YEAR OF THE TIGERDRAGON

[vengaboy]

No matter what language you speak, no matter what country or universe you reside in, a mysterious letter has found its way to you. Those who can read it will recognize it as an ornately scripted Japanese new year's invitation; those who don't might not even know these elaborate squiggles mean anything at all. Either way, when you look up from the neatly folded paper, you're probably nowhere near home anymore.

Where is this?! When is this?! Welcome to Japan as it was kinda, sorta, just shy of the year 1600, esteemed guests! If it somehow feels like it isn't even the right month anymore, that's because local time and date is still on the lunar system. It's fine. New Year's parties are New Year's parties.

And those parties mean alcohol! Music! Dancing! Feasting! Don't be shy! There are a number of attendants in colourful livery nearby, eagerly expecting an influx of new guests. They're all friendly enough, but they don't seem to bear the crest of any particular clan and sharp-eyed visitors may catch the briefest glimpse of a striped fluffy tail or a foxy grin... or is it a trick of the light? If you want nothing to do with any of this, they might pout a little but will send you home without any problem. But if you choose to follow them beyond the gates, get ready for one hell of a night. The only kind of explanation you get for what's going on is that the Takeda and Date clans have set aside their rivalries for a night of PEACE AND PARTY and everyone's invited. What does that mean? Go find out for yourself.

Of course folks from all over have been invited to this thing, but outnumbering the other guests by far are a bunch of rowdy samurai types, some in their armour, many in more formal robes, several proudly bearing banners of red or blue. Nobody appears to have any weapons on them, but if any guest takes that as an opportunity to start some shit they're going to be swarmed in like two seconds, so... maybe don't do that. However! There is plenty of space outside to spar in, if that's your thing! Or you can stay inside and drink, eat, enjoy the music, exchange raunchy stories, be an awkward wallflower, drink some more, witness some weird and kind of horrific family bonding, watch the unique display of gun- and canonfire alongside the fireworks, explore the scenic countryside outside of the compound, listen to some smug asshole in an eyepatch and some kid in red scream really loud at eachother, get playfully bullied into taking part in a ceremony you know nothing about, drain a bottle or two, flirt with famous historical figures, or... whatever you want!

All fandoms, all mediums, AUs, doubles, OCs, etc are all fair play here! Invite your friends! Invite your dog! Go nuts! Just slap a warning up if any threads take a particularly violent or sexy turn. Or both. I ain't judging.

LET'S PARTY!

Comments

[righteyed]

[In amidst all the screaming and punching and music, Kojuro can be found constantly wandering. If his lord is going to unleash, then someone has to keep an eye on proceedings.

...That doesn't mean that he has to keep an eye on proceedings in a boring way, mind. He's certainly dressed for the occasion, and instead of his swords hanging at his side, there's...There's a flute. He's even smiling faintly at everyone, head bobbing respectfully as he winds through the party and checks that the cooks are doing well, that the drinks are not running low, that no one is causing trouble. (Anyone who dares to even look like they're engaging in a brawl unfriendly will get hauled out by the scruff of the neck. Don't even try. His son's party will NOT be ruined by shitty fights.)

...If you only manage to catch him later in the night, however, he'll be sitting by a fire somewhere, ears pricked for Masamune's voice even as he pulls Shiokaze from his hip and starts playing. There's a definite pink flush to his face, an empty sake bottle by his side, and the bastard's got the gall to still be a fantastic flautist.]

[powerhittou]

[Okay, but what if Kojuro's hearing Masamunes in stereo? That rough raspy slur is pretty distinctive, after all, and so is the unnecessary English liberally peppered in.

Hearing two of the same guy might be weird. Know what's weirder? Hearing yourself, from outside of the echo chamber of your own skull. And seeing yourself from across the room, taller and maybe just a little older and with a lighter shade of hair but you still know it's you as you're sure you've been once upon a dream, and-

You know what? Forget it. Thinking about it is freaking Masamune out all over again. He's already desperately trying to avoid his doppelganger, half-convinced this is another dream but terrified of what could happen if it isn't. Even an idiot like him can only recklessly tempt fate so far.

One familiar-but-different face he is glad to see is Kojuro. Old Grandpa Kojuro! The Kojuro from his dream, yes, but the Kojuro from that weird summer at the farm, too. So he hopes, anyway. He can't believe he forgot about all that while he was back at school. Surely Kojuro hasn't... right?]

Kojuro!

[Even with the noise all around them, he keeps his voice to an urgent stage whisper as he flags him down, rudely cutting in between two conversing partygoers (it's not like he spilled their drinks, it's fine).]

Psst! Hey, do you recognize me?

1/2!!!

[righteyed]

[Honestly, in stereo doesn't mean much to Kojuro. He figures that it had been just a trick of the acoustics, that Masamune's been just that loud that he's finding it hard to pinpoint exactly where the noise had been coming from.

Still, when he hears that raspy slur directly addressing him, with that level of urgency, he stops and turns--]

[righteyed]

Masamune!

[Of course he recognises his farm son. ...Of course he's hit with the knowledge of leaving him early like a bat to the stomach. Tears spring unbidden to his eyes, and he scurries over to take Masamune's face in his hands and kiss his forehead. His precious son. His precious Masamune who showed him so much.]

I am so, so glad to see you. Are you well? Are you alright? I...

[Oh god he's gonna cause a fucking scene isn't he. Yeah, he is. Cue Kojuro dropping to his knees and touching his forehead to the ground.] This Kojuro has let you down against his word! Please forgive me for my poor conduct!

[powerhittou]

H-hey, cut it out! Everyone's staring...

[Masamune does thrive on being the center of attention, but not like this. Not with so many stunned and bewildered eyes fixed on him, or the hushed whispers seeking anyone who's seen the Dragon's Right Eye do that, or anyone who can verify if that's really Date Masamune, who looks so much younger out of armour (and what is he wearing anyway).]

You- this is where you went back to, right? I get it, this place really needs you.

[His Masamune really needs him. Yeah, this one was bitter and angry and cried a little and drank a lot when he came home to an empty farmhouse, but does he really need to bring that up now? Now that he's experienced first-hand just how dire circumstances are in this time and place? This is where Kojuro needs to be. Not even only for his other self's sake.

What do you know, Masamini can show a bit of maturity after all. Although he is doing that thing where he avoids eye contact entirely so nobody gets to see how upset he really is.]

[righteyed]

[Ah...

He feels the stares, feels Masamune's unease, and gets up again to dust his knees off. Yeah, not the smartest idea, but he would readily give up all his dignity to apologise for ever dishonouring and abandoning any Masamune. Especially when this one has just shown exactly why Kojuro loves him so much. What a good boy. What a mature young man. He's so proud...

So instead of grovelling, he easily winds one arm around Masamune's shoulders and guides him away from the main thrust of the party, where they can at least not draw so much attention (THOUGH MAYBE NOT ROLLING ON THE FLOOR WOULD HELP, KOJURO???).]

But I left you. You were in need of a Kojuro then, and I left all the same. I will never forgive myself for this, but neither will I deny that seeing you fills my heart with relief and happiness. ...Will you stay for a while with me? I would like to hear of how you have been, my lord. [...Fuck it. Time's way too precious with Masamini, and he's found that out the hard way; there's no point in holding off a bear hug any longer.]

[alloutoflove]

[ Chisa is also dressed up for the party, with silk peonies plaited into her hair, every bit the delicate young maiden at first glance. They probably had a polite exchange of nods earlier; she's been mostly chatting with people who look less like they're working (after all, she's also been the shadow hostess of parties; she knows what it looks like), but later in the evening, when she wanders out for air, she hears the sound of playing and drifts in that direction.

The truth is, most of Chisa's music tastes lean towards bubbly j-pop and k-pop and the like. But there is still a part of her that's very appreciative of something that is more traditional. She might be a modern girl, but she's still Very Japanese in some ways. She stays quiet while he's playing, and even for a few seconds whenever he finishes, in a respectful hush.

But once there is a long enough pause, she starts to clap. ]

Ehhhh, not bad, not bad~ you've got a real talent for that!

[righteyed]

Thank y-- [OH SHIT IT'S MISS GOLDFISH. Recognition dawns on Kojuro's face when he looks up to see who's applauding, before he tucks Shiokaze down his yukata and zooms over to clasp Chisa's hands. Look, maybe he misses Farmville life just a little, including all of the really kind people he met. Just a little.]

I apologise for not being able to greet you properly until now, Yukizome! You look beautiful, just as I remember you. Have you been enjoying yourself? No one has been hassling you? Some of the men get rowdy when they unwind at parties like this, though they mean no harm...But I can discipline them all the same, if required.

[He'd ask The Big Question, but...Not really the time or place, is it? If she's here and safe, then that's all that matters. Things will work out for everyone in the end.]

[alloutoflove]

Wha--

[ She's surprised for a moment before that melts into genuine pleasure, and she returns the handclasp, beaming. ]

Oh, so it is you! I can never be sure, these days.

[ Because honestly, the more used you get to casual "travel" like this through memes and their ilk the more difficult it becomes to be absolutely certain that a familiar face is actually someone you've met before. Being recognized at all is a surprise, but a good one in this case. She gives his hands a squeeze. ]

You're looking good. Ah, I saw you working the staff earlier! Don't worry about that, I know how it is... is this what your home is like?

[ Home is such a fraught word, but it feels like a safe enough guess, with how he was keeping an eye on things earlier. ]

[righteyed]

I would be insulted, but I also know better than to assume that nothing stranger has happened. ...Which makes it a blessing that it is you I have run into, and not some other Yukizome. Though I now know how to have a fantastic conversation with her, at least?

[He bows a little, face already starting to ruddy from the sake and eyes shining with relieved mirth; if nothing else, he knows how much her compliments mean in this arena, has that vague memory of her spine of steel.]

And this would be...Very close to my home, yes. Not Oshuu proper, but a neutral ground between here and Kai; our contingent is quite distinctive, in blue. And...I felt it only right that, since we were invited, I should help to ensure that things ran somewhat smoothly--

Have you eaten! The imoni is a specialty we brought from home, and if Sanada Yukimura has not stolen all of the zundamochi, I recommend those as well. They are probably more rustic than what you are used to, of course, but...They are Oshuu's pride! [AKA please keep telling him he's pretty Chisa, he actually trusts your opinion on this shit.]

[vengaboy]

[WHAT IF KOJURO'S HEARING MASAMUNES IN S- wait fuck i already did that one

uh

Okay, fine. What if Masamune's the one doing the hearing? Use a pipe to lure rats, use a flute for dragons; not even a minute in to Kojuro's playing and Masamune has found a way to extricate himself from whatever social obligation he was tied up in (not that he's ever been one to waste time on tactfulness anyway) and seat himself on the floor behind Kojuro, leaning fully against his back. The very same routine they've had for years, from when Bontenmaru's head barely reached Kojuro's shoulder blades up until now, as Masamune comfortably the back of his head against the curve of Kojuro's neck. Two perfectly fitting pieces.

Of course he doesn't dare interrupt that peaceful, nostalgic tune. Amongst all the chaos of the party (which he instigates by choice), it's nice to have something that's calm and familiar to grant him just the briefest respite. He's not tired, per se, but he's had more than enough alcohol to feel warm and fuzzy and veeery relaaaxed... enough so that he might fall asleep, were he in his own home, and if he weren't sober enough to remember that Yukimura's still wide awake. Like hell Masamune's going to let anybody out-party him, but especially not him.

It doesn't even take being as attuned to Masamune's needs as Kojuro is to catch on that he's hit a lull, though. When the music does stop, the most commentary he offers is a pleased, sleepy little hmmmmmh. Beautiful playing as always, Kojuro.]

[righteyed]

[It's something he's so accustomed to, the heat, the weight of Masamune at his back, that Kojuro doesn't truly realise what it means until he hears the critique of his playing at the end. Although he knows far better than to show more than polite admiration in public, most nights, this is...

Well.

He'd be a fool to not enjoy this when everyone's tipsy and starting to wind down themselves. He's trapped in position, lest he make Masamune spill over and piss him off, but that's fine. This is fine. He can still turn his head just enough to see that mop of brown hair, twist his arm just enough to brush his fingers against whatever he can touch. Acknowledgement, appreciation, adoration.]

Close your eye, my lord. I will continue playing for you. [Said just a little louder than necessary, for the benefit of anyone nearby who had any harebrained ideas of disturbing them right now, before Kojuro pushes the warm little smile from his face and puts Shiokaze back to his lips.]

[vengaboy]

Nooo...

[This time he does interrupt, huffing a short and quiet laugh that at least heaves his ribs enough to wake him up a little. He stretches his legs out, feet half-pushing, half-sliding against the tatami as he tries to press against Kojuro even more. There isn't that much space between them in the first place.]

You trying to put me to sleep so early? You know that's not my stye. [Maybe. Maybe sometimes it's his style. But not at his own party and certainly not at Yukimura's. His hand blindly sweeps over the floor where he imagines Kojuro's hand to be, and even after coming up empty it takes him a good moment to remember that it's probably on the flute.]

[righteyed]

[Eat shit fuckboy there's no response until he finishes playing that second piece!!!

...But yeah, once he does, Shiokaze gets tucked away once more as he turns just a little, just enough to wedge his arm between them and hook it around Masamune's waist. Shhhh no one's looking man, let him do this much.]

I am merely playing to my own content. If you should fall asleep because of it...I can hardly be blamed. But I would rather you stay awake, myself; we have been preoccupied until now, and I have not had the chance to drink with you. [...WHERE THE FUCK THAT SECOND SAKE BOTTLE COME FROM. Oh well too late he's handing it over now, humming a little under his breath like a mother very much trying to lull her child to sleep. It's an instinct, okay. He's not trying to do this on purpose.]

[standingonmyneck]

[A long time ago, Daria played the flute. It wasn’t her choice to, her parents made her. Going to camp, playing “Pop Goes the Weasel” over and over. It was the stuff of torturous nightmares. Until her Dad ran over said flute (now how did that happen?). But that was a time of stupid, a time of shoving childish things in your kid’s face that they don’t want to participate in and it just turns into a chore. It wasn’t artful, it was lame.

That led to now, Daria was now in her twenties. An adult who had taken a passing listening in many kinds of music. Music was soothing. Music was important for the ex-teen, and she did always love to listen to all kinds. Not just grunge rock or what have. So when the soft, lovely, traditional Japanese style notes reached her ears...she was at ease. Maybe it was the setting, she was even decked out in fashion (not her idea but hey).

It was beautiful. Luckily, as much as Daria seemed to keep to the quiet ends and not be talkative like usual, she was still in a far light hearted mood. Enough of one to remark on it.]

You’re really good at that.

[righteyed]

[Thankfully, this is a time of-- well...Okay, it's still a time of forcing your kids to do shit they don't exactly want to do, but at least Kojuro didn't fuck up too much on that front, going by how Masamune turned out. And it's definitely not the case with his own flute playing; everyone has their quirks and methods of calming down in eras such as these, and if a grown man talks to vegetables and plays the flute both in and out of battle to ease his racing heartbeat, then that's not the weirdest thing anyone's ever done, right?

When he finishes his piece, Kojuro glances up and smiles faintly, albeit still warmly at his spectator; somehow, even with her subdued taste in kimono, he has the feeling that she's one of the world-walking passers-through. (Even if he won't be able to peg her as the girl who sent him some pretty damn good memes, alas.)]

...Thank you. It has taken me far too many hours to come this far, however; I cannot claim talent so much as sheer stubbornness. I would ask for any requests, but I fear that...perhaps I wouldn't know any pieces you recommended. Would I be right?

[standingonmyneck]

I wonder what was the dead giveaway.

[A remark on no one's expense but hers. She removed some of the hair from her eyes and adjusted her thick glasses. In other words; she stuck out like a sore thumb around here and knew it. As much as she was not the social type, she knew trying to just watch the party wasn't likely when she seemed like she was the only Westerner.]

Hm. Stubbornness pays off sometimes, particularly when you dedicated so much time with it. There's talent in that.

[She offered that off the bat, maybe it was the natural kindness he seemed to have.]

[righteyed]

[There's confusion on his face for a second; Masamune himself has a monocle for reading finer print, and with the Christian Xavist missionaries becoming more and more popular, seeing Westerners isn't so uncommon these days.

Then again, they aren't quite as dry as Daria is. Maybe that's it. The point is that it washes away soon enough, swiftly replaced by the tips of his ears starting to burn and a rather sheepish sort of defeat.]

...To say that persistence and dedication are not their own talents would be a lie, I suppose. And...Someone had to learn how to play for my lord. He's rather fond of dancing, so it was a natural matter that one of his retainers take up an instrument. If there is any talent past my pigheadedness, then I am only too glad to claim it.

Do you enjoy the arts, Miss-- no, a ridiculous question. Everyone does, to a degree. Do you participate would be more apt. Instrumental or no. You strike me as the sort who...Has the soul for it. Thoughtful, inquisitive, a song of your own creation.

[dragonhunters]

[well it's about damn time he ran into a Kojuro, even if it's not his Kojuro. It's like he's got Katakura radar, but the flute at the fire-side definitely helps. He settles down in the man's shadow to listen and not interrupt until he finishes a tune.]

As good as ever, huh?

[righteyed]

[Just as all Masamunes have Katakura radars, all Kojuros have Masamune radars. It's something intrinsic to their genetic makeup or...something, I don't know. The point is that, even if this is someone he does not immediately recognise sitting behind him, he still feels at ease, almost instinctively leans back so that their shoulders meet.

Another Masamune. Different again, and yet still him. That's fine. He's used to having more than one Masamune by now.]

Taming dragons can sometimes only be done with music, my lord. [As can taming the nerves of a dragon's right eye, but he won't speak of that. ...Nor will he hold still, apparently; it's a little stupid, he knows, but he wants to see this new Masamune so that he can learn his face too. Cue scooting around on his knees to get a good look.] ...Forgive this Kojuro for not continuing to play for you right away. I merely...Wanted to know how alike you were, and how different. But your eye is just as steely and full of resolve, so I know that your Kojuro has done well.

[dragonhunters]

[all Kojuros in all universes really are the same. Just his mannerisms and speech is strangely reassuring. Musoumune is more green than blue, though, even with the proper flamboyance and gold bling]

Ah, you can tell, huh? Of course, how could you not? Astute as ever. Except you don't seem to need glasses.

[that's right his Kojuru has the megane thing down]

[righteyed]

Even if I could not tell soon as hear you...The eyepatch might give it away. Or your kabuto, perhaps? But any Katakura worth his salt would know when he looks upon his lord, even without these things.

[Cue a faint but sincerely warm smile as he bows his head a touch.] Though you are correct; I do not yet require glasses, which means that your Kojuro does...I suppose it is interesting in its own way, to think how we would differ in turn.

...May I touch you? [Just the face. Just to map it out more. No homo, man; he's not assuming shit about anyone else's relationships.]

memes for mom

[shinbunshinobi]

[ It was pure chance that Sasuke brought some of the memes he made with him when he got sent to this party. He'll probably have to explain the cinnamon roll meme, but Sasuke still tried to include people Kojuro would recognize to aid with his understanding. Or understand as much as memes are meant to be understood. ]

Mr. Right Eye! I have something for you.

[ He holds out the two print outs to Kojuro, beaming the whole time. ]

blessed and pure

[righteyed]

Sar-- Sasuke! [Kojuro stops dead in his patrol and trots over, posture instantly more relaxed and-- yeah, that's a smile. Gakuensuke is a miracle worker. He readily takes the hot memes, assuming that they're going to be pictures taken during the exchange trip, but--

Well yeah, what the hell's a cinnamon roll. But these are pictures of...Sasuke and Masamune's world, which is nice. Kind of. And they're memes, too. He knows memes! The faint smile of concentration turns into open delight, which is...Unsettling on his face, but there all the same.]

Memes! Right? These are memes! I like these, though I don't understand the...Cinnamon roll one, I'm afraid. But I like it very much, still! And the other one's true. I can't imagine Sanada doing anything wilfully bad in his life, even if there were no consequences. [Carefully, he reaches out his free hand to-- smooth Sasuke's hair down a little first, before resting there. So it's not uncomfortable, of course.]

Thank you. I appreciate these very much, Sasuke. Can you explain what a cinnamon roll is?

[shinbunshinobi]

[ Sasuke laughs at the reaction he gets from Kojuro. Who knows if the samurai will ever visit their modern world (Pelican Town being the exception), but Sasuke will also make memes of this Kojuro. He just needs some good material first. Don't you worry, Kojuro. You will get your own meme soon.

The teen also wonders why Kojuro likes patting his head so much. Is his hair that messy? Kojuro (this older Kojuro) is the only one who does this. ]

A cinnamon roll is a type of sweet baked good that's usually eaten for breakfast. What it actually is doesn't matter. The meme came from a fake article that had a picture of a cinnamon roll. It was the epitome of what the best cinnamon roll could be. It was too good to exist in this world. So, a cinnamon roll came to mean someone who is sweet, pure, adorable, someone who should be protected.

And then from that came another meme that was sort of a ranking based on if they looked and acted like a cinnamon roll. You have your pure cinnamon roll like Boss at the top, someone who both looks like he'd be a cinnamon roll and is one. Then there's the variations of appearance and actual cinnamon roll status.

[ He did not blush a little when talking about Yukimura. It was a trick of the light!

Also to the snake who left a gag tag, JUST WATCH HIM EXPLAIN SINNAMON ROLL! ]

A sinnamon roll is a pun of cinnamon and sin. Basically, the opposite of a cinnamon roll and who is a jerk to you.

[ It might be dangerous to say such things about Masamune to a Kojuro, but Sasuke is betting on Kojuro knowing how much of an ass Masamune can be at times. ]