[Fic] Kokoro no bodyguard - Chapter 6
Title: Kokoro no Bodyguard
Author: theblackheat
Pairing(s): Akanishi/Kamenashi
Rating: later NC-17
Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Romantic, Drama, AU
Beta by: Ka-chan, and big thanks for giving me this beautiful idea that can't let me sleep :P XD
Disclaimer: I don't own the guys only the plot.
Summary: “Kamenashi Kazuya, You will abandon everything from now on, your ancestors, your possession, your rights and your life to serve your new daimyou(1) Akanishi Jin, from Akanishi clan until your last heartbeat?” Kame raised his gaze up from the floor in all submission to the tall and majestic young man in front of him in the deep purple sokutai(2) made of the finest silk. His dark long hair was held up and hid under a black kanmuri(3) like the aristocrats wear it and making his cheekbones more visible. It caused the young man hold his breath for a short time when those deep brown eyes fall on him and pinned him to the ground. The samurai gulped hardly and breathed out the words before he bent down and kissed his lord’s sword.
“On my oath”
Warning: Despit this is a historical fanfic, most of the names/places are only figment of my imagination! Character's death! (but I don't tell whose ;P)
Author Note: (1) lord (2) is complex attire only worn by courtiers, aristocrats and the emperor at the court in Japan. Part of a sokutai are the shaku, a flat ritual baton or sceptre (3) and a hat called kanmuri
Prologue // Chapter 1 // Chapter 2 // Chapter 3 // Chapter 4 // Chapter 5
Getting back back into the rut, seems. I managed the next chapter in time. n__n
So have fun! :D
Update:
- Chapter 6 -
“… and that was what you were hiding?” Takeda asked the younger doubtingly. He couldn’t believe that Kazuya had no trust in him and haven’t talked about it. First he thought it was the heir who forbade talking about it, but after he has listened to the whole story, it became clear that his friend was the cause. Kazuya must have felt ashamed and wanted not to appear weak. But at least the younger should have talked to him, as his best friend. He sighed with a pinning feeling in his heart.
“You know Take, I didn’t want them to know about my… training. I was… afraid that… “ Kazuya started and felt even guiltier. Having weaknesses was hard to admit even for himself. He didn’t want to let others know about them. At least he wanted as less people get to know about it as possible. It seemed he failed when his friend found him not long ago and dragged him to the next rest-house.
“That was the reason you had bad dreams?”
The young samurai nodded uncertainly. “Something like that.”
“I so knew it!”
“Sorry Take. I didn’t want to cause you a headache.” Kazuya bowed again while sitting. Recently he was pretty good in getting himself into trouble or keen situation. He was embarrassed enough not to share it on the top of that.
“When we became friends I told you, you can talk to me about everything. Have you forgotten about that?”
“You know, I’m so clumsy if it goes to conversations. I feel kind of... uncomfortable.”
“But we are talking about ME. I’ve told you more embarrassing things already I’ve made, haven’t I?” the taller man laughed and filled their cups with a new portion of sake.
“Yes, you have.” Kamenashi admitted and gulped his drink down. He has heard more than enough drunken stories about luscious women deep inside those geisha houses. It gave a different description about the building, than the beautiful man has carried among his memories from his childhood. It was exactly the opposite. Maybe he was afraid to face those houses because he wanted to treasure those memories longer inside him. If Take was right his little picture from a peaceful and fairy place would break into tiny pieces.
“Don’t be such a fool. The one you can trust fully is me, that’s for sure.” Takeda lifted his drink into the air and winked at the young man before he emptied his cup. “Ah, you know what? To show you that I trust you the most I will share my secret with you.”
Kazuya looked dumbfounded at his friend and hoped it won’t be a shameless little story again. On the other hand he was curious what secret could his guard mate hide from him.
Take looked around checking if someone could hear them before he leaned closer to the beautiful man. He was a little tipsy but sane enough to lower his voice. He didn’t want the other people to hear him while talking into Kazuya’s ear.
“I got to know, that a few rebels are in the town and going to meet up inside the geisha house tomorrow.” the young samurai’s eyes grew wide in surprise while he was listening to his friend. The words slowly sank into his mind and couldn’t say anything except starring at Take questioningly. His black haired friend nodded and continued carefully. “I have a plan. I want to spy out what they want here.”
“What are you talking about, Take? Are you insane?” Kazuya whispered frightened. He thought his head had been cracked on the floor while training with the daimyou’s son, but it seemed his guard-mate had hit his own as well.
“Just listen. I have an insider, so it will go smoothly. I won’t do anything, just spy their conversation out. If I am right I can alarm the guards.”
“You’ve planned to go alone? That’s a suicide.”
“I won’t be alone. A geisha, who is a close friend, will help me.”
“No! You are risking innocent women’s life? I can’t let you go. That’s insane.” Kazuya was against the mission. He was shocked how easily his friend handled this dangerous and crazy idea. “Tell Ishikawa-san.”
“No! I have only some information. It’s not confirmed.” the tall man shook his head. It made Kamenashi more desperate and the young man took a tight grip on the other man’s cloth.
“Tell someone! Or I will tell them. I won’t let you go alone into a dangerous mission.”
“I don’t want to involve more people for nothing.”
“Then… I’m going with you.”
The two men looked into each other’s eyes steadily. Takeda was ready to scream the younger’s head off and scold him. He was not going to pull another victim into his secret mission.
“YOU… STAY!” The older guard emphasized each word while he was still almost whispering.
“No way! I’m going with you or tell Ishikawa-san. Choose!” Kazuya crossed his arms in front of him. If someone has to protect the heir in any way is rather him. It was time to show his skills and even Takeda was aware of them. No one could be a better partner in this mission than the young samurai.
“W-whatever!!!” the black haired man answered with gritted teeth and gave in finally. “But you have to follow strictly everything we have agreed about. Don’t make private actions to your own cost.”
“All right! First I want to hear all the details of your plan.”
“Yes, but not here and not now. We have to be careful. Let’s meet in the morning, after sunrise at the temple. We need a safe place to talk about it. Here is... too much audience.”
The two men agreed in union and turned back to their drink. Early in the morning, before the first beams of the sun, they will make a proper plan together, Kazuya was sure. After weeks he felt himself filled with braveness and determination again. Maybe this will help pulling himself out of the mud of self-pity and uncertainty.
***
It was the beginning of summer and a long row of work waited to be done. Farmers all over the prefecture had to send their estimates of their soon to be harvested produces. All the smaller cities and towns collected them and handed to the daimyou, whom they owned feudal dues.
Society was divided into two classes, nobility and peasants. The feudal system leaned on four tiers while some Japanese lived above the system, and some below. In the highest ranking were the Emperor and the Shogun. Daimyous were powerful landlords and the most powerful rulers under the Shogun. Within their province the Daimyou had complete military and economic power. The lord had vast hereditary land holdings and armies to protect the land and its workers. His army was made up of samurais, the third tier. They worked under the daimyou and were ranked above the common people. The fourth tier was made of the peasants.
Farmers were the highest ranked, because they produced the food that all the other classes depended upon. Although they lived under a crushing tax burden for much of the feudal era. Under them were the artisans, who worked with wood and metal. Merchants were the lowest ranking because it was felt they made their living off of other people's work.
Akanishi had a long and tiring day again inside his study. Tones of paper work and what’s more he had to carry on correspondence with all the stewards in each town in the prefecture. It was hard, but in the end of the day at least Jin was able to write a report to his father. It filled him with satisfaction that the work went well and he knew that it will make the daimyou be proud of him.
The last letter Jin sent to his father was after he arrived back to the castle in safety. It was already more than a month he spent at home and he seemed to fit into his post. Around a week ago he got a letter from the daimyou answering at his and sending words of staying longer in Kyoto. Once you were close to the Emperor you couldn’t so easily step off from the royal court. Jin could read between the lines if it went to his father and he was able to feel how much the daimyou missed his family. That’s why he wanted to finish that report and send him. Something that would make the land lord happy and pleased.
Akanishi stretched his legs and lied onto his back on the tatami. His carved blackwood table was almost emptied above him, from the heaped paper piles. He did a good job and deserved to spoil his own body, but right now he couldn’t think about any exercise in the dojou. Actually in the past weeks Jin released the tenseness, which was built up inside him, in the training room with Kamenashi. Somehow it made him good and cleared his mind, but after he got busier he had to skip those practices.
Little more than a month passed and Jin was too busy to think about fun. Fun and women. Those two always walked hand in hand for him. When he has spent his time in Kyoto he has had both whenever he has met his friends. City life was different from the village. When he has arrived to Kyoto he has been still wet behind the ears. Everything was new and the buzzing of the big city carried him away.
Maybe the pomp and circumstance have made him forget about home and family for a while, but in the course of time his thoughts have wandered more and more times onto his family. He had to admit he missed them. There was no friendship or beautiful girl, who could replace them.
Well, he has had some crush and has broken some heart, but the love hasn’t touched his own heart yet. As a young and handsome man, he was popular with women. The charm was one of the Akanishi’s weapons and was hereditary from descendant to descendant. Jin didn't have to do anything to make women lie in front of his feet. He was spoiled by his fate.
Actually somehow until now he hasn’t had to face missing a woman’s company. But right now that was where his thoughts wandered, into a woman’s embracing arms. A soft body with full of desire raising curves, which would be eager to spoil the son of the daimyou all night long. Yes, a devoted lover.
The long fingers brushed into the dark locks and Jin gave out a tired sigh. All the time he has spent with taking the task of the daimyou he forgot about his needs. The needs of a young man. The needs which was screaming now for attention. It seemed that it was time to give in. Anyway it has been long ago when he has visited a geisha house. Only servants were in his surroundings. It would have been easy to pull a willing housemaid into the next corner and he was sure, he would have got more than one candidate for that, but that was not his type of game.
He was rather the man who liked to have a few drinks and enjoy the company. But maybe today he was not in the mood to try to win a young woman’s favor. He wanted it simple without fussiness. Akanishi stretched his body again and sat up. He was ready to take a hot bath in the onsen(1) on his way and after that he will visit the house of fun. Or at least he was certain about that on this night he will have his fun inside the hanamachi(2).
***
Takeda took the small cup into his hand and gulped the liquid down. He was doing nothing else but repeating the movement for a while. It went on until the small ceramic bottle was emptied. The tall man acknowledged the fact with a sigh, that he was alone inside one of the rooms of the geisha house. Totally alone. Without Kamenashi who was preparing himself.
As that thought hit the guard’s mind anger rose inside him again with a new wave. His hand hit the tatami with such a force that the ceramic sake set turned over on the polished wooden tray clinking. His nervousness hasn’t disappeared since he has met Kazuya at the temple and the younger has turned the older man’s plan upside-down.
After the young man heard that Take will send the young Keiko inside a room - maybe filled with a bounce of men who are probably up to some mischief - he stepped in. The young samurai couldn’t let such an unprotected girl make the most of the job. First Kazuya wanted to cancel the whole mission, but after he saw how determined his black haired friend was, he took the task upon himself.
…
“I can play that role, just leave it to me.” the younger man's voice came as a murmur. He was not convinced himself as well, but in those circumstances he couldn’t come up with a better idea. At least if something turns wrong, he can fight.
“You are kidding me, aren’t you?” the taller man looked at Kamenashi with a shocked face. Well he could imagine his friend wearing a beautiful geisha kimono, because the younger man looked so feminine, but rather he didn’t want that image into his mind. Absolutely no way. Even if Kazuya would try it, he could become exposed in no time. “That can’t work out good.”
“I’m capable of doing that.” Kazuya shot back with furrowed eyes.
“You are crazy! How did you think you can hide, that you are a man… what is more a guard of the daimyou.”
“You don’t know me Take. When I’m saying that I’m capable, I mean it too. I don’t want to explain why, but… just let it be enough, that I can do it.”
His guardmate looked at the sky waiting for miracle. Maybe the Gods can hear him and send a sign or at least a lightning strike down at him leaving a small pile of ash. It would be a fast and human way of death. Not like in the other way when the bounce of men would use their bodies as a pincushion of their katanas. Or in case if the guards or even the daimyou himself get to know it. That punishment would not be gentler as the former version.
“Anyway you can’t be serious about sending a girl into that room spying. I won’t let it.” the young man was still determined and relentless. Takeda saw he had no other choice left. The time urged them from the other side. The dark haired man was not convinced, but gave in finally.
“Alright! But, I have some terms. I will stay as close as possible and our horses too. I want to make ourselves secure. At least leave a few ways to escape for us.” Take sighed but his look was still sincere. His serious expression made a good job with hiding his inner uneasiness which took over his thoughts like a black army of a self-possessed land lord. Only the hope he had left, was that everything is going well.
…
There was he, a few hours later, more nervous and in a hopeless situation waiting for Kamenashi to be ready. When the sliding door was opened carefully and two geishas stepped inside he turned to face them. One was Keiko with her fragile figure. He could recognize the girl even under that thick makeup she always wore. The other geisha was a little bit taller than Keiko. Both of them moved as they have learned, slowly and elegant with tiny steps approaching. The guard couldn’t tear his eyes from the strange woman until they have sat down in front of him to the tatami and Kamenashi started to talk.
“What do you think?” the young man asked with a slight smirk on his face.
The guard’s eyes were ready to pop out of his head while staring in disbelief. He couldn’t recognize his friend until he didn’t hear the familiar voice. It was unbelievable how the young man turned to be a professional geisha only in two hours.
Kazuya had more layers of silky kimono on, fixed with an decorative obi(3) around his waist. The first was a pompous beige with yellowish and red flowers loose-fitting robe hanging from the guy. Under that a simple purple kimono, which was carefully closed high up and even a white scarf-like collar hid the young man’s body. The purple kimono was six inches longer reaching till the ankles where the tabi(4) continued. His hair was tied up into a ponytail which was rolled into a chignon and fixed with shell comb and some flowers. Only the two sides were let out and the long smooth locks reached till his waist. The makeup, he wore was not that tick as geishas wear usually, but some white was added to his skin. Only the lips and the eyes were highlighted with darker color giving some contrast.
“Uh, … well… looks impressing… I guess.” Takeda gulped a small lump down while eyeing Kamenashi in geisha outfit in front of him.
“Then, let’s begin with the show.” the beautiful man turned to the shy woman next to him excited.
“W-wait a little. Not so rushing.” the guard cut in. “I have to tell, that your appearance is bewildering, but… I’m afraid that it won’t be enough if they want to talk to you. Your voice is still sound quite manly.”
“I won’t talk to them, don’t worry. I will stay behind and serve sake while spying their conversation out. Just in case someone asks me something, I can turn my voice higher and I also can whisper. So I think everything is alright.” the young man straightened up to leave, but Takeda stopped him catching his silky kimono.
“What about the daggers I’ve given you?”
“Of course I’ve hid them into my clothes. Don’t worry! I can make it without those too. You know how good I’m in stealing swords from others.” Kazuya smirked and changed his expression back into that mysterious geisha’s who stepped into the room, before he left the guard behind gaping.
They walked along the gangway and stopped in front of another slide door. Keiko checked Kazuya's appearance to the last time before they opened the door. The young samurai was determined and ready for filling his task. It was almost like on the battle-field, raising excitement boiled his blood ready for the action. No one could hold him back, not even himself.
Chapter 7 >>>
(1) hot bath
(2) districts of geisha house
(3) sash for traditional Japanese dress
(4) ankle-high, divided-toe socks
AN: Nah, how was it? expected something like this? What do you think how it will continue? :)
Author: theblackheat
Pairing(s): Akanishi/Kamenashi
Rating: later NC-17
Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Romantic, Drama, AU
Beta by: Ka-chan, and big thanks for giving me this beautiful idea that can't let me sleep :P XD
Disclaimer: I don't own the guys only the plot.
Summary: “Kamenashi Kazuya, You will abandon everything from now on, your ancestors, your possession, your rights and your life to serve your new daimyou(1) Akanishi Jin, from Akanishi clan until your last heartbeat?” Kame raised his gaze up from the floor in all submission to the tall and majestic young man in front of him in the deep purple sokutai(2) made of the finest silk. His dark long hair was held up and hid under a black kanmuri(3) like the aristocrats wear it and making his cheekbones more visible. It caused the young man hold his breath for a short time when those deep brown eyes fall on him and pinned him to the ground. The samurai gulped hardly and breathed out the words before he bent down and kissed his lord’s sword.
“On my oath”
Warning: Despit this is a historical fanfic, most of the names/places are only figment of my imagination! Character's death! (but I don't tell whose ;P)
Author Note: (1) lord (2) is complex attire only worn by courtiers, aristocrats and the emperor at the court in Japan. Part of a sokutai are the shaku, a flat ritual baton or sceptre (3) and a hat called kanmuri
Prologue // Chapter 1 // Chapter 2 // Chapter 3 // Chapter 4 // Chapter 5
Getting back back into the rut, seems. I managed the next chapter in time. n__n
So have fun! :D
Update:
- Chapter 6 -
“… and that was what you were hiding?” Takeda asked the younger doubtingly. He couldn’t believe that Kazuya had no trust in him and haven’t talked about it. First he thought it was the heir who forbade talking about it, but after he has listened to the whole story, it became clear that his friend was the cause. Kazuya must have felt ashamed and wanted not to appear weak. But at least the younger should have talked to him, as his best friend. He sighed with a pinning feeling in his heart.
“You know Take, I didn’t want them to know about my… training. I was… afraid that… “ Kazuya started and felt even guiltier. Having weaknesses was hard to admit even for himself. He didn’t want to let others know about them. At least he wanted as less people get to know about it as possible. It seemed he failed when his friend found him not long ago and dragged him to the next rest-house.
“That was the reason you had bad dreams?”
The young samurai nodded uncertainly. “Something like that.”
“I so knew it!”
“Sorry Take. I didn’t want to cause you a headache.” Kazuya bowed again while sitting. Recently he was pretty good in getting himself into trouble or keen situation. He was embarrassed enough not to share it on the top of that.
“When we became friends I told you, you can talk to me about everything. Have you forgotten about that?”
“You know, I’m so clumsy if it goes to conversations. I feel kind of... uncomfortable.”
“But we are talking about ME. I’ve told you more embarrassing things already I’ve made, haven’t I?” the taller man laughed and filled their cups with a new portion of sake.
“Yes, you have.” Kamenashi admitted and gulped his drink down. He has heard more than enough drunken stories about luscious women deep inside those geisha houses. It gave a different description about the building, than the beautiful man has carried among his memories from his childhood. It was exactly the opposite. Maybe he was afraid to face those houses because he wanted to treasure those memories longer inside him. If Take was right his little picture from a peaceful and fairy place would break into tiny pieces.
“Don’t be such a fool. The one you can trust fully is me, that’s for sure.” Takeda lifted his drink into the air and winked at the young man before he emptied his cup. “Ah, you know what? To show you that I trust you the most I will share my secret with you.”
Kazuya looked dumbfounded at his friend and hoped it won’t be a shameless little story again. On the other hand he was curious what secret could his guard mate hide from him.
Take looked around checking if someone could hear them before he leaned closer to the beautiful man. He was a little tipsy but sane enough to lower his voice. He didn’t want the other people to hear him while talking into Kazuya’s ear.
“I got to know, that a few rebels are in the town and going to meet up inside the geisha house tomorrow.” the young samurai’s eyes grew wide in surprise while he was listening to his friend. The words slowly sank into his mind and couldn’t say anything except starring at Take questioningly. His black haired friend nodded and continued carefully. “I have a plan. I want to spy out what they want here.”
“What are you talking about, Take? Are you insane?” Kazuya whispered frightened. He thought his head had been cracked on the floor while training with the daimyou’s son, but it seemed his guard-mate had hit his own as well.
“Just listen. I have an insider, so it will go smoothly. I won’t do anything, just spy their conversation out. If I am right I can alarm the guards.”
“You’ve planned to go alone? That’s a suicide.”
“I won’t be alone. A geisha, who is a close friend, will help me.”
“No! You are risking innocent women’s life? I can’t let you go. That’s insane.” Kazuya was against the mission. He was shocked how easily his friend handled this dangerous and crazy idea. “Tell Ishikawa-san.”
“No! I have only some information. It’s not confirmed.” the tall man shook his head. It made Kamenashi more desperate and the young man took a tight grip on the other man’s cloth.
“Tell someone! Or I will tell them. I won’t let you go alone into a dangerous mission.”
“I don’t want to involve more people for nothing.”
“Then… I’m going with you.”
The two men looked into each other’s eyes steadily. Takeda was ready to scream the younger’s head off and scold him. He was not going to pull another victim into his secret mission.
“YOU… STAY!” The older guard emphasized each word while he was still almost whispering.
“No way! I’m going with you or tell Ishikawa-san. Choose!” Kazuya crossed his arms in front of him. If someone has to protect the heir in any way is rather him. It was time to show his skills and even Takeda was aware of them. No one could be a better partner in this mission than the young samurai.
“W-whatever!!!” the black haired man answered with gritted teeth and gave in finally. “But you have to follow strictly everything we have agreed about. Don’t make private actions to your own cost.”
“All right! First I want to hear all the details of your plan.”
“Yes, but not here and not now. We have to be careful. Let’s meet in the morning, after sunrise at the temple. We need a safe place to talk about it. Here is... too much audience.”
The two men agreed in union and turned back to their drink. Early in the morning, before the first beams of the sun, they will make a proper plan together, Kazuya was sure. After weeks he felt himself filled with braveness and determination again. Maybe this will help pulling himself out of the mud of self-pity and uncertainty.
***
It was the beginning of summer and a long row of work waited to be done. Farmers all over the prefecture had to send their estimates of their soon to be harvested produces. All the smaller cities and towns collected them and handed to the daimyou, whom they owned feudal dues.
Society was divided into two classes, nobility and peasants. The feudal system leaned on four tiers while some Japanese lived above the system, and some below. In the highest ranking were the Emperor and the Shogun. Daimyous were powerful landlords and the most powerful rulers under the Shogun. Within their province the Daimyou had complete military and economic power. The lord had vast hereditary land holdings and armies to protect the land and its workers. His army was made up of samurais, the third tier. They worked under the daimyou and were ranked above the common people. The fourth tier was made of the peasants.
Farmers were the highest ranked, because they produced the food that all the other classes depended upon. Although they lived under a crushing tax burden for much of the feudal era. Under them were the artisans, who worked with wood and metal. Merchants were the lowest ranking because it was felt they made their living off of other people's work.
Akanishi had a long and tiring day again inside his study. Tones of paper work and what’s more he had to carry on correspondence with all the stewards in each town in the prefecture. It was hard, but in the end of the day at least Jin was able to write a report to his father. It filled him with satisfaction that the work went well and he knew that it will make the daimyou be proud of him.
The last letter Jin sent to his father was after he arrived back to the castle in safety. It was already more than a month he spent at home and he seemed to fit into his post. Around a week ago he got a letter from the daimyou answering at his and sending words of staying longer in Kyoto. Once you were close to the Emperor you couldn’t so easily step off from the royal court. Jin could read between the lines if it went to his father and he was able to feel how much the daimyou missed his family. That’s why he wanted to finish that report and send him. Something that would make the land lord happy and pleased.
Akanishi stretched his legs and lied onto his back on the tatami. His carved blackwood table was almost emptied above him, from the heaped paper piles. He did a good job and deserved to spoil his own body, but right now he couldn’t think about any exercise in the dojou. Actually in the past weeks Jin released the tenseness, which was built up inside him, in the training room with Kamenashi. Somehow it made him good and cleared his mind, but after he got busier he had to skip those practices.
Little more than a month passed and Jin was too busy to think about fun. Fun and women. Those two always walked hand in hand for him. When he has spent his time in Kyoto he has had both whenever he has met his friends. City life was different from the village. When he has arrived to Kyoto he has been still wet behind the ears. Everything was new and the buzzing of the big city carried him away.
Maybe the pomp and circumstance have made him forget about home and family for a while, but in the course of time his thoughts have wandered more and more times onto his family. He had to admit he missed them. There was no friendship or beautiful girl, who could replace them.
Well, he has had some crush and has broken some heart, but the love hasn’t touched his own heart yet. As a young and handsome man, he was popular with women. The charm was one of the Akanishi’s weapons and was hereditary from descendant to descendant. Jin didn't have to do anything to make women lie in front of his feet. He was spoiled by his fate.
Actually somehow until now he hasn’t had to face missing a woman’s company. But right now that was where his thoughts wandered, into a woman’s embracing arms. A soft body with full of desire raising curves, which would be eager to spoil the son of the daimyou all night long. Yes, a devoted lover.
The long fingers brushed into the dark locks and Jin gave out a tired sigh. All the time he has spent with taking the task of the daimyou he forgot about his needs. The needs of a young man. The needs which was screaming now for attention. It seemed that it was time to give in. Anyway it has been long ago when he has visited a geisha house. Only servants were in his surroundings. It would have been easy to pull a willing housemaid into the next corner and he was sure, he would have got more than one candidate for that, but that was not his type of game.
He was rather the man who liked to have a few drinks and enjoy the company. But maybe today he was not in the mood to try to win a young woman’s favor. He wanted it simple without fussiness. Akanishi stretched his body again and sat up. He was ready to take a hot bath in the onsen(1) on his way and after that he will visit the house of fun. Or at least he was certain about that on this night he will have his fun inside the hanamachi(2).
***
Takeda took the small cup into his hand and gulped the liquid down. He was doing nothing else but repeating the movement for a while. It went on until the small ceramic bottle was emptied. The tall man acknowledged the fact with a sigh, that he was alone inside one of the rooms of the geisha house. Totally alone. Without Kamenashi who was preparing himself.
As that thought hit the guard’s mind anger rose inside him again with a new wave. His hand hit the tatami with such a force that the ceramic sake set turned over on the polished wooden tray clinking. His nervousness hasn’t disappeared since he has met Kazuya at the temple and the younger has turned the older man’s plan upside-down.
After the young man heard that Take will send the young Keiko inside a room - maybe filled with a bounce of men who are probably up to some mischief - he stepped in. The young samurai couldn’t let such an unprotected girl make the most of the job. First Kazuya wanted to cancel the whole mission, but after he saw how determined his black haired friend was, he took the task upon himself.
…
“I can play that role, just leave it to me.” the younger man's voice came as a murmur. He was not convinced himself as well, but in those circumstances he couldn’t come up with a better idea. At least if something turns wrong, he can fight.
“You are kidding me, aren’t you?” the taller man looked at Kamenashi with a shocked face. Well he could imagine his friend wearing a beautiful geisha kimono, because the younger man looked so feminine, but rather he didn’t want that image into his mind. Absolutely no way. Even if Kazuya would try it, he could become exposed in no time. “That can’t work out good.”
“I’m capable of doing that.” Kazuya shot back with furrowed eyes.
“You are crazy! How did you think you can hide, that you are a man… what is more a guard of the daimyou.”
“You don’t know me Take. When I’m saying that I’m capable, I mean it too. I don’t want to explain why, but… just let it be enough, that I can do it.”
His guardmate looked at the sky waiting for miracle. Maybe the Gods can hear him and send a sign or at least a lightning strike down at him leaving a small pile of ash. It would be a fast and human way of death. Not like in the other way when the bounce of men would use their bodies as a pincushion of their katanas. Or in case if the guards or even the daimyou himself get to know it. That punishment would not be gentler as the former version.
“Anyway you can’t be serious about sending a girl into that room spying. I won’t let it.” the young man was still determined and relentless. Takeda saw he had no other choice left. The time urged them from the other side. The dark haired man was not convinced, but gave in finally.
“Alright! But, I have some terms. I will stay as close as possible and our horses too. I want to make ourselves secure. At least leave a few ways to escape for us.” Take sighed but his look was still sincere. His serious expression made a good job with hiding his inner uneasiness which took over his thoughts like a black army of a self-possessed land lord. Only the hope he had left, was that everything is going well.
…
There was he, a few hours later, more nervous and in a hopeless situation waiting for Kamenashi to be ready. When the sliding door was opened carefully and two geishas stepped inside he turned to face them. One was Keiko with her fragile figure. He could recognize the girl even under that thick makeup she always wore. The other geisha was a little bit taller than Keiko. Both of them moved as they have learned, slowly and elegant with tiny steps approaching. The guard couldn’t tear his eyes from the strange woman until they have sat down in front of him to the tatami and Kamenashi started to talk.
“What do you think?” the young man asked with a slight smirk on his face.
The guard’s eyes were ready to pop out of his head while staring in disbelief. He couldn’t recognize his friend until he didn’t hear the familiar voice. It was unbelievable how the young man turned to be a professional geisha only in two hours.
Kazuya had more layers of silky kimono on, fixed with an decorative obi(3) around his waist. The first was a pompous beige with yellowish and red flowers loose-fitting robe hanging from the guy. Under that a simple purple kimono, which was carefully closed high up and even a white scarf-like collar hid the young man’s body. The purple kimono was six inches longer reaching till the ankles where the tabi(4) continued. His hair was tied up into a ponytail which was rolled into a chignon and fixed with shell comb and some flowers. Only the two sides were let out and the long smooth locks reached till his waist. The makeup, he wore was not that tick as geishas wear usually, but some white was added to his skin. Only the lips and the eyes were highlighted with darker color giving some contrast.
“Uh, … well… looks impressing… I guess.” Takeda gulped a small lump down while eyeing Kamenashi in geisha outfit in front of him.
“Then, let’s begin with the show.” the beautiful man turned to the shy woman next to him excited.
“W-wait a little. Not so rushing.” the guard cut in. “I have to tell, that your appearance is bewildering, but… I’m afraid that it won’t be enough if they want to talk to you. Your voice is still sound quite manly.”
“I won’t talk to them, don’t worry. I will stay behind and serve sake while spying their conversation out. Just in case someone asks me something, I can turn my voice higher and I also can whisper. So I think everything is alright.” the young man straightened up to leave, but Takeda stopped him catching his silky kimono.
“What about the daggers I’ve given you?”
“Of course I’ve hid them into my clothes. Don’t worry! I can make it without those too. You know how good I’m in stealing swords from others.” Kazuya smirked and changed his expression back into that mysterious geisha’s who stepped into the room, before he left the guard behind gaping.
They walked along the gangway and stopped in front of another slide door. Keiko checked Kazuya's appearance to the last time before they opened the door. The young samurai was determined and ready for filling his task. It was almost like on the battle-field, raising excitement boiled his blood ready for the action. No one could hold him back, not even himself.
Chapter 7 >>>
(1) hot bath
(2) districts of geisha house
(3) sash for traditional Japanese dress
(4) ankle-high, divided-toe socks
AN: Nah, how was it? expected something like this? What do you think how it will continue? :)