[061] - [Voice]
Dec. 19th, 2011 03:29 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
onwhitewingsIt seems many fear the 'mistletoe' plant, doesn't it? Do not worry; while it was cursed to follow us about before, I doubt it will be affected in such a way again, making it easy to avoid.
[He sounds faintly amused, but embarassed as well. That plant caused problems for him plenty, before.]
Especially considering that a different kind of curse is now affecting many in the city. I am grateful to be spared; in the past I was affected by a different kind of singing curse, and that was frustrating enough.
Private to Gracia/Hackable
[There is a pause before Mitsuhide addresses Gracia; he is still not sure that having her around for the tattoo-making is a good idea, but the choice has to be hers.]
My girl, I am waiting in the shop I pointed out to you before. It is time to have my tattoo done; if you still wish to be here for this, you should come here now. The local who will be doing this for me will be starting in fifteen minutes or so.
[He sounds faintly amused, but embarassed as well. That plant caused problems for him plenty, before.]
Especially considering that a different kind of curse is now affecting many in the city. I am grateful to be spared; in the past I was affected by a different kind of singing curse, and that was frustrating enough.
Private to Gracia/Hackable
[There is a pause before Mitsuhide addresses Gracia; he is still not sure that having her around for the tattoo-making is a good idea, but the choice has to be hers.]
My girl, I am waiting in the shop I pointed out to you before. It is time to have my tattoo done; if you still wish to be here for this, you should come here now. The local who will be doing this for me will be starting in fifteen minutes or so.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
1/2 ; voice
Date: 2011-12-19 03:53 pm (UTC)-- Shaking her head free from any other thoughts, Gracia replies steadfastly. ]
Then I'm on my way, father!
2/2 ; action
Date: 2011-12-19 03:54 pm (UTC)...W-Will you begin right away? Or is he going to make you prepare in some other way, f-for the tattoo?
[ "So that it doesn't hurt too much?" ]
action;
Date: 2011-12-19 04:26 pm (UTC)It will begin right away. We were simply waiting for you to arrive first, should you wish to come.
[The local who runs the place is waiting, and so Mitsuhide stands up and walks into the room where it will be done, expecting Gracia to follow.]
Please try to stay calm through this, my girl.
action;
Date: 2011-12-19 04:30 pm (UTC)Gracia can't help it.
She doesn't like seeing him in pain.
But she must. ]
I will...promise I can hold your hand while you're getting it done, okay? Father?
action;
Date: 2011-12-19 04:37 pm (UTC)If you wish.
[He takes a seat in the room, and peels his kimono away from his top-half. There are scars visible on his torso, most notably a large one on his stomach.]
But don't worry; I have endured far worse before, Gracia.
[He offers her a reassuring smile.]
action;
Date: 2011-12-19 04:47 pm (UTC)- - until of course, Gracia sees his scars. Flesh colored, faded lines, almost as if somebody carved them into his skin in his sleep. Pale green eyes widened intensely; Gracia's jaw slowly loosens until her mouth forms an "o" shape.
What was this? ]
. . .
[ Her hands tremble, and as soon as Mitsuhide removes the top half of his kimono, Gracia reaches over, as if her touch would somehow help her understand, help her heal him. ]
No, father is...was hurt. Hurt enough to...
[ What was this?
War. Battle. Scars from swords, bows and arrows and knives and daggers and the edges of shields. Her untouchable father; was she unable to protect him? ]
action;
Date: 2011-12-19 04:53 pm (UTC)I am a samurai, Gracia. No samurai, with the exception of Honda Tadakatsu, returns from war unscathed. [He sounds incredibly kind, holding back the edge of sadness that wants to break through.] I took up my blade knowing and accepting this. It is nothing you should feel sad about.
[He reaches out and takes her hand, squeezing it a little, before letting go and laying down front first. The local wanders over, ready to start.]
action;
Date: 2011-12-19 05:44 pm (UTC)Father is the strongest person I know. That's why I never expected -
[ He tells her the opposite, almost every day. That he's not strong, that he's prepared to be hurt because it's what comes with who he is. But still. Gracia's seen him fight, she's seen him when he's most vulnerable. Even then...
Her words are cut short when the local prepares himself to make the first cut. He asks questions, he nods, and then his hand clutching the strange looking needle begins to lower unto her father's skin until it's only centimeters away. Gracia panics. She closes her eyes and covers her ears. But not for long; she promised she'd see this through with him, so he wouldn't be alone. Still, she panics. ]
H-He'll stop if you're too hurt, right? Won't you? [ Gracia addresses the local, who could only nod and resume his work. She gives her father her full attention. ]
Father...
action;
Date: 2011-12-19 05:50 pm (UTC)[The local begins his work then; Mitsuhide inhales sharply at the first touch of the needle, but makes no other sound related to the pain.]
Remember, Gracia. Keep calm. I will be fine.
action;
Date: 2011-12-19 06:22 pm (UTC)Sacrifice, huh?
[ She's wondered about that from the very beginning. That was the very reason why she boarded that ship to join his fight in Kizugawa Bay. What did it take for peace to be achieved? And why was war necessary in order to stop war itself? Coming to Vatheon has dulled her curiosity to answer that, but now, it's all coming back. Sacrifice -
- what did it really mean? She touches at her cheek absentmindedly. Losing her father, losing the trust of her husband, gaining an enemy even...were these her own sacrifices to achieve her father's dream? Her dream?
And just like the scars, just like the tattoo he was currently getting, would the sacrifices be worth it, in the end? For the people that you love?
When her father winces again, it snaps her out of her thoughts. The worry returns like a flood. Gracia finally steps in, stands at his side, and tentatively touches his wrist. The one opposite the tattooed shoulder and arm. ]
I'm here. Take more deep breaths, father.
[ Gracia offers him an encouraging smile. ]
action;
Date: 2011-12-19 06:29 pm (UTC)[He slides his eyes shut; dealing with pain is something he is is used to. There have been times, in the past, where his wounds have had to be stitched together. That does not make this a pleasant experience.]
This is fine. It is not too bad.
[That's not the entire truth, of course, but he is not going to tell her otherwise, even if his body reacts to the larger jolts of pain.]
Speak to me of other things, Gracia.
action;
Date: 2011-12-19 06:48 pm (UTC)She'd ask him about that, some other time. ]
Ahh, Feng Huang and I had a quick ride this morning! He's so fast! [ She sounds genuinely happy about this. She hopes it will help distract him from the pain. ]
You should try riding him one of these days, father. His feathers are getting shinier and shinier every time I visit him, too. I think it's the new feed I gave him!
action;
Date: 2011-12-19 06:59 pm (UTC)I am not sure I would... find riding a bird very comfortable.
[He had watched the chocobos run before; their gait was very different to the kind of mount he was used to. Horses had been his companions in many battles.]
I am very used to riding horses. Still... I suppose I got used to riding bears, in the... end...
action;
Date: 2011-12-20 05:14 pm (UTC)See? If you can ride bears, you can ride Feng Huang! He's gentle, just like you, father.
[ What else to talk about...what else... ]
W-Will we be celebrating the winter festival everybody is preparing for?
action;
Date: 2011-12-20 05:19 pm (UTC)[He's never quite certain which memories she inherited from her other self, even now, after many months..]
When I was given my mother's... [He cannot help a slight pained gasp at that point.] ...comb?
action;
Date: 2011-12-20 05:27 pm (UTC)Ahh...um...
[ She struggles to reply. She inhales deeply, slowly, and sits back down, soothing his hand with her other one in silent apology. Her smile, though halfhearted, returns. ]
I remember that! [ A hazy memory, but she recalls it nevertheless. In her mind, however, it's a modified scene; she has no recollection of ever changing from one self to another. That was the power of the coral.
And of canon updates/retcons, hurrdurr.] You were very happy. I wonder if we'll receive gifts from home this year as well?[ Speaking of... ]
I can't remember why I got that man's coat as my present, though. [ She looks him in the eyes, confusion evident. ] Magoichi. Mago. I only ever met him twice, and in battle no less!
action;
Date: 2011-12-20 05:42 pm (UTC)I would not say it is impossible. [He makes a breathy laugh as the needle moves along his skin.] But you will definitely receive gifts from your friends here, hmm?
[...oh joy, Mago. His FAVOURITE topic. 8'D]
Your other self was very close to him. In fact, I would say it was something like hero-worship she felt for the man. [And maybe, Mitsuhide thinks, something of a crush, but that is not something he ever approved of and certainly won't bring up now.] It was... hah... her world was quite different to ours. She said her father was... that he often seemed somewhat cold?
action;
Date: 2011-12-21 01:54 pm (UTC)[ Isn't he just grand.~ Also, she might look a tad bit shocked to hear that. Her brows meet and her lips pout. ] Hero-worship? But he's an enemy! And he works for Hideyoshi too...[ Still. She recalls the time she first met him, during Kizugawa. He was under the Oda then, but he could have just come for Hideyoshi.
Besides that, Gracia didn't actually find him antagonizing. Unlike Nobunaga, whom she feared, and Hideyoshi, who she obviously greatly disliked. She smiles, eyes glancing at the white ceiling above them. ]
Mago was okay, though. He told me what "friends" were, even if I was an enemy. [ Gracia looks at the local once more, her smile disappearing at another involuntary jerk of her father's arm. She tightens her grip on his hand again. To top it all off, she wasn't too pleased with what she heard next. She looked...very offended, in fact. ]
Hmmm. What a strange thing to say! Father could never be cold! I don't believe my other self, then! A different world, indeed! [ Gracia shakes her head for emphasis. ]
action;
Date: 2011-12-21 10:38 pm (UTC)[There is far worse, after all; the white-haired demon from Ieyasu and Kenshin's world, for example. Mitsuhide had felt horrified to learn about that monster's existence, to know that such a man wore the bellflower and the same name as him. There were likely other versions of Gracia out there too, besides the two he was aware of.]
[Vatheon had revealed many odd things to its inhabitants, some wonderful, some terrifying.]
She said... I think... I do not think your other self and my other self were as... close.
[He tilts his head a fraction to look at her better; face filled with gentle concern.]
Easy, Gracia. I am fine. Are you sure you can... handle this?
[video]
Date: 2011-12-20 03:41 pm (UTC)I have been told before to avoid this 'miss-ell-tow'... The more people speak of it, the more I find myself growing wary. I shall do my best to avoid it - many thanks for the warning your have presented to me, Mitsuhide-dono.
[A pause-]
But these... Curses, as you say? What should I know about them?
[Video]
Date: 2011-12-20 03:43 pm (UTC)[
Especially since he arrived and, you know, his first experience was LOL KRAKEN.]ACTION; sometime later!
Date: 2011-12-22 01:17 pm (UTC)ACTION ONWARDS;
Date: 2011-12-22 01:36 pm (UTC)[However, Mitsuhide has no intention of showing his lover quite yet. Considering the deep meaning behind doing such a thing, and the festival that approaches, it seems like a good idea to wait for 'Christmas.']
[When Mitsuhide is fully dry, he picks up the clean bandage he'd brought with him and winds it around the tattooed skin until not one hint of sea-green can be seen. That done, he puts on his fundoshi and underkimono before leaving the bathroom and walking into his bedroom.]
[The bandage might just be visible, poking above his collar.]
My Lord. [He says, in soft greeting, when he spots Motochika on the bed.]
no subject
Date: 2011-12-23 07:46 pm (UTC)Mitsuhide.
[He shuts the book and places it on top of the closest cabinet, then straightens up and swings his legs round, placing his bare feet upon the floor. He doesn't move from the bed, waiting for his lover to come closer. The bandage goes unnoticed for now.]
Ready for bed?
no subject
Date: 2011-12-23 08:11 pm (UTC)Yes.
[He strides across the room and takes a seat next to Motochika, then reaches behind his own head to free his ponytail from its bun.]
I have done plenty today; a long sleep would be very welcome.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-23 08:40 pm (UTC)[Motochika leans in to press a kiss to Mitsuhide's jaw.]
You were gone for some time.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-23 08:43 pm (UTC)[He hums his appreciation. What Mitsuhide has just said is not a lie, after all; it is a statement of fact, rather than a description of what he has done.]
It is not always easy, choosing gifts for others.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-23 10:08 pm (UTC)[Motochika raises a hand to touch Mitsuhide's far cheek.]
Are you fully prepared now?
no subject
Date: 2011-12-23 10:12 pm (UTC)Yes.
[A brief chuckle.]
I think so, at the very least.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-23 10:58 pm (UTC)[Motochika regards Mitsuhide with warm eyes.]
I won't keep you up much longer, in that case.
[He kisses Mitsuhide.]
no subject
Date: 2011-12-23 11:06 pm (UTC)Generous. [Mitsuhide says, soft amusement audible in his voice when he pulls away.] Hopefully Vatheon will remain quiet and I can sleep through all of this night.
[He really did need it. Getting the tattoo had drained him somewhat; he had coped, but it really had been painful and it had gone on for quite some time.]
no subject
Date: 2011-12-24 03:28 pm (UTC)You're injured. [He sounds concerned, tone laced with lingering surprise. There is a hint of demand there, too, as Mitsuhide has not seen fit to mention it.] How badly?
no subject
Date: 2011-12-24 03:43 pm (UTC)[All he can do is be vague, and that won't go over well. Mitsuhide takes a second or two to ready himself before replying.]
Do not worry. [Mitsuhide's expression grows a little serious, but in a reassuring manner; he shakes his head.] It is nothing to be concerned about.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-24 04:56 pm (UTC)An injury that requires bandaging necessitates concern. Especially as we are sharing a bed.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-24 05:11 pm (UTC)[Mitsuhide does not stop his lover from pulling at his underkimono, though he turns his head to look down at one of the other man's hands.]
Be calm.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-24 07:25 pm (UTC)Still, he inclines his chin, challenging. Mitsuhide is yet to give him the details he has requested.]
What happened?
no subject
Date: 2011-12-24 07:36 pm (UTC)The details are unimportant.
[There were still a handful of days until the festival; with any luck there would not be any arguments over this until then then, or at least only a few.]
It is done, the necessary steps taken. Dwelling on it would serve no point.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-24 07:55 pm (UTC)Why do you not want me to know?
[Motochika is puzzled on that front, and more determined to find out why; he watches Mitsuhide as he waits and tries to work it out.]
no subject
Date: 2011-12-24 08:01 pm (UTC)[Mitsuhide moves then, shifting fully onto the bed and laying face-up on top of the sheets. He rests one palm on his bare stomach.]
It is merely pointless to talk about it.
[Oh dear. This conversation wasn't going to end anytime soon, was it?]
no subject
Date: 2011-12-24 08:24 pm (UTC)[Motochika brings his legs up, back onto the bed, and turns onto his stomach. He leans his weight onto his elbows, giving pursuit.]
If you are not opposed to me knowing, then why do you hesitate? Tell me, Mitsuhide, and end this matter.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-24 08:38 pm (UTC)[That stutter certainly isn't going to help divert Motochika's attention away from the topic. Mitsuhide opens his eyes, but stares at the ceiling with what he hopes is a somewhat neutral expression.]
Should you not be able to accept my answer? I am fine; I am well. Is it not enough?
no subject
Date: 2011-12-24 10:40 pm (UTC)That is more than enough for me.
[He shifts his weight onto one side, so that he can place a hand over Mitsuhide's, upon his lover's stomach.]
But I cannot understand your reluctance. [A beat, then he opens his eyes again, this time giving Mitsuhide a considering look. The last time that Mitsuhide had acted so defensive was over the poetry drawer.] Unless... you are embarrassed.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-24 10:56 pm (UTC)I am not embarassed.
[That is not strictly true. He is embarassed, a little, over the matter of what is hiding underneath those bandages, and he'll be a lot more embarassed when he does show them to his lover for the first time.]
[But embarassment is not the reason behind Mitsuhide's reluctance, is it?]
Do I seem embarassed to you, Lord Motochika? I should think you an expert on myself, when it comes to embarassing situations. You put me through them often enough.
[It is not said without gentle humour, and a touch of affection.]
no subject
Date: 2011-12-24 11:45 pm (UTC)[Motochika doesn't deny the remark; they have very different ideas of what constitutes as embarrassing. And it is true that sometimes he purposely makes Mitsuhide squirm, to see colour blossom on his lover's pale skin.]
You wear no trace of a blush, nor are you troubled. Yet you're acting defensive... secretive.
[It's exceedingly rare that he cannot figure something out -- especially where Mitsuhide is concerned. For a few moments he gazes at Mitsuhide almost as if he can extract the elusive answer via sheer will. Then the eye-contact is broken and Motochika shakes his head with a smile.]
Hah.
[Motochika rolls away, gets to his feet.]
You have acquired a taste for mystery.