#custom silk kimono

[customkimono]

Wholesale custom printed luxury 100% silk kimono cardigan short robe front open beach cover up dress

[vrystalius]

Could you do a "the demon that steals me gifts" with gyutaro? ^_^ like he brings reader jewelry and things

The demon that steals jewerly for me

(stalker!Gyutaro x oiran!reader, implied sexual assault ((not from our baby boy!!)) )

You knew that somebody was watching, and has been for a while. An old customer who wishes to bed you again? A jealous wife of a husband you were paid to sleep with? No, the eyes that were watching you feel much more piercing and obsessive. Demonic, almost.

But you don’t really care. Your beauty is unmatched, your gracefulness your image and your face being the moneymaker to lure your customers in. Your lady planned to never let you leave this brothel until you grow old and “unusable”.

You hated this. You hated your lady, you hated the filthy men that know no boundaries or what the word “no” means, you hated this room, this stained bed and your miserable life. So what’s a stalker on top of that?

But lately, you began finding gifts neatly placed on your bedside table, wrapped in an expensive cloth of silk, matching your favourite kimono. Wrapped in this cloth was a beautiful, golden plated and gem decorated hairpin. It was the most amazing handcrafted item you’ve ever had the honour of holding in your hands. You saw the higher-class oirans wear them before, so how did this fall into your lower-class hands? Perhaps it was your lady thanking you for your exhausting service. You decided to wear it daily with pride. This made you look more expensive and perhaps you could demand more payment for a session. You treated this hairpin with extensive care and made sure to clean it every night, before putting it back into your hair for another shift.

From this day on, every night you found another expensive jewelry item, wrapped in another silken cloth. You now have a full box of pins, necklaces, earrings, rings and more hairpins that are probably worth over thousands of yen.

Is this stalker doing all this? Are they climbing into your room while you slept to give you these? You strangely felt warmth pool inside your stomach. You wondered though, why aren’t they visiting you in person? It’s not that you want to have sex with them like the other filthy animals, you just want to meet them in person. Then again, this stalker gifted you all these things by breaking into your bedroom. Yet he was respectful enough to not defile you in your sleep. You caught yourself looking forward to finding the gifts on your bedside table. This stalker was being so nice to you, aren’t they?

You tried to wake yourself up when you sense someone else in your room in hopes to catch this person in the act. You wanted nothing more than to meet them face to face and thank them for the gifts. Your feelings towards this person began to shift even more as you started to fantasise what they might look like.Are they a man or a woman? Are they beautiful? Rich? A businessman of some sort? Would they be willing to marry you and get you out of this hellhole?

One night, you woke up in your sleep by the sound of someone entering your room through your window. You kept your eyes shut and acted like as if you’re asleep, waiting on the right moment to confront them. But while you tried to intimate your sleeping state, a finger gently ran through your hair. The touch was incredibly gentle and careful as if fearing to break you like a fragile vase and you couldn’t help but smile a little and blush as your stomach was filled with butterflies. The person shifted and placed your gift on the beside table before turning around to leave. The window opened, but you quickly sat up in your bed. You stared at the… thing… sitting on your window shelf.

He had gray, sickly skin, decorated with black spots. His hair looked matted and green, as if not washed in centuries. His teeth were sharp and crooked, his eyes droopy and sad. His body was unnaturally thin and starved, being able to count every single bone in his body. He was hunched over with his spine completely visible, as if about to rip his skin open. That was no human, that’s a demon. You stared at the creature with big eyes. He was staring back, beginning to scratch his skin open nervously, blood dripping down onto the wooden shelf.

“D-Don’t l-look at me, p-pretty!! L-Look away- I-I’m too dirty t-to be l-looked at…”

You couldn’t help but blush after hearing his croaky voice. Your shoulders relaxed as you bit down onto your lower lip.

For some reason, you felt… aroused?

💠

Gyutaro is the first character I fell for in kny, I love him so so much! He’s such a baby. I want to hold this mass murderer and tell him he’s beautiful and handsome. I cried during his backstory…

Thank you so much for requesting this! I was thinking about what to write for Gyutaro in the The Demon that series for so long, so thank you for helping me out!! I may make another part for Gyutaro where you just cuddle him. The Demon that stalked me and that I know cuddle? Hmm…

Anyways, make sure to EAT, SLEEP and DRINK enough!

Take care of yourselves <3

The Demon that… (masterlist)

[mrsshabana]

I saw your posting Gyutaro role-playing courtesan and we being customers and I liked it a lot!!Can I request one shot or something detailed about it?

+I'm not native so my sentence can be awkward

𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒂𝒏!𝑮𝒚𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒐 𝒙 𝑭𝒆𝒎!𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓

♥ CW: 18+ content, MDNI, female reader, smut, creampie, dubcon, sex work, manipulation

♥ AN: Demon Gyutaro disguises himself as a human courtesan. (Basically switching places with Daki). I really enjoyed writing this one (sorry it took me awhile). But I think this is my favorite one shot I've written yet! Thanks for reading!

♥ WC: 2,512

"What?! Y-you want me...?" The tall man with flowing black locks, and vibrant sea-blue eyes looks down at you.

"Yes," You offer him a satchel full of money, "I would like to purchase a night with you."

He hesitantly takes the bag, "Customers never request me..." he mumbles, "Are you sure it's me you want for the night? There are men that are much more attractive than me..."

"I'm positive," you nod, "I have seen the other men in this house. And you are my favorite... I find you very attractive."

"Well then," he gulps, "Follow me."

With a skip in your step, you follow him down the hall and into an extravagant looking bedroom. Candles glowing in the corners of the room, illuminating the large futon in the middle. Decorated with elaborate silk sheets.

"Please take a seat," Gyutaro says politely, motioning towards some cushions in front on a low table.

You take a seat and look up at him as he pours you a cup of tea.

"My name is Gyutaro by the way," he says as he sits down in front of you.

"What a lovely name, I'm Y/N. It's a pleasure to be spending this evening with you," you blush as you sip at your tea.

Gyutaro sits there and watches you, unsure of how to move forward with the main event. You did pay him after all... so he might as well give you what you paid for.

He clears his throat and breaks the silence, "We can start whenever you're ready..."

You blush, remembering that you didn't come here for a simple cup of tea. "Oh um, I-I'm ready to start now."

"Alright then, make yourself comfortable," Gyutaro motions towards the futon. Trying not to stare as you strip down to your corset and panties, laying down on the silk sheets.

"Fuck," Gyutaro curses under his breath. You look so sexy. Never would he have imagined that he would get the opportunity to have sex with such a gorgeous woman. It makes his insecurities skyrocket.

If he shows you his body, surely you will demand a refund.

He takes a deep breath, building the strength to remove his kimono and reveal his body to you.

The room goes silent as he waits for you to express your disgust. But you never do.

You look up at him with the sweetest expression, patting the spot beside you on the futon.

"You... still want me?" he gasps in disbelief.

"Of course I do, why wouldn't I?" you cock your head to the side. He feels slightly insulted that you choose to ignore the obvious fact that his body isn't what you were expecting. But he can't complain. At least you aren't hurling insults at him.

All he can manage is a nod. Looking down at you, seeing your perfect body, he's already rock hard. His hormones take over, pushing his negative thoughts and insecurities aside.

Lasty he removes his underwear, his cock springing free.

You can't help but stare. It's so much larger than you had anticipated, and not only are you surprised by the size, but it's so pretty too. The same birthmarks that cover his face trail down his shaft as well. You can't help but admire them, watching as each vein pulses in anticipation of being inside of you.

Gyutaro wastes no time climbing on top of you, making himself comfortable between your legs.

He gently kisses your neck and whispers, "At any point, let me know if you want me to stop."

"O-ok," you moan, pulling him closer.

He grins and continues kissing and nipping at your neck, being sure to leave marks behind. He grinds his hips against your clothed pussy as he removes your corset. Kissing and twirling his tongue around your nipple, as his hand squeezes your other breast.

"A-ah!" you gasp.

He looks up at you with hooded eyes, not even bothering to stop rubbing his cock between your folds. "You like that huh? I can tell... you're already seeping through your panties," he smirks.

"Mm hm," you nod, "f-feels good."

"So, you won't mind if I take these off, hm?" he laces a finger under your panties, tugging them slightly.

"Please do," you mutter.

Gyutaro has never gotten an opportunity like this, he can't believe his luck. Right in this moment, he vows to himself that he is going to get as much from you as he can.

He removes your panties, watching in awe as your slick clings to the fabric as he pulls them away. His cock twitches at the thought that you could possibly want him so badly to be this wet.

Grabbing the base of his cock, he positions himself at your entrance, "Ready for me, Y/N?"

"Y-yes, I'm ready Gyutaro," you nod, spreading your legs wider for him.

With a smirk, Gyutaro leans his body forward as the tip of his cock slides into you. As he goes deeper, the sensation of your walls clenching down on him quite literally takes his breath away.

He lets out a low groan as he slowly slides into you, making sure to consider your comfort. You are his client after all and a part of him is hoping that you will come back for his services again someday.

You squeeze your eyes shut and cling onto him as he bottoms out, moaning in ecstasy at the feeling of being completely full.

Gyutaro stills for a moment, looking down and clenching his teeth. Trying to recompose himself enough to speak, "Are you... are you comfortable?" he mutters.

The fact that he cares so much about your comfort makes you blush. "Yes," you nod enthusiastically, "I'm comfortable. You can start moving now..." you look away in embarrassment.

The first few thrusts are shaky and tentative as Gyutaro tries to adjust to the pleasure that he's feeling. Even though he is a courtesan, a Yarō to be specific, he never gets requested to perform sexual services for customers. He earns his keep by acting and doing tea ceremonies, which he excels at.

But it's not long before he gets a good rhythm going. The beautiful moans that escape your lips encourage him to keep going, picking up the pace. His cock sliding in and out of you, filling the room with obscene wet slaps and squelches.

He already feels himself getting close, but he wants to make sure his customer is left satisfied, "I-I wanna make you cum," he says between pants and grunts.

You roll your fingers through his hair and move his head to look into your eyes, "I'm getting close Gyutaro, ah-, you're doing so good." You moan as you wrap your legs around his hips, bringing him closer to you. He barely pulls his cock out of you before thrusting back in again, the added friction of his pelvis rubbing against your clit bringing you even closer to climax.

And he can tell by the way your walls tighten around him. He feels like he is quite literally being milked.

He feels himself slipping as he becomes drunk off of the way your pussy pulls him in and begs for his cum. All he can think about is filling you up, nothing else matters.

When your walls start quivering, it pushes him over the edge.

Gyutaro crashes his lips with yours, sliding his tongue into your mouth as your body shakes beneath him and the two of you climax together. With another harsh thrust he's spilling his sticky hot seed inside of you, filling you to the brim. As his spotted cock twitches, he feels every part of his being let go and become one with you.

He's never experienced such pleasure in his entire life.

When his orgasm fades and he pulls away from the kiss, he looks into your glazed over eyes. Only to be met by the look of pure terror on your face.

"What's the matter?"

You are in complete shock. The man that you just made love to, is not the man you thought he was. But rather a demon.

His appearance completely changed. His long black hair is now half lime green, and his beautiful sea-blue eyes are now sickly with glowing yellow scleras. His vibrant skin now grey and lifeless. And when he opens his mouth to speak, you are met with deadly sharp teeth inches away from your face.

It takes Gyutaro a moment to realize that his human disguise had faded. He let his guard down and wasn't able to keep his guise up during his orgasm.

"Fuck," he growls as he quickly covers your mouth with his hand before you are able to scream.

"And I was starting to like you too," he sighs, looking down at you with a frown, "Now I have no other choice but to kill you."

Your eyes widen and you shake your head, your pleas being muffled by his hand.

"Don't worry darling," he smirks, "I'll make you cum again before you die."

He cackles as he watches the tears flow from your eyes.

His entire demeanor has changed now that he is showing his true self. Before, he was so polite but now he is the complete opposite. A blood thirsty killer ready to use you for his own enjoyment.

He momentarily moves his hand and grabs your hips to flip you over, pressing your ass against his dick. Before you even get the chance to speak, he's ramming his cock back inside of you. Eliciting a yelp from you.

"Ah-" you start, but his hand muffles the rest of your whimpers.

"Shut the fuck up," he punctuates each word with a hard thrust. Pulling your head up, he keeps his other hand seated on your waist. Your back arches as he bends you into this uncomfortable position.

You whine and yelp into his palm as he continues to abuse your already sore pussy. No longer considering your comfort, all you have become is a toy.

"Fuck," he grunts under his breath, "this pussy is so tight, Ngh- gonna miss it after I devour you."

He cackles when he feels your face contort in fear as your tears wet his hand. Gyutaro decides to move his hand from your mouth to your throat, firmly constricting your air flow as he feels his cock start to switch.

When you claw at his hand and start gasping for air it pushes him over the edge. Watching you struggle for your life, seeing you completely at his mercy. He empties another load into your pussy, his previous one already dripping down your thighs.

With a content sigh he releases you, causing you to fall on your face back onto the futon. Blood fills your mouth when you accidentally bite your lip, but that's the least of your concerns. You are too busy gasping for air to care. Your lungs burning.

Gyutaro sits back for a moment to watch you struggle. Looking down at his still erect cock he shrugs and to your dismay, grabs your waist again.

"P-please Gyutaro, don't hurt me," you whimper, weakly trying to crawl away from him.

"Calm down, I ain't gonna kill you yet," he chuckles as he positions you to sit on his lap.

"Just one more round, ok? I still wanna make you cum again," he tenderly moves your hair out of your face, "You'll ride my cock like a good girl, won't you?"

Wiping away your tears, you nod, "Y-yes..." you whimper as your shaky hand holds onto his shoulder for support while you position his cock at your entrance and slowly lower yourself onto him.

His eyes widen at your obedience, groaning when you sit on him fully.

He's shocked to see how you start riding him with enthusiasm, even going as far as to gently lay your head in the crook of his neck. Holding onto him and moaning sweetly into his ear.

He thought that you'd just be doing this to persuade him to spare your life, but why do your actions seem so genuine?

Maybe it's because you are strangely even more attracted to him in his true form. Something about having sex with a dangerous man-eating demon makes you want him even more. Being used like a toy by this powerful man. It all makes you want him even more.

"Ah Y/N..." he moans, gripping your ass and guiding you up and down his length.

"Mm you feel so good, Gyutaro," you pant, "so so good..."

You gently kiss the rough skin of his neck, causing him to gasp and moan. His adam's apple bobbing with each pleasured sound that escapes his lips.

He presses his thumb down on your clit and starts rubbing in tight circles.

"R-right there baby," you moan, encouraging him to pick up the pace. Being called baby pulls at his heart strings. He wants to make you cum so bad, but this time for less selfish reasons.

He passionately kisses you, gently sucking the blood from your bottom lip. You taste so sweet on his tongue. A taste he finds himself quickly getting addicted to.

As he continues to play with your clit, he uses his other hand to hold onto your hip and thrust up into you, meeting your hips with a loud, wet slap.

Your orgasm hits you hard, "Gyutaro!!" you scream. Your thighs trembling as your walls tighten and convulse around him.

Gyutaro thrusts a final time and he's unraveling with you, wrapping his muscular arms around you and holding you close as he fills you up with his cum for the third time tonight.

The way that the two of you hold onto each other, it's almost as if you love one another.

Gyutaro holds you in his arms, listening to your labored breaths.

He carefully slides out of you and lays you down on the futon. He looks down at you with a frown, watching as you continue to surprise him. You don't run away or beg for him to spare your life. It's almost as if you have completely forgotten he promised to kill you once he's had his fun.

Instead you just lay there and stare up at him with a look he is unfamiliar with. One that he doesn't quite understand but it causes his body to move on its own. Without saying anything, he lays down beside you and pulls you into his chest. Gently caressing your face, he watches as sleep overcomes you.

You look so peaceful. But how could that possibly be so, when you have a demon in your bed?

Once he is sure you are fast asleep, Gyutaro gets up and puts a layer of his kimono back on. Staring down at your helpless body sleeping under the silk sheets.

"Sister..." he rasps, "come out."

He hunches over and a beautiful woman with long white hair forms out of his back, quite literally crawling out of his skin.

"Yes brother?" she says obediently before she looks over at your sleeping form, "Oh, what do we have here?"

"Store this human in your obi," he demands, "I have plans for her..."

I want to thank @lilliumteaandbeez for educating me on the history of male courtesans in the entertainment district! Thank you so much for the help! ♡

[odoraful]

hello! I hope you're doing well :) Its my birthday tomorrow, so I want to request birthday headcanons for some of my favourites (if you write for them, ofc): Ayato, Wriothesley, and Alhaitham!

Thank you so much! 💞

𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔

he wouldn't want to miss out on your special day <3

a/n: hi hi!! i'm doing okay 🥹 i really hope i did your request justice seeing as it is your birthday! i might have gotten a bit excited with this and realised my headcanons followed a little storyline but i do hope you enjoy, and a very happy birthday to you! wishing you all the best for the year 💝🎉

AYATO

Honestly, a small, traitorous part of you believes that the Yashiro Commissioner might have forgotten your birthday. With him being so preoccupied with his work, and much of his days scheduled to the minute by his retainers, you secretly wondered whether he would make time for you. That is why you freeze in shock when you open your front door early in the morning to see your partner at the doorstep. Chuckling at your groggy appearance, he holds your waist and gently combs a hand through your hair to fix it. In your half lucid state you swear you’re dreaming. 

Ayato assures you that all the tasks he had to do for the day had been settled, and that nothing would distract him from celebrating with you. His retainers had even encouraged the idea, leaving small notes at his desk to remind him of your birthday to hasten the completion of his work. It was one of the few plans he offered up to them that didn’t leave them absolutely panicked. 

There’s no need to worry about what is planned for the day, Ayato naturally has everything prepared. If you enjoy food and drink, he has a table booked at Uyuu Restaurant with an eight course meal specially created just for you. If you’re more partial to rest and relaxation, he has ensured private baths at Aisa Bathhouse (Archons knows, he needs a spa day as well). 

As for a gift, Ayato’s observant nature serves him well to pick the perfect one. On your walks about the city, he took note of the objects your eyes sparkled most at. Ones that you picked up, looked at the price tag, then put down in disappointment. In the weeks leading up to your birthday, much of his downtime was spent thinking about what would suit you best. His retainers would catch him with a furrow between his brows, staring into the distance. They would chatter about how committed the clan head is to his duties, even mulling over them during his short breaks. 

In the end, he decided on getting something custom-made for you. A kimono made from a fabric you couldn’t stop admiring at the textile store. A purple silk brocade with delicate white flowers. You had draped it on yourself asking Ayato for his thoughts. Eyes trailing your body, the colours complimented you perfectly. For the first time, Ayato seemed at a loss for words. 

He makes you feel treasured. Despite the obstacles your two had faced, from the critical eye of the public to the hushed whisperings between clans, Ayato’s loyalty was unwavering. 

AL-HAITHAM

As someone who has proclaimed how overzealous people can be about birthdays, your excitement in the lead up to yours is actually infectious to him. The night before, he’s surprised to hear humming from the bathroom as you get ready for bed. He can’t contain the fond smile on his face at your slightly off-key tone. The book he was holding has already been stored away on the bedside table as he closes his eyes to focus on your voice. 

Whilst Alhaitham always kisses you on the forehead in the mornings before he gets up, when you wake on your birthday you are being smothered with kisses. You giggle, trying to swat him away, worried about your bad breath, but he’s relentless and you concede. He whispers a ‘happy birthday’ to you after the final peck, content with the reaction he has provoked in you so early in the day.

Although it is your birthday, it is unfortunately still a workday. The very last thing you expect to see is Alhaitham walking into your work area during the middle of the day. Rushing over to him, your eyes wide in surprise, you ask why he’s here so soon. He plainly replies that he had no other essential meetings today, so he left. You’re flabbergasted, but you can’t complain. Especially since it meant more time together on your birthday.

He follows you around as you tend to the plants at the garden, making small conversation with you. You inwardly observe how he looks somewhat like a puppy — cocking his head to the side at a unique flower, curious about your craft. Arms folded, he waits for you to finish up and take your early leave (granted generously to you by the kindness of your supervisor). 

Lambad’s Tavern is quiet in the early evening, the low chatter of few patrons providing a peaceful ambience to your dinner. Rounding the meal off with drinks and a customary dessert. To onlookers, this celebration would seem unusually casual. However, it’s that exact sort of comfortability with him that makes you feel so secure. 

He waits until the private of your home to give your gift. Sitting on the couch, he brings out a small box containing a timepiece in it. Alhaitham remembered how absorbed you often got in your work, even forgetting to take breaks. Even though the Akasha System can instantaneously provide the time upon request, a physical object serves as a better reminder of time for you to eat and step away from work. You return your thanks to the practical yet thoughtful gift by placing a kiss on his cheek, feeling how warm they are under your lips. He’ll assert it’s from the liquor he drank, and surely not the burning affection he feels for you in this moment. 

WRIOTHESLEY

Clorinde had to endure some minor lecturing after being entrusted with the Fortress of Meropide for the day so Wriothesley could celebrate your birthday. The Duke did not want to be interrupted on this day unless the situation was dire, so he made his instructions clear. Arms folded, Clorinde stopped herself from rolling her eyes (‘He’s acting like I’ve never stepped foot in here before’), but she couldn’t help chuckling at how determined her friend was at wanting to spend time with you. And so, the missive was given that the Duke would be heading to the surface for urgent matters (the nature of such matters left omitted). 

It was a beautiful day on the surface, made even more so when Wriothesley sees you waiting on the street — hands interlocked in front of you, rocking on your heels. Though he did find your pose endearing, he internally curses himself at leaving you waiting on your birthday. He didn’t realise how much he ached for your presence until you looked over with a beaming smile and began running towards him. Gentleman that he is, he hurriedly apologised for making you wait. 

High tea is a must to celebrate, so the two of you head to Hotel Debord or Café Lutece, finding a private corner where you can freely talk. He updates you on the affairs at the Fortress, and he listens attentively at your news about the surface. 

You order different types of teas to try along with complimenting snacks. Wriothesley nods thoughtfully with each cup, but you notice with amusement that he’s holding himself back from truly commenting (“These teas are nice, but I think your collection is better”, you say. He smirks knowingly, but raises his hands in innocence, “I have to say I agree with you there”).  

He’s had your gift planned since the beginning of the year. On a rare outing to the Court of Fontaine to conduct business, a silver necklace on display at a jewellery store halted his stride. It had a red oval-shaped gem as a pendant, which the salesman claimed was the jewelsmith’s symbol for passion. The jewelsmith supposedly fell in love with someone who lived far from Fontaine, and created this piece to commemorate his devotion. It was an obvious marketing technique — one that would entice any imaginative lay person. Despite knowing the salesman’s clever ploy, something did stir within the Duke’s heart. 

Wriothesley sees you almost on the verge of tears when he presents the necklace to you. Embracing you tightly, he whispers promises into your ear. Every birthday feels more intimate than the last, and you can’t help but picture what a future with him would be like.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

[kakushino]

Hiiiii Desikinnnsss~~ Could I pretty please have number 10, hurt/comfort with Gyutaro? SFW preferably with a fem reader?

𝕷𝖔𝖔𝖐 𝖒𝖊 𝖎𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖊𝖞𝖊 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖘𝖆𝖞 𝖎𝖙 𝖆𝖌𝖆𝖎𝖓

𝟷𝟶𝟶𝟶 𝔣𝔬𝔩𝔩𝔬𝔴𝔢𝔯𝔰 𝔢𝔳𝔢𝔫𝔱

AN: Gendered terms aren't really used but I guess it's implied considering reader is ex-geisha-to-be. I hope this motivates you to work on Fixation~

kenban = office of a red light district (they set prices for services etc) | ageya = meetings between clients and geisha with entertainment | okiya = geisha house | hanamachi = geisha district (~red light district in this) | okaa-san = woman in charge of an okiya (literally mother) | oiran = high ranking geisha (sex is included in the list of services)

The red light district was alive and thriving; music, songs, and the courtesans inviting men into their establishments created a masterful symphony no artist could capture - save you, Gyuutaro would say. 

Since meeting him properly, you’d risen from the ranks of prostitutes-to-be into the House’s artist, creating artworks to be sold at ageya organised by the kenban. This, of course, led to jealousy from the side of the other women of your okiya and overall hanamachi.

However, the freedom to pursue your passion and spend time with Gyuutaro made you happy, too happy to notice the discontent.

You carried your purchases in a straw basket on your back as you walked through the street, nodding to regulars and waving at a friendly okaa-san from another House. The entrance to your okiya was crowded, likely because Warabihime deigned to show her charm in the main hall, letting customers take a peek at her beauty. The tetchy oiran shot you a look as you tip-toed by, as if telling you something, but you couldn’t decipher the message.

Your room was located in the very back, and the second you entered it was the moment you understood.

Your most beautiful kimono, the one your lover had gifted you, laid in tatters on the floor. 

Your heart broke at seeing the destruction of your precious property, second only to the hair ornament you received from Warabihime’s collection. 

Who could have done that? Who would dare?

Your basket fell to the side, art supplies spilling out, forgotten. 

“What is this?” a raspy voice rang through the hallway before you could truly process what you were seeing. You hadn’t moved from the door of your room. Your muscles tensed. If he saw what happened-

But you couldn’t exactly hide it from him, especially since he walked up to you - and he towered over everyone, it wasn’t hard to see over your shoulder.

“Someone-” your voice broke, overwhelmed with feelings, “destroyed the kimono you gave me,” you finished in a wispy whisper. Tears threatened to spill from your eyes as you shut your mouth, well aware if you gave names, they would not be alive to see the sunrise again.

Silence reigned for a few seconds. “You know who did it.” Of course he could tell. 

You walked up to the carnage, kneeling by the heap of silk, mourning it, and mourning the lives as good as lost. “...no.” 

“Look me in the eye and say it again,” Gyuutaro demanded roughly. Despite his tone, he was nothing but gentle turning your head to look up at him as he stood over you. He looked angry, you hadn’t ever seen him as angry as he was now. 

“Please…” you nearly wept, softening the demon in front of you. 

Gyuutaro quickly lowered himself to your level, pulling you into his arms. Now was not the time for murder, he reminded himself. Your warm body was shivering in his embrace, a transgression even greater than the ruined kimono in his eyes. 

He’d get to the bottom of this, and then it was over for those bitches. He was willing to bet Daki would help, if only because the fabric was too pretty to be ruined over jealousy.

They would pay.

[javitrulovesims]

Meiji Komorebi

A 1885 Japanese inspired Dress

I FINALLY Finished! I started this project back in 2020 a few weeks after TS4 Snowy Escape was released. At the moment it looked like a basic 1880's Bustle Dress, no big deal but once i reached the Weight paint mode it was a NIGHTMARE. You see? this dress have a slight Lobster Tail train and everytime i try to fix it it became harder and clippy. Frustrated and somewhat tired due the pandemic i decided to stash the project on the WIP folder and forget about it until a couple of days ago that resurfaced on my WIP's Folders so i revisited the project. Those damn weights didn't stood a chance and finally finished it.

The Dress is inspired on mid 1880's Japanese wear wore by the high class ladies on the Meiji Period Japan. They used to mix Kimono silks and Western patterns to create unique garments while still following the European fashionable dress.

Meiji Komorebi 1885 Dress

Base Game Compatible

Custom Icon and CAS Time Period Organized

14 Swatches. All properly tagged

Full Outfit Category

They might be wore by European Ladies as well after all the Japonisme Movement was super IN at that time

The tail might still have a slight clipping but is barely noticeable

> Download Here < EARLY ACCESS - (Public Release on 15/04/2023)

[verysium]

would a beautiful young lady like you be so generous and besprinkle me with some sae itoshi thoughts

beautiful young lady? 🤭 anon you are so sweet. and for that, i present to you a writing idea that has lingered in the back of my mind for a while now. introducing......✨rōnin sae✨

he was originally the first-born son of a wealthy samurai clan but was ostracized due to his left-handed fighting style and refusal to conform to bushido. the night of his thirteenth birthday, he wrongfully murdered a man, and for that he was exiled by his family and later banished from the estate. forced to leave everything behind, he traveled on foot to kyoto to enter into the service of the daimyō at yodo domain, but no master or dojo would accept him.

after three years, he became a wanderer, a ghost identified by nothing except the incorporeal lingering of fear he left behind. no one has ever seen his face, nor do they know his name. a pair sharp teal eyes is the last thing the unfortunate souls see before they meet their end at the tip of his blade. he slices so clean it leaves no blood, only a soft body caught between the furrows of earth, lodged into eternal sleep beneath the snow.

working part-time as a serving girl between a soba shop and a brothel, you encounter him on one of the longest days of winter, the sole customer who dares to enter between the hours of midnight and dawn. as you set down his bowl, your eyes catch onto the silk tie fastened to the hilt of his katana, a rich hue of burgundy red. he must be a member of the upper nobility, you think. you've only ever seen the color on the obi of the wealthy patrons and the entrancing eyes of the madam's geisha. you politely ask him where he bought such beautifully dyed fabric, setting down his chopsticks with a sweet smile. he stares up at you from beneath his jingasa hat, so low on his face that you cannot see his eyes. a beat of silence passes, then two.

it is blood.

his tone is quiet, deep enough to send shivers down your spine. he waits to see the horrified look on your face, the crumpling of your delicate features so that he knows when to leave, where he is not welcome. but it never comes. instead you beam, blabbering on about how you figured he was a ronin with the number of bodies he left behind, and the number of days he says he's been here. he remains silent, though you see a flicker of something beneath the brim of his hat, the color so bright you do not know if it is blue or green.

you realize who he is. and you don't care.

that is enough to get sae interested in you, at least interested enough not to kill you. most people never hear the rumors let alone fathom his existence, yet you let him stay here with you, as if you expected his presence all along. at first, he coughs and refuses, standing up swiftly to find the exit. but when he lifts the noren and is hit with a face full of harsh snow, he begins to reconsider your offer, to wait until the storm passes.

you boil tea on the kettle as you lay out a spare futon on the tatami, lighting a candle in the darkness. in the corner, he sees a small misshapen bundle beneath the blankets, and he immediately pulls his hand back when two glossy eyes peer back up at him. the bundle he realizes is your mother, and the blankets he learns is a deathbed. you have no other kin left, no money to feed yourself, nowhere to hide the rotting body. only in time will he fully understand the ghosts of your past. you are the daughter of a prostitute; he is a son in exile. it shouldn't even be considered a match, but it strangely feels like one.

the storm passes, but sae doesn't leave. instead, you and he settle into the mundane expanse of cold routine, him searching for hire by day and you working by night. except one night, you do not return home by the tenth hour bell. it isn't until the sun carves a sliver into the morning sky that he sees your silhouette in the doorway, kimono slightly rumpled. you pull the ornaments out of your hair, makeup smeared as you run frantically into your room, slumping before your wash basin.

it doesn't take much from him to pry out an entire story from your lips. apparently your friend himeko has disappeared, the last you've seen of her was her entanglement with a young nobleman who promised to buy her out of the brothel. you sigh, lamenting that you are not attractive enough to be wed, much less make your way up the ranks of the maiko. sae wants to say you are foolish for believing a man's lies, but he holds his tongue when he sees your expression, the delicate features of your face crumbling, the same way he expected them to the night you met. it is the first time he sees you cry, and he cannot even hold you. he does not know why this hurts so much.

it's too late by the time he realizes.

you've buried yourself into him. stomped your muddy footprints all over his heart. left evidence in the snow. successfully haunted him in every single iteration. now he tells you that he would wed you in a single heartbeat. any sign of discomfort and he would not hesitate to kill. his only regret is that he wished he could give you more than this life of an untethered ghost, more substance than this lack of being. but your lips quell the storm that resides in his heart, his rotting fingers trembling as they find a home on the side of your cheeks. if he were to die, he would be content to be buried inside you, his stone cold body resting within the peace of your existence.

it is the hour between midnight and dawn when sae realizes the snow outside has stopped and that his life has only just begun.

[mikamakuna]

Mizu x afab reader

Summary: you work at a brothel and see a fine, young samurai.

Warnings: nsfw, smut, fingering, nipple play, stripping, swearing, degrading, praise, strap-on,

Mizu uses him pronouns before you find out her gender

Written in second person

Not prof read

When the mysterious blue eye samurai entered your quiet village, the samurai became the talk of the town. Even though everyone knew about him no one had managed to get a glimpse of the legend. You didn’t care for the drama that the maikos told you. But your curiosity was killing you, making you spend sleepless nights thinking about getting lost in his ice blue eyes and longing for his embrace.

You had just finished up with a customer, leaving with your kimono hanging off your shoulder and you make up smudged. Standing in the entrance of the brothel was someone now, you hadn’t seen him are the village before. His voice was raspy with a cold tone, a scowl of his face… and piercing blue eyes. You quickly fixed you makeup and put on a beautiful silk kimono. You caught his eye while walking past. He would be yours.

Later that day you had to keep the samurai company.

“Sir, may I come in?” You asked hesitantly,

“I want to be alone.”

“I will be punished if you don’t let me in,” you said in a melancholy tone in an attempt to be let him.

He signed “Fine.”

You sit down next to him, his back turned away from you.

“May I ask your name?”

“What it matter to you?” He said in a harsh tone.

You bite your tongue to not insult your customer. When started to pour tea for him, he finally turned to face you.

“Your eyes are…” you said in amazement while offering him the tea.

“Whatever clever insult comes next is not as clever as you think” he said with a harsh and bitter tone.

“They’re beautiful… I’ve never seen any like your…” you spoke softly while reaching out to clasp his face

He grabs your hand, “just because you complement me, doesn’t mean I owe you anything.”

“Of course.” You said as you bit your tongue.

“Mizu… my name is Mizu.”

You give him a smile. “Thank you Mizu. Call me whatever you want.” You cooed attempting to hold his hands but this time he lets you.

“Your hands are so cold…” you breathed softly while getting closer to him.

“I can help warm up.” You whispered into his ear while slowly taking if you clothes. Mizu couldn’t help but watch you undress. So slowly undid your Yukata but only letting him see your shoulders. You let down your hair. You got on your knees and bit you finger in an attempt to tease him. His pale skin became a light hue of red as his eyes looked you up a down.

“Show me your sword…” i said crawling on all fours towards him in like a cat hunting its prey.

“Mizu please.” You wined stoking his upper thighs

“You’re just like Tigen when we were children. A fucking brat.” Mizu said harshly.

“Pretty please Mizu. There’s no need to be in barest.” You pouted

“Relentless aren’t you.” He said rolling his eyes before pushing you to the floor and kissing your neck. You whimpered and squirted under him feeling his warmth breathe on your neck while his cold hands exploded you body. Your hands made their way to his thighs as he kissed you lower and lower down. You where now completely exposed and at his mercy.

“Name your desire…” He whispered breathlessly before kissing your inner thighs

“Wet already? From me calling you a brat. Of course a slut like you would love it.” He gently kissed your thighs before licking you slit. The sensation made you jolt. He began sucking on your sensitive clit before inserting two finger into your warmth. He had a rhythmic pass as he hit all the right spots causing you to clench around his things.

“You just love that don’t you. Don’t even think of cumming yet.”

His raspy voiced commands just made you even wetter and clench harder.

“You’re so needy.” He said pulling out his fingers.

“Why should naughty girls be rewarded?” He whispered inches away from your lips while flicking your nipples.

“I think they need to be punished.” He grinned before gently rubbing your clit.

“Didn’t you want to see my… sword?~” He stood up slowly before taking off her poncho, scarf and then he revealed his chest. You saw the scars and heal wounds all over him with his chest rapped up. You gently touched his scars before he began kissing you again. You touch this opportunity to takeoff his trousers…

The room feel silent. Mizu stopped kissing you.

“I-I’m not what you expected…” she sighed.

You passionately kissed her.

“You’re beautiful.” You stated before taking her hair down and kissing her forehead.

Mizu rested her head on your breast as she gently stroked your thighs before rubbing your clit. All you could do was hold onto her shoulders as your legs trembled.

“Mizu~” you whimpered. “I can’t take much more of this~!” You moaned as you clenched around nothing.

She softly smiled “I have something I’ve been wanting to test for a while and you might enjoy it~” she chuckled softly before standing up and going back to the pile of clothes. She pulled out a strap-on.

“On my!” You gasp looking at the size of it.

“We don’t have to if you don’t want to” Mizu reassured you.

“I still want to try it” you said before pulling her back to the floor and lowering yourself onto the strap.

“You take me so well.” She chuckled before grabbing you hips and helping you lower and raise yourself. Her strap stretched your walls making you whine.

You started to pick up speed as she fondled your breasts and you played with your clit.

Suddenly, Mizu swiftly pushed you to the floor before shoving the strap back in you and pounding you like a piston. You grabbed onto her shoulders as she’s rubbing your aching clit.

“UHHhH~ mizu!” You moaned and whined, not caring if the whole village could hear.

She puts you in a mating press, reaching the deepest parts of your cunt.

You could feel your climax fast approaching, your cunt dripping.

Your felt a warmth wash over you as you finally finish. Mizu slowly pulling out of you.

She planted a kiss on your forehead before getting dressed and leaving.

Once you got back to the other workers they bombarded you will question about how good the samurai could use his sword and you just gave them a tired smile.

[wri0thesley]

Okay, see, kimono are my thing so- Ayato has his family crest on every single kimono he gifts you. If it's not there, he won't allow you to wear it. Each piece is one of a kind with embroidery stitching a beautiful pattern that will never be recreated- just the way he feels about you. Your size is irrelevant; he has tailors who take your measurements to ensure everything fits to your shape in the most flattering way. Yet for all of the beauty and glamor he showers over you, each layer of kimono weighs you down, the tight strings holding the fabric up at your breastbone tight, restrictive, not quite uncomfortable, but present in a faint way, as if his hand rests on your back with each breath you take. In such a beautiful garnent every step you take must be measured. He notices if your feet disrupt the curtain of cloth hiding your legs from view, reminds you sweetly to mind your manners, but the possession raging in his eyes speaks differently. Your sleeves do not drape to the floor but they cover your hands, chest is hidden up to the neck, ankles and feet covered, even your ears hide away under the traditional style painstakingly crafted in the early morning. Only the nape of your neck shows, his favorite place to rest his hand, and you learn the clothes may be ancient, revered, and precious, but the kimono speaks for you, over your own voice, much louder, bolder, and distinguished. One look at you in the streets and others step aside, careful to keep their mouths shut as you pass by. Yes, you are draped in finery and riches, glorious colors and hand-spun silk, but you are not your own. Ayato never lifts a finger and you are alone, suppressed by the weight of it all, his affection and his possession, the hand on the back of your neck pushing you to kneel. And how can you resist, bound and chained as you are?

ah anon, you are so right. and perhaps even double so if you are not of inazuman origin, and the kimono is unfamiliar to you - that is another step that ayato has taken towards ensuring that your only loyalty is to him. you're used to the free-flowing sumeran robes? the occasionally scandalous necklines and hemlines of mondstadt? those are what you'd be more comfortable, more familiar with?

silly little thing. ayato has a reputation to uphold; you are a representative of the kamisato clan now, not merely a pretty accessory to wear whatever you want. your choice is . . . secondary. the kimono is a shield, ayato tells you, reminding everyone of who you are and how dangerous it would be if someone were to act untoward in your vicinity. it's a way to deter kidnappers or those who would use your position at the hand (at the feet) of the yashiro commissioner for evils.

your wardrobe slowly narrows to nothing of your own life. you eat inazuman food that thoma prepares, you wear inazuman clothes, you follow inazuman custom - you give up your surname, to take 'kamisato', the way that ayato wants you to. the clothes are just the beginning - but . . . they are some of the first things about you people see. they may seem inconsequential, but oh, ayato knows they are not.

with only fabric, ayato has made sure that everyone knows who you belong to.

including you.

[blissfullyapillow]

A beauty that transcends the Sakura Blooms

A beauty that transcends the Sakura Blooms

Genshin Impact

Kamisato Ayato x female reader

wc: 10,128~

Notes: fluff with spice because that’s my special formula (lmao), self indulgent (at this point what isn’t?), black/mixed reader, reader is mentioned to have small hands, reader is eluded to be shorter than Ayato, I wrote this inspired by a tiktok I saw talking about how black readers are typically portrayed in fanfics lol, self love is an avenue to personal growth and new opportunities <3 

Back to Main Masterlist

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*   ♡　*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Living a peaceful life as a black individual in Teyvat is easier said than done. Being black is not the only part of my ethnicity, but my skin color and black identity is the first and most essential aspect of myself that others see first. 

I’ve traveled to many nations, and the piercing stares have become the norm for me. It makes blending in difficult, but over time I’ve come into my own and developed my self esteem, so I no longer care for the curious glances in my direction. 

Although, having self confidence doesn’t make the insensitive questions any easier to hear. People have asked me, “Why is your skin color brown?” or “Why is your hair like that?” I’ve even heard people make passing comments like, “I’m surprised her hair isn’t braided” and “Oh my, her skin is so exotic, I want to touch her hair.” One of the most interesting comments I’ve received was, “Wow, your lips are so full. I’ve never kissed a woman with full lips before. How about you be my first?” 

…

I think that one speaks for itself. 

I shake my head as I focus my attention on the task at hand. Currently, I’m in Inazuma browsing through the various dyes at Ogura Textiles & Kimonos. I tend to buy dyes, kimonos, and high end silks from Ogura Mio, the shop owner. 

The first time I stopped by to find materials for my next project, I overheard her talking about “new” dyes with a blonde traveler and floaty.. thing. 

After the interesting duo left I asked her if I could try one of her “new” dyes, but she refused. I convinced her by agreeing to trade silk flowers from Liyue, since at that time the sakoku decree was still in effect which put a strain on outsourcing. She agreed to this trade deal, and ever since then I’ve been a regular with my usual haul of silk flowers. 

“Oh, Name! You’re back! I have a new dye to show you and- oh Name, how many times do I have to tell you I don’t need you to bring me silk flowers anymore?” Ogura scolds me like an old friend, but she gratefully takes the flowers from my small hands. In return, she completes our usual exchange with a new batch of her experimental dyes. 

I spot a beautiful hue of blue in the pile, and I’m sure my face reflects my obvious excitement. “Do you need any silks? You’re my only customer who gets a special discount, so make sure to put it to use!” I eagerly eye the new silks Ogura has in stock, and I pick out a natural white shade of silk. I make sure to get a feel for the silk before purchasing it, and I thank Ogura for her dyes and her business. 

“No worries Name, we’re friends, you know. Now, let me know how the dye turns out so I can…” Ogura’s eyes widen like saucers, and her voice comically dies mid sentence. I snort at her expression and open my mouth to tease her, but before the words can escape my lips a voice from behind interrupts me.

“My, it certainly seems business is booming for you.” Wait a minute.

My eyes widen as I make eye contact with Ogura. She raises her eyebrows in shock before she fixes her expression to be less comical. As she addresses the man behind me I feel my heart skip more than a few beats.

There’s no way she’s talking to the person I think it is, right?

I hold my breath before I slowly turn my body to glance at the man. His light blue hair reflects the beaming sun above us as his eyes roam over the various silks and dyes offered by Ogura. I almost can’t believe my luck. The esteemed Kamisato Ayato, or Lord as I should say, is here in the flesh. My cheeks flush as I gratefully take in his natural beauty.

Ayato turns to look at the kimonos, and his purple eyes temporarily meet mine. My cheeks instantly heat up as I freeze in place. I notice the soft chuckle he lets out as he sends a wink in my direction before his eyes return to their previous target. 

Oh, my heart.

I silently will myself to calm down and stop being so awkward when Ayato speaks up. “Would it be alright if I request a custom order?” Ayato’s question shocks not only the shop owner but me as well. 

Ogura, you’re so lucky!

Ogura looks a bit conflicted as she ponders her answer. “I’d love to, but I already have a lot of custom orders for the upcoming festival. I can do a custom order for you, but it may take a bit longer than you’d like Lord Kamisato.” Ogura apologetically bows, but Ayato’s small smile remains on his pretty lips. “It’s alright, no worries.” His simple response dictates the end of the conversation. 

Ogura looks remorseful as I watch her mind work a mile a minute. Her eyes scan the faces of people out and about before they land on me, and her eyes light up.

Oh no. No.

My palms sweat as I aggressively shake my head ‘no’ at her, but she dismisses my concerns. “Lord Kamisato, if you’re interested I know a friend who can fulfill your custom order with the finest of silks. Actually, she just bought silks that I’m sure will suit your tastes.” My feet are rooted to the spot as Ayato takes great interest in her words. “Oh? I’d be delighted to meet them.” With that, I turn on my heel in an attempt to make a break for it.

Ogura knows me all too well and is one step ahead, as I feel her arm link with mine as she all but drags me back to her shop, right in front of Kamisato Ayato- or well, Lord Ayato- no wait, Lord Kamisato. My eyes nervously trail over his elegant clothes until they meet his eyes. My observations were brief, but his clothing seems like a fusion of traditional Inazuma clothing and a suit, an item of clothing I’ve seen on my travels to other nations. 

Ayato smiles gratefully in my direction, and he moves a bit closer to study the silk and dye in my arms. I feel flustered with his body so close to mine. I try to calm my rapid, pounding heart with subtle deep breaths. “Ah, I see. Yes, this silk will do, and the dyes look splendid. Of course, this is all only if you are willing to accept my commission…” Ayato looks at a loss for words as his eyes suddenly look into mine, silently asking for my name, and I hope my nerves aren’t as obvious as they feel. I open my mouth to offer my name, but my nerves hinder my ability to respond.

“Name!” Ogura offers my name for me, and Ayato’s eyes shine with a mischievous glint. 

Hmm, what is this man planning?

“Ah, I see. Well Name, it would be my honor if you accept my custom commission.” Ayato ceremoniously bows in front of me, and some onlookers look at us in awe. I feel embarrassed and way more elated than I should. 

It takes me a moment to respond, but once I do I nod my head in compliance. He curiously tilts his head, no doubt wanting verbal confirmation, and I swear to the Archons if this isn’t the one of the most adorable things I’ve ever seen I’ll personally confiscate my vision. 

“Yes! The honor would be mind, Lord Aya- Lord Kamisato!” I embarrassingly correct myself quickly, and bow my head so he can’t see my flushed cheeks. It’s silent for a moment, and I don’t dare raise my head. Ayato’s sweet laughter cuts through the awkward atmosphere, and Ogura isn’t far behind as her own laughter reaches my ears. 

I slowly raise my head and admire the beautiful expression of joy on Ayato’s pretty features. His melodious laughter gradually calms before his eyes gleam in amusement. “Name, you’re an interesting individual. Thank you for accepting my commission. I will reward you with a generous amount Mora once the commission is complete.” In an unexpected action, Ayato moves closer to me and extends one of his partially gloved hands in my direction.

I watch with intense rapture as Ayato gently holds my free hand in his. Ayato gently leans down to press a chaste kiss against the back of my hand, and Archons know it’s taking every fiber of my being not to show how flustered his actions are making me feel. 

My eyes catch Ogura’s wide ones, and although her eyes express shock she’s quick to change her tune and give me two cheeky thumbs up. 

I giggle at that. 

Ayato raises his head to look into my eyes and I admire the resolve that I see swirl within his mesmerizing orbs. 

“Thank you, Name. If you don’t mind, would you accompany me to the Kamisato Estate? Time is of the essence, after all.” Ayato’s words ooze refined elegance and charm, and I find myself agreeing with his words instead of denying his request like I want to.

It’s not like I don’t want to go to the Kamisato Estate, but this is all so sudden! THE Kamisato Ayato is in front of me right now, smiling and actually talking to me, and he even kissed my hand!

In all honesty, I expected him to dismiss me once his eyes roamed my figure. I thought he would turn his head away in disgust as he inevitably looked elsewhere for a commission from someone with a lighter skin tone. 

“Wonderful. If you’ll excuse us, Miss Ogura. Thank you for your business and for the delightful referral.” After a swift exchange of bows between Ayato and Ogura, Ayato leads me to the infamous Kamisato Estate. 

As I pass Ogura I mouth my thanks. I also use the opportunity to express my shock with what I’m sure is an incredulous look on my face.

She simply sends a wink in my direction with a silent “good luck” in reply.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*   ♡　*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

The trip to the Kamisato Estate is a leisurely one, and this is reflected in the hues of orange and purple displayed with the setting sun. The scenery around us is bathed in a beautiful golden glow, and I admire the golden rays' majestic glow on my skin.

I have to admit, my arms are getting a bit tired from holding all of my materials. Despite this, I refuse to voice my concerns to the Lord mere inches ahead of me. “Name, are your arms tired? I can hold your silks and dyes for you.” My head shoots up to look at Ayato in pure disbelief. 

Ayato chuckles at my expression as I scramble for a reply. “...Can you read minds?” I cautiously pose my question. Ayato blinks owlishly at me for a moment before his melodic laughter graces my ears yet again.

He wordlessly removes the materials from my tired hands, making sure to take it slow in case I rather keep my things to myself. I let him remove the silks and dye from my arms with no resistance. “Thank you, Aya- Lord Kamisato.” I graciously voice my appreciation. Ayato hums to himself for a moment before he voices another question. “Name, what’s your first and last name?” I feel my cheeks warm and I hope he isn’t getting ready to scold me for being improper. Maybe I should start referring to him as Lord Kamisato in my mind so I stop slipping up when I talk to him.

I make sure to speak up before I’m silent for too long. “Name L/N.” I reply. I carefully watch his expression, and it morphs into one of genuine intrigue. “Ah, I see. Such a lovely name for a charming lady such as yourself. Name, if it’s alright with you, may I continue to call you Name? I happen to like how it sounds.” Ayato’s genuine compliment fills me with joy. I’m glad he seems to be accepting of my unexpected last name rather than close minded..

“Of course! I apologize for slipping up with my formalities, Lord Kamisato. It’s very rude of me.” I bashfully apologize to Ayato as I make sure to keep pace with him by his side. Ayato thoughtfully looks off in the distance, and I follow his gaze to what I’m sure is the Kamisato Estate. 

Ayato speaks up, and when I turn to look at him his intense gaze makes it hard for me to look away. “Normally that would be considered rude, but since I’ve been referring to you by your first name all this time I believe it is only right that you refer to me by mine. You may call me Lord Ayato if you wish, but Ayato is just fine.” My jaw drops as I lose my footing, and Ayato is quick to reach a hand out to steady me before I eat dirt. 

Literally.

I quickly regain my balance. Once I’ve steadied myself, I notice that Ayato skillfully maneuvered all of my materials to his other arm in order to catch me before I fell. 

I also notice that Ayato still hasn’t let go of my arm. 

I feel his eyes on me as I attempt to control my erratic breathing from my near fall. “Sorry.” I mumble. “No worries. Although, I think it’d be wise if I continue to hold onto you. We can’t have you almost falling again.” I look on curiously, wondering what he means by that, and a feeling of bliss explodes in my chest as his gloved hand slowly trails down my arm until they rest against the back of my empty hand.

His hand moves to intertwine with mine. He begins walking again, so I have no choice but to follow. I intently stare at our intertwined hands for the remaining duration of our walk.

I fail to quell the incessant flame that colors my cheeks red. I can only hope he doesn’t catch sight of my burning cheeks.

Although I’m beyond elated at this turn of events, it’s hard for me to believe Ayato doesn’t have any ulterior motives behind his actions. Ayato not only accepted a commission from someone whose skills he knows little about, but he kissed my hand and invited me to the Kamisato Estate, all on day one. On top of that, he’s allowing me to call him by first name.

What is this? A fanfic?

I let that absurd thought leave my mind as Ayato and I finally reach the Kamisato Estate. 

Hopefully I can get answers as I complete Ayato’s commission.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*   ♡　*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

“Ah, milord! You’re back. Just in time for dinner- oh? Who’s this?” I look at the cheerful blonde man in front of me, and his welcoming energy helps to ease the tension in my muscles.

“Ah, Thoma. Thank you, I’ve found someone to fulfill that commission I mentioned to you earlier.” Ayato looks at me in lieu of gesturing in my direction as both of his hands are occupied. For some reason, we’re still holding hands as he has yet to let go.

Thoma, supposedly the cheerful blonde man in front of us, catches sight of our intertwined hands as his eyes glance in my direction. 

A spark of recognition flashes in his eyes, and he sends a dazzling smile in my direction. “Oh, welcome! Since you’re here, why don’t you join us for dinner? Lucky for you, I made extra today.” Thoma’s smile dispels any anxious thoughts I would have, although his recognition doesn’t escape my watchful eyes. 

“Thank you Thoma.” I smile at him, and Thoma returns my smile with a cute laugh. “Well, if you’ll excuse us.” Ayato leads me away, and I wave a temporary farewell to Thoma as I’m guided through the halls of the Kamisato Estate until Ayato leads me into an empty room. 

I gasp as I take in the beautiful interior design of the room. Ayato slowly lets go of my hand as he sets my materials down on a lengthy table in the center of the room. “I apologize for bringing you here so suddenly, but I’d appreciate it if this commission was completed sooner rather than later. If it is alright with you, my retainers can arrange a change of clothes and a bath for you. You may stay in this room for as long as you wish, but I ask that you reside here in the Estate as you work on your commission. That way, you can take all the measurements you need and make adjustments with ease as you progress.” As Ayato relays this information to me, I admire his form as he sits down on the floor below.

I follow suit and sit down across from him. His watchful eyes observe my form.“Of course, I understand. This is honestly a lot, but I’m really thankful for this opportunity so… Thank you. Although, I am curious since you have yet to tell me, and I hope you don’t mind answering.. What exactly do you want me to commission for you?” I curiously eye him, and his calculating gaze catches my interest. 

“Well, I’d like to commission a kimono from you, for myself. I hope that is acceptable.” My eyes widen in surprise, and a giddy giggle slips past my lips before I can stop it. No way! I can finally make a kimono for someone other than my small group of friends, and I’m getting paid for it! 

Wait, before all of that..

“Ayato- I mean, Lord Ayato… um, sorry. I want to ask you another question.” His eyes prompt me to continue, and so I do. “It seems as if Thoma knew something unspoken when you mentioned why I’m here, and your kindness towards me doesn’t make sense at all, considering I should be a complete stranger to you.” Ayato’s eyes glint, and he seems impressed by my astute observations.

“Well done, Name. I’m impressed. Those questions all have an answer, and in due time those answers will be revealed to you. I will return to this room to give you my measurements tomorrow, although if you’d like to begin earlier we may start after dinner.” With that, Ayato stands, but not before he gently brushes his hand against a wayward strand of my hair. 

I’m glad he turns away so he can’t see the goofy grin on my face.

I watch his graceful form leave the room, and I will my heart to slow its rapid march.

Almost immediately after he leaves I hear someone knock before they enter the room. It’s one of Ayato’s retainers, and I’m quickly whisked away for a bath and a comfortable change of clothes. Mere moments later, I find myself seated beside Ayato, Thoma, and Lady Ayaka for dinner.

I don’t even know where to begin, but my addled brain and hungry stomach can only muster enough energy to enjoy the delicious food before me, courtesy of Thoma’s skillful hands.

 

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*   ♡　*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

I approach Ayato privately after dinner and tell him to meet me in my room. His eyebrows raise and a tease smirk settles on his luscious lips. I realize my mistake, so I quickly backtrack before he can tease me about my suggestive choice of words.

Although, I wouldn’t mind being suggestive with the head of the Kamisato Clan.

Okay, I’m getting way too ahead of myself. 

With minimal teasing on Ayato’s end, I lead him to my temporary room. 

I’m elated when I return to my room to see measuring tape and all the necessary materials I need neatly organized across the center table. “Alright then Mr. Kamisato, are you ready for this?” My confidence finally presents itself as I’m now in my element, ready to get to work.

Ayato chuckles in amusement as he dutifully follows my instructions.

 

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*   ♡　*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

I have to admit, being close to Ayato like this in nothing but his undergarments is really doing things to me. I know I need to be professional right now, so although I want to admire his physique I focus my attention on acquiring the numbers I need to work on his commission.

It isn’t long before I finish, quite used to this process and Ayato was pleasantly still for me. 

I raise myself up after measuring the length of his legs, and I ask if it’s okay if I finish off by measuring his bust and waist. As I gauge his reaction, I’m blessed with the sight of his flushed cheeks. A rare sight, I’m sure.

Ayato awkwardly coughs before he nods, giving me the go ahead. I cautiously move in closer in case he wants to back out.

That time never comes, and it isn’t long before I’m finished with everything. “All right Ayato, you can get dressed again-” A muffled sound of surprise escapes me when I accidentally slip on the measuring tape whose length reaches the floor below.

I stumble back into Ayato, and I feel his firm chest against my back as his arms wrap around my frame to steady me. “You appear to be quite the klutz, Name.” I abhor the laughter I can hear in his voice, so I turn around to refute his accurate claim. “For your information, Lord Ayato, I’m sleepy and tired right now. I know you need this commission finished as soon as possible so I wanted to get your measurements tonight, but that doesn’t mean I…” My words get caught in my throat when my eyes raise to catch a glimpse of his face.

His purple eyes are burning flames as they travel across the expanse of my face, and I hate how ecstatic I feel as his eyes trail a bit lower, before returning to my face. “You perv, what are you looking at?” I mumble. Ayato hums, and I have to tear my eyes away from his intense stare. “Name, you’re the one fully clothed. If anything, you’re the perv. You were awfully close to my waist you know? You even had your hands all over my person.” I chuckle in disbelief at Ayato’s choice of words.

Ayato laughs at my befuddled expression, and he pulls me in closer. I relish the feeling of his warm skin against me as I close my eyes in content. 

I know I should pull away and conduct myself in a professional manner, but… this feels nice.

Ayato’s laughter dies down after a few moments, and a comfortable silence envelops us. I keep my eyes shut, unintentionally drifting off to sleep. “Name?” Ayato's husky voice simultaneously arouses me and makes me sleepier. “Hm?” I softly reply. 

He’s silent, and I can feel the rise and fall of his chest against my own. Soon, I really am on the verge of being lulled to sleep. I feel his body shift against me, and soon his arms are around me as his breath fans against the shell of my ear. 

“Thank you for your accommodating attitude, Name. May the Shogun bless you with dreams that reflect the beauty of the sakura blooms.” I swear he presses a kiss to my ear before he pulls away and carries me to the bed. 

Butterflies soar the open skies of my thumping heart, and in a breathless whisper his name falls from my lips.

I feel the way Ayato’s body stiffens, so I slowly open my eyes.

His purple orbs hold a softness I formerly believed they were incapable of holding, and in one swift movement he sets me down on my bed. “Rest well Name, I shall visit you in the morning.” I stare into his eyes, and almost as if we can read the other’s thoughts, we both lean towards the other.

I abruptly stop moving, surprised by my own actions. What has gotten into me? I don’t know this man, I know of him and his reputation, but not him. There’s no need to be hasty here, and in the first place I shouldn’t be thinking about my employer like this.

Ayato watches my movements with hooded eyes, and it seems he has an inkling of what my current thoughts are. He slowly leans forward to press a gentle kiss against my forehead. His hand hovers over my head, but he withdraws it before he whispers a cordial “goodnight” before he moves away. 

I shut my eyes as he dresses himself, and I hear his soft footsteps as he leaves.

It isn’t long before I drift off to sleep with more questions than answers and conflicting feelings fluttering around in my chest. 

Unbeknownst to me, Ayato was pressed up against the nearest wall outside, flushed  cheeks covered by his pretty hands. His closed eyes concealed the whirlwind of emotions that blew the soft petals of sakura blooms into the welcoming winds of his heart.

 

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*   ♡　*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

I had a surprisingly refreshing rest, and my dreams were unexpectedly sweet. Of course a certain blue haired lord was at the center of my dreams, but I think I’ll keep that tidbit to myself. 

My morning is more or less uneventful, as the same retainer from before brings me a change of clothes along with breakfast. It isn’t long before I continue working on Ayato’s kimono.

I ask the retainer if I can see Ayato whenever he is available, and the retainer dutifully leaves to deliver my message. Minutes later, Ayato knocks before entering my room.

“Oh! You’re here earlier than I expected. I won’t take much of your time. I just wanted to know what your favorite color is.” I wait for his response to reach my ears as I mull over the array of dyes I have to choose between, including the ‘new’ blue dye I acquired from Ogura. 

“You’re my favorite color.” My head shoots up and my ears pound as I take in Ayato’s fond expression that’s blatantly directed at me. He moves to sit beside me, and he carefully observes the array of dyes spread out before us. 

I heard that incorrectly, right?

It isn’t long before Ayato hands me the dye of his choice, and of course it’s the ‘new’ blue dye I picked out with Ogura. He picks a second option, an elegant deep hue of purple that graces my eyes. “Ooh, I can work with this! Thanks, Ayato. I know you’re busy so you can leave now. I’m going to get to work.” With that, I begin to work on Ayato’s Kimono.

He stays for a while and watches the process before he stands up to leave, wishing me a pleasant farwell. I finally let out the breath I was holding as my face explodes in a beautiful burst of red.

I would’ve believed I heard his earlier statement incorrectly if he hadn’t whispered the words again in my ear, flustering me all over again.

 

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*   ♡　*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Three hours of peace pass before I hear another knock. I place my work in progress down on the table as I stand up and stretch. I voice a greeting, and lo and behold Ayato walks through the door with a stack of papers in his hands. 

As I stretch my legs I watch him walk into the room with obvious intrigue. He wordlessly makes his way over to the lengthy table I was previously working at. He sets his paperwork down on it before he joins me in stretching. I eye the way his arms stretch above his head, and the satisfied sigh that escapes those pretty lips as his stretch comes to a conclusion.

I admire him for a moment longer before his eyes flutter open, and I quickly avert my gaze in hopes of not getting caught staring. I finish my stretch before I return to the table, but not without catching Ayato's knowing smirk as I walk past him.

Ugh, whatever. 

Once I’m comfortable I continue where I left off. Ayato sits himself down beside me. It takes a moment, but Ayato takes a single sheet of paper from the large pile of papers he brought in. He sits up as he carefully reads it over, pen in hand. 

I come to the sudden realization that he brought all of his paperwork with him to visit me; He fully intends to do his paperwork beside me as I work on his kimono. 

I ignore the flip of joy my heart does as I focus my attention on completing Ayato’s commission.

I pretend I don’t notice the way Ayato subtly moves closer to me.

 

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*   ♡　*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

I allow a yawn to escape as I safely store my work in progress. Ayato only has a paper or two left to sign, and I’ve made decent headway on his kimono. I have to say I adore the contrast of the beautiful blue hue to the natural white silk of the kimono. I’m taking creative liberty with the design, so it’s taking me a bit longer than anticipated to precisely sew intricate blue camellias along the kimono. 

Despite the intricacy of the design I’m sewing, it should only take another measly two hours to finish, three at most. Actually, I should relay this information to Ayato. 

I turn around to do just that, but I wind up staring at Ayato as he reads the words on the paper in front of him. His brows are furrowed, and whatever’s written on the paper is clearly causing an internal dilemma for him. 

Okay, I’m a bit curious..

I return to my previous position beside Ayato, and I sit down beside him. He doesn’t say anything, but one of his hands gently reaches over to rest on top of mine. I ignore how delightful his hand feels on mine in favor of stealing a nosy glance at the paper he’s reading.

I catch a glimpse of the word ‘marriage’ and I abruptly look away. 

Marriage was not the word I expected to see. I feel my cheeks burn as I imagine this isn’t the first time Ayato’s received a letter like that. Why did I think for even a moment that- “Name, I apologize to ask this of you after you graciously agreed to my previous request, but may I ask something else of you?” I feel Ayato’s hand gently curl around mine, and although I know I should pull my hand away I curl mine around his in reciprocation. 

“Yes, you may.” Is my verbal response. I study Ayato’s handsome features, and I take joy in the noticeable way his eyes soften at the sound of my voice. “I originally needed a Kimono for the upcoming festival, but now there seems to be a delightful change in plans, if you will permit.” My eyebrows raise in curiosity, and as a prompt for him to continue. 

Ayato smooths a gloved thumb over the back of my hand, and I watch as he clearly contemplates his next words.

“To be frank, I’m quite tired of all these marriage proposals, and it just so happens a suitable candidate is already by my side. So, if you would do me the honor..”

My mind struggles to process Ayato’s words as he turns his body to face me, and he tenderly grapes both of my hands in his. 

Bashful doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel. I avert my eyes so I don't fall prey to his captivating features, especially his stupid beauty mark.

Ayato leans in close to my ear to whisper against it, “Name, look at me.” I take a steadying breath before obliging his request, and the emotion that swirls in his eyes inadvertently makes me squeeze his hands. He squeezes mine back before he finally voices his additional request.

“Would you do me the honor of being my wife?” My entire body explodes and I’m sure I’m unfortunately as red as a shiny red apple. Ayato studies my reaction for a moment before he bursts into laughter. My heart sinks, thinking he’s toying with me, but before I can remove my hands from his he tightens his grip on my hands as he pulls me against him.

I let out a yelp of surprise as I fall against him. He laughs as his arms wrap me in a hug. “Pardon my bad manners, but your face was utterly adorable. Yes, I want you to be my wife, but only for the night. If rumors circulate about me having a fiance, these pesky proposals will all but disappear from the incessant pile of paperwork I must look over.” 

I contemplate his words, and although the word ‘temporary’ and the fact he is indirectly using me leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, I decide to agree on one condition. “I’ll be your ‘fiance’ under the condition that you tell me the real reason you asked me of all people to sew your kimono.” I look up to see the way Ayato’s eyes reflect genuine excitement and subtle surprise. 

“My, insistent aren’t you? Alright, I agree to those terms.” Ayato loosens his hold on me, giving me the opportunity to escape his arms if I should choose. I remain in his arms and lean my head against his chest. Ayato hums a tune to himself as he holds me against him. 

“I’m sure it won’t come as a surprise to you if I say I may have had some… influence on how we met.” My eyes widen, and my heart pounds against my chest. I honestly suspected as much, as things had gone a little too smoothly with someone as high caliber as the head of the Yashiro Commission. 

“I will mention I’ve seen sparse glances of you around Inazuma, and you have piqued my interest. Not for the ill intent you may be thinking, I assure you, but for other reasons I do not wish to divulge. Not today, at least.” I can’t help but giggle a little at how sheepish that last sentence sounded, and Ayato awkwardly coughs to cover up what I’m sure is a bit of embarrassment.

“Regardless, I have been eager to get to know you personally, and our meeting at Ogura Textiles and Kimonos was just a wonderful event ordained by fate. Does this answer satisfy your curiosity?” Ayato slowly runs a hand along my back as he waits for my response. 

Honestly, it does, but I still have one question. “Why did you want to get to know me?” My words come out a little strained, and I hope he doesn’t question it. As much as I’ve enjoyed my time at the Kamisato Estate, I would hate to realize a man of such power only intended to use me. I’ve endured enough mistreatment from others already.

“Oh dear, it seems I’ve only managed to distress you instead of alleviate your concerns. Alright then, I’ll be completely transparent with you.” Ayato gently places his hands on my shoulders before he slowly pulls me back to look at him. I tentatively look into his elegant purple orbs as he speaks. 

“Do you recall a kimono you sold through Ogura? A furisode kimono with a Same Komon pattern?” I quickly rack my brain. 

A furisode kimono? I previously sold some of my designs through Ogura, which she gave me the mora for, just to see how well my designs would be perceived with the people of Inazuma. Fortunately, they sold out rather quickly, and one of the customers was a sweet young lady who returned to Ogura Textiles and Kimonos just to relay her thanks. 

Oh, wait, that same young lady was the one who bought the furisode kimono I made. From what I remember she was very pretty, kind, and well mannered. ..Now that I think about it, she resembled Ayato in many ways. 

“Yes, I remember. A respectful young lady personally gave me her thanks after buying the kimono. Why? Do you happen to know her-” Suddenly the words die in my throat and my eyes widen in realization. Ayato smiles at me since I finally put two and two together.

“That young lady is my younger sister, Kamisato Ayaka. Remember we had dinner together? Honestly, I learned of you and your work through her. I thought I’d catch a glimpse of the person who made Ayaka’s kimono, so I attempted to locate you. I used some outside help, but I managed to catch sight of you walking the streets of Inazuma. I have to say, when I saw you for the first time you were truly breathtaking, and a beautiful sight to behold.” Ayato all but gushes his admiration of my work and my perceived beauty, and I may as well be putty in his hands.

“O-Oh…” Is all I can shyly mutter. Ayato gently trails a hand down my arm as he silently gauges my expression. “I see, that makes a lot more sense. I’m so sorry for being suspicious of you, I’ve just had a lot of bad experiences with others across the nations and I..” I gulp and take a moment to catch my breath, as the delicate emotions I’m feeling cause my voice to waver. Ayato traces unknown shapes on my arm, and remains a comforting presence as I gather myself. 

“I just don’t want to be hurt again.” I whisper. “I understand.” Is his compassionate murmur of perception.

Although it’s silent afterwards, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my chest. I usually brush off offensive comments made about me, and I’m used to suppressing my feelings in order to cope with the many stressors of life. Some of those daily stressors are things that others will never experience in their lifetime. 

So to hear genuine understanding and empathy in two simple words, well…

I truly feel that he understands what I mean. 

I close my eyes as I rest my head against his chest yet again, and he happily complies with my actions. “Ayato…” I breathe. “Hm?” He hums in question.

“I’ll happily be your wife.”

His hand pauses its soothing motions on my back, and I can feel more than hear the way his breath hitches as his chest stills on inhalation.

A beat passes before he exhales. His free hand trails down my arm to hold my smaller hand in his bigger one. 

“I’d love nothing more.”

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*   ♡　*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

“Ayato, aren’t I just pretending to be your wife?” The only response Ayato offers to my question is a muffled “yes” against the juncture of my neck.

I shiver as his breath fans across my sensitive neck, but I make no effort to move.

I can hear the gentle pitter patter of the rain outside as Ayato comfortably snuggles against me.

“Wouldn’t this be deemed ‘inappropriate behavior’ by your retainers?” I ask. “It doesn’t matter, I am perfectly able to comprehend and make my own decisions.” Ayato gives me a response that isn’t muffled this time.

With a blissful sigh, I finally relax against him as he pulls me impossibly closer to him. 

Our limbs are tangled together on my bed. Ayato visited my room earlier, and after a few swift knocks he entered my room and plopped himself down beside me.

I was still groggy and not fully awake yet, so I didn’t completely register everything that was happening as I welcomed Ayato into my arms with a soft giggle.

I was tired.

And totally not thinking straight.

Despite that, this does feel nice. Being held like this.

I detest the way my heart beats a steady rhythm against my chest as I feel more at ease than I have over the past couple of days. “Isn’t today that fancy event thing you’re supposed to attend? With the kimono I sewed for you?” I gently run my hands through the light blue strands of Ayato’s hair, and he releases a dreamy sigh against my neck.

“Yes, but that doesn’t occur until later, and that is where you will be presented as my fiance.” My hands suddenly stop moving through his hair. Ayato grumbles disapprovingly at this. He reaches up and uses his hand to guide mine in continuing their former movements.

“W.. Wait, but aren’t I supposed to be trained for that? What if I say something wrong or I make a bad impression? I don’t want it to affect you or your reputation..” I verbally voice my concerns, but Ayato doesn’t reply. 

“Ayato, I’ll continue if you respond.” Ayato’s response is quick after my words reach his pink tinted ears.

“You do not need to worry yourself over something so miniscule, Name. Whether they like you or not is none of your or my concern. From what I’ve seen of you over the course of these past few days, I have no concerns. I’m sure that you’ll be able to handle yourself just fine. You naturally conduct yourself in a manner that is suitable to be my fiance.” Ayato’s words subdue my anxious thoughts, but they have the added side effect of making me blush.

I resume running my fingers through his soft hair, and he hums in satisfaction. “You’re really clingy to someone you hardly know.” “Well, let’s change that.” “What do you-” I cut myself off as Ayato removes his head from my neck to send a charming smile in my direction. 

“You know my favorite color, but what is yours?” Ayato watches my face closely. “I, um, purple. I love the color purple, especially light purple. I like all shades of purple though.”  I answer. “Hmm. How lovely, purple is an elegant and graceful color. It is befitting for an individual such as yourself.”

“I swear to the Archons, Ayato!” I bashfully cover my mouth with my free hand as I look away, and I feel the way his chest rises and falls, pressed against mine, with his boisterous laughter. 

“Are you not used to such genuine compliments, Name?” Ayato teasingly trails a finger down my arm, and I refuse to look at what I know is a teasing smirk on his lips.

“W-Well yes, and um.. you’re really handsome, so hearing those words from someone like you is a dream come true. You’re a genuinely good person as well, so it’s kind of hard for me to believe that you can see me in that way.” I whisper. I close my eyes and take a deep, calming breath before opening them again.

When I look at Ayato’s face, I’m graced with the presence of a pink blush on his cheeks. I pointedly look at his beauty mark that is oh so close to my face, and it takes a lot of willpower for me not to lean in and kiss it. 

I watch as Ayato awkwardly coughs in an attempt to cover his embarrassment, and that action is what leads me into a giggling fit.

How can this man tease me relentlessly, yet the moment I compliment him in return he’s a flustered, blushing mess?

I’m almost tempted to compliment him again, if only to see what other pretty expressions he can make.

Ayato continues to smile at me fondly as my laughing fit slowly dies down. 

My next action is honestly out of my control. I can’t help it when he’s smiling at me with such profound adoration in his eyes. 

I give in to the urge and quickly lean in to press a tender kiss against his beauty mark, and I gaze deeply into his eyes as I pull away.

He’s frozen for a moment.

Or two.

Before his entire face is redder than I’ve ever seen it as he sputters and tries to come up with something to say, only to be at a loss for words. 

“Ayato? Are you okay?” I jokingly ask him. 

It feels very empowering to know I can fluster him just as much as he flusters me.

Ayato covers the lower portion of his face with his bare hands. He looks at the bed in favor of looking at me. 

“Can you give me a second? I need a moment.” Ayato’s bashful words elicit a grin out of me. 

I watch in amusement as Ayato visibly takes a few deep breaths in an attempt to collect himself. “This is a sight I could get used to.” I tease. 

I lean my head against a propped hand, and Ayato’s eyes reluctantly follow the action.

A few moments later, Ayato shyly moves closer to me, and I allow him to wrap his arms around me yet again.

“Please speak of this to no one.” 

“No promises.”

“Name.”

“No promises.” 

I love the way he groans in acceptance as he chooses to bury his face in the juncture of my neck again. 

Oh, this is fun.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*   ♡　*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

“Don’t apologize.” “Sorry.” “Name.”

This is the fourth time tonight I've apologized. This time it was because I clumsily bumped into Ayato. 

I’ve been sticking to Ayato’s side like glue as he talks to various important figures of Inazuma, and I’m doing my best to remain calm under the pressure of so many judgemental stares.

Ayato has more or less been my rock throughout this entire evening, and I’m beyond grateful to him for it. I can’t help but think that I should show him how much I appreciate his guidance tonight in some way, granted he is the reason I’m in this situation to begin with. 

For some stupid reason the thought causes a perverted smirk to present itself on my face.

I quickly catch myself when Ayato turns to look at me, and his eyes widen at my expression. I wipe the smirk off my lips, but it’s too late.

A similar smirk to my previous one finds its way onto his pretty lips. I can’t help but notice the way his smirk lifts the cute beauty mark near his lips. 

Ayato leans down to whisper in my ear. My cheeks warm as his tall figure lowers to my height. “Wow, Name. I never imagined I’d see such a lecherous look on your face.” Ayato’s breath tickles the shell of my ear, and the feeling causes a pitiful whimper to escape me. I enjoy the way Ayato’s breath catches at the sound. 

Ayato and I are taking a breather in a secluded area so I’m not too worried about someone spotting us, although it’s still a possibility. 

Ayato brought me out into the empty halls earlier when he noticed my stiff shoulders, and the small act of his hands wrapping around mine as he led me away from the prying eyes of the crowd… well..

Let’s just say my heart skipped a few beats. 

And my eyes may have sparkled.

…

Anyway-

My mind is drawn back to the present when his nose grazes the skin of my neck. I let out a gasp at the feeling of his soft lips pressed against my neck. “Ayato-” I grasp the sleeve of his kimono in a futile attempt to ground myself. 

Ayato groans as his lips slowly trail sweet kisses down my neck. 

I jump when the sound of footsteps reach my ears, and my heart lurches.

This is super improper! It’ll be bad for Ayato if someone sees us like this.

“Ayato, someone’s-” The rest of my words are incomprehensible as Ayato gently sucks on a sensitive spot on my neck. Now both of my hands are gripping his kimono, and I hear a startled noise from a few feet away.

The sound of footsteps fade away, accompanied by an awkward cough. I almost care about the fact someone saw us like this, but I can hardly muster the energy to as Ayato’s lips cast a captivating spell on the skin of my neck. Ayato pulls away once the sound of footsteps can no longer be heard. 

Ayato tilts his head up to look into my eyes. “Name.” My name sounds hoarse on his lips, and his name escapes my own in a hushed whisper.

My body acts before my mind can catch up, and I find myself leaning into Ayato’s welcoming lips. Ayato’s groan reaches my ears once our lips finally meet, and the stress from this entire evening leaves my body as I melt into Ayato. 

Ayato’s arms wrap around me to gingerly hold me against him as his body all but sinks against mine.

Our lips mold together perfectly, and if I wasn’t so engrossed in the kiss I would feel embarrassed by the moan I let out.

Ayato’s hand slowly trails down my body until it rests against the small of my back. 

As much as I’m enjoying the kiss, my body’s demand for oxygen becomes too much. I gently tap Ayato’s shoulder for him to pull away, and he languidly breaks our kiss. 

Ayato’s wistful sigh elicits a giggle out of me. We stare into each other’s eyes as our heavy breaths mingle in the short distance between our lips.

“Ayato, shouldn’t we return-” 

His mouth steals the rest of the words from my lips. I squeak when he slowly pushes me back into the solid wall behind me. 

This time I’m the one to pull away, and I blush when his lips chase mine in a desperate attempt to continue our kiss. 

“Ayato, wait please.” His lips abruptly stop chasing mine, and he groans in reluctant compliance. I take in his hooded eyes and ruddy cheeks, and that’s when I know.

This feeling is indisputable, but I still try to resist it nonetheless. “Name, I’m sorry if I got carried away… I..” Ayato trails off, and I quickly correct him before he can misunderstand my actions. “Ayato, honey, you didn’t do anything wrong. If you couldn’t tell, I leaned in too. I just broke the kiss since it may be a bit improper for the Yashiro Commissioner to be caught fervently kissing his fiance against the wall. If you’d like to continue, we’d have to go somewhere private.” Ayato’s eyes widen at my bold words, and I can visibly see the moment he finally registers that someone did in fact walk in on us kissing.

Instead of the panicked reaction I partly expected to see, a devilish smirk upturns his captivating lips.

This man is almost too attractive for his own good.

Actually, no, he is. And he knows it too.

“Alright. Then if my fiance permits it we shall return to the function to give our farewells. It is getting awfully late, and I’d hate to neglect the needs of my pretty wife.” A furious heat blazes across my entire body at his suave words, and he watches my reaction with amusement and another emotion I can not name.

“Ayato, did you only kiss me so someone would see? So they couldn’t question whether I was actually your wife- or, well, fiance.” Ayato’s eyes lower at my words, but I catch the hurt in his eyes.

I hate the way my heart hurts at his saddened expression. He begins to pull back a little, but I tighten my grip on his sleeves and pull him into me again.

“I-I don’t want to doubt you Ayato. I’m sorry, I just… I’m sorry, it’s not you. I believe your actions and your words, you’ve given me no reason to doubt them thus far.” Ayato sucks in a breath, and he allows me to press a kiss against his lips.

My kiss tells him the rest of the words that get caught in my throat. He immediately accepts my kiss, and overwhelming relief relaxes my tense shoulders. 

His acceptance tells me that he understands all the words I couldn’t say; he accepts me nonetheless.

When we part again, this time I’m the one who chases after him. Ayato chuckles as he allows me to kiss him again. “I understand. I don’t mind, we’ll move at whatever pace you are comfortable with. Whatever it is my wife wishes, I am more than happy to oblige her requests.” Ayato pulls away from me, and I watch as Ayato gets down on one knee in front of me. I allow him to tenderly hold my shaking hand in his.

My eyes water as he presses a sweet kiss against the back of my hand, and a tear slides down my cheek when he turns my hand over to press a delicate kiss against the palm of my hand. 

Before he can rise to his feet I practically throw myself into his arms.

“My, what’s gotten you so emotional?” Ayato knowingly murmurs the question despite knowing the answer. He silently holds me against him as more tears travel down the valley of my cheeks. 

It takes a few moments before I allow Ayato to see my tear stained face. He dutifully wipes my tears with a handkerchief. 

There’s no judgment in his eyes, and a well meaning smile placates any concerns I would’ve had. 

Once all of my tears are dried Ayato and I return to the function to give everyone our farewells before Ayato escorts me back to my room for the night.

He follows me inside my room, and he comically walks over to my bed and flops down onto his back. I can’t help but smile fondly at the sight of the esteemed Kamisato Ayato spread out like a starfish on my bed.

“Name, you can do more than just stare. I give you permission to touch.” The teasing lit to his voice immediately causes me to fluster. 

This man will be the death of me.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*   ♡　*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

The first thing I register is the soothing sensation of fingers playing with my hair. I coo as I snuggle closer to the smooth skin of my pillow. 

…

Wait.

My pillow doesn’t normally have smooth, warm skin….

I slowly pry my bleary eyes open. I struggle to adjust to the dim lighting of the room as I change my position. “Shh, go back to sleep.” Ayato’s low voice murmurs against my ear. 

I’m silent as Ayato hums, and my thoughts run a mile a minute as I try to remember what happened last night. 

From what I can recall, we changed into our nightwear before sitting side by side on my bed, just talking about how we feel about everything that’s happened and what we’d like to do moving forward. 

Unfortunately I fell asleep during the conversation. I was really tired, and Ayato’s steady pulse against the shell of my ear only encouraged me to rest. 

Now, I all but purr as Ayato plays with my kinky hair. “Did I give you permission to touch my hair?” I joke. Ayato's hand stops its soothing motions. Before he can completely withdraw his hand, I whine and place my hand over his to return his hand to its previous position. 

Ayato lets out a booming laugh as he continues to play with my hair. “It certainly seems as if our roles have been switched, hm?” I can only laugh as I recall an earlier time when Ayato was the one in my position. 

“I don’t mind, it feels wonderful.” I snuggle against his chest. My hand eagerly intertwines with his, and he willingly weaves his hand with mine. As his thumb rubs soothing shapes into the back of my hand, I splay my free hand against his chest. 

My eyes open again, and this time it doesn’t take me long to adjust to the dim lighting. I look at his face to gauge his reaction as I basically feel him up.

I adore the way his eyes squeeze shut and his face explodes in a delightful burst of red. 

“A-Ah, Name, I didn’t take you for the handsy type..” I snicker as he makes no attempt to stop me. 

A comfortable silence accompanies the peaceful atmosphere. My mind wanders, and it isn’t long before I voice a question. “How do you think last night went?” I ask.

Ayato squirms as one of my fingers brush over his nipple, but his hands don’t falter in my hair and his thumb continues its comforting movements. “I think everything went over smoothly. The individual who saw us made it much easier to get the point across; I’m a taken man.” Ayato sighs in content when my hand trails up to play with the baby hairs at the nape of his neck.

Ayato’s hand mimics my action, and I involuntarily shiver when he gives a playful tug to the little hairs on the nape of my neck. Ayato doesn’t say anything, but he resumes his previous playing of my hair, minus the hair tugging. 

I pout.

He isn’t tugging my hair. 

I think back on his words, and my cheeks warm when I remember what he said. “Wait- what do you mean by ‘I’m a taken man?’” “Name, aren’t you my fiance?” “I mean, in theory, yes-” 

I’m stunned by the sound of surprise that Ayato makes in response to my words. 

Did I say something wrong?

Ayato removes his hand from my hair to lift my chin. My eyes swirl with overflowing emotion as his alluring purple orbs stare deep into my eyes. 

“Yes, you were correct when you said ‘in theory,’ but I believe we should change that.” Ayato lets go of my chin and untangles himself from me. 

I sit up in bed as I watch him walk over to the possessions he left here the evening prior. “Ayato..?” He doesn’t respond as he riffles through his things until he finds what he’s looking for.

I get out of bed to see what he’s found. Before I can walk over to him he’s in front of me.

Except he’s kneeling before me on one knee, just like he did last night. 

He wordlessly slips something on my finger, and then he kisses the back of my hand.

“I know we’ve only known each other for a short period of time, but if you’ll allow me, I’d love to know you more intimately. From what I have seen you are an exceptional woman, Name. I have no qualms with letting go of my inhibitions around you, and this is normally a feeling that eludes me in many of my personal relationships. I’d be elated to have you as my fiance Name, not in theory, but in reality. Alas this is only if you’ll grace me with the honor of-” “You’re talking too much.” Ayato’s head shoots up so fast at my words that it’s almost comical. I immediately seal the deal with a passionate kiss against his lips before he can ask the meaning behind my words. 

I lean into the kiss until I fall against him, and he easily catches me in his warm embrace. When we both pull away for much needed air, I give him the verbal confirmation his eyes wordlessly ask for. 

“Yes, I’d love to be your fiance. Hopefully one day I’ll be your wife, if you will ever be so kind as to bless me with the opportunity…” I giggle as I mimic his previously formal tone as he basically proposed to me. His cheeks light ablaze in a color I’m slowly growing fond of.

“I am grateful to have you in my life. Thank you, Name.” “Yeah, yeah. Now kiss me again. Oh, and tug on my hair. I love that.” Ayato’s incredulous facial expression makes me laugh. 

As my bubbly laughter sounds throughout the room Ayato’s fond smile makes me feel at home.

He lifts himself off the floor with me in his arms before he gently places me on my bed. He’s quick to cuddle with me as sunlight streams into the room. Pure elation causes my eyes to water as the sunlight gleams against the ring he placed on my finger.

I close my eyes as I listen to Ayato’s heartbeat. A goofy grin presents itself on my lips, and I’m sure it’ll be a long time before it leaves.  

I feel a tug on the little hairs at the nape of my neck, and a mewl slips past my lips at the pleasant sensation. “Oh? Now that’s a sound I can get used to.” I playfully swat Ayato’s shoulder as his body shakes with laughter.

He presses a multitude of tender kisses all over my face, and there’s nowhere else in Teyvat I’d rather be. 

[sugarakis-p2]

Sickly Love

Life isn't easy in a foreign land. The moment your boat crashed into Japan your life was cursed and plagued with illness. You worry it will be worse when you caught the attention of Gyutaro. But to your surprise, he is gentle and calls you an exotic beauty. You can see yourself being with him until he starts crazy talk about his sister and him being demons.

Warning: Non/con, minor character death, demon transformation, sick y/n, flesh eating

The money is decent, and it keeps me away from the customers.

But not from Daki's creepy brother. You worked in the kitchen, cleaning and running other small errands. Not that you were ugly, you are considered very pretty, but this country is harsh to foreigners. Your boat crashed here, and the payment to return home is too much for you. Almost all your money goes to your treatment. Not that you there was anything to go back to. Ever since they pulled you and a few others from the shores of Japan, you have had a cough. Sometimes it's hard to breathe. You are too sick to be a prostitute. Thanks for small miracles.

Almost a year. A yearlong cough that keeps you from clients. A part of you is very grateful for that. The work isn't hard, but you head home exhausted every morning. You live with a few of the other survivors. You are scrubbing the kitchen when he appears behind you. Gyutaro shows up every night to check on his sister. He looked incredibly deformed and possibly diseased. He has a dower face as he stares at your ass. Moving back and forth as you scrub. You don't want to talk to him, but you also rather not have him standing there.

"Can I help you?" You ask in stilted Japanese, a cough following the question.

"What is wrong with you?" He asked surprisingly. He talks in a sing-song lilt with an annoying quiver near the end of every sentence. He makes it easy to hear the rage he carries with him. You shrug. That was incredibly rude of him.

"Who knows. I can't seem to get rid of this cough. What's wrong with you?" You snap back. Yellow eyes narrow. He did not like to be sassed, at least that is what you thought, until a horrid grin spread ear to ear. Flashing you a row of sharp teeth like a lurid shark. That doesn't surprise you in the least. You go back to work, trying to ignore him.

"You're like a drowned cat. I like that. I like how you didn't flinch. Women have been disappearing at night. Doesn't your shift end in two hours? Won't you have to walk home? Alone in the dark?" He chuckled.

The way he laughed made your skin crawl. But he was right. It will be you and Mary walking home alone. Mary is in her sixties, and you must help her most of the time. You two are easy targets for muggers and killers. You stopped and looked up at him. He's some kind of collector for the gambling house, you believe. Despite his consumption appearance, he has sinewy muscles. He shows off with an opened mustard kimono and very baggy brown pants. The bright golden silk sash wrapped around his neck. He must be a good fighter to be a collector. Dirty bare feet as always, you mentally sigh. You will have to scrub the floor there.

"What of it? I don't have any money to pay you to escort me home," you said dully, returning to your work.

"Not needed. I'll do it out of the kindness of my heart. I'm a good guy like that," he laughed as if that was the most hilarious joke he's told. You considered saying no, but he wasn't wrong. Women have been disappearing for the past eight months. He started to get annoyed, visibly annoyed, while you were thinking it over. Dropping his smile and mumbling to himself, "I bet if I was a pretty boy, you wouldn't refuse."

"You'll be the most handsome guy that has walked me home in years. Ok. Thank you," you said, stopping your scrubbing to peer up at him. Gyutaro seems ultra-pleased to be staring down at you struggling to clean. Wheezing as you move to empty the bucket. That creepy smile was back.

"Free advice. Avoid my sister. I'll be back later, kitten," he giggled.

"My name is not kitten!" You shouted at the creep's retreating form.

He  was there at the back door waiting for you. Gyutaro said he would carry the old lady to the house first, then return for me. Oh great, you think. This will be forever. Except it wasn't. He ran with Mary like the wind. You have yet to determine how you will be able to keep up with him. You start walking. With no idea how long it will take, you begin the long trudge alone.

Fifteen minutes later, Gyutaro pops up next to you. Your heart nearly stops as you scream and jump from him. It puts you in a coughing fit. He watches you like a ghoul. It quickly dropped when you could breath.

"Why did you leave? Are you stupid?" He asked, annoyed. He's not breathing hard while you take gulps of air to catch your breath.

"I can't keep up with you. Walking me home is (wheeze) pointless," you gasp.

His vice-like grip snatches you up and throws you on his back like a ragdoll. You squeal and clutch to him as he hitches up your legs to carry you piggyback. Then he is off. You whimper again and clutch onto him. His flesh shudders under your chest.

"Hold me tighter," he commanded. Tightening your grip, you press more into his harsh boney body. You wonder how anyone can survive being this thin.

He is so solid and fast. His bones dig into your thighs. Suddenly he is panting, feeling his lungs expand and collapse between your legs. It had been so long since you felt the warmth of a body pressed against your sex. You burn in shame as you feel your middle heat. You bury your face in the crook of his neck. You thought he must smell bad from his greenish complexion and cool off your arousal. But he smelled clean, like oranges and musk. Your body betrays you further as you give a breathy moan against the pulse of his neck. He dropped you off at the front of your house, setting you down gently like fine porcelain.

"Gyutaro, you are so strong. That was amazing. For once, I feel like I can breathe and have a little energy. Thank you. You are truly wonderful," you gushed. He beamed at your praise. Your place is painted with racial slurs. The people standing around usually throw stones at you. They see Gyutaro and back down, and you sigh, "I'm also grateful for that. They usually don't draw blood, but every now and then, someone does. This county has been a curse to me. It was not good before, but there's no lily's here, my favorite flower."

He looked over and gave the locals a dirty look. They started quickly scuttle away. He turned back and grinned grotesquely at you.

"The first time is free. The others will cost you," he beamed.

"What?" You narrowed your eyes at him. Just when you thought he was less of a creep, "I told you I can't afford to pay you."

"I don't want your money. You have none, sad foolish girl. I want your time, and I always collect," he replied. You did not like being called foolish but couldn't help regarding him with appreciation. His kimono was open enough to see his rippling muscles. After all that strength had helped you, you felt more gratitude than annoyance as your cheeks heated up into a bright blush. You looked up at him and smiled.

"Oh. I think I will like that," you said genuinely. Giving him a bow and saying good night.

After weeks of this, you decide he seems less of a creep. He's a very devoted brother to his bitch of a sister. You crossed her once and kept your head down for an abusive lecture. You got off light. She kicked and slapped the other servants. She called you ugly and pathetic several times.

"No wonder he likes you, gross foreign turtle-faced brat!" Daki had screamed. His sister is such a whiny, needy mess for him, it flares jealousy in you. The other staff whispers about them. You personally don't care as long as you never cross their paths. Today it doesn't seem like you're that lucky. Typical.

She must like you a little. Daki didn't throw things directly at you or kick your face like she did to the other girls. Did Gyutaro, the sister pimp, really like you? He really is kind and gentle to you even though Gyutaro is harsh and cruel to others. Even his sister is trying to hold back her wrath. That was something you had never seen. You ponder this as you avoid Daki for the rest of your life, hopefully.

You look forward to her brother climbing on his back, holding him tight. Nuzzling his neck and hair. Your heart beats harder. The people in front of your house have disappeared since he has come into your life. Today you whispered your thank you next to his ear. Your breath gently caresses the cone of his ear. He shudders like a workhorse under you. His strength lends you strength. Diseased or not, you won't be alive for much longer in this foul place, regardless. He has been the best thing in your life. You are teasing with the idea of going further with him when he takes you to some new place. A little way for the beaten path he usually takes. The sudden change makes you more nervous.

"What are we doing here?" You asked him. A little worried about being alone with him like this. You might die soon but didn't want it to be today. It's clear by your neighbor's reaction to him that Gyutaro is dangerous. At least at your place, you'll be surrounded by people with a delusion of safety.

"Look. These are spider lilies. You told me you missed the lilies of your homeland. These are not the same. But hopefully, you will see we have lilies too. I have an eye for beauty. They are like you. Exotic beauty," he grinned, picking lilies for you.

"They are very pretty. How old are you? You still look young," You asked with a brilliant smile, accepting his boutique and trying to flirt. He stared at you momentarily to be sure you were not mocking him. Beaming with pride at the youthful compliment. He looked wistfully towards the park.

"I only remember the past ten years clearly. I could be 23 to 25," he said absently, scratching himself.

Do you want to go for a stroll over there?" You asked, pointing to a far-off park. It had several of those flowering willow trees. They looked pretty and smelled sweet.

"No," He said abruptly, grabbing your hand and walking you towards your place.

He's surprisingly gentle with his strength. You are shocked by this whenever he touches you. He could easily crush your hand. But he is always careful with you. You have a coughing fit, and he stops to help and rub your back. Kneeling to let you climb on his back. He is not a conventional beauty, his dower yellow eyes and asymmetrical features make that an understatement, but you admire his strength and gentle ways.

You weakly cling to him, tucked against him and wrapping your scarf around the both of you. Surprised when he slows to a walk, pulling your scarf off before you get to your door. Putting you down, clamping a hand over your mouth. But not before you see a wailing Mary being dragged off by Samurai. She was covered in blood, screaming how it wasn't her.

You attempt to shout out against Gyutaro's hand. Eyes watering, tears spilling as Gyutaro yanks you with him, hiding in a side alley.

"You poor dumb woman. To them, you are a foreigner. An unwanted invading parasite. Something that doesn't belong and never should have been here in the first place. Use your brain. I know it's hard for you. But think what they will do to you if you run over there?" Gyutaro growled.

You did stop to think about it. They are carting away a little old lady for the murder of fully grown people. The punishments in Japan's justice system are brutal. Gyutaro is right. You were not meant to be here. You can barely survive, and the land has been trying to kill you. You have a coughing fit just at the thought of it. Gyutaro clamps his hand tighter. Cutting off your air. You claw at his hand, panicking to get air into you.

"There, there, kitten. I know you are trying with what little you have. You don't have to think while I'm here. I'll do it for you. Poor weak creature. You never stood a chance here. Pathetic little drowned kitten," Gyutaro giggles as your struggles weaken. As my lungs give up trying to pull in air. Blackness crowds your sight.

You wake up thrashing and gulping for air, clawing blankets in darkness. Strong arms suddenly wrap around you. It's Gyutaro. It has to be. You've studied these arms over the past few weeks. You would know them anywhere. But something is off. He doesn't smell like Gyutaro. He has a rancid iron scent that lingers heavily in the air.

"Calm down," he says in a friendly tone. His rough hands are making their way under your kimono, and you squeal in utter shock.

"What are you doing?" You whimper as his digits grope your breast, pinching your nipple lightly.

"You can't go home. So, I brought you here. Where you will be safe. It's out of town, and I sleep here until I am with my sister. We think it will be soon, I can already control her from a distance, but in the meantime, it's here. Your suffering is exquisite. I've wanted to devour you for too long," He murmured in the dark, shifting to light a candle for a dim glow. The room is stuffy, windowless, and cold, with a ladder leading up. The floor is smooth compacted clay. The place is very barren, with a few essentials. Oh no, your mind screams as your panic rises, and you must voice it or explode.

"No! This is not fair. Why must I suffer like this? I have never done anything to deserve this other than to be born," You wailed as Gyutaro giggled at your despair.

Parting your layers enough to cup a breast to his mouth. You scream and pound at him with all your rage. You managed to claw him, only to have those wounds heal before your eyes like magic. You must be delirious with oxygen deprivation. He cackles in joy as he keeps sucking and licking your nipple. You instantly feel drained and breathless as you fall back into a coughing fit. His assault on your body becomes more vicious.  

"How pathetic. So weak and helpless. The only thing you have going for you is you're slightly smarter than Daki. You try my sad, soggy kitten. I've waited a long time for you to ripen. I've watched that delicious ass wiggle as you scrap and toil. Now you are ready to be completely mine. You have no place to go. You will have to rely on your Gyutaro," he cackled against your chest.

Pulling the rest of your kimono open with a violent jerk. Exposing your sickly flesh to the cold air, making your burning lungs gasp in shock. Your skin breaks out in goose bumps as you shiver from the frigid draft and his warm tongue lapping your hardening peaks. Suckling and playing with them too roughly, you moaned in pain, not pleasure. Everything aches. The longer he exposes you to the cold, the worse it gets.

"These saved your life. If I had not felt these hard nipples on my back, I would have killed you for talking back to me. Ooooh, the heat of your cunt on my spine," He moaned as a shudder ran through him. He pinched and peaked your nipples, rubbing his thick cock roughly on you.

"It hurts," you whimpered. He threw his head back in a horrible cackle. He ground his sharp hips and his large hard presses against yours, crying out at the intense pain he was sending through your middle. Spreading you open for his pleasure.  

"It will be excruciating. I asked around. Little virgin. You will suffer and cry because you are weak and mine. I will take excellent care of you. I won't eat you. You'll beg to be a demon like me. It was delicious. The old woman got blamed over my meal," he giggled. You are not a virgin, but you will never tell him that because he is completely insane. Claiming to be a literal demon is a sign of insanity. He seems to be getting harder the more he mocks you. It's already too big. It has been a long time since you did have sex. He was right. This would be painful if you didn't escape.

It was hard to breathe in the cold already. You shivered and groaned. He growled in satisfaction at your pain. Loosening his baggy pants. What spring out to smack your sex makes you whimper and jerk in fear. His cock is not normal looking. None of him had ever looked normal, but this was extreme. He reminded you of a praying mantis. His upper legs are bulky compared to the rest of his body. Pressing his boney hips between your legs until you open enough for him. His cock that he languidly strokes, drool spilling over the top of your belly from his overly thick tip. His sickly tint, three spots, and a splash of diseased black make you shudder in fear. A prominent bulge below the head of his cock. You already feel weak. But when you saw that thing between his legs, spitting venom on you, you felt cold, and the blood drained from you.

"Why are you trembling like a leaf? Is it because you're afraid of me? Because you're weak and helpless? Either way, I find it so pretty," He chuckled, roughly spreading you apart. He stares and inspects you with slack-jawed interest.

Closing one eye, he concentrates on rubbing himself against you. Using your wet folds as a lubricant. He lined himself up, and you squirmed and panted shallowly as he rubbed the head of his dick over your sensitive clit. Intense sensations run through your middle. Notching himself, he thrusts his hips forward. He slips, hitting your clit. You twist in pain and cry out. That throbbing thick beast he gripped was shiny with your slick, the tip dripping cum, pumping it three times, squeezing that dirty seed on your belly. He tries twice more, slipping on your slick, forcing you to hold still with one rough hand on your bare thigh.  

"I know, Daki!" He hisses. That confused you more than anything. His sister is not here. Why is he thinking or talking about her now, in this intimate moment? Maybe those disgusting rumors are true.

"No! Stop this! It hurts. Please Gyutaro. If you had asked, I would have given this to you. But it would have been together. Not like this," you plead.

Gyutaro does not appear to be listening to you. He is panting, his eye looking through you, staring a thousand miles away. Mumbling about Daki while spreading your legs wider with a tight grip on your thigh. Gripping the head of his cock with the other and pressing at your entrance. He thrusted his hips forward hard, finally pushing past your resistive entrance. You squirmed while he groaned, his eyes opening in surprise.

"Such a little hole. Doesn't look big enough," he groaned. It's when you realize, Gyutaro is the virgin. Gripping your waist harshly. You screamed as his head pushed in, stretching your entrance painfully. Forcing past your squeezing walls. You tried to squirm away, but he followed you before pressing painfully hard on your thigh. Driving you completely open while pinning you like an insect as he anchored himself deep inside you until he bottomed out. His legs and arms trembled for a moment before he burst out laughing.

"You look completely miserable and pathetic," he chuckled. Eyes heavy with lust as he presses his boney against yours. You can't breathe. You squirm, pinned in the middle to the mat with his thick heavy cock, "Quit struggling. It's useless. Behave, and I will cover us in blankets."

You gasp for air and immediately stop fighting. Struggling only makes it harder to breathe anyway. Your body clenches around his twitching throbbing cock. It has not stopped seeping hot precum. That was a kind mercy. He made you slick when you couldn't produce anything but sad little pants. Tossing blankets over us both, he lightly pressed his body against yours again. Cradling you in his arms, his fingers loosening your hair, running through your locks, creating delicious tingles on your scalp. The light sniffling and nose nuzzling in your hair started to feel nice.

He's mean. He has always been mean and cruel to other people. But to you, he has always tempered it with gentle care. That soft touch is what broke you. You are dying one way or another. He may be diseased, a cruel monster, but you will accept his kindness because it was the most you have been given in a long time. Wrapping your arms weakly around his neck, you lift your head to press your lips to his. He was surprised again, with a wide jerk of surprise you both grunted at.

It hurts so deep in your center as shudders of pleasure creep and crawl through your body until you are dizzy with need. He began to thrust at a feverish pace of a rutting animal. You groan in gain as his grinding hips are sawing through yours. He is so thin and sharp. It's pure agony.

He stops, closing his eye and mumbling. "It's hurting her. Be of some use. You are stupid in everything else. Be good for something," He hisses this into the air, making you feel crazy.  Who is he talking to? Maybe he is insane.  Maybe you should dare to run? All this ran through your mind when he sheepishly asked you to "Lift your knees."

"Huh?" you asked before you thought it through. His hand's cup under your knees and pull them up violently when you don't respond immediately and press them down to either side of your head. Mewling, you try to hold back the tears.

"Lift your knees unless you want to suffer?" Seeing your suffering, he growled, a tinge of concern near the end. Are you insane, or does he care? You lift your legs with a cry. Your knees are in the crook of his elbows as he shifts with you. Not allowing you to get away. He's pushing deeper in you, the tip of his cock hitting your cervix. Oh god! It was a surface pleasure that ended in deep acne near the end. At least he wasn't sawing into your flesh. An ache deep inside you as you groaned and writhed under him.

One that lasted until the next full thrust. Instead of sharp hips rubbing on soft hips, they are cupping on the back of plush ass and thighs. Gyutaro's hips stuttered painfully slow at first. Like a shy virgin, he was timid, pulling his cock out and stuffing you again with a thickness that stretched you wide. Thrusting until he is firmly planted to the base. Until each thrust gave him more pleasure and confidence. Hovering over your moaning and grunting, his hair tickling your cheeks.

His lips come crashing against yours. Too wet, as you swallow his saliva and whimper. His tongue stroking over yours sensually. He grinds his cock deeper. Making you squeal in his mouth at the sharp pain and pleasure. Kissing against your cervix sharply enough to make you squeak and tear up. He nips your lower lip and pulls away with a loud slurp. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. Panting so hard and hot you can see billowy clouds in the dark.

"You taste too good. If I'm not careful, I may end up devouring you differently. I have a ravenous appetite. That would be a shame. I rather like sad, pathetic things. I can relate. Poor little foreign toy," He chuckled.

Gyutaro's sad eyes brighten with each slow grinding thrust. His length stroking against your slick walls, that suck him back in with each long deep stroke. Each thrust warms your middle, picking up speed. It's quickly becoming a pyre in you.

"So tight and warm," he groaned, "You can't whimper like that. I don't like controlling my desire. You've already pushed me to the limit. I am ravenous. Tight flesh trying to keep me out."

Your hot, slick walls constrict while your nails dig into his flesh weakly. He gasps and grabs your hands, making you tear him open. He is completely insane! Your mind screams in utter fear. His blood sweeps, and then his wounds quickly heal. You scream in gut-dropping terror. The walls of your pussy constrict on his invading cock, making his thrusts slow. He groans and drools.

"Your living flesh is hot. It responds to my cock. So wet. Your fear makes me feral," he snarled in a sick joy. Ramming his hardening cock faster. Rolling his hips with a painfully delicious grind.

“No, no, no, no, no!” You are screaming and clawing at him for a different reason. Heat coils in you, burning the strength in your body with pure ecstasy. You are mentally numb, feeling fucked stupid, and diving into insanity yourself. This is not possible. Demons do not exist. Yet one is killing you with his cock. It did not make sense.

"Useless to argue and lie. Your cunt is sucking me back in. It does not want to let me go! Tight wet pussy. My pussy. It loves me. Your body is honest. Lewd woman. It is what saved you. Your body wants me!" He screamed manically, happy. Intense eyes boring into yours. Your lungs burn as the air is being crushed from you. The hot tension in your body tightens until it explodes in a blissful release.

His back arches push his cock in deeper. His mouth gaps into a primal scream. Hot jets of cum fill and overflow your cunt. Your vice grip quivering and milking him of every drop. Your bodies meld partially where you are connected. Bending your mind further into shock and pleasure. The sensations of desire are prolonged. Carnality racks through both your bodies sharing a pulse and rhythm. Your heart beats as one leaves you lost in a sea of conflicting emotions. A horrible burning that is seizing your thoughts and functions. You achieve nirvana as a floating sensation stops all the pain and leaves your physical body a trembling mess under Gyutaro.  

"More." You force your physical self to gasp weakly. He shudders, panting, his lust-hooded eyes filled with love. A moment later, you can feel that love twitch mercilessly deep in your hot cum filled channel. You constrict on his cock like a python and gasp when you see you made him gasp. A little control in this chaotic moment made you so happy. You don't think you've ever felt this happy. Not when your life has been filled with bad luck and misery.

"You will be the death of me. I did not know I could do this with anyone other than, Daki. Even then, we were not able to meld like this. You enhanced my blood technique. You are mine. We are one. Do you feel that? That is the master's essence turning you into a demon. This is the most peaceful way than when I was initiated. Muzan didn't want to at first. But I convinced him by explaining the experiment for blood technique," he husked.

A roll of emotional switch in you. A wave of jealousy leaves a bitter taste in your mouth, which he feels. Smacking his lips, he was used to the flavor but surprised. You couldn't escape the meld even if you wanted to, which means he can't either. How dare he talk about his sister when he's fucking you. Not only did you not understand the stupid things he was saying, but it enraged you that even at this moment, he was saying gross things about his sister while he was buried in  you .  You!  Not Daki! You.

"You need to shut up!" You wheeze, clamping your lips over his. Gyutaro lifted you in his strong arms, pressing you to flush, tongue massaging yours. Feeling his chest expand and collapse. You envy them. He separates enough to thrust up. Forcefully rubbing you along his body as he pumps you up and down on his length as you are a limp drooling mess in his arms. This time when you cum at his length, stars burst into your vision. The darkness clouds your eyesight.

When  you wake again, all your pain is gone. The pain of your spite lingers, as it's a scar that is too deep to no longer feel, even if you don't entirely remember it, but your physical pain is no more. Gyutaro is shoving delicious meat in your mouth. Washing it down with blood, he feeds to you with his mouth like a mother hen. He truly loves you, and you feel your body growing stronger.

"The Master understands your pain. This is the way we are even in the world. We will make them pay. I always collect," he groaned. Feed you more. An overwhelming need to kill and collect with your love wells up.

"I want to kill all those that have thrown rocks and made my life more miserable," you plead. He giggled.

"Don't worry. I already collected. You are eating one of your neighbors as we speak. They will never catch us. Master Muzan wants you to infiltrate the churches. With your exotic looks, they will trust you. You will serve Daki and me. But I will take care of you both. You don't have to think too hard, my love," He cooed.

You nod in appreciation. Life has been so much easier since you've become a demon. You became Daki's servant as she went to a better house. She is still a brat but treats you with love. Sometimes kissing and lingering longer than you enjoy. They make it clear they are one, and you are their beloved. Your blood magic has been getting stronger to assist your loves. You emit smells that connect to a person's positive memory. It helps Daki manipulate people.

You admire how she can be charming. Filling with pride when they praise you for making her job more manageable. You manipulate records, and Daki is never caught for being ageless. You are happy until you are killed by a Hashira. At least it wasn't an apprentice demon slayer. You wait. You wait for them. Watching and lamenting as Gyaturo decides it will be better to hibernate within Daki. Even in death, you are second. You think, rolling your eyes in limbo. He only ever wanted the best for her that was not granted by birth. He loved you dearly, and now that you are gone, he rather be in Daki's shadow.

You hated the red boy but were grateful he stopped their fighting during their final moments. He was right. They feel that way about each other, but their heart of hearts do not mean it. You rejoiced when you saw them in the flames. Gladly following them. Gyutaro and Daki guiding you with them. They remember you and don't regret their love and faith in you. Gyutaro weakly tries to send you away. But like Daki, you can't. He lifts you with one arm, Daki wrapping your child limb around your neck to help stable you as you all cling together. Gyutaro is strong enough to carry and love you both.

That is true love.

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[furious-rogue-stuff]

A Feral Interlude, Chapter 13: Epilogue

Pairing: Victor Creed x Isabela Montecristo | Sabertooth x Vipress

Disclaimer: This series will have canon-accurate and heightened levels of violence, adult themes, slight dub-con/non-con overtones and undertones, descriptions of bloody gore and sadism, and graphic descriptions of sex. *Post-Origins movieverse.

Rating: Mature/Explicit 🔞

Word count: 3,500+

Series Summary: Victor Creed's reputation as the Sabertooth proceeds him. He clashes with a mysterious feral woman, an enigma and anomaly to everything he knows. What began as a hunt becomes a dance between like-minded predators.

🚨Warning: Explicit sex, adult situations, implied rape, graphic imagery, feral power play, slight dub-con/non-con overtones and undertones, descriptions of bloody gore and sadism, and a pinch of angst. I do not own any aspect or character of the Marvel Universe nor elements of the X-Men Origins movieverse.

A Feral Interlude Masterlist

A Feral Interlude, Chapter 13: Epilogue

He walked the feudal streets of the former imperial capital, guardedly watching the sights of people celebrating their ancestral festival with joy and excitement. Colorful lanterns decorated shrines and the ringing of bells chimed in echoes all around with the laughter and cheers of crowds. The feral wandered with no destination in mind, as had become his custom since he'd woken up with no memory of who or what he was.

Idly fingering his dog tags tucked under his shirt, Logan strolled down towards one of the biggest shrines in Kyoto on the other side of a vibrantly red bridge. The group of Japanese locals that bustled opposite him across the bridge paid him no attention as they discussed their plans and pointed out the lovely lotus lanterns that floated down river and under the bridge. Sniffing the air, Logan sifted the smell of snow that would come before nightfall as he crossed over to the shrine.

The subtle yet entrancing beauty of the Shinto shrine had attracted him since the first day he'd arrived in Kyoto. Across from the shrine he spotted a procession of beautiful geisha in their dazzling silks and alabaster faces with bright rouged lips. He stood off to the side under one of the shrine's torii, absently making sure not to lean against the gate as he shoved his hands into his leather jacket's pockets and watched the slow procession near. His gaze wandered from one lovely geisha up to the parasol of another before wandering over the procession and across at the stoic beauty of the surroundings.

She stood out to him immediately. Eyes like polished jade with a hint of gold in the middle; stark in their brilliance and focused alluringly on him.

Wearing a traditional kimono, she stood out from the surroundings. Not a geisha—her countenance wasn't painted with the white base mask of traditional geisha—but not a tourist either. His interest was piqued by her, but the long procession made it difficult for him to make his way towards the grove she was strolling by.

The sound of rambunctious children running by distracted him as he narrowly maneuvered out of the way from having the rowdy kids bump into him as they rushed towards the shrine. When he looked back at the spot she was in, she was gone. In an even pace, he strode around the procession and cut through a group of monks—apologizing curtly as he did so—and followed in the general direction the mysterious woman had been strolling in. Winding down a stone path that led back to the narrow streets of the imperial city, Logan wandered into the heavy foot traffic and looked around and over the throngs when he spotted a flash of her retreating kimono as it passed out of sight down a busy avenue. He followed, picking up the pace of his stride as he turned the corner.

He halted, perplexed to not see the mysterious woman anywhere and confused by the sudden scent that tickled his nose as a rickshaw passed him on the street. Turning, he missed catching sight of the rickshaw's passenger, but was instead left buzzing from a heady and raw perfume that was left in its wake—tantalizingly wild. Logan tried to sift the significance of such a tempting scent, but shook off the curiosity and muttered to himself, "It ain't a memory, bub. Just a nice-smelling geisha…"

Riding in the rickshaw, Isabela felt her pulse slow again. She hadn't been so close to another feral in what felt like ages now, let alone the very feral brother of her former lover. She hadn't expected to be lured by the gravitating scent that she'd caught in the breeze on her walk through the festival. She loved Japan and always held a fondness for the imperial capital. Kyoto had managed to remain as pristine as it had been at the end of the Tokugawa shogunate. The majesty of the city and all of its sites had lured her out into the crowds. She'd first caught his scent when the brooding feral was strolling through Maruyama Park and gazing up at the slumbering weeping cherry blossom tree. At first, she'd been confused by the familiarity of the scent and the unfamiliarity of the subject, until she'd seen him give a small smirk after he reached for a lonely pale pink blossom that was already in wilt and pressed it into his jacket pocket. The irreverent quirk of his boyish lips and the mirth that crinkled the corners of his eyes were very familiar and singularly reminiscent of Victor when he was devoid of any mischief or sadism; when amusement would curl genuinely free from the wickedness he wore like chainmail. Smiling, she was sure that the man had been the fabled Jimmy. His scent resembled Victor's, but unlike the feline feral, he had a softness in his brown eyes that disarmed her when they fell on her. He had looked young and bemused, struck by her, as if he'd never seen another feral before. It had stuck with her.

Musingly, she decided she would return to Tokyo before schedule. She suddenly felt ruffled by the proximity of another like her. It had made her yearn for contact—to share her true self with a being like her, especially one so close to the last person she'd tangled herself emotionally and physically with. Most of all, she'd been tempted to engage him and share her knowledge with him—about her and his brother. But the look in his eyes told her she and everyone in the world were strangers to him…it had unnerved her.

The animal wasn't pleased and whispered for her to remain as she's been: supreme and alone so as to avoid further entanglements of the mortal coil. Her intrigue curbed, she instructed the rickshaw man to take her to the train station. It was time she busy herself, and she knew Japan would keep her busy for quite a while thanks to its booming economy and rising global participation. Nothing better for a heavy heart than to toil at what one does best…

                      _____________________________________

It wasn't the Gobi desert, but he was sure if he stayed long under the blistering heat he definitely could go mad. He remembered a few times in Vietnam where he would be so overheated he would forget what he was doing—feel caged and need to lash out to gain his bearings. Wait, why am I even thinking of the Gobi-fucking-desert?

He tossed his head, rubbing the sweat out of his eyes as he leaned back on the tree branch and looked up at the rays of sun blazing through the canopy of trees all around him. He was high off the ground, balanced like a lounging big game cat. He'd radioed in for pickup over an hour ago, but that wasn't what he was worried about. Digging his claws into the tree bark, Victor brooded, eyes hooded and faraway as he tried to focus his thoughts. His mind flashed to Isabela sitting across from him, looking alluringly seductive as she smiled at him from behind a wine glass. Oh yeah…goddammit. 

Victor had lost track of how long it have been since rapture had fizzled out of his system, but every once in a while his mind would betray him with an errant memory or silly reminder of Vipress. His viper. Isabela Montecristo had sent a shock to his system, or at least that's what he told himself whenever he needed to get his mind off of her. Lately it hadn't taken that much effort, not with work keeping him occupied. Said work had taken him to most corners of the third world, including his current position. He liked government work. The perks were just as good as he remembered and the hassle was never his problem.

Having his bloodlust met and getting paid for it had alleviated some of his rancor and pent up impulsivity, leaving him to only brood over her. He had made it so he wouldn't have much time with his thoughts, and he liked it that way, until moments like this when all he had to do was think.

The murmur of a helicopter in the distance was a reprieve to his rising thoughts—his desires that left him angry and scornful and brashly strategizing his next move in recovering what was his. He needed time to distance himself from yet another blow to his ego…from yet another loss that he ultimately considered his fault.

With a growl, he stood up on the branch and began to climb his way up to the top of the tree, reaching the blazing sunlight beyond just as the helicopter came into his eye line from across the horizon.

                      _____________________________________

"An offer you can't refuse."

He both loved and hated that line now. Yeah, damn straight. Dan Dresner thought to himself as he gazed at the holographic archive that spun before him like a god come down from the heavens. It was all just so…beautiful. And he'd been involved—hell, he'd poured his mind and soul into it!

He didn't know where he was, who these people really were, or what side they were truly on, but he knew this could be used for both good and evil. The archive was unlike anything ever put together before. For once he felt a part of something revolutionary. Unlike his work for Stryker, his ability was used for knowledge's sake…for now anyway. He wasn't naïve. He knew that if Fury was just another Stryker—that all his work would go to mobilize destruction, human and mutant alike…but he didn't believe Fury was like Stryker.

Dan couldn't say he knew the man, but he knew what he'd read from him: Nick Fury was a man who loved his country and would do anything to defend it, short of the atrocities committed by evil men he'd fought against his whole military career. As far as Dan was concerned, he was doing good work, and was no longer ashamed or taking his powers for granted.

"Archeion, access mutant database. Codename: Archive," he instructed.

"Archive not registered, sir. Would you like to register?" The feminine-voiced computer asked.

"Yes," he responded, stepping into the middle of the hologram just as two electrodes descended from the central pedestal's ceiling console to attach to his temples. "Commence."

He closed his eyes and began to load into the computer all his self-knowledge about his mutant persona: Archive. Dan wasn't going to be a coward; he was committed to the whole process, good and bad of it. If it meant that he was now part of some list, so be it. There was no turning back, and for once, he wasn't scared of having to move forward into the uncertain future.

                      _____________________________________

Highlights of the Iranian Revolution played out on the screen mounted on the wall, the sound muted. The rest of the modern penthouse was sterile and utilitarian save for the dazzling view of Tokyo behind the plush couch she was lounging on as she watched the television. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini rallied the crowds as the new Supreme Leader, and Isabela couldn't help muse ambivalently on how close she had played a part in any of it. It seemed to her that no matter how much she strove to remain distant from the mainstream world, she always found herself ensnared in sequences of events that would shape the present and future of a society. It was all too close for comfort.

Standing, she turned her back on the inset television that took up most of the wall and set her attention on the amazing view from her penthouse window.

It was yet another tower, separated from all the buildings around her, but unlike her place in NYC, it was much colder and severe. The style suited her lately, uncluttered and serene, albeit post-modern. After leaving Kyoto, she'd spent weeks on end staring out the window, just as she was now, wondering about her place in the world. Her beliefs had been shaken, undermined by the whirlwind she'd been swept up in, and all she could do was reflect on it all from the detached objectivity afforded to her by the beast within.

The viper…the animal inside of her had always been there to guide her. It would always be there for her, and during times of great soul searching, it was there to remind her: You are lethal. You are vicious. You are mighty. And you are me. We are indestructible and unattainable. 

This time, she wavered. Looking at her reflection in the glass, she stared into her preternatural gaze and thought that she was not alone. There were other animals like her out there, just as indestructible and fierce as she, but not as unrelentingly detached from the world. She had already crossed paths with one, and there were times when Victor weighed on her mind so persistently that she wondered if it wasn't time for her to rethink her path.

You'll cross paths again. If you choose to be his then…we will be his. 

The primordial whisper assured her, and she retreated to it, glad to be fortified by the gesture and soothed in the irrevocable acceptance of fate being what she would make. Isabela looked down on the world below, hope blossoming within her for the new decade before her and the absence of guilt she felt from the one past her.

                      _____________________________________

He much preferred subzero temperatures to sub-Saharan heat any day. The only problem with the cold climate was that blood would ice over and crystallize under his claws, which made them ache if he didn't pick them clean. Otherwise, the cold always gave him some sick form of comfort.

Victor made his way through the knee-deep snow, unfazed by the wind that whipped around him and obscured the landscape ahead. He was deep in the Northwest Territories, probably closer to the border of Yukon by now. The solitude of the almost polar landscape was an excellent place for his next rendezvous. Even with the modern conveniences of snowmobiles, most humans couldn't navigate the terrain. It was cruel and hostile—just like him.

Smirking, he scraped some of the frost that was collected along the fur of his jaw and made his way over an incline that camouflaged the secret base. He effortlessly trekked down to the unsecured series of structures, sniffing the air for any signs of vehicle exhaust. Looking east, he spotted the hangar and headed in route to it. Pushing the heavy side door open, Victor kicked the door closed after him, sealing the snow and howling wind outside as he loped over to the man sitting on the steps of the armored military helicopter. Which military? Victor didn't know and didn't care.

"What part of 'I'm on vacation' dontcha understand, huh, Hudson?" Victor groused acerbically as he approached the man, who was busying himself by lighting the cigarette dangling on his lip.

"The part where you come here for some R & R. Figured you were more bored than needing to relax," Hudson responded, inhaling deep and letting the puff of smoke exhale in a cloud from his nostrils. "Just cuz I said there were no supervisors doesn't mean yer not supposed to check in, Creed. And by the way, since when did you get into wearing fur? Kind of a weird look on yah, buddy," he straight-faced joked as he puffed away on his cigarette.

Dusting the melting snow off of his fur-lined trenchcoat, Victor snorted, "This ain't your mother's furs, asshole. 'Only wear what I kill, and this grizzly sure put up a fight; couldn't let the pelt go to waste." The other man whistled in response. "You didn't come here to give me shit about my fashion sense. What do yah want?" Victor muttered and gave him a calculating look that told the other man he hadn't trekked so far for low-rent shit.

Tucking the cigarette between his fingers, Hudson grabbed a folder that was sitting on the top step of the helicopter before tossing it to Victor. "Yah probably heard about this during your tenure with Striker." When Victor tilted his head in that dangerous way, Hudson quickly added, "A tenure we will never discuss, I remember."

Eyeing him sharply before pulling the form out of the file, Victor grunted and skimmed the old CIA form. His eyes lingered over a codename and he looked over at Hudson before looking at the name again, shoving the form back into the file and tossing it back at him. "Yeah, I heard about it, and I ain't interested," he stated with irrevocable steel in his tone.

"Yah sure?" the man said coolly as he stubbed out his cigarette on the side of the stairs.

"You guys can't afford me for this job. I'd charge double if I was interested, and I'm not interested," Victor remarked, his thumbnails idly flicking his other nails in succession, pinky to forefinger and visa versa. It was a telltale sign that he was impatient.

Hudson read the gesture and stood. "Alright. Not gunna lie, I was hoping you'd take it. Yer the only guy I could think of with the balls to go after him—"

"You fuckin' suck at flattery, Hudson, so can it. And do me a favor—don't fucking patronize me again," he let the deadly edge of his tone weigh the air before continuing, "Don't think just cuz I'll kill my own kind for money that I'm gonna help your kind tip the scales back in your collective favor."

"Figured you for a non-political kind of mutant, Creed, wouldn't peg you for a Homo-Superior—"

"So you pegged me for a self-loathing mutant bastard who'd wanna off a guy who thinks mutants are superior to humans? Last time I checked, you don't get paid to figure or peg—you get paid to hand out missions and get the fuck out of the way of the masters. And this fuckin' master is sayin' he's gonna pass on this…understood?" Victor snarled hostilely, watching as the other man shrugged and put his hands up in surrender of the argument.

"Got it, Creed. Sorry I disturbed your vay-kay. Just do me a favor: when yer done with the uninhabitable solitude, give me a call. I'll have something lined up for yah…" Hudson stated and with that, gave Victor a backwards wave as he turned and walked up the steps into the state of the art helicopter.

Victor watched the steps recede and the helicopter seal shut just as the roof of the hangar split and opened upwards. The advanced aircraft ascended into the howling elements, leaving the feral to huff and turn back towards the way he came. By the time he was stalking up the incline the helicopter was humming out of sight. Sprinting through the treeline, Victor prowled on all fours and galloped the rest of the way back to his hideout.

He had to admit, for the Sabertooth to be considered capable enough to be asked to take out Erik Lensherr was testament to how he'd come up in the world. Sure, he didn't take the job, but it meant he wasn't a lowly mercenary; he wasn't a guy you'd call to take out third world garbage anymore. More importantly, he was a man with options, someone to be up-sold and feared.

A smirk tugged on his boyish lips as he stared into the fire of his rustic hearth. It was a new decade, and a new day for Victor Creed. All the things—her—that he'd been longing for were pushed to the background in his mind. His solitary spirit was fortified and his pride swelled from the thought that he was at a place he'd always wanted to be: free, unburdened by guilt, and powerful in his own right. When it came down to it, he was the king of his mountain, and he liked his odds at staying on top. Most importantly, he was genuinely proud for the first time since he and Jimmy embraced their natures and formed their brotherhood close to a hundred years before.

The animal and the man were in true harmony…and nothing would change or stand in the way of that now.

The End.

____________________

Thanks for reading! Please consider leaving a comment and sharing your feedback. I would be eternally grateful.

[eccexports]

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[bananarose]

FFXIV Write - #12 "Dowdy"

adjective not stylish; drab; old-fashioned:

*gestures excitedly* My boy! Here's a peek into Lav's adventures in self-expression through clothing. *squishes him gently* I love him

Stormblood zones mentioned, no major spoilers though

Masterlist

Lavandin had never dressed himself in any particularly thoughtful way, fashion not being at the forefront of his priorities as a wood-warder in training; still not a priority after he had left home and found himself living on the Azim Steppe, wearing what he had kept from home and any old hand-me-downs from Cirina and the Mol. He hadn’t given it much thought, to be honest, what options were out there for adorning oneself in fabrics. The purpose of his clothing was for protection, and comfort, he didn’t see much sense in fretting over the colors and styles.

Upon arriving in Kugane, Lav was taken aback at some of the beautiful clothing and adornments he saw while wandering the markets. Luscious silks, long garments he would later discover are referred to as kimonos, and pieces of clothing in the most gorgeous colors he had laid eyes on. 

He had not been in Kugane long when he started making a habit of visiting the markets. Lav walked down the now somewhat familiar path, scanning the displays of each stall as he passed. He stopped abruptly, causing a minor disruption to foot traffic, when he laid eyes upon the most beautiful garment he had yet seen. It was long, a dress, the bottom of the fabric nearly brushing the ground; and it was a most stunning shade of light purple. A spread of embroidered flowers stood out against the fabric, starting near one hip and fanning out towards the bottom hem, as if the flowers were falling, carried aloft on a light spring breeze. Other patrons of the market pushed past him, muttering in annoyance, as he stared overlong at the dress. The proprietor of that particular stall noticed his gaze, coming over with an incredibly fake, salesman smile plastered on his face.

“Ah, I see I’ve got another customer with exquisite taste!” he schmoozed, obviously going for the sale. “Perhaps a dear one’s nameday is coming up? Must be quite the lucky lady to have a keen-eyed lad like you shopping for her.” Lav’s lips twisted into a frown as his brows furrowed. A dear one… What had he meant by that? Lucky Lady…

Lavandin had not been contemplating purchasing the dress as a gift, he had been wondering what it might feel like to be the one wearing it; to have the soft fabrics drift around his legs, twirling as he spun. 

It turned out he didn’t have enough money for the dress anyway - he barely had any coin at all. 

Lavandin picked up odd jobs during his time in Kugane. He trotted across the city, delivering things for various merchants, even once retrieving an order from the markets for the Sekiseigumi. He spent some time apprenticing for a kindly merchant, who took pity on him as a confused newcomer to the city, teaching him the ways of the city and its markets. He worked endlessly, saving up coin. He earned enough to buy nice treats from the market, reveling in the sweet desserts and rich meals. Eventually, he earned enough.

He went back and bought the dress. He lied, when the merchant asked again if it was for a woman he was courting, he lied and handed over his hard-earned coin, and the dress was finally his.

He rushed back to his room at the Bokairo Inn, immediately placing the box down onto the bed, tearing aside the fine paper it had been wrapped in. He stared at it, uncertain for only a heartbeat before a smile spread across his face. He reached down, feeling the fabric underneath quivering fingertips. Pulling it out of the box reverently, admiring the way the fabric moved as he held it up, Lav felt giddy. 

Lavandin tried on his new dress, and in a flurry of emotions, found it to be a perfect fit. 

divider credit - @cafekitsune

[fighting-and-drawing]

Heart of the Warrior Chapter 8: Hajimari

Fandom: Cybird Ikemen Sengoku

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Yukimura Sanada x Male!OC

     Laid out in front of both Sasuke and Thai were a few unwrapped bundles of fine silk, accessories, and garments. At first, it seemed perfect for an undercover operation for the two ninjas to pose as merchants, but the two of them after closer examination of their new stock became increasingly worried.      "This...this is not something I would be able to sell," Thai bluntly said as he held up an ornately designed kimono. "(Ooh, I like this design, though.)"

     "What?" Shingen gasped as Thai carefully placed the kimono back down. "Just the sight of it would sell itself."

     "But...this is a...I-I don't know anything about selling women's clothes and accessories," Thai said, "I mean, I knew someone who did, but as for me..."

     "I told you, Lord Shingen," Yukimura sighed. "You have to give us something different if you want us to pretend to be merchants. Thai's a foreigner, right? Just give him another dummy load of fake arquebuses."

     Shingen shook his head. "They need to be more subtle for this mission. Unlike Nezu, there's no need to reveal themselves already to our enemies. Sure, Thai is a foreigner, and they'll most likely keep an eye on him, but that'll give Sasuke more time to gather intel. Besides, I have complete faith in our two ninja," Shingen said, patting Yukimura on the shoulder. "Just Thai's charm alone would attract customers, right?"

     Thai raised an eyebrow at Shingen's remark. "My lord," Yukimura said, "Then, let me just give them the himo cords I made, that way—"

     "No!" Shingen quickly interrupted. "Besides, the mission both Thai and Sasuke are going on will be for a few days, and you probably don't have enough to fill a stall."

     Sasuke's eyes lit up. "The famous Sanada Himo cords?"

     "Famous?" Yukimura asked. "I wouldn't say that..."

     "What Himo cords?" Thai asked, "You mean the thing tying my sword to my hip? You made that?"

     Yukimura's cheeks blushed a deep red as he pouted in slight embarrassment. "Y-yeah...I learned to make them from my father," he said. "They're the strongest stuff around, y'know, so be grateful I made one for you!"

     "Nah, of course!" Thai said, "I was just saying that these are top quality. Strong tensile strength, really nice color. I can see why these would be better to sell." Thai glanced at Shingen, who out of sight from Yukimura gave back a stern look at the former. "Uh, but I would say that if you don't have much, then no need. I'm sure Sasuke has the 'know-it-all' to sell all of this," Thai said.

     "Me?" Sasuke murmured.

     "Well," Yukimura huffed, quickly reaching for a small bundle before handing it to Thai. "If you don't manage to sell anything, anyone would buy these."

     Thai glanced at Shingen again, who quietly sighed to himself. "T-thanks, Yuki," Thai said. "I really appreciate it."

     Thai reached out and took the bundle, accidentally brushing his fingers over Yuki's. The two exchanged awkward glances, both averting their gazes as Shingen crossed his arms.      "Well, then if it's settled," Shingen said. "It's time for you two to hit the road."

     "Yes, Lord Shingen," Sasuke said. "Operation Ocean's Twelve is a go."

     Thai shrugged his eyes with a smirk while both Shingen and Yukimura blankly stared at Sasuke.

     "You guys are going to the Ocean?" Yukimurav asked in confusion.

     "Y-yes, they will be going towards the Hojo Territory," Shingen confirmed, although equally as confused as well. "Stay alert, be on your guard, and come back in one piece."

     "Eh, estava pensando mais no 'Mission Impossible,'" Thai snickered towards Sasuke. "Of course, Lord Shingen. We best be on our way. Let's bag this stuff and head out."

     Thai and Sasuke started to roll up the bundles of items, servants coming in to load them onto the hand-drawn cart waiting outside for them. Shingen and Sasuke already left the room, but Thai was held back by a quick hand from Yukimura, the young warrior turning Thai back around to face him.      "H-hey, Thai," Yukimura said.

     "Yeah, wasup?" Thai said back, glancing behind him for a quick second. "You need something?"

     Yukimura hesitated, merely staring into Thai's eyes. "Uh...are you feeling all right?"

     "....yeah, I feel just capital," Thai answered, "Why? Is there something wrong?"

     "No," Yukimura plainly said, "Just...after the last mission, I just wanted to make sure you'll be fine going to...the Hojo Territory without backup."

     Thai scoffed. "I'm sure Sasuke'll be enough to pull my butt out of the fire," Thai joked. "There's no action, just a little information gathering. It'll be all right, I promise."

     "Sure," Yukimura said, his tone still worrying, as if quietly holding something in that Thai could not notice. "I mean, after all, you're not one to lie to me, right?"

     Thai stood speechless, yet he hid his confusion behind his smirk. Did he translate that right in his head? Lie? What did he mean by "lie?" As crafty as Thai believed he was, lying was never something he could easily do. Hell, he did not even like the idea of lying. Lying was something that always turned bad, even deadly, to Thai in his past, and he was always reluctant to use it. Still, if it was to protect Yukimura, then it was enough to convince him that he was still serving his lord. Yet, if he ever found out...

     Thai shrugged lightly. "Of course," Thai said, his smirk disappearing. "You're my friend. I wouldn't lie to you like that."

     Yukimura nodded. "Okay," he simply said, his concerned expression still glaring at Thai. "I guess I'll see you, then. Stay safe."

     Dressed in simple clothes with straw kasa hats shielding them from the rays of the ever-radiant sun, both Thai and Sasuke struggled to make their way toward Ueda. They kept a steady pace in pulling their cart by hand, a rope attached to each pole wrapped around their torsos.      "Why they didn't think to have horses pull carriages and stuff is a travesty," Thai growled, sweat dripping from his forehead.

     "Horses during this era were reserved for samurai only," Sasuke said. "Although some merchants use horses, we are to appear as commoners, the most bottom of society to this day."

     "Urgh, goddammit," Thai sighed. He then thought of the cargo they carried, thinking ahead of what was going to happen once they reached Ueda. "So, we set up shop and hope to high heavens someone would buy our stock and not notice that we're spies?"

     "Correct," Sasuke said. "I will scout around during the day while you sell our wares posing as a Nanban merchant wanting to experience Japan for the first time from outside the docks. At night, we will regroup and infiltrate the castle together."

     "Wait, hold on," Thai said, casting an evil eye at his friend. "Why am I selling all this? I say we take shifts at the very least! Even you can't work around the clock."

     "I believe that, just like what Shingen says, you'll have an easier time selling things to people," Sasuke said. "That, and since you are a foreigner, most people would want to buy things coming from a foreign trader."

     "That, or they'll shoot me for selling snake oil to people," Thai said, "No, we're taking shifts, and that's final. And, what do you mean when you said you 'just like what Shingen says?'"

     Sasuke pushed up his gradually falling glasses. "True, Shingen sounded like he was teasing, but I was agreeing that since you have played the role of a merchant, you would make an excellent merchant in hostile territory."

     "Hm, maybe he meant it relatively since you're about as charming as the stone lantern we just passed a while back," Thai joked.

     Sasuke sighed. "I'll admit, my people skills are lacking."

     "All the more reason for you to practice and sell our...wares," Thai said.

     "Maybe we will just play to our strengths," Sasuke said, "Just be sure not to charm anyone too much."

     Thai scoffed. "No problem with that. Like I said, that's not how I roll."

     Thai and Sasuke continued traveling throughout the day, finally stopping beside the dirt road under the shade of a large tree that stood out from the nearby forest. Thai practically tore open the top of his canteen, chugging the water down. He looked around, seeing nothing but wilderness with the only town still miles away from where they were. Still, they were making rather impressive time, albeit with sore legs and sweaty brows.      "What's the one thing you miss from back home?" Sasuke asked.      Thai thought for a moment, nodding slowly at the question. "One word: coffee," Thai chuckled.

     "Really?" Sasuke asked, the tinniest smirk on his lips.

     "Well, that and purified water, my iPod, phone, hamburgers, not having to look behind your back every five minutes," Thai said as he continued on with the laundry list of things he missed. "But, coffee? Both Nectar of the Gods and Deal with the Devil? It used to be I would wake up every morning and have a cup of joe to start my day. I miss it so much. What about you."      "Hm...probably coffee as well."

     Thai snapped his fingers and pointed at Sasuke. "I knew it!" Thai chuckled, dropping his hand as he looked back out into the wilderness. "Man, what I would do to get a big ol' cup of joe. Y'know, I met this one guy once back in the States. He was a barista and every time I went to his store, I'd always get a free cup. He was...very nice. We went out a few times, but even when it didn't work out, he'd always surprise me with a coffee every now and then."

     Sasuke blankly looked at Thai. "Went out?"

     "Hm?" Thai murmured as he glanced back at Sasuke. "Oh! Sorry, I meant 'hung' out."

     "I see," Sasuke said, "You know....oh no."

     "What?"

     Sasuke jumped up to his feet, Thai frantically looking around as he reached for the knife inside his kimono. "Thai!" Sasuke grunted in fear.

     "What?!" Thai shouted as he frantically looked around. "We under attack!?"

     "Worse."

     Sasuke quickly jumped up toward the tree branches above them. Thai swung his head back to see Sasuke missing. Fear getting the best of him, Thai jumped up towards the tree branch Sasuke was standing on, the latter grabbing his hand and hauling Thai up to him. As soon as Thai was stable, both he and Sasuke crouched down, Thai still looking around.

     "Who is it? Oda ninja? Bandits? Tigers!?" Thai asked, never once seeing Sasuke as fearful as he was now. "What is it, man!?"

     Sasuke was about to answer but suddenly froze, his eyes pointed directly in front of him. Thai looked towards where Sasuke was, expecting either a horde of camouflaged shinobi bearing swords or the set of glowing yellow eyes from a tiger or leopard, but all he saw was a dainty yellow butterfly gently flapping its wings just a few feet away from them.      Thai fell silent, looking at the butterfly, then at a frozen Sasuke and back. 

     "....are....you SERIOUS!?" Thai nearly roared.

     "Quiet! It'll hear you," Sasuke said fiercely.

     "Mas que—what the hell are we doing up in a tree!" Thai spat, quickly dropping back down onto the ground. The commotion he stirred up scared off the butterfly. Sasuke sighed in relief as it disappeared, bearing no shame as he daintily dropped to the ground. "A Butterfly? Really!? No mames, Sasuke," Thai angrily said. "How in God's Green Earth did a butterfly scare you!?"

     Sasuke could not look at Thai, his very core still shaking. "It's a complicated story. Those long spindly legs. The eyes that can see colors past our vision....the pure terror in its very—"

     "Querido Deus, salve este pobre menino..."Thai muttered under his breath as Sasuke continued to ramble about his fear of butterflies. "Se o inimigo descobrir sobre isso, eles vão liberar uma tonelada de borboletas no castelo?"

     Sasuke coughed. "I....uh, think we should get moving."

     Thai shook his head in disbelief. "You just wanna get away from that butterfly before it finds you again, right?"

     "....we should go."

     With a smirk on his lips, Thai shook his head again as the two shinobi gathered their things and loaded them on their cart. Soon, they were back under the sun's blistering heat, pulling their heavy cart down the dirt road toward the nearest town they planned on staying.      "Esquilo....maybe I should call you 'Borboleta' from now on," Thai snickered.

     "Thai," Sasuke said. "I would appreciate it if you don't comment about that anymore."

     "All right, all right. Still...a bit ridiculous, but yeah, whatever. Uh...so, before that whole incident, what were you going to tell me?"

     "Hm?" Sasuke asked.

     "You were saying something like, 'you know—,' after that whole spiel with the coffee," Thai explained.

     "Oh, yes," Sasuke remembered. "You were concerned with Shingen calling you 'charming,' if I remember?"

     Thai shrugged. "Wouldn't call it concerned, but yeah kind of."

     "Well," Sasuke explained. "If I remember correctly, there might be a reason for that, and it's not something I wish for you to be coerced into."

     Red flags shot up in Thai's thoughts. "What do you mean?"

     "Well," Sasuke continued, "Lord Shingen is widely known for being the flirtatious type. His ability to charm women, although questionable, is infamous to us, yes?"

     Thai sighed, remembering all of the "love lessons" he and Yukimura had to attend thinking it was a real meeting. "God those were terrible," Thai softly remarked under his breath. "Still, gotta give him some credit. Probably had a bunch of lovers back in the day."

     Sasuke lightly giggled. "Yes, well, you might be surprised that at one point, Lord Shingen had a male lover."

     Thai stopped dead in his tracks, the cart hitting the two. An unfazed and bewildered Thai turned his head to Sasuke. "....a male lover?" Thai softly asked, "What do you mean by that?"

     "Um..."Sasuke said, collecting his thoughts from the abrupt stoppage. "When Lord Shingen was younger, he entered into a type of relationship, Shudo, with Kōsaka Masanobu, in which the two became lovers as Lord Shingen taught Kōsaka the ways of the samurai. He was the famous general that turned the tide of the Battle of Kawanakajima when the Takeda were still warring against the Uesugi."

     "...and...what happened to him?"Thai asked.

     "I believe he had already passed," Sasuke said. "He was one of Lord Shingen's 24 Generals during the height of the Takeda's prominence in the Sengoku. While the two had already separated mutually long before, I still believe that Lord Shingen still held some feelings for Kōsaka."

     "He died in battle?"

     "No, illness," Sasuke said. "That being aside, I don't believe Shingen wishes to enter into the same relationship as he had with Kōsaka, but it might be his own charming nature having fun with you."

     Thai sighed softly, looking around as he processed the information. "Ele viu através de mim?" Thai mumbled silently to himself.

     "Sorry?" Sasuke asked.

     "Uh—nothing," Thai said. "You really think he had no intentions of doing...that?"

     "Well," Sasuke explained. "Shudo is usually between an older samurai and a younger student. While you two certainly fit the bill in regards to that sentiment, I can't be certain if that thought did not cross his mind already."

     "What about...me and Yuki?"

     "Certainly not, if that's what also concerns you," Sasuke reassured Thai.      Thai shook his head. "Nah that's not a concern. Just a...question. Anyways, let's go."

     By nightfall, they made it to a local inn, depositing their cart outside and taking their luggage with them inside. Luckily for the two of them, there were no other patrons inside with the exception of the innkeeper and her family. And, what was equally as good—there was an onsen on site.

     "Oh man," Thai groaned, stretching his sore arms. "I can't wait to hit up that hot water."

     Sasuke had already gone ahead to try out the onsen, a half-naked Thai wrapped in a bath towel going down the dark path to meet him. He whistled to himself softly, his mind still wrapped around Lord Shingen. Thai knew from countless warnings from Sasuke not to fall in love with a woman, and it was guaranteed doable under Thai's standards.      The problem now was what Sasuke had said. Thai had to admit that Shingen was an attractive man. Sure, he was not someone Thai didn't see himself with, but if Shingen approached Thai with the intent to enter into a Shudo-type relationship with Thai, he would have to refuse, right? It was something new for him to think about. He knew never to refuse his lord—that was the reason why he chose to lie to Yukimura about Ueda. But, would he be able to refuse that kind of relationship?

     "Nah, he wouldn't. If he wanted to, he would have already done so," Thai reassured himself. "Besides, I'm with....Yuki?"

     Thai stopped dead in his tracks, his jaw slowly dropping. His mind started panicking as his gaze immediately met Yukimura's, the Peerless Warrior just a few meters away.