Fugitives
by Haruka

Thunder clapped overhead and for a moment, the entire forest was bright as daylight. The fugitives saw their path and changed direction, ignoring the sheets of rain that soaked them as they ran hand-in-hand through the trees.
"Are they still after us?!" the redhaired one cried.
"We don't dare stop to find out!" answered the other, dark- haired one. "We're almost there, just a little further!"
Lightning flashed and the redhead squealed in terror. "Did I ever tell you, Soujirou, how much I hate lightning and thunder?"
"I'd hate it, too, if I carried that lightning rod you call a weapon!"
"This weapon may save my life if Shishio-sama catches up to us!"
"If he catches up to us, Kamatari, nothing will save your life or mine." The young man named Soujirou nodded ahead. "There it is!"
Another lightning flash outlined the rustic cabin in the small clearing. Kamatari was never so happy to see anything in his life, and put on an extra burst of speed, half-dragging the surprised Soujirou along with him.
"Kamatari your strength! My arm!"
"Move faster, slowpoke, and it won't hurt you!" Kamatari teased. Both of them knew no one could match Soujirou in speed when he made an effort. Soujirou laughed at Kamatari's joke and the two of them burst into cabin simultaneously, dripping and giggling.
"Oh, it feels good to be out of that storm!" Kamatari declared. His mulberry-coloured hair, which sometimes looked more purple than red, was plastered to his pretty face and neck, and his green womens' kimono felt heavy with rain. He laid aside his oogama a long wooden pole with a deadly curved scythe at one end and an iron ball and chain at the other and began unfastening the kimono ties. "You said there were blankets and supplies here?"
Soujirou had stopped to watch Kamatari as soon as they closed the door behind them. Even soaked with rain, his kimono mud- splattered and his hair stuck to his face, Honjou Kamatari was still the most beautiful creature he'd ever seen. He didn't realize the other boy was awaiting an answer to his question until Kamatari snapped his fingers in front of his eyes.
"Sou-chan? You in there? The blankets?"
"Blankets ...." Oh right, Kamatari had asked for blankets. He needed them himself, as he was starting to shiver. "I'll get them," he said, and walked over to a tall cabinet, wet footprints left in his wake.
Kamatari followed Soujirou's progress with interested ruby eyes. If anyone had told him a month ago that he would come to love Seta Soujirou more than he ever loved Shishio, he'd have laughed in their face or possibly just cut their head off.
He and Soujirou were both honourable members of Shishio's Juppongatana. In fact, Soujirou had been Shishio's right hand raised and trained to be a perfect killing machine. Boyish-faced Tenken no Soujirou, with speed, agility, and swordsmanship that no one save Shishio could match. He'd lost all emotions except enjoyment early in life, so killing meant nothing to him. He could, and had, slit throats while wearing a pleasant smile. That smile in itself was a weapon; unnerving to any opponent who tried to read his empty mind, only to lose their life in the attempt. Kamatari couldn't beat him in combat, accepting his defeat with only minimal complaint. However, his skill with the 60 pound oogama was unparalleled, and he frankly hadn't cared whether it be friend or foe who got in his way when he used it. He'd joined with Shishio in an attempt to get closer to the man, but it was never close enough for Kamatari. Shishio knew the young gay boy loved him, but only showed interest in him as a warrior.
A month ago, shedding tears of frustration one night, he'd confided in Soujirou. He'd really only expected to use the sword master as a sounding board, as genuine sympathy was beyond the emotion-devoid boy. That made it doubly shocking when Soujirou gently took his chin in his hand and kissed him. He confessed to Kamatari that being near him had brought back those emotions everyone thought were lost to him, and he'd only been waiting hoping that Kamatari would notice him as well.
It worked. The sweet kiss, the look of love in Soujirou's obsidian eyes eyes that previously revealed nothing and his vow of commitment; these combined made Kamatari re-think everything he held dear. It wasn't long before he realized how fond of Soujirou he was himself, and in the days that passed, that fondness turned to genuine love. Neither of them wanted to fight for Shishio anymore, but both kept up their facade of dedication. Soujirou continued to smile winningly in the presence of others, while Kamatari mooned loudly over Shishio to anyone who'd listen. Secretly, however, they were planning their escape.
The time had finally come the previous day. Shishio was away and not expected to return until the following morning. Soujirou and Kamatari had been assigned to different targets and were supposed to leave as well. They planned to leave separately and meet up in the city. It all would have worked out if not for the meddling Hoji, who had somehow become suspicious of the young couple. He had them both followed, and receiving the report that they had gone against orders and joined together, he immediately sent word to Shishio.
Their former leader's intolerance for traitors was swift and sure. A reward was put on their capture, and the remaining Juppongatana plus any number of foot soldiers were now in pursuit of them. Shishio himself was out looking, and so far they had narrowly escaped him twice. They could only hope their luck would hold out.
Soujirou retrieved the blankets and brought them over while Kamatari finished undressing. Soujirou found himself once more captivated as he admired his lithe, slender body and perfect skin. Wishing he could stare at Kamatari's nude form all day, he nevertheless wrapped a warm blanket around the other boy's shoulders.
"Thank you." Kamatari smiled. "Now get yourself out of those wet clothes while I see if I can get a fire going."
You've got mine going already, Soujirou thought mischievously as he slipped out of his soggy sandals and watched Kamatari kneel in front of the fireplace.
Thank goodness there are matches here, Kamatari thought as he held one to the kindling in the hearth. He didn't relish the thought of spending all night damp and cold, although, he mused with a glance over his shoulder to where Soujirou had just slipped out of his kimono, there was a lot to be said for body heat ....
Soujirou looked up and smiled at him. The flames were beginning to lick at the kindling and their light was reflected in Kamatari's eyes. He wrapped a blanket around himself and went to sit by the other boy.
"Wouldn't it be nice if this were our place?" Kamatari said. "And we didn't have to worry about Shishio-sama or anyone else?"
"I could live very happily here with you," Soujirou said softly. Kamatari looked at him, and they leaned in for a tender kiss.
Soujirou wondered how he ever functioned without emotions. The feelings whenever he was near Kamatari particularly while touching him were so strong as to be overwhelming. His arms went around the other boy drawing him closer as their kiss grew deeper. Kamatari responded avidly, entwining his own slender fingers in Soujirou's hair, parting his lips slightly to allow entrance of his tongue. Soujirou obliged, darting and probing within Kamatari's sweet mouth. The redhead's tongue played with his own, and Soujirou felt himself responding in other regions of his body.
Kamatari noticed as well, and pulled back to smile knowingly at him. He delicately licked the tip of a finger, then his hand descended, disappearing between Soujirou's legs. The shock of his cool palm wrapping around Soujirou's manhood drew a surprised gasp from the dark-haired boy. He looked at Kamatari and noted the mischievous gleam in his eyes just before he lowered his head to Soujirou's lap. A low hiss of pleasure was his response as Kamatari licked along the top of his member, then under it, tickling his scrotum with teasing darts of his tongue. He had to struggle not to twist Kamatari's hair in his fist before his lover finally rewarded his patience by taking him in his mouth. Soujirou closed his eyes gratefully, savoring the million thrilling sensations that exploded within him at Kamatari's ministrations.
Kamatari could tell the effect he was having on Soujirou and it made him feel wonderful. There wouldn't be many opportunities for the two of them to be alone together in the next few days, and he wanted the memory of this one to stay with Soujirou through their upcoming trials. With slow, measured strokes of his tongue, and gentle scraping with his teeth, he soon had Soujirou fighting to contain himself. Kamatari knew Soujirou was trying to spare him from swallowing his seed, so he simply wrapped his arms around the Tenken's hips, drawing him even deeper into his throat.
That was all Soujirou could stand, and he exploded inside Kamatari's mouth. The beautiful young man swallowed him without hesitation, and made a wicked show of licking his lips afterwards.
"Kama ... tari," Soujirou gasped.
"I know, love," the redhead whispered. He kissed him softly, and Soujirou tasted himself, inhaling his own scent on Kamatari's person. He felt himself growing hard again.
"That wasn't enough for you?" Kamatari purred. "Well, let's see what we can do about that ...."
"I _know_ what we can do about it." Soujirou grinned and pulled the other boy closer. He slid his hands down Kamatari's back to his rear and massaged the soft cheeks. Kamatari moaned in pleasure and undulated slowly against Soujirou, his member becoming aroused by the motion. One of Soujirou's hands moved into Kamatari's lap and wrapped around him, giving a gentle squeeze.
"Eep! Sou-chan!" Kamatari nipped his shoulder lightly in punishment, but Soujirou only laughed. He began sliding his hand up and down on Kamatari's manhood, enjoying every detail of his lover's expression. His other hand slipped behind the redhead and a finger pressed against his anus in suggestion. Kamatari gave an eager little mew and nodded, but that wasn't enough for Soujirou, who grinned mischievously.
"Tell me you want me," he said, tapping his finger against the other boy teasingly while his other hand continued work on the hardened penis.
"Beast," Kamatari groaned.
"All you have to do is say it and I'll make you feel _very_ good...."
"What if I don't?"
Soujirou's eyes twinkled. "Then I'll stop."

Kamatari moaned. "I ought to mount your head on a pole, you arrogant bastard."
"But you won't," Soujirou told him, squeezing his manhood at the same time he pressed more firmly against his anus. "Because you love me."
"Ha!" Kamatari's eyes flashed, his face flushed prettily. "Who would love a smiley-faced psycho boy like you?"
"Maybe a bloodthirsty, cross-dressing, gender-confused boy like you?" Soujirou pulled Kamatari onto his lap so that the latter could feel the aroused member pressing at his puckered opening. Kamatari couldn't suppress a groan and slipped his arms around Soujirou's neck. He kissed him hungrily.
"I want you," he whispered, wrapping his legs around the other boy's waist.
"I knew it." Soujirou smiled smugly.
Kamatari's jaw dropped. "Why, you !" his protest was cut off by Soujirou's lips on his own, accompanied by more stimulation of his penis and a probing at his rectum. He shifted slightly to allow Soujirou entrance, releasing a soft sigh as he was slowly filled with him. They moved together in unison, nothing on Earth could have distracted them as they lost themselves in one another until the moment when release came and they lay breathless in each other's arms.
"Sou-chan," Kamatari murmured, "I've never been as happy as I am right now."
Soujirou stroked Kamatari's hair. "No matter what happens from here on out, they can never take away what we've had together."
Kamatari planted a quick kiss on Soujirou's lips. "Let's play!" he suggested, jumping to his feet, leaning down to slap him on top of the head. "You're It!"
"I'm what?" Soujirou said in confusion, but got the idea as soon as Kamatari sprinted away from him. Running was an invitation to be chased, and Soujirou wasn't about to decline the invitation especially not with Kamatari's pretty derriere just out of reach. He leaped up and began the pursuit.
The following hours were filled with games in which the boys chased, wrestled, and made love repeatedly, interspersed with brief rest periods before one or the other began the teasing again. The fire was burning low and the faintest hint of colour touched the sky when they were finally content to lie with one another, fingers entwined.
"What kind of future do you think we'll have if Shishio-sama doesn't find us?" Kamatari asked softly.
Soujirou tightened his hold around Kamatari's shoulders. "The best. We'll leave Kyoto, maybe go to Tokyo. We'll stop killing totally. It's the only way we'll blend in with normal people and keep from drawing attention to ourselves. We'll ... we'll have to give up our weapons."
Kamatari gave a light laugh as he glanced over to where his huge oogama lay propped against a wall. "I guess it would be hard to go unnoticed lugging that around, huh?"
"Same with my sword they're outlawed, after all." He nuzzled Kamatari's ear. "But we'll get by. And we'll be happy."
"I know we will," Kamatari murmured, and tilting his chin up, they kissed.
"Over here! A cabin!"
The boys broke off their kiss abruptly and stared fearfully into each other's eyes. They'd recognize Hoji's voice in their sleep.
"Surround it. Keep them from escaping. I'll kill them both myself."
There was no question who _that_ was.
The fugitives got to their feet and quickly grabbed their weapons. Kamatari gave Soujirou a rueful look. "Didn't have to go without them for long, did we?"
Soujirou reached out, and taking Kamatari's hand in his, gave it a kiss. "See you in Hell, my love."
Kamatari winked back, his eyes shimmering with tears. "I'll be waiting."

Story contents (C) 1998 Tenou Haruka
No characters here are mine.
Comments: [email protected]

This fanfic is for your private reading enjoyment only. Please do not re-post it on the internet in any form or otherwise distribute it.