by Sessha Batto
“If you'll all excuse me,” Yoshi cut in, “I'm afraid I'm still recovering. My congratulations to you and Shouhei, Yuu-sama. If you don't mind, I believe I'll go find Makoto and head back to the room.”
“Certainly, Yoshi-san. We'll speak tomorrow.” Yuu turned to his fellow Shuhan. “Zenshiro-sama, let me show you to your table. We need to discuss some changes in the alliance between our shuudan.”
****
Yuu and Shouhei finally made their way back to their rooms well after midnight, anxious to put the stress of the afternoon behind them and recapture the mood they had shared right after the ceremony.
“Wait,” Shouhei exclaimed. “Don't go in.”
“Why not?” the Shuhan asked.
“Because I need to carry you over the threshold.” Shouhei easily swept his new husband into his arms and strode into the room.
“What was that for?”
“It's tradition. It's supposed to ensure we stay together,” Shouhei explained.
“Well, in that case, I guess I don't mind,” the Shuhan declared with a smile as he melted into Shouhei's strong form, kissing him passionately.
The first press of their lips ignited the feelings that had been churning inside both men since the wedding, and eager hands went to work, peeling off their formal garb and scattering it without care in their haste to reach the prize.
“You are without a doubt the most beautiful thing I've ever seen,” Shouhei whispered adoringly before bending to nibble the long perfect column of Yuu's neck.
“No regrets?” the Shuhan mumbled as he nipped and sucked the broad planes of his new husband's chest.
“How could I ever regret you?” his new husband retorted with a chuckle. “I wake up every day and pinch myself thinking it must be a dream. You are everything I ever wanted and more than I could ever hope for.” He then proceeded to demonstrate just how happy he was, lavishing tender kisses on every inch of creamy flesh. Eventually he broke away to whisper huskily, “I hope you realize you'll never get rid of me now.”
“Why would I want to get rid of you?” Yuu asked seriously. “I don't understand.”
“Just look at you,” Shouhei said. “You're absolutely perfect. I have yet to find a single scar anywhere on this luscious body of yours. I, on the other hand—” he trailed off wistfully before shaking his head. “I guess I don't understand why you wouldn't want to.”
“I like your scars,” the Kai no Shuhan retorted. “I wish I had some of my own. The same skills that protected me from injury all these years also cut me off from everyone and everything around me. You've been willing to break through those walls and see the real me. For the first time I don't feel like my life is just a cruel joke, maybe love is possible for me.”
“I want to love you Yuu, and I'm sure with time I will. I'm more than halfway there already.”
“Then why don't you show me?” he murmured, leaning forward to press himself tightly against his husband.
“It would be my pleasure.” Shouhei recaptured the Shuhan's lips, kissing him passionately before slowly making his way down the length of his torso, lavishing attention on all Yuu's sensitive spots until he finally reached his goal. He placed a gentle kiss on the tip of the weeping member before wrapping his lips around the head and giving a hard suck, watching avidly as the slight figure arched in pleasure.
Shouhei laid a heavy hand on his husband's hip, keeping him in place as he engulfed him to the base.
“Kami, so good,” the Shuhan moaned as he wrapped his hands in wiry strands, fighting the urge to thrust into the hot slick perfection of his husband's mouth.
“We haven't even gotten started yet. I'm not in a hurry. Are you?” He pushed Yuu's knees to his chest, dropping his head to nip and suckle his balls before running a wet tongue over his sensitive pucker.
For his part, all the Shuhan could do was writhe, moan and finally beg for the sensation to never stop as Shouhei's tongue thrust inside, twisting and teasing before it retreated. “Please, oh please,” he muttered as a thick finger joined the dancing tongue and his passage was gradually worked open. By the time a second and then a third finger came into play he was writhing and panting and he refused to wait any longer.
“Now,” Yuu demanded as he easily flipped them over, wasting no time before slowly sliding down on the dripping length, watching with half-lidded eyes as his husband's face contorted in pleasure as his cock disappeared into the clenching passage. When he was finally seated they both took a moment to revel in the sensation, kissing each other passionately before the Shuhan took matters into his own hands and began to slowly lift and lower himself, smiling as Shouhei's eyes slipped closed and a broken moan left his lips.
The scarred nin bucked up into the tight heat, striking Yuu's prostate, causing him to falter in his rhythm. “Again,” the Shuhan demanded, and Shouhei was eager to comply, delivering a hard, deep series of thrusts that had his husband wailing for more.
“As you wish.” Shouhei pulled out and flipped his husband over, lifting and spreading creamy cheeks as he thrust inside with one hard stroke, wringing loud cries from both of them.
“I'm close,” Yuu muttered. A strong hand wrapped around his dripping cock and began to stroke in counterpoint to his husband's thrusts. It wasn't long before the Shuhan was screaming out his release, clamping down hard on the thick length inside him as he shot his seed into the rumpled bedding.
Shouhei tried to hold on, but it was impossible. He thrust once more into the clenching heat and came with a roar, filling his husband's ass with his come before collapsing to the side, pulling the slight figure with him so they lay spooned together as they gradually recovered from their orgasms.
“Again,” Yuu demanded sleepily. “Please?”
“Nap first. “Then it's your turn.”
****
Yoshi woke in a panic, fighting his way free of the tangled bedding as Makoto jerked into consciousness. “Relax sweetheart, everything's fine.”
“I ruined the wedding.” the shadow wolf croaked anxiously.
“Oh no, no,” Makoto hastened to assure him. “Everything is fine, you must have been dreaming.”
“I did not dream Zenshiro propositioning me. Don't try to lie to me.”
“I would never do that, but the wedding was over and most of the guests were inside the banquet hall. The only people who know what happened are Yuu and Daisuke. Yes, we skipped the reception, after all you were only released from the hospital yesterday,” the interrogator reminded him. “I assure you no one was offended. Now, what do you need?”
“I'm fine,” Yoshi insisted. “Don't worry about me.”
“Nonsense. If nothing else you certainly need to eat, this is the second day in a row that you've missed dinner.”
“I'm an active duty elite, or at least I was,” the shadow wolf scoffed. “I can go a lot longer than that without food.”
“Can and should are two different things,” the interrogator scolded. “You need to take care of yourself to ensure your healing.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Yoshi muttered, but he didn't protest when Makoto insisted, calling the kitchen and having a light meal delivered to the room.
“After this you need to rest.” The interrogator watched as the too slender elite dug into the food.
“But I'm not tired,” the shadow wolf tried to protest, only to be cut off.
“You need to rebuild your ki,” Makoto insisted. “No arguments, back to bed.” Yoshi didn't protest, merely crawling back into the bed and holding back the covers.
“I'm waiting,” he sing-songed. “Hurry up or I'll fall asleep without you.”
Makoto certainly didn't protest, dropping what he was doing to slide in next to the elite and gather him into strong arms. “I'm right here, now sleep.” He watched in fascination as mismatched eyes drooped shut and Yoshi's breathing evened out as he passed into slumber.
****
A week later the parties from Kobayashi and Nakamura shuudan assembled to
begin their journey home.
“I'll miss you Shou,” Souta declared as he pulled his friend into a tight hug. “Please come and visit sometime.”
“Of course I will. You guys can come here too, you know.”
“Takahashi-san, I am eternally in your debt,” Yuu declared. “If there is ever anything I can do for you.”
“Take care of each other and stay happy,” Yoshi decided. “That's all I want.”
“Do you have everything, sweetheart?” Makoto asked. “Are you sure you're up to traveling?”
“I'm fine,” came the brusque reply. “You worry too much.”
“Of course I worry,” the interrogator retorted. “Every time you're out of my sight something awful happens.”
“I can take care of myself. I'm not a child.”
“No one said that you were. I just want to protect you.”
“That's what I mean,” Yoshi said. “I don't need protecting. I can kick your ass, you know.”
“I have no doubt you could kick all our asses. You just seem to lose your desire to do so when you're the one that's threatened. In any event, you've been through a lot since you arrived here. I just want to get you home safely.”
“About that,” the elite began. “I was thinking I might stop on the way back and spend some time with Hideaki and Katsutoshi.”
“I'm sure we could do that,” the interrogator agreed. “I should clear it with Daisuke first, though.”
“I was thinking I'd go by myself. You've let your duties slide for far too long already.”
“You aren't getting away from me that easily. You promised me a year, and that means we need to be together.”
“Fine,” the shadow wolf muttered. “We'll do it your way.”
“Do you still want to stop?” the interrogator asked.
“No,” Yoshi admitted before falling silent, appearing to study the earth under his feet as he pointedly ignored his companion.
****
Once the party reached the stronghold in Chiba everyone began to settle back into their routine. Everyone except Yoshi that is. His routine had, up until now, consisted of assignments of one sort or another. Having no outlet for his pent up energy was taking a toll on the normally reserved man. Add to that his continued desire to escape and Makoto was at his wits' end.
“Shuhan-sama, I need a favor,” the interrogator requested as soon as he walked through the office doors.
“What can I do for you today, Makoto?” A tired Daisuke greeted him with a fleeting grin.
“I need you to assign someone to watch 'shi-san for me. I'm too distracted to be of any use to you this way.”
“You do know he'll figure it out?” Souta supplied helpfully.
“I realize that. At least I won't have to worry he'll disappear the minute my back is turned,” Makoto grumbled. “He's doing everything he can to back out of his promise.”
“What promise?” the Shuhan asked.
“I made him promise to give me a year to make him fall in love with me,” the interrogator admitted. “But he's so hung up on what he can't do he's refusing to allow himself to enjoy anything.”
“I understand how you feel, Makoto, really I do. But it wouldn't be fair to Takahashi-san. The last thing I want is for him to think he's not trusted, and that's certainly how he'd view it if I have him followed.”
“Can you at least make sure I'm notified if he leaves town?” Makoto asked. “I'm sure that won't upset him.”
“Only because he won't know about it,” Daisuke snapped back. “Look, I know you're still trying to come to grips with everything that's happened, but I'm not going to let you make it worse.”
“I'll be in my office. Thank you for your assistance, Shuhan-sama,” the interrogator said coldly. “I appreciate your willingness to help.”
“I didn't mean it that way,” the Shuhan grumbled. “There's no need to get angry with me.”
“Why don't you go have a talk with Mayu. Maybe she can give you some ideas?” Souta suggested. “They spend a lot of time together.”
“That's not a bad idea,” Makoto agreed. “I need to talk to Tatsuya anyway. Maybe I'll head over to their house.”
****
Yoshi, meanwhile, was on a mission of his own. He'd been staking out his target ever since returning to the village. Now, after careful surveillance, he was ready to make his move. “Excuse me, Kikuchi-san. May I have a word with you please?”
“Certainly, Takahashi-san.” Naoto replied, allowing the older man to guide them to a more private location.
“What can I do for you?” the poison expert asked once they were alone.
“Are you involved with anyone?” The shadow wolf hoped to confirm what he had guessed at from his observations.
“Not that it's any of your business, but no, I am not. There aren't many people interested in getting involved with our clan. Most people are nervous about the poisons we work with. Why do you ask?”
“I find myself in an awkward situation,” Yoshi explained. “I am unable to perform sexually, due to injuries I suffered in Hokkaido. I am looking for someone to take my place.”
“You want me to have sex for you?”
“I want you to get involved with someone so they will forget about me,” the shadow wolf clarified. “I've thought about it very carefully, and I believe you would make a good match.”
“I hardly think any woman would find me an adequate substitute for someone like you,” the poison expert demurred. “Although I'm flattered you would consider me.”
“It's not a woman. Does that change your mind?”
“I am... interested in hearing what you have to say,” Naoto decided. “Who did you have in mind, Takahashi-san?”
“Call me Yoshi,” the elite said with a smile. “Do you know Sasaki Makoto?”
“The totally intimidating head of covert operations?” the younger man asked. “Please tell me you're kidding.”
“He's really very sweet,” the shadow wolf insisted. “Just let me tell you why, it won't take long.”
“I have time,” Naoto decided, “and it can't hurt to listen.”
“Wonderful.” Yoshi sat down and gestured for his guest to do the same. “Please, make yourself comfortable.”
An hour later Yoshi's story finally wound to a close, and he looked up to see the younger man's reaction, steeling himself for the rejection he anticipated. Yet again he was surprised when he saw that the quiet man was watching him closely. “I am sorry, Yoshi-san,” Naoto ventured when the elite finished. “I had no idea such things were going on here.”
“So, are you interested?” the shadow wolf carefully shifted the discussion away from himself. “You could come to dinner tonight.”
“I still don't think I'm much of a substitute. You are a very good looking man,” the poison expert replied. “My line of work leaves its mark.” Naoto rolled up his overly-long sleeve, revealing a twisted, withered arm. “This tends to put people off.”
“You honestly think Makoto is concerned with something that superficial? If you're not interested you can just say so.”
“No. I'm probably crazy, but I'm interested,” Naoto decided. “I'm tired of being alone.”
“Aren't we all? Here's the address,” he continued, passing over a small piece of paper. “Seven o'clock and wear casual clothes.”
****
Yoshi rushed home after a quick trip to the market, cleaning the house and starting the meal before going to freshen up. He double-checked the surroundings to make sure nothing was out of place, startling when he heard the key in the lock and a worn Makoto appeared.
“Go take a shower and put on something comfortable, dinner's almost ready,” the elite called from the kitchen. “We're having company, so hurry up.”
“Who's coming?” the interrogator rumbled from the doorway, reaching out and pulling his lover in for a kiss.
“It's a surprise, now go,” Yoshi insisted, pushing the interrogator toward the bathroom.
/> “I don't like surprises. Just tell me what's going on.”
“Nope. Now hurry up.”
The interrogator had just emerged from the bedroom, clean and dressed in comfortable clothes, when the doorbell rang. “I'll get it.” He threw open the door, assuming he'd see Tatsuya and Mayu, or maybe Souta and Daisuke. He was surprised, instead, to find a visibly nervous Kikuchi Naoto fidgeting on the stoop.
“Kikuchi-san, how may I help you?” he asked.
“You came!” Yoshi exclaimed in delight. “Makoto, let our guest in, please, and get him something to drink.”
“Of course,” the interrogator murmured. “My apologies, Kikuchi-san. I was expecting someone else.”
“I'm sorry if I'm intruding, Sasaki-san,” the poison specialist said with a bow. “I assumed Takahashi-san told you I was coming.”
“Well, he said we were having company, but he didn't tell me who.” Makoto admitted. “I didn't realize you and 'shi-san were friends.”
“I don't know if you could call us friends exactly. We hardly know each other.”
“Then why, may I ask, are you here?” Makoto studied the placid figure for any traces of deception.
“Because I asked him,” Yoshi smacked the interrogator out of the way. “Don't you know it's rude to leave a guest waiting on the doorstep?” He turned toward the nervous young man on the stoop. “Please come in, Naoto. Don't mind Makoto, he's paranoid for a living.”
“That wasn't nice,” the interrogator whined as he turned back inside to join them. “I'm hurt.”
“It may not be nice, but it's true. Stop looking for problems and just enjoy dinner,” the shadow wolf scolded. “Naoto will think you're not happy to see him.”
“My apologies.” The interrogator turned to the flustered man and graced him with a slight bow. “Yoshi's right. I was very rude.”
“That's quite alright,” the poison expert assured him. “Of course you were surprised to see me. I'm surprised to be here.”
