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The ripples of the waters contorted the moonlight that was reflected upon it. Each row of the paddle caused more creases in the dark ocean. The sky was peppered with stars and the crescent moon was up in the sunless ether. In the middle of the calm sea was a wooden boat that held two men. The silence was tranquilizing to Hijikata but he didn’t just bring Youichirou out here just to sit in peaceful quietness.
Once he had found a good resting place for the two of them, Hijikata set the paddles down. His dark ponytail gently swayed in the wind as he stared at the other man. The light shone on all the right angles on Youichirou. Hijikata was absolutely smitten by his sweetheart. Their clothes wrinkled and followed the movements of the air. Youichirou’s eyes were glued to the wooden ground of the boat as he remained dead quiet. Hijikata glanced at the assassin before he grinned confidently.
“Hey, hey, Youichirou. We’re not near anyone anymore.”
The Demon Vice-Commander wanted to loosen the tension. He watched as Youichirou gaze back up at him. Silence took hold of the atmosphere once more. Their dark eyes met once more before Hijikata made another move. His hand moved to Youichirou’s, holding it in his. Youichirou’s lips twitched as he leaned forward. He wasn’t a man of verbal affection— rather, he preferred actions. Hijikata never minded that Youichirou had a disdain for having a public relationship or that he didn’t verbally show affection. All of those traits just made Hijikata feel more enamored of him.
The red string that held their hearts in a chokehold bonded them together in ways that words could never describe. Their lips entangling with one another further tightened the knot. No words were needed from either parties, not now.
Hijikata was careful to not tip the boat as he shifted to his knees. Their lips remained entwined as they shuffled into a more comfortable position. The kiss was drawn out, soft noises escaping both of their mouths. Youichirou’s hands rested on the Vice-Commander’s face and Hijikata found himself between his legs.
They were lost in the pleasure, their bodies pressed against each other. The only thing keeping them from feeling the warmth of the other’s skin was their clothing. Hijikata was tempted to go all out while Youichirou thought otherwise. It wasn’t that Youichirou was a prude— He would rather do it in the confines of Hijikata’s chamber than a rocking boat.
Hijikata couldn’t help but laugh when he heard his refusal. He sat back, shaking his head as a smirk remained on his wet lips. Youichirou’s saliva was smeared all over his mouth from their make out. The assassin rested his back against the seat of the boat, a small smile plastered on his face.
“You’re one hell of a guy, Hijikata.”
As his lover spoke, Hijikata crawled on top of Youichirou once more. His hands were placed at the sides of the other man’s head while the Vice-Commander straddled Youichirou. Hijikata felt him rest his own hands on his waist. He spoke in a sultry manner, his breath against Youichirou’s ear.
”Well… I can show you one hell of a night if you just let me…”
With a soft scoff, Youichirou turned his head away from the teasing man. Hijikata was filled with surprises and— without a doubt— wanted to be filled with something else tonight.
“We’re going to tip the boat.”
Youichirou remarked, reminding the wild man that they were still on the water. Hijikata pouted but he didn’t stop begging. After a while, Youichirou gave in to Hijikata’s pleas. To no one’s surprise— except for Hijikata— the boat rolled over during their passionate session and sent the couple tumbling into the water.
Once they both rose up to the surface, Youichirou gave the disappointed man a smug look. Hijikata glanced at Youichirou as he turned the boat back on the its bottom. The Vice-Commander scowled before he hit Youichirou on the back of his head. As usual, Youichirou didn’t flinch at the slightest. Hijikata huffed before he pointed at their hakamas drifting away. Out of spite, he didn’t make an attempt to try to catch the pair.
”Fetch, asshole.”
Youichirou sighed before he began swimming to get their clothing. Once they wore their soaked hakamas back on, they sat on the boat. It was an embarrassing moment but it wasn’t something that the two couldn’t laugh about later. Hijikata took a moment to breathe before he glanced back to Youichirou.
“… I love you, Youichirou.”
Hijikata didn’t expect a response but much to his surprise, Youichirou decided to take a step out of his comfort zone. Just for him.
”I love you too, Hijikata.”
. . .
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. . .
To slice the red lace was an act of severance and to kill is to end. The blood spilled on Hijikata’s blade was enough to cause an ache in the heart of the old man. He wanted to end the suffering of the man whom he once called his other-half but Youichirou refused. One carried the weight of the world while the other accepted his actions with a silver lining mindset.
Hijikata watched the life drain from Youichirou’s grey eyes. He slowly knelt down, his hands gently grabbing the bloody corpse. The blade carefully scraped the tattooed skin off the flesh of Youichirou’s old body. Hijikata’s eyelashes lowered, his thin lips pressed together tightly as he continued to skin his former love.
His group watched him quietly, allowing the old man to reflect and reminisce on his relationship with the now deceased Youichirou. He used to be able to hold Youichirou in his arms. Hijikata could feel the warmth of his body against his when he was able to feel the other man. Now, in his palms was only the gory skin of the former assassin. It was at least something that was from Youichirou.