A/N: Oh boy. It's been so long since I updated this story. O_O I hope you still remember the plot though... And I hope (even more) that this will make up for that long time. Gomenasai.
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"We'll first be headed for an inn down the road, a place and time for you to wash up before the wedding." The groom-to-be merely popped his gum.
The muscled man continued "Mind you, you will not speak of my mistress, where you came from, nor for what purpose you are here for, to anyone except me." Youichi peered at the man.
"Was I clear?" "Aye." Satisfied, Musashi moved to open the carriage door and let himself out first.
They entered the inn by a back door. And no one knew, save for the owner of the place, that they quietly made their way up to a small room.
Once inside, Musashi opened a small leather chest, displaying the contents for Youichi. "Mistress Mamori sent these garments to fit the occasion. She... begs... of you to groom yourself properly, so as not to embarrass her."
Youichi laughed without humor. "For a beggar, your fucking mistress seeks much."
In response, the other gestured to a wooden tub at the far left of the quarters. "A maid will come to assist you should you need help. We only have two hours to dally here."
Propping himself on the small cot by the wall, Musashi adds "In case you're wondering, there are two ways out. One would be through that door, the other by that window. Either way, you have to come through me."
"And your fucking pistol."
Musashi grins "Yes, this too" Apparently, the silver glint of the revolver was not missed by the keen eyes of the blonde devil.
Youichi cackles, "Even if the chances of me escaping here are .1 percent, I would not think of running away. It is my wedding day, or have you forgotten?"
A light knock sounds on the door as a maid ushers herself in. She bowed her head slightly and as she gazes at the man she was to assist, she immediately recoils.
Her eyes roamed from his soiled hair down to his muddied and torn trousers, the expression of disgust never leaving her pale face.
"I think I better get me'self a sharper razor" she finally said, noting the thickness of his beard. She bowed once more before exiting.
Bemused, Musashi says "The poor wench doubts if you're human." Youichi snorts as he seats himself on a stool, awaiting the girl's return.
The silence that permeated the room was rather pleasant until the muscled man gruffly asked. "I, am only here, to see to it that my mistress' bidding is carried out and to ensure that her welfare is served. I assure you, it is not to my liking that she throws this fate upon herself."
"Get straight to the damn point."
"Pardon me for the abrupt probing, but the fact that you are awaiting the gallows, gives me cause to place much doubt in you."
"In short, you are asking for an explanation, so that you may make out my character?"
"Aye."
Youichi studied the man, before reaching a decision.
He measured his next words with care.
"In truth, I know little of this accusation hurled against me. T'was my first day in Shinriyuuji and I entered an inn in hopes of relaxing after a long journey. I had a few drinks, naturally got drunk. The only thing I remember is that I was lead by a harlot to my room. Do not misunderstand, I did not have any intention to make love to such a creature. When I woke up, the girl was bloodied and dead by my side. Whether I bedded her or beat her to death, I cannot deny nor ascertain for myself."
Youichi looked to the other. "That, good sir, is your fucking explanation."
Musashi's laughter bellowed throughout the room. The narration of course, did not clarify any of the doubts Musashi had on this stranger, but he could well attest that this boy was telling the truth. Perhaps then, he was not simply a madman as he portrayed his character to be.
Soon enough the girl returned with a sharper razor, ready to shave off Youichi's bush of a beard. In her haste to be rid of the man, all gentleness was placed aside. Luckily for him, his only injury happened to be a small gash on his chin, when the girl, absentmindedly surveyed the face of her work.
Her face was absolutely crimson as she dabbed a hot towel on the wound. "Pardon me, dear gov'na."
It was then when Musashi's attention was drawn. The girl seemed to have a new zeal at taking care of the prisoner.
And for her strange behavior, Musashi shook his head and barked "Trim his hair and stop gawking at the boy!" "Oh. Yes sir. Be glad to sir."
Moments later, he noted that the maid was rather insistent at helping Youichi bathe. "Don't fuckin' bother. I can do that by myself." "Oh but gov'na, someone needs to scrub ye'r back. " pushing her bursting chest to his lean and muscular back. "The hell--"
"I think, lass your job is done." Musashi interjected. The maid cast one last look of longing at Youichi, finally realizing that he was not interested at all. She bowed her head slightly and shuffled outside.
"She's quite taken with ye." "Fuck off." then he entered the washroom.
After an hour, Youichi finally stepped into view, dressed in the expensive garb his bride sent him. Musashi surveyed the man from head to foot. Grinning, he said "I think my mistress will be pleasantly surprised."
~0~
Mamori was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her groom. She gives a small smile at the minister before cursing, imagining what Youichi might look like. "At least let him put on his trousers straight!"
But then, as a magnificent carriage came into view, and as a well polished boot landed on the sandy floor, she could only stand staring, speechless at how Youichi presented himself.
He moved like a dream, slick and self-assured with that dangerous glint in his eyes. He was, for lack of a better, more appropriate word, "sexy". Absolutely sexy.
"Easy love. The lust in your eyes is showing" he teased as he approached her.
These words didn't have any effect, she was still mesmerized by his appearance. "Y-Youichi?" still in mild disbelief at what she saw.
"The one and only." And then his hand boldly went to her back caressing the soft skin that was left exposed by her elegant bodice.
This snapped her back to reality. "Cool your loins sir! We have company" she hissed, immediately slapping his hand away.
He laughed. "Madame, do not make such impossible requests. When you're around, my loins will be forever burning with desire."
Disgusted, she stomped off to where the minister stood, who appeared transfixed at something on the floor. Youichi cackled. This woman better hold her end of the bargain... or else all hell will break lose.
His father called him determined. His mother said he was spoiled.
Either way, he always got what he wanted.
Mamori looked at him in irritation, motioning that he stand beside her right now.
He grinned, slowly walking toward her.
Always.
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A/N: Was it detestable? :| Next chap: The Wedding.