Archive of Our Own

A gentle breeze blew through Watatsmi, whistling as it passed the choir of birds. It whisked past trees, susurrating with their leaves and inviting the falling petals for a dance between the hanging lanterns. The sun drifted in the sky like a golden leaf in a clear puddle. It was a pleasant evening on the island – fresh and slightly chilly.

The Skybloom Festival was just around the corner and it felt like everyone was somehow involved, from the Shirasagi Himegimi to Her Excellency. Of course, how could Inazuma celebrate the reopening of her borders without involving her beautiful pearl – Watatsumi? Like always, Gorou volunteered to help by guiding crews around the island to prepare it for the surge of visitors. He was ultimately let go due to Kokomi's rising concerns for his health. A generous compensation was, however, bestowed to him for his hard work as well as a vacation from his usual duties for the festival period.

The empty stalls patiently waited to be opened. Gorou took a stroll through the cold city streets after buying groceries. His ears twitched. Swords clashed and metal clanked. Worried about the safety of his people, he rushed to the sound, finding just an empty forge.

The air was hot and heavy, filled with the smell of ash and steel. The raging fire in the furnace demanded fuel, grasping desperately through the rusty grate for anything nearby. A hammer rested on the anvil, both still hot to the touch. Many fragments of what seemed to be faulty swords laid scattered about. And then a battle cry, followed by another clang erupted from the backyard.

Gorou barged through the wooden door shoulder first, his teeth bared and his crystal bow and arrow in hand, ready to engage. A smith stood in front of a dummy, both holding swords. He clearly didn't even notice the general rushing in.

The sword rose up and slashed down against the bamboo dummy. Then it swung from the side, cutting the sandbag effortlessly and making it bleed. His strikes were cold and calculated and his technique was impressive. He dug his sandals into the cold ground and assumed a firm stance. And then the blade struck the dummy's weapon and shattered into many metal fragments. They flickered in the light and fell into a pile of more such shards in the grass.

Gorou's bow turned to dust and seeped into the soil like sand. The smith turned around, startled to see an unexpected visitor.

He wore a grey, dusty jacket with a big, red belt holding some instruments. His chequered band was slightly shifted to the side, revealing the familiar red streak in his hair. His crimson eyes glowed like the morning sun behind clouds. They relaxed after seeing the general’s familiar face. Smudges of oil and dirt covered his usually pale cheeks, which made his smile look even more sincere and kind.

“Good evening, General Gorou!” Kazuha politely greeted the guest. “I was so involved with testing the durability of these Fontainian swords that I must have missed you coming in.”

Kazuha gently waved his hand. The cloth of his sleeves moved in the wind, revealing a splash of red on his chest through the partly unbuttoned jacket. Sweat dripped down his neck after a hard day's work. The last time Kazuha looked as dirty as in that moment was most likely during one of his earlier battles, where he hadn't fully mastered his breathing and often overexerted himself.

“Good evening. Apologies for disturbing you, I wasn't aware you work here,” Gorou bowed his head and earnestly replied.

“No need to apologise. You truly didn't disturb me and, sincerely, I'm never against the General's company,” Kazuha's sweet voice told him.

“Actually…” Gorou quietly whispered to himself. “Kazuha, do you have a licence to work here? After the peace negotiations, you are required to have the necessary documents if you wish to work on Watatsumi island for more than a month.”

The young smith giggled. “General Gorou, have I ever stayed anywhere for long enough for you to have such concerns? I was merely helping the owner of this forge test these weapons to get some extra Mora. There are records showing that I've only been here for exactly seven days.”

Gorou let out a relaxed sigh and walked closer. “I'll take your word for it. Though it's a pity that I can't take you with me.”

The ronin gently took his hands, knowing that it wouldn’t be prison he’d be taken to. “What a shame. Maybe I could take you with me?”

“Is that an invitation to the Skybloom Festival?”

“I think it’s the perfect time for our date,” Kazuha murmured and leaned closer. “It’s been far too long since our last one.”

That was true… Gorou remembered them sneaking out of the barracks on the day of Kazuha’s return from Liyue. Amidst the chaos of the conflict, they found a time to enjoy each other’s company by a river. During that tranquil night, it was the first time one of them gathered the courage to dare suggest a kiss.

Gorou’s arms tightly wrapped around his dirty boyfriend before his lips gently, cautiously touched the side of his forehead, still too shy to ever touch Kazuha’s lips with his own.

“Tomorrow…” Kazuha rubbed his cheek on Gorou like a kitten. Gorou stroked his back as they warmed up to one another. Much more at ease, they both thought “Just one more moment…” as they refused to let go of each other.

They exchanged goodbyes and parted ways. Gorou stood in the middle of the street, watching Kazuha’s silhouette melt in the sea of warm golden lantern lights. Those same flames that just led the love of his life away, now guided Gorou’s path home.

Now alone, Gorou kept thinking. Watatsumi was alive, buzzing with footsteps and banter as everyone got ready for the start of celebrations tomorrow. No longer a bleak and dead cityscape of fortifications, it was thanks to people like him that Watatsumi could look so colourful and festive, even if he’d never credit himself for it. His homeland looked welcoming and warm, just like he always wished it to be. He heard every little whisper of people noticing and praising him, distant children laughing, some merchants talking, the wind blowing.

Gorou was filled with anticipation. Having been invited on a date by the man of his dreams, he simply couldn’t wait to reignite his relationship with Kazuha. Yet, his heart kept aching that they once again parted ways, even if it was only for a night. Though he couldn’t shake off that bitter loneliness stuck in his mouth or warm up from its cold embrace, Kazuha's taste was like a delicious strawberry, leaving him with a sweet aftertaste from the kiss and his invitation was as warm as a campfire out in the field.

By the time Gorou got home, white puffs had begun escaping his lips with each breath. He took out some matches from the bag and lit the lantern outside his house. It subtly glowed with its soft, golden light. The door closed, slimming the light until it vanished completely, leaving Gorou in darkness. His wooden sandals clicked against the kitchen floor while he anxiously walked in circles around the table. The kettle whistled and he made tea.

Alone, in bed, Gorou quietly thought about tomorrow. He ran his hand up his face, frustrated, and combed through his messy hair. Before, it was all a secret, but now, others would know of their relationship. He feared to disappoint Kazuha, to not live up to the noble’s expectations. And he feared that they’d be judged, he wasn’t fully human, after all.

And yet, Kazuha’s warm smile was worth battling through any and all hardships for. His heavenly voice would silence out the judgement… He always lifted up Gorou when he felt vulnerable and insecure, he truly understood every struggle bothering the general and comforted him. Perhaps, it wasn’t such a bad idea. Gorou closed his eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep.

The next afternoon he sat outside the docks, waiting for his date. Kazuha arrived elegantly dressed. His kimono was of a lovely red colour – not as clear and enchanting as his eyes – that turned into a much darker, tone of vermilion. Its patterns told a story of his past with tall unsurpassable mountains and a river flowing down them, twisting and turning along the way until it fell into the wide ocean just like his past falls into an uncertain ever-changing future. Cherry blossoms and maple leaves laid generously scattered about. A symbol of Inazuma and a new beginning – cherry blossoms would be a popular choice for everyone that week.

Kazuha's scent was irresistible. It was as intoxicating as his gaze. He was like a summer field of flowers. Then, Gorou noticed a tiny detail of two cranes on his kimono, and blushed. Kazuha wasn't going to propose, was he?

With a subtle anxiety hiding under his smile, Gorou reached his hand out and led him down the docks.

“You're such a gentleman,” Kazuha teased as he leaned into Gorou's embrace.

The general could feel his heart thumping inside as he hugged the noble samurai. With Kazuha's arm nicely tucked between Gorou's arm and body, he really did feel like a gentleman leading his love to a romantic boat ride.

The subtle sway lulled the general into a comfortable, calm silence. Kazuha sat down onto the soft cushioned seat and bowed his head while quietly expressing his gratitude. He made quiet, almost purring sounds once Gorou touched his face. It quickly turned soft and relaxed, and his cheeks turned bright red.

“Red suits you so much…” Gorou whispered. “You look lovely, darling.”

They both giggled. Gorou held Kazuha's tender hand while they stared out the window. The tea had been served and they enjoyed its floral aroma before drinking it. They both gave out excited suggestions about what they could attend at the festival. Naturally, some activities were not included in both lists, such as getting a few books signed by Guuji Yae herself and attending the oni-horn ring toss. Though Kazuha did manage to convince Gorou to at least try his hand at wood carving and origami.

The boat swayed back and forth. Gorou stared out the window but noticed Kazuha's eyes laying their gaze on him. He turned to face him instead.

“Your eyes are like mirrors of the sea water,” he murmured. “It's like you're always carrying your homeland with you.”

Gorou chuckled. He walked closer to Kazuha and gently hugged him from the side. “And yours are like… like…”

“What do they remind you of, General?” Kazuha teased the lost poet.

“They're vibrant like the fire you ignited in my heart,” he said.

Kazuha gave him a sweet kiss on the cheek for that image. He gently caressed Gorou's cheek and pulled away. “I'm glad to know that the tall waves and the boundless ocean inside you didn't extinguish that flame.”

“Are the tall waves my duties?” Gorou sceptically asked.

“You're getting better at understanding metaphors,” Kazuha giggled and turned to the window.

He was focused on the view outside, and looked rather distracted. His slender frame adorned by the fiery red silk looked gorgeous. The sun reflected in his eyes as flashes of the glinting waves.

In an instant, his eyes darted to the left and a mischievous smile grew on his face. “Something caught your eye, General?”

Flustered and confused Gorou stammered sounds between his nervous giggles. He couldn't think of a proper sentence, simply trying to explain to Kazuha that he looked pretty.

His voice, laced with amusement, pulled the thin strings of Gorou's heart. “Thank you, I wouldn't choose anything that wouldn't suit you.”

“I'd say… your presence suits me,” he whispered under his breath.

“Do you really think so?” Kazuha asked.

With one simple question he plucked the strings and made Gorou jolt as he remembered that Kazuha's hearing was just as great as his.

“I would appreciate it if my dear boyfriend would have worn something a little more… formal for our date. You're not here to conquer any territory, are you? Perhaps, just my heart?” he ever so playfully said.

Gorou snapped out of it. He quietly sighed. “Yes, I'm sorry. While in the Resistance I didn't think much about that and only now realised that I outgrew everything aside from my uniforms.”

“Oh… Gorou,” he said, his voice much softer and sweeter now. “Nothing a quick visit to Chiori Boutique can't fix.”

Yet another nervous giggle came out of Gorou as he just thought of the price tags. The mere mention of that place evoked images of extravagant nobles in kimonos more expensive than half a year of supplies. “I'm afraid that… that I don't have nearly enough mora on me to even walk into that place…”

“You needn't worry about it, my dearest General,” Kazuha whimsically chuckled. “I'll cover the cost.”

He suggested it in such a casual manner that Gorou was at a loss for words, simply staring at him.

“K–Kazuha, I can't accept a favour as b–big as this…” Gorou stammered, his face already covered in red.

“Favour?” the noble hummed. “It's a gift. Treat it as a gesture of my love and appreciation.”

Kazuha leaned closer, his voice once again dipped in honey. “But… if you're worried about repaying me… I think a little sweet treat would be enough~”

The young, charming samurai turned his head, implying he wanted payment in advance. A foxy smile grew on his tender face as Gorou's soft lips gently touched his cheek.

“You don't even try to negotiate? That's the Gorou I know," Kazuha teased.

The rest of the journey was spent in silence, periodically disturbed only by their flirty remarks. Soon the boat docked at the beach not too far from Inazuma city – a trip from Ritou would simply take too long.

The sea breeze was refreshing after spending a couple hours inside a tight wooden cabin. They stepped on solid land and instantly felt the welcoming atmosphere of the Skybloom Festival.

Kazuha hopped on the wooden pillars like an inspired child, holding Gorou's hand as he elegantly floated. “First thing on the agenda is… Chiori Bout–”

His sentence was cut short by a deep growl coming from Gorou's stomach.

“Hm…” he playfully hummed. “Let's start with lunch, shall we?”

“Maybe we can find some nicely seasoned ramen or something sweet? I'd take anything right about now,” Gorou complained.

“Why not try some food from the different regions,” Kazuha suggested. “You've been eating rations for years so why not explore something with… actual taste.”

“Alright, but you have to tell me what's a good choice!” Gorou excitedly told him, his eyes already sparkling and his mouth – watering.

They approached a small group of stalls. The green and red pallet with a pleasant herbal smell hinted towards them being from Sumeru. One of them had buns stuffed with plenty of different ingredients. Another had meat skewers and a big open flame for cooking with many sheets of flat dough. A lovely smell of different spices, both sweet and soothing as well as overpowering peppers, filled the air around the stalls.

Ordering wasn’t as hard as they expected, the stallholder could easily hear them even with the loud commotion everywhere around them. Gorou wanted it as simple as possible, but Kazuha convinced him to add spice. He listened to the expert, after all it was Kazuha who tried these in the past.

The owner chopped up a chicken into fine strips with crispy exterior and chewy meat inside. They masterfully laid it over the flat dough, decorating it with crunchy vegetables and creamy sauce. The spice provided a nice smell that complimented the meat. They quickly wrapped the dough like it was a blanket and handed it to Gorou.

Kazuha paid for the snack and they left. Gorou curiously eyed the food that was warming his hands, enjoying its fragrant smell and carefully tasting the edges of the dough with his lips. He looked confused, apprehensively trying out the new flavour. Kazuha adored seeing his boyfriend step out of his comfort zone and explore something new.

Gorou closed his eyes and bit in. The juicy chicken hit his tongue, almost melting as he chewed. All of the crispy green leaves audibly crunched between his teeth. The spice warmed his mouth, slowly building up to burn his throat, only to be subdued by the creamy sauce giving him a sweet, cooling sensation.

Kazuha smiled once Gorou looked up at him. “See? I told you it’s good~”

“The spices weren’t as bad as I thought,” the general admitted.

The samurai rested his weightless hands on Gorou’s shoulders and tilted his head. “I’m glad you liked it, Rou. How about we acquaint you with some more dishes later?”

Gorou, though a reserved and slightly conservative warrior, found himself nodding in agreement to Kazuha’s offer. Maybe he wasn’t planning to leave Inazuma in the near future, thanks to Kazuha’s persistence, he got to experience something from the outside. He was still hungry for more, but this would be enough to go to Chiori Boutique in peace.

The city was bustling, full of people. Foreigners were discovering rich Inazuman culture whilst Inazumans explored all the unique souvenirs brought to their land that were previously outlawed. Children played with Fontanian toys, foodies discovered spices from Liyue and Sumeru, some compared sake and Mondstadt’s wines.

The golden lanterns hanging from the trees guided them closer to the city centre where they found the ornate sliding doors of their destination. They effortlessly parted, revealing a beautiful silken canvas of colourful kimonos. Kazuha’s crimson kimono swirled like a poppy in the breeze once he turned around to invite Gorou in.

The couple wandered off into the seemingly endless maze of colours. Every kimono had a story to tell through its patterns and symbols. None really caught their eye, and the ones that did, wouldn't suit Gorou. Feeling disappointed, they headed back.

Just as they went back into the more spacious and open main area, Chiori appeared in front of them like a hanging bat, with her foot tied to a silky rope.  She looked like a performer, and most likely learned this trick during her stay in Fontaine.

“No customer leaves unsatisfied – that's the policy here," she coldly said and slowly turned in the air and started descending on the rope. “What is it that has dissatisfied you? Price is negotiable, size can be tailored further and we can add a layer beneath if your skin is sensitive to the high grade materials. All at no extra cost.”

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Chiori," Kazuha politely said and bowed. “We currently haven't encountered such issues, our problem is that even with the awe-inspiring selection we couldn't find something truly special for the occasion.”

Chiori’s gaze fixated on Gorou. Her sharp as shears eyes examined every single part of his clothing and body, from the worn and torn socks to the bandages around his waist and the hairpin and ears atop his head. A flicker of amusement ignited in her eyes.

Once again lost between the bewildering array of colourful silk, Gorou couldn't help but take a glance at his boyfriend every few steps. No matter how bright and dashing the silk was, his eyes couldn't be distracted from the white cranes together on the crimson Kazuha wore.

They looked each other in the eyes. A faint blush dusted Gorou's cheeks and a playful smile adorned Kazuha's face. As they looked back, Chiori was no longer guiding them. Her shears clicked in the distance and the rack beside them slightly wobbled.

Finally, she emerged from the vines of silk with a dark blue kimono in her hand. It had a subtle glow around sango pearls, a symbol of wisdom on Narukami, but a symbol of freedom and light on Watatsumi. The wavy patterns were elegant, carrying the sakura petals with them downstream. The back featured irises and wisteria, providing a gentle purple accent to the kimono.

“The ocean hue should suit your eyes fairly well. I don't want this design to be too complicated because I'm sure the general would prefer to keep a low profile while you’re here," Chiori teased.

It was a delightful surprise to see the pearls not just subtly glow, but actually light up into shimmering wavy lights once on Gorou's body. In awe, Kazuha stood still to admire him. Chiori noticed the cranes on the noble's kimono.

“Lovely~” a playful, conspiratorial giggle escaped her sharp smile. “Gentlemen, may I interest you in a special offer? It's a warranty to change the design free of charge.”

“What's the catch?” Kazuha asked, seeing Gorou already starry-eyed for that deal.

“Only to transform this into a wedding kimono.”

Gorou looked stunned for a moment. “W–wedding!?” he stammered, as if he'd been left freezing in the night. Yet, in stark contrast to his voice, Gorou's tail wagged excitedly behind him. “I think that–”

“Sounds like an excellent deal," Kazuha interjected. “Don't you think so too, darling? What a delightful offer, indeed.”

Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea… well, except for the fact he couldn't stop thinking about a wedding with Kazuha. Adoration, swirled in his heart together with something akin to admiration and annoyance, burned like wildfire inside.

Once they left Chiori Boutique, the scent of the candles from inside lingered on Gorou's new kimono. Now he was ready to conquer both the festival and Kazuha's heart.

The sounds of Skybloom reappeared once again, with every visitor enjoying their time. They noticed their friends in the sea of people – Heizou trying to carry a huge head of some Liyuen animal and dancing with it, Kokomi getting her copy of a novel signed by Calx himself – and some new face accompanying familiar ones – a magician from Fontaine performing with Yoimiya, a general from Sumeru sparring with Sara, and many more.

Much spicy food from Liyue and Sumeru brought an overwhelming sensory experience to Gorou. His keen senses couldn't appreciate the finer detail of anything just by the nature of sensing every detail. Not to mention how hard it was for him to focus on Kazuha with so much talking all around him.

“Ah, there are so many things to do~” Kazuha playfully led. “Why not try the goldfish scooping game over there?”

He pointed toward a bright stall that stood out in the crowd. Amidst the lights the little pond of charming fish looked like a shimmering ocean. The tiny orange scales sparkled like precious metals and flickered as they moved around.

“I guess we could give it a try," Gorou sceptically said, finding the activity slightly childish but possibly a good distraction.

The owner of the stall was an older man with a booming laugh that could rival the likes of captain Beidou. Everyone who passed by would often pay attention to his loud and inviting challenges with prizes.

Kazuha handed his boyfriend the small net, gently but excitedly holding his hand for a moment. “Care to see who can catch the most?” he playfully asked. “The loser has to kiss the winner~”

Gorou took the net and smirked. “Alright, Kazuzu.”

They both submerged the paper nets and began carefully scooping up the fish. Gorou moved his hand tactically, not too swift to tear it and not slow enough to let the fish escape, and Kazuha was much more easy-going, slowly herding the fish into groups to catch all at once.

As they both lifted up the nets with the caught goldfish, Gorou's tail started wagging excitedly without him realising. Just as he was about to celebrate, the thin paper net in his hands snapped and all of his spoils fell back into the water. He looked shocked and his face was frozen.

“Ah, looks like someone got careless,” Kazuha teased. “I think it's time for my reward, General~”

“Does it have to be right now?” he anxiously asked.

“Mhm,” Kazuha hummed. “Otherwise you'll try to do double or nothing later!”

The winner was already decided and Gorou couldn't get away so easily. He turned away for a brief moment, pausing to take a breath. His tail fell down and his cheeks turned red in embarrassment and anxiousness. Fearful mumbles came out his trembling lips and his heartbeat was all the way in his throat.

His lips gently brushed Kazuha's cheek before he pulled away. He knew that others could see it and his red cheeks rapidly turned pale as snow.

Not surprisingly, their banter died down and Gorou took a few steps back. He struggled to say a word aloud, stammering intensely. With a tear in the corner of his eye and unable to even look at Kazuha, Gorou ran.

Leaving in a flustered daze, he ended up by a quiet, dimly lit pond with an old shine nearby. On the one hand he felt like he overreacted, and on the other, what happened between him and Kazuha was to remain between them . The agile Anemo samurai soon caught up with him. They sat down on a bench away from the chaos of the festival.

Kazuha gently touched his arm and wiped his tears. “Rou, are you okay? Was that too overwhelming for you?”

The proud canine warrior subtly nodded. His movements showed discomfort but he reciprocated Kazuha's touch. “I'm fine, sorry for storming off like that.”

“Don't apologise. Was kissing in public too much?” he asked.

“Maybe…” Gorou answered, unsure. “I could hear so many voices… all at once… and the thought of them seeing us…”

Kazuha's hand moved lower down Gorou's arm and held his. His thin fingers weaved themselves between Gorou's. They silently watched the koi fish swim, illuminated by the pearls on Gorou's kimono. Next to the blue, shimmering water, he was able to take some breaths and calm down.

Gorou squeezed Kazuha's hand in his. He looked much more relaxed then, with his tail slowly twisting by its tip like a vine.

“Now that we're alone,” he whispered. His lips slowly crept closer and tenderly, warmly touched Kazuha's cheek. He shared some of his red blush, painting the wandering samurai's face into the colour of sunset. “I'd like to give you a proper reward for your victory.”

“Oh, my,” Kazuha quietly chuckled. “What a gentle lover you are.”

His legs shuffled to the side until Kazuha comfortably sat on Gorou's lap. His bandaged hand brushed through the soft puppy hair and touched his ear. He felt Gorou's arm wrap behind and hug him.

Slowly, slowly he leaned closer in. Gorou's arms carefully roped him in. His breath paused for a moment, Gorou's gaze frozen on him. He leaned in even closer and closer to Gorou's lips and then, with his lips pursed, ready, he moved away timidly.

“Sorry…” he nervously said. “I didn't think. I'm truly pushing the limit with that one.”

“No, no, you're not,” Gorou replied and relaxed his grip. He closed his eyes and his face collided with Kazuha's. The soft lips tasted like strawberry with creamy, puffy sweetness lingering after. He audibly gulped down his saliva, begging for more of this taste. His palm rested on Kazuha’s warm, red cheek and he felt Kazuha cup his in return. They slowly moved apart. “Besides, it's a lot easier when you initiate things. Otherwise I'd never try many things.”

“Should we, maybe, return now?” Kazuha murmured, his face ripe like an apple. “There are a lot more games for us to try and I actually haven't eaten anything yet.”

“Why didn't you tell me you're hungry sooner?” Gorou asked and furiously looked at Kazuha. “Of course we're returning!”

The general picked up his light as a leaf boyfriend and carried him before slowly lowering him back to the ground once they arrived at the busy streets. On the search for good food, Gorou looked like a real marksman scouting out a target in the crowd.

He swooped by every stall with familiar food, buying delicious snacks and bringing them all to a little table with Kazuha. “A special menu picked out just for you!”

Hesitantly, unsure, Kazuha picked up a taiyaki out of the pile of sweet snacks. “T–this is… quite a lot, Rou. I'm hungry but you'll have to help me finish all of this!”

He broke the fishy looking pastry into two halves, stuffing one between his lips and presenting the other to Gorou. The general, suddenly with a wolf's appetite, accepted the treat. The soft crust melted over the tongue and the filling was both sweet and sour at once.

Next, Kazuha took a dango, eating one and giving Gorou the other, until only the sticks were left. One had an odd number on the skewer, so Kazuha put it between them and they shared the last dango. They both kept their eyes closed but they could feel the other's gaze. As long as their lips didn't touch, Gorou was sure he'll be okay.

The dandelion wine was a strangely sweet but welcome sensation. It felt refreshing and to a certain degree made them feel less sleepy. It paired quite well with the salty, fried fish, caught and cooked barely a few moments before Gorou bought it. Still sober but already red, they put the alcohol away.

The sky got darker, but before any stars could rise, thousands of floating lanterns took their place. Everything bathed in radiant glow, covered by a layer of golden light. It felt like the festival had only now begun. But their meal was coming to an end, with just two salmon onigiri and some fish bones left laying on the table.

Drums relentlessly beat in the distance. Flutes and horns mirrored the excitement of the gathering crowd. Violins drew attention to themselves, introducing a crackling tension into the mix.

More and more people joined the open stage of the plaza. Progressively, it got more and more chaotic with colourful kimonos, stylish jackets and dresses and many more kinds of clothes swirling like petals in a whirlpool.

“Care to join me for a dance, General?” Kazuha mischievously asked, the lights flickering in his intoxicating wine-coloured eyes.

Gorou knew that they'd be seen by many others, but he was just drunk enough to not let that anxiety ruin their date. With a deep breath and a hesitant smile tugging his hot, pink cheeks, he took Kazuha's hand.

And step, and two, and three – they twirled between the crowd like fallen leaves in the wind. Kazuha went around Gorou, holding his hand. A step closer, and back, and now he was being led into a waltz. His boyfriend, a warrior with no experience, was taking over in their dance. And soon the light was only on them. Gorou took the Initiative and leaned forward, pushing Kazuha down and almost into a kiss.

In that moment their hearts beat as one to the sound of the drum. And then, Gorou pulled him back up without that fabled display of his affection. Step by step, they both twirled again until Kazuha was thrown high into the air, with his kimono flapping in the wind before he fell right back into his boyfriend's embrace.

The noble was carried back to a seat but he kept standing. He leaned on Gorou and closed his eyes. Gorou quickly became Kazuha's only support as the ronin's arms hung on his shoulders.

“Rou…” he whispered tenderly, hiding his head in the crook of Gorou's neck. “You're so… wonderfully amazing!”

“I'm not,” Gorou replied, feeling irritated. “I probably just made a fool of myself by dancing like that.”

“Of course you didn't,” Kazuha assuringly said. “Certainly, no one truly knows what we've just performed, but you did great.”

“Thank you, darling,” he whispered in return.

The night only got louder every hour. Bands played everywhere, proudly displaying their culture to Inazuma. They sat down by a table, with a block of wood in front of them. Once Kazuha finished, he put the cat ornament aside and looked at Gorou's barely half done statuette, that is, barely identifiable as a sitting shiba inu. The general laid with his face pressed to the table and his hands holding his ears down.

“Too loud?” Kazuha quietly asked with his smile dampened. “Rou~ Say something.”

The overwhelmed, sensorially exhausted puppy nodded his head. Kazuha patted it, gently stroking his hair.

“I know someplace quiet. Let's relax there, shall we?”

They walked through the illuminated streets of Narukami, taking turns to hold Gorou's ears down. Many more colourful stalls lined the paths – all selling something unique. They ventured into a bamboo forest with an old building inside. Or, at least, it felt like a forest to Gorou, truthfully it was more like a little ring next to the fence.

Gorou walked by and Kazuha closed the old, creaky wooden gate. Even though they were outside, the bustle of the festival was barely heard at the onsen, and completely died down inside. It was just the sound of their sandals clicking against the floor and the water beckoning them in.

“I booked it just for us,” the ronin said with a proud smirk etched into his face.

“You've saved up so much Mora for this date…” Gorou told him with concern and admiration.

“Why do you think I was testing the swords instead of going to visit you?” Kazuha giggled and held Gorou's hands.

“You looked so pretty doing that, I thought you wanted to restart the legacy of your family.”

“Ah~” Kaduha hummed, joy and amusement glinting in his eyes. “If you're so worried about continuing the clan… we could consider adoption.”

Once again the general was dumbfounded by the words he heard leave Kazuha's mischievous lips, except this time the hint wasn't subtle enough to be brushed off as a playful tease. Alone, far away from the crowd… if Kazuha was going to propose, it might have been the best time to do so.

He pulled off the silky blue from Gorou's body, pulling it off by the sleeves, and hung it nearby. Gorou hesitantly stepped into the warm water. He finally relaxed in the beautifully calm environment – yet something was wrong, Kazuha still hadn't joined him.

As Gorou opened his mouth to speak, a gasp rushed out his throat. Kazuha's thin fingers brushed over his shoulders like feathers. The tension in Gorou's muscles slowly melted away under the fine massage. He could barely hear Kazuha through the sound of the rushing water and his surprised breaths.

“...been a stressful day for you, hm?” the ronin's hushed voice said. The soft murmur continued. “You've treated me so well, Rou… I want to repay your kindness.”

Kazuha's words prompted Gorou to go through his day and remember the kiss. With his cheeks flushed red from the heat and embarrassment, he looked quite vulnerable while nodding with a soft, shy smile on his face.

A little gust of air hit Gorou's shoulder as Kazuha barely contained a chuckle. “You're no longer alone, Gorou. I'm with you, just… relax,” his soft whisper tapped into Gorou's ears.

In a secluded warm pool, between the harmony of the streams of water and Kazuha's affirming words, Gorou felt at ease. Even with a bit of cold, refreshing wind sometimes blowing by, he could still feel the warmth of Kazuha's tender touch.

Underneath the glowing lanterns, between quiet waterfalls, the chaos of the festival was nothing more but a distant thought in their minds. Kazuha couldn't hide his smile witnessing the general turn into a bundle of anxieties during the festival and now, finally, relax physically and emotionally.

He, out of everyone, was the most familiar with Gorou's struggles. He read every letter, listened to every story Gorou had to tell and now his reward was seeing those troubles be washed away like the sweat after their dance.

History was etched into the skin in the form of old scars. Some were greater than others, and some were just slim lines contouring his strong muscles. The wound on his leg seemed to be still in the process of healing and Kazuha promised to take care of it so it may age better.

Warmth of the water was almost infused into Gorou's rough skin. A low, vibrating sigh left his mouth. Seeing the canine warrior, the general of Watatsumi himself, allowing himself to be so comfortably vulnerable made Kazuha's heart flutter. His heavy armour of secrecy melted like the tension in his muscles under the ronin's carefree charm.

Almost no more sounds came out of them. Submerged into the tranquillity of the springs, with the bustle of Skybloom becoming a background hum and unspoken words lingering in the air… there was maybe just one last thing to do.

“Rou?” a hushed thought, barely loud enough to be heard, crawled out of Kazuha's throat. “Would you like to… have sex with me?”

Gorou looked hesitant. He turned around and stared right into Kazuha's eyes, his gaze lingering for just a heartbeat too long. He needed only to say one word.

The massage stopped. Gorou raised his hand out of the water and pulled Kazuha's. He slowly blinked and kissed it, tenderly, gently. “I'm ready to take that step if you are.”

After drying and dressing Gorou back up, they went outside. Kazuha squeezed Gorou's hand as they walked down a trail.

“You're not planning to go back to Watatsumi, are you?” he jokingly asked.

Kazuha giggled. “No, no. We're going to my home.”

Soon enough, after a bit of running and walking, they passed through tall, black wood gates. In the courtyard, Gorou was impressed by the beautiful patterns in the sand around the old trees with charcoal-black bark and the crystal clear pond. The scenery was breathtaking, but he didn't have time to appreciate it.

The bag with Gorou’s uniform jacket fell on the drawer in the corridor. Their sandals clicked against the floorboards as they rushed forward. They took off their footwear and Kazuha ignited a candle, swirling its flames around the room and lighting up all the others.

He pulled Gorou together with him onto the bed. His hand reached upward and gently drifted around Gorou's sensitive ear like the wind. His slim, pale fingers bent around the warm, warm skin, pressing down on it and stroking along the smooth, silk-like fur.

He was careful not to hurt Gorou, and was rewarded with a sight of the general turning red and flustered from the sensation. If he loved such a little thing as an ear rub, surely he'd love his mind if Kazuha kissed him on the lips.

Taking the opportunity when Gorou's eyes were closed, Kazuha cautiously tapped him with his lips. The ears stood up like springs, firmly resisting the ronin's palm. After the initial shock, his long, voluminous tail swished left to right with wild pace. The soft blush turned flaming hot, covering him completely cheek to cheek while his ears got hotter. He helplessly followed Kazuha's scent to kiss him in return.

Everything felt warm. The dance, the onsen, and now this, Gorou felt hot underneath his attire, especially once Kazuha grabbed him by the collar. He was… starved. His light grip over Gorou's ear, his hungry lips and intrusive tongue, his caring, protective touch – it all made Gorou's senses turn more and more dull every moment.

What an awful idea it would be to stop. They wanted more. The way their tongues moved would be best described as territorial , like beasts hunting in their domain. But soon they’d both snap away, breathing in and gasping to catch a breath. A cat and dog, fighting over the small space of the bedroom. That realisation made them giggle. Soon, the cat showed its claws and tackled Gorou impatiently.

Gorou landed on his back, with his wrists under Kazuha's grip. He kissed passionately, practically eating Gorou's face in chunks with his lips. The general felt a bit uneasy and slightly lightheaded as the butterflies inside his stomach all fluttered at once. He could break free at any moment, but Kazuha's kiss was much more important.

It was clear that Kazuha was getting tired from kissing him. Gorou freed himself and grabbed Kazuha by his head, locking them together for another round, where he would reciprocate all the affection.

The ronin's blush rivalled Gorou's with how red it was. It was just as warm to the touch too. His head was spinning and heart – racing. His hands lost all their grip and kept shaking.

They couldn't think clearly. Every idea was just a sparkly, sweet mist – meaningless and unreachable. But a certain thought was unmistakably clear, “He's everything.”

Once they pulled away, Kazuha's hand rested trembling on Gorou's face, light and shaky, like a leaf caught in a web. His touch was warm like the early sun and Gorou was his moon – reflecting all that joyful warmth and giving it back. Except, unlike the moon, Kazuha could feel him – touch his creamy skin and taste his body.

Gorou’s lips slowly moved apart, murmuring “Zuzu…” His voice was so very tender and sweet that Kazuha’s heart could burst hearing his name be called that again.

Thoughts clashed together as he blankly stared with an agape mouth and sparkling, star-struck eyes. He was enchanted, bewildered to the point of losing the ability to speak. Finally, he moved just a tiny bit closer and whispered “R–Rou…” with his lips gliding above the general’s.

That's been his pet name almost the entire evening, but hearing it be said now, in bed, by Kaedehara Kazuha… Gorou didn't know what to think or, for that matter, how to think. It felt much greater than… anything, than any word that could be said. His whole world condensed to just that moment of laying in bed with him . Raw emotions and wild feelings spun in Gorou’s brain like on a carousel: delirium and clarity, thirst, and hunger and satiety, joy and elation, respect, affection… and lust. They only lasted for a split moment, but their aftertaste lingered for as long as he could see Kazuha’s rich, crimson eyes.

It was getting hard to breathe. His stomach, full of fluttering butterflies, was ready to pop. His eyes narrowed into the shape of sharp arrowheads, only exaggerated by his brows before he grabbed Kazuha’s head and pulled.

The fight was met with little to no resistance, perhaps a shocked gasp and nothing more. The ronin allowed himself to change places with Gorou. Now he laid over the velvety covers with his lover right above, tongue dominating his mind with primal intimacy and warmth. Feeling Gorou's claws stroking his silvery strings, Kazuha could tell how much Gorou wanted it loose.

His fingers ran through the ronin's snow-white hair. One of them got caught on the band keeping it bunched up and started tugging. It slowly got lower and lower, but not coming off. Kazuha's hair spread like a flower bud with a sharp tip and still connected to the stem.

Gorou's other hand travelled under Kazuha's kimono, sliding over his hip and going further back before sliding up, counting each little bump of his spine.

It was enjoyable, highly enjoyable, perhaps even pleasurable. Gorou was so close that Kazuha could feel something hardening behind the few layers of clothing. But, after sharing a long, intimate kiss with one such as Kazuha, who could blame him for that? No amount of discipline or self-restraint could prevent Gorou from becoming aroused during such an involved experience.

“Kazuha…” he whispered out on an exhale, his hot, heavy breath rolling under Kazuha’s collar like a wave. “May I?”

There wasn’t a need for an answer. The young ronin silently nodded, the peach fuzz of his cheek brushing against Gorou's.

After catching his breath, Gorou pulled away. His rough hand caressed Kazuha's cheek with caution, careful not to scratch his flawless canvas of skin. He easily held Kazuha still while his free hand got busy loosening his vibrant crimson kimono. Once it was untied, Kazuha was opened up like an envelope. He didn't even notice Gorou untying his hair until he laid back down on a dreamy veil of his silver webs spread out like a dreamcatcher.

Exposed, Kazuha's body was like a forbidden fruit. Gorou stepped back to admire the beauty laid in front of him.

His story was written with scars over pale skin – with an elegant form and blue, noble blood under it. The flawless body wore imperfections from his long travels and battles. One such feature was a slim scar running from his chest in a line down his arm. From the cut, it was obvious to Gorou that Kazuha gained it when preparing a strike and being slashed right before he could move his arm. Now that wound became a mighty branch of a maple tree with many small leaves on it. One of the leaves was soundly rested right over his heart, with “love” and “freedom” written in his handwriting in two of the fingers of the leaf.

Though maybe a bit selfish, but, one day, Gorou hoped to see their names in two of the slots… or, perhaps, even occupying the central slot right on Kazuha’s heart.

His left shoulder was also not a stranger to battle marks. Though often protected by armour, there were still testaments to his dangerous past – old, thin cut laying dormant like a web. Some were red, raging to get vengeance and refusing to heal after months, and bumpy – adding texture to an otherwise smooth composition.

Having stared at his love for long enough, Gorou leaned back in and focused all his attention into touch. His calloused hands smoothly glided over Kazuha’s radiant skin, gently moving, as if it were thick honey. That creamy texture was so rewarding to the touch, and Kazuha clearly loved the sensation as well – it was simply too perfect, with its intentional nature and pleasing care.

The fingertips followed the trail of his scars like a map. They went through history. Gorou remembered the first time he saw Kazuha without clothes, with just a handful of scars, and how he gained some during the time they were together, but some of these were too recent – too bumpy and red…

Each touch was like an experience on its own. The older marks were the same as the skin, but one Gorou touched some of the more recent ones, Kazuha couldn't handle it. The red skin there felt like another burn and Gorou’s hand snapped away after seeing the pain on Kazuha's face. He froze.

“I'm sorry, Kazu,” he whispered, “I'm so sorry,” worry resonating in his voice.

“It's just a bit tender…” Kazuha replied with a forced smile. “Be more careful around there, if you may.”

He cautiously touched it with his thumb. Kazuha's expression calmed. The sensation was just a pleasant sting now. It actually felt comforting once the heat subsided and he could feel Gorou’s touch ever so intimately gliding over his skin. Kazuha closed his eyes, breath getting caught up in his throat and escaping like heavy panting.

Such a sweet reaction from the ronin made Gorou want to seek more. No doubt, Kazuha had always had great self-control over his body, but either he couldn't hide the fact he was deeply enjoying it, or he simply wanted Gorou to witness him like that. His airy voice trembled under its own weight, turning into heavy, breathless huffs.

Like a fish out of water, he couldn't breathe. His knees felt weaker and weaker by the moment and his head started spinning.

To add to the overwhelming sensation, Gorou's sharp, wet tongue playfully circled around Kazuha's hard nipples. Slowly, the tension inside built up and Kazuha's voice cracked with moans. His heart ached, beating faster and faster with each passing moment, and Gorou, with his lips pressed against Kazuha's bare chest, could definitely feel it.

And, indeed, Gorou could. That rhythmic beating became irregular and complimented the tension between them. Kazuha reached his arms around his boyfriend, and pulled, giving him no choice but to lick even more.

Without the kimono over him, Kazuha didn't have anything covering his excitement, allowing it to poke Gorou's stomach. The general found the embarrassment of the samurai endearing. His index and middle fingers circled around the sensitive scars while he lustfully sucked on Kazuha's nipples and gently bit around the edges to arouse him further.

With his other hand he wandered down the ronin’s body and began stroking the bulge. Sometimes he gripped the shape under the fundoshi and stroked it, other times he would gently rub and massage it. He could feel the twitching and throbbing beneath intensify as Kazuha got close. And then Gorou suddenly stopped.

“Rou…” he moaned breathlessly, his voice oh so hushed but just loud enough to not fade. “P–please…”

Innocence and purity could be seen in Kazuha's body language as he tried to turn himself. Refusing him would be a crime. Gorou helped him by taking off his underwear and pulling the kimono from under him.

“It looks like someone here has a nice and big problem on their hands…” Gorou crawled back onto the bed, casting a shadow over his lying boyfriend. He was as intimidating and imposing as he was caring and tender.

Kazuha lost the gift of speech. In a nervous fit, his eyes, usually as rich as a fiery peony, became like embers and darted between Gorou's gaze and the ceiling behind him. The wide eyes made him look like a cornered animal seeking an escape. He could only slowly nod in agreement.

Naturally, as Gorou's face approached, Kazuha shut his eyes tight. He could feel the general's hot breath fall onto his skin, but it wasn't nearly as pleasantly burning as the scalding touch below. Once again the wet moans reverberated in his throat, followed by weak whines and huffs.

He could only brace once Gorou introduced a slow stroking motion. The room became dizzyingly hot, to the point of his breaths becoming gasps and pants. He wrapped his arms behind Gorou's shoulders. Warm lips gently pressed to his neck, licking and sucking the skin.

The motions kept changing between a passionate massage that made Kazuha shiver from pleasure and rough jerking that made him wince and tense up. His legs would relax and lay down and then swiftly curl up under Gorou, unable to lift him.

Separate from the rest of Kazuha's throbbing cock, his sensitive tip received a much more intimate and sensual massage. It leaked vigorously over Gorou's thumb as his body begged for a climax.

Gorou ordered to see his flaming eyes. Kazuha could barely keep them open. He witnessed the general's face pulling in and his tongue conquering Kazuha's mouth. He stared into the sea of Gorou's eyes. Their tongues swirled and twisted wildly while pink blush grew on his face.

Four fingers slowly stroked along the length of Kazuha's shaft whilst the thumb nicely pressed into the soft, sensitive cushion that was his tip. With his heartbeat once again on the rise, Kazuha held Gorou's head in their kiss as anticipation fueled him. The slick, drippy pre slowly spread under Gorou's hand, making the stroking sensation feel even better as the palm glided and slid over the wet dick by barely having any friction. This allowed the strokes to speed up.

Gorou's tongue dominated the noble’s warm mouth. It all felt so nauseatingly good. Just a few moments… a tiny bit more… and, then, suddenly, it was all gone.

“Gorou–? P–please–” Kazuha mewled, thick saliva between his lips. The dissatisfaction almost brought him to tears as his eyes got so wet they could extinguish the fire inside. “I'm so– so… close…”

All hope left the vulnerable Kaedehara’s mind once he realised he wouldn't be able to do anything himself and needed Gorou's permission to finish. Warm tears streamed down his red cheeks as words clogged up his throat. He was ready to beg and plead, to promise anything Gorou wanted in return for the sweet release.

Just as he opened his mouth, Gorou moved to the side – his hand firmly around Kazuha's cock. Cold pierced his body with a swift, penetrative bite to his neck. He yelped out Gorou's name as he could feel himself achieve the orgasm and his body relax.

The hot semen erupted furiously out of him, spraying over his thighs and lacing them in murky white cream. It dripped down the tip as a thin string down to Gorou's thumb, with another stream running down his shaft over his firmly clenched fist.

He did his best to regain his breath. Kazuha found himself in the safety of his boyfriend’s cradling caress. His silky kimono and the deep bite mark warmed Kazuha's skin. His touch felt ever so tender, so much more than before. The wound left by his sharp canines would most likely take a while to heal. Kazuha wanted to chuckle, realising that he had just been marked by Gorou, who was now licking the bleeding flesh before using his bloodied tongue and lips to kiss Kazuha with.

“Kazuha, I'm… sorry,” he apologetically whispered. “I'm really, really sorry. I just couldn't help it.”

“It's okay, Rou, I don't mind it that much because I can just wear a scarf over it… I, however, can't say that being on the receiving end of edging was pleasant enough to repeat ever again…” he finished with an irritated look.

“I understand. Truth be told, I didn't expect to see you tear up from that. I've never seen you get so emotional…” Gorou quietly said with regret. His voice tickled Kazuha's ears and his words settled in the samurai’s mind.

Kazuha's hands smoothly slid from his shoulders and cupped Gorou's face. “I hope it isn't too distracting for you. After all, we still have the most crucial part of our daily training, don't we, General Gorou? We can't skip it when you're this excited.”

A competitive spark ignited in Gorou's eyes and his ears twitched hearing those words. His tail cautiously stood up and mesmerizingly swung left and right. Kazuha just signed up for the most intense program for endurance training.

“Kazuha, are you sure?” he asked, worry reflected in his voice.

The ronin once again nodded. “I'm positive in my capability to handle it.”

Gorou nervously sighed, trying to discourage him. “Alright, but I'm on the… bigger side of the spectrum.”

“Oh? Is General Gorou prideful enough to brag about something like that~?” Kazuha teased.

A wave of red covered his cheeks. “What!? No, of course not! I'd never boast about such a private matter! I– I'm just warning you!”

Kazuha knew he was sincere, which made the flustered expression even sweeter to see. “I'm ready, General~”

“Alright, Kaedehara.”

His low voice sent pleasant shivers down the samurai's spine. If that harsh and cold delivery was a sign of anything, Kazuha couldn't wait to see how rough Gorou would act. His powerful, commanding voice clouded the mind and ordered to submit or break. Kazuha fell into the temptation, slowly giving in more of his body to Gorou's touch out of his own selfish, carnal desire.

But that touch was just the beginning. The way it exploded the outline of Kazuha's body before trailing into more intimate areas felt… wrong, but not in a way they wanted to reject or resist. They embraced the forbidden feeling natural to the act. Kazuha, although very sensitive and emotional during intimacy, was ready to indulge in the sin of lust with Gorou for as long as his body would allow him to.

But before that, he was to enjoy a private spectacle of Gorou undressing for him. His hands grabbed the belt and masterfully untied it just enough to give Kazuha a view of his chest. The kimono fell from Gorou's shoulders like a mystical veil, leaving him standing in the pants of his uniform. The golden zipper slowly scrolled down, clicking with every step. They opened like flaps of a window, making Kazuha's heart throb with anticipation and his crimson eyes lock onto the bulging white underwear.

The general gently grabbed him by the arms and lifted him out of bed. Kazuha placed his hands on his shoulders and wrapped his legs around his hips. Gorou carried him to the wall and firmly pressed into it. Cornered again, Kazuha could only stare into the ocean-filled eyes. Who could blame him for daring to kiss Gorou again? Kazuha challenged him, slipping his tongue into Gorou's mouth. He twisted it and felt so overwhelmingly hot every second.

He pulled away with bright red cheeks and a proud smirk. Gorou's face, meanwhile, looked much more relaxed and cool. It was high time to check for Kazuha's consent for the last time. He asked softly, “Are we ready?”

Kazuha closed his eyes, sighed and nodded. He suddenly felt a lot of pressure. All his efforts led him here and he couldn't mess it up. He anxiously gripped Gorou's shoulders and just before he could brace himself, it all came at once.

The moment Gorou's big, wet cock slammed as deep as it could reach with all of his strength, Kazuha regretted teasing him about his size. Everything went fuzzy and for a moment Kazuha even lost the ability to see colour. The world wasn't the same, because he could see no world other than his – Gorou.

A strange feeling emerged inside Kazuha – as if a rope squeezed his stomach. Air escaped his lungs as he gasped after each thrust. His face turned red, adorned with salty, crystal tears. This was the training he asked for, and he'd be stuck having his sensitive hole ravaged by the deep, swift thrusts for as long as Gorou could deliver them.

“Kazuha?” he asked, feeling the grip on his shoulders loosen.

The noble stayed silent. He did his best to hold on, wrapping his arms around Gorou's neck like a scarf. He moaned as he felt Gorou's hips mercilessly ram into him with his wet cock ruining Kazuha's pure body. All the sensation sent shivers down his spine.

“Kaedehara!” Gorou's commanding voice broke through. “It'll be alright.”

“Yes, General Gorou…” he mouthed, almost crying.

Kazuha felt the tender touch of Gorou's lips brush against his skin. “Relax, just follow orders.”

No matter how hard Kazuha tried, his body refused. He felt Gorou's fangs slowly sink into his neck. Just a little bite to make him bleed and nothing more. The thrill of knowing Gorou could bite harder felt strangely arousing and paralysed him. His warm blood slowly dropped into the general's mouth and he was rewarded with licks and kisses.

Just barely a minute after they started, Kazuha couldn't feel his legs anymore, loosening the apron around Gorou's waist. With heavy, breathless cries and faint sobs, Kazuha gathered his strength to speak again.

“Rou–! Rou I'm about to fall. Please– please hold me!” he shouted as his legs started slipping down the general's moving hips.

“Calm down, I promise I'm holding you,” Gorou whispered. “You won't fall.”

Even if it was just a brief moment of respite, the deep, rough delivery slowed. Gorou sucked on Kazuha's neck while giving him passionate, gentle thrusts. He held Kazuha's face and kissed him with the bitter, bloodstained tongue.

How strange. Perhaps it was never Gorou's intention to go rough for long. The moment Kazuha snapped he slowed down without hesitation. Now, at least, they could enjoy having slow, nice, passionate sex.

With front row seats while touching Kazuha's body to hear his wet, lustful moans, it was no surprise to either of them that his dick was so wet and effortlessly slid in. He was overflowing with his leaky excitement the whole time while awaiting the moment. Now, he could focus on showing his affection.

Kazuha was a strong young man, highly respected in Inazuma and known even beyond its borders. He is a smith, a poet, a noble. Seeing him press his body to Gorou's, rest his weary head on the general's broad shoulder and tenderly hold onto him like a tired, hopeless romantic was… endearing. The ronin willingly displayed himself as vulnerable and exposed. Gorou's heart melted as he wanted to stop it all and just make out with him.

Four fingers gently scratched the back of Kazuha's head while grasping his silver locks and combing through them. This feeling was much different – slower than the shallow, sensual thrusts and more tender than the long kisses. As the fingers gently twisted Kazuha's hair around themselves like a loom, he felt so much at ease.

“Is everything alright?” Gorou cautiously asked.

“Mhm…” he heard in return.

“Just… if it's hurting, let me know,” he said. “I'll slow down, put us in bed – or anything you need.”

“There’s no need,” Kazuha quietly replied.

Maybe it was just Gorou's pessimism and worry talking, but Kazuha must have been keeping silent on purpose. Perhaps he was too prideful to admit that even such a slow pace was too much for him, or maybe he felt like his duty was to endure it for Gorou's pleasure.

“I'm just returning the favour. You've worked yourself to the bone for this and deserve only the best.” Gorou gently kissed his cheek and began speeding up.

The sound of Kazuha's pleasured moaning escaping his throat was invigorating. Huffs kept the flame going as he turned red like an apple. His breathing was perfectly in sync to the motions of Gorou's hips. He knew he could let go at any moment and Gorou would hold him, loosening his grip to show this comfort to his boyfriend.

Each thrust forged its way deeper in. Gorou sped up each time, thrusting with more intention. After a couple of minutes it was too much and he slowed down again. The wandering samurai stared into his eyes with deep crimson flushing his whole face. That rope tugging his stomach was just so exhausting, and this feeling of Gorou's length stretching Kazuha out wore him out by the moment. The ronin broke into sweat as all that sensation took a toll on his body.

Hot pants and gasps left his mouth, only to be caught in Gorou's lips. That feeling was too overpowering. The soft lips and the secure grip were strong enough to convince him to close his eyes and blindly trust .

Gorou wasn't an inspiring leader because of his silver tongue. First and foremost, he was one of his people, leading by example. Instead of sweet words he'd say things how they are and show his feelings through action. The feeling inside Kazuha, the warmth in and around him, was something only he was privileged enough to witness. That raw affection was only for him.

The sweet taste of the general's lips was a cloud carrying Kazuha through the morning sky. His worries were left behind as he allowed himself to be carried away. How long has it been since he's been so carefree? A second lasted hours, and a minute – like a lifetime. He grabbed Gorou by his head. His tender, pale fingers bled into Gorou's rough contour like different paints… Until Kazuha's fingers and Gorou's face almost mixed together in a vibrant, pastel pink.

Gorou raised his hand and placed it over Kazuha's. His fingers rubbed between the bandages as they closed around Kazuha's palm. The general slowly began untying them while keeping his gaze focused on his boyfriend. The pearly white cloth fell down. It was airy, falling gently as if weightless. The way it folded in the air, twisting and turning like an otherworldly veil…

The calloused palm very tenderly pressed into the burned one. It could faintly feel the loving touch over the scar. Gorou discovered that the skin around Kazuha's burn was a lot more sensitive as well. He shifted his hand and saw his boyfriend react to it. Kazuha's fingers slid between Gorou's, they slowly closed, intertwining, locking them together.

Suddenly, Kazuha started reacting to something. Gorou loved the sounds escaping the lips of his sensitive samurai. His ears listened in closely, and his tail noticeably sped up. It became clear that it was Kazuha's palm once he started gripping Gorou's hand. The skin around his burn was so sensitive it practically served as an erogenous zone. He used the opportunity to free his hand from the samurai's clutch and touch Kazuha there. And it felt divine. The ronin could make out each detail of Gorou's fingerprint from touch alone.

What a foreign concept erogenous zones were to Kazuha. He hadn't realised that Gorou figured it out and that's why it felt so good… so intentional . It was shameful to be aroused by getting his hand touched, he thought… but he didn't want it to stop. That, combined with the pleasure from strong thrusts pinning him into a wall – Kazuha's embarrassment was on display for the general to see and embrace with a pair of lips.

Gorou held his hand and led it up. He held Kazuha's wrist against the wall and two of his fingers teased Kazuha nicely. The motions they were mimicking were just as shallow as the thrusts he felt just before. They stroked the sensitive skin up and down and then gently thrust the fingertips onto the pale red area.

The long, passionate kiss left Gorou breathless. Once he pulled away, a mix of his and Kazuha's saliva dripped from his tired, panting tongue. The temperature kept rising… Kazuha's other hand was still leaving warm marks on Gorou's cheek, while Kazuha's intimate warmth enveloped Gorou penis below.

Sturdy as a mountain, steady as a clock. That warmth of Kazuha's tight body was such a big reward on its own. The way the samurai clenched his muscles made him even tighter, unintentionally squeezing and pleasing Gorou's cock. His musical voice huffing and moaning uncontrollably in Gorou's rhythm fanned the flames of lust even further.

Gorou knew his limit would be coming up soon, especially with Kazuha acting the way he did. He stroked Kazuha and pushed in his whole length. That sudden change made everything done before this feel like it was just a tease. Dizziness overtook him in seconds while he mewled and moaned Gorou's name, feeling his body struggle to keep up.

Again… and again. Kazuha bawled his eyes out as Gorou's cock ruthlessly hit him in that sensitive spot. Unintentionally, Gorou found what he was looking for the moment fully entered the ronin. But now, with his eyes on the prize, he wasn't stopping. As grim as the connotations of that word are, Gorou abused Kazuha's hole and body by slamming into him with all of his strength and might. The loud cries at the top of his lungs, the breathless moans with gasps, the way thick saliva dripped and drooled from his mouth, stringing together the incoherent crying and pleading – all fueled Gorou's desire for more.

He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead up against Kazuha's. He stopped suppressing himself and grunted and huffed, all to keep focus on the pace. He growled like a wild animal. Kazuha's legs got pulled higher, almost onto the general's shoulders – not the most comfortable position for him to be in, but Gorou made it work. The sheer force of his collision sent waves of pleasure up Kazuha and made his legs go numb.

Beads of hot tears sparkled like pearls by Kazuha's eyes. His nails dug into Gorou's scarred back. He begged for mercy but only got Gorou's lips to comfort him. The tears streamed down his cheeks, onto Gorou's, and down their shoulders. It looked like two rivers rolling down the mountainside.

Like skis down the snow, Kazuha's fingers carved thin lines on Gorou's back as he was snatched off the wall and laid down in the bed. The way he weakly mewled, feeling the cock ram back down, was priceless. The angle of Kazuha's lower body being slightly raised up, perfectly in line for Gorou's dick to slide into, made the sensations so much better.

He stared up at the ceiling, becoming delirious from all the stimulation. The edges of his sight dimmed and his eyes couldn't focus. Gorou jerked him rougher and rougher. One last thrust – a click of a button – made Kazuha scream in pleasure and shoot cloudy white cum across his body, even reaching his own face. His heart beat rapidly and his head pulsed. Gorou sensually sucked his neck, licking it clean. It was unbearably hot. Sparkly sweat rolled down his brow. His neck pulsed as he gasped to cool himself off. His body arched from the pleasure covering him like a wave while subconsciously squeezing Gorou’s cock.

Kazuha tasted slightly bitter, and his neck was very salty. Gorou’s ears tickled Kazuha under the chin as he bobbed his head while sucking. Everything – from the scratching to the squeezing – felt great. His body couldn’t handle it anymore. Gorou’s tail stood up perfectly upright, stopping in place. 

“Zu…” he huffed. “Zuzu… I have to… finish… right now.”

Seeing general Gorou lose the last drops of his composure was a rare, delightful sight. “Gor–rou, I want i–” was all Kazuha could say. He didn't have time to finish, but he said enough. Gorou's lips were hungrily and passionately devouring Kazuha’s face while he delivered the last few thrusts.

Warmth. Gorou dropped Kazuha’s legs from his shoulders to the sides to let them rest as he laid down over him. He could feel the cum slowly leaking out and flowing down. Everything Gorou had been holding that whole day got pumped into Kazuha. He felt stuffed, tired and so, so warm.

Gorou fell down to his side, sweaty, tired. “My apologies, Kazuha,” he softly whispered into his ears. “I should have worn a condom… this is a bigger mess than predicted.”

Kazuha quietly chuckled. He was rather quiet, probably because any louder and he'd lose his voice. “No need to stress yourself over that…” he yawned, “It's all fine… I'd just… Clean it later…”

The sleepy ronin held Gorou's hands, interlocking their fingers together and resting it over his chest. His clasp was tight and warm, and his chest moved subtly like the waves.

“No.” Gorou firmly told him. “It's my responsibility.”

The general wiped Kazuha's tears and picked him up. His body was both relaxed and tense.

“No… no more… please.” he quietly whimpered.

Realising the state of confusion Kazuha was experiencing due to his delirious exhaustion, Gorou gently kissed him. “Don't worry, we're done, okay? All that's left to do is clean you up.”

“A–alright…”

Kazuha's voice was fading fast. His hands barely held on while his feet just hung in the air.

“I'll never forget this day…” Gorou murmured. “For as long as my heart beats.”

His heart… his big, loving heart. Its rhythm was so strong and prominent, silencing the quiet night. Kazuha didn't even notice his own heart loudly beating inside. Like a child disconnected from their mother, Kazuha felt unnaturally panicked when Gorou's warm body let go. They stood in the cold bath.

The floor wasn't slippery, but it didn't help Kazuha's shaking legs. He desperately clutched for Gorou's big shoulders and arms while being cleaned. Gels covered his skin, soaps slid across his body, sponges rubbed on him. All the dry, messy stains that Kazuha left on himself had vanished.

As the water rushed down Kazuha's body, it also splashed on the face of his ever-curious boyfriend. Gorou was sitting on his knees to wash Kazuha's legs. Kazuha's hands rested on the general's shoulders to keep him balanced.

Gorou couldn’t help his curiosity. It started with a sniff. Kazuha had that unmistakable smell to him… but it was hard to notice with all the cleaning Gorou had done. He smelled foreign, but delicious nevertheless.

Just a tiny lick. Gorou's tongue gently explored the taste. His every motion made Kazuha's knees weaker and his blush redder. His penis turned hard in Gorou's mouth and eagerly twitched.

The heat in the bath kept rising, even if the water stayed the same. Kazuha's shoulders got weaker and he could feel his elbows trembling. Gorou's mouth felt so divine to be in. All the tension he built up had to be released.

Just a couple of minutes later, Gorou was presented with a small, creamy reward for his efforts. Kazuha was all spent after the night and his body showed that.

The ronin laid down, the water rushing down his hair and back, and sighed. His hair spread like a silver net. It gracefully and elegantly moved in the stream of water like some kind of jellyfish. Kazuha enjoyed the warmth flowing beneath him while Gorou finished up washing himself. He could once again simply stare at his boyfriend's strong, masculine build.

In the blink of an eye both of them were already out of the bath. Kazuha leaned on Gorou as a big towel enwrapped them. He was shaking. Gorou kissed his forehead and Kazuha turned his head to be kissed on the lips. Gorou kissed his cheek with closed eyes and quietly let him dry.

Kazuha was carried to bed after Gorou noticed how poorly he walked. He closed his eyes, resting his face in the crook of Gorou's neck. Gorou stroked his hair. After drying, it was as gentle and smooth as silk and smelled of fragrant flowers. Gorou tickled him with his lips until the samurai would look up and expose his own lips for kissing.

The air lingered with soft smells after their shower. They still felt warm after leaving the water, but now they also had each other. After the kisses faded, leaving only an echo on Kazuha's skin, he once again laid close to Gorou. Almost as if instinctively, Gorou put his arm and soft tail on him, keeping his boyfriend safe and warm after their first night.

The dark sky outside was enchanting. The moon shone with a subtle golden underglow. The stars, scattered in the air, were indistinguishable from the flickering lights of the fireworks. The golden light bloomed with vibrant gold and crimson, then crumbled into a shower of sparks.

“It's beautiful, Kazuha…” Gorou murmured. For once, he could enjoy the show without trembling, without hearing those erupting sounds and covering his ears. A dreamy sigh escaped his lips. “But, not as beautiful as you.”

Kazuha had to chuckle after hearing that. “Did you learn that from Heizou?” he asked, subtly smiling.

They both giggled before Gorou silenced him with another gentle kiss. He locked onto the lights in the distance. The warm glow painted his face and the sparkles echoed in his eyes. The late night show was all about the custom orders Yoimiya had received. As Kazuha turned his head, a cold blue painted the sky, together with a fiery red. The Sun, the Moon, Inazuma witnessed them.

“Did you learn that from Yoimiya?” he teased.

Kazuha chuckled. He turned back around and led his eyes up to Gorou's.

“Two rings, hm?” Gorou asked. “So, it was all intentional, wasn't it?”

The samurai cupped his face and went for a kiss.

“You really went this far just for me…” Gorou whispered into his ear as the glow began to fade. “I can't express how much I love you.”

The magical sky faded. No more fireworks, no stars, just a dark velvet and purple sky of tomorrow's morning. Inazuma laid quiet. Kazuha rested in Gorou's embrace, both soundly asleep.