[Log] [Complete]

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When; November 19; Evening [Also set after this]
Rating; PG-15
Characters; [thrifty_shadow] Tatsumi Seiichirou & [elegantorchid] Mori Ranmaru
Summary; Cursed and having swapped personalities with the Sakurazukamori, Tatsumi sets out to convince Ranmaru that saving Subaru is within his power.
Log;

It was a nice dessert, Ranmaru had to admit. Though Tatsumi-san was acting strange, and he couldn't help but recall the man named Luke Valentine's words.. but.. for the most part, Tatsumi-san was acting alright. For the most part… when he wasn't making unnecessary physical contact or complimenting him. He felt a bit nervous, but this was Tatsumi-san, his friend. He wasn't going to turn him down. Setting down his spoon, Ranmaru let out a relieved sigh and grinned. "That was so delicious, Tatsumi-san!"

“I’m glad you liked it, Ranmaru-san,” Tatsumi said with a gentle smile, setting down his fork and wiping his mouth a bit with his handkerchief. “Now, do you think Subaru-san would like it too? Is it not a bit too sweet for his palette?”

"Well.." Ranmaru trailed of a bit, then smiled and shook his head. "Ranmaru thinks he'll like it, so Ranmaru will get some for him.." he reached into his clothing to pull out notes he'd earned from his working job here, of sewing, and paid his part, then began to get up. "Ranmaru appreciates your company, Tatsumi-san.. but it's getting late, and Ranmaru must go..." he apologized gently..

“Ranmaru-san, wait—“ Tatsumi placed a hand onto Ranmaru’s, sure it would be sufficient to keep the other from leaving just yet. “To be honest, Ranmaru-san… I haven’t exactly been honest with you. Not fully. Sit, Ranmaru-san. There’s something I’ve been hiding from you and Subaru-san.”

He stiffened at the hold on his hand, but the words following made the boy's curiosity pike up. Hiding? From him and Subaru-san? Instant dread filled him.. could this be something to do with the Sakurazukamori? Hesitating, Ranmaru then slowly sat back down, looking at Tatsumi with curiosity.

"Hiding..? Wh... What is it, Tatsumi-san?"he asked, his voice soft and expression concerned.

Tatsumi waited until the samurai was fully seated before beginning to speak. “You see, Ranmaru-san… Sakurazuka-san and I reached into a sort of… agreement, a contract of sorts between us to ensure he does not hurt my friends.” He rested his elbows on the table, clasped his hands together. “That agreement of ours, Ranmaru-san, somehow… allowed a curious flow of information between us.”

He paused, carefully watching Ranmaru’s expression.

”You see, Sakruzuka-san is indeed bent on coming between you two and hurting Subaru-san very much. Possibly, by hurting you.”

Ranmaru remained curious as the other spoke, but once the kagetsukai was finished, the boy's expression changed to shock. While he'd known Seishirou to be obsessive over Subaru, he never expected him to HURT anyone to get back to him. After all, Subaru-san wasn't interfering with him, then why was he bothering now? It made his heart clench with fear for Subaru-san, and he sank back in his seat.

".. But.. why?" he asked, confusion lining his brow.".. Why now, after everything?"

Tatsumi shook his head as if to sympathize with Ranmaru’s confusion. “Ah, but Ranmaru-san, you must understand what drives Sakurazuka-san; an obsession.” He leaned forward and purposely placed his hand onto the boy’s again. “I’ll share a secret with you, Ranmaru-san. We are no longer living, my co-workers and I. One of them died in the hands of Muraki Kazutaka before he joined our league… And even after death, the good doctor torments the poor child. That is a perfect example of obsession, Ranmaru-san, what Sakurazuka Seishirou feels for Subaru-san. It is a predilection that defies even the laws of life and death.”

Not sure which co-worker it could have been, though knowing the one named Tsuzuki was obviously not a child, so he must have been talking about the one named Kurosaki, Ranmaru didn't brush away the hand this time, so conflicted were his thoughts. So that's why Tatsumi-san was warning him against Muraki Kazutaka earlier. Feeling his emotions in torment, Ranmaru shook his head and sighed. "Subaru-san just wants to be at peace.. he deserves this happiness.. what can I do..?" he really wanted to help the other. "Ranmaru feels so futile against someone even Subaru-san loves so strongly.. even tough Ranmaru feels.." he trailed off, blushing a bit. He couldn't make his feelings transparent by stating them like Subaru owed them back in return..

Tatsumi sighed and held Ranmaru’s hand tighter. “It’s not only that, unfortunately. It seems he has found someone who would be more than willing to… spy on you. Someone who wishes the worst for you two. And remembering now the content look on the Sakurazukamori’s face then… I fear for who exactly this person is.”

That made Ranmaru go pale. A spy? Ranmaru's mind swirled.. surely he wouldn't manipulate people close to him? Though Ranmaru was certain it couldn't be so. All or most of the friends he'd made here had left, and he was stuck here thanks to being dead. But there was still.. Kurogane, and Fai, and..

Ranmaru paused. This only meant it would be someone close to Subaru, but.. who? and instantly, his heart skipped a beat in pain. Kamui-kun...? No, but surely.. the boy was infatated with Subaru, yes, but.. he was.. he was so uncertain and.. wouldn't it be too easy? Then again.. Kamui-kun showed no will to accept them, and even so.. but.. wait, didn't he HAVE someone..? Ranmaru was so confused! Then, he sighed, and raised his gaze, meeting Seishirou's and chewed his lower lip thoughtfully.

"... I only pray it is not who Ranmaru thinks it is.. Subaru-san must know this now!" he began to draw his hand back, feeling shaky. "Ranmaru should tell him.."

Tatsumi kept his hold firm and using the same voice he would use to Tsuzuki before, began speaking to Ranmaru. “Calm down, Ranmaru-san. Do you really think he would believe you if you suddenly went up and voiced your fears to him in such a manner?” He closed his eyes and pushed his glasses upwards. “I don’t know how close you two are, Ranmaru-san, but such hasty actions may only lead to an advantage for that person. If the look on Sakurazuka-san’s is anything to go by, this person is…. a reliable person. Someone who must be very close to Subaru-san indeed. An outburst from you may only jeopardize the trust between you and Subaru-san… So calm down. I promise to help.”

Once again, Ranmaru felt at a loss for his protests. That was true; if he went and spoke out against Kamui-kun, there would be no telling how Subaru-san would react. And he didn't want to accuse him, but just make him aware..

Then, making up his mind, Ranmaru allowed determined look to enter his eyes as he looked up to meet Tatsumi's. "Ranmaru understands.. but.. Tatsumi-san.." he moved his other hand over Tatsumi's holding his and looked at him earnestly. "What can be done..? Ranmaru doesn't want Subaru-san hurt.. Ranmaru would do anything to protect him from this!"

Tatsumi sat back into his seat crossed one leg over the other before folding his arms across his chest. He looked deep in thought for a while. “The thing is with people like Sakurazuka-san, they like to abide by twisted promises. You cannot stop them, even if you were more powerful than them, even dead, they somehow find a way to mess with your mind and bring you into their submission… but they—“ He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose again “—they enjoy promising and, like gentlemen, keeping said promises.”

He paused and took in every bit of movement from the other side of the table. “Ranmaru-san,” he said when he spoke again. “How much do you love Subaru-san?”

Listening to this with rapt attention, yet keeping his eyes downcast to his own gloved hands which were now placed in his lap, Ranmaru felt a twinge of worry when Tatsumi spoke about promises. Promises... Subaru-san was caught in Seishirou-san's trap by a promise and a bet.. ad he sighed softly, though at the asked question, he blinked and raised his gaze.

how much did he love Subaru..? His cheeks colored.. in honesty, before anyone else, there would always be his Nobunaga-sama and Mitsuhide-sama, but right now.. Subaru indeed filled his heart in a way no one else had. So camly, he replied, "As much as he denies himself the will to believe he is worthy.." and that was a lot. Ranmaru spoke confidently. "... Ranmaru would do anything to save him from pain. Anything."

The kagetsukai’s face became serious then as he leaned forward over the table enough so a whisper could pass between them easily and clearly. “Then, Ranmaru-san… would you be willing to make a bargain with Sakurazuka Seishirou himself?”

Ranmaru paused, his cheeks coloring brightly when Tatsumi leaned in. For a while, his silver eyes widened, but then, mutely, he nodded, a confident gaze in his own eyes. He was a warrior, above everything. He would NOT falter.

“Even if it meant submitting your body to the Sakurazukamori’s every whim, Ranmaru-san, short of physically hurting you since that would naturally hurt Subaru-san?” Tatsumi questioned seriously and made sure he sounded like he was speaking from experience. And indeed, he was. Though he himself could not understand why he had gone at such lengths for his co-workers when he could have personally tricked the Sakurazukamori into an impasse.

That made Ranmaru pause, his heart skipping another beat. Submitting his.. body? His first implse, as it should have been, was to say no. He was a warrior, not a prostitute! But of course, it didn't necessarily mean that by submitting his body, he would be doing just that. Why, before the change of gods, Ranmaru was the servant of the god Kaen, was he not? And he only made him do small tasks! This could probably be the same.. right? So with that, Ranmaru gave a small nod, and whispered, "If such a thing was required to keep Subaru-san's happiness and safety, then Ranmaru would do it without question."

Appearing to be disappointed, the kagetsukai sat back into his seat. “Ranmaru-san, I will tell you this…. The reason Sakurazuka Seishirou has not laid a hand on neither Tsuzuki-san nor Kurosaki-san is because I personally went into an agreement of such nature with him,” he said calmly. “It means more than what I’m sure you are thinking now. Can you… can you honestly do that for Subaru-san? Would you be willing to set aside your pride for the safety of your loved ones?”

That was an easy answer. Ranmaru smiled sadly and leaned back against his chair, glancing to a side. "Tatsumi-san... under the servitude of my Lord, Oda Nobunaga, I was the closest vassal to him.With pride, only because I knew that my actions would protect him. And without a shadow of a doubt.. until his last breath, Ranmaru did everything to make sure even he died in honor.. "he turned to look back at Tatsumi directly. "For Lord Mitsuhide and Lord Nobunaga, Ranmaru did everything.. that needed to be done. For Subaru-san.. Ranmaru is willing to do the same."

“Then you would strip all your pride and enter a bargain with Sakurazuka-san even if the nature of it was sexual? And you would have to submit completely and utterly?”

Ranmaru paused, the color draining from his face. So it was.. oh of all the.. his eyes narrowed and he settled back into his seat. Was it not him who had been told his body alone was a sword on a battlefield? Sex to him held no obligation... what counted was the feeling behind things, and Ranmaru knew that they could break his body, but no way would they get his heart. With that thought, he turned to look back at Tatsumi and whispered, "My heart and body have no connection to each other where it comes to such a thing. Ranmaru can do it without fear."

The kagetsukai frowned in response to the expression on the boy’s face, but even though he showed such emotion on the outside, inside, he was already planning his next move. He thought to himself how to draw Ranmaru into his trap. And to think the boy was not suspecting him yet! If anyone was going to have Subaru-san for himself, it would not be Sakurazuka Seishirou, it would be him.

Subaru was his.

“What Sakurazuka Seishirou is capable of doing can be… too much for someone like you.” Tatsumi closed his eyes and paused. “Forgive me, Ranmaru-san, I should not think of you as fragile but… I have bled under the man’s hands, Ranmaru-san. He knew how to take advantage of my body without leaving permanent marks. He knows his limits. Do you think you can handle that, Ranmaru-san? Can you honestly tell me I am not sending an innocent into the lion’s den? And what’s more…. “

He opened his eyes and stared straight at the boy. “Can you truly sleep with a man you despise and pleasure him as you would your lover?”

That brought to mind a question that had been once asked by Seishirou-san.. about how to remove bloodstains from a leather couch, and Ranmaru immediately felt sick. So he'd been talking about.. Ranmaru's eyes immediately held emotion, filling with sympathy for the kagetsukai and he moved a hand to his own mouth, trying to stifle a gasp at the shock of realization. "So it was.. so it was your blood.."

He felt a chill run down his spine at the words, and he surely needed a while to think about it.

If I am ready to do this.. I can save Subaru-san from pain. But if I don't tell him.. I will suffer his lack of trust.. and possibly his hatred. He has to know.. but.. Tatsumi-san can be trusted.. he'd never harm me.. I'll let Subaru-san know. I can't.. I can't let anything happen to him.. but I can't have him hate me. Bishamonten, I'm selfish..

After a while, he then replied, a soft blush on his cheeks, "... as long as it's purpose was served and required. Ranmaru isn't afraid of injuries.. Ranmaru has suffered worse on the battlefield."

Tatsumi admired Ranmaru’s determination, almost. This was the man that stood before him and Subaru. He told himself, even if not out rightly, he would plant the seeds of doubt in this boy’s mind. He would not hurt him… physically. But subtly… he would make sure their relationship could no longer be the same again.

”Then, Ranmaru-san, show me that determination. I want you to prove to me that you can sleep with someone without love and pleasure them willingly. That is the only way I can rest assured he will be satisfied and won’t deal with you the way he had…dealt with me..”

Already Ranmaru was wondering whether this was a good discussion to be having at all, but at the very least.. it was preparing him quite a bit for what was to come, if it came. At the statement, Ranmaru blinked, then tilted his head to a side. ".. how?" he asked softly. "How should Ranmaru prove it..?"

“It may seem ridiculous… and believe me, if there was another way, I would rather we do it that way but…” Tatsumi paused and his eyes hardened. “Sleep with me, Ranmaru-san. Without love, feelings or anything. Prove to me that you can do it, that you can trade in Sakurazuka Seishirou’s currency and that it would not faze you.”

That got the boy. He could feel his heart thundering in his chest, and shock lined his gaze.. with.. with Tatsumi-san..? At this point, he was so far into Tatsumi's story that he discarded any fear his self was trying to warn him about was lost in the convincing manner he told it to him. Otherwise, this would be enough suspicion that Tatsumi was doing this for himself, and NOT to help Ranmaru. But he was trusting, thus, it was a foolish thing to doubt one's friends, especially someone as caring as Tatsumi-san and Ranmaru felt his cheeks color.

".. but.. Tatsumi-san.." he whispered. "Ranmaru and Tatsumi-san are friends.."

The kagetsukai smiled gently and once again reached for Ranmaru’s hand. “And that is exactly why I wish to prepare you. I want you to understand how this could possibly… affect you. And so you have to be ready… for the prospect of lowering your morals, because by doing this you are cheating with Subaru-san. But you know you are doing this for him. And you have to get used to that. I have never told any of my co-workers the true nature of my… brushes with Sakurazuka-san. As far as they are concerned, those encounters were far from sexual.”

“Even if you were able to sleep with Sakurazuka-san successfully, if you falter with Subaru-san, it would destroy whatever you had done, Ranmaru-san. However, if say, Subaru-san found out you slept with me… if you fail to keep it from him, I can personally tell Subaru-san it was I who was at fault. Even say that I forced you. Sakurazuka Seishirou would offer no such leeway and can and will embellish the truths to hurt Subaru-san.”

Oh how well he knew that, just from Subaru's own words. He felt like crying a litle at what he was agreeing to do, guilt filling him, and for that moment, he did want to refuse. But.. no. If this could certainly, with assurity, provide Subaru with the sanctuary he deserved, then what was wrong in that? Besides,what's the worst that could happen? He was dead anyway, he couldn't get infected, and his heart and body.. he was marked by Subaru, after all. He was his, he'd claimed to be.

And nothing would go beyond that. So, silently taking in his words, Ranmaru looked up at Tatsumi with a weak look and whispered, ".. promise me this will not be used to hurt Subaru-san..?"

Tatsumi smiled reassuringly and squeezed Ranmaru’s hand. “Ranmaru-san, I promise to do no such thing. I am your friend.” And despite the smile and the promise, deep down, Tatsumi was already plotting ways to indirectly use this information to his advantage. He would not tell Subaru, no, never. He was a gentleman, he kept his word. However, that did not mean he wasn’t going to make it so Subaru looked… and found on his own?

Perhaps even, he would pleasure Ranmaru enough so that he, himself, questioned why such pleasures could be made without love.

Maybe, even, he thought devilishly to himself, he could offer the information to Sakurazuka Seishirou himself and watch them destroy each other, while he would come and pick up the spoils; Subaru.

With what would happen next, the boy knew there was a certain amount of regret that would follow. But for the sake of the one he loved..

He closed his eyes and silently gave his acknowledgement. His tears held, unable to release themselves, and not planned to be allowed to, Ranmaru gave his silent consent.

Subaru-san.. Ranmaru wants you to be very happy..

Believe me... always. When I say I love you.

Forgive me.

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