#kazesuke

[kazesuke]

Ask Me Anything

Anxiety is being a butt so I took today off! Ask me anything about anything <3

[scummy-writes]

I keep wanting to sit down and address all the messages I got individually, but unfortunately my social battery is recovering slowly during the holidays.

@yarnnerdally @kazesuke @keithsandwich @bicayaya @crows--den @corpiote @aquagirl1978 a lovely person named V, @olivermorningstar @xbalayage @m-mmiy @oigimi @claviscollections @the12thnightproject @ikemendrew @kissmetwicekissmedeadly @fang-and-feather @queengiuliettafirstlady @namine-somebodies-nobody and the lovely person(s) who left me messages from Gilbert and Isaac:

Thank you all so much!! I am not used to getting so many kind and specific messages when it comes to a holiday. Each of your messages were very sweet and made me smile, and made me happy that I am able to talk to many of you!! I appreciate the kindness and I am forever thankful for it 🥺 i am sorry that most, if not all of you, got a message from me that was akin to me kicking down your door like a silvio gremlin and going "MERRY CRIMMY" but I hope it made you smile as well!!!

May 2024 be a kind year for you all!!!

[ariasune]

Character Design for @kazesuke~

[pseudofaux]

one fluffy, one dirty, one wildcard for Nanamin!! I love him so much ;3;

CLINK CLINK, this meeting of the GREAT TASTE CLUB is now in session!!! 🥂😍 You and me both! He’s so good! I just have to hope my love for Nanami redeems my absolute hoery for Sukuna.

(Requests are open through May 1 if you’d like to get one in, reader!)

He’s a clean...

Nanami is an adult man, and he’s ruthlessly sensible about the things he thinks grown men should take pride in: flowers or other gifts on anniversaries, walking on the street side of the sidewalk, planning for trips together (...as, you know, cursed spirits, armageddon, etc. allow). These things are so assumed and scheduled they may come off as uncaring, but the truth is he cares and respects deeply— it’s part of why Gojo’s antics piss him off, Nanami thinks the respect is crucial. He thoughtfully picks out which flowers to give you. He would never agonize over them, that would be a waste of time, but he is careful to look for things you like, and for the quality of an arrangement.

He 100% gets you a very fine watch for your birthday in a style you like, and buys a coordinating one for himself. He’s not gushy about it, but stick around and you will notice a pattern of paired gifts like that. ♥️ Gift him things he might be able to put on a desk (a home desk. home desk.) one day, like a high-quality compass made of brass. He’ll grin. Just watch carefully for it so you don’t miss it.

Mean...

(under the cut)

...Puppy-attracting machine.

He is the EXACT type of human that cheerful, dumb animals (like Itadori I KID, I ♥️ Yuji) gravitate toward. Make this man walk through a vet clinic or shelter or groomer’s and he is going to come out like he just katamari-ed a room of happy animals. He did NOT, he did not give them so much as a look, but they just love him and flock to him right away. They know he is good. They know he is not likely to break and give them pets but they have to TRY because they know it would feel like heaven if he so much as thought about it. 100% lets them cling as long as the clinging is not interfering with anything. He has a general soft spot for domesticated animals and feels responsible for them in a broad sense. Nanami would have a cat if he could.

So about that Mean...

Oh my god, he’s not mean, at all. He’s not suddenly much nicer or anything, but he’s not mean! He’s a pretty vanilla (PREMIUM vanilla) kind of guy, but he enjoys a good ass slap—giving, not getting, but if you’re close you can rub his butt and maybe give it a little love tap when he gets out of bed— and a modest amount of shibari (no suspension) for you both. He’s not a man that needs to shake out his stresses in his sex life in any way, he views them as distinct. When he’s with you, he’s with you, for both of you. ♥️

Buttttttttttttttt, if you ask him to wear some ropes under his clothing for the day, and he doesn’t have a reason to say no... he’ll give you a long, long look and then tilt his head toward the chest where you keep everything.

[dirtydoesgood]

On Your Knees

Title: On Your Knees Author: @kazesuke​ Fandom: Ikemen Vampire Character(s):  Comte de Saint-Germain, Female MC Rating: E- Explicit Warnings: Lots of smut, cock-warming, shibari, oral sex, dirty talk, doggy style, cunnilingus, body worship Prompt:  Kink Summary: 5 times she was on her knees for Comte and one time he gladly knelt for her.

1.

Comte sighed as he perused the many letters he received on a daily basis. Shifting a little, he felt the warmth of her mouth tighten momentarily around his cock. He stroked his fingers through her hair in silent apology for any discomfort but she hummed softly, sending a streak of pleasure along his hard cock.

Her legs had to be aching by now. She’d been beneath his desk for a long while and he still couldn’t believe how readily she’d agreed to go along with his request. Her hair whispered soft against his fingers as he stroked and pet, his cock swelling as she sucked gently. He gave a tug when it became too much and felt her shudder around him. Comte had already filed that little detail away for later.

He returned to his letters, groaning this time in irritation at the content, some request from a far off cousin who’d gotten into trouble with the locals <i>again</i>. Comte rocked his hips, replacing the frustration with pleasure, feeling the slide of his cock into her pretty little mouth. He moved slowly and lazily as he composed a reply in his head, his hips stopping to regain concentration while he wrote it. He chuckled softly at the disappointed whine from under the desk.

“Patience, ma chérie. I still have many more <i>frustrating</i> letters to reply to.” He groaned at her swallow of reply. “Naughty girl,” he added softly, eyes tracking across the page but his thoughts filled with her.

2.

Moonlight was beautiful, eternal like so few things were, bathing his beloved’s skin in cold brilliance. The rope, harmony in its difference, warm and heavy in his hands as he wove it around her body in intricate patterns he’d learnt over the many centuries. Pink blossomed across her skin, her chest heaving faster with each pull of the rope sliding against her slick pussy.

Comte tied the final knot, tracing the rope and watching her shiver. “Perfect,” he breathed. Comte hooked a finger beneath a length of rope and met her eyes, dark and warm, before he tugged. Pleasure suffused across her face and a moan tumbled past her trembling lips, the flood of pleasure clearly catching her by surprise. He kissed her cheek, a chaste press of her lips in complete contrast to the unrelenting tug of the rope in his hands. She moaned and trembled, back arching as she pushed her body closer to him.

He longed to touch her, certain in the knowledge she didn’t know just how much he tortured himself teasing her like this. Keeping his touches to the bare minimum, just a little stroke, a quick tug when all he wanted to do was drown in her night after night until he’d claimed all she had.

Comte drew back, settling his hands on her knees, her legs bound beneath her as he idly stroked patterns. Beautiful, she was so beautiful.

He ducked his head, tongue flicking across her nipple and drawing a quiet gasp before he took it into his mouth. He swirled his tongue, hot and wet around it, sucking and holding back his amusement when her hands jerked and dragged the rope against her sensitive pussy.

She’d soon learn.

3.

“Open your mouth.” The words settled into the quiet air of the room, his voice barely breaching the silence. She knelt before him, her cheeks flushing as those words registered. She slowly opened her mouth, watching his cock twitch in anticipation.

The rustle of his clothes sounded loud in comparison when he stepped closer, the tip of his cock rubbing against her tongue and then sliding into the wet warmth of her mouth. He couldn’t keep his eyes off her, holding her gaze.

She opened her mouth wider and something deep inside him flared with desire, but he held back, slid his hips forward and watched his cock disappear. Keeping absolutely still, her eyes slid shut with a soft moan that vibrated across his skin.

Comte rolled his hips, slow and deliberate, letting his cock slide in and out of her willing mouth until he rested the tip of his cock on her tongue. Wrapping his fingers around his cock, he began to stroke, feeling the pleasure rush through him. He groaned and shivered, setting a lazy pace while already imagining his come splattered across her tongue and slipping down her throat.

He breathed her name and her eyes fluttered open, the pure heat in her gaze enough to send him over the edge. Comte stroked hard and fast, coating her mouth with his come and watching flecks escape onto her skin. Her throat bobbed as she swallowed, moaning quietly at the taste.

4.

Comte did feel a little mean to bother her while she worked, but he knew scrubbing the floors was one of the more frustrating jobs she had to contend with. He crouched down behind her. “Chérie,” he murmured before placing a warm hand on her lower back, leaning his head on her shoulder.

“Comte, wha-?”

“I couldn’t help but stop to talk to you.” His fingers moved in comforting circles, slipping lower and skimming over her skirt before moving to places more innocent. “I know this is a very hard job, but I also know you enjoy being on your knees for me.”

He spoke in barely a whisper, not wishing for anyone else to hear his words to her. Comte chuckled at the pink that spread across her cheeks. “Just think of me, watching you clean, the way you work so hard, the sway of your body, enticing me to do things that will leave your cleaning the last thing on either of our minds. As much as I enjoy the view, I much prefer you spread beneath me.”

Comte nipped her earlobe, catching the sharp gasp of her breath before he got to his feet and straightened, patting her on the head. “Good work as always, I’m looking forward to dinner and dessert this evening.” When she turned to him, he gave her a soft smile but knew she would still see his passion for her. “Make sure Sebastian doesn’t keep you too late, hmm?”

She nodded and he turned, walking quickly away before he really did take her away from her task.

5.

His fingers dug into her hips, pulling her body back into him as his cock sank deep inside her. Her sweet cry filled his ears and he hid his satisfied groan in her shoulder. Comte draped across her back, feeling every inch of her, warm and soft. Her hips rocked back, meeting his hips with each thrust, her moans muffled into his pillows.

“Ah - chérie-” he groaned. “You feel wonderful.”

Her skin felt warm beneath his palm as he cupped her breast and squeezed. His fingers slipped to her nipple, pinching and twisting while she bounced slow and steady against his hips. Comte groaned into her skin, nuzzling into her skin and inhaling deeply. The sweetness of her filled his nose and the thrum of her pulse called like a siren in the night.

She couldn’t know how she truly enticed him every moment of every day. He pinched harder, desperate to sink his fangs into her, desperate to bite with teeth alone, but he didn’t trust himself. Instead, Comte tugged and twisted mercilessly, feeling her squeeze tightly around his cock, drawing him in. “Beautiful girl, wonderful girl,” he whispered into her skin, fingers slipping to her wet and swollen clit.

She trembled beneath the touch to her sensitive bundle of nerves as he stroked with each hard thrust. Her pussy tightened, squeezing and fluttering with pleasure that he felt shake her smaller frame.

“Come for me.” He spoke the words against her ear and felt her body give in.

Her pussy squeezed hard and he barely managed a few more thrusts into her exquisite heat before he tumbled over the edge right alongside her. Comte spilt every last drop into her greedy pussy even while her voice pitched higher as she became more sensitive.

Comte finally stilled, buried inside her and panting softly. He pressed soft kisses to every patch of her he could reach, hearing her soft sighs of contentment. “I hope I didn’t go too hard,” he hummed, unable to resist teasing her.

He saw her blush as she huffed softly. “No, you didn’t, I’m fine.”

He chuckled and her body squeezed in protest, a soft gasp escaping her “No? Then I’ll have to try harder.”

Sebastian would have to forgive him. His excellent butler would be without help tomorrow.

+1.

He could drown in the fire of her eyes. She sat tall and proud on the bed, her stocking-clad foot resting on his thigh. So close. Not close enough.

She smiled sweetly but a not-so-innocent edge he never saw in the daylight tugged at the edges of it. Sometimes Comte wondered if he dreamed it.

Her fingers, still soft and delicate despite all the work she did for them, settled beneath his chin and tipped his head. Their gazes met and he surprised even himself by blushing. Comte worshipped her, showered her with gifts every opportunity he got, liked to fluster her at every turn, and yet….

Truly a goddess. A bright spot in a house of darkness and second chances. He’d be jealous, if not for the fact that she’d been gracious enough to choose his bed and his company to share.

Her thumb brushed electric across his cheek bone, feeling the heat beneath it. “Keep your eyes on me.”

Comte always had, ever since he’d first seen her in the Louvre. He’d found himself unable to take his eyes off her.

“Yes, Mistress.”

She smiled, hiding her blush in her movement and the rustle of her negligee, drawing his attention as her legs parted. The thin, gauzy fabric fell away, revealing the glistening lips of her pussy.

Her fingers grasped tightly in his hair and she dragged him forward. Comte moaned when she pressed him close and he immediately began to lick and suck. She tasted heavenly, her essence sweet on his tongue as he licked and swallowed her juices like a man starved. His cock ached and bobbed eagerly between his legs but just as he enjoyed teasing her, well, she liked to pay him back.

She moaned above him, sighing in pleasure, dragging him up to her clit. Comte teased and traced the bundle of nerves, knowing she drew closer and closer to her orgasm. Her fingers teased through his dishevelled hair, tugging lightly on the strands as her thighs trembled.

Her hips rocked and she pressed him impossibly close, used his mouth as if he had no say in the matter, and he felt all too happy to worship her in any way she pleased. He devoured her, her thighs pressing tight when he heard her tumble over the edge, only stopping when she dragged him away from her slick skin.

Comte groaned softly in disappointment but her flushed face soon filled the void. “Patience, naughty boy.” And he shivered as she turned the familiar nickname back on him. “We’ve barely begun.”

To the commissioner:

I hope you really enjoy this, I had a looot of fun writing it! Thank you for commissioning us <3

[ikevamp-holiday-exchange]

to: @kazesuke​ from: amafurase 

------

Reimi woke up later than usual today. She didn't hear the normal hustle and bustle of the residents this morning. "Guess I missed helping out with breakfast, huh?" she thought. Strolling into the kitchen, Sebastian had already started working on the peanut butter sandwiches for lunch. "Do you need any help?" "Not at the moment, but Leonardo wanted to see if you could assist him in tidying up his desk a bit. Apparently Lumiere accidentally knocked over a stack of papers earlier." Taking that familiar walk down the hallway, she pauses in front of his room. She feels the heat rise in her cheeks when she remembers the things they've done together in here. Knock. No answer.    "Leonardo?" Still nothing. Turning the knob, she takes a peek in. "Guess he stepped out for a bit." Looking around, nothing really looked out of place. For Leonardo's standards at least. Except one thing. There was a envelope on his desk, atop his usual mess of papers and notebooks.    For Reimi, it says. Gently tearing off his embellished "D" on the back, she unfolds the letter.    To anyone else, it probably looks like random scribbles, like complete gibberish. To her though, she knows his secret...

[slbp-secret-cupid]

Longing

Pairing: Kansuke/MC Characters: Kansuke, Shingen and MC Rating: E Words: 2003 Summary: The warmth of her hand in his still lingered on his skin. By all accounts he knew that to be ridiculous and impossible. Yet he still felt the weight of her gentle hand.

Author’s Note ( @kazesuke ): Written for @jojobah526 on tumblr for the slbp-secret-cupid exchange! 

I hope you enjoy this, it was great to get a chance to write Kansuke!!

AO3 link

The warmth of her hand in his still lingered on his skin. By all accounts he knew that to be ridiculous and impossible. Yet he still felt the weight of her gentle hand.

It shouldn’t have surprised him but her fingers had their own callouses. Where his came from fighting and protecting Harunobu, hers came from cooking and knives held too tightly or too long as she chopped and seasoned their every meal.

The blush hadn’t once left her cheeks all the way home and he had been glad for it. It appeared quite striking on her. His hands worked on medicine but his mind wandered to her in other shades of pink. Kimono or rouge or maybe nothing at all.

Heat stole across his cheeks and he refocused on the task at hand. He shouldn’t be thinking such ridiculous thoughts - not right now, at least. Even if he’d told her that her affairs were often on his mind. He didn’t need to think of those sorts of affairs.

Certainly not when the most that had been bestowed upon them was the warmth of each other’s hands.

He’d wanted to kiss her.

He wanted to kiss her until the pink stain of her blush became almost permanent, until she pulled him to her.

A shake of his head again and he finished the medicine, preparing it for Harunobu. If he hurried then it would likely coincide with a cup of tea.

It did, as it happened. He stepped into the room on shadows but she soon noticed his presence and turned to him with a flash of surprise before warmth stole across her expression and she smiled.

His eyes quickly turned to his lord and he offered the medicine in his hands. “You should take it now.” His tone firm, it left no room for argument as always.

“Exactly! Here’s your tea, Lord Shingen.”

Harunobu only laughed and Kansuke failed to see what he found quite so amusing but his lord grinned widely and took the medicine without issue - chasing it down with some tea.

“Thanks, both of you. What am I going to do with such eager nurses?” He laughed again and Kansuke still didn’t think it warranted that amount of amusement. But a lovely blush settled on her cheeks as she flustered and protested that she’d only brought him tea and really Kansuke had done all the work.

He’d have called it jealousy but he also knew he loved and cared for Harunobu too much to feel that. And yet a little something spiked through him that someone else had made her blush.

Hmmm.

She soon excused herself, promising to bring kinako mochi for Harunobu.

“You’ve always been a cautious one, huh Kansuke?” Harunobu spoke it like a question but it wasn’t. “You should live a little. Consider it an order.”

Kansuke understood the amusement in that at least and a little huff of laughter escaped him. “Yes, Harunobu.”

He found her at the end of the day when dinner had long finished and the sky had long darkened. He found her out on the veranda, the moon casting softly over her features.

Kansuke had never had many thoughts about the moon but in that moment nothing but gratefulness filled him.

He sat down beside her and she offered him tea as though she had known he’d come. Maybe Harunobu had said something to her too.

“Lord Shingen mentioned having two cups ready this evening. Did you need something, Lord Kansuke?”

He needed her.

The warm smile and the soft glow illuminating her only cemented that further.  He longed to sit with her and yet the cold had crept in to Kai, even more so than when he’d held her hand.

“You.” No gentle reminder of the weather slipped past his lips but, instead, the unaltered truth. “I need you.”

Confusion crossed her face for a moment. The answer probably sounded odd. She’d already guessed he needed her, just not in how he had meant it. Her gaze slipped from his but he caught the blaze of red that decorated her cheeks.

He reached out for her, far more intimately than he had dared before, and cupped her cheek, turning her face to him.

Whilst pink had been striking, the deep red sent fire to his belly and he pulled her closer.

He knew logically that people didn’t taste of anything, yet she intoxicated him from the first press of lips. A surprised noise slipped from her throat and he greedily took it.

Kansuke’s fingers slipped into silky strands, her hair loose after a long day’s work. She moaned and panted against his lips as she reciprocated and claimed him more fiercely than he’d thought she would.

He groaned softly, a quiet noise that even she would have barely heard, as he thrust his tongue into her mouth. Kansuke quickly realised just how intoxicating she had become and he soon found her beneath him. Her hair splayed across the wooden boards of the veranda, her expression slightly dazed but wanting before he pressed his lips to the soft, delicate skin of her throat.

He kissed and licked and did whatever it took to draw the sweet sounds she breathed from her lips. Part of him felt satisfied in that alone.

But he still didn’t fail to hear the footsteps. Probably she had. Not yet at any rate.

Kansuke regretfully drew back. “It’s particularly cold this evening, perhaps we should retire?” He studied her for the slightest glint of hesitation in her expression.

Only a beat of trepidation passed before she found her resolve and nodded.

The short distance from the edge of the veranda to her room became a whirlwind of tea, cups and stolen looks. The door bumped a little against the wood frame as it closed just in time for measured steps to pass by her room.

The silhouette of some retainer that she would probably recognise but could not name passed by. He turned to her with a little smile and she let out a breath she’d been holding.

Adorable.

Kansuke kissed her again before she could say anything. All his life, restraint had been something he’d always had, but around her it scattered to the winds. Especially now their confession had been made mutual.

He settled himself between her thighs, pushing her back on to her already made futon, peeling away the coat she’d thought to settle on her shoulders. His mouth returned to her neck, groaning against her skin as he felt the unabashed hammering of her pulse.

She gasped as he slid his hand into her collar and he realised too late his hands must be cold. But the jump of her hips told him that maybe she didn’t care so much about the temperature. “I’m sorry, I suppose my hands are cold,” he apologised all the same.

She shook her head. “It’s fine.” Her tone sounded breathless and that spattering of pink had returned to her cheeks.

He choose not to mention it further as he pinched and tugged her peaked nipple. Her body as soft as he’d imagined.

“K - Kansuke-” she moaned his name and he had to claim her lips again. Her hands feverishly reached for the deep plum clothes he always wore and between the two of them it took them barely any time at all to strip away everything but his fundoshi.

His fingers tangled in her hair as he settled his weight on her just a little more. He desperately claimed and re-claimed her lips, barely giving her so much as a gulped lungful of air.

Her sleeping kimono had ridden up her thighs, her wet centre pressed to his bulging cock, and he felt the tremors and shudders intimately.

The noises against his lips would stay with him for the rest of his life - he knew that - as her voice climbed higher and higher and the rhythm of her hips faltered and trembled with ecstasy.

She came apart like the bursting of a thousand stars but twice as beautiful. She panted against his lips because he’d had to let them go to scour her face, to take in every twitch of pleasure and trace of lust that showed on her features.

Every expression appeared so easily on her face and he’d never found one more fascinating. His thumb traced her blush as her gaze locked onto him. Her blush deepened and she reached for his face, tracing his lips.

“I like it the most when you smile, Kansuke.” Heat blazed across his own cheeks, surely deep enough to match hers. Kansuke knew he smiled rarely but he couldn’t help himself around her.

It almost hurt when she brought smiles to his lips but the pain meant nothing compared to the way her eyes lit up. She laughed at his blush, at him, but it could never upset him.

He kissed her lightly on the lips and sat up to untie her belt and push the sleeping kimono open. Her legs were already splayed, each delicate leg hooked over each of his thighs and her pussy glistening enticingly.

She didn’t blush so much at his intense gaze because when he looked to her face, her gaze had wandered from his, taking in every inch of him and, undoubtedly, cataloguing the scars that littered his chest. Her eyes slipped lower and lower until surely she could tell just how much he desired her.

The slash of red and her eyes snapping up to his only confirmed it. He felt more aware of the smile he gave her this time. Soft and reassuring.

The one she gave him back looked as reassuring as he’d hoped his own had been so he supposed it had been successful. His fingers made quick work of his own fundoshi and surely the both of them were blushing before he moved over her again.

The skin on skin contact had his hips moving as he pressed light kisses to her lips before trailing down her neck. She breathed his name and his pace only increased.

Her release had all but glistened in the low light and he could feel the easy glide as he rubbed against her pussy - warm and wet against him.

She shivered and moaned beneath him, writhing and hips bucking again as the head of his cock rubbed and bumped against her already sensitive clit. “Good… You feel good,” he whispered into her skin, mouth moving to hers again. He wanted to see her come undone one more time beneath him.

She cupped his face, pulling him closer and he shuddered out a breath as their foreheads touched and she breathed his name against his lips. He could barely keep the slow but steady pace he’d started but her soft smile told him enough.

He let go, watching her as his hips sped up, grinding against her wet pussy. Shuddering breaths were all that left him, a deeper groan settling in his chest when she hooked her leg over his hip and dug her heel into his ass.

He spilt warm and thick across her stomach, her surprised gasp ending on a moan as she trembled and pulsed beneath him, pushing the last spurts of come from his dick.

Kansuke nuzzled into her hair as his body shivered with pleasure. Their chests heaved together, pulling and pushing in unison, hearts hammering as if trying to seek a home in the other’s chest.

He thought about moving but then she pulled him closer, down into the warmth of her embrace and he found he didn’t care about the mess. “I’m not too heavy?”

“No, it’s perfect.” He sunk into her, pressing a kiss to her forehead and breathing out everything he’d ever held in on a soft breath.

The stickiness and messy reality could wait at least a few hours or at most until morning as he basked in the afterglow, just as warm as the smiles she bestowed on him and only him.

[ikemenlibrary]

ikemen vampire gift exchange masterlist

I just wanted to thank all the participants in my event for helping me bring this idea to life. I had an absolute blast getting to know each and every one of you and I’m so happy with how the event turned out! 

(p.s. I think I've gotten everything on here, but please let me know if anything has been forgotten)

Immortelle | Comte de Saint Germain x F!Reader - by @readerinsertfanfiction for @ikemenlibrary​

In Another Life | Napoleon Bonaparte x Arthur Wellesley (Duke Wellington)  - by @readerinsertfanfiction for @batteryrose

Quiet Bliss | Leonardo x Sunny (OC) - by @batteryrose for @saeyoungs-sunflower

You Only Have To Ask | Leonardo x MC - by @saeyoungs-sunflower for @aquagirl1978

Dear Diary | Comte de St. German x Reader x Vlad - by @aquagirl1978 for @tiny-wooden-robot​​

A Vampire’s Love | Le Comte de Saint Germain x Female Reader - by @tiny-wooden-robot for @ikemenlibrary

Entre Espoire et Peur | Theodorus van Gogh x Female Reader - by @tiny-wooden-robot for @ikehoe

My Promise To You | Arthur x MC - by @ikehoe for @toloveawarlord

As Deep as the Ocean | Mozart x reader - by @toloveawarlord​ for @efie-oshita​

Ta Chérie | Ikemen Vampire MC x Comte - by @efie-oshita​ for @ikemenlibrary​

And Like a Flower, This Love Blossoms | Vlad x Anya (OC) - by @ikemenlibrary for @readerinsertfanfiction​

Escape | Comte x MC - by @nad-zeta for @ikemenlibrary

First Impressions | Theo x MC - by @nad-zeta for @dear-mrs-otome

Misunderstandings | Theo x MC - by @nad-zeta for @dear-mrs-otome

Verlangen | Theo x MC - by @nad-zeta for @dear-mrs-otome

A Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing | Theo/Female MC - by @dear-mrs-otome​ for @princessranran​

Double Trouble | Comte x Leonardo x MC - by @princessranran​ for @kazesuke​

Comte/MC mutual pining Leonardo fan fiction | by @kazesuke for @chaosangel767

One More Month | MC x Comte - by @chaosangel767​ for @crystal13unny​

Charles-Henri NSFW Fanfiction - by @crystal13unny​ for @daegupaksu​

Jean art - by @daegupaksu for @weird-profiterole

Chibi Jean x MC art - by @weird-profiterole for @atelier-maroron

William Shakespapa: Family Man (Part 1) | Shakespeare x Reader - by @atelier-maroron​ for @ikesimp100​

William Shakespeare x Ihana art - by @ikesimp100 for @devildomwritersposts

Stardust & Starlight | Shakespeare x MC/Reader - by @nad-zeta​ and @readerinsertfanfiction​ for @littlewitty​

Orpheus and Eurydice | Arthur x MC - by @littlewitty for @aminiatureworld

Harmony | Mozart x MC - by @aminiatureworld​ for @bluejay-writes​

Writer’s Block | Shakespeare x Vincent - by @bluejay-writes​ for @ikeromantic​

Arpeggio | Mozart x Penélope (OC) - by @ikeromantic​ for @ifeelredandblue​

Vincent, Arthur, and Theo art - by @ifeelredandblue​ for @tacogawa​

Arthur x MC art - by @tacogawa​ for @rubird--playsotome​

Napoleon x MC art - by @rubird--playsotome for @iphigeniainaulis

How do I love you? | Napoleon x F!MC - by @iphigeniainaulis​ for @xxsycamore​

Dirty Dance For Three | Arthur x Isaac x MC - by @xxsycamore​ for @scummy-writes​

University AU | Theo x Zeta (OC) - by @scummy-writes for @nad-zeta

Something More Beautiful Than Words | Arthur x Mary Ellen (Reader) - by @ikemenlibrary for @rhodolitesroseforclavis

[dear-mrs-otome]

Do you have any recommendations for some filthy Theo Smut 👀👀 I need more, I'm thirst af for him

Ahhhh, Nonny, aren't we all? What right does he have being that hot?? 🔥

As for smut fics, I'll admit I'm terrible about digging around for them. But I will point you in the direction of @janumun @rokutouxei and @kazesuke - they are all guaranteed to deliver you the delectable spicy goods and I know they've got some Theo in their catalogues, just check their master lists. Believe me, I still think about their works on the regular. You won't be disappointed. 😘

And if any of my followers has a favorite to recommend, please send or reply with it and I'll share!

[aaviav]

@kazesuke knows where it’s at and requested Lucifer, tysm for the commission! ♥ i got carried away a lil bit, but drawing best bois is always such a blast hahah ヽ( ★ ヮ ★)ノ

[kazesuke]

Commissions

Hey all just to let you know I've opened up commissions for spicy monsterloving on vgen! 😘🤤💦

[ikevampbigbang]

Ikemen Vampire Big Bang

Hi all! 

Thanks to everyone that filled out the survey posted by Mod Kaze (@kazesuke) who will be joined by Mod Megs (@savourthelittlethings) to bring you all Ikemen Vampire Big Bang!

 After looking at the results of the survey, this is what we’ve decided for the big bang! 

The minimum word count will be 10,000 words. Each fic will be assigned one artist to do one full piece of art (lined and coloured) - this was only just the majority but will be easier to co-ordinate for our first year as we have no idea how many people will sign up!

You can find the schedule on the side bar or below the read more if you’re on mobile.

The results for posting were pretty mixed so we’ll consult with participants about what they prefer :)

SCHEDULE WRITER SIGN-UPS: 1 AUG (SAT) – 6 SEPT (SUN)  BETA SIGN UP: ALWAYS OPEN    WRITER CHECKPOINTS --- >> SUN 20 SEPT: WRITER CHECKPOINT #1 >> SUN 11 OCT: WRITER CHECKPOINT #2 >> SUN 01 NOV: WRITER CHECKPOINT #3 >> WEDS 11 NOV: SUMMARIES + ROUGH DRAFTS DUE BY  11 NOV (WEDS) - FINAL DROP DATE - WRITERS  19 NOV (THURS) - CLAIM PREVIEWS  21 NOV (SAT) - 27 NOV (FRI) ARTIST CLAIMS --- 30 NOV (MON) - ARTIST ASSIGNMENTS + PINCH HITS --- ARTIST CHECKPOINTS --- >> SUN 13 DEC: ARTIST CHECKPOINT #1 >> SUN 03 JAN: ARTIST CHECKPOINT #2 >> SUN 17 JAN: ARTIST CHECK-POINT #3 17 JAN (SUN) - FINAL DROP DATE - ARTISTS  24 JAN (SUN) - POST TIME CLAIMS  31 JAN (SUN) - FINAL WRITER AND ARTIST CHECKPOINT  07 FEB (SUN) - ARTIST PREVIEW DEADLINE 08 FEB (MON) - POSTING - START!!

[pseudofaux]

thank you for all your Dazai posts, I love him so much and you write for him so well 😭 there’s just not even Dazai content around! I can’t wait until we FINALLY get his route in the Eng version. Thanks again <3

Aww, hey, thank you! You’re welcome! I am scratching my own itch when people ask for him, so don’t give me too much credit.

(｡>‿<｡ ) ♡♡

I am also READYYYYY for his English route! I’m hoping that when he’s more widely available there will be a creative surge around the character and we’ll all get more canon and more delicious fan content. Fingers crossed! This beautiful soft sadsack needs love real bad! (And I need more Bunta, never ever ever enough Bunta.)

You may have already enjoyed all these, but here are some of my favorite Dazais, in case you need to scratch your itch for that beautiful sadvamp, too siiiiiiigh:

anng 1 (annnnd 2, and also 3, which is one of my favorite pieces of art EVER)

Beni

cee’s sneakily, softly devastating Christmas scene *clutches chest*

kazesuke (this is my favorite Dazai fic and every time I so much as think about it I grin so dumb and big I feel like I should hide my face)

primeveras

Sara’s timestamp (soffffffffffffft)

Vaiva

Shrimpi posted a beautiful Dazai piece I would love to link to but it looks like she’s set sail for One Piece and taken down her otome art (BUMMER 4 THE WORLD, but I want to mention her because her work is really 💜💜💜 and she is so great!).

[dirtydoesgood]

Title: Voice of Desire

Author: @kazesuke​ Fandom: Ikemen Vampire Character(s): Isaac Newton, Female MC Rating:  E - Explicit Warnings: Frottage, Roommate AU

Prompt:  Aroused By His/Her Voice Summary: Pining after his roommate was bad enough but getting turned on by her voice was pure torture. 

Getting a roommate had been a solid, logical idea for Isaac. The place was plenty big enough for two and while he could afford it by himself, it didn’t hurt to have someone ease the financial burden. Between teaching and studying, he barely spent any time at home anyway; even when he did, he just hid in his room and marked papers.

Or, at least, things had started out that way.

“Isaac?” His name on her lips sent goosebumps prickling along his skin and heat rushing through his body. Why did her voice have to sound so wonderful?

“What?” He sounded more irritated than he’d meant to, but he could already feel himself heating up and it made him jumpy.

“Sorry, I just thought something might be wrong, you’ve been in your room all evening. I made apple pie?”

He scowled at the wall, imagining Arthur’s face. Bastard, bringing up apples on a visit to his ‘old uni mate’. Just see if Isaac ever let him over the threshold again.

“Thank you, I’ll be out in a moment.”

Somehow, she’d become somewhat irreplaceable in his life. Even if he’d not really needed a roommate in the first place.

Not long after moving in, she’d enticed him out with food. With his stomach grumbling ungratefully about how lunch had been 8 hours ago and that the last three papers could wait, he couldn’t refuse. She offered him food and he supposed it was down to how loud his stomach had been.

But then she offered to cook for him more often, that if they split the groceries she wouldn’t mind doing the cooking. Isaac couldn’t be quite sure what she got out of it, but it seemed like a good deal - certainly cheaper and better than eating out all the time - so he’d accepted the idea.

She had looked happy that he accepted. Maybe she was stranger than her application had implied.

Next thing he knew, she had taken an interest in his work?! He hadn’t expected or anticipated that, why on Earth she would be interested in talking to him? Boring, old Newt. That was him.

Now….

He sighed and slumped back against his seat, trying to steady his breathing. Now, his heart squeezed every time she smiled at him and the sound of her voice sent blood rushing to places that no voice alone should awaken.

He could feel himself already half hard and desperately turned his thoughts to the physics papers he had to grade; yes, boring and tedious work. So much more interesting if she sat in his lap and…

Isaac groaned and shot to his feet. Blast it. He adjusted himself with meticulous attention and desperately thought of physics before heading into the kitchen.

“Thanks,” he murmured when she placed a slice down before him and she joined him with a happy sigh on her first bite.

Torture! He cursed whatever he’d done in a past life to have this beautiful woman and her enticing voice be his roommate, who he dare not ask out in case it make things awkward. “I - It’s delicious!” He tried to cover up her noises of approval with the sound of his own voice.

Her face lit up in the brightest smile and Isaac’s heart squeezed so hard he momentarily panicked that something was wrong with him. But no, just a lovesick fool. “Thanks! It has a different kind of crust to the one I usually make, I was worried it was a bit crumbly but, well, if you like it Isaac, then I’m glad.”

The faint pink to her cheeks went completely unnoticed by Isaac. He nodded and relaxed at the sense of normalcy, thankful that this kind of conversation brought about no odd reactions.

“Actually, Isaac? There was something I wanted to ask you.”

He watched her push a piece of apple around her plate and avoid his gaze as she drew in a deep breath. Isaac knew that look all too well but wasn’t sure what she could be so nervous about. “Yeah, go ahead.” He gave a gentle nudge and waited for her to continue.

“I’m sure it’s overstepping a million boundaries and if you want me to move out after this then I understand and that’s fine I can hand in my notice but I mean, that is, I really like you. I - I love living with you but I can’t stand how close you are but we’re not -”

Her rambling had started to frustrate him, wishing she’d just get to the point. Yet when she did, every function in his brain suddenly froze, hanging and waiting for something to restart.

When his brain finally kicked back into gear, he leant across the table and kissed her. Vaguely, he knew he was rude to cut her off like that. Maybe he’d even misheard her. But nonetheless every ounce of feeling he’d ever had for her, he poured into the kiss as he tried to convey just what she meant to him.

She kissed him back, her fork clattering onto the plate as she shivered and eagerly returned his clumsy kiss. The table wedged between them, they were soon forced apart, staring at each other’s flushed faces, chests heaving for breath.

“You feel the same?”

“We- well of course, I do! It’s not as if I would kiss you if I didn’t. What kind of man do you take me for?” The words still came out harsher than he meant but she only laughed. Heat blazed across his cheeks. “Why are you laughing?”

“I’m sorry, you’re just so cute.” He’d usually be mad about being called cute, but she smiled so sweetly and so happily at him that the words stuck in his throat.

“I’ll show you cute,” he muttered, shooting to his feet and taking her hand. Isaac pulled her to her feet and towards his room. She giggled and followed along but he still paused at the door. “If - if you want.”

She reached behind him and opened the door, walking them both inside. Once over the threshold, he took her lips and walked backwards to his bed until it bumped the back of his legs. “I want to hear you,” Isaac mumbled, sitting down heavily and pulling her into his lap.

He kissed her neck, groaning when she breathed his name and feeling his cock ache for her. Isaac’s hands settled on her waist, holding her close and kissing every patch of skin he could reach.

His fingers slipped beneath the hem of her top, her skin warm and soft as he nipped her neck, finding anywhere sensitive. Isaac wanted to learn everything new he could about her. When a shudder trickled down her spine, he teased the point insistently, making her moan and squirm in his lap.

Isaac’s hands drifted higher, thanking the Gods he’d never believed in for having a bra clasp at the front. He teased and tugged at it, waiting to see if she’d deny him and when she didn’t, he tugged it open, pushing her top up to expose her breasts.

He licked and teased her nipple with a contented sigh, fingers twisting and pinching the other until she tugged him closer. Isaac groaned at the tight grip she had on his hair, her moans filling him with warmth and desire for her. Her skin felt so much softer than he could’ve imagined and new sounds escaped her that not even his filthiest dreams had held a candle too.

“Y - You sound wonderful-” The words tumbled out, murmured against damp skin and making heat race across both their cheeks as he bucked up. She pressed down to meet him, grinding hard and fast while she tipped his head and took his lips. And he let her.

Isaac happily gave into her even if it took the sweet notes of her voice away from him, but she devoured his mouth like she’d craved him for so long and he’d been out of reach.

Oh…

Perhaps she’d wanted this just as much and he’d been too blind to see it. More than likely. He often missed this sort of thing, especially when blindsided by his own single-mindedness. Isaac whined into the kiss, hands settling on her hips and holding her steady as he rocked up against her, desperately seeking more of that bright light she brought to every room.

She bit down on the swell of his lip, tugging playfully, and something in him snapped. Isaac came undone and fell apart at her mercy. Heat stole bright across his cheeks as the friction between them made him pulse and spill, her eyes widening in surprise and a hint of fascination.

He trembled and moaned her name, burying into her chest to hide the shame of his sudden completion as he gulped down deep breaths. “Sorry - I’m sorry, I just-”

Isaac stopped abruptly when she nuzzled his hair and stroked her fingers through it. “It’s ok,” Her hips slowly rocked against his and he bit back a whimper. He felt so sensitive. “But… would you help me?”

“Yes-!” he breathed the word and pushed her down on the bed, hands eagerly pulling and tugging until her jeans ended up on the floor somewhere. Her underwear struggled to hold on to one slender ankle. Embarrassment and desperation warred with one another as he settled between her legs, pushing them open to fit his mouth against her.

Isaac licked tentatively, running his tongue along her wet folds and tasting her with a soft groan. He spread her lips, teasing her clit and feeling her writhe beneath him, growing wetter against his tongue. The sheet scrunched beneath her clenched fists when he kissed her clit and sucked gently on it. Isaac accompanied it with quick flicks of his tongue that had her hips bucking as she sought every ounce of pleasure from his mouth.

Her thighs trembled and her moans pitched higher, falling apart beneath him to the most beautiful sounds that had him half hard again. She truly had no idea what her voice could do to him. Isaac placed soft kisses to her belly, idly stroking her warm skin and marvelling at the sheer fact that he could touch.

“You have no idea what you do to me…” he mumbled, pressing a chaste kiss to her ribs.

“What?”

Isaac’s head shot up, his gaze not meeting hers as he watched his fingers trace random patterns. “I - I said I should shower and…. do some laundry.” The last three words sounded muffled, like they had gotten stuck in his mouth, followed by her stifled giggle. “You should too! Join me - that is, if you like?”

She gave a shy nod. “That sounds good, Isaac.” He bit back a groan at his name on her lips. How would he ever survive?

“Yeah… it does.”

Like what you just read? Want to see one of our authors tackle a character you love, all while supporting a great cause? Consider commissioning our group in our February charity drive, or just spread the word if you can with a reblog!

[ikevampzine]

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS!

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[slbp-secret-cupid]

The Good Student

Dear @kazesuke, I heard you like fluff! Here’s a theme park sized bag of cotton candy! Starring Yoshichi! Thank you for being an awesome part of the fandom!

For Yoshichi, a trip to the capital proves to be a valuable learning experience in the art of love. Especially when he finds an unlikely tutor. But will the prize he eyes land him in hot water instead?  

“Why are you always so loud when we go to the capital?”

“Because we don’t get to come here very often!” Yoshichi’s eyes sparkled like precious gems as he peered around at anything and everything that caught his attention. “There’s so many pretty girls here too!”

“We aren’t going to be here that long…” Kagetsugu pointed out stoically.

“But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try, does it? I always stay cooped up in the castle and I’ll never meet a girl there! I don’t want to be a bachelor forever!” The whine in his voice aged him significantly as they walked down the street.

“You do have a point there. But even if you find one willing to talk to you, there’s no way you could charm your way into her skirts.” Kageie teased him before a sour voice chided them all from behind.

“Need I remind all of you we are here on official business as representing the Uesugi clan?” A reflexive flinch across the board.

“Now, now Kanetsugu. Yoshichi does have a point. He isn’t going to be our bright-eyed little brother forever! He could do with some practice.” Lord Kenshin cut in with his approval much to Kanetsugu’s chagrin.

“Need I remind YOU why we are here?” He glared at his liege lord with no less harshness than he would a common samurai among their ranks.

“Yes, yes. Official summons and all that. But all work and no play makes Kenshin a dull boy, would you not agree?” He gave his right hand a winning grin. All it got him was a deeper scowl.

“If left to your own devices it would be all play and no work makes Kanetsugu prematurely grey.” With one hand firmly affixed to Kenshin’s collar he started marching down the road again.

“Sounds like Kanetsugu needs to have a little fun while we’re here.” Even though Kageie whispered to Kagetsugu directly, his snide remark wasn’t missed.

“I HEARD THAT!”

Once they were finished attending lord Kenshin for the day, the trio decided to go to one of Kyoto’s famous restaurants. It was clear from Yoshichi’s slouch and disinterested stare he wasn’t enjoying himself.

“Are you still thinking about getting a girl?” Kagetsugu poked Yoshichi in the forehead until he was sitting straight.

“Yeah…” Yoshichi immediately slumped down again. “How am I ever supposed to practice if there’s no girls around to practice on? Now’s the perfect time!”

“So go do it?” Kageie lounged lazily on his side eating dango.

“Easier said than done!” He dramatically lamented as he got to his feet. Suddenly, one foot was out from under him and he was falling to the floor.

“First, catch them off guard.” Kageie’s delivery was completely deadpan as he held Yoshichi mid fall.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to go around tripping people to get their attention…” Yoshichi was stiff and awkward as a board in Kageie’s arms. Meanwhile, Kagetsugu snickered in the background.

“Once you have their attention, you go in for the kiss…” Kageie gave Yoshichi an alluring look.

“No way, Kakki!” Yoshichi flailed trying to get free as he guarded his mouth with both hands.  Kageie held him fast in order to deliver his last piece of advice.

“If they don’t respond the way you want, drop them.” Thunk! Yoshichi was immediately sprawled out on the floor. Kagetsugu could barely contain his laughter as Kageie returned to his lounging.

“Is that really how it’s done?” His beseeching voice and pleading eyes made Kagetsugu stop laughing.

“Absolutely.” His face was a picture of seriousness.

“Then I guess I should go give it a try…” Yoshichi was visibly uncomfortable as he left, fidgeting at his sleeves.

“You don’t actually think he’s dumb enough to try that, do you?” Kageie shrugged the one arm he wasn’t learning on.

“If he is, whatever happens is his own fault.” Kagetsugu missed in agreement.

Outside, Yoshichi chewed on his lip and wiped his sweaty palms on his hakama. He looked around trying to figure whose attention he could “catch” and when.

“If you are so nervous as to the consequences, perhaps you should reconsider what you are thinking of doing.” A stern voice made Yoshichi jump so high he hit his head on the low hanging eaves.

“Owe… owe… owe…” He deflated as he gingerly rubbed his head. “Was it really so obvious how pathetic I am?” He turned to the source of the voice, coming face to face with an older samurai. One eye brow was quirked slightly above emerald eyes.

“What makes you say such a thing?” His expression took on an unreadable state.

“My friends gave me advice about how to get a nice girl, but I couldn’t even bring myself to follow it!” His gaze sank to the ground making his shoulders slump even more. A low chuckle made him feel even worse.

“Is that what this is about?” He pushed Yoshichi upright again. “I have a bit of experience in that regard. Perhaps I can expound on their advice?” The tension seemed to leave the young samurai as a smile forged across his face.

“Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“Not at all! We can talk about this over dinner.” The older samurai placed a gentle hand on Yoshichi’s shoulder to pull him out of his deep bow.

“What sort of advice did your friends give you?"  The older samurai, who introduced himself as Kagetsuna, gave Yoshichi a kind smile to urge him on.

"That I should catch them off guard by tripping them. Then go in for a kiss. If they don’t respond how I like I should drop them.” Kagetsuna choked and coughed on the smoke from his kiseru.

“Please tell me you didn’t think that was sound relationship advice.” All formality in Kagetsuna seemed to evaporate as his bangs fell in his face from coughing.

“Well no. But I didn’t have anything else to go on. So… I thought I’d give it a try.” The look on Kagetsuna’s face made Yoshichi whither into his cushion.

“My first piece of advice is to reconsider who you call your friends…” He pinched the bridge of his nose as he said so. After a deep sigh, he continued. “Do you have an idea of the type of person you’d like to be with?”

Yoshichi gave it careful thought before answering. “Someone my age with a kind heart. Where I’m from we’re very close to the people. They’re very important to my lord. So, they’d need to be willing to ensure our people are cared for. And someone strong… Oh! And good with kids! I have a niece you see. Oh! But it would be nice if they spoil me sometimes so I could spoil them back!” He gushed like a mountain spring until a soft chuckle made him stop. With pink cheeks he went on bashfully. “Sorry.”

“It’s good to know exactly what you like. The best place to meet someone like that is among the people. If you’re looking for a young lady from Kyoto, I suggest you avoid the parts of town where visitors frequent.” After saying as much, Kagetsuna went on to point out parts of town to avoid.

“What should I do if I find someone I like though?” The young samurai was fraught with anxiety again. Kagetsuna was convinced he would fray the hem of his sleeves before long.

“Take them by surprise… with a compliment.” He emphasized the last word with a pointed look. “Avoid superficial compliments. If you enjoy her kindness, compliment her on something nice she did.”

“Right!” He nodded earnestly. “Once I have their attention, what do I do?”

“Ask for their name?” Kagetsuna seemed amused.

“Right!” He nodded earnestly again.

“Then offer to treat them to tea. Let them set the time and location. If it is later, offer to pick them up or meet them somewhere so you can go together. If they accept, express your happiness without appearing too eager.”

“Right! Then what?” He was practically leaning across the table in his enthrallment.

“When that happens, come back to the inn across the street and ask for me. I’ll be glad to assist you from there.” Kagetsuna gently pushed him into a sitting position again.

“Right…” He placed his hands in his lap and looked away bashfully. Kagetsuna chuckled again. Yoshichi looked at him worried.

“You remind me of someone. Nothing bad, I promise.” The soothing lilt to Kagetsuna’s voice put Yoshichi at ease immediately.

“I should get back to my room before my brother gets to worried… He has his hands full as it is right now.” He bowed deeply once again. “Thank you very much for your help!”

“I’m actually heading out myself. I’ll accompany you as far as I can.” Kagetsuna got to his feet and followed.

Almost as soon as his feet hit the road, Yoshichi jumped. A booming, angry voice making him shrink. “So here you are. Off on a dalliance with some poor, unfortunate young lady you will simply leave behind without a care.”

“What? No! That’s not what happened!”

“Doors are for passing through, not loitering in.  Someone needs out.” He gave Yoshichi a stiff yank by the collar so Kagetsuna could come out. “Please forgive my brother and his ineptitude.”

“Think nothing of it. I rather enjoyed his company.” Kagetsuna’s amused smile and vague statement was bound to cause a misunderstanding. Thankfully, he went on. “He had some fairly interesting notions for how to woo a love interest. I simply set him straight.” He wrest Kanetsugu’s hand from Yoshichi. “Fine young man you have here.”

Yoshichi stared blankly at Kagetsuna’s back, shoulders quaking with barely contained laughter, as he walked away. Somehow, that made the misunderstanding worse.

“Brother…”

“Who was that man?”

“Kagetsuna. Listen, brother, he was just giving me advice!” Though Yoshichi pleaded, his brother was having none of it.

“Call it what you will, just spare me the details of your love life.”

“Loooovveee???!! It’s not like that at all!”

“Enough! I have to get back to the inn before lord Kenshin wanders off again…” Resigned to not resolving the misunderstanding just then, Yoshichi followed with head down and feet shuffling through the dirt.

The next day, Yoshichi booked it as soon as they were done with their duties. He made a bee line for a part of town Kagetsuna suggested.  His mentor did not disappoint. Even a cursory glance told him this was where the locals lived and worked. He followed the chatter to a small restaurant. His vacillating outside was abruptly ended by a jovial clap on the shoulder.

“New to town?” A genial older fellow looked at him kindly.

“Yes. How is this restaurant?”

“One of the best in town!” Without further explanation, he shoved Yoshichi through the door.

“Whoa!” He staggered a few steps before spinning around and falling on to a seat.

“Oh! Hello!” A bright, though slightly confused smile greeted him when he looked around. “Welcome to our restaurant! Please let me know when you’re ready to order!” Yoshichi absently nodded and she walked away.

“She’s single, ya know.” The same genial young man gave Yoshichi a playful punch from across the table.

“I don’t even know her name!” A bright blush painted his face as he spun around to sit at the table properly. The older fellow laughed.

“Then you should fix that!”

“Maybe… I should decide what to order first…”

“Absolute Victory bowl.”

“Excuse me?”

“That’s what you should order. It’s said to bring good luck on the battlefield to those who eat it. What greater battlefield is there than love?”

“Well I wouldn’t go quite that far… It does sound good though.” He jumped when a cheerful voice pulled him out of his thoughts.

“Are you ready to order?”

“Oh! Yes!” He glanced nervously at the old man. “An absolute victory bowl, please.”

“Coming right up!” She turned to the old man.

“Just dango and sake for me.”

“All right! We’ll have that out shortly!”

It was later in the evening and the only people left in the restaurant were Yoshichi, the old man, a young woman, and a few rowdy drunks. Yoshichi ate his food quietly as he mustered up the courage to ask the waitress her name. A harsh admonishment brought his attention to the drunks.

“You should unhand me, pay your bill, and leave.” The ice in it seemed at odds with the brightness that previously colored it.

“Come on sweet stuff. You know you want a real man to show you a good time.” In one fluid movement, she turned the tables on him by taking the arm that held her and twisting it behind his back.

“Please don’t make this difficult.” She held her ground until the other two at the table got up.

“I don’t think there’s any need to be hasty.” Yoshichi had an uncharacteristic sharpness of tone and look as he got to his feet. “It’s rude to come into a place like this and behave like that. There’s plenty of places to do that around here without causing trouble.” Out of instinct, his hand went to his sword. The men all looked at him with menacing scowls but he stood his ground, somehow.

“Fine…” The other men head towards the door, tossing money unceremoniously on the table as they went. The waitress released the final thug and saw him out. Once they were gone, Yoshichi collapsed into his seat with a sigh.

“That was very brave. Thank you for backing me up.”

“Oh no! I think you were calmer about it than I was!” Yoshichi held up his shaking hands with a self-deprecating smile on his face.

“Still, at least let me cover your meal as thanks.”

“Oh no! I couldn’t!” Still she insisted. In the end, Yoshichi ended up leaving the money under his bowl and leaving before she found it. Positively beside himself, he headed back to the inn.

“Someone looks quite pleased with himself.” He spun around at the sound of Kagetsuna’s voice.

“I met a very nice girl today!” The smile on his face was quite contagious.

“Congratulations. Have you made it to the last step we discussed?”

“Not yet. I’m going to invite her on a date tomorrow!” Kagetsuna’s smile broadened in light of Yoshichi’s enthusiasm.

“I should like to hear all the details later. If you would excuse me, I have a date of sorts awaiting me.” With that they parted ways.

“I still do not approve of that man, but I won’t stand in your way…”

“Wah ah ah! Brother! Don’t scare me like that!”

The Uesugi clan found themselves with time off on the third day of their trip. Yoshichi used it to go straight to the restaurant just before lunch. He hoped by going a bit early, he would miss the crowd and have some time to talk with the waitress more. As he approached the restaurant, the young lady from the night before was walking towards him. Her face lit up with a smile when she saw him.

“Excuse me! I never got to tell you last night, but you were very brave.”

“Oh no. Really it was nothing! If it came to a fight, things probably wouldn’t have gone so well.” He blushed a little at her open compliment.

“Even so…”

“Oh! Are you reading something?” Her eyes went wide and she shifted the book behind her.

“No! Well yes! But it’s really … you wouldn’t be interested in it! Well it’s rude to keep you like this! BYE!” Off she went almost running. Yoshichi watched her running away bewildered. The sound of someone struggling brought his attention to the waitress. She had a large load in her arms.

“That’s quite the stack of boxes you have there!” He gave the waitress a wave as he approached. “Can I help you?”

“Oh no! I couldn’t impose on you anymore!” Her face lit up in recognition when she spotted him around the stack of lunch boxes.

“It’s really not a problem!”

“Oh… well if you really don’t mind…” Having gained her consent, he took half the lunch boxes. “You really are such a big help! I was afraid I wasn’t going to get these boxes to the workers in time!”

“Workers?”

“Yes! One of the families in the neighborhood lost their home when the roof collapsed. No one was home, thank goodness.”

“That’s a relief!” Yoshichi let out an audible sigh. “So, are these for workers rebuilding the house?”

“They are! The family has always supplied us with the best ingredients at fair prices. The relationship between our families goes back a long way.” She smiled brightly as she explained.

“It’s nice to see everyone coming together to help!”

They delivered the lunches, retrieving the boxes from the day before in the process. As they headed back to the restaurant, Yoshichi explained he had been coming back for lunch. As they took a short cut through a less traveled back street, he slowed down.

“Do you get the feeling we’re being followed?” She looked around thoughtful for a moment.

“I haven’t really noticed before now. But it does feel a bit off, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah… let’s hurry.” He instinctively took her hand and started on again at a faster clip.

“Yoshichi… it’s the men from yesterday.” He glanced over his shoulder then started looking for an escape route. He dashed down a side street and threw her down a dark gap between two houses.  She hid behind him as he watched the drunk thugs run by. When he turned around their faces were far closer than he expected. The distance was intimate compared to what he was used to, but hardly salacious. She, mostly unbothered by the situation, watched his cheeks turn a shade of red still visible in the dim light.

“Too close!” He repeated this with each slow step back. “I’m so sorry!” With that, he took off running out of sight. She tried to stop him, but he was long gone. It wasn’t until he was almost back to the inn he realized he had abandoned her in a dangerous situation. He dashed back the way he came. He came back to the side street in time to watch Kagetsuna dispatch the thugs with nothing but the butt of his sword and a fist. He marveled at the ease and grace with which he moved. Yoshichi could see why the waitress watched Kagetsuna move with every ounce of attention. 

“If you will wait until the magistrate comes, I’ll escort you back to the restaurant.” He had the same warm smile he always did with Yoshichi.

“Oh no. I couldn’t trouble you anymore than I already have.” Yoshichi walked away dejectedly, having seen more than enough.

He wandered the streets idly, kicking rocks as he went until he came across Kagetsuna again.

“I take it things did not go so well?” He had a knowing look that made Yoshichi crumble.

“As long as there are cool, strong guys like you in the world how are shy, weak guys like me supposed to compete?” A long, forlorn sigh emphasized how low he felt. Kagetsuna gripped him by the shoulders and pushed him upright.

“There is a season for all things, including failure. During this time you must accept your failures and learn from. That’s how you prepare yourself for the season in which you succeed.” Yoshichi’s brows furrowed for a moment as he took in those words.

“I can’t just wait around for the right season to come to me. I have to be ready for that season when it comes. Like when we stockpile for the winter…” His eyes got larger as the lesson sank in. “What can I learn from this?”

“That is the question, isn’t it?” Kagetsuna released his shoulders and smiled warmly.

“I think… I need to get stronger so I can actually protect the person I’m meant to be with. I can do that. An be try to be less shy.”

“What exactly happened?” The more Yoshichi explained the more Kagetsuna’s brow furrowed. Just as he finished a familiar voice called from behind Kagetsuna.

“Lord Kojuro! Oh I mean Kagetsuna! Damn…” Kagetsuna smiled bitterly and put a finger to his lips. He turned to face the waitress.

“It’s all right, my precious girl. It takes time to break old habits, does it not?”

“Yes, I suppose so.” She smiled warmly at Kagetsuna. “Oh hello Yoshichi! Was I interrupting?”

“Oh! OH! OH NO! NO! I was just leaving.” A terror stricken look on his face Yoshichi started to leave. Kojuro grabbed his wrist firmly. A stern look on his face. Yoshichi swallowed hard and looked up at him cautiously.

“Thank you for helping her out. She seems to have a knack for getting into trouble.” A smile on his face as he spoke, he released Yoshichi’s wrist.

“It was nothing really.”

“Are you sure I’m not interrupting?” She looked between the two with a confused look.

“Not at all. I believe I promised you a trip to the festival.”

“You did.” He offered his arm and she took it. Yoshichi gave them a forced smile and wave before turning to a tea house. He hadn’t gotten lunch, after all. While absently eating he mulled over what he could learn from his experience. Ultimately, he decided he ran away because he liked that waitress.

“I ran away because I liked her and I’m too shy…” Wheels started clicking in his brain and he almost dropped his chopsticks. “Then that means… Did that other girl run away because she liked me?” His forehead hitting the table drowned out the groan he made during his descent.

“Yes.” His head shifted to the side. “I ran away because I like you.” His head shot up so fast it made him momentarily dizzy.

“There’s a festival! Do you want to go?” She started laughing as he struggled to get to his feet to greet the voice’s owner.

“You skipped a step!” She hid her face behind the cover of a book. One she let him see this time. A beginner lover’s guide.

“I did? OOH! I did!” He stood up straight, smoothed out his clothes and gave her a formal bow. “Hello, My name is Yoshichi! What’s your name?”

“My name is…”