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400 Years Apart	By : Cynthermes Category: +M to R > Mirage of Blaze Views: 4238 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Mirage of Blaze and its characters solely belong to Kuwabara Mizuna. I’m just going to creep into a corner of her sand box and play the part of a wannabe historical writer. No profit has been made in the construction of this story.

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Chapter 46:

Hokutoshichisei Arc: Part Five

A/N: When the sickle-shaped seven stars appear in the sky…

A Belated Happy Valentines Day to you all!

…

“What is the matter, Saburo? You have been staring at the retainers’ cluster for some time now.” Ujimasa-kou’s harmless observation shatters the youth’s walls of gloomy encasement. Tearing his eyes away from Naoe, Saburo returns to the reality of the present. The only ever constant to his capricious mood swings was the absolute respect (bordering on fear) for his aniue’s very presence. It was still highly ingrained in him to snap into focus whenever the daimyo demands his sole attentions.

“Forgive me aniue. It was not my intention to dally.”

Rather than a stern rebuke (and a slap), which was (were) normally the case in the past, Ujimasa only wordlessly ushers his young brother to sit at the cushions situated at the platform.

As dark amber eyes avert, a man’s face lifts in longing. Even without sight, Naoe knew one who could figuratively push a man into his knees with a single searing look. His displeased tengu’s glare burned holes at the back of his head. ‘Ah, he has not forgiven me over my pledge.’ Naoe was however secretly pleased to be the recipient of passionate anger rather than cool, distant rage. ‘I will rectify that soon…’

For whatever reason, Matsuda Hideharu notices Nagashiro’s slightest pause and becomes alert. At first, he had deliberately paid little attention to the arrival of the Hojo lords lest he was tempted to raise his head and meet the piercing eyes of his contract. Yet the man across from him was another story entirely. He was tasked to monitor Naoe Nobutsuna’s behavior, specifically when said Uesugi defector would seek the lordling in any way.

It was no secret to Hideharu why an outsider in the guise of a travelling entertainer ended up in one of Odawara-jo’s dungeons. Naoe Nobutsuna was said to have claimed Hojo Saburo’s body and was tortured as castigation. And no matter how careful his (Naoe’s) façade, Hideharu being an adept wearer of masks himself was able to catch Nagashiro’s subtle pining for Saburo-dono.

“Nagashiro-dono, the banquet has barely begun and yet your mind is already elsewhere.” Hideharu’s vague comment puts Naoe on check.

Naoe’s posture gives nothing away. If anything, he exudes a relaxed state. “I thank you kindly for the reminder. You see, I was never fond of such occasions and would attend simply because it was obligatory.”

“Indeed,” Hideharu almost drawled.

Properly seated beside his lord brother and facing the fiefdom’s subjects, Saburo discreetly studies his own ‘subject of interest’ at the corner of an eye. He struggles to maintain the unaffected countenance while a tick steadily grew beneath his eyelid.

Highly attuned to his surroundings, the daimyo watches his assembled pieces with satisfaction. He could probably read what was on his little brother’s mind. In this angle, no matter if it was very much the opposite, ‘Naoe’ and his mentor, ‘Hideharu-dono’ were acting quite close… too close for comfort. Saburo could almost squirm in his cushion.

He starts when a hand lands on his shoulder. “What do you think of the feast’s aesthetics tonight?”

“It is splendid,” was Saburo’s curt answer. He could not think of anything else to say. And if he were his usual vigilant self, he would have immediately realized something was off with his elder brother’s tone.

“You do not look as pleased as you said. It has something to do with Kotarou, correct?”

The lordling merely nodded.

Ujimasa cradled a smooth pale cheek. “At that time, you were severely injured. I deemed it wise not to speak of Akito’s demise or the repercussions that might follow. Kotarou was very reluctant to leave your side but I forced him.” Openly showing his brotherly affection, the daimyo stunned a perceptive few.

Hideharu himself straightened in his seat, forgetting to hide his mark for once and frowned slightly at the display. What was Tono-sama up to?

“I… I do not have objections. Kotarou is the Clan Head of your elite shinobi. It is only appropriate that he return to your side.” Saburo could only come up with a response that was expected of him. As a result, Ujimasa-kou laughed quietly.

“This… this behavior of yours most intrigues me, my young brother. Why is it that you do not contest me like the others? Even to the ones you love, you are wilful but to me you do not put much of a fight.” Not a ripple from his preternatural composure, Ujimasa stated with a voice just short of his typical malice.

“Aniue, I do not understand.” This wide-eyed, lost expression was what Ujimasa sought.

“I heard you have dismissed Kotarou though your bond remains.” Highly questionable, “Do not tell me… it is out of your consideration for me because once you wish for Kotarou’s liberation from my service, I will grant it.”

“No, aniue. I will not demand such—”

“Oh I see. Did you want Nagashiro, no, Nobutsuna instead?”

Saburo froze. Faltering, he shifted his gaze, something that the daimyo was not keen to allow. Using his index finger and thumb, Ujimasa grasped Saburo’s chin. “Look at me, Saburo. I do not want a brother who is unsure of his desires or his wants. If something terrible were to happen to me and you are to lead the Hojo, this is not the lord who will prevail over fate. If you have a goal, seize it even if it does not yield.”

“Even if I have to trample upon the wishes of others? Even if someone else gets hurt in my place?” A touch of sorrow emerges from the youth’s comely features.

“Yes. To be lord of the realm, uncertainty regarding the self must be eliminated. You should always be firm Saburo. If you hesitate, struggle half-heartedly over anything then you leave yourself prey to demons.” Was it a trick of the firelight or a genuinely sinister glimmer reflected in the daimyo’s gaze?

“Aniue, your words are unfounded. I have no ambition to rule or usurp your position.” The very thought of such a likelihood never crossed the youth’s mind.

Another soft chuckle, “Saburo how old do you think I am? Without a wife or child, I have no heir. If I were to father an offspring he would be too young to govern Sagami should a crisis occur. Therefore, as my current second* you have to become my equal.”

*Next in position or possible right-hand.

“Aniue, it is like asking me to challenge you. The elders might conjure erroneous assumptions—”

“Let them,” Ujimasa abruptly cut in. They were still speaking in muted tones but the closest to the dais could acquire a hint of serious discourse. “Did you know what Ujiteru wanted most from those harbouring limitless potential? It is to outshine the stars themselves. Show me your true self, my brother. Start with resolving your dilemma between your companions*. Moreover, if it serves some comfort, I shall definitely slay you with my blade if you truly intended to betray me.” He continues softly with a lingering caress at the youth’s scarred throat (as a form of warning) before sweeping Saburo’s hair off his shoulder in a loving gesture.

*Admirers;

Naoe could not sort the turmoil flaring down his gut at the scene before him. The daimyo and his beloved seemed untouchable in a world currently built just for the two of them. Was this what Danzo warned him about? Were there others who claimed Saburo as their own, knowingly or unknowingly?

“I assure you, I will waver no more, Ujimasa-ani.” Saburo tries not to flinch at the odd smile playing at his elder brother’s lips.

…

The arrival of the highest honored lady was soon announced. Though her elegant appearance in a fine three layered Camellia-white kimono was less striking than her lordling cousin, Hanaiin-hime’s presence together with her father was the embodiment of the celebration itself. Excluding Hojo Ujiteru if he were undeniably alive, the Go-Hojoshi Clan is finally whole.

Halfway through ascending the dais, father and daughter paused, waiting for something.

Hideharu resisted the urge to lower his head and practically watched Tono-sama rise from his seat to pay respects to the Hakone Governor and to take the fair hand of the lady, leading her to be situated at his left. Hojo Genan then took the place across from her, beside Saburo. In the absence of words or a declaration of any sort, Ujimasa’s gesture was already very telling.

The hime remained calm and composed even when the declaration was issued. There were no dramatic speeches or heartfelt promises that adorned Ujimasa-kou’s statement but the audience’ reaction was all the same. Glorious cheers were conveyed for their lord’s future bride.

Genan’s expression neither displayed joy nor sorrow.

Saburo on the other hand, turned to his aniue in stark surprise. He had expected this possibility but not this early.

Raising his hand to quell the crowd’s excitement, Ujimasa spoke under his breath, “Tell me what is on your mind at the end of the banquet. I grant you entrance to my chambers.” Then to his juushin*, he said, “Dear elders, your continuous support is most valued. The wedding shall be held after seven days and I trust that you will observe attendance as well.”

The chief vassal, Matsuda Norihide walked forward and courteously made a deep bow. “In behalf of the *principal retainers, I shall not disappoint His Lordship.”

‘Father,’ Hideharu groaned inwardly.

“Norihide, I appreciate the gesture but that was rather unnecessary. Return to your station. I will entertain any personal concerns at the end of the feast.”

Norihide could only helplessly obey and bowed once more. As he strode across, he could not avoid a lingering stare to the pair of occupants seated closest to the platform. The ‘chosen’ as they were better known did not acknowledge his unnecessary pause. Hideharu stared absently into his proffered dish of sake while Nagashiro looked directly into Ujimasa-kou’s challenging gaze. There seems to be an unvoiced understanding that transpired between them before each broke contact.

Ujimasa’s lip twitched. ‘Interesting,’

…

At the official start of the feast, a lively, more leisurely atmosphere enveloped the courtyard. In a rare display of lenience, the daimyo allowed his subjects: man or woman to roam freely. Therefore, many began to socialize. Gossip, witty banter, and light-hearted humor were exchanged between comrades, friends, and family members alike. Entertainment and sumptuous cuisines were equally provided so even the aloof ones get to enjoy themselves.

In sharp contrast, the esteemed family observed formal etiquette and were waited on by common servants. Saburo tried to avoid looking at the retainers’ cluster at all costs but he could not shake the feeling of a man’s penetrating eyes on him. As a diversion, Saburo covetously eyed the top grade sake jar on his aniue’s spread. Ujimasa-kou acutely noticed it and to the perplexed face of Genan, laughed. It was such a unique sound that even Lady Hanaiin briefly looked up.

Clearing his throat, the elder patriarch said, “Are you truly my nephew are has an impostor taken his place?”

The daimyo immediately countered. “Has your nephew never laughed in your presence?”

“When you did laugh your inner feelings were often the contrary. Since you have returned, you have been full of surprises Ujimasa. However, it looks like a dark shadow has been lifted off you.” Genan lowered his eyes as Ujimasa did with his voice, “Is that a double entendre, Ojisama?”

The elder monk firmly set down his sake cup. Although Genan preferred tea over any form of liquor, he honored the celebrations by drinking in kind. When the lordling’s attention shifted to his great uncle, Hanaiin-hime herself tittered a little. “Oh Father, Saburo-sama is attracted to your liquor bowl.”

The youth instantly colored. “Pardon me! I did not think I was that transparent.”

Ujimasa sighed. “Saburo, you know you are too young to drink sake. Also, according to Ishimaki* drinking prematurely, stunts growth.”

(*Saburo’s kenjutsu trainer/ teacher)

“Truly?” Saburo’s cheeks were still scarlet but he made the mistake of seeking the crowd to hide his embarrassment and directly met Naoe’s concentrated gaze instead. He stiffened and looked afar.

The pair stayed in their respective places. Both Naoe and Hideharu-dono had similarly forgone socialization.

In a voice merely above a whisper, Ujimasa remarks, “Nagashiro’s company has been sought by many a maid when you were not looking.”

“Ah,” Saburo replied incoherently.

“But he has refused the subtle advances so far,” Ujimasa hid his smirk with a sip of his wine.

Maybe that is not what worries me, the lordling mused.

“Ujimasa…” Genan intoned warningly. He could not read his nephew. Whether his intentions, his behavior or mindset had finally changed was hard to tell or to believe.

“Ojisama, I have risked life and limb to bring the young ones back. If my efforts do not earn your trust…”

The monk swiftly cut in, “You can say that with a straight face while tipping some ‘sake’ secretly into your brother’s cup. What will Ujiteru say? Ah, Ujiteru…” Genan brooded.

“Ojisama, none of that now,” Ujimasa chided softly then contemplating he continued, “I hate to impose on your bed rest. I shall free my schedule tomorrow so we could discuss about that letter. For now, let us sup as the foundations of this realm.”

The elder patriarch eventually gave in and scoffed good-naturedly. “Putting an old man to bed early, are we? Just do not let my daughter share unseemly habits. She may not look like it but she is not a weak-willed woman. You will see that soon for yourself.”

“Father, those were in my younger days. How else could a woman survive in the mountains surrounded by woodland?”

Ujimasa was fleetingly reminded of the oddness of her existence. She: being born under confidentiality to an aging man who was both governor and high monk.

“If that is what you say, My Lady then I am excited to get to know you better.” The daimyo grasped the hem of her robes as an intention to win her favor.

She lowered her head, her expression softening.

As the gathering drew to a close, all three raised their cups and drank together.

…

Hojo Ujimasa resisted the giddiness threatening to show on his features when his contract, Matsuda-danjo agreed to act as mediator.

In lieu of the daimyo, Hideharu reaffirmed Tono-sama’s previous statement of entertaining personal concerns towards the end of the banquet. He then faced the household and encouraged any individual to express matters that needed to be addressed. To the danjo’s chagrin, Nagashiro slowly rose to his feet and boldly came forward.

“May I be given the permission to speak, Tono-sama?” Naoe easily ignored the distinct murmuring and veiled stares of disapproval from behind.

“You may, Nagashiro.” Ujimasa-kou’s eyes practically shone in dark amusement.

The mixture of tension, curiosity, and excitement were only mildly subdued by the calmative incense wafting in the night air.

Women’s instincts dictated that Nagashiro’s stance revealed a readiness for a life-changing declaration. They were only right by half.

“I wish to formally pursue His Lordship’s youngest brother, Saburo-dono in courtship.”

Forgetting himself, Saburo nearly stood up and in utter bewilderment could only demand Naoe silently: WHAT IN THE HEAVENS WAS HE DOING? Naoe, you… you—fool!

It was as if Naoe was demanding the lord of the realm to sever his head.

“Are you not aware that my brother is already bound in a shudo relationship? There will be consequences if you want Saburo’s affection. Most inevitably, a duel between yourself and his current companion might ensue.”

Naoe responded calmly, “I am prepared for the risks, Tono-sama.”

Meanwhile, the maidens who secretly lusted after Nagashiro were positively crumbling from within…

Ujimasa-kou faced his otouto asking, “What say you, Saburo?”

“I REFUSE.” The lordling rejects Nagashiro’s proposal outright.

“There you have it, Nagashiro. What more can you say after that?”

Naoe would not quietly step away from such a challenge. “If he rejects me tonight then I will just have to pursue him tomorrow, the day after that and so on.”

Saburo went uncharacteristically impulsive. “What part of my refusal can you not understand? Forfeit your arrogance because I will not change my mind, Nagashiro.”

The daimyo assuages his brother’s temper. “At ease, Otouto. This man appears to be serious about you. Why do you not give him a chance and bestow your verdict after you have experienced his devotion, firsthand?”

Tono-sama, are you contradicting yourself? Which side are you…? Hideharu was about to fly to Saburo’s defense when Ujimasa stopped him with a mere look.

‘This, this is the man— the demon I knew,’ Matsuda-danjo was thunderstruck.

In a voice not low enough to be unheard Ujimasa persisted, “Did you not dismiss Kotarou just recently? Then it must be fate and not simple coincidence for Nagashiro to seize this opportunity.”

“Aniue, Nagashiro can try all his might but I still stand by my decision.” Saburo answered, his indifferent façade in the brink of shattering.

“Very well, that settles it. Are there any more concerns?”

It was a prelude for a long night…

XxXMOBXxX

Neither the dispersing members of the household nor the daimyo’s post-gathering entourage deterred Nagashiro from casually following Saburo.

The lordling tried to walk faster towards his quarters, determined to tear his avid pursuer off his tracks. He wanted to soak (and sulk) in a tub of fragrant, warm water before changing into a more comfortable outfit to have a private discussion with his aniue. For each time he turned a corner and slid through security passages in the East Bastion, Saburo found himself obsessively looking over his shoulder. Unfortunately, Naoe was behind him all the time.

Climbing the final steps toward his rooms, Saburo notices the desertedness of the long corridors. There were no bushi standing guard in sight. Even Haruhie was nowhere to be found. The youth resists the final urge to steal a last glimpse and breaks into a run once his sandaled feet touch the landing.

He had brought a weapon with him. Conducting oneself defenselessly even within the castle walls was never an option: something he had learned under the worst circumstances. He was not bound to repeat the same error again.

Saburo sensed more than heard the looming presence of Naoe before he whirled around with an excellently crafted wakizashi blade. “That is as far as you will go, Naoe Nobutsuna.”

Naoe moved forward instead even when the tip of the blade pierced through his thick kataginu.

A patch of blood steadily staining the fabric appeared at the center of his chest. However, no trace of pain or reaction showed on Naoe’s face as he placed another foot forward. “Did I not tell you, Saburo? Nothing will stop me from reaching towards you.”

Just another step and the short sword would have run through Naoe’s heart if Saburo did not fling the object away in a panic. “You—! You FOOL! Does nothing get through to you at all? Enough. I want to retire early tonight. You should have that treated and have some rest.” Saburo could not bring himself to stare at the injury. How could a normally prudent man be so reckless? He had underestimated Naoe’s determination.

“Could I not convince you to reconsider about my proposal for courtship at least?” Naoe asked softly.

Saburo snorted, “What for? Mating is the end-goal of courtship, is it not? Or do you understand the process as sort of backwards?”

If the youth’s words had not been dripping of excessive sarcasm, Naoe would have laughed. Saburo’s defiance, his strong-willed flame was as endearing as ever. “Beloved, it is never as simple as that. And the only time we have consumed ourselves through the act was not out of intimacy but of mutual comfort. Or have you forgotten that we only did it once?”

Face heating up despite himself, Saburo diverts his self-consciousness by retrieving his weapon and sheathing it on its tastefully decorated scabbard. “Please have your wound treated Nagashiro and leave me in peace.”

“You do not sound very convincing, Young Lord.” Naoe counters. “I will not leave the premises without your true answer. And besides, no one will be eager to treat an outcast like me with a single exception.”

Saburo raised a haughty, disgruntled brow, “Does that person happen to be Matsuda Hideharu-dono? Ah yes, I remember why your proposal seemed very outrageous to me. The both of you appeared to get along really well. I thought for a moment you were going to seek his approval instead.”

The lordling unknowingly dangled the bait, which Naoe wasted no time to grab.

Naoe did laugh then.

“Saburo, you do not happen to be jealous, do you?”

The lordling lashed out, forcefully tugging the neckline of Naoe’s vest. “Such an absurd notion, Nobutsuna.” Saburo growled.

Naoe was enjoying every bit of that deep amber glare like basking in the sunlight.

“If you wanted to know about my relationship with Hideharu-dono, all you had to do was ask— no, command me, Ouji-sama.” The man took advantage and ever allowed himself to be pulled closer.

Saburo angled his cheek to the other side just as Naoe’s nose pressed against the skin just below the youth’s ear.

“Run to him then,” Cold, distant, without a hint of regret, Saburo uttered.

Naoe indulged himself, closing his eyes to the scent of his most precious one’s bodily warmth. Saburo shivered and sought distance when Naoe opened his eyes and spoke, “After I was tortured in the dungeons, Hideharu-dono was burdened the task to properly mend my grave wounds. His Lordship does not regard him any better. Leaving himself to be unguarded as he took care of a skilled foe such as I… I could have killed Hideharu-dono any time had I recovered speedily enough. But he carried himself in a courageous and rash ‘come-what-may’ manner that I lost the heart to harm him. Consequently, I do owe him my survival… so are you jealous, Saburo?”

“Damn you,” The lordling struck him with a murderous glare.

Naoe stared back as he might absorb sustenance. “And what else do you plan to do to me, Saburo?”

Dealing with Naoe… Saburo wanted to claw his hair out in frustration. This creature was just as difficult as the other*. “Fine. Come inside and I shall help dress your wound. Afterwards, will you then leave me in peace Nobutsuna?”

*The other being, Kotarou;

“The young lord is inviting me inside his chambers, how can I leave him alone afterwards?” Naoe’s timbre of voice was so full of different meanings that Saburo wanted to go back on his word and slam the shoji shut on his face.

“Go, die.” He spat turning coolly away and headed for his inner quarters.

Naoe caught the sleeve of his robe.

Saburo paused, gritting his teeth. “What is it this time?” He refused to look at him.

Naoe knelt, brought the soft cloth to his lips and whispered, “I love you.”

“I…”

The youth’s hand trembled before he snatched his sleeve from Naoe’s grasp.

I hate you,

I hate you,

I hate you,

“I don’t…”

TBC~

Post A/N: Yes? Saburo, go ahead… Go on… UGH.

*Dies

(At least not literally)

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400 Years Apart