[Plotboard Part 3] Of Onsen and Tenderness

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[Plotboard Part 3] Of Onsen and Tenderness

Post by ShinobiTruth » Fri Nov 22, 2019 11:22 am

The month that Hiji had spent with Suzume had flown by. Between classes, training, and the time they spent together after classes, there was hardly a moment where they were alone. There were many words of encouragement, laughs, and the gentle touch of friendship, both physical and emotional, that the two exchanged. It became more clear as time went on how many dark secrets Suzume bore, and Hiji did his best to be an open ear, a refuge of light from the darkness that sat on the other end of the twilight she dared to dance in. Though he knew that she was determined to step deeper into the darkness, he still remained, striving to be the light that showed how beloved the dancer of twilight really was.

Yet, their time together was nearly at its end. He sat together with the rest of her students as Suzume conducted the very last class he would participate in. As expected of a man of his caliber, Hiji had picked up on the precepts of Yoshin quickly, having made his advancement manifest. He did not lord it or hold his superior skill over others. Rather, he helped his fellow students become better, accepting requests to spar whenever they would ask him. Even the most haughty of students (if they could even be called that) clearly recognized and respected his skill. Despite this, he made absolutely certain that none would dare question Suzume's position as a teacher. Not once, in the entire month they had spent together in class, did Hiji go all out against Suzume. He would only hold back just a little, enough to show both respect and deference to his Sensei, Suzume...

The woman, he had realized about two weeks in, with whom he'd fallen in love.

Hiji's remarkable amount of self-control had played a vital role in keeping both his mind and his body discreet. Whenever Suzume asked something of him, even outside of class, his answer was simple: "As you wish," followed by his swift and prompt completion of her request. No one else knew, possibly not even Suzume. This was not the first time Hiji had become smitten with someone. He'd learned how to remain composed and hide his emotions. Though his heart ached, and though they worked toward the same cause, their paths on the road for that cause were also different. He could not simply abandon his work, for just like Chishiki, he sought to better the lives of others in a meaningful way. His work of wandering and teaching had to continue.

The rurouni would cherish every last moment in this final class. He knew it would be many moons before they saw each other again after today.

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[Plotboard Part 3] Of Onsen and Tenderness

Post by Willoria » Fri Nov 22, 2019 11:38 am

As class finished for the day and Suzume dismissed the class, she felt a sort of tiredness wash over her. Sighing quietly to herself she watched the students put away their bokken and get their final drinks of water before gathering their things and moving on their way. She rubbed the back of her neck, turning and noticing Hijikata as joined the others in putting things away as he always did. He'd always been better about putting things away and cleaning up after than the others were, and even helped others to learn to do it more even. But watching him reminded her that this was actually his last day with her, he would be moving on soon and Suzume would be alone with the dojo and her work once more. It saddened her, but also brought a smile to her lips as she remembered something.

She waited until the rest of the students were gone before walking over to him. "I have a surprise for you." she said rather simply, grinning at Hijikata. "Come on, we have a reservation to make." she added, grabbing him by the hand and pulling him along as she made her way down the street. She had gotten more and more comfortable with him, not even flustered as she had taken him by the hand and led him along. The touch had become familiar, a simple part of their friendship.
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[Plotboard Part 3] Of Onsen and Tenderness

Post by ShinobiTruth » Fri Nov 22, 2019 11:58 am

Hiji was busy wiping down the rest of the bokken that the classmates had left when he saw Suzume approach. Setting the bokken in its place on the stand, Hiji's eyes scanned Suzume's, seeing the bubbling joy in her gaze and that trademark grin that he'd become so fond of. His eyes reflected his confusion. "A surprise?" he said simply before she took him by the hand. He could tell by her touch that she was eager to show him something. He did not fight her pull and quickly matched her step so that she would have no need to pull. Instead, they'd simply keep each other hand in hand, Hiji smiling light though still vexed by the sudden change of events. "A reservation? For what, exactly?" he asked, the beginnings of a laugh on his breath as his smile widened. A powerful joy had taken over Suzume's countenance, and it was his fervent wish, however vain or impossible, that he could always see her like this.

His mind ran through a number of possibilities, but they all came up empty. This was clearly something she'd never shown to him before, and it was something that excited her enough to compel her into urgent action. What was it she wanted to show him?

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[Plotboard Part 3] Of Onsen and Tenderness

Post by Willoria » Fri Nov 22, 2019 10:04 pm

She didn't hold his hand for long. Once Hiji was walking alongside her, Suzume released his hand and simply led the way with almost a childish grin on her face. "You'll see." she said, almost teasing. Fact was, she knew that while what she was doing would eventually help relax the man, at first it was definitely going to be awkward. She led the way down the row of shops and finally came to a stop in front of a large, dark building with a crimson door. This was the local onsen, a place that even Suzume herself had not been to much. She led the way through the front door and stopped at a stand to pay the fee. The woman there started to say something but Suzume stopped her. "No entertainment necessary." she said with a smile, giving the woman a little extra for a tip.

The woman smiled and nodded, leading the pair down a long hallway and past a large and open foyer where a dozen scantily clad women walked about. Because of the area they were in, this place wasn't just a bath house and a hot spring, it doubled as a pleasure house, hence Suzume's comments. The pair would be led through the hallway and out a back door into an open and bright area, the hotspring itself where people milled about though not many. Night was their most popular time and Suzume had known they might have it all to themselves practically given it was still early afternoon. The woman who led them there motioned to a line of chairs along the wall. "Pick a chair, undress, and leave your things in the chair. A server will be out shortly if you want to order anything." she cooed, smirking at Hijikata before leaving.

Suzume turned to look at Hijikata a moment, relishing the reaction she was sure she'd find.
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[Plotboard Part 3] Of Onsen and Tenderness

Post by ShinobiTruth » Fri Nov 22, 2019 10:30 pm

Hijikata wasn't quite cueing in on the woman's intentions right away. He simply placed his implicit trust in her as she led the way. Whatever it was, he was certain that it was bound to be enjoyable. She seemed absolutely secure in that notion, at least, if her wide grin was anything to say about the matter. He kept his eyes open as he walked down the street by her side before coming to a large red door. Curious... most places here had humble appearances on the outside. Suzume had taught him this herself. This establishment, however, was unafraid to advertise its opulence. Why was this?

As they stepped in, Hijikata still didn't quite understand what the surprise was. Frankly speaking, he'd never had the time nor the gumption to ever consider visiting a place like this. Whatever it was, it was certainly nice. Hiji tried to catch what the woman was saying, but Suzume quickly silenced her with a payment and what appeared to be a tip. Hiji was confused by her statement, though. No entertainment necessary? He discreetly followed the women down the hallway. If there wasn't entertainment needed, then what purpose did-

Oh! Oh. Oooooooooooh. Spirits help him.

The samurai's eyes crested the corner leading the foyer, and the women's eyes immediately locked onto him, all of them clad in rather sultry, arousing garments, and Hijikata's face immediately flushed red as he averted his gaze. What. What was this place?! Had Suzume brought him to a... a house of pleasure? Did she think so little of him that she thought it necessary to help him satisfy some carnal craving with a woman he didn't even know?

Looking at Suzume walking in front of him simply made him blush harder. No, there was clearly a different reason. Suzume knew him and trusted him more than that. He was ashamed of the thought, but the only person he had ever thought of showing that side to was the beautiful teacher in front of him.

Then again, if he had been hoping that the embarrassment would stop, the instructions they got once they were led to the onsen had Hiji's entire face redder than a strawberry. 'I-It's okay, Hiji. This is a hot spring. This is normal. You'd bathed in plenty of konyoku before. This... This is no different. It's... It's going to be fine, so long as you behave yourself. It's just Suzume-san... The woman you secretly have feelings for,' he thought to himself.

Hiji managed to compose himself enough to get out a statement. He was already in the room, there was no way to simply back out and offer that he wait while she bathed. Besides, those vulturous women outside would likely have a field day trying to coerce his manhood between their legs. "I-I can wait until you've gotten into the bath to undress if you'd prefer, S-Suzume-san," he stammered softly, moving to sit down and turn his back. Even in this context, for as much as his heart yearned to fulfill the impulses of the flesh, his mind made certain that such impulses would not win out. Physicality was momentary. Respect, friendship, trust... love... those were eternal.

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[Plotboard Part 3] Of Onsen and Tenderness

Post by Willoria » Sat Nov 23, 2019 9:38 am

Suzume had to cover her mouth to keep her laughter to mere giggles as she saw how red Hiji's face had become. She had expected some embarrassment but this was more. As he offered to avert his eyes, and even went to sit and turn his back Suzume simply shook her head. "Don't be ridiculous, Hijikata. It's a hot spring, you'd see me eventually." she told him, shaking her head. She picked out a chair and took off her takegasa, setting the hat on the chair first before removing her shoes and sliding them under it. Untying her clothing came next, baring the large tattoo on her back entirely as she did so. The woman was fit, lean, and fairly well-muscled due to her work in the dojo. Her scarring was minimal but all that work certainly hadn't diminished other assets. She didn't glance back at Hijikata as she made her way over to the water, unsure if his embarrassment was entirely at the potential of seeing her or perhaps was also at the idea of her seeing him.

She slid into the water with a groan, feeling her entire body relax with the heat as she leaned her head back and closed her eyes. "You should get in." she called back to him. "The water feels amazing, it's perfect after all the training we've been doing."
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[Plotboard Part 3] Of Onsen and Tenderness

Post by ShinobiTruth » Sat Nov 23, 2019 10:04 am

Oh. Oh, spirits have mercy.

The time was upon him, a time that some deep, physical, sensual part of him had hoped would come to pass. He’d kept his desires and impulse in their proper place up to this point, of course, knowing that he as a man was more predisposed to them. None of this negated his actual feelings for the woman. On the contrary, it was due to the fact that he’d come to love Suzume that his heart skipped a beat as she set her takegasa down and began to disrobe. The image of her beauty, her feminine form, crystallized in his memory, taking in every curve and every peak in perfect detail with a single glance. He found himself particularly drawn to the tattoo on her back, serving to further accentuate her alluring curves and blessed, toned backside.

Welp. This was it. There was nothing else to it. Hiji hadn’t really considered himself concerned about how he measured up to other men, believing that being the best man at heart was most important. He knew that was still true, and yet... just as incredible a notion it was to have seen Suzume in her full, transcendent beauty, he couldn’t help but want her to think him worthy, too. Was this normal? He couldn’t say; he’d never loved a woman before now.

Slipping off the top of his keikogi and folding it as best he could, he then slipped his hakama off of his legs, removed his under garment and undid the tie that held his hair together, letting it flow freely. Should Suzume opt to take a peek as he approached the onsen, she’d see that, for all of his timidness, Hiji was a man, body littered with many tiny scars but chiseled and toned, rippling with firm muscle. He was a fine specimen of masculinity in all ways, even as his face was reddened by the flush of embarrassment.

Hijikata’s bare skin touched the waters, and he relaxed, though not completely. He took a moment to consider where he would sit and, perhaps against his better judgment, opted to sit next to Suzume. ”You’re right, Suzume-san... This spring is quite relaxing,” he agreed, closing his eyes as well.

He heard the whispers and giggling of the two other couples on the far end of the spring. It was a large spring, so even with where they were, the two had privacy. Hiji would focus on relaxing as best he could, not allowing himself to think about how he was next to a stunningly beautiful woman that he actually liked and that they were bathing together...

His cheeks flushed a bit red again.

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[Plotboard Part 3] Of Onsen and Tenderness

Post by Willoria » Sun Dec 29, 2019 12:51 pm

Under the water, Suzume crossed one leg over the other and let out a sigh as she simply relaxed into the water. The warmth soothed aches and pains she didn't know she had, and of course also the ones she knew she did. She felt the waters shift as Hijikata came into the water, and a brief brush of his arm against hers as he sat beside her. For a brief moment a thought crossed her mind, but she pushed it down. For days now her mind had felt conflicted, over Yozei who she knew she could never be with given their situations, and the man beside her who she knew had other commitments that would draw him away from her shortly. 'Life can never be simple, can it?' she thought to herself, suddenly realizing something. 'No wonder my mother was the way she was... she loved my father but no matter the time that passed he was still the enemy to her, still a target she knew she had to try and put down eventually. Other lovers came and went for various reasons, but I suppose she seized what moments she could, with my father, with others. Perhaps less of a slut who slept around... she just knew love in this life was impossible to hold on to forever, it is fleeting, temporary, and often has a quick end.'

The thoughts depressed her and she sighed, trying to push them away as she heard footsteps approaching. She turned and saw a scantily clad woman approach them with a tray, setting it down nearby with hot tea and sake both, as well as a plate of assorted things to nibble on. Suzume thanked the woman and knew she'd have to remember her face to tip her later. But she quickly turned her attention back to Hijikata. "Not a bad way to end training right?" she asked, chuckling as she remembered how red he'd turned when they arrived. "Do you still plan to set out soon? Now that you're done?"
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[Plotboard Part 3] Of Onsen and Tenderness

Post by ShinobiTruth » Mon Dec 30, 2019 1:29 am

Hiji may have been just a bit distracted at first, considering the context they were in, but he’d learned to gauge Suzume’s mental state based on her facial expression. She tended to have a very closed stance, often leaning back and either looking off into the distance or simply closing them to focus on her thoughts. His immediate instinct was to reach out and grab her hand, but he held himself back. The steam rising from the water and the agitation of its surface made it difficult to see below it. While that did much to spare both his and Suzume’s dignity, it did little to tell him where her hand was. His best choice was to refrain. Still, his eyes observed. Her moments of deep thought such as this were becoming more frequent. He wanted to ask her to speak her mind so badly...

He was about to speak up when the sound of footsteps intruded on their privacy. Hiji focused his gaze hard on Suzume, because he could literally feel the woman and her barely contained feminine features looking him up and down through the water itself. Blushing slightly, the woman put down the refreshments, and he nodded in thanks. Still fairly bashful, he nodded his head despite the small blush on his cheeks. ”Y-Yes, Suzume-san. The onsen definitely helps the muscles,” he affirmed timidly, making sure to meet Suzume’s gaze and pray to all that was holy that his affections for her would not spill forth from them. ”I wish I could stay. I must keep to my word. Still, I will likely return after the next school. There are still plenty of eager students here, and whether it’s helping them myself or with you, much good can be done to spread the way of the sword.”

This was actually true, but that was hardly the only reason for him to return. The primary reason was sitting next to him in the spring, as beautiful as the day he met her. He only hoped he could continue to be worthy of her company.

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[Plotboard Part 3] Of Onsen and Tenderness

Post by Willoria » Mon Jan 06, 2020 11:43 am

Suzume sighed quietly, her hands moving under the water to push herself off her seat briefly. She submerged herself a moment and came up, running a hand down her face to clear the water before running both hands back to bring her hair back under control. "I hate that you're leaving, Hiji." she said quietly. She turned, making certain to keep anything below her collarbone under the water for the sake of Hiji's embarrassment. But as she got to the water's edge again she brought her arms up and crossed them on the ground, resting her chin on her forearms and letting her body stretch back under the water. She wasn't looking directly at Hiji, and yet she still spoke, her back barely under the water.

"When my father was in his prime, he told me of an old friend of his. His name was Yaksha. Some thought him crazy I think, but my father said he was one of the most logical people he knew. He was my father's balance in the world, until they broke apart due to my father's sudden commitment to my mother... a woman at the time who was a hunter charged with killing him, that had turned to his side rather suddenly. Yaksha feared betrayal on the horizon, father thought her a tool to be used. I'm not sure how much they spoke after that but..." she turned her head and rested it on her arms as she looked at Hiji with an odd expression of seriousness, combined with concern. "I think you're my balance, Hiji." she admitted quietly.

"This life... my task... my plans... they threaten and even may eventually rob me of my humanity... I fear without you here to keep me on even keel, I might lose myself."
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[Plotboard Part 3] Of Onsen and Tenderness

Post by ShinobiTruth » Mon Jan 06, 2020 12:56 pm

Hiji was focused on keeping his basest impulses under control. As such he didn't immediately notice the change in Suzume's countenance. It was only as she softly arose from below the water and brushed her hair back that Hiji sensed the sudden wave of worry that overtook the woman he'd unexpectedly fallen for. It was like a single, solemn drop of water silencing a bursting fountain, allowing his muddled senses to see clearly once again. The sadness in her voice was lost on some, but for the rurouni, it could never be mistaken. The embarrassed flush disappeared from his cheeks as his eyes softened and focused on her face, the beauty of her physical form entirely secondary in this most intimate moment.

Hiji had always suspected that Suzume at least viewed him as a good friend, and he had been content with that. He'd consigned himself to the understanding that he would likely never be as important to her as she was to him once he'd realized the true nature of his feelings for this extraordinary woman. He was confused at first when she mentioned this Yaksha individual, but as the context was filled in, he quickly came to understand what she was alluding to by the story. Hearing he was something as important as she viewed him to be to her was a breathtaking revelation. They had talked many times about her plans, what she feared, what she thought she'd have to sacrifice, the dangers of casting aside too much in the pursuit of her justice... It hadn't occurred that he'd ever be a vital part of that plan until now, even after everything they'd shared together.

Hiji exhaled, a realization crystallizing in his mind. It seemed that the spirits had guided him here, but not for the purpose he'd originally imagined. He had a promise to keep, but afterward, his life as a rurouni was over. He'd found a lord to serve... or rather, a lady to love and support, even if he was alone in his affections.

Shifting himself over so they were sitting face to face, Hiji took a moment to compose his next words. "...I hate that I'm leaving, too. Were it that I had not already promised to instruct others, I would stay," he acknowledged. "I've come to learn much since meeting you, Suzume. I've come to understand that, while noble in itself, my original purpose was largely self-serving, spreading an ideal that I alone held to. But my days as a rurouni are soon to end. Once I have finished this next course of instruction, I am returning to you," he promised, perhaps betraying more of what rest in his heart than he intended.

Shifting upward, in probably the most forward display of affection he'd ever shown, Hiji softly planted a kiss on the woman's brow before sinking back down into the waters. Suzume knew Hiji well. It would be evident to her that the feelings behind such a display were not so vainly fueled by lust. There was more behind it. "You have shown me my greater purpose... and that is to be by your side, to help you fulfill your goal. I will not abandon you," he vowed, his eyes locked onto hers.

This was the start of the next part of his life. He would continue to place his faith in the spirits. He had no reason to distrust them. They had brought him to the first woman he had ever loved. What reason did have to doubt their wisdom?

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[Plotboard Part 3] Of Onsen and Tenderness

Post by Willoria » Tue Jun 30, 2020 9:12 pm

The last time Suzume had ever heard such a heartfelt vow, it had come from Yozei's lips. She still had strong feelings for the Konoha shinobi, but as he had vowed his love to her she knew his heart also belonged to his village of Konoha. Ultimately it was her view of his alliances being split that led to her sending a letter to end things. Yet here was Hiji making a similar vow to her, with no such split alliances. He spoke of what vow he had to fulfill first, she felt as if he had shown her that he did keep his promises and once fulfilled he moved on. She felt as if his priorities were in the right place, and while that had never been a concern she had voiced to Yozei, she'd always simply kept it to herself, feeling that a village shinobi couldn't quite understand.

For a moment Suzume was a bit overcome, but she wasn't sad. She was almost relieved. She had told Hijikata a great many of her concerns and worries over the last few weeks, her burdens had lessened in her own words. She shifted in the water so she wasn't so stretched out, sitting down on the bench under the water but keeping much of herself beneath the water's surface. Yet she faced him. He kissed her on the forehead, and that brought a smile to her lips as she looked at him. "Thank you." she said quietly. "My father was always fond of lecturing me, telling me that I should never make a bond with someone I wasn't willing to break later." she added, her voice still relatively quiet as, for a brief moment, she wasn't sure where she was going with her own words. Yet it was as if her own lips answered it for her. "I took that to heart so much that when I had feelings for a village shinobi my age, I still dated him, but as soon as I saw his commitment gain strength, I broke ties." A light blush came to the girl's own cheeks briefly.

"I don't think I could do that to you." she admitted, before leaning forward to kiss the man, her lips against his, and her left hand gently against his right cheek.
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[Plotboard Part 3] Of Onsen and Tenderness

Post by ShinobiTruth » Tue Jun 30, 2020 9:44 pm

To Hiji, Suzume's smile was as priceless as any rare treasure. She did not often smile. Both her work in the dojo and in the organization required that she never allow her guard to fall in the company of others, lest they perceive such emotion as a weakness to be exploited. It was only in these quiet, solemn moments where Suzume would set that mask aside and speak what thoughts truly rest within the confines of her mind. It was only during these moments where she would allow herself to show worry, sadness... and happiness as well. It was only in these moments that Suzume would smile, and it was these moments that, as Hiji had come to realize his deep affection for this woman, he had learned to forever keep in his memory. Many would call him naive, easily swoon, perhaps even weak, yet that tiny gift was enough to convince Hiji that he had chosen the right course.

His eyes searched Suzume's as she thanked him, focused and understanding, intent to listen to what she told him. Part of him ached, impatient in his love for this woman, but he stifled that dissident voice. He had accepted that Suzume might not feel as he did, that their relationship would simply remain as it had been: good friends. The revelation that she'd been romantically involved with a shinobi put her understanding of how the shinobi villages worked into a clearer perspective. Hiji nodded as she spoke but remained silent. He had essentially outed himself to her. He had to respect whatever she chose.

Being the humble man that he tried to be, Hiji thought she would politely rebuff his feelings. It hadn't occurred to him that she might feel the same.

Thus, for the smallest of moments, his indigo eyes shone with genuine surprise when Suzume leaned forward and kissed him, but the serenity that came over him the moment after helped him fall into the majesty of this embrace. Gently leaning into the kiss, Hiji returned it in full, placing his hand upon her cheek in kind shortly before gently cradling the back of her head, his fingers delicately threading through her silken hair to hold her close while they shared their soft but passionate display of affection. Without thought to guide his actions, he brought himself closer to Suzume while they kissed, his fingers softly tracing from the back of her head down the back of her shoulder and around her waist, so that she might not need strain her neck in the embrace.

Though Hiji hoped it would last for eternity, he was a respectful man. His mother had beaten it into his head that to be loved by a woman in any sense was a blessing from the spirits. Thus, when Suzume had had her fill, he would allow her to pull away however and whenever she so chose. She had already given him more than he could have asked for. He would treasure this token forever.

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[Plotboard Part 3] Of Onsen and Tenderness

Post by Willoria » Wed Jul 01, 2020 1:13 pm

She didn't feel completely guilt-free about what she had done to Yozei, nor about how she had just brought him up in a conversation such as this. But there was a moment when she kissed Hiji that it melted away, just for that moment. Suzume had always known that her path in life would lead to a good deal of guilt, but she felt like she already had so much piled up that she wondered if this would just end in more guilt as well. 'It's worth being happy, even if I can only get that happiness for a moment.' she told herself. The kiss was not a short encounter, and when she finally pulled her lips from his she found herself chuckling as she tried to catch her breath.

Suzume shifted her position so that she still sat beside him under the water, but facing him, resting her head against his shoulder for a moment. "I don't think I expected this when you first showed up." she remarked idly, chuckling at herself even as she spoke. "But I'm happy right now." she admitted. 'I just hope it lasts longer than before... I guess that's one thing I really can envy about village life. They all make it seem like this happiness can last forever with someone. But out here? You never know when you'll lose someone, literally or figuratively, it's like it changes with the direction of the wind.'
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[Plotboard Part 3] Of Onsen and Tenderness

Post by ShinobiTruth » Wed Jul 01, 2020 4:24 pm

Hiji was a man skilled in his physical dexterity, but he found himself equally short of breath even as their dance of deep kisses extended from seconds to minutes. Even within the steaming water of the spring, Hiji's skin was covered in goosebumps at the sensation of it all, and whatever control he had been exerting to stave off signs of his now apparent attraction of this woman dissolved the moment those soft lips touched his. It took all his willpower not to pull her onto his lap even while they kissed, and it was that single inhibition that he managed to keep firm. Finally pulling away, his softened gaze nevertheless had an intensity so potent that it seemed his eyes almost glowed. The smile that came to his lips after their desire had been sated and their parted lips was just as reflexive as the increasingly evident sign of arousal that was thankfully hidden beneath the steaming surface of the water. It simply felt right, and though Hiji was far from indulgent in every little desire (such was unbecoming an aspiring master of the sword), he allowed himself this one selfishness: to be completely smitten by the woman who thought him worthy to hold her in his tender embrace.

Setting his cheek upon her head as she rested against his shoulder, Hiji's free hand sought hers and intertwined their fingers together, his other hand still gently wrapped around her waist. He'd always taken note of Suzume's soft skin, firm muscles, and the plethora of tiny scars, but it was only as he softly and slowly dragged his knuckles up and down her side, taking care to avoid straying from that strict path even as he sought to comfort and please her with a gentle touch. "Nor did I... Part of me feared to speak my feelings to you," Hiji admitted softly. "I did not wish for you to doubt my intentions, nor did I wish to burden you with an affection you might not hold in kind. I know that the path we've chosen will make happiness scarce company..."

Craning his neck down to look her in the eyes again, Hiji completed his statement. "But no matter how you need it, I wish to be a source of happiness for you, Suzume-san, whenever you are in need of me," he admitted, his own cheeks flushed with a light blush. It was a deeply personal thought for Hiji to reveal, but he felt to not do so was tantamount to dishonesty. And he would not be a dishonest man, especially not toward Suzume.

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Willoria
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[Plotboard Part 3] Of Onsen and Tenderness

Post by Willoria » Sun Jul 05, 2020 11:51 pm

Suzume tilted her head to look up at Hijikata and smiled softly, albeit a bit sadly. "Happiness out here is fleeting." she admitted quietly. "I've watched my world burn enough times to know that if I find someone who makes me happy in the moment, that I should seize that moment." She sighed quietly, still smiling up at him. "You've promised to come back to me, and I know you mean it. But it doesn't mean that tragedy might not strike, or that something might not go wrong... if my father taught me one important lesson, it's that when someone makes you happy, you enjoy every moment of it, even if those moments are fleeting."

Suzume shifted in the water, pushing off the seat and turning to look at him as she stood, baring more to sight than before. She stepped closer to him, reaching out to touch his cheek with the back of her fingers gently. "My father never admitted it out loud, but he spent his life regretting that he didn't take a real chance with my mother. He was head over heels but love is not something that someone like him admits... even if today were to be all we get, I'll take it."

She leaned forward and kissed him again, gently and briefly before asking him a question. "What about you?" She wasn't sure how much of her he wanted, or if kisses was all he wanted to leave things at, but she wondered.
The Tales of the Aes Sedai Fukusha Reina - Iwagakure No Sato - Jounin - #EF2B2D Atsushi Cho - Tea Country - D Rank Samurai - #A34402 Hanzo - Sunagakure No Sato - Genin - #35C4AF

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[Plotboard Part 3] Of Onsen and Tenderness

Post by ShinobiTruth » Mon Jul 06, 2020 12:39 am

Hiji's eyes filled with the same grim understanding as Suzume's. He'd reconciled his outright hatred for shinobi, but the fact that their actions still impacted others was an unavoidable truth. Without any tools to effectively defend against their chakra arts, people of humbler beginnings were at the whims of the chaos they seeded across the lands. It was that fleeting cruelty of living beneath the pseudo-ruling class that had spawned his vicious hatred of their kind, to begin with. There was no telling what this new path Suzume had helped him discover would take him. Though it would have its own joys, it would also carry its own miseries. Each time he would leave Suzume, there would be no telling what might happen. There was never even a guarantee that he would see her again. That understanding brought a momentary, deep sadness to his heart. This was what the spirits had blessed him with. If there was sadness with it, there was a reason for it, something he could learn from to become better. He simply knew there had to be.

Hiji's heartbeat quickened ever slightly as Suzume stood up before him, blessing him with a view of her full feminine beauty. Though he was tall, he still looked up into her eyes as she approached closer, gently clasping his hand over hers as she softly caressed his cheek with her fingers. He barely even perceived himself leaning slightly into her touch, it felt so natural. As much as he wanted to be such for Suzume, Hiji understood that he would never be enough to fully purge the deep-seated darkness that Suzume held in her heart. Thus, what little he could do, he would. If sharing himself with her would give her even a moment's reprieve, if his memory could be a guiding light in the darkness that she sought to trod... then for Hiji, that was enough.

Taking solace once again in the touch of her lips against his, Hiji heard her question and understood completely. "We don't know what tomorrow will bring... and our journey ahead will be fraught with strife..." he replied softly, taking her hands into his own as he stood. "But we gain nothing now from obsessing over the evils of tomorrow. For tonight, if you find me worthy of you... in both body and soul, I am yours, through and through," Hiji completed, bringing her hand to his lips in a kiss as soft as she had given him as his indigo eyes seemed to glow in the light of the lanterns.

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[Plotboard Part 3] Of Onsen and Tenderness

Post by Willoria » Mon Jul 06, 2020 11:35 pm

Ordinarily even Suzume might have blushed when HIjikata kissed her hand. The move was old world romance and something any girl would blush over, but given how she was standing she had plenty more to blush about instead. She smiled at his words, feeling relief wash over her. She had been worried he might take her as being too forward, or perhaps moving too fast. But instead he seemed to agree, this was a moment to be seized, not postponed. "They have rooms here." she said quietly, chuckling as she remembered his earlier embarrassment when he'd been worried about why they might have been there. "I don't know about you but I think this requires a bit of privacy." she added, chuckling to herself.

Suzume would simply take him by the hand and lead him out of the bath. She grabbed her towel and her things before leading the way back to the front desk and getting a key to a room for the pair of them. If everything went as she thought it might, the moment the door closed behind them would be a night shared she would cherish for some time.
The Tales of the Aes Sedai Fukusha Reina - Iwagakure No Sato - Jounin - #EF2B2D Atsushi Cho - Tea Country - D Rank Samurai - #A34402 Hanzo - Sunagakure No Sato - Genin - #35C4AF

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