#ikesencc18

The day was just like any other in the castle. It began shortly after sun rise as every other day and she was dragging because she had stayed up late with her sewing project,again. She hoped at some point during the day she could carve out a few hours in which to sleep. She doubted she would. She would just make do with her limited capabilities today. She would sleep tonight.

Surprisingly everyone looked like they were also dragging as she encountered them. She thought to herself,”Looks like everyone was burning the midnight oil last night must be in the air.” She couldn’t quite figure out why though. The six major war lords never quite looked like this unless a new battle was on the horizon. She didn’t know of any threat and as the castle’s care taker she was privy to that sort of information even though they didn’t always like sharing that sort of info with her. When she had made her decision and turned her back on the wormhole and her return to the future nearly three months ago they began to shelter her even more. They all knew the decision cost her a huge part of her life and they wanted to keep her safe and happy for the rest of her days.

She continued to do her light chores around the castle, changing flowers with fresh ones, checking supplies, and supervising the beginning of the weeks first washing. Nothing seemed out of place when she noticed everyone, literally everyone looked tired, it must be the changing air as fall goes into a winter that so far has held off bringing the super cold charged air and the first snows. She had run into nearly everyone during the day except her boss. She normally saw him first thing as she reported in the morning but he wasn’t in his chambers. He wasn’t in the hall either. She just shook her head and went in to do what she normally did that day. She was not going to go searching for the man.

After her mental list was slowly crossed off it was mid day. Too late to take a nap though she would probably just sleep to morning. She decided to go finish her project so she could sleep that night, her friends had become her biggest clients and demanded she make their items. She wasn’t lacking for things to work on as she was now, even though he got tributes from all over his territories Nobunaga wanted her to make his new hoari. She just had one side left to sew together and it would be done which was good because she had given herself two weeks to finish it and that was fast approaching. It would be warmer then his others which were light fabrics and mostly silks, she was vastly proud of this new design she had made for him. When she got to her room she started in immediately and by dinner time she had surprised herself and finished it. She looked over it to make sure it was complete and all the needles were out and folded it up. Her boss was known for his not sleeping so she decided to bring it to him.

She crept up the stairs carrying the heavier hoari and knocked on the door. She slid the door and he wasn’t there. Again. She had passed the hall on the way here and there was no counsel going in. Where was he? She looked out in the balcony and decided to wait there for awhile, he had to come back eventually.

He came into his room after a fine day of hawking. He had a rough few nights the past week or so, the nightmares he normally held at bay had come back. He needed some time away doing nothing to important to help clear his mind. He walked in his room when he noticed a bunch of fabric on the balcony, he knew the maids would not dare throw a piece of his clothing on the balcony he walked slowly up to it, his hand on the hilt of his sword. As he glanced down he began to smile softly and very much not like himself. She was asleep on the balcony wrapped in what he believed his new hoari that she had made for him. This girl who had worked her way into all of his men’s hearts even his own. He didn’t know when she had become so important to him but he knew she held a special place with him. He didn’t even know the name of the feeling he had for her, only that it was warm and sometimes hurt in his chest when he looked at her. She was the opposite of him in every way, carefree and honest. She blinked open her eyes as he bent down,”Princess? Why are you asleep in my balcony?”, he asked, his voice itself was softer and lower then normal. “I wanted to bring you this.”, she said her voice still raspy from sleep.”It’s so warm I didn’t even realize I fell asleep.” She went to get up but before she realized she was in his arms and he was carrying her back to his futon. “What?”, she asked. “You obviously haven’t been sleeping Princess.”,He said with a humph,”You can barely stand up. You will sleep here tonight so I can watch over you.” “Again what?”, she was now nearly fully awake. “Close your eyes.”, he said softly. His words were not a command but close enough. She could hear him walking around the room doing this or that and straighten papers. She fell deep asleep until he lifted the covers on the other side of the futon. The rush of cooler air hit her warmed skin and she awoke to the surprise of two arms wrapping around her. “Go back to sleep.”, he whispered in her ear which sent chills down her spine. “Be careful how you move princess or sleeping might not be the only thing we do.” She smiled at the idea. Would she mind? He did ask her once to rule by his side. She knew how she felt about the man. He was the reason she stayed. She loved him. She turned around to face him and with his eyes still open she moved in for a kiss. A soft kiss. He pulled back to look at her and she felt her heart sink. He then smiled his arrogant smile. The one she knew and loved as he moved back to her and the silky demanding lips took hers again. “Finally!”, she thought to herself and that was also the last thing she remembered thinking for a very long time.

Daybreak broke and both were still asleep when his door was flung open by Hideyoshi who was coming to report the missing princess. Hideyoshi was surprise when he looked over to Nobunaga’s futon and saw two forms under the covers. He cleared his throat and Nobunaga’s voice carried throughout the room. “This better be good!”

“My lord the princess is missing. She did not pick up her dinner last night and hasn’t been in her room.”, Hideyoshi voice carried the weight of his worry.

“The princess is fine. I know where she is, that is all you need to know.”,Nobunaga replied while chuckling.“Also send two trays here for breakfast.”

“Ummm yes my lord.”, he turned and slid the door home.

“Really?”, she asked. “Now he is going to bugging me all day about where I was.”

“No, my princess he won’t be. He won’t see you all day because you are not leaving this bed.”, Nobunaga said smiling.

“What about my work?”,she asked.

“Oh you will be working.”, he chuckled and kissed her,”but it is only a job you can do.”

“Only me?”, she asked softly.

“What is this… Valentines Day, kitten?”

“Yes, I am curious as well.  I’ve never heard of such a day before.”

I looked between Mitsuhide and Masamune and could feel my cheeks grow warm.  

I hadn’t meant for the topic to come up - the two warlords had been chatting after the war council earlier and had heard me sigh, deciding that they needed to come over to where I was to investigate.

Valentines was two days away and I was feeling particularly lonely in the romance department.  Not because the six warlords hadn’t been kind to me or even interested in me, in certain cases. But it wasn’t the same as having someone to spend time with romantically when I wasn’t working as the chatelaine or a seamstress in Azuchi.

I felt like kicking myself when that thought manifested.  I’d only been in the Sengoku era for a few short weeks and I wasn’t looking for love or even romance since I was leaving in a couple months. Nobunaga also made sure I didn’t have time for it and Hideyoshi was always looking over my shoulder, always the brother figure. Who had the time?

Turning to the two warlords with mischievous looks in their eyes, I gulped silently before attempting to explain.  They had no idea I was from the future and Valentine’s day was likely not a well known part of Sengoku culture.

“Well,” I started to say, unsure where to even begin, “it’s a holiday that is usually for romance.  Girls give boys chocolate. Couples sometimes go visit places they normally wouldn’t. Friends show other friends their appreciation by giving flowers or candy. It’s something that can be very special and even fun.”

After I finished my explanation, I watched the wheels start turning in Masamune’s head while Mitsuhide just gave me his patented snake’s grin. I felt unease bloom in my belly at the sight the two of them created.  ‘What are they planning? Am I going to regret telling them?’ I can’t help but think as take a half step back away from them.

Without warning, Masamune closed the gap between the two of us, placing himself closer than would be considered a friendly distance. Warmth infused my cheeks at the sight of the half smile that formed on his lips.

“Then let me treat you, kitten.  Give me a few hours of your time and I’ll make sure you don’t regret it.”

“I think I might like to also take up a short amount of your time on that day as well.” Mitsuhide added, his sly grin never leaving his face.

Masamune turned his mischievous gaze to Mitsuhide. “Want to make a bet of this? Whoever she admits to enjoying having spent time with more wins.”

“That seems a little simple, but I’ll take it.”

I just watched as the two attractive men shook hands before turning to smile at me. Mitsuhide nodded as he passed, his hand brushing my left and I was surprised as a jolt of awareness passed from the back of my hand and up my arm. I turned my head to watch his lean figure walk out of the audience chamber, his figure oozing confidence.

“Don’t give all of your attention to Mitsuhide, Kitten.  That just wouldn’t be fair.” I turned my head back to Masamune at the sound of his deep voice as it rumbled in my ear. I felt another shiver, tingling down my spine this time, pool in my stomach.  His voice was like melted chocolate and I suddenly felt hungry.

“Why are you two even doing this? What do you guys get out of it?” I asked, furrowing my brows in confusion.  None of this made sense - they had more important things to worry about than a bet involving me. Like the whole “Make Nobunaga a God” campaign.

“The challenge to woo you is one too strong to pass by.” He gave me a half smile, causing his one vibrant blue eye to crinkle and my heartbeat to pick up. I wonder what he would look like if he actually smiled. I shook that thought away, too, as he continued. “Besides, who wouldn’t want to try to court a lovely lass like yourself?”

With that, Masamune exited the room as well and you could do nothing but stand there and stare where the two scheming men had last been.

~*~

~Two days later~

I woke up from a dreamless sleep to the sound of someone calling me from the other side of my door.

“Masamune?” Surprise was an understatement for what I was feeling right now as I pulled my kimono on over my night robe. I tied a cord around my waist quickly before hurrying to the door.  When I opened it, it was to see Masamune smirking down at me. “What are you doing here?”

“It’s Valentine’s Day and we’re going on an adventure. Hurry and get dressed so we can get going, because I only have a few hours.”

“A few hours?” I had only just woken up - I didn’t need this kind of confusion so early.

“That’s right, so finish getting dressed so we can go!” With that command made, he slammed shut the door in my face and I heard his heavy boot falls slowly disappear down the hall.

After blinking a few times, I turned back to my room and finished situating my kimono layers and, before I knew it, I was out the door, seeing Masamune waiting for me at the end of the hallway.  

And what a sight he created! Arms crossed across his chest, causing the sleeves of his kimono to pull taught across the hard-earned muscles, he was resting one booted foot against the wood pillar supporting the wall. At first glance, with his chin nearly touching his sternum and his eye closed, it looked as if he was taking a nap while waiting for me.  But as I approached, he looked up with his signature smirk.

“Let’s go.”

Five minutes later, my handsome escort and I reached the stables and he was taking the reins to his mare from a young stable hand.

“We’re riding?  How far are we going?” How am I getting there? Because I’ve never ridden a horse before, unless you count driving a Mustang. My eyes were drawn to the beautiful creature that was patting the neck of the horse… no, wait, that’s wrong.

Masamune was patting the horse’s neck as he looked at me with an unreadable expression. “We aren’t going far, Kitten.  What?  Are you nervous?”

“No!  I’m not nervous, what do I have to be nervous about?”

All that earned was a quirk of his eyebrow before he turned to me and, with his big hands on my waist, lifted me up onto the mare. The suddenness of his movement caused a yelp to escape from me.  I quickly grabbed onto the horses’ mane, feeling the subtle movements from the creature below me as she moved with us.  She pawed the ground, excitement coming off her in waves when Masamune hefted himself up behind me and grabbed the reins.

With a crack like thunder, Masa snapped the leather straps in his hands and we were off like a shot. I could feel a scream building in my throat from how fast we were moving, but it was because of how fast he was directing the horse, that it because lodged in my throat.

My body must have been tense as well, because I suddenly felt Masamune’s lips at my ear. “Be calm, Lass.  Feel the breeze, the freedom.  Nothing can hold you back, hold you down, or keep you in one place.  You have nothing to fear from riding with me.”

Oddly enough, his words caused tension to leave my body I hadn’t even realized was there.  Once I was suitably relaxed, I was able to look around and admire the scenery as it flashed by us in a blur of color. The motion of the horse’s movements under us felt more natural as my muscles released their holds on my bones. Before I knew it, the scream that had lodged itself in my throat had turned into a giggle, morphing into laughter in no time.

We rode like the wind until we reached the shore of Lake Biwa. I felt my mouth drop at the sight of such a massive lake.  The waters were clear and cool, sparkling with life in the brightly shining sun of midday. It was stunning and I couldn’t help but think that, when Sasuke and I return to the future, if we go to the lake, our view of the lake will change because of what 500 years would do to it.  The thought made me sad, but I quickly pushed it away and focused on the present.

Masamune guided the horse along the shore for a time, slower than when we were traveling here, simply admiring the view and listening to the water splash up against the stone walls, until we reached a grassy outcropping with a copse of trees. As we drew closer, I noticed a blanket and a box was already laid out, each corner held down by a heavy stone, the whole setup gently shaded by the leaves of the trees.

“Masmaune, what is this?”

I watched him pass by me and walk to the box as I came to a stop at the edge of the blanket. I knelt onto the cloth as he opened the box to reveal layer after layer of different foods.  There was onigri, mochi, steamed vegetables and an assundry of other tasty treats.

“It’s lunch. Today is a special day, so it deserved a special meal.”

My heart swelled at such a thoughtful gesture. “Thank you, Masamune. This is so sweet of you!”

As I settled in to eat after picking up a pair of chopsticks, Masamune moved to sit down next to me, using his own set of chopsticks to pick up a carrot, leaning close. “Try this, it’s delicious.”

My eyes widened slightly when I felt his large, warm hands touch my chin, lightly pinching it to open my mouth so he could gently place the vegetable on my tongue. I tried to tear my gaze away from his vivid blue eye, but it was like I was held captive by his gaze and was no sooner able to look away than pull the sun from the sky.When he was sitting straight again, I chewed and felt the subtle but vibrant flavors wash over my tongue and felt myself moaning with joy at the taste.

“Liked it, did you?”

“Very much! Did you make all of this?” He nodded with a smile.  I never would have guessed that Date Masamune was a accomplished chef.  Color me impressed!

The next couple hours went by quickly and never had my heart gotten so much exercise from simply walking with someone. I knew that Masamune was a flirt, but it felt like he was laying it on thick this time but I couldn’t find it in me to care.  I was thoroughly enjoying myself.

As we walked along the waterline up on the cliff, he’d occasionally pick a wild flower for me or tuck my hair behind my ear. We talked about different things and he really seemed interested in what I had to say. It made my heart warm and my stomach flutter like a kaleidoscope of butterflies had been caught in there.

“Looks like it’s time.  Are you ready, Kitten?”

“Time for what? What should I be ready for?” Because the answer would likely be no to both.  I was really enjoying myself and was enjoying the heat blooming in my chest.  I didn’t want to be thrown back into reality that was life in Azuchi.

Masamune looked down from where he was glancing up at the sun, and I had to blink a couple times in disbelief.  Is that a real smile? It was so much warmer than others I had seen from him. It was like the sun had soaked into his skin while he was gauging the time and shown just as bright when he looked down at me. I felt butterflies in my stomach again and heat on my cheeks - so much so that I had to look away to avoid embarrassment.

“It’s time to go back to Azuchi.  I’m not the only one who has plans for you today, lass.”

~*~

Back at Azuchi, I went up to my room to rest after the ride home that was just as fast as the ride to the lake.

As I made myself comfortable near my desk, picking up a kimono that I’d been working on as a commission, I noticed a piece of folded paper on my desk. I cautiously picked it up, noting the fine quality of the paper, and opened it.  Inside was a short message, written in elegantly slanted script.

‘Meet me at the clothier - M.’

‘M? Who could that be?” You think to yourself before a memory makes it way forward.  A brush of hands, the calming scent of tea leaves, pale eyes that shine with mischief. A bet between two troublesome warlords. “Mitsuhide.”

Curiosity overcame me and I found myself putting my sewing back down and standing, moving to my door to leave the castle once more.

The sun was approaching the hills surrounding Azuchi when I made it to Azuchi Village, creating a warm, golden glow over everything I saw. I loved walking through this town, seeing all of the people living their lives and happily working hard to make a living. So many interesting items for sale lined the street as I made my way to the clothier.

When I arrived, Kazutaka and I greeted each other and he handed me a slip of paper and a bolt of fine silk. “‘Go to the best place to get a view of the city - M’. What is he up to?” I murmured as I looked at the fine details in the cloth. I marveled at the brilliance of the royal blue background, the pale yellow that was the natural silk color making up the flowers, the leaves so green they almost looked real.

“I can’t say for sure, my friend, but he was definitely up to something.  He was smiling the whole time he was here picking out that fabric.”

I felt surprised at that bit of information.  Mitsuhide didn’t seem the type to pick out fabric, let alone smile about it.  In the end, I bowed to Kazutaka and left, carrying the bolt and the note, and looked around, trying to decide the best place to view the village.  

Gazing around, the sounds of the town a low hum in my ears, I saw a lone tree sitting up on the top of a hill just beyond the last line of buildings nearby. I quickly walked up the grassy knoll to the young tree and found another note and another gift.  This time, it was a small box of stationary.  On the top page of the lovely floral-print paper, was scrawled in the same print as the last two notes, was: ‘To write home.’

My cheeks burned slightly at the sweet gesture.  I wouldn’t need it to write home, but I would definitely use the beautiful paper. Mitsuhide was full of surprises!

And the surprises continued. He sent me to two more places, receiving an order of sweet dumplings and a hair ornament to match the fabric he had left for me, before finally sending me to his manor house. “‘Go to the home of the man you know, but don’t know.”

Know but don’t know? My curiosity was piqued because it was true - Akechi Mitsuhide was an enigma that I’d been curious about for the longest time.

So I walked the short distance from my most recent destination to Mitsuhide’s palace. Once inside the front gates, I was greeted by one of his retainers and escorted through the halls, across open verandas, to his study.

There, I saw him sitting at his desk, casual as can be as he used his brush and ink to write something. This room was bare, with only a few knick knacks on shelves that were packed full of books.

After I was announced and my guide left, I took in his figure as he worked.  People said he had serpentine tendencies and features, but the more I looked, the less I agreed entirely. His light colored hair, that framed his thin face, swayed in the breeze coming in from a nearby window that he had cracked open. As I watched his hands while he wrote, his slender fingers gripping the brush gently as it flowed down the paper, I couldn’t help but wonder if his hands were strong though they looked lithe, calloused though they looked soft.

“Do you plan to stand there all night?  Or are you going to join me?”

I jumped at the sound of his deep voice calling out to me. The low tones with an ever so low rasp, likely due to consuming next to nothing but sake, washed over me and I felt a delicious tingle move through my body.

A lump formed in my throat that I had to force down to make my voice come out as anything but ragged or high pitched. I’ve talked to him plenty of times outside of war councils, but never have I heard his voice take on that tone - one you would expect to say sweet nothings while spending quality time alone in the bedroom.

I shook my head slightly to disperse such thoughts and walked over to his desk.  When I paused to sit, he stood up instead and silently motioned for me to follow him.

“Wow!” I gasped on a breath at the sight before me. Past a set of shoji doors, he lead me into another room. Another set of doors was open to the veranda, letting in a cool breeze and the light of the full moon outside.  Scattered about was several small lantern, the small flames dancing with the light wind, causing flickering shadows on the barren walls. Right in the middle of the room, surrounding a steaming clay pot, was a beautiful tea set waiting to be used.  

Mitsuhide motioned for me to sit near the setup before joining me. I watched Mitsuhide as he began preparing matcha tea, whisking the green tea with hot water that he ladeled from the pot on a small fire.

I was watching with rapt attention, only tearing my eyes away when I heard a soft sound come from him that could be mistaken for a chuckle.  Did Mitsuhide even chuckle normally? 

“You’re watching as if you’ve never been a part of a tea ceremony.”

“I haven’t.  I’ve only seen them on…” I almost didn’t catch myself before accidentally revealing my origins to him. Recovering my near miss, I corrected, “I haven’t seen them in person, but I’ve seen paintings.”

Mitsuhide eyed me from the side as he poured the tea onto one cup and handed it to me, before pouring the frothy tea into a cup for himself. There was an air of disbelief from him, but thankfully, he didn’t ask any questions about it.

After several moments of silence, I remember I never thanked him for the gifts. “Thank you for the gifts, by the way. They’re lovely.”

I could feel his eyes on me as I sipped the green tea. I felt myself warming under his gaze and I felt sure it wasn’t solely because of the tea.

“You did well to figure out the clues.”

The way he spoke had taunting tones and I immediately reacted, feeling anger color my cheeks. Just as I was about to speak, I analyzed his words again and heard what could be a compliment under his teasing.

Just as I was opening my mouth to reply, he reached into his sleeve and pulled a small book out and handed it to me.

I looked down in confusion at the title.  It was a book on subterfuge. Something he was good at for sure, but why was he giving it to me.  I looked up at him for answers, but he was sipping serenely away at his cup, so I looked back to the tome resting in my fingers.

Why would he give me something like this?  Is he trying to train me to be one of his little birds?  I thought back to our conversations in the past and never had he given any notable intention to make me some kind of spy. Perhaps he wanted me to get to know him?

That thought filled my heart and I smiled. It was something I’d been wanting to do for a while now, but I either didn’t know how to go about it or was reminded of his serpentine tendencies.

I placed the book gently in my lap and turned the pages slowly as I looked through it while drinking my tea. Half way through, I found a piece of paper tucked in amongst the pages.  It didn’t match the other pages, so I pulled it out to look at it.

On the neatly folded piece of paper, in the flowling scrawl I recognized as Mitsuhide’s handwriting, were lines after lines of a poem. I was immediately drawn in by his words that felt so romantic in nature that it felt completely at odds with the man next to me.

By the end of the poem, I felt a blush on my cheeks again and looked down at the book in my lap. “Thank you, Mitsuhide.  This was very sweet. Did you write this?”

I could see him nod ever so slightly out of the corner of my eye, just enough to show acknowledgement to my words. I looked up at him in time to see his thin lips form a small smile. “I’m glad you liked it. The book is yours as well.” He added when I tried to hand the book back to him.

“You’ve already given me so many gifts today, I couldn’t-”

“Then don’t consider it a gift. Consider it homework to assist you in becoming more aware of your surroundings.”  I pursed my lips together when he cut me off.  He wasn’t looking at me as he spoke, but I felt like I knew what he meant.

We moved to the veranda outside his quarters and simply watched the moon rise over the edge of the trees as we sat next to each other, not touching. I thought back over the day I’d had - a horseback ride and picnic lunch with Masamune, treasure trail with gifts and a tea ceremony, followed by moongazing, with Mitsuhide.  

This valentines day was quite the experince. I’d had several dates on valentines day in the past…er…future, but none of them stacked up against the two outings I’d been on today. It made the day feel anything but lonely.

I turned to look at Mitsuhide as he stared up at the moon, full and bright. His profile made quite a striking image, his features angular, but his eyes were soft and distant.  He appeared deep in thought and I could only imagine what thoughts were flying through his head.

“Mitsuhide?  Thank you for the gifts and the tea.  I had a good time, but I should get back to the castle soon.” I smiled as I rose to my feet. I bowed to him and was turning to leave when I felt the hem of my kimono tugged on.

Looking back and down, it was Mitsuhide that was keeping me from leaving. He was looking up at me in silence, rising to his feet with just the sound of rustling fabric, dropping my hem in the process. “A woman walking the streets alone? So many evil things could happen while you’re out there.”

I raised an eyebrow at his words and felt a small smile form.  “I guess that means I need an escort, doesn’t it?  Care to volunteer?”

Mitsuhide sighed as if I had put him in some enormous predicament. I watched him move to stand beside me, tucking his hands into his sleeves, the picture of serenity. “I suppose.  I am the only one capable nearby.”

I felt a chuckle form in my throat but quickly suppressed it. He already teases me enough during the day, I don’t want to give him a reason to do it now.

~*~

The next day, after a war council I remember next to nothing of due to thinking about the day before, I was staring of into space when I felt a dark shadow fall over me. When I blinked back into focus, I looked up to see Mitsuhide and Masamune standing over me.

“Can I help you?”

Masaume crouched down next to me while Mitsuhide knelt down on his knees.

“Did you have fun yesterday, Kitten?”

I cocked my head to the side in confusion.  “You know I did, Masamune. Why do you ask?”

“He wants to know with whom you enjoyed your time more. His or mine?”

I felt put on the spot - Was this because of the bet I remember them making days earlier? I felt upset start to form at the thought that they had only done that for me because of a bet. But that wasn’t completely true.  They are my friends that didn’t want me to be alone on a day that seemed to be important to me.  The upset was replaced by happiness and I smiled at them.

They were watching the change in my facial features, Masamune with concern and Mitsuhide with near disinterest.  When I turned to them in turn, they seemed to relax slightly.

“Neither.”

“Neither?”

“Neither. I had fun with both of you equally.  You are really great friends to me and I appreciate what you did for me.  It’s a day I will never forget!” With those words and two surprised Sengoku Lords round me, I rose and walk off with a smile on my face.

~*~

“Friends?  Is that what you thought that was about other than a bet?” He thought to himself as he rose and walked out after you, intent on telling you just what the prize from the bet had been decided on.

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The Two Mitsus - Buddy Cop Story

(or Mitsun: Impossible)

Mitsunari sat a table in a crowded tea house, holding a book in his hands. A bowl of steamed vegetables and a cup of tea sat on the table in front of him. Neither had been touched yet. The young waitress had come by a couple of times to see if he wanted them reheated, but he never acknowledged her, instead keeping his eyes solely on his book.

Mitsuhide entered the tea house. He didn’t seem to notice Mitsunari as he leisurely made his way towards a table where two scruffy men sat. He smoothly slid into the seat opposite them and gave them a crescent of a smile. The three of them began speaking in low voices.

Two or three minutes after Mitsuhide’s arrival, Mitsunari stood up, tucked the book under his arm, and balanced the bowl in one hand and his tea cup in the other. He passed by Mitsuhide’s table on his way towards the front entrance. He suddenly stumbled and the cup flew out of his hands, spilling tea all over the feet of one of the scruffy men.

“Oh! Oh no. I’m sorry, sir. Here, let me clean that up!” Mitsunari exclaimed. As he bent towards the edge of the table, a scrap of paper fell out of his kimono sleeve onto Mitsuhide’s lap.

Crouching under the table, Mitsunari dabbed at the man’s toes and sandals.

“Stop that!” He growled angrily, adding in a low mutter, “Th-that tickles.”

The young waitress had rushed over when she heard the tea cup clatter on the wooden floor. She bent down to pick it up, then asked Mitsunari “Do you want a refill, sir?”

He stood up and replied “No, thank you. I don’t want any more tea. But I think I will finish these vegetables outside where the lighting is better for reading. And I apologize for making a mess.” He flashed his angelic smile at her.

The waitress’s lips curved upwards in an involuntary response to Mitsunari’s own dazzling smile. She shook her head in a dazed manner and said, “Don’t worry. Please come back any time.  Please. Come back. Any time. Please. Come. Back…” Her words repeated and drifted off as she stared dreamily at him.

Mitsuhide softly cleared his throat, fighting the temptation to roll his eyes.

Mitsunari bowed to the waitress, saying “I’m sorry” once more before heading outside. He sat down on a bench, balanced the bowl on his lap, and opened his book again.

About twenty minutes later much of the dining crowd exited the tea house, including the two men Mitsuhide had been talking with. Mitsunari had been picking through his bowl of vegetables when he suddenly discovered a big chunk of carrot in his chopsticks. He flung it away. The carrot splattered the back of one of the scruffy men.

He turned around, frowning at Mitsunari. “Did you just throw food at me?” he growled.

Mitsunari was peering into his bowl, but looked up when the man spoke to him. “Oh! Did that hit you? I apologize, sir. It was a carrot.”

The man took a step menacingly towards Mitsunari. “So?!”

Mitsunari looked innocently at the man. “Well, you see, I don’t like carrots. I wanted it far away from me. I hope it didn’t hurt.”

The man’s expression went from angry to bewildered. “Wha …? Hurt?” He huffed with annoyance, returned to his friend and they walked down the road.

As Mitsunari turned his head from the men to glance across the street, he saw a flash of indigo go in the same direction of the two men and then disappear from view. Mitsunari gave a little sigh of relief.

A moment later Mitsuhide came out of the tea house, pausing just long enough beside the bench for Mitsunari to pick up his book and stand up. They strolled through the village towards the castle.

After a while, Mitsunari broke the silence. “Everything you suspected was correct. They were planning on double-crossing you today after they collected your information.”

Mitsuhide gave a curt nod. “And thanks to you, I could play my part to alleviate any suspicion they had of me knowing their plan. ”

A grin broke out on Mitsunari’s face. “You’re very welcome, Lord Mitsuhide.”

“When I saw you had your head in a book, I was worried you hadn’t been paying attention to their conversation.” Mitsuhide muttered in a bored tone.

Flipping the book open in front of them, Mitsunari showed him blank page after blank page, then said “Quite right, quite right. If this had been a real book, I most likely would have been absorbed in it. So I brought a blank journal instead.” Tucking the book back under his arm, he asked brightly, “So when is the next mission?”

Mitsuhide didn’t miss a beat in replying. “I’m never using you again. Not after those theatrics.”

The happy grin turned into a smirk “Oh?” Mitsunari cast a calculating side-glance at Mitsuhide. “You mean … the spilled tea?”

“Yes.” Mitsuhide said as dryly as possible, trying to keep the interest out of his eyes as he noticed Mitsunari’s unfamiliar expression.

Mitsunari dug a small glass vial from his sash and handed it to Mitsuhide, saying “I spilled that tea so I could have an excuse to get close enough to their feet in order to apply this oil to their sandals. This will enable Ranmaru to track them through the woods and over long distances. And it also allowed me to pass you the note warning you not to accept their invitation to the  massage parlor just now. They have a group of thugs waiting to kill you there.”

Mitsuhide rolled the vial between his smooth fingers, and raised his eyebrow skeptically. “I would not have gone with them anyway.” He tucked the vial into his sash. “But I appreciate the tip-off.”

They walked on in silence a few more minutes before Mitsuhide said in mild annoyance. “And what was that with the carrot? Why did you even order them if you hate them? Your little stunt could have ruined the plan.”

Mitsunari didn’t look remorseful or perturbed. Instead, that appraising look had once more entered his eyes and a slight smirk played at his lips again. “When I saw how crowded the tea house was, I made sure to order them to have on hand. I was worried that if our marks had left inside the crowd, Ranmaru wouldn’t know which men to tail. It was a precautionary measure. One that ended up being necessary, I might add.”

Mitsuhide stifled a “tch” before asking “But why did it have to be carrots? You could have thrown any vegetable at him.”

“Oh no,” replied Mitsunari in complete sincerity. “I despise carrots. I wanted the performance to feel as true as possible. And throwing any other food would have been wasteful.”

Mitsuhide was silent, his face briefly showing surprise – an uncommon expression for him.  Another minute passed before he said “I had no idea Ranmaru gave you this oil beforehand.”

“He didn’t. I formulated it based on a few things I had read.” Mitsunari replied simply.

A look of appreciation flashed in Mitsuhide’s eyes before his usual fox-like look returned to them. “What would it take to have you concoct another batch of this oil?”

Mitsunari replied with a small tinge of self-satisfaction, “I delivered a small crate to both Ranmaru and your man Kyubei earlier this morning.”

A nod was all the reply Mitsuhide gave as they made their way back to the castle. As they passed under the gate and were about to go their separate ways, Mitsuhide said “I don’t like surprises. So … no surprises next time.” He turned away to go up the castle steps.

Mitsunari grinned at Mitsuhide’s retreating back. “You mean there will be a next time, my lord? I get to be used on another mission?”

Rays of the sunrise filtered through the canopy above her head and twigs snapped against the ground beneath her feet. Making her way down the familiar route deep in the forest, MC couldn’t deny the haste in her steps. Aside from that fact that she had secretly slipped out of the castle early in the blue hour, she knew better than to linger around here unnecessarily.

Reaching her destination, she couldn’t help but smile through her fatigue. Knocking quickly on the wooden door before going inside, she was greeted by a crackling fire and warm eyes. Although they looked more surprised than anything at the moment.

“… You came,” Kennyo spoke softly, with the same awed expression he had every single time she came to visit.

“Of course,”  she replied with a smile, “you knew I was coming, but you still look surprised.” It was always like this. At first, he vehemently denied her presence, telling her that she no business being near him. He never forced her to leave though, and that was when she knew that deep inside Kennyo yearned for another person’s company just as much as anyone else, if not more so.

So from then on she decided that regardless of what others said about him, she wanted to help permanently bring the kindness back into his eyes and heart. Slowly but surely, she had managed to get closer to the gentle monk that lay just beneath the surface of his rough exterior. He let her in.

Narrowing his eyes at her, he gestured to the fire, “you’re cold, are you not? Come and warm yourself up.” Nodding amiably, she sat down beside him in front of the fire. There was a pot above it; he was cooking something.

“Is that breakfast?” She asked, barely able to keep her hunger in check. By deciding to leave early, before everyone else was awake, she had inevitably sacrificed breakfast. It’s what she had planned and judging from the larger size of the pot Kennyo had predicted that as well when she told him she’d be there at the crack of dawn.

A slight smile on his face, Kennyo spooned out equal halves of the rice porridge before pulling out a pouch from inside his kimono. Tugging at the string and opening it up, he revealed a small selection of berries before placing each individually one carefully into her bowl.

Keeping his eyes down on what he was doing, he explained. “Even though you would be better of staying away from me, I’ve learnt to accept that you are a woman who will do what she wants, when she says she will,” looking up, he gave her her bowl before picking up his own. “I’m afraid this is all I can offer-”

“Kennyo, please, you know I love your porridge,” she couldn’t help interrupting him. “I don’t care if it’s ‘all’ you can can make, you make it. That’s all that matters to me.”

Shaking his head slightly at her words, he continued, “despite all my shortcomings, you still come. So I at least wanted to make this nicer for you. I… studied plants and such when I was at the monastery, so I can promise that these berries are safe to eat.”

Eyes widening, she pointed at the small pouch, “you only got those for me?” She couldn’t believe it. “Even though you thought I wouldn’t come?”

Kennyo averted his eyes at that, opting to take a bite of his food rather than give an answer. His surprise when seeing her was always genuine, he knew he didn’t deserve her and that there was nothing stopping her from leaving him. There was nothing special he could offer her after all. But there was always a small part of him that hoped. Hoped that she would come like she promised. And that small part of him became ever-so-slightly bigger every time he saw her. Not that he could ever admit that he collected the berries solely in anticipation of her showing up.

Accepting his silence, she surveyed his handiwork. Biting her lip she noticed that he had actually put berries in a pattern on top of the porridge. Cute… Saying thanks, she gratefully ate the whole thing, almost feeling bad for ruining his hard work. But the tenderness in his gaze when he saw her eat all his food washed away any guilt she felt, leaving only happiness.

Afterwards, they spent the rest of the morning comfortable and at ease. She told him random and seemingly insignificant things about her daily life, but he listened to everything she said and even asked her questions about herself. In return, while he didn’t speak about himself exactly, he did share some of his knowledge with her, along with a few memories he had from Hongan-ji.

A while later, Mike turned up, wanted to be fed. MC watched Kennyo dote on the small creature with a smile, stifling a yawn when she thought he wasn’t looking. When the little cat was done eating, he decided to curl up on MCs lap, content with her stroking his back as he snoozed. Watching Mike sleep elicited another yawn from her; waking up early did have its consequences.

Settling beside her, Kennyo scrutinised her face. Meeting his intense gaze, MC couldn’t help but shift in her seat, desperately trying to look awake. A moment later, the man sighed before taking Mike from her and placing him is his lap instead.

“You need to get some sleep, even if it is a nap,” he told her. “I wish I could send you back so you can rest but… that wouldn’t be safe,” he finally finished his sentence.

“It’s okay, I don’t want to leave just yet either,” she spoke the words that he couldn’t say instead. His widened eyes made it clear that that was he wanted to say. “I guess a short nap wouldn’t hurt,” she trailed off as she looked around the room for a place to lie down.

“No, I won’t allow you to sleep on the floor, it’s too cold. I may live this way but that’s no reason for you to,” he spoke a matter-of-factly. Then he slowly wrapped his arm around her, letting her head rest on his broad shoulder. “You will be warmer this way,” he said without looking at her, refusing to meet her firstbewildered, then joyous face.

Finding absolutely no reason to refuse, she muttered a soft, “thank you,” before closing her droopy eyes and finally succumbing to sleep.

-

When she woke up, she was immediately made aware of something touching her hair, stroking it. Staying exactly where she was, MC kept herself calm as she slowly realised that Kennyo was running his large fingers delicately through her strands. Wanting this moment of bliss to last as long as possible, she decided not to let him know that she was awake, knowing that he was likely to stop if he knew.

A seemingly infinite amount of time passed before his hand stopped, reaching down to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. “I know you’re awake,” he whispered into the silence, but it still shocked her into opening her eyes.

Sitting still against him, she grinned into his sleeve, “how?” She asked simply, wanting to know how he caught her out.

“As a monk, you learn the importance of breathing both for meditation in general life affairs. Your breathing changed marginally a while ago, you did well keeping it steady, but I could still tell.” When he met her eyes, there was a slight smile flickering inside his own, the curve of lips was almost affectionate.

“You can really tell that much from someone’s breathing?” She sat in amazement, once against humbled by his skills.

“Under specific circumstances, yes. But when it comes to you, everything is much easier.” The hand on her head was a comforting presence, his words draping over her gently, “for staying with me, for bringing the brighter parts of the world to me even though I am bound for hell, for showing my happiness. Thank you.”

I’ve decided MC and I would have a three-day outing from Azuchi castle. I’ve been busy, but I managed to slip in a break. My schedule will be even busier in the coming days and I don’t want her feeling lonely for too long. Though Hideyoshi lectured me about going out without guards I didn’t need them, I understand the risks, but I can handle anything and besides We were riding my black stallion and strolling through a wide path in a dense forest that’s often traveled. I didn’t tell her the location and listening to her sweet voice trying to guess possible places was endearing. “Are we going to Kyoto? This route looks familiar.” Her curious eyes wander the scenery and I couldn’t help but smile at the brightness her eyes held. “How insightful but no. You will see when we get there, it shouldn’t be-” I glared to my right, a thick bramble of bushes swished, and an arrow darted from it. I wrapped an arm around MC’s waist and jumped off my horse, the arrow went straight for my stallion’s head lodging itself in its brain, it stumbled and with a great thud fell to the ground. I continued to look where the arrow had come from, my hand resting at the hilt of my katana and positioned myself in front of MC protecting her, her gaze was at my stallion’s dead body. The arrow must’ve been coated in poison for it to kill it my horse that fast. The next town over isn’t too far from these woods we’ll have to trek there on foot for another horse but first… “You have admirable talent and skill to take down my horse with a single arrow. Come out before me.” The attacker didn’t speak a single word, they only gave myself the slightest window of reaction as he thrust himself at me with great speed. I drew my blade in front of my face, a deafening clash of metal resounded from the ferocity of their attack, it caught me off guard at first, but I stood my ground face-to-face with the attacker, only his dark brown eyes were visible in his lightweight, dark blue garments he adorned. A ninja. I had to push MC back to get her out of his sword’s reach, I heard an ‘oof’ escape her lips as she fell on the ground from my abrupt push. Our eyes met for a split second and was met with a surprise, her soft hues were painted with determination and she gave me a firm nod before moving further out of the way. How odd such a simple gesture invigorated me without realizing my grin grew wider.

 The attacker’s sword was a wakizashi, shorter than my katana which he used to his advantage of being nimble, but I easily overpowered him pushing him back. The attacker stood there, eyes narrowed not at me but past me and he gave a small nod. I furrowed my brow in realization. He’s not alone. On the other side of the road within the tree line I saw a similarly dressed ninja dart straight for MC. Moments felt like minutes my feet moved on their own accord. I just had to get to her. Protect her. No matter the cost. I ran as fast as I could towards her, but he was closer. In that moment my eyes meet hers, those beautiful eyes I come to love were in a wild panic peering into me, desperate and hopeful. She tried to get to her feet to run towards me, but the ninja gripped her shoulder forcing her back on the ground to her knees. I didn’t stop running, I gripped hard on my hilt, my teeth clenched hard and I focused on her attacker who had a dagger in his grip, He glared straight at me. His eyes had a malicious glint in it and I could tell he was smiling under his face garments. I ready my blade for the bastard’s head, I dove my foot into the ground right in front of MC and gave a powerful thrust forward aiming right for his forehead. I felt the familiar resistance of bone and flesh as my katana continued to drive into his head. I glared at him as he reaches his final moments of life, his face contorted into agonizing pain, and his eyes slowly becoming lifeless yet through it all he used the last of his strength to give a mocking smile. Trivial. Wasting your life in pursuit of hers, I will never allow harm to come to her. A promise he did not keep. I heard a painful gasp and labored breathing below me, unsheathing my katana from the ninja’s skull I realized all too soon why he died with a smile. Kneeling before the women I love her my brow furrowed deeply at her right shoulder its dying her kimono in bright red and the dagger jutted out loosely. In that moment I couldn’t pinpoint what I was feeling but I felt like a…failure, she believed in me and I let this happen to her. I push down the encroaching thoughts into the back of my mind. I steeled myself she is not permitted to die, and I will ensure that myself. I guided MC’s body to lay against me, her eyes were dull, and her face is pale. Frustration began to nag at my mood she was getting cold, tearing off a chunk of fabric from my haori I tied a bandage around her shoulder, it should stop the bleeding at least.