. “Come in; you can help me alphabetize these herbs. She nodded and took a jar off the shelf, then placed a different jar in its place. “I’m going to tell everyone tonight at dinner what happened to me.” She said as she worked.

Ieyasu moved another jar and looked over to her. “You don’t have to.” She was quiet for a moment before glancing at Ieyasu. “I need to. Nobunaga’s going to leave me here alone. I don’t know if I can handle that.” Ieyasu turned to face her. “And you’re hoping he’ll take pity on you and let you come?” Ieyasu narrowed his eyes, “Are you really afraid of being alone? Or are you afraid of being without Mitsuhide?” He asked curtly.

“Both?” She wasn’t entirely sure of the answer herself. Ieyasu sighed, “You’ll have to learn to be on your own eventually.” She knew that. She had been thinking that the moment Nobunaga told her she had to stay. “I know and don’t know how I will do that.” Ieyasu sighed, “You just do.” She glared at him. “You want me to be alone when I can’t even sleep through the night? When I can’t stop crying when unwanted thoughts enter my mind reminding me of what happened, of how pathetic I am?” Ieyasu saw the tears fill her eyes, took the jar out of her hand, and placed it back on the shelf. He pulled her into his arms. “I forget sometimes what happened to you. I’m sorry if I was hard on you.” She hugged him back, placing her hands on his back. The rest of the afternoon passed, with Evelyn helping Ieyasu sort his medical supplies. 

A dark curtain was cast over the sky, indicating night had fallen, and Ieyasu walked with Evelyn to the dining hall. Mitsuhide walked in just as she was sitting down. He smiled and sat beside her. She saw how tired he looked and looked at Hideyoshi, who looked just as exhausted. Nobunaga must’ve been going hard on them both.

After their meal and as the alcohol flowed, Nobunaga motioned to her, “Fireball, come here.” Nobunaga said. She walked up to Nobunaga and sat next to him. “My lucky charm” He drapped his arm over her shoulders. He looked at her. “You have this sad aura around you. I haven’t even seen you smile.” She looked down. “I smile…Sometimes.” Masamune looked over to her. “Lass, you smile about everything; you had such a drive for life. Now, you just seem miserable. What has Mitsuhide done to you?” He hoped his little joke would make her smile. Instead, she glanced towards Mitsuhide, who was teasing Hideyoshi and Ieyasu, rolled his eyes at their antics. She looked back to Masamune, “He hasn’t done anything, I’m more concerned about what I’ve done to him.” Masamune grimaced. “That’s not what I meant.” She sighed. “I know Masamune, and I appreciate you trying.”

She couldn’t stand how they were all looking at her. She was going to tell them tonight anyway. No time was better than now. “I’ll tell you all what happened.” Nobunaga moved his arm to wrap his hand around hers. He knew she was nervous; somehow, Nobunaga always picked up on these things. 

Their attention was on her, and it was so silent that the leaves blowing in the wind were heard. “I went shopping one evening, I’ve done it thousands of times, and nothing was different. Everything was fine until it wasn’t. My mouth was covered, and I was dragged towards an alley where I was blindfolded. Then I was carried to some sort of room or building I don’t really know.

” Tears formed in her eyes as she saw all their expressions. She took a deep breath, steeling herself. “My wrists were tied, and I couldn’t break free; I was blindfolded the whole time. Then they, I only know it was multiple men because of their voices. They…” Tears escaped her eyes, cascading down her cheeks. She wiped them away, and Nobunaga squeezed her hand. “They attacked me multiple times.” She wasn’t going to tell them how she was attacked, but she knew they all knew, but they all remained silent, even with the horror written on each of their faces. Even Mitsuhide and Ieyasu looked pained. Then she realized she had never told Mitsuhide how it happened and hadn’t told Ieyasu anything. 

She told Mitsuhide more personal details but never told him this part of the story. “They kept me till the morning; as they let me go, they told me, ‘Go back to your masters like the broken dog you are.’” The tears ran freely now, uncontrollable. Nobunaga shifted and took her in his arms, cocooning her safely into his chest as he rubbed her back soothingly. She cried, and everyone looked at them, stunned. Hideyoshi gave Mitsuhide a concerned look. Mitsuhide closed his eyes and nodded, showing Hideyoshi he knew what happened to her.

Finally, her tears dried, and she lifted her head from Nobunaga’s chest. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to. “He shook his head. “No, don’t apologize, cry if you need to cry. No one’s judging you.”  She wiped all her tears away and nodded as she pressed her lips together. “I’m going to go to take a bath and get some sleep.” Nobunaga nodded, “Sleep well,” She mustered a small smile. “I’ll try.” As soon as she left the room, Nobunaga adjusted his Kimono and ran his fingers through his hair.

Nobunaga turned to Mitsuhide, “How was she when all this first happened? You’ve been alone with her for months.” He sighed, “I’ll admit it was touch and go there for a while. I had to move her into my room because I didn’t trust that she wouldn’t hurt herself. She would hardly eat; it’s just been in the last month or so that she’s been eating a healthy amount. She’s finally putting on some weight. The nightmares haven’t stopped. She wakes up screaming. She’s made a lot of progress, though I’m teaching her self-defense. She’s shown interest in sewing again.” Nobunaga nodded. Not all is lost. It comes in small strides.

“This was not only an attack on her. This was an attack on us; they used her to get to us.” Nobunaga said, and Mitsunari cleared his throat. “If I may?” Nobunaga motioned for him to continue. “Do you think that perhaps the rebels did this to her?” Nobunaga gave him a hard nod. “I was thinking the same thing. We need to strike them down.”

Hideyoshi sighed. “I couldn’t agree more, but how will we know who did it? She heard their voices. Only she will know who did it.” Nobunaga raised an eyebrow, “Fair point, but can she handle it?” Mitsuhide cleared his throat. “She’s stronger than you think; she can handle it. It’ll be hard, but she can handle it.” Nobunaga took a drink of his sake. “Good. Then she comes. I’ll tell her in the morning.” Mitsuhide stood up. “I’ll tell her I was going to see her anyways; somebody needs to be there when she wakes up from her nightmares.” Masamune had his arms crossed, and he looked up at Mitsuhide. “You got your hands full with that lass, don’t you? Good luck.”  

“Are you taking care of yourself too, Mitsuhide?” Hideyoshi asked with concern. Mitsuhide smiled. “Of course, I couldn’t very well take care of her if I wasn’t at my best.” He stood up and sauntered off to her room. 

[ikeromantic]

Kyubei - Lie - 🥹

So I didn't mean for it to happen but this turned a bit angsty. Ah well. Kyubei really shouldn't lie! Approx. 900 words.

Kyubei kept his gaze on the floor, unwilling to look up and force himself to see her. If he did, he wasn’t sure he would be able to hide his feelings. This way, he could smile and pretend everything was fine. As long as he didn’t look up.

The chatelaine poked his shoulder. “Come on, Kyubei. I know something is up. And Mitsuhide won’t tell me anything!”

“Nothing is up. You’re imagining things.” He shrugged. “Lord Akechi is just trying to tease you again.”

She was quiet for a moment, her finger still lightly pressing into his shoulder. Then, “I don’t know if I believe you. It looks like you’re packing up and that’s not normal.”

Kyubei held in a sigh. She’d noticed the barren rooms in Akechi’s manor, the disappearance of most of his staff. It was all in preparation for what came next, his ‘betrayal’ of the Oda. But he couldn’t tell her any of that. “Just spring cleaning.”

“I don’t see anyone cleaning.” She grabbed his shoulder fully, as if to shake the truth from him. “Kyubei. Please.” 

The plea in her voice brought his gaze up, reluctant and slow. Her eyes were wide with worry and he could see she’d been chewing on her lower lip. It was red and a little swollen. He wanted to pull her into his arms and tell her . . . what exactly? He wasn’t sure if the truth would be better than the kind lie.

“Tell me what’s going on.” 

He sighed. “Nothing for you to worry about. Can you trust me that far?” 

“I -” The chatelaine studied his expression, as if she might find the truth hidden there. “I trust you. It’s your boss that scares me.” She took his hand, holding onto it like a lifeline. “I know something big is happening and . . . I’m worried. For you.” 

Kyubei felt his heart stutter at those last two words. A confession pushed against his clenched jaw. All the words he wanted to say piling up in his chest, making it hard to take a breath. He wanted to tell her what was about to happen. That he might have to go into exile. Or worse. And that he loved her. 

But he knew such honesty would only hurt her more in the end. This way, she could go on with a smile on her face if he could not come back. Innocent of the crimes that would forever taint the Akechi name. Able to move on with her heart to another that was more worthy of love. Free from the bond those three little words would build between them. I love you.

“I am glad you trust me, at least,” Kyubei said finally. “You are right that Mitsuhide is up to something - but he always is.” He tried to smile at her and hoped it looked normal. “This is just part of another ploy. Nothing to worry about.” 

“But -”

Kyubei squeezed her hand. “There is nothing for you to worry about,” he repeated.

She sighed and nodded. “Alright. Just . . .” The chatelaine stepped close and wrapped her arms around him in a tight, sudden hug. “Be careful.”

He stood stock still, too stunned by the unexpected embrace to do more than nod. She was pressed against him, every line of her connecting with his body. The feeling sent confused signals shooting through him. Heat like the summer sun, lightning shocks racing through his flesh. He needed to push her away and could not bear it if she let him go. 

His arms chose the desires of his heart, and reached to hold her. Wrapping around her waist, palms flat against her back. Kyubei held her as if she were something precious and fragile, irrationally afraid that his touch might break her. 

She looked at him with such affection. Her lips parted, leaning close enough to kiss. “Kyubei, I have a confession to make. While you are still here to listen. I lo-”

He stopped her words with the gentlest brush of a kiss across her lips. Even that, he thought, was too much. But it would be worse if she finished what she started to say. “Friends need not make confessions to each other.” The lie hurt them both. Cutting her in a moment of vulnerability and twisting his heart into a pained knot. 

The chatelaine pushed away from him with a look of sharp grief. Her eyes were damp with an onrush of unshed tears. “Friends. Yes. Sorry.”

In that moment, Kyubei hated the life he’d chosen. The schemes and plotting, the endless deceit. He pushed away every good thing in his life to follow in the footsteps of his lord. And now he’d pushed away the best thing. Telling himself it was for her own good did not make the agony less. 

“I will see you when I return,” he said, his words laced with heavy regret. 

She nodded. Swallowed back her emotion. “When you come back, we need to talk.”

“Of course.” He tried for another smile. “There are things I want to say to you too.” If I come back, Kyubei thought. If I am not imprisoned or dead or exiled . . . if if if. The words felt like a lie.

The chatelaine reached for him again, her fingertips grazing his arm. Then she dropped her hand and fled his presence, her face in her hands.

Kyubei watched her go.

[kazvha]

A little gift for you - spring event [CLOSED!]

It's been a year since I started this blog, so I'm doing this little event to celebrate!🥂

spring event masterlist

Rules!

[12/12 slots reserved!] Requests closed! Please don't send me any asks anymore!

• Simply like this post and choose your price! First come, first serve!

• 1 price per person! Please be fair. If you want to remain anonymous, choose an alias or an emoji that I can address you with.

1. Match up:

-> I'll write short headcanons for you and a character I match you up with, and I'll also mention 2 runner-up characters.

Send me an ask in which you introduce yourself and choose 1-3 fandoms from the list below (pls put the fandoms in order of favorite to least favorite). You can tell me e.g. about your personality, your mbti, your pronouns, likes & dislikes, hobbies, fun facts, goals, what you're attracted to, age range, what you look for in a relationship, your love language, etc. Whatever you feel comfortable sharing!

2. Moodboard:

-> Get a relationship moodboard with him.

Send me an ask in which you state:

1. The name of a character from the fandom list below

2. Your basic appearance (e.g. gender, skin color, hair). This is completely optional though!

3. Fake texts:

Send me a number from either this fluff prompt list or from this angst prompt list and choose 1-3 characters of 1 fandom from the list below. I'll write some fake texts for this prompt.

4. Song requests:

Send me 1 character from the list below + 1 song of your choice (maybe also some specific lyrics). I'll try to write something for it.

Fandoms I'll write for:

Any male characters from: Blue Lock, Eleceed, Sk8, Valorant, Tokyo Revengers, One Punch Man, Kuroko no Basket, Daiya no Ace, Haikyuu!, Dr. Stone, Uramichi Oniisan, Ikemen Sengoku/Revolution/Prince/Villains, A3!

Genshin Impact: Albedo, Alhaitham, Ayato, Dainsleif, Diluc, Gaming, Heizou, Itto, Kaeya, Kaveh, Kazuha, Lyney, Neuvillette, Tartaglia, Thoma, Wanderer, Wriothesley, Xiao, Zhongli

Resident Evil: Leon (any game/film), Chris, Carlos, Billy

Attack on Titan: Eren, Armin, Jean, Connie, Reiner, Porco, Levi, Onyankopon

Bungou Stray Dogs: Dazai, Kunikida, Fyodor, Sigma, Chuuya, Nikolai, Bram

One Piece: Shanks, Luffy, Usopp, Zoro, Sanji, Ace, Sabo, Law, Kid, Mihawk, Paulie, Crocodile, Marco, Katakuri, Bartolomeo

Moriarty the Patriot: William, Louis, Albert, Sherlock, Moran, Von Herder

Gintama: Gintoki, Katsura, Takasugi, Sakamoto, Hijikata

Hunter x Hunter: Hisoka, Chrollo, Illumi

Fire Force: Benimaru

Feel free to ask if you have any questions! This is my first time doing something like this, feedback is always appreciated.

[violettduchess]

Welcome to what I hope will be a fun, interesting writing challenge 🌌

After seeing the results of yesterday's poll, I'm going ahead with the One Suitor, One Prompt Content Creation Challenge.

Interested? Keep reading!

How will this work:

At the end of this post will be a poll which will determine which Ikemen game the challenge will be based off. I am only including games which have English localizations.

Once the game has been chosen by popular vote, all the main suitors from that game will be added to a choice wheel from pickerwheel.com

Fifteen generic prompts will be added to a second wheel (prompts are listed below)

Once the suitor and prompt have been chosen, the writing can begin!

The length/ type of fic (nsfw, fluff, angst, AU, etc) is entirely up to the writer. Anything goes.

Rules:

This challenge will start on August 5th and conclude on Sept 2nd. Sometime after that date, I will create a masterlist of all contributions.

This challenge is open to writers for the Ikemen fandom.

This is a challenge that can include nsfw content. Minors beware.

Participants may write as many entries as they like.

Please tag your work #one suitor one prompt ccc so I can find it and add it to the masterlist. Please tag me @violettduchess as well.

Feel free to use the banner above when posting works for this challenge.

Prompts:

water

shade

sunshine

rain

library

tears

writing

dancing

dressing up

ocean

flowers

laughter

morning

meal time

bedtime

Thank you and I look forward to seeing what you choose! 🌌

[corpiote]

I've been listening to exile and the last time (tv) back to back all day. why am I doing this to myself?