A/N: Just a random update for all of you who still faithfully follow :3


MARYLOVER- Nope, back story on how and why will be later. As for now, we'll enjoy the present.

baka blue fox- Oh yes, I like my thrill… in every scenario it seems after looking all my works XD

Moonlessroad- Well unexpected is best sometimes.

MikiYuri- Because I'm me, obviously XD

Millenium Snow- Yes, it's about time to introduce the chemistry.


Yoshiwara

Rated: M (Especially this chapter)

Summary: [AU] Sold into Yoshiwara, Ryoma learns that to survive here he must climb in a world where money, manipulation and betrayals is the key to the top.


Chapter IV: Charm

Recap

Ryoma didn't back down. Rather, he finished the distance and placed his smooth lips on Fuji's initiating the kiss. He tilted his head and opened his lips; forcing Fuji's open at the same time before he probed into Fuji's mouth with his tongue. He was going to test the chemistry and see if there would be any benefits to him. Surprisingly, desire course through him and curled seductively in his belly. It seemed there was definitely something that could be pried as he deepened the kiss only to pull away suddenly before his "partner" furthered the desire meter.

"Ten gold ryo's." Ryoma said suddenly as he wiped the wetness from his lips.

"Done," Fuji uttered and covered Ryoma's mouth with his own again. He wasn't about to let the momentum drop.

Edo

Yoshiwara

Kirihara

Kirihara smiled as he slipped the money into the front safe. It had been a long while since Ryoma had allowed him to greet and serve customers as wel as negotiate prices. The longest shift he'd have without the Kaichou actually and that could only mean the Kaichou was starting to trust him more! He was pretty sure he dealt well with every negotiation and he could even proudly say he had Ryoma's strictness and seemed pretty intimidating.

"Mada mada dane!"

Kirihara snapped out of his gloating stupor to see one of the young geishas walking by with a knowing look of what his thoughts were on.

"Kaichou believes in me," Kirihara said smugly to her. He wasn't going to let anything dampen his mood of victory!

"You're way too young to imitate kaichou," She proclaimed with a smile. "He's smoother than that.

"Get to work!" Kirihara said with a frown.

"Hai, hai!" she said and disappeared down the hall.

"Ano…"

Kirihara turned and inhaled sharply at the crowd in front of him. The samurai's all looked intimidating to the bone. They had the look of someone who had killed many times before in their eyes… something the kaichou had when he didn't bother glazing it over.

"Are you the kaichou here at Tsukihana," One of the men stepped up to say.

Kirihara shook his head though he tried to swallow the fear and fierce presence these men seemed to emit.

"Kayu… go get the kaichou!"

Edo

Yoshiwara

Ryoma

Ryoma allowed Fuji to crawl over him in their fight for power to control the kiss. He wasn't adverse to this at all if he could think straight about it. It had been a while since he had offered himself but his body remembered what it liked when he did let his hormones reign.

He could feel himself strain slightly as Fuji hovered over him so far that the edge of his still unbound haori brushed the front of his yukata. Ryoma smiled as Fuji pulled away to breathe. He edged his leg up slightly to trail the hardened tip of Fuji's penis that was apparent through his kimono.

"You any good at this kaichou?" Fuji uttered pressing his forehead onto Ryoma's.

"Very," Ryoma said confidently.

Fuji chuckled and sat back to stare at Ryoma. "You are as confident as your Oiran!"

"Tsukihana is built on the confidence of the owner and top prize," Ryoma said with slight arrogance.

"So, what kind of skills do you have with that size?" Ryoma asked eyeing Fuji's good with an appreciative eye. Though the man was slim, he looked well-endowed from the looks of it.

"All kinds to make you beg and want more," Fuji assured as he moved forward once more to hover over Ryoma who lay flat on his back on the futon.

"Mada mada…" Ryoma uttered before Fuji covered his mouth once more in a drugging kiss. Ryoma dug his hand into Fuji's hair to deepen the kiss and felt the tip of Fuii's fingers trailing his kimono to find the entrance. Ryoma adjusted slightly to allow him to untie the barriers between them. He was eager to see if Fuji could fall through as he said he would.

"Impatient much?" Fuji chuckled into Ryoma's ear as Ryoma snaked his hands into Fuji's loose haori and kimono.

"Maybe?" Ryoma said with a half-smile as he bit his bottom lip sensually while lowering his eyes. It was something he picked up from Ayu.

Fuji merely watched interested that this male could move so sensually and yet enchantingly beautiful. He was captured by the smooth pale skin of Ryoma's chest as it moved from his breath. Those golden eyes half lidded in desire were all his and Fuji reached over to brush his dark green hair back to reveal a perfectly adorable face. Fuji trailed a finger into his mouth and watched mesmerized by how Ryoma sucked on it softly yet firmly. He was a little treasure that Fuji was more than willing to explore. He reached lower and brushed his thumb over Ryoma's pale nipple in appreciation. He watched as they pinked from his touch and as Ryoma squirmed, one hand drifted lower until it gripped his penis.

Ryoma let out a low moan and Fuji felt his member twitch in response to such a sweet voice. He wanted to hear more so he stroked it softly watching Ryoma arch slightly in want. It was wondrous to see how Ryoma reacted with each stroke, each twitch, each-

"Enough," Ryoma said roughly pulling away to roll away.

Fuji pinned him halfway through his roll and trailed a hand over his ass in anticipation of how it was perfectly shaped and tight.

Ryoma reacted slightly as his hand trailed the crack downward where it circled his ass before dipping in slightly to the entrance. He teased Ryoma and each time he fooled Ryoma into thinking they were going to start the best part, he found himself that much more excited.

Ryoma bit his lip in frustration at being played with. He finally had enough as he pulled himself face down onto the futon and moaned sexily into it. His ass raised an inch in pleasure and as his legs split to keep it slightly raised he could hear the sharp intake behind him.

'Check!" Ryoma thought in happiness. Ryoma swallowed the first painful pleasurably stroke as one finger entered him moistly. It seemed the game had been upped.

Fuji nearly came seeing such a pose and yet he withheld it and stuff a finger into his mouth. He then pushed it into Ryoma's tight ring and watched as the male seemed to melt. It was such a pleasurable experience and yet his own member ached wanting to enter, wanting to experience everything that was being promised and-

Fuji eyes snapped open as Ryoma turned suddenly and pushed him onto the futon with his weight. He landed on his back and watched as a sensual Ryoma crawled on top of him and dropped suddenly lower. Fuji pushed himself up on his elbows only in time to see his entire member disappear into Ryoma's naughty mouth. He couldn't help but moved his hips upward to push more of his member into the hot and wet abyss.

Ryoma's mouth was sinfully good.

Edo

Yoshiwara

Yuuta

Yuuta smiled as he pulled her closer. He was intrigued by the rules set here. It was as if the wall that separated Yoshiwara from the rest of Edo was a different world. Sakuya was funny and sweet. He wanted to do more than talk and have her serve tea, he wanted to have her but she was as strict as the kaichou who led him here.

"Sakuya…" Yuuta coaxed trailing his lips down her throat. "Just one kiss."

"You said that earlier," Sakuya reminded him. Though she said that, he saw the way her eyes softened and she leaned towards him. He captured her lips once more and evaded softly. He could only think that she liked him as well because she clung to him in want and his hand roved over her kimono. He could feel her slightly hardened nipples through both her kimono and her undergarment. He rubbed and grabbed them thorough her kimono causing her breath to shorten. He didn't care that he was dancing on the line, he wanted her.

Edo

Yoshiwara

Fuji

Ryoma rolled over and started to dress immediately. Fuji noted that he neither grimace in discomfort or seemed sore after being used so roughly by him.

"Where do you think you're going?" Fuji asked seeing Ryoma dress in record time. He had never seen someone so agile after being bottomed as well as he was sure he bottomed Ryoma.

"I have work to do Fuji-dono," Ryoma said with a small smirk. "I don't get time off."

"What if I wanted one more round?" Fuji asked watching Ryoma brush his hair back sexily.

"You only paid for once," Ryoma said bluntly and was getting ready on heading out when a tap at the door brought his attention to it.

"Yes?" Ryoma asked opening the door. He had been gone too long from his job because of Fuji.

"There's people Aka-nii said you have to see," The boy said.

Ryoma nodded and bent to pat the boy on the head. He uttered something for the boy before he disappeared without a second glance back at Fuji who had also sat and started to dress.

"Kaichou said to get you some sake and escort you to your brother." The boy said waiting at the door.

"Fine," Fuji said and continued to get dressed. If he was getting ditched because of work then he might as well leave since he was more than satisfied at this place.

Edo

Yoshiwara

Ryoma

Ryoma entered into the waiting room and noted Kirihara there with geisha's entertaining the guests. It seemed there were two males of importance and almost a dozen samurais that came with. He nodded at Kirihara before he approached the two. One was older and was a bit pudgy in the middle but he was smiling and flirting with the Geisha's who dutifully entertained them with an intricate fan dance. The other sat quietly and viewed things around the room.

"How can I be of service to both of you?" Ryoma asked with a respectful bow to both. Even with his network he hadn't seen them before.

"Ah, you must be the kaichou!" The friendlier one said with a smile.

"That I am," Ryoma said with a slight smile. "I take it Tsukihana's reputation has interested you?"

The man nodded instantly. "We've come recently from Kyoto where Shimabara has been a good spot for us. I am Kawada. I served the emperor and act as a go-between from him to the Shogun. This is Shogun's youngest Daimyo, Matsumoto."

"It is Tsukihana's pleasure to serve the both of you then," Ryoma said with another bow. "Please, if there is any you may have liked-"

"There was one face I saw from outside that I liked." Kawada said immediately.

"Care to describe her?" Ryoma asked with a smile towards the eager man.

"She was wearing green and had a warm face," Kawada said. "She reminds me slightly of some of my favorites in Shimabara."

Ryoma nodded. "I will make sure that you are both pleased with this visit then."

"I hope the most popular teahouse in Edo won't disappoint as well." Kawada stated.

Ryoma nodded and opened the door to usher them out. "I will make sure both of you meet Tsukihana's Ayu-hime."

"Ah, we have heard a bit about her even from as far as Kyoto," Kawada said with a nod as he exited the room.

"Really?" Kirihara asked softly form behind Ryoma.

"Aa," Ryoma uttered. He could tell Kawada would be easily entertained as well as the accompanying samurai's. The problem lay in the uninterested one who was introduced as Matsumoto. He would have to have Ayu try to keep these clients.

After getting them into the room. Ryoma turned to order Kirihara to bring Saki, and a few hashi-joros for the samurais to play with. He was about to return to tell them that it would only be a second, Matsumoto approached him and asked where the bathroom was while handing him a coin.

Ryoma almost lifted a brow until he noted what kind of coin it was. Returning the coin, he led the way.

"Right this way." Ryoma said and walked wordlessly down two different hallways. They passed an inner garden before Ryoma knocked lightly on a door before opening it.

"Your guest," Ryoma said looking at the four who already occupied the room. He nodded at Tezuka, Atobe, Sanada and Yukimura before he allowed Matsumoto through.

"Renji!" Yukimura greeted. "Come in."

"The servant outside will guide you back," Ryoma informed the quiet man.

"Thank you," he finally uttered and went towards the four that were already seated at the table.

Ryoma listened no more as he shut the door and backed away. He had no need to know what they talked of since it would be leaked to him later. If anything, Ryoma always knew what was going on in his place. Turning down another hall to tell a servant to bring tea and sake up to the Ume room, he ran into Hana and stopped her.

"Hana, where is Oiran right now?" Ryoma questioned Ayu's young attendant.

"Ayu-nee is resting," Hana said completing her bow to Ryoma.

"Tell her that she is needed again in the Ume room for the night." Ryoma ordered. "Her charm is needed for one of the customers tonight.

Edo

Yoshiwara

Ayu

Ayu fingers skimmed the kanzashi that she hated yet loved. He had left her hours ago yet her heart ached with longing and pain. She slowly turned her head and looked out the window and up to the stars that were fading. The sky was already beginning to lighten to begin a new day and yet her heart hadn't let go of his warmth and touch, her mind had not forgotten his lies and her skin still burned from his touch… she needed to let it go.

"Oiran?"

"Hm?" She answered more from consistence of the task rather than the feeling of wanting to answer.

"There is another party at the door who seems pretty important." Hana, her kamuro said through the fusuma.

"Isn't it late enough for me to call it off?" Ayu asked sitting up with a sigh. Surely there was no more than two hours left before night shift was done.

"Kaichou requested your acceptance," Hana said after a moment's hesitation.

Ayu bit back an unladylike curse and rose from her futon to open the fusuma though her kimono hung open. She ushered Hana in to clean up her futon and headed wordlessly to the basin in another discreet room for her personal use. She lifted the bamboo ladle and thought of the irony that to use a bamboo ladle was to cleanse the mouth and hands with the water it provided. It was to purify one's mind and body and yet each time she had to do this, it only made her feel as if she was lying to herself sometimes.

She washed herself quickly as she worked around her kamuros who were removing her outer kimono and hiyoko( under kimono). She stood still as they layered new kimonos on her before she moved to her vanity and looked at herself. Her violet eyes hid her fatigue well though she had a long day already. She pushed her kanzashis into place and viewed her face carefully.

Her appearance would not only represent Tsukihana, it represented everything Ryoma and she fought for. Perfection was everything to her no matter how tired she was, she was a professional, she was Ayu-hime.

"Sakuya?" Ayu asked looking at her attendants in question.

"Kaichou had her entertaining another hours ago but I think she is still with him." Hana replied with a bow of respect for her nee-san.

Ayu nodded and glided to the door which another kamuro slid open for her. It seemed it was time to make another appearance.

Edo

Yoshiwara

"So we heard that this was a nice spot to see the princess of the night," The elder man said looking at Ayu in appreciation though his hands were already all over Saki.

Saki hadn't seemed to mind either since it seemed he was a rich man. Ayu merely smiled and poured the tea for the old man politely. It seemed he had come with a few samurai who were only here to guard him yet she didn't understand why she had to be present if Saki was more than satisfying to this old man who stared at her through his beady, drunk eyes. What had Ryoma wanted her to do?

She had been here for almost thirty minutes and all Kawada-dono had said was he was waiting for a fellow daimyo to catch up and meet him here.

"You are beautiful as well my flower," He uttered into Saki's hair as she giggled softly. She smiled slyly at Ayu but she didn't care. She wasn't jealous of getting that old man, she'd ask Ryoma who he was that made it so important to include her on the introduction later.

"Kawada-dono…" a voice sounded and entered the room suddenly.

"Really Matsumoto," He chided. "Be more respectful, we have Yoshiwara's hime with us!"

"Sumane (I'm sorry)" He said softly and took a seat between Ayu and Kawada. He set his katana down lightly and Kawada sat upright taking his arm off Saki. She seemed slightly embarrassed with her actions after seeing how good looking this newcomer was.

"Oiran, may I present the shogun's youngest daimyo's to you," Kawada said with a grin. "This is Matsumoto Renji and this is our first time in Tsukihana."

"Now why is it that someone so esteemed as you Kawada-dono and Matsumoto-dono have not ventured here before?" Ayu asked placing a new cup in front of the newcomer.

"We've been stationed in Kyoto," he explained. "It has only been recently that we've been appointed here in Edo."

"I see," Ayu said with a smile to both. "Then we shall do our best to entertain you and make you not regret this transfer."

"What if I told you I regret it?"

"Then I will tell you that you have not been tempted," Ayu said with a slightly alluring smile.

Kawada laughed and emptied his sake with one gulp. "You really are something! Just as good at Hana, my Tayuu(equivalent to Oiran) from Shimabara( Kyoto's designated courtesan district) right Matsumoto?"

"Of course Kawada-dono," he answered politely though Ayu could tell from his tone that it was only a reply of respect rather than actual agreement.

"The time is already late and I want to be with Saki," Kawada said pulling Saki close again though now it seemed she wasn't all too interested in bedding the old man. "Not that meeting you wasn't worth it Oiran…I merely prefer plumper woman with warmth."

"No offense taken Kawada-dono, please; enjoy yourself here." Ayu said with a warm smile before she turned her head to the man who had walked in fashionably late.

"Shall we head to my parlor?" Ayu stated more then asked after Kawada and Saki got up to go to the adjacent room. It seemed she would have to take care of this one if Saki was to care for the other.

He merely nodded and stood to assist her up as well.

"Domo," Ayu uttered softly and walked through the door that her kamuro had opened. Kirihara had been waiting outside and guided them to her room with a smile. He was well rewarded when Matsumoto placed A few ryos in his hand in thanks. The few samurais that followed them settled into her parlor where Sakuya had seemed to find her way back and was settled there. Ayu merely gave her a look where she ushered the samurais in to have some tea while she handed a spare set to Hana who had come in with them. Misa bent to open the fusuma separating her bedroom from her parlor for both Oiran and Matsumoto. Hana fell in line to enter as well and set the tea set down on the side where a fresh futon lay in wait in the candlelight by the table. Hana bowed and left the room before Misa shut the fusuma completely.

"You have a spacious room." He commented looking at how her room was artfully arranged and seemed welcoming enough.

"I am Oiran," Ayu teased as she slid the door leading to the balcony open just enough to let in a cool breeze before she turned to sit beside him gracefully. She busied herself by pouring both of them tea before she finally raised her gaze to study him as he accepted his cup from her.

His clean cut face seemed so serious, but his hair that fell over his forehead made him look a touch approachable and handsome despite the serious set his jaw seemed to have.

He met her gaze and both continued to stare as if weighing the strength in each other silently. She didn't drop her gaze until his seemed to drop to his cup that he held. She took the time to refill his cup and turned her head to the window.

"Do you want to be free?" He asked suddenly.

It had attracted him that she didn't talk unnecessarily nor did she as suggest things as woman in her line of work did. So when instead of coaxing him as many woman often did so he'd bed them; she stared out her window and attracted his attention.

"Why do you ask that Matsumoto-dono?" Ayu asked turning her head back to face him with a teasing smile.

"You looked out the window," He explained. "Kind of like a bird staring out of its birdcage."

"What If I wanted to be in this birdcage?" Ayu asked looking him in his eyes.

"Why would you say that?" Matsumoto asked.

"If you could be anything Matsumoto-dono, would you be yourself?" Ayu asked shifting herself so elegantly as if she wasn't weighed down with her kimonos.

"I've never thought of that," Matsumoto admitted. Setting his cup half full onto the table.

"Then you haven't had enough time to yourself yet," Ayu said with a small smile. "Can I tempt you to allow me a single embrace for such a day?"

He nodded wondering what kind of temptation she was using. Though she was straightforward and didn't bother with luring him in, her grace and surprising questions seemed to trap him into those violet eyes that seemed to understand him so much.

Her eyes softened and she shifted ever so slightly to close the distance between them. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes willing the ache in her heart away. She had tried to forget the man she had been in this very room with a few hours ago, tried to focus and be "Ayu-hime" but his appearance had been too much. She borrowed this man, whom she barely knew, shoulder for strength as she tried to place her emotions in check.

Her eyes opened as she felt his arm wrap around her lightly. She wondered why men could only evoke such comfort during such times. Her hand moved and skimmed its way from the side of her body and up to his chest. She could only offer him herself during a time like this.

She could refuse because she was Oiran, talked instead of played, danced instead of tempt but at this moment she wanted to wash away the memories.

He didn't speak. He just watched her in curiosity as she shifted in his arms to accommodate his comfort. Unlike the many Zashiki's he's had in Kyoto before, she was graceful during this time instead of demanding, she moved instead of allowing him to do as he pleased. She removed her head from his shoulder and looked at him almost curiously as well.

Ayu couldn't read his face as well as she could another male but she was able to distinguish that he wasn't opposed to her presence in his space. He hadn't tensed but what intrigued her was the fact that he didn't attack her as many males would do in this situation, instead he waited to see what she could do.

Was he testing her skills as Yoshiwara's best?

Ayu wouldn't disappoint. She made her decision as she stood and pulled him ever so slightly to the futon waiting. She thought she felt his reluctance at first but he stood and followed. She kneeled softly and glanced up to see him slowly lower himself onto the futon as well. She didn't miss the fact that he had brought his sword as well and was leaving it close beside him.

Ayu smiled softly knowing habit was everything in a male and only the most diligent ones like Matsumoto-dono wouldn't allow a woman to dull his better judgment in any situation. She shifted again to allow him to stretch his legs across the futon before she leaned over and ran a hand down the side of his face. He was as handsome as she predicted from her glance earlier. She decided to be bolder still and shifted her leg out of kimonos and over his so she could straddle him. She kept her eyes on his and though she noted his eyes darkened momentarily when she settled onto his lap, she knew he was still watching, still waiting to see if she would grow bolder or wait for him to take over.

She was never one to wait. It was a bad thing Ryoga had told her once but Ayu knew it as her impatience at certain things that produced results in her life as well.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and lowered her eyes to center on his unmoving lips. She tilted her head just enough to press her soft lips to his and as she opened her lips over his, she moved his open to accept her attack and lock their lips. It was a bit refreshing getting to dictate in the beginning rather than having to manipulate in-between to receive pleasure she'd enjoy.

Her lips moved softly against his softening ones and she coaxed his response by exerting more pressure with each light kiss she placed on his lips. He breathed onto her lips and she responded by opening her lips slightly to cover his once more. She sucked his bottom lip softly before her tongue slipped into his open mouth to taste.

He surprised her by participating. He wrapped his tongue over hers as well and she responded by allowing him that much. She rubbed her tongue against his and moved her lips across his as she shifted her head to the other side so they could kiss better. Her hands dragged themselves into his hair while she pressed harder against the rising heat under her.

He broke the kiss and brought his lips to her neck in want. She accommodated him by shifting her head upward to allow his lips free reign. She rubbed him through his hakama harder feeling his need build under her. One of her hands dropped from his hair and into his haori to grip his shoulder lightly through his kimono. He had started to respond and was lifting in mock thrusts to meet her. She knew he was more than willing when his hands reached up and pulled her kimonos open to reveal her breasts. It loosened her obi but she didn't care.

She didn't know why but the way he didn't speak attracted her. The way his eyes merely darkened at seeing her naked breasts was more satisfying then a man viciously fondling them and telling her how beautiful she was. She bit back a gasp as his hands traced her breasts before cupping them gently. She inhaled sharply as he suddenly moved and she was flat on her back with him on top and between her legs. He was fast and gentle, something she hadn't had in a long time.

His lips kissed her nipple and she arched in response. Her hands pulled his haori off as he continued to loosen her kimonos. He didn't stop till she only had her kimonos draped on her arms and her body bare to his touch and look. She didn't stop till he was completely bare in front of her and straining on her belly for entry.

She moaned softly as continued to massage her breasts and tease her by placing himself at her entrance, yet he didn't enter. She raked her nails across his back in pleasure as he sucked her nipple softy while his tongue twisted it in his hot mouth. She wouldn't fail though. She twisted in his grasp until she could reach his hot member and she held it tight. Her hand pulled gently at his hard, throbbing member and she smiled softly hearing his groan of his pleasure.

She wouldn't be doing her job if she didn't get to hear his voice. She wanted to see him lose himself, she wanted to see what kind of man he was when he wasn't so serious. A shiver shot down her as his lips claimed hers hungrily again as he tried to remove her hand from his straining member that was beginning to drip from his excitement. She wouldn't let go. She tightened her hold and stroked it lovingly as her thumb rubbed the head gently but with enough pressure to feel his pre-cum drip I want.

She was ready for him to take everything. Her body buzzed in wait of him and yet he waited as he lifted her off the futon to sit up with him to her surprise. He furthered surprised her as he proceeded to remove every kanzashi in her hair until her hair flowed down freely with only two combs holding her bangs back.

"Matsumoto…" Ayu uttered not understanding. She let go of his straining member and paced her hands on his shoulder loosely.

"Renji," he corrected as his eyes roved her face surrounded by her hair. He removed the combs holding her hair back and his breath caught at how simple yet alluring she could be. She was worthy of her title, he was absolutely sure of it now.

"Ren…ji" She uttered tightening her hands onto his shoulder harder to steady herself.

"Right," he uttered before he covered her lips with his and he drew his thumb over her clit rough enough for her to jolt against his hand in want. Her face twisted away as she dropped back onto the futon with a gasp.

Ayu almost blushed as she felt her wetness on his fingers. She had forgotten to make sure he was enjoying himself and instead enjoyed herself first. Her eyes met his and he smiled. Her heart nearly stopped at seeing him smile. He really should do it more often since it made him even more appealing then when he looked so serious.

A soft scowl crossed her face as her eyebrows scrunched that she had failed to see to her client's pleasure.

Ayu pressed her lips together in disappointment at herself for removing her mask when she realized his eyes slowly seemed to laugh at seeing Yoshiwara's hime look so inelegant.

"I-" She started only to feel his lips skim hers softly.

"Come for me," He uttered against her lips before his fingers plunged into her wet heat.

She wrapped her arms around him and fell into his spell. She didn't know he was thinking the exact same thing as he watched those violet eyes of hers stare only at him as if he was the only one. Why was she so charming?

Edo

Yoshiwara

Saki

Saki frowned as she rolled away from the older man snoring away. She had thought it was the best choice to have this man who held an esteemed position for the Shogun but as usual Oiran bested her. She had made no move to take him but she had thought it was because Oiran had too much pride to bend and try to steal Kawada from her. She regretted being too hasty for the younger man despite the serious nature he had on his face was much better looking in retrospect to this older man. To make it worse, she had just found out that Kawada not only like to boast while pumping into her, he revealed that he wasn't a daimyo like Matsumoto.

Saki removed a napkin from under the pillow to clean the mess between her legs silently as she wondered if she could sneak out and leave this lug to leave by himself.

"Saki-chan…"

Saki turned with a smile on her face and faced Kawada.

"What is it Kawada-dono?" She asked submissively.

"I have need once more," He said through his sleepy haze as he dragged her back to his side with a hard tug.

"It is time for you to leave," Saki protested. "Tsukihana is closing and Kaichou will be here soon."

"Then give me what you can," Kawada commanded pulling her close for a kiss anyways. He was going to get every pennies worth since he hated more than anything to part with good money that wasn't well spent.

Edo

Yoshiwara

Ryoma

Ryoma headed around with Kirihara and many of the male workers to get their customers to leave. It was late enough to close and Ryoma knew everyone was tired. Hell, he was tired.

It had been a while since he had been handed his ass that well with someone he barely knew. Still, it wasn't regret with him, it was satisfaction. It had been good no matter how rough and unexpected it had been… Fuji-san had surprised him.

"Kaichou?"

Ryoma zoned back in to see Kirihara in front of him.

"What is it?"

"Yukimura…"

"Last as usual," Ryoma said quickly before continuing. Atobe and Tezuka had left earlier and everything that went on in Tsukihana he was always aware about. He was quite aware that those two met often enough to be planning the Shogun's war for him. Still, it put Tsukihana at risk if the rebellion knew that official meetings took place behind a clandestine place for lovers and pleasure. If only the pay wasn't so well from those two…

"Kawada-dono," Ryoma greeted as the older man exited the room where Saki and her kamuro was bent in a bowing position to send him off.

"Wonderful place kaichou!" Kawada said dropping two gold ryo's into Ryoma's hand. "I will definitely be back."

"I'm glad to hear that." Ryoma said with a bow to Kawada.

"Is Matsumoto down yet?" Kawada asked one of his samurai's, "or is Oiran too good?"

"He will be there shortly Kawada-dono." The samurai said before turning to head to Ayu's rooms in search of Matsumoto.

Ryoma wondered if he'd be seeing more of these two guests though. It seemed Matsumoto was a fellow Daimyo who met with the other four here but there was even things he did not know fully. He wondered if the serious man had been able to relax with Ayu. He had specifically ordered Ayu to be present for both because he knew with one look that Matsumoto would be harder to please then the usual officers and Daimyos that frequented Tsukihana.

Edo

Yoshiwara

Ayu

Matsumoto stared at Yoshiwara's hime lying beside him. Her hair was in disarray from his work, and her bottom lip disappeared into her mouth as she lay in thoughts beside him. He wondered if she realized her finger was unconsciously trailing the futon beside him. Still, he couldn't help but stare at her and wonder how those violet eyes could be so perfect.

Ayu turned slightly and caught his look. She had felt his gaze and wanted to be wrong that he was looking but she'd be right. She smiled as she shifted up and pulled her kimonos over her shoulder when she heard the discreet tap on the fusuma.

"It's about time for you to leave Matsumoto-dono." Ayu said softly as she closed her kimono. She turned her head back over her shoulder to watch as he rose from the futon to sit as well. She tied her Obi quickly and placed one of her combs she found at the side of the futon back into her hair to hold her bangs back temporarily. Quickly, she rose to grab his haori from the floor.

"Shall I?" Ayu inquired after watching his refasten his kimono and hakama.

He didn't speak but she understood seeing his slight nod. She slipped his haori over his shoulders and proceeded to fix it as she did Ryoma. She felt his gaze on her again but she refused to meet it. There was something about him and the things she had slipped on that made her embarrassed. Her plan had been to fill her head with her job but it had worked all too well. She couldn't remember anything that had happened with Takahashi because her mind had been completely filled with Matsumoto. She hadn't felt this taken aback since her first year after debut. Back then she had been taught a lot but after so many years, she didn't think there was anything else to learn for this… she was wrong.

She finally glanced up when she realized she was still running her hand to straighten his haori which had already been more than straightened now. She met his dark gaze with no words as well but they seemed to understand each other. They had been satisfied and that was the most important aspect to their meeting tonight.

"I.." Ayu started but his head dipped and she felt his hand run through her hair. His lips touched hers and she responded placing a hand on his chest while opening her lips for him. They kissed softly but that built up suddenly and soon she felt the sheath of his katana against her side as they continued to move closer.

"Oiran?"

Ayu pulled away recognizing Ryoma's voice and she stepped back wiping the trail of salvia away from her mouth. She straightened up and cleared her throat as a signal for her kamuro to pull open the fusuma. When it did move. Ryoma was there with Kirihara and Kawada-dono was outside her parlor door waiting with the samurai's.

"Maybe next time I'll see you again Matsumoto-dono," Ayu said formally though her affection showed slightly.

"Thank you for your time," Matsumoto merely said and stepped passed her with a nod to Kirihara while handing Ryoma a drawstring purse before walking towards Kawada.

Kirihara hurried to show their guests out after seeing the look Ryoma sent him. Ryoma entered Ayu's room and shut the door behind him as he tilted his head slowly to stare at her in wonder.

"What?" Ayu asked pulling her kimono on tighter.

"Your hair," Ryoma said with a smirk. "It's never like that with others…"

"He was quite passionate about undoing my hair," Ayu said turning away. "Go away Ryoma, I'm tired."

Ryoma chuckled as he pulled her back tightly against him before he leaned his chin on her shoulder.

"You, my love look thoroughly used and satisfied."

Ayu stuck her tongue out childishly at Ryoma before wrestling out of his arms.

"Good night," Ryoma said with a rub to her head to make the comb fall out of her hair as well.

"Ryoma!" Ayu growled out.

He didn't answer as he saw a similar pouch by the futon as the one that he was handed minutes ago. Whatever she had done, Ryoma knew the Daimyo was well pleased from the weight of the bag when placed in his hand.

He had been doing this for years and he had learned the shape and weight of money as well as he knew the back of his hand. He continued on his way to the back. It was time to bother the demon and his partner.


A/N: That was a lot of sex but this is what Yoshiwara is about. XD

Next chapter we'll deal with the dangers of Yoshiwara and go more into detail on Ryoma's past as well as develop the ladies of the nights in Tsukihana's characters. Look forward to that and review please.