MERRY CHRISTMAS
Written for 30_cuddles
Theme #8: Body Heat
Pairing: Sakon/Mitsunari
Rating: PG
Notes: A small fanfiction to celebrate the holidays. MERRY CHRISTMAS FIGHTING_OUTSIDE! 8D
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Had anyone told him before hand it was going to turn ridiculously cold by that evening, he would have just stayed in bed, feigning illness, fatigue… anything was better than waking up to piles of unwelcome snow and a cold floor. The sudden weather had halted any preparations they had for conquest, so Lord Hideyoshi had decided that sake and noh dancers were the way the to go. While the freezing weather had inspired his comrades to drink merrily, Mitsunari was neither inspired nor amused.
Bundled up in his winter kimono and scarf, he twirled the sake around in his cup, unable to get into the mood. An uncomfortable heat had made its way to his face and the room began taking a little spin of its own. Suspecting intoxication, he closed his eyes for moment to gain control. The maid that was serving him drinks became concerned but he told her softly it was nothing.
Swallowing the last of his drink, he stood to leave. “Something wrong, Mitsunari?”
“It’s nothing, my lord. I’m feeling a bit ill, so I wish to retire for the night.”
“Are you sure you are alright?” Yukimura asked.
“You look rather pale…” Kanetsugu added.
Mitsunari managed a small smile, “I’m fine. Enjoy yourselves.”
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The cold had inspired Sakon to ride into town for some sake and fish. But even after a quiet evening to himself, at the end of day, he couldn’t help wondering if his little getaway had angered his lord in some way. Sure he had dropped hints of it here and there, and even wrote a letter informing him before hand, but he couldn’t help but feel guilty. His lord wasn’t the most flexible person when it came to weather, after all. He stared out in the almost deserted streets as the snow continued to fall…
“… Are you still cold, my lord?”
Mitsunari poked at the coals in the kettle with a small stick, pretending not to hear the question. However, he couldn’t help replying a moment later with a sneeze and a slight sniffle. Sakon smiled, shook his head, and he covered the other with a spare blanket. Snow fell silently between them as Mitsunari pulled the blanket tighter around him.
One of the coals cracked. “Sakon…”
“Yes?”
“…Never mind.”
He took his last swig of sake, attached his untouched jar to his waist and said his goodbyes to the stand owner.
“Leaving so soon, Lord Sakon? Have to get back to your wife?”
Sakon didn’t turn around, but waved his hand in the air and replied, “Something like that.”
By the time he returned, most of the castle had retired for the night. The jug of sake against his waist was still relatively warm and Sakon decided that it would have to be his compensation gift as he headed off in the direction of Mitsunari’s room. He was surprised when he stepped into a dark room as he slide open the doors, since hadn’t expected Mitsunari to be asleep so soon. About to leave, he noticed that the usually sound sleeper was fidgeting more than usual. Upon closer inspection, he found Mitsunari was shivering and breathing rather abnormally.
“My lord?” he inquired softly. Mitsunari didn’t open his eyes. As he lightly touched the side of his face, Sakon found the other man had broken out in a cold sweat. Placing a hand on his forehead, gently sweeping away his bangs, the skin underneath was warm the touch. Sighing, Sakon got up to retrieve some medicine when a hand gripped his kimono sleeve.
“… My lord?”
Sakon hide a smile and asked to leave, claiming that he had errands to run. He watched Mitsunari for a reaction, but the younger man said nothing, did nothing. It was only when he reached for the sliding doors…
“Wait…”
“It’s cold…don’t leave…” Mitsunari murmured.
Not one to refuse an order, after removing his outer kimono, Sakon slipped into the blankets. Mitsunari’s face cringed at the sudden cold that invaded his space, but quickly found himself attached to the coolness and snuggled towards the older man. As he allowed his lord to get comfortable, Sakon stroked the back of his head and pulled him closer, planting a small kiss on his forehead. He thought that he heard Mitsunari mutter something before he fell asleep again, but by then his head was too fuzzy from the warmth and alcohol to be sure.
Mitsunari had fallen asleep on futon and Sakon was now feeling the effects of letting his lord use his arm for a pillow. He contemplated on moving his numb limb, but quickly decided against it. He glanced at Mitsunari’s sleeping face again before closing his own eyes, reminding himself that the pain he’d feel a few hours later was worth it.
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