Takezo’s large frame came in handy for something other than fighting; body heat. Along your travels, you two stopped at a hotel that was courteous enough to give a wandering swordsman and his lover a room. Many other hotels were vacant due to New Years, so you two were pretty lucky to find a comfortable room. Now here you were, sitting in his lap, arms wrapped around you, along with a blanket around the two of you. There were sliding doors that led outside so you two could get a good spot to view the night sky.
Takezo, or Musashi, insisted to go to bed since it would be warmer, but you wanted to watch the New Year snow. You knew a few things about the weather, and hearsay around town fed your hopes that there would be snow tonight. So to entertain your wonder, Takezo stayed up with you to watch the snow for the new year fall. So far, it's only cold enough to see your own breath and you didn't know how far it was from midnight.
“Hey Takezo,” Takezo hummed in response, “what do you wish for in the new year?” Takezo paused to think. Except for becoming the invincible swordsman he wanted to be, what else was there? He had the woman that he so longed for, he continued to work on his sword skills and his ever building confidence and-ah, something popped into his head.
“I wish that I can always protect you, no matter how old I get.” Takezo said while staring off into the night sky. “Really? As old as Inei?” “If he could best me at his age, then yes.” He closed his eyes as he grinned, remembering his time with the old spear master. Without him noticing, you shifted in his lap to face him and placed a hand on his face. “You know…you should smile more.” Takezo face wrinkled with confusion. “What do you mean, I smile all the-” “No, not when you're fighting. I mean any other time.” you interrupted him. A frown slowly started to form on his face.
“Geez, darling. You're such a baby.” You giggled as you turned away from him.Takezo's eyes widened when he realized the joke you were pulling on him. The he huffed. “Alright then. I'll just go back to bed.” “No, stay with me!” You quickly grabbed his clothes when he threatened to sleep. A chuckle rumbled in his stomach. “Meanie.” You puffed your cheeks out. Takezo wouldn't really say it to your face since he wasn't really good at expressing his emotions, but you were cute when you were on the receiving end of the teasing.
The silence between you two came back, but none of you were complaining. These moments of quiet were rare in Takezo's path so the two appreciate this. With his keen senses, Takezo noticed your slowed breathing, signaling that you were about to fall asleep. He nudged his loved one awake. “Oh come on. You aren't going to fall asleep while you have me up.” Takezo teased. “Mmm, sorry. It's just that you're so warm.” You snuggled even closer into Takezo's warm chest. At this moment, Takezo's heart started to melt all over again. This level of physical affection was absent from his father as well as his mother, so these moments of embrace was escape for him. You tell him that one day his killings will catch up to him and never end, and with moments like these, maybe he should put down the one thing he dedicates his life to. He has thought about it, people constantly wanting to fight him, and his built up anger and ambition fuels him, but eventually all of that will run out.
Well, all of that thinking can wait for now.
The first snow was starting anyways.
You gasped at the first few flakes that fell right in front of your eyes. Jumping out of Takezo's lap, you jumped onto the ground and held your hands out, wishing to catch the snow. Takezo stayed where he was, watching his soon-to-be wife play in the thin layers of snow, as he smiled at your child-like behaviour.
Maybe there is a home I can return to.
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