AD 2206, 11/15, 13th Hierarchical City of Kagutsuchi – Ronin-Gai

Kagura Mutsuki sighs as he continues to search for his missing secretary, Hibiki Kohaku. He sips his tequila thoughtfully as he walks through the streets, skillfully avoiding the rambunctious partygoers.

Hibiki had made themselves scarce after he'd taken to a pair of beautiful sisters, as was their habit. They never did like to see him woo. He winces as the wind brushes the stinging palmprints on his left cheek.

Back to the matter at hand, Hibiki wouldn't have gone far, too duty minded to truly leave him unguarded, and on top of that, they had no real associates in Ronin-Gai that he knows of. He tilts his head in consideration as he remembers that he actually doesn't know all that much about Hibiki's elusive private life.

In fact, he knows nothing at all of what Hibiki does in their spare time. He's never really thought about it before. They've always been the private sort, and Kagura's had no reason to pry, not that he'd care to even if he did have a reason. Everyone has a right to privacy in their own life.

Still, that does make figuring out where they'd gone a lot harder than he'd like…

A loud chorus of whoops and cheers draws Kagura's eyes to one of the many stages, and he damn near drops his drink entirely.

It's Hibiki. They're wearing a knee-length powder blue yukata with a black obi, and silver raven pins hold back their bangs. They've got on smokey eyeshadow and powder blue eyeliner, and rose-pink colors their lips. They look… so beautiful.

Kagura must've been staring pretty hard, because Hibiki's angry ambers snap from the crowd to gaze into his own iolites. Kagura swallows thickly as he takes them in. The fire in those normally cool orbs… it makes them look like some sort of avenging angel, come to reap his sinful soul.

Hibiki scoffs, but Kagura can't hear what they say over their shoulder to a smirking pair of beauties before they begin to make their way off the stage, towards him.

Kagura snaps out of his daze, downing his tequila in one shot to free up his hand as he sets the empty bottle on the windowsill behind him.

Hibiki rolls their eyes at his antics, coming to stop before him. They're even more stunning up close. They scoff, "I know that I look ridiculous, Lord Kagura, but I must insist that you stop staring."

Kagura blinks, then frowns. "Ridiculous? Hibiki, you look amazing."

Hibiki narrows their eyes in warning. "I do not. I look like one of your ladies of the night." They glance down at themselves disdainfully. "This is merely the result of my folly. I trust that the wounds on your cheek mean we have no further business here?"

Kagura's frown deepens. "What do you mean your own folly?" His eyes narrow. "Did someone put you up to this?"

Hibiki sighs, but before they can respond, a drunken Amane Nishiki slings his arm around their shoulders. "My darling star! You can't seriously be leaving us now, can you? You've only just begun to strut your stuff!"

Hibiki glowers at the man with a look that makes Kagura's blood run cold. No doubt about it. They're pissed.

Hibiki removes Amane's arm, hissing, "I agreed to put this on, not to stay the night."

Kagura blinks. Oh. So Hibiki lost a wager of some sort to Amane, and now they're all dolled up for the night.

Amane pouts at Kagura. "Mutsuki, can't you stay a little longer? They haven't even gotten to dance!"

Kagura pauses for only a moment before smirking down at his fuming secretary. "Hibiki, you wouldn't deny the birthday boy his wish, would ya?"

Hibiki stares daggers into Kagura's soul. They murmur, "Lord Kagura, I must insist that we return to the branch."

Kagura evenly shrugs off his cape, smirk never wavering. "Aw, c'mon. Just give me one dance and we'll go, promise."

Amane blinks, then narrows his eyes predatorily. "Oh, yes! I would love to see the two of you on stage together!"

Hibiki glances at Amane. "I thought you said that Lord Kagura was hardly suited for your stage."

Kagura lifts a brow. "Hey. I'm plenty suited for dancing." He offers Hibiki his hand. "Shall we?"

Amane giggles, "Oh, I was just teasing, dear! Now, why don't you take the gentleman's hand and join me on the wondrous stage?"

Hibiki looks absolutely murderous as they reluctantly put their hand into Kagura's. They lean in close and whisper, "I shall see that the Imperator hears of this, Lord Kagura."

In return, Kagura whispers, "Worth it."

As they take their place on the stage, Hibiki's nails dig into Kagura's arm, and he raises a brow.

Kagura murmurs, "Hibiki, if you really don't want to, I can just—!"

Hibiki takes their position, scoffing, "That won't be necessary, Lord Kagura." They lean in close. "Just follow my lead."

Kagura blinks in confusion before he finds himself in the follow position of an aggressive tango. He does his best to keep up with the unfamiliar stances and steps as Hibiki gracefully pulls him this way and that, their face betraying no emotion. Their eyes, on the other hand, are frustrated.

Kagura allows himself to find the rhythm, then fall into step with gusto. This'll be fun.

As Hibiki dips him for the first time, Kagura is sure to puff his chest so that their nose grazes his pecs. He smirks at the warning glare, murmuring, "Nice footwork, Hibiki."

Hibiki rolls their eyes and scoffs as they pull him up for a twirl, after which he pulls them close by the hips. "So, that's how you wanna play this, huh?" His smirk widens. "Fine by me."

Hibiki wordlessly narrows their eyes at the challenge, and the game really begins.

Each push and pull of the dance is as intimate and fiery as Kagura can make it, fueled by the heat pooling in his belly every time he meet's Hibiki's ever darkening gaze. He's never seen them like this before, and truthfully, he can't get enough.

By the end, both parties shine with sweat, their cheeks red with exertion as Hibiki dips him for the last time. Kagura can't resist. He kisses them on the forehead, and the tension snaps.

Hibiki stares at him, eyes wide, but without emotion as they freeze in place.

Kagura, realizing the line he's crossed, feels panic claw at his chest, but he doesn't dare let it show. He coolly huffs, "Great dance, Hibiki. You really know your stuff."

Hibiki drops him. They step away. "Lord Kagura, I will be taking my leave now."

Kagura rubs his head, protesting, "Hey, wait a minute—!"

They vanish into the shadows in a dark flash.

He's left alone, not regretting a thing, and desperate for more...

AD 2206, 11/23, 6th Hierarchical City of Yabiko – NOL Branch

Kagura sighs miserably as he stalks the halls. He hasn't seen hide nor hair of Hibiki since Amane's birthday bash, and his workload has never been heavier. Day in, day out, the same piles of paperwork will await him, neat and tidy as always.

He idly scratches his thickening stubble. Without Hibiki there to hold the razor, shaving hasn't been easy, or indeed, enjoyable. He misses their sacred morning silences, anchoring as they are.

His soldiers are giving him a space that he's never felt before, and it too throws him off his precious balance.

He knows what he did was crossing some invisible line, something sacred to Hibiki, but try as he might… He just can't bring himself to regret it. He needs more.

He walks past innumerable offices in loops, eyes darting to and fro, hoping for a sign.

As he passes one such office, a vicelike grip falls upon his shoulder.

He whirls to see Jin Kisaragi, Lieutenant Colonel of the NOL's Praetorian Guard, his third in command, by all respects, glaring at him with icy malachites.

Jin scoffs, "Kagura, you look ridiculous." He all but shoves Kagura into his office. "Sit."

Kagura blinks, but does as he's told. He glances at the angry Jin before him with a raised brow. "That bad, huh?"

Jin sneers. "What do you think?" He uses Yukianesa to create a small ice shard to use as a mirror, hefting it at Kagura's head.

Kagura catches it, looks down, and winces. He's got slight bags under his eyes, the result of late nights and abysmal dreams, and the stubble is thicker and coarser on his jaw than he'd thought.

Kagura sighs, "I really pissed them off this time, Jin."

Jin huffs, "Obviously. What the hell did you think you were doing?"

Kagura groans, "I don't know, Jin. I just… I'd never seen them like that before…" He trails off, looking wistfully into the air. "I couldn't help myself."

Jin stares at him like he's shit on a hangnail. "You really are an idiot." He sighs, "I'm loaning you Tsubaki's secretarial services until you can clear this up."

Kagura huffs, "You don't think that'll piss them off even more? They're not just a secretary Jin, they're—!"

Jin freezes his hand to the desk. "Stop being difficult. You need the help, Kagura. There's no use in burning your candle from both ends." Jin breaks the ice. "Now get the hell out of my office."

Kagura rubs his numbing hand, glaring at Jin. "Hey. Remember, I'm the one in charge here."

Jin quirks a brow. "Do you feel in charge, Lord Kagura?"

Kagura flinches at the use of that title. Talk about a low blow. He rolls his eyes and strides to the door. "Man, you really are an asshole."

As the door shuts, Kagura swears he can feel Jin rolling his eyes at his back.

AD 2206, 12/1, 6th Hierarchical City of Yabiko – NOL Branch

Kagura sighs as he takes a sip of coffee. With Tsubaki at his side, he's doing a bit better than before. She'd even offered to help him shave once, though he'd declined. That would be too weird, having someone else hold the razor.

Speaking of Tsubaki, she's keeping him firmly in the corner of her sapphire eyes as she sips her own mug. Truthfully, most of her work is delivering the paperwork once he gets it done, as Hibiki keeps it coming earlier than she can arrive.

Kagura sets down the mug and offers Tsubaki a smile. "Guess it's time to get to work, huh?"

Tsubaki sighs, "That would be best, Mister Kagura."

AD 2206, 12/13, 6th Hierarchical City of Yabiko – NOL Branch

Kagura sighs as he stares into the mirror. A small beard has begun to spread on his face, as he just can't bring himself to shave off the stubble alone. But the looks he keeps getting are wearing on him. He sighs, finally reaching for the tool.

Only for a gloved hand to pluck it first.

Kagura whirls around to see a tense Hibiki staring at him with unreadable eyes, a frown firmly on their lips.

Hibiki scoffs, "I suggest that you hold still. I can't stand that thing any longer."

There's so much to say, so much to address, but all Kagura can do is nod. He knows now that there's a space between them, a division that only time can cross. He tilts his head back, exposing his throat.

Hibiki considers him for a moment, a hint of some emotion leaking into their eyes, one he doesn't recognize, before swiping the razor in a neat arc, slicing away at the stubble with practiced ease.

Hibiki soon seizes Kagura's jaw and maneuvers him onto the stool, carefully but swiftly ridding him of weeks of overgrowth. They sigh, "Honestly, you'd think you'd have tried to shave sooner."

Kagura can't help but retort. "And mar this handsome face? No thanks."

Hibiki tenses, then glares into his eyes. "You truly are hopeless, aren't you, Lord Kagura?"

Kagura eases at last, a smirk dancing in his eyes as he sighs, "Now that's just cruel, Hibiki."

They roll their eyes, but a peace settles over the room as they hum, "Those bags are grotesque. Have you been sleeping at all? Or is it the nightly binges?"

Kagura huffs, "Haven't had a drop since you left and you know it."

Hibiki finally smiles. "If I'd known all it would take to get you to sober up was to disappear for a time, I'd have done it sooner."

Kagura's smirk vanishes before he can help it.

Hibiki's smile fades just as quickly. "I see that you aren't in the mood for our usual barbs, sir."

Kagura sighs, "Hibiki, I…"

Hibiki heads him off with a glower. "If it's all the same to you, sir, I would like to keep things professional from here on."

Kagura hesitates, but nods slowly. "You got it, Hibiki."

AD 2207, 1/1, 13th Hierarchical City of Kagutsuchi – Ronin-Gai

Kagura's never been happier to be at one of Bang's parties. It's a lot less extravagant than his boyfriend's, that's for sure. Bang, for all his loud brashness, just can't match Amane's exuberance.

Hibiki hasn't left his side for a second, cutting him off at every corner when it comes to booze or flirting. Normally, that would be pretty irritating, but now… Now, he's just happy that they're here.

Amane finds them eventually. "Oh, there you are, my little star! Say, how's about another bet?"

Hibiki glowers at the dancer, prompting a pouty sigh.

Kagura smirks. Now's his chance. "How's about we skip the spar and go for the good stuff?"

Hibiki freezes, shooting him a murderous glance.

Amane stares at him as if he's lost his mind. "Hey, hey. I don't force people, ya know."

Kagura gestures to himself. "Wasn't talking about Hibiki. Now c'mon, it's not every day you get such a great canvas, right?"

Amane blinks, then narrows his eyes into a dangerous smirk. "Are you sure about this, Mutsuki? I won't be gentle on you just because it's your first time."

Kagura can't help but playfully leer back. "Do your worst. I can take whatever you dish out."

Hibiki, just as he'd thought, protests immediately. "Lord Kagura, there is no time for such foolishness. I refuse to let you waste the night playing dress up."

Kagura laughs, "Aw, c'mon Hibiki, we're here on break, remember? Let's live a little!"

Hibiki glares at him frustratedly, that fire returning to their eyes sending a thrill up his spine.

Hibiki huffs, "Even if you insist on dolling yourself up, I still won't let you out of my sight."

Kagura smirks. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

Hibiki's glowering and constant critique are totally worth it, in the end.

Amane's set him up with a dark purple kimono with a golden obi, though he's left his hair alone. He's also set him up with smokey eyeliner and dark purple eye shadow with matching lipstick.

Kagura smirks at his reflection as he tilts his head this way and that. "Damn, I look good."

Amane giggles, "Of course, after all, you had moi!" He smirks slyly at Hibiki. "I suppose you were right; he really could be a star."

Hibiki glowers at them both, looking thoroughly put out. "If you're done playing the fool, Lord Kagura, we still need to—!"

Kagura doesn't bat an eye as he takes Amane's hand in a firm shake. "Guess I just got one more request." His smirk deepens. "Got a dance partner for me?"

Kagura's eyes are alight with victory as he feels the burning holes in his back. Perfect.

Hibiki hisses, "Lord Kagura…"

Amane chuckles, "Oh, I would offer myself, but Bang might get all huffy." He glances behind him. "Still, I doubt one of my boys would turn down a dance with the gallant Black Knight—!"

Hibiki seizes Kagura's hand with a crushing grip, lowly murmuring, "That won't be necessary."

Kagura bites back his wince with a winning smile. "Aw, thanks, Hibiki!"

Hibiki stares at him, eyes full of something dark and ugly.

Kagura feels that thrill come back, sending his heart racing. This is dangerous, even kinda stupid. But he can't wait to see where it goes.

Hibiki roughly pulls him out of the chair, stalking out of the tent and onto the stage. They twirl him aggressively into position. They gaze into his eyes with a murderous hum, "I shall put an end to this nonsense of yours, Lord Kagura."

Kagura smirks. "Bring it on."

The dance is much more dangerous this time, Hibiki's movements snapping and graceful, nearly pulling bones from their sockets at times as they twist his body.

All throughout, Kagura does his best to keep up with their killer pace, enjoying every shock and thrill as he finds himself almost helpless in their arms.

By the end, Hibiki is holding him dangerously close, hissing in his ear. "You're making a mistake."

Kagura hums, "How can it be wrong when it feels so right?"

Hibiki scowls, "You don't know what you're doing, Lord Kagura. Someone like me… shouldn't feel this way."

Kagura scoffs, "Because you're 'empty,' right?" He shakes his head. "I keep telling you to stop thinking like that. I hate that crap."

Hibiki pulls him harshly into step. "Why? Because it's true? Because it means you're chasing your shadow like a dog?"

Kagura huffs, "You're not my shadow, Hibiki." He dares to brush their bangs behind their ears. "You're so much more than that—!"

Hibiki wrenches him painfully into a dip. They stare into him, through him. Death takes their eyes as they murmur, "If you keep this up…" They brush noses with him, lips mere centimeters apart. "I really will kill you, Lord Kagura."