#Shingen hitting on an employee

[gloriouspiratenacho]

#ikemen sengoku #ikesen kenshin #incorrect quotes #Obviously his babysitter Sasuke was distracted #Kanetsugu was probably cheering his mighty lord on #Shingen hitting on an employee #Yukimura trying to keep Shingen from taking her out for his 9th dessert that day

[selenacosmic]

Romance in the office.

Chapter 4- the storm begins.

I wish I could describe, with clarity, what was happening right now, but it was at this point of the party that things got… a bit blurry. I was looking up at the sky, I had gotten out of the restaurant to take a breath and clear my head. The cool air hitting my face actually helped me sober up. Let me just clarify one thing, I am not a fan of alcohol. At all. But I decided to only take a glass, mostly because it wouldn’t hurt to at least try the drink. Would you guess my surprise when they filled my cup again? As I looked up at the city lights, I only had one thought in my mind, I needed to work on my ability to say no without making things awkward.

As my mind cleared, I began to remember more things from the party. Most of the employees were excited and began drinking as they talked with Mr. Takeda, I believe I only drank two or three cups before slipping out of the restaurant to clear my head. It was only now that I realized how much lightheaded i was. Maybe I will just buy a bottle of water to cool down completely, i don’t plan on waking up the next morning with a headache. As I pondered that thought, I noticed that someone had just joined me in front of the restaurant.

“Already going away? The party barely started.” Ah, I remember this voice. I turn to see Yoshimoto looking up at the starless sky of the city, he seemed to have his mind elsewhere.

“And what about you? You seemed a lot more familiar with these welcoming parties than me.” I spoke in a more casual tone, I figured there was no problem talking like this when we are outside of the company.

“Things have gotten too hectic there, but I do plan to come back.” He then turned to look at me. I don’t know if I was seeing things, but his gaze seemed… almost melancholic. “So, are you already tired of the party?”

“I wouldn’t say tired… the food was definitely delicious, but loud spaces don’t work well with me.”

“Oh? You do seem like the kind of prefer quietness.” It wasn’t bad talking with him, Yoshimoto was certainly sympathetic. If compared to his cousin, he was more… calm? Perhaps that’s the word to describe him.

“Interesting that you say that. You don’t seem to like loud places either, but you seemed just fine back at the party.” I got to say, I feel a whole lot more relaxed than I was before.

“Ah, don’t misunderstand. I do enjoy parties quite a lot, as long as they aren’t the messy kind.” Oh, he certainly did look like the kind of guy who was more elegant. Just by the way he dressed up for work, one could tell right away he cared for every detail.

“Well, color me impressed.” It was just now that I noticed I was smiling, I looked away as my thoughts caught up to me again.

“You seem to be deep in thoughts yet again.”

“Well, it’s just my first day, but I already have a lot to learn. I feel like this day was longer than it really was.” I was looking forward, but my gaze wasn’t fixed on anything in particular, I kept remembering the whole situation with the meeting in three days, how Mr. Takeda reacted… Yoshimoto is his cousin and he works at the company, this might be my opportunity to learn a bit more about Shingen’s and Nobunaga’s relationship.

“Hey, I… feel like there is a lot I need to learn from this company. So, do you mind if I ask you something?”

“That depends on what you want to ask. In this atmosphere of a party, work is the least of my worries.” Even though he said that with a slight huff, I could tell he wouldn’t mind answering me because of that small smile on his face.

“In a few days, Mr. Takeda will have a meeting with Oda Nobunaga’s company. I was wondering if you could tell me about their relationship.”

“Ah, that… I suppose it’s normal that you would ask that, given how his and Kenshin’s relationship is.” His gaze shifted to a more serious look. “Shingen and Nobunaga have a bit of a history together. They used to be business partners, they both are men with brilliant ideas after all.”

“I think I heard about that before, but didn’t they become rivals not too long after that?” I did hear about this when researching about the company, but the reason behind their rivalry seemed too sudden.

“Despite being great minds, their ideals diverted in many ways. They both have different ways of doing business, it’s only natural that their partnership wouldn’t have lasted much longer.” Ah… perhaps this was related to their different personalities. Still, there were many things bugging me. I was still curious!

But, despite all my questions, I preferred to keep them to myself. At least for now, I already knew the thing I needed the most. I gave Yoshimoto one last glance before moving away.

“Thanks for answering my questions. I think I kept you here for too long, didn’t I?”

“Not for too long, so I won’t get angry.” Despite that line, he seemed to be joking. I gave him a final goodbye and ‘see you tomorrow’ before going on my way. I figured that i needed sleep for the next few days.

………..

“Cousin, there you are. You have been gone for too long, you know?” Shingen gave Yoshimoto a teasing smile when he went back to the party, everyone was talking amongst themselves as they ate. Yoshimoto returned his cousin’s smile with his typical serene one.

“You know I can’t stay in these places for too long without a needed break. I see you are enjoying yourself quite a lot.” He seated next to him, taking his glass with sake to join them in drinking.

“Well, these next few days will be chaotic, I think we all deserve to enjoy ourselves before throwing our minds at work.” He also took a sip of his drink, handling the whiskey quite well. “Speaking of enjoying ourselves, I believe I can see a table with lovely ladies just waiting to join us.”

“You are truly incorrigible, though I can’t say I am not interested in having them join us.” Even though they were enjoying themselves, Yoshimoto knew that his cousin was doing this mostly to take his mind off work and the storm that was about to fall upon them. And all that stress came from the fact that a certain meeting would take place in a few days.

They both genuinely enjoyed having the company of beautiful ladies at the party, he could tell that his cousin caught their attention with only a wink of his, but it was also his way to hide his own worries about the company. But it was in this festive atmosphere that Yoshimoto decided to put work for later and let himself get distracted by the party.

………….

Honestly… what is this atmosphere? Mr. Takeda and I were seated in front of the man that made me have a lot of questions, I couldn’t say that I wasn’t on edge as to what would happen in this meeting. The room felt colder than it really was, perhaps it was because the two businessmen kept glaring ice spikes at each other. It was the first time I saw such an icy expression in Mr. Takeda’s face. Even if you spend only an hour with him, I bet you would still think it’s unnatural for him to have this look on him. Ok… perhaps I am exaggerating, but it is true.

We have been sitting here for over 10 minutes yet it feels like hours have passed. I looked at my boss and gave his arm a light press on my elbow to remind him of what we were here for. He didn’t look at me but seemed to acknowledge my gesture with a light pat on the shoulder.

“Well then, since we both know how unpleasant this will be, shall we start?” He smiled, but I could tell that my boss’s smile didn’t reach his eyes.

“Let’s.” Mr. Oda finally spoke, his voice was deeper and certainly showed command and power through it.

I was already worried about what this meeting would hold.

#ikemen sengoku #ikesen #ikemen sengoku shingen #ikesen shingen

[darkmindsthinktwistedthoughts]

Devil’s Trust pt6

Warnings: Strong language, Moblord styling warlords.

Masterlist

—

Chapter 6

“Someone want to tell me why we’re all here again?” Ieyasu grumbled as he joined the rest of the men in the meeting room. There were no papers or anything on the large glass table to hint as to why they were all to gather again and yet they were all here because they all received the same summons.

Since the unification of the companies the chairs around this table hardly ever seemed empty. The brightness of the room felt dull even with the contrast of the fresh flowers against the white walls that usually felt strangely warming in the otherwise blank space.

“We’re here to discuss what we are going to do next.” Nobunaga replied. He was already sitting in his seat when they arrived which only served to make this all feel more unusual.

“Do we have to do anything right now? I mean aren’t we in kind of a stalemate over this whole thing?” Yukimura asked as he took his place between Shingen and Sasuke. Mitsuhide noted that Kenshin drifted to his own chair like a frosty breeze, the look on his face seemed to be a mask of disinterest. Well, it does seem that Peace isn’t favourable to all in the realm.

“It will be better to at least put countermeasures in place even if we cannot find a direct target that lynchpins this whole fiasco.” Nobunaga countered the enquiry bluntly. Shutting down further questions on the subject easily. “Mitsuhide did you find anything further?”

“So, you decided to send your dog out after all? This shouldn’t take long to see what he dug up.” Shingen scoffed and sat up in his chair to his full height. He was one of the tallest at the table and there was no doubt his postulating was imposing but it failed to hit its mark. Well now isn’t that cute? The Tiger is wanting to play games.

“I find I’m inclined to agree. After all it would appear that a certain cat did manage to drag home most of the information on the topic at hand.” Mitsuhide held Shingen’s gaze across the table. The infuriating taunting smirk never leaving him as he watched the facial muscles twitch on the other man.

“What did you call him!?” Ever the one to jump to the defence of Shingen, Yuki moved to get up from the chair he had only just begun to occupy and found his arm locked in a firm grip by Shingen himself.

“It’s no worse than his reference to me. I was simply returning the curtesy.” Mitsuhide goaded the smile on his face never leaving his eyes remaining locked on the black eyes that flashed in controlled anger back at him across the table. Well, would you look at that. To think I’d be graced with witnessing the legendary Trading Tiger’s quiet rage.

“Why you—” Yukimura moved against the grip on him.

“Hush Yuki. You said “most of the information”. What could you have possibly found that my network couldn’t?” Whatever anger he felt over the banter-like name-calling was being painted over with his own curiosity to find out what he might have missed. He had crossed Azuchi before and come up wanting. If this was to be a case of his own network being the issue he wanted to know where the broken links were.

“It seems your old as the hills stock and trade isn’t without its flaws after all.” Nobunaga chuckled. He had not missed the hungry looks from Shingen as he feasted on what was happening. The fact that the tables were turned now gave him back the feeling of superiority he had been missing. “What did you find?”

“There is a higher power moving under the table in the boardroom of Esshu. I looked into the situation myself after seeing the information Shingen provided had certain, discrepancies.” Mitsuhide made sure to emphasise the last word as he produced a flash drive and placed it with a click on the table as if it were a chess piece.

“Discrepancies? You think I would provide information that was tampered with?” Shingen’s quiet rage was seeping into his words despite his best efforts to keep them masked. Of all the men sitting at the table, it seemed that it wasn’t just Mitsuhide and Nobu to be gaining some entertainment from this. Kenshin’s ice-cold disposition of boredom in peacetime was showing palpable flashes of interest like dry ice hitting moisture. Your fingers are twitching, God of war.

“Not at all, I have every confidence that you did, in fact, provide all the information you were given but that did not mean that it was complete. You can after all only provide what you know.” Mitsuhide smiled and changed the angle of the digital device. He continued in the style of lecturer giving a lesson after taking a second to pause and be sure that what he had just said hit its mark. “Well now. It would seem that the reason there seemed to be minor failures in the deception Esshu were providing was because what we are seeing is only what they are willing to show.”

“Sounds familiar.” The words slipped out of Sasuke’s mouth before he realised, he had inadvertently voiced what should have been an inner thought. Shingen tensed and Nobu turned a heated look towards the young tech expert after the unusual display of tactlessness. Sasuke coughed and adjusted his glasses in a way that practically screamed how apologetic he felt and that he wouldn’t do it again.

“Mitsuhide what are we looking at?” Nobu turned again to his left hand seemingly happy enough that the outburst would not occur again.

“Currently I’m still asking around but it does look like there is still someone governing the company, even if the orders are being split up around the table. The links between the two are severed after they have made contact so there seems to be no trail back. I’m hopeful that a pattern should eventually present itself so a move can be made.” Mitsuhide lay the USB flat on the tabletop as if to say he is presentation was no done.

“Very well. I trust you won’t return empty-handed.” Nobu allowed his words to linger as a silent threat that he knew the man next to him wouldn’t miss. “Now we need to think about how we are going to—.”

“Excuse me but aren’t we missing one? Where is Masa?” Mitsunari interrupted after receiving a rather firm nudge from Hideyoshi to remind him of the meeting they were all in. Violet eyes blinked as he put his reading glasses safely in his breast pocket on his blazer. 

The girls in the office had some choice names for a lot of the men at the table, but the way they swoon and call Nari the model professor was one that tended to stick. He was always happy to help, giving with explanations and he smiled no matter who approached him. To top that off with the stylish yet comfortable academic look to his wardrobe just increased that appeal. A gift that seemed wasted on one so oblivious.

“He sent a text saying he was going to be late.” Hideyoshi replied rather tiredly. It was nothing new to have the errant head of the Date family turn up late to meetings and usually he had the good grace to message beforehand but it was rather frustrating when the man tended to appear almost on time despite the communication.

– Crash –

As if waiting for the perfectly timed wrong moment to appear, the doors to the room were thrown open and a rather flushed out of breath Masa appeared. He made it over to his chair and clung on to it as he tried to regain some oxygen.

“Guys you need to hear—”

“I was in the middle of talking Masa.” Nobu interjected before Masa could continue with little of his usual success in shutting down the interruption.

“Yeah? Well, sorry ‘bout that but Esshu is on the news.” Masa reached over to the sideboard and plucked the remote control for the projector screen which lowered from the ceiling over the end of the table. An image becoming revealed inch by inch of a what looked like a press conference outside a building made of mostly glass.

“They what?” Nobunaga got up out of his chair, snatched the controller form Masa’s hand and hit the volume. All attention in the room had shifted to the screen waiting for whatever was about to happen.

“… So, it is with the future in mind that we would like to announce our company’s official interest in moving towards the International Trade market. We feel it to be the only choice in providing our shareholders and investors with a more stable turnabout. It will also provide more jobs and secure futures for the many people employed as part of our company.”

“You say this will provide a more secure future for the company and employees but what of the benefits to the people of the city?”

“Thank you for your interest. We would like to make a quote from our sadly departed former CEO - Lack of diversity breeds stagnation. Basically, we are hoping that by moving into this area we will also open up the field for competitive prices and trading. Naturally, this will provide the people of this city with more choice and better opportunities to find what they desire which we hope to give an overall positive effect for both the commercial sectors but also private ones respectively.”

– Click –

“What the hell was that?” Yukimura’s voice broke the spell that had been cast in the room. All eyes that had been firmly locked on the screen unable to look away. Every detail of what was being said seeping into them all leaving a feeling that chilled and burnt like glacial ice.

“A direct declaration of war.” Shingen and Nobunaga answered in perfect synchronisation. The mixture of shock and dread that rolled around the room had changed into something a lot more interesting.  

“Good I was thinking things were getting boring around here.” Kenshin smiled and brought his hand to his side. The feel of the cold moulded metal sending a shiver of anticipation through him. Oh yes, Peace is not favourable to all.

---

Final requests…  Confessions on a death bed…  The last hopes and dreams of hundreds of people…  His head was filled with them. How many had he been witness to? How many more would he see before the end? After all, everything comes to an end, even if it doesn’t seem to.

The café was a quaint little family-run establishment. Somehow in the wave of franchises and brand label takeovers it had managed to survive and he was thankful for that. Not only was it a prime position to view the trade building but it had a large selection of teas that they managed to brew perfectly. He raised his cup to his mouth and took a sip. The subtle flavour of jasmine-infused with the matcha caused him to smile. Green tea was hardly his usual preference but when in Rome.  He took out a fob watch from his waistcoat and glanced at the enamel face as fine golden pieces moved silently under the glass. Almost time.

---

“Well thank you very much for making time for us today Mr Date, not to mention the food you’ve supplied for the staff is phenomenal.” A well turned out professional woman smiled politely at the man they called the one-eyed dragon. They were standing in the flagship location for his restaurants waiting on the other members of her reporting staff to finish setting up for their interview.

“Not at all always happy to make time for my favourite reporter. And what did I tell you about calling me that?” Masa slipped a little closer to her side. It was just enough to feel slightly scandalous given the public place they were standing in and the number of people present. After everything that was happening and the way that dry meeting from earlier had concluded, he was itching as much as the God of war for some action. What kind of action didn’t matter to him, a quick fumble or a gunfight was neither here nor there. What he really wanted was to let off some steam.

“I’m working right now Mr Da—Masa.” She moved creating a little space between them and tried to suppress a laugh at the boyish actions of the terrible flirt she had come to know over the years of covering his career and food.

“Fair enough kitten, have it your way.” Masa shrugged and moved to pick up one of the caramelised onion-and-roast beef vol au vents.

– Crash, Bang, Clatter –

The relaxed atmosphere was shattered like the window and door to the restaurant as what looked like an army descended. They were all dressed in the typical black standard-issue gear that the police gave to their special ops teams. Printed in foot-high lettering on the back of the bulletproof vests was the word S.W.A.T.

“Freeze. Everyone hands where we can see them and don’t move.” One of the first to burst into the building was slightly crouched holding his weapon and scanning the room. The rest of his team were fanning out and making sure to secure the area blocking off exits.

“What the hell?” A camera guy had to drag his gear quickly out of the way to avoid it being crushed under heavy boots.

“Is this a raid?” The make-up girl squealed.

“Why is there a Swat team here?” A crewman who was standing next to her helped shield her from a couple of the armed police as they pushed past.

“Omg, they brought dogs too!” The make-up girl squealed again as one of the dogs put a cold wet nose on her leg making her jump.

The news staff were thrown into confusion and panic as they made moves to group together in clusters avoiding the intruders. They were too scared to even imagine what would happen if they looked too long at any of the officials holding guns.

“Where is Masamune Date?” The leader spoke again and the news staff automatically looked at the Chef that was still holding his food.

“Right here, Guys. I realise it’s a rather long waitlist for a table but this is taking it a little far don’t ya think?” Masa popped the vol au vent in his mouth in one motion and smiled. The female reporter next to him gave an audible gasp as she watched the complete lack of worry or concern, he was displaying. He was the head of a respectable dining empire and he was also surrounded by members of his own staff and hers. Yet here he was displaying an almost sociopathic response to an otherwise shocking situation.

“Shut up and cuff him.” One of the team wrapped a pair of metal cuffs around his wrists and tightened them. The brush of unforgiving cold steel on his bare skin just made his smile grow. Someone was playing a dangerous game here and he was interested to find out where it was going.

“Masa?” Finding her voice, the reporter called out as the staff were being sent through to another location in the restaurant for questioning so the dogs could do their thing.

“Sorry kitten looks like we’ll have to do a rain check on the interview.”

---

Sitting in his office Ieyasu was looking over the latest figures from the last round of testing for their newest drugs. The figures were improving and that was promising. Clearly, it had been the right move to change the quantities they had used in the last test. It did look like it might still be days before they could make an announcement about the new medicine. He sighed as he looked out of the window and frowned.

A cluster of vans had pulled up to the security gates for the building. They were unmarked but he knew they were a favourite for the police. His office phone started to ring the id displaying that the front gate was trying to contact him. This isn’t going to be good.

---

It was the end of the day finally and [Name] slipped her arms back inside her jacket as she picked up her bag and made for the doors. It had been a boring uneventful day if you didn’t include the lunch date with her friend. She smiled as he left the building as part of the small crowd of straggling staff that had stayed a little later in the building than the rest.

The fresh air was turning a little crisp which had the benefit of clearing her head from the stuffy feeling of being in a grey cube most of the day. As she crossed the street to head to the underground for a train, a well-dressed man stepped out from a small café she sometimes frequented and gave her the most disarming smile as he removed his hat.

“Miss [Name]? I was wondering if you could spare a moment?” Something about the man felt familiar and instantly had her guard up. Still interacting in such a public place shouldn’t have been nearly as much of an issue as it might have been had they been in a deserted side street.

She nodded and his smile grew wider until the edges of his eyes crinkled with delight. He motioned to the café doors and held them open for her as she stepped in. There was a chair by the window that already seemed to have a man’s coat draped over it. The gentleman moved like smoke past it and pulled out the chair on the opposite side for her. Waiting until she was comfortably arranged before gently pushing it under her.

“Thank you.”

“Not at all. I should be thanking you in fact. I had wondered if I had missed you but you saved me some time by appearing just as I was about to give up hope.” He motioned to the young girl behind the counter who nodded and went to pick up a notepad and pen.

“You said you wanted to speak to me. Can I ask about what?” [Name] didn’t remove eyes from the man before her. Something was telling her that if she did it might be the last thing she would do. He was pleasant and well-mannered but she also knew all too well how those sorts of things could easily be faked.

“Your father.”

---

A fresh arrangement of Snapdragons had been placed in a vase. The long-stemmed perennials held a variety of hues that seemed rather shocking in this otherwise dead space. The phone next to them on the table vibrated as a new text arrived.

“Awaiting the opponent’s counterplay.”

---   

[xathia-89]

Playing in the Alpha’s World - Pt 7

The private German lessons had been helpful, even when Hideyoshi had baulked at the cost for three of us to be tutored. Then his eyes had threatened to bug out of his head when I insisted that our tutor would be moving with us for a few months to Berlin to ensure that we could manage to continue managing to converse in a fit business etiquette properly. Mitsuhide just signed the cheque to authorise it and passed it to Nobunaga for the second signature.  

Kenshin had passed the bar officially over to Kagekatsu to manage now he had graduated from university. He listed the Berlin office as to where to get hold of him for future correspondence, and it meant he could open a bar with the same name since he kept himself still down as the owner. A Japanese theme dive bar would have its own merits and also something different to offer.  

We couldn’t seem to open the office fast enough, we had a demand to manage the accounts of so many businesses that we were getting Shingen to do our recruiting. I never felt like I was going home at any point aside from to sleep and shower, and the amount of times I’d been woken up by Mitsuhide after falling asleep looking over resumes or someone else’s request for us to manage them.

“Kayda,” Mitsuhide’s voice was something I heard more than Kenshin the past couple of months, as I looked up at him. “You’re exhausted. Don’t come in tomorrow. In fact, make it a four day weekend. I already know Kenshin has a bar manager and he’d rather close the bar than leave you be. You need to relax.”

“It must be bad if you’re the one telling me to do that,” I sighed, tidying up the executive desk I’d taken over with potential clients requests. “And before you say a word, no one will be ever able to find anything if I don’t organise this all before I go home.”

Mitsuhide didn’t trust me to get wrapped up in a new task, he lingered, waiting for me to finish filing everything away before I was escorted out to the street. He smirked as I flipped him off and said I’d see him next week, shifting my bag on my shoulder.

Berlin was like most capital cities. People came here to make their mark and way in the country, it was constantly busy. It wasn’t uncommon for us to arrange dinners to take place at eight pm at night, and then clients would go back to their offices afterwards. Not that we hadn’t had plenty of times of ordering in take away because it was so late and we couldn’t let problems sit overnight. The time zone difference was killing everyone. Nobunaga and Ieyasu had landed a few days ago in New York, and I was getting calls at all hours when people weren’t able to work out that I was GMT+1, making me eight hours behind Kyoto, and then six hours ahead of New York. We didn't keep very regular hours at the moment, and I suspected that may become the standard case for myself and Mitsuhide for the immediate future. One of us would need to take over the contact with New York and the other to focus on Kyoto with enough of a crossover to touch base. I was silent and focused on my thoughts as I walked home. I had insisted that the flat we had would be close enough of a range that I didn't have more than a ten-minute walk in heels to go. I never fancied needing to get transport home when I could walk.  

Kenshin was stuck on the news when I opened the door.

“Things must be bad if you’re being sent home for a four day weekend,” he smiled from the couch.

"I knew you and Mitsuhide exchanging phone numbers would be bad for me," I shook my head, locking the door behind me before I took my shoes off. "Well, I've fallen asleep at my desk every day this week, and I've been in for the past forty-three days on the trot as well," I shrugged. "I'm surprised I haven't had a heat," I sighed, sinking down onto the sofa next to him. I breathed his scent in deeply, snuggling into his chest as my head was resting on his shoulder.  

Kenshin didn't give me a chance to settle, though. "Your heat may not have started yet," he grunted. I was flat on my back on the sofa, and under him, my eyes wide open as the smell hit me and made me cream my panties immediately. "But my rut has," he murmured against my throat, kissing and nipping alternately as my skirt was pushed up around my waist to allow him unrestricted access with the removal of my tights and panties. "So I told Mitsuhide you would likely come into heat since my rut has started. Hence his instructions,” he mumbled, nuzzling into my neck as I felt the pleasure of his mark starting to bloom on my skin. “So, be a good girl and please your alpha,” he purred.

***

True to form, it was several days later as we fucked our way through the mutual heat and rut before I was back in the office. I saw a few of our workers giving each other looks, Kenshin had left a few markings more than a little visible given my office wear of open-collar shirts. I didn't have the energy to deal with it as Mitsuhide smirked to see the state I was in on my return.  

“It was hell without me, then?” I asked, looking through the post on my desk. It was starting to look like I was as much an equal partner in this branch as Mitsuhide was, instead of the secretarial role I had inhabited before.

“Yup. But you needed that, as did Kenshin,” he shrugged. “Nature is a fun thing,” he smirked.

“Tell me about it," I sighed, my computer taking its time in opening my inbox. "Shingen is on for getting us more employees at least, and he's offered to come over for a week too," I read off the top email with a nod, already bringing up a calendar to synchronise all three of us. "Also, have you put out for a secretary for us yet?" I sighed, peering around to look at Mitsuhide.  

“I was going to ask how you’d feel about it,” he replied. “Half of the things I am looking at I feel like I should be delegating, but I don’t have the staff to delegate to yet.”

“I know that feeling," I agreed, blocking us all out for the following Monday, Shingen would get the first flight in and land around 9.30am. He would stay with Kenshin and me to save on some costs, and there were enough restaurants to eat at around here where we could break and then work again. I was literally watching Shingen populate my diary with him as interviews were already being proposed for times at the office.  

Our reputation had preceded us. Everyone knew we could deliver the services, it was just mostly getting the staff. The late nights and early mornings continued, though not without the majority of people knowing that we were practically living at the offices to get things established. It wasn't uncommon for us to get messages or employees sticking their heads into our joint office, asking if they could help with anything. It was then we put the internal memo out that we were going to hire a secretary to assist with the management of our workload with the instruction to send a resume and cover letter to Shingen via email.

Both of us had been busy working through some potential new clients when my phone line went dead, and Mitsuhide was glaring at his screen. Then I looked up to find a smiling Shiori holding my phone line and power cable in one hand and then pointed to one of her co-workers holding the power and phone line for Mitsuhide. She smiled and waved as Shingen was chuckling to himself in the background, while Kenshin was glaring at the office in general. He must have been feeling a little territorial before being shown in as Shiori was already picking up the phone to call back the potentials with a cheery smile.

“I didn’t realise it was this bad,” Shingen frowned, looking over our desks. “I’ve got a lot of interviews starting at 9am tomorrow, and last for the whole week from 9am to 7pm, with an hour for lunch. But I feel like I should be making them for that scale for next week as well.”

“You’re all making it worse than it is,” I waved my hand dismissively. “We have interviews for four days, we can see who will fit in the company. They are all aware that just because they’re interviewing for one role, doesn’t mean that they won’t be offered another role, correct?”

“Yes, I’ve emphasised that it’s a booming company, and anyone who has done their research will be aware that it’s not a startup, just a new location,” Shingen nodded. “You sound like you aren’t talking to an experienced recruiter.”

His tone was a little rap on the back of the knuckles before my handbag was picked up, and then my backpack and Mitsuhide's.  

“What are you doing?” I asked, glaring at Kenshin and Shingen accusingly.

“You two need to catch up with me over lunch and then go through the resumes,” Shingen shrugged. “And we’re doing it at your two’s ‘flat’,” the way he used the air quotes made me frown. “It’s huge,” he laughed. “And you’re living in downtown Berlin, so I know it’s not cheap-”

“Someone’s grandmother sent us a down payment for buying property after the news of us being in a relationship was shared,” I explained. “We used it.”

“I did wonder,” Mitsuhide smirked, reluctantly joining us in the elevator to get going.

***

Going through resumes while perched on Kenshin's lap on our stupidly comfortable sofas was heaven. I had been forced to shower and get into one of Kenshin's sweaters and a pair of leggings on getting out before I was allowed back out to work. The coffee was made en mass, while we were doing individual evaluations and even some of the ones that Shingen had been on the fence about but not offered an interview were dragged out for potentially being brought in the following week.

One order of Chinese takeaway later and we had enough extras to bring in for two more days of interviews. Now, we glanced up at the clock in time to realise that it was time to get some sleep. Shingen smiled at Kenshin and me before showing Mitsuhide out, making him promise to get some sleep before letting him have his backpack back.  

“Will I get some sleep tonight?” He teased.

“The place was soundproofed already,” I yawned, before realising what I had implied, and blushed.

“Just checking, since Kenshin had never bothered,” he laughed, waving before taking himself off to bed.

Kenshin picked me up, refusing to let me get off him.

“Kenshin,” I whined.

“I want you to have the staff so that I know I can come home to you, and have you to myself for a while, but I don’t want you to be gone like you will be for interviews to ensure that,” he sulked.

“Mm, soon,” I murmured, nuzzling into his neck as I enjoyed the feeling of his arms around me.

#ikemen series #ikemen sengoku #ikesen #Ikémen Sengoku #kenshin uesugi #heat #omega #alpha #beta #modern au

[goddess-of-writing-wars]

Beautician!Kenshin Headcanons

ALRIGHT SO I’M LATE, BUT HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY #1 LORD AND LOVER, KENSHIN UESUGI! Here, have some personal headcanons I have for Beautician!Kenshin because I couldn’t stop thinking about him. -Admin Yukari

Being well-versed with a sword, it wasn’t strange to see Kenshin wield a pair of scissors and be extremely talented with it.

While Kenshin was good with scissors in beauty school, he had to really work hard to keep up with the other necessary beauty skills, such as dyeing hair, washing hair, and practicing quality customer service. Sometimes his instructors would tell him to work on smiling more instead of frowning.

He used to practice on Sasuke, Yukimura, and Shingen but that all ended when all three of them were too scared to be near him and a sharp pair of scissors. 

Shingen complains that Kenshin isn’t gentle when he washes his hair and makes a point that customers can complain about getting headaches. Kenshin scoffs and calls it nonsense since Shingen’s scalp needs the harsh wash to get rid of his dandruff flakes.

Once, Kenshin tried buzzing off Yukimura’s hair with a razor, and it did not end as well as he thought it would. Yukimura was left with a few uneven spots in his hair and he was mortified to go out afterward. After this, Yukimura told Kenshin to work on his skills before using him as a sacrifice again in the future.

When Sasuke, with hesitation, decided to offer himself up to Kenshin to trim his bangs, it ended with Sasuke screaming in horror as he saw the straight blunt bangs across his forehead after Kenshin chopped it all off. It wasn’t until Kenshin stylized it in its usual manner did Sasuke sigh in relief and felt his heart return to its normal beat.

Kenshin is not fond of dyeing hair or bleaching it. He’s not a big fan of the lengthy process or the smell. He always says that it “takes up too much time” and doesn’t like how it gives his clients dead hair a few weeks later.

If they were brave enough, some of Kenshin’s classmates would ask him if he bleached and styled his own hair because of its unique style, but he would quickly tell them no and that it was “all natural,” much to their disbelief.

After graduating from beauty school and getting his license, Kenshin started off by joining a well-known hair salon in Echigo. It was the perfect opportunity to hone his skills and develop them even more. 

Right after he had his own booth, the owner of the salon started to notice the increase in clientele and couldn’t help but wonder if it was because of Kenshin’s skills or just himself in general. 

While most of his coworkers refuse to cut hair for young children because of their fidgety habits in the salon chair, Kenshin doesn’t mind. He usually gets them to stay still and quickly works his scissors through their hair, all while telling them to remain still if they didn’t want him to accidentally cut them. 

Even though women (and sometimes men) come flocking over to the hair salon and demand to have an appointment with Kenshin, he’s usually booked several months ahead. People usually have to wait 4-5 months for his next opening because Kenshin doesn’t like to pack his schedule too tightly.

Once Kenshin was informed that the hair salon would extend into other beauty services, he decided to quit and open up his own hair salon. Doing makeovers and nails was out of the question for him and he didn’t enjoy it as much as he did with hair. 

After opening up his own hair salon, Kenshin decided to establish his own rules. Sake Saturdays would be a thing among his employees, and he would happily accept sake and pickled plums as payment from his clients. 

Surprisingly, Kenshin gets also booked to do hair updos for weddings or special events. He’s willing to travel to his clients if they promise him a quality brand of sake too. 

Kenshin always participates in hair donations for organizations that use hair to create wigs for cancer patients. He believes in good causes and likes to make his hair salon known for donating the most qualified hair. It’s good publicity! 

Has a poor habit of talking with scissors and pointing at things with them. If things get heated in the salon, you better pray that Kenshin isn’t snapping his scissors at you as his voice darkens and he speaks faster than usual. 

Kenshin doesn’t listen to the music his hair salon plays. Instead, he carries his own black earbuds and smartphone to block out the salon’s pop music. He prefers instrumental music or even alternative rock.

One time Yoshimoto came in after hearing about Kenshin’s success with his new salon and he “accidentally” changed the music playing in the hair salon to extremely loud screamo music. It wasn’t long before Kenshin chased him out of the hair salon with his scissors and banned Yoshimoto from ever returning.

Even though he was taught to interact with his customers in beauty school, Kenshin is not much of a talker when he works on his client’s hair. He prefers to just listen to his music in silence, only speaking when he instructs his clients to follow him to the sink to wash their hair or to look at a certain angle while he cuts their hair. 

Despite this, Kenshin’s charisma always draws his customers to come back to him. It’s hard to resist him and his prices for his services too.

Kenshin cuts his own hair when it gets a little longer. He doesn’t trust anyone else to do it. 

Keeps his hair salon clean and sparkling every day. Kenshin can’t stand seeing a piece of hair on the floor if it hasn’t been swept and he doesn’t like seeing empty bottles of hairspray on the counters either. Proper sanitation is a must.

Kenshin’s salon eventually becomes the #1 go-to place for hair in Echigo, and he’s quite proud of his hard work. It’s a victory worth showing off! To celebrate, he eventually comes out with his own professional line of hair products and it hits off well among his clients and Echigo.  

Kenshin avidly avoids gossip and drama and refrains from participating in it. He wants his employees to keep it professional, but that all changes when a certain client keeps coming back to his hair salon and Kenshin develops the desire to get to know her better. His employees tease him about it and ask “What happened to the “zero tolerance policy” for gossip?” 

Eventually ends up hiring MC to be his social media and marketing promoter for his hair salon. All of Kenshin’s works of art for hair can be found on his Instagram and other social media websites thanks to MC’s meticulous work. 

His budding romance with MC starts when she allows him to use her hair to create more pretty updos and to test new methods. It isn’t long before Kenshin becomes quite comfortable with MC and loves the feel of her hair. He’s sure he won’t find anyone as open and accepting as her when it comes to being his test subject.

Once Kenshin and MC planned to get married, he asked her if she would allow him to stylize her hair for the wedding, and she agreed! It wasn’t every day that she had the chance to let Kenshin play with her hair. 

If Kenshin had children, they would be set for life when it comes to hair. He would be their one and only hairstylist. He can’t stand the thought of them seeing anyone else. Yandere much?

#ikemen sengoku #ikesen #kenshin uesugi #headcanons #the goddess declares #admin yukari's work #happy birthday kenshin!

[ikesenhell]

TAG YOURSELF: Warlords as Retail Employees

+NOBUNAGA: Won’t help with anything when you come in. Hangs out and pops chewing gum as you look around, reading something on their phone. Don’t ask them where something is if is obvious: they will just stare at you and point at the sign wordlessly. Likes to delegate out tasks to their other employees.

+HIDEYOSHI: SO NICE. So, so nice! You’re fooled into believing that they actually care about you for a little while. They’ll help you find anything with a smile and a joke. They’ll even pretend to laugh at your dumb stories! They get the best reviews every month.

+MASAMUNE: Ladders? It’s quicker to restock if you just climb the shelves. OSHA says you need close toed shoes? Birkenstocks work for that, right? Right? If they can’t find the long-reach hook to pull something down, they just jump until they knock the object down. Doesn’t really care if you break it. Is willing to just pretend they didn’t see anything and not make you pay for it, cause they ‘do it all the time’.

+IEYASU: They make their disdain for you pretty clear. If you show up at the front door two minutes to closing, they will lock it in front of your face as you watch, ensuring you can see their name tag so you know exactly who to be angry at. Really helpful to elderly customers, but you can see their eyes glaze over when customers tell their life stories. Has a habit of feigning being called on the radio and walking off mid-conversation.

+MITSUNARI: Greets every customer that comes in cheerfully. Is terrible at stocking and register, but they’re such a bright, positive energy that they’re put up front anyway. Can’t seem to get through more than a single transaction every ten minutes because they’re being too helpful. Did you know about the coupon specials? How about the special customer package? Oh, if you go to this site, you can get a discount! It’s okay if you need to fumble through your purse for a while, they’re not going anywhere…

+MITSUHIDE: HOW DO THEY DO IT? Somehow they have the best numbers every month. You’re really not sure how they do it. Most of the customers are scared of them. They laugh like they’re a supervillain and it unsettles the kids who come through. They know where everything is. Eventually they get transferred into loss prevention because anyone who is shoplifting miraculously finds them hovering over their shoulders.

+KENSHIN: They constantly get hit on. It’s really unclear why. Their register wastebasket is usually littered with numbers and notes from admirers. They really should be management; they’ve perfected the ‘I don’t get paid enough for this’ stare, paired with the ominous “I am the manager” drawl that other associates envy. Has a habit of loitering near the doorway and staring daggers at potential shoplifters until they leave. Has straight up turned off their register and walked away because a customer was being obnoxious.

+SHINGEN: It’s not really clear how they haven’t gotten hit with a harassment suit. They flirt so much with their fellow associates that a day without it is just weird. People are constantly buying more when they’re at the register, cause it means coming back through the line and getting buttered up again. A steady stream of ‘regulars’ only come by just to see if he’s on shift, which is great for the foot traffic numbers. Been there way, way too long.

+YUKIMURA: No, they don’t know if there’s more in the back. No, they won’t check. They don’t know how to look at the inventory online, sorry. You can do that. No, they don’t know how the credit card works, and no one else here really does either, so honestly why don’t you just look it up? The least helpful and most honest person on the sales floor. The no-bullshit customers love them, but all of the older associates cringe every time they say something like, “Gee, do I look like Google? No!”

+SASUKE; Never, ever ask them technical questions. Your five minute inquiry will turn into an hour long dissertation. He keeps getting shifted into laptops or cell phone because he’s great for people who want the in-depth explanation, but he’s so bad at breaking it down into manageable sentences that most people leave more confused than before. Uses “typically” as a sentence opener. Hauls the weight of most of the team, then goes and hides in the break room and no one can ever locate them.

+KENNYO: Them? Oh no. They work for the shelter. You didn’t seriously think you could catch them dead working in retail, did you?

#Tag yourself #tag yourself meme #ikesen #ikemen sengoku #Ikesen Kennyo #Ikesen Nobunaga #Ikesen Hideyoshi #Ikesen Ieyasu #Ikesen Masamune #Ikesen Mitsunari #Ikesen Mitsuhide #Ikesen Kenshin #Ikesen Shingen #Ikesen Sasuke #Ikesen yukimura #Warlords as Retail Employees

[ikesenlemonadestandstories]

Taco the Town

How’s it going everyone! Here’s part 3 of my current Modern AU Series - The Part Timer. If you’re looking for the first two parts jump down and check out the tag “The Part Timer Series” or you can scroll through my Master List that houses all my other Ikesen works. 

Credit for the title/name for the UT forces’ restaurant goes to @ikesenhell who talked through these concepts with me over some nourishment. They’re very clever and I appreciate all the idea bouncing we were able to do.

As a brief reminder Zhari is @one-eyed-captain-kinky ‘s character and Akiharu belongs to @elievalentine. 

Gonna drop it under the cut for clutter purposes :) have a great night honey bees! You all deserve it! 

Tagging @little-mini-me-world 

Keep those ‘Trick or Treat’ requests coming in! There’s still plenty of slots open :) If you have no clue what that is check out my previous post here.

Taco the Town - p3

You had been putting in hours almost regularly at Azuchi, and you finally had a Saturday afternoon off to go grab a meal with your friend who was in town to visit her parents.

“This place is amazing!” Ginny purred “Very Tex-Mex.”

“You’re sure I’m not underdressed for this?” you cocked an eyebrow looking over at your friend. Her blonde hair was styled, so it laid in neat waves, make-up done, smelling faintly of roses. To top the look off, she was in a pair of very short waist high jean shorts, a loose fitting crop top with an unknown logo on the front, and the most pristine white sneakers you had ever seen.

“Not at all, you look fine!” exclaiming as she smiled to herself.

“Last time I checked, fine, wasn’t a sought-after description Ginny.” you were now profoundly regretting your wardrobe decision. In a simple pair of black shorts, a lilac cotton tee, and your favorite pair of flip-flops that was not complimented well by the mess of a ponytail tumbling down your back you sighed and followed your friend around the corner.

You were led to a large yellow and red adobe building with “TACO THE TOWN” in bold letters hanging above a window that showcased, is that an antler chandelier? Oh heavens, how dose she find places like this?

“I know what you’re thinking,” she laughed and continued on reaching for the heavy glass door in front of us, “and the answer is my mom recommended it.”

“Your mom? I didn’t think she liked places like this.”

“She usually doesn’t, but apparently the staff is totally gorgeous!”

Before you could protest, she walked over the threshold. Following your friend dutifully, the crisp air from the air conditioner hit you as fast as the scent of fajitas and citrus. Weird combo, not bad, just weird.

“What lovely ladies. How many will we have the pleasure of serving today?” the host purred.

Ginny openly swooned next to you, and you had to admit, the tall redhead gave Hideyoshi a run for his money in the friendly greeting department. He was tall and broad with a smile and stance that oozed confidence.

“Just the two of us.” Ginny giggled, and you fought a blush

He grabbed two menus out from what you surmised was a shelf inside the podium he was standing at. Picking up a pen he tapped a button on the wall, as he pulled away a small light was visible underneath. I wonder if that’s how they let the wait staff know what tables are active. That’s pretty clever.

You followed the host to a small booth for two along a wall of windows. Placing the menus down he stepped back so gracefully he had to have been floating, there was no other way to describe how he moved so fluidly. You took your seat and grabbed one of the menus, flipping it to the back page where the drinks were located.

“Might I offer to get you started with something to drink?”

“I’ll have a Coke or a Pepsi, whatever you’ve got is fine.” your friend chirped across from you, giving her best smile.

“Of course, and for you princess?”

What? Princess? Was he talking to you? There was no way, not with Ginny dressed to the nines right across from you. You felt their collective gazes burning holes in you as you struggled to give an answer.

“Uh-um, can I just- Can I have a glass of water please?” you forced yourself to make eye contact while you placed your drink order. Was it warm in here? You had to be blushing, there’s no way you weren’t.

“Absolutely. I will have Yukimura bring that right out. My name is Shingen, please let me know if he gives you any trouble.”

“What?” A voice rang out from the opposite side of the restaurant “If anyone's giving people problems it’s you Shingen. You flirt. Leave those poor girls alone already.”

The host whose name was Shingen winked at the two of you before making his way back to the front of the restaurant. Not even a beat later drinks were being thrust in front of you.

“Water?”

“That’s me.” you smiled and sheepishly raised your hand.

He placed the glass down with a thunk following quickly with Ginny’s drink, dropping straws down between you. “Are you two ready to order or do you need a minute?”

“Can we get a minute please?” Ginny smiled up at him from behind the menu.

“Sure. I’ll be back in a bit. My names Yukimura just give a shout if you need me.” and then he was gone, stomping back towards the kitchen.

The moment he was out of earshot your friend lowered her menu and started using it as a fan. “Wow, both of them were soooo hot." She whispered through her teeth.

She wasn’t wrong. The young man, Yukimura, who had just waited on you was shorter than the host but was still tall in his own right. He had soft brown hair and eyes that matched. He may have been a bit brusque, but he seemed friendly. You found yourself smiling.

The food had come out in a timely manner, and Ginny and yourself had decided to split two dishes to better spread the wealth of flavor. So one large order of empanadas and another plate filled with chimichangas stuffed full of pulled pork and you should have been sufficiently stuffed, but that had never stopped you from dessert before.

“The Chocolate Pecan Pie for two?” a young man appeared seemingly out of thin air beside your table with your dessert, two spoons, and coffee for the both of you. This particular waiter wore slim black frames and had hair the same color as the chocolate on your pie, sporting a smaller frame than anyone you’d seen working here so far he looked approachable and slightly familiar.

“That’s ours' thanks.” Ginny, nearly squealed across from you as the man gracefully placed the desert between us.

“Yukimura stepped away for a bit, unfortunately, so I will be taking over until he returns. My name is Sasuke. Please don’t hesitate to call-” Sasuke was nearly through his introduction when there was a commotion behind us grabbing everyone's attention.

“What do you mean it wasn’t cooked all the way?” A young man with ice blonde hair and hetero-chromatic eyes, one the color of the deep sea and the other a vibrant shade of jade stared down the young couple at a table across the restaurant.

“Like I said!” the patron raised his voice “I wanted it well done. This is pink.”

“How can you tell? You haven’t even cut into it yet?” the blonde brought the large kitchen knife he was carrying up above his head before swiftly bringing it down into the man's dinner.

“If you’ll excuse me.” Sasuke bowed and scurried towards the commotion. “Kenshin!” calling after the man.

As it would turn out Sasuke had gone to high school with you and Ginny, he informed you that the four you saw today had been college friends of his and were all co-owners of the restaurant. Which you never would have known had Sasuke not come back after he de-escalated the situation with Kenshin. While they each have a stake in ‘Taco the Town,’ they all prefer to assist in the ways they can. It doesn’t always go smoothly since their such big personalities, but it had still been a good time, and the food was great. 

Leftovers in a bag Ginny and yourself walked back towards your houses. Maybe you’d go back together sometime, or you’d take your new work friends with you. You were sure Zhari or Akiharu would like the food there.

You smiled and chatted all the way to Seventh Street where you and Ginny took off in separate directions. Her parents lived on the other side of town from your current home. Passing by Azuchi on your way back to your place Mitsuhide crept up next to you.

“You should take more care than to walk these streets alone at this hour little mouse.” he eyed your bag before slowing his pace to match yours. “On your way home from dinner?”

“I am, a friend is in town so we met up and went to get food.” you smiled up at him “Isn’t Azuchi the other way? I wouldn’t want to get you in trouble for being late.”

“You act as if Hideyoshi would be mad at me for making sure our new employee gets themselves home safe.” a mischievous grin graced his features “besides I enjoy teasing them and this is the perfect bait.”

“I’m not entirely sure what you mean by that but thanks for walking me back.” you turned to him once you reached your driveway. “This is me so I can take it from here. See you tomorrow?”

“Mhh,” he hummed a response. “Not going to invite me in for my trouble?”

“I know better than that.” you wiggled your eyebrows at him. “Unless you actually need something that is?”

“No little mouse, not tonight. Enjoy your evening.” He turned and started walking back down the road before you pulled your keys out. Stepping into your kitchen, you placed your leftovers in the fridge and headed off to watch TV before bed.

After all, tomorrow was the start of another busy week.

#ikemen sengoku #ikesen #ikésen #ikémen sengoku #ikesen shingen #ikesen yukimura #ikesen sasuke #ikesen kenshin #ikesen mitsuhide #ikesen hideyoshi #The Part Timer Series #part 3 #the name is brilliant #short story #story from some head cannons #i had some help with this series #ikesenhell is bomb af #if you made it this far through my tags i hope you laugh just a little bit #we're just getting started #you unknowingly just spied on your biggest competition #i got so off topic i'm certain i'm missing tags but i don't care anymore

[maryb121813]

Just a Tease. (A SLBP Takeda Shingen AU fanfic)

I I stood at the bar, watching the rookie, Yukimura, try to gyrate on a woman’s lap. You can see he’s not comfortable with women, since his cheeks are bright red, but some might blame it on the “Coronas” he drank. He was even still wearing his tear-away pants, but the woman didn’t seem to care. I think she was just happy to stick singles in his pants and watch his ass move.

I shook my head with a smile. He still has a long way to go before he can really go at it.

“The Little Lord is still too green around the gills to be doing that.” commented Saizo, as he sipped his Bud Light.

“You know Boss Man said that he needed to do it to get over his shyness. Besides, he’s getting the hang of it...somewhat.” I said tilting my head to the side, trying to figure out what Yukimura was doing now.

I hear Saizo chuckle, “He should practice with you Little Lady. You’re always watching us and giving newbies tips on what they need to fix.”

I roll my eyes. I’m working as a bartender at a male strip club. I serve the men non alcoholic drinks that look the same as the alcoholic ones the girls order once they see sexy men drinking it...except Saizo. He likes his beer the way it's meant to be: cold, in a bottle and alcoholic.

Yukimura is fairly new and was suppose to be watching Saizo and performing with him as a duo, but our senior dancer said he wanted to see what he can do alone. And from what Saizo and I can see is that he needs more guidance with lap dances.

"Looks like he's done, since the woman just made a grab for his ass." Saizo laughed.

I shook my head. Saizo had a sense of humor and is always picking on the newbies, but he's taken Yukimura under his wing, unlike the others that have come and gone.

The lights dimmed, colored lights started flashing, the DJ started playing D. Brown’s ‘I’m a Dog’ and the women fell into silence. "AND NOW GIVE A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR THE TIGER OF KAI!" the announcer said into the microphone.

My eyes automatically lock onto the stage, the man sauntered out on to the stage. As he got into the groove of his routine, he was moving his body, that should be an automatic sin. His amber eyes looked like the were glowing, just like a tiger. His red hair swayed against his shoulders and back. As he took off more of his tear-away clothes, he showed off more of his sin worthy body. His abs look good enough to eat off of. His muscled arms look like they could embrace you for hours and never tire.

Once he was stripped down to his tiger printed g-string, Saizo brought me back to reality, by snapping his fingers in front of my face, “Little Lady has a crush on Shingen, huh? Here I thought you went for the pretty boys.”

I shook my head, “Pretty boys are all about their faces and think they can skate through life with it.”

“Hey, I resent that!” yelled Yukimura as he sat next to Saizo.

I placed a bottle of Corona with a lime wedge in his reach, “Oh, you know I love you, you know as a annoying older brother.” I laughed as he gave me are-you-serious look.

He tried to take a swipe at my head, only for me to move out of the way before his hand made contact. All three of us laugh together like siblings, but I also felt daggers being stabbed into my side. I take a glance out of the corner of my eye and see the 3 other female bartenders giving me the death glare.

“Don’t let them bother you, Little Lady. They’re just envious at the fact you don’t hit on the dancers and we like you for that.” stated Saizo.

“Yeah, I mean on nights you’re not here, I have at least 2 of them try to take me back to their place after work.” chimed in Yukimura.

I smile at their attempt to cheer me up. I've been working at this club for the last 5 years and I know that this is work, no flirting with the assets. That's why I was well liked at the interview for this job. And where I met Shingen for the first time. He was bait for me to flirt with but instead we talked like normal people, but after years of talking and getting to know one another, I fell for him, but can only watch him from the sidelines.

The song ended and Shingen picked up his discarded clothes and singles that were thrown at him. Yes, I know he's a male stripper at night, but that never stopped me from falling in love with the man. I looked over at him, getting in one last look before he goes in back, he lifts his head up and I feel like his amber eyes locked on to my own.

I shook my head, 'There's no way his eyes would've found mine. It's not possible.' I tell myself.

I pulled out a damp rag to wipe down the bar, when a manicured hand slaps on top of mine. I look up and see Nicole, another female bartender with big blue eyes and bottle blonde hair, standing next to me with a sly smile on her face.

"It's time for your break MC. I'll take over for you." she said with a sickly sweet voice, her eyes darting towards Saizo and Yukimura. Both men looked away from her, being more interested by their drinks than her.

I knew what she was doing, they all want a piece of the dancers, but I also know that none of them will give them the time of day. So I shrug my shoulders, hand her the rag, "Okay Nicole, I'll be back in 15." I said with a false cheer.

I walk around the bar just as Saizo and Yukimura put down their bottles and walk in the back to get ready for their duet. I could faintly hear Nicole grumble, making me smile.

I go out the back door where, there's an employee patio, for those who smoke, I sat in one of the chairs, relaxing my aching shoulders, when I feel a pair of big warm hands gently massaging both of them. My eyes roll into the back of my head, these hands are magical. All the tension is melting away, till I hear his sultry voice.

"You're so tense, MC, what the hell are you doing behind that bar?"

I tilt my head back, my eyes going wide, I can feel a blush creep up on my cheeks, it was Shingen and he was massaging my shoulders, and I was thanking God it was dark enough for him not to notice my blushing cheeks. Part of me would have thought I would be use to his touch, but the other part of me feels like a teenager, whose crush is actually giving me the time of day.

I give myself a mental shake, trying and failing to calm my nerves. "You know how it is, Shingen, all that tin shaking and all those glares from the other bartenders.” I laugh. I see his playful smile turn into a scowl, “What? You know how women are when someone is standing in front of their prize or prizes.” He raised his eyebrow, “Besides, no one has tried to punch my lights out yet.”

He squeezed my shoulders, hard, telling me he doesn’t like it when they hassle me. He stops massaging my shoulders and moves to pull the chair in front of me closer, so when he sat my legs were in between his, giving me no chance of running away from him.

He leaned forward, his forearms on his muscular thighs, his nose was almost touching mine. "MC," his peppermint breath tickled my nose, "you must tell me if they do anything to you." his amber eyes bore into mine, "You are my-"

I pushed his shoulders, standing up from my chair, "Yes, I am your dear friend, I get it. I'll tell you if anything happens." I almost sped walked to the back entrance.

As my hand touched the door knob, Shingen's hand covered mine, stopping it from turning the knob. "You're not even going to let me finish what I was going to say, MC?" he sounded irritated.

I had to look up at his face, his features showed he was peeved, but why? I am a friend and co-worker, nothing more. I don’t know why he’s looking at me like that.

“Why do you look so pissed off?” I pull my hand out from under his, standing to look at him head on, “What have I done to make you angry?”

He rolled his shoulders, just like when he’s getting ready to do his stage routine. “You don’t?” he started walking towards me, making me take steps back to keep him at a distance, “Every time I’m on the stage, I see you happily talking to those brats, letting them touch you. It’s drives my sanity to the breaking point.”

My back hits a wall on the other side of the patio, my eyes look to my left then to my right, trying to find a way out, but Shingen’s hands landed on both sides of my head, his arms caging me in. I look into his eyes, they look like a tiger who just caught their prey. And I’m now understanding why he’s called The Tiger of Kai.

“W-why are you angry about that? I-it’s just small talk b-between friends. I’m not like the other girls who want to...sleep with them.” I sputtered out.

“No, you’re not like them. That’s what drew me to you when I first met you and that was the end of me.” he leaned his body down, pressing against me, he pressed his nose in the crook of my neck, rubbing my skin with his nose.

“Sh-Sh-Shingen, wh-what are you doing?” my heart was sky rocketing out of my chest, my body had forgotten how to breathe, making me stutter.

“Showing everyone that you are MY woman.” 

His lips latched on to my neck, his teeth gently bit down on the tender skin, his tongue swirled in lazy circles, while his mouth sucked hard. My brain had shut down, my eyes slowly closed at this wonderful sensation of the man I love giving me his mark, but also still not understanding why me of all the women around him. 

He reluctantly let go of his prize, he licked where he bit me and placed a kiss there as if to make the pain go away. He pulled his head away from my neck to look into my face, as I lazily opened my eyes. 

His hand cupped my face, a smile pulled on his lips, “Don’t look at me like that, or else I’ll do more to you before we even have our first date.” he leaned down and pressed a kiss to my nose, “Now don’t go and show off that face to anyone else, or else incur my tiger’s wrath on the poor urchin that saw it.” he said walking away from me and back into the club.

I finally collapse to my knees, my legs not being able to hold me up anymore. My hand reached up to the spot on my neck, my fingers traced around the warm love bite, still not believing what had just happened.

I heard a chuckle, my head snapped over to the table where a body sat in one of the chairs, “He lasted much longer than I thought he would, Little Lady.”

“How long have you been sitting there, Saizo?” I asked with embarrassment.

“Who knows.” he shot me a sly smile.

I scowled, “Perverted voyeur.” I stood back up, and made my way back inside, towards the bathroom to splash water on my face, but as I was leaving, I only heard Saizo laugh, “All the more fun, Little Lady of The Tiger.”

#takeda shingen #slbp shingen #slbp