Tamahome slept better then he had in his life... seeing as he was not used to this sort of bed... or much of a bed at all. Some time during the night Nakago began to dream of himself as a young man kneeling before the Emperor of Kutou who has so 'graciously' taken him in after killing his entire tribe. The emperor had remarked on how pretty Nakago was... and then the dream dissolved into a haze of pain and fear as he began crying out for his mother in his sleep.
Tamahome stayed asleep till Nakago's tossing accidentally pushed him over the edge of the bed. Wump! "Ack!?"v Nakago was sweating and crying for his mother as he flailed in his sleep, apparently trapped in the dream he was having.
Tamahome stood up, blinking. "Hey, Nakago... wake up?" He tried to shake him.
Nakago woke up with a jolt... fear in his eyes until he remembered where he was.
"You're shaking... must have been a horrible dream." Tamahome said.
"I... don't remember...." Nakago told him, looking somewhat dazed.
Tamahome sat back down on the bed. "I'm not sure what it would take to make someone like you cry out for your mother... so it must have been hell."
"Mother?" Nakago looked somewhat shocked... "She... died when I was just a child... "
Tamahome nodded and sighed.
Nakago put his hands on his head "Forgive me for waking you... it seems... Im haunted."
Tamahome sighed. "When mom died dad got sick... so I had to take care of the family... it made me unable to see them most of the time."
"I.... I killed my mother... when I was 5... as well as the man attacking her.... and 4 other soldiers...."
"Killed? What happened?" Tamahome blinked and wondered about the meaning of those words.
"I am one of the Seiryu seven... the priestess of Seiryu has never appeared... but they kept me alive just in case... when I saw my mother attacked my powers awoke... and ... all in the area were killed.... and I was handed over to the Emperor of Kutou..."
"The Seiryu 7?" Tamahome shrugged, "Well, at least the superstition kept you living..."
"Yes... my tribe... was hated and feared... for no reason really... I suppose because we looked different... they're all gone save for me..."
"I... I'm sorry..." Tamahome looked down.
"Its alright.... not your fault... Kutou is to blame..."
"And yet you serve them?"
"... I... Tamahome... I will tell you this.... once I have settled myself in Konan... I will attack Kutou... all that is left there without this army is the king's personal guard... a mere thousand or so men...."
"And then what will you do?"
"I will unite the two kingdoms... the emperor of Kutou is not loved by his people... an emperor that can not win the hearts of his people.... will perish..."
"Just like the one here? The people did not just the judgment of such a young man..."
"Yes.... hopefully they will find my rule more fair.... I can only hope... but if not... new leaders will come forth... and the countries will prosper again...."
"One hopes... sometimes out of chaos a tyrant rises to power and the people become helpless slaves..."
"I am sure the people will not allow that to happen again.... " Nakago said as he studied Tamahome quietly.
"Yeah... I'd fight it to the end if that came to pass..." Tamahome's face was set as he sat on the bed.
"That's a good boy, you have great spirit."
"Thank you." Tamahome smiled slightly and lowered his head some.
Nakago put his hand on Tamahome's chin and raised it so he could look into his eyes. Tamahome moved so he was able to look at Nakago, his eyes staring into the deep blue.
"Tamahome... I am quite attracted to you... I hope this doesn't upset you..."
"It doesn't..."
"How do you feel towards me?"
"I am not sure.... not yet anyway...."
Nakago smiled "Go back to sleep, we have a lot to do come daybreak."
Tamahome nodded. "Hope you dream better or not at all..." He meant that more for Nakago's sake then his own as he lay back down on the bed.
Nakago stretched back out.... but did not allow himself the deep sleep that almost always brought the bad dreams. Tamahome was at his side, mostly touching it. Nakago sighed softly... wishing he could roll over and draw the boy into his arms. Tamahome was snoring softly, deep asleep... maybe he could get away with it. Nakago gave up and rolled over, gently putting his arms around Tamahome and snuggling into the boy...closing his eyes in bliss at the warmth. Tamahome continued to sleep... having not awoken from the arms around him. Nakago slipped back into the deep sleep he craved, but wasn't plagued by nightmares while holding Tamahome. The boy didn't wiggle free when he woke up either.
Nakago was still sleeping peacefully by morning, apparently very content to be this way. Tamahome moved a little to look at him. Nakago had an oddly blissful look on his face as he slept. The boy saw the light through the fluttering drapes and moved his hand lightly across Nakago's face, hoping to wake him. The general opened his eyes and smiled.
"Good morning," Tamahome told him, "you said we have stuff to do."
Nakago sat up and stretched, his body crackling as his joints popped back into proper alignment. Tamahome sat up as well now that Nakago had released him.
"I'm sorry," Nakago told him, "I didn't mean to ... you know.... It must have been instinctual or something." A bit of embarrassment crossed his normally emotionless face.
"It's ok..." Tamahome replied as if it was nothing.... or maybe that it just hadn't bothered him.
Nakago stretched again and got up.... picking up his armor and examining it quietly. "Tamahome... you are good with numbers I hope?"
"Sort of, what is it?"
"I want you to help me inventory the supplies of this palace...."
"Alright..." Tamahome dismissed the thought of theft that crept into his mind, reminding himself that he no longer needed the money since his family would be provided for.
"I have to drill my men... if I let them rest they will become slow... then I want you to help with the inventory."
"Alright. Where do you want me to start?"
"The weapons store... then move on to food stuffs."
"Alright." Tamahome grinned and went off to find them.
Nakago donned his armor and roused his men.... putting them through their daily drills, and then giving them the afternoon off. Tamahome sat cataloging the weapons... playing with some of them from time to time. Nakago wandered about the palace, trying to catalogue the area of the building. Tamahome continued to work with the weapons... assessing their value from habit. Nakago found him on his travels, and stood quietly watching him for a time. Finally, the boy looked up, noticing Nakago.
"How is it going?" Nakago asked as he picked up a sword... hefting it experimentally.
"Pretty good. Got most of them done."
"That's good... tell me.... by your evaluation is it war worthy... or merely decorative weaponry?"
"A lot of it is war worthy... but those few pieces in that pile...." Tamahome pointed to the one next to him, "Is just ornamental."
"Excellent.... Its here if I need it.... are you hungry at all?"
"Yeah... some." Tamahome patted his stomach.
"Come... lets go get something to eat then... take a break."
"Alright." Tamahome stood up and stretched himself.
Nakago quietly resisted the impulses he has, and exited the room to wait for Tamahome. The boy followed him. "What's to eat around here?"
"There is still a cook in the kitchen... lets see what he has."
"Alright." Tamahome smiled and headed off with him.
Nakago sighed inwardly.... not sure if he could approach Tamahome the way he wanted to.
"You ok?" Tamahome asked him, apparently noticing the sigh.
"It's nothing.... " Nakago said and wondered how Tamahome could read him so well.
"You sure?"
"If I said anything ... it might drive you away."
"Drive me away? I'm here aren't I?"
"Tamahome.... I feel things for you that I probably shouldn't..." Nakago told him, a tad awkwardly.
"Oh." Tamahome didn't seem to surprised though as they walked into the kitchen.
"Just oh?"
"Yah... I don't know what to say..."
"Ohh...."
Tamahome blushed and started to search the place for food. Nakago grinned and looked about for the cook he knew was there earlier. Tamahome grabbed some already cooked stuff and ate it quickly.
"My... we are hungry aren't we?" Nakago grinned, settling down to pick at some smoked meat.
"Yeah... I am hungry."
"Well eat away... the cook is here somewhere."
"Ok." Tamahome sat down with what he found and munched on it.
Nakago ate slowly.... watching Tamahome and hoping it was not noticeable. Tamahome seemed too taken by the food he was eating to notice. Nakago chew methodically, quietly fantasizing about Tamahome. The boy wound up looking right at the general. He had a somewhat spaced out look on his face... as if thinking. Tamahome smiled a little then looked back at his food. Nakago blinked a moment and came around.... hoping he didn't look foolish. Tamahome grinned some more and finished his food. Nakago sighed and finished eating what he found... the dreamy look gone from his face.
Tamahome looked up at him again, pushing his empty plate aside. "What's on your mind?" He asked.
"You are...."
"I am? Good thoughts I hope?"
"Very good thoughts Tamahome...."
Tamahome smiled and blushed some more.
"Would... you," Nakago asked, "Want to start a relationship? With me?"
"I... I don't know... is my family taken care of? They demand my time... so relationships are hard."
Nakago nodded and thought to himself that no matter what he did.... Tamahome would never love him "Its alright... your family comes before strangers."
"I didn't mean it like that... I mean... if my father is better then I will have time... I hope he's getting better... don't you?"
"Yes, I do hope he is getting better... perhaps you should return to your family for a time to be sure."
"Will you be coming with me?"
"I need to stay and take care of matters here.... I am temporary ruler..."
"I see..." Tamahome looked down and sighed slightly.
"Do you want me to come?"
"Yeah... but you said you had to stay..."
"I suppose I can make arrangements.... or at least be able to ride with you there."
"I shouldn't have to stay too long if dad is better."
Nakago nodded "Anything you wish to take them?"
"What can I take?"
"Anything you like."
"Money?"
Nakago chuckled "Just don't clean out the treasury."
"I won't... just enough so they can live better lives..." Tamahome stood up.
Nakago stood as well and moved for the door... having found the treasury earlier in his wanderings. Tamahome followed him and litterly pounced on the money once he saw it.
"I can tell," Nakago grinned, "That you haven't seen much money in your lifetime...."
"No... I haven't...." Tamahome tried to lift some of the bags and oofed.
Nakago picked up a bag and grinned.
"How is this stuff lifted?" Tamahome grunted under one bag.
"You think this is enough?" Nakago asked... noting the bags contained enough money for the rest of his family's life.
"Yeah... this should be fine."
Nakago mentally chalked up a few more points for himself... but still doubted Tamahome would love him as Xelloss said. Tamahome smiled at him and headed for the horses. Nakago loaded his bag on the horse as well and mounted, waiting for Tamahome to do the same. Tamahome got on and together they headed back for his family.
Nakago hoped that Xelloss had not lied to him as he rode in silence... having wanted Tamahome's love instantly instead of having to earn it... since it cramped his style. As if responding to that thought the how world paused around Nakago as Xellos appeared.
"Xelloss..." Nakago said, "So you can read the minds of men?"
"In a way. How would Tamahome's love be real if you didn't have to earn it?"
".... He is being difficult...."
"Not really. He thinks of you... he does like you... but he's unsure of himself... you have to make moves on him... appropriately... rather then just asking him... you have to show you are for real."
"I do not know how to make appropriate moves.... the only way ... I know how to express what I feel... would be through pain... as that has what others have given me.... and I don't want to hurt... him."
"You held him last night... he managed to get you to let him share your bed... did you not see that?"
"Yes... but... you would not understand.... my impulses lead to just wanting to leap at him and take forcibly...."
"Oh I understand... but he took that chance sharing your bed and he is a heavy sleeper."
"What do you suggest.... taking him while he sleeps? " Nakago asked, shaking his head.
"He might not like that... but he does seem to like being held."
"Mmm... and I enjoy holding him... "
"exactly.... keep doing that..."
"Hmph... a daemon giving advice on love... amusing."
"Heh..." Xellos vanished and everything around Nakago returned to normal.
Nakago shook his head and sighed, not sure if he could control himself for as long as this was going to take. Tamahome's family was happy to see him and were in awe of the money.... his father was even out of bed. Nakago remained outside with the horses... not wanting to disturb Tamahome's family life. Tamahome came out a few minutes later and smiled.
"Everyone is well?" Nakago asked.
Tamahome nodded, smiling wide. "And I have you to thank."
"Do you wish to stay with them for a time?"
"They'll be fine on their own."
Nakago nodded. "They are welcome at the palace whenever they wish to come."
"That is very good." HE smiled and got back on his horse.
Nakago mounted as well, glad that Tamahome was returning with him. Tamahome got off his horse once they had gotten back. Nakago stretched as he slid off of his horse and handed the reigns to a stable boy. Tamahome smiled and looked to Nakago. The general moved over to him and looked him over... before remaking about how the day was quickly dwindling.
"I'm tired." The boy said.
"We can sleep if you wish.... " Nakago said, slightly stressing the we.
"Yeah. back to the same room?"
Nakago nodded and smiled "I'm glad you don't mind sharing a room."
"Not at all. The bed's nice."
Nakago began walking for the room... lagging slightly to wait for Tamahome. The boy was following him quickly. Nakago entered the room and smiled, because someone had cleaned up the room and fixed the bed for his return. Tamahome stretched, yawned, and sat down on the bed. Nakago looked at Tamahome with a predatory aire for a moment, then settled down on his side of the bed. Tamahome lay down and was fast asleep in an instant. Nakago moved close to Tamahome and put his arms around him like he had the night before. The boy stayed asleep, snoring softly.
Nakago nuzzled longingly at Tamahome's neck before settling down to Sleep. He thought he heard a vague purring. Tamahome had a slight smile on his lips. Nakago gently moved a hand over Tamahome's body, then closed his eyes and decided not to push his luck with the sleeping boy. Even such actions did not seem to affect Tamahome in the slightest, for he still slept.
Nakago sighed. "I'm so in love with you... " he whispered softly.
There was no way to tell if Tamahome heard him or not for he said nothing. Nakago sighed again and decided it was best for him to sleep. The dreams he had were not the nightmares that used to wake him.. it was as if Tamahome was his new security. Because of this he slept the night through, his dreams pleasant, although he didn't remember them when he woke. once again Tamahome woke before him and turned around to look at the other man without breaking the hold. Nakago once more had a peaceful look on his face. Tamahome smiled softly, not sure if he should wake him or not. Nakago was sound asleep, a slight smile playing across his lips.
Tamahome settled back down, his body more closely touching Nakago's now. The General's eyelids fluttered slightly as he mumbled something wordlessly before tightening his arms slightly and settling down again. Tamahome smiled a little and nuzzled Nakago's blonde hair. Nakago stirred again, this time his eyes opened sleepily.
"Did I wake you?" Tamahome asked softly.
"Mm... yes.... but a wonderful thing to wake to." Nakago asked, and kissed Tamahome quiet suddenly.
Tamahome smiled, not remembering the last time he was kissed by anyone but his siblings running around him in joy. He slowly slid his arms around Nakago. The blonde played with Tamahome's hair a bit, a thoughtful look on his face.
"It's hard for me to get close to anyone at all..." Tamahome told him.
"Because of your family?"
"Yes... I always had to worry about them."
"Family is important, it is good for you to worry... I have never had one to worry about...."
"But they are ok now... there are times when one needs to get on with their own life..."
"Would you mind getting on with your life.... and becoming part of mine?"
"I think that's already happened..."
"I wanted to make sure... you were wanting the same thing."
"It seems that way to me." Tamahome reached up and played with Nakago's hair.
One of Nakago's slightly trembling hands moved up to caress Tamahome's cheek. Tamahome smiled again, still stroking Nakago's hair. The blonde kissed him again, then looked into his eyes. Tamahome kissed him back, his eyes glowing with feeling. Nakago's own eyes, usually cold and lifeless... shone with soft emotions.
"I've never met anyone as kind as you before..." Tamahome whispered.
"I wish you knew the real me better.... " Nakago replied, sighing.
"You're kind to me and my family... that's what matters to me..."
"I'm glad you trust me..... my past makes it hard for me to be kind."
"That makes this even more so... for someone who has a hard time to be kind...." Tamahome sighed softly, still smiling as he stroked Nakago's hair.
Nakago ruffled Tamahome's hair and smiled. "You have taught me to be kinder than I was... I surprise myself now..."
"Really? I didn't know I could teach anyone to be kind."
"Seeing you and your devotion to your family.... made me want to make this country my family.... and try to take care of them.... as you do your family..."
Tamahome smiled more. "Thank you." He leaned forward and gave Nakago another kiss.
Nakago yawned and sighed. "Shall we make today a rest day?"
"Yes... we did all that work yesterday."
"Good... then Im spending the day in bed here.... " Nakago tickled Tamahome. The boy laughed slightly and let go so he could try and get him back. Nakago squeaked and squirmed away.... forgetting how ticklish he was since no one ever tried. Tamahome laughed as he pinned him, still tickling.
"P... please" Nakago said breathlessly as he tried to get away from the tickling "I surrender!"
"You surrender? Tough general? heh.. must mean I'm tougher." Tamahome grinned, looking down at his 'prisoner.'
"I've... forgotten how ticklish.... I am... " Nakago panted.
"No one ever dared to tickle you?" Tamahome sat on Nakago's legs and slowly traced one arm.
"n...no.... well.... " Nakago grimaced.
"You're now my prisoner you know..."
"Oh.. dear... I hope you are kind to prisoners of war... "
"That depends...what sort of prisoner of war are you?"
"Hopefully one that wont be tortured for information..." Nakago said with a grin.
"Ohh.. that depends on the torture... some Torture can be fun." Tamahome leaned down and kissed Nakago's collarbone.
"mm.... yes... especially torture by handsome young men."
"Yes.... slowly, agonizing.. torture..." At each word he kissed along a different part of Nakago's neck.
Nakago inhaled sharply at each kiss. Tamahome held Nakago's wrists, not letting him get loose as he continued this 'torture'.
"Mm... Tamahome.... you are driving me wild."
"Painful enough torture?"
"Mm... you want slow painful torture? Well perhaps not painful..." Nakago purred.
"This is good is it not?" Tamahome licked Nakago's neck slowly.
"Mm... but I know better if you aren't shy....."
"Oh? And what could a prisoner know?" Tamahome smirked.
"Oh.... I know quite a bit.... " Nakago told him, a sly grin forming. Suddenly he was the one with the upper hand.
Tamahome blinked, now underneath Nakago. "Wow.. you are great."
"That's an understatement... " Nakago purred.... and moved his hands along Tamahome's body... plucking at what clothing he had on. Tamahome had no resistance to his clothing being taken off as he lay there. Nakago began to nibble and lick along the exquisitely sculpted body that lay beneath him, nipping here and there to entice.
"Ohh!!" Tamahome moaned, "This.. is torture..."
Nakago's hands found Tamahome's cock and gently begin to massage it. Tamahome's eyes litterly rolled into the back of his head as he grit his teeth in another moan. Nakago's interrogation continued as his mouth quested lower.... his lips brushing along Tamahome's abdomen... stopping for a moment to lick at his navel. The boy shivered, not ever in his life having felt anything this intense. Nakago's lips moved even lower, finally planting a soft kiss on the tip of Tamahome's erect cock. The boy whimpered at this, his fingers questing out to grab something in reflex. Nakago licked at Tamahome's cock gently, savoring the slightly salty taste of the soft skin.
"Oh gods... such torment..." Tamahome moaned, grabbing some of Nakago's hair as his body shivered in pleasure.
"Yet every thread of your soul desires it."
"Oh yes... wonderful torture..."
Nakago deep throated Tamahome...... and began to suckle. Tamahome whimpered again after a short gasp at the engulfing of his cock by something warm, wet, and sucking.... Nakago continued, making soft pleased sounds. Tamahome was panting from the new pleasure that was enveloping his body in a warm blanket. He clutched Nakago's hair and moaned his name. The General nipped him lightly and continued to suck, licking his tongue around the shaft as he did so. Tamahome groaned and started to leak in a heavy stream, about to burst from the pleasure of it all. Nakago began to drink down what Tamahome had to offer.
With another cry of "Nakago!" Tamahome burst and layback panting some more.
Nakago swallowed it all... purring softly .... then licked Tamahome's cock clean. Tamahome was gasping for air as he panted... slowly regaining his breath.
"Was that good Tamahome?"
"Oh gods yes!"
Nakago mmed's and curled up with Tamahome. Tamahome kissed Nakago's face all over, pulling himself quite close. Nakago purred and kissed back.