A/N - So this is super late, but I’ve been feeling so depressed and just unable to write lately, so here is a belated birthday story for my muse, @scruffymctee
I hope your unbirthday was bright and happy, as you deserve.
I also hope you enjoy this:
No One Says “Don’t Kiss and Tell” Anymore
Tomoyo flopped back onto her bed, flipping through TikTok, a sadly too-often pastime when she was alone and bored. Her roommate and best friend, Keiji, was still at work, and Shingen, unsurprisingly, had a date. The trio had been inseparable since they were kids and had been living in the same three-bedroom apartment for two years. They were comfortable with each other, took turns on who cooked, cleaned, and did the shopping (except Shingen, because dear gods, sending him for groceries always ended up with him buying more sweets than meals).
It worked for them.
Tomoyo’s attention was pulled from some girl singing by a text from Shingen. It was, ironically, a TikTok link.
Shingen: Wwx.tiktok.com/bestfriendkissprank – You should try this to Keiji and record it.
Tomoyo laughed and clicked the link. The video showed a girl place her phone against something that held its place, and a few moments later, the girl kissed her best friend. After the initial surprise, the two laughed and she pointed out the camera that had caught the exchange on video. Tomoyo laughed and watched it twice more.
Tomoyo: You think so? Keiji should be home in an hour. Maybe we’ll be TikTok famous! xD
Shingen: Perhaps. Make sure to send me the video!
Tomoyo: Your date must be very boring.
Shingen: If by boring you mean I’m in the arms of a beautfiul goddess, then sure.
Keiji hadn’t expected anyone to remember him after his academic break. After all, university had everyone much too occupied with themselves rather than with others and it wasn’t uncommon for someone to take a leave for a year or two, or even more. It was for the best, he thought. That way no one would have to remind him of his earlier years, and who he actually was. He could ride out the humiliation of being a returnee on his own, he thought, stick to his guns and start over once more, with hopefully better results.
What he didn’t expect was to see you in the hallway of his department, your feet tapping on the floor as your fingers drummed on the desk, only to turn halfway around and see him.
Less so even had he expected that bright smile on your face as you ran towards him, as if happy to see him, arms waving as he soon found himself enveloped in a warm hug that he hadn’t felt in a while.
Memories Keiji thought he rather forgot came flooding back as you clung around his neck, retreating only to examine his face, as if looking for a change in his demeanour.
“What are you doing here,” Keiji questioned, confused as to why you were here. He had so carefully chosen his new course, made sure that no one he had known before was in said department. That they had either graduated and left, or that it was unlikely to ever encounter them. He had done so much to keep it all under wraps, only telling Kanetsugu of his return to university and what he was to study.
The mischievous shimmer in your eyes told him that Kanetsugu had ratted him out. Subconsciously Keiji could almost hear the reasoning of his most-trusted friend, unable to get angry even as he gulps down some of the remaining anxiety, flashing his brightest smile as his eyes turn into mere slits.
“Not that I’m unhappy to see you! You look great!” he thunders out the compliment, his voice booming like it had done before as you scoff.
“Because academic pursuit is truly a fountain of youth,” you exclaimed with a roll of your eyes, before informing him that you had acquired a teaching position within the university, pursuing an academic career like you had always wanted to.
Keiji had promised himself to do everything different this time. Be a new person, start over, pursue a new dream. He had promised himself even to forget about you, thinking that you had gone ahead of him, believing that you were out of his reach by now.
Yet, here you were, smiling at him like no time had passed by at all, accepting him right back into your life despite the person he had been years before, before his break.
“You owe me a meal,” you even reminded him, and Keiji was taken off-guard as he recalled the treat he had promised so long ago. How a few years could seem like a lifetime. How strangely distant everything seemed when he was in your presence.
Keiji promised that he was to change everything. Everything, including you, he told himself, a smile widening as his heart set.
“Deal!”
He had long repaid the meal, coming by almost daily with a boxed lunch in hands as he dropped it off at your office, a bright grin on his face as he would wave at you through your window.
“You know, people have been calling you my wife,” you had jested, to which Keiji had laughed even harder without a response, hoping that maybe one day you could see his intentions for what they were.
“Want to check out that new cafe after work?” the male would ask instead, and you would cheekily banter back;
“Do you even have money as a student?” Which you both knew, he didn’t have much of, but he always managed. Just as he managed to make your boxed meals between his own classes and school work. He always managed.
But when doubt started to lure around the corner once more Keiji found that while he managed, he always did so alone. As if ashamed to ask for help, as if ignorant on how. After all, no one ever guessed anything was wrong with Keiji, not the first time around, nor this time. It made leaving with a smile easier, promising himself to be stronger the next time.
A hand wrapping around his, warm and comforting with a little pinch to it. Catching his attention he found that it was yours pulling at him, commanding his attention on you as you eyed the man you had known before his leave, when he felt at his worst, and the one who you had welcomed back pretending to be a new man.
“Stay with me, okay?” you asked him, and Keiji found that there was no request he could deny you, his earlier doubts disappearing as he found himself accepted.
Perhaps it was he who had to take a clearer look at the signs.
I’m not going to lie, I like rereading the story but I’m not sure if it’s the translation or the fact that I reread his story so many times in the JP version that I don’t feel as passionate about it as the first time I’ve read it.
(I have been been waiting for Yoshimoto’s route to open up but for whatever reason it hasn’t and Kanetsugu page for his route is open)
Still, I pretty much spent all my free tickets and I’m already more than halfway through the story Hope you all are enjoying his route.
You know, as much as Hideyoshi’s route wasn’t my cup of tea nor is he my favorite character I absolutely LOVED this moment from him. This is how a normal, sane person reacts to someone who refers to your friend as property and is visibly proud that he put her in chains . I wish he could of gotten a good punch in like he did with Mitsuhide.
On a side note, I had a flashback on when I first read his route in JPN version and just pretty much begging MC to wake the f*** up from this “relationship” and just fall in love with someone else. Like literally ANYONE else, run away to Keiji, Hideyoshi, or even Kicho for christ’s sake.
Lots of hanky panky if you choose premium for the challenges
Keiji is well written and believable
Cons:
Both endings were dissapointing
I felt that there was a lot of last minute angst and conflict introduced in the last arc
Motonari came back to haunt me about kidnapping MC in the dramatic route and
Keiji and MC randomly decided to move in with Kenshin in Romantic?
Overall:
I really like Keiji’s route and I would recommend to anyone looking forward to reading his route whenever it comes out in English. Our MC came back from being a pushover in Motonari’s route and she started taking names and kicking ass. Keiji was a nice mix of being mean but loving and his assertiveness in getting MC to recognize that they liked each other was hot.
The only thing I feel is that their character and growth was spoiled by the endings. The sudden “twist” was really unnecessary imo and was written and taken away in a matter of two chapters which is cheap in my opinion. They could of done something more along the line of their already established growth which was 10/10 until this.
With all that being said I give his route a solid final score of 9/10.
Keiji walks MC to a private room for rest as instructed by his master.
Keiji: “So you managed to pull it through”
MC: “…..!”
(This is the first time I get complimented by Keiji. I shouldn’t let it get to my head.)
Even so, I feel my cheeks getting redder as he finished whispering in my ear.
In that moment, Keiji gently took my hand.
MC: “Umm, Keiji?”
Its difficult to do something only using your imagination rather than by experience. *
(What does that mean….)
I could tell Keiji was suppressing his feelings by the way he was furrowing his eyebrows.
I was curious about what he was going to say next…
(Ah)
Suddenly, I felt the warmth of his hand no more.
Keiji: “Well, the fact that you were convincing enough to fool master means that you performed well.”
Keiji decided to go back to the main room, leaving MC alone.
* Basically what he wanted to say is that its harder to act by visualizing the situation rather than getting some real-life practice.
In any case that it wasn’t clear, Keiji was clearly jealous that MC was able to act like a proper noblewoman and fool his master who clearly fell for it and was way too touchy as a result. He’s proud of her acting skills, but was not a fan of the reaction that she got from it.
Background: Keiji volunteered MC to play the role of Murasaki, a noblewoman who composed what is now know as The Tale of Genji, a famous novel. They are doing this because Keiji was asked by his master to bring a lady to his party in Sakai. While they are there, Keiji plans to look for Kichou.
Keiji: “You are overwhelmingly lacking in the princess department.”
“In order to play the role of Murasaki, you are going to need some training.*”
“Murasaki was a brave and graceful noble lady. Meaning, everything that you are lacking.”
MC (frustrated): (He said it two times already!…)
MC: “In that case, you didn’t have to volunteer me for the role so forcibly.”
Keiji: “Umm”
MC: (Hm?)
Keiji seemed stunned by my response.
Keiji: “Was I too forceful?”
MC: “Yes, even more so than usual.”
(……Maybe he didn’t realized it at the time?)
“In any case, thank you for inviting me anyway. I do enjoy being taught by you.”
Keiji: “Is that so?”
(Umm why is Keiji…looking so shy?)
(I don’t know why he is looking like this, but it looks like I was able to tease him back after getting played by him all this time)
——————————————————————————————————
* They did some training after this where he shows he how to use a fan to cover her face and also how to act more refined in her actions.
Disclaimer: I may have paraphrased some lines since I didn’t screenshot all of the conversation. As always, I am not fluent so I may not have the best translation.
In another note, I’m back! I took a longer break than I was planning to but oh well. I don’t even know when Keiji’s route was released to be honest, but I am kind of enjoying it atm.
“A must have, and so are these fried udon noodles.”
Two heads, one red and the other dark hung over the menu card, eyes eagerly roaming over the many choices provided by the city.
“Karaage as well, but let’s grab some Korean style fried chicken along with it,” Shinju suggested, eyes shining as she thought of all the food she had missed in the time she was stuck in the Sengoku. “Oh, and let’s have some ramen as well,” came her next suggestion as she deftly tapped on the dishes within the app.
“So,” Asuga tried to come between, a little concerned at the amount of food ordered. The two Maedas didn’t seem to hear the concern however as they rose their head in unison and asked her in choir:
“What do you want to eat?”
The question startled her, a muffled chuckle joining her, the rest of the company more amused than baffled, having half expected this to happen.
“They don’t look alike, but they’re indisputably related,” Kyubei observed as he peeked at the list of items already picked before Shinju ushered herself between the two of them with the tablet.
“I can make some recommendations based on what you like, I’m sorta familiar with this place,” the female offered to which Airi audibly muffled a scoff.
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure you could be considered a co-owner of sorts,” she chides teasingly before returning to her own screen, jotting down her own choice of orders.
Whimsey’s Story Event, “I Do, My Love!” -Keiji Epilogue
Ten years had passed since our wedding. I stood in the kitchen working on making afternoon tea for us. “You should really let me help you with that, dear.” Keiji’s mother said as she entered the kitchen.
I smiled at her. “You know you don’t have to. I’ve got it under control.” I assured her. “Though if you’re here…who is minding the boys?”
My mother-in-law smiled. “Their father and grandfather of course.”
“I should probably get the first aid kit ready then…just in case.” I said, moving the the food from the fire and dousing it.
“I am sure all is well. Boys will be boys after all.” She said with a warm smile.
“True.” I agreed. “You know, Keiji and I really glad you both agreed to come here with us. I know it means a lot to Keiji to have you guys here.”
“He’s fought a long time to get a home for us all again.” She agreed. Her kind, wise eyes looking at me. It didn’t take me long to realize she must have seen through every guise Keiji had put up for so long, but knew there was no way to stop him or change his mind.
“I also appreciate all the help you provide with the boys.” I added. “I really don’t know what I’d do without all of your help besides maybe drown.”
She laughed warmly. “I love it.” She said. “Family is the most important thing.”
We were finishing up the tea and snacks before heading out to the garden, where Keiji and his father were with our boys. It was so funny and so cute, watching Keiji wrestling with our boys; Chiharu, Benjiro, Souta, Riku, and Niko. All five of them had varying combinations of mine and Keiji’s features, but they all had his bright red hair.
Keiji’s father was sitting on the verands watching the sight, a bright happy smile on his face. Keiji had finally been granted his own land and the construction of our small castle had just completed earlier this year. As soon as we’d moved in, we had invited his parents to live with us. They had jumped at the idea of getting to spend so much time with their grandsons and had taken to being grandparents so well.
“Come on, why don’t you boys take a break!” I called out to them. “We’ve got tea and snacks.”
“Snacks? You made some mochi right?!” Niko, our youngest asked.
“Of course, I know it’s your favorite.” I answered.
“Did you make it or did Obaasan?” Souta asked.
“I did.” I answered. “But I used Obaasan’s recipe.”
“Well…it should still be good then.” Souta said.
“Come on now, you know you love your mom’s cooking.” Keiji said as he came up and grabbed a piece of mochi.
“Yeah, but your mom’s cooking is better.” Souta replied.
I narrowed me eyes at my son and then reached forward to ruffle his hair. “Next time I’m just going to not make any for you.”
“Are Uncle Sasuke and Uncle Kanetsugu still coming for dinner tonight?” Riku asked.
“Yes, they should be here soon.” I answered.
The country had finally been united and we’d made peace with the Uesugi-Takeda alliance in part because of Keiji and Kanetsugu. I was happy that we could finally be open with our friendships and they had become an irreplacable part of our family.
“Speaking of, we should probably be getting ready to welcome them once we finish our snacks.” I said. “No one got any cuts or scrapes while you guys were wrestling around?” I asked.
“Moooom, we’re fine.” Chiharu, our oldest said in that exasperated tone.
“The boys are all fine, Ava.” Keiji assured me, climbing up on the porch to stand beside me. “I’m the one that’s all banged up.” He was then giving me a grin. “Ya got any of that salve ya make?”
I smiled up at him, catching on as he held his hands out to me. “You have those invisible cuts again?” I teased.
“You know it.” He answered. “The only cure is your touch…some kisses, too.”
“Ewww!” Our boys chorused.
“Mom, Dad why do you have to be so gross?!” Benjro asked.
“Yeah, that’s supposed to be when you’re alone.” Riku said.
Keiji and I laughed and shook our heads. I was then placing my hand in his. “Come on, I’ll treat these wounds of yours.” I turned and started to head back into the castle, when a wave of dizziness washed over me and I began to stumble.
Keiji quickly caught me. “Ya alright?” He asked, concern in those golden eyes.
“I’m fine.” I answered.
His mother was coming around in front of me then. “Let me have a look.” She was then looking into my eyes. “Well, I’d say that’s it then.”
My eyes widened. “Don’t tell me you’re thinking what I think you’re thinking.” I said. “Especially since you’ve been right every time.”
“But I am dear.” She said, smiling knowingly at me.
Keiji was chuckling. “Maybe this time we’ll get that girl who looks just like you.” He said as he pulled me closer and turned me around so that I faced him.
I smiled up at him. “I don’t know it seems boys are all we have…besides I love these little redheaded devils.”
“Mama, Papa?” Niko asked. “Am I gonna be a big brother?”
“It seems so.” I answered.
“Yay!” Niko squealed in delight.
“Ugh.” The older boys groaned.
I looked up at Keiji. “You know this keeps up and I’m just not going to let you touch me anymore, right?”
Keiji chuckled. “I’m sure I can always get you to change your mind.” He replied, leaning in to kiss my forehead. “Besides, you look pretty cute pregnant.”
Later that night, after dinner and putting the boys to bed, Keiji and I were sitting up in our room. Keiji had me pulled into his lap, his arms wrapped snugly around me. “You know, for a cybical asshole, you look pretty happy.” I told him, my tone teasing.
“How can I not be?” He replied. “You’ve given me everything I’ve ever wanted and then some.”
“Five wild little boys?” I asked. “And likely a sixth one on the way.”
Keiji chuckled. “Well, them, too.” He replied. “Our home, our family, my dream, and a slew of new ones.”
I smiled as I wrapped my arms around his neck. “You deserve all of it Keiji. I love you and I love our life and our family. I wouldn’t trade any of it or change a single speck of it.”
“Dammit.” Keiji said. The next thing I knew, I was lying back on the futon and he was over me. “You just always know how to make me want you…this is why you keep getting pregnant.”
I giggled. “I don’t mind. I’m pretty sure I already said that I love our family, didn’t I?”
Keiji smirked before leaning in to capture my lips in a heated kiss. His hands had gone to my sash when there was a soft knock on our door and Niko was calling to us from the other side. “Mama, Papa, I had a bad dream, can I come sleep with you?”
Keiji groaned quietly before pulling away from me and opening the door, scooping the boy up into his arms and bringing him in. “Of course.” He said.
“You just come right here.” I agreed patting the bed beside me.
The three of us were soon snuggling up together. I smiled at Keiji as Niko soon fell asleep, nestled in between us. I really did love our life and I knew Keiji did too. It wasn’t perfect but it was pretty close.
Whimsey’s Story Event, “I Do, My Love!” - Keiji Pt 3- The Wedding Night
NSFW 18+ content
After the wedding ceremony, we returned to Azuchi castle’s main hall for a banquet with our friends and family. I was so excited that Keiji’s parents were at the wedding. I had always wanted to meet them, but I wasn’t sure if that would be possible. I was also happy that Keiji had family that he did love and they loved him in return. His mother also seemed enthusiastic and loving. I was glad she was my mother-in-law.
We were sitting down, enjoying the food (which Masamune had prepared, so it was AMAZING) and sake. A band had been brought in to play music. Keiji’s parents had come over to join us. His father looked so happy for us and so proud of Keiji.
“You’ve done really well, Keiji.” His father said, giving him a harty pat on the back. “For Lord Nobunaga to agree to hosting the party in his castle…”
“Keiji is a very important member of the Oda forces.” I said, smiling.
“Nah.” Keiji said, waving his hand. “Pretty sure this is all about you, Princess. I’m just lucky enough to be tagging along.”
“Oh don’t act like that.” I told him. “Or have you already forgotten Nobunaga’s words when you asked for me as your reward for that last battle? He called you baluable and then told me I was to make sure you didn’t up and leave again.”
Keiji’s father was practically beaming with pride. “I always knew you would make a name for yourself.”
“I knew Lord Nobunaga had to think highly of you.” His mother said. She then leaned over to me and whispered in my ear. “Thank you for making my son happy. I’ve never seen such a genuine smile on his face before.”
“Mom, what are you over there talking about?” Keiji asked. “You’re not over there telling Ava all of my embarrassing stories from when I was a kid?”
She giggled and winked at me. “Of course not, I was just telling her how I hoped for grandchildren soon.”
The party went on for a while, Keiji and I mingling and talking with our friends. Everyone was wishing us well. There was still plenty of teasing, too. Mitsuhide and Masamune saying something about how heartbroken Mitsunari must have been.
As we were chatting with everyone, I happened to look up and noticed a cieling tile move. I was thinking quickly and put my hand on Keiji’s arm. “Hey, I just remembered something.” I said.
Keiji looked at me, confused a moment. “Remembered what?” He asked.
“Something I forgot.” I answered. “I left a certain thing in my old room last night.”
“Well, then maybe you should go get it.” Keiji replied.
I gave him a look. “Well, come with me.”
Understanding seemed to light in his eyes. Then he gave me a grin before turning back to Mitsuhide and Masamune. “Well, looks like it’s time for us to get out of here. Looks like my wife can’t wait to get me alone.”
“She definitely looks eager.” Masamune said.
“You could have been less obvious little mouse.” Mitsuhide added, that cheshire grin on his face.
I let out a groan as my cheeks reddened. “Ugh, you men.” I muttered.
Keiji was wrapping his arm around my waist. “Well, come on, let’s go if you’re that eager. I don’t wanna keep ya waiting!”
I lightly smacked his chest, but Keiji remained unaffected. We were then exiting the banquet and making our way to my old room. When we stepped inside, Keiji was instantly pulling me close. “I thought we were going to wait till we got to the inn, but I’m glad to see you’re just as eager as I am.” He said, grinning at me.
My heart was racing in my chest. I mean yeah, I was very much looking forward to our honeymoon, but that’s not why I wanted to come here. I took a deep breath to collect myself. “While I am very much ready to start our honeymoon, that’s not why I wanted to sneak away.”
“And you call me a tease, Princess.” Keiji said, leaning in to kiss me.
I giggled and put my hand over his mouth. “Just wait till we have some real privacy.”
“Huh?” Keiji asked as he pulled my hand away.
I pointed up to the ceiling. Then I looked up. “Alright, I think you guys can come on out now.”
The familiar ceiling tile was moved back and this time two figures alighted to the ground instead of just one. Sasuke pulled his mask down and waved a friendly greeting. Keiji looked at the other man, with surprise. “I can’t believe you guys risked coming here like this.” Keiji said.
“Just wanted to congratulate you on your wedding day.” Kanetsugu replied, giving a small smile. “I also had to be sure that there really was a woman crazy enough to marry you.”
“Thank you guys for coming.” I said, smiling brightly.
“I couldn’t miss my BFF’s wedding.” Sasuke replied. “I am glad to see you looking so happy. Congratulations to both of you.”
“Yes, congratulations and good luck with this one. You’re going to need it.” Kanetsugu said.
We were only able to grab a few more moments with them before they were both bounding back up into the ceiling and leaving. Keiji turned to me, that grin on his face. “Can’t believe YOU knew they were here and I didn’t.”
“Well…uh…confession time…I just know to watch the ceilings.” I replied.
“Sasuke sneaks into the ceilings here regularly, doesn’t he?” Keiji asked.
I nodded. “Yeah, when we first arrived here, it’s how he would check on me to make sure I was doing okay.”
Keiji shook his head. “To think everyone was worried about my friendship with Kanetsugu when my princess is the real naughty one. Not saying anything about an enemy spy sneaking into the castle and having regular conversations.” He teased me.
“We never shared information.” I reminded him.
Keiji grinned. “I know.” He replied. “Of course, now I’m not sure how I feel about another guy sneaking into your room though.”
I knew he was teasing me. “You know it’s not like that. When I first arrived here…I was kind of scared of everyone. It was nice having a friend from my time drop in to chat every once in a while.”
“Yeah, but there’s usually only one reason a man wants in a lady’s room.” Keiji continued on.
“Pretty sure you’re the only one to ever come in here with those intentions.” I teased right back.
“Nah, but I’m the only one you let go that far.” Keiji continued.
“You’re my one and only, Keiji.” I reminded him, wrapping my arms around him. “And now you’re my husband.”
Keiji’s composure seemed to break then. “Ah, dammit…we really do need to get going.” He said, looking away from me.
“Keiji?”
“Now I’M the overeager one.” He said before capturing my lips in a passionate kiss.
We longered for a moment in my room before returning to the banquet only to bid everyone goodbye as we headed off on our honeymoon. Our plan was to stay at an inn not too far from Azuchi. We arrived by nightfall and eagerly made our way to our room.
As soon as we were alone, Keiji was closing the door behind us and turning to me…and the look in his eyes…I swear if I were made of ice, I would have melted into a puddle in that instant from his gaze alone. “I hope you’re ready Ava.” He said, his voice dangerously low.
I could feel my belly tightening with desire already. “Oh? Just what do you have planned?” I asked.
Keiji crossed the room to me in an instant, his strong arms coming around me. “Oh, I think you know.” He replied. “Lady Maeda.”
I felt my cheeks redden even as a smile came to my face. “Keiji…”
His lips were on mine then, his large hands sliding over my body. He slid my jacket off of my shoulders. He pulled back to look at me, mischeif sparkling in those golden eyes. “Well, I wasn’t expecting this.” He said, his fingers running over my naked shoulders as he leaned in to kiss my neck. “This something you would wear in your time?”
“Hmm, yes."I answered, my mind already becoming hazy. "Of course…in my time…I wouldn't…have needed…the jacket.”
Keiji was pulling back to look at me again. “So, you’re telling me you can walk around with that much skin showing?”
I nodded. “I can wear an even…shorter dress, too.” I answered.
“I think I like the idea of things in your time.” Keiji replied with a grin. He was pulling me back in for another kiss as his hands went to undo the obi at my waist.
I was already working to undo the ties of his clothes, baring his top half. Keiji was pulling back to look at me and looking a bit surprised when my dress wasn’t falling away once my obi was undone. I giggled. “You want some help?” I teased, I was then turning around to reveal the corset lacing at the back of my dress.
Keiji’s fingers were quickly untying and loosening the silk ribbons. He leaned in and kissed the sensitive spot where my neck met my shoulder. “You’re lucky…I was a breath away from just ripping this dress off of you.” He whispered in my ear before nipping at my lobe.
A shiver of pleasure ran down my spine. Soon my dress was undone and falling into a pool of silk at my feet. Keiji’s strong arms were wrapping around my waist and pulling me back against that broad chest. His lips were trailing over my neck as his hands came up to fondle my breasts, thumbs circling my nipples.
“Ah…ng…Keiji!” I cried out.
Keiji’s lips twitched into a smirk on my neck. “Teasing me and turning me on like you have been…I hope you’re ready for this long night…you just might lose your voice after tonight though.” He was then sliding one hand down the front of my body ever so slowly before his fingers came to stroke that sensitive little bud between my thighs.
I moaned and cried out at the intense sensations coursing through my body at every stroke from Keiji. He teased me to the brink before taking me down to the futon, pulling me onto his lap so that I was straddling him. My hips eagerly sank down, my heat welcoming him inside. Our lips met in thousands of kisses as he began to thrust up and I bucked my hips, riding him until I was finally finding release.
I broke our kiss, throwing my head back in pure bliss as I moaned out his name. Keiji’s arms held me tightly through my intense pleasure and his lips were on my throat, his fingers going over my snesitive flesh, drawing out my pleasure. As I came down from my pleasure high, Keiji was laying me back, still inside me as he moved us so that he was over me now.
He gave me a devilish smirk. “I hope you know, I’m not done with you yet. I plan to make you cry out for me all night long.”
I was already panting and breathless. But I smiled. “Just as long…as you’re ready…for me to…love you…in turn.” I replied, running my hands over the sculpted muscles of his body. “I want to show…my husband…how much I love him.”
Keiji’s face reddened. “There you go turning me on again.” He said. “My wife…” He didn’t finish whatever he planned on saying because his lips were on mine. Our tongues twisting and tangling as our body continued to twine together in pure bliss. Our first night as husband and wife was only just beginning and I lost count of the number of times he made me cry out. I was certain that my voice would be gone by the morning.
Whimsey’s Story Event “I Do, My Love!” - Keiji Pt 2- The Wedding
We took our time planning the wedding. I needed plenty of time to make my dress, which was going to be combining elements of a modern wedding dress with a traditional kimono. But part of it was also spent arguing with Hideyoshi. He wanted to make it some grand affair fitting of a vassal of Nobunaga and an Oda Princess…even if I was just a fake princess. Since it was a title given to me by Nobunaga himself, Hideyoshi said it was how everyone would see me.
However Keiji and I just wanted something a little smaller and more intimate. Just a simple wedding with the people who mattered most to us in attendance…well at least most of the people who mattered most to us anyway. There were two exceptions, but Keiji and I knew that some things would just take time for everyone to accept.
With help from Nobunaga telling Hideyoshi to calm down, we had finally gotten our way and the wedding was to be held in a small shrine in not far from Azuchi castle. Of course, there was also a copious amount of teasing from Masamune and Mitsuhide during our planning sessions.
“Ava, how is the dress coming along?” Masamune asked me, during one session.
“Fine.” I answered, raising a brow.
Masamune nodded. “Can’t wait to see how Mitsunari looks in it. I hope you got his measurements right.”
Keiji sighed. “I let Mitsuhide talk me into practicing my proposal and now you guys aren’t about to let me live it down.”
“Why else do you think I came up with the idea?” Mitsuhide replied.
I couldn’t help but to giggle. “I do think Mitsunari will make a lovely bride.”
Keiji looked at me and lifted a hand to muss my hair. “You, too Princess?”
I laughed. “Hey, I will never forget the sight of seeing you on one knee in front of Mitsunari…or how poor Mitsunari was dressed.”
Keiji sighed again. “I guess I can’t blame you.” He then glared at Mitsuhide. “But I can blame you.”
Mitsuhide just grinned. “My pleasure as always.”
Hideyoshi cleared his throat. “Come on, we have to talk about the prosession. We should really make it very large and it really should be a grand affair. We can go through the town. The people would love to see a wedding prosessional.”
“A party does always cheer people up.” Keiji said.
I sighed. “Can we not, though?” I asked. “I thought we were just going to have everything be you know small and about us and all of that.”
“Come on, lass. I think Hodeyoshi just wants to his his little sister be shown off just a bit on her wedding day.” Masamune said.
“Yes, mothers do love to gush over their little girls on their special day.” Mitsuhide agreed.
Hideyoshi glared at the pair and then looked at me and Keiji. “You’ve already decided you don’t want the ceremony to be huge. At least let the prosessional be somewhat grand and go through the castle town.”
I sighed and looked at Keiji.
Keiji grinned and leaned in. “Ah, come on, it won’t be that bad. Besides, what would a wedding to Keiji Maeda be without a little show?” He replied. “Besides, how can I resist the idea of showing off my bride?”
“Oh, alright.” I agreed, my cheeks reddening ever so slightly. Keiji really could be a jerk sometimes, but he was also really sweet, too.
This was pretty much how all of our planning sessions went. Lots of teasing and arguing with Hideyoshi on the details. We were still hammering out some details three days before the wedding when Keiji and I were summoned to an unexoected meeting with Nobunaga.
When we walked into the council chamber, I was surprised to see Keiji’s Uncle Toshiie sat kneeling before Nobunaga, along with a younger man beside him. The other man appeared to be around the same age as Keiji.
“Keiji, Ava I am glad you two could make it.” Nobunaga said and gestured for us to take our usual seats.
“What exactly is going on?” I asked.
Nobunaga looked at us, an amused smile on his face. “I was just hearing a proposal from Toshiie.” Nobunaga answered. “And…well clearly you should make the decision Ava.”
I furrowed my brow. “Huh?”
Nobunaga gestured to Toshiie. “As you were saying?”
Toshiie nodded and bowed to Nobunaga and then bowed to me. “I am honored to hear of the news of the Maeda and Oda clans to be united in marriage.” He began. “I think it is truly a wonderful thing.”
“What is it you’ve come to ask?” Nobunaga asked, though he either already knew what was going on or he was aware of whatever Toshiie’s intentions were.
Toshiie nodded. “I apologize if I am over-stepping, but I think that there would be a better way.” He said. He then turned to me. “Lady Ava, I believe my nephew is not the appropraite match for you. I present my son, Toshinaga as a better suitor.”
“What?” Keiji and I asked in unison.
“That is a rather bold statement, given I have already given Keiji and Ava my blessing.” Nobunaga said, his voice deep and authoratative.
Toshiie bowed to Nobunaga. “I apologize my lord. I just know how Keiji is and I don’t think he is a fitting match for the Oda Princess.”
Keiji was glaring at Toshiie. “Why you…”
“Enough.” Nobunaga commanded. He then looked at me. “Ava, this is your choice to make.”
I nodded to Nobunaga and then placed my hand over Keiji’s. “I’ve already made it. I won’t marry anyone other than Keiji.”
“As I expected.” Nobunaga said with an amused smile. He turned to Toshiie. “There you have it.”
Toshiie nodded, but then turned to me. “Please, Princess. I am sure you think you’re in love with Keiji and his boisterous persona, but that’s not how he really is. That’s not the kind of man he really is. Nor is he the kind of man who should be marrying a woman of your station.”
“I know exactly the kind of man Keiji is.” I replied. “And clearly I know him better than you do. I love every side of Keiji. He’s a good man and the only man for me.”
“I think it is time you take your leave, Toshiie.” Nobunaga said. “You have tested my patience enough for today.”
Toshiie looked like he wanted to protest, but knew better than to defy his lord. “Yes, my lord.” He replied, bowing and then exiting the room, his son following him out.
Keiji and I were soon leaving as well. Once we were outside in the hall, Keiji was pulling me into a secluded hallway and pushing me up against the wall. I looked up at him, into those golden eyes. “Keiji…” I breathed out just before his lips were crushing mine.
I gasped but quicky responded, my arms wrapping around him, my body pressing close to his. His arms were around me, his hands moving up and down my body. I was starting to tremble, feeling that needy little ache building up inside of me. Keiji broke the kiss, but still held me close, those golden eyes molten with passion, love and desire.
“N-not that I'm…complaining or…anything, but…what brought…this on?” I asked, breathless.
Keiji smirked at me. “How is a guy supposed to control himself when his bride talks about him like you just did in there, huh?” He asked me. “Calling me a good man and the only man for you, when presented with a better option.”
“I didn’t see any better option.” I countered.
“Come on, we’re going home.” He said. “And don’t blame me when you’re walking bow-legged tomorrow…and at our wedding.”
I felt my cheeks flush. “Keiji…”
“Come on, I wanna hear you make those dying duck noises.” He replied, his arm wrapping around my waist and pulling me towards the exit so we could go back home, where we spent a very passionate evening.
Three days later…
Finally the day of our wedding arrived. At Hideyoshi’s insistence, I had spent the night in Azuchi castle in my old room. In the morning, I was woken up by Masamune with a large breakfast and then the maids were coming to help get me ready. I was basically being given a spa day. I’ll admit, it was kind of nice…somewhat embarrassing but still nice. I guess if I was going to be getting the princess treatment, my wedding day was the day for it.
At least that was what I told myself. It really didn’t feel right to have people waiting on me hand and foot. They washed my hair and everything, putting scented oils in it and massaging some into my skin as well. “You’ll definitely want to wear this scent.” One of the maids told me as she rubbed some of the scented oil onto my shoulders. “My mother swears up and down that I came into existance because she wore this scent on her wedding night. Drove my father absolutely nuts apparently.”
I blushed and giggled. If anything these last few nights taught me, it was that I didn’t need any kind of special perfumes or clothes to get Keiji going.
Once my bath was over, the maids were helping me finish getting ready. They fixed up my hair and makeup before helping me into my dress. I had made a simple strapless A-line dress with an empire waist that I accentuated by putting an obi-sash and chord. Now, knowing I was in the Sengoku and couldn’t quite go out with my arms on full display -gasp how scandelous that would be- I had also made a long-sleeved bolero jacket to go over it.
My dress was plain white silk. My obi was gold and trimmed in red and I wore a red obi chord. My jacket was red with gold and orange flowers embroidered on it. I looked at my reflection for a moment and smiled, happy at the results I’d had. I really hoped that Keiji liked my dress. It was far different from anything anyone else would wear in this time.
There was a knock on my door then, Nobunaga and Hideyoshi coming in soon after. Nobunaga only smiled. Hideyoshi looked like he was ready to burst into tears and Nobunaga wore his usual haughty smile. “I should have known you would come up with sich a creation, Fireball. It is fitting for one such as yourself.”
“Thank you.” I said, smiling.
“I’ve never seen anything like it…you definitely look beautiful.” Hideyoshi said. “And that red is oddly fitting considering who you’re marrying.”
I laughed. “That kind of what I thought when I was coming up with the design.”
“It is almost time. Come.” Nobunaga said. “We will escort you to Keiji.”
Keiji…
Keiji stood in the hall, dressed in the traditional black adn white groom’s hakama. In just a few more moments, Ava was to be coming out and joining him and they would begin the processional to the shrine where their wedding would take place.
“There he is!”
Keiji turned at the sound of a voice he hadn’t been expecting. He put on his bright smile, though it wasn’t quite as forced as he had thought it would be. “Dad.” He said, turning to see his father coming up to him. His mother was not far behind and was soon rushing from behind her husband and throwing her arms arounf Keiji. He let out a laugh. “Heya, Mom.”
“Oh, don’t you heya Mom me.” She said pulling back to look at him.
“I’m really glad you guys coud make it.” Keiji said, his smile warming.
“Well of course, when our son is getting married.” His mother said.
“And to the Oda Princess.” His father said. “You must be doing something really amazing to have Lord Nobunaga approve of the match.”
“Just doing my best.” Keiji replied. “I can’t wait for you guys to meet Ava.”
“I bet she’s just beautiful.” His mother said.
“Beautiful kind, smart, and a fighter.” Keiji answered.
“Sounds like an amazing woman.” Keiji’s father said. “Of course, she’d have to be something special to catch your attention.”
“She’s definitely special.” Keiji agreed.
It was then that they could hear approaching footsteps. They all turned to see Ava being escorted by Nobunaga and Hideyoshi. Keiji couldn’t hardly pay any attention to the other two men as soon as he caught sight of Ava. He knew she was planning to combine elements of clothing from her time with the traditional kimono, but he hadn’t known exactly what she was going to come up with. She had been keeping it a secret from him, saying it was a tradition from her time for the groom to not see the dress beforehand.
She looks damn beautiful. Keiji thought as Ava approached him. The dress she’d made was perfect for her. The white silk along with some bold reds and he noticed organges in there, too. She was wearing all of the usual colors he wore and he couldn’t help but to smile a little smugly at that.
Ava was looking right back at him, her smile seeming even brighter than usual. He could see the love in her eyes and damn if that didn’t get his heart racing and bring a genuine smile to his face. He thought if sunshine and happiness could be embodied in a single person so well…it was in her.
“Lord Nobunaga, Lord Hideyoshi.” His parents said, bowing respectfully and pulling Keiji from his thoughts.
Nobunaga and Hideyoshi acknowledged them with a tilt of their head.
“Thank you for allowing us to come, today, Lord Nobunaga.” Keiji’s father said.
“Yes, it truly means the world to us, my lord.” His mother added.
“It is only right.” Nobunaga replied. He then turned to Hideyoshi. “Come, we shall wait at the shrine.”
“Yes, my lord.” Hideyoshi replied. Then the pair were off.
“My goodness, you must be Princess Ava.” His mother gushed, looking at her. “You’re even more beautiful than I imagined!”
Ava smiled and her cheek reddened. “Thank you…and just Ava is fine.” She was then looking at Keiji, questioningly.
Keiji grinned. “Right, Ava this is my mom and my dad.” He said, introducing them. “Guys, this is Ava.”
Ava gave them a polite bow. “I’m so happy to get to meet you guys.”
“Oh, we are just so happy to meet you, Princess.” His mother replied.
“Please, just Ava is fine.” Ava said. “We are about to become family afterall.”
“You are very kind.” His father said, a warm smile on his face. “And you are right.”
“Well, in that case.” Keiji’s mother said just before enveloping Ava into a tight hug. “Welcome to the family.”
Ava smiled as she hugged the woman back. “Thank you.”
Keiji’s father was reaching for his wife. “Come on, we shoudl go wait at the shrine with the other guests.” He said. “Let these two have a moment before they’re surrounded by everyone.”
Keiji’s mother gave them both one last hug before she and his father left. Keiji turned to Ava, taking both of her hands in his. She was smiling at him. “So, what do you think?” She asked.
Keiji wanted to tease her. He wanted to come up with some smartass thing to say…but he just couldn’t. For once the smarmy, cynical Keiji…Nega Keiji as Ava had called him, couldn’t be found. “You look beautiful.”
He could tell that caught her offguard. She blushed and looked away. She pulled herself together quickly though and was looking back at him. “No smarmy remarks today huh?” She asked, her tone playful and teasing.
“Nah.” Keiji answered. “Besides, I don’t want to be an ass to you on our wedding day.”
Ava smiled up at him. “Is that your wedding present then?”
Keiji let out a chuckle as he wrapped his arms around Ava and pulled her close. “Nah…just doesn’t seem right…besides when I look at you dressed in my usual colors and looking so beautiful…nothing but how much I love you and how happy I am that you’re really marrying me comes to my mind.”
Ava’s smile brightened. “I love you so much, Keiji.” She replied. “And I can’t wait to marry you.”
The pair shared a kiss before breaking apart. Keiji was taking Ava’s hand in his. “You ready to marry this mean cynical asshole then?”
“As long as you’re ready to marry this fake princess.” She replied, squeezing his hand.
They were exiting the castle hand-in-hand. They were joining the processional and making their way through the castle town, heading towards the sign. The entire castle town seemed to be gathered on the sides of the streets to witness the wedding procession.
Keiji put on his wild child act and was showboating a but as they made their way through the castle town. The townspeople were shoting well wishes to them the entire time. As they walked through the streets, Keiji couldn’t help but to catch sight of a familiar head of silvery grey hair.
Golden eyes quickly met with a wisteria gaze and both gave a breif smile before moving on. Keiji saw that Ava had been looking in another direction, her eyes having caught sight of something or someone else. He made note to ask about it later. He wouldn’t say what it meant to have caught sight of his friend and it was then that he remembered Ava had a friend on the enemy side as well. Perhaps he had snuck into the crowd as well.
After what felt like a small eternity, they were finally reaching the shrine and approaching the alter together. The ceremony began as they knelt down. Prayers were offered over the couple as their friends and family watched. The first of the three cups of sake was poured and handed to Keiji. He took his three sips before passing the cup to Ava.
She casually brushed her fingers over his as she took the cup and the couple shared a smile. Keiji couldn’t believe his luck or how much having Ava at his side like this made him so happy. Damn if this wasn’t the best day of his life.
Once they had finished with the three cups of sake, he was then reading the vows of commitment and together they placed the offering together. The ceremony came to a close and Keiji couldn’t help but to think of the conversation he and Ava had had about wedding traditions from her time.
He looked at her a big grin on his face. “Keiji…” She said his name so quietly.
“I get to kiss my bride now, right?” He asked before taking her in his arms and planting a big kiss on her lips, sealing their vows.
When they broke apart, Ava’s cheeks were as red as her dress. He loved every reaction he got out of her. Damn if he didn’t love her. And for some reason, this beautiful ray of sunshine of a woman loved him back. And she was now his wife. “I love you, Ava.” He told her.
“I love you, Keiji.” She replied, smiling despite her blushing cheeks.
Yeah, this is the happiest day of my life. Keiji thought as he looked at the woman he loved. For once, things were finally truly looking up and Keiji was truly happy.
Whimsey’s Story Event “I Do, My Love!”- Keiji Pt 1- The Proposal
Time for the opening act of Keiji’s wedding story event! I was having a harder time with this one than I thought, but thanks to some help from my dear friend @creativem1 for helping me through and bounce ideas, the following became possible! I hope you all enjoy!
I was walking through Azuchi’s market with one of my fellow seamstresses. We were purchasing some new sewing notions as well as on the hunt for some new fabric. We needed something for our latest order. It had to be something for some travelling performers.
“What kinds of fabrics do you think we should look for?” Mitsuki, my fellow seamstress asked me.
“Since it’s for a troupe of performers, I would think something bright and flashy.” I answered. “It really has to catch the audenience’s eye, even those who are way in the back of the crowd.”
Mitsuki nodded and then giggled. “I bet you can think of inspiration for that quite easily, Lady Ava.” She told me with a teasing tone.
My cheeks reddened as I knew what she meant. “Well…I mean…yeah, I was kind of thinking of Keiji’s clothes.” I admitted.
Mitsuki laughed once again. “There’s no shame in admitting you’re always thinking of your man.” She replied. “Of course, I take it this means you two are as hot and heavy as ever?”
My cheeks reddened further. “Yes, things are going great.” I admitted. My smile then took on a gentler touch as I thought about my love. Our love hadn’t started off eaasy and of course there was getting to know the REAL Keiji. The one no one else knew. The snarky, cynical, asshole…the man I loved.
Mitsuki’s smile seemed to gentle as well. “I can tell by that look on your face you’re really happy with him.”
I nodded. “Yes, I couldn’t imagine spending my life with anyone else.”
We continued on with our shopping, chatting all the while. We came to our favorite fabric merchant and were sorting through the bolts when the owner of the shop, a man named Tamashini, approached us. “Ah, Lady Ava I am pleased to see you here today.”
I smiled at him. “It’s always good to see you, Tamashini.”
“I was wondering if I could talk to you a moment. I have a proposal I think you’d be interested in.” He said.
“A what?” I asked.
“Please, just hear me out, my lady.” Tamashini said and then gave me his proposal. He then asked me to think it over for a few days before I gave him my answer.
“What do you think of Tamashini’s proposal, Lady Ava?” Mitsuki asked me, as we were walking through the castle gates.
“I…I honestly don’t know. I’m flattered to say the least.” I replied. “He did give me a lot to think about.”
“It was definitely a lot.” Mitsuki agreed.
We were soon making our way back to the room we worked in with the other seamstresses. We all got to work and yet of course, Mitsuki had to tell the other girls all about my proposal from Tamashini. What I was truly unaware of, was that the walls of Azuchi castle seemed to have ears and word or my proposal would be getting around very quickly.
Keiji…
Keiji was returning to training the new recruits after they’d all taken a short break. While they had resumed their training though, Keiji couldn’t help but to notice the looks the new recruits were giving him. Nor could he miss the sounds of their whispers amongst themselves, though exactly what they were saying, he couldn’t quite tell.
It was frankly starting to get on his last damn nerve. Though he knee he had to get what was going on out of them the wild child way. Only Ava knew who he really was…well and he’d started letting his real personality slip in once in a while with the other Oda warlords…he wasn’t about to in front of these guys though.
He turned to one of the new recruits, aiming his practice staff at him. “Alright, come on.” He said. “You guys wanna fill me in on this secret y'all are whispering about? Got some hot new gossip going around the castle?”
The guys looked at him, their eyes wide. They were all silent.
Keiji gave them a signature wild child smile. “Come on, I’m a fun guy. I love to hear what’s new as much as the next guy. Or do I need to kick your butt for it?”
The recuits shook their heads. Then the one he was pointing his staff at spoke up. “It’s just…we heard something…something about Lady Ava…and well…we know she’s your girl and all…”
“What are you talking about?” Keiji asked.
“Well…uh we heard…that while she was in town today she received a marriage proposal from one of the fabric merchants in town!”
“Yeah, and we heard that before she could tell him anything, he was making her offers of her always being free to work with whatever fabrics she wanted…and that he wanted her to take a few days to think about it before she gave him an answer.” Another one confessed.
“And…she agreed to think about it.” Another recruit explained.
A swirl of emotions went through Keiji at that moment. He wasn’t really the jealous type. Hell he knew Ieyasu was clearly in love with Ava, but he never got into a snit when they spent time together. He had to admit though, the idea of another man actually prposing marriage to Ava…he didn’t like. Of course her agreeing to think about it…THAT was the part that got to him. She probably agreed so she could think of a way to turn him down. He thought to himself, working to calm the storm of emotions.
It was at this moment, Keiji remembered that the trainees were still around. He heaved an internal sigh and then let out a long and loud laugh. “HAHA! You guys. Rumors are just that ya know. Besides, even if she did agree to think about it, it was probably just trying to think of a nice way to turn him down.” Keiji said. “Now come on and let’s get back to training.”
While Kaiji trained the recruits, he couldn’t help but to keep thinking of Ava. He knew how she felt about him. He knew how he felt about her. She was his opposite in so many ways and yet she complimented him so well. She was the true ray of sunshine in his life. But then that made him wonder…could even someone as wonderful as her ever get tired of him and his cynical ways?
Before long, Keiji was calling an end to the training. He knew Ava would still be working with the seamstresses for a while longer. They had just gotten in a rather large order and they would be working hard to finish it. He made his way out to the garden to sit and think for a moment.
“I know she’s going to turn this guy down, but…would she think I’m a real jerk for not proposing yet?” He pondered aloud. “I mean…it’s not like I haven’t been thinking about it…and clearly she’s a beautiful woman with options…and still she’s picked me…at least so far.”
Keiji sat, thinking for a long time. Ever since he’d fallen in love with Ava, he’d been the happiest he’d ever been. Yeah, he was still a bitter cynic, but damn if he didn’t love her sunshine. Damn if she didn’t bring a real smile to his face and make his heart race. And damn if he didn’t want that to last forever.
“That’s it.” He said with a determined look on his face. “I’ve got to make her mine…officially…but I have to do it right…and I really have to make it sweet. She deserves that.” He thought for a moment more and decided he would seek out help.
Of course, he came to regret asking for help as soon as he did. He’d meant to just seek out Hideyoshi, being that the man was known for his popularity with the ladies and was really good at planning romantic surprises. Though it wasn’t Hideyoshi who had made him regret asking for help. It was that silver kitsune, Mitshide. He’d been lying in wait and practically pounced.
Masamune and even Nobunaga had found their way into the conversation as well. Though it was because EVERYONE had heard the rumor of Ava’s proposal from the fabric merchant. They all wanted to know what Keiji’s plan of action was. How he planned to fix this and keep Ava from leaving him for a potential better match. When he’d told them he wanted to plan a romantic proposal for Ava, they all agreed to help him set it up…of course Mitsuhide had given him the idea that he needed to practice the proposal.
Hideyoshi had reluctantly agreed with Mitshide. “I hate to say it, but I think Mitsuhde is right in this case…especially knowing how your REALLY are. You really don’t want to mess this up.”
“I guess I don't…but how can I practice?” Keiji asked.
That was when Mitsuhide’s signature silver grin appeared across his face. “Why with some help of course.”
Keiji had a very uneasy feeling about this, but nodded. “Alright…I guess.”
Ava…
I was walking through the halls, looking for Keiji. He wasn’t in the training hall as I had expected. Though one of the maids did tell me she thought he had gone to the council room with the other warlords. I figured if they were in the middle of council, I would show up with some tea and snakc to try and relieve any stress.
Once I had gotten the snack, I made my way to the council room. Of course, what I found when I got there…well I wasn’t prepared for it at all. I gasped as soon as I walked in. All eyes turned to me. Keiji looked instantly chagrined. Of course, I could understand why.
Keiji was down on one knee in front of Mitsunari, who was sitting with a book in hand and had a mop head on top of his head as if it were a wig and a couple of small mellons strapped to his chest. “W-what in the world is going on here?” I asked.
“Uh…” Keiji was looking for a way to explain.
“Really, we could all be asking you the same thing, Fireball.” Nobunaga replied.
“This truly did come about from you, little mouse.” Mitsuhide agreed.
I looked at them all. “What do you mean?” I asked.
“Entertaining a marriage proposal from another man.” Masamune answered with a chuckle. “Of course, you are cute enough I’m surprised someone else hasn’t tried to snatch you up before.”
My eyes widened for a moment. “A marriage proposal? I don’t remember getting one of those today.”
Keiji seemed to have recovered from his embarrassment and was coming over to me. “What are you talking about? It’s all anyone in the castle is talking about. Said a fabric merchant proposed to you. Said he asked you to think about it and you told him you would think on it.”
It all clicked into place then and I instantly started laughing. I couldn’t contain the laughter and was almost crying I was laughing so hard.
“Hey, what’s so funny?” Keiji asked.
I composed myself as best as I could and then took a breath. “Just that I can’t believe your cynical ass even believe that I would entertain a marriage proposal from another man.” I answered. “I did receive a proposal from Tamashini…a business proposal.”
Keiji blinked. “Business?”
“Yes, he asked me if I would start coming to his shop to do commissions from there.” I answered.
Keiji blinked and then was slapping his hand to his forehead. “I should have known better.”
I smiled at him. “Yes, you should have. Even your cybical ass can’t doubt me.” I told him.
Nobunaga was chuckling in amusement, while Masamune and Mitshide were doubled over laughing. Hideyoshi was letting out a sigh. Poor Mitsunari was still oblivious to it all…and still looking utterly ridiculous.
“You know, that misundrstanding still doesn’t explain why you were kneeling in front of Mitsunari or why he’s dressed like that.” I pointed out.
Keiji was taking my hand then. “Come on..I’ll tell you when we get home.” We were then exiting the castle and making our way back to his manor.
I had an amused smile on my face as I looked at my lover. “Well, come on. What was going on?”
Keiji sighed. “It was Mitsuhide’s idea.” He explained. “I was…practicing…rehearsing.”
“Rehearsing what? And why?” I asked.
“I didn’t want to sound like a dick when I asked you to marry me.” Keiji answered.
My breath caught in my throat for a moment and my eyes widened. “You…were going to ask me to marry you?”
“Yeah.” Keiji answered. He was then looking at me his cheeks slightly pink in embarrassment. “I know…I know that we cleared up that misunderstanding with that rumor about the proposal from the merchant and all…but it just got me thinking…about how much you mean to me and how I don’t ever want to lose you. And I do want you by my side…for the rest of my life.”
“Keiji…”
Keiji was then taking both of my hands in his. “Ava, I love you and you’re the best thing to happen to this cynical asshole in a long time. You’ve seen through the mask and still loved me anyways…will you marry me?”
“Yes!” I sqealed, throwing my arms around him and stretching up to press my lips to his.
Those strong arms tightened around me and pulled me close, as Keiji returned my kiss. I couldn’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him.
The face looked at him, staring back from polished bronze.
Its amber eyes narrowed, sharp and penetrating with a cold light. The mouth pulled tight into a set edge. The face’s very countenance leant towards the bitter—and, if the corners of the mouth turned up a fraction and the brows creased down, sardonic. This was the man washed clean of makeup and façade, the actor revealed.
Wild child of the Oda, they called him. Outrageously bright, loud, happy-go-lucky Keiji Maeda. That was him. The him he wanted them to see. The him that the face glaring back at him shared as much in common with as a storm cloud with the sun. Or a lemon with a peach. Few knew of that true face or felt the lashes of that acerbic tongue. Few, that is, outside of Uncle Toshiie and the rest of the Maeda clan. They could number his every fault and lambast him until their veins throbbed with indignation. Though as much as they were familiar with his temperament, they would not have been able to recognize the subtle shift in him. It was a change that both lightened yet embittered him further. No one knew or suspected that a drop of sugar had fallen into his sour proximity, sweetening his life. She was a flower he could not—would never—have.
He had not expected the likes of her to drift into his life. Rather, he was the interloper who had happened upon the garden in which she resided, a single azalea fenced off. His attention would not have lingered in want of another man’s treasured blossom, but he had not expected her to lure him in, unintentionally, with the sweetest scent.
Keiji remembered that first accidental meeting. Smoke still curled from the charred remains of Azuchi’s tenshu. They had brushed into each other in the castle’s corridors, and then again later that day in the courtyard where he had been drilling some soldiers. He had observed her from afar, watched as the light in her eyes had darkened with some indiscernible stress, and so he had approached her while donning his usual jester’s mask. It was more than the gentleness of her smile or the pink that bloomed lightly across her cheeks; it was when she noticed him, having picked up on the subtlest glimpse of the man behind the mask, that she first hooked him. So unsuspecting. She left him baited and he had entangled himself further in her net ever since. By now, it was too late to quench the aching longing that tightened his chest.
Perhaps he was a masochist for calling her here. Or maybe he just wanted to enjoy what little bit of her he could within the confines of their relationship. Maybe that was selfishness. Certainly, it was a sickness of the heart.
It was not long before a servant announced her arrival. One last time, Keiji looked at his true face and then, in an instance, replaced it for a mask of clever, gleaming eyes and a broad smile. He made his way to the manor’s entrance, and there she was.
“Oh, Keiji! I’m so sorry I’m late; there was a bit of an incident in the kitchens with the staff,” she explained, smiling apologetically. Once the chatelaine of Azuchi Castle, she now managed Osaka Castle ever since Lord Oda relocated. Her long brown hair cascaded over a kimono of dark blue silk with a delicate white sakura flower design. Doubtlessly, a piece she must have created herself.
“Nah, don’t worry. You arrive whenever you like, Princess!” Keiji beamed, exuding that winning wild child charisma.
Her own smile widened, warming her expression further. “Well, then… are you ready?” She pointedly lifted her basket full of sewing supplies.
He nodded. “You betcha’!”
They soon entered his study where she directed him to stand in the middle of the room where she set down her basket. She stood back, sizing him up. “Do you have any preferences?” This was his first time commissioning her for garments. Her skill was renowned, and her line of clientele expanding. She seemed constantly busy with a stream of orders. For the Oda warlords, it seemed they had made her their unofficial seamstress. It was almost expected for Keiji to have sought her out for this work… not that he would have considered anyone else.
Keiji did not hesitate a beat when he replied. “The louder and brighter the better! This is supposed to be a party, isn’t it? I want something so flashy that everyone’s gonna smile and think, ‘there’s Keiji Maeda, and he brought the fun with him!’”
She laughed, her eyes shining with glee as anticipated. “Okay, then. I think I have something in mind.” She was then bending over to rummage around through her basket to pull out a roll of sewing tape and a notebook. “Alright, just stand there and hold still while I take your measurements.” She then approached him, coming first to his right side.
He watched as she moved. If she had been paying more careful attention, she might have noticed a glimpse of shrewdness in those amber eyes, ever slightly narrowed with observation. Keiji was ever aware of her movements and of when her mood shifted, not just in that particular moment but at all times he was near her. He was always observant—always had to be in order to gauge the atmosphere and those around him in order to best play the part—and that was how it started with her, but then it became something else… something he could not help, not because he must pretend, but because he needed. Needed to be aware of her. Needed to bring that sparkling giggle out of her. Needed to hold her when the world’s tragedies came crashing down upon her and only his arms opened to provide solace. He watched and kept at a distance because it was what little he could do at all anymore.
“Extend your arm, please.” Keiji obeyed, lifting out his arm for her to measure. She stretched the tape from his shoulder down the length of his arm to his wrist. It was not the first time they had touched, yet he was keenly aware of every fleeting moment they did. Again, she was too absorbed in her work to notice the contradictory seriousness with which he regarded her. Though, it was only a fraction of a slip up, for, seamlessly, the mask was back in place when she lifted her gaze to meet his.
“It’s gonna be one hell of a party, right?” He asked, once more the flamboyant wild child.
Nodding, she replied, “I really hope so. After everything… I just want everyone to enjoy themselves and have a good time. Especially now that things are starting to get more peaceful.” Keiji did not miss the slight pause in her voice. It was the annual springtime festival, but it was also a combined celebration in honor of the pending peace talks between the Oda and the Uesugi-Takeda alliance. There was much to celebrate since Lord Nobunaga’s triumphant return from the ‘dead’ and his seizure of the port of Sakai. Gradually, the fighting was beginning to wind down, little by little.
“Of course they will,” he assured her. “Think of all that food and music, and all those games too. You know what they need, though? A main attraction. How about we put Lord Nobunaga on display on one of those portable shrines? Everyone would love that!”
Laughing more, she quickly jotted down some numbers into her book. “That would be quite the spectacle. You’d need someone joining along to bang on the drums and play the flutes.”
“You would need to be up there with him,” Keiji continued, eliciting a light blush to tint her cheeks. “After all, aren’t you Lord Nobunaga’s lady?” Her blush deepened, and she lowered her gaze with a gentler smile as she deftly moved downwards with the tape.
“You know, Keiji, I need to tell you something.” There was a palatable shift in her demeanor as the merriment turned more serious. Her fingers slowed in their work around his lower torso until they stopped. A weight hung in the air. “Thank you.” Her gaze moved back up to purposely meet his, unwavering.
“Huh?” She had caught him off guard with that, and he almost worried that she would have noticed the sudden skip of his heart and what it meant.
Insistent, she continued. “I know I told you once before, but I want to thank you again for being there for me when I thought I had lost Nobunaga. I…” Her voice almost broke, the threat of tears glistening in her eyes. At once, her grip on the sewing tape clenched, tightening it where it wrapped around his waist. “I thought I couldn’t go on. I thought I would… But you were there to hold me together. You gave me something to lean on when I thought it was all over.”
How could he forget the way her face paled when the assassin’s shot rang out and launched her lover’s body heavily from his horse? No, never. He could not expunge his memory of her greatest distress. It clung to him every damn day, and relieved him only when he saw her breathing, heard her laughter, and witnessed her thriving with all the color that bastard Kicho had tried to rob her of. She had the man she loved back, alive. More importantly, with Kicho’s dastardly plot foiled, hope for her own continued existence flourished. For what that snake had done to her—and doubtlessly plotted to resume from whatever shithole crevice he now lurked in—Keiji could never forgive. If Kicho so much as dared to show his oh-so-pretty, sallow face, Keiji would punch him. He would send him down to the lowest hell for ever threatening the Oda princess and her happiness again.
“Thank you, Keiji,” she smiled up at him, earnest, “For being such a good friend. Thank you for always being so positive and smiling.”
He would wince, if he could. If only she knew of the sourness and ugliness beneath the bright guise he wore.
“Yup. That’s me. Always smiling.” She did not appear to detect the irony or terseness in his words, wiping the moisture from her eyes and then returning to her work with what appeared to be contented serenity.
“It’s you, Princess,” he thought, “You’re the one who’s always smiling.”
Having finished his upper body, she moved her attention to his lower half. She directed him to stand in a stance with his feet set apart as she knelt before him. Beginning at the outseam, the seamstress set the end of the tape on the top of his hip and brought it down the outer length of his leg. “I really love him so much,” she confessed, though whether to herself or to Keiji it was unclear.
“Yeah?” Keiji knew. He had always known. After all, she had already belonged to Lord Nobunaga before the two of them even met. Any fool could identify from a mile away what she felt for that man, and just how dearly cherished a treasure she was to him. He had known full well as she wept for the wounded conqueror, fighting against her own fatigue, fighting against Time itself and an unravelling fate as she had toppled faint into Keiji’s arms. And he had fought for her. While the survival of his lord’s ambitions accounted for his own chance at eventual glory and making a name for himself, he had held her steady to keep her adrift, to prevent her from slipping away to grief and to death. All he wanted was to bring that glow back… for that sweetness not to dissolve into ash.
“Now that everything is getting better, he’s been talking differently. Everything’s more peaceful, and—and I think he wants to marry me!” There was a rush of barely contained excitement in her voice.
The light pressure of her finger tips running along his outer thigh burned. The pang in his chest twisted.
“So… you really will be Lady Oda,” he muttered beneath his breath. It was not a surprising revelation, but there was a finality to it. Not that he expected to ever take her for himself. Were he alone to his own jagged company, he might have laughed at the ironic asperity of it all—that he found the rarest jewel whose position in another man’s crown most assuredly was about to be set. She was the one person he truly cared for aside from his father.
She paused again, this time right as she began to set the tape to measure his inseam. Looking up, she said, “I’m sorry for talking about this. It just came out. I’m just so—”
“You’re really happy.”
There was a moment between them, not dissimilar from the moments they shared before when he had not been Mr. Carefree with her, but the companion and support she needed when her primary pillar had lain comatose in a sick tent.
She blinked. “Yes. I am.”
He forced that signature exuberance back onto his mask. “That’s great! You’re happy, I’m happy, Princess. I love weddings. I love any reason to get people together to have a good time—all that music and sake!” With that, any momentary tension evaporated.
“Well, it’s not official yet,” she said, almost dismissively with a light laugh as if to attempt seeming pragmatic. Resuming her work, her fingers lined the tape down to his ankle.
But it will be. We both know it.
If she was happy, he was happy, he had said. The truth could be so sweet… and so bitter.
They were soon moving onto lighter topics, ones that did not threaten to break his character half as much. Keiji had to fight against the proximity of her warmth to him, but it was a pain he could take. A pain he had suffered before and must suffer again now. Then, the business done, she packed up, chatting amiably as he walked her to the genkan. She departed with a quick, friendly hug. Adamnhug. After all that close contact, no matter how guiltless and professionally meant. Keiji could not hate her for it. If anything, he was only the most selfish, self-loathing bastard to have willingly taken whatever ounce of honey she gave.
Off she went to tend to her commissions and chatelaine duties. He had his own business to attend to. As usual, he entered the castle’s training hall to drill green recruits. The majority consisted of ronin and volunteers given a purpose to secure the Oda’s legacy and supremacy while assuring their own daily rations and pension. Keiji was like them, a drifter who had anchored himself to lord and cause in aspiration of greater glory. He would achieve it. By hell he would. Now that she was here, he could not stray far anywhere else. With every swing and thrust of his spear, he poured all his grit and determination. He would make the Oda recognize him as more than the jester vassal, would prove himself instrumental (and irreplaceable) with every struggle, every mission. In the end, he would reclaim what his father lost; and, with every agonizing breath, he would defend her, her joy, her heart.
Damn him… Even while training, his own thoughts could not shake himself loose from the lovely hold in which she gripped him.
“Okay, boys; good job. Let’s call it a day, eh?” He dismissed the soldiers after the day’s routine, found himself some water, and then wiped his brow clean with a spare towel.
Keiji jogged out from the training hall then slowed his steps as he made his way through the castle corridors. It was merely coincidence—or ill-timing—when he happened upon the edge of the gardens. His feet had not intended to stop here, merely aiming to pass through and out the courtyard to the gates and then maybe off to a bar, or two, to roughen his evening with sake, high spirits, and vulgar talk. The voices halted him, freezing him in place along the perimeter. There, sitting upon a bench beneath a beautifully blooming plumb tree, dallied Oda Nobunaga and his princess. Their attention diverted from him, they were far enough away to have not noticed, yet close enough to be observed.
Nobunaga was leaning close to her, a possessive arm wrapped loosely around her waist and she giggling as she pressed her upper body into his embrace. The warlord was nuzzling the sensitive spot at the base of her jaw, his lips moving in low, hushed murmurs. She quickly was murmuring back, setting a hand upon his toned chest peeking out from the low collar of his kimono, her words brushing against his cheek. Keiji could not make out their conversation, but from the distance he could clearly read their desires, the two of them whispering lovers’ secrets as if they were the only ones in the world and that covetous eyes were not lurking in the shadows. Unable, Keiji could not will himself to move. His gaze was captured by the way the oranges and pinks of the setting sun highlighted the column of her throat—and, enraptured by delight, how her breast heaved a wistful sigh that he himself swore he could almost feel, carried over to him on a gentle breeze smelling of plumb and romance.
Keiji stood still as stone.
All along he had known she belonged to another man, and he had supported her love for Nobunaga when dire circumstances had challenged it most. Keiji held no illusions of what he would ever mean to that woman, nor did he desire to ever steal her. Though he understood these realities, there was no controlling the twist in his gut or that reoccurring pang in his chest. He watched as they continued their love-play, oblivious. The couple shifted their positions on the bench so that they sat even more intimately entwined than they were. She slipped a hand beneath his haori, caressing his shoulders, and he moved his own hand to pull her closer by the rear and grip her thigh. Her brown eyes were half-lidded and heavy with thickening desire, and instinctively her head tilted to allow her lover greater access. As Nobunaga nipped downwards along the tender flesh of her neck, each kiss a dulcet promise, Keiji could not help but imagine tasting the salt on her skin.
Her eyes fell fully closed, and she embraced Nobunaga as he stopped to lavish his ministrations upon the hollow of her neck. Keiji could not see the work the man made of teeth and tongue, but he could easily deduce it from how Nobunaga lingered a moment in that one spot, from how her mouth parted with weighted breath and cheeks flushed dark red. Those soft sounds of hers might have been missed, were they not so distinct. Her moan drifted leisurely across the garden, impregnating the air with their mutual fervor.
Some sort of sick magnetism kept Keiji held there. Conflict churned within him. He begrudged them not—yet still envied the thing he lacked, though not the individuals themselves. What the lovers shared he could not hope for himself, the actor so long forgotten beneath the mask. These attachments he felt were not practical, but for her they could not be contained, and so therein lay the torture.
A moment later, and Nobunaga pulled back to grin devilishly. She returned his gaze, locking him in place with eyes warmed by affection. Whatever statement was exchanged between them seemed to trigger the next amusement. Playfully, she bumped noses with him and, while she momentarily held his attention, reached her hand up behind him to the lowest hanging branch and then shook it, pink petals raining onto the Devil King’s hair and shoulders. Mirthful laughter rang out across the yard. God, what a beautiful sound. It was that smile, that laugh which Keiji had so desired to see returned to her after the ordeal. Some words were exchanged between the pair and Nobunaga lowered his head, trustingly. She began to pluck the petals from his raven hair and sweep them from his clothes. The counterattack came so suddenly she had no time to process or recoil; with snakelike speed, as she reached to pick a petal from his haori, he snatched her wrist, pulled her in towards him and then planted a kiss first to her cheek and then leaned forward and trapped her earlobe between his teeth. She squealed and squirmed, indicating a sensitivity.
Just then, something drew Keiji’s attention to the side. He turned his focus to see that he was not the only onlooker. Hideyoshi stood likewise in the shadows with one forearm propped up against a wooden support beam. The man’s own amber gaze rested upon the flirting couple. It was not with a look of embarrassment, disgust or even indifference that he regarded them. If Keiji’s eyes did not deceive him, then it appeared as if fondness softened Hideyoshi’s expression, and as if a deep and abiding contentment permeated his being. While the man’s adoration and loyalty of the Devil King went unparalleled (maybe a touch deranged to more cynical minds), this seemed different than the usual worship. There almost seemed… a oneness with Hideyoshi and the garden joy he witnessed.
Strange, but Keiji did not have an interest to puzzle it out. He was sure to be chastised for some fault, real or imagined, if Hideyoshi noticed him. Probably had a lecture ready about not cleaning up the dojo properly or maybe spying upon their lord and robbing him of his privacy (although Hideyoshi himself had no room to chide him on, given his present action). Keiji thought then was the moment to slip away. However, he barely took a step back.
“Keiji?”
Shit.
“Oh. Hey there.” Keiji feigned a smile for Hideyoshi. Their voices were at a low enough volume that they did not seem to have been heard yet by the still busily distracted couple. Hideyoshi already closed the distance between them, preventing any chance for him to evade this conversation.
“You’ve finished your training for the day.”
“No shit,” Keiji thought.
Instead of the derisive sneer he wanted to wear, Keiji plastered on his best jovial grin. “Yeah! Got to keep the guys in top shape! Never know when Kicho will strike back or some daimyo might rebel.”
Hideyoshi nodded in approval. “That’s good. I’m glad you’re taking your duties seriously.”
Since when did I not take them seriously? Oh, sure the wild child charade gave the illusion of having no cares or worries, but his actions spoke for themselves. He was every bit as dedicated as the other warlords—maybe even more so with needing so intently to elevate his name and fulfill his father’s dream. Every mission he went off on, every duty he accepted was performed with a beaming smile… and the heart of a boar. Keiji really wanted to snap off a rougher comment in retort, but held his tongue in place. Acting around stringent dolts like Hideyoshi had its challenges. Playing nice was one of them.
Both men’s attention was pulled back to the plumb tree by another squeal from the princess, accompanied by Nobunaga’s low chuckle. “It’s wonderful, isn’t it?” Hideyoshi commented, his gaze still focused on the scene. “Seeing them so happy and so full of love for each other.” A genuine warmth could be heard in his tone. Again, there seemed to be something a bit different. Keiji remained silent, observing the other man a bit more seriously. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Uh, yeah, sure is…”
He was not sure ‘wonderful’ was the exact word he would have used… maybe ‘piercing’ or ‘tart’. Keiji narrowed his eyes and wondered if the other might see through the miniscule cracks in his mask, but Hideyoshi had eyes only for the princess and their lord.
“Princess thinks there’s a wedding in the works,” Keiji commented.
Hideyoshi smiled. “I agree. Lord Nobunaga could not have chosen a better partner.” He regarded the pair with a tender look in his eyes. It was then, with that statement coupled with that expression, that Keiji realized what had been niggling at him about Hideyoshi’s demeanor, for it was a gentleness not too dissimilar from the warmth he himself felt. There was also peace.
Then, Hideyoshi swiveled his attention back onto Keiji. “You’re not going to run off again, are you? This is the longest you’ve been back since before your last sudden departure. If you leave one more time…”
Ah, there was the lecture.
It took every ounce of effort to resist the urge to roll his eyes.
“Hey, no need to get your kimono in a twist,” replied the wild child, giving the other man a hearty slap on the back. “You serve Lord Nobunaga your way… and I’ll serve him mine.”
Hideyoshi eyed him skeptically. “That’s what I’m worried about.”
At that moment, movement along the corridor caught their attention. “Kyubei?” Hideyoshi called, halting the man from whatever errand he was completing. “I thought you were in Kyoto and weren’t due back for another week? What are you doing here?”
The vassal calmly bowed. “Excuse me, my lord. I returned early. I am merely on an errand of little consequence, just delivering a letter.” With no further words to say, Kyubei swiftly turned on his heel and went off, disappearing deeper into the castle’s interior.
A frown creased Hideyoshi’s face. “He’s up to something again. Excuse me, Keiji, I have a matter to investigate.”
Keiji snorted in amusement. “You aren’t going to go sorting through the guy’s mail, are you? It’s just a letter.”
But Hideyoshi was already stalking off, muttering, “It’s never ‘just a letter’ with Mitsuhide…” Whatever litany of reasons he had to suspect the man were left unsaid, for he was soon off to hunt a silver kitsune.
Keiji looked back at the garden to see that Nobunaga and the princess were already walking away, hand-in-hand. His gaze lingered too long until they were out of sight. If what he had read on Hideyoshi’s face was correct, then he was not the only man to have fallen for her extraordinary sweetness. But he could not quite comprehend what else he might have read; a contentment like that could never come for himself. Never could he imagine finding another woman like that and—if he did—none capable of peeling off the mask and loving the jerk behind it.
He turned away and began to depart but barely moved when he knocked right into someone. Or, rather, someone barreled right into him. “Oof!” Keiji had collided right with a young maid who dropped whatever object she had been carrying.
“Oh!” she exclaimed. “I’m so sorry, my lord! I didn’t mean… Oh, please forgive me!” She bowed her head, her cheeks red.
Helping her up as she bent to retrieve the object, Keiji just chuckled. “Easy there. Got to watch where you’re going. Of course… so do I.” She smiled meekly at that. Now that Keiji had a chance to observe her, she had bright, kind eyes. Kind of pretty, in an ordinary, wholesome sort of way. But almost rabbit-like in her mannerisms, like she was ready to bolt any second. The girl licked her lips, eyes darting to-and-fro as she seemed to be searching for something. What? He did not know. An exit or…
“I… I saw you training—or that you were done training!” She stammered, quickly correcting herself. “And I thought you might be hungry after all that work, and… h-here!” She thrust the thing into his hands before he could reject it, simultaneously bowing before quickly darting off to leave the warlord a little flabbergasted.
Keiji stared after her. When she had gone, he looked down to examine what she had handed him. It was a bamboo box. He pulled off the lid and peeked in at its contents. It was a bento. Onigiri lay neatly tucked in with some roasted vegetables and a piece of grilled fish. The little meal had been thoughtfully, carefully assembled. This could not have been hastily prepared but planned in advance. Did that mean… she had been watching him?!
Placing the lid back on the bento, he released a long pent-up sigh. Silly, foolish thing. She did not know what she was after. Too kind, too soft, it seemed. Not his flower, not his princess, but she caught herself up in this net all the same.
Thank you for reading! I really appreciate the time you’ve spent to check out this piece. Credit goes to @writingwhimsey for helping to brainstorm and providing the ideas of MC measuring Keiji and him training. Thanks to her also for helping me to puzzle through my stuck moments and for all the support! Please go check out her blog (especially her ongoing WIP stories); her work is awesome and some of the best Ikesen fanfic you can find! :)
Such wonderful work! Bittersweet, beautiful, and angsty! You did a wonderful job capturing what it feels like to have an unrequited love!
Description: There’s more than one way to get hot and sticky in the dojo.
Warnings:NSFW/18+: Explicit/graphic language & mature themes — reader discretion is advised. SPOILERS for Maeda Keiji’s Main Story in Ikemen Sengoku. Potential trigger warnings: oral sex on route 69, edging, fingering, sexual intercourse.
Word Count: ~3700 words (~18 mins of shameless smut with a big, brawny Sengoku spear-wielding warrior)
Tall.
Broad.
Virile.
The muscular lines of his back sharply defined, honed by years of hard training and battle. They rippled beneath flesh, moving in subtle harmony with the motions of his capable hands, set to polishing your spear with a practiced diligence.
A bead of sweat on his skin catches the light of the waning sun, already halfway through its descent in the sky to herald the approach of dusk, the world dyed in a heady kaleidoscope of red, gold and persimmon — the colours of Keiji’s kimono, still draped about the trim taper of his waist.
And you wondered what it would feel like to stand close to him, how he would react to your arms wrapping suddenly around his body. Wondered what would happen if you gave fingers and hands the freedom to roam, to trace the path of the sweat rolling from collarbone and chest all the way down to the midline of that sculpted abdomen; if goosebumps would trail in the wake of your touch, Keiji’s nipples pulling taut to give him away like the blush he tried to hide anytime you caught him off guard.
You wondered if he ever burned for you like you did for him.
Full story up now on my Pa*t*reon page (please see link in pinned post)! Hope you all enjoy it and happy reading!
Written for @scruffymctee based on an idea she had - a spicy Keiji in a secret rendezvous.. Hes on a mission destination unknown but naughty MC knew where he was and decided to appear ‘indiscreetly’ teasing him out of his hiding, 'punishing’ him by being away from her for so long.. Approx. 2300 words. SMUT!
Keiji grinned. The expression felt as fake to him as a courtesan’s blush, but the men at his table didn’t seem to notice. One slapped his back and slurred a compliment. At least, Keiji thought is was a compliment. Hard to tell, as drunk as the man was. He pretended he understood and clapped the man on his shoulder with jovial camaraderie.
Today marked nearly two months of infiltration into this band of ronin. They called themselves The Reaping Moon. Keiji suppressed a shiver as he recalled his initiation into the band. But the intel he’d gathered would make a difference. The merchant raids these men made their living from would stop. The townsfolk they harassed would get some peace. And Keiji could finally go home back to -
“Looks like ya have some deep thoughts.” The ronin’s leader Kizuato eyed him. He wasn’t nearly as drunk as his fellows. He led with a sharp wit, a careful eye, and a damn fast draw.
Keiji laughed and ran a hand through his hair. “Ah, yeah. Can’t get this girl out of my head. You know how it is.”
“One that got away? Or a lover?” Kizuato smacked the rear of the girl serving their sake.
“Little of both.”
“Huh. Well if we head back toward your home town one of these days, we might run across her. What do you say to that, Aka?”
Aka. Keiji hadn’t chosen his nickname with this bandit crew. The ronin chose it for him, because of his hair and clothes. He nodded. “Be great. If I get hold of her this time, I won’t let go.”
Kizuato laughed. The scar that bisected his lips and ruined his nose shone in the low light, drawn taut by his expression.
“Be right back.” Keiji stood and wandered toward the outdoor toilet. He didn’t want to talk about the chatelaine, even a pretend version of her. He missed her so much that it hurt. A physical ache in his chest that throbbed in time to his heartbeat. Her face haunted him every time he shut his eyes. Her voice followed him in dreams.
This mission had to end soon. Otherwise, he felt he would go crazy with missing her. He kept himself going with promises of what he’d do when he saw her again. Lift her off her feet. Kiss her a thousand times. Taste every bit of her skin. Hold her to him so he could feel her breath, her heartbeat. Make love all day. All week.
He sighed. She might as well be as distant as the heavy moon that hung full in the sky above him. When he came back inside, there was a group of traveling players filing in from the front entrance. Three men and two women, all dressed in colors more bright and chaotic than his own clothing. The women hid their faces behind fans, laughing and making eyes at the guests as they made their way to a screened area to sit. The men called out to advertise their show on the morrow and did cartwheels and handstands until they were out of sight.
Kizuato watched them with a speculative eye. “How much do you think a group like that brings in?”
“Enough to eat. Maybe enough for an inn sometimes,” Keiji replied with a grimace.
“Huh.” The scarred bandit leader downed his sake and kept staring.
Keiji nudged him. “You thinking about a career change, boss?”
Kizuato laughed. “Nah. You’d make a pretty dancing made though eh?” He grinned widely.
“Me? I could try but I don’t have the hips for it.”
The rest of the band guffawed, rude gestures and comments all around. Keiji laughed too.
“Those girls had nice hips though. A good sway to ‘em.” Kizuato eyed Keiji. “Why don’t you go ask ‘em to dance for us. You say it with that smile and they can’t say no.” His expression left no doubt about his reaction if they did say no. The bandits took what they wanted. Asking was only a bare courtesy.
Keiji stood reluctantly. He didn’t want to involve the players, but refusing could blow his cover. Get him beaten or killed, even if he wasn’t revealed. “Well, a man can ask, right?” He kept the bitter twist from his tone.
He went up to the edge of the screen and tapped it lightly. One of the men peeked past. “Oh! A fan, are you! Don’t worry little boy, I’ll be signing autographs tomorrow.”
“What?”
“Autographs. Tomorrow.” The man made his mark in the air. “So run along. Tonight is for grown-ups to celebrate.”
“Real funny. Look, my boss over there wants you to come dance for him. He’s not real patient and he doesn’t take rejection well. So how ‘bout you do a little performance rehearsal.”
The man’s eyes narrowed. “Huh. Let me think about it.” His head disappeared behind the screen and there was a muted whisper of conversation. Keiji tried to eavesdrop but there were too many noisy drunks to hear anything.
After a moment, the man poked his head out. “We have a condition.”
Keiji felt his brows rise. “Yeah?”
“You have to watch.”
For a moment, Keiji just stared at the man’s face. Was this for real? Where was the catch? What kind of condition was that?! Finally, he shrugged. “Sure.”
“Then we’ll be right over.”
Keiji returned to his table with a nod to the boss. He’d barely sat back down when two of the men came out, slapping a rhythm on their thighs. The women followed, fans still held in front of their faces. They walked to the rhythm, steps as light as petals in the wind.
The bandits howled their approval, and the other drunks as well.
The two dancers winked flirtatiously, pretending as if they might show their faces, but as they moved, they kept themselves covered. Their sleeves fluttered and their fans fluttered as they spun and stepped in an unusual dance. It was like nothing Keiji ever saw before.
There was no harvest dance, no festival, with motions like this. None he ever saw. The movements were raw and sensual, but with a delicacy to them. Kizuato and his men beat their hands in time against the table or clapped or stomped. There was no eye not on the girls.
The two of them began to weave in and out of the audience, grazing touches, dodging grabbing hands with a laugh and a slap of their fans. One of them danced close to Keiji. Close enough that he could smell her light scent, sweet and familiar.
His eyes went wide.
For a heartbeat, her fan flickered to the side, exposing a face he knew well. A face he loved.
She giggled before snapping her fan back into place and spinning away from him again.
“You like that one, eh Aka?” Kizuato noted his expression.
“Yeah I do. That’s the kinda girl you marry.”
His boss laughed. “You ready to settle down after one saucy wink?”
Keiji grinned. “You didn’t see the look she gave me. That one’s worth all the treasure in the world.”
Kizuato looked like he had a ready reply, but he never had the chance to say it. The doors at the front and back of the establishment were thrown open. Oda guards burst in, knocking heads as they came on. The bandit leader turned to flee, but he wasn’t fast enough.
The third performer, disguised as a drunk patron, knocked him out cold. Golden eyes winked at Keiji, obscured by a low-brimmed cap.
It took a little while to wrangle everyone, but soon enough the drunks were cleared out and the bandits arrested. When everything was mostly settled, Keiji went looking for the dancing girl. His dancing girl. He found her on an upstairs balcony, sitting on the narrow wooden rail.
“I was wondering if you would make it up here.” She tilted her head, her smile enigmatic, her eyes shadowed pools in the moonlight.
Keiji grinned. “I couldn’t keep my lady waiting.” He swept a ridiculously formal, low bow and then reached for her. He couldn’t wait to bury his face in her hair and feel her skin against him.
She smacked his hand with the hard edge of her fan.
“Ouch! What was that for?”
“Taking liberties. You can’t just go reaching for a lady like that.” She shook her head.
Keiji pouted. “Liberties? Come on! We’ve slept together. I’ve seen you naked!”
“Months ago. By now, we’re practically strangers.”
“Strangers?” He raised his eyebrows, a hint of sharpness to his tone.
She nodded. “Oh yes. Months with not a word from you. I had to convince Mitsuhide to tell me what was going on. And then getting Nobunaga’s permission for this … without so much as a letter!”
Keiji ran a hand through his hair. “Aww come on! I was on a mission. A secret mission! I can’t just -”
“You’re telling me there was no point where you could have dropped a letter to me? Not even when you were sending back reports?”
Well. She had him there. He could have. It’s just … “I didn’t know what to write. That I miss you? Of course I miss you. That I love you? Saying it didn’t seem like enough. I just wanted to keep you here,” he touched his chest, “until I could have you in my arms again.”
Her breath was sharp, as if what he said surprised her. Then a smile slowly turned her lips up at the edges. She slid the fan along his jaw lightly, teasing. “I suppose we could renew our acquaintance.”
“Acquaintance?” Keiji snorted.
She smacked his cheek lightly. “Liberties again. That mouth will get you in trouble.”
“Lady, this mouth has gotten me in trouble. More than once.” He smirked. “Gotten me out of trouble too.”
His words brought a slight blush to her cheeks but she hid it well. “Then let’s see how well it works this time. Getting you out of instead of into … trouble.”
Keiji raised an eyebrow.
She extended her fingers to brush against his lips, like petals, soft as sin.
He kissed the tips of them one at a time, gently nipping and suckling at her skin. Keiji did not miss the breathy gasp nor the slight tremor that ran through her. He knew she’d missed him too.
His hungry kisses trailed across her palm and she dropped the fan. He pushed her sleeve up, out of his way. His lips caressed her wrist, the tender skin of her inner arm. Up - until he needed to push the sleeve down to reach the gentle slope of her shoulders.
There was no hiding her desire now. Each breath was punctuated with a soft, eager moan. Sounds that grew louder as he he reached her collarbone. Her throat. Keiji captured her lips and pulled her to him.
She tasted like wine, sharp and sweet. Intoxicating. Her sharp little teeth tugged at his lower lip. Her tongue slid along his, a battle to dominate the kiss, a playful back and forth. Her hands pushed aside his clothes. Nails drew little lines down his sides and back.
Keiji lifted her. She settled against him, legs wrapping around his hips. Her kimono had fallen open, though he couldn’t remember untying the artful knots. Her skin was hot against his. Her soft breasts crushed against his chest. Desire, sharp as a blade, pierced him.
This room had no futon, no reed mat. He didn’t care. All he needed was her. All he could see, feel, taste … and he wanted more. Keiji pressed her back against a wall, one hand fumbling at the tie on his pants.
She rolled her hips against him, taunting.
His pants fell to pool on the floor at his feet. He forgot them the moment they were out of his way. He wanted to be in her so badly it hurt. A fire in his heart, in his head, and his loins. Keiji’s hips rocked forward and up, intent on that one goal.
Laughing, panting, breathily, she arched just out of reach. Letting him graze the silken heat between her legs, no more than that.
Keiji groaned, a shudder running up his spine at even just this light touch.
She gave a triumphant smile, denying the slight strain of her own desire. A small price to pay to leave him in this desperate straight. Then with a serpentine motion, graceful as a dance, her hips met his, a sinuous, slow joining.
Agonizing pleasure shot through Keiji as he let her control the moment. Filling herself with him. Trembling in his arms. Then he could take no more of this teasing.
The thin walls of the inn afforded the lovers no privacy. The sounds of their pleasure brought a knowing smirk to the faces of the captured bandits and the guards that held them.
Not that Keiji cared. There would be time later for stained cheeks and dirty jokes. For now, he was lost in her. Months of pent up desire drove him to claim her with rough desperation. And she was no delicate flower. Her nails raked his back and her teeth left little bruises on his shoulders and neck. She reached her peak once, twice, again. Keiji wanted more. He wanted to bring her to that crest of bliss at least once for every day apart, he wanted … but his own pleasure was building. Shaking in his thighs, pulsing through his low belly. A rush like the incoming tide. A wave he could not hold back.
Keiji bit his lip to try to muffle the sound as he found release. Almost a sob, as intense euphoria tore through him. He slid to the floor, pulling her down atop him.
She laid her head on his chest, idly toying with his nipples as they both trembled from the aftershocks of their love. “Never leave me for so long again,” she whispered. “I can’t take it.”
“Me either,” he managed in reply. This beautiful, fiery, mad woman that was his own. She was part of him and it felt good and right to be here with her. He felt whole again. His arms tightened around her in a silent promise.
