Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I do not own My Hero Academia

Rated M for adult content and some sexuality

Enjoy

Sohma Manor, Amida Kingdom, December 485...

Takara Oshiro gazed at her reflection in the small pond water. The water was so still that it was almost as if looking in a mirror. Her thoughts were of despair, remembering the terrible things said not two days past when her brother fled. The pretender will not win! This will not be the end of us! The thundering sound of horses pulled her attention. Across the pond, she could see men galloping across the fields. Circling towards the manor. Takara scrambled to her feet, nearly tripping over her dress. She bunched up the skirts in her hands and sprinted to the house. She found her mother in the family dining room, finishing breakfast with her sisters. Her mother's smile fell upon seeing the look on Takara's face. "Mother, soldiers are coming!"

Her mother got up and hurried to the windows. Takara's sisters followed suit. Outside, the soldiers had approached and the servants were trying to prevent their entry. "I thought we'd have more time," her mother said. "Girls, you must dress! Quickly!"

The girls scrambled from the table. Takara followed after them and her mother. "Dress?! Mother, would you like us in our finest gowns when they run us through?"

"They're not here to kill us."

As they entered the dressing room, several handmaids were hastily dressing the young girls. Her mother grabbed her robe and threw it on. Takara could hear the shouting of the soldiers as they entered the manor. "Mother, they're coming. We need to hide. To run!"

"And go where?" She pulled Takara over beside her sisters. "Tamara has decided to accept King Enji's offer which is why they're coming for us."

"They're going to kill us," Takara whispered through gritted teeth.

The yelling grew louder, and a few angry shouts from the servants followed. Her mother grabbed Takara's hands. "My love, the alliance between Amida and Tenshu were not the only things agreed upon."

"What?"

"Your betrothal to the King's youngest son still stands."

The soldiers finally reached the room. They burst through the doors, causing Takara's sisters to cry out in fear. Her mother ushered her girls behind her, protecting them whilst standing proud and firm. The soldiers wore dragon sigils of Clan Todoroki upon their armor. A few men in fine armor entered the room. One stood out from the rest as he had red wings protruding from his back and a fox-like smile. Her mother glared at the man despite her polite smile. "Ser Hawks."

"Lady Akemi," Ser Hawks said with a smirk. He half-bowed. "Widow-hood becomes you."

"You forget your manners, Ser," she scolded. "You will address me as Dowager Queen."

"Yes, yes, forgive me. Dowager Queen Akemi." He bowed more respectfully. "Speaking of which, I believe there is a princess we've come for."

He waved to the soldiers. One rushed forward and grabbed Takara by her arm, dragging her away from her sisters who began shouting. Takara tried to shove the man off, but he was nearly twice her size. "Let me go! I am Princess Takara Oshiro and I am betrothed to Prince Shoto. If you harm me, King Enji will see you punished!"

"It was he who ordered you brought to the capital," Ser Hawks said. "By the hair, if need be. He didn't specify a method."

"There is no need for that," Queen Akemi assured them. Takara finally freed herself and returned to her sisters, keeping them huddled under her cloak. "We will come willingly, of course. We've been waiting to be summoned."

"How gracious of you," he said. He sauntered around her, turning his smile to Takara and her sisters. "Princess Takara...you've grown quite beautiful. The golden eyes of a Kashima suit you well."

Takara's gold eyes blazed furiously. Hawks' smile softened a little. "Come. Your future husband awaits."

Golden Palace of Kashima, Amaterasu, capital of the Tenshu Kingdom...

Shizuka Todoroki stomped the golden halls with some urgency. Her ladies were struggling to keep pace. As she approached the ornate doors of the Queen's rooms, she called back to her ladies. "Wait here."

They obeyed. The guards opened the doors for her, and she slipped inside. The queen was sitting at the table with Prince Shoto who was in the middle of eating. Queen Rei furred her brows. "Shizuka? What is it?"

She smiled at her aunt. "The war is over."

Shizuka plopped down at the table across from Shoto. She held out a letter. Queen Rei took it hesitantly. "It cannot be. After all these years...would the Oshiro give up so easily?"

"Torashi Oshiro and his mother wouldn't," Shoto agreed. "They never would."

Shizuka's smile grew, her teal eyes alight with hope. "Except Akemi's daughter, the Queen Regent of Amida, agreed to Uncle's offer."

Shoto paused in the middle of slurping his noodles. Queen Rei finished reading the letter, and sighed. "In addition to a peace treaty, an ambassador has been sent to reestablish trade between Amida and Tenshu. That will certainly improve Amida's economy."

She lowered the letter and looked over to Shoto. He exhaled in defeat. "So then...the betrothal still stands. I'll have to marry her."

Shizuka glanced back and forth between them. She shook her head in bewilderment. "This is good news. We've finally achieved peace after thirty years of war. Torashi no longer has any support. He'll find no more allies. He cannot raise any armies. He'll no longer be a threat to us or the kingdom."

Shoto nearly snorted. "Torashi is a monster. He won't stop simply because I marry his sister. That most likely would be his way back into the kingdoms. To use her to take control through the south."

"Both Clans have suffered much and each other's hands," Queen Rei noted. She gently folded the letter and set it upon the table. "Shizuka is right. This is the path to peace. Yes, marrying Takara Oshiro does not guarantee her brother's agreement of peace. However, the union between you two will unite the kingdoms and we will stand as one against anything Torashi tries to bring forth."

"If not Torashi then his mother would be the one to plot against us," he pointed out. "She is the reason all but one of her sons are dead. She won't rest until she sees an Oshiro on the throne and every Todoroki dead."

Queen Rei placed her hand on her son's arm. "That is precisely why this marriage is even more imperative. She cannot come against us if her daughter is bound to you. Rest assured her other daughters will be given to loyal Todoroki men. Her daughters would never betray their children for her ambitions."

"How can you be so sure, Mother?"

"Think about it," Shizuka interjected. "She has no allies either. No lands. All she has is her title as Dowager Queen with no real power. None of the clans will stand with her over us."

Shoto frowned ever so slightly. "Do you think that would stop her from bringing the Oshiros back to power? They never give up."

"There's only five Oshiros left in the world and four of them will take their husbands' names." Shizuka half-heartedly chuckled. "You overestimate her, Shoto. They have lost."

"You underestimate her," he snapped. "Don't forget the terror she and her husband brought upon the kingdom. Her children are no different. Takara is no different. She'll try to take the province from me as soon as we're married."

Queen Rei took Shoto's hand into hers. "My son, I know this girl and her family were once our enemy...but she will understand the importance of your marriage. I cannot promise you will find love with her, but your children will be the key to everlasting peace."

Shoto searched her gaze, seeing the sadness mixed with optimism. He glanced at Shizuka. She looked so confident. So sure there was no threat of danger. Shoto squeezed his mother's hand. "Fine. I'll do it. For the kingdom."

The fallen kingdom of Moreya, across the shimmering sea...

Rurina Oshiro stared out at the crystal blue water. The wind carried the smell of salt and sand. She loved the peacefulness. Rurina traced her finger along the carvings on the guard rail. She heard footsteps approaching and she stifled a smile. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Shigaraki enter the room. His face was hidden behind his corpse hand mask, but she could tell he was surprised to see her. The servants waited behind him. He dismissed them and they left the room quietly. Rurina exited the balcony. The room was strangely quiet compared to the winds outside. "What're you doing here? Why are you in my room?"

"It's been four months since I last saw anyone," she said. "And it's terribly boring sitting in my room all day."

"A princess shouldn't be in a man's rooms unchaperoned...it's indecent."

Rurina chuckled as she sauntered around the room, walking by the chairs and desk. "Am I still a princess if I have no kingdom? I have no lands, no inheritance...just the title I was born with."

Shigaraki tilted his head. "Does your uncle know you're here?"

"My uncle is too preoccupied with All for One to notice what I'm doing." She stopped behind the desk and fiddled with a quill. "I'm curious. Would your master support my uncle's claim in exchange for me marrying you?"

Shigaraki took off his jacket and tossed it onto his bed. "You want the truth?" She waited. "My master only supports those who follow his beliefs. He doesn't care about lineage or bloodlines. He cares about legacy. You could be a fisherman's daughter, and it wouldn't have mattered. All he cares about...is whether or not you can benefit his army. Your uncle doesn't understand that. My guess? As soon as we receive your dowry, he's as good as dead."

Rurina considered his words as she put the quill back. Shigaraki snorted. "You're not even surprised. Don't you care?"

She shrugged half-heartedly. "My uncle is fueled only by his desire for something he'll never have. The so-called dowry is actually stolen money from Amida, so he has no right offering it. Torashi will do whatever it takes to see his dream realized. He would burn Tenshu to the ground if it meant he could be king of the ashes. I used to admire his determination, but...after thirteen years in exile, he's become obsessed and desperate."

Shigaraki removed the hand mask and set it carefully onto the chest at the foot of the bed. "And what's your plan? You going to seduce me into gaining favor?"

"That would be the case except you never allow on of your mistresses to gain favor," she pointed out as she walked towards him. "Servants love to gossip. I've heard that anytime a mistress attempts to overstep her bounds or control you in any way...you kill them."

"Not always," he argued. "Sometimes I put them in a brothel where they belong."

"I don't judge you or your actions."

"Then what do you want?" he demanded.

Rurina stepped closer. "I confess I do what to seduce you to gain favor. But I won't do it with my body." His frown deepened. "You may not be All for One's son, but you are like him. You understand one thing: power. Your army is made up of warriors, nobles, thieves, and murderers alike. There is no hierarchy. There is no high-born or low-born. You've given people a chance when no one else would. All I want is the same. To prove I can be useful to your cause."

"And what about your uncle?"

"What about him?"

Shigaraki gently brushed his fingers through her rose gold hair. Rurina did not resist his touch. He sighed. "Fine. I will talk to my master about your conscription. I can't guarantee he'll accept."

"It's enough that you're willing to ask," she said. "Thank you."

She moved to walk around him, but he stopped her. "If you're planning to become a true soldier then you'll no longer constrained by the societal expectations of a princess. You'll be free to do as you please."

She gazed up at him through her eyelashes. She recognized the look in his red eyes, the growing desire. With a soft sigh, she placed her hand on his chest. "Until I am free...I shall continue being constrained by my societal expectations."

Rurina slipped free of his hold and headed towards the door. A smile spread on her lips as she walked out. She remembered her uncle's words the day he spirited her away from the rest of their family. The pretender will not win! This will not be the end of us!

Golden Palace of Kashima, Amaterasu, capital of the Tenshu Kingdom, January 486...

Takara was silent as the ladies finished their altering of her wedding dress. She had hoped to wear the colors of her clan, but they fitted her in Todoroki red with black and gold dragon embroidery. The ladies stepped back, examining their work. Her sister admired the soft fabric, gently touching the train. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you, Tokine."

Akemi gently touched Takara's chin. "You must smile, my love. Tomorrow you will be married."

Takara rolled her eyes. The dress began to feel tight and constricting. "Undress me. I need to get out of this thing."

The ladies obeyed. They untied the belts and sashes, but Takara could not take a deep breath until the heavy dress was completely off her. Akemi thanked the ladies as they set the dress on the mannequin. Once they left, Akemi's smile dropped. "Takara," she scolded. "You need to show more excitement. They're never going to trust you if you act miserable all the time."

"It's not an act, Mother." Takara searched through her chest of dresses until she found a plain pink one. "We've been here for nine days, and we have not left this room."

"It's not for forever," Akemi assured her. "Once you're married, you'll be moved into Prince Shoto's rooms, and-"

"-and kept prisoner in those rooms, too? How am I supposed to be happy if I'm not allowed to see anyone? Talk to anyone? We weren't even allowed to attend Prince Shoto's birthday celebration." Takara threw the dress on over her shift. "And what about you? My sisters? Are you all to remain prisoners, too...with only a single window that no one can see out of?"

Akemi ushered her girls into the bedroom beyond the curtain. She grabbed Takara's hand and brought her over to the chairs beside the fireplace. "Listen, I've been through this before. When the Todoroki army stormed the palace, I was forced to take your brothers and sisters into sanctuary to escape them. We were forced to barricade ourselves inside for weeks. Your sisters and I will be fine. You will be fine."

"How can you be so sure?" she asked desperately. "For all we know, they mean to execute me in my wedding dress like some sick joke."

Akemi took Takara's hands and held them firmly. "My love...I am not filling you with false hope. You are too valuable to let go of. I know you're nervous about marrying Prince Shoto, but you should not be. You are strong. Stronger than most. I have faith you will endure and triumph over them."

Takara considered her words as she held back her tears. "Perhaps...if I am obedient and dutiful then...then I can grant freedom for you and my sisters. I fear you'll be left here, hidden away until you die."

"This is not how I die," she said confidently. "The gods have always planned a great journey for me...and I am not even half-way through it. And your sisters will grow to be beautiful like you and entice suitable husbands. They will not stay down here forever."

Akemi rubbed Takara's knuckles. "Seeing as you're getting married tomorrow...I suppose we need to discuss your First Night."

"Mother, Tamara already told me what happens on the First Night. All I need to do is lay there and-"

"If you want to be seen as happy and dutiful, then you cannot just 'lay there'. Your sister was scarce on the details as to not entertain the curiosity of her daughters." Akemi scooted to the edge of her seat. "You're already aware of the pain. But once it subsides, it feels quite nice. Instinctively, he'll take control, but there will be a moment when you can take it from him."

"Why would I do that?" Takara was trying to ignore the heat in her cheeks.

"Men will never admit, but...they crave women who take control. It'll make him want you more." Akemi leaned in. "And after, the chances of conceiving are better if you remain on your back with your legs up."

The heat in her cheeks began to subside. Takara slipped her hands free and sat back in her chair. "What will become of us? Forced to marry our enemies, bear their children...soon the Oshiro will be no more. We will fade, Mother. Forgotten."

Akemi sat back as well and turned her gaze to the flames. She did not smile, but she looked pleased. "Your brother feels he must take the throne by force...the way they did us. But, things have changed. Our enemy cannot be defeated by brute force, but by time."

"Time?"

"Time," she repeated. "Like a knife. Slow and steady that slips between the ribs and pierces the heart. That is how we will defeat them. All of them. Not just the Todoroki Clan. The Shinso Clan, the Iida Clan, the thieves who took our home...one by one we will invade them, become one of them. We will raise our army within theirs...and they won't even know it."

The next day...

Shoto adjusted his belt as the servants finished smoothing out his robes. He couldn't focus. The door opened and his friends entered. "Hey, are you ready?" Izuku asked. "Queen Rei has already left. She couldn't wait."

Tenya suddenly burst through the door. "Prince Shoto! We're running late! At this rate, your bride will arrive before you!"

Shoto waved a dismissal to the servants as he watched Tenya continue with his rant. Fumikage entered the room, carrying a pillow with crown on it. He bowed respectfully to Shoto. "My prince."

"Thank you, Tokoyami." Shoto took the crown and placed it upon his head. It was more of a circlet; black with rubies and silver inlay. It was meant to mimic his father's. It felt odd on his head, and it was more pronounced against his white and red hair. "Izuku...should I...should I have gone to see her? I know it's too late, but...I can't help feeling like I should've met her before today."

"Well...I don't know." Izuku furred his brows. "I know tradition dictates you're not supposed to meet until the day of the wedding, but...not everyone does that. I mean, it probably would've helped to get to know her. I can't imagine what she's going through."

Fumikage eyed Izuku carefully. "She may be Prince Shoto's bride, but her family is a traitor to the crown."

Izuku flinched. "Uh, right."

"Regardless of what you should or shouldn't have done, it doesn't change the fact that she will be by your side from today onwards," Tenya said. "I'm sure she's aware of her duty and the peace your marriage will bring."

Shoto considered his words. He readjusted his crown then glanced at the clock on the wall. "I'm ready. Let's go."

The three of them bowed, and Shoto exited the room. Outside, guards were waiting and fell into line behind the boys. Servants bowed as they passed, giving Shoto words of congratulations and well wishes. He said nothing as he made his way to the grand hall. The guests were already gathered and in their place. All of the men were on the right side and the women were on the left. A priest dressed in gold and white robes stood in front of a shrine, waiting patiently. The rest of the royal family resided to the right of the priest. Shoto was mildly surprised his mother was standing so close to his father. He thought she looked serene in her pale blue gown and her hair braided back beneath her crown. She smiled ever so softly which Shoto returned.

Tenya, Izuku, and Fumikage joined the other men, finding their places. Shoto stepped up towards the priest. It was now that he noticed the Oshiro women standing to the priest's left. Dowager Queen Akemi was smiling politely, but it unsettled Shoto. Her smile reminded him of Hawks' fox-like smile. Her daughters were lined up beside her. They were young and pretty, and they all gawked at him. Shoto assumed they were staring at the burn on his face. Movement pulled his attention. The guests turned to face the hall entrance. Shoto followed everyone's gaze, and his eyes widened slightly.

Takara walked slowly down the aisle. Her dress was grand and red with gold and black embroidery. The collar was pulled back to reveal her shoulders. Her magenta hair was braided and coiled up on her head with decorative combs and pins. She walked like a princess. Her chin raised and her gold eyes fierce with confidence. There was something about her that made him...curious. Was it her beauty? Was it her unwavering gaze? She didn't look like a woman about to marry. She looked like she was preparing for a fight. Shoto snapped to attention. Takara had reached the bottom of the steps and she was bowing, waiting. He held out his hand, providing the traditional invitation between man and his future wife.

She didn't hesitate, and accepted the invitation. Her hand was soft. He hadn't realized she was so small; she stood nearly a whole head shorter than him. The priest had begun the service, but he could hardly pay attention. Every so often he peeked over at her, and he found her doing the same. Her gaze had softened, and she ever so gently rubbed her thumb against his knuckle. She may be Prince Shoto's bride, but her family is a traitor to the crown. Shoto forced his attention forward. He needed to stay focused.

The fallen kingdom of Moreya...

Rurina sat in the middle of the couch and read the letter addressed to Torashi. He was pacing around the room, kicking the furniture around and throwing books against the wall. Once she finished reading, she folded the letter back up and exhaled. "She's marrying Enji's youngest son...so what? How does this change your plans?"

"That's not the point!" He kicked the desk farther across the room. "This is a betrayal, Rurina! My mother-your grandmother and my sisters! Gah!"

He picked up a vase and hurled it out the window. Rurina watched him with mild worry. "Did you ever stop to think Grandmother might want this to happen?"

"She would never accept peace with the fucking Todorokis! She would never let one of us marry them! She's lost her goddamn mind!" He suddenly froze. "My mother has abandoned us. She thinks our cause is lost. She...she must no longer believe in us."

Rurina got up and went to her uncle. "I know you're upset, Uncle, but Grandmother wouldn't give up so easily. She must have a plan. Think about it...Takara could be our way in through the southern province."

"With what army?" he seethed. "All for One refused my offer. He'd rather you be a soldier than a wife to his successor. How am I supposed to guarantee our alliance without a marriage?!"

"You need to have more faith, Uncle," she said. "I will gain favor with Shigaraki soon enough."

His glare intensified. "Are you sleeping with him?!"

"No. That's not how I..." She rolled her eyes. "Let me prove myself to them, Uncle. You've done so much for the family, for your claim. I'm asking you to trust me."

Torashi continued to glare, but some of his anger subsided. He shoved her hands off and growled as he headed to the door. "Fine. We'll do it your way. But if they don't honor their word...they're dead, do you understand me?!"

Rurina's eyes darkened. "I understand, Uncle."

Prince Shoto's rooms, Golden Palace of Kashima, Amaterasu...

Takara felt like her heart was going to burst from her chest. She hoped the handmaids couldn't tell how nervous she was. They were polite and swift in removing her dress and putting her in her First Night clothes. A simple white robe tied at her waist with a black and red sash. Her hair was uncoiled and unbraided, and her scalp ached with relief. The door opened and Prince Shoto entered. Takara remained by the fireplace as she handmaids all bowed and left. She wringed her hands nervously then took a deep breath to calm herself. She turned around and bowed. "Prince Shoto."

"Princess Takara," he greeted.

She found herself surprised by the sound of his voice. At the reception, they hadn't said a word to each other. The guests kept them apart. She pointed to the table. "Do you want some wine?"

"No, thank you."

"Water?"

"No."

"Food?"

"No."

Takara glanced at the bed and pointed. "Do you want to go to bed?"

"Our marriage isn't official until we consummate it."

Takara nearly scoffed at his seriousness. She shrugged, accepting his statement, and walked up to him. He almost took a step back from her proximity. She began untying his sash, and he grabbed her wrists. "What're you doing?"

"First Night," she said. "It's tradition for the wife to undress her husband for the...consummation."

"I can undress myself."

Takara searched his gaze, her confusion growing. "I'm sorry. I just-I was following...nevermind."

She let go and he released her. She went to the bed and sat down. Shoto said nothing as he began undressing. He tossed his clothes on the chair beside the table. Takara watched him as she thought. He wasn't like she expected. Not fiery and cruel, but cold and distant. During the ceremony, she thought she had a moment. A silent, intimate exchange, but he broke it. "I was wondering...how'd you get that burn on your face?"

Shoto paused in the middle of removing his shirt. He glanced over his shoulder at her. After a moment, he turned away and continued taking off his shirt. "My mother poured hot water on my face."

"Your mother? Why would she do that?"

"I'm sure you've heard the stories," he said. "My father wanted to start a revolt against your family, but he needed allies. He could've chosen anyone, really. But he chose my mother. She had everything he needed: wealth, an army, a powerful Quirk..."

Takara listened patiently and carefully as he spoke. He kept his back to her, but she could sense the waves of emotions rolling off of him. "People know my father can be cruel to his enemies," he continued, "what they don't know is that he's crueler to his family. My mother has endured war and a man who solely sees her as a means to an end. He is the only thing she's truly afraid of. People can only bend so far before they break. My left side is a constant reminder of my father in her eyes. One day...she couldn't take it."

"Your mother did that to you...and yet, you smiled at her throughout the night."

"It's not her fault she's married to a monster," he snapped. He turned to face her. His eyes burning with anger. "Is this what you wanted? To make me angry? To see if I'm as evil as my father?"

"We've been betrothed for three years and our families have been at war for thirty." She folded her arms over her chest. "I'm just trying to get to know you. Since I was 'collected' from exile, I've been told countless times how lucky I am that the king showed me and my family mercy. That I should be grateful in bringing peace to the kingdom."

"You should be," he said. "Otherwise, you would've suffered a traitor's death."

Takara snorted. "Strangest thing about your father: he despises the Oshiro Clan more than anyone and yet he desires my power and my ability to produce children with you. He won't kill me. Because that's all I am, right? A means to an end."

Shoto blinked in surprise, his glare softening a bit. He walked over to her. "I'll be honest with you. You're not what I expected."

"What did you expect?"

"Malice...anger, I suppose. I've only had to rely on what I've heard about your family. And I'm sure you've had to do the same." He hesitantly placed his hand on her knee. "But I get it. You want a fresh start. To honor the peace we're supposed to bring."

Takara nodded. "It's all I want. To make the best of this." She gestured between them. "I don't know if we can be happy or even friends, but shouldn't we at least try? Can we?"

Shoto didn't know how to respond. He was so unsure of many things. He did want to try, but he wasn't sure if he should. "Lie back."

Takara exhaled in disappointment, but said nothing as she scooted back and laid down on the bed. Shoto crawled onto the bed as well, on top of her. Takara instinctively put her hands on his chest. He was heavy, and she could barely breathe beneath him. Shoto slid his hand down between them. As he entered her, Takara groaned only once. It was an unusual pain, but the feeling of him inside awakened some unfamiliar, almost primal, desire within her. Her senses heightened. The softness of his skin, the wisps of his breath on her neck, the smell of his sweat...it was overwhelming and enticing all in one. Shoto moved in a slow, steady rhythm. With each thrust, Takara felt the pain subside and turn into ripples of pleasure. It did feel nice...but she couldn't breathe. "Shoto," she whispered. "You're crushing me."

He propped himself up on his elbows, and Takara sighed in relief. Shoto kept his face turned away, his thrusts still steady. He'll take control, but there will be a moment when you can take it from him. Takara slid her hands down his chest to his waist. She pulled her knees back to plant her feet, and began moving her hips in sync with his. She slid her hands down to his hips, pulling him closer and deeper with each thrust. Takara bit her lip, focusing on the growing pleasure rather than the pain. Shoto turned to gaze down at her. He searched her eyes, seeing the silent plea. To reciprocate her desire. He surrendered before he knew it, thrusting harder and faster. He pressed his forehead against hers. She squirmed beneath him. Her moans fueled him. His mouth hovered over hers. She wanted him to kiss her, to feel the softness of his lips, the taste of his tongue. She craned her neck up and pressed her lips against his, waiting for him to make the final move. Then he suddenly went rigid. Shoto buried his face in her neck and held onto her tight as he came.

They laid there. Their heavy breathing overpowering the crackling of the firewood. After a long moment, Shoto pulled out and plopped down beside her, pulling his pants back up. Takara felt her legs shake. Her hips ached as well, but it didn't bother her. She remembered her mother's words, and pulled her knees to her chest, hugging her legs. Shoto noticed this. "What're you doing?"

"Chances are better if I stay like this," she whispered.

Shoto watched her as he breathing seemed to calm. "I didn't know...I didn't know women enjoyed it."

"I didn't either," she confessed. "Well, I was told it feels nice, but...that was different. It was..."

"Amazing." Shoto propped himself up on his elbow. He slid his hand around her cheek and leaned down, kissing her. It was sensual and sweet. He didn't feel love, but he felt something beginning to grow. Like a seed sprouting, breaking through the dirt. "Yes."

"Yes what?"

He gently caressed her cheek with his thumb. "We can try to be happy."

end of chapter 1