[Amber: 002]

[hakanai]

[A few conversations he's had lately have inspired this amber 'post' from Yoshitsugu. He's currently laying down on his bed in the room he shares with a myriad of interesting souls, face-up and holding the amber piece above his head so it can show his face (well, what little of it that is visible).]

The wish to return to your homes is normal, but it is frankly stupid to reject the opportunities for growth you can find here. Accepting them might not hinder you efforts, it might indeed help them, and the personal experiences may prove fruitful and useful for your future... whatever that future might hold.

[As is typical for him, however, he can't help but add something of a dark tease at the end; nothing about his tone suggests it is anything but serious. It probably doesn't take much thought to work out Yoshitsugu's attempt at humour unless you're exceptionally naive, though.]

Of course, it may be unwise to listen to the words of a ghost. Who knows how he might lead you astray?

Comments

[handtowels]

[Takatora groans in disgust and sacrifices his pillow to throw it directly at Yoshitsugu's face -- and yet he still ends up laughing.

He may not reach Yoshitsugu's levels, but he's plenty odd himself.]

[hakanai]

[Yoshitsugu doesn't even bother to try and catch the pillow, letting it hit him before falling to the floor. His smile is not directly visible but reaches his eyes nonetheless.]

I must be a very unusual ghost. [Pulling his sock back on first, Yoshitsugu then drops his legs back onto the mattress.] But the presence of feet does not hinder my ability to curse the living, I can assure you.

[handtowels]

That I do believe.

[Takatora says with a grin.]

How many have you laid by now?

[hakanai]

[Oh, Takatora; you really should have thought a little more about how to phrase that question. Yoshitsugu's expression doesn't change much, but Takatora might well notice something outright wicked spark in his friend's eyes.]

Laid?

[Someone like Yoshitsugu is not going to pass up the opportunity to twist that word, especially when you consider who it is saying it. He tilts his head back and closes his eyes, twisting a lock of hair between his fingers.]

You're interested in how many I've laid? I'm surprised you are so unaware of the answer to that, what with our beds being so close.

[handtowels]

W-Wha--

[Takatora makes a strangled noise in his throat and flushes red. He rolls off of his bed, makes his way over to Yoshitsugu's, grabs his pillow from the floor and pounces on his friend, smushing the pillow into Yoshitsugu's face.

He releases his hold on the pillow quickly, of course, not truly wanting to smother Yoshitsugu, but it gets the point across.]

Like anyone else could stand your teasing long enough to!

[hakanai]

[Removing that pillow would reveal Yoshitsugu's just-bared face, the smothering having shifted his facecloth. Usually this is something he would fix immediately, but in this private space and between the two of them it's no longer an issue. Takatora earnt the right without asking for it, honestly.]

[It reveals a smirk that may or may not be very welcome.]

You think only you could handle my teasing for long enough?

[The smirk doesn't fade one bit. Sorry, Takatora; you're getting hit full force with Yoshitsugu's worst right now.]

I have had invitation and opportunity to test that before, you know.

[handtowels]

[Takatora moves the pillow, placing it down on the mattress. His eyes fix on Yoshitsugu's smirk for a beat; he swallows, then lies down, inviting himself to Yoshitsugu's bed. He lets his head tip onto Yoshitsugu's shoulder.]

How did that pan out for you?

[His tone suggests he doesn't think it was always satisfying, although he's not sure that putting thought into it is a wise idea, all things considered.]

[hakanai]

[Well, isn's this interesting? Yoshitsugu once again wonders at how Takatora manages to miss the obvious as he answers, smirk not budging for a second.]

Most opportunities I rejected. Of the few that remained, several were put off by the condition that my facecloth remain on.

[He closes his eyes and folds his hands on his chest. Well now, what to share? How much of it? And to what degree of honesty? There's probably no need to break out the obvious, overblown lies; getting a reaction out of Takatora when it comes to this subject matter won't take all that much.]

The small amount that were not... well. Taking a partner who is not permitted to see my face limits the options available, as I am sure you can imagine.

[The smirk widens a fraction.]

[handtowels]

[His mind latches on to that trail of thought -- which is why he answers too quickly in countermeasure.]

R-right. [His flush intensifies, but he gathers his wits.] How considerate of you not to curse them.

[And yet, he cannot help but wonder...]

Hey, Yoshitsugu. Who else has seen your face?

[hakanai]

[Yoshitsugu doesn't need to open his eyes to know that Takatora is blushing; the sound of his friend's voice is a dead giveaway. How cute. The question that follows is also rather cute, in its way, and he only needs to be honest to get a reaction. So he answers directly.]

I would assume my parents did. [A pretty safe guess in every way, despite the fact that Yoshitsugu can barely remember them.] Nobody else while I lived, though if either you or Mitsunari had asked to see I would have allowed it.

[He opens his eyes and casts Takatora a very knowing, and perhaps even fond, side-glance.]

So yes, Takatora, in my memories that leaves only you as the subject of my most deadly of curses; the sight of my face.

[handtowels]

[Takatora smiles in response.]

Huh. So Mitsunari never saw your face?

[Perhaps he shouldn't sound so pleased about it, but he does. After a moment, Takatora gives into temptation and reaches out, shyly touching his calloused, scarred fingers to Yoshitsugu's cheek.]

So I can have this for myself?

[hakanai]

[That second question takes Yoshitsugu back to a night many years ago; a memory that involves teasing Mitsunari and Takatora is not exactly unusual, but what makes this stand out to him is the thoughts he'd been left with afterwards. The regret of only being one, not two, and choosing to 'divide' himself in order to ensure both of his treasured friends could have a part of him. For Mitsunari, his life, and for Takatora? Not his face, but something a little more profound.]

[Neither of said friends actually knew about that decision, however.]

You are a hopeless idiot, Takatora. [Yoshitsugu says, sounding unusually thoughtful for a brief moment before it fades away.] But it seems that for now, at least, this really is for you alone.

[His eyes slide shut again in response to that touch. Somehow this ridiculous conversation has taken on a note of softness.]

[handtowels]

[Takatora skims his hand along Yoshitsugu's face and tucks it against the corner of Yoshitsugu's jaw, where he leaves it to rest. Happiness warms his chest.]

This can't be taken from me.

[He'll always have this moment, and all this stolen time in the tree, whatever the future holds.]

[hakanai]

[By Takatora's standards in personal matters this is rather bold, Yoshitsugu thinks; being in this world without the pressures of war and duty (at least of the active kind) seems to be making this a natural process. It is not one without weight and potential troubles, but this is not the moment to consider those.]

[How long has it been since Takatora showed such happiness? And truth be told, Yoshitsugu is more than content to drift in this moment himself.]

[He shifts a hand so he can slide his own fingers across Takatora's own hand.]

Is that what the flow says?

[handtowels]

[Takatora's eyes flutter at the brush of Yoshitsugu's fingers against his hand and a small sigh escapes him. Those words, however, get a gentle scoff from him shortly after.]

I don't care what the flow says.

[What is clear is that he has no intention of moving from this position soon.]

[hakanai]

You should.

[Yoshitsugu's tone is quietly amused.]

What if it commanded me to shove you off this bed?

[It's obviously not something he actually intends to do, just lighthearted teasing.]

[handtowels]

Ha! I'd win that tussle.

[In that, at least, Takatora has plenty of confidence.]

Face facts, Yoshitsugu. You won't get rid of me.

[hakanai]

[Yoshitsugu grunts lightly, amused. It's true that Takatora has an overwhelmingly large advantage when it comes to physical strength, but...]

There are other ways to achieve one's goal. Whatever that goal might be.

[What Yoshitsugu does have is a lot of intelligence, perception and the willingness to be incredibly inappopriate when he feels like it. His smirk widens as he speaks, somehow.]

You are built as strong and resistant as the most well-made castle. If I wanted to get 'inside' the castle, for instance, I'd just need to find the weakest point of entry.

[handtowels]

[In comparison to the colour now gracing his face, Takatora's previous blush was pallid. His mouth goes dry at the innuendo and he buries his face into Yoshitsugu's shoulder.]

O-Oh...

[Yet somehow he still manages to talk.]

I could withstand your breach.

[hakanai]

A bold claim to make, when I've already infiltrated different parts of the keep.

[Yoshitsugu is slipping back into a softer tone of voice, his whole aura shifting to match. Takatora's reactions have both amused him and touched him, and in this comfortable and relaxed position they've taken up it's easier to let the latter feelings wash through his body.]

[This is warm, and very, very pleasant.]

Or do you deny this is the truth?

[handtowels]

[Takatora doesn't deny that is true; he knows the enormity of his feelings for Yoshitsugu.]

Are you waiting for me to surrender?

[hakanai]

It would be rather cruel to force it upon you.

[Yoshitsugu's fingers idly begin to trace circles on the back of his friend's hand.]

The choices to be made here are yours, Takatora.

[Which is no exaggeration at all, and they both surely know this.]

[handtowels]

[The choice is his? Takatora exhales, closing his eyes momentarily and concentrating on nothing but the idle tracing of Yoshitsugu's fingers and the sound of their shared breathing.

He never expected to have this. Two years ago it had been buried for good. Those years and these past months have changed his perspective. There is nothing but duty when all that you love is dead. He has done his duty; there is no duty here. Only...

Bracing his weight on his free arm, Takatora pushes himself up, suspending himself over Yoshitsugu. He dips his head, leaving mere inches between their faces. His heart pounds in his chest as his gaze seeks something in Yoshitsugu's expression, in Yoshitsugu's clever, lively eyes.]

[hakanai]

[Still, after everything just said, Takatora needs to look at Yoshitsugu in that searching way? Yoshitsugu's smile is softer now, expression obvious fond, but the corners of his mouth lift a little in amusement as he looks back at his friend in the same way he always has.]

[This is Takatora's choice through and through because he still has a life, back in Japan, still can return and feel the pain of loss once more (potentially amplified if they further their relationship). Yoshitsugu can offer plenty of commentry if needed but ultimately leaves it all in Takatora's hands. After all, all he has ever truly desired for the two he cares for most is that that follow their dreams... even if those dreams are not without cost.]

Are you ready to make your choice? Or are you just going to stare at me for the next few hours?

[Of course, a little encouragement to get on with making the choice Yoshitsugu is almost certain Takatora is going to make can't hurt... nor can the tease he's thrown in.]

I won't be held responsible for any deepening of the curse that happens because of your staring.

[handtowels]

[Though it embarrasses him to be teased for his staring, Yoshitsugu's words also relax him. Indeed, the tension he feels is not nervous tension at all.]

Ha. You're the real curse. But what does that say about me?

[After all, he is the one choosing Yoshitsugu. It feels as instinctive and neccessary as breathing to close the small distance between them and kiss Yoshitsugu.]