[Fic] Atsumori

[pea_blossom]

Title: Atsumori
Authors: jamie_spotty and queen_kat-tun
Betas: absinthe1213 and kaykm
Pairing: Akanishi Jin x Kamenashi Kazuya, heavily implied Oda Nobunaga x Mori Ranmaru
Word count: +/- 11k
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: This fic is by no means historically accurate. However, we really did try. I think. XD

Notes: Written for gina84 for the Kizuna_Exchange 2012. Originally posted here. Like always, many many thanks to our betas, Lysa and Kay. <3 This and this tells what Atsumori is about.

Summary: Time heals and allows love to grow. Will a love denied finally have its chance?



“A man's life of 50 years under the sky
is nothing compared to
the age of this world.
Life is but a fleeting dream, an illusion --
Is there anything that lasts forever?”

- Atsumori, Zeami Motokiyo

Heat

Fire

Blood

Pain

“Come on, please don’t look anymore. There’s nothing you can do.” The voice pleaded which urged him to run, following the figure in front of him the cries of agony surrounded him, closed in on him.

“Here, you’ll be safe here.” He looked up and saw that the lithe kimono clad figure closed the huge temple doors and locked it with a heavy plank of wood. He turned around and looked at him with wide sad eyes.

“Here” He looked down at a tantō that was placed on his hand and looked up again and stared at the sad eyes. He felt his own kimono being opened at the front and the smaller man took a step back then kneeled in front of him and sat back on his legs looking at him with mixed expectation and agony.

He felt the urge of what he was about to do, looking down at his hand that gripped the wooden end of the tantō and raised it to point at his midsection. He looked up again and his eyes met light brown ones filled with love and anguish. He raised his hand for leverage and looked again to those eyes that would haunt him forever; even a thousand lifetimes would never make him forget.

“Don’t let them in, Ran. Don’t let them in.” Were his last words before he push the small sword straight into his stomach then dragged it upwards, the pain consuming him endlessly.

“Sir? Sir?” Jin was jolted awake when he felt his shoulder being shaken. He looked up and saw a flight stewardess looking at him worriedly and then motioned for him to wear his seatbelt.

“We are landing in Tokyo in 20 minutes. Please raise your seat right up and put your seat belt back on.” The stewardess droned on. Jin gave her a nod then he looked down and saw his hand clamped onto his stomach, just like in the dream, he had never had a dream that felt real as the one he just had. He looked at the books that were scattered on the mini table in front of him and snorted at his own foolishness. He fell asleep in the middle of reading a book and obviously the things he had read about translated into his dreams. He snorted again feeling silly and started straightening up his things after clicking his seatbelt in place. There was just no way he could be Oda Nobunaga.

As a successful solo artist in the United States, he rarely had a chance to go on trips during his vacation time since he was always on call for appearances, press conferences and concerts. This time around Jin stood his ground and informed his manager that it was about time he took a proper break from his career for he had been working hard for so long. A fanatic towards the Sengoku period, he had decided to go to Japan to explore and learn about everything regarding his own country.

Jin looked out the small window and amidst the white clouds; he could see miniscule shapes of tall buildings, rivers and mountains. He shifted on his seat and pressed his palm on the cold window. As the plane descended onto the runway, screeching into a halt, he looked over the people who started to stand up. He clutched his carry-on bag, unlocked his seatbelt and stood up to stretch his aching body. His heart was pounding so hard in his chest, his excitement growing while walking towards the door out of the plane not knowing where this adventure was going to lead him, nevertheless he was ready.

Fresh air hit him just after coming out of Narita airport. He stood on the side waiting for his friend whom he will be staying with for the whole duration of his vacation. His friend, Nakamaru Yuichi, had stayed with them when he went over to America to study a course he needed for his university in Japan. He immediately became good friends with the shy, mild mannered older male after being introduced by his parents and learning that the other would be staying with them for a few months. When he informed Nakamaru about his trip he was met by a shout and enthusiastic garble with Nakamaru self-proclaiming on being his tour guide to all the places he wanted to see.

“Oi, Jin!” A shout and a loud honk shook him out of his reverie. He looked up to see Nakamaru waving at him as he parked his car beside a curb, opening the door while grinning at him widely.

“OI!” Jin yelled back as he picked up his luggage and hurried towards his friend. He shoved the large bag into the trunk of the car while his friend held the hood open for him. His friend closed the trunk and motioned for him to get inside the vehicle.

“You know, that's not a proper way of greeting people but anyway, how was your flight?” Nakamaru asked, smiling widely, as he slid into the driver’s seat and looked at Jin expectantly.

“Pretty good." Jin answered. "I slept through most of the flight. It was the first time I had slept that long in years.” He locked his seat belt in place.

“So where are we off to?” Jin asked while he pushed the button to open the window, looking at the trees whizzing past by.

“Um, we have a change of plans. My schedule got screwed up since there was a subject I needed to observe and could not change it. Anyway, the professor is a close friend of mine so he said it’s alright if I bring you along. Then after that I’m free.” Nakamaru said while he stretched his hand onto the radio and began turning the knobs to find a decent music station.

“What’s the class about?” Jin asked curiously.

“History of Japan, Kazuya’s been interested in it since he was a child, let me rephrase that as obsessed, he’s been crazy about the topic ever since so no wonder he is now the youngest professor teaching it.” Nakamaru explained then laughed at the thought of his young friend and how since he had began teaching in the university the female population had increased immensely. Kazuya is quite beautiful, so to say.

“How old is he?” Jin asked again the subject capturing his attention.

“26? I think. He’s very young; he’s had many distinctions towards the subject since he’s been studying it even through university.”

“Hmmm and I’m going to sit in with you on his class tomorrow?” Jin asked while looking above the apartment building parking lot they were entering in.

“Yeah, would that be alright with you? It’s just going to be a few hours and then I’m free to be your tour guide.” Nakamaru said as he maneuvered the vehicle into his parking slot.

“It’s cool. At least I get to see a real campus this time.” Jin said and opened the door with his duffel bag slung on his shoulder.

“Good Morning people, please open your books to page 135, read for 15 minutes and then we’ll discuss the Sengoku period. I want to hear your thoughts about it.” Kamenashi Kazuya said upon entering his classroom briskly and laying his materials on the desk upfront. He looked up to survey his class which consisted of more than 80% female and smirked a little. He gave a full out smile when he saw his friend Nakamaru who waved at him slightly. Kazuya was startled, however, when his eyes met dark brown ones from the person seated beside his friend. Kazuya thought he looked familiar, feeling a tingle run down his spine when their eyes met again. He looked down to re-arrange his lesson plan but could still feel the eyes staring at him. He cleared his throat.

“Alright, times up. Discussion is open as of now.” Kazuya called out as heads raised and books shut, the sound echoing through the classroom.

“What’s your opinion of the period, Kobayashi?” Kazuya called out one student then looked on as the student who started sprawling his feet in front of him and rambled out excitedly with his hands wildly gesturing.

“This is a pretty unconventional lecture.” Jin whispered to Nakamaru while half listening to the student’s babble of how the period started, the life, of its commerce and trade that boomed before the war started. He sneaked a peak at the professor and saw those pouty lips pursed while listening to the student and nodding slightly.

What Nakamaru said was true. Kamenashi looked too young to be a professor and too hip to act like one. He had on a pair of black slacks that fit his hips perfectly and accentuated his lean legs, the white button down shirt tucked into a black vest made his curvy waist stand out, he looked sensual yet innocent at the same time. No wonder all the female population in this campus took this as part of their course, Jin chuckled lightly.

“Yeah, Kazuya’s a pretty unconventional professor in the first place. He lets his students do the talking so he would know if they’d learn anything instead of him feeding them what they should learn. He knows the stuff and he wants the students to understand it from their own point of view. You should see his class by the end of the course. He makes them re-enact their own favourite part of any period that they’d covered and it’s been a favourite of everyone who’d taken this class.” Nakamaru whispered back to Jin.

“Cool, I wish I had this course back at home. There’s only a limited amount of classes you can take regarding History of Japan unless you’re in a university so I didn’t had the chance to take them.” Jin explained back while watching Kazuya ask a question to another student and smirked a little when the young professor pushed his hip out on the side then rested his hand on it making him look even younger. He could practically hear the whole room swoon.

“Does he know that everyone in his class is in love with him?” Jin asked for it was fairly obvious from how everyone has their glazed adoring looks pointed at their professor all the time.

“Sort of. Kazuya never dwells on it much. As long as he’s doing the stuff that he loves he doesn’t care much about other things. He loves teaching and he knows that if his looks can bring in lots of students he can teach then he’s fine with it.” Nakamaru answered back as he shrugged his shoulders and returned back to another student, female this time, who was explaining how the first war of the period broke out.

“Thank you Sato-san for that wonderful explanation of why the Battle at Honnō-ji started. Now can anyone expound on their own ideas of why Akechi Mitsuhide had thought to over-run the emperor? Because as what history says that is where it all started. How would be your take on this?” Kazuya asked the class as he tapped his foot and then chewed the back of his pen.

Several hands rose up and a slow murmur echoed around the room. Jin looked around saw that everyone on the class was intently listening and writing down notes. Jin wondered what he would have been if he was just an average student? Going to class, not worrying about press conferences, being out in public and hanging out with someone who wouldn’t be posted as a scandal the next day on a tabloid. If he was just an average college student he could be whoever he wanted to be and Jin thought he missed out on a lot of stuff, sighing deeply. He turned back up front and was surprised to see Kamenashi directly in front of him with a wide smirk on his face.

“So, let’s have our special guest do some explaining today." Kazuya said in a professional manner. He walked to the center of his table and leaned back, tilting his head once again towards the man. "One rule in my class is that everyone participates and since you’re here today Mr. Akanishi, I want to hear your side of the story.” He prompted, his smile widening a little more. Kazuya couldn’t help it, something inside of him nags him, making him feel as if he had a connection of some sort to this man the minute their eyes first met, as if he’s met him before but Kazuya knew he wouldn’t be able to forget meeting someone as famous as Akanishi Jin.

Jin looked at Kazuya straight in the eyes and raised an eyebrow. He knew he was on the spotlight now and if he ever wants his pride intact before leaving this room, he needs to make sure they’d all, especially their professor, know that he wasn’t just a dumb artist. He had a whole lot of knowledge about this subject too and he wasn’t afraid to use it.

“Well," Jin began casually, leaning his back further into his chair and giving the young professor a look that says he's accepting whatever challenge Kazuya had prepared for him. "...the theory people say is that Akechi was jealous of Ranmaru Mori because Oda Nobunaga was a major daimyo during that time and he favoured Ranmaru very much that he listens to what Ranmaru would say. Also, let's not forget the fact that Ranmaru’s relationship with the general, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, was relatively good that he was able to issue orders from him when he was indisposed or busy at times. During the night of the incident at Honnō-ji, Akechi saw his chance to take over the throne from Nobunaga, so instead of doing what Nobunaga had instructed him to do, he rallied up his soldiers and attacked Nobunaga’s party.” Jin rambled on as he gave a smirk on his own from the look of surprise that Kazuya had on his face.

“What? You think I don’t know the history of my own country even if I wasn’t born here?” Jin taunted mildly. He grimaced a bit when he felt Nakamaru poke his ribs with his elbow.

Kazuya’s eyes narrowed and he rolled his eyes at Jin before announcing the rest of the students their reading materials for the next class then dismissing them.

“Well said, Mr. Akanishi. I didn’t know you were well versed with the Sengoku period, Yuichi should have told me.” Kazuya said as he walked over to his desk and arranged his notes in his bag then coming towards Jin and Nakamaru.

“Kazuya!” Nakamaru exclaimed while standing up and then grabbing Kazuya in a tight hug much to Jin’s surprise. Nakamaru had never been the person to be touchy and this was a first he’d seen him hug a person voluntarily without any qualms. Jin suddenly felt a twist in stomach from looking at Nakamaru and Kazuya’s smiling face.

"Yuichi! I missed you. Where have you been for the past month? You said you’d be visiting me more especially now that we’re at the same university!” Kazuya admonished, wagging a finger in Nakamaru’s face.

Jin stared wide eyed as Nakamaru gave a hearty laugh which he then took Kazuya’s finger and pretended to bite it. He suddenly felt envious of how carefree Kazuya and Nakamaru were and wondered what kind of relationship they have. It made Jin uneasy at the pit of his stomach. This didn't feel right. He didn't feel alright with the closeness between Nakamaru and Kamenashi.

“Are you going to introduce me to your friend or will you just let him stare at me?” Kazuya asked Nakamaru then facing Jin with a wide smile on his face.

“Oh, sorry I forgot. Kazuya this is Jin, Jin this is Kazuya.” Nakamaru shook his head as he made the introductions. He looked at both his friends and wondered where this underlying current from these two are coming from.

“Hi.” Jin said while holding out his own hand and shaking the offered one. He suddenly felt a tingle run down from his spine and looked up wide eyed at the brown caramel eyes that was staring wide back at him.

The minute their hands touched, Kazuya felt as if he’d just put his finger in an electrical socket. He felt charged and tingly. Pulling his hand back, Kazuya took a step back and that seemed to shake them both off from the trance-like state they were put into.

“Are you guys alright?” Nakamaru asked as he looked back and forth from Jin and Kazuya. They were both staring into each other’s eyes and he was curious as to why they looked like they both have gone into shock.

“Yeah, umm I have to go. Visit me again, Yuichi?” Kazuya stuttered out, unsure of what had just transpired.

"Sure, Kaz-"

“Wait!" Jin wondered if he really did say that. Greeted with questioning looks, Jin cleared his throat and said, "I, uh, would you like to, uh, hang out with us? Maru and I are going for coffee at the shop across the street.”

Seeing it was a good idea, Nakamaru cajoled Kazuya who looked at him hesitantly then to Jin. Jin felt utterly relieved when Kazuya nodded his agreement even if he was looking a bit confused.

“So how long have you been teaching?” Jin moved forward and waited for Kazuya to answer.

“I’ve been teaching for five years. I did some assistant teaching while studying so I knew the basics of what it takes to be a professor. After I graduated, some of my professors asked me if I could substitute for them when they couldn’t teach their classes and then I became full fledged once they realized I could handle everything on my own.” Kazuya answered while studying Jin’s face. Now he knew why his fans had become infatuated with him. His charisma was something else entirely, when he smiles Kazuya feels a little twitch inside his stomach.

“Why History of Japan?” Jin asked. “Nakamaru said you’ve been obsessed with it for so long.” He said as he took the smooth contours of Kazuya’s face. He really looked way younger than his actual age.

“Well, it started with my mom. She used to tell me stories about the periods during bed time and I would imagine myself being on that timeline experiencing what they had experienced and from then on I was hooked. During university I knew this was what I wanted to study so I started taking courses to make it as my major.” Kazuya took a sip from his cup.

“How about you, what made the popular Jin Akanishi like the History of Japan so much?” It was Kazuya’s turn to ask.

“I borrowed a book from the library once and it was about the Edo period. I got into reading it so much I borrowed all the books in the library regarding the History of Japan. Once I read them, I couldn’t stop wanting to learn about the culture I missed. So when I got the chance for a vacation I took it and headed here so I can learn it on the soil where it all happened.” Jin explained. He had never revealed this side of him to anyone before; he wondered what it was in Kazuya that made him want to tell everything he had learned.

“Well, what’s your favourite part?” Kazuya asked while tucking his legs under the cushions of the comfy couch.

“My favourite? Must be the Oda Nobunaga reign. It was just full of controversy. From his valet Ranmaru, to Akechi’s treachery and to what really happened to his body. A huge part of his legacy has been formed from rumours so it’s very interesting what true facts you can find about him.” Jin answered truthfully before taking a sip of his coffee.

“We share the same sentiments. I’ve been going on expeditions during summer time to explore the temple in Honnō-ji in Kyoto to learn more first hand of what might have happened during that night. A lot of rumours have surfaced. Rumours, but rumours have got to start somewhere, right? So why not go to where it really happened. I haven’t gotten far in my research yet since I have a limited time.” Kazuya said as he cupped his coffee mug between his palms.

“Why don’t you come with us then?" Jin's voice went higher. "It’s one of the places I’m going to be visiting since I want to explore the place as well. Would you have time this week? I would appreciate it if you’d come with us.” He looked at Kazuya and smiled the smie that had won him thousandths of fans.

“Really? I think I can re-arrange my schedule. Let me check and get back with you tomorrow morning.” Kazuya replied, shifting a bit on from where he was seated.

Jin stared awed from the way the golden light of the coffee shop seemed to make Kazuya look simply ethereal. His pale skin seemed to glow, his brown eyes held some mysterious secret that Jin wanted to find out, the pink, pouty lips glistened and the small blush on his cheek made Jin want to caress them.

Kazuya swallowed hard from the way Jin was looking at him intensely. He felt his own body moving forward and saw that Jin did the same. Kazuya’s heart started racing inside his chest and just when their noses where inches apart a loud snore broke the warm mood making them twist their heads to source of the foreign sound.

On the other side of the couch, Nakamaru lie sleeping with his head bent backwards and drool slightly dripping on his chin. On a brighter note, Kazuya had concluded that Jin swing his way and that there was something between them than just plain attraction.

It was a cold night, with the wind blowing harshly against his exposed skin. His hands are full of numerous and various bundles as he tried to walk straight through the wooden planks of the bridge; the sound of his footwear growing louder with every step. Even without looking down, he knew that the water under the bridge reflected the moon from above. He had passed this way too many times.

"Ranmaru, don't stray now. We're almost there."

"Yes, my lord." He answered softly. He wondered how his Nobunaga-sama could sense that his thoughts and focus were drifting. As they walked in silence, Ranmaru could feel his strength wavering. He knew he's capable but he had trained with his lord until sunset earlier today and he's already starting to feel the heavy weight of the objects in his arms.

A leaf fell into the still water beneath the bridge as Ranmaru gasped when the top bundle slipped and fell down next to his feet with a soft thud. Nobunaga stopped in his tracks and Ranmaru held his breath.

"Ranmaru," Nobunaga called out his vassal's name in the dark.

"Forgive me, my lord." Ranmaru said, his heart thudding against his chest. His lord would not be pleased to see him showing any sign of weakness.

"Do you promise that this would never happen again?" Nobunaga asked, picking up the object near Ranmaru's left foot. He had never stooped down for anyone except where Ranmaru is the one concerned.

"I promise, my lord."

"Very well. I will overlook this matter as long as nothing has been damaged." Nobunaga replied then closing in on Ranmaru to secure a few bundle in his arms and leaving half for Ranmaru to carry. Giving Ranmaru a look, Nobunaga knew he wouldn't have to explain anything for his actions. "Move on now, Ran. We're almost there."

"Yes, Nobunaga-sama." Ranmaru replied and continued walking behind his lord. There was home. There was where he lived in peace with his master.

Kazuya woke up feeling sore, as if he's fought the entire day and as if he's carried the things Ranmaru had in his dream yet, despite that, Kazuya also felt light and happy; warm even.

It's a new day.

-

"What's it like living the life of a celebrity?" Kazuya asked, his eyes focused on the road ahead of them. They were walking in the path only a few took. Bamboo trees and stone sentinels adorned the sides of the pathway. Kazuya preferred it because of the silence the place offered and he was sure Jin wouldn't like the extra attention while on vacation. He and Jin were together because Nakamaru had asked him to tour Jin around the campus if he's free as he would need time to discuss his thesis proposal to a senior and he didn't want Jin to waste time by staying at home. Kazuya was more than happy and pleased to oblige. He was curious about Akanishi and Kazuya wondered why it felt right to be beside him, walk alongside Jin. When they're together, Kazuya felt as if everything was in their right place.

"It's pretty cool." Jin replied casually, walking beside the younger man and taking in the whole university setting. "I don't get much privacy but other than that, the perks are always good."

"Like dating hot female celebrities?" Kazuya teased and had to hide his frown when he realized he didn't like what came out of his mouth. "Never mind. It wasn't my intention to pry."

"It's one of those." Jin answered instead. "But I'm available at the moment, if that's what you're going for." He gave Kazuya a smirk before walking ahead and leaving the young professor behind.

"I'm giving you an A+ for your answer, Akanishi-kun." Kazuya said when he caught up with the man, hiding his smile from showing.

"Thank you, Kamenashi-sensei." Jin teased back, winking at Kazuya and that had Kazuya laughing. Jin liked how Kazuya's eyes were like upside down crescents. An image flashed behind his eyes when he blinked and Jin could hear the sound of a distant laughter; one that he had heard in his dream, a laugh that Jin knew didn't belong to Kazuya.

-

Nobunaga and the others sat drinking tea, while Ranmaru was outside plowing the snow along with some of the soldiers. Nobunaga's eyes couldn't resist following each and every movement Ranmaru made. The minute he saw the young boy, he knew that Ranmaru would be someone special to him and seeing that Ranmaru did have that effect on him, Nobunaga had sworn that he wasn't going to let the boy be harmed in whatever kind of way. But, at the moment, Nobunaga could only find amusement seeing the young man traipsing around in the freezing cold, wearing only a kimono. Excusing himself from his company, Nobunaga silently went out of the hall.

"Do you wish to fall ill, Ran?"

"What was that, my lord?" Ranmaru asked, confused. He put away the plow and fixed his attention to his master. "It is cold out here, my lord. Is there anything you need from me?"

Nobunaga shook his head. He went to where Ranmaru was standing and motioned to the loose folds of Ranmaru's kimono that could easily expose his skin to the chilly air. "Clothe yourself properly, Ranmaru."

Ranmaru's face flushed as he gathered the loose folds in his hands and made a messy knot.

"Go change your clothes, Ranmaru. Catching the flu is a sign of weakness. I do not tolerate a weakling in my army, you should know that." Nobunaga reprimanded. He had been watching Ranmaru running around with only a kimono and with his hair tied nicely at the back of his head, some already fell and framed his small face. Ranmaru had always been too beautiful for a man and some of the leaders he was talking to took an interest on his servant and asked about Ranmaru which he refused to answer. Nobunaga had always been selfish whenever it came to Ranmaru.
"But my lord-"

"Do only as I say, Ranmaru. I am your lord. You do not have the right to question nor defy me." Nobunaga said with finality and turned his back on Ranmaru, walking towards the hall once more.

-

"Um…Good evening. I'm meeting someone here though I'm not sure if he's here yet. His name's Kamenashi Kazuya." Jin said to the maitre'd. The woman in kimono looked at him, her eyes widening a bit when she recognized the face hidden by a hoodie. Jin cleared his throat which had the lady embarrassed and quickly ran over the list of clients with her eyes.

"Kamenashi-san is already here, Sir. I'll show you your seat." The woman led him back to a booth where Kazuya already sat, reading a book. Handing him the menu, the maitre'd went back to the front.

Sliding into the booth, Jin put the menu aside and glanced at Kazuya. He either hadn't ordered or his food hadn't arrived. Kazuya hadn't looked up at him yet, either. He was too engrossed in his book. Jin couldn't help but glance at the cover and read aloud the book’s title.

At the sound of Jin’s voice, Kazuya finally looked up. He put his book aside and smiled at Jin, greeting him a warm good evening and as if on cue, a server arrived and asked for their orders. Jin listened as Kazuya gave out his orders of soup, salad, steaks, pasta, squid, a bottle of wine and strawberries dipped in chocolate for dessert.

"Hope you don't mind I ordered for you." Kazuya said, smiling a little.

Jin shook his head and smiled. "Not really, but are sure you have room for all of that?" He teased, propping his chin on his hands and grinning like a child.

"I'm sure you'll be able to finish them all." Kazuya replied, putting the book away from the table and leaning back on his chair as he loosened his tie, tugging on it gently.

"Oh, right." Jin drawls. "Anyway, the book you're reading, is it about the Sengoku era?"

"Yeah. Well, it's more on Nobunaga's life and about the lord-vassal relationship between him and Ranmaru. It explains how the practice of shudō during that period was common. It's like a way of life at that time." Some of Kazuya's dark hair fell into his face as he explained the book to Jin, and he brushed them back without pausing. "I know it's weird, but I think this book has a very good account of what might have occurred at that time."

"It might." Jin said, shrugging his shoulders. "No one really knows what happened."

Kazuya didn't answer anymore. He simply took a sip of his wine when it arrived, appearing to be deep in thought.

Time ticked by as Jin and Kazuya ate their food, neither one of them speaking. It was a comfortable silence for the two of them, even if they were essentially strangers to each other. Finally, Kazuya spoke.

"What's your opinion on Nobunaga and Ranmaru's relationship?" He asked.

"Personally, I would just like to believe that they are both honourable samurais." Jin said after swallowing down a forkful of pasta. "Ranmaru's just a teenager back then, you know? That and Nobunaga also had Lady Noh by his side."

"Lady Noh, huh" Kazuya shifted his eyes outside and watched the traffic and the people passing by. "I doubt that Nobunaga really did love her."

-

“I want you.” A whisper caressed his smooth skin and all he could do was surrender. Surrender to the overwhelming feeling that consumed him.

He felt warm hands caressing his thigh and his body arched from the arousing touches that was gliding on skin slowly.

A gasp.

More torturous touches.

A whisper.

A strong body sinuously moving on top of him, with tender movements stroking his body making him arch for more.

“Ran.” An echo of his name glided along the dark night. Smooth as silk.

“My lord.” He whispered back caressing the body on top of him gently.

“Stay.” A loving word was murmured on the soft shell of his ear.

“Always.” He sighed.

“I love you.”

Jin scrambled up when the alarm on his left sounded off, loud and clear waking him up groggy and bleary eyed. He looked down and saw the tent on his sweat pants making him sigh. His dreams were taking over him. He needed to control himself as he rubbed his face with the palm of his hands.

He looked at the clock and saw it was 3 in the morning. He needed to be up early as the trip to Kyoto would take 4 hours by car. Nakamaru would be picking Kazuya up from his apartment and then return back here so he still had time to pack the things he would need for the trip.

He stood up and headed to the shower hoping that a cold one would calm his body down.

-

He trailed his fingers over the strings, his touch delicate yet steely at the same time. Note after note was coaxed from the instrument, melding together into a piece of music at once, resonant and vibrant as though it would come alive around the player, at other moments, soft, wistful, reminiscent.

"You're really good, you know? I bet your Japanese fans would love to see you perform here live." Kazuya said as he listened to Jin playing his guitar. To be frank, Kazuya liked how he was spending time with Jin. It's something he couldn't find an explanation about.

Those words, coming from his companion, brought a self-conscious smile to Jin's lips. His fingers halted just before the finishing note.

"Maybe. I'm not really sure how stable my fan base is around here." Jin said. "I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to deliver. From what I've observed, Japan's completely different from America. My music might not sell well here."

At this, Kazuya couldn't help a chuckle. There was no blaming Jin for thinking that way.

"That may be true." He replied, tugging on the strings of Jin's guitar. "But I can say that I'll be there. I can blackmail my students to watch your concert, too. I'll think of a way." Kazuya laughed when he heard Jin snort in a very unpleasant way.

"I think I'll manage. You don't have to do anything like that for me." Jin said, smiling gently at Kazuya as he started playing with the strings again.

Their quaint little hideaway was perfect. It was away from the city and lay surrounded by slender bamboo groves and willows. A stream ran on one side, slipping around and between heavy waterside rocks to form a small pool some way down. A cobbled path led to a spring. They needed nothing extravagant to stay in, since their companionship more than made up for the surrounding solitude. Yuichi would be shocked with this development between them. "I still have to finish the defense for my proposal so you guys go together. Jin needs to tour, anyway." Was what Nakamaru had said when Kazuya said he'd wanted to bring Jin to his not-so-secret secret place.

Dusk had long faded into night, leaving the sky a velvet-black canopy of a crescent moon and her trails of glittering stars.

"Come with me," Kazuya said. "I'll show you something."

Kazuya walked ahead. He made sure his footfalls were as silent as the surroundings as he approached the waters. Jin followed behind, watching every step he took.

The pool gleamed as the waters caught the moonlight in their ripples. Then, there's a soft sound of slushing water as Kazuya walked right into the centre with back facing Jin; the waters licking just below his waist, his figure caught in an unearthly silver outline by the moon. Jin took a moment to appreciate the display of male beauty presented to him. Kazuya's body was so different from his.

"The water's just right, Jin. You should try it out." Kazuya's voice was convincing and warm.

With no further word from the other man, Jin took off his shirt and sneakers and got in the water with his pants still on.

The night chill prickled his bare skin, and the waters were just the right temperature to soothe him. He waded deeper and deeper, stopping only when he was just a foot behind Kazuya. From where he stood, Jin could hear Kazuya's soft breathing, the faintest thrill of crickets and the gentle breeze of the wind. He could feel the warmth permeating from Kazuya's body; the waters did seem less cold.

Looking at Kazuya playing with the water, Jin felt a sudden urge to touch him, and as he was about to, the scenery changed and Jin found himself in a setting that was familiar because of his dreams.

"I heard a storm would hit in the middle of the night.” Nobunaga said. “I like to be awake through each storm.”

“It certainly does look that way, my lord." Ranmaru observed, staring out into the open skies from Nobunaga's room.

Looking at his lord, Ranmaru asked himself what the bond between him and Nobunaga was, and the first thought that came to his mind, was servant. It was the truth; however, Ranmaru couldn't help but expect more. Nobunaga had always needed him, had always asked for him. He even shared a bed with him when his lord so desired.

"My lord," He called out politely. "I have known you all my life, is it not?"

"Indeed, Ran.” Nobunaga agreed, eyes shifting to the sky before looking at Ranmaru again. It is then that the rain began to fall lightly from the sky.

"You are my lord, Nobunaga-sama. I will give my life for you, like so many others will, because you are our lord. Would it be a disgrace if I say that I feel more than just that? If you were not my lord, I would still give my life for you, based upon my feelings. I feel a need to protect you that is even stronger." Ranmaru admitted, feeling as if he’d crossed a line and did something forbidden.

Nobunaga didn't speak but instead, kept staring out at the rain that fell from the heavens. "Is that how you should feel towards me, Ranmaru?"

"It isn't proper, my lord. Please forgive me." Ranmaru bowed his head low, hands tightening on his clothes.

The rain grew loud as neither of them spoke. Lightning crossed the heavens and Ranmaru had to gather his courage up as he walked towards his master.

"I just want to be of use to you, Nobunaga-sama. That is my desire."

Nobunaga watched as Ranmaru went out from his room after he'd wished him a good rest. The rain continued to pour down heavily. Walking toward his window, he saw Ranmaru's figure getting drenched by the fierce rain.

Pained, Jin squeezed his eyes shut, but it wasn't enough to stop the tidal wave of memories crashing through his mind. His chest ached for some reason and Jin wondered why it felt like he was the one feeling Nobunaga's pain.

Then, as swiftly as the images had appeared, they dissipated, only to be replaced by an overwhelming sense of loss.

"Jin, are you alright?" Jin heard Kazuya ask, his voice laced with confusion and worry.

Without waiting for a reply, Kazuya set to work. He pressed his hand to the column of Jin's neck, sweeping over the collarbones towards a tensed, muscled shoulder. Jin allowed it, seeming too confused and too tired to protest. Kazuya tracked the dip downwards, watching as his hand traced the grooves of muscles of waist and abdomen.

It was at this moment when Kazuya felt it - the little step forward their friendship had taken. A little step into the unknown; an exciting, yet daunting realm which he and Jin both knew existed, and hadn't dared to explore.

Kazuya splayed his fingers, circling the waist so his touch lingered on the small of Jin's back. Taking a deep breath, he slowly slid his hands up the expanse of smooth back. The water eased his exploration, yet did nothing to hide the marks his hands found. His heart aching, he caressed shoulder blades and warm skin, his fingers tracing gently as if counting Nobunaga's scars that he had seen in his dreams.

"Kazuya,"

Kazuya looked up, eyes stinging at the sight of the open vulnerability on Jin's face. Kazuya hoped that he, at least, understood a little, just a little of what was going on in Jin's mind. He wrapped his arms around Jin, drawing the other man as much as he could into himself. His hands drew random patterns, caressing every inch of quivering skin he could find.

Kazuya then very gently placed a kiss on Jin's lips. Jin was unresponsive at first, and then he felt it - the light sucking in return. They remained in the embrace for several moments, just soaking in the tenderness of the shared kiss.

When the need to breathe drew them apart, Jin sighed and rested his head against Kazuya's neck. He felt complete, that this just-found sense of security was what had been missing from his life. He closed his eyes and allowed himself to drift away.

"I will protect you forever, Ran" Jin heard Nobunaga murmur as they watched Ranmaru's figure fade from his and Nobunaga's sight.

-

A snore echoed through the silent car which made both of them look at each other and grin. Jin looked back from where the snore came from and saw Nakamaru with his head leaning back on the head rest, mouth wide open and a thin line of drool coming out on the side. He snickered and took out his phone to take a picture.

“This is for future blackmail.” Jin said quietly as he showed Kazuya the picture.

Kazuya chuckled and looked straight ahead on the road. He volunteered to drive since Nakamaru looked like he was about to faint from lack of sleep and Jin volunteered to drive after him so that their friend could get plenty of rest.

“How did you and Yuichi became friends?” Kazuya asked lightly breaking the comfortable silence in the car.

“Well, he came to the US for some courses he needed to take and stayed with us for a while, my mom’s friends with his mom. He’s a pretty cool dude once you get to know him. How about you? How did you become friends with him?” Jin said as he plugged his iPod into the stereo and started rifling through his music collection with the sound on the lowest level.

“We were in the same course back in the university. He became my partner in a project and found out we basically had the same classes together. We became close after that.” Kazuya shrugged his shoulders. He looked at Jin and smiled a little then went back on staring at the road ahead of him.

“How’d you become a professor so young? If that would be ok to ask?” Jin asked suddenly, looking at Kazuya curiously.

“Hmm well, my mom used to tell me stories about the periods, samurais and war lords and it kind of got stuck with me even when I attended University because all I wanted to do was study them and learn for myself those stories that were told to me.” Kazuya said straightforward. Finding out the stories from the past had become a passion for him ever since he got his hands on those ancient history books that held the complete details of what had happened before. It became a goal for him to learn as much as he could and when he was given the opportunity to teach it he didn’t hesitate because he wanted the people to learn about how diverse and rich their history was. He just hoped that his students had learned something from all that he had done.

“You must’ve worked hard then.” Jin mused as he thought of his life. He was a solo artist and though he considered what he had as achievements hearing what Kazuya had done through to become what he is made him feel as if he had done nothing with his life at all.

“Why do you ask?” Kazuya asked back wondering what went on in Jin’s mind because he saw different kind of expressions flitting from the other’s face.

“I kind of just realized I haven’t done much at all.” Jin said out loud. He was roused from his self-pitying by the sharp tone Kazuya used when he answered him.

“Don’t ever think that. You love what you do, right? Whatever you have done in your life is something you should treasure, because of it you became who you are. You wouldn’t be the person you are right now if it weren’t for your decisions you have made.” Kazuya admonished him, unaware that he had been gripping the steering wheel tightly.

Jin looked at him surprised at how passionate the other sounded. He had never felt like he had achieved much since he’d been doing the same thing ever since he was discovered. He didn’t know a different perspective of it until Kazuya mentioned about him loving what he does. He did. He promised himself he’ll change things around once he comes back home.

“Sorry, I kind of got carried away.” Kazuya apologized sheepishly.

“No, I guess it was just what I needed since I’ve been stuck with the same thing for years. You were right. I love what I do and it just needed a different point of view for me to realize that I should appreciate what I have.” Jin murmured as he held out his hand and squeezed Kazuya’s one that was holding the gear shift.

Kazuya’s heart jumped in his chest at the contact. His cheeks began heating up and saw Jin looking straight at him with a blush on his cheeks as well.

The moment was broken, however, by a loud snore at the back with Nakamaru waking up after.

“Are we there yet?”

-

“This is so cool.” Jin said enthusiastically as he dumped his back pack on the bed which bounced onto the pillows.

“I know. I remember the feeling when I first came here. I was so nervous I would’ve thrown up if I could but my stomach was all cramped up from excitement.” Kazuya answered back while setting his own bags on top of the bed neatly.

“I can’t believe I’m actually here.” Jin breathed out. He walked towards their balcony and opened the door bringing fresh air in. He looked down and saw an expanse of tress and the roof of the rebuilt temple.

They had checked into the hotel and decided to pair up. Kazuya teased Nakamaru about his snoring which lead to Jin teasing him about drooling when asleep. The teasing brought Nakamaru to book for a room on his own and Jin and Kazuya in another.

“Are you all set? We start with the tour then maybe we can check out one of those restaurants we saw along the way here for dinner.” Nakamaru called out as he walked into the room. Jin and Kazuya took their wallets and cameras then followed Nakamaru out, locking the door behind them

Kazuya had felt a tugging in his chest ever since they set foot inside the rebuilt temple. Since that fateful day of June 21, 1582, only the ruins remained at the location which became a shrine after Hideyoshi ordered it to be one in honour of Oda Nobunaga. The rebuilt temple where they were now at was at a different location only a few blocks from the shrine. His chest became unusually tight after touring around the temple and he had to sit down and rest for a while.

"Ranmaru, why did you come back?"

Kazuya looked around, his eyes searching every corner as the voice faded.

“Hey, are you okay?" Jin followed him as he sat down beside Kazuya.

“Yeah, maybe I think I need to eat now. I wasn’t able to have breakfast and it’s making me dizzy.” Kazuya answered, unknowingly clutching his chest. The tugging became incessant and wondered what could’ve made him feel like this.

"Ran, I’m here."

“Ok, just sit there and I’ll go get Nakamaru now so we can go. We can come back tomorrow so we can explore more.” Jin assured Kazuya. He stood up and hurried to where Nakamaru was.

In a daze, Kazuya tried to fight for his consciousness and evened out his breathing. Something seemed to gravitate towards him and there's that heaviness in the air he breathes.

"They will come soon, Ran. Be careful. Always remember your promise."

Kazuya felt as if his life was about to end.

“Are you sure you're feeling well now?” Jin asked Kazuya while walking up beside him at the back of their hotel where they were surrounded by thick foliage and sturdy trees.

“Yeah. I didn’t know what happened back there. I just felt this ache in my chest and I had a hard time breathing.” Kazuya explained as he wound his arms around him. He jumped slightly when he felt something on his shoulder and saw Jin’s hooded jacket on him. He looked at the other man who shrugged and gave him a one sided smile.

“Maybe you were overwhelmed?” Jin asked quietly. He looked around and saw that he could see the entrance of the shrine a few meters from where he stood.

“I don’t know.” Kazuya answered back with the same tone and turned to face Jin and as if Jin was a trigger of some sort, Kazuya felt himself spacing out completely then the next thing he knew was that he was in an era he knew only from stories and books.

In Kazuya's vision, the sky had been filled with clouds that day but, thanks to a gentle breeze, they'd moved out for the most part.

The moon looked about three quarters full, enough to provide ample brightness for Ranmaru to appreciate how stunning the snow lookedas he walked. He didn't know that Nobunaga followed after him, being a little more reserved than usual, just wanting to drink in the setting.

And they were alone in the moonlight, together.

"It's nice out here isn't it, my lord?" Ranmaru cheerfully asked when he realized that Nobunaga was behind him. He looked back and saw his Nobunaga-sama giving him a soft look - one that he remembered seeing a long time ago, back to the time when he was just a young teen. It made him feel a little more relaxed. Ranmaru had always tried his best to keep his feelings for his master to himself. However, moments like this make Ranmaru feel vulnerable. Most of the time, Ranmaru was convinced that Nobunaga himself was his weakness.

"You're right.” Nobunaga’s voice echoed in the dark. “It is nice out here. Do you always go out at this time of the night, Ran?" He asked.

"No, my lord. I go out here only when you're awake and when I know that you are safe." Ranmaru answered, tilting his head up to the sky and allowing the moon to light up his face. "I stay outside your door when you're asleep. To protect you is still my duty."

"Shh," Nobunaga shushes as he placed a finger against Ranmaru's lips. Nobunaga slipped his finger from Ranmaru's mouth, down his face and gently stroked him under the chin before taking it away.

The wind blew by and swept Kazuya’s hair slightly. He could hear someone calling out his name in panic. Kazuya blinked and the vision was completely gone. When he got back into his senses, his eyes met Jin's in an instant and their faces were so close Kazuya almost stopped breathing. He had a mild blush on his cheeks from the cold and his lips shone as he gave his lower lip a lick, feeling utterly nervous at the moment. Jin’s breathing hitched at how ethereal Kazuya looked in contrast to the trees and the darkness of the night. Unconsciously, Jin stepped a little closer.

“Kazuya," His name echoed in a whisper around them. Kazuya felt like he was floating towards Jin with his feet moving on their own accord. He stopped when Jin held out his hand and caressed his cheeks slightly.

“Stay with me always, Ran.”

"Always it shall be then, my lord."

Kazuya's eyes fluttered shut at the overwhelming feeling the touch brought as he felt warm lips on his own. His eyes flew open and saw Jin staring at him intensely. He felt Jin’s lips caressing his own and gasped when a slick tongue probed and licked his lower lip. He felt the welcoming intrusion of the warm tongue and groaned out loud from the tongue that was stroking his own.

Jin’s moan was muffled. He cradled Kazuya’s jaw in his hands and angled the other one’s head to deepen the kiss. His body was tingling and felt that Kazuya was trembling as well. He didn’t know what overcame him but all he wanted at that moment was to kiss Kazuya. The feel of him in his embrace was something Jin had been looking for all his life. He wound his arms around the lithe figure and broke the kiss while panting slightly.

Kazuya saw Jin’s eyes dilated and filled with lust. He raised a hand and softly touched a smooth cheek. Both knew they didn't need to talk. What to happen next was something that the both of them understood.

Kazuya gasped with his back arching as Jin kissed his way down his navel. He felt a tongue delve inside which made his body shudder. Kazuya felt Jin opening his pants and unzipping it as he hooked his fingers on the side and pulled it off him along with his underwear. His back arched up even more when he felt Jin’s hands caressing his swollen member and keened loudly when a hot sensation engulfed him deep. There's a tight suction from Jin’s mouth which made Kazuya's body tremble hard and a coil inside his stomach started to grow.

Jin sucked until he felt Kazuya’s member swell even more. He stopped and let the swollen member fall out of his moth with a slick pop. He stood up and saw Kazuya’s skin glisten from sweat. He took off his shirt and undid his pants. Bending down on his duffel bag, Jin produced a bottle of lubricant. He saw Kazuya raise an eyebrow at him in which he just smiled wide in response.

Jin covered his fingers and positioned himself in between Kazuya’s splayed legs. He looked up and met half lidded brown eyes full of lust. He knew he was wanted as much as he wanted Kazuya. He started stretching the puckered hole and groaned at the feel of Kazuya's tightness.

“Jin, please.” Kazuya pleaded while he gripped Jin’s shoulders tightly.

Jin stood on his knees and slowly slid into Kazuya's tight heat which made him groan in pleasure. He heard Kazuya gasp and then the younger man started to moan lowly when Jin finally caught a rhythm. Jin moved slowly, the tightness making his head explode as his thrusts became deeper and faster.

Kazuya moaned loudly, feeling stretched and full. He splayed his knees more to welcome Jin, the coil in his belly becoming tighter and tighter.

Kazuya’s back bowed and the back of his head snuggled deeper into the pillow. Gripping Jin’s biceps, he felt the muscles moving as Jin thrust deeper into him. He gasped out loud when Jin’s hand closed around his swollen member and his body started to shake when Jin moved his hand along with his thrusts.

Kazuya heard Jin calling out his name and there's felt a warm gush flood inside him, a tight grip on his member sent him flying through the skies and made him see white. His body went slack and boneless with Jin slumped on top of him breathing heavily.

Kazuya felt Jin prop himself up on his arm, he turned his head and looked straight into dark brown eyes. He raised his right hand cupped Jin’s sweaty cheek before kissing the mole below Jin’s right eye. Kazuya felt Jin angle his head and their lips met. Kazuya’s heart swelled. For the first time in his life, he felt complete. Wounding his arms around Jin’s shoulder, Kazuya went to sleep.

Jin woke up to a breeze flowing inside the room. He stretched a hand on the bed and encountered an empty space beside him. He reached out and flicked the lamp on and saw that Kazuya was no longer beside him. He laid a palm on the bed and felt that it was still warm which meant Kazuya hadn’t been gone long. He looked around but saw no signs of the other. Jin flipped the comforter back, slipped on his boxers and sweatpants then walked over to the bathroom to check if Kazuya was there. Jin had quite expected it to be empty.

He turned around and checked the whole room and saw that Kazuya’s clothes that he wore earlier but his shoes were gone. He looked outside the balcony and saw it empty as well. Jin moved forward and was confused as to where Kazuya had gone to. He was shocked however, when he saw his lover walking barefooted towards the area of the shrine through the dense clump of trees. Jin didn’t hesitate and ran inside taking his shirt along the way and hopping into his sneakers on his way out the door.

“Kazuya? Kazuya, where are you?” Jin called out while running towards the direction of where he saw Kazuya last. He ran towards the area of the shrine, looking around the thick leaves of the trees surrounding him.

He saw a flash of white and followed it, running towards it.

“Kazuya!” He shouted and stopped. He saw Kazuya standing still and looking straight ahead. Jin saw they were in a clearing in the woods and Kazuya was at the middle standing still, too still. He ran towards his lover and held out his hand to touch his shoulder.

“My lord, the general has betrayed us. He has set his army to attack us here at Honnō-ji. They are near, my lord.” Jin saw Kazuya kneeling before him. He looked around and saw he was still outside but the look and shape of the trees in the area were different. He looked closely and saw Kazuya clad in a kimono and there were soldiers scattered around him. They were running back and forth lugging swords and bows.

“Prepare to fight. We shall not back down. We will fight them with every inch of our lives. Tell Toyotomi to station the fighters at the front. We will never bow down.” Jin heard himself speak. He looked down at himself and saw he was in a warrior’s garb with a heavy sword strapped on his side.

“Yes, my lord.” He saw Kazuya bow down again to him and then turned around to address a group of soldiers that were right behind him. He felt his hand stretch out and hold onto the smooth cloth of Kazuya’s kimono.

“Ran, remember your promise.” Jin heard himself say and saw Kazuya turn around and saw a flash of emotions ran though his caramel eyes.

“Yes, my lord.” He heard Kazuya whisper, his face troubled. He felt the other slipping away and turning back towards the group of soldiers and giving them instructions. He saw the soldiers straighten up and bow down to Kazuya then moved towards the front part of the clearing.

“Come, my lord we need to keep you somewhere safe.” Kazuya said as he guided Jin towards the temple. He was interrupted by a loud shout of the soldiers and the sound of swords clashing together.

“They’re here. My lord we have to hurry.” Kazuya pulled Jin’s arm and dragged him towards the temple. Jin looked back and saw his soldiers falling one by one at the hands of his enemy. He saw Akechi’s men setting fire to the tress around them, making the whole ground flare.

“Come on, please don’t look anymore. There’s nothing you can do.” Kazuya pleaded as he tugged Jin towards the temple with the cries of his soldiers haunting him.

“Here, you’ll be safe here.” Jin saw Kazuya hurriedly close the temple doors and lock it with large plank of wood.

“Here” Jin felt a wooden handle being thrust into his hands. He looked down and saw a small sword, its blade looked sharp. He felt his hands gripping the handle tightly and felt a heavy ache in his chest from what he was about to do. He would hold onto his honour until the very end. He would not bow down to anyone. He looked at Kazuya's eyes which were now looking at him sadly.

“I love you.” Jin heard himself say and heard Kazuya’s sharp intake of air. He saw Kazuya reach out and caress his face then sat back on his heels and looked at him with eyes full of pain.

“Don’t let them in, Ran. Don’t let them in.” Were his last words before he push the small sword straight into his stomach then dragged it upwards, the pain consuming him endlessly. His last vision was of the tears that were flowing from Kazuya’s eyes then there's nothing else but darkness.

Kazuya knew Jin was dead. From the lifeless way he slumped forward to the blank look on his face. His eyes stared straight ahead as if seeing nothing. Kazuya's chest ached so much. His breathing came out in gasps but he stood up and walked towards the body of his one and only love.

“I promised to be with you until the end. There would be nothing that would separate us in this life or the next. No one will ever know where your body would be, only I. I promise you, no one.” Kazuya murmured softly. He kneeled and pulled on a rope that was attached on a wooden part of the floor. The small door gave way which showed a hole dug out from the earth. He stood up and took out the tantō from Jin’s body and laid it down on the floor. He grunted as he heaved Jin’s broad shoulders in his arms. He dragged the heavy body into the hole and laid Jin’s body gently. He arranged Jin’s limbs and placed the tantō beside Jin and closed the wooden door back on the floor.

Kazuya took a canter of oil and scattered it on the wooden floor, then he reached out for a metal torch that was hanging on the wall beside him. He kneeled in front of the wooden door and took another tantō and gripped it tightly with his right hand.

Loud banging echoed through the temple. Smoke started seeping from the spaces under the door and from the windows.

“Together always, we promised.” Kazuya whispered as he raised the small sword up and pushed it towards his stomach, a searing pain crept in his body. The torch fell from his hand and ignited the oil covered floor, making it light up ablaze. He gripped the tantō with both hands and pushed it upwards. Kazuya bellowed in agony as the fire started licking his skin.

“What the hell were you two doing? Do you know what I felt when I saw your room empty and both of you gone then finding both of you unconscious outside?” Nakamaru shrieked while running a hand though his messed up hair. He paced back and forth then glared at the two occupants of the room.

Jin and Kazuya looked at each with blank looks on their faces. They both shrugged their shoulders sheepishly which made Nakamaru sigh exasperatedly at them.

“Never ever do that again!” Nakamaru warned and stomped out of the room in a huff. Jin and Kazuya could hear him grumbling about taking care of a bunch of kids.

They both looked at each other feeling full of overwhelming emotions. They don’t know where to start but all they knew was they were together which should always be.

Jin took a deep breath and stood up from his bed. Kazuya looked at him curiously and scooted over to make space for the other. Jin slid beside his lover and wound an arm on Kazuya’s shoulders.

Kazuya sighed deeply and rested his head on Jin’s chest. Everything that they’d found out was too tremendous and they could only express them through each other’s comfort. Kazuya opened his mouth but was interrupted by Jin who placed a finger on his lips and then kissed his forehead tenderly.

“Rest first.” Jin said as he cuddled Kazuya and closed his eyes to sleep.

Kazuya nodded and snuggled onto Jin’s chest, burrowing his face onto the scent he would always crave.

They would talk later, for now sleep would be the best thing for them.

Kazuya laid a bouquet of mixed flowers tied together by a white silk ribbon on the unmarked grave. He bowed his head and gripped Jin’s hand tightly.

“That’s why they couldn’t find the body or any trace of it at all. Ran made sure no one would ever find Nobunaga. He was the only one who knew and he died with that secret. He sacrificed himself so no one would ever find out. He loved him that much.” Jin said as he tugged Kazuya closer to him and put an arm around the curvy waist.

“Now it’s our secret, one that we’ll take to our own graves until they find someone else to tell it to again.” Kazuya whispered. He laid his head onto Jin’s shoulder and sighed deeply. His heart felt like it would burst from the overwhelming feeling of how much Ranmaru and Nobunaga had sacrificed for their country and their love for each other. He raised his head and saw Jin staring at him with those soulful dark brown eyes and the intensity of how much he was loved hit Kazuya deep inside. He knew what Ranmaru had felt all those years back. If the situation was to occur again he would have done the exact same thing. He would sacrifice his life for the one who owns his heart, body and soul.

“Let’s go.”Jin intertwined his hands with Kazuya and smiled at him. He saw the other look up at him and smile in return. They turned around and walked towards the beaten path all the way back to the hotel, hands never letting go.

A powerful breeze blew past by and scattered the loose petals of the mixed flowers into the air, stirring around the unmarked grave then falling back onto the ground, slowly caressing the soil like a lover.

The wind stroked the trees in a hushed undertone which spoke volumes of stories of hard fought battles, of sacrifice and honour, of friendship and betrayal and most of all of a love that would never end.

"This is how it must be, Ran." Nobunaga's voice was weak.

"Nobunaga-sama..."

"I pray," Nobunaga coughed, clearing his throat as he tried to speak his last thoughts. It would be soon. His death would come soon. "I pray that we will be together again…in a world with no more war."

Ranmaru held his lord's hands tightly and holding them to his chest when Nobunaga breathed his last. He closed Nobunaga's eyes as the silhouettes of those approaching cleared up, illuminated by the fire clawing its way up through the temple of Honnō-ji.

"It will be seen to, my lord. I promise."