Disclaimer: I don't own jack!
Pairing: Okita/Kagome
Suggested Listening: Colors by Halsey
Of Pride and Honor
Chapter Fifteen: Edo, Once More
Kagome woke in layers. The light of dawn filtered through her blinds and gradually broke through the darkness that still covered Okita's room. She started to sit up and stretched her arms high above her head. Beside her, the man groaned, rolled to his side and swiftly locked his arm around her waist once more. A soft smile touched her lips. He'd outdone himself the previous night—putting all of his effort into seeing that she felt reassured in his attraction to her. Nothing went neglected and he ensured to light every nerve within her body ablaze with his skilled fingertips. She felt somewhat envious at the amount of power a single touch from him had over her. It was clear he had some experience that she did not but she couldn't blame him for it. They both had their pasts before encountering one another. Just as she couldn't change her history with Inuyasha, neither could Okita change the way he'd led his life prior to their meeting. What mattered most was that they were together now.
She had to admit, if only to herself, that the man was quite insatiable when it came to sex. There'd been several days she'd wake up to her thighs sore and burning as if she'd run a marathon. Whereas her significant other would simply parade around as if he hadn't been winded at all. Things were always rather interesting between them in bed. Kagome learned early on that Okita severely disliked the regular missionary position. The few times he'd engage in it was when another male would have flirted with her earlier in the day—bringing forth his possessive nature to the surface. Unlike with Inuyasha or Takeshi, she wasn't all that bothered by it. He didn't push her. He didn't make unnecessary demands. He also gave her the space she needed. He trusted her to stay faithful to him, even if he disliked someone else making a pass at her. Even if it made him more possessive and dominant in bed, he never once tried to shame her or make her feel as if she'd done wrong for simply being looked at by another.
So she knew the moment her back hit his mattress last night that there was more at play than just simple possessiveness. The ronin hadn't rushed her. He didn't simply tear away their clothes and dive in like some overly excited teenager. Instead he paid heed to every little detail. He took his time creating the perfect atmosphere between them. Most of all, he did everything he could to make her feel as if she were beautiful. The man didn't say it, as he never did when in situations like those, but it was in every kiss, every touch and every subtle, heated glance they shared. Last night wasn't just about sex—it had become something much, much more between them.
Admittedly, the incident at work yesterday had taken quite the bite out of her sense of self-worth. The mental image that she'd had of herself had slowly improved in the three months since Katsumi had talked to her in the dressing room. However there were still moments where she questioned herself. Moments where she'd look at the woman staring back at her from the reflection, wondering if perhaps she was merely leading herself astray. Believing the falsehoods that Inuyasha had spouted at her during her time traveling with him. The young woman swiftly shook the memories from her mind. Not here. Not now. She wouldn't ever go back to the person she was before, not if she could help it. Besides, a smile touched her lips, she wasn't alone anymore.
The ronin gave a soft grunt of disapproval when he attempted to bury his face into her neck and found only empty air. An emerald eye cracked open to pin her with a disgruntled glare.
"Get back to bed." His tone was still sleep fogged despite the clarity in his gaze. "I'm not done yet."
Kagome laughed at the petulant nature of his that she'd grown so used to. The young woman threw herself upon her back and stretched her limbs above her head. The masculine arm wrapped around her waist grew tighter while his other suddenly moved to cradle the back of her head. With a quick tug, she was pulled into her significant other's bare chest.
"I'm not letting go." Okita announced stubbornly. A flash of desire flickered in his eyes as she felt his gaze take in her bared form. Permanent mouth-shaped bruises were scattered across her flesh in irregular patterns from where he'd kissed her. Dark semi-circles in the shapes of his fingertips dotted her thighs from where he'd been holding onto her. Still, she hadn't been the only one on the receiving end of such passionate affection. Upon his collarbone, she'd left her own bruise that darkened his flesh. Small, scarlet nail-shaped welts were pulled in parallel lines down his back from where she'd raked her hands over him in the heat of their lovemaking.
"As if I'd want you to." Kagome teased back, wrapping her legs around his waist as if he were always meant to belong there. The ronin rolled to his stomach, situating himself fully between her thighs. He moved his hips slowly, ensuring to brush himself against her. She bit her lip, allowed her head to fall back upon his pillow and gave a tiny moan of pleasure. Instead of feeling him pushing upon her as she'd expected, her lover moved back and swiftly leaned over to reach for something atop of his dresser. Oh, right, the condom. Okita hadn't told her where he'd gotten his first box from, but ever since then he'd been quite adamant about wearing one. It was clear to see that he disliked the fact that a great deal of the feeling was cut off, but he still insisted on it.
Kagome felt her face heat slightly. It wasn't exactly something she'd put much thought into the first two nights they'd slept together. She was fully aware of the risks associated with unprotected sex, but at that time she hadn't been thinking about anything other than him. The young woman reached her hands up and swiftly took the package from her lover's hands. He shot her a brief, questioning glance. She knew that she wasn't ready for a child yet. Hell, she wasn't even ready to be married at this point. So she was grateful that he'd put so much effort into abiding by her wishes. She flashed her significant other a warm smile as her fingers tore the delicate plastic in half. The man's gaze turned heated as he watched her move to help place the item in its proper place.
Just this once she wanted to do something for him instead. His kindness, his warmth, his utter acceptance of who she was as a person—she loved all of it. Kagome wrapped her arms around his neck and slowly pulled him down on top of her. He shifted his knees and swiftly settled himself in a more comfortable position. He dipped his head and brushed his mouth against the side of her neck. Ah, there it was. That particular signature of his. No matter how often they'd slept together. No matter how gentle, rough or intense the sex was, he'd always bury his face into her neck and latch onto the flesh there as if he were starving. It was his particular little kink. She didn't say much about it since, in all honesty, it always felt so good. It was both intimate and sexual in the best way possible.
Okita lightly scraped his teeth along the flesh of her shoulder and collarbone. One of his hands began to slide from her ribcage along the hourglass of her figure before making its final stop at the underside of her thigh. He hooked his hand in the space beneath her knee and gave a quick tug, pulling her leg higher over his hip and forcing her closer to him.
"Eager?" Kagome teased, slowly moving herself. His teeth nipped at her a bit more firmly.
"Are you trying to tease me now? Because if that's the case," He trailed off, allowing her to feel her effect upon him. Ah, so he was being impatient today. The young woman wrapped both of her legs firmly around his back and swiftly pulled him towards her; forcing him where she wanted. She felt the heat of his breath warm the side of her neck. His fingers curled more tightly over her thighs as he began to move at his own pace.
"Who's teasing?" Kagome countered. She tilted her head and gently took part of his ear between her teeth. She gave his flesh a soft nip before lifting her head and pressing her lips against his. As expected, her loved one became even more aggressive in his affections. He pushed his tongue within her mouth and subtly lowered his own body over hers to force her further into the mattress.
Okita stopped speaking at that point. From his mouth low, guttural grunts would occasionally bubble to the surface. Although it was quieter, his bed also began to squeak and creak. As much as Kagome enjoyed his aggressiveness in the bedroom, she also was starting to get the urge to have her turn. With practiced movements, she wrapped her legs around his hips like a vice. Her lover's eyes darkened in his desire—it was clear he was already aware of what her plans were even before she'd executed them. Swiftly, she rolled them so he'd be upon his back and she was sitting atop his lap. She trailed her hands down the length of his chest purposely.
"Oh? You haven't ridden me in a while." A cocky smirk spread across his lips. "Feeling a bit feisty today?" It was rather true too. The last time that she'd gone on top was during their first night together like this. It wasn't from a lack of suggesting it either as her lover often commented about his desire to have her on top; but rather each time they'd had sex it simply just didn't turn out that way. They'd always been spontaneous when it came to sex, so everything always seemed to flow a different direction. Okita had a way with touch, taste and overwhelming feeling that just seemed to make her mind go blank outside of thoughts of him. His personal favorite positions included her on her stomach or hands and knees. He'd said something about being able to get the most out of those two than anything else. So she decided to try something else.
"That's right, so sit back and enjoy the ride." Kagome dropped her voice into something sensual. The ronin beneath her traced his hands along the length of her thighs as she began to move. At first she started slowly then setting a more steady pace as they got more comfortable. There was nothing between them but the shared sensation of pleasure running through their systems and an understanding that these moments were something more than just to fix a physical itch.
Okita had never said it directly. He never gave words to the emotions he felt, but she could see that he cared for her deeply. It was in the way he touched her, spoke to her and made love to her. No other man had ever been as kind or understanding towards her. So if he wasn't ready to give words to the emotions that he felt, then she wasn't going to push him. Regardless she wanted to follow him through the well. She wanted to see his life play out as it was supposed to. She wanted to be there for him during the moments she knew would affect him the most. Most of all, she wanted to stand beside him and support him the best way that she could. Even if she never fought on the battlefield again. Even if she never picked up her bow again. All she wanted was to see this relationship through to its proper ending. No temperamental well was going to get in the way of that—she was determined to see it so.
"Souji," Kagome called out to him suddenly. He lifted his knees and emphasizing his own need. Taking advantage, the young woman leaned her back against his raised thighs and braced herself against him. It was a bit harder to move as she wished but it certainly was enjoyable all the same. She moaned softly as he pushed himself against the one area they both knew she was the most sensitive. It was as if all of her nerves were lit up at once. Everything would heat and become hyper in-tuned to the slightest movement.
A familiar heat began to gather. Ah, it was already starting. She leaned further back into his legs. The young woman felt her lover move rapidly. In moments like this the only thing that she could feel, that she was aware of, was him. His touch, his scent, his very warmth. Even now all of her senses were zeroed in on the things he was doing to her, the heat he was causing to dwell within her and the utter need to bring him to his finish. In all the times that they'd had sex, she'd never seen his expression when he'd climaxed. He'd always bury his face within her neck. Today, she wanted to see him. She wanted to see him as he reached the end of his passion. She wanted to bear witness to him at his most vulnerable. It was selfish of her, but it was what she desperately wanted.
"Souji!" She cried out again as his hands gripped at her waist fiercely. He pulled her down onto him with all of his strength. The sudden movement jarred her already taut body. She felt herself spasm as everything grew dark and the only thing she could feel now was her lover and the overwhelming pleasure washing through her system as she hit her own orgasm. As expected, the ronin didn't pause or stutter. As with their first time together, he lowered his legs, sat up and swiftly wrapped his arms beneath her thighs.
"Who says I'm done?" Kagome teased as the man started trying to turn her over. She grazed her teeth over his bottom lip playfully. "I'm not ready to back under just yet." It'd taken her a great deal of time to work up the courage she'd needed to take charge of the bedroom like this. She'd spent so many nights on the phone with Katsumi—talking to her, sharing ideas and overall simply attempting to raise up her confidence. It'd been a slow and steady road, but finally she was beginning to feel more comfortable in her own skin. For the first time in well over three years, she felt beautiful.
"That so?" His voice was both strained and held a slight laugh to it. The breath that left his mouth warmed the side of her face. "I think I know a good compromise then." She wanted to ask him what that compromise was, but he cut her off by gripping at her thighs and standing from the bed. Her legs instinctively locked themselves around his waist and back as she wrapped her arms around his neck—holding herself as tightly to his body as possible. He suddenly stepped across the room. Where was he going? All thoughts in her mind ceased as her back was roughly slammed against the wall. She felt her lover's mouth attach to her neck as he pushed himself against her harshly.
Okita's arms held her thighs securely as he used his upper body to keep her pinned to the wall. Kagome dragged her nails over his shoulders and down his biceps in response.
"See?" He panted into her ear, "You get to stay on top and I get to have my way with you." She'd argue that first point if it weren't for the pleasure blinding all thoughts from her mind. A low grunt worked its way from his throat as she arched herself into his chest. Sensing that he was about to dip his head back to her neck again, she brought both of her hands to his face. Gently, she placed both of her palms on each of his cheeks—rubbing her thumbs over the high-bones there. He slowed his pace in reaction, instead choosing to deepen his thrusts within her body.
"Souji," She kept her tone low as to prevent anyone else from hearing. His emerald eyes darkened just a shade from desire. Before she could continue, he'd slanted his lips over hers in a possessive kiss. His tongue invaded her mouth once more and she gave herself over to him. This was his one weakness. Okita wasn't perfect. He wasn't some idealized vision of a man. He had his faults. He had his issues. Still, he was far better for her than anyone else ever had been.
Coming from an age where women were fully reliant upon their male relatives, it was to be assumed that he'd develop a possessive tic after the first few times of sex. That aside, what separated this man from the rest was the fact that he never pushed her. He never made her feel as if she had no other options. What made him so damn perfect to her was the fact that he'd always put her needs above his own. Inuyasha and Takeshi hadn't ever put so much as a single thought to it. It'd always been about assuaging their own sense of self and asserting their dominance in her life. If making a few compromises in bed was all that Okita needed to feel secure in their relationship, then she was fine with that. He'd already made plenty for her as it was.
She felt him once more. Her eyes fluttered closed as he brushed against the one spot that they both knew made her weak. Her legs began to tremble around his hips. Her hands shook as she held his face even more firmly. Already she was close to a second orgasm. Sensing her oncoming release, the man pushed her harshly against the wall, slamming upwards and fully situating himself. She cried out for him in her pleasure.
The heat was overwhelming. Her toes flexed and curled over the back of his thighs. Her breath came in short pants. She couldn't hold out like this. They both knew it. He drew back and watched as she began to shutter at the oncoming climax.
Gathering her breath, she pulled his head towards her and whispered heatedly in his ear, "I want to see you." It was a vague demand however Okita seemed to understand her desire completely. Instead of nestling himself at the crook of her neck, he pressed his forehead against hers and stared intently as the world around her grew dim once more. She barely recognized the sounds coming from her own mouth. The only thing she registered was the intense pleasure emanating from him. His body shivered under her touch. His hips moved unevenly as his own breath grew ragged.
He was close. The muscles of his shoulders grew taut. She felt his teeth clenching from the tightening of his jaw beneath her hands. Kagome locked her eyes intently with his as she trailed the tips of her fingers from his cheek, along the side of his face before tangling them affectionately in the locks of his untied hair. Passion flickered in his gaze. His eyes roved down to her swollen lips but he did not kiss her. Not just yet. The young woman tilted her head and lightly traced her mouth against his sensually—not quite enough to be called a kiss but giving them enough space to see each other clearly. Their breath mingled together as his body began to shake. A low moan tore from his throat as he quickened his pace. She held onto him firmly, still tracing her mouth along his without pressing fully against him.
"Souji," She called his name once more. As if that were the key to breaking him, her lover shivered and slammed himself within her. He pushed upwards as he ground himself against her. He didn't pull back as he had before. The man grunted as his eyes closed and jaw clenched. This was it. Kagome closed her eyes as her body shivered and convulsed. A cry rose from the back of her throat as she hit her final note of her climax once more. In response, he pushed her back against the wall harshly several times as his own orgasm hit him with all the force of a typhoon. For the first time, he gave a low, guttural sound. Even though she couldn't feel his release as she had the first two times they'd slept together, she knew that he'd just spilled himself within her. His hands slowly slid from her thighs and allowed her to stand.
Her face was more than a little red from the heat of their lovemaking. Her body still burned from the places he'd touched. Kagome leaned forward and wrapped her arms around the ronin's torso. She pressed her ear at the space above his heart and listened to the silent beating—enjoying the way it still fluttered rapidly from their sexual high.
"It's been a while since it's been that intense, huh?" His tone returned to its usual teasing manner but he was still somewhat winded all the same. A small amount of feminine pride went through her at that. That was a first and she was determined to see him like this again.
"At least it won't be the last." It was a promise and he knew it. Okita opened his mouth as if to speak. Then, a harsh alarm blared over the room. His phone lit up as a reminder flashed annoyingly across the glass screen. That's right, he still had his final appointment at the doctor's office today. There was about an hour or so left before he had to arrive, so they were pushing it pretty close.
"Damn it, I was just starting to have fun too." Her lover pouted. She laughed. Why did that not surprise her? Suddenly she felt the warmth of his palms upon her face. The man leaned forward and pressed his forehead against hers affectionately. "Come with me." She lifted her gaze to meet his. What? He wanted her to go with him this time? As if picking up on her confusion, he continued. "I want you there. It wouldn't feel right otherwise."
Kagome smiled, "Alright. I'll go." He lowered his head and captured her lips in a soft, affectionate kiss. It didn't last long but it was enough. It was enough to pull from him the feelings that he had for her. It was enough to determine that what they shared wasn't simply on a physical level. They were more than just bedmates. There was no label to define the bond that she had with him. It was simultaneously deep yet indescribable. It was something that only the two of them shared.
They began collecting their clothing from the ground and prepared for the day's events. The young woman knew that her significant other was nervous. It was in the way he fidgeted. It was in the way he glanced around the crowds nervously. It was also in the way he'd grip her hand tightly as they boarded the train station. Just as the first time they'd made this journey, they would be finishing it hand-in-hand.
Kagome trailed her fingers along the small of Okita's back as they entered the office. She flashed him a brief smile while the nurse swiftly directed him to sign in and then follow her into the back where the doctor was already waiting. This was it. This would be the determining factor of whether or not his lungs had been cleared. She bit at her lip nervously. She only hoped that everything would come back alright, for his sake.
She waited patiently in the lobby. Gentle music played from somewhere behind the check-in desk. The air-conditioning kicked on as a breeze chilled her skin. She'd only gone with Okita to his appointments a spare few times in the beginning. Even that had mostly been to ensure that he found the office in time. She was mildly surprised when he asked her to tag-along on this final visit. However the ronin had been relentless, citing that it wouldn't have felt right to leave her behind on this trip. Kagome didn't question his reasons. If he wanted her here, then she'd be here. That was all there was to it. The young woman glanced up as a family of three entered the lobby.
It was a middle-aged couple with a small child, likely still under the age of ten. The atmosphere between them was a calming type of quiet. Despite it only just being herself in this room, the family whispered politely to one another and offered her a slight inclination of their heads as a silent greeting. She returned the favor before grasping at a health magazine splayed out on the table in front of her. It wasn't particularly interesting as most of the topics covered sexual dysfunctions over the age of fifty in men and women along with the best way to lose weight, according to their "experts" of course. Still, it was better than being completely bored out of her mind.
While this particular doctor was located quite a ways away from the shrine, he specialized in lung-related diseases. The moment Okita had given her his name, she knew that his illness would require more than just the help of a regular practitioner. She'd merely been thankful that the visits themselves had been covered by their insurance. The antibiotics alone were enough to bankrupt them since they weren't on the list of covered medicines. She didn't think she would've been able to pay for the doctor too. There had been a few days where she feared that she wouldn't be able to pay for his life-saving medicine. So she amped up her hours at the café and picked up a second job to cover the extra costs. It'd been tough on her but the sacrifice was well worth it—especially since it meant that Okita would live a tuberculosis free life after their return. A smile touched her lips. That was all she wanted.
The door that led to the offices in the back opened. Okita offered the nurse a polite bow of gratitude before he stepped into the lobby with them. Ah, that was fast! How long had it been? Ten, maybe fifteen minutes? She couldn't remember now. The teen closed the magazine and gently set it back upon the table she'd plucked it from. Standing, she made her way across the room to her significant other's side.
"You're all clear." The nurse beamed from behind the check-in desk.
"Thank you." He responded calmly. His hands dipped downward and grasped at her arm. "Ready to go?" The tone was warmer and gentler than she'd ever heard from him. Kagome curled her fingers loosely with his.
"Only if you are." She found herself smiling brightly. He was healthy. No more coughing. No more fevers. No more tuberculosis. That in and of itself deserved a celebration. However she didn't think that he'd go for something that extravagant, especially over defeating an illness he preferred not to speak of. So she did the next best thing; she took him on a date.
The pair meandered their way through the thick crowds of summer amongst the shopping district. They were fairly close to the fast food joint that she'd picked up in this last month. However yesterday ended up being her last day on shift. After dealing with the fallout of the girls' snide comments and the realization that not only did she have more than enough money to buy what she needed to, but that she required the time to make those purchases; she quit on the spot. At the end of her shift she simply turned in her nametag and informed her manager that, that would be the last shift that she ever worked in that establishment. It wasn't her most exemplary moment in life but damn it, she'd been pissed and she knew that she wouldn't be staying much longer in this era anyways. What was one bad mark in a lifetime of good behavior? Screw customs. She wanted to have this week to enjoy herself.
Kagome closed her eyes as a smile stretched across her lips. She'd even put in her two-week notice at the café as well. They'd taken her departure much better and were ecstatic that she was going to be starting a 'new adventure' in her life. Although she nearly snorted at that particular phrase the café manager had used. Oh it'd be an adventure alright. Her hand curled a little tighter over Okita's. She was just glad that it would be with someone she loved.
So now she had her week to herself, a pile of cash to spend and nothing better to do than to go on a date with her lover. That sounded like the best damn day she'd had in a long while.
The young woman paused mid-step as the man beside her came to a halt. He cocked his head to the side and made a slight sound that indicated his curiosity. Following the path of his gaze, she found a newly constructed theater towering over the tiny shops and strip centers that lined the shopping district. Ah, that was right! Okita had never been to a theater before. At least not like this. Every time they watched a movie together it was in the privacy of their bedrooms. The man threw a lopsided grin her way.
"I'm paying this time. So pick what you want." There was a glint in his eyes; a familiar flame of determination mixed with pride. He took a great deal of satisfaction in being able to support both himself and her financially. It didn't come as a surprise to her either. He was a stubborn man through and through. She was fully aware of the fact that men were the sole financial providers for the upper caste in his era. It was merely a fact of life for them. Therefore it would stand to reason that Okita himself would prefer to be the only one working between the two of them. It was how he lived his life before and he wasn't going to stop that now.
Kagome shrugged and gestured towards a recent horror film that had come out. She disliked the usual selection of summer blockbusters. They mostly consisted of the double-digit sequels of films she'd already seen more than once and the cut-and-dry romantic comedies. Those were never fun for her. She only watched them when her friends were around because that was what they liked. On her own she'd choose something a bit more gritty and terrifying. Her eyes roved over the selection and a grin spread across her lips.
"That one!" She pointed towards the next showing of a recent B-list horror film that came out. There was a slight tic in Okita's jaw but he smiled at her and stepped towards the kiosk.
"As you wish." There was a hint of a laugh to his words. He never really seemed to mind the horror genre too much but it definitely wasn't his favorite. That seemed to be saved for the heart-pounding thrillers of a chosen detective hunting down the most dangerous killers. The ronin always seemed to be the most attentive during those movies. She made a mental note of that aspect to his personality and swiftly filed it away. She'd have to remember to have him watch something to his liking before they left at the end of this week.
The man traded a small bundle of yen for their tickets. He slipped his arm around her shoulder once more after he pocketed the change and handed her the stub for their seats. As they entered the theater the first thing she noticed was how new everything was. From the polished countertops, to the black tile-like flooring that glimmered beneath the fluorescent lights and the sleek decorative posters of the different films coming out this year; it was all new and clean. Not at all like the old, musty-smelling cinema that was slowly losing business around the corner from their shrine. Kagome quickly shrugged the thought from her mind.
"You want any food too?" He gestured towards the small line forming by the concession stand. Well, truth be told neither of them had anything to eat this morning, plus after their 'work out'… her mind trailed off. If he spied the slight tint of red upon her cheeks, he spoke nothing of it. Instead her significant other gently grasped at her hand and pulled her along beside him.
"Of course!" Kagome beamed at him merrily. "It's not a real movie without the popcorn and snacks!" He laughed at that—it wasn't the typical snarky laugh or his sarcasm bubbling to the surface. It was a true and genuine expression of his mirth. A smile pulled at her lips. She preferred that sound. They filed in the line and ordered their food when their turn came around.
Despite it being mid-afternoon, the theater itself was packed pretty heavily. It seemed that they weren't the only couple seeking to escape the heat with a short, run-of-the-mill horror film.
The movie went by quickly. The theater had been darkly lit and a cool gust of air blasted over her arms and legs-creating raised goose flesh in its wake. Kagome pressed her shoulder into Okita's side, a shiver passing through her from the near frigid air. She could spy the corner edge of his lips quirking upwards in a self-satisfied smile.
The film opened predictably enough. A group of college students on summer vacation take a trip out to a mountainous region. About thirty minutes into the movie the first death had already occurred. One of the "braver" characters noticed the ominous rattling of the thick shrubbery and peered over the bush to get a better view.
"Ooh," She cringed as a blurred version of the movie monster flashed across the screen. The scene quickly cut to the rest of the group as only the sound of the character's screaming was overheard.
"Well, can't say that I didn't see it coming." Okita commented quietly next to her ear. The young woman nodded once. The other couples in the theater cuddled together as the AC kicked up to a higher notch. Were the people in charge trying to turn the theater into their own personal ice rink?
"It's freezing." She stated over the panicked cries of the other characters as they discovered their friend's mutilated corpse.
Her significant other's lips stretched more widely, "I know a few things to help with that." He bent his head down and brushed his lips against the shell of her ear; purposely allowing the heat of his breath to warm it. "Feel like heading back to my bed after this?" She felt his teeth graze over the lobe of her ear this time. "It'd warm you up. Plus I still want to pick up from where we left off this morning."
Her face heated as a blush crossed her nose once more, "Sounds good." She tried to swallow her embarrassment as she tilted her lips and whispered into his ear. "But I still want on top this time." The young woman didn't give him the chance to respond to her statement as she returned her attention to the film. His eyes roved over her form in the blanket of darkness that covered the theater. Okita spoke nothing else for the duration of the movie. Instead he'd taken to trailing his hands purposefully over her shoulder and down her arms to emphasize his growing interest in returning home.
The lights flicked on as the credits began to roll. Kagome stood and helped her loved one gather up their trash and other belongings. The young woman flashed him a warm smile as they tossed away their left overs in their proper containers and made their exit. As the light of the afternoon's sun blared down on them, Okita wrapped his arm securely around her neck.
The ronin suddenly dipped his head and pressed his lips against the shell of her ear, "Before we get started, remind me to show you something." A playful smirk tugged at his lips as his eyes filled with mirth. "It's a present so you can't say no."
Kagome raised a brow. A pit settled in her stomach. A present? From Okita? Now she was concerned. The last time he'd given her a 'gift' she'd been too sore to even get out of bed the following day. Thus giving him extra time to 'do as he pleased', as he had said.
"Souji," She gave a warning tone but her significant other merely brushed it off. His arm tightened as they slowly made their way across town and ascended the steps to the shrine.
"Ah, just wait and see." The man's expression lit up as his grin widened. "You'll love it." There was a confidence to his tone that she couldn't help but be curious. Kagome lifted a single brow at him. The pair entered the home and bid their greetings to her family. Okita dropped his arm from her shoulder and swiftly clasped her hand tightly in his. He flashed her a bright grin before pulling her up to her room. The man gently pushed her inside. He turned to face her and held up his index finger.
"Give me just a second. I'll go get your present." A boyishly cheerful expression lit his features. "Now be a good girl and don't peek until I get back." His hand released hers suddenly and he left out the door. She heard his feet pad quietly down the hall to his room. The young woman cocked her head to the side. What in the world was that man doing? The sound of fabric rustling and a soft grunt suddenly hit her ears. Was he having trouble? She took a step towards the door but stopped as Okita returned. Piled high in his arms, she couldn't even spy his face peeking out from the mountain of clothes. Just what and how much did he get!?
She eyed the armful of clothes stacked high in her loved one's arms. He twisted his arms and peered around the load being carried in his arms to meet her eyes. A wide, self-satisfied grin was stretched across his lips. It took her several moments of staring blankly at the scene before her for it to register in her mind.
"Souji..." Kagome began cautiously. However the man pointedly ignored the slight edge to her tone and carefully placed his spoils over the mattress of her bed. "What is all of this?" She couldn't hide her incredulity. An array of elegantly decorated yukatas and kimonos were strewn over every available inch of her bed. Okita gave a quick, prideful laugh before answering her question.
"While you were saving for supplies, I thought it'd be a good idea to get you some clothes that you could wear on the other side." She spied a self-satisfied grin stretch even wider upon his lips. "I don't think you'd want to draw attention to yourself with your current clothes." As if directed by his words, she immediately glanced down at herself. Her outfit wasn't anything too scandalous by her time's standard. Just a simple white, knee-length skirt and a violet, thickly-strapped tank. It was conservative by her culture's standard, but Kagome also knew that the very same outfit would be thought of as "revealing" to the people of the Bakumatsu Era. Okita was right, she needed a fashion overhaul before they went through the well. She was more surprised that he'd taken it upon himself to do as such.*
"How much did this cost?" She couldn't stop the slight tremble in her voice. How much of his savings did he spend on her? Even normal summer yukata could fetch quite a high price. Among the layers of cotton, she could catch a glimpse of something silken. Surely he hadn't dropped the cash on a full kimono, had he? Those easily rivaled the price of a wedding gown. This was too much! The young woman truly appreciated the fact that he thought so much of her to go out of his way and purchase proper clothing for her, but she couldn't help the feeling of guilt that clawed at her chest as her mind slowly racked up the estimated cost of each item she held up. He was spoiling her far too much with these!
"Enough. No refunds either, so you're just going to have to deal with it. Unless you don't like them." He paused as his brows knitted together in concern. "We can at least do an exchange if these don't work for you." There was an edge of worry to his tone, as if he feared that he'd made a mistake in his fashion choices for her.
Kagome waved her hands frantically, "No! They're perfect! But," She trailed off, attempting to count the number of dresses on her mattress. She could confirm at least five different outfits, so how many more lurked beneath the sea of fabric? "Would we be able to carry all of these to back to Kyoto? There's so many of them..." In her mind she tried to go over all the ways they could comfortably travel with so many clothes. She could pack them into a small bag of course, but weather and other unexpected occurrences could threaten to damage the ornate material.
A brief flash of relief flickered over the Okita's expression. Then he threw a cocky grin her way, "I'm not so weak that I can't carry some clothes." His countenance suddenly shifted into something mischievous. "Now go on. I want you to try on a few first." The man's tone softened somewhat. "We need to make sure that your daily wear is comfortable. You don't have to worry about the formal stuff just yet. We'll get to that soon enough." A line of pink splashed across her nose. Formal wear? What would she need that for? Was he planning something she didn't know about? Azure eyes roved over the fabric within her hands.
She clutched the sleeve of a coral colored yukata. It was a fairly simple design in comparison with white blossoms falling elegantly around the skirt of the dress and small, green interwoven patterns of naturally growing ferns dotting the rest with a splash of extra color. However the major thing she noticed was the fact that nearly all of the yukatas had the short-length sleeves of a houmongi*. None of them had the furisode sleeve of an unmarried woman. The teen pinched the cloth between her thumb and index finger gently. She pulled the sleeve taut and turned towards her lover.
"Shouldn't these be longer?" Kagome questioned with genuine curiosity. "I thought that unmarried women were supposed to wear furisodes?" She tilted her head to the side inquisitively. An odd look crossed his features. For a split second she managed to catch the barest hint of a blush upon his cheeks. Then he blinked and it was gone. In its place was the triumphant grin of a boy who'd just won a challenge.
"You really think I'd let you walk around with me and have everyone believe that you're available?" His eyes grew even more playful. "You got the chance to pick out my backstory when I first arrived here. Now I get to choose yours for the other side." Okita leaned against the ledge of her desk. "We're just going to make it simple this time." Suddenly she had a very odd feeling about where this was going. "No uncles, random adoptions or cousin relations. This time you're going to be posing as my wife." Her eyes imitated a frightened deer's. Wife?! The first words that crossed her mind were 'too soon'.
The man continued as if unbothered by her shock, "We won't be doing anything differently than we are now. I don't want anyone thinking that you're up for grabs though while we're traveling." He threw a heated glance in her direction. "I mentioned this to you before but I'm a very selfish man. I don't share well with others." Her mouth snapped shut as she looked between him and the yukata in her hands. Somehow, his logic made sense. It was still riddled with masculine possessiveness, but it wasn't overwhelming like Inuyasha's or as burdensome as Takeshi's. It was simply him.
Despite her reservations, a part of her wasn't necessarily able to fault him for his logic either. They'd lain together several times already. Such activities were thought of as immoral for women to partake in outside of the sanctity of marriage. While she wasn't quite ready to settle down just yet, she was certain that Okita was thinking of how to uphold her reputation without sacrificing the more sexual aspect of their relationship. Her face heated once more. Clearly, he'd been putting more thought into how their lives would play out on the other side of the well than she'd realized. How long had he been planning this?
Her mind mulled over his proposition more carefully. They'd be traveling alone together not to mention sharing the same bed. She felt her cheeks warm a little once more. So it'd be the most reasonable to play the role of husband and wife as to not attract unwanted attention and wagging tongues. A small smile touched her lips. Even now Okita was putting her well being above his own comfort. She would always admire that trait about him.
"Alright." She sighed in defeat. Straightening up, she cast her significant other a curious glance. "So," Kagome began as a playful smirk stretched across her lips. "How'd we meet?" If the backstory she'd come up with was too 'messy' for him, she was just dying to know what kind of 'meeting story' he'd come up with for them. She doubted telling everyone that she pulled him from her family's well would satisfy any curious souls; not to mention the countless questions it'd bring up.
Okita merely shrugged, "What's to tell? You fished my sick ass out of a well and took mercy on me like a damn angel." His grin grew lopsided at her dumbfounded expression. "It's the truth." He added in just for an added kick.
The eighteen-year-old felt her face heat at his words. Goodness, had she turned into a tomato yet? It certainly felt like it with how warm she'd gotten. "Souji! That won't work! They'd think we'd be lying!" Her embarrassment rose as his self-satisfied grin widened even further at her reaction. He was enjoying this! "Not to mention they'd probably think we'd gone insane if we said anything about the well! We can't just go around saying that we met because of a temperamental time-traveling well!"
The man gave a small hum of approval, "You're cute when you're flustered." His eyes roved over her appearance as his smile turned from teasing to affectionate.
"I'm not flustered!" The high-pitched squeak in her tone begged to differ.
Unruffled by her outburst, Okita went on to explain. "Who said anything about time-traveling?" He closed his eyes. A small laugh fell from his lips. "I was just the dumbass that fell in your family's well when I was looking for shelter from the cold." The ronin rolled his shoulders, cracking a few of the joints along the way. "It's the truth anyways. I fell down the damn thing because I'd been too stupid to find shelter before the storm hit." Kagome blinked and edged her way closer to him with heightened interest. Okita rarely spoke of the time before they met. He hardly mentioned anything regarding his life on the other side.
Out of respect for his situation, she'd chosen not to pry. It hadn't been any of her business how he lived his life prior to their meeting. He was a free man and was allowed to do as he saw fit. Kagome recognized this moment for what it was—a privilege. She would not push him, she would not make demands of him, nor would she blame him for withholding his past. Although history had taught her the name of the illness that plagued her significant other, she never wanted him to feel as if he had to report his health status to her. It wouldn't have been fair to him. He was owed as much privacy as he wished.
The fact that he was trusting her with this information now made her happy. The man's face visibly softened as he took notice of her sudden interest. Okita silently waved for her to approach him, so she gently placed the yukata back onto her bed and stepped up to him. As expected, he circled his arms around her waist loosely and tugged her into his chest.
"It'd been one of the worst winters Edo had seen in many years." He started in a tone that she often heard when he was telling stories to Souta. "I had been sent on a mission to gather skilled fighters for the Shinsengumi. It was supposed to have lasted for about six months with periodic reports of how progress was going." Her brows shot up. Did that mean he was now in trouble with his superiors due to the lack of contact? "You catch on quick." He commented lightly, pressing his forehead against hers in a show of affection. "But don't worry, I'll figure that out." She nodded once in affirmation.
"Anyways, I'd gotten pretty far into the journey but I was shit out of luck in finding anybody with even enough skills to save their own ass in a fight." There was a slight bite to his voice—denoting his disappointment in the falseness of the rumors that led him so far astray from his path. "I could've stopped at an Inn a few hours prior but I'm a stubborn man." And didn't she know it! He was the first person that could ever beat her in a contest of wills. "So I pressed forward like a dumbass. Got myself stuck in the middle of a forest with no cover and the storm was about to snow-out the trails." He closed his eyes and took a breath through his nose. "So I took the risk and tried to climb down the well." The ronin lifted his dominant hand and flexed his fingers inward towards his palm.
"A brick came loose and the next thing I know I was falling. Tried to grab onto the side but just tore my hands to shit and back." There was a distant look in his gaze, as if he couldn't believe what had happened. Kagome pressed her lips into a thin line. She'd never been all that skilled with words. Communicating her feelings had always been a difficult battle. Those issues had only become expounded by Inuyasha's ceaseless abuse. Given that Okita had lived his life fighting day in and day out, she knew that putting words to the things he felt came with great difficulty for him as well. So she decided to forgo any issues with words. Instead she curled her hand around the curve of his clenched fist. She tangled her index and middle fingers beneath his knuckles. His grip loosened to allow her to intertwine their hands together.
His expression thawed as his lips turned upwards in the ghost of a true smile. "Anyways, what I was getting at was that even if your family did live in my time, you would've had to pull me out of there." A lopsided grin slanted across his lips. "In other words, you went fishing in your old well and landed yourself a husband instead." Ah, so his humor had finally returned. She wasn't sure if it was his way of closing her out before she got too close, or if he simply just didn't want to worry her. However Kagome was grateful. He'd given her far more than she'd ever expected him to. She couldn't ask for more.
Besides, if having to deal with her loved one's terrible jokes was the worst of her problems in her relationship to him, then she'd gladly put up with it. She doubted that there was anyone else even half as amazing for her confidence than Okita. He truly was one of a kind, both in this era and his.
"Then I consider myself lucky." This time she shot him a playful grin, "One good throw and I managed to find the best one."
For just a moment, his eyes went wide as red streaked over his face. It was the most flustered she'd ever seen him. Taking advantage of the situation, she chose to playfully throw his own words back at him.
"You're cute when you're flustered." Kagome teased back.
Okita laughed, "Who's flustered?" The man drew her closer to his chest as he lowered his mouth to just a hair's breath away from her own. "Now, I could have sworn that we were supposed to get you warm after that trip to the theater." His grin turned wolfish as his eyes took in the curved figure of her frame. "Shall we make use of your desk or perhaps the shower again?"
She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Now, now. The rest of the family is still home. Let's wait until tonight. Then we'll have our fun." She tilted her head and gently pressed her lips against his in a quick, chaste kiss.
After they pulled away, Okita gave heavy sigh, "Damn. I was hoping too." He dropped his hands from her waist with exaggerated slowness. "Fine, you'll get your way for now but tonight I won't be holding back." His emerald eyes flickered with amusement. Her heart beat faster beneath her breast at his proclamation. She didn't want him to either. The pair swiftly set to work on putting away the kimonos and yukatas strewn across her bed. They carefully hung them in her closet, where they would stay until it was time to leave.
Azure eyes took in the fabrics dangling innocently within her closet. It was so odd to see the contrast between her era and his so neatly divided. On one side the new yukatas hung in uniform with their skirts reaching the same distance towards the ground. However not more than a few inches away, her regular clothes from her era hung from their usual spots. Shirts of different lengths, long sleeves and short sleeves along with an array of skirts and jeans were crammed upon the rack in an almost disorderedly manner. They were split right down the middle by a shelf, like a figurative rift between her time and his. The sharp division between two worlds. Okita silently wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed his lips against the back of her neck in a show of comfort.
Raising her hands, Kagome swiftly shut the doors to her closet. Her decision had been made. She'd shut away her doubts and put her faith in the man holding her. Her expression softened as she turned in his grasp.
"Shall we go down and join the others?" She kept her tone soft as she circled her arms around his neck. The ronin smiled down at her, resting his forehead upon her own affectionately.
"Might as well. I'm getting hungry."
They both laughed as his stomach gave a ferocious growl. Even if she would miss her family, Kagome knew that she wasn't making a mistake. This decision would cost her this era. In return she knew that she would be given something far more valuable. She'd be given a future with the man she loved. That was more than enough.
The following days ticked away slowly. Like the clock that was always behind, the moments crawled by as if they lasted for an eternity. As they purchased supplies and packed, the pulse of the well's power increased with each hour that passed. As their departure grew near, she prepared two furoshiki* and packed them as much as she could without tearing the cloth. Okita insisted on bringing the entire wardrobe that he'd bought her and decided to neatly wrap them in his furoshiki as she stored the rest of their necessary items in hers.
On the final day her mother had done something that surprised her. She woke to her friends gathered in her living room. They'd strewn a banner across the shrine that read "Farewell, Souji and Kagome!" and decorated the house with confetti, balloons and softly playing music. It was the final goodbye. Tears had welled in her eyes as she spent the day hugging each of her friends and telling them how much she loved them. As she had made her rounds, Okita stood back and smiled softly at her. He'd crossed his arms over his chest and ruffled Souta's hair. Kagome had noticed the man saying something to her brother but the boy merely shook his head and wrapped his arms as tightly around the man's middle as he could. The pre-teen hugged her loved one tightly and sobbed something into his shirt. She'd seen Okita close his eyes as his smile softened just a bit more. He placed his hand behind his head and allowed the child to cry on him.
As the day had drawn to a close, her friends slowly trailed out of the shrine and descended the staircase back towards the world below. Only Katsumi paused. She gave a glance at the shimmering lights of Tokyo before looking back at them.
"You know Gome-chan," The teen started, her voice cracking with an emotion she'd never heard from her before. "We love you. Yuka, Eri, Ayumi and myself. We just want what's best for you, so long as you're happy we'll be as well." The dark haired girl turned and flashed her friend a watery smile. "This really is goodbye isn't it?"
Kagome nodded once. She bit into her bottom lip as her tears threatened to fall once more.
Katsumi sniffed and sucked a breath between her lips. "Then I guess I have to make this count." She pulled a small package from her pocket and gently placed it in the palm of her hand. "I wanted to give it to you after I got voted in as President of the Kyudo Club but that didn't really work out. So, consider this my parting gift from me to the both of you." She shot a purposeful look over her shoulder towards Okita. "You be sure to take of this girl, you hear? She deserves nothing but the best!"
The ronin shrugged his shoulders, "As if I'd do anything else." He came to her side and wrapped his arm around her waist loosely. "I promised, didn't I?"
Katsumi blinked away her tears then flashed the familiar, overly bright grin that she was so used to. "Alright, you two love birds go ahead and fly the nest! Find your skies to soar!" With that she ran down the shrine steps, not looking back at them.
Kagome curled her fingers around the package. Should she open it? As if reading her train of thought, her lover wrapped his own hand around it and curled his fingers over hers.
"On the other side. Think of it as home coming gift."
She smiled. Home. For so many years this shrine had been her home. She'd gotten so used to its many stories told through all the crevices, notches and nicks in the architecture. Names of ancestors she'd never known were carved into the trees that surrounded their home. Pencil lines from decades before she was born marked the walls of the home. Now, she would walk away from her family's history here and carve out her own path with the man she'd chosen for her future. The young woman leaned into the warmth of his embrace and smiled gently. Tonight, they would breach the other side. Tonight, they would go where they finally belonged.
The two made their way inside. They shared a brief look as their hands slowly slipped away from one another.
"Go ahead and grab what you need. I'll meet you in your room shortly." A wry smirk split his lips. "You best be done changing though, otherwise I might try for one more round before we leave."
Kagome laughed, "Oh hush you. Be good!" He laughed with her and placed a small, chaste kiss upon her lips.
"Good? Me? Since when?" She felt his teeth brush across her bottom lip playfully. "Now hurry along. We should get going before the well closes off completely."
The young woman nodded once. "Right. I'll be ready soon." With that they briefly parted ways. They both turned on the ball of their feet and walked separately to their bedrooms. Kagome strode across the floor and pulled open her closet. She had left a couple out to choose from so she set to work on deciding which she'd use for their first trip back. It'd mark the beginning of the rest of their lives together, so it'd need to be something special.
The young woman stretched her hand out and reached for the beautifully decorated yukatas. She surveyed the multitude of colors that hung uniformly in her closet. While they appeared very similar in design, it was clear a few were made of a heavier and more refined cloth than the others. She pushed one hanger and then another, searching for the perfect outfit.
It'd be warm on the other side of the well. Summer was in full swing so it'd be best if she chose something light. The kurotomesode* would be too formal to wear comfortably. Her gaze drifted to the coral colored dress she spotted from before. She pulled it from its hanger and quickly slid her arms into the sleeves. The young woman secured the fabric around her waist as she she twisted from one side to the other, checking herself over to ensure that it looked perfect.
It held to her form perfectly as the soft colors drew out the subtle pigment in her skin. A light smile touched her lips. Now to complete the look.
Kagome searched through the array of obi to pair with it. Her eyes settled upon a soft shade of green and took hold of it. It'd match nicely with the color and bring out the subtle designs etched into the cloth. Kagome swiftly tied the obi around her waist and gave herself a once over in the mirror.
"Ah, so you did like that one." Okita's voice suddenly drifted through her room. The young woman's cheeks flushed. She turned swiftly to meet her significant other's gaze. He'd managed to slip into her room from the joined bathroom without her ever noticing. As expected the man leaned his shoulder nonchalantly on the frame of the door to her bathroom. His smile turned into a wide grin as his eyes roved over her form. "It's cute. Definitely more natural on you."
This time she laughed, "Only because this is what you're used to." She stepped closer to the ronin and tapped her index finger on her chin thoughtfully. He was back in the kosode and haori he'd worn when they first pulled him from the well. Not only that but he'd also tied his hair back into its usual top knot. It was quite jarring after seeing him in jeans and button downs for so many months. Still, it didn't necessarily look bad-just odd.
"You know, I think I'm going to miss those clothes you wore when we get to your side of the well." She peered up at the angle of his jawline curiously. At least that part of him wouldn't change.
The man merely snorted, "Hm? Well, can't say I won't miss those dresses. They certainly highlighted your figure." His eyes roved over her form once more. "Well, guess beggars can't be choosers." Suddenly his tone changed as he reached behind him. "Oh, right. I grabbed our stuff from that shack while I was at it too. I figured you'd want both of these." From the items tied to his back, he managed to pull her wakizashi and bow. A light smile touched her lips as she strapped both weapons in their proper places.
"Thank you, Souji." She felt a warmth spread across her chest. This man really was something else. She'd already planned on grabbing them before they left but it looked like he had beaten her to the punch.
Okita gave a quick shrug, "Ah, don't worry about it. Although," He paused as he glanced at her weapons of choice. "I don't think we'll have to worry about being messed with too much but you'll probably get a bit of flack for being armed. Women don't normally fight. At least not most women. Onna-bugeisha* on the other hand…" His voice trailed off as he tapped his chin thoughtfully.
"Well you're a samurai aren't you?" Kagome teased. Seeing the flicker of confusion upon his face, she continued. "Since I'll be going there as your wife, and you're from the samurai caste, wouldn't that technically make me an onna-bugeisha? So there shouldn't be too much of a problem with this."
Okita was silent for all but a moment. Then he opened his mouth and a bright, mirthful laugh left his lips. "You really are something else, you know that?" He continued through his laughter. The ronin warpped an arm around her waist. "Now come on, we should get going." The young woman nodded once and followed after him.
They each grabbed their furoshiki and silently walked out to the well house. Her mother and brother followed. An awkward silence fell over the four of them as the realization of their final departure drew upon them all. Kagome closed her eyes as an ancient power emanated from the well. She held her hands in front of her and allowed a small pulse of energy to filter down into the depths of the abyss below. There was a crackle of power before a blinding light filled the bottom. The passage was open.
"It's time." She turned back to Okita. He nodded once and brought her into his arms.
"Take care of yourself." Her mother started. "Make sure you've got everything. Your first aid, your clothes, food…" The older woman started to ramble off. Souta tugged at her sleeve and shook his head from left to right slowly.
"Kaa-chan, they've already got it." His tone was more subdued than she ever heard it before. She bit into her lip as she tried to think up the words to put her family's concerns at ease. What could she say? What could she do? This leave would be permanent. The power within the well would diminish and after they'd cross she'd see that the jewel would be destroyed once and for all. No more time traveling. No more monsters. Nothing but the wars of man and the treacherous path she knew that lied ahead of them.
"I love you." Kagome smiled at her parent and sibling. "Never forget that, okay?" It was simple. It was straight forward. But that was all that they needed.
"We love you too. Just," The Higurashi Matriarch caught herself as she fought back her own tears. "Take care of yourselves. That's all I ask." Souta clung to her sleeve tighter. His eyes flicked up to Okita's briefly. The man gave a curt nod, as if understanding a silent question from the child.
"Don't worry. I'll keep my promise." Emerald eyes then shifted towards her mother. "To the both of you." His arm tightened around her waist suddenly. "Ready?" He dipped his head and pressed a soft kiss to her ear. The power within the well gave an impatient pulse—as if informing them that they'd have to hurry.
"Yeah." The young woman sighed. She closed her eyes as they stood atop the lip of the well. She wrapped her arms tightly around Okita and pressed her face into the crook of his neck. Would they make it to the other side? Would they reach his era? Or would they be flung back into the horrors of the Sengoku Jidai? Her breath caught in her throat as images of claws gleaming in the moonlight and a boy's petrified scream pierced her memories. No, she wasn't alone. She wouldn't be afraid. Her grip tightened around her loved one's back. They would make it. They'd have to.
The ronin held her tightly as they fell into the magic of the well. The familiar sensation of weightlessness hit her. Any moment now and they'd be through. She closed her eyes as the cool wave of an ancient power flowed over them like a river's current. It was both gentle and soothing. Okita's grip on her tightened somewhat.
Would they reach his era? Or would they merely find themselves in the horrors of the time she'd fled from? Images of scarlet and blinding pain flash in the forefront of her mind. Her grip upon her loved one tightened. She wouldn't run. She wouldn't flee. She wouldn't hold herself back anymore. This was to be her future. Even if she were to be flung back into the time she feared the most. Even if she were to come face to face with the monster that had tormented her, she wouldn't run away. She wasn't alone. With Okita beside her, she could face those fears and embrace the future awaiting them. There was no longer any other option.
"We're here." The ronin whispered warmly in the shell of her ear. Slowly, her eyes cracked upon to spy the slight glint of the moon's light filtering in the shaft of the well. Ah, it'd already gotten so dark. She tilted her head and stared up at the scenery above them. Thick, gnarled vines crept up the age-smoothed stone of the well's interior. However there was a trail of finger-shaped blood stains pulled down the side sharply; as if someone had grabbed onto the side and fallen the whole way down. Could it be…?
She glanced to the ronin beside her. His face thawed somewhat.
"We made it." With that he gave her shoulder a gentle push, "Go on ahead first. I'll go up after you."
Wordlessly she did as instructed. Her throat grew thick with each stone she climbed atop of. The sides were slick so she grasped at the vines with all of her might—tugging and pulling to keep herself from falling back down on top of Okita. She could feel his eyes upon her—as if fearful that she'd tumble back down the same way he had. Kagome gave a quiet grunt as she grabbed at the lip of the well. With all of her might, she pulled herself over and turned to look back down into its depth. By the time she'd managed to glance down, her lover had already made it halfway up. Even with his over-packed furoshiki and daishou, he was still quite fast. Just how strong was he? She supposed that she'd finally get the chance to see first hand in this era. That thought made her both happy and anxious.
Okita silently pulled himself over the lip of the well. Instinctively her hand reached for his. However the moment her fingers came into contact with his palm, he turned and met her gaze seriously.
"Hey," He started suddenly.
"Yes?" She cocked her head curiously. A warm smile spread across his lips as his eyes softened at her.
"There's something I want to do." She felt his hand open widely as he splayed his fingers across the full width of her own, much smaller hand. It was the first time she'd noticed just how rough they were. Kagome remained silent and waited patiently for him to continue.
"You said that you wanted this to be your choice right?" He questioned suddenly. She nodded once. "You also said that you wanted to stay with me, correct?" She nodded again. Words wouldn't be necessary just yet. She didn't want any misunderstandings so she'd keep her answers as simple as possible at this point. Okita took a shuddering breath. Then he closed both of his hands over her own. "Then I want you to trust me now when I say that I want you to be happy. If there's anything you want or need, then tell me." His expression softened somewhat. "The way I see it, we're family right now. We have been since the moment you chose to take care of me that night six months ago. So," His voice broke suddenly. "Don't ever forget this promise right now." His fingers curled securely over her hands, as if afraid she would slip away if he didn't hold onto her tightly. "I will make you happy, no matter what it takes. So don't be afraid. I want you to rely on me the same way I relied on you."
Kagome felt his thumb rub a soothing arc over her hand. Her face grew warm at the show of affection. The man pulled at her hands and tugged her closer to him.
"This is your home now." A small, kind smile widened his lips. It wasn't the playful grin she was used to or the warm one he'd shown her earlier. This one was almost sad and full of a type of forlorn longing. Had leaving her family affected him heavily as well? The thought struck her. "We've made it this far, so I want you to stay beside me. But I won't force it. What is that you want? You have to tell me now, before I…" He trailed off, his expression darkening somewhat.
The young woman's eyes widened. Ah, so that was what this was about. It was his final reassurance—the final request to ensure that this was the choice that she truly wanted. Even if the well no longer had the power to transport her back to her era, Okita still wanted to ensure that she was happy. He still wanted to make sure that she be satisfied with him. Truly, that man was something else. Always putting her needs and well being above his own.
Words were meaningless at this point. They would only get in the way. So Kagome did the only thing she could think of. She leaned on the tips of her toes and pressed a gentle, reassuring kiss upon his lips. As if that were all that he needed, he released a short sigh that she was sure he'd been holding back and pressed his mouth more firmly against her own. In just that one second the world around them disappeared. In that one brief, beautiful moment it was only the two of them and the mutual feelings that they shared through the medium of their kiss. There was no more monsters, no spiritual jewel or war looming on the horizon. There was only the bond that held them together.
As they parted air returned to her lungs. It was then that she realized that she'd been holding her breath as well. A small laugh left Oktia's throat.
"You really are something else, you know that right?" He straightened up and grasped at both of her hands. "Ah, now it's my turn I guess." His emerald eyes glinted with the remnants of his mirth. She could feel both the roughness of his skin and the warmth of his pulse emanating from his palm into her own. Such and odd contrast, really. So rough yet so tender. A small smile pulled at her own lips. She wouldn't have it any other way though.
"Welcome to Edo." Okita grinned as he pulled her into his chest. Then, he dipped his head and brushed his lips against her own once more. "Welcome home."
Kagome leaned into the warmth of his embrace. She wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled up at him. "Yes." She tilted her head and lightly traced her mouth against his own in the barest hint of a kiss. "It's good to be home." She closed her eyes as they lost themselves to their affection once more. That's right, this was her home now. Even if she couldn't see her family, even if she could no longer meet with her friends, she wouldn't regret this decision. After all, she opened her eyes and met the gaze of the man she loved the most, she wouldn't be alone. This was all that she needed. Nothing more. Nothing less.
A/n: Hey guys, sorry it's taken me so long. Tbh it's been a bit of a mixed bag for me. I was one of the ones caught up in Hurricane Harvey. Thankfully though the only major issue we had in our area was that our roads flooded up for a few days. Our housing was fine so no damages to report there. Ended up having a few days off to work on OPAH but things just were not coming as easily to me as it normally would. I definitely have not given up nor will I cease writing this story entirely. In all honesty one of the things I enjoy most is writing out little snippets when I can during work and then plugging them into the chapter. That was how we actually got the Kimono scene in this chapter. ;P
I've mentioned this to a few friends already, but I sort of developed my own secret "code" to handwrite these parts of the story into an actual notebook I have at my shop. I write in this super tiny cursive with purposeful spelling errors so that in case someone peers over my shoulder they wouldn't be able to make out what I was writing in the first place. I guess I can be a bit paranoid that way. Not even my husband is allowed to read OPAH over my shoulder, LOL! (And trust me, he tries XD).
Anyways, I just wanted to let you know that the story is not dead and is not likely to die any time soon. I've been obsessing over plot points and future ideas for this story like none other. XD The major thing is that I was sort of put in a bad spot a few weeks before Harvey and I'm just coming out of that bit of funk. So things will be going a bit more slowly for me but they'll get there. Again thank you guys SO much for being so damn supportive. As always, you feed the fire of my determination right now. I wish you all the best and for those who got caught up in Irma and Nate, I hope you are all doing well! From one Hurricane Veteran to another, I hope for a speedy recovery for you!
*Gifting Kimono – After a wedding ceremony the wife would be taken to the home of her husband where he would gift her with a kimono; thus signifying the woman's departure from her birth family and acceptance into the family she married.
*Houmongi – A style of kimono and yukata with shorter sleeves and slightly less vibrant color patterns. This style was the most common used among married women and denoted their marital status.
*Furoshiki – A cloth used to transport clothing and items. Can be plain or decorative.
*Onna-bugeisha — A class of female warriors within the noble hierarchy. As the years progressed, they eventually began to lose status from warriors to solely child bearers by the end of the Edo Period.