Uke On Top
(a script for a yaoi original animated movie)
c. 2003 by Mare Kuntz
This is one of those romances between a slender china-doll uke with black hair down to his ass (Tomeo) and a tall, blond, broad-shouldered and muscled seme (Kin). Think Marron and Gateau, Tomo and Nakago, Count D and Leon, Chihaya and Kagetsuya… you get the idea.
Where the Plot Bunny Came From:
Berserk Spoilers Section (Episode 12, 16)
******************************
There’s this lord of a castle, Gennon, who’s infamous for his taste for boys. Gennon is completely set up to be a villain – he’s ugly (bald and big beard), and one of the other characters remarks with horror on the dead-eyed look of the prettyboys he keeps around as pages, implying that these boys (around 14 yrs.) are abused sexually and maybe otherwise too. No direct evidence for this though – none of them are bruised, the only things you see them do are stand around and carry small objects like candles and goblets.
Then there’s Griffith, one of the main characters of the series and easily the prettiest character in the whole series. At this point Griffith is perhaps 19 and the leader of a mercenary band which is trying to build a war chest and become an army. So basically he needs money. Griffith’s band has just been paid for doing some soldiering for Gennon. Gennon is quite taken with Griffith, and offers him a pile of gold to sleep with him. Griffith accepts, ignoring his own hesitations. So Griffith sleeps with Gennon, and the next morning finds him freaking out slightly, standing in a nearby river scrubbing himself until he bleeds. All of which contributes to making Gennon seem like a real bastard.
However… four episodes later Gennon shows up again – seems he’s been promoted to general, and he’s responsible for defending the castle Griffith’s been hired to capture. Gennon finds out that Griffith is leading the opposing army… and is thrilled at the chance to see Griffith again. He gives orders that Griffith is not to be hurt or killed, and offers a big reward to whoever captures him. Griffith’s army wins the battle, and Griffith and Gennon run into each other alone on the battlefield and you expect Griffith to avenge himself and Gennon’s other ‘victims’ by cutting the general down where he stands. But… that’s not what happens at all. Gennon comes out with this really romantic speech that would have fangirls everywhere swooning if the speaker was halfway attractive. Gennon says he realizes Griffith must detest him, but Gennon would be happy just to be by Griffith’s side, even as a p.o.w. with no power or authority. Griffith, on the other hand, says he doesn’t detest Gennon… but he doesn’t like him either, it was a legitimate business deal, they both kept their ends of the bargain, and that’s it. But, Griffith can’t have Gennon following him around and damaging his reputation – so now Griffith cuts him down where he stands, and suddenly Gennon is the tragic sympathetic character and Griffith is the villain. o.O One of the implications of this whole story is that Gennon has never had a willing lover – what could be more tragic than that? Just because he’s not pretty or charming. So… imagine how differently the whole story could have gone if Gennon was beautiful…
******************************
End Berserk Spoilers
UKE ON TOP ORIGINAL ANIMATED VIDEO
CAST OF CHARACTERS
(in order of appearance)
Tomeo
King
2 Spectators
Hotaka
Kin
Guard
Isamu
Junnobu
Junnobu's Friends
Kiri the Female Servant
Other Servants
Kin's Brother Shin
SETTINGS
(in order of appearance)
King's Hall
Hotaka's Study
Comic Guard's Hallway
Tomeo's Hall
Practice Ground
Cobblestone Courtyard
Junnobu's Sickroom
Tomeo's Room (and the hallway outside)
Kin's Room (and the hallway outside)
Tomeo and Kin's Suite at the Palace
Hotaka's Suite at the Palace
ACTS AND SCENES
(Total Time: ? min ? sec)
ACT ONE Time: 11 min 30 sec
Scene One A New Shogun 2 min 00 sec
Scene Two The Plan 4 min 40 sec
Scene Three At Your Service 2 min 45 sec
Scene Four Wary Duel 2 min 05 sec
ACT TWO Time: ? min ? sec
Scene One Junnobu's Fall ? incomplete
Scene Two Despair ? incomplete
Scene Three Not Quite The Cavalry ? incomplete
Scene Four A Place To Hide 4 min 30 sec
ACT THREE Time: ? min ? sec
Scene One Retreat 1 min 30 sec
Scene Two A Careful Friendship 2 min 15 sec
Scene Three Angry Duel ? incomplete
Scene Four ? ? incomplete
ACT FOUR Time: ? min ? sec
Scene One Chains Of Drug And Gold ? incomplete
Scene Two Reversal ? incomplete
Scene Three ? ? incomplete
Scene Four ? ? incomplete
ACT FIVE Time: ? min ? sec
Scene One Marks of Posession 1 min 00 sec
Scene Two Brotherly Love? ? incomplete
Scene Three ? ? incomplete
Scene Four ? ? incomplete
COSTUME INDEX
Act One, Scene One
Tomeo – Formal Shogun outfit
Act One, Scene Two through Act Two, Scene One
Hotaka -
Kin – Uniform of Hotaka's guard, black and green
Tomeo -
Isamu – Uniform of Tomeo's guard, blue and silver
Junnobu -
Act Two, Scene Two through Act Three, Scene One
Kin – Uniform of Tomeo's guard, blue and silver (not the same design as Isamu's)
Junnobu -
Isamu -
Tomeo – Something with sandals
Female Servant – Harness dress with off-the-shoulder puffed sleeves and puffed busom.
Act Three, Scene Two through Act Three, Scene Four
Tomeo -
Kin -
Act Four (all)
Tomeo -
Kin -
Act Five (all)
Kin -
Tomeo -
Hotaka -
Shin -
Isamu – Ermine tail coat
Female Servant -
BEGIN ACT ONE
Scene One – A New Shogun
So, we begin with Lord Tomeo, our china-doll uke and lord of a castle. A war is beginning or escalating, and he is currently in the King’s ceremonial hall being promoted to shogun. The introductory shot of Tomeo should have him standing proudly before the King in ceremonial dress and surrounded by bishounen sparklies. We’re watching between the shoulders of two mid-rank spectators – we can only see their backs, so no lip-synch here.
Promotion Ceremony Spectator One: The King's making that a shogun? He looks like a girl!
Spectator Two: Lord Tomeo, now Shogun Tomeo. And he beds like a girl too, from what I’ve heard.
Spectator One: What?
Tomeo kneels. As he bows his head his hair slides forward over his shoulders and obscures his face.
Spectator Two: Rumor has it his peasants won’t send their sons to his castle unless they’re ugly as toads; except the destitute ones who send their prettiest boys hoping he’ll bribe them into his bed.
The king is making a speech (we can’t hear him though) and presents Tomeo with a fancy katana – sculpted handle, silk sheath, ribbons wrapped around it, etc. This should be in Tomeo's heraldic colors (silver and blue).
Spectator One: That's atrocius! Can you imagine being such a failure as a father that you’d send your son to that? I’d fall on my sword in shame first.
Spectator Two: Eh, gold’s gold. But I certainly wouldn’t do it myself.
Tomeo rises and walks past the two spectators, who bow slightly. Tomeo nods slightly in reply, not looking at them because he’s ignoring them. Tomeo is not smiling because he knows everyone is gossiping maliciously about him.
Time: ~ 2 min
***
Scene Two – The Plan
Lord Hotaka sits in his study, toying with/contemplating a goblet of wine, while Kin stands at parade rest beside him.
Hotaka (he speaks in a very measured, assured way): So, our neighbor Tomeo is made Shogun, eh? This war creates strange opportunities. And now I must give him a gift, to celebrate his promotion. Something to win his favor - it wouldn’t do at all to have a higher-ranking neighbor who isn’t an ally. So… What do you think I should give him, Kin?
Kin: Forgive me, I don’t know, my lord. What does Shogun Tomeo like?
Hotaka looks at Kin with fake exaggerated surprise: Why, haven’t you heard? Tomeo likes boys, everyone knows that.
Kin’s eyes have gone wide.
Hotaka laughs slightly: Ah, I see you didn’t know, then. Tsk tsk tsk, you really should pay more attention to the rumor mill if you ever expect to make Captain. (Hotaka turns his attention away from Kin and back to the goblet.) Indeed, it is a good idea. Hmm, a handsome young soldier… Yes, I think that will do nicely. (Suddenly Hotaka’s manner switches to that of a military commander.) Sub-Captain!
Kin snaps to attention: Yes my lord?
Hotaka: You are in charge of the new recruits; I want you to pick out a docile, young, good-looking one to be a gift to the honorable Lord Tomeo. Recruit a serving girl if you need a woman’s opinion. And be sure to… impress… upon the boy that absolute obedience is expected, and that his family will be suitably rewarded.
Kin: As you wish, Lord Hotaka. (He salutes and leaves the room, expression tight with refraining from objecting to this idea.)
(Now we can cheat a little and have a nice looped graphic of Kin walking down a stone hallway while he thinks about this. Put an eyeblink in the cycle to make it look natural.)
Kin’s internal voiceover: Need a woman’s opinion? Pff. If I’m choosing a bedtoy for this lord my own opinion would be a more accurate match than a woman’s, although I’ll be damned if I let Hotaka know that, canny old crocodile… How callous do you have to be to send some poor boy who thought he was going to be a soldier off to another territory to warm a man’s bed? And of course he has to make me do his dirty work. I don’t want to point at one of those poor sods and say “It’s your turn to be miserable.” Now, it would be fine if I could find someone who agreed to go, who wasn’t terrified at the thought of sleeping with a man… Hmm. If one of the recruits happened to like men, then I wouldn’t feel so bad about sending him off, but I haven’t seen any of the signs… as far as I know, I’m the only soldier in the castle who would willingly do something like that, but I can’t very well send myself…
Kin has walked to a cross hallway where a guard is standing when this thought hits Kin and he freezes in place and blinks in surprise. The guard sees this with a big Huh? look on his face.
Kin (aloud with lipsynch now): “I couldn’t send myself… could I?” Kin’s expression has shifted from surprise to enthusiasm. Guard’s expression suggests that Kin has lost his mind.
Kin’s face falls, “But he said young… I’m twenty-five…” He quirks a wry smile. “And it’s sure as hell debatable whether I’m docile…” He thinks about it some more. “Still… it’s tempting… Yes! (Kin smacks his fist into his palm, and the guard jumps, his hair going spiky/frizzy.) I’ll do it, why the hell not, I’m tired of this place anyway…” Kin turns on his heel and strides back the way he came.
We watch the guard for a minute – he grumpily settles himself, then remarks to the hallway at large, “How the heck did such a nut ever get made Sub-Captain anyway? They should make me Sub-Captain instead, at least I don’t talk to myself…”
Cut to Kin arguing with Hotaka.
Kin: My lord, none of those boys are going to be anything but miserable if you send them off to do this… I cannot choose one of them! So… (he kneels suppliantly with his face bowed over one knee, but speaks with resolution) I will go.
Hotaka takes a moment to digest this, but does not look unduly surprised. “Giving up your place as a Sub-Captain of my guard to be a pervert’s bed-toy… I think your self-sacrificial instinct is a little overdeveloped, Kin.”
Kin (still kneeling) looks up and blushes angrily: You misunderstand me. I will do that, yes, to earn his favor for you – but I want you to present me to him as an advisor, to help with his new war responsibilities. The new Shogun has no combat experience, surely he will be grateful for the help. I’ve been Sub-Captain for two years now, and I can see as well as anyone else that there’s no room here for advancement. Captain Ichiro is hale and young, and we’re not on the war-border. I want the opportunity to earn myself a place as Tomeo’s trusted advisor, and make a name for myself in the war, maybe even earn a title of nobility.
Hotaka smiles a small I-know-something-you-don’t-know smile: Ah, that’s better. But suppose I have no inclination to be understaffed while a replacement Sub-Captain is trained…?
Kin (annoyed): Look at it from the perspective of your own interest, then! How favorably is the Shogun going to look upon you if your ‘present’ bites and kicks and screams and cries?! No threat I could make is enough to turn a green teenage soldier into an actor or a courtesan. But I could do it, because I see the advantage in it. Is not avoiding the risk of displeasing Shogun Tomeo worth the small inconvenience of training another Sub-Captain?
Hotaka (an evil smile slowly spreads across his face): Cleverly-argued, Sub-Captain; I am impressed. I wonder if I shall regret giving my neighbor such a sharp tool.
Kin: So then… I may go? You will present me to him as an advisor?
Hotaka (drinks from his goblet to provide a dramatic pause, then nods casually): Tell Captain Ichiro to find a replacement for you. And pack your bags.
Fade to black, Pause... Kin's face reappears, SD with alarm and sweatdrop: Oh my god, what am I going to tell my brother?! (thoughtful look) Maybe I can get away with just not telling him anything...
Time: ~ 4 min 40 sec
***
Act One, Scene Three – At Your Service
Intro shot of Tomeo’s castle in the evening.
Lord Hotaka presents Kin to Tomeo as a military adviser. This is a lovely opportunity to have Kin all prettied-up and kneeling at Tomeo’s feet while Tomeo looks haughty. This is also the first scene Isamu’s in, he’s standing by Tomeo’s side looking irritable as usual. His features are very angular and fairly masculine, his hair short. He’s taller than Tomeo, not quite as tall or broad-shouldered as Kin.
Hotaka bows shallowly with just his shoulders and head, and says jovially: Lord Tomeo, or should I say Shogun Tomeo now? I am pleased to hear of my neighbor’s good fortune.
Tomeo raises an eyebrow skeptically, says drily: Ah, is the purpose of your visit to congratulate me, then? I am honored to receive my neighbor’s good wishes.
Hotaka: Indeed. Particularly when your neighbor comes bearing gifts, yes? (beckons without bothering to turn around) Come here Kin.
Kin walks on-scene, all prettied up, perhaps with his hair loose where it’s normally in a topknot. He strides to Hotaka’s side locking gazes with Tomeo, then drops dramatically to his knees facing Tomeo. Tomeo’s eyes widen, his expression suggesting that he’s wondering exactly what Kin’s intended, erm, function is.
Hotaka: My territory is, thankfully, not on the war border. It is, in point of fact, defended by your own, and I will be much pleased if things remain this way, and you are successful in contributing to our Kingdom’s victory in this war. Towards this end, I have tried to choose a congratulatory gift which will help you prosper in your new duties as Shogun. This (Hotaka gestures to indicate Kin), is Sub-Captain Kin, of my guard. Kin here is intelligent, well trained, and eager to prove his ability, but service in my guard provides no opportunity to do so. So, I offer him to you. He will swear his loyalty to you and serve you as a military advisor; if he meets with your approval, of course.
Tomeo (aloud): Hmm… (Tomeo stalks around Kin, inspecting him, thinking) And what is he really? A spy? An assassin? There's no denying he's gorgeous, but I wonder if he has any idea just how Hotaka expects me to 'make use' of him... (There’s a pretty intense dynamic going on between Tomeo and Kin here, particularly with how they’re looking at each other with so much concentration. Pheromones flying everywhere, too bad we can’t draw them, it would be funny, Isamu could irritably swat one out of the way… ^_~ )
Tomeo: (Spoken over his shoulder to Lord Hotaka because he's busy looking at Kin) I must applaud your wisdom and foresight, Lord Hotaka. …Your name is Kin, is it?
Kin: Yes my Lord.
Tomeo: And you are prepared to swear your loyalty to me and obey my commands?
Kin: It will be an honor to serve you, Shogun Tomeo. (prostrates himself)
Tomeo (nods): Very well then, you shall have a chance to prove your usefulness. You may rise.
Kin stands and suddenly he’s a foot taller than Tomeo, who’s standing too close to him; eyes widening Tomeo look up, leans back, looses his balance slightly, and backs up a step in surprise. The corner of Kin’s mouth curls in amusement, but he manages not to laugh. The important thing is to use their posture and expressions to show that the power dynamic between them is abruptly and completely reversed.
Tomeo thinks: Er... Maybe I had better not try anything with this one – he could break me in half if I looked at him funny...
Hotaka breaks the moment by clapping his hands to signify a done deal: Ah, good! I am pleased that you accept my humble gift. Now, alas, I must be going; the duties of managing my castle call; I’m sure you know the feeling. Good evening, Shogun. (Hotaka bows shallowly again.)
Tomeo (nods formally in return): Yes, thank you Lord Hotaka. A safe journey to you.
Hotaka: And may you also prosper in your new role, Sub-Captain Kin.
Kin (bows deeply to Hotaka): Thank you for granting me this opportunity, sir. (Hotaka nods and leaves)
Tomeo (to Kin): So, you are to be my military adviser… This is Captain Isamu, you will be under his authority. The castle Chatelaine will assign you a room, a servant will be assigned to show you where everything is – (At this point Tomeo is interrupted by the sight of Junnobu, either out a window or when Junnobu walks into the throne room with his friends. Tomeo is in the middle of courting this young man, who is pretty and lightly built, with big eyes and fluffy hair; in other words completely unintimidating, the opposite of Kin. Still a little taller than Tomeo though, since everybody is taller than Tomeo. Junnobu is straight-but-bribable.)
Tomeo: Ah, Junnobu! (glancing back at Isamu and Kin, but attention still clearly focused on Junnobu) Isamu, get Kin settled in, would you?
Isamu (salutes perfunctorily): Sir.
Kin bows to Tomeo: Thank you my Lord.
So, Tomeo goes off to chase Junnobu around (trailing little pink hearts?), and Kin is left in the suspicious care of Tomeo’s grouchy captain of the guard, Isamu. Kin looks after Tomeo, sweatdropping and thinking: You know, I would be jealous, but... I’m kind of relieved not to be being courted that blatantly…
Isamu looks after Tomeo in silent disgust, then rounds on Kin: Well, let’s see if your abilities are half as good as advertised, prettyboy. The practice field’s this way. (He points, symbolically the opposite direction from where Tomeo has gone, then stalks past Kin jostling him with his shoulder. Kin looks like, ‘Have I gotten in over my head here?’ with a wrinkle beteween his eyebrows.)
Time: ~ 2 min 45 sec
***
Act One, Scene Four – Wary Duel
Isamu suspects Kin of trying to oust him from his position at the top of the castle’s power structure. Isamu and Kin test each other in a practice duel (having an argument while they fight.) Kin holds his own, and Isamu grudgingly accepts him as a new member of the castle’s military leadership, at least until Kin proved himself to be a spy or an incompetent or something. (Isamu will be Kin’s main opponent throughout the story because Isamu thinks Kin is too smart, Isamu regards Tomeo as a pervert and his ‘toys’ as weak-willed and unmanly, and he will become more suspicious of Kin’s ambitions as Kin befriends Tomeo as the story progresses.)
The practice field is in the castle’s interior courtyard. There’s a rack of practice blades, a well, and an arched doorway into the castle proper with a little rose garden on one or both sides of the door.
Isamu takes a practice blade, examines it, approves it, then takes up a ready stance: Take a blade. (He uses his own blade to gesture to the rack of practice blades.)
Kin takes a blade, but asks disbelievingly: Err, you want to duel right now?
Isamu: No point wasting time. You are actually a soldier, aren’t you? If you can’t hold your own with a blade I don’t see how you could possibly be much use as a military advisor.
Kin is getting annoyed now. He takes a ready stance: Of course I’m a soldier, what the hell else would I be?
They start fighting, and continue to fight throughout the rest of their conversation. See the series Utena for good source images. I would imagine Isamu fights much like Saionji, using his emotional energy, while Kin would be more like Touga, very controlled and tricky.
Isamu: A spy, an assassin, a courtesan… or you could be exactly what Hotaka said you are. Whatever you are, it’s my job to figure you out before I permit you to be trusted with such delicate information as the castle’s defensive arrangements, the Shogun’s safety, or any such responsibility.
Kin snorts: I will grant you that I am qualified to be any of those things, but as it happens, I am as Lord Hotaka described. (earnest look) I realize I have to earn your trust; tell me what you would have me do.
Isamu: Hnn. A Sub-Captain, were you? What did you do to get yourself sent here?
Kin (still looking confused): Do? I didn't really do anything, other than convince Hotaka that But yes, I was a Sub-Captain; in charge of training new recruits and deciding which ones were apt at what sort of soldiering.
Isamu (gestures with his blade to signal that the fight is over, then says grudgingly): Hnn. Well, it seems you can wield a sword, at the very least.
Kin (quirks one eyebrow): Thank you. I think...
Isamu (racks his blade): I don't know what crimes against the gods I could have comitted that they would punish me by giving me a man like Tomeo for my liege lord, but I've sworn my loyalty and I will carry out my duty to the best of my ability – so don't cause me any problems, do your own job, and we should get along peaceably enough. And if you want my advice... a soldier has no business being pretty - not around here. Get some clothing with no holes in it. If you can stand the blow to your vanity, arrange to slip during sword practice and get a scar on that face.
Kin: Uh... I really don't think...
Isamu (talking right over Kin): But of course, you don't have to take my advice – no one ever does. And I'm perfectly content to watch you learn your lessons the hard way. Now put that blade away, I've wasted enough time playing already – the Chatelain's office is this way.
Kin blinks: Uh... right...
Time: 2 min 05 sec
END ACT ONE
***
BEGIN ACT TWO
Act Two, Scene One – Junnobu’s Fall
Tomeo convinces Junnobu to sleep with him. This scene takes place in the same little cobblestone courtyard Junnobu later slits his wrist in. There're roses involved here somewhere, white ones – either Tomeo gives Junnobu one, or tucks one behind his ear.
Tomeo: Junnobu!
Junnobu: Lord Tomeo.
Tomeo:
Time:
***
Act Two, Scene Two – Despair
The next morning Kin accidently discovers Junnobu in a secluded cobblestone courtyard (with a stone bench, maybe a view over the castle wall...) just as Junnobu has slit one wrist and is about to do the other. Kin disarms Junnobu by kicking the knife out of his hand. It goes spinning dramatically across the cobblestones a few drops of blood flying through the air. Kin binds Junnobu’s wounds, while shouting for the guards to help.
Isamu shows up: What's all this commotion?!
Kin: He slit his wrist!
Isamu (impatiently): Oh for... (heavy sarcasm)lovely. I don't have time for this sort of idiocy. pronounces himself disgusted with the whole situation and Junnobu an idiot, and says Kin can take care of it.
Kin gets Junnobu into a sickbed under guard, drinking some anti-shock tea (chamomile, mint, extra sugar). Kin yells at Junnobu and argues that he’s not a different person then he was last week, he’s not tainted just because he slept with a man., etc.
Kin: Look at me, can you tell if I’ve ever slept with a man? (Junnobu’s eyes widen and Kin realizes his mistake and moves to temporize it by adding,) If I’ve ever slept with a woman? You have no idea! And you know why you have no idea? Because it doesn’t leave a mark, not on your face or your body, no weakness in your muscles, no stain on your soul. I have no idea what you were thinking to do a fool thing like that, (gestures at Junnobu’s bandaged wrist but I assure you, you are the same man you were yesterday and the day before!
Kin: So you made a mistake – you thought you could handle sleeping with a man, but you discovered otherwise. So just don’t do it again; problem solved, right?
Somewhat comforted, Junnobu goes to sleep, and Kin takes some of the tea to Tomeo.
Tomeo has found out that Junnobu attemped to commit suicide, and Tomeo is shocked and horrified that this is pretty clearly his fault… Junnobu couldn’t stand to live with himself after Tomeo slept with him… so now Tomeo is hiding in his room, curled in an arm chair (one of two with an end table between them) looking heartsick and regarding his bed across the room as if it is some sort of demon. Maybe he has a little delusion of the bed morphing to look evil and demonic for a second. The ceremonial katana that the king gave Tomeo is mounted on the wall or above the fireplace somewhere in the background. There's a knock.
Kin is looking hesitantly in the door, holding a steaming cup of tea, his hand still poised from knocking on the doorframe: ...Shogun?
Tomeo looks up, surprised: Kin? (then desperately) Kin, do you know... is he okay?
Kin (looking very empathetic but his voice is calm and level): Yes, he's sleeping. He didn't lose much blood; he'll have a sore wrist for a while and a scar, but he'll be fine.
Tomeo looks down at his hands: Thank the gods. He didn't deserve to die for my evils.
Kin looks worried, maybe biting his lower lip. After a moment's hesitation he says: Look, I haven't been here very long, and I don't know if you care what I think, but... I really don't think you should blame yourself for this. You couldn't know he would react so badly, and every man is responsible for knowing his own limits; the boy misjudged his, then compounded his error by panicking. But he was lucky; I caught him in time and he'll live to learn his lesson. (Puts the tea in Tomeo's hands.) Drink that.
Tomeo (dispiritedly): What's this, tea? He thinks, 'Maybe it's poisoned and will put me out of my misery.' Then he drinks it and grimaces, exclaiming, Gah, sweet!
Kin(amused): Sugar is good for shock.
Tomeo: Junnobu's the one who's hurt, not me.
Kin: Not all wounds are of the body.
...and the conclusion is that Kin hugs Tomeo, then leaves him to rest. Tomeo is kind of awed and non-plussed at being hugged; no one ever touches him voluntarily, they’re all either afraid of him or disgusted by him… after Kin has left Tomeo is still curled up defensively in his chair, but now he's gazing at the door Kin went out, not the bed.
Time:
***
Act Two, Scene Three – Not Quite the Cavalry
Tomeo has gathered up his courage and is surreptitiously peering around the corner to see if Junnobu is okay, but staying out of sight because he thinks the sight of him would just upset the poor boy further.
Now Junnobu’s friends show up because he was due back to them by noon, and they’re ready to break heads if ‘that bastard Tomeo’s done anything to him’ – just what no one’s up to dealing with at the moment. Lot of insults get thrown around: lecher, pervert, honorless, etc. The friends end up taking Junnobu with them to nurse him back to health, but not before Tomeo has heard and been seriously upset by their accusations and insults, and disappeared to be depressed somewhere.
Time: 1 ½ - 2 min
***
Act Two, Scene Four – A Place To Hide
Isamu and Tomeo are standing in the castle’s entrance hall where they have not long ago watched Junnobu’s friends take him away. Some servants (mostly female) are there looking nervous and worried, and one has approached Isamu.
Female Servant (curtsies nervously): “Cap’n Isamu, sir? Beggin’ your pardon, sir, but Lord Tomeo’s not in ‘is room, an’… an’ there’s been one terrible thing happen today already…”
Isamu is manifestly annoyed and impatient, rolling his eyes and complaining, “Oh, of all the foolish, womanish nonsense…!” but in the interests of restoring the castle to peace and quiet he “Huff”s in resignation and grabs Kin by the elbow and hauls him off, saying only, “This way.” Kin is disgruntled at Isamu’s lack of explanation, but goes with him.
Isamu leads Kin to a quiet corner where, sure enough, Tomeo is sitting with his knees hugged to his chest. (It is evening, so the colors are different, but this is the same place where Junnobu slit his wrist – Tomeo is probably looking at the bloodstain. Maybe there’s a bucket of soapy water and a scrub brush where a servant has already scrubbed it away. Also, this is a great place to use some pretty wind-ruffling-hair looping animations.) Isamu points at Tomeo.
Isamu (with heavy sarcasm): There he is. You’ve been doing so well playing nursemaid today, you might as well keep at it. Though, if you were an assassin, you might actually be doing him a favor if you took advantage of the opportunity to put him out of his misery.
Isamu turns and stalks off, while Kin glares at him with an anger mark on his hair for that unkind remark.
Kin (mutters): I can't believe he said that...
Then Kin turns back to Tomeo, and his sympathy is caught by Tomeo’s completely defeated posture and the fact that he doesn’t even look up when Kin approaches him.
Kin (gently): Shogun? (Pause…) Lord Tomeo? (Kin walks nearer to Tomeo, studies him a moment, then sighs and sits. Not parallel to Tomeo but either higher or lower and at an angle. For several moments Tomeo and Kin silently contemplate the bloodstain.)
Kin: He’s going to be alright, you know. Those friends of his are morons and you shouldn’t listen to anything they said, but they’ll distract the boy from his troubles until he finds his center again, and he’ll be a little wiser for the whole experience. (Pause, then more softly,) You didn’t do anything terrible. You’re not a villain.
Tomeo presses his face into his knees and starts shivering. Kin looks pityingly at him, and makes a decision. He stands up, brushing himself off. Then Kin walks over to Tomeo and picks him up, carrying him into the castle proper and into Kin’s room, pushing the door closed behind him with one heel. Kin, looking rather tired and defeated himself, lays Tomeo on the bed. Tomeo merely looks at Kin with hurt, dead-looking eyes. Kin murmurs a soothing “Shh…” and pulls off Tomeo’s boots. (Maybe sandals would be better – unlacing sandals is much more intimate than removing boots.) Then Kin sighs, takes off his own boots, swordbelt, and overshirt, and slides into bed beside Tomeo. He gathers Tomeo up in his arms, settling his head on his chest. This wakes Tomeo up enough to murmur a “Wha..?”
“Shh, it’s okay. Just rest.” Tomeo makes a small noise of assent and relaxes against Kin’s chest, curling one hand into his undershirt. Kin takes a deep breath and lets it out again, relaxing also.
Kin thinks in a quiet, sad voiceover: I have even less reason than Tomeo, but I, too, can’t help but feel that all this is somehow my fault. I could have taken Tomeo’s attention from him and focused it on myself, I know I could have done it… How vividly I can still see that boy with his blood spilling from his wrist… It was so red... (The images of these memories overlay the screen for a moment, and Kin swallows convulsively.) Best not to think about such things. Much better to not think, just enjoy the feel of holding a warm man in my arms, something I haven’t done in… has it been three years now? Yes, three years, with that bard at some inn, and even that was only the one night… far too long to miss such a soft, warm feeling….
A restful pause of just two embracing silhouettes in the darkened room, perhaps with little night noises e.g. crickets or an owl in the background.
Someone knocks on the door. Kin rubs wearily at his eyes and goes to answer the door. A female servant is standing there, looking worried. “Master Kin, sir? Have you seen Lord Tomeo anywhere? No one seems to know where he is, and some of us are ‘fraid he’ll try to do ‘imself in like that boy done…”
Kin: “Oh, tell them not to worry, he’s here, he’s sleeping.” Kin passes his hand over his face trying to wake up. The servant was looking at him, non-plussed why Tomeo would be in his room. “I’m sorry, I should have thought to tell someone I found him, but I was worried that he might try to do that too, so I just brought him back here where I could keep an eye on him… anyway tell everyone he’s fine, okay?”
Female servant (gratefully): “Yes sir. Thank you sir.” She curtsies and leaves.
Kin closes the door and turns back to the bed, then pauses when he sees Tomeo stand up and his eyes glinting in the dark. Kin walks back toward the edge of the bed, not quite touching Tomeo, and asks solicitously: Oh, are you awake now?
Tomeo (in a flat voice, shoulders slumped, not looking at Kin): I’m not going to kill myself. So you don’t have to be nice to me just because of that. …I’ll go back to my own room now.
Stricken, Kin sits on the bed. Tomeo walks stiffly toward the door and reaches for the handle.
Kin: Wait, Tomeo, I…
Tomeo halts, staying in his current pose, turning just enough to look at Merru.
Kin: (meeting Tomeo's eyes) I was worried about you, but that wasn't my only motive. (looking down at his hands) I had a man’s lifeblood running through my hands today. Perhaps I… also need the comfort.
Tomeo releases his pose and turns to face Kin fully.
Kin (looking up to meet Tomeo's eyes again): So please… stay. If you want.
Tomeo walks hesitantly back to the bedside. Kin lays back and opens his arms. Tomeo whimpers slightly and slides into Kin’s embrace. (This time Tomeo is the one with his back to the door, and Kin’s on the side of the bed near the wall.) Kin pulls the covers up, they nestle together (Tomeo’s head tucked under Kin’s chin) and they sleep.
Time: 4 min 30 sec
END ACT TWO
***
BEGIN ACT THREE
Act Three, Scene One – Retreat
Early morning in Kin’s bedroom – Tomeo wakes first and is baffled to be sleeping in Kin’s arms.
Tomeo (sleepily): Nnuh? (blinks, then whispers with pleased surprise) Kin?
Tomeo (switching to internal monologue in a normal voice): Mmmmm, nice and warmmm… Huh. For all that I am far from being a virgin, I believe this is the first time I’ve ever woken up in a man’s arms; somehow it always seemed like too much to ask. But… this is so nice I don’t think I’ll be able to give it up… Gods, he smells so good, I could just… (Tomeo nuzzles his face into Kin’s neck and grinds his hips slightly into Kin’s thigh.)
Kin makes a little 'nnnnh' noise and Tomeo scoots back from Kin, looking panicked.
Tomeo (still in internal monologue): Wait – what am I doing?! Junnobu almost died yesterday because I couldn’t keep my filthy hands off him, and now I want to do the same thing to Kin? He was really, genuinely nice to me yesterday – I can’t remember the last time someone was that kind to me – and is this how I’m going to repay him?! (agonized) I can’t be that kind of person anymore, I can’t keep hurting people just because my twisted heart wants them!
Tomeo (still in internal monologue, now with a more annoyed tone): Gods, look at me: slept-in clothes, hair a mess, achingly hard and practically crying because I can’t have what I want, like some spoiled child! I’m more mature than that, damnit! I would be mortified if he woke up and saw me like this. I just have to leave, that’s what; get out of here before he wakes up, get myself under control before I see him again, so I don’t wreck whatever slim chance there is that he actually wants to be my friend.
Looking sickened and ashamed, Tomeo slips out the door while Kin is still sleeping. (This is why he has to be on the side of the bed near the door.)
A few moments pass. Kin turns in his sleep, trying to hug a warm shape that isn’t there anymore. His brow furrows in worry/confusion, but he remains asleep.
Time: ~ 1 min 30 sec
***
Act Three, Scene Two – A Careful Friendship
Kin (while getting out of bed and dressed): Hunh? Where'd Tomeo go? (Looks around, notices that Tomeo's boots are gone too.) I hope he's going to be all right, he seemed so sad yesterday... I just wanted to hold him and make it better, but of course it never works that way, you can't solve other people's problems for them. (Sighs, then switches to wry humor.) Really, I ought to be used to this by now, this is how my life always goes. Gods forbid things would be easy for once and a beautiful, hurt, lonely man could just fall into my arms...
Cut to Kin entering a room where Tomeo is sitting at a table.
When Kin and Tomeo lay eyes on each other there’s an awkward moment… but then Tomeo blushes slightly and Kin smiles a little, and they tentatively decide their friendship is intact. Kin sits at the table. Tomeo moves to reinforce this by clearing his throat and saying, “So, Kin, Lord Hotaka presented you to me as a military adviser. Now that you’ve had a chance to familiarize yourself with the castle, what would you advise?” Isamu's jaw drops and he looks at Tomeo, shocked. Since this is the first time Kin has been allowed to work in his official capacity, it’s a clear sign that Tomeo has decided that he trusts him and possibly is indebted to him.
Kin thinks: How Ironic. A chance to prove myself and do my duty is what I wanted most from him a few days ago; yet today I would have preferred something a bit more... personal. (Kin offers Tomeo half a smile, then begins to lay out his observations and recommendations.) Well, my lord, I was looking over the north wall fortifications, and it occurred to me that...)
Fade out sound to focus on Kin and Tomeo having an enthusiastic conversation, then cut to Kin, alone later. Maybe running through a practice kata with his blade?
Kin: (He sighs.) Really, I ought to just tell Tomeo I'm attracted to him. He would be helped by having someone treat him lovingly, and I really am attracted to him, I want to be his lover… The only problem is, Tomeo is so out he would never be able to keep it a secret; it wouldn't even occur to him! I bet it would be only a matter of days before everyone in the castle knew I was gay. I don't want to be treated like a leper! Maybe I'm spoiled, used to being liked by everyone, but I'm really not sure I could take being hated; muscles or not, I really don't think I'm that strong. (Kin passes his hand over his face.) Hell. I am such a selfish goddamn coward...
Time: 2 min 15 sec
***
Act Three, Scene Three – Angry Duel
Isamu is jealous of the responsibility and trust Kin is being given, and suspicious of why Kin is being so nice to Tomeo, so the two have the second, and more serious, of their argument/practice duels.
Isamu is asking (in his usual abrasive and insulting way) what Kin’s intentions toward Tomeo are.
Isamu: What are you after, Kin?!
Kin: What am I after? A job to do and a place to call home, not that you'll believe anything that innocent of me.
Isamu: And that's exactly why you , right?
Kin:
Isamu: You’re a fool to be so friendly to Lord Tomeo. Surely you know by now what kind of poison he is.
Kin: Christ, do you think he’s not human?! He needs friends too you know!
Isamu: Human? Hah. If you persist in being nice to him you’re gonna wind up on your hands and knees with a dick up your ass! Then you can tell me all about how human he is.
Kin: And what makes you so god damn certain I wouldn’t like it?! After all, I’ve done it before! (Now thoroughly pissed off that he gave that piece of information away to his opponent, he throws his practice blade violently into the stand) Damn it all! (and storms back toward the castle. Isamu is left gaping, but he quickly gathers himself and plans to what advantage he can use this new piece of information.)
Naturally Kin storms right past Tomeo, who is looking very domestic and feminine, maybe with an apron on and his hair tied back or covered with a scarf, doing something like clipping rosebushes beside the arched doorway from the courtyard into the castle. Maybe with cute gloves too.
Tomeo: (blinks) “Kin? What’s wrong?”
Kin turns, doesn’t see Tomeo, blinks, looks down, and pauses to take in the sight of Tomeo among the roses.
Kin: “Err…” (He shakes his head in annoyance and resumes his angry look at Tomeo, thinking in voiceover, ‘It’s his fault that I let that slip too. Why does he have to be so goddam cute?’) Out loud Kin grumbles, “Nothing, I just can’t stand that bastard Isamu. Why do you let him strut around here like a rooster anyway, it’s your damn castle, isn’t it?!” (Pick an upward angle for this shot that makes Kin look tall and kinda scary.) Tomeo looks non-plussed and alarmed. Not waiting for Tomeo to put together a response, Kin realizes he shouldn’t take his anger out on Tomeo and huffs in frustration. He grumbles, “Oh, just forget it!”, spins on his heel, and stalks into the castle, leaving Tomeo looking intimidated.
Tomeo (watches where Kin has gone for a few moments, then snaps out of his daze): It most certainly is my castle. (Looks toward the direction Kin came from) Isamu, what are you trying to do?
Time:
***
Act Three, Scene Four -
Tomeo (hands on hips): Isamu! (Isamu snaps to attention.) What on earth did you do to make Kin so angry?
Isamu (looking unusually stern and serious): My lord, please listen to me. Kin is more dangerous than you think he is. If you want to fuck him you should just order him to do it and get it over with, but don’t let him wrap you around his little finger. (Tomeo's mouth should probably be hanging open in shock at Isamu being so blunt.) He’s ambitious, damn intelligent, and good at manipulating people – remember how easily he managed that idiot kid who wanted to kill himself and his twice as idiotic friends? You let him start leading you around by your dick and soon it’ll be him running the castle and you kneeling at his feet, mark my words.
Tomeo (crosses arms, begins sarcastically): Oh, sure, just order him to cooperate; are you insane?! He's not some half-grown boy, he's a foot taller than me, with biceps like [err... something...]! If I even suggested something he didn't like, he could snap my neck!
Isamu (amused drawl): Oh he could, certainly. But something tells me he wouldn't.
Tomeo: What are you talking about?
Isamu: Whatever Kin's goals are, they include staying in your favor.
Time:
***
Act Three, Scene Five -
Sunlight is streaming down onto the palace’s practice grounds. Kin has just finished a bout of sword practice. He has his shirt off and is sparkling with sweat. Then he dumps a bucket of water over his head to cool himself off. And of course Tomeo walks by just in time to be struck dumb by the sight of a bare-chested sparkle-wet Kin. Kin's wet hair is hanging down over his eyes so he doesn't immediately see Tomeo, but then he pushes it back and looks up – right into Tomeo's deer-in-headlights gaze. Kin smiles a small crooked smile and thinks to himself: Ah, so he's finally going to notice me now, huh? Took him long enough...
Aloud, Kin says in a smoky, sexy voice: Hello.
Tomeo's look switches to panic and he starts backing away. Kin looks baffled. Kin: Tomeo...? (He steps toward Tomeo and reaches tentatively to pat Tomeo's shoulder.
Tomeo (squeaks): No! And jumps back.?
Kin pauses, looking really worried now: What do you mean, no? Are you ok?
Tomeo: I can’t -! Don’t touch me!
Kin is startled for a moment, then reaches out and grabs Tomeo’s wrist. “Now wait just a moment!”
Now Kin figures out what’s up with Tomeo – Tomeo has resolved that he won’t touch or let himself be attracted to any other men because “I hurt everyone I touch!”
Kin pulls him to his chest, lips against Tomeo’s forehead, and murmurs “Ohhh Tomeo, don’t do that to yourself. It’s not your fault. You won’t hurt me. I’m safe.”
“No you aren’t, don’t you understand?!”
“Not all men are that fragile. You’ll find one who isn’t.”
“Oh, of course. And if I ordered you, right now, to let me fuck you? That’s what Isamu told me to do, you know. But I would hurt you too. Maybe you wouldn’t slit your wrists, but it would hurt your soul. And it would be my touch, my twisted desires that caused you pain.”
“It wouldn’t hurt me. I'm no half-grown boy; I know my limits, and there is nothing you could do to me that would hurt me. Although I would be quite miffed if you didn’t respect me enough to make it a request rather than an order. I don’t take orders like that; but if you asked nicely I would consider it. I would consider it, and I would tell you, ‘You’re exhausted. I’m exhausted. Ask me again tomorrow.’”
Time:
END ACT THREE
***
BEGIN ACT FOUR
Act Four, Scene One – Chains Of Drug and Gold
Isamu gets a sleeping powder and uses it to drug Kin. Then he has servants (they look nervous and not at all happy) strip Kin and pretty him up. Isamu himself puts the chains on Kin (his wrists are bound in front of him, not behind his back), and then Kin in golden chains and not much else is delivered to Tomeo's bed. A longer chain is used to connect Kin's wrists to the bedpost.
Kin wakes up and, panics slightly to discover the chains and that he's not in his own room (talking out loud to himself): Uhhh, what...? Wait, where am – this is Tomeo's room. (blink) What am I doing here? (Tries to raise himself and notices the chains.) Some monologue here. (He relaxes a little as he guesses at what must have happened.)
Kin (blushing faintly, striking a few poses to examine his chains): Of course it had to be chains... It's not going to improve my ability to argue my way out of this if I'm aroused even before Tomeo gets here. I really hope Isamu did this by accident, because if he knows I like chains I'm in worse trouble than I imagined. At least there's enough slack that I don't have to stay sprawled out like sex on a plate... (And he moves to sitting on the edge of the bed, with his hip near the pillow and his bound wrists between his thighs. He looks at the chains a little more, and is disbelieving/amused.) These are gold – they're almost more jewelry than something you would put on a prisoner. (Musingly) Did Tomeo have a jeweler make these specifically for... this sort of thing? If so, then perhaps he would make a more interesting lover than I give him credit for...
Time:
***
Act Four, Scene Two - Reversal
Switch to Isamu and Tomeo. Isamu has in his hand the key to the handcuffs (a pretty golden key hung cutely on a black satin ribbon, like a necklace). Maybe he's twirling it around his forefinger or tossing it and catching it – playing with it somehow. He looks very smug and superior.
Tomeo regards him suspiciously, then when he sees the key his eyes widen with alarm.
Tomeo: Exactly what are you doing with that, Isamu?
Isamu smirks: Just doing my duty, my lord.
Tomeo: Erm... would you care to elaborate?
Isamu:
[They argue.]
Isamu gives Tomeo the key.
Isamu leaves Tomeo standing in front of his bedroom door. Tomeo looks at the key, looks at the door, reaches out, hesitates... then slips into the room.
Kin is looking quite annoyed by the time Tomeo comes in and stops dead in his tracks, staring at Kin with wide eyes.
Kin (slightly condescending because he is, after all, offering to forgive Tomeo for whatever part he may have had in arranging this situation, and also a bit amused by Tomeo's expression): I know you wouldn't have ordered something like this to happen, so this must be Isamu's fault, right? Take these chains off of me now, I'll go kick his ass, you can yell at him, and then we can forget this ever happened.
Tomeo has been listening, looking concerned, but suddenly he frowns and gets an anger mark.: Don't underestimate me! Maybe I did order this!
Kin blinks, frowns, and studies Tomeo's face: I am fairly certain that you are lying, but... if you did order this... I will give you one chance: (holds his bound writs up to Tomeo) take these chains off right now and I will forgive you.
Tomeo (now really upset, with arms crossed defensively): What makes you think I need your forgiveness?! I'm the Shogun, you're the one kneeling in chains, you're in no position to be so fucking benevolent! I don't need you to be my friend!
Kin (has been listening with growing astonishment and concern for Tomeo): Tomeo...
Tomeo slaps the handcuff key down on a table clearly out of Kin's reach.: It's 'my damn castle', isn't that what you told me?! (Tomeo strides over to Kin.) So if I decide to... take certain liberties with you... there is Absolutely. No one. Who. Will. Stop me. (Tomeo is leaning close to Kin, and makes a posessive gesture of some sort – running his fingertips from Kin's face down his body, or holding Kin's jaw as he breathes against Kin's lips, or pulling the tie out of Kin's hair if it hasn't already been removed by Isamu's servants, or something like that.)
Kin (looking slightly bemused and almost mesmerized by Tomeo's sudden fieryness.): I suppose I did say that, didn't I...
Tomeo: You did.
Tomeo is leaning really close to Kin's face, and Kin is teased by Tomeo's closeness too – so he decides to do something about it, leaning forward just a little and sealing his lips to Tomeo's. There is just time for Tomeo's eyes to widen in surprise before his eyes slide closed as he whimpers and responds to the kiss. It’s just a little kiss; Tomeo recovers his senses and backs away two steps, panting but wary.
Tomeo: Why did you do that?
Kin looks deeply at Tomeo with sad eyes and says softly: Another thing I said to you once was, 'Perhaps I need the comfort too.' Set me free, and... and we can comfort each other.
Tomeo (defensively/angrily): Don't lie to me! (More calmly.) You don't mean that, you're just trying to lure me into setting you free. I'm not a fool – those chains are my power over you, I'm not going to give away that advantage. (Tomeo casually removes his outermost piece of clothing – a sash or a jacket, whatever will bare his chest – while he's talking.) BUT. I am a man of honor, even if no one else believes me to be so. I will not take you against your will; I want your consent. So (Tomeo steps into Kin, caressing his jaw or chest, and his voice turns silky) – name your price, and you will have it.
Kin't eyes narrow dangerously; for the only time in the movie he is truly furious. In a low, threatening-but-still-sensual voice he says: Now who's underestimating who?! If you think you can buy me like that fool Junnobu, you are very mistaken. Any pleasure you get from me will be given by my. free. choice. or not. at. all! (pause, panting angrily) I will give you one. last. chance – take this chain off me now and ask for what you want rather than demanding!
Tomeo: Or what? (They glare at each other for a long moment, then Tomeo insolently removes another article of clothing (robe completely off or pants dropped and stepped out of.) You don't seem to grasp the fact that you have nothing to threaten me with at the moment. You are taller, stronger, and probably faster than I am – I have no doubt that if you were free you could snap my neck. But that's the thing - you're not free. (Tomeo pushes on the center of Kin's chest, and because his arms are bound in front of him he can't balance and falls back against the pillows, looking murderous – like a cat that's had a bucket of water unexpectedly poured over it. Tomeo climbs onto the bed after him, placing a knee aggressively between Kin's thighs.)
Suddenly Kin's expression changes, going cold and poker-faced though his jaw is still tight with anger. A half-second later he surges into motion, rolling so that he is on top, straddling Tomeo's hips/waist, and Tomeo is quite trapped and looking alarmed. Kin sits up, raising his bound wrists into the line of sight between him and Tomeo to draw attention to them.
Kin: Congratulations – you have succeeded in making me thoroughly lose my temper, something not even Isamu has managed, as hard as he's tried. I cannot be bought – the only coin you have that I want is your desire and your trust, but those are the only things you are too afraid to give me. You think one little golden chain is enough to keep you safe from me? Watch, and you will learn why it is unwise to confuse the jewelry that belongs on a lover with the fetters that belong on a prisoner.
Kin tenses his shoulders and, still maintaining a searing eye contact with Tomeo, pulls. His muscles bunch and strain – and the central link of the chain stretches slightly with a creaking sound. Little drops of sweat pop out on his biceps – and the link pops open and flies away with a ping! while Kin's wrists recoil away from each other. Tomeo looks shocked. Now Kin, in a pounce-like motion, slams his palms into the mattress on either side of Tomeo's head and leans into Tomeo's face. Tomeo whimpers.
Kin growls: You want me to give myself to you, trust you, stake my reputation and my future on your good opinion and interest in me... and I would do it, goddamn you. I'm afraid too, afraid of how people would treat me if they knew I... I wanted it, I liked it... I was yours. I would ignore my fears and do it anyway, if you asked me to trust you, if you said you needed me. But You. Don't. Trust. me; you're shaking with fear. Snap your neck? Oh yes I could. I guess you're just going to have to learn to trust that I don't want to, then, aren't you?
Kin darts his head down the last little bit and catches Tomeo's mouth in an angry, passionate, hungry kiss. A long kiss. To which Tomeo, still awash in shock and fear, does not respond. Kin pulls back and draws a shaky breath, looking sadly at Tomeo. Then he heaves a defeated sigh and throws himself down onto the bed beside Tomeo (the remains of the chain clinking), leaving the smaller man completely free.
Kin closes his eyes, and says despairingly: If you're too afraid of me to want me as I am, then go. I will not use my strength to trap you into anything you don't want.
Tomeo: ...Wait.
Kin (opening eyes with just a hint of hope): Yes?
Tomeo (timidly): You're not... going to eviscerate me for refusing to let you go?
Kin: I have never wanted to hurt you.
Tomeo: But... it doesn't disgust you that I want t- (voice catches, he swallows) to have sex with you?
Kin reaches his hand out to stroke Tomeo's cheek, pausing when Tomeo flinches slightly; but Tomeo stills himself, so Kin completes the gesture, pushing a strand of Tomeo's hair behind his ear. Abstractedly, he replies: That would be hypocritical of me, wouldn't it? Since I... want you to have sex with me. I want that... very badly.
Tomeo shakes his head slightly, not to say no but in confusion: But, you can't... I mean, you're perfect; you're a warrior, you're six feet tall and muscled like a stallion, you're one of the most masculine men I've ever seen! You can't possibly be attracted to me, I mean all you'd have to do is walk into a tavern and snap your fingers and women would hang all over you!
Kin snorts wryly: Oh they do. And it's annoying as all hell; having muscles is not the same as liking women. I've been fighting to refrain from seducing you since the first time I laid eyes on you. I know as well as you do how difficult it is to find a man with similar tastes, and you really are beautiful... (running a hand through Tomeo's hair) your hair is like silk and midnight, your skin is more lickacble than sweet cream on strawberries, and it would be so easy to get lost in your eyes... (Takes advantage of Tomeo's speechlessness to kiss him gently but thoroughly.)
Tomeo (starting to melt but really confused with a tinge of hurt and frustration): But... but... if you wanted me, then why didn't you say anything?!
Kin (chuckles wryly/bitterly): Somehow there always seemed to be something in the way – first you were courting Junnobu, then he... did that, and you were depressed, and then you decided you were going to lock your sexuality away because you didn't want to hurt anyone... I ached to watch you go through that, but I didn't want to force you out of it before you'd had long enough to heal... And I was afraid too, as I said. Afraid of what people would think of me... I can't stand to see how they treat you, even your own servants who should be able to see for themselves what a gentle soul you are! Like that idiot Isamu – I was right, it was him who arranged this, wasn't it?
Tomeo nodded embarassedly.
Kin: How irritating – now I'm going to have to be grateful to him. That is... assuming... (Kin gives Tomeo a long deep look, then takes a deep breath.) If you... want me, if you're not afraid... I am willing.
Tomeo nods slowly. Kin moves to kiss him, and then they get caught up in the moment, forgetting to be hesitant and starting to neck and grope rather frantically.
Pan cut to Kin on his back with his heels tucked up to his butt, knees bent and thighs spread, and Tomeo kneeling between Kin's knees sucking his cock.
Kin (breathy/whimpering): Oh gods please… In me now, please!
Tomeo lifts his head and is looking at Kin in wonder (drop of saliva glistening on Kin's dick): Are you really sure you want to do this? With me?
Kin (impatiently): I'm no virgin; this won't be the first time I've spread my legs for a man, asking to be filled. And I'm certainly no child – I know what I like. And I like you. So come here already!
Kin pulls Tomeo on top of him so that their groins are pressed together, and they kiss voraciously. Someone fumbles with some lube, them Tomeo sheaths himself in Kin, they both arch their backs and throw their heads back at the overwhelming sensation. Then Tomeo thrusts, and they're finally fucking (yay!).
Tomeo (panting in between thrusts): I really am... a fool... if all I had... to do... to have this... was ask.
Kin (ditto): I'm not... so wise either... I didn't realize... how badly I needed this...
After this point their conversation degenerates into Oh! Please! Gods! Fuck! and Yes!, interspersed with an occasional Oh right there! and Do that again! Then, naturally, they climax and collapse panting.
So... somehow after all this Kin realizes that it’s not just that Tomeo needs him; he needs Tomeo. More than he needs to be liked by people he barely knows. This is the trigger of the story’s climax.
END ACT FOUR
***
BEGIN ACT FIVE
Act Five, Scene One – Marks of Possession
Kin is looking into a mirror, vainly tugging at his collar; it just won't go high enough to hide the hickey on his neck. He looks to Tomeo and says, chagrinned: My collar just is not going to cover this.
Tomeo sidles up to Kin and kisses him on the right bicep (putting his left hand on Kin's left shoulder and his right hand in the crook of Kin'd right elbow), then says smugly: Good, I want everyone to know you belong to me.
Kin looks amused/fond and reaches up to cover Tomeo's left hand with his left hand, and a close-up shows us that they have matching rings with Tomeo's crest on them: Oh they'll know. In between the rings, this mark, and the fact that I grin like a fool whenever you walk into the room, I'm sure they'll figure it out. (He kisses Tomeo.) Now go, or you'll be late for your meeting.
Tomeo leaves, grumbling: Pointless idiotic boring boreaucratic nonsense...
Kin chuckles, and jokes to himself: I would tell him to amuse himself by imagining all those stuffy beaureaucrats naked, but then I suppose I would have to kill them all in a fit of jealous rage, and that really wouldn't be very diplomatic. And anyway I have enough to worry about without plotting mayhem – I have to go make my report to Hotaka, that canny old fox. (Kin holds out his hand and examines his ring with satisfaction.) But maybe I'll be able to take him by surprise just this once...
Time: 1 min 00 sec
***
Act Five, Scene Two – Brotherly Love?
Hotaka and his guard are around, someone's bound to recognize Kin and ask what on Earth became of him and is he okay? (Kin's brother) They've heard some pretty bad things about that Shogun Tomeo...
Hotaka asks Kin, in that superior way of his: So. Have you been a good present and earned Tomeo's favor for me?
Kin (standing with arms crossed, ring not visible) snorts and says casually: Oh, I've done better than that.
Hotaka: Better?
Kin (flashes his ring): You might call it... an alliance marriage.
And Hotaka's eyes do indeed widen – Kin has managed to surprise him. Of course, then he recovers to his usual superior self.
Hotaka: An alliance marriage. Again you go beyond the call of duty, Kin. I cannot help but wonder why
Kin (shrugs one shoulder defensively): Tomeo's reputation does not do him justice. I like him, I really do.
Just then a man resembling Kin comes barrelling into the room and skids to a halt. Hotaka is unruffled but Kin looks surprised, then as he recognizes who he is his look shifts to 'uh oh...'
Kin's Brother (excited and panting from running there): Kin! You are here! Some or the guys said they saw you! (his look shifts to angry) Where the hell have you been?! This sonuva bitch wouldn't tell me! (gesturing at Hotaka) How the hell could you leave for months without telling your own brother where you were going?!
Kin is wincing and making placating gestures: Uh, Shin! Hi! Gee, has it really been a whole month?
Shin levels a parental 'I know you know you're guilty' look at Kin: It's been two months, Kin! How the hell am I supposed to take care of you if I don't even know where you are?!
Hotaka, with dry amusement: You'll have to forgive him, it's easy to lose track of time on one's honeymoon.
Kin (squeaks in a mixture of panic and outrage): Hotaka!
Shin's jaw has dropped: Honeym- Kin? Are you... married???
Kin winces: Um... It's not quite what you're thinking...
Shin:
Hotaka: Aren't you going to show him the ring? (Turns to Shin) It's a real beauty, a 2 carat sapphire set in, what is it Kin, pure silver?
Kin: Hotaka you are not helping!
Hotaka (smirks evilly): Who said I was trying to help? Oh, perhaps you wanted to show him the mark on your neck first?
Tomeo, meanwhile, has a project of the own – he wants the King to ennoble Kin so Tomeo can name Kin his heir. This is kind of silly, since Kin's about the same age as Tomeo and neither of them's likely to have a son anytime soon...
***
Act Five, Scene Three – Isamu's Conclusion
Isamu is watching Tomeo and Kin from a distance. (Interior Monologue): When I signed up to be a guardsman under the command of Tomeo's father, Lord Tadashi, I did it because the old lord was everything I respected: brave, tough, ... I wanted to be a part of that. But just when I finally became Captain, Lord Tadashi's heart gave out, and Tomeo was suddenly my lord... Tomeo, who . And then Kin showed up.
Female Servant walks up to Isamu and her actions reveal that she has a crush on him.
End with fireworks in the sky above our two couples.