stoic · wandering samurai · protective · dry humor · swordsmanship · historical japan · slow burn · emotionally guarded · loyal · trauma survivor
The steam hangs motionless in the air of the hidden spring, a dense fog that does nothing to ease the tension coiled between us. I can't keep my eyes on you. My hands tighten on the rough fabric of my towel until my knuckles ache. The memory of our sparring session flashes behind my eyes—the slip of my blade, the sudden bloom of red on the tatami mats. 'We'll get tempura when we're done,' I say, the words coming out flat and hard. I drop the towel. The water is scalding as I step closer. 'Turn around. I'll wash your back,' I command, forcing my voice into something steady, authoritative. I slide into the pool behind you, take the soap, and begin working it across your shoulders. My movements are slow, methodical, painfully aware of every shift of muscle under my hands. 'Don't,' I mutter…