Destiny Ninja 2 - Shiroya Oneshots

Ephemeral

"They talk on about death, about boredom, they drink wine, they laugh, they have a good time, they are happy."
― from Identity by Milan Kundera
~*~
The night grows ever old as time marches on, yet the two remain in the private room, talking and laughing. The woman pours more sake into the man's cup, and he sips at the drink with a content smile. Ruby eyes partially hidden by cerulean locks peek up at the woman, taking in her intricate hairdo, stunning makeup, and extravagant kimono.

Her lips curve into a teasing grin, the expression emphasizing her beauty even more. "You stare quite often, sir," she says with a flutter of her eyelashes.

"Only because you're worth staring at, Ayame," the man replies, a bright glint shining in his eyes.

Ayame's heart skips a beat in joy, though her feelings are carefully hidden behind the calm expression on her face. "You are too kind, sir."

The man sighs as he places his cup down and leans closer to the woman. "How many times do I have to tell you that it's okay to call me by name? I don't mind, and I won't tell anyone, if that's what you're worried about."

This time, she can't help but glance away shyly, feeling her cheeks become warm with a blush, though it remains masked by her makeup. "I am not used to such receiving kind patrons, so forgive me if I find it difficult to drop formalities."

"That's a shame," he murmurs softly as he leans even closer, a sigh escaping his lips. "But please, don't put on an act around me. You can be yourself when we're together."

Ayame shudders at earnestness in his voice. It was true that the intimacy they shared was more than any other customers, and she felt the most comfortable with him. Her heart aches as she wonders what it would be like to stay with him forever, if such a dream could be possible.

"Sh-Shiroya," she whispers, tilting her head close to his. "No matter how short our time is together, will you promise me something?"

Shiroya kisses her temple, his feather-like touch sending a tingle down her spine. "Anything for you, Ayame."

"Even if we ever have to part, promise there will always be a place in your heart for me, just as there will always be a place for you in mine."

"Of course."

His answer brings a genuine smile to the woman's lips, and she wraps her arms around him in an embrace, her soul soaring like a free bird. She knows that a thousand obstacles stand in the way of her desire to be with Shiroya. After all, she was a courtesan belonging to the red light district, unable to leave freely without consequences, and Shiroya's line of work put him in harm's way. There was no guarantee that he would always return safely from his missions. Still, she wishes to treasure these nights spent in the private room at night, talking and laughing as if everything was perfect. These moments and memories made with Shiroya - as temporary as they are - make up the greatest happiness in her life.

Shiroya pulls away from her, his finger tilting her chin up so he could see her face. A gentle smile graces his lips. "Don't cry, Ayame. Smile. I just want you to be happy."

Her eyes slide shut as she chuckles wryly. "Shiroya, you are far too kind to me."

They say nothing else as they lean close, their lips meeting in a gentle, bittersweet kiss. As usual, Shiroya spends the night with Ayame, neither of them falling asleep until just before dawn. However, also as usual, when the woman wakes up several hours later, Shiroya is gone, with a letter and a pouch of money left beside her.

Dear Ayame,
Until our next ephemeral night together.
S
~*~
A/N: An AU in which Ayame is a courtesan and the Other Shiroya sometimes takes over to visit her (with Shiroya not remembering anything in the morning).