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

voice;

[behisstrength]

You believe that was the curse in effect?

[Motochika hums thoughtfully after a quiet moment.]

It would not be the first time that Vatheon has compelled you.

[Referring to the mistletoe incident, of course.]

Is it true, Mitsuhide?

voice;

[wavesoakedlegs]

What do you think, Lord Motochika?

[Which is as close to an answer as you're going to get, Chika, and probably gives you an answer anyway. Mitsuhide sighs.]

It must be the curse. Why else would I say such a thing? True or not, you know how I am.

voice;

[behisstrength]

I do.

[And that lack of a simple no says it all -- Mitsuhide does not want to admit it, but won't lie either. There is clear affection in his voice.]

Yet you still surprise me on occasion, Mitsuhide.

[There is a long pause and the sounds of the elevator before Motochika speaks again.]

Perhaps you were leading into a game.

[He suggests, teasing playfully.]

voice;

[wavesoakedlegs]

There is nothing to be surprised about here.

[Mitsuhide sighs, before humming a little.]

A game?

[And Mitsuhide is quite content to start one, if it distracts from the romance novels. So he says, in a playful and slightly flirtatious tone of his own:]

Were it a game, I would have said said something like... 'I secretly write erotic poetry.' Which is not true, before you ask.

voice;

[behisstrength]

Oh?

[Motochika responds to that tone, of course.]

I do not know if I believe you, Mitsuhide. Perhaps that is why I am forbidden from your desk drawer.

[You can practically hear Motochika's smirk right now.]

You have no shortage of inspiration.

voice;

[wavesoakedlegs]

And perhaps you simply wish to believe that I have, indeed, chronicled your... talents in verse.

[Mitsuhide laughs softly.]

Still, I am afraid I must repeat that I have not.

[A beat, and then.]

I prefer to experience them, rather than write about them.

voice;

[behisstrength]

[Motochika laughs himself.]

Why not combine the two?

[He says, pitching his tone low, private.]

Write your poetry onto my skin and make it part of the experience.

voice;

[wavesoakedlegs]

You want me to inscribe details of our intimate moments literally upon you, during one of those moments.

[There is the sound of Mitsuhide shifts on the sand.]

How brave. There is always a chance I might decide to write of other things instead. Things you might not appreciate.

[Not that he would do such a thing, but this is a game, is it not?]

I doubt it would be much of a challenge to come up with a verse concerning Himewakako.

voice;

[behisstrength]

[Motochika huffs, entertained and playing along.]

My talents require work if you can think so easily of Himewakako when we are together.

voice;

[wavesoakedlegs]

Himewakako was the first Motochika I knew.

[Mitsuhide's voice softens again, though the humour is still there.]

It was quite a transformation you made. I don't think I'll ever forget the shocks you gave me.

voice;

[behisstrength]

Despite the shocks your affection never faltered.

[He says fondly.]

I wanted to be a mermaid when I grew up.

[Wait. The sound of his footfalls cease. Did he just say--]

voice;

[wavesoakedlegs]

Of course not.

[There is a long silence, and then... Mitsuhide laughs. The sound is warm and amused. He really cannot help himself in this case.]

I am certain you would have made a very beautiful mermaid, my Lord.

voice;

[behisstrength]

That was a lie.

[Motochika protests, indignant -- but also enchanted by Mitsuhide's laughter.

He resumes walking; he's not far from Mitsuhide now.]

voice;

[wavesoakedlegs]

Is this the point where I say I am not sure I believe that denial?

[Mitsuhide laughs a little more, but the humour dies out of his voice afterwards, leaving only softness and warmth.]

No. I think I shall spare you. This time.

voice;

[behisstrength]

Good, because I can see you in the distance.

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.]