#ibestu

Edo era, around Edo Blossoms. I really love writing these two so much >< I am self-indulging...

+-+-+-+-+

"Hacchi, how could you!?"

He could hear how scared, how horrified and disgusted she was with him. He stared at the blood on his hands, splattered on his sword, his face, his uniform. The stench of it was overwhelming, but sickeningly sweet. His white hair danced with the wind. His ruby red eyes flickered to her. "There was no other choice."

She shook her head, her wide light brown eyes staring at him with fear as tears streaked down her cheeks. "This isn't like you!"

He let the tip of the sword drag as he walked towards her. "Sometimes one has to change in order to gain. The power given to me by this arm," He lifted his bandaged arm. "I've unlocked its full potential."

Etsu slowly backed away from him. "You're beginning to sound like Takeda! Hacchi, please!"

“I am superior to that joke of a creature.” He licked the blood off his fingers and he loomed over her as she tripped and fell down. "Come," He held his hand out to her.

"N-no!" She scrambled to her feet and let out a shriek when he grabbed her wrist in a tight grip. Her body was trembling as she tried to pry her hand away from his strong grip. "Stop it, Hacchi!"

--

Iba's soft green eyes flew open as he sat up in a panic. His heart rammed in his chest as he realized he was still in the inn room he and Etsu were staying at.

"Hacchi-san?"

His eyes darted to her and his breathing slowed as he watched her blink sleepily and sit up. So, it had been a nightmare then. He fell back on the futon and covered his eyes. He felt Etsu come closer and he opened his arms. As she drew closer to him, he wrapped an arm around her and buried his face in her hair. She smelled sweet, like red bean buns.

"Did you have a nightmare again?"

He merely nodded and he continued on focusing on her breathing. It was a dream. It was a dream, he continued to chant internally. If he had done something unforgivable, Etsu would not be by his side.  

Her fingers found his chestnut brown hair and she started running them through it. He closed his eyes and let out a soft sigh as he felt and focused on every movement of her fingers. They remained like this for a while until Etsu felt Iba's body relax against hers. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Just let me apologize." Iba's lips met hers in a slow kiss. "Please, if I ever show signs of changing, stop me."

She tilted her head in confusion and blinked. "Ah…Is it talking to you again?"

"Through my dreams, I believe…" He sighed and started to pepper kisses on her face. "I will not succumb to it. Not while I have you by my side."

Etsu gave him a soft smile and she brushed their noses together. "I know you won't because I love you."