vatheon | (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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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."