vatheon | (no subject)

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(no subject)

Who: Akechi Mitsuhide [

wavesoakedlegs] and Chōsokabe Motochika [

behisstrength]
Where: Their home → Middle District.
When: Early evening.
Style: Prose.
Status: Closed.

For Motochika, today was a date of note. Today marked two years exactly since he washed up in Vatheon.

Contemplating time was an odd experience – one singular, defined passage felt both long and short, reflecting differently depending on the angle it was perceived from. The same two years he had been absent from his island were also two years he had lived in the wonder of Vatheon with Mitsuhide and Gracia at his side.

If his morning had carried the heaviness of separation from Shikoku and the responsibilities he once bore with a daimyo's pride – the fleeting ache of homesickness, fond remembrance and private reverence of something beloved but beyond reach – then now was the time to celebrate all that the past two years had afforded him: opportunities and experiences, growth and joys impossible in his previous life, just as precious to him.

Of all those, the most prominent had been what peace and a lack of responsibility greater than themselves allowed he and Mitsuhide to become, free and without reservation or burden – and so together, they decided to celebrate by going out on date.

Given the occasion it was only fitting to embrace a modern custom.

Motochika waited in the living room for Mitsuhide to join him so that they could depart. A warm ocean of affection sat placid in his chest, deep and vast, radiating contentment through him.

Motochika held no regrets; they had never suited him.

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In two days, it would be Mitsuhide's two-year anniversary as well.

Celebrating both anniversaries together had seemed like the right choice. This was very much a journey they had taken together, even though Mitsuhide himself had tripped and stumbled many times. Motochika never went on without him, so to speak; rather, he had been a source of strength during the darker periods, as he'd always promised he would be.

A living, breathing Chōsokabe Motochika at Mitsuhide's side, something that should have been impossible. Mitsuhide had seen him die, a long time ago now. Then Vatheon had swept him up, a confused, grieving man, and... well, here they were.

The young samurai examined his own face in the mirror carefully. There had been dark circles beneath his eyes ever since he could remember, and there they still remained, but they did not seem quite as prominent now. Humming softly, Mitsuhide picked up his comb and began to run it through his hair.

A lot could happen in two years. They had both adjusted well enough to modern concepts, ideas and technology that Mitsuhide was certain that returning home would be as much of a shock to their system as coming to Vatheon had originally been. The kitchen, for example, was something he had marvelled at when he had first seen what it held, but now it was something normal and expected. It was just one type of change, one type of growth. Mitsuhide was, perhaps, more aware than most that he was not quite the same man he had been upon arrival.

Though most of those changes remained unseen by him, he knew they were there, and for the most part, knew they were for the best.

When satisfied, Mitsuhide placed his comb down and spent a few moments wondering what to do with his hair before deciding to just leave it down. Motochika had a habit of undoing it anyway, so putting it back when on a 'date' was likely to be a pointless endeavour. After a couple more moments of thought Mitsuhide stood up and made his way downstairs. He was clad in his finest wear for the day, the most prominent hue in his clothing the blues of his lover's clan. A small gift for Motochika, and one he knew would be appreciated. It satisfied Motochika's possessive side, after all, a strong reminder of what they were.

A soft sound passed from his lips, appreciative and comtemplative both.

This would be the thing he would mourn the most, should it ever be torn from him. This precious relationship, and a love born in youth that had only grown in strength since then.

Mostly without him realising it.

(There was something to be said for the gift of self-awareness, something that Mitsuhide could only wish he had).

"Lord Motochika?" he called out, seeking the other man once he reached the bottom of the stairs. It was time to put the darker part of his thoughts to one side and focus on the positive.

Motochika rose from the sofa to his feet at Mitsuhide's call and made his way over to his lover.

His gaze roamed over Mitsuhide once Mitsuhide was in sight. That Mitsuhide wore his colour was certainly not missed and had the exact impact upon him that Mitsuhide had anticipated.

Motochika would not deny that he loved to see Mitsuhide in his colours.

"I am a fortunate man indeed," he said, his pleasure evident in his rich tone and his expression as he stepped into Mitsuhide's personal space.

For his part, Motochika had dressed finely himself, forgoing his usual artfully ripped and slashed clothing, chains and fur and covering up more appropriately for their purposes -- by his standards, at least, which were still laxer by far than Mitsuhide's.

"Are you ready?"

Mitsuhide dipped his head a fraction.

"Yes."

A gentle smile graced his features when he straightened up. This was a very rare occurrence indeed! After a moment of observation, Mitsuhide rested one of his hands on Motochika's chest.

"This is quite an interesting sight. Usually it takes a winter's day to ensure you cover up to any degree, my Lord."

Though even now they made quite the contrasting couple. The large amount of differences between them was not something that people missed much; indeed, long ago, Mori Ranmaru had asked Mitsuhide how the two of them could possibly get along so well.

"I almost find myself wondering if you feel uncomfortable in such clothing."

Motochika laughed and placed his hands upon Mitsuhide's hips.

"Do you believe that I would chose to wear clothing I find uncomfortable?"

It was not so much that the curling edge of his tattoo upon his chest was covered -- it was a suggestive glimpse, no doubt on purpose. Even when dignified, Motochika kept an untamed edge.

"This is not so much that I feel confined."

"No, hence the 'almost,' Lord Motochika."

Mitsuhide's hand shifted, his fingers soon finding the visible edge of his lover's tattoo.

"What you call confined, I call comforting. What you call comfortable, I call shameless. One of the many ways in which we are very different men."

One of the ways in Mitsuhide had not changed was in his preferences for traditional clothing, and the many layers involved. Even when he went swimming he kept his underkimono on, unwilling to expose that much of his body in public.

Despite everything, he had retained much of his modesty.

Edited 2012-07-11 22:11 (UTC)

"I am glad for it."

Motochika slid one hand under the veil of Mitsuhide's hair and pressed his fingers firm against the layers of fabric covering Mitsuhide's tattoo -- a perfect reflection of the one curling over his shoulder blade. One such gift.

"Your modesty affords me private treasures... sights and sounds that I share with no one."

The warmth in his tone intensified and reverberated in the kiss that followed as he leant in to capture Mitsuhide's lips with his own.

Sights and sounds, unseen and unheard by any other... there truly were many. One such sound was the appreciative one Mitsuhide made in the back of his throat as they kissed, something gentle and warm. When they parted, the need to breathe making it necessary, the younger man regarded his lover with dark eyes and smiled.

"My possessive Motochika."

For a moment it seemed like Mitsuhide was going to add to that comment, but in the end he rose his free hand to his lips and laughed quietly instead.

He did enjoy encouraging his lover's possessive side, on occasion.

While that enchanting look, those words and that soft laugh made Motochika want to kiss Mitsuhide again he refrained, instead smirking wordlessly before he stroked his palm down Mitsuhide's back and curled his arm around Mitsuhide's waist.

Motochika held Mitsuhide close, for a moment; his eyes momentarily slid shut as he basked in their proximity.

"Come," he said as his hand on Mitsuhide's hip fell away, "Or we shall never leave."

Motochika stepped aside, then, before he used his arm around the back of Mitsuhide's waist to usher Mitsuhide towards the front door.

"I suspect you are right."

One more kiss might have brought an end to their date before they'd even managed to leave. Allowing Motochika to guide him, Mitsuhide opened the front door when they reached it and stepped thhrough.

It was quiet outside, but the area of Vatheon in which they lived was never particularly busy. It was one of the places Mitsuhide had found most appealing, back when they had searched for a larger home; a less crowded area meant a lot more privacy.

Mitsuhide stepped fully into the street, and pushed a few stray hairs out of his eyes.

"Lord Motochika," he said softly, "did you have a specific desination in mind, or is it simply a matter of deciding as we go?"

Edited 2012-07-12 17:36 (UTC)

Motochika shut the door behind them.

"I have a place in mind."

He did not expand on his affirmation, teasing Mitsuhide with mystery -- though there were only so many restaurants it could be, especially given the private nature of their celebration. Likely Mitsuhide would guess.

Motochika lead them onward, his pace languorous. Evidently he was in no particular rush to get them there.

Mitsuhide did have a few places in mind as potentials; the handful with tables arranged specifically to enable occupents to get as much privacy as possible. Perhaps such places were aimed at couples like themselves? It made sense.

Best to wait and see which exact one they were going to, though Mitsuhide couldn't resist making one comment as they walked.

"You seem to tease at every opportunity, Lord Motochika."

"And you often rise to the challenge."

It was no secret that Motochika enjoyed engaging Mitsuhide in every way he could, and challenging his lover in playful ways was part of that; he liked to witness Mitsuhide's spirit, Mitsuhide's competitive side.

That they could spend so much time being ridiculous was a testament to the peace Vatheon provided them.

Motochika smiled, amused.

"Together we keep your skill as a strategist well-honed."

"That's the purpose of your teasing, is it?"

Mitsuhide regarded Motochika with an amused expression, one eyebrow raised and head tilted.

"How ridiculous you are. It may be on some occasions, but I cannot believe it is for most."

He stepped away from his lover, increasing his walking pace. This was a tease of his own; Mitsuhide had a fair idea of how Motochika would react, and a few plans in mind if his lover did indeed do as expected.

Strategist, indeed.

Motochika chuckled.

"Who is teasing now?" he called out, before pursuing.

Bold and decisive action was Motochika's talent, and in this case he chased Mitsuhide with swift steps and attempted to catch Mitsuhide by the waist.

That was avoided easily enough; Mitsuhide merely dodged out of the way, and increased his pace just a little more. No need to burn up too much energy with this, after all.

"I won't deny it," he replied. "But what will you do, in the face of such teasing? I am tactician enough to avoid the simple 'attacks' you began with."

"Rise to the challenge."

Motochika's pursuit continued; hot on Mitsuhide's heels he reached for his lover, this time anticipating how Mitsuhide might dodge so that he could attempt a swift follow-up lunge.

He was undeterred.

Mitsuhide managed to avoid that lunge, too, though it was a close thing. Smiling, he turned round whilst still moving, waved, turned again, and started to jog up the street.

It wouldn't do, after all, to make things too easy for Motochika.

He kept up the pace, and the tease, until he reached the plaza. At this point Mitsuhide slowed down to a stop, and for good reason; he had no idea where they were going from here.

"Hmm..."

Distracted for a moment, the young samurai remained still. Of the potentials, which one was most likely? Perhaps he ought to just head there to one immediately?

Whilst Mitsuhide stilled, Motochika did not -- upon reaching the younger samurai he immediately swept up Mitsuhide and spun Mitsuhide around. A long, dizzying moment later, Motochika set Mitsuhide down again facing the right direction.

"This way," he said, his voice deep and warm.

He caught one of Mitsuhide's hands in his own, his grip firm and his smile vibrant.

For a moment, the world spun; when Motochika put Mitsuhide back on his feet, the younger man had to take a few moments to steady himself. He leaned into his lover until everything righted itself, then shook his head a little.

"There are easier ways to direct me," he said, a touch of his earlier amusement still there. "Nevertheless..."

He trailed off and began to walk, expression softer now. If this was the right way then he was almost certain that he knew where they were headed. He had been there a few times before, and actually obtained some good recipes from one of the locals who worked in the place.

The food would definitely be good.

By the time they reached the suspected restaurant, all of the humour was gone in his voice. Mitsuhide sounded gentle and affectionate now.

"Is this the one?" he asked, tilting his head a fraction.

Easier ways, perhaps, but those ways were less fun.

"It is."

Motochika opened the door with his free hand and gently tugged Mitsuhide inside.

"We have reservations," he said to the waiting staff manning the entrance; soon they were lead to a private table.

With a light smirk and an affectionate glance, Motochika pulled out a chair for Mitsuhide and waited.

"That was not neccessary," Mitsuhide said softly, taking the offered seat nonetheless. "I am sure I could have pulled it out myself."

He smiled, folded his hands in his lap and looked around. This table really was tucked away; nobody would be able to see either of them without walking past. Perfect. Mitsuhide appreciated his privacy in general, but especially so when it came to his and Motochika's relationship.

Their intimate moments, regardless of the kind of intimacy, were for them and them alone.

"This is a good place for a 'date,' my Lord."

Edited 2012-07-14 20:05 (UTC)

Motochika ran his palms along Mitsuhide's shoulders and pressed a soft kiss to Mitsuhide's crown, brushing his lips against his lover's silken hair.

After, he took his seat opposite Mitsuhide, and held Mitsuhide's gaze.

"I thought so myself. We shall be undisturbed here."

Service not counting, of course.

It was almost odd, now, to think of the times when he and Motochika were not lovers. Mitsuhide watched the other man sit, and nodded at his comment. They had been in a romantic relationship for only a small fraction of their lives, but the memories within that part were somehow more vivid, more real.

"Once I would have called something like a date was very strange, but now it is... normal," he said after a short while, picking up a menu. "I fear going back to our own time would be odd in many ways."

Mitsuhide flicked the menu open and began to read.

"Two years have brought many changes."

It was not a negative comment; Mitsuhide was taking care to hold the negative feelings back, focusing only on the positive. So he continued to smile, eyes warm and dark.

"In our diets, too... goodness, I don't know where to start."

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