Title: Ai no Honoo

Author: Andy-chan (antimiya88)

Pairings: Ohmiya, Sakuraiba (both main pairings)

Genre: Historical AU, Romance, Drama, Angst (slight)

Rating: NC17

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 1   /   Part 2   /   Part 3   /   Part 4   /   Part 5   /   Part 6   /   Part 7

“Here… have some tea, Kazunari-kun…” Masaki spoke softly as he gave a cup to Nino. They were sitting at the round table in the main part of the house.

“Thank you Aiba-kun…” Nino mumbled, lowering his head.

“Today, it’s a beautiful day, don’t you agree?”

“I guess…” Nino answered, his mind occupied with everything Satoshi had told him. Three days had passed since the first night they spent together and one since the other told him that he had found a way for them to escape, as they cuddled together after a passionate love-making. He knew there was Yorimoto and that he had to deal with him but he wasn’t afraid.

“You seem mind-absent, Kazunari-kun… has something happened?” Masaki asked the other who finally seemed to realize that someone was talking to him.

“I’m sorry, Aiba-kun… I was just spacing around… I…”

“You’re thinking about the guard, aren’t you?” Masaki’s question took Nino by surprise.

“I… I… no… I…” Nino tried to form words but seemed like nothing could actually come out properly.

“Can I ask you something?” Masaki asked, his eyes focused on the mug he was cupping with both hands.

“Of… course…” Nino’s voice sounded almost as a whisper.

“Have you already slept with him?” Masaki uttered each word slowly… clearly, making Nino’s heart jump around his chest.

“Wh… what?”

“I want you to be honest… I won’t reveal it to Matsumoto Jun if that’s what you’re afraid of…” Masaki added fast seeing the way Nino’s face had turned completely pale. “I just want to know the truth…”

“I…” Nino whispered not knowing whether he should speak the truth or not.

“The truth…” Masaki repeated; this time cupping with his right hand Nino’s ones. “I’m not going to judge you… I’m not one to judge you, Kazunari-kun…”

“I… yes…” Nino finally said, lowering his head. This could be his end – he knew that very well but lying… he could tell that the other must have already taken notice of something.

“Thank you, Kazunari-kun… and I’m sorry for being this insisting but… why…? I mean you got to know him for a couple of months and he rather looks hostile, offensive to others… surely he has an important role and-”

“You’re mistaken!” Nino cut him off, his eyes meeting his mentor’s for the first time that morning. “It’s not like that… he’s important to me…”

“But…” Masaki tried to speak up but Nino continued as if he hadn’t heard him at all.

“He’s the reason for not turning mad… he’s the reason that I was able to survive till now…” Masaki looked at the other frowning. “He’s someone that I know well... and he’s not offensive… he’s the most wonderful man I’ve ever met… he’s…” Nino bit his lower lip realizing that he might have revealed too much information. Masaki might look friendly and always assisting to him but that didn’t mean that Nino could trust him for something important like that. He knew well that in that world no one could ever be trusted.

Masaki sighed. “So what he told us was true…”

Nino looked at the older one with questioning eyes.

“Ohno Satoshi… he’s the one who revealed your relationship but I couldn’t be fully convinced… I thought at first that he was just using you as a cover but from what I see it’s true… you do love him… and now I can see it clearly that he indeed loves you too… Is he by any chance the aniki that you’ve been crying in your sleep?” Nino’s eyes bulged, causing Masaki to chuckle. “Don’t look like that… I just got to hear you a couple of times calling for an aniki… Little did I know who that person truly was and above all, how important he was to you…”

“But… but… why…?” Nino asked confused. “Why did Sato- he… reveal it to you? I… I don’t understand…”

“Because it was the only way to put his plan in action…” Masaki spoke calmly, winning a gasp from the other. “You see… you’re not the only one who wishes to get out of the Ooku…”

“But… you’re the Emperor’s favorite and you told me that…”

“I am and everything I told you is true… the Emperor is a kind man and very concerning one… but… he’s not the one I love… I told you when you first came that in the Ooku I found out how it is to feel… remember?” Nino could only nod with his head. “Well… I found out what true love was… how it feels to become one with the one you love… The guard… he has found out about us and that’s the reason he decided to speak… We have to work all together… You both need our help…”

“Is he, the one you love Aiba-kun, the man that I saw sitting a bit behind the Emperor at the dinner I was instructed to entertain?” Nino asked out of the blue.

“How did…?”

“He seemed to be very sad as his eyes were looking at you being with the Emperor… I guessed that he was in love with you… I didn’t know it was mutual… it…” Nino turned his head to Masaki “…it must be painful…”

“It has always been that way… it’s bittersweet but above all, it’s dangerous… and I don’t care about me… I’m scared for him… I couldn’t stand the idea of being sent away or even worse… being sentenced to death…” Masaki said, his voice trembling only at the thought of something happening to Sho. “But now we have another issue ahead of us…”

“Is it about the rumor of you becoming the Emperor’s official mistress?” Nino asked with a concerned tone.

“You already heard about it?” Masaki turned his gaze outside the window. “I guess news travel faster than I thought…”

“I just happened to hear two servants that had come to clean the futons… I’m sure that…”

“The more forbidden something is, the faster it is getting spread… It’s like a rule…” Masaki sighed. “Anyway… we have to be careful… Jun-kun… he’s very strict and very sensitive when it comes to betrayal towards the Emperor… He never truly settled for his new position in the Ooku. I’m sure he has feelings for the Emperor and those are inevitably making him hold grudge against everyone that rests a member… He doesn’t show it openly of course… but I have caught the way he sometimes look at me… but I understand him… if it was for Sho… and I was in his position… I would most probably behave like him… but you understand my point, Kazunari-kun, don’t you?”

Nino nodded fast. “You are truly a smart person, Aiba-kun…”

“I don’t know if I’m smart Kazunari-kun… I have just learnt to pay attention to the others… and I’m sure you have learnt that as well…”

“I had to… it was the only way to survive in there…” Nino mumbled, avoiding looking back at Masaki’s eyes.

“Was it hard… in that house you were working at?”

Nino closed his eyes. “It was a living hell… at least till I learnt the way things were working…” he took a deep breath before continuing. “I was wandering alone in the street when the owner found me… my clothes had turned into something that equaled rags… I hadn’t eaten for days… he offered to pay for a miso soup and gohan… I couldn’t deny it… firstly, because I was hungry and secondly, because I knew I couldn’t… from the way his eyes sparkled dangerously as they moved on me, I was sure that he wanted me… he told me that he could offer me a place to live, food and clothes… he asked me if I wanted to follow him… but I knew well that I didn’t have a choice… if I declined… I would end up being raped and killed… thrown somewhere out of reach…”

“He took me with him. From the flashy lights and the colorful clothes that the ones we met in the street wore, I realized in what kind of house I’d been taken in… As soon as I set my foot in it, I was claimed by him… something like as obtaining the ownership and then I was told that I’d start with my special education…”

“Kazunari-kun…” Masaki could only whisper but the younger one just continued.

“There would be harsh punishments… it took me a while but I found out how the game was played… All I had to do was to play along… and I did… I managed to become the most popular with the clients… that was also the moment that I started getting treated well… I was bringing money…that’s why… and lots of it… somehow… I figured out that by closing my mind away the moments all those disgusting clients were laying their hands on me during the nights, it would actually bring me moments of calmness during the day… and that was everything I needed…”

“It was then that I started thinking more about my aniki… the only person that I had loved and the only one who had actually respected me as a person… His memory was my only strength to go on with my meaningless life… I knew that he was somewhere doing his best… I only had to do the same… and now…”

“And now you met him…” Masaki finished his words. There were tears in his eyes. “It’s your destiny… you and him… I promise you… I will do whatever I can… We will escape…”

“Aiba-kun…?”

“I told you that you should call me by my first name… because I’m not your mentor…”

“But you…” Nino mumbled not knowing how to answer this.

“I’m your friend, Kazunari-kun… I’ve always wished I could have one…” the older member of the Ooku whispered, making Nino realize how lonely he should have been feeling all of his life.

The Ooku, certainly, wasn’t even close to being similar to the hell that ‘Hanabira’ was, nevertheless it was definitely a place where trust was an unknown word. He smiled at the thought of Masaki’s words. Friend… he looked closely at the other man. There was honesty in his eyes and since Satoshi trusted him enough to speak about them he was sure that he could do the same.

“You’re right, Masaki-kun… you are my friend…” Nino spoke slowly and gasped when the other stood up from his chair and hugged him tightly.

“Thank you, Kazunari-kun… thank you…”

Nino smiled as he hugged the taller man back. It was so comforting… to actually have a friend. Perhaps, it was really good to come here… he thought deciding to chase away his fears concerning Satoshi’s plan and its success. At least he knew that were people that honestly cared for him. I should be the one to thank you, Masaki-kun…
…………………………………………


Jun had just given the last orders for Nino’s clothes. The dinner would take place after two nights and everything should be perfect by then. He knew that he didn’t have to force himself this much but after having spoken so carelessly in front of the Emperor, making himself being instantly occupied with work, really helped him. What was I thinking…? Talking to him like that… I had no right… I had sworn that no matter what I wouldn’t say a single word… so why…? Why did I have to be that jealous… and act so low…?

Jun chuckled with his own thoughts. But what am I saying?! I have acted way lower with the prince and Aiba… Did I even have the right to speak in front of his Majesty…? I guess not…

Before he could control himself, he felt hot tears coming down his cheeks. I’m so stupid… He wiped them with the back of his hand and was ready to go the house where the trainee was living along with Masaki when he realized from a shadow that intertwined with his that someone was behind him.

“I think I was warned enough… Ohno-san…”

“How did you know that it was me?” Satoshi asked, his voice faking curiosity, as he came closer to the other.

Jun laughed. “I could recognize this shadow everywhere… So, please… tell me what you want and get out of here…”

“I just wanted to see how you’re doing… I thought that my eyes played with me… but it seems that they didn’t… Matsumoto Jun was indeed crying…”

“So what?! Now you pity me...? The last thing I want is your pity…”

“You say you never wanted my pity… yet you agreed to come here…” Satoshi spoke, his eyes coldly staring at the other who seemed to getting more and more pissed second after second.

“I did because that wasn’t out of pity but out of interest… you needed me…”

“The exact same way you needed me… Though I have to admit… you’ve changed…”

“What do you mean?” Jun asked, his eyebrows knitting together.

“You were less of an egoist back then… you even helped me…”

“You had a broken arm and you were chased… what was I supposed to do?”

“Leave me alone… to die or to get caught…?! Whatever it could happen…”

“You were chased by the men that killed my parents… that usurped their place… I thought that the enemy of my enemy can be my ally…”

“In exchange of your safety…”

“No…” Jun cut the other fast. “…In exchange of having a part of my dignity back…”

“By becoming a member of the Ooku?!” Satoshi asked, with both his eyebrows raised.

“Yes… if that meant to serve his Majesty the way he wanted me to…”

“You really like him…” Satoshi mumbled, looking at the way Jun’s eyes met his at the hearing of these words.

“That’s why you remained silent regarding yourself…” Jun could only shake his head. “But that’s not the only thing… that’s also the reason why you were crying before… that’s why you even plotted with the young prince… aren’t I right?”

Jun gasped. “How…?”

“It doesn’t matter how… what matters is that I know… That’s why I warn you… I owe you a lot… but remember…” Satoshi came closer so that he was standing right on the other’s side. “You owe me as well… Matsu-shima Jun-ichi…” he whispered straight into Jun’s ear, causing the other to freeze right there at his spot.

“Matsushima Junichi has died along with his past…” Jun whispered back, as his hands clenched into fists at each side of his legs.

“Have a nice day…” were the guard’s last words before leaving Jun alone.

He is dead… he died the moment he set his beautiful eyes on him… Jun thought, closing his eyes in an attempt to calm down.
***

“What are you doing here?” he asked, holding his hand-made wooden sword tightly with his hand, when he saw a wounded samurai, if he judged correctly by his uniform, kneeling down at the bank of the river to drink some water.

“I won’t harm you…” the man spoke, making it obvious that he was debilitated, probably after wandering in the forest for days.

“I asked you what you are doing here!”

“I’m hiding… I’m chased down…” the other spoke with difficulty.

“By whom?”

“My lord… or should I say my… former lord…”

“Why?”

“I…” the samurai mumbled with difficulty.

“Give me a reason not to kill you…” the man insisted, though he had no intention to kill him. Having a samurai by his side could only be beneficial.

“I went against one of his wishes…”

“Why?”

“I felt betrayed…” the samurai replied in a low voice.

“You hate him?” suddenly the stranger’s voice came out less hostile than before.

“I can honestly say that I strongly dislike him…”

The man lowered his wooden weapon and gave the other his hand. “That’s enough for me… say your name before you turn and face me…”

“My name is Ohno Satoshi…” the wooden man said immediately.

The other looked carefully at the katana this man had. This name was carved on its handle.

“You may turn now…” Satoshi did as he was told, meeting a young man, probably around his late teens. I’m Matsushima Junichi… but you have to call me Jun… Understand?”

Satoshi frowned at the hearing of that name. ‘Matsushima?! But… but… he’s supposed to be dead… as well as…’

“Stop overthinking and follow me…” Jun said as he started walking along the bank.

“You mean you will help me?” Satoshi asked, his tone showing his distrust.

“You can trust me… having the same enemy must be already enough…”

“What’s the name of your enemy?” Satoshi insisted.

“Shinakata Yoshitarou” Jun replied, looking deeply into the samurai’s eyes. “He took away everything precious to me…”

Satoshi was astounded. ‘So it’s true?!’ he thought as he looked the young man closer.

Jun smiled. “Hurry up… this hand of yours look terrible…”
………………………………………………


Sho stretched his hands up in the air. He had been working since last night on the documents, given by Satoshi. He dared not to ask by whom or what is more, how he had come to have a hold of them since they looked high confidential but he knew they would bring them one step closer to their escape.

It had been more difficult to break this code as it was based on a Chinese form rather than the Japanese, like the ones handed by the Emperor himself, but still he had managed to read the information. It gave him goosebumps realizing how well the ones dreaming of taking the Emperor down had organized everything in detail. Compared to the Board’s decisions and actions, as Sho could remember from being obliged to write them down as records, the others seemed to be way better prepared than them. Though he couldn’t help but be skeptical… How could they get so many details in advance? It looks as if someone from the inside was informing them beforehand…

His eyes fell on the last two lines of the document he had in his hands at the moment.

Soon a field, full of rice, will be born and then everyone will be showered in gold.

What could that…? Sho tried to figure out the meaning of the words. Reading them like that didn’t have any meaning and it was clear that there wasn’t another code. It must have some metaphorical meaning or symbolize something or someone. Who could…? Ah! Don’t tell me that… it can’t be, right? But then…?! It’s the only possible explanation… yes… that’s the only way that everything would be explained… But still… I can’t believe it… though… I’m sure Ohno had his suspicions. That’s why he insisted on…

“May I enter?” Sho gasped at the hearing of that particular voice coming from behind the door of his office, snapping him immediately out of his thoughts.

“Of course, your Highness…” he replied immediately, hiding the documents underneath some others he had next to him in case of a sudden guest.

“Good morning, Sakurai-san…” Toma said smiling the moment he entered the room.

“Good morning, your Highness…” Sho replied modestly as he bowed in front of the young prince.

“I suspect that you don’t use the back room of my chambers… I remember I had told you that it was understandingly given to you…” the young prince said sitting in front of the large wooden table, across Sho. “I told you that I’m not like my brother… I don’t care if you prefer a male lover, even if this lover happens to be a part of the Ooku… but why have you stopped? I thought that…”

“I’m sure, your Highness, must have heard that Aiba-san’s brooch, that happened to be a present of his Majesty, was found in that room you had so generously given to us…”

Toma nodded frowning a bit. “I remember… it was quite a rumor but I’m sure it didn’t-”

“It was unfortunately true… and that made me realize two things…” Sho cut him off. “I can’t put two people in danger for my selfish actions… You, your Highness and Aiba-san as well…”

“Aiba-san? Why are you calling him like that in front of me? You know you don’t have to…”

“I am calling him like that because there’s nothing between us anymore, your Highness. I realized that for a passion… for… fulfilling the needs of the flesh I was exposing him into great danger… I realized that I couldn’t do that to him… I can’t even bear the idea of being accused of anything so…” Sho lowered his head, avoiding Toma’s eyes “I decided not to meet up with him anymore… and I think that it was the right thing to do since… sooner or later… it will be inevitable…”

“You’re talking about him having being chosen as my brother’s official mistress?!” the young prince laughed. “You’re forgetting something… he’s male and there are many rules against that… it’s not going to be so easy to actually take that undeniably important place in the palace… don’t forget that there are enemies…”

“I don’t forget it, your Highness but that’s also a reason for me to step aside. Aiba-san will face many problems… Under no circumstances wish I to bring him another one… I made up my mind… but please, do not even let the thought that I might abandon my part of the deal between us cross your mind… I would say that in these few days I’m sure that his Majesty will name you as his first in rank substitute for the Board”

Toma’s eyes bulged. “You can’t be serious… My brother would never agree to something like that… he always thought of me as a nuisance… useless person…”

Sho smiled. “As a matter of fact, he, his Majesty himself, has recommended you, your Highness. He was the one that informed me about this in a confidential way. Perhaps he’s seeing through things… I do not know and of course it is not of my role to have even the slightest knowledge behind such a decision. But you should know that at the moment, I’m preparing some of the main topics for discussion so that he can test you. I’m sure that your place here will be guaranteed… Besides… the matter with the rebellious shoguns in the North of the country might finish before we know…”

“What do you mean?” the prince asked curiously. “There’s a chance that there will be no war? If that’s the case I’m saved and I’ll have more power in my hands…” he sighed, relieved.

“I can’t possibly know that myself, your Highness but his Majesty does look more optimistic lately. I strongly believe that everything will be settled in a fast and voluntary way… I have faith in his Majesty’s abilities…”

Toma was looking straight into Sho’s eyes as the latter spoke. “Well… if that’s the case… lucky me! But still… it’s a pity that you and this Aiba Masaki stopped seeing each other…”

“It’s inevitable, your Highness… but believe me… I’ll never forget your kindness…” Sho said as politely as possible and bowed kneeling on the floor.

Toma patted his shoulder. “I understand… Sakurai-san… please… get up from the floor…” Sho did as he was told and saw the other heading towards his door. “I’ll be waiting for your good news concerning the Board then…”

“Of course… Have a nice day, your Highness” Sho replied bowing again until he could hear the door closing.

Sho raised his head, looking at the now closed door. He went to sit back at his office, taking into his hands the documents that he had placed on top of the ones given by the guard.

Schedule of Next Board
Matter of new armor for the Border Guards
Matter of enhance of the trade with China
Discussion of the renewal of some rules concerning the
freedom of the Emperor, His Majesty, to choose the ones that will
fulfill positions lying to His private life.

Sho smiled, at the thought of the prince’s face frowning as his eyes were scanning it fast. So with that I can say with certainty that the first part of the plan was a success…
……………………………………………….


 “Aiba Masaki. Ninomiya Kazunari. Open the door. I’m here for the inspection…” Satoshi’s voice was heard and Nino’s heart jumped crazily around his chest as he ran to open the door, gaining a laugh from Masaki.

“We don’t want you to break your leg, Kazunari-kun…”

Nino’s face blushed as he opened the door letting Satoshi and another soldier come inside.

“Please, you may do as you wish, Ohno-sa… AH!” Nino couldn’t believe his eyes. Behind Satoshi there was no other soldier but this important assistant that Masaki had revealed as his secret lover, dressed as one.

“That’s how you welcome me, Kazunari?” Satoshi said, softening his face once he was sure that the door behind them was firmly closed throwing his katana on the floor and pulling the younger one into his arms.

“Welcome… Aniki…” Nino whispered with sparkling eyes as his own hands found the guards neck. “I missed you…”

Satoshi smiled, looking deeply into his lover’s eyes. “I missed you too… Kazunari…” he whispered back before locking their lips into a slow and sensual kiss, forgetting completely about the existence of the other two men in the small house.

Masaki was smiling fondly. “Who would have guessed that that cold pair of eyes could turn so gentle once it was set on his lover’s one…?”

“Masaki…” Sho tried to scold him but it was then that the other couple broke the kiss and Satoshi turned towards them.

“I guess you’re right, Aiba-san… but we do not have much time…” he added fast, his face turning serious once again.

“You don’t have to know many details, because the less people the better, but the first part of the plan is already done and I suspect with huge success. I’m sure that in the dinner, after two nights, Yorimoto will try to approach the Emperor… I’m sure Sakurai-san will know how to handle the situation… with excellent manners, but it won’t be enough…”

“This is where we, Kazunari-kun and me, will play our role, right?” Masaki asked, his voice also emitting no trace of his usual cheerfulness.

“Exactly” Satoshi replied tersely. “Aiba-san will spend tomorrow night at the Emperor’s chambers if I’m not mistaken…”

Masaki nodded his head without being able to utter a word, sensing the way that Sho stiffed next to him.

“I will have made sure that the seed is sowed… I want you to make sure that it will grow… I can guess from the fondness, the Emperor is showing at you, it won’t be a very difficult task…”

“It won’t… I’m confident that everything will be according to the plan… I’m sure that I’ll manage to influence him… he’s always weaker at those times…”

“I bet he is… and when he sees Yorimoto… I’m sure he’ll be fully convinced…” Satoshi spoke before lowering his head. “And then…” he tried to add but he couldn’t come to finish his words.

“I will play my role…” Nino said, taking Satoshi’s hand in his. “That way we will be able to get rid of Yorimoto and cover our runaway… I don’t mind it… besides I won’t be alone aniki…”

“Yes but…” the guard tried to speak but his voice was trembling.

“I have lived through nightmares, aniki… believe me this won’t be an even more worse one…”

“Fine… I’ll send with Nino a message in the morning concerning what things you should bring up to the Emperor, Aiba-san. As for Matsumoto…”

“I know that he’s not a person of trust, Ohno-san…” Masaki replied fast. “I know…”

“Good… then we will continue as planned…”

“Now, please Sakurai-san… if you may change your clothes…” Sho looked at him confused.

“I came here with a soldier and I intend to leave with one as well…” Satoshi said nodding towards Nino. “I’m sure you wish to take a taste of how it is to spend the night in a house in the Ooku…”

Sho smiled as he hurriedly went to the room indicated by Masaki to change. After a while Sho was wearing one dark brown yukata and Nino appeared dressed in the soldier’s clothes.

“We’ll be back at dawn…” Satoshi informed them and left the house, hurriedly followed by Nino.
***

“Aren’t you afraid?” Sho asked the moment they were left alone.

Masaki came closer and pecked his lover’s lips. “No… because by doing that we have a chance; by doing nothing we have nothing… I’m not afraid Sho… I’m in love… and this love gives me strength…” he grabbed Sho’s right hand and pulled him in his room.

Sho followed him without speaking another word and sat on the futon.

“Now stop thinking about anything else but me…” Masaki whispered straight at his ear and slowly stood up his hands moving to the small brooch that was keeping his hair up. With an elegant move, he took it off, letting his silky black hair fall freely on his shoulders. He could see the way Sho’s eyes were following every move of his and all he could do was to smile content.

Soon afterwards, his hands were thrown up in the air as if they were following a slow rhythm… Every step was carefully placed on the tatami, as if it was meant to take slowly Sho’s mind away… captivate him like a siren…

Sho’s breathing fastened as he saw the way Masaki came closer to him, his eyes locked on his face, and started untying his obi giving its one tip to Sho before moving around unwrapping it from his waist, reminding him of the ways a geisha would try to captivate a man’s attention. It was the first time that his lover would show him parts of his education in private like that and he couldn’t deny that it was the most alluring thing he had ever seen in his life.

Soon, the obi was left on the floor, completely forgotten as Masaki, having turned his back on Sho, was invitingly revealing a part of his birthmark spotted shoulder. He knew it was his lover’s weakness. He let it fall around his legs before turning around and coming slowly closer to Sho whose erection was already formed underneath his yukata. His eyes had darkened, full of lust and desire. Masaki kneeled and sat on Sho’s lap without saying a single word. They were saying everything with their eyes. His hands found the gap of the yukata, where Sho’s cream skin was partly showing, and pushed it towards his shoulders revealing an even wider part of his well-built torso.

He leaned closer letting his lips along with the tip of his tongue taste the hot skin… he started spreading feather-like kisses from the hook of Sho’s neck to his chest, captivating the red, already hardened, nipples between his teeth, letting his tongue play with them, move all over and cause soft moans to escape from Sho’s mouth… Sounds that Masaki thought he was born to hear… They were because of him… and they belonged to him… He was the only one who could hear them… a thought that made him feel even more turned on.

He released the nipples heading south. The yukata was now opened completely, letting him enjoy everything the other had to offer. From the bellybutton, he faced his lover whose blurred eyes showed how much he needed release.

“I’m here to please you… Sakurai Sho-sama…” Masaki whispered as his right hand grabbed the licking erection, pumping it in a rather slow rhythm.

“Ma… Masaki…” Sho groaned let his head fall behind, his eyes being closed tightly.

Masaki was indeed giving his everything. It was as if he was surrendering completely that night… not only as a man but also as a member of the Ooku. Perhaps it was because he wanted to feel that he had nothing to hide anymore… because it wouldn’t be painful… this time there was, indeed, light at the end of the tunnel.

Masaki was concentrated on his lover’s face. He wanted to give him as much pleasure as possible. Guided from his husky moans and uneven breathing, he moved his hand on the shaft, making sure he was giving the right amount of pressure. The hot precum that was licking from its tip indicated that Sho was close to come. Without a second thought, Masaki wrapped his lips around it, sucking at it hard gaining a half surprised- half muffled scream from Sho. His hand moved to the balls massaging them in order to give his lover the push he needed to pass the edge.

Sho was left speechless feeling his now softening member being released only when there was nothing more coming out. He tried to speak but was immediately hushed by Masaki’s fingers on his lips.

“Shhh… Just look…” Masaki whispered and sat back on Sho’s lap, spreading his legs as much as possible, making sure that his pink hole was in perfect view. He took the small bottle of the essential oil, he used when he was with the Emperor, in hand and poured some in his hand, pushing slowly one finger inside.

Sho’s eyes bulged. He was usually the one preparing his lover and never the opposite. He could see the way Masaki’s now two fingers were vanishing deep inside him… the way his erection was standing proud licking precum… the way his red, sweaty face was showing the combination of pain and pleasure he was feeling at the moment. But what made Sho lose completely his mind was that this man in front of him… this beautiful, alluring, erotic man… was his… only his…

Before he could think clearly, he sat up, placing one hand around Masaki’s waist, the other wrapping around the hard member while he leaned closer so that his mouth attached on the neck, kissing it hungrily. Masaki screamed by surprise. He was at the verge of coming and all the attention he was suddenly getting by his lover was enough to make him spill everything between their bodies.

His free hand went on Sho’s head, caressing his hair, as he saw millions of stars, his whole body shuddering because of the orgasm. Sho didn’t let him time to recover. His hand was pulled off his hole, now being completely prepared, and placed around Sho’s shoulders.


“Look at me…” Sho whispered in a husky voice, letting Masaki no other choice but to comply.

He was held by his thighs, being guided straight into Sho’s once again hard member. The penetration was deep and made both lovers shiver. The moves were slow and perfectly synchronized… as if they were truly one… The temperature of the room got hotter and soon, only sharp sounds of slapping skins and breathy moans could be heard. They kept moving in perfect unison till the desire grew bigger, causing them to continue fast… so fast that it was almost painful… yet so fulfilling.

Masaki was thrown on his back, his legs wrapped around Sho’s waist as he pulled him into a passionate, wet kiss. Sho’s hand found its way towards Masaki’s erection and with a few hard pumps, the younger one screamed letting himself come for the second time that night. Sho followed right after him, ejaculating deep inside his lover.

They remained embraced like that till their breaths calmed down.

“I love you…” Masaki whispered, holding Sho tightly in his arms.

Sho supported his weight in his elbow and brushed his free hand through Masaki’s sweaty hair. “I love you too, my love…”

Masaki smiled. “And we will soon be free… just the two of us…”

Sho leaned closer so that their mouths were only a few inches apart. “I love you so much…”
***

“Satoshiiiii…” Nino screamed as his body trembled due to the intense pleasure that filled every single cell of his body.

Satoshi only needed one final thrust and spilled everything in his younger lover.

After having been cleaned, Satoshi sat at his futon, taking Nino in his arms. “I can’t bear the idea of you being touched by him again…”

“It is necessary… besides… I won’t be alone…”

“It has been a long time since I felt like a human again… I had buried such feelings deep inside me… for so many years… I’m afraid…”

“You don’t have to… I’m not him… I’m not the one who betrayed you… I’ve always loved you… and I will always continue to… You are the reason I’m still alive, aniki…”

“Kazunari…” Satoshi pulled him closer and placed a soft kiss on his hair.

Nino placed his hands on Satoshi’s shoulders and turned his head to look at him. “You don’t have to be afraid…”

“I am… not only because I hate the idea of you being touched but…” he turned his head towards the window “but also because I’m afraid of me… I can’t guarantee that I won’t cut his neck with my katana… the moment he…”

“I am stronger than you think…” Nino cut him off, realizing how much the other was aching. “Think about Masaki-kun and Sakurai-san… how painful it is for them every time Masaki-kun is being called by the Emperor…”

“I know… but…” Satoshi whispered, feeling hot tears building up in his eyes.

“Remember what I told you when you asked me if I could help you… For you I would even kill if you asked me… because I love you…”

“I love you too… I truly do love you, Kazunari… I might have not loved you as a lover would back then when you were still a kid but you were truly precious to me… so innocent and pure… I fell in love with the man you are now… I am in love with you, Kazunari… and that’s why it’s so hard for me to accept seeing you with…”

“It is inevitable… I promise you that when the time comes I will hold your katana as well…”

“NO! You won’t be a murderer… no… no… not like me… please…” Satoshi spoke in an almost desperate tone.

“Fine…” Nino whispered fast. “Fine… I won’t… I promise! But please… don’t be sad… you are the one who told me that it’s the beginning of the end…”

Satoshi sighed. Nino cupped his lover’s face and looked straight into his eyes. “Remember only one thing… Ohno Satoshi… I love you…”

“I love you too…” Satoshi replied, his eyes looking deeply into Nino’s ones, pushing him on his back. Soon their lips were locked again, trying to taste every inch of each other’s mouths, letting the fire spread among them entirely.
………………………………………….


“What is going on?” Yorimoto asked confused seeing the last person he was expecting standing out of his room at this late hour.

“Forget the previous plan… They seem prepared… You will have to move faster…”

“When do you mean?”

“At the dinner…” was the answer Yorimoto got before seeing the man disappearing in the dark.

What can have happened?! He thought confused. Till now everything was going perfectly by the plan…





TO BE CONTINUED…

 




A.N. Sooo minna here's part 8! ^_^ I know I'm late again but at least you have a loooong chapter! 6.540 words! ;)
Some things were revealed! Firstly, Aimiya spoke and the last part of Nino's past, concerning details about Hanabira was finally revealed! We also got to know something about Jun! There's more behind his character, right?! ;D We'll see what this could mean! Also!! A hint was given about how Juntoshi meant in the past... more details in the upcoming chapters! I promise you! ^_^
Apart from that, there was also the scene between Sho and Toma... There's a hint there.... I hope I 'played' with the kanji correctly - if not I'm sorry but all the Japanese I've learnt, I've learnt it by myself - I tried my best though! ^_^"
And then the four had something like a double date (lol) concerning some details on the plan!
For the Sakuraiba fans, since these two weren't exactly in the spotlight in the last couple of chapters, I decided to give them a full NC scene! xD Hope you liked it! ;) And then we had the Ohmiya romantic scene - not detailed this time - gomen! >< I promise you more in the next one! ;)
As for the last scene... I'll let you make your guesses! You'll find out more about Ohno's plan in the next one! :)


I really hope you enjoyed it and as always your comments are <333!!!



See you soon! ^_^