caughtinanetwork | [079]

[ Gracia's currently in the kitchen fixing herself up a snack - one that doesn't involve cooking, of course. Her hands are messy, stained with peanut butter (?) as she waves at the SFC. She looks very happy to see him up and about at last! ]

Father! You look refreshed! [ She smiles widely. ] I'm making the "sandwich!" I'll make you one too, and then I can come up to talk!

[Refreshed is not fully accurate, but Mitsuhide smiles and nods nonetheless. His gaze falls upon her messy hands before he speaks.]

As you wish, my girl.

[His eyes slide closed.]

May I ask for a cup of water, in that case?

[ She nods, glad to oblige to his request. ]

I'll be up in a little while!

[ Gracia finishes her sandwich, which consisted of peanut butter, tuna flakes, seaweed, and ketchup to top it off, then washes her hands and makes her father a sandwich with some of the peach jam they were able to acquire from the locals. And thankfully, she spreads just peach jam into the sandwich. She brings up both her meal and her father's meal on a tray, with his cold cup of water as well, and enters their room without knocking. She's been in and out of their room for the whole week, alternating between watching over them and leaving to go do her own errands.

Gracia greets her father with her trademark bright smile as she approaches. ]

Father, I brought what you asked for! And I made you a sandwich, because you do look a little hungry. [ A laugh. ] We can eat together!

Thank you.

[Mitsuhide is sat at his desk, plaiting his hair; the work is nearly done. Motochika is still fast asleep in bed. Every now and again one might notice that Mitsuhide's gaze lingers on his lover for a few moments, expectant, like he believes the other man will wake up very soon.]

I am very hungry, Tama. Technically it has been more than a week since I last ate.

[His gaze fell upon her sandwich... and it was almost enough to wipe any trace of hunger away. His eyes widened. What on earth was that? His daughter was a poor cook, but the concept of a sandwich was extraordinarily simple.]

Good heavens, do you truly intend to eat that?

[ Gracia sets the tray down and looks at her sandwich. She tilts her head to the side and looks back at her father without much surprise. ]

I'm experimenting! That's what cooking is about, right? [ She smiles reassuringly. ] If it's not delicious, then I know what not to try next time!

[ She hands him his own sandwich and his cup of water as she takes a seat on the closest surface. Before she speaks, she briefly glances at Motochika's sleeping form. ] He'll awaken soon, too, I'm sure! But Father, you needed to talk to me?

You need to put some thought into the ingredients you mix, Tama. Yes, experimentation can produce interesting results, but you don't simply put random things together.

[Mitsuhide sighs, warm and amused. Another good example of how the young woman tends to do things without spending any time pondering on them first.]

Give some thought to flavours, and what might coordinate well, next time.

[With that said, he takes the food and cup from her with a grateful nod.]

I merely wished to know what you have been doing, whilst I and Lord Motochika slept.

[ She stops midway from taking a big bite from her sandwich. ]

I thought about it a little. [ Gracia raises her pointer finger up, explaining as if it was such sound logic 8'D ] The seaweed and the fish flakes go well together! The peanut butter and ketchup go well with the bread! So I thought if I mixed all these good things together, I'd end up with something even more delicious!

[ Gracia takes a bite of the sandwich afterwards, a crunch coming from the seaweed, and some of the peanut butter spills out of the sides, but otherwise her expression makes no reaction. She might actually like it...? She wipes the corner of her mouth with her finger before replying to his inquiry. ]

What I've been doing...Oh! I read my stories to you and Motochika when you were asleep. Right here, next to you two on the floor! [ The young woman smiles at him and gestures to the empty spot on the floor, directly next to their bed. ]

Edited 2012-07-07 17:28 (UTC)

[...that logic. What is that logic.]

For one, Tama, your sandwich is far too soggy. It will likely fall apart, after a few more bites.

[His daughter and cooking simply do not seem to go together at all. Even a simple sandwich has become an offensive foodstuff! Good heavens, merely watching her eat it makes him feel a touch unwell.]

We will talk about that another time. Clearly, my previous lessons on the basics have not worked very well.

[He eats half of his sandwich as she talks, not replying until he has downed much of his water as well. This will tide him over, though not for long.]

[It's a good job he and Motochika were not intimate the night the cursed sleep took hold, considering what Gracia just said. Regardless, it's a sweet gesture. He smiles, expression soft and affectionate, before saying:]

My dear, you could have sat on my chair. I would not have found fault with you for doing so.

[ She bites into it some more and hey it's not half bad? Gracia looks at her half-eaten sandwich and shrugs. It does look like it's about to fall off, but she'll eat before then! ]

You should try it, Father. It's not as bad as you may think it is! [ She smiles, taking another bite. Almost there! ]

[ Success! She finishes the sandwich without it falling into bits and pieces, though she sort of stuffs it into her mouth a little. But it's alright; she somehow makes it look...a tad bit elegant. Just a tad. ]

That's okay, Father. Futon is soft enough to lay with! He was the perfect pillow.

[Mitsuhide would argue with the elegance part.]

[But he is distracted by the comment she made about her dog. Mitsuhide's expression changes instantly, something of a deep frown wiping away his previous smile.]

You brought your dog into my room...

[It's very clear that he is not happy about that. He has explained to her about bringing animals in the house before, and while Futon is allowed in? Only in certain rooms; the living room, the kitchen and Gracia's own room, provided she clears up any kind of mess he makes.]

[Mitsuhide has very clear ideas about cleanliness, and dislikes the idea of most kinds of animals in his own room.]

Edited 2012-07-09 17:22 (UTC)

[ Gracia swallows her sandwich, and mid-gulp, her eyes grow wide in fear and guilt. She realizes her mistake a little too late. (She makes for a rather comedic image, with her cheeks still somewhat puffed, looking like a deer caught in headlights.) She flails her arms and swallows her sandwich completely, gasping for breath. After she regains her bearings, Gracia shakes her head and her hands at Mitsuhide, hoping to remedy the situation with some desperation.

Not the best way to welcome Mitsuhide back from sleep. Oops. ]

No, no! Father, Futon was lonely for a few nights so he came looking for me! I..I couldn't say no, and I wanted company myself! And I promise he behaved! He didn't break anything, and no part of the room is dirty! [ ...Were those bits of fur under the bedside table? Gracia prays he doesn't notice. Which he will. So she's still dead. BUT ANYWAY 8D ]

[ She appeals to him with her palms clapped together and her eyes extra wide and extra guilty... ]

Please don't punish Futon! Father, I'm so very sorry! It won't happen again!

Edited 2012-07-16 13:15 (UTC)

Futon is not at fault, Tama. You are. You are aware of the rules of the household. We have discussed them many time before.

[Sorry, Gracia, but Mitsuhide's frown does not lessen one bit. His tone of voice has gained the quiet edge of steel it always does when he is angry.]

[Her pets frequently cause her to do things she knows she should not.]

If you wished to have your dog for company you should have returned to your own room to sleep. This is disrespectful to both myself and Lord Motochika.

[ Oooooh, look at that guilty expression. She just takes his reprimanding without a word, her gaze glued to the floor. She swings her arms around slightly, and her feet shuffle awkwardly too.

She never really liked getting him angry, but then she wasn't thinking about this at the time. She merely slipped; telling him about Futon......~~but then that was always Mitsuhide's problem with her, right? Not thinking.~~ ]

...

I am disappointed that you tried to shift the blame to Futon as well.

[Mitsuhide shakes his head, his own gaze fixed on her. He does not like being angry with her, but it is necessary right now. Actions have consequences.]

That is something a child does, not a grown woman.

[ Gracia shakes her head in vehemence. ]

I'm...I'm not a child! I am a grown woman!

[ But they are but words. She sighs and rubs at her arm. She's still extremely apologetic, so obviously there was only one other thing to do. ]

I'll go apologize to Futon too.

[ OBVIOUSLY. ]

Physically you are a grown woman.

[What he doesn't say is that mentally, she is not. It is likely he does not need to. The comment almost hangs in the air.]

[Mitsuhide sighs deeply. He has just woken up, he aches all over; he is not ready to have the discussion they are currently heading for.]

Thank you for the sandwich, my dear.

[A pause.]

My body aches, and I need to wash now. Go and see to Futon, and perhaps take him for a walk. I am sure he would appreciate it.

[ And she wasn't ready for that conversation either...they've been having the same fight for so long now, Gracia wonders if he would ever stop calling her a child. Even though she tries - and she tries so very earnestly - she can't seem to completely understand what he wants from her.

So for now, she nods silently, runs over to him and gives him a hug. Right around the torso, quick and tight. ]

I'm really sorry.

[ She mutters against his clothes, before she steps away and leaves the bedroom. ]

Edited 2012-07-16 17:12 (UTC)

[Eventually Motochika stirs awake. The sheets rustle as he shifts beneath them before they are pushed aside; he yawns as he rubs a hand over his face before sitting up and stretching his arms and back.]

Good morning.

[His voice is groggy when he speaks -- a slow, sleepy drawl -- as his gaze falls upon Mitsuhide.]

[After Gracia left, Mitsuhide sat at his desk and began to braid his now-dry hair. By the time Motochika's eyes open it is done, and he is idly fiddling with the end of the plait.]

[The young samurai drops it immediately when he hears the other man move. He stands up and walks over.]

Good morning.

[Mitsuhide sits down on the edge of their bed, folding his hands in his lap and regarding Motochika with bare affection. He is glad to see his lover wake so soon after himself.]

How do you feel? That sleep lasted us well over a week.

So we were both swept under by enchanted sleep.

[It is one of the hazards of living in Vatheon -- over a week is a shame to lose, yet if their time asleep is counted in weeks opposed to months, little true harm is done.

Once finished stretching, Motochika leans towards Mitsuhide and drapes over Mitsuhide's lap.]

Hungry and aching. How long have you been awake?

[Mitsuhide moves his hands a little. He begins to run his fingers through Motochika's hair carefully, working out any potential knots.]

A couple of hours at the most. Time enough to wash and eat, nothing more than that.

[The hot water of the shower had felt good on his muscles, but still...]

We shall both be aching for a few days.

[Motochika hums his appreciation at the feel of Mitsuhide's hands carding through his hair. He takes a moment to respond.]

We will have to make up for our languor. A long walk, a drawn out swim. A race perhaps, by foot or horse or bike.

[Motochika smiles.]

A race? You would suggest such a thing.

[Mitsuhide shakes his head a little and laughs, fingers still in motion.]

I think it best to start with the walk or swim before any kind of race. You are completely incapable of 'friendly' competition.

The point of competition is to be competitive.

[Motochika provokes, shedding a little of his languidness for vigour, but losing none of his warmth.]

But very well.

[By now Mitsuhide is satisfied with the condition of Motochika's hair. He draws his hands back and tilts his head to the side. That was a comment that revealed a lot about his lover's nature.]

Sometimes the point of competition is fun, and that alone.

[There is a pause, and despite everything Mitsuhide cannot help but throw in a blatantly challenging comment:]

Besides, I would defeat you in all things except swimming.

[Motochika props himself up, craning his head to look up at Mitsuhide. He smirks.]

So you promise to best me, do you? We shall see, Mitsuhide.

[After that is, of course, when his stomach makes its demands clear, rumbling.]

I make no promise, my love.

[It was merely jest, after all, but Mitsuhide has grown rather fond of provoking Motochika's competitive side. He laughs at that stomach rumble.]

For now, we should both eat. I fear we shall have to make do with whatever we can find in the cupboards until we are fit to leave the house.

[He is not touching anything Tama made, after all. Not after the sandwich he had laid eyes on earlier. Mitsuhide gently pushes Motochika away and stands up.]

Come.

[Motochika gets up himself, and takes a moment to stretch out his legs before he comes to Mitsuhide's side and twines their fingers together.]

Then let us hope that something substantial awaits us.

Hope indeed.

[He has no idea yet if anyone has bothered to restock their food supply. There should be plenty of dried foods at least, enough to sustain them until they are ready to leave the house.]

[A large, properly cooked meal is what they really need, but such will have to wait.]

[Mitsuhide leads Motochika downstairs. The kitchen is at least clean when they enter it, but that gives no indication of what might remain within the cupboards.]

Tonight we must accept the hospitality of the locals. [Mitsuhide says softly, as he opens their fridge and peers inside.] Perhaps we can visit the island afterwards. It will be cool and pleasant, at night.

[Because he doubts they will be sleeping early. With a sigh, Mitsuhide draws back.]

There is little in there. I know we have bread; perhaps sandwiches will have to do, for the moment.

They will suffice.

[Motochika releases Mitsuhide's hand and briefly leans in to press a light kiss to Mitsuhide's cheek before moving to the cupboard to retrieve a glass. Glass in hand, he heads to the sink to pour himself some water.]

[Mitsuhide makes himself busy preparing the sandwiches. After gathering what fillings they have together (mostly different jams) he gets to work, making them as quickly and efficiently as possible.]

[The young samurai is eager to get things sorted. So much time has been wasted in their bed, under the cursed sleep. He knows that when he tends to his Lapras, Miyuki, she is going to be rather agitated. The last time he had been swept under had caused something of a possessive streak to appear in her. This could only make it worse.]

I think you may have to avoid Miyuki for a while. [He says after a short while, when most of the sandwiches are complete.] She gets jealous of you at the best of times.

[When Motochika finishes drinking his water he sets the glass down by the sink.]

I'll keep that in mind.

[He approaches Mitsuhide and hovers over his lover's shoulder.]

So long as she does not take you hostage.

She will not.

[He laughs as he finishes the last of the sandwiches, certain images filling his head.]

Do you imagine me locked away in a tower, my Lord? A captive sealed within, with no stairs to climb up or down?

[Mitsuhide is thinking of one of the stories contained within a book of fairytales, one of the first books he had owned in Vatheon, as it happened.]

[His hair, though long, cannot hope to match that of the princess in that tale.]

A tower made of ice.

[Motochika steps in, pressing flush against Mitsuhide's back. He brushes a hand over Mitsuhide's side then reaches for one of the freshly-made sandwiches.]

Where a haunting song echoes in the air and those who draw too close to you fall into slumber.

A tragic fate. Stuck in an icy tower, with all potential rescuers kept away by a powerful magic.

[It seems they are weaving their own fairytale now. Mitsuhide pictures the scene and smiles to himself, tipping his head back just a little against Motochika's shoulder. He picks up and eats half of a sandwich himself before continuing.]

What could possibly save me? I daresay I see no way of escaping.

A defiant ballad that drowns out the song.

[Motochika raises his own sandwich to his mouth and takes a bite before continuing.]

A reunion.

[He curls his free arm around Mitsuhide's waist.]

An embrace warm enough to melt your prison.

The hands of my fearless rescuer would have to work hard. They would have to play for quite some time, after all... unless the power of such a ballad was the key to silencing the enchantment for good.

[Mitsuhide's voice grows playful, a touch teasing. His eyes close.]

Ah, but if there were no stairs to ascend the tower of ice, how could that reunion take place?

On the wings of a large bird raised from youth.

[He has heard that some chocobo fly, after all.]

By slippery stairs crafted of water frozen upon contact with the enchanted ice.

[Motochika takes bites between his suggestions, sounding amused and clearly enjoying the absurdity of said suggestions leaving his mouth.]

A daring climb up footholds forcibly eroded into the wall.

[Om nom nom.]

Or perhaps the magic of a fairy whose favour was won through previous bold deeds.

Edited 2012-07-08 22:21 (UTC)

Previous bold deeds?

[Mitsuhide hums in appreciation, intentionally dramatic. He raises a hand to his lips.]

So it is a decorated hero that comes to my aid, is it? Who could he possibly be? I am most curious.

[Motochika laughs.]

I won't spoil the surprise. But I have heard that he is talented, strong and very attractive.

I see.

[Mitsuhide hums thoughtfully, before turning in Motochika's grasp enough that he can meet his lover's gaze. He is pouting slightly.]

I cannot think of anyone who fits such a description. So they are a stranger, then?

[It takes a lot of effort not to laugh.]

[Motochika smirks, horribly entertained by Mitsuhide's wicked retort and that put on pout. With his sandwich finished and his hand now free, he tenderly traces Mitsuhide's pout with the pad of his thumb.]

No stranger to your heart.

[Mitsuhide hasn't finished with his teasing yet. He fixes a look of shock on his face!]

So you have competition, then.

[He drops his hand to his side, and shakes his head.]

I fear for any who must compete with you, my Lord.

[Motochika lowers his hand and cocks his head.]

You are confident of my victory, are you?

I was thinking more of your fiercely competitive side... and your possessive side, too.

[Mitsuhide does laugh, this time.]

Would you do nothing, if another actively pursued me?

[The humour mostly fades from his features now, replaced by a more gentle, loving expression. His voice becomes softer too. These are sincere words, ones he is a little embarassed by. They have been in a relationship for a long time now, but that doesn't make some things any less embarassing to say.]

But... yes. I am certain of it.

[Motochika shakes his head -- they both know that he would not sit back in that case. His own expression softens in response to Mitsuhide's change.]

Excellent.

[He brushes back Mitsuhide's fringe from his face.]

You are mine, and I am yours.

[Mitsuhide's cheeks flush, but his smile deepens.]

So it is, and always will be.

[This moment makes him realise the depth of another kind of hunger, made particularly strong due to their long time asleep. He shifts, and sighs almost inaudibly, but it is not the moment for such things.]

[Food first, and then a visit to the island to help remove the stiffness from their joints.]

Eat your fill, Lord Motochika. [Mitsuhide says.] I shall run you a bath while you do so.

Thank you, my love.

[Motochika kisses Mitsuhide, unwilling to leave his affection unvoiced -- so to speak -- before he unwinds his arm from around Mitsuhide's waist to allow his lover the freedom to move away.

He is, admittedly, ravenous.]

[079] - [Video]

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