#well. i.. didn't practice these chords. ah well. thanks hands. you did me a good turn.

[silasbug]

i have no idea what happened or how it happened, but i can finally play bar chords!!!!!

i am so fucking excited. i know it's nothing special but this is a big deal for me because my fingers are short and that shit is painful, but i can actually sound the chords!! and i can switch to them with relative ease, too!

i'm going to be an absolute fucking menace now that half of the songs i want to play are actually playable for me, ha. hahahahahaha. AHAHAHAHAHA.

#and by menace i mean shyly play when nobody else is home because i'll be dead before i sing in front of anybody #with a few notable exceptions (e.g. my drinking buddy. he's already heard me croak like a dying frog so.) #'i have no idea how this happened' bub.. it's probably practice and your fingers getting strong enough to hold that shit down lol #well. i.. didn't practice these chords. ah well. thanks hands. you did me a good turn. #nooo but like. fucking *yay*. i'd given up on bar chords. at least on my behemoth of a guitar that is Sal. #he's almost uncomfortable to hold but that's my baby and i still haven't re-strung him after 10 years... disgraceful #but to be fair those strings have some silly sentimental value. okay. okay. yeah idk i'm going to be weird about this #whenever there was any kind of an F or a B or even a Gm in the chords i would just... hug my ukulele a little tighter and put Sal away #NOW I NO LONGER HAVE TO #i love my ukulele but Sal just sounds nicer. also provides a more comfortable vocal range? that makes no sense #i am only saying this after like. 3 days of being able to play them for some reason. found out just because i was too lazy to switch #when i saw there was an F in the song so i said fuck it we die. #bug.txt

[monsterfloofs]

The Ghost in the Parlor (Sfw and anonymous protagonist!)

It was one in the morning when you rose from bed, sliding on a pair of slippers and feeling your way through the dark to exit your room. The sound was faint, barely audible, but you knew. . .

He was playing tonight.

As you weave your way towards the stairs, you could hear the chords beneath you, the stirring voice of a piano pulling you through dark corridors. As you stop and peer over the banister. You can see from up above, candles alight with a ghastly blue fire. Their light casting eerie wisps of shadows to dance upon the floor. In the middle of this spectral scene was a luminous form sitting at the old grand piano. His spindly fingers like spiders upon the keys, procuring the tune that wafted up the stairs. The sound is sweet and melancholic, mourning things that have been lost, and the ever present march of time. Always moving, never relenting.

You knew all this because you had asked him, it was his favorite tune to play. He played it often and there were times where you could almost feel his deep rooted bittersweet sadness. Tears would spring to your eyes and you would have to mop your face with your sleeve. Tonight the song felt especially lonely and with careful footing you crept down the stairs, your shadow timidly trailing after.

"Have I disturbed you?" His melodic voice intones as you sit down beside him. "No, I came to hear you play, if you would have me as company mister Sterling." "Sleep is for the living" he sighs wistfully, "You should be asleep, dreaming sweet dreams of tomorrow." 

He talks to you but his hands, ah his quick and nimble hands keep playing. You watch them sweeping across the keys, mesmerized until he stops. You blink and look up at him. His face is turned towards yours, an eyebrow quirked inquisitively. "A little distracted, were we?" You smile sheepishly, "Ah, yes, I'm sorry, but your hands do work magic. What had you been saying?"

He gives an embarrassed huff, "It's late is it not?" They pale eyes staring at you unblinkingly from beneath round vintage glasses. "Well yes," you reluctantly agree, "But I have missed your nightly performances. And I was hoping you could give me another lesson tonight." You say softly as he flexes his long spindly fingers. "Ooh. . . perhaps. You have always been kind to me. Letting me keep you up at odd hours of night with my prattling."

"You know I would stay even if you didn't give me a lesson. Your music is beautiful." He turns his head away from you, but you can see a hazy pink color introduce itself onto his countenance. When he turns back the color has all but bled out, except for some swirling traces. "I have had nothing but time to perfect it. Though as despairing as it may be, to watch seasons pass without being able to participate in the world, I still have my music. I wonder, is it what holds me here? Is my comfort my cage? Alas-- Dear, aren't you going to put your hands to the piano? You did ask for a lesson you know."

You look up at him before doing as he asks. Aligning your fingers to the keys, "I thought you were still deciding. . ."  "Oh," they respond absentmindedly, "Don't mind me, I'm particularly lost in my thoughts tonight, death, life, it's all just one big mess. . ." Sterling rambles on talking about music as you sit together playing chords and sections of songs. As you are still learning the basics he keeps things simple, most of the time you are echoing his voice on the piano or remembering notes and chords. But he has seems to have become happier with having someone he can talk to, rather than to stew lost in his own thoughts.

"You are doing quite well," A pleased smile tugging on his lips, his crinkled eyes twinkling. "Have you been practicing?"  "A little. . . Not as much as I would like though." You slid your hands onto your lap and smile. "Thank you for the lesson, I appreciate you taking the time to sit with me and do that. I hope I'm not inconveniencing you."

"Of course not," he sniffs, "I. . . am very fond of your company." There was something with the way he said it, that stirred your heart. You can feel your own face grow a little warm, "I'm glad. . . haha." He glances at you, his hands poised to begin playing again. You swallow hard and press on, "Though I h-have to admit, I am more than a little fond of you."

--BADOOM His hands slip hitting the keys too hard and causes a loud blunder of noise. Practically falling off his chair, Sterling’s hands shielding his face in embarrassment. "I-I. . .WHAT?" He stammers, your eyes widen that he reacted so dramatically. "I just meant that, I c-care about you a lot--" The candles snuff out around and you are suddenly plunged in darkness. The ghost has left the building. 

Your head flops into the piano, a few keys playing as your face presses into them. You give a groan of defeat Dammit! Way to go, you probably just killed him. . . AGAIN. Despite his usual stuffy demeanor he can get easily flustered. He tries to hide it under a punctual and proper air, but was a much shier person than he let on. You liked that about him though, there were little things that he did that just enchanted you. He was a deep thinker, and he always took the time to explain things and be patient with you. So of course, you had to go and fall in love with a ghost. You had been trying to gather the courage to tell him your feelings for about a week now. Slowly working your way towards the right words you say. But like music, timing was just as important as the notes. To be honest you had gotten so nervous you are sure you had fumbled in both regards. You sigh heavily, best head to bed, perhaps you can try and talk to him tomorrow.

You slink away in defeat, retiring to your chamber until sunlight streams through your window. Leaving a dappled trail of light and warmth inside your room. You grumpily turn over in bed, refusing to move until you have properly sulked for just a little while longer. Trying to wrack your brain how you were going to approach the ghostly pianist now. With Sterling being so shy, you weren’t sure if his reaction was bad or good. Only time will tell, but in the meantime you're up and making breakfast. Then busying yourself with doing chores around the house and trying not to let your mind settle too much into last night. You go about whiling away the hours until sunset. That's when Sterling becomes active inside the house. You don’t exactly know where he goes during the daytime. You have attempted in the past to nonchalantly snoop around in the basement but to no avail. 

Before you know it, the sun is setting in the sky. Golden light filtering across the floor, flooding the rooms with dying light. You peer into the parlor, and step inside. Running your hands over the black and white keys. You can feel a faint prick on the back of your neck, you turn around and You startle, coming face to face with the musically inclined ghoul. You put a hand on your heart. "Oh my goodness!-- Sterling!" you sigh weakly, feeling your heart pounding in your chest. “Hello,” He murmurs faintly, you look up at him, feeling suddenly shy. All this time you had been waiting to talk to him, and now only an awkward silence fills the room. Both of you starting to speak at the same time.

“I’m sorry, what were you going to say?”

“N-no that’s alright, please, continue”

“Aaah-- why don’t you go first, I was the person who upset you last night”

A hand flutters anxiously to the glasses upon his crooked nose. "You didn’t upset me. You, w-well surprised me. I  was flattered, but I don’t think you truely want anything to do with this old goat." "H-huh? What do yo--" He cuts you off with a flourish of his hand. "I'm an old man dear, not just old, decrepit. I died in 1839, my bones are buried outside, wouldn't that bother you?" His face flushes an eerie pink and he splutters in embarrassment. "I mean, it should bother you. . . " A light bulb blinks on in your head and you stare at him with new found insight. "Y-you, like me too, don't you. . ." "I beg your pa--" "It was you, wasn’t it?" With a rush of feeling, you practically jump a foot off the ground from excitement. "I was always wondering about those poems left on the door step-" your mouth goes agape. "And those flowers!" His eyes dart back and forth in a panic, his mouth wobbling. "W-what??? Me? I don't know anything about that!" You can tell he's wanting to bolt and you make a grab at one of his translucent hands. Surprisingly your fingers successfully curl around it and his shoulders jerk up. Trying to calm yourself down before trying to talk to him. You were spooking him, a novel thought, but not what you had been intending to do. So you take a different approach, "Why. . . didn't you ever tell me?" The specter is sweating bullets now, he mops his brow with a wispy handkerchief. "I-I” he groans in defeat, “A ghost cannot do romance! A ghost cannot do much of-- of anything! No matter how I felt, I couldn't keep you here, you deserve to be free, to experience life to the fullest. Not to be shackled to me and this house." You flush, truly surprised by his answer. "But, I don't want anyone else, I like you. . ." Tentatively you take his hands and hold them gently in your own. His expression quivers, looking down before he gently pulls away. His fingers wisping through your skin before reconstructing themselves back together. He puts a hand into his breast pocket before he pulls out an envelope with a flowery wax seal. He looks away from you but hands you the letter, his expression flushing as that same red color is introduced into his normal pale blue complexation. You look up at him searchingly before you gently take the letter. The smooth paper has a fragrance like all the rest of the notes you recieved, like roses and vanilla. You carefully peel back the floral seal, opening the envelope.

You watch Sterling lights the candles at the table in the parlor. It has been a week since the two of you had become a couple, and you cannot remember a happier time, then the hours you have spent together. “Didn't you say, a ghost cannot do romance?” You tease him with a smile, your eyes crinkling as you watch him with a loving gaze. He huffs softly, "That I did, and I wish more than anything I could take you to a fine dinner out of this house. . . " He pinches the wick of one last candle, and when he removes his hand, an enchanting blue fire flickers to life. “I think a candlelit dinner at home is just as lovely.” He looks at you for a moment, before he gives a little smile, “If you say so darling.” “I do.” He bends down to give you a chilly peck on the forehead before he sits down at his piano, flexing his fingers before he begins to play. The blue lights of the candles flickering to the sound of his haunting melody. But the tone has changed, no longer lachrymose. You can hear something happy stirring in the song that projects itself out of the house, and into the starlit sky.

#monster x reader #ghost x reader #fluff #sfw #ghost x human

[bookstaninthesoul]

Singing For Me

WORD COUNT: 712

SUMMARY: Azriel and Elain meet again at the camp

Okay, first of all, I want to apologize for any grammatical mistakes. English is not my native language, so I did it in Portuguese (my native language) and then I translated to English. I hope you like it!

Elriel Month Day 25: "Azriel"

This is a continuation of In The Same Seat As You. If you have not read the first part, it may not make so much sense. But if you want to read just this part, feel free.

@modern-fae-female Here it is your part 2!

Part 1 - In The Same Seat As You

Elain was so tired of her sisters. After she found out that Azriel, the boy who had sat with her, was none other than Azriel Viggó.

Okay, she didn’t know why Azriel was so relevant, she wasn’t very informed with the news and gossip that was going on around the school, but apparently he must be someone popular, since even Nesta knew about him.

She shook her head. She had to be ready to go to the fire and get a good place to roast marshmallows.

She dressed in denim shorts, a long black blouse and a slipper on her feet. Something very comfortable and practical.

She went to the fire and sat down. There were already a few people sitting around the fire. She looked around and saw the teacher cooking the meals by herself and decided to help.

"Hello, Professor Amren. Can I help you prepare your meals?"

"Sure, honey. But do you know how to cook?" She asked drying her hands on a towel.

"I know, I love to cook." She confessed, it was one of her biggest hobbies.

"That's great. You saved me. I have so much to fix, can you stay here then?" It wasn't her intention to do it alone, but she didn't mind doing the job.

"Of course." She smiled

"Great, thank you." The teacher left to pack other things from the camp.

She sighed, time to get to work.

She spent some time preparing everything until a voice came from behind her.

"Elain, can I… um… help you?" She turned and found Azriel standing behind her.

She froze, she was ashamed. She didn't know if she was going to do something silly or some nonsense. When they spent time together on the bus, they hardly even talked, did not have the opportunity to talk silly.

"Um… of course! Why not?" She replied, blushing like the red of the tomatoes she was cutting on a board.

He smiled, took some onions that needed to be cut and started. They stayed there in silence, just enjoying each other's company and doing their job.

When everything was ready, they sat around the fire and everyone started eating. After a while, the teacher decided to say: "Azriel dear, why don't you play a song and sing for us?"

He flinched in embarrassment. How cute.

"I didn't bring the guitar, teacher." He said quietly.

"No problem, I got mine." She smiled as she headed towards one of the stalls to pick up the guitar.

After a while, she came back and handed it to him. He tuned it up and started to slide his fingers on the strings, wondering which song to play.

He then looked at Elain and asked, "What song do you want me to play?"

She froze. One thing she learned very well is that a teenager can be a very treacherous animal. When he said that, everyone started a chorus of "WOW" and she felt extremely embarrassed.

She pointed at her chest and asked, "Me?"

He nodded.

She then cleared her throat and said, "Well ... I think Sofia Carson's Ins and Outs. I think it must be cool to play her on the guitar."

He smiled "Okay." Then started to do the chords and sing.

"No, I (I) won't bring the gavel down on ya"

He looked at her as he sang.

"No, I (I) condition never to judge ya"

He smiled as he sang. She lost her breath. What a beautiful smile.

"Tell me, tell me, tell me

All the ins and outs

But give me somethin ', somethin' (ah) to figure out "

She was shocked. Was he singing that to her?

People went crazy singing the song with him.

"Discover your information, this intimate situation

Show me, show me, show me

All the ins and outs

'Cause it'll just make it easier to love you (uh, uh, uh, uh) "

He finished the song after a while. This time he never stopped looking her in the eye every second of the song.

Everyone applauded and shouted. He had sung so well. She applauded in embarrassment at being targeted.

She then whispered, "Azriel"

He smiled flushed and shook his head as if to say that they would talk about it later.

Because he can bet they were going to talk about it later.

Tagging: @ggukfleuir @noorismee @courtofjurdan

If you want to be tagged to be able to follow my stories or if you want to be removed, please let me know.

If you liked it, please reblog it. It helps me a lot! ♡

#azriel #azriel acotar #elain acotar #elain archeron #pro elain #pro elriel #elriel #pro azriel #elrielmonth21 #elrielmonth #elriel fanfiction #elriel fanfic #azriel × elain

[nose-bandaid]

n.i.t.e.

hi 👉👈 may i please request reader&wooseok + wooseok giving reader guitar lessons or maybe writing a song together? i love the idea of quiet nights in the studio, just being creative together and enjoying each other's company... it sounds really nice 😔

Wooseok x (gender neutral) Reader fluff | 1.7k words

synopsis: nights like these, where it was just the two of you chilling, making music together — you found them most enjoyable.

a/n: BAM another request done. for you anon !!! i hope you enjoy, this was very fun to write :D

=====

"Home at last," Wooseok sighed as he punched in the pin to his studio and pushed the door open. Trailing behind him, you looked around at the familiar room and quirked an eyebrow.

"You call this your home now? Not the dorms?"

He shrugged. "I practically live here, so it might as well be. But you know," He gently kicked the leg of the couch nearby. "I got my bed right here." He then lazily gestured to the setup of all the music equipment you could possibly imagine. "Entertainment right there," Lastly, he turned around and placed a heavy hand on the top of your head, his other hand reaching down to tug the bag of snacks out of your grasp. "And my kitchen right here!"

"You calling me a kitchen?" You retorted in mock offence.

Your boyfriend ignored the comment. "I'd say this is a pretty good home! So come in, come in, welcome to my humble abode."

"You're kitchen says thank you." You replied and he sent you a cheeky grin as you shut the door behind you.

While Wooseok took a seat and started up the computer, you headed over to the low coffee table next to the couch. Scattered on top of it was a mess of sheet music and stray lyric sheets, forgotten by the other members. Instinctively, you sat down and began to sort through the papers, allocating different piles for different categories to the best of your ability.

"How do you guys manage to work like this? Nothing's organized." You chastised when you recognized papers from eras ages ago.

"We don't." Wooseok laughed as he continued clicking away on his software. "Thanks for cleaning it up, the others will appreciate it."

"As long as you give me credit." You hummed.

It was a peaceful setting — the shuffling of the papers mixed with the quiet tune playing from Wooseok's speakers every so often. The dim lights from above and the drawn curtains gave a cozy feeling. This place was just for the two of you.

You enjoyed it very much, it wasn't often that you got to hang out like this; basking in each other's presence.

Your hand hesitated when your eye caught a familiar title on one of the sheets. Pulling it out from the pile, you realized it was guitar part for one of their songs — your favourite.

"Hey wait I really like this song!" You gasped and the other idly replied, too focused on the work in front of him.

"Wooseok." You tried again.

"Mhm?"

"Teach me how to play this song, I wanna play it."

That got his attention.

Getting up from his seat, he walked over and glanced at the papers in front of you. "Ah, a classic, everyone knows how to play this song."

"So you can teach me?"

He smiled as he grabbed the guitar from its stand. "Of course."

Wooseok started right away, teaching you about frets and chords and how to read the tablature in front of you and how to properly position your fingers and woah — that was a lot.

But it's okay because Wooseok is sitting behind you, guiding you through everything and you're slowly managing to read through the music.

"This is a bit harder than I thought it would be." The utterance of defeat fell off your lips before you could even register it.

"No, no you're doing just fine. How about you try it like this?" He reached over your shoulders to position your hands correctly on the fret. "Try strumming it now."

You gave the guitar a tentative strum and perked up when the chord came out much clearer than it did before.

"See?" Wooseok chuckled. "You're doing amazing baby, it just takes time. At the rate you're learning at, I'm gonna have to tell Yuto you'll be giving him a run for his money."

You hummed in response absentmindedly as you slowly but surely tried to memorize the fingering for the next chord. "I guess it's not that bad."

"Exactly! There's always tough obstacles that come in the way of making music, but once you get started, all you have to do is go with the flow and you'll get there eventually." He explained as he went back to his seat and dropped onto it with a soft huff. He proceeded to search through his drawers in search of something before pulling out a book and pen.

"Speaking of music, I want to write a song," Wooseok said a few minutes later, out of the blue. "Like right now. I feel determined."

"All in one go?" You asked and he nodded in agreement.

"So," He continued and tapped his pen onto the empty pages of his notebook. "Tell me, y/n. What's something you've been thinking about these days?"

"What have I been thinking about...?" You echoed, still focused on playing the song in front of you. There was a suspenseful pause as you recalled your thoughts from the past few days.

"You."

Wooseok stifled a laugh from behind his hand. "Seriously? Don't you think that's a bit of a cliché thing to write about?"

You stopped playing fully and rested your weight on the guitar. "Then there must be a good reason why it's so popular, right?"

"Touché. Let's get started on that idea then — praise me! Compliment me! Tell me why you love me!"

"Ah... for some reason I don't feel like writing about this topic now." You teased.

"HEY!"

=====

Hours later, the lyrics were done, the melody was drafted and ready for recording. You let Wooseok do most of the vocals for the demo, but he insisted you take part in some of it as well. Looking back on everything that happened, you were amazed to see how your determination allowed you to get so much work done.

"What should we title it?" Wooseok asked and you heard the sound of him saving the piece.

"That's a very good question, I don't usually like this part 'cause it always feels like it has to be perfect."

He pursed his lips as he thought, staring at the LED clock for inspiration. "What about NITE? As in like, N-I-T-E."

"N-I-T-E for Noodles In The Evening?" You joked, nodding towards the empty cup noodles sitting nearby along with discarded snack wrappers.

The boy burst out in laugher at your statement. "No, no, not for that."

You tilted your head curiously. For someone who didn't have a title in mind a few moments ago, it seemed like he had underlying intentions behind that name.

"I was thinking... Never Is There Enough." He proposed, eyes hesitant, but a hint of confidence in his voice.

"Never enough what?"

Wooseok made an odd noise in his throat as he made his way over to the couch that you were resting on and flopped his body onto yours. You took a deep breath, trying to adjust to his weight and he buried his face in the crook of your neck. Very faintly, you could feel his lips moving as he muttered something.

"Woo, never enough what?" You asked again, laughing lightly at his antics.

He lifted his head and stared at you with a newfound passion. "N-never is there enough of everything!" His voice died a little before continuing. "You know like... kisses."

Wooseok gave you a quick peck on the lips to prove his point.

"No matter how many times I kiss you, I feel like it's not enough to express how much I love you." He said in one breath. Even with the dim lighting of the room, you could tell he was blushing.

"And when I tell you that I love you thiiiiis much," he opened his arms as wide as he could, accidentally knocking his hand against the wall (and letting out a quiet ow). "Even though my arms are really long, I'd reach from here to the moon if I could."

"Okay—"

He continued rambling before you could fully reply. "There's also never enough time! I wish every night could be spent like this, just the two of us hanging out, but we're both busy so it rarely happens."

You faltered a little, no longer knowing how to respond to his sudden outburst.

"Sorry, that was a little overbearing, I'm just a little excited," Wooseok said sheepishly. "I really want this to be our song, you know?"

"I get that," You gently patted his head in reassurance. "I don't find it overwhelming, you were just too cute I needed a moment to register all of that."

"So you think the name is okay?"

You cupped his cheeks and pulled him in for another kiss.

"I think it's perfect, and you seem like it so much I don't think I can go against it."

You adored the glimmer in his eyes when he heard your reply.

"Though I think I still like Noodles In The Evening more... or Never Is There Enough noodles!" You added on and whispered a just kidding when his expression broke into a pout.

"Are you hungry again or something?"

You averted your gaze. "Maybe."

"Do you wanna order more food?" He asked.

You immediately perked up at the offer. "Seriously?"

"Always serious when it comes to food."

"What time is it?"

"Ehh..." He gave the innocent clock a disapproving look. "Late, but something's gonna be open so it's fine."

"Then I'm down," You said, sitting up and watching Wooseok reach over for his phone. As he searched for places to order from, you spoke up again.

"Hey, Wooseok?"

"Yeah?"

"Let's do this again sometime, it was nice."

A small smile tugged on his lips at your words. "Really? Even though we didn't do much?"

"Dude, of course! Any time spent with you is amazing and we pretty much have our own song already made," you said, leaning forward as Wooseok listened to you with full interest. "Let's make it our goal to have an album done then. An album special to just the two of us, how does that sound?"

The smile on his face was wide now. "That sounds amazing."

"You're amazing," You kissed him on the nose and he flushed.

"I think every time you kiss me, I suddenly gain the ability to write a new song about just how much I love you," Wooseok admitted, before pulling you into yet another kiss.

"If that's the case, our album will be done in no time."

#newskynet #kdiner #pentagon #wooseok #pentagon wooseok #jung wooseok #pentagon x reader #wooseok x reader #pentagon fluff #wooseok fluff #jung wooseok x reader #nose-bandaid

[ikemen-girl]

IKEMEN SENGOKU: Suffering...

Mitsuhide×MC

Genre: Hurt/Comfort...

Trigger warning: Mention of death.

A/N: I know this is the last day of the year 2020😂, I am wishing you all a very happy new year in advance & I am extremely sorry for breaking your delicate hearts but I really wanted to write it since a long time as our soft & sneki boi deserves all the love in the world. So let's begin this story with our favourite kitsune! I hope you like it❤! Comments are appreciated❤🙏🏻.

"We made it back!", loud cheers erupts as Mitsuhide's army entered the castle gates of Azuchi.

"Lady Akechi, they are here!", a maid informed her excitedly about the return of Mitsuhide, unharmed and successful.

She has been waiting eagerly for Mitsuhide since the last night knowing that he will return from his mission today. He informed her before departing that he will return in a week once he completes his mission.

She had prepared everything for his return to see fulfill his need for relaxation after a small yet gruesome mission, she wanted nothing more than his happiness.

"My love", she murmured beaming with happiness hearing the news of the arrival. She practically jumped on her feets as she ran fast through the hallways towards the entrance of the Azuchi Castle.

"MC, I know you are happy but safety first!", shouted Hideyoshi as he spotted her.

"I am sorry Hideyoshi but I can't stop, Mitsuhide is back!", she replied laughing at his friend's nagging.

"That's my lass, Cheer up Hideyoshi!", Masamune howled with laughter placing his hand on Hideyoshi's shoulder standing besides him.

Meanwhile, Nobunaga took the chance to eat his favourite konpeito leaning back on his armrest with a smirk on his face as Hideyoshi was busy elsewhere paying no mind to his other vassals staring at him.

"If she trip on her way, it will be a huge pain..", Ieyasu sighed yet there was a small smile on his face as he noticed her happiness as she ran outside.

"I am extremely happy for MC!", Mitsunari smiled brightly causing Ieyasu to go, "Ugh! Not again!".

She spotted Mitsuhide besides Kyubei quickly as they both made the way through the castle's entrance.

"MITSUHIDE!", she exclaimed happily as she threw her arms around him the moment he came walking directly towards her.

He wrapped his arms around her and she pulled back to look at his face, "Welcome back, Mitsuhide!", she smiled happily at him.

She didn't miss the crease in his eyebrows that appeared for a moment as soon as she said that to him & she wondered if she did something to upset him but when she peered carefully at his face, his smile was clearly strained, there was not a hint of a warmth in his eyes, as he stared blankly into distance.

Mitsuhide caught her staring at him and he quickly patted her hair, "Ah! Thank you!", he replied but it felt off to her but she held his hand as she lead him inside the castle.

"Hold on Mitsuhide! Just how many times should I tell you to inform us of the dangerous stunts you pull? You disappeared without so much as a word again.You are so reckless for your own good, you better explain---", "Not now, Hideyoshi!", Mitsuhide cut him off coldly.

Hideyoshi, Masamune, Ieyasu, Mitsunari were all taken aback by the sharpness in his tone for a moment.

"Mitsuhide..", she gently placed her hand on his shoulder to calm him down.

"I knew it, something is not right, Mitsuhide isn't the one to lost his cool easily, which is so unusual as he generally brushes off Hideyoshi playfully but there was a edge of anger in his tone today", she thought.

He took a deep breathe, regaining his composure, "Hideyoshi, I came from a long journey, I will listen to your nagging tomorrow", he said it with his usual foxy grin.

"Kyubei!", Mitsuhide called his most trusted vassal.

"Yes, Milord!", Kyubei responded quickly.

Mitsuhide cast a glance towards him and Kyubei nodded.

"Got it Milord! I will report to Lord Nobunaga in your stead!", replied Kyubei.

Mitsuhide nodded as he looked back at her, who looked surprised to say the least, as usual.

She was always weirded out that Kyubei could always read his thoughts even when Mitsuhide didn't say a word.

"You both are so awesome! I wish I could also read Mitsuhide like you, Kyubei!", she said happily.

Mitsuhide raise a eyebrow at her amused but let out a sigh.

"Oh you flatter me, milady!", Kyubei responded with a warm smile.

"Sorry Hideyoshi but we should better go now..", she said holding Mitsuhide's arm.

Hideyoshi nodded as she lead Mitsuhide inside glancing back to cast a apolegetic look towards them.

"Chill Hideyoshi! He probably must be stressed!", Masamune reassured him as Hideyoshi looked on worriedly. "I must say that I have never seen him looked so angry", Ieyasu commented. "Yes, Lord Ieyasu, I was little scared for a moment there...", Mitsunari added. "Oh for the love of---", Ieyasu grunted.

Back in their room, she gave him fresh clothes silently and Mitsuhide took a warm bath while she went in the castle kitchen to carry a tray of warm vegetable soup, tea and sweets for him which she prepared.

"Hm? Where did she go?", Mitsuhide wondered as he came back after his bath.

Mitsuhide was sitting at his desk, his hair wet, he was lost in his thoughts with a grim expression on his face as she stepped inside with the tray.

"Mitsuhide, you will catch cold this way..", she kept the tray on his desk and went on to dry his hair with towel gently and started combing his hair like he did for her countless times while Mitsuhide simply closes his eyes when she is at it.

"Here, open up!", she brought a spoon of soup towards his lips.

"Little one, I am not hungry..", Mitsuhide sighed with a tired smile on his face.

"Come on Mitsuhide, Kyubei told me you haven't eaten since last night, it's not good for your health, okay, just a little bit, I made it for you, please...", she looked at him with a warm smile, pleading eyes to which Mitsuhide can never refuse, so he opens his mouth slowly.

Her face lit up as she feeds him happily and he finished everything despite refusing to eat initially.

She started massaging his shoulders to which he let out a relieved sigh of pleasure. "Mitsuhide..", she spoke slowly to express her concern. "Hmm?", Mitsuhide replied.

She sat down infront of him and held his hands to give him warmth while posing a single question with a very gentle voice, "Was this mission too hard on you?" She didn't miss the way, his shoulders twitch at her question.

Mitsuhide was taken aback, he expected that she would be asking that if he is alright or what happened at the war, he certainly didn't expect her to strike a chord with the question about his feelings. He felt a lump in his throat as the painful memories flashed infront of his eyes.

"You surprised me once again, my silly little mouse..", said Mitsuhide with a tired smile.

"Mitsuhide, I know you always tell me that your missions are a secret for me as you are concerned about my happiness but today I am worried about you and your feelings, I want you to rely on me more, remember when you came to give me this hairpin on that rainy day, I told you that I don't want you to shoulder everything on your own & suffer alone, the only thing I wish for everyday is your well being, afterall how I can be happy when you are clearly troubled?", she said cupping his cheeks in her soft hands and looking deep into his eyes as if she was trying to look deep inside his heart.

Upon noticing a bit of hesitation in his gaze, she retreated her hands back, she didn't want to force him so she smiled at him gently, "It's okay if you don't want to share right now but I am here to listen to you anytime when you feel like it..", and she started to get up to prepare futon for the night but Mitsuhide grabbed her wrist.

"Mitsuhide..", she murmured surprised.

"Let me be selfish today and express everything to you as this mission was...too rough..", said Mitsuhide, she felt his hand trembling, his voice a low whisper, his gaze wavering with emotions.

"You are not being selfish, I am here for you..", she replied.

She immediately sat down infront of him, held his hands to keep them from trembling urging him to continue nodding her head, giving him her full attention.

"So 6 days ago, when I was on my mission to infiltrate a small castle of a daimyo and seek out the information about the potential revolt of him against Lord Nobunaga, I met a small boy around the age of 12 named Haru, son of the daimyo, he was quite smart for his age, he would sneak outside the castle to teach the poor kids about the basics of archery and shooting while training himself, used to distribute the foodgrains to them with a bright smile on his face. When I asked him, he told me that it made him happy to see the big smile on their faces at the thought of having dinner with their families and they will not go to bed with empty stomach, he taught them the basics so that they could protect themselves in life-threatening situations & not just simply crushed by others. He was too kind & innocent yet he had a strong determination seeing a world of peace someday & held strong sense of justice. We became quick friends, he was very unique kid in good way, his eyes used to shine with confidence. He told me that his father was very cruel and he believed that he will do anything to see his goals accomplished. And his suspicions proved true..", told Mitsuhide closing his eyes for a moment.

She took in a sharp breathe, readying herself to hear further. He continued, "Just 2-3 days later, he was caught by several guards for sneaking out everyday & helping the poor, his father...his own father....that daimyo...smashed his knuckles..". "What?! Didn't his mother stop his father? ", she exclaimed horrified at the thought. "His mother died while giving him birth...", Mitsuhide replied. She gasped, sadly. "Yet that kid smiled tearfully without any regrets and proudly stood by his own values, I couldn't tolerate this behaviour and quicken my investigation, gathered enough evidence against him for plotting against Lord Nobunaga and torturing innocent people. The very next day, when I along with Kyubei revealed our identity & attempted to bring him to Lord Nobunaga, that man went berserk and started ordering his vassals to protect him and shield them from us & disappeared, out of nowhere Haru appeared & told me about his secret place of refugee, we followed and found him at last, but that sick devil, he..he..", Mitsuhide voice cracked. "That daimyo used his..own son...to protect himself....& Haru was shot by one of our own soldier accidentally..", said Mitsuhide as he took a deep breathe as if saying any further will break him completely. She gasped with horror as tears streamed down her cheek hearing about the cruelty of a father towards his son, indescribable sadness filled her heart.

"The sad look in Haru's eyes as if he couldn't believe his father used him as a bait...blood seeping through his clothes...it was too much for me to bear...", said Mitsuhide clenching his fists.

"How can a father do that to his own son?!", she exclaimed angrily holding his hands, as tears rolled down her cheek.

"Even though...even though I killed that bastard, we did everything in our power to save his life but Haru..he was...gone....he went limp in my arms, his eyes lost his shine..his last words....were...that he wish...for a loving family & peace in his next--", Mitsuhide's voice broke completely & his shoulders trembled as tears burst through his eyes. Her heart ached seeing him in this state. She gently wraps her arms around him and guided his head to rest on her chest as she rubbed soothing circles on his back while other hand gently caressed his hair. He completely slumps in her arms as if he is worn out completely, clinging on her arms desperately as if his life depended on it, his sobbing shredding her heart into thousand pieces as tears roll down from her cheeks.

"I couldn't save him, MC....I couldn't..it hurts so much..remembering his lifeless eyes...which were once..filled with warmth....he reminded me so much of myself...I have seen so many people dying...but I wished so badly to save him...I wished...that he could...fulfill his..dreams...yet...I-I...was so scared....I was so desperate..I-I tried so hard..I hated that ominous feeling..I hated it so much...you greeted me home today but....he was greeted by death that day....", muttered Mitsuhide between his heartwrenching sobs, clutching her sleeves, her kimono soaking his tears through. "I know you did your best Mitsuhide..I know you did..", she whispered back sadly rubbing his back gently.

"I feel so scared...I feel soo scared...what if someday you...I couldn't bear that lifeless look of Haru's eyes in your eyes....I can't...I will die..", his breathe hitched in his throat & his voice chokes at the end while he squeezed his eyes shut, hands pressed over his ears as if shouting at his thoughts to shut up.

"Deep breathe...Mitsuhide, don't be scared...I will be by your side no matter what happens...we will live through these turbulent times together..", she said wiping his tears with the pad of her thumbs, looking into his sad eyes, caressing his face with soft kisses, removing his hands froms his ears and lacing his fingers with herself.

"You can listen to my heartbeat, hm? As long as you are with me, it will never fade..you can listen to it whenever you want...", she whispered sweetly trying to calm him fears, holding hin close to her chest.

"I will never let harm fall upon you..I promise you...", Mitsuhide nodded as tears rolled down his cheeks. "I have full faith in you, Mitsuhide...", she whispered kissing his eyebrows gently.

"I wish wherever that angel is now, his last words become true...", she said it like a prayer all the while rubbing Mitsuhide's back.

"I wish that as well..", Mitsuhide murmured as he continued holding her.

"MC?", he murmured.

Hm???", she asked.

"Thank you for today and I love you dearly, my little mouse..", said Mitsuhide as he slowly started relaxing in her arms.

"I love you too....thank you for relying on me..", she said with a gentle smile wiping his tears. She could see his emotions laid bare, he looked truly grateful for her staying by his side.

She hugged him for quite a while when she realized Mitsuhide stopped crying.

"Mitsuhide?", she whispered.

There was no response but she could feel his quiet and steady breathing.

"He fell asleep...", she said gently, pleasantly surprised.

She gently lowered his head on her lap as now he was deep asleep, his eyes puffy from crying his heart out yet it seemed that he was free of a burden, he was relaxed.

"Take your well-deserved rest, Mitsuhide, thank you for sharing your pain with me, I pray to god that he protects your gentle soul, I wish I could protect your kind & caring heart from all the cruelties, even though that is impossible for the type of work you do, I will also protect you with everything in my power, I know your work is scary, I know that you try your best in making everything alright, I know you understand the weight of one's life when you hold your rifle and have your goals clear in your mind, you needn't worry, I will always care and bring you out towards light holding yout hand when you feel engulfed by the darkness because I love you, I will be your strength..", she whispered loving as she softly caressed his hair and put a sweet kiss on his forehead.

"It reminds me of that night when for the first time, I broke down completely and you comforted me, seems now today, our roles were reversed....You are looking so innocent and vulnerable right now..", she said with a soft smile as she gently caress his cheek.

"Goodnight, my love!", she smiled gently looking at him as she kissed his forehead and she started playing with his hair looking at him, eyes full of love while Mitsuhide drifted off in land of dreams on her lap.

~The End~

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