#kasugayama

Then she was suddenly goosed from behind, and a very brazen Sasuke was smirking at her. It wasn’t even anything she expected from Sasuke before the ninja leant forward to see if he could glance down her kimono. Mai surprised herself by slapping him away rather forcefully across the face.

“What are you ruining the fun for Mai?” It was no tone that the woman recognised off the usually monotone and stoic ninja, and the pout was just as mind-boggling. “We could go and get to know each other in private,” his eyebrows wiggled.

“No,” she firmly stated, wanting to escape at that moment in time already from the mock-Sasuke. She was pinching the inside of her wrist, this definitely wasn’t a dream as she glared at him. “And don’t make me throw you in the dungeons for trying again,” she was using a kitchen knife that had been grabbed off the side for added effect until she could edge her way back out into the corridor. She needed to find Kenshin.

Shingen was the next warlord she ran into. But it was nothing like what the princess was used to for certain.

He was blushing, and wouldn’t look at her.

“Oh, er, h-hi princess,” he stuttered, and Mai was already convinced he’d tried to pull his robes around tighter to cover every bit of skin. “I-is, there… something I can-” he started, and then just sprinted off down the corridor.

It stank of suspicion. To have Sasuke grope her, and Shingen flee? Where were Yukimura and Kenshin? What the hell was going on truly?

Then the strangest sight of all. Kenshin was walking down the corridor and no swords at his hips. It was blowing Mai’s mind, and her jaw slackened.

“Good morning Kenshin,” she greeted, bowing her head slightly.

“Oh, good morning Mai,” he stopped instantly in his tracks. “I hope you slept well, and that the staff haven’t been working you too hard. I always worry about you,” the concern was shocking, and nothing like what she had come to expect from the man. “I do wish you would take things easy,” he was practically pouting.

“I like being kept busy,” she laughed nervously, “It makes me feel useful-” Mai squealed as her hand was stretched out to the side, and Yukimura was kissing up her hand and arm. “Yuki?!” She squeaked, her whole body on edge as she was desperate to flee now. The vassal was usually standing and insulting her, she had every retort now prepared, but this was nothing like she could handle. “I have something to do!” She yelped, snatching her arm back and dashing away.

“Don’t run in the corridors!” Kenshin scolded as Mai tripped into her room, waiting to hit the floor.

She jumped up in her bed to the maids looking apologetic. “Sorry mi’lady,” the nearest one said, “You were yelling in your sleep.”

“It’s okay, just a dream,” she breathed, her hand resting on her chest. “Apologies for disturbing you all.”