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minachan95-written-works-on-ao3 · 2 years

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Title: If One Wasn't Enough Already… Chapter 5.

Fandom: King of Fighters

Pairing: Iori Yagami x Kyo Kusanagi

Characters: Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, Shingo Yabuki, Chizuru Kagura

Status: Completed (10 chapters) Summary: [The remake of 2 Kyos - 1 Yagami] [This story is set in between KOF96 and KOF97]

When everything seem to back to normal, Kyo has no idea about the new opponent lurking just around the corner, who might be a more intimidating and fearsome, than other foes. Who is this youngman? How did he got there? What kind of business he has with Iori? Read and find out.

AO3 Link

Before washing himself and calling it a day, the younger brunette heads towards the redhead’s bedroom. Maybe Iori wouldn’t mind him borrowing some fresh clothes for tonight, would he?

‘Hopefully, he has more or less my size or decent clothes.’ Or so, Kyo naively hopes as he reaches the bedroom door.

That’s why, with no second thought, he opens the door.

As the Kusanagi enters inside, he widens his eyes in shock. What he sees in front of him instantly ruins his mood.

After he clenches his hands into fists, he whispers ‘‘What a hell is this?’’.

While approaching the bed, Kyo nearly growls ‘‘Who the fuck is this? Is that a fucking bastard?... That’s it. You’ve gone too far, pal.’’.

Meanwhile, the familiar-looking brunette who wears a blue pajama peacefully sleeps in Iori’s bed.

For sure, the younger Kusanagi’s heir cannot tolerate the audacity of his look-like anymore. When Kyo gets close to the bed, he carefully climbs onto the bed and corners his assaulter.

This is his chance to avenge what this maniac did to him. Even if the brunette’s hands tremble, he places them around this cheap replica’s neck.

Yet, the older brunette smiles while murmuring something during his sleep. Along with letting out purring-like noises, Kyo’s look-alike blissfully opens his eyes ‘‘What is it? Does someone have a nightmare, Ya-’’.

After the Kusanagi’s heir realizes who was on top of him, his eyes are wide open, and his smile instantly disappears.

‘‘Oi, how did you get there? Haven’t I warned you not to follow me, you cheapskate?’’ The older Kusanagi asks in a calm yet threatening tone.

Suddenly, he kicks his knee into his opponent’s stomach.

The younger Kusanagi falls next to his doppelgänger while groaning in pain.

Yet, it doesn’t affect the brunette in a blue pajama, nor does he show any mercy. He just harshly pushes the younger Kyo out of bed.

___________________

Meanwhile, Iori gets startled by the sudden loud noise. For sure, it sounded like something heavy fell in his bedroom.

‘Perhaps Kyo lost the balance and tripped over the thin-air.’ Or so, the redhead wonders.

‘‘It cannot be helped, then… That stupid brat cannot be left alone even for five minutes! What did he think of this time? That stupid trouble-maker...’’ Yagami complains while standing up and heading to his bedroom. Yet, he hopes that nothing serious happened to his rival.

____________________

Meanwhile, in Iori’s bedroom, the war has just begun.

The older Kusanagi leans to the edge of the bed and sees how the cheap clone is doing. Surely, he is satisfied seeing his look-alike curling into a ball, yet giving a hateful gaze at him.

‘‘Hehe~ Serves you right, you low-life! However, this time I won’t be kind.’’ Kyo, in blue pajama, mocks his enemy.

As soon as he notices the so-called clone’s left leg covered in a medical bandage, he indignantly remarks ‘‘What an actual fuck is this? Did that idiot take care of a pesky clone? Is he out of his goddamn mind?’’. After shaking his head, he continues in the same tone ‘‘He better have a good reason for this.’’.

However, as the wounded brunette tries to get up, he receives a punch into his face with a harsh comment ‘‘I’m not done yet!’’.

While older Kyo roughly breathes, he scolds the fallen Kusanagi ‘‘Who gave you a right to interrupt me?! You can do what you want when I’ll send you back to your creator!’’.

After the younger brunette spits the blood on the side and wipes his lips, he pitifully growls while grinding his teeth ‘‘Who the hell are you? And what do you want from me and Yagami? Do not think I’ll forgive you that easily, you sick bastard!’’.

Even so, the fallen Kusanagi’s eyes are burning with fury, making his opponent chuckle ‘‘You can’t be serious…’’

After swooshing his hair, the older Kyo explains ‘‘Are you a defected copy or something? I know that you all are brainless creatures, but I at least expect you to know on whom you are based.’’.

As he ignites his fist, he proudly announces ‘‘Fine! Listen, before I’ll roast you. I am the one and the only—Kusanagi Kyo!’’.

However, as quickly as the orange flame appears, the quicker it perishes, and he closes his eyes. As he opens his amber eyes, the brunette asks ‘‘Any last words, you filthy trash?’’.

When the older Kusanagi leans closer, he gets knocked by the opponent’s upper punch.

After the younger Kyo jumps on the bed and climbs on top of his doppelgänger, he grabs him by the pajama’s shirt and brings it close to his face ‘‘You talk too much, buddy. How about I’ll help you to cool down a bit?’’.

Suddenly, the brunette closes his eyes and smashes his forehead against the impostor.

For sure, after such a painful strike, they nearly black out. While the younger Kusanagi’s head is spinning, he addresses the fellow brunette with a smile on his face ‘‘That should do it… Teaching ye a lesson~ But it’s not over yet, man. We’re just starting. Yup, not only you are a back-stabber and a creep but also poorly imitate my flame.’’.

However, just before he claims his victory over the young man in the blue, he gets startled by the confused voice behind him ‘‘The hell I’m witnessing?...’’.

Kyo widens his eyes in terror and slowly turns his head toward that sound. Even his grasp loosens on the older brunette’s shirt hits, and he could barely speak ‘‘Yagami?’’.

It is the last drop of the redhead’s sanity. Only observing the surreal fighting scene in disbelief made him question whether he was going insane.

Finally, Iori falls on his knee like a rag doll while his eyes are still wide open in denial.

Suddenly, he cracks a wide smile. While his eye twitches, the redhead silently chuckles. Yet, as soon as Yagami places his hand on his face, he laughs like a madman.

After the older brunette pushes away his opponent, he rushes towards the redhead’s side. When Kyo places his hands on Iori’s shoulders and shakes him, he addresses him in a concerned tone ‘‘Oi, Yagami… Get a hold of yourself!’’. Even gently slapping his cheek while begging Yagami to snap out is not effective.

Meanwhile, the younger Kusanagi carefully approaches the redhead as well. However, all he could do was sit next to the young man in blue pajamas without having no clue what was happening to Yagami.

It is also the last drop of the older Kyo. As he shakily clenches his palm into a fist, he yells at his doppelgänger ‘‘Look what you have done, you disgusting mistake of god! I won’t forgive you!’’.

After the Kusanagi pushes down his opponent, he chokes him ‘‘I’ll make sure that this time all cheap copies will rot in hell!’’.

Fortunately, the sound of the younger brunette gasping and choking returns to Iori’s senses.

When he separates two ferocious Kusanagi, Yagami shouts at them ‘‘Cut it out before I’ll kill you on the same spot!’’.

As Iori roughly breathes, the younger brunette pushes himself up by his elbows and speaks up ‘‘Don’t just stand here, you idiot! I found this psycho sleeping in your bed. So, he is the one who cowardly assaulted me!’’.

However, the Kusanagi in blue pajama counter-attacks ‘‘What are you saying, you fake!? Oi, Yagami, do not listen to this clone. I’m the real one!’’. After lowering his gaze, he stares at Iori with big eyes ‘‘Why did you let this filth inside your house and even treat his wounds? What were you thinking, you stupid moron?’’.

‘‘Who the hell you call a clone, you third-rate cosplayer? You are nothing more than a creep!’’ The younger Kyo indignantly backfires.

Once again, these two mad cats are ready to shred each other into tiny pieces just by their gaze alone, ignoring Iori’s presence.

However, before the redhead’s bedroom becomes a destroyed battlefield, he deeply exhales and acts on time. While these two are busy ferociously staring at each other, Iori smacks their heads ‘‘Will you just stop already!’’.

Finally, he got the attention of the twins. As he roughly breathes, he points his finger at the older brunette ‘‘You!... You’re going with me.’’.

A second later, he addresses the younger Kyo in the same strict tone ‘‘And you… You, change your clothes and join us in the living room.’’.

Lastly, he speaks to both of them ‘‘Do you understand? Because I won’t repeat it twice. Move!’’.

For once, the twins agree on something, and they decide it is wiser to do as Yagami asks them to behave.

_________________

Some time passes. Finally, the younger Kyo, who wears a brown silk pajama, joins Iori and the impostor on the couch.

While the older Kusanagi leans close to Iori, he asks him ‘‘What are you planning this time? Why haven’t you finished this clone? Don’t tell me he brain-washed you… Whatever he told you is a fucking lie!’’.

However, the redhead only facepalms and shakes his head. After he sighs, he addresses the twins ‘‘I’m not sure how this happened, but neither of you can’t leave. Not until I’ll figure out what is going on. So, in the meantime, I’ll let you two live for free, but under one condition. You need to take care of my apartment. I don’t care how you will divide the house choirs! It’s none of my business, got it?’’.

Suddenly, the younger Kyo objects ‘‘You must be joking, right? There is no way that I’ll live together with that freak! Besides, I can’t skip school because that maniac showed up…’’.

Unfortunately, that innocent gaze doesn’t work on Iori. The redhead replies in an indifferent tone ‘‘I haven’t fully forbidden you to leave. Just make sure that you two won’t be seen together.’’.

After the brief pause, the redhead explains ‘‘One more thing—you two will sleep on the couch. Do you have more questions before I’ll go to sleep?’’.

‘‘Are you out of your mind, Yagami? What if that crazy pyromaniac will kill me during my sleep?’’ The younger Kusanagi objects.

Yagami only rolls his eyes and casually answers ‘‘Ah, good for you. Just make sure that you two clean up after yourself when you’re done.’’. In the end, Iori wishes them a good night and leaves alone, hoping tonight he’ll get some rest.

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Chapter 1 Link

Chapter 4 Link

Chapter 6 Link

#kof #king of fighters #kyo kusanagi #iori yagami #kyo x iori #iori x kyo #chizuru kagura #shingo yabuki #fanfiction #serial #ao3 #archive of our own #if-one-wasn't-enough-already

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kagurajinbaffxiv · 1 year

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Jumping ahead to the story of why I decided to start in the first place. The meeting of Kagura and Mikoto in the Ivalice raid series.

Kagura took the steps up to the airship landing, heading to meet Lina

"Took your time, we've been trying to reach you for weeks, the research into auracite seems to have paid off" Lina brusquely shouted down the stairs

Kagura reached the top of the stairs, finally seeing the Miqote looking quite frustrated with her

"I'm sorry Lina, I've had a bit to deal with, you did hear about the reconstruction and what happened in Doma did you not?" Kagura replied not hiding the irritation from her voice, Lina's ears flopped down a hair

Oops, that was harsh, we've both got a lot going on and I know it

"I did, sorry, I've been waiting too long and I've been worked up about this story and was rude, well now you're here let's head to the Prima Vista shall we"

Both Kagura and Lina started up the tower to the landing with Lina leading the way, her tail hanging lower than normal.

Damn it, I need to apologize after this is done, I should get her access to Doma so she can write a feel good story about the reconstruction, and see if Mitsuba can set her up with some food there

"So Kagura, have you read the missive Alma sent?"

"I've read the first line saying I need to be here, and not much further"

"Well then, Cid has found someone who has been assisting with the Principal's research, an uh, Archetype from Sharlean I think she called herself" Lina said not quite sure of herself

"An Archon perhaps?" Kagura softly said trying to ease the mood between them

"Oh yes, that was it"

An Archon? I hope they don't know me, I don't want another awkward conversation today Kagura thought to herself touching her mark.

"Well time to take the shuttle then" Lina said and they continued in silence

Author notes time: Woo finally got off my ass to write some things, I think I have the next part, the actual meeting, sorted out, but I want to leave it as a separate post to try and not make everything I write so long.

I kinda wish I played on PC, I think some shots using anamnesis might make some of this as well as well as the next part pop better, but no matter I hope anyone reading enjoyed the words and you want to read the next part once I get done with it.

#ffxiv #ffxiv oc #ff14 #ffxiv Kagura Jinba #ffxiv rp #final fantasy xiv

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savethelastdan · 3 years

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Sesskagu Week Day 2: Green (Apart)

Idea came from @dearestpartnerofgreatness

"I was wonderin' when you'd get here." Sliding both hands behind his head, Inuyasha looked his half-brother up and down with more than a little smugness. "Took a week to finally admit to yourself that you were wrong, stupid?"

"I was not wrong," Sesshomaru growled, despite the tinge of relief that the hanyou's statement proved that he'd successfully hunted Kagura down. That he'd spotted his brother sleeping on a curved branch of a tree outside heart of the village was both a detriment (in that he had to listen to him talk) and a blessing (he had no interest in walking around the village looking like a fool while she danced around avoiding him). "She overreacted."

A single dog ear twitched in amusement. "Great apology. Should go over well."

"I would think," Sesshomaru retorted, voice lowering as a group of villagers reached the top of the hill and promptly about-faced upon seeing him, "you would welcome the opportunity to remove her from your home, so that you may have peace once again."

Inuyasha's mouth opened comically wide before snapping shut. "Humph. Fine."

Stretching until several bones in his back cracked, he leapt down from the tree and bounded off. Sesshomaru turned his back to the tree, trying to appear unflappable as possible.

He hadn't been wrong, no matter how much the wind sorceress fussed. If anything, she had taken advantage of his generosity. Had he not lost months of sleep, seeking a way to stuff her soul back in an unmastered body, with an unmastered heart at her disposal? Had he not then allowed her to join his party on their travels despite the constant arguing between herself and Jaken and how his mood suffered because of it?

She had repaid him by deciding, for no reason at all, to start collecting. Nothing of importance; naturally, the bits and bobbles that drew Kagura's interest were as useless as they were commonplace. Withering leaves, sharp stones in muddied colors, feathers and scales and scraps of cloth or petrified wood, all constantly underfoot.

It was childish. It was pointless. And so, after the hundredth time something small and irksome found itself under his foot, Sesshomaru had tossed the whole pile away.

Which was how he'd been left with a blow to his chest that took a full day to heal, while Kagura ran off to invade Inuyasha's stupid little house in the stupid little village. The fact she'd rather be surrounded by humans than be around him was taken with the full force of insult she'd meant it to be. By now she'd probably convinced Kohaku and Rin to take her side…

At least he had Jaken's understanding.

He should not even be rewarding such a tantrum, by marching here to collect her. But…despite the headaches that her presence occasionally brought, her absence had endeared him to certain feelings. Those that, perhaps, could be analogized to how Kagura herself might have felt, back in the days where her much-wanted heart had been miles away.

Not that he could ever bring himself to say something like that out loud. Even to her, who had managed to wring quite a few utterances out of him that even Rin would have had trouble believing had come from Sesshomaru's own tongue.

There had to be a line somewhere.

(Perhaps time would wear it down, eventually, but unless she came home, the situation was moot.)

Annoyance stung the space behind his teeth as Inuyasha returned, no wind witch in tow. From the grumpy expression on the hanyou's face, he wasn't too thrilled about it either.

"She says she ain't interested in talkin' to ya." Folding both arms over his chest, Inuyasha glared in Sesshomaru's direction. "But you're right, she's overstayed her welcome. So start thinkin' how you're going to convince her to leave."

Sesshomaru bristled; demonic energy flooded his veins. "I do not take orders from- "

"Cut it out, you stopped being scary when you let Kagome start callin' ya Big Brother." The last few words were said in a high-pitched mimicry of the priestess, though it was quickly followed by the classically-ridiculous smile that Inuyasha always got when he mentioned his wife. "If it helps, I think she's just being difficult. She stopped thinkin' up creative ways to kill you a few days ago; the rest of the time, she's just been moping around. One gritted-teeth apology'll probably work."

That most certainly did not help, because as soon as they were in the same room again Sesshomaru was sure the reason for her ire would no doubt return in full force.

Inuyasha's brow dropped. "You seriously not gonna do it?"

"Would you?" Sesshomaru retorted icily, before he could stop himself.

"I," Inuyasha said, with the slow relish of someone who had been waiting for this exact question, "would've never thrown out her stuff in the first place."

Tenseiga and Bakusaiga's commentary was, while amusing, not particularly useful. Beating his brother to a pulp for being a know-it-all would do nothing but earn the ire of his sister-in-law. Which Sesshomaru did not need today.

"What's the problem with having stuff, anyway," Inuyasha continued, scratching behind one ear as though this was a casual family visit. "Other than the fan and feathers, it's not like she got to keep any shit around before. From what Kohaku said, Naraku didn't like for any of 'em to go exploring much, either. She's got the time and you've got the space, so it's a stupid thing to fight about."

As much as he did not want to admit it (and one could imagine just how much that was), that was a fair point. As was his belief that she could have chosen a more interesting and less obnoxious form of self-expression.

"You know, she mentioned somethin' a few times when she was cursing you…" Trying to keep his tone even was difficult, but the thought of Kagura going home helped. Even though this particular statement felt kinda unfair, even against someone like Sesshomaru. "How you didn't lift a finger to save her life, and now you won't even let her enjoy it, or…?"

Sitting with his feet propped on the windowsill, Jaken hummed a happy tune. It had been over a week without the annoying witch around, and he felt in much better spirits with her gone! No more sudden bursts of wind to knock him over in the corridors, or piles of random garbage from who-knew-where cluttering up the place. And there was still at least two weeks before Rin and Kohaku came for their annual summer visit and disturbed his peace.

Granted, Lord Sesshomaru's mood had been…sour since she'd gone, to the point that he'd left the castle in a huff the day before. But that was not a problem for Jaken; if anything, it hopefully meant that soon they'd be back to the old days of 24/7-wandering, offering challenges to whatever foolish yokai crossed their path! Not that having time to rest in the castle wasn't nice, but he certainly missed the days before Lord Sesshomaru had settled down, so-to-speak, and regulated his travels to the fall and spring seasons.

Suddenly, a powerful aura electrified the air, sending a chill zipping up through his legs. Leaning towards the window, he scanned the landscape with excitement. That must be Lord Sesshomaru! Perhaps he had returned with a task, a quest, just like the days before his Lord's heart had turned -

Oh no. Oh no.

Because yes, indeed, there was his esteemed Lord touching down in the front courtyard. But unfortunately, right at his side, with a smile he could see from here, was that annoying sorceress. As he watched, Sesshomaru brushed a hand against her arm with such uncharacteristic softness that it made the kappa feel ill.

Kagura said something (probably wicked, from the way her scarlet eyes glinted in the sunlight) and then twisted to unload something off her back. To Jaken's horror, she was carrying a knapsack. The same one she used to collect her stupid little trinkets all the time.

And it looked heavy.

#sesskagu #sesskagu week #sesskaguweek21 #sesshomaru #kagura #jaken #inuyasha #savethelastdan #shespitsfire

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fairytail-incorrectquotes · 2 years

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Jason: What's the first thing you notice when a man approaches you? Kagura: The audacity

#she ain't having it. her dni is exclusively 'men' /lh #jason the reporter #kagura continues to be a mood #kagura mikazuchi #fairy tail #wlw!kagura #fairy tail incorrect quotes #incorrect fairy tail quotes #incorrect quotes #incorrect quote #anime #manga #source: tumblr

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gintokisimp · 3 years

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Happy Birthday Gin-san!

One-Shot about Gintoki's 30th birthday. Tsukuyo has a special present for the clueless Gintoki. The setting of the fic is an already lightly romantic established GinTsu relationship. They already had some kind of romantic encounters, but it was never quite enough for anyone to make a first move. Basically all of them could be seen as „Well, that was awkward, but we are friends so it’s funny.“

Genre: Fluff, First Kiss Stuff

Rating: General Audience

Word Count: 1,960

"Gin-chan, wake up! wake up!"

Kagura's scream echoed through the Yorozuya banged on his door before tearing it open with an ugly sound.

"You're an old man now, no more sleeping in late" She continued to scream with full volume.

"Shut up!" Gintoki screamed back and opened his eyes. He sure felt like an old man already. His life was okay now, after the ending of the canon material. But something was missing, but he also didn't care enough to find out what exactly was missing.

Kagura brought in a birthday cake with 3 sloppily placed candles, topped with one single strawberry. Gintoki frowned looking at the candles.

"I'm 30, not 3." He blurted.

"Yes yes, right. You're so old, I need to use one candle for 10 years, that's how old you are!" She explained to him. Gintoki snorted.

"Why are you so happy so early in the morning?!"

"Here, eat up or mommys gonna be pissed!"

She ignored his bad mood and lifted the fork, forcing the cake in his mouth.

"Ah Kagura stop that, I can eat myself." He picked the fork out of her hand and grumpily ate the cake, sharing it with her. To be exact, Kagura shared with him. She ate most of the cake.

"We're gonna have a party today, yes we will!" She announced.

He groaned in disapproval, a party was the last thing he wanted.

"Zura and Elisabeth are coming, that weird space guy, Shinpachi of course, Gorilla boss lady, -"

"How many people did you invite?!" He interrupted her.

"Mayofreak, Gorilla, that sadistic assface" She ended her list.

"Did you invite the whole Shinsengumi?!"

"Yes of course! It's a special occasion after all!"

"Who's gonna pay for that?!"

"You don't need to pay, don't worry. It's your birthday!"

She happily jumped to her feet, snatching the plate from his hands, on her way to leave his room.

"Thank you, Kagura" Gintoki mumbled. She turned around and smiled.

He laid down again and sighed.

Just forget my birthday already, no one cares about that.

"No more sleeping! Get up now!" Kagura screamed from outside.

Angrily mumbling Gintoki crawled out of his futon and prepared himself for the shitty day.

--------------- x ---------------

The Yorozuya office was packed.

Every possible sitting space was occupied, the room filled with familiar faces. The mood was exuberant, but Gintoki still didn't warm up to the idea of the party.

All guests had arrived by now and the alcohol rose to everyone's head, while Gintoki tried to keep the excitement down. They tried to toast on his birthday several times, but he always denied it, frantically searching for excuses.

Once, he spurted over to the kitchen, pretending that he left the stove on.

Another time, he feigned to be asleep on the couch.

There was no reason for a celebration. There never was.

Katsura had just spilled his third beer all over the floor and Gintoki was kneeling down, searching for some napkins in a drawer, when suddenly the shoji door opened and another trio entered the room. "Hey Tsukki, Hinowa, Seita!" Kagura shouted happily.

Gintoki's heart stumbled. He abruptly lifted his head, banging his head against the drawer. Rubbing his back of the head, he stood up straight and faced the new guests.

Kagura didn't tell me they were coming as well..

"Tsukki…,what are you doing here?" He asked nervously

"Gin-san, Happy Birthday!"

Hinowa said with a singing voice, reaching for his hand to press it lightly, shaking it excitedly.

"Here, we have a present for you!" Seita hugged him turbulently with a small package in his hands, giving it to him with a big smile.

"It's ya birthday, are we not invited?" Tsukuyo mumbled, arms crossed in front of her chest, averting her eyes, Kiseru in her mouth.

Hinowa slightly pushed in Tsukuyos ribs.

"Don't you-?"

She whispered and Tsukuyo blushed slightly before she eyed Gintoki.

Confused, he tilted his head, Seita still jumping around in front of him.

Tsukuyo sighed, closed the few steps between them, walked around Seita and spread out her arms, wrapping them around Gintoki.

He was baffled.

Hugs? Since when does she give out hugs?

"Happy Birthday" She mumbled incomprehensibly.

Tsukuyo hugged him tight, a little too tight. He could feel her arms cramping around him and her heart racing against his. Well, that's awkward. Gintoki felt his heart speed up as well.

"Oi oi, not so unruly, you're almost assaulting me" He laughed nervously.

She tensed up, let out an angry sound and smashed him to the ground, pressing the air out of his lungs.

"That's a nice present, did not expect anything else from you.." He mumbled, lying exhausted on his back.

Tsukuyo was standing over him, her face beet red.

"Tsukki, are you okay? Are you sick?" Kagura shouted from her seat on the couch.

"'s fine" She blurted.

"Oi, why does no one care about me? It's my birthday and I just got crashed into the damn floor" Gintoki grumbled.

"You're fine." Kagura simply replied.

"Nothing new" Shinpachi shouted from the other side. Hinowa smiled happily.

"Oi, why are you happy? Why are you happy?!"

--------------- x ---------------

The evening had gone by mostly uneventfully. Katsura had tried to battle everyone in a game of uno, but he failed miserably, losing every single time. The now close to tears samurai was comforted by Elisabeth in one corner of the room.

"This never happens to me, I'm so good at this game!" He cried in his sleeve.

Elisabeth held up a sign: You're the best player!

Tatsumas laughter repeatedly echoed through the room. It was the most annoying sound of the evening. Gintoki had the strong urge to kick his head in.

"Kintoki, drink something with me!" He called out to him, completely wasted.

"It's Gintoki, can't ya at least get it correctly on my birthday?!" Gintoki hadn't touched a single drop. He still didn't feel like celebrating.

The Shinsengumi members happily drank in their own little round and were joined by Hinowa, Kagura and Shinpachi. Seita played on his new TS. unbothered by the commotion around him. Otae and Kyuubei sat on his table, sharing some food, leaving Gintoki and Tsukuyo alone.

"So.. how are ya" Gintoki started after some minutes of silence between them.

"Whaddaya mean?" She replied uninterested, smoking her kiseru.

"I asked about your well-being , what do you not understand?"

"Why are ya asking, you never ask that" She simply replied.

"Fine, I won't do it again." Offended, Gintoki crossed his arms in front of his chest.

He glanced over to her, their eyes met and both of them turned away, slightly blushing.

Hinowa turned her attention to Tsukuyo, noticing the thick tension between them.

"Tell him how you are, it's not that hard." She chuckled, slightly drunk and continued talking to Kondo with great interest. Hinowa had recently started to bond with him, much to her disapproval. She didn't want the police involved in Yoshiwaras business.

Tsukuyo huffed.

"'s fine, I guess." She finally replied to his question.

"Ah.. I see."

"and how is it?"

"How is what?"

"Being old." She grimaced maliciously.

Gintoki scoffed. "It's not that different from yesterday, it's just one day later."

"okay.."

"I don't know.. lonely" He continued.

"You don't have to be lonely," Tsukuyo said, still looking in another direction.

"..what do you mean?" Gintoki turned in her direction.

"I urr I.. I mean..you have Kagura and Shinpachi.. you're not alone"

Gintoki paused.

"Yea right, I'm not alone, but still lonely"

"That's not true, Gintoki."

"Sooner or later Kagura will move out, Shinpachi will find a girlfriend, and they will be living their own lives. I'll be a single left alone dad by then. Maybe I should buy myself a woman in Yoshiwara.." His thoughts trailed off.

"Ya couldn't afford that anyways. Besides.. I'm sure there's someone for you" Tsukuyo's voice got lower with the progression of her sentence.

"Really? Who is it, is she hot? Does she have big boobs? Please tell me she's not from the Hyakka"

"..kind of"

"Tell me, who is it?" He was invested now.

"Well..-"

"Tsukki, don't you still have another present?" Tsukuyo jumped at Hinowas interruption.

"No I don't. It's already late, let's go home." Tsukuyo answered quickly and she stood up hastily, leaving the disappointed Gintoki behind.

"Okay, if you say so."

Seita helped Hinowa and they said their goodbyes, walking to the front door. Gintoki stood up as well and accompanied them to the exit like a good host.

"You can tell me Tsukki, I won't tell anyone!"

But she just ignored him. He gave up.

"Thanks for coming, hope you enjoyed it." He said politely.

"Oh Gin-san of course we did! It's always pleasant to be around both of you !" Hinowas smiled.

Gintoki was confused "Why do you say 'both of you' so weird?"

Hinowa didn't reply and Tsukuyo pushed her to the door. Halfway, she stopped and turned around, facing the in the door leaning Gintoki.

"Gintoki..I .. I actually have another present for you" She started quietly.

Hinowas gasped slightly.

"She's gonna do it!" She whispered to Seita.

"Eh? I don't need presents, I thought I already said that." Gintoki waved his hand dismissively.

"It's just.. something small."

"uh.. okay?"

"you jus..just need to come a bit closer."

"You're scaring me."

"Or I can just come to you.."

Tsukuyo carefully walked back, stopping right in front of him at a very short distance. Sweat formed on his forehead.

"Close your eyes." She whispered.

He did.

Gintoki felt her small hands on his, turning his palm around, laying her hand in his. But there was nothing in her hand.

There's nothing there, What could it be? -

That's when she kissed him. No warning, no preparations. She just kissed him then and there in the doorway, right on the lips, in full view of everyone.

Gintoki forgot to think at all.

Her warm soft lips on his spread a fire in his body, crawling under his skin, burning the hands that were covered by her soft fingers.

One second.

The whole room went silent, Tatsumas laughter died.

If you listened carefully enough, you could've heard a feather falling to the wooden floor.

Two seconds.

Gintoki's head started to spin. His eyes opened slightly and he saw her face through his lashes.

Three seconds.

That was over the limit of an accidental kiss.

It was not a shy kiss,

it was brisk,

setting a complete new point in their relationship.

Her feathery touch on his hand tightened, sending a shiver that traveled down his spine, making his heart beat painfully fast.

Gintoki slightly opened his lips, about to return the kiss, but she retreated, her face tinted in a shade of red he had never seen before.

Tsukuyo smiled lovingly and lifted a finger, brushing it over his open mouth, caressing his lips.

"Happy Birthday"

She whispered and turned around on her heels, hooking the excited chattering Hinowa into her arms and quickly excited through the front door.

Gintoki just stood there, dumbfounded, unable to move.

The kiss wasn't that long, and it certainly wasn't a scene from a shoujo manga with a great backdrop, exciting atmosphere and a big buildup, but it was wonderful.

Nothing else was able to reach his mind in this moment, he only knew he would remember it forever.

Several minutes went by.

Still, no one had said a word.

Everyone stared at him and Gintoki stared at the door where he had last seen her.

“ehh.. Gin-san..? Is everything ok?" Shinpachi asked carefully, the sounds slowly returning to the room.

Gintoki's fingers slowly lifted up to touch his lips, her sweet taste still lingering on them.

“what…?" ..did just happen?

#gintama #gintoki #gintama fanfiction #fanfiction #first kiss #tsukuyo #gintsu #gintsuki #gintsukki #gintoki x tsukuyo #銀時 #fanfic #銀月 #銀魂 #gintsu fanfiction

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kiwi--witch · 3 years

Text

Day Three: Blue - Wishful Thinking

“Do you ever think about it?”

The smell of salt stung his nose, and a wave crashed against the sand inches from the toe of his boots. He didn’t answer, or even turn his head to acknowledge her question, knowing that his silence would prompt her to continue better than his words ever could.

“Do you regret it?”

Kagura had developed a flare for the dramatic recently, and the start of this monologue seemed par for the course.

“It would’ve saved us both a lot of heartache, you know.”

He rolled his eyes at her double entendre and kept looking out at the horizon, that faint line of blue that separated sea from sky. At least it didn’t seem as if she was trying to start a fight.

“What was even going through your head, when I asked you?”

He tried to think of what question she was referring to, but suddenly a gull cawed loudly, far above their heads and stole his attention. He looked up and watched it briefly, the way it soared gently through the blinding blue―

“Are you even listening to me?”

He finally looked down at her, and was surprised at the look she was giving him. Arms resting on her knees and one hand propping up her chin as she looked up at him, she didn’t look angry―a good sign, though the furrow of her brow and the quirk to her lip meant that she was irritated―mostly she just looked curious.

Sesshoumaru sighed. “What are you referring to?”

She gave a little snort and turned away to dig her toes deeper into the sand.

“Don’t play dumb.” The sound of her eyes rolling was almost audible over the sound of crashing waves. “I’m talking about when we first met.”

Ah. He replayed her previous questions over.

Did he ever think about it? Yes.

Did he regret it? Not in the way that she assumed.

Would it have saved them both heartache? Most likely.

What had been going through his head? Rage, jealousy, indignation at having been left behind, spite and―

“You still ain’t listening,” she spat, and he realized that she’d stood up and was walking away from him into the surf. “Jackass.”

He watched her go, his mind suddenly filled with a thousand different thoughts, all too complicated and embarrassing to speak out loud, especially when he couldn’t quite gauge her mood. It would have been easier if she was angry.

“What do you expect me to say?” he called, walking along behind her. The water sloshed into his boots, but it was only a minor inconvenience.

“The truth.” Her voice was almost lost against the waves and the wind, but she stopped, knee deep in the water and turned back to him. “Despite what you might think, those long silences don’t actually make you look smart.”

The urge to argue that point rose up and smothered itself in the space of the wave that crashed against his shins. The water had begun to seep up the fabric of Kagura’s robes, soaking her almost to her hips. The salt would leave a stain, but the hot summer sun would dry her quickly enough once she left the water. He rolled her words over in his head, trying to find a good enough answer and finding none.

“What brought this up?”

She shrugged. “Just wishful thinking, maybe.”

He wanted to see her face, but she turned around then―

“We could have made a good team, you know?” She grinned, mischievous. “Not that we don’t now, but it ain’t the same, anyone coming after us now is usually just after you, and that ain’t much fun.”

She knelt down and dipped her fingers into the water, when she stood up she flicked the excess water towards his face. He didn’t flinch and let the droplets splatter against the fron of his armor..

“Besides,” she sighed and looked away, “would have been nice to know what it felt like to be protected.”

That hurt. Like a needle digging into his ribs.

“Are you not now?”

Kagura glanced at him with a wistful smile, and the needle dug in a little deeper. He thought that he’d made it clear― “Like I said, it ain’t the same.”

If she wanted an apology he’d never speak the words, even now he felt them shriveling on his tongue. He’d been in the right to deny her when she’d first come to him, and he couldn’t fault himself for the decisions he’d made then. He could only do better by her now.

If she wanted his protection, she already had it. If she wanted his remorse she had that, too.

But now that she’d said it he found his mind wandering, towards what could have been if he’d been better, smarter, kinder… Would their relationship have been the same? If he’d taken those jewel shards she’d offered him that first night, would she have suffered the same way? Would he have protected her as fiercely as Inuyasha had always protected his woman? Would they have made better use of their time, or would he have kept himself from indulging in whims of the flesh… Would he have been able to save her, that day in the meadow, when she’d smiled at him so genuinely and broken his heart all in one look―

A few feet away from him, Kagura scoffed. He looked up, and she was rolling her eyes. As much as that smile had broken him once, he much preferred the irritation on her face now. Indicative of the life she’d regained… and the one they’d made together.

“Don’t look so serious, I was just thinking,” she said, kicking water in his direction. “I ain’t mad, I’m happy with what we’ve got now.”

Sesshoumaru consoled himself with that, and followed after her.

Available at: FanFiction.Net // Archive of Our Own

Tagged: @sesskaguweek @sweepingtree @ukyou-kuonji @kagu-rin @pataytayo (If you’d like to be included please let me know!)

#i'm going #slowly #but i'm going #these will be published eventually #sesskagu #sesskaguweek2021 #sesskaguweek #inuyasha #fanfic #kiwiwitch fics

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ayuuria · 3 years

Text

Yashahime Translation (Partial): Pash! Plus Interview 1/23/21

Please do not repost this translation without my consent! This includes screenshots of any type and amount. If you wish to share this translation, simply link to this post.

For more information regarding the use of my translations, click here.

This is another interview with the 3 voice actresses and many of the questions they asked have already been answered in previous articles which I’ve translated. Hence, I have only translated portions that are unique to this article.

“Hanyō no Yashahime” Interview with Matsumoto Sara, Komatsu Mikako, and Tadokoro Azusa! What “future development” are the three of them anticipating? “I want to see parent-child exchanges!”

— With every episode, various mysteries are gradually becoming clear, but is there anything that particularly surprised you?

All: This is difficult (to answer)! We’re surprised every time!

Tadokoro: For me, it was when Sesshōmaru-sama left without saying anything despite hearing Zero tell Homura “Burn that forest to the ground” in episode 15. I became uneasy thinking “It can’t be. Does he not love his children...?”.

Matsumoto: You would think that if you looked just at that part.

Tadokoro: I was also surprised by the story following that.

Matsumoto: The part where Inuyasha and Kagome were put inside the black pearl right? That part moved me like “Father…”. No, probably more like “understood” rather than moved. Like “Sesshōmaru-sama wouldn’t do something like that without thinking”

Komatsu: Sesshōmaru just doesn’t say important things after all.

Matsumoto: I’ve learned that he’s simply not good at talking.

Komatsu: What surprised me the most is something that actually happens later on. It’s a spoiler so I can’t say anything but… Riku’s identity is… *mumbles*

Matsumoto: We also just happened to overhear it (laughs)

Komatsu: It’s a topic we actually weren’t supposed to hear about (laughs) We truly aren’t told what’s going to happen until we get the script.

Matsumoto: Regarding the subject of Riku, we were surprised like “So that’s how it was!?” when we happened to overhear a keyword, so I think the viewers will be quite surprised as well. Look forward to it (laughs)!

Komatsu: It’s hinted at a little bit when Riku makes his initial debut…

Matsumoto: I think those who are perceptive would think “Huh?”

Komatsu: Then there’s the scene that I also said left an impression on me which is what Miroku-sama had been up to until now.

Matsumoto: Me too! I was also surprised that he properly aged.

Tadokoro: He aged well didn’t he (laughs). He was so awesome! I was curious as to what he was doing after the wind tunnel disappeared.

Matsumoto: I knew Miroku and Sango had kids from “Inuyasha” but the child rearing and conversations with them weren’t depicted, so I had wondered about that for a long time. However, seeing the communication with his son moved me like “You’ve become such a good father!” since he is my favorite character as well. That Miroku-sama hadn’t changed even after becoming a father gave me feels.

Tadokoro: Don’t you think the conversation between Kagome-san and Sango-san as fellow mothers was good too? Mom friends talk (laughs). I could keenly feel how Sango was looking out for Kagome-san when she said “Yours is going to be born soon right? Watch your step okay.”. As someone who plays Moroha, episode 16 is a must see!

Komatsu: We never had an episode that greatly featured Moroha’s past until then.

Tadokoro: It’s the episode where you learn why Moroha earns money. She had been asked once before “What are you going to do with all that money?” but she dodged the question.

— There are a lot of episodes that should be checked out (laughs)

Matsumoto: Episodes 14, 15, and 16 are pretty deep after all! (laughs)

Tadokoro: Indeed

Komatsu: They have a lot of information.

— Earlier, Matsumoto-san said, “I like Miroku-sama” so could all of you please tell us your favorite characters?

Tadokoro: My favorites are Kohaku-kun and Sesshōmaru-sama. Kohaku-kun went through something terrible and seeing him living a painful way of life by making himself a sacrifice made me think “I want to make him happy”. There’s also the major fact that I liked Yajima-san’s (Akiko) acting, so the feeling of tragic heroism oozing from his voice aroused a protective urge within me. Now he’s an adult and is firmly continuing the work of demon slaying… I feel proud for some reason (laughs). He’s become such a fine man…

Matsumoto: I love Miroku-sama and Naraku too much! Regarding Naraku, at the beginning, the shock of “There’s this kind of warped love!” was huge. While it started off as something suddenly lighting a fire in his heart for Kikyō, to think that from there things would end up going the way they did… The emotions that budded from a small happening became, more than anything, this big energy to Naraku and caused him to act the way he did. It’s probably strange for me to say, but I “learned” that that’s one form of “love” (laughs). In terms of Miroku-sama, I thought he was purely awesome. He’s the one person within the group whose position is really helpful. Figuratively speaking, the part of him that’s like the vice president and not the president of the student council is what I like. He’s the unsung hero who follows under the person who rampages the most. I also love the gap of how his tongue becomes sharp once you get acquainted with him.

Komatsu: While Kagome influenced me, my favorite was Kagura. She was part of Naraku’s group, but her heart wavered so much that you wondered “Was she really born from Naraku?”. There was something human about her. I think those born from Naraku were born from something Naraku had in the first place, so Kagura probably had the faint “human heart” that was in Naraku. I had a lot of empathy when she became the wind and was freed at the end. I could never forget the scene where she died attended by Sesshōmaru. It was precious in any event… Kagome is who I wanted to be but the one who stole my heart with her way of life was Kagura.

— If you were to apply Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha’s relationship to yourselves, what would happen?

All: It would still be the same (laughs)

Komatsu: It would relatively stay the same. How to put it, roles? For example, for Sara-chan, she’s a mood maker, friendly, and isn’t timid about anything. In a sense, she’s the commanding officer of the raid. I think she’s just like Towa in terms of position. Moroha’s character is very energetic with a lot of vitality and she’s completely inherited Inuyasha and Kagome’s blood. However, she’s the balancer among the Yashahimes. She reads the mood quite a bit and she has a territory where “she won’t proceed any further from here”. For example, when she didn’t talk about why she earns money. I think the part where she doesn’t fully open up at the beginning is similar to Koroazu-chan (Tadokoro’s nickname).

Matsumoto: I know! That’s exactly why you want to get to know her more. Like “Show us more!” (laughs)

— What do Komatsu-san and Setsuna have in common?

Komatsu: Setsuna is a child who can clearly state her opinion on serious matters. She calmly makes judgements and has a solid feeling for not talking when she doesn’t talk and talking when she does talk. I have a feeling I also make judgement calls of “I should stay quiet here.” Setsuna is probably listening to what other people are saying in scenes where it doesn’t look like she is. However, she purposely doesn’t say anything. She has the option of “Not answering”. She’s not silent because she doesn’t want to listen or respond. Rather, I think it’s a time when she’s thinking about various things to herself. I feel that I personally understand that very well.

Matsumoto: I think Setsuna is the “axle” of the three Yashahimes but even among the three of us, there’s a sense of “We need Mikako-san”. When there’s a problem, I look towards Mikako-san’s direction (laughs).

Tadokoro: Mikako-san calmly watches over everyone, so we end up relying on her when there’s a problem. There was a time when the three of us went shopping and I asked, “Am I buying too much?”. Mikako-san responded, “You’re buying too much” and I returned the item to the shelf (laughs). I leave the judgement to her and end up depending on her.

Komatsu: I’m unexpectedly not thinking anything though (laughs)

— What do the three of you think is the appeal of “Hanyō no Yashahime”?

Tadokoro: For those who enjoyed “Inuyasha”, they’re probably wondering how their favorite characters are living their lives. You can find out in “Hanyō no Yashahime” which I think is a big appeal.

Komatsu: In “Inuyasha”, the grudge against Kikyō and the romance with Kagome were components of the story. However, this time, a big component of the story is discovering their births and that’s what I think is appealing.

(translator’s note: There is more to this section, but these are the only sentences that I considered unique to this article)

— Thank you. Well then, please tell us if you have any anticipations for the upcoming development in “Hanyō no Yashahime”?

Matsumoto: I would have to say I want to anticipate both fathers doing something. If they were to come running when the Yashahimes are in a bind, that would make me happy.

Komatsu: I want to see parent-child conversations.

Matsumoto: That makes me nervous….

Tadokoro and Komatsu: Indeed! It does make me nervous!

Komatsu: I’m getting all sorts of wild ideas like what sort of conversation they’ll have or what things will they address.

Matsumoto: How will they address them when they meet face to face? There was an episode where Kagome address’s Moroha as "Moroha” but… If Sesshōmaru addresses me as “Towa”, I might have a nosebleed (laughs).

Tadokoro and Komatsu: (laughs)

Komatsu: Setsuna basically said “I don’t know who Sesshōmaru is!” during their conversation with the Tree of Ages (laughs). Even when she meets her father, she’ll probably say “So you’re Sesshōmaru”. But I want (him) to address her as “Setsuna” (laughs).

All: Basically, we want to see parent-child exchanges (laughs).

— Thank you very much!

#Yashahime #hanyou no yashahime #yashahime: princess half demon #translation

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shintorikhazumi · 3 years

Text

Romero and Julie (Act I: Truths and Lies)

A/N: Thought of it while I was looking up K-on’s romeo and juliet episode and accidentally typed “Romero”.

...I know i have so many wips, but this will most likely be a 2-shot or a 3. It’s not going to drag on that long. I think... I believe...

... I think...

...5 chaps at most?

Also, this story is as sloppily written as that search prompt, so I apologize. (I keep writing romeo as romero for some reason.) I don’t know how to write anymore, it seems. Also, I didn’t reread this for checks. Sorry again. I just... yeeted this out as soon as the last word was in place. Anyway,

Enjoy?

~Shintori Khazumi

Two households, both alike in dignity,

In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,

From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,

Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.

From forth the fatal loins of these two foes

A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life;

Whose misadventur'd piteous overthrows

Doth with their death bury their parents' strife.

The fearful passage of their death-mark'd love,

And the continuance of their parents' rage,

Which but their children's end naught could remove,

Is now the two hours' traffic of our stage;

The which, if you with patient ears attend,

What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to me-

“I can’t believe the utter bullshit I’ve just read.”

“Lady Claudine!” Mahiru gasped, unable to believe the words she’d just heard coming from the noble lady sat across her.

“Oh, come now, Mahiru. You can’t tell me you actually like this piece of work?” Claudine sighed, shutting the book and placing it on the table. She stared at the cover a few minutes more before pushing it away from her in disgust.

“Hmm? I don’t get it. It is a piece? And it is a work?” Mahiru’s escort cocked her head to the side in confusion, giving Claudine a look that requested clarification.

“Dame Karen.” Claudine sighed, resting her elbows on the table and propping her head up in her hands. She ignored Mahiru’s wide eyes at her ill-mannered display and went on with her exchange with the female knight. “I’m saying it’s a terrible piece of work. Terribly inaccurate.”

“Ohhhhh. I get it.” Karen nodded, eyes wide, expression enlightened before it settled into a smile. “I think so too.”

“Right?!” Claudine thought her voice was a bit too enthusiastic there. Clearing her throat, she calmly reiterated. “Right? I actually had high expectations for this as many of the noble ladies I’ve come across recently have been flaunting their copies of the script. They even dubbed it as the ‘New Romance Bible of High Society’.” Claudine rolled her eyes. She would have made a gagging motion, but she was certain Mahiru would cry blood at that.

“Besides, I can’t believe they’d try to make a reference to my family name for such a piece, and even claim to have modeled the heroine after me when clearly, she is nothing like me.” Claudine continued to criticize. “Therefore, I have fair reason to dislike such a novel.”

“It’s not all that bad, is it?” Mahiru tried. “I managed to read up to half of it, and I believe it was alright.”

Claudine stared at her blankly. “I decided to give Junna the benefit of the doubt here, as she has been my long-time tutor and friend. I believe in her recommendations.” Claudine pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration. “So, I’ve read the book cover to cover.”

“Oh?”

“It was the worst decision I’ve ever made.” Claudine lamented. “Nana should have stopped her from picking up such a horrific title. I can’t believe she actually liked it enough to recommend it to me.”

“Maybe she thought it would be a nice read since it was about you?” Karen offered her opinion.

“Who would want to read about themselves in such a sad excuse of a tale?” Claudine played with her tea, swirling it in the cup. “Maybe if it was written more tastefully... Anyway, I can’t stand the book so maybe I’ll just give it away or use it for fire.”

“Madame Junna will feel sad to hear that, you know?” Mahiru sighed, taking a bite of her cake. “She might even cry.”

“No, she won’t.” Claudine chuckled with a wave of her hand, but then Junna’s face flashed a brief moment in her mind, and it made her pause in thought. “...right?” She wasn’t so sure all of a sudden.

“Lady Claudine... she sulked for three days when she’d heard you laughed during one of the most tragic plays of our generation.” Mahiru deadpanned.

Claudine’s brows furrowed, unable to recall the events that Mahiru was referencing.

“Que?”

“Remember? We went to Brighton theatre the other day?”

“...”

“Brighton?”

“Karen! You were with us too, you know!”

“Ah-”

Mahiru looked to Claudine excitedly. It seemed as though she’d finally remembered.

“That comedy skit Junna recommended?”

“Again, it was tragedy!”

“The one where the main character got shot after being stupid enough to not take a shield after he was advised to? The ‘A sword is mightier than a pen, but the sword is my...’ my...” Claudine thought hard, struggling to find the right words in her memory. “Something or other.” She gave up.

“Kuro-chan!”

Claudine grinned at the nickname, pleased that she was able to rile Mahiru up another day.

“Okay, okay. Enough teasing, I know.” She laughed, patting her friend on the head and gaining a blooming blush in return. “You were just too lovely, I couldn’t help myself.” She flashed a charming smile that made Mahiru burn even hotter, and made Karen pout.

“This is why you’re so... and nobles keep... hrmmrrgghh...” She grumbled. “And yet you complain about being crowded and you....”

“What was that, Dame Karen?” Claudine chuckled, eyeing her friend with an amused look.

“Oh, nothing really, Duchess Claudine.” Karen fired back.

“Hey now, don’t go spreading lies, my dear knight.” Claudine frowned.

“I speak no lies, milady. Everyone knows that you are the one who has been handling estate affairs as of late.” Karen spoke seriously all of a sudden, irking Claudine secretly.

She didn’t want to think of those things right now.

Before Claudine’s mood sunk further, Karen- with a quick flip of a switch- had returned to pouting. “And I’m not your dear knight.”

Oh, Karen could be so perceptive, sometimes. Claudine gladly accepted the bail.

“I know.” Claudine smiled, half-grateful, half-teasing. “You are Mahiru’s, right?” Claudine wiggled her brows suggestively. Karen flushed hot red, and Claudine thoroughly drank in her new target’s vexation in enjoyment.

“Kuro-chan!!”

Claudine admired the twin tomatoes in front of her. Life had been a drag lately, but time with her friends always seemed to offset all of those.

“Oh right. And Hikari’s too.”

Claudine broke into hysterics at the display of flailing arms and incoherent half-yells of denial at the mention of her knight’s name. She swore she could physically see the steam coming off of the pair in front of her. Was it from anger, embarrassment, or both? Probably both, Claudine supposed.

“Kuro-chan, you are seriously so mean.” Karen whined, fanning her face uselessly as the heat showed no signs of subsiding.

Claudine wiped a tear from her eyes. She’d laughed so much her sides were beginning to hurt.

“I’m terrible, aren’t I?” She smiled.

“That you are, Milady.” A stoic voice suddenly inserted itself into their conversation.

Claudine found herself jolting in her seat at its proximity from behind her. Whipping her head around, she sighed in relief at the sight of her escort.

“Hikari! At least alert us sooner if you’ve arrived!” Claudine complained. Her heart beat strongly against the palm she’d rested against her chest in an attempt to calm herself.

“I have arrived, Milady.”

“No, like I said. Say that sooner!” Claudine huffed, settling back into her seat, leaning her head on her palm once more. Claudine spared a glance at Karen and Mahiru who were looking rather bashful, eyes averted from the newest arrival.

She covered her mouth with her hand to hide the growing smile on her face as her knight stared at the pair across them. Claudine patiently awaited the usual awkward interaction between her friends that she knew would play out soon. She counted the seconds off in her head, knowing exactly when the first move would be made.

3... 2... 1-

Like clockwork, Hikari faced Mahiru and Karen head-on, straightened her posture, and bent into a deep bow of greeting. “Lady Tsuyuzaki.”

“Dame Kagura. It’s a pleasure to see you once more” Mahiru responded calmly.

However, Claudine caught the way Mahiru’s brow twitched. Her displeasure was skillfully hidden behind that gentle smile she’s known for forever, but Claudine would like to believe she’s adept enough at deciphering the true meaning behind Mahiru’s masks called grace.

She internally shook her head, hoping Mahiru could soon find the freedom to be free from the expectations laid on the lady known as ‘High Society’s Saintess’, and be able to express emotions outside of simple joy, kindness, or sympathy.

Turning to the other knight, Claudine waited for what Karen’s reaction for today would be. She had a variety for different days. Sometimes it was openly voicing her disappointment, and other times it was a response just as curt and detached as Hikari’s.

“Dame Ai-”

“Karen!” The owner of the name interrupted. “Just Karen. Karen is fine... H-Hikari...”

Oh? Today was a little more bold, Claudine noted. Usually Karen would only politely request the other knight to refer to her by her given name, even if it bore her title. This was a fresh attempt. Now, how would her dear knight react?

“Dame Karen.” Hikari stated blankly, completely unfazed by the hiccup in her usual greeting routine.

Claudine lightly slapped Hikari’s arm-earning her a confused yelp- before throwing Karen and Mahiru a consoling smile; one that told them there was always a next time to attempt to woo her clueless knight.

She watched Karen’s shoulders drop in a sigh, and Mahiru cover her relenting smile with her fan. She should talk to Hikari about this sometime again. For now, however...

“So? What goes on back at the manor?” Claudine took a sip of her tea that had now gone cold after she’d ignored it a while. With a minute flick of her finger, it grew warm in her hands and she smiled, hoping her friends hadn’t noticed.

She heard her knight groan from behind her. Quite a rare happening, to be frank. Hikari was usually very careful with her actions and reactions, so Claudine braced herself for some unpleasant news.

“Master Cyrille has finally arrived.” She reported dutifully.

Claudine somehow heard the frosty bite in her tone. It was understandable. Cyrille was her elder brother of four years, and the heir apparent to their household.

-Or that was how it was supposed to be.

He and Hikari never really got along after- ehem- certain incidents had taken place a few years ago. Those incidents also happened to be part of the reason why his successorship was being reconsidered at present.

“How did Pa- Father react?” Claudine caught herself before her small childish habit would be revealed.

Hikari scratched her cheek, another nervous habit of hers that Claudine had learned about after years of being together. “They had the usual debate. Right as he arrived.”

That was expected. Claudine knew something like that would happen. So why was Hikari so bothered.

“The young master came onto the premises yelling right away from the gate about being the rightful heir or something along those lines.”

This too was within Claudine’s foresight.

“I can’t believe he’s making a fuss on foreign land. We’re not here to start a war, we’re here as representatives of a peace treaty.” Claudine shook her head in disappointment.

Her family, the Capulets, had hailed from the Western empire and had been residing for a few months on Eastern lands. After hundreds of years of warring with the east, they had experienced the first fifty years of a truce. Finally, the two empires had decided to build friendly relations to completely cease all the needless battles between them. After fifty years of an ambiguous standstill, the emperors had finally decided to send forth representatives to celebrate the golden year of peace between them and cement the alliance of the nations.

As the grand ducal household located at the border of the empires, their family had naturally been selected. This was also the West’s acclaimed ‘reward for service in battle’ to their family who had always fought to protect the precious border.

Yes, all that struggle in history, and her brother might just be the one to render it all useless in one fell swoop.

Not that it would have been the first time.

“Anything else, Hikari?” Claudine could feel her headache coming on.

“They argued in the study.”

“I figured.”

Hikari still radiated nervous energy, and Claudine just had to wonder why. “What are you not telling me yet, Hikari?”

“... Master Cyrille kept pressing that he was the rightful hair to the Dukedom... then Your Grace was angered and said that... that...”

“Hikari?”

“You’re not going to like it.” The knight warned.

“Obviously not.” Claudine replied flatly. “From how you are at this moment, I’ve already figured that out.”

“The Grand Duke said he’d rather make you the heir... instead of Young Master Cyrille... so he wishes to speak with you back at the estate.”

Claudine’s eyes widened. She knew there was a possibility that this outcome would arise. She just didn’t think it was that possible. She had already voiced her stance on this in the past to her father. She was not willing to take over their family as head. She had other plans in life. Plans of freedom and of adventure; she had other desires that were probably not suited for a woman carrying royal blood.

Yet she longed for that particular life. Thus, she could not be the Duke’s successor. She’d suggested that her father give the title to their youngest sibling instead who was seven years her junior.

He might not be ready now, but he could still be groomed to be the perfect candidate in the future. She was sure Gabriel could do it, irresponsible as she may sound at that moment, pushing it all onto the child.

“Kuro-chan?”

Mahiru’s tender voice reminded Claudine that her friends were still there, quite worried that she’d suddenly froze on the spot.

“My apologies, Mahiru.” She got up, bowing deeply. “I know you’ve gone out of your way to prepare all of this for me, but-”

“Hey.” Claudine felt a warm hand on her cheek, guiding her to stand back up. Mahiru’s gaze was kind as it always was, full of tender empathy. “Go. A few tea and biscuits aren’t going to go to waste just because you’re not around.”

Claudine managed a small smile, taking Mahiru’s hand into her own two.

“You have Karen anyway.”

“Exactly.”

“Hmm? What about me?”

The two young ladies laughed at their inside joke for a few moments before embracing one another goodbye.

Karen had offered one to Claudine as well, and she gladly accepted.

After being sent off with the best of regards and well-wishing, Claudine tried to not think on her dread the entire carriage ride home.

She just knew it was going to be a messy affair.

//-//-//-//-//

“Claudine.”

“Your Grace.”

The Grand Duke heaved a sigh, gesturing for his daughter to take a seat across from him. “I take it you’ve already heard from Hikari?” At the nod of Claudine’s head, he sighed once more. “I’m really sorry about that. I am aware that you do not wish to get involved in such dealings. However, I didn’t have much else to say. I could not think of any other argument at that moment.”

Claudine could see the exhaustion built up in her father. She felt bad for being so insistent on her own wants that she’d possibly pushed him up against a wall. However, she could not deny that this was the only path she was willing to take.

Taking her father’s hands and planting a kiss on them, she reassured him. “I understand, papa.”

“Claudine...”

“I am also at fault, anyway. I know you’re being pressured by the Royal family into a succession ceremony soon, and yet... I’m adding onto your troubles.”

“I just- I don’t understand why they are so adamant on it... yet at the same time I know why.” Duke Capulet’s expression turned stern. “I suspect this is the first prince’s doing.”

“Paris?”

The duke nodded, clearly unhappy at the mention of the name. “I don’t understand why your brother went against my guidance to not associate with him. The second prince would make a far better friend, as well as future ruler.” His frown deepened. “And yet, that imbecile, Cyrille...”

Duke Capulet brought Claudine’s hands to his forehead, bowing before his daughter.

“After all that fool, Paris, had done to you...”

Claudine shuddered at the memory of her days at the academy and the forceful ‘courtship methods’ of the first prince. Had her father been a different man, she feared she would have been long-engaged to such a twisted brat who hid behind a cunning smile and the power of the crown.

He was sure never to push too far, or too dangerously, but Claudine knew he was bordering terrible, terrible deeds. She was just glad she was far away from him now.

“Claudine.”

Her father lifted his head up, eyes saddened, but commanding in a sense as they stared into Claudine’s own. Claudine immediately knew that his next words would be incredibly important, that they would be of the utmost value to her and her life, as well as their entire household’s. She just knew that their weight would be something she would have to endeavor to bear for everyone’s sake.

She knew because he rarely ever asked her of anything that she did not desire. She knew that something must have happened to allow the Grand Duke to tremble in this way, before his nineteen-year-old daughter, with a gaze that was begging her to comply.

“You have to get married.”

//-//-//-//-//

Claudine swung her sword, ridding the area of the final beast and collecting its glowing core off the puddled ground. Handing the gem-like item to Hikari for safe-keeping, she slumped against a tree, sinking to the ground that dirtied her pants with mud that had formed from the night’s rain.

“Are you hurt, milady?” Hikari inquired, already rushing forward to do a thorough body-check for any injuries on Claudine.

“Nothing of the sort. Also, I told you not to address me that way while we’re out adventuring. What if someone found us out?” Claudine ran a hand through her damp bangs, grimacing at the repulsive feel and smell of blood and grime in her hair.

“My apologies.”

Times like these, Claudine wished she hadn’t focused too much on learning combat spells back then. She should have taken the foundational classes with Nana more seriously, and looked into metamorphosis magic sooner. She wouldn’t have to worry about issues such as being discovered then.

Better to start late then never, she supposed. She could only manage to change her hair and eye color, as well as clothes for a small amount of time for now, but she was working on changing her entire appearance for extended periods soon. Then she and Hikari could go off on any journey or mission without being recognized.

“Claudine?”

The soft calling made her smile. It was rare for her knight to address her so casually, and even rarer was the tenderness she allowed to escape in her voice. Claudine placed a hand on Hikari’s head, petting it lightly.

“Yes, Hikari?”

“Do you not want to get married, Claudine?”

The question wasn’t what she had expected. She hadn’t even told Hikari about her current situation yet. She must have listened in on the conversation secretly.

“If my dad had caught you...” Claudine laughed at the realization, shaking her head.

Hikari remained silent.

Claudine scratched her cheek, looking away from the knight’s expectant gaze. “It’s not as though I don’t want to.” She admitted. “I just...”

“Just?”

“I haven’t found a person I’d like to share that kind of joy with yet.” Claudine spoke with a loneliness to her tone that they both weren’t quite familiar with. “I haven’t gotten to know anyone who makes me want to experience that kind of relationship.”

Hikari didn’t seem to understand fully, but she nodded nonetheless. “Okay.” She decided not to push further, noticing her master’s discomfort. Instead, she held out a hand to aid her up on her feet.

“Thank you, Hikari.” For the assistance and for listening, Claudine said in her heart. “Shall we head back to the guild now? Wouldn’t want Cyrille to barge into my room first thing tomorrow morning and find it empty.” Claudine half-joked.

If Claudine knew her brother, which she did, she knew he’d have searched for her at the dinner table tonight already, but her father had likely made an excuse to keep him out of her hair ‘til morning. She already knew that he would want to speak to her on matters regarding the prince, or succession, or whatever it was he did that was likely no good.

If he ever got into Claudine’s room without supervision, she was afraid he’d stumble upon things he wasn’t supposed to, and would likely use it against her.

Her conversation with her father resurfaced in her mind. His words on finding a suitable partner, a suitor, and the reasons behind it were invasive, consuming her every thought.

Cyrille was trying to set her up with Prince Paris for some reason. He was willing to pull all stops to do so. It seemed that he had went ahead and made a proposal to the royal family under the authority of ‘Heir-apparent’ to the Capulet Dukedom. He’d sworn that once he was made Duke, she’d be married off into the imperial household as a way to strengthen the standing and influence of the emperor.

Whatever he had been promised to make him act so selfishly and vilely, Claudine didn’t even want to know.

As of now, he held no real power over her father. Neither did the first prince, in reality. Deep down, however, both Claudine and the Grand Duke knew there was more to this arrangement than two boys and their greedy egos being fed. He feared for the future.

With all they had already gotten away with in the past, Duke Capulet was suspecting that someone else held the strings to the puppets dancing to a tune. They had yet to know what gears were turning in a suspected grand scheme, but it must not come to pass. This was what their family feared the most, and why Claudine must not get involved with Paris.

In order to have a valid reason to reject such a candidate, she needed a better one. That was the part she had to play.

There was just one small problem-

“You there!”

A voice echoed through the shadow and mist of the forest, horse hooves stomping rapidly against the wet ground. Quickly, Claudine brandished her sword, pointing it in the direction from whence it came. “Hikari! Get behind me!” She commanded, left hand twitching in anticipation.

“Now see here, Milady. I’m the protector suppo-”

“Don’t move! Stay where you are and drop your weapons.” The voice commanded, a silhouette beginning to form in the distance.

“Like hell we’ll listen.” Claudine grumbled, sword still at the ready with a glow that traveled from its hilt to its blade.

“I’m warning you!” The voice echoed once more. “State your name and your business here. And don’t even think of trying to fight or escape.”

Claudine fixed her glare on the figure coming into the light of the clearing they were at, magic barely finishing its work of turning her hair black as Hikari’s shifted into a shorter cut. It was the best she could do at such short notice. Hopefully the night would be kind enough to be their mask and they wouldn’t be recognized afterwards should they escape successfully.

“Again, I order you to state your names and your business here, strangers. Are you not aware that these grounds belong to the imperial family?” The powerful stomping halted right in front of the women, a sharp huff from the steed sending them reeling back in disgust.

Finally, underneath the gaze of the moon, a figure cast in stardust light appeared before them, hooded cloak hiding the identity of the horseman.

“Who are you.”

Claudine continued to glower at the newcomer, unrelenting as she kept her lips tightly shut. Who was this person? Why had they suddenly been approached? This place was supposedly a mission ground for adventurers and hunters hoping to earn their keep by clearing out the ghouls and demons that infested this uninhabited land.

“Who. Are. You-”

“I could ask you the same thing.” Claudine spoke levelly through grit teeth, ready to slash at any given time should the newcomer move in a threatening pattern. “We’re only here on quest. Adventurers if you will.”

The cloaked man dismounted and walked up to Claudine, staring a few inches down at her. “Is that so?”

Claudine hated that he was even trying to intimidate her. Placing a firm hand on his chest, she pushed him away somewhat gently, not really wanting to potentially aggravate the already-tense situation. “Yes. That is so.” She confirmed, scowling. “For us at least. But what about you?”

Claudine eyed the man, watching for any suspicious movements. He returned the gaze, looking her up and down, searching her expression for signs of dishonesty. He seemed to have found nothing as his aura of hostility calmed drastically, and he sighed.

“I’m an imperial guard, patrolling.” As he said that, a sword was raised, still sheathed. Claudine was shown the imperial seal on the scabbard and she relaxed somewhat as the guard backed off with a small bow. “As I’ve mentioned before, these grounds are under the jurisdiction of the imperial household.”

“Apologies, sir. However, we were unaware of this fact as this place has been a known hotspot for adventurers for many years- or so we’ve heard.” Claudine explained, now sheathing her own sword.

“I understand.” The guard nodded. “I also apologize. While your statement held truth in the past, as of recent, this forest has been deemed more unsafe than it used to be. It’s not just magical beasts or ghouls that lurk these shadows now. Reports of spies, terrorists, and bandits trying to enter the capital via a newly discovered route through the woods have been reported, so we are at high alert.”

Claudine hummed, taking in their current situation. “I see.” Claudine nodded, agreeing to his words. She had expected these kinds of threats to arise as the peace treaty ceremony approached and more nobles from both empires flocked to the main city. It was an opportune moment to spark disaster, and even a civil war.

Good on the west to take quick measures.

“As such, I must ask for your identities to ensure the safety of all.”

Not so good for Claudine.

“I, er-”

“As you are adventurers- and I, of course, believe in your words, I would just like to see your identifications and know your names. It’s a quick process then I can let you go. That is... if you have nothing to be suspected of.”

Truthfully, she shouldn’t be as nervous as she suddenly was at the moment. However, there were a few issues with that request. For one, no one but Hikari, the Grand Duke, and the Head Guild Master of the Eastern Empire knew of her being an adventurer. She had been registered under special circumstances that had been agreed upon, and her issued permit in order to accept quests in the west was also an unorthodox arrangement, and very much a secret one.

When she’d first arrived at the guild hall, she was given an identification badge that also served as her permit like the rest of the adventurers. However, this did not contain her name at all. Instead, it only contained her registration code and where she had come from.

As a law-abiding citizen for the most part, she hadn’t ever needed to do much besides flashing the shiny trinket from a distance at other guards in passing.

This time, however, was different. She was certain that it would be scrutinized and most definitely questioned.

“You sure are taking an awful lot of time to simply identify yourself.” The stranger’s tone of voice was still calm, but his aura had shifted noticeably. “Is anything the matter?”

“No, not at all.” Claudine responded, proud that she’d managed to keep her voice steady. Reaching into her polo, she pulled out the chain that held her badge, presenting it to the imperial guard, praying that he wouldn’t check it as thoroughly as she’d feared.

“Um, excuse me. Why isn’t your name imprinted on it?”

‘Damn it.’

“Allow me to come clean.” Claudine spoke, instantly regretting her choice of words. It made her sound like she actually was someone to be wary of. She should conjure some believable alibi at least.

“Milady-” Hikari stepped forward, but was blocked with that same imperial-branded sword from earlier.

“It’s alright.” Claudine reassured before her knight could retaliate. One wrong move and they could actually be in jeopardy. Not only them, but the entire event of a peace treaty could lay to waste if they were not careful and would get found out.

“Go on.” Was the command.

“I’m actually...” Claudine licked her suddenly dry lips, thinking of how to say it. “I’m a daughter of a noble, and I’m operating under... rather private conditions.”

Okay, she hadn’t meant to be that truthful. If at all.

“How can I believe such a tall claim?” The cloaked man stepped closer to Claudine, now incredibly suspicious. “To which family do you belong?

Claudine had no time to secure a valid name, speaking the first that came to mind. “Sa-Saijou.” Another truth that would surely deepen her dug grave.

“Saijou? As in the Marquess Saijou?” She could almost shrink under that examining gaze. “I’ve never heard of or seen you before though.”

“I- I’m not his child, no. I’m a niece and I’ve been staying with relatives in the west. It was an arrangement made when I was very young, and I have only since been allowed to return here.”

‘Damn me and my inability to lie.’

“I’m sorry, as much as I’d like to believe you, I’ll have to take you with me for some questioning.”

No, no, no. This was not good. Claudine couldn’t risk more people prying into her identity. Also, she could feel the strain of her magic that was about to undo itself. She couldn’t keep up appearances- quite literally- for much longer.

“If you would come quietly.”

They had to bail.

“I’m sorry, but we-”

Suddenly, an arrow flew right by her head, barely grazing her cheek as sounds of multiple hooves and wolf-like growls filled the forest.

“Tsk.”

“Milady!”

“Stand back, you two.” The guard moved in front of them, sword drawn and aimed towards the origin of the arrow and sounds. Quickly, those same sounds began to shift and spread, as if circling them.

Claudine and Hikari quickly drew out their own swords, as the former launched a quick area check spell discreetly.

‘Twenty? No, thirty. Thirty men on horseback... at least ten hunting wolves.’

As Claudine weighed their situation, a harsh gust of wind came hurtling towards them, the hood on the imperial guards cloak coming off, revealing long brunette locks tied up in a ponytail.

The sight of such smooth strands on which the moon’s beams bounced off so gently almost made Claudine forget the gravity of their situation, eyes bewitched- captured- by stunning violet gems that she couldn’t believe she’d failed to take notice of before.

“It seems they have a mage in their midst.” The knight, now fully facing Claudine, addressed them. “I’m sorry to ask this of you after having suspected you; and while I still doubt your credibility, I would like to shamelessly enlist your assistance as of the moment.”

There was something in his gaze, in his entire beautiful expression, that compelled Claudine to know more, to say yes, to help him.

“Truly, you are quite shameless.” She grinned, head held high. “I would have done so without you asking.”

The smile she was rewarded with sent her heart into a frenzy. It wasn’t a handsome grin, no. Claudine took note that under the moonlit night, this man oozed a dignified beauty that was quickly distracting her from her mission at hand.

“You have my gratitude.”

Claudine nodded, willing herself to not stare for longer than necessary as she and Hikari took stance.

With their backs to each other, they stood in wait, counting down the seconds to their adversaries’ arrival. Claudine sighed ruefully as she felt her transformation spell fade, this instance confirmed as she glanced over at a now long-haired Hikari. She could just feel questioning eyes burning their gaze into her golden hair.

She was not looking forward to having to explain this too.

“What.” She spat, meeting the stare of her temporary ally, hoping no questions would come right now.

“Oh nothing. Just wanted to tell you something.”

“And that is?”

As she said that, gruff looking men arrived in the clearing, their disgusting smirks clearly indicated that they were looking down on the small group they’d surrounded.

Claudine was beginning to feel irritated. She hated being underestimated.

She barely caught the grin thrown her way as the guard launched himself at the group. She did, however, receive every single insulting word of challenge.

“Don’t hold me back now, Little Miss.”

Oh it was on,

“Insufferable asshole.”

//-//-//-//-//

Claudine did not frequent pubs. They weren’t her type of hangout spots. And while she wasn’t one for leisure cafe dates or tea parties with the other noble ladies, she did love the peace of libraries and the refreshing mountain creeks.

Needless to say, this place intimidated her more than any imperial guard could hope to.

“Not a good drinker?”

It wasn’t that. It really wasn’t.

If anything, both Claudine and Hikari were strong drinkers. Just not... public drinkers, she supposed.

“No.” Claudine sighed, taking a seat across the pretty man- damn, he was beautiful. Claudine would have almost mistaken him for a woman. He was tall, but not much taller than Claudine, and his voice wasn’t all too deep, so maybe she wasn’t wrong. Maybe.

“Then what has you so down, milady?” His tone of voice was playful, and Claudine knew she was being teased. He probably still didn’t believe in her whole ‘secret-noble-adventurer’ story.

“I’m just tired.”

“Hoh? Already? From that little excursion?”

Claudine growled, pounding the table with her fist. “Well, if someone would have just stayed out of my way while we were fighting earlier then-”

“Now, now. Don’t go blaming someone else for these kind of things, Young Miss. How are you ever going to survive as an adventurer if you blame others for your mistakes? Being able to take responsibility for one’s self is one of the most important traits in the field.”

Claudine clicked her tongue. She knew she was purposely being toyed with. “Shut up.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, Miss.”

“And why the hell not?” Claudine’s glare went ignored as the man waved over a server to place an order.

Turning to her with that same smug smile that was equal parts gorgeous and incredibly annoying, the guard spoke. “Because I want to get to know you better.”

Claudine scoffed, rolling her eyes.

“Starting with your names.” He clasped his hands together, resting his chin atop them. “I at least believe you are of some noble descent. If the silence of your companion, and her respect towards any of your earlier actions and decisions hold any significant hint to that.”

“Glad you’re at least that sharp.” Claudine huffed, putting up a mask to hide her inner thoughts that were struggling to come up with some alias for both her and Hikari.

“So. Names.”

Anything. Anything.

“J-Julie!”

Curse that damn book and the sudden memory of it!

Claudine inwardly cried as she gave away that piece of false information, even screwing up the actual name she was supposed to use.

“Julie... Saijou.” The brunette looked at her skeptically, but nodded. Somehow accepting it for now. “And your companion is?”

“She’s-”

“Kagura Hikari.”

“Hikari?!” Claudine whipped her head about in shock. So much for discretion! Just what was this girl thinking?!

“I’m sorry, Milady. But I think it is in our best interests to be as honest as possible.” Hikari bowed apologetically to Claudine before turning to her fellow knight, face blank and giving nothing away. “I am uncertain if you’ve heard of such details, but the Saijou’s have long since had ties with the Capulet family of the Western empire.”

Claudine covered her face with her hands, now groaning into her palms. She could only hope this wouldn’t ruin her already fragile freedom and put their positions at risk.

“They are the relatives milady has mentioned before. Her aunt married into the family, you see.”

Ah, so that was how Hikari was going to play it.

Well, maybe it wasn’t a bad excuse. Claudine believed the knight was considering any future encounters with the imperial guard since they would be attending palace events soon.

She spared the guard a glance, and was surprised to see that he actually looked to be convinced of those words. Not that they were much of a lie in the first place.

“I see! I understand. My apologies then.”

Claudine held back her sigh of relief, not wanting to give even the slightest thing away anymore.

“Yes, that’s it.” She said, trying to add onto their story. “And about the identification badge... well... you wouldn’t really expect any noble children, much less ladies, join an adventurer guild and all that.”

“I suppose so.” The guard chuckled.

Soon, their drinks had arrived, and Claudine found herself staring into the golden liquid the man across from her was downing to keep her eyes of his too pretty face, a question nagging on her mind.

“And you?”

“Hmm?” Placing his glass down, he gave her a curious, yet smug smile. “What about me?”

Somehow, Claudine wanted to wipe it off his stupid face.

“We gave you our names and background. It’s only common courtesy to introduce yourself properly in return, is it not?”

His growing grin was really pissing her off.

“Right, of course. Excuse me for my rudeness since earlier.”

“No kidding.” Claudine complained, waiting rather impatiently for his information. Not that she’d ever remember it, much less use the knowledge for any future plans. No. Not at all.

Not even for that.

“Hmm, well you could call me Romero.”

Romero.

Really, now. Romero?

Again, that damn book was really trying to force its way into Claudine’s thoughts. She internally cringed at the association.

“Romero. Of course that’s your name.” She rolled her eyes, not believing it for even one second. “You certainly look like a ‘Romero’.” She stated sarcastically. ‘Romero’ here looked as eastern as eastern gets.

“You wound me, Lady Julie. Can’t a man adapt a name of different culture simply because it suits him this much?”

“I didn’t say anything against it.” Claudine waved, taking a sip from her drink. It was cold, a little bitter. She liked it.

“Your expression says all there needs to be said.”

Claudine smirked, leaning across the table. “Oh? I’m glad it does then. Sir Romero.”

The man’s eyes glinted in amusement as he leaned forward as well. Claudine huffed. So this is how they were going to play it.

“So, Lady Julie. I said I’d like to get to know you.”

Claudine nodded. “Know all you want, then.”

“You say that so easily, but are you sure?” Really, this man unnerved her like no one else. His gaze was piercing, yet dull. It was clear, but betrayed no thoughts nor intentions of his.

Claudine nodded again, but a little less confident now.

“Then, if I may be so bold as to ask,” Romero began. “What business do you have here in the capital? Besides the whole peace treaty, I suppose. If I recall correctly, it is not a requirement for all nobles to attend, and I know the property of both the Saijou’s and Capulet’s are a ways away from here.”

Claudine swallowed a lump in her throat, wondering what she should say. “Isn’t it the greatest honor for any noble to be able to claim that they stood as personal witness to the changing of times?”

What a generic answer.

Bless Junna’s etiquette lessons that were coming to fruition.

“Ehh, how boring~”

Somewhat.

“Be that as it may, it’s the truth.” Claudine raised her glass back up to her lips, taking in more of that golden liquid.

“Is that so? Just that? Nothing else?” Romero pressed.

“That’s all I’m willing to divulge, Sir Romero.” Claudine said sternly, eyes ordering him to back down. Even for an imperial knight, wasn’t this a little too impudent?

“Fair, fair.” Romero responded, hands up in the air in surrender. “I must have overstepped my boundaries. My apologies.”

Claudine downed her drink, ignoring him for a moment.

“I’m simply curious. And to think, for the sole purpose of this event, you went out of your way to get an adventuring permit for quests from the main guild when you might only be staying a short while.” Romero continued to seek her gaze, peskily grinning in wait. “As an imperial guard, I’m just concerned, milady. It’s part of the job.”

Claudine gave him a blank look. Romero seemed unfazed.

“I just need a few more details for my report, that’s all. Something to make your story believable enough to not be sought out by other guards who aren’t as kind and considerate as me.” He winked to accentuate his statement, and Claudine threw him a disgusted look.

“If you were the least bit as considerate as you claim to be, you’d have been quiet for the last hour.”

“Harsh words, Milady. I only want to kno-”

“Milady is here to get married.” Hikari slammed her mug on the table, pinning her gaze on the troublesome man. “Now that you know, stop bothering my master.”

“Hikari!” Claudine didn’t know whether she should be touched at the intervention, or frustrated at the reveal.

“What a loyal guardian.” Romero complimented with a grin. “You’re the kind of escort the imperial palace would love to have.”

It was almost as if he were holding out bait for Hikari to take. Claudine didn’t like it.

“Excuse me, but Hikari is-”

“I belong solely to my Master. I serve no one else but her. My loyalty has been sworn. Your words are kind, but they are not right. Not for me. I’m sorry.”

“Hikari...”

Romero and Hikari’s gazes remained locked in a contest, waiting for one or the other to crack first. Claudine watched on with concern. She hoped they wouldn’t get into any serious quarrel.

To her fortune, Romero finally broke. Broke into a fit of laughter, tears of amusement spilling that he quickly wiped away.

Claudine allowed herself to sigh in relief as she finally relaxed in her seat for the first time that night.

Romero finally calmed enough to begin talking again, much to Claudine’s chagrin. “Married. I see. Married, huh?”

Claudine narrowed her eyes at the amused man, scowl deep. “And what of it? Do you think I’m too unfit for such a maiden’s dream?” If he said yes, Claudine might just be tempted to chop a ball off or too. Tempting beauty of this man be damned. He should try to see if he could snag any lady after tonight.

“No, no. Nothing of that sword, Milady.” He smiled, settling down and emptying the remaining contents of his cup. “Just... Who is the lucky fellow to have caught such a strong-hearted beauty such as yourself?”

Claudine actually blushed at his words this time. Though she did curse her heart for being swayed so easily like that, and by this insufferable man, no less.

“There is... no man... or anyone at all.” She managed to say through grit teeth, slightly embarrassed at that truth that she had about zero suitors coming for her.

She was surprised to see that Romero looked genuinely surprised. It wasn’t some faux, mocking expression. He seemed sincerely shocked at the reveal that Claudine was as single as the lonesome sun in the daytime.

“No one?”

“Not one.”

“For someone as charming as you?” He blinked those big, violet eyes, honest and innocent-looking for once.

“Flattery will get you nowhere, good sir.” Claudine chuckled, actually finding Romero more endearing than annoying at that moment. A shocker for herself.

“I just can’t believe that no one would approach you or ask you. You.” He gestured towards her. “You’re appearance is definitely a win, but more-so is your personality.” He openly praised Claudine. “You are a lovely being. I’m not saying this shallowly. I truly mean every word, Milady.”

Claudine felt her heart warm a little at that.

True, she’s heard those words before from close friends and family. Said in a particular way that she just knew was honest. However, they knew her. They knew Claudine and how she really was. As for the other noble men and women she’d met, they had always seemed to presume things about her based on rumor and first impressions, never attempting to truly know Claudine enough to say compliments that Claudine could think to consider as truthful.

Empty laud, frivolous words, backstabbing comments.

A beautiful face, they said. A cunning mind. A brash personality, an unladylike disposition.

Claudine never claimed they were false, but they weren’t exactly accurate.

Just like that dumb book.

Why did Claudine feel so moved all of a sudden. It wasn’t as though Romero had said much more than others, now that she thought about it. She’d probably have already heard those utterances before. So why?

Was it his tone? The way he looked straight into her eyes with an unguarded sincerity?

Before Claudine could find the answers to her internal queries, the door to the pub burst open, a group of men tossing over tables, and harassing the nearest bar patrons, in search of something or someone.

Romero got up from the table, as did Hikari and Claudine, hands already on their swords, ready to swing.

Claudine’s eyes met with one of the men in front, and something seemed to click in the air.

A finger was raised and pointed right at her.

“Them.”

And they charged.

“Hikari!”

“Yes, Milady.”

The knight moved swiftly, positioning herself in front of Claudine to ward off those who targeted her master, buying Claudine time as she tried to infuse as much magic as she could into her sword and limbs. She didn’t have enough mana for an entire body enhancement as she’d used a fair amount up during the earlier hunts, disguise, and fights. She knew she had barely enough to spare. Just enough to hopefully end this.

She prayed it was enough.

Romero seemed busy as well, sword clashing against spear and blades, shields and armor.

He should be fine. Claudine couldn’t spare him much worry if she had to worry about herself first.

Other patrons had also joined in the fray, but it was clear that there was a difference in the power the intruders held.

With her amplifications complete, Claudine readied herself, and in one motion, swooped past a flurry of enemies, knocking them to the ground before a new wave could approach her.

Were these also among those that Romero had mentioned? Terrorists who had actually managed to enter the city? This wasn’t good. They needed to subdue them before more damage could be done.

Where were the other imperial guards anyway? Why was Romero even patrolling alone with such a dangerous agenda at hand?

She didn’t have time to entertain any of those questions, she decided. Claudine knew she had to focus on what was happening right now. Those could be saved for later.

Focus.

Foc-

“Julie.” Romero called.

Claudine almost forgot that that was her name at the moment, barely managing to send him a confirming nod. “I’m a little busy, but what is it?” She responded, knocking someone over on the head.

“I just thought of something.”

Was it a plan on how to defeat all these men for efficiently? An easier way to protect all the innocent people from these terrorists? If so, Claudine was all ears. “Speak.”

“What about me? What about us?”

‘Huh?’

Claudine managed to throw him an incredulous look as Hikari kicked an attacker away just in time before he could touch Claudine.

“What about you- or us?” She asked, restraining another man with a single binding spell before taking away his consciousness.

“What if you...” Romero dodged a slash, countering with his own. Another masked man made a grab for him, but he easily turned the situation around, ending up on top of him, standing atop a few other bodies.

“I?”

“What if you married me?”

Claudine managed to smash a man’s skull against the wall just as she stared dumbfounded at the imperial knight who looked amazingly serious, and undeterred by all that was occurring around him.

Really?

“...Are we really having this conversation here? Right now?” Claudine questioned, movements fluid as she added to the pile of bodies behind her that were slowly being tied up and secured by a few free bar patrons.

“Yes? Why?” Romero replied nonchalantly, repelling a blow with his sword.

Claudine could not believe the audacity of this man. “Couldn’t it, oh I don’t know, wait until things have settled down?!”

“Couldn’t what wait?” Romero said clueless, stepping back from the force of one particular strike, approaching Claudine’s space.

“This talk!” She answered back, vexed.

“I’ll have you know I’m a hundred percent serious on this proposal. Despite its untimeliness.”

“And I can’t be serious thinking about it because there are so many things I have to consider. One of those being why I must reject your ‘serious proposal’.” Claudine growled as someone managed to hit her leg hard enough to cause her to go off balance.

Romero had caught her just in time, righting her and going back to his own fight. Claudine felt a little annoyed that he had so easily switched gears and was able to handle both his enemy and ally.

“Why ever not? It’s not like anyone else has made an offer?” Romero sounded disappointed.

Claudine really couldn’t explain it right now. Not in this situation, and certainly not as other people listened in.

“Because.”

“Because?”

“Just because!” Claudine yelled, sending one man up into the ceiling in uncontrolled temper.

“I need a concrete reason, milady. Else I’m unwilling to step down from this.” Romero laughed, continuing on with his battle as he and Claudine fought back-to-back.

“And I’m telling you we can talk about it later.”

“Just trying to tell you that I’m a very good candidate, Lady Julie.”

“No thank you, Sir Romero.” Claudine rolled her eyes, tossing another enemy away to the side.

“And that is because?”

Claudine noticed a quick shift out of the corner of her eye. The refraction of light off a blade gave her all the information she needed to calculate a countermeasure. With her feet firmly planted, she twisted her torso, channeling enough energy to deliver a speedy lethal blow into the attacker’s ribcage-

...and apparently also Romero’s who had decided to jump in front of her in a chivalrous attempt at saving her.

A wrong decision, clearly.

Both he and their foe dropped to the ground, on the obvious brink of consciousness.

Claudine’s mind flew into panicked disarray as she quickly knelt over her comrade, trying to think of how to help him.

“Romero! I’m sorry!!! But you’re an idiot!” She began to spout words out so quickly. “You should know that I’m a trained fighter. And why did you do that! You clearly saw what I was doing! This is why you shouldn’t interfere with my battles! Also what was with that sudden proposal in the middle of it all huh?! Are you trying to get us killed?!”

“Milady-” Hikari was at her side, trying to calm her as the fighting had finally subsided. Claudine’s vision however, was unexpectedly tunneled, worry apparent on her face as she desperately tried to aid the fallen knight.

“There’s a time and place for everything, Romero!” Claudine continued to scold, hands already taking on a healing glow. “You ought to be more mindful. And you claim you’re an imperial knight?!”

“Master Clau-”

“I fear for the empire if all the knights are like you. What, did you think you were saving me by placing yourself in front of me?”

“Stupid Romero. Now you’ve gotten hurt. You weren’t focusing at all, were you? And all for a silly proposal?!”

“Milady, I think he’s losing consciousness-”

“And you wouldn’t even let me explain why I clearly have to reject your proposal! I have very specific conditions, mind you. So don’t go mocking me once you hear them.

“Milady!”

“You see, I can’t accept your proposal because...” Claudine finally took a deep breath, a pause for once.

Hikari tried to tell her that Romero had long since been knocked out, but Claudine couldn’t seem to hear her. At this point, she’d realized it would be better to give up and allow Claudine to settle down on her own.

Hikari only hoped her Master wouldn’t break down at the realization and the embarrassing memories to come.

“-I like women.”

“...”

Hikari sighed, finally seeing the truth sink in for Claudine as her eyes widened and her hands trembled in an emotion that was no longer just concern.

“... he heard nothing, did he?”

She was in for a long day tomorrow.

“Milady...”

A/N: Uh. I think I did my best atm. Yey. If you’re wondering why Claudine has eastern friends, and supposedly they go way back, as well as why her knight is also from the east, well... see you next ep! Or I think next next chap? Ma- er, Romero needs a turn.

Also, before ppl complain to me about genderbending or making this mlw, I’m not one to mis-tag something. Just saying.

I apologize for OOC-ness

Also I’m just... really tired. I wanted to amuse myself by writing something silly or like... unusual-ish. Idk.

Meh.

~Shintori Khazumi

#mayakuro #shoujo kageki revue starlight #starira #revue starlight #my dumbassery arises once more #romeo and juliet but not really #fanfic #tendou maya #saijou claudine #kagura hikari #mahiru tsuyuzaki #aijo karen #au

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queenofshipping12 · 4 years

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(から) Kara: Kagura as a human. POV of Sesshomaru. Kara has no memories of the life of Kagura so when she's confronted by Sesshomaru she panics and runs away. Sesshomaru silently follows and when she gets attacked by another demon he saves her. Kara wonders why the strange demon saves her life and questions him. He realizes she doesn't recognize him but doesn't answer her question. She is wounded on her leg and he comes closer to inspect but she thinks he wishes to take her life himself. When he gently wraps her leg with a cloth ripped from his clothing she is shell shocked. Again she ask why he saved her. He continues to wrap her leg. When he is done he takes a seat a few feet away with his back turned toward her. She realizes she wont get an answer nor alone time. Kara leans against the tree behind her and for an unknown reason to both of them starts talking about her life from her being found and taken in by a small family to her amnesia. Sesshomaru just sits and listen. She talks all day to the morning. Finally when she falls asleep Sesshomaru turns toward her and takes in her new human appearance. He turns back around and begins to ponder how she's back and his feelings about the fact. Hours later when its mid afternoon Kara awakes to find herself alone and using the trees around her as a crutch begins to wander. Meanwhile in the trees Sesshomaru once again watches and follows. Kara finds her way to small lake. Not that Sesshomaru would ever admit it but he was startled when she called him. He came down from the trees and she simply told him theres no way he would go through all that trouble just to leave her to die. She smiles a genuine smile at him. He doesn't deny it. Weeks pass and after Sesshomaru long returned her to the village. But continued to see her everyday. He would be in the trees never letting his presence known. Not that he needed to because Kara would always know for whatever reason unbeknownst to him. She later tells him she can feel him through the wind, which he doesn't doubt for obvious reasons. On a day he comes to see her she's in a bad mood. She says she conflicted while she leans her back against his roughly and says she loves the family she's staying with but that she also loved his company and wants to be with him. Sesshomaru was a little surprised by her bluntness but even more surprised when he felt her arms around him hugging his torso. He squeezed her hand around him and told her he would come back tomorrow and take her away if that's what she chose. The next day Sesshomaru came as promised and waited. He saw Kara say goodbye to a family of four children and a what looked like doting mother. No father. After the teary goodbyes from the children she walked slightly in the forest and called for Sesshomaru to hurry and when he was literally in front of her in a flash he caressed her cheek before bringing her to his arms. He told her he would tell her about the wind demon he was in love with.

:She is in her early twenties and lives somewhere in a busy village. She has a temper but she loves children.

:In order for her to come back to life she had to give up her memories from before and also her demon blood.

Don't ask me why I wrote all this I've been deprived of sesskagu content. But this is my canon and I dont know what sequel you're talking about 😌

#sesskagu #inuyasha sequel #sesshomaru #kagura of the wind #anti sessrin #sesshomaru x kagura #hanyo no yasahime #fuck 2020 #fucksunrise #this is not a fanfiction

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kyosohmastan · 4 years

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Hello! I love your fics! Could you write a fic where tohru is lusting after kyo in his black button down shirt? Thank you!

Can’t pass this up! I think she would think he’s handsome in that shirt. ;-; I included this in a smut challenge I’m doing although this one doesn’t have actual smut but the prompt was kissing so there’s a lot of kisses. It takes place right after his date with Kagura where Tohru is more aware of her feelings for him. You can find my one shot collection for the challenge here. Hope you enjoy this~

Rating: T

Words: 2,247

Faint patters of footsteps came from the kitchen and towards me. It had to be him, and I tried to steady my racing heart as I turned, my mouth full as I said, “Welcome back. Would you like dinner?” All the while, awestruck by him more than I typically was.

I’ve never seen him in that color before. He had on a black dress shirt that somehow made him more mature instead of boyish. He had been growing lately without the shirt's doing. But he appeared even more so with it.

I swallowed, trying not to visibly ogle him. I couldn’t when I was more concerned over the solemn expression he had. What had happened on his outing with Kagura? Perhaps he confessed his love to her and got rejected. My chest hurt at the idea of him being in love with her all this time because I...had wanted him for myself. Why couldn’t I just admit it to him?

“Don’t need any,” he said simply, turning and heading up the stairs.

“Um...okay,” I said, the disappointment evident in my delivery. I never wanted to see him down. No...he’d looked more upset since we got back from the beach house, way before his date with Kagura-san. Something was weighing on him so heavily. I wanted to release him from it.

I turned back to the others. Yuki-kun was narrowing his eyes as he watched Kyo-kun leave. “Don’t worry, Honda-san. He gets in these moods. Don’t let it concern you.”

I couldn’t not worry. I didn’t want to leave him alone, even if he wanted to be by himself. But I didn’t want to pry either. What could I do to help him anyway?

I continued to eat, but my stomach was in knots. I almost wanted to cough each bite back up.

Shigure-san and Yuki-kun wished me goodnight shortly after dinner. I stayed behind and cleaned up, doing it quicker than usual. I just had to see him.

I tip-toed up the stairs, then reached his door. I raised my arm to knock on it, pausing to rethink everything. However, my intuition told me to go to him. I gathered my courage and knocked. He opened the door relatively quickly. Maybe somehow, he was eager to see me. Or maybe I was wishfully thinking.

My eyes met his chest, that black shirt, then traveled to his beautiful face. I had planned out in my head what I was going to say. I was simply going to ask if he was alright. But words failed me. My mouth gaped as I took him in in the pitchest shade of black. He needed to wear that often.

His brow quirked. “Did you break?”

“Um..” I finally said. “No, I’m sorry. I didn’t expect you to answer that quickly. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You seemed really depressed when you came in.”

He sighed through his nose. And I wondered if he’d sound like that if I’d-

“I’m fine,” he answered. “I don’t want you to worry about something that isn’t an issue in the first place.” He stepped aside, and I came into his room.

I had my doubts. He hadn’t seemed fine in a really long time. “Are you sure? I want to do what I can to help you.” The room was lit only by the lamp on his desk. It was rather dim. It made the dark of his shirt stand out more and, in return, his skin seemed bright in contrast. He looked like autumn cursed him, in the way his orange hair turned auburn in the lighting. How had I not noticed how vibrant he was? The colors that made him was something I’d never seen on anyone else. It was entirely him.

“I’m...good.” He shut the door, turning to me and examining my intuitive stare. “Tohru?”

“I’m sorry.” If I was freaking him out with my stares, I wouldn’t be surprised. “Um..that shirt?”

He shook his head once when I didn’t say anything more. “What about it?”

“You look...very handsome in it. I love the color on you.”

His nose scrunched. That wasn’t the reaction I’d been hoping for. But when he made a brief laugh, relief flooded me. “Are you sure you’re not the one who’s not okay?” He patted my head as he moved over to his futon, gracefully landing on it.

“Oh, I’m fine!” He was probably joking. I should have known. I followed, sitting a few feet beside him.

“Good.” He looked down, resting his arms on his bent knees. “As long as you’re okay, I’m fine too.”

How was that so? How could I impact him that much? “But you know, you can talk to me if something’s troubling you. Ever since we got back from vacation, you’ve seemed very down.”

His timid smile faded away. I was aware I was digging in too deep and pushing him out of his comfort zone. But I cared too much to let it go.

“There’s just some things on my mind that I shouldn’t tell you.”

I began to wonder...was it his confinement? I’d pushed the thought out of my mind, not wanting to consider it because it brought myself down. But I couldn’t ignore that it was a possibility for him. I wouldn’t let it happen.

“I know about your future, Kyo-kun. What’s going to happen…”

He sat up straight so fast, the futon quaked. “How? Akito-?”

“Yes,” I said regretfully. “If that’s what’s bothering you, I understand. But I want you to know that I’m going to try to stop it from happening.”

He shook his head instantly. “Don’t concern yourself over it. Besides, I’m struggling over more than that.”

More than being imprisoned forever? “What do you mean?”

He raked his hand through his hair, limply grabbing at the strands. “I shouldn’t tell you. Not when my future is set and we’ll be separated.”

“Kyo-kun,” I mumbled helplessly. “Your future isn’t set if I can stop it.”

“I don’t want you to,” he snapped. The reaction made me inch back. “I don’t want you to waste your time with that. You have yourself to think about. You need to focus on graduation.”

“No. I’m not as important as making sure you don’t get locked up because…” There was no way I could exit this conversation without spilling the truth. I dug myself into this. “There’s nothing more important as keeping you with me. I can’t lose you.”

His eyes lightened from their darkness. That hit a nerve. If it was in any way other than a good thing, then I was going to break. “Do you hear yourself? What about your mom.”

“She’s still important but things are changing.” When I thought they never would. But I know I have to live in the present and right then, Kyo-kun was with me. “The only thing I need to keep me whole is you. It would wreck me if you went away. I wouldn’t be able to stand it.”

There was a wonder on him as he looked to me like he’s reading a dense history book. But I was laying it all out there. What more was there to uncover? “You can’t love-” He cut himself off and shook his head. “I’ve done things that would make you change your mind.”

“That’s impossible,” I insist, scooting an inch closer to him while he leaned back. “Nothing you do could change my mind. What is it that you think would?”

He looked as he did when I found him in the forest, curled up, hugging himself as if he desperately needed someone to hold him, to shield him from whatever he’s seen. “I can’t tell you...not yet.”

That wasn’t what was important right now. Because it wouldn’t change my mind either way. “I love you, Kyo-kun,” I whispered, cautiously putting my hand on his knee.

He closes his eyes and turns his head from the wall and away from me. “I’m not supposed to be loved.”

I felt myself bolden. I had to if I was going to attempt to get through to him. I grabbed the collar of that black shirt and gently tugged to get him to look at me. “No. That's not true. I can’t help that I love you. And you deserve it. Everyone deserves love.”

He made himself look to me, and I settled back down again at his comforting gaze. “I can’t accept that. Even if... I love you too.”

My cheek went wet, and it wasn’t until then that I noticed I was crying. Despite his resistance, he wiped away my tears with his thumbs, holding my cheeks.

I grasped his wrist, the one he wore the rosary on, and my fingers memorized each of the beads. “I don’t want to talk about it anymore.” He was so close...just enough for me to lean over an inch and touch. I wouldn’t mind going as far as we could while my emotions were at an impeccable high.

My other hand pushed half of his bangs back, itching to touch some part of him. Finally, as if it had been years, he smiled.

I blinked away my tears and smiled back. Whatever he said, whether he was resistant, his actions spoke different. And I chose to listen to them. I took a leap and leaned forward, pressing my lips to the corner of his. I tried to gather up courage to give him what I really wanted. But as always, he had more of that than I did when it came to this type of thing. He always did initiate everything.

He kissed me fully. It was only the lightest press, but it was up to me to take it further. Now that we were there, I had more motivation to return it full force. I tangled my fingers into his hair and took his bottom lip between my teeth, albeit timidly. Was this something he was into? I initially thought maybe he didn’t want me to go so rough. But he didn’t falter as he kissed me again. I closed my eyes, inching back as I felt him move forward, and I laid down. I reached up to make sure he was still there even though I felt his lips on mine. I also had to feel him with my hands.

I held onto his hips, inching my hands up until I felt the skin under his shirt, and the ridges of muscle on his abdomen as I felt up. Wow, I was feeling him up. I still had to wonder if this was okay, but he didn’t pull back.

He returned the gesture, stroking the exposed skin on my hipbone with his thumb. There was a tingle in the pit of my stomach unlike anything I felt before. I wanted the ache to go away, but how could I ask? With something as serious as that, I couldn’t be sure if it was the right time. No, at that moment, his kiss was enough. The way he felt me with his cautious fingers was enough.

I tilted my head back, parting my lips to feel his tongue. He swept it along mine, mapping out each inch of it. For just a few moments, I was able to forget the possibility of him being taken from me. I had him for those few minutes only, and I cherished them.

But, sadly, we had to breathe. He parted and hoisted himself over me. I was rather pleased to see his lips so swollen.

He tilted his head. “Where’d you learn to do that?”

My cheeks heated. “It just came to me.”

He sat up, bonking my head with his fist as I rose up with him. “No, you probably get it from those romance movies you like to watch.”

“Yes,” I giggled. “I probably did. But it came to me naturally because I love you so much.”

He blushed right back at me. I stroked that red cheek. “You’re so...deserving of my love, Kyo-kun. Don’t think different.”

His smile was small. He still didn’t fully believe it. I’d keep saying it, repeating it like a chant until he did. “Okay, okay. I don’t mind it...telling me you love me. I love you so much, Tohru. I didn’t know so much pain would come with that feeling.”

I stood, pulling him up with me by his hands. I threaded my fingers through his. “It doesn’t have to hurt if you open yourself up to it.” I kissed him again, briefly this time. It was getting late.

“We’ll see,” he said, his smile dropping again. “I don’t know what we are now…”

I didn’t know myself. But I knew I didn’t want to be just friends. “We don’t have to label anything,” I said, begrudgingly making my way to the door. “But you have me, either way.”

In a gentle whisper, he replied, "I want you to be mine."

I’ve always wanted to hear that from him. I wanted that to be the last thing I heard from him tonight, so I kissed him before he could say more. He returned it so lovingly. I wanted to melt in it forever.

“Goodnight,” I whispered against his lips, leaving quietly. Only then did it register that I’d had my first kiss, but I wouldn’t let it be the last from him.

#fruits basket #furuba #kyo sohma #Tohru Honda #fruits basket fanfic #fruits basket fanfiction #fruba #kyoru #fruits basket spoilers

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minachan95-written-works-on-ao3 · 5 years

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Title: Vampire’s Kiss (Chapter 4)

Fandom: King of Fighters

Characters: Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, Shingo Yabuki, Orochi, Yashiro Nanakase, Leona Heidern, Kain R. Heinlein, Chizuru Kagura, Kusanagi, Goeniko, Chris

Pairing: Iori Yagami x Kyo Kusanagi (main one)

Genre: AU, BL, Supernatural, Fantasy, Gothic Fantasy, Adventure, Slow-Burn, Eventual Romance, Dark Themes, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Human/Vampire Relationship, Human/Demon Relationship

Summary: This vampire already has bad luck on his side, yet he decides that his next prey going to be a certain redhead vampire hunter. However, the very little he knows how this encounter will end…

AO3 Link

Back to presence~ Almost a month has passed until new full-moon has risen once again. It was a night when Kyo supposed to see the redhead vampire hunter again, however, he decided to not to. Not after being so utterly defeated…or at least, until he regains a little more strength. He was simply too weak even to face even a pesky human. Besides, who knows, whenever it was a plan to lure this vampire into a trap, if so, it was too obvious trick. So, too bad if this foolish human going to wait and freeze to death, because this brunette ain’t going anywhere today or at least anywhere close to that abandoned chapel. Surely, just who does he think is he to make fun of this vampire? However, he would have his revenge…somehow? Or so though this brunette while he was on his way to cemetery.

After awhile, he reached cemetery. It was such a calm evening, only the rustle of tree leaves disturbed peace here. Not a single living spirit in sight, just this vampire chilling out by leaning against on some unknown solder’s grave. Just a sound of crumpled piece of this gray stone returned this vampire to the earth. After he shakes off the dirt from his hand, he looks around and panics for second. That person looked familiar and right now this vampire wanted to leave as fast as he could. Even if this foolish human might didn’t noticed him yet, it was much wiser not to wait for until it happen.

However, when Kyo turned around, he accidentally stepped on old crunchy branch. Now he closed his yes and hoped that this foolish human didn’t heard that. Humans don’t have such a good hearing, do they? So, he should be fine, right? Though this vampire. But now he jolted when heard voice behind him ‘‘Stop right here.’’. Now Kyo slowly turned back and while pretending like fool and pointing finger at him self, asked innocently ‘‘Eh? Are you talking to me? I think that you mistaken me for someone else, mister.’’ and the redhead hunter approached him closer, but Kyo took a step back. He wore the same outfit like on their first encounter - long dark red leather coat with white crescent moon on the back, same color pants, black color biker gloves.

This vampire continued his acting, hoping that this pester leave him alone ‘‘Hey, mister, are you lost? You know, it’s dangerous to walk here alone. Someone might attack or kill you~’’. However, this redhead hunter kept his poker-face on and answered ‘‘Like you did last time, vampire? ’’ these words surprised this brunette and indignantly said ‘‘Oi, watch your mouth, human! Be grateful that now I am still in good mood or else-’’, but he was interrupted by this redhead speech with slight mockery ‘‘Or else you will taste my whip again. You sure bark loud, but barely can bite back, vampire.’’.

That’s it, this brunette won’t stand any longer being taunted by this arrogant bastard. Now he putted his hands into jeans’ pocket and took a closer step to vampire hunter. After he thrusts his chest, Kyo replied ‘‘Don’t act so though just because you defeat me once. It was a first and the last time.’’ after he with-draws his chest, this vampire asks ‘‘But you come here not just to mock me, did you? What do you want from me, Mister Vampire Hunter?’’. After this redhead fixed his redcoat’s collar, he cracked a smile and replied ‘‘It was rather you, who insulted me with your poor skills. Listen closely, vampire. I need information from you.’’.

However, this brunette walked through him and when he was behind this hunter’s back, turned his head and replied ‘‘What if I don’t tell you?~ I have no idea what you’re talking about. Is that all? then I hope that we won’t meet again.’’ and now this vampire continued to walk on his way. But after awhile, he suddenly stopped and widened his eyes.

Something small and so fast flied through his face. He didn’t even had time to move or react and now he felt that some kind of liquid was running down on his cheek. After he wiped his cheek with one hand, he looked and noticed that his palm was bloody. This vampire whispered in higher pitch voice ‘‘What a hell?’’ now he gritted his teeth. When he turned around, he noticed that this redhead’s coat exposed his pants on which there was a belt. On it’s left side there was attached a small leather bag with five or six knives inside. He was also holding a small knife and was ready to launch it at any time. Vampire hunter replied in stricter tone ‘‘It was only a warning, you can’t just leave yet. Next time I won’t miss it. So, why don’t you answer couple of my questions and then I may let you go. ’’. Kyo only rised one of his eye-brows and suspiciously stared at this redhead.

What is inside this human’s mind? He surely doesn’t look trustful yet this vampire tested his luck by approaching vampire hunter closer. Maybe it was mistake, but he felt that it wasn’t a good idea to test how much patience has this person. Now this redhead with-draws his knife and puts back into knife bag. It seems that this creature is smarter than he looks like, or so hoped vampire hunter. Besides, it would a huge waste to even one of sub-weapons, after all, they weren’t so cheap and it was also more than annoying to get them.

However, this redhead now also was proven that this brunette wasn’t just some annoying brat, who asks for trouble. This brunette’s wounded cheek has slowly healed in front of him and now he asked, despise that he looked upset ‘‘What do want, human?’’. This redhead now opened his coat and was looking for something on his inner chest pockets. After brief time, he took couple of slightly ruffled papers and shown them to Kyo, who now gave him a questioning look. But now this vampire hunter said in serious tone ‘‘These are reports from the next day since our last meeting.’’ Kyo just cracked a smile and asked ‘‘And what do I have to do with this? Don’t tell me that you’re accusing me for someone else foolishness. Besides, whatever it was, don’t you think that is a little bit too late to change anything? You’re too slow, Mister Vampire Hunter~’’ after he mockingly swooshed his hair, he waited how does this redhead will react.

It seems that the vampire hunter still remain as calm and unaffected as before and he simply replied ‘‘Well, it should concern you more than you expect, vampire.’’ after short pause he continued ‘‘Answer my question. There was a murder and the victim looked like it barely resembled a human being anymore - it was only a wrinkled skin bag… Aside that, on victim’s neck there were two spots like it was bitten one of your kind. Do you know or heard anything about it?’’.

Kyo lowered his gaze for a second and looked slightly guilty, but after awhile, he looked at the vampire hunter and confidently replied ‘‘Oh, you meant that stupid woman? Yeah, she was okay, I guess. So, what is all about?’’. This redhead didn’t expected such a honest answer, however, this vampire still wanted to finish his speech and now with more mockery in his voice ‘‘Was it your girlfriend or something? If so, you can only blame yourself and next time try to be more careful~’’. This brunette started to walk around the vampire hunter so freely and lightly. After one good circle, he stopped just observe how this vampire hunter going to react.

However, such a carefree behavior of this vampire started to irritate him, so, through his gritted teeth he said ‘‘I told you to behave. That also includes keeping yourself from a trouble, vampire.’’ and Kyo’s smug look was immediately wiped from his face, he took a closer to vampire hunter and replied ‘‘Are you telling me that you gonna forbid me from having food?! Not only that I already been starving for days, but now you shown up and beat shit out of me. Of course, I would needed more energy!…’’ this vampire’s hands were already shaking and now he lowers his head.

After shakes his head, he returns his gaze to this redhead and tried to continue in slightly calmer tone ‘‘Human, don’t act so high, you might regret it. Food is food, no matter how you look at it. Besides, you humans do hunt and kill for food too. So, why we are worse? You are no better or worse than any animal yet you act like you’re on top of this chain. So, when you kill it’s okay. As long as your own comforted ass is okay you don’t seem to be so bothered. However, when someone else hunts you for same reason, you simply can’t stand it…No, you go for even worse punishments…Listen human, even if I didn’t had done what I’ve already done, that woman would had a worse fate than death. Do you know what she did?’’

This vampire hunter didn’t said a word just continued to listen to that long speech ‘‘After I managed to stand up, I desperately seek for anyone just to get enough energy at least for healing wounds. Fortunately, I felt a presence of couple people in a forest. However, after taking a better look, I saw only one person standing in same spot and it looked like crying and holding something down too. After I closely looked, I noticed that this woman was holding a long bloody knife. These blades were still dripping some blood, so, maybe that other energy belonged to the person, whom she killed. I could still hear through sobbing that she was apologizing to someone. Heck, now I had to act quickly, that woman was about kill herself with that knife!’’

Kyo looked concerned while he was telling his story ‘‘Do you have any idea what kind of waste it would been? So much of value food could gone for nothing! I couldn’t let it happen…who knows, how long I would still lasted without energy. However, maybe the luck was on my side, after all. This foolish human accidentally noticed me yet now looked at me with those sad and lifeless eyes. However, she was still holding that bloody blade so close to her throat, but somehow I managed to hit that knife from her hands. Now that woman just looked at me dumb-folded yet was ready to burst into tears again.’’

Now this brunette face-palmed and looked back vampire hunter ‘‘What I supposed to do? I…I was too hungry and exhausted, so, my instincts took over me after I sank my fangs into that woman’s neck and…that’s all I can remember...After I returned to senses, I found that she was lying dead like this.’’. After couple minute of pause this brunette asked ‘‘So, what are you going to do by knowing this?’’ but this redhead’s poker-face was broken when he cracked a smile yet tried not to loose his patience.

Finally, he spoke up, but remain that stricter tone ‘‘You want to say that you could still save this person yet you killed her just because of your primal instincts?…You sure are lucky that you weren’t spotted…’’ this vampire replied with mocking look on his face ‘‘Hmph! Are you saying that I should have spared one person’s life for hundreds of people? ’’ now this redhead gave him questioning look, however, Kyo continued ‘‘Are you sure that you’re not just wannabe? Because you vampire hunters should know it about your target better or else you may die~…’’.

This brunette lowered his gaze for a second ‘‘You see, feeling physical pain is one thing. It came and it went off eventually. The same thing with wounds…However, there is something worse than any pain. If vampire can’t satisfy their hunger for long time, then vampire’s mind can be taken over by how you humans call - instincts. It happens slowly tho. But when it happens…’’ this vampire now has paused for awhile ‘‘You cannot redo the damage or return back to your senses. After this stage, nothing can help. I saw it once and even if that vampire had gentle and calm nature…’’ he couldn’t finish this sentence, the words just simply stuck in his throat.

Kyo just clenched his fists and eventually relax his palms. Maybe this redhead accidentally triggered some of unwanted memories for this vampire, who knows, but then, he shouldn’t feel bad for his possible target, or so thought this redhead. However, despise that this vampire continued, but this time with slight melancholy ‘‘Hey, Mister Vampire Hunter, don’t you call this selfishness? You would let hundreds of people die for one person, who can kill themselves at any second…Funny, isn’t it? I was near on edge of being taken over by that dark voice and my head ached so badly that I wanted to smash it so that I could still die with having my own mind. Fuck that, if my body was giving up on me or could like any second! It wasn’t as bad as dealing with that demon…Although, even if I had lost my senses, we would may still have encountered, human. However - ’’

This vampire surely got the attention of this redhead, who couldn’t remove his gaze from him and just listened without any interruptions ‘‘You would be fighting an empty shell fueled with nothing just pure instincts…Probably other hunters would have been already finished me before you-’’ that was the last drop of this vampire hunter’s patience. Now he roughly grabbed vampire’s hand and now started to drag him to some kind small stone building, which wasn’t too far from them. After this redhead violently opens the door and when they were both inside, he slammed the door behind them. Kyo barely even had time to understand what’s happening right now.

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Chapter 1 Link

Chapter 3 Link

Chapter 5 Link

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