#whoooooop))

Nevertheless, you let yourself be dragged off to help solve problem after problem— slightly grumpy for not having the time to enjoy said vial caffeine substitute, and the opportunity to wake up slowly and enjoy the sight of the rising sun.

Hideyoshi was the first victim subjected to your grumpy edge, being the one to throw open your door moments after you called out to the other side. With an apologetic smile, he put you to work, thus starting your daily duties.

Thrusting a bag of coins in your hands with the instruction to buy more sugary candies— you smirked at him knowingly; he must have discovered the aftermaths of the nightly raid. "Sure," was all you said with a shrug and flick of the wrist. You were positive that this menial task and early morning wake up call was revenge for the nightly heists.

Bag of diabetes secured, you started taking a slow stroll back to the castle, only to be swept off your feet by hurricane Masamune. Ahh, your chaotic brother in arms, of course, you welcomed the bit of excitement after the boring market trip. And excitement he brought, as it wasn't long before the two of you raced through the plains engaged in some friendly competition. High stakes and high reward just the way you liked it.

With cocky smiles and beaming eyes, you looped back to the stables riding like the wind and securing your sweet, sweet victory. "Masa, my man, I believe we had a deal," came your ever-growing smirk and outreached hand.

"You drive a hard bargain kitten, but fair is fair," he grinned like a wildcat, pulling the imitation sour patch candies from his sleeve— although something in the way his blue eyes beamed gave him away. He let you win— and he knew that you knew, that he knew, although before you could challenge him and make yet, another friendly wager, the resident sunshine came skipping up the cobblestone path toward the stables.

"Ah, I've been looking for the two of you," he beamed in pure, unfiltered sunshine.

"What's up, sunshine," you chirped, throwing a handful of the sour candies in your mouth and pulling your face involuntarily at the taste. Masamune had done wonders perfecting the recipe, striking that perfect balance between sweetness and sourness with the perfect amount of tart kick.

This is how you now found yourself at the kitsune dubbed snakes home, finally able to enjoy your first warm beverage of the day. The banter and teasings were the same as always— flung into every direction, and floating like a cloud over the head of the innocent Mitsunari.

It wasn't before long that a summons had arrived, demanding the boys' attendance at the nightly war council— an invitation that naturally extended to you, albeit more of a command to attend than a suggestion.

You hung back as the other warlords entered the room before you. You felt a little disgruntled, not by the fact that your birthday had been forgotten but rather over the fact that you had not seen Nobunaga for three days now. Up before dawn and back well after dusk— long after your dreams had stolen you away for the night. With a sigh, you plaster a smile onto your lips and open the door to be greeted by the mighty cheers and happy birthday wishes.

And in the centre of the festivities, only one stood out to you; only one could draw in your gaze like a moth to a flame. "Fireball, come", his low voice rumbled with an easy smirk on his face as he stretched out his hand towards you.

He didn't even have to ask you twice as you crossed the room in an instant and deposited yourself straight into his lap. His arms closed around your waist, pulling you impossibly closer and touched his lips to your forehead. You let go of a contented hum finally in the arms of the man you loved the most.

"I missed you, fireball," he spoke, red-eyes gleaming with affection. His expression soft and loving as he leaned down to nuzzle his nose with yours.

"I missed you too," came your reply, followed by a playful nibble of the tip of his nose, causing a roar of laughter to erupt from his chest. The two of you were in a world of your own, utterly unbothered by the banquet happening around you.

"I have something for you, my little bee," he spoke up once more, lips forming a wide smirk.

"Oh?" your eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Close your eyes," he commanded, calloused hands coming up to cup your cheeks. His carmine eyes gazed into yours, waiting for eyes to flutter shut— instead you stared back at him challenging, before his impatience got the better of him, moving his hands over your eyes.

Once the flutter of your lashes was felt, marking the telltale signs of eyes being sealed shut, he reached behind him to retrieve the birthday parcel. Carefully examining your face to ensure the surprise would go unseen for a few moments more, he gently placed it down on your lap.

"Can I open now?" you asked with an impatient excitement.

"Yes, open," he wore a satisfied smirk, chin tilted in the air with confidence. You wasted no time as you quickly opened the parcel, and when you saw the contents inside your breath caught in your throat. You lifted the matching black kimono to spot the delicate detailing of tiny bees between the spider lilies. It was then that you noticed, he, too, was wearing a new Hoari, littered with matching bees. Your heart melted at the sight.

The silence from you made him fidget, head tilting to the side and smug smile faltering for a brief moment as he spoke with a tinge of uncertainty, "I trust this gift pleases you."

Despite the cold rumours surrounding the man, you knew better. You knew the real Nobunaga, the boyish and at times childishly silly man he was.

A bright and brilliant grin made its way to your face as you threw your arms around his neck in a crushing embrace— relief flooded his chest— nose nuzzling into the crux of his throat before scattering kisses and playful nibbles to his sensitive neck, jaw until finally lips. He flinched at the sensation, and your grin widened, knowing precisely what you had done.

"I see my fireball is as bold as ever to launch such a stealthy attack," his hands roving over the curves of your body to find the places you were most ticklish, to return the attack in kind. It wasn't long before a flurry of laughter erupted from you." Nobee-naga! Stop!" came the breathless laughs.

He ceased his attack and raised a brow at the new nickname given, "No-bee-na-ga", he repeated slowly.

"Yes, Nobeenaga!" you exclaimed once more, exuding confidence, "the cutest bee of all," you concluded, throwing your arms around him and lacing your hands behind his neck.

He smirked, a dusting of pink rising to his cheeks at the new nickname given. "You're the cutie," he repeated the endearment learned a few days prior. Before you could continue your playful banter, he caught your lips in a final kiss before standing up with you in his arms.