hotsteamynights | YEAR OF THE TIGERDRAGON

YEAR OF THE TIGERDRAGON

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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Once in the private room, Sasuke slumps to the floor. What a fool he just made of himself. He's... got it bad... He's acting like Kasuga whenever Kenshin's near. How was being conflicted over his feelings easier than this? Because it involves Yukimura, the guy who can get past all his defenses.

Tsuru's gentle voice makes him look up at her. ]

You're not going to let this go, are you?

No, because you're pretty awful at it.

[ She means it in the nicest way but it's kind of hard to watch, in all honesty. It's a combination of her own innocence and personal observation, but it feels like Sasuke is punishing himself by denying something possibly wonderful.

Or something concerning if her first assumption is correct. Whereas she had been sitting in a proper seiza with the crowd, she's sitting in a much casual way now that it's just her and Sasuke. ]

But first I have a personal question I need you to answer me.

[ Sasuke is doing some of the breathing techniques he's coached Boss through whenever he got too excited and needed calm down before returning to class. They help a little. He still is mostly hunched over.

He really made a fool of himself. Maybe he'll just stay in here for the rest of the night, so he doesn't have face everyone else. ]

Who my crush is, right?

Yes.

[ Wait why is she also getting nervous?! Maybe because one of her closest friend's love life might on the line? She's not sure if she could survive a love triangle plot, that's way too risqué for her.

She looks at Sasuke intensely, takes a deep breath and- ]

It's not Azai Nagamasa-san, right?

[ That... snaps Sasuke out of his internal conflicts because it's that absurd to even entertain. ]

Azai Naga--NO! That's not--! No! I do not like Mr. Public Morals!

Besides, Lady Oichi would kill me, and she has enough unfairness going on in her life.

Oh thank goodness, you had me a little worried there. I would have told you not to pursue it if it were him, I want my best friend to be happy you know!

[ And also for people not to be a victim of Oichi's weird powers, but Sasuke's safety and Oichi's happiness are both important things, for sure! With that out of the way, relief washes over her as she starts shuffling her deck. ]

But I had a thought it might have been him but then I suddenly remember you're part of the soccer club... so it's Mr. Striker, right?

[ Really she should have noticed something whenever there's any soccer match, she does sports commentary after all. ]

... It's Boss.

[ The blush returns, but it's more subdued. Sasuke constantly watches Yukimura charge forward, taking no prisoners to strike at the enemy team. He watches his back, and when he catches the ball as the goalie, Sasuke knows Yukimura is open and ready for another charge.

Yukimura is fire personified. He could burn, but he was also incredibly warm. Maybe Sasuke should have realized his feelings sooner. After all, he decided to run away from the orphanage to stay with this boy rather than be sent away like Fujimaru and the others.

He doesn't want to be separated from that warmth; he doesn't want to mess this up and be left in the dark and cold. ]

[ ~~Please make sure he doesn't die from a horse-riding accident, Candy.~~

She pauses the shuffle and takes a good look at Sasuke, and she finds herself smiling at the sight. It's super cute okay, and more importantly, it's a step in the right direction! Her heart is just filled warm, fuzzy feelings at the thought; close friends developing a deeper bond after years of trust and happiness, it's absolutely wonderful!

If there's anything she's good at, it's finding the quickest way to make yourself happy. 'If you want to be happy, all you have to do is smile!' It's a lot more effort than that, she's pretty sure the main take away from that is that you could achieve your own happy ending by going for it. She starts shuffling again. ]

He isn't my Winged of Twilight but he's pretty courageous himself, huh? Maybe a little loud.

[ And definitely not the type to think about crushes as far as she could tell. Too busy about other things that he forgets love is something he could experience. ]

I wasn't lying about the free reading though, do you have any preferences?

[ That's part of the problem. Sasuke is more concerned with others' happiness than his own. He's second. Part of what makes him happy is seeing Yukimura happy. No smiling needed. Yukimura will bring them.

Does that make Sasuke pathetic? Surely there has to be someone better for Yukimura because Sasuke is... well... Sasuke. How could he compare? ]

A preference? I guess I want to know if Boss would be happy if... well, you know. I'm not sure if that falls under anything.

[ He doesn't ask if Boss likes him back or what his chances are. He doesn't ask how to win his heart or even what would be the best night to give a confession. Sasuke just wants to know that if he decides to do more than crush over his best friend, that some ill wouldn't befall Yukimura because of him. If there's unhappiness in Yukimura's future because of Sasuke, Sasuke is going to abort any idea of them together. He'll protect that flame even at the expense of his own feelings.

~~Or if there is death in their future because someone fell off a horse. That'd be good to avoid too.~~ ]

... Huh? You can't do that, Saru-niisan.

[ That has her completely stop and look up Sasuke with the most perplexed expression. She gets it sure, but she's a oracle first and foremost; revealing someone else's future isn't fair game. Heck, back at her hometown, they started considering putting that as a sign since how often that has happened.

It's not like when she misdirects Kasuga's fortune, at least that was still pertaining to herself than revealing Kenshin's future to her. ]

You can't ask his own fortune, it's not fair to Yukimura-san.

Not even if it involves me?

[ Then what all that about asking about the person he liked if he could ask that? What kind of fortune telling nonsense is this? Sasuke wilts a little. Back to unfamiliar territory, conflicting emotions, and uncertainty in everything.

His voice is very resigned when he says, ]

... Then, what are my chances of passing my next physics test above 80%?

[ Sasuke, you can't just completely change the topic in some childish version of a fortune rage quit! That's not what your heart wants to know! ]

There's a difference you know, you're asking his happiness and not your compatibility with him. I don't say this very often, but I can tell where your heart lies.

[ There's still an edge to her scolding, but she's being as gentle as she possibly could get with him. It's really sweet that he priorities Yukimura before him, it's romantic even, but it's still not something she could allow with anyone. ]

And no questions about exams, you're not really thinking about that either. Try thinking about it again; what are you looking for?

[ He's tempted to say that he wants to know if he's happy in the future because Yukimura is happy, but he thinks that won't be a valid loophole. Sasuke gives a long sigh. Can't he just go hide in a corner now? ]

I'm not sure. Is the "no preference" option still available? Or, I don't know... go with whatever's strongest.

[ Tsuruhime, help this poor boy. ]

Okay, then we're going with Saru-niisan's love throughout the years.

[ And she decides it as that, no ifs or maybes. It's been clear from the start anyways and she would be lying if she isn't any bit curious as Sasuke himself. Tsuruhime rethinks the question and reshuffles then cuts the deck. ]

And of course because of that, we're going to do the popular but in-depth Celtic cross spread. Are you ready?

[ Not that he has much of a choice as she's done mixing the cards, but still. ]

Years?! Isn't that a little overkill?

[ Also he has no idea what she means by a Celtic cross spread for a fortune reading, so it's just as well that he doesn't have a choice. He crawls a little closer to where she shuffles the cards and will be laying them out. Then he sits and tries not to look nervous despite the fact that he hears his heart in his ears. ]

Let's start then!

[ Lala she isn't listening, she's already placing the cards down. As she started placing the cards to its rightful spots, her smile grows wider. It's an interesting result that she couldn't help but let out a giggle at what's showing in front of her, especially in regards to his past and his strengths. ]

Ah... you're awfully sweet aren't you, senpai?

[ It's cute! It's a pretty moe result! ]

Edited 2019-01-15 07:58 (UTC)

I don't know what you're talking about.

[ He doesn't want to be called sweet because his reputation is already in shambles. Sasuke leans in and tilts his head side to side as he attempts to make sense of the cards before him. Why is she laughing? What does she see?

Sasuke, however, sees a card labelled "death." He falls back to his rear, eyes wide. ]

Someone's going to die?!

[ SHIT! Is that Yukimura? He going to cause Yukimura to die?! ]

[ Okay she has to let out another laugh of joy. He's so worried of his beloved that he forgets these cards aren't as clear cut as they tend to look at first, he's being way too cute that this is practically #couplegoals. ]

Oh no! It's not that at all, even if TV likes to make it seem that way. The Death arcana isn't really about actual death, but it talks about new cycles in life. Hmm... more like a change of a season or a new era! But we'll get to that later, if you want.

[ She motions to the cards. ]

Since we're already asking the cards about your love life, the cards seem to reply back that you should be a little more proactive with your love conquest. You should ask Yukimura-san out.

[ Oh, so it's his own death because Sasuke thinks he'd die on the spot if he tried to ask Yukimura out. He nearly died from the blood rushing to his head when he realized that Yukimura had actually texted him (accidentally) about his ass. ]

I can't ask Boss out. I mean, it's Boss, and he's... if anything is to ever happen, I won't be the one making the first move. Sorry, cards, but no. My love conquest is waving a white flag.

[ Technically, Sasuke already wasn't the first to make a move, but does a text sent by mistake count? Also, technically, surrendering in his love conquest could mean that he's surrendering to his feelings, but he doesn't realize that. ]

[ She resists the urge to pout, no it's time to be professional. Even if it's a special treat, she still has to keep some level of credibility here. ]

They already knew.

[ She points to the Five of Wands. ]

See, for your strengths, the Five of Wands shows itself as a reverse arcana indicating your habit of trying to avoid conflict and confrontation. Which is good but sometimes you kinda have to charge head on you know, especially when you get two cards trying to tell you that things will change.

I'm a goalie. Goalies don't charge ahead. We protect. Boss...

[ He sighs and looks at the ceiling. All he seems to be doing is going back and forth, back and forth, with how he's dealing with his feelings. Why does this all have to be so damn confusing?! Sasuke half thought that things would be easier if he admitted to himself that he had feelings towards Yukimura. That hasn't been the case. He likes Yukimura, but why does he feel like taking the next step with his feelings is impossible? Like he's asking for trouble?

Change is scary. Right now, it's relatively comfortable if he could just quiet his foolish heart, but change could mean the end of that. ]

... Boss deserves someone who could stand beside him, someone who... won't hold him back or hurt him....

[ Is that it? He wondered earlier, but saying it makes it seem more real. Sasuke knows that he'd pretty much do anything for Yukimura. He wants him safe and happy. He wouldn't purposely hurt Yukimura. However, Sasuke has messed up before; he has hurt a good friend before. Yukimura could be hurt by Sasuke. There must be someone who would be a better match for Yukimura. ]

[ She takes a glance at the spread, her eyes fall on the card that symbolizes her upperclassman's hopes and fears; The Three of Swords. The fear of heartbreak or hurting someone... or would that also be what Sasuke's hoping, instead? Hoping he's right that this would just end up hurting Yukimura on the long run rather than himself.

Tsuruhime doesn't fully understand soccer, but she's pretty sure in a team everyone plays an equal role of helping and protecting one another. ]

But who's going to protect you? Not everything is a big goalie post.

[ She holds her tongue that keeping it to himself might hurt him more than telling Yukimura. Both Death and Six of Swords are more than sternly telling him that things will change no matter what, whether it would be good or bad depends on the action he takes. ]

[ When he drops his gaze, there's a smile on Sasuke's face, but a smile isn't supposed to look so... sad. ]

No one's going to protect me.

[ No hesitation, no pause for thought. Sasuke says it as a simple fact. If the ball reaches the goalie, then that's it. The last line of defense has to stop it, giving his all and throwing his body into the save. Or fail in the attempt. ]

[ That only spurs her further into confusion. In a similar vein, her honesty has no hesitation. ]

That can't be right, Yukimura-san wouldn't have any of that idea I think.

[ Not that she has proof except her gut feeling and what her reading is implying, but the other soccer player doesn't seem like the type to just wave off Sasuke that much. The Six of Cup shows up for his past card, and if he's that important to Sasuke then the reverse should be true. ]

He's not a terrible person, he wouldn't just let you protect him without returning the gesture.

I don't exactly mean that kind of protection.

[ If Sasuke somehow got into a fight, Sasuke thinks Yukimura would jump in and fight along side him, but Sasuke isn't the one getting into fights. He tries to avoid them. He tries to solve the problem through means other than fighting. Yukimura is the one who jumps to trading blows. ]

It doesn't change that I'm not making a move. Not with Boss.

[ Although, that doesn't rule out accidentally revealing his feelings. ]

(no subject)

synastries - 2019-01-26 15:14 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

shinbunshinobi - 2019-01-30 09:13 (UTC) - Expand

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

YEAR OF THE TIGERDRAGON

2/2

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)