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Title: Ai no Honoo
Author: Andy-chan (![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
antimiya88)
antimiya88)Pairings: Ohmiya, Sakuraiba (both main pairings)
Genre: Historical AU, Romance, Drama, Angst (slight)
Rating: R
Summary: Ninomiya Kazunari is a former courtesan, chosen to enter the Emperor's Ooku. There, he meets different people: The Emperor's favorite, Aiba Masaki who, at first glance, seems cheerful and perfectly adjusted to his life there, but proves to be someone with important secrets. He also meets Ohno Satoshi, Ooku's main guard who despises the concept of the Ooku and looks down at its members - particularly the male ones. Nino thinks that the best would be to stay away from him as much as possible. He knows his position well, even if he hates it.The only thing that keeps him strong is a memory...
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the boys, unfortunately.
Part 5
Satoshi was lying down on his futon, unable to sleep. His mind was travelling back to the kiss and the way the body of that newcomer was clinging on his while his tongue was exploring every inch of the younger one’s mouth. He could still hear the soft, muffled moans that were escaping from the other’s throat… He could still feel those hands gripping tightly the sleeves of his yukata… the way Nino was responding to every single caress of his… even if it was a feather like touch on his face.
For Satoshi, it was still unbelievable that he was the one who had initiated it… that he was the one who had proved to be weak once again. He knew that people like Nino were trained… trained to please… to deceive. It was their goal… to make the other believe that they actually had feelings for him… that they actually loved him.
Yet… something in the other’s eyes was making his heart beat faster; making him believe that Ninomiya Kazunari wasn’t faking it. Even if he didn’t want to admit it, something in the younger one had caught his attention from the first time he ever set his eyes on him. Was it the sadness he could discern in his eyes… the empty gazes in the horizon… or perhaps the way Nino desperately sought for snugness… protection… in Satoshi’s arms…? But he could feel something familiar… pain.
How can I be sure that this isn’t a part of a game? He sat up burying his face in his palms. No… I have to stop this madness… Time cannot travel back… I can’t go back… I’m not the one I used to be… I’m the one I chose to be… He felt tears threatening to leave his eyes and blinked them away. It had been seven years… seven years he had sworn to become the man he was today.
***
“Hiroyama-sama… did you ask to see… me?” Satoshi asked as he entered his lord’s room to be left dumbfounded. Next to the shogun, there was someone he had never expected to see.
“Yes… I will be brief Ohno. From now on, you have no right on Tadayoshi… He’s mine…”
“But…” Satoshi replied without being able to believe in his eyes.
“Listen… Ohno… You are one of the best samurais under my command and I wish you to remain in your position… I’m just saying that Tadayoshi belongs to me… Understand?” the Shogun replied, the warning tone in his voice being evident.
Satoshi felt as if tens of swords were stabbed straight in his heart, seeing the triumphant smile on the face of the person he considered till then as his lover. Unable to say anything, he only lowered his head and got out. He was walking towards his room when he heard the familiar voice calling his name.
“Satoshi…” Satoshi stopped but kept his back on the other. “I just want to thank you… If it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t have been where I am today... When I first heard that you were the most trustful samurai of the shogun, I knew that I had to come closer to you. I was just lucky that you proved to be not as smart as you are probably during a battle… It was worth it to spend all those nights with you… as a matter of fact they were quite enjoying… especially when I thought that every time you were spilling your cum inside of me, I was one step closer to my goal… The shogun’s bed… Thank you for your help… I’ll always remember it…”
Satoshi felt his heart beating crazily against his ribs and anger building up in him. Before he knew what he was doing, he was holding his katana in his right hand, letting its blade touch softly the skin of his former lover.
“What… What are you doing?” Tadayoshi’s panicked voice reached his ears. “You… you will be sentenced to death… I belong to your lord now… if… if you touch me… you heard him…”
Satoshi, still blind from the mixed feelings that were filling up his mind, let the blade touch the skin even more till he saw drops o blood on it. The other’s scream made him realize what he was doing and pushed him away. Tadayoshi wouldn’t die but it would definitely leave a mark around his neck… Satoshi would be the one who would be charged with treachery and would be condemned to death… Staring blankly at his katana realized that there was only one solution for him… ‘I have to escape… now…’
***
Satoshi walked towards the window, looking outside his mind travelling from Tadayoshi to Nino and their interaction earlier that night.
---
“Just let me stay like that…” Nino whispered, burying his head in the crook of Satoshi’s neck. “Please…” Satoshi was torn between pushing him away and letting him stay exactly where he was. As if the other could read his mind, he moved his head so that he could look at Satoshi’s eyes. “I promise… I… I won’t bother you again… just… for tonight… please…”
The plea was clear and Satoshi couldn’t help but hold the other even tighter than before, his mouth ghosting over Nino’s hair. He felt his heart hitting fast as those soft lips attached to his neck for a moment before the hands around his waist became tighter. “Thank you…” Nino whispered.
After having remained like that for some time, Nino turned his head up, meeting Satoshi’s questioning gaze on him. “Is it crazy that I feel like I know you…? That…” he bit his lower lip “…I seek for you all the time… when I know that I shouldn’t… not only because it is against the rules… but… also because… you dislike people like me…”
“I…” Satoshi tried to speak but Nino didn’t let him.
“I’m sorry… for imposing myself like that… it must be really selfish on my part…”
Satoshi brought his right hand closer to Nino’s face, his fingers tracing a small path on the latter’s cheek while his eyes were locked on those beautifully shaped lips. “I was the one who came to you tonight… I was the one who would spend my day looking at you from afar… and yet I can’t understand why…”
“I know… as I also know that we shouldn’t… we-”
Satoshi couldn’t help it. His hand had moved to Nino’s soft hair brushing through it, grabbing it a bit forcefully so that the latter’s neck was revealed to him. “You… you’re beautiful…” he whispered hoarsely, his breath hitting directly on the cream-like skin, before kissing and sucking on it hungrily, his body leaning even more on Nino’s causing them to fall down on the grass. His hands were moving towards the obi, loosening it so that they could trace the skin underneath the kimono.
Nino’s breath had turned uneven, his heart beating in a crazy rhythm as he felt the other opening its collar. He wanted to stop him the same way he wanted him to continue. He could recognize the desperation as well as the pain in the guard’s ministrations. Suddenly, he felt something hot on his collarbones; the muffled sobs that reached his ears made it clear that it was tears. Why are you this hurt? Sighing, he let his hands move to the guard’s hair, caressing it softly.
Satoshi gasped at the feeling of the other’s hands on him. Why?! He looked up and met the younger man’s reassuring gaze on him. “Why?”
“I don’t know…” Nino whispered as he wiped with his thumbs the tears away. “I honestly don’t know…”
Satoshi sat up, turning his head the other way, avoiding Nino’s eyes. “I didn’t mean to…”
Nino didn’t say anything. He simply placed his hand on top of Satoshi’s and let his head fall on his left shoulder.
Satoshi sighed, lowering his head. “I’m sorry…”
Nino made the guard look at him and smiled. “You don’t have to…” he whispered, his voice being warmth.
“But… I…” Satoshi tried to speak but stopped when he saw Nino shaking his head.
“I can tell when someone wants to really hurt me and take advantage of me and when not…”
“I…”
Nino leaned closer so that their lips were only a couple of inches apart. “Kiss me…” his demand was bold but he didn’t care… his mind was a mess, full of different emotions, but all he wished at the moment was to feel the other. “Just kiss me…”
Satoshi kept on looking at him before capturing slowly his lips, locking them together.
---
“Why did you have to cross my path…? Why…? Why now…?” he muttered to himself, finally giving in the sobs that were threatening to leave his body.
…………………………………………….
“Since when are you awake?” Masaki mumbled hoarsely as he opened his eyes slowly, letting them adjust to the daylight.
Sho, who was leaning on his elbow, brushed his hand through his lover’s hair and smiled. “It’s been a while…”
“And why didn’t you wake me up?”
“You were so beautiful… sleeping peacefully… you were like an angel…”
“So you were watching me the whole time?” Masaki spoke shyly, moving closer to Sho.
“Yes… It’s the first time I was able to look at you like that… being bathed in sunrays...”
“Sho…” Masaki’s voice came out trembling and Sho cursed himself in his head for making his lover feel bad.
“Hey…” Sho reached for Masaki’s chin in order to make the latter look at him. “It won’t be the last one… I promise you…”
“I hope so too… I love you, Sho…” Masaki said with teary eyes, trying to smile, as he leaned to capture Sho’s lips.
“What a beautiful picture!” a third voice was heard in the room, startling the two lovers.
They had both frozen as they recognized to whom it belonged.
“You don’t have to be so surprised!”
“Ho- How…?”
“…Did I enter my own chambers?!” Toma asked raising his eyebrows. “Sakurai-san… Please… Don’t ask unnecessary questions… Though, I can understand it since you’re in a state of shock… But you shouldn’t be in the first place. I mean I am the one who gave you the permission to use it, if I’m not mistaken…” the prince continued in the same carefree tone, enjoying the way Masaki’s eyes were staring at him. Who would have told me that it would be him the one seeking for answers?! Interesting…
“What… are you doing here?” Sho managed to ask, while trying to cover their naked torsos with the white sheets.
“Well I knew that you’d be here… and I didn’t want to come to your office or call you officially to mine… It would only raise unnecessary questions… What have you done about that small deal between us? A considerate time has passed if I’m not mistaken…”
“I have spoken to his Majesty, your Highness… He was surprised but he really showed some interest in my words. I… I can assure you of that…”
“Then?” Toma’s voice turned suddenly strict.
“I want to wait for the Council…” Sho said fast, catching the prince’s attention.
“Oh… I like the way you’re thinking… Sakurai-san…”
“I will make sure your wish will be granted…” Sho muttered, trying to sound confident.
Toma moved closer to the two men on the bed and sat at the one side. “I hope so…” he said smiling, his eyes locked on Masaki. “Otherwise…” his right hand moved towards the latter’s cheek “I will have to reveal the sad news to my brother… poor him… having to hear that his most beloved one prefers someone else’s touches…”
Sighing he got up and headed to the door without throwing another glance on the two lovers. “I’ll be waiting for the Council Sakurai-san… we’re allies after all…” and with that left the room.
“I have brought trouble to you…” Masaki whispered, his hands gripping the sheets so tightly that his knuckles had turned white. “I’m sorry Sho… I’m so sorry…”
Sho, not being able to look at Masaki accusing himself like that, wrapped his arms around his shoulders, his lips attaching on the other’s nape. “You have brought me no trouble my love… you know the prince is right… he’s not made for battles… it would cause unnecessary problems to the Emperor… I’m sure I…”
“Yet… you’re forced…” the words came out as a whisper, almost inaudible.
“No… I’m not forced… I’m just fulfilling my promise…” Masaki turned slightly his head towards Sho who was looking back at him with eyes full of love and warmth. “… to you Masaki…”
“I love you…”
Sho smiled and pecked his lover’s lips. “I love you too… I love you so much, my Masaki…”
..............................................................
“So?” Toma heard the familiar voice as soon as he opened the door of his room.
“I must have expected that you’d be here… Don’t worry! Everything is going as we have dealt…” he replied without throwing a single glance to the other. “I saw them… as you were suspecting it they’re passing the whole night together…”
“Of course they would…” the other muttered to himself.
“So?” Toma asked impatiently. “Will you keep your promise about tonight?”
The other chuckled. “Impatient as always…”
“It’s in my nature… I can’t help it… So?” Toma asked again; his voice higher than before.
“Tonight Makiko and Yuuki will be waiting for you in your room… But…”
“You have to wait until the Council… Sakurai will do anything to protect that little bitch of his…”
“I’m glad to hear that…”
The prince sighed. “I will be glad as well if you fulfill your part of our deal as well…”
“You are the one who said something about the Council… if I have to wait till then, I’m afraid that you’ll have to wait as well…”
Toma clenched his hands into fists. “Fine… leave… at once…”
The other bowed, smirking. “As you wish… your Highness…”
…………………………………………............
“Yorimoto… you arrived”
“Your Majesty…” the daimyo bowed as he appeared in front of the Emperor. “It’s an honor to be invited…”
“The times aren’t easy, Yorimoto… you know it very well…”
“Yes… unfortunately according to some sources on the north the rumors, regarding the idea of a conspiracy, are gaining ground…”
The Emperor walked passing by the daimyo that till then kept his head lowered. “I know that your influence is important… Do you think that we can avoid the war?” Yorimoto seemed to be reluctant to give an answer. “Speak!” the Emperor’s voice echoed across the throne room.
“I’m… afraid not, your Majesty… Miyashita and Tokugawa have joined forces… the danger though does not lie only to the number of their men… but moreover to the strong relation they have with the commoners… Sometimes it’s the people’s will that might determine someone’s position… no matter how high in hierarchy he might be…”
The Emperor landed his hand forcefully on the big desk that was in the middle of the room. “You have sent the spies I asked you to?”
Yorimoto nodded. “Of course, your Majesty… I’ve been expecting the first information from day to day…”
“Good… I knew you would be successful with it… If I announce it in the Council they will pressure to go on official move but I find it too early… Make sure you learn everything you can and if I find them interesting you’ll have your reward…”
Yorimoto bowed smirking. “I’m always at your service, your Majesty”
“You may go and rest… I’ll see you at dinner tonight…”
“As you wish, your Majesty…”
You should thank the emergency of the situation and the fact that I know your love for money and fameYorimoto, otherwise you would never enter my palace... Never... the Emperor thought as he saw the daimyo leaving. He knew that he wouldn't betray him as Yorimoto was disliked by the shoguns moving against him. I just hope everything finishes before it starts...
……………………………………….........
“Will I be ok?” Nino asked Masaki worried, as the latter was preparing him for the dinner where he would dance for the first time in front of the Emperor.
“I found out by Jun-kun that there will also be a guest… that may be good… you won’t have to focus only on the Emperor but also the others… It might make it look more familiar to you that way… I will be there too… Everything will be fine! I promise you!”
Nino sighed. “I hope so, too…”
Masaki made sure that the younger one looked perfect. “You look cute but also elegantly beautiful… perfect! I’m sure Jun-kun will be satisfied with the result!”
“As a matter of fact I am!” Jun’s voice was heard from behind, making the two men turn their heads.
“Ma… tsumoto-san…” Nino whispered, his trembling voice betraying his nervousness.
Jun came closer smiling reassuringly. “You really made miracles Aiba-kun! You managed to create the image his Majesty loves the most… as expected from the number one member of the Ooku! I’m sure he’ll manage to captivate everyone tonight!”
Masaki bowed, smiling widely. “I’m glad that you approve of it!”
Jun placed his hand on Masaki’s left shoulder. “You should get changed now… Don’t forget that you’ll accompany his Majesty tonight as his companion… I have already ordered the servants to get the bath ready… There’s not much time left… I will be the one who will have the last rehearsal with Ninomiya-kun…”
“Thank you, Jun-kun!” Masaki replied before turning to Nino who seemed to be lost in his own thoughts. “You can do it, Kazunari-kun! I have faith in you!” and with that got out of the house in order to get ready.
..................................................
Masaki kneeled on the floor right outside the door. He was wearing a kimono in golden and red shades, his hair being loosely caught in his back, letting only a few tufts falling freely on his face. His heart was beating painfully against his ribs; he knew that Sho would also be there. This was an official dinner… there was a guest which meant that his secret lover would be also obliged to attend it. He took a deep breath and slowly slid the door open. His eyes fell on the Emperor whose face enlightened the moment their gazes met. Behind there was him with his head lowered avoiding looking at his direction.
Masaki entered and sat by the Emperor’s side. The latter’s hand immediately wrapped around his shoulders bringing Masaki’s body closer to his. “You look so beautiful my Masaki… more beautiful than all the flowers of this world…” the words were spoken in a low tone but Masaki knew that Sho could also hear them perfectly.
He took a deep breath and smiled, trying to focus on the Emperor’s face. “I’m honored to listen that… your Majesty… you always flatter me too much…”
The Emperor smiled and pecked Masaki’s cheek. “I do not flatter I only say the truth… you are very beautiful Masaki… and you are mine…” Masaki stiffened against his will at the hearing of the last words and wished the other wouldn’t take notice. He felt the Emperor’s fingers on his chin, making him look straight at his eyes. “I do not want you to forget that… Masaki…”
Masaki frowned slightly, his heart jumping inside his chest. “How… how am I supposed to forget that…” he leaned closer so that only the Emperor could hear him “No… riyuki…?” he whispered as he brought one of his hands to caress feather-like the Emperor’s face. “I belong to you…”
The Emperor smiled, kissing the palm that was hesitantly resting close to his lips. “The only thing that I’m asking for is devotion and trust… nothing else …”
“You have them both…” Masaki replied, seeking for an answer in the other’s eyes. He could tell that the tone in the Emperor’s voice was showing doubt… not accusation… no… he would be dead by now if he knew…but the doubt was clear and that made him feel uneasy.
“I just want you to remember that… Masaki…” the Emperor replied calmly before joining their lips into a slow kiss.
***
The food was served and the Emperor had relaxed giving the order for the entertainment to begin. The door opened revealing Nino dressed in a kimono in different shades of blue and turquoise tone, his face having the slightest traces of make-up. Immediately the sound of shamisen filled the room accompanying his melodic voice.
The way the Emperor’s hand was caressing Masaki’s arm while his eyes were locked on Nino proved that he was enjoying the view in front of him. The new member’s movements were fluid and elegant… the way he moved around the room made everyone forget the fact that he was small figured.
Nino tried to follow Jun’s piece of advice; to make sure he showed the same interest on every single guest in the room… even on Masaki himself… so that the Emperor could see the way he could assert his presence in the Ooku. The song was reaching at its end when Nino turned to the most important guest of the night to be left with his mouth agape. In front of him there was the man he wished to never meet again in his life; yet there he was, smirking, his tongue licking his lower lip while his eyes kept on scanning him from head to toe.
Nino tried to concentrate till the end, wishing that he would be out of there as soon as possible. Luckily the song ended, followed by the loud handclaps. Why does he have to be the one the Emperor has invited? What if he decides to send me back? Fear crawled on his heart, making him slightly tremble. I can’t… he… he can’t take me back… No… he can’t…
Nino was still lost in his thoughts when he realized that the Emperor was calling for him. Reluctantly, he came closer and kneeled in front of him, avoiding throwing a single glance on the man sitting a few meters away. His head was lowered and his heart was beating crazily. He only wished that nothing would happen.
“Your dance was marvelous Kazunari… as well as your voice… you sang beautifully…”
“I’m honored to hear that, your Majesty…” Nino muttered in a tiny voice. He just wanted to vanish from the room and go to the small house he was living, seeking its safety.
“I think that I’ll call for you earlier than Jun assumed… you are very cute…” the Emperor’s free hand reached for Nino’s cheek. “You may go now… rest well…”
“With your permission… your Majesty…” Nino bowed, his head touching the floor before leaving the room fast yet with grace.
The Emperor turned his attention to Masaki whose lips formed a shy smile. “I could see you in some of his movements Masaki… you seem to know my weaknesses perfectly…” Noriyuki whispered close to his companion’s ear.
“I just wished the result was satisfying for you… your Ma-” he closed his eyes and took a deep breath before continuing “I mean… Noriyuki…” Masaki whispered back.
“You will join me tonight…” the Emperor said fast before unwrapping his hand from Masaki’s shoulders. “Go and wait for me in my bedroom…” he said in a lower tone, leaning closer so that he pecked his lips.
“As you wish… your Majesty…” Masaki replied and after having bowed to the ones in the room left as fast as possible, not wanting to know the sadness that must have been portrayed on Sho’s face.
***
“That performer was marvelous if I may say so your Majesty…” the daimyo said in the best polite tone he could as soon as Masaki had left the room.
The Emperor smiled. “He’s the newest member of the Ooku…”
The Daimyo smiled as his mind ran back to his memories.
---
“Enter…” Yorimoto said as he heard the soft knock on his door. He was sitting at the one side of the futon, wearing nothing else but his fundoshi on.
“You asked for me Yorimoto-sama?” Nino asked with trembling voice as his eyes met the almost naked man waiting for him.
“Come closer!”
Nino did as he was told and soon found himself lying down on the futon, his garment left on the floor. The hands of the daimyo were moving all over his torso as his mouth came and attached on his collarbones, tasting the few droplets of sweat that rested there because of his anxiety.
“Don’t be like that Kazunari…” the older man whispered straight in his ear as his hand reached down for his virgin hole. “I promise you...You’ll like it…” and with that he pushed one of his fingers inside, feeling the muscles contradicting against the unwanted intrusion.
---
“I’m sure he’ll be devoted to you… your Majesty…” he said to the Emperor, still trying to process that his presence to the Palace could have such an interesting outcome.
………………………………………….
“I thought we’d never meet again… Ninomiya Kazunari… or… should I call you Yasuda?” Nino felt his heart stopping when he heard that voice. He was walking towards his house. When did Yorimoto manage to follow me?
“What?” Yorimoto continued as he came closer to the other. “Aren’t you happy to see me? I do remember you trembling under my touch… your cum spreading hot all over your chest… have you forgotten it?”
Nino tried to make a step forward but the daimyo’s tight grip on his left arm forbid him from escaping. “I haven’t… as I also haven’t forgotten that you left me while you were my property…” his voice changing gradually “And now you managed to reach the Emperor’s bedroom… you little whore…”
“Let me go…” Nino tried in vain to free himself.
“Why don’t we make a deal?” Yorimoto said tightening even further his grip. “Pass the nights I’m here with me or I’ll make sure everything from this part of your past reaches the Emperor’s ears… Your choice…”
“Let him go at once and remain alive…” a cold voice was suddenly heard from behind causing the daimyo to freeze as he realized that there was the tip of a katana pointing exactly on his spine “… or these will be the last words you’ll ever say… Your choice… Yorimoto-sama…”
TO BE CONTINUED…
A.N. Soooo minna here's part 5! ^_^ We finally found out a small part of Ohno's past! He's betrayed by the one he thought of as his love and did something that he shouldn't have in the first place... I know that maany pieces are missing but the puzzle will be filled gradually as the story progresses! I promise! :)
Ohmiya seem to be confused between their feelings and thoughts... the attraction though is undeniable by both parties! ;D
Toma doesn't seem to hesitate when it comes to the deal with Sho
And then comes the dinner! Masaki was reminded that he belongs to the Emperor and no one else... We'll see if that means anything or not and if yes, why! ;)
Yorimoto has come to the palace and meets Nino after so many years... his imprudent behavior towards Nino made Ohno angry...
And again it's a cliff..... gomeeeen.... ><"
I really hope you enjoyed it and as always your comments are <333!!!
See you next week! ^_^
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