(A/N: This chapter contains a mature scene. Reader discretion is advised.)

Motonari would have left the following morning, if Mitsunari hadn't insisted on escorting him all the way back to Itsukushima. Secretly, Motonari was glad about that. They delayed one more day to allow Mitsunari to rest.

They set out early, just as the sky was lightening. Shiranui carried the Amaterasu ringblade for Motonari. Then Mitsunari arrived, limping over to his horse and swinging himself on with some difficulty. Motonari inquired about the injured leg but the swordsman only shook his head, determined to go no matter what.

Neither of them said a word to each other as they traveled. Motonari glanced at the other man. If he felt sorrow or pain, he didn't show it.

They rode on until Mitsunari couldn't bear sitting in a saddle anymore, and stopped for a break. Motonari wandered off towards the shore nearby, and Chibi went after him, the box bouncing on its back. They were near the spot where they had first met. The sun was high in the sky and Motonari closed his eyes, feeling the warmth on his skin and listening to the waves.

His mind and heart kept stirring with thoughts about their separation, and he gave up, opening his eyes. Chibi was mimicking him again, and skipped after him.

Mitsunari sat against a tree, watching them, with Shiranui napping beside him.

"How is your leg?" Motonari asked, finally breaking the silence.

"Please. Don't worry about me."

Motonari wanted to sit down and lean against him. But no, it was probably better that he didn't.

They resumed the journey, and that stifling silence fell over them again. The closer they got to home, the more the pressure in his chest kept growing.

At last, they reached the base in Itsukushima. The familiar red archways and the expanse of buildings stretching out over the water were a welcome sight for Motonari. Shiranui and Chibi looked around in wonder.

"I didn't notice it the first time I was here," Mitsunari said quietly, "but it's so peaceful."

"I'm glad you think so."

As they dismounted, Mitsunari stumbled as he landed on the ground. Yelping in alarm, Shiranui hurried over, but he managed to catch his balance and straightened, wincing.

Motonari couldn't hold it back anymore. "I'm not going to let you head back like that. Stay here and rest for a day."

Mitsunari looked at him and nodded. "One day, then."

#

That night, Motonari didn't go to see Mitsunari in the guest room. Nor did he leave his own door open - he locked it. But as he lay in bed, he desperately wanted to feel the warmth of another body beside him. It was so much easier to sleep that way.

No, he told himself. I need to keep my distance. I can't let myself be weak. Not now.

He didn't know how he fell asleep. It felt like he had lain awake for hours, and when he opened his eyes again it was daybreak. He skipped his usual routine of stepping out onto the wide balcony to take in the morning sun and the sound of gentle waves. His heart was in such disarray. There was no peace.

He dressed and paused in front of the doorway, looking over his shoulder at the desk where the box holding the mirror sat. Now that he was here, perhaps he should return the favour and find something to give Mitsunari. Heading to the locked cabinet in one corner of the room and opening it, he took out a small box.

It held a collection of rare and expensive trinkets that he had picked up over the years. He seldom looked at them now but perhaps one of the items might serve a better purpose. A charm with a large amethyst crystal caught his eye. Mitsunari seemed to like purple and he might appreciate this. Motonari set the charm aside for now.

He found Mitsunari and the wolves admiring the view of the ocean from one of the open walkways, and hesitated before joining them.

"It's beautiful here," Mitsunari said. "And quiet."

"There's an even better place. Can you ride?"

Chibi barked, tail wagging. I want to see that place!

Mitsunari shifted his weight and winced. "As long as it isn't far."

"Come on, then."

They left the shoreline, riding inwards to the nearby forest, and dismounted in front of a cliff wall. Pushing back a clump of foliage, Motonari revealed a small tunnel. They went slowly so that Mitsunari wouldn't strain his leg. The sunlight seeping around the bend in the tunnel allowed them to see.

They emerged into a seaside cavern. Sunlight streamed down from a wide opening in the rock above, enough so that the ground they stood on was covered in grass and wildflowers. Far below, the waves lapped at the rock, the water deep blue and clear.

Motonari sat down at an accustomed spot on the grass, and Mitsunari joined him, looking around in awe. Chibi frolicked around in the grass, tail wagging with glee, with its mother padding after it to make sure it wouldn't get itself in trouble.

"Is this a secret of yours?" Mitsunari asked.

"Yes. I come here sometimes, when I want to get away."

"How did you find it? It's so well hidden."

Motonari paused before answering. "My father took us here when we were children. This is our special place. We still come here now and then."

"You never speak much of your family."

A pain of longing growing in his heart, the strategist looked away. "Chugoku is a large region. Everyone is always looking after different holdings. We are seldom together now."

The swordsman remained silent, knowing it was a sensitive subject. They were sitting so close together. All Motonari had to do was move a little closer and they would touch.

He wanted it, and he no longer cared if Mitsunari was leaving tomorrow. He relaxed and leaned against Mitsunari, who returned the pressure. They sat there together, watching as the wolves played in the grass. Then Chibi ran to the edge, wanting to go down to the water. Shiranui made an exasperated noise and climbed down the side of the cavern, her puppy following close.

Mitsunari shifted and their eyes met. Then he lowered his head, their lips touching. Motonari reached up with a hand, pressing that face closer, kissing him again and again. The long arms wrapped around him, gently pushing him down.

They lay there together, their lips never apart for a moment. Then Mitsunari shifted and their hips pressed together. Opening his eyes, Motonari placed his hands against Mitsunari's chest, pushing him back. Their breaths coming quickly, they gazed at each other.

"Not now," Motonari said. "And certainly not here."

Mitsunari obeyed and rolled off him. Shifting closer, they caressed each other, lost in each other's eyes.

Motonari thought there would only be pain from being so close to him, but instead it eased his heart. How foolish of him. Last night had been a complete waste.

"Hold me," he said.

Mitsunari did so, drawing him close, and the strategist shut his eyes. He could fall asleep like this, with Mitsunari's warmth surrounding him. As long as that warmth was there, he could sleep and never wake up again. How wonderful. They would never be apart then.

"What's going on in that head of yours?" Mitsunari murmured.

Motonari smiled but didn't respond.

#

Later that night, Mitsunari visited him in his room, and they sat down together.

"Will you be all right heading back by yourself?" Motonari asked.

"I'll be fine."

Heat crept to his cheeks. He wanted to slide off Mitsunari's clothes and touch the skin underneath.

"I'm more worried about you," Mitsunari said softly. "You'll be unhappy, won't you?"

He didn't answer. Sliding over, he pressed his body against him, wrapping his arms around him.

"I want you," Motonari whispered. "Do that, and I won't be unhappy."

Mitsunari stroked him, making him shiver with delight, and they caressed each other before settling down on the bed. Motonari closed his eyes and lost himself in the sensation he had craved, of that strong body covering his own. He raked a hand down Mitsunari's chest, feeling the heat of his skin and the firmness of the muscle. He had waited far too long for this. Inhaling deeply, Mitsunari's scent filled his lungs. The swordsman clawed at his kimono, and Motonari gasped as their hips met and the sweet sensation of contact raced through his body.

"Motonari." Mitsunari's breath blew against his neck. "Will you let me inside?"

He shivered, shifting his hips. Inside. "Do it."

Mitsunari tried to push into him. Pain stung him and he yelped despite himself. It burned.

Mitsunari stopped and drew away. "Are you all right?"

"It hurts," Motonari said, discouraged.

"Then we shouldn't."

"Perhaps if we had something slippery, it would be better."

Mitsunari blinked. "But we're not...presentable."

The strategist sighed and drew his kimono closed, then flung a blanket over himself to hide his hips before he crossed to the door. He poked his head outside, looking for a servant, when he spotted a container on the floor. Stooping down to pick it up, he retreated into the room.

"What is that?" the swordsman asked as Motonari inspected the contents.

"Some kind of watery ointment."

Mitsunari scowled, his cheeks crimson. "Remind me to pull Shiranui's ears in the morning. Hurry up and come back to bed!"

They spent a few moments preparing before they flung off the rest of their clothes and resumed their previous position. Motonari shuddered violently as Mitsunari entered him. They were as close as they could ever be. The heat of Mitsunari's body throbbed inside his own.

Mitsunari moved gently, soft groans escaping his throat. The pleasure came from deep within, streaking up and down Motonari's spine, making him squirm. Groping at Mitsunari's back and wrapping his legs around him, he pulled him closer. The swordsman's stomach pressed against his hardness now, and the sensation threatened to drive him mad.

"Faster!" Motonari cried.

Mitsunari increased his pace, trembling in ecstasy. Motonari lost all control, gasping his partner's name with what breath he had, his body moving wildly by itself in rhythm to Mitsunari's. It felt like he was burning up.

"Motonari…!"

Hearing his name sent him over the edge, a strangled yelp bursting from his throat as the height of his pleasure blazed through him, even more intensely than the first time, shaking his whole body. Mitsunari cried out, jerking uncontrollably.

Motonari lay there, panting, limp and exhausted. On top of him, Mitsunari gasped for breath, his weight pressing Motonari into the mattress. The two remained there, until their breathing evened out and they regained the strength to move. Motonari shivered as Mitsunari left him and they separated into two beings again. With some effort, Motonari rolled over and nestled against him, letting his eyes close. Mitsunari's lips brushed against his cheek, and the slender fingers stroked his body. Lulled by the warmth, he fell asleep.

#

When Motonari opened his eyes, it was still dark and the first touches of dawn seeped out from the window. Mitsunari lay asleep beside him and Motonari listened to his quiet breaths.

He squeezed his eyes shut and burrowed back into the warmth. For the first time, he didn't want to see the sun. He didn't want the cruelty of morning to arrive.

When he woke again, Mitsunari had shifted onto his stomach and was watching him. It was morning now and their time together was about to end. Pressing against him, the strategist stroked his back. Mitsunari made a noise deep in his throat and shut his eyes.

At last, Mitsunari couldn't delay any more and they got up. They left the room together. Motonari walked beside him, sullen, and as they approached the walkway Shiranui and Chibi greeted them.

Mitsunari walked up to Shiranui and grabbed her ears, giving them a yank. She yelped, and when he released her she shook her head and gave him a pitiful look. What did I do?

"How did you know about the ointment?" he demanded.

Shiranui tossed her head, a sly glimmer in her black eyes. Mitsunari glowered at her and Motonari chuckled.

They rode out, the trees closing around them, and halted when Motonari couldn't follow any further. Dismounting, they stood facing each other, an awkward silence settling around them.

Motonari moved at last, taking Mitsunari's hand and pressing the charm into it. "Here. I want you to have this."

Mitsunari examined the charm. "Did you have this made for me?"

"No, but now I know it is a perfect fit for you."

As he admired the large amethyst crystal, the swordsman smiled. "I like it very much. I'll take good care of it."

Motonari nodded and the silence fell around them again. Neither of them wanted to speak, knowing that when they did, the words would be painful. He wanted to tell Mitsunari to stay, but that was foolish. Mitsunari had his own duties to attend to.

"I'll see you again soon," Mitsunari said softly.

Motonari couldn't answer, choked. His lip trembled and he fought with it, trying to keep it steady. Shiranui padded up to them and asked for their attention, nudging Chibi with a paw. Its head spun back and forth between the two, then it pawed at Motonari's leg. Kneeling down, he let it clamber up into his arms, covering his cheek with kisses, before it wriggled free and skipped over to sit beside Mitsunari.

I'm sticking with you, its gaze said.

"All right then." Mitsunari scooped up the puppy and put it on his saddle.

Shiranui made a satisfied noise and sat down next to Motonari, who smiled and rubbed her head. Chibi would certainly learn to be a good warrior.

Mitsunari turned back to him, and they embraced. Closing his eyes, he tried to cling to that warmth as long as possible, breathing in deeply to sear that scent into his memory.

"Motonari," Mitsunari said after a while, "you have to let go now."

"I don't want to."

Mitsunari made a strange sound and Motonari's eyes opened. The swordsman was chuckling. "It'll be all right. Let go."

At last, Motonari slid his arms away and withdrew, looking up. "All this time, I've never heard you laugh before."

Smiling at him even though his eyes were moist, Mitsunari turned to go. "Until we meet again."

Motonari lurched forward and grabbed his hand, and Mitsunari looked over his shoulder. They didn't speak - they didn't have to. Their eyes met one last time.

Then Mitsunari kept walking. Their fingers tugged, then trailed apart. As the swordsman swung himself up onto the saddle, his head turned a little, but then he kicked the horse into motion and galloped down the road. Not once did he look back. Perhaps seeing Motonari's shape growing smaller and smaller was too painful for him. Or perhaps he didn't want to let him see his tears. Motonari stood there until Mitsunari rounded a bend in the road and was gone. Staring at the spot where he last saw the swordsman, his vision blurred and he turned away.

Shiranui took his hand in her teeth, making a whimpering noise to comfort him, and he offered her a weak smile.

He climbed on his horse and returned home at a walking pace, numb and empty.

#

Motonari couldn't sleep that night. Lying awake, he faced the side of the bed Mitsunari had slept in. Even with Shiranui in the room, it wasn't the same. Unable to bear the pain anymore, he shifted closer to that side of the bed, pressing his face into the mattress. Mitsunari's scent still lingered. When Motonari shut his eyes and breathed in, it almost felt like the swordsman was still here with him.

Looking out the window, the moon glowed in the night sky. It made him think of Osaka. Was Mitsunari also lying awake and thinking of him?

It's so cold and lonely here without you.

He missed that warmth already. He missed seeing that svelte figure and the yellow eyes and the silver hair, missed the sound of that voice. If only he had something to remind him of all those things, something that could ease his pain...

Then he remembered. He sat up and stumbled out of bed. Shiranui made a noise and lifted her head, watching as he searched around near the desk. He found the wooden box and dragged it out into the dim candlelight. Lifting out the mirror, he placed it on his desk and sat there for a while, tracing its patterns with a finger. Just seeing it eased his heart. He flipped it, gazing at his reflection, wishing he could see Mitsunari's face in it instead.

Returning to bed, he looked back at the desk. It was the perfect spot. He rolled over and shut his eyes, calmness spreading through him. He could sleep now.

And the mirror would greet him in the morning.

(to be continued in Volume 3)