yun_miyake

Title: Wasted Nights

Pairing: Sakumiya/Ohmiya

Length: Chapters

Genre: Romance, Historical, Violence

Rating: Up to NC 17

Disclaimer: Only a borrower of their names

Summary: In the beginning of Edo period, the best samurai from different clans were expected to join training in Edo, led by the Shogun’s most trusted swordsman. The peaceful era of Edo, however, was still haunted by the survivors of Sekigahara Battle from Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s troops. Sho was chosen to join the training in Edo and he must select one of his underlings to travel with him. But nobody was qualified enough to accompany him, until one day, he encountered someone he never expected.

Note: Triangle love story and a violence, mention of blood.

Betaed by [personal profile] ladygiggles thanks so much for always helping me with the grammar errors.

Sho tried not to look at Ohno too much as the man giving instructions to the healer, who was taking care of Nino’s wound. He still felt a weird dislike towards Ohno; the man’s confidence, dignity, cold-treatment, and the hidden charm which drew Nino away from him.

He wanted this training to end as soon as possible. He wanted to bring Nino back to Mito – away from Edo and from Ohno.

“This wound will need weeks to heal,” Ohno’s voice broke the silence inside the chamber. “You’re screwing up your own schedule,” he added to Nino.

“I’ll take the responsibility, Ohno-san,” Sho said, bowing lowly at the man.

“How?” Ohno asked coldly.

Sho hesitated before answering, “I’ll train him to catch up the new techniques during his absence.”

Ohno exchanged a look with Jun as if asking him what did he think about Sho’s ability.

“I’ll decide what to do with this trouble maker,” Ohno hissed. “I hope no one else will do something stupid like what he did.”

Sho felt a pang inside his chest when he heard Ohno’s words. Nino was his responsibility; it was his fault that Nino got into trouble during his stay in this castle.

“Thank you for your kindness, Ohno-san,” Nino said as Ohno left the chamber. Sho shifted closer to Nino’s bed as everyone left.

“Is it hurt?” he asked.

“Not really, I’ve suffered more severe injures before,” Nino grinned innocently.

Sho drew a deep breath, it seemed that nothing could make Nino learn about his mistakes, he always took everything easily. He shouldn’t have brought Nino as his companion in the first place, but he couldn’t turn back time, it was already too late now. He stole a glance at Nino’s face – young and innocent – a face which made Sho’s heart flutter in a strange way.

“What’s wrong, Sho-san?” Nino leaned closer.

“I’m just worried about you,” Sho said, shifting his eyes from Nino. It had gotten worse, he felt that he couldn’t look into Nino’s eyes anymore without the urge to kiss him.

“I’m not going to die,” Nino chuckled. “You’re the one who keeps on saying that Edo era is a peaceful one, we don’t need to worry about any wars or conflicts.”

“Yes, let’s hope this peaceful era will go on forever,” Sho replied, rising from Nino’s bed. “Good night, Nino.”

“Good night,” Nino said.

Sho only hoped that their stay in Edo would be peaceful until the end.

***

Nino grimaced in pain as he tried to get up from his bed the next morning. He didn’t want to stay in bed all day despite his wound. It was nothing compared to what he had endured before when he was still a thief. He shifted towards the exit of the chamber, washed his face quickly, and left the compound. Sho and the other occupants had left for their daily training; it was Nino’s chance to go exploring Edo castle all by himself – without Sho’s knowledge.

Besides, he didn’t think that the training would give them any advantages. Ohno’s techniques only suited himself; it wasn’t something the other samurai could master within six months. Nino walked through the complicated corridors, a number of compounds for servants, buildings for entertainment, clearings where the servants dried the washed kimonos, central kitchens, and the backyard where a few male servants cut the firewood.

Nobody looked twice at him; everyone was busy with their own duties. He returned to his chamber right before Sho and the others finished their training. He pretended that he had just woken up from his nap when Sho opened the door.

“How’s your arm?” Sho asked.

“It’s getting better,” Nino replied, avoiding Sho’s gaze. Somehow, he felt guilty for betraying Sho’s trust.

“Matsumoto wants you to be at Ohno-san’s private compound tomorrow,” Sho said with a darkened expression.

“Why?” Nino raised his brow. He couldn’t tell whether he liked Matsumoto or not, he just hoped that he wouldn’t need to learn anything from him.

“Perhaps Ohno-san wants you to train in private,” Sho said.

“They said that there’s no such thing as private lessons here,” Nino shrugged.

“Well, the situation has changed,” Sho said as he glanced at Nino’s wounded arm. He gave Nino a soft pat on his shoulder and told him to take a rest.

Nino felt a wave of guilt inside him as he looked into Sho’s tired face. Sho had done so much for him, but all he did in return was put him in trouble and this was just the beginning.

Nino woke up earlier the next day; he dressed up properly and headed towards Ohno’s compound with mixed feelings. He was eager in seeing Ohno, but not Matsumoto. He had a hunch that the man would make him miserable.

Matsumoto had been waiting for him at the front gate with a scowl on his face. He guided Nino inside without a word and gestured for him to take a seat as they arrived at the dojo. Matsumoto disappeared, leaving Nino alone at the room which seemed to hold particular energy. There were various kind of swords, hanging on the wall from the longest to the shortest order. A few calligraphy boards decorated another side of the dojo; the kanji characters were beautifully written. Nino was reading the last board when Ohno arrived at the room.

“You’ll train here to catch up,” Ohno said without any opening greetings.

Nino tried to find excuses; that his arm was still hurt as hell and the forced moves would lead into horrible infection, but the words stuck in his throat as he saw Ohno’s expression. It was the second time he had talked face to face with Ohno, and he hated to admit that the man overpowered him both physically and physiologically.

“An injured arm is not a problem for a samurai,” Ohno added with a plain tone.

Nino bit his lower lip; he knew he would have to follow Ohno’s order no matter what.

“Show me your ability,” Ohno commanded.

“I apologize, but I think you have known my basic ability,” Nino said, trying to sound polite.

Ohno flashed a smirk, “You haven’t shown your true ability, Ninomiya,” Ohno said. “There’s something which makes you hide it.”

Nino was taken aback. How did Ohno know it?

“Maybe you’re mistaken,” Nino mumbled a reply.

“I’m not,” Ohno said with utmost confidence. “I’ve seen a lot of swordsmen for my whole life. I know that you don’t do it seriously.”

Nino lifted his head to look at Ohno’s sleepy eyes; unlike Sho whom Nino could fool, this man seemed to possess an unseen power to find out Nino’s dishonesty. Ohno rose off of the floor, walked towards the wall and took one of the swords. He returned to Nino and handed the sword to him.

“Show me what you got,” Ohno said.

Nino took the sword; carefully removed it from its scabbard, it was heavy, just like the one Ohno gave them on the first day of the training. He got up from the floor and waited for Ohno to take another sword from the wall. The man attacked first – without any warnings. He swung the sword towards Nino with serious attempt to kill. Nino ignored the pain on his upper arm as he tried to protect himself from Ohno’s attack.

Ohno was fast; he moved effortlessly. He also could use both of his hands effectively. Nino was left-handed, but he usually held the sword with his right hand, because the handle was made only for right-handed. He should have trained to use two swords at the same time, just like Ohno did.

Nino was cornered after his last effort to defend himself; Ohno’s sword was on neck, the man smiled in satisfaction – for whatever reason. It was the first time for Nino to see Ohno’s smiling face; it was surprising that the man could use such an expression. His face changed to a more handsome figure, as if a noh player had just changed his mask.

“You could do it better,” Ohno mumbled.

“I’m wounded,” Nino said, feeling that his hand was bleeding.

Ohno pulled away, stored his sword in its scabbard and hung it on the wall. Nino did the same while grimacing in pain.

“The healer will take a look at your wound,” Ohno said shortly. “You may return to your chamber, Jun will accompany you there.”

“I can find my way there,” Nino said. He didn’t like walking beside Matsumoto who kept on looking at him as if he was an ugly duck.

“Jun will take you there,” Ohno repeated with a commanding tone.

Nino bowed to Ohno as the man left the dojo. Jun appeared almost immediately and waited for Nino at the exit. They walked side by side towards Nino’s chamber without any words. Nino was so busy thinking about Ohno that he didn’t really feel the pain on his upper arm. Jun, meanwhile seemed to be in deep thought as well. He watched Nino until he closed the door behind him.

Sho was waiting in Nino’s room with a worried expression.

“You’re bleeding. What did Ohno-san do to you?”

“Nothing, he just wanted me to use his sword collection,” Nino answered.

Sho didn’t seem convinced by Nino’s answer, but he didn’t pry any further. The healer came to change the bandage on Nino’s injured arm and told him not to make any reckless moves until the wound had healed.

“Tell that to Ohno-san,” Nino mumbled to himself when the healer had gone.

Sho stayed until late that night. He insisted on staying over, but Nino convinced Sho that he had just injured a hand and was not on the verge of death.

“Good night, Nino,” Sho said, turning on his heels and walking towards his own chamber.

Nino lay down on his futon, looking up to the ceiling. Ohno’s smile kept on appearing in his head; it was probably the most mysterious smile he had ever seen in his life. He never imagined that a cold person like Ohno could make that kind of smile. Did he always show that face to everyone?

He recalled Aiba’s information about Ohno as kabuki actor. What kind of expression did Ohno make when he played the onnagata? Why did he choose to play onnagata? Why was he so good at everything?

He shifted to a more comfortable position, but the sleepy feeling wouldn’t come. It was past midnight when he was finally able to close his eyes.

Nino fell asleep with weird dreams about Ohno and Sho.

***

Nino attended the training session on the following day, but he only watched from afar as Ohno didn’t permit him to participate in the actual practice. He didn’t want to question the motive and sat down quietly, watching Aiba and Ueda who pushed each other with rather unique expressions.

Sho looked in his direction every now and then, as if checking whether Nino was still there or not. Sho was a good man, too good even. Deep down inside his heart, Nino knew that Sho had a soft spot for him, but Nino had no intention to fall in love with anyone – not now. He tried to push his guilt away, every time he looked at Sho’s face. If Sho didn’t trust him enough, Nino wouldn’t be here in Edo.

“The training ends, you’re dismissed,” Ohno announced.

Sho approached Nino almost immediately; he walked closer towards Nino with a broad smile on his lips.

“Ohno-san will perform tonight,” Sho said.

“Oh, that’s good,” Nino replied. “Do you want to watch him?”

Sho needed a few seconds to answer, “I don’t know. I have to write a report to Lord Mito about our progress.”

“Please don’t write about my injury, it’s embarrassing,” Nino said with an apologetic grin.

“Sure,” Sho replied. “Your secret is safe with me.”

Nino chuckled and together they left the clearing.

The one who ended up inviting Nino to watch the performance was Aiba. Nino was considering not going, because he didn’t want to see yet another side of Ohno that would leave him sleepless. He repeatedly told himself that he may not fall in love in this castle, but Ohno’s mysterious appearance always sent a prickle to his stomach.

“He’s so good in playing onnagata, like, very good,” Aiba said as they walked towards the kabuki hall which was located close to the main castle. Nino quickly mapped the route in his head and memorized what compounds they were passing by.

“You will not recognize him as the same Ohno-san,” Aiba kept on blabbering.

“By the way, why didn’t you ask Kazama to go with you?” Nino asked.

“He caught a cold,” Aiba replied with a concern on his face. “But I know he wants to use this extra time to train by himself. He told me that Matsumoto always scolds him for being such a slow learner.”

Nino grimaced, imagining how Matsumoto insulted Kazama every time he made the wrong movement. He had an unpleasant hunch that Ohno would command him to have a sword battle with Matsumoto in the near future.

‘Just to see your real ability’

He could hear Ohno’s voice in his head.

They arrived at the kabuki hall and got seats at the right wing. The main seats were dedicated to the high-ranked samurai alongside their wives. Nino spread his sight around, the seats were filled within just a few minutes. He wondered how much money they were possessing right now – it would be nice if he could steal from them again.

“Nino, that’s Lord Yoshinao,” Aiba’s whisper in his ear woke Nino up from his daydreaming.

He followed Aiba’s finger; Lord Yoshinao was a middle-aged man with a nice frame. He talked with another samurai, laughing when one of them told a joke. Nino narrowed his eyes to see the Lord’s face better; he was far older than what Nino remembered. It was a long time ago when he last saw that face, right when the battle of Sekigahara ended with the victory of Tokugawa clan.

“The show is about to begin,” Aiba said with high excitement.

Nino shifted his gaze from the Lord towards the stage. There were three men with colorful kimonos and kabuki make-up on the stage, they danced for a couple of minutes before the curtain behind them revealed another character – Nino didn’t need Aiba’s pinch on his arm to recognize Ohno. But he was so beautiful that every lady in the hall would scowl in envy.

Ohno moved elegantly, his long fingers moved in grace, his facial expression was perfect in describing a woman in love. When he spoke his lines; there was no doubt in his voice, there was no room for imperfectionist, everything was just amazing that everyone forgot to breathe until Ohno finished his script.

Nino was drowning in awe; he couldn’t find the right word to explain what he felt at the moment. Ohno’s beauty was something beyond his imagination – he was completely a different person. How could a capable-stoic-fierce swordsman turn into a pretty onnagata player?

Maybe it was just his imagination, but Nino swore he met Ohno’s eyes for a second. He could feel his heart explode under his ribs. He glanced at Aiba who clapped his hands happily as the show ended.

They stayed behind after the show, waiting for the hall to be emptied. Nino could see Matsumoto’s silhouette behind the curtain; Nino felt slightly jealous over his closeness to Ohno. He would do anything to be back stage, helping Ohno to change his clothes.

“Nino, let’s go,” Aiba said, guiding their way towards the exit. The hall was almost empty now.

It was when they were close to the main door when they heard a voice behind them.

“You’d better use your precious time to train, rather than entertaining yourselves, there’s only five months left.”

They turned around and saw Matsumoto, approaching them with a scowl on his face (perhaps he had no smiling nerve in his body).

“Thanks for reminding us,” Nino replied. He had decided that he wouldn’t let Matsumoto insult him anymore. “I don’t need five months to master the techniques. A week is already enough.”

“What a big mouth,” Matsumoto hissed.

“Let me tell you that your swords technique is old-fashioned,” Nino continued, ignoring Aiba’s grip on his arm.

“Nino, that’s enough. He’s on charge for our training here,” Aiba whispered.

“Mind your words, Ninomiya or do you prefer another wound,” Matsumoto said, his hand moved to the handle of his sword.

“What’s happening here?” Ohno asked as he appeared from the sliding door behind them. His eyes fell to Matsumoto’s hand and to Nino.

“Just a friendly conversation, Ohno-san,” Nino answered.

Ohno looked at Matsumoto as if trying to find the right answer. The taller man bowed slightly while moving his hand away from his sword.

“Come to my compound tomorrow after the usual practice,” Ohno said briefly to Nino, giving a signal to Matsumoto to follow him.

Aiba heaved a deep breath as both of them disappeared from the hall.

“You just got yourself into trouble, Nino,” Aiba mumbled.

“I get used to it,” Nino answered.

***

“Nino, what did you tell Matsumoto?” Sho cornered him in the morning on the next day. Sho stood close in front of him, pushing him onto the wall behind him.

“Nothing,” Nino said, avoiding Sho’s gaze.

“The words have spread around the castle. No one has ever said something improper to the samurai of Edo castle, Nino. No one,” Sho didn’t try to hide his disappointment this time. He looked at Nino with a sad expression.

“What makes you so afraid of them?” Nino asked.

“They’re in charge, Nino. They can make you lose your job, they can make you a rounin,” Sho said with frustrated tone.

“Don’t you remember that I’m not a samurai since the beginning,” Nino mumbled.

Sho’s right hand grabbed Nino’s collar, but then he released it. “I shouldn’t have brought you here,” he whispered while leaving Nino alone.

Nino straighten his kimono and watched Sho as he walked away. “It’s too late, Sho-san,” he whispered to himself.

Sho didn’t talk to him during training and avoided Nino on purpose. Nino had no time to convince the man that he didn’t do anything wrong, or perhaps apologize for making such an uproar by arguing with Matsumoto. He had another thing to worry about right now.

Nino followed Ohno towards his compound as the training ended. They walked in silence; Nino was glad that Ohno was the one who guided the way instead of Matsumoto.

“You never stop causing trouble,” Ohno said when they were about to reach the compound which was already familiar to Nino now.

“I’m sorry, Ohno-san, but I think Matsumoto-san underestimates everyone without limit,” Nino answered firmly.

Ohno paused his steps and looked at Nino straight in the eye, “Jun is my best underling, he has proven himself as a good swordsman.”

“It doesn’t mean he can insult us,” Nino said even before Ohno could finish his sentence.

Ohno narrowed his eyes. “Prove me that you’re better than him.”

“With pleasure,” Nino said.

Matsumoto was waiting for them at the dojo; he bowed at Ohno and glanced briefly at Nino. Matsumoto’s expression was dark and he didn’t try to hide his dislike towards Nino. The latter ignored the man’s gaze, he was used to people like Matsumoto, someone who saw other people as the lower class.

“I only tolerate light injuries in this battle,” Ohno said. “I don’t want any murder in my dojo.”

“Don’t worry, Ohno-san,” Matsumoto said, drawing his sword from the scabbard. “I’ll knock him down within two minutes.”

Nino drew his own sword and calmly walked towards Matsumoto’s direction. It was perhaps his 20^th swords battle since he joined Sho’s troops. None of his opponents were good enough; Ohno was perhaps the only samurai whose technique was better than Nino’s.

Matsumoto lifted his sword up highly and swung it to Nino who was ready to tackle it. He pushed forward, trying to corner Nino towards the wall. The latter loosened his pressure on the sword and jumped over Matsumoto, he turned around in the mid-air and gave his opponent a powerful kick on his shoulder. Matsumoto wobbled, but the kick wasn’t enough to knock him down, he furiously attacked Nino with complicated movements which he probably learned from Ohno, only that they were predictable. Nino dodged and stopped Matsumoto’s sword with his at the final moment, he pushed forward this time, putting all of his weigh into the sword in his hand.

They looked at each other’s eyes; Nino knew that Matsumoto was furious and somehow out of control. Unlike Ohno who fought calmly, Matsumoto was too impatient, which benefited Nino in knocking him down easier. He backed off for a moment and run forwards; holding his sword tightly and aiming for Matsumoto’s chest, there was no way to avoid this attack, it was too late for Matsumoto – he would die in Nino’s hand.

Nino’s sword was about to make an impact with Matsumoto when a pair of metals prevented it from killing the man. Ohno jumped between them; his two swords protected Matsumoto from Nino.

“Enough,” he said.

Nino put his sword down; he had forgotten Ohno’s message, what he felt just now was the urge to kill – it had been so long since he was involved in a real battle.

Matsumoto panted hardly; he knelt down in front of Ohno, pulling the man’s sword to his neck.

“I can’t take this defeat, let me commit seppuku, Ohno-san,” he sobbed.

“I won’t let you do that, Jun,” Ohno said softly. “Take a rest, that’s what you need at the moment.”

Matsumoto took his sword and disappeared from the dojo without glancing twice at Nino. The latter, meanwhile tried to get a hold of himself, he was trembling hard. Ohno looked at him with the utmost interest; there was no anger in his face, but it didn’t mean he wasn’t frightened. Something told Nino that this man wouldn’t hesitate to kill and it was worse than any angry shouts.

“I’m sorry…” Nino mumbled, dropping his sword to the floor.

“You’re stronger than what I expected,” Ohno said. “No one has beaten Jun, you’re the first one. I’ll write a recommendation to Lord Mito to upgrade your position…”

“No,” Nino cut him. “I mean, I’m only a companion to Sho-san. It will be rude if I get a promotion ahead of him.”

Ohno raised his brows. “You can become a samurai of Edo, it will be an honor to Mito clan.”

“Ohno-san, please. I need to talk with Sho-san first.”

Ohno heaved a deep breath and nodded after a few minutes of silence.

“You can return to your chamber,” Ohno ordered.

Nino took his sword, secured it into its scabbard and turned around towards the exit. He looked back at Ohno before reaching the door.

“I enjoyed your kabuki performance to the fullest. You’re a great actor,” he said.

Ohno gave him a weak smile. “Thanks,” he replied.

On his way to his chamber, Nino’s mind was in chaos. Half of him wanted to say yes to Ohno, becoming a samurai in Edo would give him better advantages, but he just couldn’t do it without consulting with Sho. He tried to consider Sho as a mere milestone for him to come to Edo, but after spending some time with him, Nino didn’t have the heart to do that.

Sho was always very kind. Sho was always worried about him.

But ever since they were in Edo; Sho seemed to have too many things to think of. He didn’t smile a lot like he did in Mito. He also showed a gloomy face every time they talked about Ohno.

When Nino arrived in his chamber, he found Sho there, sitting on the tatami with arms crossed over his chest. His expression was rather dark, but he forced a grin as he saw Nino.

“Let me change your bandage,” Sho said without looking at Nino’s eyes.

The request was unpredictable, Nino could only nod in return. Sho rose off the floor and took the bandage from the wooden box inside the drawer. He helped Nino take off his kimono and carefully wrapped the new bandage around his left arm. He was quiet and seemed not in the mood to talk. Nino didn’t try to open the conversation since he was deeply in thought as well.

Sho finished wrapping the bandage and much to Nino’s surprise, he leaned closer and kissed Nino on his lips. The movement was so sudden that Nino had no time to digest what was happening. Half of him wanted to push Sho away, but his hand couldn’t move. Sho pulled away, looking as confused as Nino was. He abruptly stood up, gazing at Nino with an unreadable expression.

“I’m sorry…” he whispered before leaving the room.

Nino carefully touched his lips; he couldn’t describe his feelings towards Sho at the moment. Not, when the one he truly wanted was Ohno.

TBC