#and that he is meant to make people smile and laugh .. Oda thank you so much for this lil pirate 🥺❤

[writer-akihiko]

Hello!

Ikemen sé request

the warlords realizing that Mc is very popular with their soldiers. Sending love letters and stuff.

IkeSen Boys + Popular!MC

This was so cute ahhh although I'm sorry if it's a little short, there's a lot of Ikemen to get through. Thank you and I hope you like this work!

Nobunaga Oda

Nobunaga thought it was quite odd that there were a lot of presents delivered to you... Which he didn't gift...

After some digging, he found out that you had garnered some popularity after a campaign

He was dumbfounded at the idea that other men could be attracted to you

He didn't quite like that, but being the person he is he did tell you his thoughts

You insisted that you wanted to keep some gifts to distribute to your maids. He agreed, but he just buys better gifts for you anyway

He's not as jealous as you'd expect, since the man is also a bit egotistical when it comes to himself and your feelings for him

"Oh... Nobunaga..." You wanted to laugh at how childish he was but it wouldn't be in the right taste.

You stopped your giggling when Nobunaga muttered, "I could transfer whoever sent those gifts to you away..."

"At least let me keep some!"

He silenced you with a quick kiss. "Whatever you like from the pile, I'll purchase better ones from the merchants."

Hideyoshi Toyotomi

He doesn't want to admit that he's jealous, but he is. He unknowingly calls out the soldier that was about to gift you a present in an oh so convenient timing…

He doesn't take it to such extremes, he still respects the other soldiers. Although, he found it quite tempting from time to time to not bring you along for some campaigns

In this case, he wished that Nobunaga hadn't demanded such things of you. He really does appreciate your skills on the field, but he doesn't like that he can't control how much attention you're getting

He only realises it once someone points it out to him, or when someone sends you a letter. Letters are an absolute no from him

"Lord Hideyoshi, what should I do with these letters for YN?"

"Burn them."

"Lord Hideyoshi, what should I do with these letters from the townswomen?"

"Oh, send them to my office-"

YN smacked Hideyoshi up in the head. "You hypocrite."

Mitsunari Ishida

Mitsunari did notice that you gained a lot of attention, but he knew that it was only from your good merits and character

In no way did he ever thought it was romantic, until Mitsuhide pointed it out

He wasn't sure how to feel about it. Sure, he was happy that a lot of people thought you were a wonderful person

However a small inkling of him wanted to keep it to himself

Seeing the multitude of gifts for you, the guilt hit him hard. What if you wanted gifts all along?

"YN, do you like it when those soldiers give you gifts?" He asked, as you opened another gift that consisted of a bunch of fabrics.

"I do appreciate it," You admitted. "But I don't plan to keep them for long. I share any snacks with the maids and fabrics with the seamstresses. Why?"

He didn't reply, except for the blush that bloomed on his cheeks.

You pecked his cheek, understanding what he meant. "You have no reason to be jealous, my sweet angel."

Mitsuhide Akechi

Not a lot of people can read him, and he uses that to his advantage. He sneaks up on those who had planned to give you gifts, and instead direct their attention to another maid or townswoman

In the end, with this strategy, you don't receive much gifts from soldiers. This doesn't work on his fellow warlords however

With you, he doesn't hide his frown when people like Shingen or Masamune send you gifts

He doesn't care for what reason it was for, the gift shall not be touched by you

"Mitsuhide? Have you seen a package from Masamune? He sent some really pretty Oshu fabrics for me…"

He sipped on his bland concoction of tea. "Why my dear, I wonder where it could be…"

You sighed. "You gave it away didn't you? Now I have to write to Masamune- Ah!"

Before you could continue any thoughts, your charming kitsune sweeped you up in his arms, smiling coyly at you. "Write to him? I'm afraid my jealousy won't allow that YN… I'd certainly be interested in writing my thoughts of you on your body…"

Ieyasu Tokugawa

Ieyasu surprisingly doesn't notice any traffic of gifts to you. It might be due to the fact that he publicly ban any gifters from his estate…

You still manage to get some from soldiers passing by or Ieyasu's fellow warlords gifting you as a token of appreciation

Only when you bring the gift home is when he realises how popular you are. He doesn't initially care, but similarly to Hideyoshi, he gets rid of any letters

He doesn't burn them, but he moreso stages it so you'd see adorable Wasabi chewing on the papers

"Hey Ieyasu? Oh-" You dropped to your knees, seeing Wasabi with some paper in its mouth once again. "Wasabi, you should know better than to chew on my letters! Ha… Looks like I have to apologise later on."

"Do you even remember the soldier that gave you the letter?" He looked up from his work to ask you.

You pouted. "No… But I'm sure I can ask around!"

He patted you head. "Don't waste your time on that. The maids should be done with dinner now. Let's go and eat."

Masamune Date

He notices your popularity early on, but he's not too bothered about it. In fact, he shows off that you and him are in a relationship

It might be a 'rubbing salt in wound' move but he doesn't care. He has a thrill of seeing some of his jealous subordinates, which he trusts that it is in all good favour

With the way he approached it, most admired you in a non-romantic way, and for those few that actually do, Masamune opts for a duel as a 'wholesome' way to solve the solution

The duels end up with him winning, and the challenger often with some pointers from Masamune during fighting

You wiped off Masamune's sweat from his brow, wondering why he suddenly went up to that random soldier. "Did something happen?"

"Didn't he give you that gift earlier?" He asked, confused. He put up a good fight, although he'd probably have to answer to Hideyoshi since the boy was under his army…

You shook your head. "It wasn't. He has a twin, and the twin is working under Mitsunari…"

Masamune stood up, groaning. "Looks like I have another duel YN. I'll be back by dinner!"

"H-Hoi! Masamune!"

Kenshin Uesugi

Jealousy plus Uesugi Kenshin equals disaster in Kasugayama Castle

Kenshin was shocked when he saw the servants carrying the presents in, specifically addressed to 'Princess YN'

No one could stop him from drawing his sword and rushing to the training grounds, where every poor soldier who passed by was forced to duel him

Yukimura and Sasuke were already battered from the multiple duels they had to face. You pitied the poor souls, so you sent some of your maids to heal up the soldiers that faced his wrath

Holding one of your many bunny children, you walked up to your soon-to-be husband, smiling at him. "Kenshin my dear, we should be on our way to our stroll…"

He tugged off the upper part of his kimono, his torso and upper body dripping with sweat from the fights. "I'll be with you YN, I just need to cool off. I shouldn't dirty you with my sweat."

For as much as you wanted to be proper, you couldn't help but stare at your perfectly sculpted fiance. "T-Take you time my dear."

Sasuke Sarutobi

For the many things he was dense about, this was not one of them. He saw the way some of the Nokizaru looked at you

He of course told them off, but he still had an inkling that some didn't get the memo

Within whatever wisdom he had left, he somehow consulted Kenshin on how to resolve this, which ended up Sasuke battling about half of the Nokizaru

You had no words on why half the men were injured and why your boyfriend was bruised as well. Initially you thought it was from some dispute, but Yukimura so kindly filled you in

You tightened the bandage around Sasuke's arm, giving a disappointed look to the group of ninja. "What do you have to say for yourselves?"

"We're sorry Princess YN."

"And what do you have to say, Sarutobi Sasuke?" You huffed.

"I won't go to Kenshin for romantic advice."

"Good."

Shingen Takeda

He is not oblivious to your charms, as well as the way other people were attracted to your charms

He'd be lying if he said he weren't jealous. Of course he was, but he didn't plan to do anything malicious to whoever sent you gifts

They were free to waste their money and/or time, it wasn't his business. He'd however, make it clear that you were taken

He's not above doting you in public, and sneaking kisses in the markets or kissing you as the rain goes by. He's very calm about it, since he sees the way you were attracted to him

"S-Shingen! We're going to a war council!" You patted his face away from your own, as the much taller man held you in his embrace.

"Embarrassed Princess?" He teased, giving you his sweetest smile reserved just for you. "But we've done many affectionate things in public…" "People will see!"

He kissed your cheek. "Let them see how in love we are."

Yukimura Sanada

He is another victim of Kenshin's not-so great love advice, hesitating to pick up his spear at anyone who sent you glances. Well… it was Kenshin's advice… and no way he'd risk getting teased by Shingen by asking him!

He then opted for a silent jealous strategy, keeping you by him and covering you with his body everytime he felt someone looking at you

You wondered why he was acting so odd, after all, you just wanted to go on a nice stroll with Yuki and Muramasa

Luckily, to Yuki's benefit, Muramasa is a good wolf who knows to rip apart any letters that come to you or hound after any men that look at you the wrong way

"Is it just me, or is Muramasa a little more energetic than usual?" You asked your boyfriend as you folded your kimono underneath you to sit on the impromptu picnic blanket.

Yuki shook his head, handing you over the basket of food. "He's probably just excited to see us… I think…" He said, as Muramasa runs off into the bushes with what he could see was a paper in his mouth.

Kennyo

Kennyo doesn't really know what to do with this information. He's quite unsure if you wanted the attention or not

He thought the issue didn't need to be brought to your attention, as most of those around you are most likely his subordinates

He could… simply remind them of the holistic teachings that was preached to them

It does a good effect, as most quickly dispelled any sort of romantic attraction

He doesn't mind his subordinates admiring you out of respect, as he thinks you deserve such respect for your deeds

You clapped your hands after hearing your boyfriend's sermons. "You impress me every time my beloved," You said, pecking him on the cheek. "I'm always in awe when you deliver your preachings."

He shied away from you, "My dear, you praise me so…" He couldn’t stop repeating those praises over and over in his head, wanting to pen down the exact words you said. "Thank you YN."

#ikemen sengoku #ikesen #ikesen sasuke #ikesen mitsunari #ikesen masamune #ikesen yukimura #ikesen kennyo #ikesen kenshin #ikesen mitsuhide #ikesen nobunaga #ikesen shingen #ikesen ieyasu #ikesen hideyoshi #ikemen sengoku kenshin #ikemen sengoku kennyo #ikesen headcanons #ikesen scenarios

[dreamkidddream]

Trick or Treat! || Odasaku

Not a day goes by when I don’t simp for this man and he forever has my heart 😔 (Oda and Kunikida Deserves more love club still going strong 😤💚💙) so take this fluff at 2 in the morning! reader is gender neutral!

Dream’s Spooktober 2021

“Is everyone ready?”

A chorus of cheers echoed in the room from the excited kids. Your heart just melted at the sight of them donned in their costumes and their bright expressions. Ugh, they’re just too cute!

“What about you, Oda? Or should I say Mr. Big Bad Wolf?”

Adjusting the fake ears on his head, he nodded. “I’m ready.”

You had to hide your giggles every time you looked at Oda. His stoic face combined with the softest fake furry ears has you laughing every time.

“Don’t worry (Y/N), we’ll make sure this wolf won’t get a taste of you. I’ll protect you!” Kosuke stood proudly, pointing the tip of his fake sword right at Oda’s chest. “Says the one who didn’t want to go trick or treating to begin with.”

“Hey! I still think I’m too old for it, but I can’t just let you guys go without me! And besides, who’s gonna be dumb enough to pass up free candy?”

“You just don’t wanna admit that you’re excited too!” Katsumi shouted, twirling his baseball bat around. Yu stood behind him and agreed, him and Shinji laughing at the scene unfolding.

“Alright, alright. Let’s save the energy for when we can actually go get the candy”, you stated, fixing the bow on Sakura’s dress. She can be so quiet, but you could tell with how much she’s fidgeting how ecstatic she is going trick or treating for the first time. She even asked you if you could help her be the perfect Cinderella (like she wasn’t already perfect; these kids are gonna cause you to go to cardiac arrest because of how adorable they are!).

You count yourself very lucky that you were able to convince Oda to take them trick or treating. After you found out they’ve never been because Oda never had the chance to take them, you just had to change that! Granted you understood the arguments of why: he may be a low-ranking member of the Port Mafia, but he still works for an organization that has made a lot of enemies and who wouldn’t hesitate to retaliate in any way they can; even if it meant attacking innocent people like you and the kids. He did shoot down the idea at first (even if he was close to giving in to your puppy eyes despite him staying blank faced the whole time), but you guys were able to come to a happy compromise: you would only take them to your neighborhood and that you wouldn’t keep them out late (of course), but he would have to come with you to make sure nothing happens.

You even managed to get him to dress up in matching costumes so that he wouldn’t be that recognized easily (which was a half-truth, you just wanted an excuse to get matching couple costumes). You knew that he wasn’t going to let you take care of the kids by yourself, but it was still a nice gesture regardless. It was just nice in general: being able to choose costumes with the kids, having them experience something new and seeing the smiles on their face, spending time with Oda.

It just felt like you were all one big family.

And Oda felt that too, a small smile gracing his own face.

“(Y/N)?”

You snapped out of your sentimental moment, and gazed at Oda. “We should get going; I think they’re starting to get restless.”

“Oh yeah, sorry. Shall we then, Mr. Wolf?” You held out your hand. “Of course, Little Red.” He responded, not wasting a moment to lace his hand with yours.

You couldn’t help but chuckle at the gagging sounds the kids were making.

“Alright, let’s get this night started!”

—

You and Oda finished tucking in Shinji, the rest of the kids sound asleep. You figured that they would burn out eventually, the combination of being so full of energy from trick or treating and eating all the candy they got (after extensive checking from you both) causing them to no doubt sugar crash.

“Thanks for tonight Oda, honestly.”

“It was your idea, I should be the one thanking you”, he held open the door and led you down the stairs. “The kids seemed to really enjoy themselves and they’re tired out thanks to you.”

“Yeah yeah, whatever you say- let’s call it a team effort then”, your hand shot up waiting for a high five and he delivered. But then, he held onto your hand, gently rubbing circles on top of it.

“(Y/N).”

“Hm?” He always looks so calm, so composed, which is the complete opposite of what you’re feeling now. How he manages to get your heart racing so fast and by doing just the smallest things is a mystery (spoiler alert: it’s not. You just love this man too much that anything he does just makes you fall deeper for him).

“You should spend the night with me- only if you want to though.”

The warmth that spread through your body made your heart beat a thousand times faster and almost caused you to choke if you hadn’t caught yourself, “Are you saying that you don’t want me to leave, Oda?” The teasing tone that you took on was just a mere distraction to your genuine question.

Oda didn’t want you to leave him at all- he hates to see you go every time, but but he’ll wait to tell you that part.

“Yes.”

Leave it to Oda to be ever so blunt. He’s gonna be responsible if you pass out on the concrete.

You pretended to think about it, but already had your mind made up. “Wellllll since you were already taking me home, I would feel bad if you had to make an extra stop, so I guess it’s fine.”

“Good. I think you still have some clothes left over from last time, or you could sleep in one of my shirts again if you want.”

You hummed again, not letting go of his hand. “Just promise not to gobble me up this time, Mr. Wolf.”

You felt his hand give yours a playful squeeze, “No promises Little Red.”

#bsd x reader #bungo stray dogs x reader #bungou stray dogs reader insert #bungou stray dogs x reader #bsd x gender neutral reader #odasaku x reader #bsd oda sakunosuke #bsd odasaku #oda x reader #oda sakunosuke #dream’s spooktober 2021 🎃

[writingwhimsey]

Lady of Azuchi Ch. 5

Chapter 5

I sat in the healer's quarters after Asuna had just finished my exam. She had been at the castle for around a month now. By my calculations, I was coming to the end of my first trimester and thankfully the morning sickness was subsiding.

"You have your appetite back yet, my lady?" Asuna asked.

"Yes...with a vengeance." I answered, somewhat sheepishly.

Asuna smiled. "No need to look ashamed. You are eating for two." She then patted my belly which had started to swell ever so slightly.

I smiled. "Sometimes I feel like I'm eating for three." I said with a laugh. "And sleeping like a cat."

Asuna laughed. "It takes a lot out of a woman to carry a child." Her eyes then took on a gentle look. "How are you feeling with it all by the way?"

"Just fine." I answered "Very happy...especially now that I am not felling sick anymore."

"Good. Just know, if you ever feel like anything is bothering you, you can talk to me."

I smiled. "Thank you, that truly means a lot...and makes me very glad I chose you as my midwife."

"I am quite happy you chose me as well."

"Speaking of, would you like to join me for some tea and shopping?" I asked. "I have to get some more fabric for the seamstresses as well as for my personal project."

"A personal project?"

"A blanket I am making for the baby." I answered, putting my hand over my belly. "If you don't want to come, I understand, but I would appreciate the company."

"Are you sure it's alright for me to come with you? I know Lord Hideyoshi doesn't trust me still."

I shrugged. "If I say it is alright, it is. Not only that but it's not like we will be alone. Ever since I became pregnant, I haven't been out of the castle much and when I am...I have at least a three guards with me...or Nobunaga or one of the other lords."

Asuna gave me a small smile. "A bit protective are they?"

I smiled. "Just a teensy bit. I know it is only because Nobunaga is worried that something would happen to me. If anyone were to try to take me hostage...well they'd be getting two for the price of one."

I felt Asuna's hand on mine and looked up into her eyes. "I swear to you, no matter what I would not let that happen."

I am not sure what it was, but there was something in her eyes, a strong conviction there. I could sense it. She truly meant it. "Thank you..."

Asuna smiled. "Tea and shopping do sound nice."

We got ready and then headed out. Hideyoshi was accompanying us as my guard. We went to the tea shop first, getting tea and sweets, as I was just craving their dumplings.

"You probably shouldn't eat too many sweets, Ava." Hideyoshi said, sounding so much like a mother hen it wasn't even funny.

I glared at him.

"While I hate to say it Lord Hideyoshi is right. Too many sweets is bad for you and the baby." Asuna said. "Though there is nothing wrong with indulging in them here and there."

"Oh, so now you're against me as well?" I asked, my tone accusatory. "Or is this just you trying to get on Hideyoshi's good side?"

Asuna laughed. "No, no. I am merely doing my job as your midwife."

"If you want to work on her sweets intake you'll have to talk to Lord Nobunaga about the sugar candies and to Masamune about the amount he makes." Hideyoshi said.

Asuna nodded. "I will have to have a talk with them."

"Hey, stop plotting against me, you two!" I said, my tone teasing.

"I only want the best for my patients." Asuna said.

"And I will always look out for you." Hideyoshi added. "And I will always help look out for the baby, too."

I smiled, happy to have them both here being so kind and caring. "I know."

It was then that the gaggle of Hideyoshi fans approached our table. "Lord Hideyoshi! It is so good to see you!"

"It has been too long!"

"Won't you join us?"

Asuna looked at me. "What's going on?"

"Hideyoshi has fans." I answered. "If he's not suspicious of you, he's actually quite kind and everyone loves him."

Asuna crossed her arms and looked at Hideyoshi, her eyes scanning up and down. "I don't see it."

I let out a small giggle. "Don't let them hear you say that."

"I would love to join you ladies, but I am ensuring Lady Ava's safety during her shopping trip into town." Hideyoshi answered the women. "Perhaps another time."

"Alright, but you really should come over to my place and let me make you dinner sometime." One of the women said.

When they finally left, Hideyoshi turned to us a sheepish look on his face. Asuna was sipping her tea and eyeing him over her cup. I had to fight back a laugh. The look Asuna had on her face was too funny.

"Sorry about that." He said. "They're very kind people."

"Uh-huh." Asuna replied. "I don't get it, but to each their own."

Hideyoshi blushed and let out that awkward cough.

I couldn't help it. I burst out laughing. The look on their faces were just to much.

"What's so funny?" Hideyoshi asked.

"Your...faces...both...of...you." I got out in between my laughter. I managed to calm myself after a few moments. "I'm sorry, the looks on your faces were just too much."

"Don't be sorry. Laughter is good for you and for the baby." Asuna replied.

"Even if it is at my expense, I can't get mad at you when you're happy." Hideyoshi said.

That made me feel a bit awkward and reminded me of how Hideyoshi felt about me. Though I know he would never act on it. When he had confessed to me, my heart already belonged to Nobunaga, and he knew it. He had told me he would watch from the sidelines and be happy to know I was happy.

"You know, you might want to actually give one of those girls a chance some day." I found myself saying, as I wanted him to be happy. "One could make you very happy."

"I don't know about that." Hideyoshi replied. "Besides, I am just too busy helping Lord Nobunaga achieve his goals. Someone has to help keep everyone else in line."

We all sat and finished our tea and dumplings before getting up and heading to the market place.

Asuna...

Asuna sat, watching Hideyoshi talk with Ava. She noticed the way he looked at her. He couldn't get mad at her when she was happy? Hmm...interesting. Asuna thought.

When they all finally got up and got to shopping, Asuna watched as Ava looked excitedly through the fabric stalls. The way in which she looked at the fabric, as if she could see the items they could make, it was quite fascinating.

"You must really enjoy sewing?" Asuna asked.

"That is an understatement." Ava had replied, not taking her eyes from the bolts of fabric. "It is my passion. That's why I love working with the castle seamstresses."

"A noble lady who loves to work with her hands." Asuna said. "You know some of your questions at my interview make a lot more sense now."

Ava turned and smiled at her. "I don't really see myself as a noble lady. I am just a person and I want to do my fair share. I'm not a fan of just lazing around and playing with makeup games." She said. "And I do love being a seamstress. I like making clothes that make people happy."

"And that is why Ava's clothes are the best." Hideyoshi said. "Everyone knows if they want quality clothes to request her. She also keeps all of the Oda forces in the best Kimonos."

Asuna's eyes widened. "You mean you all have ordered something from her?"

"Of course."

"I don't think I'm all that special, but I am glad that everyone likes my work." Ava said, her cheeks reddening. She had picked out a several bolts of fabric that were to go to the seamstresses, but she was still searching.

"What are you looking for, exactly?" Hideyoshi asked.

"Something that will be a perfect compliment to the fabric I've got going on a personal project." Ava answered.

"You making something for yourself?" Hideyoshi asked.

"No, but it will be used often." Ava replied. She then spied some fabric that looked perfect in her mind's eye. "This is it!" She went over to the fabric. It was a beautiful white fabric with some light flower print dyed onto it. The colors were muted and subtle, but yet quite pretty.

"It is a very pretty fabric." Asuna agreed.

After finishing up her purchases in the fabric stall, they walked out. Hideyoshi insisting on carrying the packages, though he had managed to arrange for some to be delivered to the castle directly. "Is there anything you'd like to look at?" Ava asked, looking at Asuna.

"Well, there are some supplies I need to pick up." Asuna answered. "Is there an apothecary somewhere?"

"Yes, the best one is this way." Hideyoshi answered. "Are you sure you are not tired, though, Ava?"

"I am perfectly fine." Ava answered.

"Walking s a very safe activity for her." Asuna assured him. "But we shouldn't keep you on your feet for too long."

"I don't feel tired yet. I will let you know if I do."

Hideyoshi then led them to an apothecary, knowing this was the one Ieyasu went to for the few herbs that he did not grow himself. There were a few other supplies Asuna needed as well and Hideyoshi kindly showed her to each stall where she could find the best goods.

As they were walking around, Asuna couldn't help but to glance at Hideyoshi as he showed her around Azuchi and kept an eye out for trouble concerning Ava. He still didn't trust her and yet he was taking the time to help make sure she had the best of what she needed.

Before long they were finished and returning to the castle. Upon their return, they were all called to the main hall for meeting. Asuna was surprised that she was invited as well.

"Why am I being invited?" Asuna asked.

"Lord Nobunaga requested you there." The vassal who had greeted them answered. "He did not say why."

There's no way he could have found out my connection to Lord Shingen. Asuna thought, though she did not let it show on her face that she was concerned. All my letters have been sent in code and they don't go to Echigo...not directly anyways.

"I am not sure I like this." Hideyoshi said. "Though I doubt this won't be a war council."

"He always has a reason for everything...as I've come to learn and as someone else once told me, when I questioned his orders." Ava said, giving Hideyoshi a wry smile.

"Throwing my own words back at me?"

"Of course." Ava replied. "Now we should get going."

The three of them walked to the main hall. Ava walked up to take her seat beside Nobunaga on the dais. he instantly put an arm around her waist and pulled her close, giving her an affectionate kiss on the cheek. Hideyoshi took his seat to Nobunaga's right and Mitsuhide was sitting to his left. The other war lords were in their seats, which appeared to Asuna their normal seats.

"Midwife Asuna, you can sit here." Mitsunari said, giving her a kind angelic smile, as he gestured to the seat beside him.

"Thank you." Asuna said, taking the seat and returning the smile.

"Lady Ava used to take this seat, but after our last battle with the Uesugi-Takeda alliance, her role changed...and of course now as Lord Nobunaga's wife, he wants to keep her close." Mitsunari said.

"I see." Asuna said. So, he's rather demanding? That seems to fit more with what I know of him. She thought, though she couldn't help but to look up at the way Nobunaga gently held Ava and how his gaze was hard and icy yet warmed the instant his eyes were on his wife.

Once everyone was gathered, Nobunaga looked around the room. "Good, you are all here." He said. "Asuna."

"Yes, my lord?" Asuna asked, looking up surprised to be addressed right away.

"Is riding an okay activity for Ava to partake in?" He asked.

"Riding...a horse?" Asuna asked.

"Yes. I don't know what else I would be talking about."

"I am sorry, it just surprised me." Asuna answered. "How long is the ride?"

"It would be a bit of a journey. It normally takes three days." Nobunaga answered.

"The real risk is if she were to fall off of her horse." Asuna answered. "But there is also a need for frequent breaks."

Nobunaga nodded. "The risk of falling would not be there. She has become a skilled rider, but more importantly she would be riding with me and I would keep her from falling."

Ava looked at him. "What are you planning?"

Nobunaga smiled. "Are you worried I'll be taking you to battle again? See if you still carry fortune's favor?" He asked, his smile teasing.

That's right. I had heard that he had taken her to battle a couple of times. Why in the world he would do that I don't understand.

"I never know with you." Ava replied, though she was smiling.

"There is a festival to be held in one month's time at one of my more recently acquired territories." Nobunaga began to explain. "It is a tradition that they hold this festival and I believe it will bring good will if we were to attend."

Ava's eyes lit up. "A festival? That means festival food."

"What is my food not good enough for you lass?" Masamune asked, feigning hurt.

"Oh you know you're the best cook, Masamune." Ava replied. "There's just something about festival food, though."

Nobunaga chuckled. "I take it you want to go then?"

"Yes." Ava answered, an excited smile on her face.

"I thought it would please you." He said. He then turned back to Asuna. "You will be coming too, to help assure Ava's health."

"Of course." Asuna replied. "I was about to ask to come...I would also like to make the suggestion that we start the journey a couple of days earlier than planned, making it a five day journey instead of a three day one."

Nobunaga nodded his agreement. "Then it is settled."

"I would like to request to attend as well, my lord." Hideyoshi spoke up, his suspicious gaze finding its way to Asuna.

"I was planning on you coming, Hideyoshi." Nobunaga replied." As well as Masamune."

"Oh...of course...as you say." Hideyoshi replied.

Later that night Asuna was up late working out the supplies she was going to need. Though the trip was a month away, she wanted to make sure she had enough supplies. She also knew she was going to need to ask someone to teach her how to ride, though she wasn't sure who she should ask.

There was a knock on her door. "Asuna, I am coming in."

Asuna didn't look up as Hideyoshi walked in. "What brings you here, Lord Hideyoshi?" She asked, continuing to write down her supply list.

"I was doing a sweep of the castle and saw your light still on. Why are you still up?"

"I am working on a list of supplies I will need for the trip." She answered. "I need to be prepared for anything that might occur while we are gone. I want to make sure I have everything to properly care for Lady Ava."

"I see." Hideyoshi replied. "If you need anything let me know. I will see to it that you get it."

"There is one thing..." Asuna said, almost hesitantly. I can't believe of all the skills I've learned that horseback riding was not one of them...nor that I am about to ask this.

"Yes?" Hideyoshi asked.

"I am a bit embarrassed by this, but I don't know how to ride...could you teach me?"

Hideyoshi seemed surprised. "There's no need to be embarrassed. Ava couldn't ride either when she first arrived here. Now she can keep up with the rest of us...except maybe Masamune, but no one can keep up with him."

"You think very highly of Lady Ava." Asuna observed unable to help herself from speaking her thoughts aloud.

"She is my liege lord's wife and a rather remarkable woman."

"She said you were once suspicious of her as well...what changed your mind?"

"I got to know her and learned that she has no malice in her heart, no mean bone in her body." Hideyoshi replied, answering honestly. "And what a hard worker she is."

Asuna nodded. "I see. You never answered my question on if you were going to teach me to ride though."

"I will help you." Hideyoshi replied. "I may not trust you, but as Ava's midwife you are now a member of the Oda forces whether I like it or not. I will see to it you have everything you need to properly do your job."

"I thank you for that." Asuna said. "And I hope one day you can come to trust me and see that I really do mean no harm and only want to care for Lady Ava and the baby."

"Time will tell." Hideyoshi replied. "Goodnight...and be sure you get some rest. There is plenty of time to plan. Not to mention we will have a long day tomorrow starting your riding lessons."

Chapter 6 below!

https://writingwhimsey.tumblr.com/post/661174929193041920/lady-of-azuchi-ch-6

#ikesen nobunaga #ikesen #ikemen sengoku #ikemen series #fanfiction #fanfic #romance #chapter 5

[danwhobrowses]

One Piece Chapter 1020 - Initial Thoughts

And we're back, they said no break but they didn't tell us there wouldn't be a chapter for the next week because of...the Olympics I think? Something that stopped the weekly fix

but that was then, today we have One Piece as we continue on from our chain of Tobi Roppo fights

Spoilers for Chapter 1020 - Support the Official Release too

The cover page now makes me want fried prawns, damn you Denjiro!

So close with Yamato's DF, turns out it's Inu Inu no Mi: Model Makami rather than Okami like I guessed

To my credit I didn't know what a Makami was, there are so many mythological creatures of Japan, turns out though it's a protector deity of Makamiohara...in the Yamato Province. Said to protect the people's crops for boar and deer (which may be a nod to Oden and the Mountain God), it also happens to be the guardian deity of Wano - which feels a little like an Alabasta nod

It's also meant to protect against fire (like Kaido) and robbery (like Orochi), but Kaido - while admitting that Orochi was a tyrant - wants him to protect what Kaido and Orochi has made Wano into: a hub of weapons development

Ice attacks as well to show the contrast with Kaido's fire, though it's pretty apparent that he didn't go all out with that fireball while Yamato is still weary

Finally over to Robin and Brook vs Black Maria but Brook is worried, because Robin's seeing people from her past

Clover, Olvia and Saul too, definitely a trap, though I don't wanna say they're dead in case Oda pulls a curve on us

But Robin is too smart for the trick, suckering the figures posing as illusions with some uppercuts. It must still hurt for her though

The one posing as Saul was a Number as well, seems to be our only female Number, this was Kunyun so given how we've heard that laugh already she's number 9, Numbers 1-3 are still missing

Robin could've given him a signal true, but it is alarming that they can fish into your memories like that

It's a Black Maria ability too, don't really recall Ancient spiders doing that, Mythical maybe but not the Rosamygale

She's also attacking from the ceiling, wrappings that definitely weren't there the last we saw her keeping things discreet

Turns out Brook was subject to illusion too, but pandering to his hopes of his crew being alive is probably not the best way to trick him, I mean he did have to bury them all after 50 years of preserving their bodies on the ship

So it turns out Black Maria's weapon isn't a severed head, it's another SMILE abomination XD I did get a giggle out of that actually, big head but a tiny pug body, guess he doesn't mind so long as he's that close to Maria. Dunno how he can make fires though but Kamijuro's lion belly could do the same

Maria if you keep hanging upside down with all that flesh showing you're gonna give people heart attacks...or awakenings...or both, either way stop distracting us from your horrifying lower half and intent to kill our heroes!

While Taunting the duo's belief of winning and then directly taunting Robin, Maria burns the floor to keep them cornered, Robin using her Spider Net to dangle with Brook in the air

I mean, Robin's not wrong, the Castle's already on fire thanks to Orochi

Brook though has a plan, since we now know the weapon is Alive he can attack it

Robin's 'the fuck?' face though XD

New Attack from Brook, he can freeze people by going through them in his soul form, pretty handy that and it knocks Pugbutt out of the weapon

And then his body deals with the fire to save Robin when Maria knocked away the bit of roof she was hanging on

God bless tiny faces

Maria really trying to pull up old feelings though, suggesting that the crew will sell Robin out eventually like others, because she's a burden and even Sanji brought her to Maria

Excuse you Maria but now that Jimbei's part of the crew Sanji's is the third-highest bounty, and still an undervalue considering how Luffy's is over 4x more right now

Brook and Robin aren't too concerned though, even going as far as leaving Maria to Robin while Brook takes on the goons and Number

'He's one of the wings that will allow the pirate king to soar' - what a freaking line

Here comes Naked Kaiju Robin! Maria your big woman energy can't compare to Naked Kaiju Robin, it's already over

But we're back to the land where in a portside Okobore town Luffy still hunts for meat

Shinobu and Momo have escaped too thanks to Shinobu's kite, which I had expected when she rotted the floor anyway

Momo looks like he was gonna say Kiku and Kin'emon died, but Luffy interrupted him before saying the D word, I wonder if they could still be healed, though it is wishful wondering

Luffy is right though, he can't break now, he needs to be strong until the fight is over

So there's Caribou!

Come on man, I stood up for you after the Cover Story showed you have something like a heart in there, true you may help for your own reasons but in Sabaody you wanted to ride with Luffy

But that's how we're getting back up, Momo is gonna fly Luffy to the top

Though it wasn't the same heights as 1000 and 1010 before them it was still a really good chapter. I mean, I could whine about how Robin vs Maria was only a third of the chapter sandwiched between Yamato's DF being revealed and Luffy coming back into consciousness but frankly, I think we needed the fight to go longer.

Not only did we need to set up Robin 1v1 but Maria hardly got to show any powers up until now, so it was more of a showcase, and it doesn't hurt for some of the Tobi Roppo fights to last longer than the quantity of a chapter and a half. Though Brook and Usopp remain the only characters without the big fights so far now they have been extremely effective on support, and with Oda reminding us of the Numbers I think Usopp may still have a chance to face 1-3, Brook's enemy I don't have any clues on but he showed off a new move.

Yamato's DF being a Wano guardian deity does push me towards the idea that Yamato may stay in Wano after all, he wants to be free yes but Oden wanted to ensure that Wano was ready for Joy Boy, wouldn't Yamato want to follow that? Instead of protecting Wano for Kaido he would feel at least some responsibility to protect Wano from Kaido. Plus it doesn't bode well for his Straw Hat candidacy that his powers are ice-based, since we already have that in Brook (then again, Zoro, Sanji, Luffy and Franky can all use fire so maybe not).

The appearance of Caribou does make me hopeful that he can pull a clutch move as well, he seems on Luffy's side at least for now so maybe we can strong-arm him into helping. The key if he does would be how much he can store within himself, he can contain something or someone as big as Shirahoshi after all, what if he hid someone to bring into the belly of Onigashima?

Luffy riding Momo to the top of the dome also makes a lot of sense, calling all the way back to Punk Hazard too. This'll likely be Kaido's first time seeing Momo in Dragon form too, but Oda remains tight-lipped on how Luffy survived and communicated while in the water.

No break I hope this time, meaning next chapter will likely proper conclude our fight with Naked Kaiju Robin (or probably clothed Kaiju Robin considering that was a mid-transformation) and Maria, cool move but still would like to see some Haki from her, and a new nickname, Devil Child doesn't work when she's an adult. But alas, happy to see Robin get a solo fight.

#one piece #one piece spoilers #op spoilers #wano country arc #one piece wano #wano arc #wano spoilers #onigashima raid #onigashima #straw hat pirates #straw hat luffy #monkey d. luffy #nico robin #devil child nico robin #brook one piece #soul king brook #brook #beasts pirates #animal kingdom pirates #hundred beast kaido #kaido #yamato one piece #tobi roppo #black maria #kozuki clan #kozuki momonosuke #caribou one piece

[randomshitwhenimhigh]

CHAPTER 1000 BABY

First of all, the hype, my heart, it's too much, the minks letting Luffy through is a testament of the true power he holds, getting allies and people on his side because he's cool. Marco gives me LIFE, he just grabbed King and Queen by the neck and told them to stop being bummers and let Zoro through, then, he proceeds to yeet Zoro into the distance, just like Team Rocket on every Pokemon episode, I love this pineapple turkey, i want to see him fight more.

There are only supernovas up there to fight Big Mom and Kaido, the other pirates might stay down to keep that fight isolated, it's a fight at night isn't it? It will be a nice new dawn on Wano, I don't doubt Luffy and company will win, first because it's Luffy, second because he has great friends and third he's the protagonist of a shonen, although one piece is atypical, Luffy wins for him and his friends, he faced enemies way stronger and won thanks to team work and his own will, the will of the fucking D and here I start talking about Yamato, wasn't that a nice transition?

Yamato is a national treasure, he's kept that old diary for so long and he's now giving it back to it's rightful heir. Toki must have protected the diary, or maybe Hiyori while escaping. Omg I completely forgot Momo was on both Whitebeard and Roger's ships, he was born on the first, and I also remembered that motherfucker Orochi, hungry for power, stabbing Oden in the back with such strength, I'm surprised his little arms didn't fall off, and the worst part is I'm SURE that piece of shit is still alive. RAYLEIGH KNEW WHO LUFFY IS, I mean he knows his significance, I shall re read one piece once it's over to rejoice on all that foreshadowing, when I fucking read it to my nephews and nieces I'll be laughing hysterically inside my head as I tell the tale.

I'm still salty about Ace, he ended up dying and was still a symbol of the old era of pirates as Roger's son, he just wanted a family, adventures and to make his existence valid, and he was so much like Roger, they get drunk all the same and Yamato is right, they'd have gotten along, Roger will have to get used to the co parenting thing with Whitebeard on the after life, and they both would have to get used to Ace favoring his mom. Someone tell me if there's fan fiction about this and I'll read it.

I'm super random today, anyways, it's confirmed both Luffy and Roger shared a dream and the will of, probably, Joyboy, my man, the legend, the myth. What the fuck is his dream, maybe to join all the seas? All Blue I'm looking at you, or to make an intricate system to rule the world in a peaceful way, under the watch of Meat McMeaterson, humanity's hope for law and order?

I adore Yamato, he has quickly climbed the stairs to my heart, he is just a nerd wanting to watch the end of his favorite book, his dream is to sail and go on adventures, and he's protecting the most important thing on Wano right now. I love how Oda shows that Yamato is the one who gave Ace his vivre sheet, he was hoping to sail with him in the future and I really hope Ace can fullfil that promise through Luffy, no loose ends in Oda town.

Kaido and Big Mom think they are so hot but Luffy is here to put them in their places, I love Luffy, he's the fucking sun and I'll follow him, go Luffy. They must defeat Kaido in order to open Wano's borders which seems to be the key to start the end, I think they'll have a stop at the island of giants since it was discussed all those chapters ago at Little Garden, how the fuck can I remember the names of islands I read years ago when I started one piece so easily and I can't remember what I ate for breakfast unless I try really hard, why. Anyways, I meant to say that Oden wanted to open Wano and knows that in order to do it Kaido must be defeated, he and Big Mom are remains of the will of Rocks who was also a D if I'm not wrong, although Blackbeard is the real threat here, he seems to be the final boss and the way he was foreshadowed during Oden's flashback, Buggy said he doesn't sleep at all and we know he was with Whitebeard all that time to find the yami yami no mi, he probably wants the same thing Rocks wanted, to be King of the World, and isn't it a fitting contrast to Luffy, he wants to be King of Pirates but not because of the title but because he thinks that the freest man on the sea is the one who holds that title, and let's not forget his real dream, Meat McMeaterson must ascend and become president.

Back to the story, Luffy just passed by those clowns as if it was nothing, power move, and the way Kin'emon asked for his help, that scene always happens and it always pumps me up, Luffy is helping them because they are his friends first, also he saw the horrors up close, he promised Tama she would never be hungry again, and it's so fucking beautiful, as I said Ace's promises are being fulfilled through Luffy. Look at Law receiving orders, good for him, if I remember correctly he doesn't appreciate being ordered around. Big Mom and Kaido shouldn't underestimate the supernovas, I mean both of them are probably stronger, but their abilities and TEAM WORK will save the day, for all the power they hold together they're not stronger, due to what we know about their story as crewmates in the past, they can't work as a team.

Luffy punched him right in the face, he had his power up during his stay in prison. All the flashbacks from all the suffering Luffy witnessed in Wano makes the whole panel come out beautifully, that punch was charged with the anger that was born in Luffy from all of these experiences, and when he turned back and told them right to their faces that he was going to be the pirate king, Luffy you're already King in our hearts.

I hope we get more revelations during 2021, Oda is no longer beating around the bush, he is finally revealing more and more, including that flashback with Oden which I can't wait to watch animated. I can't finish this rant without saying I'm blessed, Killer is here, hope there's a cure for smiles, maybe Law and Chopper will come up with something, but hey at least for now we have Killer, hope he gets to ratatattatatatata yeehaw slash slash both Big Mom and Kaido, go get them you beautiful bastard.

To sum up, all this lore will kill me, i just wanna know the truth, give me the truth Oda, I'm ready.

#one piece #opspoilers #monkey d. luffy #one piece 1000 #chapter 1000 #ONE FUCKING THOUSAND #marco the phoenix #marco the pineapple #eustass kid #trafalgar law #KILLER #Meat McMeaterson #our true savior #kinemon #nine red scabbards #wano arc #wano is feeding me #yamato #yamato one piece #I'll wait to be forgiveeeen #maybe i never wiiiill #my star has left me to take the bitter pill #that shattered feeling well the cause of #it's a lesson learned #just dont knoe if i could roll into the sea agaaaaain

[misslovasstuff]

Heyo! :D its yer number one 1# fan here!! 💖🌈🌼🌻💦 Could i please request a headcanon for Dazai and Odasaku with a gender-neutral s/o who has selective mutism? :D they could laugh and cry but rarely say a word but use gestures to communicate, sort of like hyakkimaru from dororo. What would their reactions be if their s/o said their names for the first time? Or i love you? Would it be more impactful? Bonus if the s/o can sees through them and their intentions despite the lack of speech. Anyways, thank you for reading this, happy writing!! I love ur works with all my heart, all 4 chambers!! :D 💖🌈✨

Ah~ I’m so thankful to have you as my friend! Thank you so much!

Odasaku

it was the day you thought you lost him that turned you into Odasaku’s weakness. 

When Dazai brought him home a bit injured, you almost lost it.

 You run to him and Odasaku welcomes you warmly to his embrace.

“I’m alright, love. Nothing to worry about.”- he whispers these words to you and you felt assured. However, you were eager to call him so your soul would notice that he was still there, alive, with you.

“Odasaku.”- your voice broke a little while you clenched his shirt, drowning your face in his chest.

Oda widens his eyes looking down at you trembling in his embrace. He felt horrible but that fact that he listened to you saying his name made him eager to hear it again.

“What was that?”- he asks again, pretending not to have heard it.

“Odasaku, I - you look at his eyes but soon anxiety blocks the words in your throat. As to calm you down, Oda cups your cheek and pats your head.

“Everything's alright.”

He loved how his name sounded when you called it. It was like you were calling the better side of him, the one who loves and saves people. The one who’s so in love with you.

“Aw, how cute.”- Dazai claims, watching you two from behind. You get nervous and point at him.

Dazai gets the message and leaves with a smile on his face.

Odasaku can’t help but chuckle at your cuteness and the fact that you always quarreled with Dazai over him.

You don’t break the hug, letting him know how much you scared him.

“Missed me so much? No wonder, it’s the first time you ever called my name. Isn’t it? - he titles his head with a smile so he can meet his eyes. - I never knew I needed this so much until now.”

His big figure conquers you so delicately. There are a lot of things he wants to hear from you, but calling his name is such a good start, don’t you think?

Dazai

 "Belladonna, today is a very important day! Do you know why?”

There was Dazai with his usual unnecessary enthusiasm. 

You nod in response and Dazai makes a happy face.

“It’s our anniversary, love.”- Dazai leans in to kiss your cheek which makes you terribly blush. You were now used to such subtle gestures, especially coming from Dazai. He was always so gentle with you.

“Ah, it’s been 5 months already uh?”- he gazes up the sky with half a smile. Dazai doesn’t notice you staring at him, countless thoughts running through your mind. The main one being; is this man even real?

The expression Dazai had on him was a peaceful one, which he only had when he was with you. You were truly a gift to him, someone he greatly cherished and loved.

And he, he was your voice, your biggest supporter, all that you needed.

As usual, you rarely talked and Dazai was usually the one talking. But you listened and sometimes that’s all a man wants.

Dazai would crack a joke from now and then and you’d laugh every time.

he loved the sound of your smile, like an angelic tune. He always mentioned how much he loved your voice, although he rarely heard it.

Dazai mentions it often how much he loves you. If we counted the times he says ‘I love you’ to you, then we’d just lost it along the way cause it’s too many times to count.

You were literally his precious. He always holds you close to him when walking and he was the only one who understood you, the one who made you feel great about yourself. That’s what a lover is, isn’t it?

But Dazai was different, he loved differently. So gentle, so caring and so selfless. Generous with his happiness but selfish with his pain, Dazai gave you the best part of him but you accepted him as a whole. He used words in his own way. His affection spread between pages of letters we usually wrote to you. To him, you were perfect. To you, he was perfection itself.

“Let’s go then.”- he grabs your hand, leading you to a nearby stool near a big fountain.

Purposefully, he leads you away from crowds of people so you two could be alone, together.

The sound of the water was refreshing and there was you, him, and the floodlit sky.

“Belladonna, I’m so happy to have you. I love you.”- something unexpected happened. Dazai hugged you. Sure, he’d kiss the hell out of you, caress your skin or hold your hand. But a hug like this, so genuine, so real and precious, it was a first.

His chest met yours and you smell the sweet aroma of his hair. Fate decided it was the night of the unexpected, because all of a sudden, your hands travel through his hair, pulling his head closer so you could whisper in his ear.

“I love you, Dazai.”- you whisper and Dazai breaks the hug to look into you as if he didn’t believe what just happened.

“What did you say?”- he widens his eyes, holding your shoulder and blinking multiple times.

“I love you, Osamu.”

Omg, get help cause the man is down on his knees. For real, he may start crying dramatically.

“Y/N!!”- He lets himself fall to you. Smiling and shaking your head from your boyfriend’s antics, you pat his head slowly but Dazai remains motionless.

You try to push his head out of your chest but he had sunk in and doesn’t want to let go.

“Say it again, please.”- his voice calmer, like a desperate serenade, asks you to say those blessed words once more.

“Dazai, I love you.”

He’s literally fanboying???

You could literally see some tears forming in his eyes.

“Oh darling, - he cups your cheek. - my name was created so you could call it.”

You look down, blushing, cause Dazai’s eyes were dancing with yours. He was eager to kiss you under the fading moonlight. He wanted to tell you how much he loved you and how much you meant to him.

“My silent flower, my precious blossom...- with an almost silent voice, your forehead meets his, both with eyes closed, all that could be heard was the fountain that harmonized with your heartbeats. 

You just stay there, eyes closed, drawn into each other’s embrace.

Right now you didn’t need any words, all you needed was each other.

(I’m sorry I’m very Dazai biased and it’s tearing me apart)

[soukokuwu]

NAKAHARA CHUUYA

TO CATCH A DREAM

》 fluff, for a change

》 word count: 2.3k

》 one of the prompts my sweet anon sent me, hope this isn’t too disappointing! (i’m also going to work on your other suggestions)

》 also, to the other anons— yes I’ll work on the Fyodor and Gogol requests too

“it takes you by surprise”

It had been, what, three years since you’ve left the Port Mafia? Why was it still causing an emptiness within you? Yes, it had been your home since you could remember, you practically grew up in the mafia. But Mori had practically sent Oda to his death. You had thought the world of Mori, admired him and his witty ways, how he managed to command the respect of such a huge organisation. But sending Oda into a suicide mission? Letting slip of the orphans under his care, using their death as a form of ‘motivation’?

That was too much. Way too much.

You weren’t close to Oda, not by a mile. You’ve only seen him interact with Dazai a few times, and other times you’ve only heard about Dazai rambling on about them drinking in Lupin. But you had heard enough about Oda to gain a certain amount of admiration for the man. He was part of the mafia, and yet you knew he could do much better.

His death led to Dazai’s departure from the Port Mafia. And yours.

The day he died, Dazai had visited you in the wee hours of the night, drunk and upset. He had told you everything. What Mori did, why he did it, what happened to Oda and what his last words were. It was the first and only time you’ve ever seen your best friend so distraught. You were in disbelief, but there was no denying– Mori could be that despicable.

You had packed up all your belongings and left with your best friend. It wouldn’t have been such a hard decision if there wasn’t anybody you would miss, but there was. And you couldn’t even warn him, you didn’t want to put him on the spot. If you told him you would leave, either one or two things would happen: he would help you keep it a secret or he would try to stop you. Both of it would end horribly, and you didn’t want to affect his life negatively. The Port Mafia was his home, the one place he felt that he belonged, and you didn’t want to take that away from him.

It had been three long years after you left the mafia and Yokohama. But now that you were back in the city, you felt emptier than you thought you would. As you took a seat on the ground, you peered out into the open sea. You remembered the last time you were here. With him. It was the last time you saw him before you left the mafia.

◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤

“Do I finally get to call you mine?”

You shook your head at the redhead, exasperated, chuckling silently as you playfully pushed him. “Do you not get tired of asking me that?”

“Oh someone is still adamant on rejecting me, huh?” he droned on dramatically. The ginger poured some wine into your glass and looked up to the sky, pondering out loud, “Why doesn’t this beautiful lady want to be Mrs. Nakahara Chuuya?”

“Oh shut up,” you groaned, cringing at how cheesy he was being.

You got to know him through Dazai, since they had become partners, and he had transitioned into a dear friend of yours. It was always endearing to watch them squabble. Like two proud people who would never admit they actually work well together.

You remembered laughing a lot that night, wishing more nights could be like that. It was filled with innocent wonderment, the light brushing of your arms against his. The two of you were much more than friends and everyone could see that, but your aversion to anything that made you happy always reared its ugly head somehow.

The way you managed to ruin everything that made you happy the moment you obtained them– you didn’t want it to happen with Chuuya. You wanted him with you, forever, even if it meant you two weren’t together.

That night was filled with drinking wine and chilling by the seaside, talking about anything and everything all at once. You remembered laughing more than you did all day, and enjoying yourself more than you thought you could.

It ended when he realised you were getting a little too inebriated. He didn’t want you to be feeling too hungover the next day, he didn’t want it to affect your work. If you wanted to get wasted he would always entertain you on the weekends.

“Okay, we’re all out of wine tonight, let’s head back.”

“But I don’t want to,” you whined. You weren’t drunk at all, just a little light-headed. But you drank enough to be shamelessly honest. The normal you would not admit you enjoy the redhead’s company, but now the words were coming out unfiltered.

“Come,” Chuuya said, holding out his hand, patiently waiting for you to accept it.

You looked at him, dubious. “Come where?”

He sighed, hands reaching down to help you up, to which you resignedly complied. “I’m taking you home.”

A wave of surprise came over him as you replied, “As long as it’s you.”

Minutes later, you were clinging onto Chuuya for dear life. This was not what you had in mind when he said he’d take you home. You were practically standing on a small piece of land flying over the city, made possible thanks to Chuuya and his gravity manipulation. Thank god you didn’t drink that much, if not you were sure you’d be puking all over the city right now.

You were too busy burying your head in the crook of his neck to notice how much Chuuya was enjoying this. He was grinning widely, surprised to find that you were afraid of heights. Your face was all scrunched up in such an adorable expression of fear, and your hair was flowing so elegantly due to the wind. He tried to ignore the feelings bubbling up inside him, well aware you would only try to bury any that you harboured for him. If this was the only kind of intimacy he could afford with you, he would take it. He would enjoy this moment, hugging you and feeling your touch in return. This was better than nothing.

The trip home was quick, and you found yourself a little disappointed after pulling yourself away from Chuuya. He ruffled your hair affectionately after noticing your disheartened reaction. Why would you keep pushing him away when it’s evident that you wanted more? He always questioned himself of that, not that he ever allowed himself to actually ask you. The last thing he wanted was for you to feel uncomfortable.

“Get some rest, okay?”

“Yes, dad,” you mocked, sticking your tongue out.

Chuuya couldn’t help himself. He laughed at how adorable you were being, ruffled your hair, and let a ‘cute’ slip out. Your eyes widened, astonished by the sudden compliment. It was funny, Chuuya had thought he would be more embarrassed, but somehow he liked this. Being able to tell you how he felt– he liked it. His grin turned into a soft smile as he gazed at you, ruffling your hair, before leaning down to place a kiss atop your head.

“Goodnight.”

◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤

Your heart beat faster as you recalled his tender kiss. It was pure, which made it all the more precious. You knew you were still in love with him, but that was something you had tried to keep buried deep within you. It was hard enough getting you to admit that to yourself while you were in the mafia, it would be even harder now that you were practically a fugitive. You managed to always give yourself an excuse, claiming that if it was supposed to be then it would happen.

Maybe it wasn’t meant to be after all.

The sun was setting over the horizon. The sky was painted in mesmerising orange hues. It felt calming, tranquil. You looked at your watch. It was almost seven. Time to get going. Dazai would start drinking without you at this rate. You got up and stretched, excited about meeting your best friend after three long years apart. You had heard he found a nice job and you couldn’t wait to get to know all about this new Dazai. With a slight skip in your step, you walked off.

“Who are you so excited to see?”

You froze at the friendly voice. The voice you’ve wanted to hear ever since you left. His shadow got closer to yours, and you could smell the familiar musky scent. You were stuck rooted to the spot, uncertain of what to do.

What was the best course of action here? It wasn’t like you could outrun him. You were still a Port Mafia fugitive, and he was still a Port Mafia executive, one very doted on by Mori himself at that. What if Mori found out you were here? What if he sent Chuuya here to test his loyalty? It would result in so much trouble. As much as Chuuya used to be intimate with you, you knew his role as executive would always come first to him. There was no escape if they already found you. Should you just jump in the river and hope you drown?

“Hey, I asked you something,” the redhead muttered impatiently. Once he realised you were too deep in thought to listen, he stepped closer toward you. Why are you shivering?

Panic was still afire in your mind. It was always a bad trait of yours. You weren’t very quick at thinking on your feet. Your mind was whirling through hundreds of different scenarios, but what happened next wasn’t something you would’ve thought of.

Arms embraced you from behind. From the corner of your eye you could make out his ginger hair, and you could feel his cheek against yours. His face was tilted in toward your neck, and you could feel his shallow breathing, your ears turning beet red from the proximity. You could feel his heart beat as he gently squeezed you, seemingly not wanting to let go. You had dreamt about this reunion countless times before, and now it was finally real.

“I- I was going to meet Dazai for a drink,” you choked out, half-surprised and half-terrified.

“Don’t be like that,” his warm, velvety voice pleaded.

The warmth in his tone calmed you down enough to make you stop overthinking the situation. If he was here to kill you, he would do it. If you ran, he would catch you in the end. Any kind of resistance would be futile. Any way this situation played out, you would be at his mercy. You might as well face your old friend genuinely. So you turned around, catching sight of that familiar face of home.

“Be like what?”

“Afraid of me,” he muttered. You could almost melt at his soft puppy-like expression. It almost looked like it pained him to see you. You wanted to assure him that you weren’t— not anymore, but you couldn’t get the words out. You were too happy. Tears were forming in your eyes. You didn’t even realise you had started smiling sweetly up at him.

Chuuya finally saw the smile that had been haunting him for years, the smile that he thought he’d never get to see again, the one he could only imagine being the reason behind. Now here it was, standing in front of him, and it was more magical than he thought it would be. He felt the glee building up inside him. The lady he was in love with since he first got to know her, the one that gripped his heart the instant he caught a glimpse of her smile and heard her laugh— she was back, and very real. This was not in his head. He enveloped you in another hug, a tighter one.

“Ditch him.”

“What?”

“Screw that shitty Dazai.” The ginger tucked your hair behind your ears before cupping your face with his gloved hands. “This time, come with me.”

There was a fire in his eyes that you’ve never seen before. Right in this moment, he was determined.

“But what about the mafia?”

“Mori let you go,” Chuuya stated, much to your surprise. “He asked me what we should do the moment you and that bastard left. I told him you were just an assistant medic. You knew next to nothing about the Port Mafia’s top secrets. But I also told him that if you threatened our existence that I would be the one who would stop you. It pacified him enough.”

So that’s why nothing bad ever happened to you by their hands. Right till the end, even after you left, Chuuya still protected you. It didn’t take a genius to see how betrayed Chuuya felt after he heard you had left with his partner with not so much as even a warning. No note, no explanation. He figured out why you left, Dazai was your best friend after all and he knew Oda was someone you looked up to from afar. It didn’t ease his anger, though, because your wordless departure had left him feeling fucked up even months after. It was as though you thought he wasn’t worth any explanation. He had thought that he could never forgive you for leaving, but now that you were together again he forgot he ever got mad at you.

Slowly, Chuuya inched toward you, his face drawing closer. When there was barely any space between the two of you, he stopped to ask, “So what do you say?”

“Okay, let me-” Just as you were reaching for your phone to postpone your plans with Dazai, hands pulled you toward them, crushing their lips with yours. It was soft and loving, patient and sweet— everything you imagined and more. Your brain was screaming at you to push him away, reminding you of the endless possibilities of how this could all go wrong, why you should protect yourself from it. But this time, your heart had reign over you. You were back in Yokohama and you were here to stay. Maybe this warranted you a chance to make yourself happy, to stop pushing his affections away.

Chuuya stopped the kiss, slowly pulling himself away, eyes fondly looking into yours. His hand was still holding the back of your neck and his heart was still filled with overwhelming exhilaration at your return. “I’d love to catch up but first things first,” he said in between breaths as he continued kissing you, “are you going to stay with me this time?”

“Always.”

“That’s my girl.”

“there is no other”

#so frustrated my first draft was eaten up #but here have my fluff #bsd x reader #bsd #bungou stray dogs #bsd chuuya #bsd nakahara chuuya #bsd oneshot #bsd scenarios #bungo stray dogs #bsd chuuya x reader #bungou stray dogs chuuya #chuuya x reader #chuya x reader #rachwrote #bsd imagine #bsd imagines

[selenacosmic]

Yay! First request: be safe. Second request (and now for a HC) what about a blind MC who is recently married with a warlord? (Mitsuhide, Nobunaga, Kenshin, Shingen)?? If you don't want to, it's okay, but please be safe in your home 😷

Thank you! Be safe as well! I am more than glad to do this one, thank you for requesting!

Blind MC.

Oda forces.

Nobunaga Oda.

You were stronger than most people would think. Despite being blind, you were the strongest person that Nobunaga knew, you didn’t seem to need your sight.

Of course, he would always insist on escorting you around, holding his arm so that he could guide you, you would accept, but could do that by yourself. You have learned to rely on your other instincts, which helped you to move around.

Nobunaga was proud to have such a strong wife who wasn’t fragile just because she was blind. You could surprise many people by your abilities.

Of course, you also learned to never judge people by appearance, you didn’t fear your lover, even if he sounded and appeared scary to others, to you he was a man who just wanted peace. That’s why he never dared to threaten you.

He didn’t trust others around you, what if they take advantage of your blindness? He was the only one to escort you, and if he truly couldn’t be with you, hideyoshi would be the one accompanying you.

Mitsuhide Akechi.

It was difficult for Mitsuhide to tease you, you didn’t seem to be affected by it, your face was usually blank at first. But maybe it was because you wouldn’t understand that he was teasing you. So he would be more directed on it.

In a world full of people who couldn’t see the injustice of classes, you were the blind one who could. It was ironic, you didn’t care about a person’s appearance, gender or rank, mostly because you didn’t see that.

Mitsuhide would try to refrain himself from teasing you too much, and would always be there to help you to move around the castle. Sometimes he would steal a kiss or two around your neck to surprise you, laughing silently at your cute startled face.

“Mitsuhide? I know a lot of people say that you are a horrible person by what you do. But I know that you are a beautiful person.”

“How can you tell, my dear? You can not see me.”

“I am blind in the eyes, but I am not blind in my instincts. I know you are a good person.”

He loved when you would say that, it was something charming about you.

Uesugi-takeda forces.

Kenshin Uesugi.

Kenshin was conflicted about a blind woman, it meant you were ten times more fragile than the others. But you proved him wrong, you needed help to walk around the town and the castle, that was true, but it wasn’t in the way of your talents.

You would do what you loved, even if it was more slowly, you would still do what you loved. Kenshin was still always too protective towards you, but it was out of concern. He would never let anyone take advantage of you.

You didn’t seemed to care about the opinions others had about you, but Kenshin would slay anyone who dared to say anything about his precious flower.

Sometimes, you would touch all over his face to feel him, try to know how he looks. Kenshin would let you do it, leaning to your touch, he would feel bad because you couldn’t see him.

Shingen Takeda.

Shingen will assure you everyday of your beauty, caressing your face gently so he wouldn’t startled you. He somehow felt sad that you couldn’t see the expression of love he had to offer.

He will use the fact that you need someone to guide you through town to hold your hand all the time, even at home he would do it, even if you were more familiar with it. He just wanted to protect you at all times.

He liked to kiss your face all over to startled you, just to see that cute face of yours. You were just so fun to tease.

It was funny when you would run your hands around his body to try and picture him, it tickled and the feeling of your fingers gently running around his skin was really good.

He really wishes that you could see his smile to you, that you could see him. But sometimes that thought would go away, as you would always smile at him lovingly, you loved him even though you didn’t know how he looked like, that make Shingen’s heart bump faster.

◹◸◹◸◹◸◹◸◹◸◹◸◹◸◹◸◹◸◹◸◹◸◹◸◹◸◹◸◹◸◹◸◹◸

Thank you for reading! If you wish to see more of my work, check out my masterlist.

#ikemen sengoku #ikesen #ikesen shingen #ikemen sengoku shingen #ikemen sengoku nobunaga #ikesen nobunaga #ikemen sengoku mitsuhide #ikesen mitsuhide #ikemen sengoku kenshin #ikesen kenshin

[centerofreality]

What if kiyru and majima found their male S/O playing yakuza 0 and they were absolutely loving it.(Shhhhh ignore the lack of logic and reason) P.S I love your headcannons.

Ohh, this is a good idea! And thank you so much! ♡ I hope you like it! This might be more angsty than you requested so I’m sorry about that!

(This headcanon is set right after the events of Yakuza Kiwami)

Kiryu and Majima seeing Male S/O play Yakuza 0 HCs

Kiryu: 

Like Majima, Kiryu is also incredibly confused, but he wouldn’t think about it for a long time. Strange things kept happening to him, he wouldn’t be surprised about a strange game...Okay, maybe a little.

He would stare at the controller. That looks so... complex... What do you mean it’s touch-screen?? He knows about the NES and the Playstation but he doesn’t know anything about... this. Not like, he’s played any virtual games in his childhood. He only played tag and other physical activities back at Sunflower.

Seeing the parts of Majima before he became a Mad Dog made Kiryu respect him a lot more. Majima was strange but a good man and Kiryu knew that.

“Who knew that Majima-san was close with Makoto-san..”

When Oda and Tachibana showed up, It made him remember how much he’s been helped by them and how it could have been better had the situation’s been different. It should be time that he visits their graves again.

“I’ll forever be grateful for what they did. I wouldn’t have been alive now without them.”

Sign him up for some Karaoke! You do all the work because he’s not really good at games. He can sing and cheer if you want?

You asked him to play one time and you didn’t think teaching someone how to play was so stressful.

*You two proceed to spend hours trying to learn*

But seeing Kiryu succeed in completing Bakamitai for the first time could be your biggest achievement yet. It was all worth it.

“I...I did it!” He’ll stare at the screen with wide eyes.

“You did!!” You’ll beam as you give him a high-five which he accepted.

Kiryu mainly plays the Fishing, Karaoke, and the Disco minigames and watches you fight. How the tables turn. Kiryu couldn’t play as well as he fights in real life.

“I caught a Great White!! Yes!!!” You’ll cheer as you smirk at Kiryu who looked disgruntled. “Why don’t you try?”

You’ll only be surprised when he caught an Oarfish larger than yours.

“It seems I win.”

“No fair!”

You two would also spend time playing the two-player mode in the Disco Minigame! You’ll only laugh because Kiryu quietly curses underneath his breath when he misses.

As he watches you do the Five Billionaires Quests, he wondered what could have happened if he experienced it as well, seeing all the money pile in easily.

Seeing all the other sidequests he was meant to be in, he wasn’t sure if he should be happy or not. He could remember some but not all.

All the other songs but Judgement have scores. Kiryu says it’s because Nishiki would beat his ass for not having a high score but you know better.

Whenever Nishiki pops up, Kiryu gets quiet but gives a small smile when he sees the interactions of Ingame him and Ingame Nishiki. Those were good times that he could never forget.

If you do the Pocket Circuit Quests, Kiryu takes his opportunity as the expert. He knows all the parts you would need for each race. He might actually ask to play it himself, it wouldn’t be the same but the thrill’s still there nonetheless.

“Y/N... Can you open the game?”

“Huh? Why?”

“...Well, I was wondering if I can play Pocket Circuit..”

His love for Pocket Circuit never diminishes. He ain’t Kamurocho’s Fastest for nothing.

Haruka also occasionally joins in with playing, grinning when she sees the familiar white suit and a red shirt that Kiryu wears during Adventure Mode. She’d also be the one to play the Cabaret Club minigames, giving her own comments when she watches or plays with the both of you. It gives her joy that she could have bonding time with her Uncle Kaz and Uncle Y/N.

“I wasn’t born at that time, right, Uncle Kaz, Uncle Y/N?”

Kiryu nodded, “Mhm. I can’t believe it’s been that long.”

Majima:

Majima would be so confused. How does this game that you found somewhere to have the events that happened 17 years ago? But he doesn’t think about it much, thinking of different possibilities as he watches you play. The more you progress, the more he gave up and gave commentary.

“Shit hurts my head, you know.”

However, when Lee, Nishitani, and Makoto were mentioned, now he was suspicious. How did this game know about those people? He has to reassure himself that what was done was done and it was just a game, so you tell him that he doesn’t have to watch you play.

“I know that these people are important to you. I can stop playing the game if you want?” You look at Majima who shakes his head after thinking deeply.

“Nah. It’s fine. If you’re the only one that has that game then I don’t mind you seeing it. It’s just the other people I’m worried about.”

Eventually, he moves on after seeing that you’re the only owner of the unknown game and even tells you about the events.

In order to lighten his mood, you’ll talk to him about his previous appearance.

“I wonder what you’ll look like with long hair but with the same clothes now. I should rent a tuxedo too.” You’ll grin at him as he rolls his eyes.

“I’ll look so hot that you won’t be able to keep your eyes off me. You gotta take the safety measures first.”

When you’re in Kiryu’s story, he’d look so excited, wanting to see what the man had in store.

“Beat him up, beat him up!!” He shouts as Ingame Kiryu fights with Kuze.

“Majima, he can’t hear you.”

He would absolutely enjoy all the heat moves, he’d tell you to fight enemies 24/7.

He’d also cackle at the sidequests. He’d poke fun at both Kiryu and his own sidequests.

“Kiryu-chan gets into all sorts of shit, doesn’t he?”

Majima would talk about the game with you almost every time the both of you are together in private.

“It’s kinda weird though. It’s like a weird, psychic game.” “Do you think that another version of me would exist somewhere?” He would ask.

Seeing Tachibana and Makoto’s story made Majima feel like shit. He’ll actually offer to play the following fight scenes despite not knowing how to really play it. He thinks he could have done better.

“Even if it’s already over with, I still feel like I’ve accomplished something.”

“I’m sure Makoto’s brother would be grateful.” You’ll tell him with a gentle smile and he’ll look at you and slowly smile back.

“I hope so.”

Majima’s moved on but he still hopes that Makoto’s safe. It was the least he could do.

If you get too tired, Majima will offer to play for you. He’ll make sure you sleep well before he stares at the headset and the controller.

“Now..How do I play this thing?”

Majima would be so into playing the Cabaret Club Minigame. He’d play it more than you. And he’d be so happy seeing the faces of the familiar girls he’s worked with before he left. He’ll openly admit to you that he misses them.

He would look like a kid sneaking off to hide something from their parents as he stares at you, holding your controller, with the intention of ranking his ladies to the max level.

“What is that you’re holding?”

“...A knife.”

You’ll gape as you see that in Adventure Mode, Majima can be styled.

“Look! It’s your new look!” You’ll point and indeed, Ingame Majima had the Mad Dog outfit.

Majima’s eyes would narrow in suspicion, “Wait, don’t tell me there’s a game about-”

“About what?” 

“Nothing. Nevermind.”

Majima would spend so much time buying so many items that you wouldn’t even need. Mainly weapons that he can beat people up with.

“Majima, how did we just lose a billion yen?”

#rgg #ryu ga gotoku #majima goro #yakuza #yakuza 0 #yakuza kiwami #kiryu kazuma #kiryu kazuma x reader #goro majima #goro majima x reader #anon request #headcanons #angsty? #yakuza headcanons #male s/o #I expected that this would turn angsty #oops

[aarcanechaoss]

2. Afraid

YPHS is a clever team, they did their research. They know how to beat their opponents with grins on their faces. Reality hits for the teams at the training camp, cockiness gets you no where in Yokohama is seems.

The first day of training everyone got to watch the matches, just made it easier to get into the motion of things... and so all the teams could learn how the Yokohama team worked. Was it signals? Words? Pure practice? Telepathy! They just worked so well together.

Gin adjusted her mask and took her place on the court giving a sneaky wink to Atsushi who’s face became dusted in pink. Ryoko laughed to herself as she took place on the court across from Karasuno’s Ace Asahi Azumane. She quirked a brow at him and winked making him blush and cough- in turn the pinkette began laughing.

“Don’t tease the opposition Fukami.” Fyodor reprimanded. “It’s unbecoming.”

She poked her tongue out his way before letting a lazy grin rest on her lip. “Make me Dostoevsky.”

Akutagawa groaned at their interaction and turned to Dazai and Chuuya who hadn’t taken place yet.

“Game plan five!” Chuuya yelled with a feral grin once Dazai had taken place in front of Kageyama.

“Game plan five.” The team chorused- the other teams looked apprehensive- what did that even mean?

“Karasuno can pick how they’d like to start.” Hirotsu said to Ukai who nodded to Daichi.

“We’d like to receive.” Karasuno’s Captain said missing the YPHS’ animalistic grins.

“Karasuno are fucked.” Oikawa muttered, Iwaizumi only nodded.

“Go Hinata!” Atsumu yelled out making the ginger boy grin brightly.

“Christ he’s like the fucking sun!” Ryoko barked out. “Be prepared little crows, your wings might get clipped.” Her orange eyes seemed to glow at the challenge, one Tanaka and Nishinoya were more than willing to make a fuss over.

Dazai threw the ball into the air, eyes locked onto the space between the two middle blockers as his palm hit the volleyball. Like slow motion Karasuno and the other teams watched the ball go from Dazai’s hand to exactly where he wanted it to land. A loud THUNK pulled them out of their stupor. Tanaka and Nishinoya were the first to yell out.

“How!?” Hinata yelled out amazed.

“Well I threw the ball in the air and then hit the ball.” Dazai said making Chuuya snort.

“Hinata withhold your fanboying until after the match.” Daichi reminded.

“Oh right sorry.” He smiled.

The game continued like that, Ryoko always hitting back but never very hard. Tanaka however got cocky and sent a ball her way but she was quick hit it right back at him. The ball stayed in the air for a few more hits before Dazai was sent the ball, he bent back, Karasuno expecting him to send the ball to Atsushi but with a quick flick of the wrist sent to Gin who happily slammed the ball down to where Tsukishima had been standing moments ago.

One serve from Karasuno looked to be giving them a point but the pinkette was quick, knees sliding on the ground, arms connecting with the ball.

“Akutagawa!”

Ennoshita and Yamaguchi were right. They had their asses handed on silver platters. With only one point to Karasuno’s names they bowed their heads and thanked Yokohama for the game.

Hinata while saddened by their loss made a beeline for Ryoko and Atsushi who hadn’t quite left the court yet.

“Hello! I’m Shoyo Hinata, first year, middle blocker and future Ace.” He said joyfully making the two taller students chuckle.

“I know we said our names earlier but as a proper introduction I’m Ryoko Fukami, second year, Ace and opposite hitter.”

“Atsushi Nakajima, first year and middle blocker same as you.” The silver haired boy said shyly. Hinata beamed at them.

“When you guys are free could I ask your team questions on your skills and teamwork?” The ginger asked, eyes shaking in excitement. He was practically buzzing. The second year barked a laugh and nodded.

“Yeah Chuuya will have some good tips for you- both being short and I don’t mean that in a bad way so I hope that didn’t offend ya sunshine.” Ryoko said. Hinata only seemed to glow brighter. “Plus it’s a training camp you are meant to learn.”

“She’s right.” Atsushi confirmed with a nod.

“Thank-you so much!” He bowed before running to grab Kageyama who seemed to be brooding over whether he should talk to Dazai about his sets. He didn’t but he thought about it.

Fyodor made a notion to head towards Ukai so both teams could talk to each other’s coaches which they smiled at.

“Hello I’m coach Ukai and this is their faculty advisor Takeda.” Ukai announced before nodding slightly behind him. “These are the managers Kiyoko and Yachi.”

“Hi.” The team said.

“Look I don’t have much to say so I’ll keep it quick, you guys are good and I hope our crows have a lot to learn from you guys and that you find something as well.”

“Thank-you Coach Ukai.” Chuuya said spurring the rest of the team to thank him too. Takeda honestly just stood there awkwardly- honestly the presence of the Yokohama team was scary.

Karasuno stood with coach Hirotsu and Ranpo with Fyodor and Tanizaki close by.

“You guys did well, that quick attack of yours is very useful and interesting.” Hirotsu began.

“But we lost.” Yamaguchi said quietly.

“No shame in that. It’s a training camp you’ll learn and grow over the next month or so. Our team is good because they are strong and know their strengths and work on their weaknesses. They are flexible and keen which you can be too with practice.”

“Thank-you coach Hirotsu.” Daichi said with a smile.

“Realistically you could have made three points that entire match.” Ranpo said whilst munching on a chocolate bar. The team looked quizzical. “You almost landed that point on Fukami before she slid in to hit the ball towards Akutagawa if you had angled the ball slightly more to the left she could have missed. The second one was earlier in the second round with the ball heading towards an empty space but if Dazai wasn’t just that bit fast it would have landed as well.”

“Ranpo is correct. Our team is fast and any of those two would have landed if they weren’t.” Fyodor chimed in.

“But... only three points?” Tanaka grimaced. Ranpo nodded.

“Alright alright go sit down, mingle and watch the next match it’s Inarizaki and Aoba Johsai.” Hirotsu laughed.

The day seemed to fly by, YPHS winning every match they had, the only one coming close being Shiratorizawa. Hinata was definitely amazed no doubt so where others. Kageyama, Kenma (surprisingly), Shirabu, Semi, Atsumu and Akaashi had been rounded up by Dazai who was exclaiming how he just needed to talk to the setters about their plays- somehow he managed to kidnap Sugawara from his place beside Daichi too.

“Sorry about him-“ Oda said scratching the back of his head. “He likes talking to other setters about their plays and stuff something about sharing information.” Chuuya scoffed before muttering.

“Dazai is a manipulative little shit.” The red head huffed. “What’s next we all break off into our respective positions and talk ball?”

“Not a bad idea Nakahara.” Hirotsu said before sending a questioning look to other coaches who seemingly agreed.

“What the fuck coach?” Chuuya exclaimed.

“It’s alright shortie go make friends with the other Liberos.” Ryoko smiled. Fyodor locked eyes with her and blinked slowly as a warning. She quirked a brow. “Oppposite hitters aka right wing spikers come my way.”

Fourteen other people followed quickly behind the pink haired wing spiker towards the benches to sit. Slowly everyone split off a couple managers joining groups- Fyodor joining Oda and Ryoko, Junichiro joining Atsushi and Gin.

“How do we feel boys?” The pinkette said lazily as she lent into her seat.

“Satisfactory however I would have preferred to win.” Ushijima answered whilst staring at Ryoko.

“Cant win every game eagle eyes.” She sassed.

“Can I ask something?” Daichi began. The opposite hitters nodded. “How did you do that knee slide it was very, libero-esque? But it also looked like it hurt.”

“Good eye. Ryoko tends to copy people’s movements. Chuuya as our Libero does that move a lot. I doubt it hurt her she’s got skin of obsidian.” Oda joked.

“Harhar mr I broke my collarbone throwing my arm up to catch a ball.”

“Quiet fire breath.” Fyodor snapped.

“Alright one touch.” She huffed, “He’s so mean to me. Boys take pity on this poor girl would you.”

“That’s what managers are for.” Osamu and Ushijima said in sync. The two players giving an awkward look.

“Oh yeah Rika was happy we kicked your asses.” Ryoko grinned.

“You know Matsuo?” Ushijima’s brows furrowed.

“We met before the games started. Anyway anything else? Questions queries things to share?”

“May I?” The Russian said. Nekoma’s spiker nodded. “You all have weaknesses that need to be worked on. Ryoko is too headstrong but she’s fast she knows how to make it look like she’s going to fail. Her flaw is that she finds too much enjoyment in teasing her opponents. Oda is smart and strong and knows how to guide the ball his flaw is that he’ll focus on his teammates over the opposition. Shiratorizawa is strong and fast but you only focus on that. Karasuno is an erratic team but have their skills honed work on the other ones. Fukurodani I honestly have nothing to add par your Captain being too over the top a points. Aoba Johsai trust their captain fully but need to also trust themselves. Nekoma are like well oiled machines and need to remove the need to be perfect all the time. Inarizaki showcased strength but also showcased cockiness, something YPHS shut down immediately as that is our biggest strength shutting down our opponents. Finally Itachiyama needs to get out of the slump that keeps them from reaching all potentials no matter how strong or fast their hits are. That is all.”

All but the two Yokohama players stared at the Russian in awe. He was sharp and to the point. Ushijima hummed lowly.

“I accept this criticism. I shall bring it up with coaches Washijo and Saito.”

“Yeah I’ll speak with Oikawa and Iwazumi.” Kunimi added.

“You aren’t wrong-“ Daichi started before realising he didn’t know the managers name.

“Fyodor Dostoevsky. Third year manager for Yokohama’s team.”

“Fyodor.” Daichi continued. “I’ll tell Ukai.”

“Yeah coach will probably agree with you.” Konoha laughed before pointing towards his coach who was about ready to either murder Bokuto or rip out his hair.

“Your coach looks ready to kill Bokuto.” The Itachiyama hitter laughed. “But I agree our team might be strong and fast but we are a little blinded by wanting to make sure we aren’t uncomfortable on the court.”

“We do have some pretty cocky members sorry.” Kosaku said scratching his neck. “Your twin is too confident Osamu.”

“I know.” He sighed.

All the teams went through this. Speaking to other players and having the Yokohama team submit their input on places to improve. Chuuya’s group being the loudest only being rivalled by Bokuto alone.

“Dinner will be ready in an hour and a half if anyone wants showers now go do it otherwise have them after dinner you can all congregate here and practice or hang out whatever teenagers do Ranpo will keep an eye on you-“

“Why do I have to do it Hirotsu?”

“Because you’re the youngest of us adults and I said so.” The man smiled scarily. So that’s where the Yokohama team got their game face. “And in any case you already know your rooms are by year group par the girls. Anyway go do your things and meet in the cafeteria next door in an hour thirty. Go.”

Hinata for the second time that afternoon rushed towards Atsushi but this time the white haired boy was with Gin.

“Atsushi! Would you like to hang out with me and Kenma before dinner?” Hinata gleamed. “Would you like to join as well fellow middle blocker?”

“Sure. Gin do you want to come?” Atsushi asked.

“Sure kitty.” She whispered.

“She’s a bit quiet.” Atsushi chuckled scratching the back of his neck. Gin playfully glared.

“Thank god I can only handle Hinata and Kuroo’s sunshine madness.” Kenma said suddenly startling the poor white haired boy.

“Where are you taking my sister?” Akutagawa asked.

“To play video games.” Kenma answer.

“Satisfactory. I have my phone on me if you need me.” And with that the protective brother left the four teens.

“Sorry about Ryu.” Gin said.

“He doesn’t like me.” Atsushi laughed. “To be fair I don’t like him either.”

“We know Kitty we know.”

“Seventeen hundred yen says they’re dating.” Ryoko says.

“Why bet when you know it’s true.” Fyodor added.

“Because it’s fun... and because Dazai doesn’t believe that Gin’s little kitty is our very own tiger, one touch.”

“Stop calling me that.” Fyodor grumbles.

“Stop calling me fire breath.” She counters.

“Fine Fukami.” The girl pouts.

“What happened to Ryoko are we back on last names Dostoevsky?”

Fyodor just hummed, an evil gleam in his eye.

“Training is at ten tonight. We should finish around one.”

A smirk formed on Ryoko’s face, maybe it was the dragon within, the grumbling warmth of a flame but she felt like being the annoying best friend to the one touch man of death. Guess she can show off just how strong she really is. She caught the eye of the Fukurodani Captain and waved. The boy seemed to glow happily as he chatted to his friend (Akaashi). He made a motion inviting her over to them.

Okay so she’ll be the annoying best friend after talking to who could probably be her male counterpart.

Yokohama is just here for some fun.

#bsd #bungou stray dogs #bsd oc #bungou stray dogs oc #haikyuu #haikyuu oc #haikyuu x bsd #bsd x haikyuu #Bungou stray dogs x haikyuu #Ryoko Fukami

[ikeservant]

Heyo, lovely! I've read your ikesen hcs and I absolutely love all of them! So, can I request for one, please? 😘🙏 how about an mc who was bitter when it comes to love and keeps spouting bitter pick up lines? You can chose whatever warlord you prefer but please throw in Mitsuhide 👀👀 thank you sm! Hope you have a great day and stay safe always😘😘😘

I finally completed it @jiyuu-chan ! I of course put kitsune Mitsuhide in here and Shingen and Mitsunari bc their reactions to this are entertaining to think about lol. Hope you enjoy! :)

Mitsuhide: Mitsuhide decided to try to tease and fluster mc the first day he had to be her teacher in Sengoku survival and politics, but little did he know that she was very cynical and bitter when it comes to romance and just people in general. “For a naïve little mouse you are doing quite a good job in remembering this information.” “For a slithery serpent you’re pretty informative.” He was quite impressed with mc’s comeback and found it entertaining to watch her bitterly react to his teasing. When he treated her to dessert and tried being sweet, she tried hiding her flustered response with “I wish you were like this citrus dessert. Sour, sweet, and gone.” before taking the final bite. “I am happy to oblige with the first two, but sadly I cannot be gone, for I would miss you dearly.” Mitsuhide would reply with a smirk. “The only thing you’re missing is your heart.”(Damn, low blow, mc). Over time, however, her bitterness turned softer and sweeter in a way that was more affectionate. “We have to be undercover husband and wife performers.” “With your white hair you look like an old man. I guess if I have to pretend to be married to any old man in Japan, I’d choose you.” “That’s very touching, mc. By the way, I love your hair today, although there seems to be some strands of gray hair. It seems I am the one marrying an old person.” Eventually, when mc, and Mitsuhide, let their guard down and overcome their notion that they should never fall in love, they act playfully bitter and make somewhat insulting funny pickup lines as their love language.

Mitsunari: Mitsunari decided to help mc get accustomed to Azuichi. However, his genuine kindness was misinterpreted by mc as being flirty, which the LAST thing she wants is a relationship. She was thinking about any funny comebacks she could say in case he pulled any moves on her and was smiling about the jokes. “I’m glad that you’re finally smiling.” he said, pulling her out of her brainstorm. “Yeah I was just thinking about you leaving and it made me so happy.” “Oh yeah you must be tired after today.” “Yeah, real tired of you.” Once again, Mitsu misread what she meant. “Lord Ieyasu says that a lot. You should talk to him sometime! You’re even looking at me the same way he does.” Mc thought that he was the densest person in the world and just left the conversation at that. Later on she realized that he was like that with everybody and that he wasn’t being flirty, making her feel bad for being rude. “I’m sorry for being rude to you. I thought you were trying to get in my kimono.” “Why would I want to get in your kimono? I don’t think I would fit in it.” Mc had to get used to Mitsunari just being innocent and trying to hold back being so prickly, sometimes sounding like Ieyasu but being annoyed with herself afterward. However, purehearted honest Mitsunari unknowingly tore down her walls and made her fall in love. “Hey, dork. You’re good at mathematics, right?” “Well I wouldn’t be a good strategist if I wasn’t.” “Okay I have a math problem, nerd: You+me=lovers. Is that the correct answer?” “Well I..oh…OH! Why yes, I think that is the correct answer.”

Shingen: Shingen was in for a surprise when he decided to put the moves on mc at the tea shop. “Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?” “No but it hurt scraping my knees crawling out of hell.” He kept being persistent trying to flirt, but mc was too bitter and cynical to fall for candy-coated nonsense. It got even worse when he thought she was an Oda princess and kidnapped her. To try to make amends, he entered her room and sat down, inviting mc to watch the moon with him. “You know, you are as beautiful as the moon.” “I wish I was the moon. Because I’d love to be 238,000 miles from you.” Knows he’s not going to be able to communicate with mc if he’s going to be throwing pickup lines and being super flirty so he decides to put off the confident carefree façade and have a life conversation. “You know I like you a lot better like this. You just went from a 2 to a 3 on the likeability scale. Pat yourself on the back, pal.” Mc jokingly said, feeling more comfortable when Shingen wasn’t on the Romeo high. From then on he toned down a lot and only said flirty lines to see what comeback mc would come up with, both laughing until the bitterness of her replies were just lighthearted jokes. Slowly realizing how dedicated and caring Shingen is on the inside , mc couldn’t help but feel no real bitterness towards the idea of falling for him. Thinking he’d get the usual sarcastic remark, he said “Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?” “No but it hurt when I tripped and fell for you.” Shingen actually gasped and blushed like a flustered schoolgirl being asked out by her crush. “W-well it looks like I’ll have to take responsibility for that injury.” Shingen replied, flustered but smiling.

#ikemen sengoku #ikesen #ikesen headcanon #ikesen hc #ikesen shingen #ikesen mitsunari #ikesen mitsuhide

[imagineimaginethat]

Hello Queen, may I request a ikesen HC of how the warlords would react to a soul switch between Nobunaga and MC? I watched it in an anime and liked the idea. You can include all the warlords if you like or any of your choice. Im excited haha 💚💚💚

I loved this! It took forever because I kept forgetting to save as I went along and had to keep redoing stuff (oh, when will I learn?) I did Nobunaga, Shingen, and Hideyoshi. I’ll do the others in sets of 3 or more later as well 

**Requests are open**

Nobunaga

         Nobunaga wakes up first and is extremely confused.

         For one, why does his body feel so rested?

·         And two, why are you no longer wrapped up in his arms

·         He looks back and has a very shocking realization that causes his eyes, well your eyes, to widen

·         This would not be good

·         He had no idea how something like this could happen and it would definitely need to be fixed as soon as possible, but for now, he could not help but to think, his face had never looked so t rest

·         So, for the sake of not scaring you and so that his body could get the benefits of a good night’s sleep he let you sleep for a while longer

·         When you did wake up, Nobunaga watched as you let his eyes flutter open, you looked at him for all of one second before looking down at yourself and then letting out a scream he had no clue he could produce

·         This, naturally meant, both his right hand and left hand came charging into his room, because no one had ever heard their lord scream like that, so surely something horrendous must have happened

·         Instead, they were greeted by a peculiar sight, you, perfectly calm and trying to reason with Nobunaga who was full on panicking

·         This seemed a bit… reversed

·         You turned your eyes on Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide and began explaining that you were Nobunaga and that somehow in the night your soul had ended up in his body, and his yours

·         They were hesitant to believe it, but they doubted Nobunaga would go to such lengths for a prank early in the morning

·         Woah boy

·         They decided it would be best if they tried to keep this discrete as possible, once you calmed down you began to see the benefits of being in Nobunaga’s body.

·         You could do whatever you wanted pretty much without repercussion- until Nobunaga got his body back that is

·         You two try to do what the other would do, but you both meet some complications with that

·         One, you’re so nice to all of the vassals and your tone is so much softer/kinder than Nobunaga’s normal commanding one, that people question if Nobunaga is unwell

·         Then, there’s the problem with curiosity, you know what they say, curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back

·         Hideyoshi’s heart nearly jumps out of his chest in fear when he sees you trying to do all types of stunts, can Nobunaga do a backflip, let’s find out!

·         Nobunaga on the other hand, finds he is quite careful in your body, not wanting to hurt you in anyway, he tries to pick up your habit of sewing but after pricking your fingers more than a few times he gives up

·         Then, there’s your social obligations

·         Nobunaga did his best to imitate you and he did a good job until the topic of conversation was turned to him, it was mostly general complaints about working under a warlord, but also some flattery, when they expected you to chime in, Nobunaga gave some humble praise

·         The ladies laughed at you however, and asked if you and Nobunaga had been fighting lately, since you were apparently much more enthusiastic to praise him

·         Nobunaga made a mental note of this

·         One good thing came about though, since Hideyoshi was watching you as him, Nobunaga was free to indulge in as much konpeito as he could find

·         Finally, night came, and you talked about your days, and you couldn’t help but to fidget around

·         “Nobunaga… I was wondering….” You were kind of curious, not of what it was like to kiss you, but rather what did Nobunaga feel when he kissed you, “could I maybe…. And if you’re not okay with it, that’s fine, but maybe-“

·         Nobunaga as your eyes flashed to your own lips and you gently bit his

·         “Of course, come Fireball,” it felt so weird hearing you call Nobunaga Fireball, but somehow he made it work

·         The kiss was soft and gentle, and it felt nice against your lips, but then something changed, the kiss began to feel much more familiar

·         GASP

·         Was that the key?

·         You were back to normal, yes!

 Hideyoshi

·         When Nobunaga wakes up in Hideyoshi’s arms it’s a bit awkward

·         He leaps up and before he can question what is going on, upon looking down and noticing the change in his height he realizes what has happened

·         When his own body comes charging into Hideyoshi’s room, there is no doubt

·         When Hideyoshi wakes up he is… extremely concerned and confused

·         He has no clue what could have made you two switch bodies and you two are just as short on answers

·         To be safe Hideyoshi decides to follow Nobunaga, well you, around all day while Nobunaga would stay as you in Hideyoshi’s room, not getting into any trouble whatsoever

·         Hideyoshi finds you being in Nobunaga’s body is the most chaotic thing he has ever experienced

·         For starters, you were giving all the vassals the day off and telling them to go get tea, or to grab lunch with people they enjoy the company of

·         This was wildly out of character for Nobunaga, but who were the vassals to look a gift horse in the mouth

·         Then you snuck off back to Nobunaga’s tenshu and tried to pull off some, “awesome samurai sword moves,” because, “surely, Nobunaga’s body comes equipped with muscle memory.”

·         You threw the sword in the air like a baton to catch it and Hideyoshi’s soul nearly existed his person

·         He decides you’re done for the day and brings you back to his quarters, because there is no way he can let you persist

·         When evening comes, you’ve all sort of given up on fixing the situation for the day

·         But, just as the moon peeks into the room a light seems to flicker in both of your eyes

·         You look down and see a much more familiar sight

·         You’re back in your body, which is great because being Nobunaga was fun, but it’d be a bit awkward if you kissed Hideyoshi as his boss- also Nobunaga would not have appreciated it

·         Nobunaga is glad to be himself again, the next day however, he is very confused about why his vassals and servants are thanking him for giving them the day off

·         Also, why does he have the desire to toss his sword in the air?

·         Meanwhile, you realize you must have eaten a dozen pouches of konpeito after searching through Hideyoshi’s room and finding the hidden pouches everywhere

 Shingen

·         When Shingen realizes what has happened after you wake up in demanding to know how he’d gotten to Azuchi and why he was in your room, he has a field day

·         This man is about to die of laughter

·         The big, bad Nobunaga was trapped in the body of his princess

·         He will watch and make sure Nobunaga doesn’t do anything that could potentially harm your body, under no circumstance is his princess to be hurt

·         Meanwhile, back in Azuchi, you are having an actual field day

·         For one, you get to hang out with your friends again, and after they realized what has happened, and Hideyoshi has been calmed down, you enjoy being the pilot of Nobunaga’s body

·         Masamune condones literally everything you do as Nobunaga; did you eat half of his konpeito stash? It’s what Nobunaga would have wanted

·         Back with Shingen, Sauske is singing Freaky Friday, and they are all profoundly confused

·         They decide the best thing to do is to reunite you both and hope for a miracle

·         When Nobunaga sees what you’ve done, including making Bearsace his official left foot (as, neither the left or right hand would allow themselves to be so easily replaced) and Hideyoshi fuming about all of the candy you’ve eaten he smiles.

·         “You’ve done well in my absence, but do not eat anymore konpeito… I wish to enjoy the indulgence myself.”

·         Shingen can’t help but to laugh as you, well Nobunaga in your body, sat at the head of the impromptu meeting he’d called

·         Shingen makes sure you’ve been alright with the Oda forces and tells you not to worry, that he made sure Nobunaga didn’t do anything you wouldn’t have in the palace

·         Hearing Nobunaga’s voice soft and kind was strange, you truly could make anyone seem kind and bright

·         Shingen longed to hold his princess, intact with her original mind, body, and soul, in his arms

·         Just as he found himself wishing you could be turned back, heard a crack of thunder and Nobunaga’s eyes dilled with familiar domineering presence.

·         He was back in business

·         And you, well you looked relived to be back to normal, flinging yourself into Shingen’s arms

·         As fun as being Nobunaga was, I don’t know how much longer I could take feeling sleep deprived.

·         Shingen smiled as held onto you, “my perfect goddess, a devil for the day, but always my dearest.”

·         The rest of the warlords, sans Masamune who was having an awesome time were more than relived.

#ikemen sengoku #ikesen #ikesen nobunaga #ikesen hideyoshi #ikesen shingen #ikemen nobunaga #ikemen hideyoshi #ikemen shingen #body switch imagine #imagine ikesen #ikemen imagine #imagine imagine that #ikeseries

[writingwhimsey]

The Tiger and The Oda Princess Ch. 8

Chapter 8

It wasn't long after Shingen returned that Kenshin and Sasuke had arrived, having heard of Ava's capture. "We wanted to help." Sasuke said, when he and Kenshin had entered the council room.

"Thank you." Shingen replied. He knew that Sasuke cared a great deal for Ava.

"What do we know?" Kenshin asked.

"She was taken by a group of pirates who have been posing as merchants." Shingen answered. "It was three days ago now."

"They've taken her into Oda territory." Yoshimoto added.

"You don't think...maybe Nobunaga..." Sasuke spoke up.

Shingen shook his head. "No. If the devil were going to try and get her back, he would come himself."

"Get her back?" Yoshimoto asked, not knowing of Ava's connection to the Oda forces.

"A story for another time." Shingen replied. "Right now we have to focus on getting her back."

Just then another of Shingen's spies came to report. "They've finally arrived in a small village. It's part of Oda territory. It's only an hours ride outside of Azuchi. They have taken up in an inn in the village."

"I see." Shingen said, a plan beginning to take place in his mind.

"We also found this." The spy said, handing a letter to Shingen. It was from Ava's captors.

Shingen looked at the letter. "He's...challenging me to come with my full forces."

"We can't do that...especially that close to Azuchi." Yukimura said. "The Oda would easily see that as an act of war even if they have nothing to do with this."

Shingen nodded. "It appears whoever this pirate is, he wants to start a war between the Takeda and the Oda again."

"I would gladly accept that challenge." Kenshin said. "I'll fight the Oda for you while you rescue Ava."

Shingen shook his head. "It wouldn't be the good fight you're looking for." He said. "Besides...I have another idea."

"Why do I get the feeling that I'm not going to like this idea?" Yukimura asked.

"Because I think you already know what it is." Shingen replied.

Shingen then discussed his plan and gave Yukimura his orders. He then gave orders to his spy network and his plan was set into motion. Everyone began to prepare, getting their things together to leave at first light.

Shingen stood in his and Ava's room, staring up at the moon. He had ordered everyone to get rest for the night, but he knew that there would be none for him. He turned his gaze from the moon to the empty futon.

"I'm sorry I failed you, my love." He said. "I will rescue you, I promise you that."

The morning came and Shingen and a small group o his forces took off. Kenshin and Sasuke joined them, ready to aid in Ava's rescue. Asuna came as well. Once they had Ava safely back, she would likely need professional medical care and she would be sure that she had it.

While riding, Asuna noticed that Yukimura wasn't there. "Where exactly did you send Yukimura, my lord?" She asked Shingen.

"To get help." Shingen answered. "He left last night to be sure he was ahead of us." While Shingen had worked out most of the details of his plan and explained them to his men, this one aspect he had not. He had left this part only to Yukimura.

After two days of hard riding, the Takeda arrived just outside of the small village. They did not go inside nor did they get close enough that they could be detected. Shingen's plan was delicate and it required a certain degree of agility and stealth. Though he hated the idea of waiting, especially not knowing exactly how Ava was being treated, he knew that it was safer if he did not give the bastard the chance to hold her in front of him with a knife at her throat.

Ava...

I had lost track of how long I had been in Motonari's hands. I knew it was days, but how many I couldn't say. Once arriving in the small village, we stayed there, as if he were waiting for something. I was kept locked in a room alone. Motonari or his men stayed guarding my door at all hours. There were even guards outside. Not to mention that my room was on the second floor, so it's not like I could have climbed out the window even if I had wanted to...not like I could easily squeeze through the window either.

Every day Motonari would bring me my meals. I didn't trust him, but yet I had to eat. "You still think I'm gonna poison ya?" He asked, his tone almost teasing. "A dead hostage is a useless hostage, you know. I need ya alive."

"What exactly is your plan, Motonari?" I asked. "What do you get by holding me hostage? What is it you want Shingen to do?"

"Shingen is known as a brilliant strategist. Not to mention he had almost defeated Nobunaga before and then he defeated him again, this time taking back his land." Motonari began to explain. "He's the only one strong enough to bring about the party I'm wanting."

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

Motonari smiled the smile of a mad man. "We're in Oda territory love. And I've made sure your husband has been able to glimpse my numbers. He'll need a force equal to mine...his full force and they'll march in here and the Oda will see that as an act of war. We aren't far from Azuchi. It'll be a bloodbath."

I felt my blood turn to ice in my veins. "No." It was my worst nightmare come true.

"The peace they're all trying to work for. The mask that they wear will be ripped off and everyone will be able to see this world for what it truly is." Motonari went on. "Then only the strongest will survive and the world will be as it truly is."

"You're a monster."

"You're not wrong about that, m'lady, but so is everyone else. I'm just honest about it." He then laughed again before exiting the room, locking the door behind him.

I sat on the futon shivering from the cold I had felt at his words. He was one of those watch the world burn types it would seem. I couldn't believe that he would be using me to start a war and between people that I cared deeply about.

I could see everything and everyone I cared about burning in this world that Motonari wanted. I have to find a way out of here. I thought. I have to. I can't let him use me to hurt the people I care about.

I sat there for what felt like hours, trying to work up some kind of escape plan, but utterly failing. It was then that I heard a ruckus coming from the floor below me. It didn't sound like fighting, but more like a party. I then heard the laughter of multiple women.

This noise went on for a while and I even heard some of them coming up the stairs and going into the rooms next to me. "Don't get too distracted or drink too much, fellas!" Motonari shouted at his men, his voice was just outside my door. Then he was coming inside.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"Just my crew taking a little leisure time while we wait for the show to start." Motonari answered. "Which should be just about any day now. I'm sure the Takeda have already started marching this way and the Oda probably know."

"You're the worst, slimiest, sorriest, excuse for a human being I've ever met."

"Thank ya, m'lady."

"Why aren't you with one of those ladies?" I asked.

"Someone has to guard ya." Motonari answered, smiling. "Besides, I like hearing those compliments ya give me. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside."

I picked up the pillow from the bed and threw it at him. "You're disgusting."

"There, those compliments." He said, smiling. "I thought you'd be one of those bleeding heart types that cares about everyone, but seems you can sure hate me."

"Just leave me alone."

Just then there was a knock on the door. "Shojumaru." A woman's voice called from the other side in a sweet seductive tone. It was then opening and she was walking inside.

I wasn't sure why, but she looked so familiar to me. "What do you want?" Motonari asked.

"I heard the captain didn't have any company. I thought you might like some." She replied, laying it on very thick. She was then walking over and reaching out to Motonari.

He smacked her hand away. "Don't touch me." He said, his voice almost desperate and something like fear showing in his eyes. "You can keep the lady company." He said, walking out the door.

Once he was gone the woman turned to me and smiled. She came over and knelt down next to me. "How are you Lady Ava?" She asked. "Have they hurt you?"

"How do you..."

"I'm Miyuko. Lord Shingen sent me." She answered. "A few of the others girls are part of the Mitsumono as well."

My eyes widened in surprise. Though knowing Shingen, it made perfect sense that a good portion of his spy network would be ladies of the night.

"Don't worry about a thing my lady. Lord Shingen will be here soon. He has a plan." She explained. "Though that Shojumaru fellow being immune to my charms was not part of it...nor the fact that he and his men aren't drinking much of the sake."

"His name isn't really Shojumaru." I said.

"Who is he then?"

"He said his name was Motonari Mori."

"But he's supposed to be dead."

"To be fair, Shingen and Kenshin both let everyone think they were dead for a while, too." I reminded her.

Miyuko gave me a smile. "True, there are definite strategic benefits to playing dead." She agreed.

"He said his plan was to use me to force Shingen to march into Oda territory and start a war between the Takeda and the Oda. And he doesn't even have a reason for it. He just wants the chaos." I said. "I can't let that happen."

"I know." Miyuko assured me. "And Lord Shingen has already taken precautions for that."

I was about to ask what she meant when we heard footsteps heading up the stairs and towards this room. She quickly pulled out a dagger and placed it in my hands. "Keep this and use it when the moment is right." She whispered to me.

Though I wasn't sure I could stab anyone, I quickly hid the dagger within the folds of my kimono and nodded.

Just as the door to the room came open, Miyuko started giggling, putting on her act very quickly. "And that my dear is the true secret of how to please a man." We both looked up at Motonari came into the room. "Ah, have you changed your mind, Captain?"

"Yeah, I want you and your girls to leave." Motonari answered. "My crew don't deserve this nice of a reward for too long." He was then handing her a sack of coins. "For your trouble."

"Well, thank you Captain." She replied. "Though it is a shame I didn't get to enjoy your company."

"Just get going." Motonari ordered.

"Alright." She agreed before leaving.

Once she was gone Motonari smiled at me. "Getting tips from a courtesan huh? You plan on trying to use your feminine whiles on me, m'lady?"

I glared at him. "In your dreams."

Motonari laughed. "You sure are a feisty one. I think I'm startin' ta see why the Tiger of Kai fell so hard for you."

"If you're just going to poke fun at me, just leave me alone."

"But you're too much fun."

I just glared at him. Shingen is coming. Just hang on a bit longer. I thought to myself.

"Oh if only looks could kill. Then you'd be in luck m'lady. Be able to get out of here on your own." He told me mockingly before leaving the room once again.

I let out a sigh and sent up a silent prayer. Please let Shingen get here soon and unharmed. And without a war starting.

Shingen...

Shingen stood with his men on a cliff overlooking the village Ava was being held captive in. It was then that the sound of hoof beats approached them from behind. Shingen turned to see one of his most hated enemies riding up.

Nobunaga arrived with his closest men and a small force. Of course Yukimura was with them as well, as Shingen had sent him to Azuchi to get their aid. "You sent word for help." Nobunaga said as he dismounted his horse and walked up to Shingen.

"The only choice I have given that she was brought here." Shingen answered.

Hideyoshi still sat on his horse glaring at Shingen. "I can't believe you allowed her to be captured." He spat at Shingen.

"Big talk coming from the group who had her stolen from them in the first place." Shingen responded.

"You know this plan of yours isn't going to work if you guys start fighting right here." Yukimura interjected.

"What is this plan exactly?" Nobunaga asked, eyeing Shingen.

"That depends on the report I am about to get." Shingen answered.

As if on cue, a woman appeared from a foot path in the forest. She was dressed in bright colors and heavy makeup. She was quite clearly a concubine. She bowed before Shingen. "Lord Shingen, I am sorry to say we filed to get Lady Ava out." She told him, a truly sad look on her face. "There was no way to safely do so."

"Give me your report." Shingen said, gritting his teeth.

"She is being held captive by the man claiming to be named Shojumaru, as you suspected." She answered. "They are keeping her in an inn in the middle of the village. The girls and I tried all of our tricks, but well...I couldn't distract Shojumaru. He wouldn't fall for any of the usual tricks. No one drank much sake either. And even if we had been able to get them drunk enough, we couldn't have gotten Lady Ava out of the inn. He has his crew hidden all over the town, though they are not so inconspicuous."

"Damn him." Shingen breathed.

"I was able to see Lady Ava though. Other than some rope burns on her wrists, she appears unharmed." The woman explained. "She also said that Shojumaru told her that he wants to start a war between the Takeda and the Oda, just for the chaos it would bring...he also told her his name was actually Motonari Mori."

"But he's supposed to be dead." Shingen said.

"Yes, well it appears dead men are rising from the grave all over." Nobunaga said, looking at Shingen pointedly.

Shingen glared at Nobunaga briefly and then turned back to his spy. "Thank you for your work Miyuko."

She bowed again. "I wish I could have done more." She then left.

"So, that's how your master spy network works." Mitsuhide said. "It does make sense coming from you, though."

"Women are able to slip in and out under much less suspicion." Shingen replied. "Now to focus on the matter at hand."

"How we are going to get Ava out of there." Nobunaga finished for him.

The men sat down and discussed strategy. The village being part of Nobunaga's domain, he had a man who was from the village and knew they layout well. They soon had the plan figured out and began laying the ground work for it.

As they waited Yoshimoto couldn't help his curiosity. He walked over to Shingen and asked for a moment alone. "Why exactly are the Ida helping us rescue your wife?" He asked. "And how did you even know that they might?"

Shingen sighed. "Before she became my wife, she was with the Oda forces. She had saved Nobunaga's life that night at Hono-ji and for it, he declared her a princess of the Oda clan and gave her shelter in Azuchi."

"Then how did she come to you?"

"As I said before, a story for another time." Shingen replied. "We have a lot of work to do to get ready for tonight."

Ava...

I sat in the room of the inn, a lantern and the light of the full moon shining in from the window all that kept darkness from engulfing the room. I looked up at the sky, keeping the words Miyuko had told me close to my heart. Shingen was on his way and he would be here soon.

Though spring was well on its way, I couldn't help but to feel a coldness that wouldn't go away. It had stayed with me since I had woken up a captive. I missed Shingen and his warmth. It was in that darkness that I felt the movements of the baby growing within my belly.

I placed my hand over my belly where I felt the baby kicking. Though he or she still wasn't quite big enough for those movements to be felt through my hand just yet. I still felt that connection to my child. "Don't worry little one. We'll be out of here soon." I whispered. "I just hope that whatever your papa's plan is it works."

It was then that I heard shouts from the floor below. Then there was the sound of steel clashing against steel. I jumped up as this sound continued. Then hurried footsteps came up the stairs and down the hall. Motonari was soon bursting into the room.

"Dammit, this was not what I expected." He said, his eyes wild.

"What's going on?" I asked.

He then looked at me. A feral smile played across his lips. He was coming over to me and of course I had nowhere to go but to back myself into a corner. He quickly grabbed me by my hair and then yanked.

"Ah!" I shouted as the pain from having my hair pulled hit me.

He was dragging me in front of him then. It was then that the door was being broken down and a sight I had not expected to see greeted me. Shingen rushed in, his sword drawn. Yukimura and Kenshin were with him. But what truly surprised me was when Nobunaga and Hideyoshi came in through the door as well.

"You've been beaten Motonari, let her go." Shingen practically growled at Motonari.

"You must be somethin' truly special m'lady." Motonari said, not even addressing Shingen and the others. "I didn't think the Oda and the Takeda would work together."

"You must not know the true value of the woman you have taken hostage then." Nobunaga spoke up. "You see before she was Shingen's Ava is a princess of the Oda."

"Ah, I see. I guess I should have done more research." Motonari said.

"Let Ava go now and we might let you live." Shingen said.

"You've clearly been defeated and are outnumbered." Kenshin added. "You disgust me, trying to bring about chaos in place of a nice clean war."

"Let her go or face the consequences." Nobunaga declared, his voice deep and cold as ice.

"What consequences?" Motonari asked. "You could clearly all rush me and run me through, but by the time that happens, I'd have the little lady in the path of your swords and you'd be killing the very thing ya came together to protect."

"You're a coward, hiding behind an innocent woman." Hideyoshi spat at him.

"If you gentlemen want the little lady back unharmed, you're gonna have to face each other. Whoever wins, I'll let have her." Motonari spoke of me as if I were some prize.

I felt tears stinging my eyes at the hopelessness of the situation. Shingen had reached out to Nobunaga for help in rescuing me to keep a war from breaking out. Nobunaga and my friends had all come to help. They were all working together for my sake.

"Ava..."

I looked up at the sound of Shingen saying my name. My gaze found his. I saw the pain in his eyes. It was in that pain I saw in his eyes, I found my determination. The dagger Miyuko had given me earlier felt heavy against me in my kimono. My hands were free, so I reached in my kimono and pulled it out. I unsheathed the weapon and swiftly lifted it up and back, cutting my hair.

I instantly started to tumble forward as Motonari had been holding me up by my hair. I heard some gasps as I pitched forward. Familiar strong arms wrapped around me, catching me before I could fall. "I got you." Shingen's voice was at my ear, as he caught me and righted me, keeping an arm around my waist and pulling me to his side, shielding me.

"Looks like you lost your shield." Shingen declared.

The others then began to rush Motonari, but he didn't hesitate. He headed for the window. "Thanks for the party fellas, but I won't go down that easy." He was then jumping from the window.

Shingen and Nobunaga both ordered men to pursue Motonari and any of his crew who might have gotten away. Asuna, Yoshimoto, Sasuke, and the remaining Azuchi warlords were soon coming into the room. I couldn't hide my surprise at seeing them all together.

"Ava, are you alright?" Shingen asked, looking at me, lifting his hand that wasn't holding me up to cup my cheek.

"Yeah." I answered with a nod. I could feel the tears stinging my eyes.

"I'm sorry it took me so long to get here." He told me.

"You got here just in time." I replied.

"Thank goodness you're safe." Hideyoshi said.

It was then that the stress and tension I had been carrying these last few days began to leave my body. I hadn't been able to sleep much and suddenly felt very exhausted. Black began to form at the edge of my vision.

The last thing I heard before passing out was Shingen and the others all calling my name.

Immediately after Ava passed out, Shingen caught her in his arms. "Lay her down on the futon." Asuna instructed. Shingen followed the midwife's instructions and then moved out of her way.

"Let me help." Ieyasu said.

"Fine." Asuna agreed. "But I need the rest of you to leave the room. It's too crowded in here."

Shingen and the others reluctantly left while Asuna and Ieyasu instantly got to work examining Ava. Shingen and the others waited in the hall for what felt like hours before Asuna and Ieyasu came out of the room.

"She's alright. It's mostly exhaustion and a little bit of shock." Asuna said.

"We've given her some medicine, but she needs rest." Ieyasu added.

"And more medicine that isn't here in this village." Asuna added.

"We have plenty back in Azuchi." Ieyasu said.

Shingen and Nobunaga looked at each other. Nobunaga spoke up first. "Then we bring her back to Azuchi...you are welcome to come as well and stay as long as Ava needs."

"That would be the best course of action for Lady Ava and the baby's health." Asuna said, seeing the doubt in Shingen's face. "Even after she wakes up, she will need to rest for several days. Traveling back to Kai too soon...it would be bad for her and the baby."

Shingen nodded. "Alright."

Ava...

I woke up sometime in the middle of the day. The sunlight streamed in, illuminating the familiar room. It was not my room in Kai which I shared with Shingen, but my room in Azuchi castle.

"There's those beautiful eyes."

I turned my head at the sound of Shingen's voice. He sat on the floor beside my futon. I started to push myself up, but he gently placed his hands on my shoulders and pushed me back down in bed.

"You still need to rest my love." He told me, gently stroking my cheek with a finger.

"What exactly happened after I passed out? How long have I been out? And how did we end up in Azuchi?" I asked.

"Asuna and Ieyasu examined you. Declared you were exhausted and in slight shock and said that the medicine you needed was here along with plenty of rest. Nobunaga agreed to allow us to stay until you were well enough for travel back home." Shingen answered.

"So...not only did you get Nobunaga and the others to help you in my rescue, but now they're letting us stay here?" I asked.

Shingen gave me a smile. "I don't think you realize the power you hold over people."

Before I could say anything the door to my room was opening and Asuna and Ieyasu were walking in. "You're awake, that's wonderful." Asuna said.

"Yes, it would have been a pain if you were still out." Ieyasu agreed. "It's easier to give you your medicine when you're awake."

"How are you feeling, Ava?" Asuna asked me, coming to sit on the other side of me.

"Okay." I answered.

"Any cramping?" She asked. "No signs of...bleeding?"

I shook my head. "No, in fact the baby is kicking right now."

"Okay, good." She said with a sigh of relief.

Ieyasu gave me some medicine before heading out, saying he would go tell everyone I was awake. Just as I was about to ask Shingen and Asuna something, I heard two familiar voices in the hall. Two voices that I would not have imagined together at least not without the fighting.

"How is it you make something as delicious as these dumplings?"

"I've been perfecting my cooking all my life. Food is what keeps us alive. And quit trying to take more dumplings. These aren't for you."

The voices stopped at my door before sliding it open. "Heard you were finally awake, lass. Thought you might be hungry." Masamune greeted as he walked in the room, carrying a tray. "Had to defend the food from this guy though." He added the last part gesturing to Yukimura who had been walking with him.

"Good food should be appreciated." Yukimura replied. "Besides dumplings are my favorite."

I wanted to say something, but I was having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that Masamune and Yukimura were talking to each other and getting along almost as if they were old friends instead of enemies.

"What's that look on your face for, lass?" Masamune asked, as he sat the tray of food down beside my futon. "You didn't think I'd let you starve while you were here, did you?"

"You still in shock or something?" Yukimura asked. He then looked at Asuna. "I thought you were good at this kind of thing. Can't you find a way to snap her out of this?"

"I'm in shock alright." I replied. I then looked over at Shingen. "This is real right? I'm not having some kind of fever dream or something? Did I hit my head at some point?"

Shingen smiled at me. "I assure you everything is real and you are awake, my princess."

"I can always pinch you, if you want Ava." Yukimura teased.

I glared at him. "No, I'm good."

"Alright, you need to eat lass." Masamune said.

It was then that the aroma of the food that he had brought wafted over to me. My mouth began to water and my stomach let out a hungry growl.

Masamune laughed. "Sounds like the tiger cub in your belly is hungry. You better eat up."

Shingen was then helping me to sit up. Masamune placed the tray in my lap and handed me chop sticks. I took them and dug into the meal. The flavor burst across my tongue, sweet and savory. "Mmm, delicious as always Masamune. Thank you." I said smiling at him.

"Good, I made all your favorites. Don't worry while you're staying here, I'll keep you fed."

I noticed that Masamune and Yukimura had left the door to my room opened and that was when I saw Hideyoshi and Mitsunari appear in the door way. Hideyoshi was carrying a tray of tea.

"Good to see you awake, Ava." Hideyoshi greeted.

"Yes, we were so glad to hear the news, Lady Ava. I see Lord Masamune has already brought you food."

"We thought you might like some tea. It's a special herbal blend to help with regaining energy and strength."

"Thank you." I said, smiling at them.

"Wait a second, what herbs are in that tea?" Asuna asked.

"Why would you ask?" Hideyoshi countered.

"She is pregnant there are some herbs that are dangerous for her to have you dunce." Asuna replied.

"I thought she only talked to Yukimura that way." I said to Shingen.

"Like you, she doesn't hide her feelings when she's passionate about something." Shingen replied with a smile.

Hideyoshi then listed off the herbs that were in his tea. Asuna listened and gave the okay when he had finished. "Alright, those are all safe."

I had finished eating and was then taking the tea, when Mitsuhide appeared in my doorway with Sasuke of all people. "You are quite a fascinating ninja." Mitsuhide told him.

I was further surprised when Nobunaga and Kenshin were following behind them. "Of course he is. I trained him personally." Kenshin spoke, a hint of pride in his voice.

"Yes, but to become such a master in only four years, that is quite a feat." Nobunaga said. "Sasuke, if you ever find yourself wanting to serve a new lord, come see me. I could use a man of your talents."

"So now it's a party?" I asked, taking note at how pretty much everyone was in my room.

"That would explain why that sourpuss Ieyasu left before the rest of us got here." Masamune said. "Though someone did have to bring us all the news."

"It is good to see you are awake, Ava." Nobunaga greeted me.

I looked around at everyone. Most of these men were enemies and yet they were all here and tolerating each other, some of them seeming to get along quite well in fact, all for me. I felt the emotions in my chest as the tears began to gather in my eyes.

"Ava, what's wrong?" Shingen asked, his voice soft, a gentle hand coming to my cheek to wipe away a tear that had escaped.

"Nothing's wrong...I'm just so happy." I answered. "You guys all put aside you differences and worked together...all for me."

Shingen put an arm around my shoulders and pulled me close. "There is nothing I wouldn't do for you." He whispered to me.

"You're still part of the Oda forces." Nobunaga said.

I couldn't help it, I started crying harder then. This was such a touching moment and I just couldn't help it.

Shingen reached into his kimono and pulled out the handkerchief I had made for him and used it to dry my tears.

"Come on lass, no need to cry." Masamune said gently from beside me.

"I...can't...help...it...it's...the...preg...nancy." I replied, blaming my complete lack of control on the hormones raging inside my body.

"Says the most emotionally expressive woman I've ever met." Mitsuhide teased.

"Just hush...you." I replied, starting to calm down.

"You think she's crying now, just wait till she realizes the mess that is her hair." Yukimura said.

That was when I remembered that I had cut my hair with the knife Miyuko had given me. I reached my hand up to touch my hair. My formerly waist-length hair was now well above my shoulders. "How bad is it?" I asked, afraid to know.

Shingen reached a hand up to stroke my hair. "Not bad at all."

"That was quite a bold move you made, cutting your hair like that." Nobunaga praised me.

"I'm disappointed I didn't get to witness that move." Sasuke said. "I thought that only happened in the movies."

"Movies? What in the world is that?" Mitsuhide asked, catching onto Sasuke's modern term.

"In the our hometown, it's a type of play." I answered, figuring that was the best way to explain things.

"I see." Mitsuhide said.

"So women cutting their hair to escape a captor is something that happens in these...movies?" Nobunaga asked.

"Yes and it usually signifies a great change for the female character." Sasuke explained. "Usually a personal growth kind of moment."

"I see." Nobunaga replied, eyeing me.

I wasn't sure what it was, but there was something almost warm in his eyes as he looked at me.

It was then that Shingen was moving closer to me and wrapping both arms around me. "It was a brave move that allowed us to get you out safely."

Something flashed in Nobunaga's eyes then. Then a grin came to his face. "Yes and I am glad we were able to help. And of course you are welcome to stay here as long as you need...or you never have to leave Ava. Clearly you would be safer here."

Before I could respond Shingen was speaking. "Are you implying I cannot keep my wife and child safe?" He asked.

"I am not implying it." Nobunaga replied. "I am only stating the truth. Motonari tricked you to lure you away and then stole her away."

"Says the man who was here in Azuchi when she was stolen away in the first place." Shingen countered.

"A mistake I wouldn't make again." Nobunaga replied.

Shingen had released me by this point and was standing. Nobunaga stood as well, both taking fighting postures. "Perhaps I should prove you wrong."

"That's enough out of the both of you!" I shouted.

Shingen and Nobunaga both actually looked abashed. At this moment, they reminded me of two children who had just been caught by their teacher before a fight could start.

"We were having a nice moment and time here and then you just had to start a fight!" I said, feeling hot tears of anger stinging my eyes. "Nobunaga, you just had to start in on Shingen and that's not right."

Shingen looked at Nobunaga at my chiding with a smug grin.

"Shingen, wipe that smug grin off your face. Just because Nobunaga started in on you doesn't mean you had to take the bait." I continued.

This caused Shingen's face to fall and Nobunaga to get a slight grin. The other warlords sat there silently watching, all with stunned looks on their faces.

"Alright, I think you all should get out now. You're causing my patient undue stress." Asuna said. "Ava needs to be resting and you're all no longer helping with that."

The guys all began to file out, Shingen the only one lingering. "I meant you too, Lord Shingen." Asuna said.

Shingen looked surprised. "You can't..."

"I mean it now get out." Asuna said, putting her hands on Shingen's back and shoving him out the door. She then closed it behind him. She looked at me with a fond smile. "You are truly one brave woman, my lady."

"Why do you say that?" I asked.

"You just yelled at the Tiger of Kai and the Devil King, scolding them as if they were small children." She answered. "That takes guts."

I sighed. "I don't know about that..."

"Let me touch up your hair for you." She said heading over to a table in my room and picking up some scissors.

"It's really bad isn't it?" I asked, glad for the subject change.

"Just a bit uneven is all." She answered. She grabbed a couple of towels that were in my room, laying one behind me and then draping the other around my shoulders.

"So, you've cut hair before?" I asked.

"I used to help cut my mother's." She answered. "And I keep my own trimmed. So, don't worry you're in good hands."

"I know." I replied. "Thank you."

Asuna could tell I wasn't just talking about the haircut. "You're welcome. That's what I'm here for."

The warlords...

After being shooed out into the hallway, the warlords all looked at each other, feeling stunned. "I can't believe you two." Kenshin said, looking at Shingen and Nobunaga. "Letting a woman scold you like children. The Tiger of Kai and the Devil King, pfft." He was then walking off.

The rest of the men made excuses and walked off, leaving Shingen and Nobunaga alone in the hall. Nobunaga looked at Shingen. "Do you play Go?" He asked.

"I have yes." Shingen replied. "Why?"

"Let us have a game." Nobunaga replied turning to head for the tenshu.

Shingen looked at the door to Ava's room and sighed. He knew she was right, but Asuna was also right that Ava needed her rest. He also knew that Asuna could actually cause him pain and if she used the techniques she knew, could easily incapacitate him. He followed Nobunaga.

They made their way to the tenshu and Nobunaga pulled out a goban. The two men sat across from each other and began their fame. "Why am I not surprised you would make your room in the tenshu?" Shingen asked.

"Why wouldn't I?" Nobunaga replied, placing his black stone on the board.

Shingen thought for a moment before placing his white stone on the board. "You enjoy ruling from high and lording over everyone."

"Think as you wish." Nobunaga replied.

"The real question is why did you bring me here for this game?"

"I promised you sanctuary while Ava recovered...but a battle in Go is close enough to a fight with you." Nobunaga answered. "And in Go no one dies. You can fight a strong opponent over and over again."

Shingen caught a note of emotion in Nobunaga's voice. "I see." He replied, observing his enemy.

"I have also been thinking...we should work together."

"How can you even suggest that?" Shingen asked, having a hard time hiding his disgust and hatred.

"You have Kai back, which you took fairly in battle." Nobunaga began. "We did work well together for Ava's sake."

"It was the only way to get her back and not start a needless war." Shingen replied.

"I know." Nobunaga replied. "But you did also help to free a village in my territory of an invader. It was thanks to your spies we were able to free the villagers and rescue Ava without any innocents falling to harm."

"I don't know how to feel with words of praise from you." Shingen replied.

"If you worked with us, we could keep more battles ending in a similar fashion. It would also bring peace and unification sooner." Nobunaga replied.

"What makes you want this?" Shingen asked.

"I have made mistakes in my quest for unification, with your help I could avoid repeating those mistakes." Nobunaga answered.

Shingen narrowed his gaze at Nobunaga suspiciously. Nobunaga met his gaze and for once Shingen could see the weight of the lives Nobunaga had taken did indeed weigh on him.

The look in Nobunaga's eyes only lasted a moment, then a devilish grin came to his face. "It would also allow me to see Ava more freely."

"I knew you were at the head of the line." Shingen replied.

"What line is that?"

"The line of men who are waiting for me to mess up with Ava so they can swoop in and take her from me."

"Says the man who took her from me in the first place."

"She's too good for you." Shingen replied. "Too good for me, too."

"And yet you still married her."

"Because for whatever reason she chose me."

"I know."

The two men sat in silence for a while then, the only sound was the clacking of the stones on the goban. They continued the game both lost in their own thoughts. Finally the game ended...in a draw.

"Hmm, strange no one has ever come so close to besting me at Go." Nobunaga declared.

"Fitting that the man who bested you in actual battle would be such a challenge for you in Go." Shingen replied.

"Indeed." Nobunaga replied. "Think about my offer while you stay here."

"I will consider it." Shingen answered.

"While you consider it, we should form at least temporary truce." Nobunaga replied.

"You mean to remove the mutual thorn from our sides that is Motonari?" Shingen asked, though the question was rhetorical. "I had already begun to consider that possibility...and that one I can agree to. I can't let that bastard get away after what he did nor can I let him accomplish his goal."

"Agreed." Nobunaga replied.

The sun had already set during their game, the light of the moon and some lanterns were the only thing that kept the room lit. Shingen took note of this. "It is getting late. I had better return to my wife." He said standing up. "I can't let her sleep alone."

Nobunaga smirked. "If she isn't still angry with you, you mean."

"She has forgiven me for worse." Shingen replied with a shrug of his broad shoulders. "Have a good night." He was then leaving.

Nobunaga was now alone with his thoughts. He reached for his cup and a bottle of sake. "There is no need for you to remind me she is yours now." He said, as he filled his cup. "That look in her eyes is enough." He then let out a sigh.

Ava...

After Asuna had finished evening out my hair, she handed me a small hand mirror. I looked at my reflection, seeing my golden brown locks were now to my chin. I reached up with my free hand and touched the short locks.

"Just remember, it will grow back." Asuna assured me. "And you being pregnant will help with that. It will probably grow faster than it would have otherwise."

I nodded.

"Plus, I think it looks pretty cute this way." She added.

"You know, this isn't the first time I've had my hair this short...but it's the first time in several years. I feel kind of...naked without it."

Asuna smiled at me. "I'm sure you'll get used to it."

"Yeah." I agreed with a sigh as I set the mirror aside.

"What's wrong?" She asked as she set about cleaning up the mess. "I know this isn't just about your hair?"

"I just...was I too harsh earlier? With Shingen and Nobunaga I mean?" I asked, unable to stop thinking about their argument earlier.

"No." She answered. "They were acting like big babies and you treated them accordingly. It's good practice for you as I am sure this is only the first child you and Lord Shingen will have together. I'm sure you'll have to break of many fights between them."

I couldn't help but to laugh a little at Asuna's words. "But was I expecting too much? I mean they've been enemies for so long. I can't really expect them to get along just because of me."

"You don't realize it at all do you?" Asuna asked me.

"Realize what?"

"True they've been enemies for a long time, but that argument earlier wasn't about that. It was about you."

"What? Nobunaga was just egging Shingen on."

Asuna shook her head. "Shingen isn't the only man in love with you."

I looked at Asuna. "What? Are you trying to say Nobunaga is in love with me? That's ridiculous! He just thinks of me as a lucky charm."

"Uh-huh. Sure and I'm Buddha."

I felt my cheeks burning out of embarrassment. "Well, then I guess you should come over here and let me rub your belly in that case because you're clearly wrong,"

Asuna just laughed. "Lord Shingen sees it. That's why he responded the way he did. He was jealous."

"Shingen being jealous, I do believe. Mostly because he and I have discussed it before."

Asuna and I talked for a while longer, moving on to other subjects. Masamune returned with dinner after a bit, but Asuna told him he wasn't allowed to stay. I ate the delicious food and noticed that it was starting to get late. Asuna had already lit a lantern.

"Don't worry I am sure Lord Shingen will be back soon." Asuna told me.

"I just wish I could get up and go find him." I replied. I had already started to feel bad for yelling earlier.

Just as I was beginning to get worried, the door to my room slid open and Shingen was stepping inside. Asuna was taking that as her cue to leave. "Well, I will leave you guys alone." She declared, heading for the door as Shingen stepped out of the way. "Oh, and I feel his should go without saying, but knowing you two I have to say it. Especially since you look quite apologetic Lord Shingen and I know you will be making up here soon. No intimacy." She was wagging her finger at us.

"But..." I found myself beginning to speak up.

"No. You need to rest. Everything is fine so far, but too much excitement could cause you to go into early labor and we can't have that." Asuna said.

"We will behave." Shingen replied.

"You better." Asuna said before heading out of the room and sliding the door shut behind her.

Shingen came to sit down in front of me on the futon. He reached a hand up to stroke my hair. "Asuna did a good job evening it out, it seems." He said.

I nodded. "Yeah."

We were both looking at each other a moment and then opened our mouths to speak at the same time. "I'm sorry."

Shingen smiled at me. "I know what I'm sorry for, but why are you apologizing?"

"Because i was thinking maybe I got a little too worked up and I shouldn't have lost it on you and Nobunaga like that." I replied.

He shook his head. "No, you were right. I let my jealousy get the better of me and let him get to me."

"I understand you feeling jealous, but you really have nothing to feel jealous over." I told him. "My heart, my body, my soul, all of me is all yours."

Shingen reached a large hand to cup my face, his thumb gently stroking my cheek. "You know when you say things like that, it makes it harder to do this no intimacy thing." Shingen replied. "I just want to take you in my arms and make love to you until the sun comes up."

I smiled at him. "Once Asuna gives the all clear, I won't protest that idea."

Shingen chuckled and moved around to sit behind me and then pulled me into his lap. I responded by leaning back into him. I felt Shingen lean his head down and a feather-light kiss was pressed to the nape of my neck. "Hmm, I think I like your hair this short. It makes it easier to get to your neck." He whispered, his breath tickling my sensitive nape, causing a shiver to run down my spine.

"You would find the silver lining." I replied.

"You know, I still think you're the most beautiful woman I have ever seen." Shingen assured me, trailing more kisses along my neck.

"Hmm, I know." I replied, enjoying the feeling of his lips. "You should...probably stop that."

"Probably." Shingen agreed, continuing to kiss my neck. "It's just so hard." He placed a few more kisses before sighing and then resting his chin on my shoulder, his cheek against mine.

"I wish she would have given us a time frame." I said with a pout.

"I'm glad to know you miss me as much as I miss you." He replied.

"I can never get enough of you, Shingen."

"And I can never get enough of you, Ava." He replied. He was then placing his hands over my belly. "But you need to rest...and we have to keep you safe little one."

"Have I ever told you how much I love it when you talk to the baby?" I replied.

"Just have to make sure she knows Papa's voice." Shingen said, smiling.

I placed my hands over his. "You know, I'm glad that Nobunaga is letting us stay here and that everything is okay and whatnot, but I can't wait to get home."

"Have I ever told you how much I love it that you think of Kai as home already?"

"You know, in my time they say home is where the heart is...my heart is with you. So for me wherever you are is home."

I felt Shingen's embrace gently tighten around me. "And here I thought I was the master of words." He was then lifting his hand up to place his fingers beneath my chin, drawing me to turn my head and face him, then bringing my lips to his for a tender kiss.

When we broke the kiss, we leaned our foreheads against each other. "I love you, Shingen."

"I love you, Ava." He replied. He was then stroking beneath my eyes with his thumb. "You look like you're getting tired, my goddess."

"Maybe just a little." I replied.

Shingen was then lying us back in the futon, still keeping me wrapped in his arms. "While I can't make love to you all night, I can at least still hold you all night." He said, kissing my forehead.

I nestled into his embrace. "It's my favorite place to be." It was then that I thought of something. "So, what were you up to while Asuna put you and the others in time out?" I asked, my tone playful.

Shingen laughed. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you." He replied.

"Try me." I said.

"Playing a game of Go with the Devil King."

I looked up at Shingen and could tell he was telling the truth, and yet I still just couldn't picture it.

"I knew you wouldn't believe me, but I swear it's true."

"Oh, I believe you, it's just, I think trying to picture it has caused my brain to short-circuit."

Shingen laughed. "It was a very interesting game."

"Why do I feel like you aren't talking about the actual game?"

"We have decided to work together on a temporary truce." Shingen explained. "Motonari did get away and he clearly wants to cause problems...nor can we let him get away with kidnapping you."

"So, you guys are planning to work together until you can stop Motonari for good?" I asked.

"Yes, at least that much."

"What do you mean at least?"

"You really do catch on to every word I say, don't you?" Shingen asked, looking at me with a smile.

"I just try to be a good listener." I replied. "Now what did you mean by that?"

Shingen sighed. "I hate to say this, but he did offer me a more permanent truce. Asking if I would be willing to work with him to help unite the country and finally bring peace."

I felt a surge of hope in my heart at Shingen's words. I did my best to keep my excitement down. "And what did you say to that?" I asked.

Shingen smiled at me. "I hear that hope in your voice, no need to try and hide it." He said. "I didn't say no...I said I would consider it."

I nodded. "Well, it is a lot to think about and I know you have to consult your men and the council you created...and the bad blood to get over."

"I know you're hopeful." Shingen replied. "It does make sense...and it does seem like he's changed and sees the advantages of my information network."

"Well, I won't try and persuade you. I know you know how I feel, but it's a decision that only you and the others can make. I'll just be crossing my fingers." I replied, smiling at him.

"And if the council and I make the decision not to agree to the more permanent alliance, will you be okay?"

I could see the honest concern in Shingen's eyes. "I'll be disappointed, but I'll understand. And I'll still hope that minds can be changed later. I know there's more than just my feelings to consider in this matter."

"How did I ever get such an amazing woman to be my wife?" Shingen asked me, kissing my brow.

"Just lucky, I guess." I replied with a cheeky smile. "And only because you're such an amazing man and I'm pretty lucky that you're my husband."

Shingen drew me closer to kiss me gently on the lips. "Rest well, my love."

We snuggled closer and then I was drifting off to sleep safely in his arms.

Shingen lay there, watching Ava sleep. He brushed her now short locks back from her face. "I'll keep you safe and I will do what I can to make sure the rest of your time here in Azuchi is restful." He whispered to her sleeping form.

Shingen gently tightened his hold on Ava, snuggling her closer. She let out a contented sigh in her sleep and nuzzled his chest. He smiled and kissed the top of her head before joining her in the land of dreams.

See what happens next below :)

https://writingwhimsey.tumblr.com/post/656174952403386368/the-tiger-and-the-oda-princess-ch-9

#ikesen shingen #ikesen #fanfic #chapter 8

[darkkitsuneprincess]

Homecoming pt.1 (Nobunaga x MC)

Several people have asked for a sequel to Preparations for War and have pretty much begged for fluff. And I started out with fluff...I SWEAR I DID. And then...then Hideyoshi had to go and be dumb and, well, here we are.

Don’t worry, kids...nobody dies. I can’t do that to any of my best boys. And part 2 will be all the fluff you can stand. It should be in your hands tomorrow.

Title: Homecoming (part 1) Pairing: Nobunaga x MC Rating: T/M (talk of violence and surgery) Word Count: ~4,000

Description: After three months, our heroes return from battle, but not in the best of ways. Angst with a dash of H/C and some horny Nobunaga for good measure.

WARNINGS: Angst. Lots and lots and loooooooots of angst. More angst than the first part. Major character injury with talk of death (but no death!). Vivid descriptions of medical procedures. Blood. Lots of blood.

~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~

The page placed the neatly-folded letter in my hand with a bow and offered a sad smile before disappearing from sight. My sewing fell into my lap, forgotten, as I cradled the single sheet of paper in shaking fingers. Before I consciously registered that it was actually in my hands, a single, round spot of wetness marred the otherwise pristine surface.

Three months they’d been gone. Three long, lonely months I’d haunted the halls of Azuchi castle, waiting at Ieyasu’s side for our family to return.

I opened the letter carefully so as not to tear the paper and smoothed it out against my chest. There, in Nobunaga’s beautiful handwriting was yet another heartbreaking update.

  My love,

The tide of battle has finally turned and we may yet persevere. Our men are weary of battle, beaten down and exhausted. Longing for home. Perhaps if I’d thought to bring my lucky charm with me, this battle would have long-since ended and without the casualties.

My hands are stained with blood, yet I long to hold you again. My nights are lonely without you in my arms. I will return as soon as I am able. I love you.

Nobunaga

 I carefully refolded the letter and tucked it into my kimono as tears rolled down my face. I missed him desperately. I wanted him home with me. I wanted him to know the beautiful things that waited here for him. So many times I’d started to tell him in letters but in the end I’d burned them all. I wouldn’t do that to him; give him something else to worry about. No, I’d wait to give him the good news when he returned so that I could enjoy his reaction.

I wiped at my face with my sleeve and turned my attention back to my sewing. There was nothing else left to do but wait. And wait. And wait some more.

***

Another week passed with silence from the battlefield. I sewed, I cleaned, I cooked…I found any number of ways to distract myself from the fact that nearly everyone I loved was at risk. I couldn’t shake the sense of dread when I thought about all of them out there, struggling to make peace out of blood.

With all of my work for the day completed, I sat in the garden enjoying the warmth of the sun on my face. With my eyes closed and my face tilted toward the sky, it was easy to imagine my men coming home, the steady, rhythmic stomp-and-clank of marching warriors rattling the ground beneath them. I pictured Nobunaga’s face, streaked with dirt and smiling that infuriating, devilish smile of his. I imagined his arms sliding around my waist as he pulled me to him. My hand dropped to my belly, rounded enough now that I had to be careful how I dressed and how I sat in order to hide the evidence from the house staff. Only Ieyasu knew, and I wanted it to stay that way until Nobunaga returned.

“Lady Mai,” one of the castle pages called my name, pulling me from my beautiful daydreams and back into that harsh, lonely reality. He bowed when I turned to face him. “Lord Ieyasu has called for you.”

“I’m on my way,” I replied with a smile. He bowed again and disappeared. Once I was certain I was alone, I struggled to my feet, fixed my clothes, and exited the garden.

I found Ieyasu in the audience hall discussing trade arrangements with a new ally. The conversation seemed to be going well, if not a little awkward thanks to my contrarian friend, and when I attempted to back out of the room and leave them to it, Ieyasu lifted his hand and waved me over. The look on his face was almost one of relief when I obliged.

“I apologize for the interruption. A page said you were looking for me.”

“Yes,” he answered as I stepped onto the dais and he offered his hand to help me sit, for which I was grateful. At roughly the half-way mark of this pregnancy, my balance wasn’t exactly great. I tucked my legs beneath me and arranged my kimono to keep my growing belly hidden, and when I cast a glance at our guest, he gasped audibly.

“Lord Hiro, this is Princess Mai, Lady of the Oda.”

“My Lady,” he replied, dropping into a deep formal bow with his head against the floor, “rumors of your beauty abound, but they do not do you justice.”

“Careful, Lord Hiro,” Ieyasu admonished. “Remember that she is the wife of Lord Nobunaga, the man to whom you’ve recently sworn your loyalty.”

“I-I-I’m sorry,” Lord Hiro stammered, trying harder to push his face into the floor, “I meant no harm, I swear!”

“Please rise, Lord Hiro,” I cut in. “No offense was taken, I promise. I assure you, a lady always likes to hear compliments.” I turned to Ieyasu with a scowl. “Now play nice, Ieyasu.” He narrowed his eyes at me and shook his head, so I smiled as sweetly as I could and turned my attention back to our guest. “Tell me, Lord Hiro, what are your hopes for this alliance?”

The man slowly rose from the floor to recompose himself, but I noticed his hands shaking as he folded them into his lap.

“I am new to my position,” he admitted, and out of the corner of my eye I noticed the change in Ieyasu’s expression. This was news even to him. “Our land is small, largely unnoticed by the Shogunate in Kyoto. We are hard workers, my Lady, I promise you. But…”

He trailed off, as if he were afraid to speak.

“Please, Lord Hiro, continue.”

He took a deep, shaky breath and nodded. “My people were mistreated by our former Lord. He wanted the Shogun to notice him, so he would take our crops and our crafts for his tributes and leave us with barely enough to survive.” His voice trembled on the last word. It broke my heart to hear. “When he died, he left no heir. So the Shogun’s people came and assessed our home before the infighting could begin. Because my family is one of the oldest in our land, I was given this charge.”

“That is quite the honor,” Ieyasu said, his voice cold and impassive. I elbowed him in the side when Hiro looked away. He grunted.

“It is,” I answered, turning my attention back to our guest. “I understand that being in charge of something so large can be terrifying,” I told him. “Look at the two of us—Ieyasu and I have kept Azuchi Castle going for months now while Lord Nobunaga is away. Like you, we are here to care for our people. So please, tell us what you need.”

“I…I wanted to open up trade with Azuchi,” Hiro answered. His shoulders straightened and the lines of worry left his face. “We do not have much right now, but with time and a little assistance, I know my people can be a valuable asset to Lord Nobunaga.” Excitement glimmered in his eyes when he spoke next. “We have skilled craftsman—woodworkers, blacksmiths, weavers…so we can pay in trade. But we need food. Our people are starving.”

“Then food you shall have,” Ieyasu answered, his tone much softer than before. The statement brought tears to Hiro’s eyes. “Speak with Daichi on your way out and he will arrange for the deliveries.”

The man fell into a tearful, formal bow, his forehead once again on the floor at our feet. “Thank you, Lord Tokugawa! Thank you so much! And thank you, Lady Mai! Your kindness has healed my heart.”

“You are very welcome, Lord Hiro. Now please, return to your people and help them prosper.”

Once Hiro was out of earshot, Ieyasu sighed and shook his head.

“Did you have to do that in front of him?” he asked.

“He wasn’t looking,” I answered with a sweet smile. “Besides, you totally deserved it.”

“I did not!”

“Yeah, you did.” I laughed when Ieyasu turned his face away to hide his own smile. “So why did you want to see me?”

“They’re coming home today,” he said and produced a letter from his kimono. Everything around me went fuzzy as his words registered in my head. I took the letter and scanned it, Nobunaga’s writing surprisingly sloppy as if he were in a hurry. It was true; Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, Ranmaru, and Mitsunari were on the way home. Masamune and Mitsuhide were staying behind to clean up the mess.

“Really? This is real?” I asked, disbelieving as I waved the paper between us.

Ieyasu rolled his eyes at me. “Of course it is. That was delivered last night. They’ve secured peace along the southern border. However, there’s one more thing.” He held up another letter, though he didn’t let me have it. “Hideyoshi has been injured.”

My breath seized in my lungs and tears sprang to my eyes. “I-is he…”

“He’s alive,” Ieyasu confirmed. “I’m not supposed to tell you this, but he did something stupid and you need to be aware of it.”

My gut roiled and inside my belly, my unborn baby began to squirm. If Hideyoshi managed to get hurt, that meant…

“He covered Nobunaga, didn’t he?” I asked.

Ieyasu nodded. “He took an arrow through the left side of his chest. After the fighting ended, they’d returned to camp. An assassin, acting alone from what I understand, made an attempt on Nobunaga’s life.” My breath escaped in a stuttering cry before I could cover my mouth with my hand. Nausea bubbled up my throat behind it. “Apparently Hideyoshi’s armor was damaged during combat and when he leapt in front of Nobunaga to stop the assassin, the arrow pierced it.”

“No…oh, no. Tell me he’s going to be okay.”

“I won’t know for certain until they arrive. One of the field medics cut the arrow off and bandaged it, but they were afraid to remove it because they don’t know what it might have hit. Nobunaga is bringing him home himself.”

Tears ran freely down my face. While I was thankful that Nobunaga was okay, the idea that Hideyoshi willingly put himself in harm’s way and was actually harmed scared the daylights out of me. My chest ached and what little breakfast I’d managed to eat threatened to come back. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I didn’t want to believe it.

“Mai? Are you still there?” Ieyasu asked, waving his hands in front of my face. My attention snapped back to him.

“Sorry…”

“I said I need you with me for this,” he repeated. “You’ve handled arrow wounds before and Hideyoshi trusts you.” He glanced down at my belly then back at my face. “Do you think you can do it?”

“Yes,” I answered without hesitation.

“Then let’s get ready. They’ll be here soon.”

***

I’d just finished sterilizing our equipment when the doors burst open and in stormed Nobunaga with a flourish. He was covered from head to toe in dirt and blood, and the lines of worry etched into his face broke my heart. His gaze found me and a mixture of relief and fear flooded his features. I didn’t have time to dwell on it, though, as only a breath later Ranmaru and Mitsunari shuffled in carrying an equally muddy and bloody Hideyoshi, though the majority of the blood on him appeared to be his own.

“Careful now,” Ieyasu instructed as he helped them place Hideyoshi on the prepared table.  He was conscious though I had no idea how, and groaning in pain. “Drink this,” Ieyasu ordered, tipping a cup up to Hideyoshi’s lips. Our friend swallowed, though not without great effort, then I began to wipe away the grime from his face.

His skin was pale and waxy from the blood loss, his eyes sunken and yellowed. His breath came in tiny, wet gasps. He looked…he looked like he was dying.

“Hang in there, ‘yoshi,” I whispered in his ear and kissed his cheek. “We’ve got you. You’re gonna make it.” His hazy eyes locked onto mine for a second and recognition flared in his gaze. Then his eyes fell closed as if the effort of recognizing me had sapped all of his energy.

Ieyasu unwound the blood-soaked bandage while I set about removing as much of his armor as I could reach.  With each tug, Hideyoshi groaned in pain. Ieyasu cut his chestplate between the ribs of metal, careful not to disturb the stump of the arrow sticking out of it. The sight and its imagined pain brought about a series of dry heaves in me.

I’ll make him new armor myself, I thought to remove my mind from the wet work in front of me.

“Stick with me, Mai,” Ieyasu murmured. I nodded and pulled the last of the ties free, focusing my attention on my hand and not the possibly fatal wound of my dear friend. Hideyoshi’s eyes rolled in his head and he cried out when Ieyasu lifted him enough for me to pull away the plates of armor surrounding his body. His clothing underneath was soaked through with blood and we could see then just how deep the arrow had gone. Ieyasu wrapped the arrow in cloth and placed my hands around it while he cut away the rest of Hideyoshi’s clothing.

“At least it missed his heart,” I said, my own voice wobbling. “It’s also high enough that it shouldn’t have hit his lung either.”

“You’re right,” Ieyasu replied. “But it’s going to bleed a lot.”

“I know.” This was bad. So bad…

“Here.” He handed me a strip of worn leather. “Double it over and stick it in his mouth.” He glanced over his shoulder at Nobunaga. “I need you to hold him down. This is going to hurt like hell.”

I moved around, lifting Hideyoshi’s head and placing it in my lap while Nobunaga took my place at his other side. He’d stripped off the majority of his armor from the waist up but he, too, was still covered in layers of dirt and blood. Mitsunari squeezed in between Ieyasu and me, then he and Nobunaga placed their hands on Hideyoshi’s shoulders and pinned them to the table. Ranmaru appeared beside Nobunaga, placing his full weight on Hideyoshi’s thighs to further pin him in place.

“Hold still, stupid monkey,” Nobunaga snarled. “You have to live through this so I can kill you myself. Idiot.” I worked the leather into Hideyoshi’s mouth and held it down against the sides of his face, pinioning him against my legs so he couldn’t struggle—not that he had much strength left to fight with anyway.

“Listen to me, Hideyoshi,” Ieyasu said. “This is going to hurt. I have to get the arrow out. Don’t fight or I might kill you.”

The gleaming blade sank into Hideyoshi’s chest, widening the hole. His body tensed and would have bowed upward if not for the six extra hands holding him down. I pulled the strap tighter and felt him bite down on it, muffling his scream. A moment later I heard the thunk of the barbed arrowhead hitting the wooden bowl at Ieyasu’s side. The pressure on the strap eased and I dropped it, leaning over and placing my hands over the wound to push down. Hideyoshi groaned, though this new pain was probably nothing compared to what he’d just felt. Blood bubbled up through my fingers and I could feel the rapid fluttering of his heartbeat under my hands.

“Hurry, Ieyasu…we’re going to lose him!” I cried, and a moment later he swept my hands to the side and poured sake directly into the wound. Hideyoshi cried out again, his voice weaker still. The clear liquid mixed with the blood, turning it a sickly pink color that ran over his chest and down his sides, soaking into the remnants of his clothing. Ieyasu flooded the wound a second time then quickly stuffed the hole with an herb-filled cloth. It immediately turned red, but it was gone from sight a moment later, hidden behind the layers of bandages. I took the long bandages and wrapped them around Hideyoshi’s shoulder while Ieyasu and Nobunaga held him up, then took the rags and warm water we’d prepared and carefully washed his face, neck, arms, and chest while Ieyasu removed the remainder of his armor. Nobunaga rose and herded the others out while we continued to work.

Then all of a sudden, the excitement was over. Weakness filled my limbs, and for a moment I wanted nothing more than to lie down beside Hideyoshi and sleep. It was over. Hideyoshi was no longer screaming. Mitsunari was no longer whimpering, Nobunaga no longer cursing. There was no more blood except what was soaked into my clothes and staining my hands. It was just…quiet.

Hideyoshi’s breathing slowed and when I pressed my palm to his chest, I felt his heartbeat. It was still too fast for my liking, but it was at least steady now that the worst of the trauma was over. I continued to hold his head in my lap, brushing his matted hair back from his forehead, and prayed to anyone who would listen for his recovery.

Ieyasu checked his bandages and, seeing nothing immediately alarming, replaced the wrappings and leveled out another dose of medicine.

“He’s going to be alright, Mai,” Ieyasu said beside me. “He’ll stay here with me for now. I’ll change the bandages and keep giving him medicine to keep the infection away.” He laid a hand on my shoulder. “Someone else needs your attention more.”

My heart stuttered. I’d daydreamed a thousand ways to welcome Nobunaga home…and none of them included emergency surgery on his right-hand man. Every single one of my plans had been foiled and Ieyasu was right…I needed to find him.

Carefully, I worked my way out from under Hideyoshi’s head, bending to kiss his forehead one more time before rising and leaving through the open door.

I found Nobunaga at the end of the hallway, leaning against the wall. His head was tilted upward, his eyes closed. His hands were balled into fists at his sides and he struggled to breathe. He looked so broken…

Though even dirty and bloodstained, he was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen in my life. The sight of him took my breath away and made my heart ache.

“Nobunaga,” I called as I moved to his side. My voice seemed to startle him. “Welcome h—”

Before I could finish my statement I was in his arms, his mouth crushed against mine. He held me so tight I couldn’t breathe and he kissed me with such ferocity that I feared he might devour me whole. My back was against the wall in the next instant, his big body pressed against mine top to bottom. I kissed him back with equal hunger, threading my hands through his dirty hair and pulling him even closer. Every bit of the stress and strain of these last three months melted away under that kiss.

When he released me, we were both breathing hard. His forehead touched mine and we remained like that for a long time, just enjoying the fact that we were together again. That we were still alive.

“I love you, Mai,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I love you too,” I answered. “Now come on. Ieyasu will take good care of Hideyoshi. He’s going to be okay. But you…you’re about to fall over. We both need a bath and we have a lot of catching up to do.”

Nobunaga snickered and his arms tightened around me. “That we do, my love.”

He released me only to drape one arm around my shoulders and lead me away. I leaned into his side, enjoying his warmth and the feel of him beside me. While we walked, I told him of our earlier meeting with Lord Hiro and filled him in on the petty ramblings and gossip of the townspeople—all the things that had filled my days. Everything except…one thing.

The maids were well ahead of us in that they’d already prepared a bath for Nobunaga—probably Ranmaru’s doing if I had to guess—and vacated the area for us. The room was warm and quiet, and smelled of spicy incense. I slid the door closed behind us, and as it clacked against the frame, Nobunaga sighed. The weight of every action over the last three months sat heavy on top of the sound and when I turned I found an unusual expression on his face.

“What?” I asked. His lips quirked up in a lopsided grin.

“There is something different about you,” he replied. “Three months is quite a long time, but…”

“But what?” I turned away to prepare the cloths and his arms closed around me from behind, pulling my back flush with his chest. He caught my earlobe between his teeth and tugged gently, causing a ripple of pleasure to tickle down my back.

“But…I can always tell when my wife is hiding something from me.”

I pulled out of his arms as a near-hysterical giggle clawed its way out of my throat and his gaze darkened. He crossed his arms over his chest, assuming the angry dad pose.

“Now I know you’re hiding something from me.”

“Maybe,” I answered noncommittally. “But that’s for later. We need to get you clean first. Now strip.”

Nobunaga chuckled, letting the conversation go, and unwound the ties holding on his clothes. I knelt at the foot of the stool where he sat and began the slow process of removing three months’ worth of dirt and grime from my husband’s body. The clean water turned a murky brown as it rolled over his skin, and as I began to scrub, various cuts and bruises appeared. Each one was like a tiny knife to my heart, yet served to remind me that he was still here in my arms and very much alive.

“All done,” I said as the last cup of now-clean water rolled down his back. “You soak while I go find you something to eat.”

“You could join me,” he said, pulling me to him and kissing me gently. “We’ve been apart so long and I don’t want to wait any longer to hold you.”

“If I get in that tub with you, we’ll never get back out,” I answered, trying hard to ignore the feel of his big hands sliding over my sides and down my back.

“I see no problem with this.”

“Well I do. The water will go cold and then where will we be?”

“Making love in a tub of cold water,” he answered with a laugh, then kissed my forehead and let me go.

“You’re impossible.”

“Perhaps. I’ll be quick.”

I left him to finish his bath and went to the kitchen in search of food. It was late and the majority of the house staff had already turned in for the night. To my surprise, though, I found Ranmaru had already beaten me to the punch.

“Lady Siobhan!” he chirped when he spotted me, abandoning his task and running up to hug me. “You were so amazing today! And I was so afraid! Lord Hideyoshi…is he…”

“He’s going to be okay,” I confirmed and his shoulders sagged with relief. “Ieyasu is with him and will bring him back just to kill him again if he dies.”

“That’s…scary, but reassuring. I think.”

“What are you doing in here so late?”

“I, well, I thought Lord Nobunaga might be hungry. None of us have had a real meal in months and after all the excitement…” The pretty young man dropped his head, his long eyelashes fluttering against his cheeks.

“You and I had the same thought,” I told him, which brought a smile back to his face. “That’s why I’m here.”

“Oh good!” He grabbed my hand and towed me around to show me what he was working on.

TBC in Part 2

#ikesen #ikemen sengoku #ikesen nobunaga #ikemen sengoku nobunaga #ikesen fanfic #ikesen fanfiction #ikemen sengoku fanfic #ikemen sengoku fanfiction #angst #lots of angst #angsty angst #hurt/comfort #h/c #why do i do this to myself?

[radioactivesweet]

hi^^ may I ask for a Dazai x Male!Reader where Reader reminds him of Oda? Like he likes to write and it's a kind person, something like this, so Dazai is really proud of following a different patch and is happy of being in love with someone. Also, I've read that you write characterxreader, but I'd like to ask something about Oda, maybe an AU where he survives and is able to make his dream come true! I hope it isn't too much! Thanks ❤️

I know I've said that I was going to write x reader, but Oda is such a good character and I like him very much, so here's your Oda's one-shot! Hope you like it^^

I'll write the Dazai x Reader in another post!

“The End”

Every story should have an ending. Either happy or sad. An ending it’s enough. Predictable. Unchangeable. This was one of the few thing he could believe. Then, why, he couldn't find a proper ending to his story? Even though years has passed, still that story wasn't complete.

Everytime he looked at his hands, he noticed the distance between him and the ending of the story. He was still far from achieving his dream. And it would have take him even more time in order to get it. This was another one of those beliefs he was sure about.

He knew that. The things that he did not know were others. He did not know how to get that ending, how to reach it. Maybe he was the problem. Was it because he was not capable of find this ending?

This was what he suspected.

That believe was renewed everytime. Every day. Every minute. Every second. He knew that something was wrong and that he would have never had the chance to fix it. It was sorrowful.

He could see his own hands getting dirt. They were red stained. He knew well what that red was. A bright red, that would have flown as long as it was life. Then, it would have stopped. It happened everytime. And he couldn't do anything to prevent this.

He had almost lost the count of all the times he has seen this happening. All the times his hands were covered with that bright red. It was unbeliavable how a color so lively could meant something as dark as death. Red was the colors of flowers. It was the color of the sunset. It was the color of blood. The same blood that would not have left his hands even after washing it. He could still sense the remainings of blood underneath his nails. It was a feeling that he could not forget. Along with the hatred and the resentment of those he killed.

Every night, those voices would interrupt his sleep. How was he supposed to find a way to get over this?

He could not.

Those hands would take him down. Through the abyss, where the light would not go. Places for people like him.

He would not be able to reedem himself. To break those chains. Still, he wanted to try, even if he knew that a person who killed, did not have the right to tell someone's story.

Often he would have asked to himself if one day he would have been to fulfill that dream. He was still hoping. Hope. Sometimes, when thing were getting harder, he could not think about thing like hope. It was too difficult. But then, meeting the eyes of his friends, while seeing the reflection of his own in a glass, he could sense that something was going to change. Maybe now. Maybe in a year. Maybe in ten. But he could not afford to lose that hope.

There were those moments where he wasn't one of Port Mafia's men. He was just a man. A man that could laugh with his friends and look after some children. He was happy. Someone who could do better things than those he were used to. Yes, he was happy. Maybe tired, but definitely happy.

That was one of those moment. He was alone. But it felt right. He knew he had the right to write. The right to tell a story. He did not know what gave him this confidence, but it was enough.

He was holding firmly a pen that was running out of ink. He was ready to fill those sheets that he brought with him that day.

He stared at the empty glass. Some ice cubes were melting. Drops of water were slipping away. The ice was going to reach its end soon.

His attention got caught by a seagull's flight. He was free to fly wherever he wanted. It was up in the sky, a white spot in the infinity field that was the sky, then it was flying down, almost touching the sea's water.

The same water's surface was getting rough. It was darker, but when a sunray hit those waves, they were shining, revealing once again a blue color, both fascinating and dangerous.

Near the shore, some children were playing, shouting about things they were going to do in the future, while trying to make their kite fly, unsuccessfully. He smiled looking at them, who still did not know about how hard the world was going to be.

He looked at the sheets he put on the table. That moment had arrived. Maybe he was going to regret it later, but he did not mean to turn back now. The white color of the paper almost hurt his eyes. He could not stand that color anymore. He smiled, holding the pen. The black ink would have soon colored that page. He was going tu put the word “end” on that sheet.

He was feeling good. He was going to tell a story. It could have been about anything. About those ice and how it became water. About the flight of that seagull, that now was flying somewhere far from his sight. About the happiness of those children and the dreams they were going to achieve. About the sea and the infinite colors that it could reflects.

Now he had the chance to conclude that story.

Oda Sakunosuke started to write words on that blank page. The moment he was waiting for is now.

#oda sakunosuke #bungou stray dogs #bsd #bungo stray dogs #odasaku

[masked-buffoon]

Chapter 6: A colourless world (Part 3)

Warnings: minors drinking, alcohol

Author notes: this really comes out so late, I am so sorry... Tumblr is being horrible to me and I can't make posts on my computer anymore, that's why there won't be a "keep reading" limit... I'll fix it up, I promise...! I hope you enjoy that heartbreaking chapter still!

I enjoyed the crystalline tinting of the ice in my glass when the bartender set it onto the counter in front of me. This was whiskey on the rocks. With a finger, I traced the edge of the glass, admiring its features and the way light reflected onto the warm coloured alcohol. There was no doubt its taste would warm me up as well.

"Have we not come a bit too early...?" I questioned Dazai, who was also lost in his thoughts next to me.

"What?" He chuckled "Do you not like my company?"

"I-I didn't say that...!" I hurriedly protested.

If anything, I was happy to be with him only; a shameful thought I dared not tell him about.

"Then why do you ask? You're annoying, Ogawa...~"

"I'm sorry, Dazai..." I lowered my head "I did not mean to... Be a bother..."

"Stop that...! Always apologising..."

"... Is it a bother...?"

The ice cube started melting and hit the glass, creating another tinting sound.

"A bother... Is not the word. What I mean is, I don't need you to always be sorry... I prefer when you're confident, when you answer me frankly..." He smiled at his glass "When your eyes are not clouded by fear because of me... We've talked about it, haven't we?"

"Dazai..."

"Anyway..." He gulped down his whiskey, emptying his glass in one go "Another one, bartender...~!"

It was hard to know when he was serious or not, but at the moment, I wanted to believe he truly meant the words he had told me. I wanted to believe he did care about me, even the slightest. I did not want to doubt him, but sometimes, it was hard to do otherwise, regarding how he sought death. How could he befriend me if he was meant to leave me behind...? I did not want to think about it. He was everything I had in this life, everything I wanted to protect in this world; although my feelings were not shared, knowing he could be concerned was enough to soothe my heart.

"... Thank you..." I smiled, sincerely, looking away from him.

"I have done nothing that deserves you being grateful. But —"

The door opened before he could finish his sentence, and Dazai's eyes darted toward the intruder, who was none other than his friend, Oda-san. His face lit up, as always when this man entered his field of view, and he waved at him like a kid.

"Yo, Odasaku...!" He grinned, cheerful.

"Good evening, Dazai. Ogawa." He nodded at me.

"Good evening, Oda-san." I answered, more calmly than my superior "Have you had a good day?"

"More respectful words..." He seemed annoyed as he sat down "You may be the only one addressing me this way, Ogawa..."

"That's because you are older than me..." I stated "That's all..."

"Then stop it...!" He smiled at me "I already know you don't even add '-san' to Dazai's name when in private."

"How would you —" I cut myself, noting how my superior grinned at his drink "Eh... Fine then, but it'll take some time..."

"That's good." He hummed "So, what is the reason for those new bandages, Dazai?"

"That...! It's a funny story...!" He answered, chuckling "We were in the middle of an ambush, you see, but all of a sudden, I fell in a gutter...! And you know the best? This morning, I was reading a book about preventing accidental injuries...!"

I had to do my best not to let my eyes widen and my jaw fall open. What on Earth was he saying...? He did not own any book about accidental injuries — rather, a book about suicide methods — and those new wounds and bruises had only been created by me pushing him to the ground... Or could it be he had been shot and I had not noticed...? Either way, why was he lying to put on the facade of a funny man...?

"I see..." Oda — as he wanted me to call him — simply answered "Funny story indeed."

"What about you, Odasaku~? Had a nice day?"

"Well... I defused a bomb and took care of thugs in the back alley. Nothing int —"

Dazai's eyes lit up greatly, like a child discovering his gifts on a Christmas morning. However... I could perceive there was no sincerity whatsoever. He was acting. I believed his friend knew so as well, but played along not to tense up the mood. It was better this way...

"I want to defuse a bomb too...! I'd do it so poorly that I would just explode with it...~!"

"I thought you didn't like pain..." I whispered, more to myself than to him.

"Odasaku-san, you always give him weird ideas..." Someone entered the bar, interrupting the seemingly joyful conversation.

"Hey there, Ango...! You look well...!"

"Well...?" His face scrunched up "I had a trip to Tokyo for some business... Finally, it turned out it wasn't interesting... Such a waste... Oh, hello Ogawa-kun."

"Hello, Sakaguchi-san." I answered the intelligence agent of the Port Mafia.

"Well, it can't be helped~" Dazai dramatically waved his hand "At least, you get to have a drink with us."

"At least..." He let himself fall onto a stool, next to my superior.

I had been careful enough to sit further from him, so his friends could take place by both his sides. I was not delusional; I could easily tell it was better this way. I sipped the last drops of my whiskey then placed the glass back on the counter, without making much noise. The three men were conversing together, exchanging happily about diverse things which were not even related to the Port Mafia. I had not been there often, but I believed it was the first time I felt so... Out, in a way. It had been months we had strived to get closer to a friendly relationship, yet, I felt slightly jealous, seeing how Oda and Sakaguchi-san could behave around Dazai, whereas I still had troubles knowing what was wrong or right to say or to do. How could I just be natural with him...?

" — Can you, Ogawa?"

I looked up, bewildered. I had not paid attention to what they were saying, lost in my own thoughts, and I was oblivious about what they could want me to do. I cleared my throat in discomfort, nodding slightly.

"Of course, Dazai..." My voice trailed off, showing my nervousness.

"Then~"

He put a camera into my hands. This was not his. This was not Oda's either. The only person who could have needed it was Sakaguchi-san. But what — oh, I understood. They wanted me to take a picture of the three of them.

"A trace of us... Such ominous words again..." I heard Oda's thoughts by accident.

It was always awkward to have me in a room full of secrets, for I could, even if not on purpose, get a glimpse of any hidden truth, and people had no guarantee I would remain quiet. However, this annoying ability which threatened to take my life could sometimes prove itself to be helpful, as it was now. What could he have meant...?

"Ogawa...?"

"I-I'm sorry, I was lost in thoughts..." I stuttered, taking a look at the camera "How do I turn this on..."

"Were you...?" He cracked a smile, surprising me "Don't do so too often... You look as though you're going to be gone forever..."

"Of course, I'll always come back for you..." I assured.

Months ago, during the Boss' birthday party, I had been introduced to the strange boy named Q, who had quite a troublesome ability. Despite remaining rather sane thanks to The Sweet Appeals, I had experienced a terrifying nightmare and had not been able to wake up from it, lost in the tormented illusion created by Q-kun. Unconsciously, my ability had activated itself and I had almost died, again, if not for the nurse. However, despite Dazai's protests and outrageous report, I had never received a single apology from Mori-san for putting me through such danger. I had loathed him ever since.

I handed the camera to Sakaguchi-san after taking a quick look at it.

"My apologies... I have never used one before..."

"I'll explain to you." He chuckled.

"I did pick you in the slums, but I can't believe you've never seen a camera, Ogawa." Dazai grinned, a tad mockingly.

"I have never seen the outside before getting thrown out of the mansion..." I confessed, embarrassed "I spent most of my time reading..."

"Is that so...?" He stared at me oddly "I understand better why you were so determined to shoot them yourself... Did you not use a camera to gather information about the place you would rob, with the thieves?"

"They did, but I was never part of the information gathering." I explained "But don't remind me... You practically killed me when we robbed the jewellery..."

"You looked like a poor lost bunny." He laughed, taking the last sip of his drink "It was amusing, seeing you run as fast as possible from me~"

"That's creepy, Dazai..." Sakaguchi-san made a comment "Will you be alright, Ogawa-kun?"

"Yes, thanks to your explanations." I smiled "Whatever, I'm glad you gave up on chasing me..."

"I don't think Dazai would have killed you, back then." Oda-san suddenly stated, casually sipping the alcohol from his glass.

"How would you know~?" My superior waddled on his stool.

"I know."

"So many secrets~ Will you ever tell me~?"

"I wonder. Perhaps in the future." He remained quiet about this matter.

"Anyway...!" I interrupted their talk "What about those pictures...?"

"Ah right...! Can you take the three of us~?" Dazai grinned "It'll be a souvenir of this evening~"

"Yes, Dazai." I smiled, walking further from the counter "Now..."

I pressed the button as they raised their glasses to "the stray dog".

#bsd #bungo stray dogs #bungou stray dogs #bsd oc #bsd fanfic #bsd dazai #bungou stray dogs oc #bsd imagines #dazai osamu