Author: Nami-chan.
Pairing: DateSana, MotoMoto, KojuSasu.
Disclaimers: I own nothing that my mind didn't provide
note : sorry no beta for this chapter
Dragon Tales
Chapter 12
If sometime before someone had told Yukimura that he'd be able to be blindly guided by someone other than his Oyakata-sama, no doubt it'd have angered him if he didn't burst out laughing first.
Except that he was there, being guided through a maze of unknown corridors, eyes covered by Masamune hot hands, plus their forced proximity raised in him embarrassing and strange sensations. The situation almost became oppressive.
"M-Masamune-dono, you don't need to hide my eyes I'd like to see where you are leading me." Yukimura finally decided to protest.
"No, there is nothing to see, I want you to just focus on what I want to show you." Masamune answered dryly.
Nothing to see? Yukimura wasn't really agreeing to that. From what he had seen after first entering the castle, he noticed an undeniable aesthetic, the old with the new mingled, sculptures and other traditional artwork enhanced by vegetation of the most beautiful gardens. Although the general architecture and the style were far from the castle of the Takeda clan, this view had fired some sort of feelings of nostalgia and familiarity in the young tiger ... maybe he had once known a similar place, but he couldn't tell where.
"How am I supposed to find my own way after?" Yukimura growled, knowing he could not go against the master of this place.
He didn't see Masamune scowled face nor he the rolling of his eye, this one dragon didn't wanted to say out loud something that might scare Yukimura or worse, help him to learn about his real intentions.
"Here we are." He said.
He took his time to release Yukimura eyes, his skin leaving halfheartedly the contact of the other's. Still, Masamune let out a chuckle when Yukimura body shuddered, missing the heat from Masamune.
Yukimura blinked, it was only after some seconds he registered where he was. Masamune had leaded him into a big room of at least twelve tatamis mats. He quickly made glanced around it under the dragon satisfied look , his mouth slightly open in astonishment, then Yukimura merely turned interrogative eye towards Masamune, not knowing what to ask.
"This is your room from now." Masamune ran a hand through his hair.
The room was beautiful, too beautiful to be that of a single hostage. Plus, it was twice the size of his room at Kai.
"It's too much ... even for a guest ... You're sure it's not your own room instead?" Yukimura asked, doubting.
Masamune burst out laughing, since when did he become so transparent to Yukimura?
"Even if I would be delighted that you share my bed, I decided to court you as you so nicely suggested to me, you see?"
Yukimura arched a dubious eyebrow, before shaking his head not attempting to learn more and returned to explore the room made available for him. Masamune shrugged, Yukimura didn't needed to know that this room was mostly a subterfuge for that the poor Kojuuro didn't catch any more white hair.
The walls were decorated with pattern painted in Chinese ink, on both rear door was represented four legendary animals, tiger, dragon, phoenix and the turtle. Even the beams were decorated with engravings. The furniture was also rich, consisting of a large cupboard of Chinese style, with many drawers in a corner there were several oil lamps and a desk, the more it seemed that Masamune had to ask to add a library there, judging by the thin layer of dust that differed from the rest of the furniture.
"Of course your belongings are not here yet ... so ..." Masamune continued, watching Yukimura continuing on his exploration.
He couldn't finish his sentence, taken aback by a sudden movement of the long haired brunet. Yukimura hastily walked to a wide and deep wooden chest that seemed to have caught his attention. But the young tiger wasn't interested in what the chest held, but more by what had elegantly been put on top of it. Yukimura lifted the material, his expression of astonishment intensifying.
It was a classy black silk kimono embroidered with gold and red color contrasting with the black so pure and dark. They represented Daphne and Camellia with fineness and attention to detail that made it almost like an artwork. Yukimura's fingers went through the fabric with appreciation.
"I would like you to wear it, at least for tonight." The young dragon said.
Yukimura suddenly turned, his mouth trying to form words, his eyes shone with a brilliance that made Masamune heart miss a beat.
"I cannot accept such a gift!" the samurai exclaimed. He was really starting to think that this favoritism from Masamune was going to get them into trouble.
Masamune went up to him, gently taking the object from his hand, and he placed the one remaining free on Yukimura shoulder. His electrical gaze froze the young tiger while his lips turned into a grin.
"Just tonight, please."
He said this in a smooth voice, gradually approaching Yukimura ear. He felt him shiver again, and he was satisfied with the effect he had on the other young. Yukimura backed away from him, lowering his head, and then he said, mumbling:
"Okay, but just tonight."
He began to drag his jacket over his shoulders, avoiding Masamune silent watch as his smile widened. Once the rest of his clothes fell to the ground and the only one remaining piece of clothing was is fundoshi, Yukimura held out his arm without looking up for Masamune to hand him the kimono back.
"If you had asked me to leave I would have done it." Masamune could not help but comment before Yukimura obvious discomfort, not that he doesn't took the opportunity to get an eyeful.
Yukimura raised a panicked looking face realizing that he simply didn't wanted Masamune to leave... or did he unconsciously felt the need to fuel the interest the other showed for him?
Undaunted, Masamune opened the kimono with the intention to dress Yukimura, he positioned himself behind him.
"Ma-Masamune-dono ..." Yukimura said, blushing.
He still withdrew his arm which until then covered his body to protect himself as much as possible and let Masamune put the soft cloth on him. The fabric weight reassured him for a moment before he felt the dragon fingers on the back of his neck; a small gasp escaped his lips when Masamune just pulled his long hair out from under the fabric. But fingers were quickly replaced by a warm breath raising his hairs.
"As I thought it fits you perfectly."
He punctuated his sentence with a light caress of his lips on the exposed neck. Any feeling of vulnerability left Yukimura who turned his head, eyes half lidded, looking at Masamune, trying to drown again in the sensation of a kiss exchanged with the dragon.
"Ah there you're! Kojuuro is looking everywhere for you two." Keiji voice sounded, disturbing the pleasant silence.
Yukimura suddenly withdrew from Masamune, realizing the ease with which he had almost yield, and he closed the kimono before sealing it the obi belt that went with it.
"Maeda ... you were never taught to knock before you entered a room?" Masamune screeched.
Keiji seemed surprised before glancing towards the door he had just gone through. He put his hand on his chin in an expression of frank interrogation.
"Can you really knock on a door made from rice paper?" he said thoughtfully. "Wow, Yukimura you are beautiful!" he went on, as his gaze returned to the duo.
Impossible to say whether it was the rage or a nervous laugh which shook Masamune body, but it was without doubt that if Yukimura hadn't intervened at that time, heads would have fallen.
"Let's go Masamune-dono, your men must be impatient to see your return."
Masamune shoulders fell when he sighed, that had reminded him that he had forgotten an important detail, and unfortunately, this included that he separates from Yukimura for some times. He pinched the ends of his nose between his fingers.
"Monkey Trainer, led Yukimura to Kojuuro, tell him that I went to change clothing. Got it?"
He passed the door nervously in before the other two amazed glance to whom he hadn't left any time to ask questions. It took some seconds for to him to returns popping his head out the door and pointing at Yukimura.
"And don't let him drink a single drop of alcohol!" And he disappeared immediately.
Keiji and Yukimura exchanged glances. The heir of the Maeda clan replied with a shrug.
Ooooooooooooooo
Kojuuro frowned after seeing Keiji coming back with only Yukimura and remained perplexed when this one told him about Masamune excuse. He had been aware of Masamune orders concerning the black kimono, but actually seeing Yukimura wearing it was something entirely different. The samurai of the Date clan hadn't expected that this young tiger can actually display such nobility and he could no longer refute the choice of his lord ... at least for tonight.
For a moment he just contemplated how a simple kimono transformed Yukimura, making him past the innocent boy of his memories in this attractive young man in front of him. The intensity of the black color enhanced the slightly tanned complexion of the young samurai skin, while the color patterns brought out his eyes. Yukimura long satin hair arose gracefully on his shoulder whose cut of the kimono showed the masculine forms and the beautiful body underneath.
"Katakura-dono?" Yukimura finally called him.
Kojuuro corrected himself and apologized, kindly asking Yukimura to follow him.
Having no choice but to await the return of Masamune, he drove Yukimura into the yard where the party was only waiting for the young king to begin. The army had gathered around a crackling bonfire, bathing men and their good mood into a fiery halo.
Servants were busy bringing reach food and drinks, which the soldiers, taken in loud conversation, seemed reluctant to touch in the absence of their general.
Kojuuro, followed by Yukimura, passed beneath the porch of a neighboring building to reach a platform about a foot high overhanging the assistance while Keiji joined Masamune's personal guard. The four men were sitting the most close from the platform.
Seeing Yukimura, Bunshichi could not restrain an exclamation of admiration.
"Sanada-nii-san ... unbelievable ..."
"This is the garment that makes a new man." Samanosuke said.
Yukimura smiled, not really knowing what to say.
"Oh, it's Masamune who ..."
"Sanada." Kojuuro interrupted.
Almost startling, Yukimura bowed to apologize before joining Kojuuro on the platform.
It knew it was rude to interrupt the poor tiger, but the times were not to gossip, Masamune had been clear on the position that Yukimura were to occupy in this festival. The black dragon glance traveled the assistance which hadn't noticed his arrival yet, before returning to the three cushions placed in the center of the platform. Taking Yukimura hand, he forced him to face everyone. He could no longer make the soldiers wait, the moon rose in the sky and the men had deserved this festival after such a battle. Whatever their respect for their lord, they could not wait anymore.
"Masamune-sama will be a little late, so don't hesitate to start over without him, show our guest from Kai how men of Oshu celebrate!" he let out, rising Yukimura arm.
Shouts and sincere laughter rose while the music began to sound. First the drums and the flutes and finally the dancers. Yukimura didn't really paid attention to the show, because he was too busy looking around a possible sign of Masamune arrival. He felt uncomfortable with all that public.
Kojuuro invited Yukimura to sit on the cushion on the far left as he settled on the right. The young tiger's attention was attracted by Keiji sudden laughter as he seemed to have fun with the other four. He was served a plate containing manju and onigiris and when he just settled to watch the food pretending not to see it, Kojuuro addressed him.
"Something is wrong Sanada?"
"I was just wondering what could take so long to Masamune." He replied, thinking aloud.
The older samurai approached him with a vase in his hands, he took the bowl and began to pour Yukimura a drink, then handed him the cup he had filled.
"Don't worry about him, it's better to fully appreciate this feast, and after all it is partly in your honor."
Yukimura accepted the cup holding it carefully, observing the clear liquid as he considered the words he had heard. It was true he didn't liked to party and that within himself he was grateful to Masamune to appear in his life just when he should have been the main attraction of an evening at Kai.
Yukimura sighed ... here ... it was different, the atmosphere was not the same, there was something in the air which slowly relaxed him and that made him forget the rest ... maybe, he thought, it was because he had no weight on his shoulders and hadn't to impress his lord ... maybe because he could finally be, truly be himself.
The young tiger brought the drink to his lips, smiling faintly. He felt the cup violently escaped his hands as Keiji had just slapped it away from his hold.
"Oh no! Date said no alcohol for you." He said, winking.
"Maeda ..." Kojuuro voice growled.
He had reason to be angry from how the contents of the cup now trickled down his anger contorted face, his soaked hair smelt strongly of sake and stuck to his forehead. Yukimura first tried to hold back but all the tension finally exploded when he let out a chiming laughter. He was holding his sides as the laughter was hurting him helping the dragon to quickly forget his fury before the ridiculousness of the situation, and eventually he also began to laugh.
Oooooooooooooooo
And time of the evening passed. Yukimura, to his astonishment, had a real good time, Keiji and Kojuuro were both good company, discussing many issues holding his interest. It made him feel strange, and for once ... there wasn't only the name of his lord which reasoned in his mouth.
The food was pleasant, and the music catchy, even when Keiji had made a little performance, the young tiger wasn't bored at all. Although Keiji play felt vaguely like a déjà vu.
If there was a shadow in this party it was that Yukimura didn't failed to catch the way Kojuuro carefully avoided any talk about Masamune. Given the concern that sometimes shone on Yukimura face as he searched with his eyes, Kojuuro confessed that it was Masamune habit to do everything to avoid a lecture and it was evident he was about to receive on for his careless attitude on the battlefield. Yukimura accepted the apology with a sigh ... Masamune had seemed so eager to make this party.
It was then that his trained warrior eyes caught movement in the shade of the porch by which they had arrived on the platform. Yukimura looked harder and saw the silhouette of two people. Without further ado he got up, apologizing to Kojuuro who contented himself with a nod of understanding. Yukimura strode rapidly toward the two people, and he arrived just in time to distinguish what could only be Masamune voice.
"We'll talk later, good night." He said.
Then the other person disappeared in the garden, leaving to Yukimura only glimpse of long brown hair and an elegant walking dressed in a kimono as rich and elegant as the one Masamune gave to him.
"Oh, Sanada Yukimura." Masamune was obviously pretending to be surprised to see him.
Frowning, ignoring Masamune, Yukimura looked in the direction where the other person had departed.
"Who was that?"
"No one important." Masamune replied, irritated.
Yukimura folded his arms across his chest and stared angrily at the young dragon, especially to punish him for making him wait for so long, but also because whatever the importance Masamune said he gave to him, he always hid things, this annoyed him deeply.
"How would you like to come take a little walk with me?" Masamune finally asked, holding out one hand to the young tiger.
"But your men ... they waited all night for you." Yukimura protested, surprised by this sudden demand.
Masamune cast a glance into the courtyard where the party was in full swing, he noticed Kojuuro sitting on the platform sharing sake with Keiji.
"I think there are too drunk to notice my presence anyway."
He left no time for Yukimura to answer catching him by the arm he led him into the gardens. The young brown haired tried to hold him back but quickly understood that it was useless. Masamune released him when he was more cooperative, not slowing down. Now they walked side by side on the dirt road lit by small torches in the dark night. Masamune stared straight ahead his muscles gradually relaxing.
After a hundred yards made in silence, Yukimura grew impatient and began by saying banalities.
"I don't understand why you didn't want me to see it, this garden his wonderful."
Masamune jaw twitched, and still without turning toward Yukimura, he said.
"This is my father castle. We didn't have the same taste in things at all." He muttered.
Yukimura was surprised to find out that having a simple conversation with Masamune was something so restful, plus it was fun to see him change his expression like this as he relaxed. Yukimura forgot that Masamune had initially led him to talk about an important subject. The young tiger smirked.
"I'd build my own castle. Something awesome!" continued Masamune also starting to smile a little.
"Oh?" This irked Yukimura curiosity.
"One by the sea preferably, with fields all around for Kojuuro, a forest and then-"
Masamune voice trailed, realizing how much he had spoken without thinking. His feet stopped in the middle of the road, the noises of the party were reduced to a slight background noise in the night silence.
"Yukimura." the young dragon grabbed Yukimura sleeve of forcing him to stop as well.
The young man looked at this hand, almost timid, which was holding back the long sleeve of his kimono, and then he turned his ayes toward Masamune blank face when he opened his mouth to continue.
"Tomorrow morning I'll have you presented to important members of the clan. As a hostage ..."
Masamune approached him, seeming reluctant to put a hand on his shoulder.
"I was well aware of this fact. I don't see why it puts you in such a state." Yukimura said grabbing Masamune hesitant hand in his.
"They'll be far from tender with you ..."
"I'm prepared."
"You don't understand, they are not like my men, they are all pure blooded dragons, they… the samurais like you ..."
Masamune breath caught when Yukimura put his hand he held against his cheek, showing a determined smile, a wild look ... this heat passing into the back of his hand...
"I really don't understand why you attach so much importance to me."
His eyes closed slowly as his thumb rubbed against Masamune palm. They opened again as suddenly as he forcefully pushed Masamune.
Not being prepared to such reaction, the young chief of Oshu found himself propelled far beyond the road to land so heavily that his vision took several seconds to return to him. A weight on his chest prevented him from rising. When his lone eye finally opened again, he saw in the dark that it was Yukimura leg whose foot pressed against his lungs that he cut all movements from him.
Yukimura pressed harder, leaning on Masamune.
"I'm here to honor Takeda, so don't forget I am a warrior." Yukimura stated, upset toward Masamune for forgetting that.
Masamune grinned strangely. Without letting Yukimura the time to see it coming, Masamune grabbed his ponytail and pulled hard making him lose his balance and fall in a heap of limbs and tissue. Struggling, Yukimura wanted to free himself but Masamune put his arms behind his back, wrapping him in an awkward cocoon. The young tiger calmed down, dropping his head on Masamune shoulder with a resigned sight.
"Young Tiger of Kai, This one eyed Dragon from Oshu would be happy that you accept a duel tomorrow." Masamune said.
Masamune held himself responsible for not having thought of this earlier, anyone who would see Yukimura in action would only recognize his value, it would stop any protest that may have these old snobs. He would show them how this alliance with Takeda was a good move and kill two bird whit one stone by also proving he was a capable leader.
Yukimura replied with a slight snore, his breath, low and regular, tickling Masamune ear.
"Fool. Reminds me why I fell in love with you, would you?" Masamune whispered.
Why indeed… Masamune didn't know ... but ... he remembered when ... when that little boy looking like a girl had laid his big brown eyes on him. And that for the first time since his birth ... that someone was truly worried about this life ... someone who had made him understands that his life was important. For that person.
TBC
