018 ♫ (voice)

[behisstrength]

There is a curse upon us. I saw my mark glow last night, and Mitsuhide experienced the same. Yet the nature of this curse currently eludes us. Has anyone experienced its effects?

Speaking of time, there are a mere two weeks left until the New Year arrives. The passage of a year... [Motochika trails off, an edge of private mirth to his tone.] It shall be a significant day indeed.

I hope to see a repeat of last year's celebrations.


[Private to Household]

Gracia, Japan. Mitsuhide and I are going out. We won't return tonight. You shall have to fend for yourselves this evening.

[/message]

Comments

action onwards;

[wavesoakedlegs]

[Well, there's little point in replying to that over the SFC.]

[Mitsuhide is currently sat on the beach staring out to sea, a few bags at his side. When Motochika comments on being close, the younger samurai turns around on the sand and scans the area until he can spot his lover drawing closer.]

[He stands up when Motochika is close enough to talk to, dusting some of the sand away from his kimono and folding his hands in front of him. Then he says, in greeting:]

I have often thought you would look fetching in red.

[A pause, and then Mitsuhide shakes his head.]

Well, that's definitely not true.

[behisstrength]

[Motochika raises his eyebrows, but only smirks. It is true that red's not his colour -- it clashes with his sea-green tattoos.]

Indeed not. However... [he glances Mitsuhide over, eyes lively] you look very fetching in blue.

[wavesoakedlegs]

Of course you think so. [Mitsuhide's smile is gentle, his eyes fond.] Especially when it's one of your shades of blue. You are very possessive, my Lord.

[He steps in close to give Motochika a light kiss.]

You asked me to meet you here, and I have what you asked me to bring, too. Where are we going?

[behisstrength]

[Motochika lifts his chin and looks into the distance, in the direction they shall need to head.]

The lighthouse. It's a long walk, but a pleasant one. We should reach the top before the sun sets.

[He smiles with clear affection, before he picks up one of the bags and then extends his free hand to Mitsuhide, palm up. Expectant, he watches his lover.]

[wavesoakedlegs]

[Mitsuhide picks up the remaining bag himself, and adjusts it so he can carry it comfortably.]

The top? Are we to spend the night within the highest part of the lighthouse?

[The younger samurai takes his lover's hand and holds it firmly, without really thinking about it. It's a habit now, an automatic gesture.]

The view from there should be beautiful. A good thing I brought my camera, then.

[behisstrength]

[It's a gesture that pleases Motochika immensely, a simple but laden intimacy.

Motochika begins to lead on, his pace slow and languid. The seaside air, the natural light and the wind are all very nice indeed, the scenery is stunning, and while their destination is far, it's not so far that they need to rush.]

A fine inclusion.

[He says appreciatively.]

I look forward to capturing the sight of your unbound hair caught upon the wind as you smile for me alone, endless sky and sea behind you.

[wavesoakedlegs]

[It says a lot about Motochika that Mitsuhide isn't sure if that was a true confession, or simply Motochika saying what is on his mind. It's not like there are many truths his lover would be hesitant to talk about. It is Mitsuhide who is prone to embarassment, not Motochika.]

[So he simply smiles softly, shifting his gaze so he can regard the other man as they walk.]

So you intend to unbind my hair and steal away my camera?

[He laughs quietly.]

Perhaps I shall use my hair as a curtain, and hide my smile away from you.

[behisstrength]

I will ensure that you face the wind. You cannot hide from me, Mitsuhide.

[Motochika answers with confidence.]

[wavesoakedlegs]

How are you so certain of that?

[Mitsuhide tilts his head a fraction, and raises an eyebrow.]

I think you are overconfident in the matter, my Lord.

[behisstrength]

We shall see.

[The curve of his lips and his tone of voice make it clear that he believes he will win; there is an issued challenge in his gaze as he regards Mitsuhide.]

[wavesoakedlegs]

[Mitsuhide makes an amused hum, but says nothing more for a few moments. But that's only so he can decide on a response.]

[His bag is secure over his shoulder, his hair is tired back, so perhaps the best response would be to... yes. Why not? The younger samurai stops in his tracks, gently tugging at his lover to encourage him to stop as well.]

Lord Motochika? [He says, with great innocence.] A moment?

[behisstrength]

Oh?

[Motochika says as stops, warmed and amused. His smirk is pronounced -- he'll play along.]

[wavesoakedlegs]

[Mitsuhide pulls his hand away from Motochika's grasp and then slowly, dramatically unbinds his hair. The silky black hair falls loose down his back, though it does not remain still. The wind pushes it about.]

[He turns around to face Motochika properly and tilts his head up, so he can kiss the other man.]

[STEP ONE, complete!]

[behisstrength]

[Motochika brings his now free hand to Mitsuhide's hair, threading his fingers into the silky mass as he kisses Mitsuhide in turn. This he is more than happy to fall into, though it cannot be all that Mitsuhide has in mind.

It's more than worth the risk, every time.]

[wavesoakedlegs]

[Mitsuhide is, of course, aware that Motochika cannot resist. He counted on it, and hums with pleasure as he lingers in the kiss for a few moments.]

[There is, of course, step two to get on with, and so after a short while Mitsuhide brings both of his hands up to his lover's chest and gives him something of a push. Not too hard of one, just enough to push him back.]

[And then he immediately turns and runs, as fast as he can manage in the direction of the lighthouse.]

Let's see if you get your own way now! [Mitsuhide calls out, laughter in his voice as he speeds away.]

[behisstrength]

[Ah, there it is. Motochika shakes his head and huffs a laugh, before giving Mitsuhide chase.]

[wavesoakedlegs]

[Mitsuhide is quick on his feet; certainly nothing approaching a ninja's speed, but swift nonetheless. His hair streams behind him as he runs, bag banging against his side. There is little chance of him keeping this kind of speed up for too long, but he'll maintain it for as long as he is able.]

[Can't make it easy for Motochika, after all.]

[After a short while their path takes Mitsuhide from the sand onto the grass. This is a much easier surface to run on, and so he can afford to glance over his shoulder and see how far away his lover is.]

[behisstrength]

[While Motochika hasn't caught up yet -- he's not faster than his lover on land -- he's hot on Mitsuhide's heels, relishing both the challenge and the chase. When Mitsuhide looks to him, Motochika calls out.]

How long can you keep up your pace?

[There is an underlying promise in his lively words -- I will catch you. It is a contest of endurance at heart, until the rules are changed.]

[wavesoakedlegs]

[Mitsuhide does not make a vocal reply; he merely smiles playfully and turns his head back round, facing forward once more. They are approaching a rockier patch; rather than running around any of the stony obstacles, the samurai either jumps over them or, for the taller ones, onto and from them.]

[It slows him down, of course, but the chances are it will slow Motochika down as well.]

[This is a refreshing run, even without the added thrill of their chase. The end result is inevitable because their destination is the same; Mitsuhide will indeed be caught. But that is not a bad thing.]

[That moment where he is finally 'pounced' upon will be rather exciting, truth be told.]

[behisstrength]

[Motochika does much the same as Mitsuhide, in regards to their terrain, losing no ground in the process -- though if he makes any, it is only a fraction of the distance between them.

But he is patient, and ready to seize opportunity as it arises. He keeps the pressure on Mitsuhide.]

[wavesoakedlegs]

[The lighthouse draws closer and closer as they race; the speed at which they are going means they should get there well before sunset. That is, of course, provided nothing happens to stop them in their tracks.]

[Mitsuhide does, after a while, have to slow down a little in order to stop himself from getting exhausted too soon. No matter. He looks back again, and with a mischevious smile says:]

I have frequent and vivid fantasies about tying you up!

[...whatever he had actually intended to say is forgotten, in the wake of that confession. It's a very good job that nobody else seems to be around. Without saying another word, Mitsuhide looks ahead once more, that smile replaced with an extremely embarassed expression.]

[Vatheon did enjoy messing with their minds, didn't it?]

[behisstrength]

[Motochika blinks, then smirks fully.]

That is a truth.

[He asserts with confidence, and in opposition to Mitsuhide he speeds up. He reaches for his lover, a swiftly attempted grab.]

What was the last one?

[Motochika asks as he does so, with interest.]

[wavesoakedlegs]

[Apparently, the race is over; Motochika's attempt at grabbing Mitsuhide is successful. The younger samurai almost trips up, but he is graceful enough to just about avoid doing so.]

[He exhales softly.]

Lord Motochika...

[That smirk... Mitsuhide knows it well, very well, and thus cannot stop himself from flushing lightly. He is fully aware that his lover will be quite determined in his efforts to hear about that last fantasy (which he can certainly remember clearly enough), but there is very little chance of him describing it in such an open place.]

Must you ask here?

[Maybe in the lighthouse. Maybe. Mitsuhide attempts to tug away.]

[behisstrength]

[He cannot deny that he enjoys flustering his lover.]

No.

[Motochika doesn't let go when Mitsuhide tugs; instead he pulls Mitsuhide towards him and then releases his hold so that he can wind his arm around Mitsuhide's waist instead.]

I can be patient if you intend to indulge me.

[wavesoakedlegs]

I may choose to indulge you.

[Mitsuhide sighs, shakes his head, but then smiles again.]

But I make no guarantees, my Lord. I think I spoil you plenty as it is.

[He does not hold onto Motochika at all, instead staying limp in the other man's arms and watching him with soft amusement in his eyes. Perhaps his actions are meant to reflect his words?]