Crisp air swirled along the treetops, birds greeted the early morning rays, and a solitaire figure shuffled down the open hallway. Stifling a yawn, Mai glanced around her, hoping no one could see her. She had fallen asleep, again, while stargazing. This was becoming a horrible habit, and she feared that soon someone would catch on to her nightly ventures.
Worse, the woman feared that she was coming down with a cold. Her head was feeling fuzzy, and there was an ache in her limbs. Getting medicine in this era was going to prove a challenge as she couldn't just walk to the nearest drug store, and she doubted Ieyasu would give her some herbs without question.
"Perhaps I could convince one of the servants to bring me some medicine," she mused before shaking her head. "No, they'd become suspicious, and probably report it to Lord Nobunaga. And, then they would find out about me going out at night."
No, Mai was just going to have to suffer through it if she wanted to keep her secret. Sliding open her bedroom door, she plopped onto her futon with a groan. There was still an hour or so before anyone would need her, and her head was pounding. Closing her eyes, she let the sweet embrace of sleep take her.
"Mai?"
A concerned voice pulled at the heavy fog that lay about her. Eyes fluttering, Mai opened them briefly before closing them again against the harsh sunlight. Her body ached when moved, and she suddenly found herself shivering despite being cocooned in her mountain of covers.
"Mai."
The voice called again, and a cool hand was placed against her fevered brow. It felt nice, and she was sad when it left. Squinting open her eyes, she watched as Hideyoshi's worried face came into view.
"Hideyoshi," she murmured not having the strength to say more.
"I've sent for Ieyasu," he explains, placing a cool, wet cloth to your forehead. "You have apparently come down with a cold and fever. How? I don't know."
Mai caught the hint of rebuke in his voice, however, she was too tired to fight him. Opting, instead, to burrow further under her blankets, and ignore his words. She'd get a lecture later she was sure, however, right now, she just wanted to sleep.
Ieyasu soon arrived, and began to concoct a tea with herbs to help reduce the fever. She could hear the two warlords conversing with each other as he worked.
"What brought this on?"
"I don't know. I found her like this when she didn't come down for breakfast."
"I asked around, apparently, one of the servants saw her earlier this morning walking the hallways."
Her ears perked up at that statement. Great, she thought. Someone did see me. Now she was going to be in for the lecture of the century from Hideyoshi and quit possibly Ieyasu as well. This was not going to be her day. Pulling the covers snuggly around her, she tried to pretend to be asleep.
The action did not go unnoticed by the two men, turning they glanced at her. "Mai," Hideyoshi called. He voice said he knew she was awake, and that she wouldn't get away from his inquisition. 'Is what Lord Ieyasu said true? Where you out earlier this morning?"
Nutmeg eyes peaked above the blankets at the warlords, looking as innocent as could be. "Maybe," was the meek reply. Mai knew in the state she was in that arguing with the man would be pointless, yet she didn't want to outright admit her transgression.
Sighing, Hideyoshi glanced at Ieyasu. The other man quirked an annoyed eyebrow, then shoved a cup at Mai. "Here," he grunted, "drink this."
Sitting up with a groan, she accepted the drink. Her head was still pounding, and the aches had yet to subside. Glancing at the dark liquid, Mai sniffed at it curiously, finding that it had an earthly scent to it. Gingerly, she sipped at the tea, and can feel her face contort from the taste.
Ieyasu scoffed, "Were you expecting it to taste good?"
"No," came the curt reply. She glared at the blonde haired man while taking another sip of the medicine. Mai hated taking any sort of medicine even in the modern day, and this medieval concoction didn't taste any better. She finished off the tea without complaint, knowing that fighting would get her nowhere, and she really just wanted to go back to sleep. Sitting up was proving difficult, and soon she was slumped against the wall.
This did not go unnoticed by Hideyoshi's ever watchful eyes. Taking the empty cup from her hands, he helped ease Mai into a more comfortable position laying down. Brushing aside a stray lock of hair, he pressed his hand against her forehead. Mai thought it felt nice and cool, and her heart did a little flip when his thumb gently rubbed against her brow.
"The tea will help reduce the fever, and let you sleep," Ieyasu explained as he packed his things. Glancing at the Hideyoshi, he pointed to a pile of herbs, "Give her those when she wakes. I left enough for several cups. She should have a one every four hours, or until the fever breaks."
After Ieyasu left, Hideyoshi sat next to the sick women. She heard him sigh as his fingers gently ran through her hair. She couldn't explain why, but, she felt warm at his touch and it wasn't from her fever. His touch was soothing, and a large part of her did not want it to stop.
"You know that once you're feeling better you're going to tell me what you were doing out so early," he stated. There was no question in his tone, it was a command.
Mai nodded. She was too sleepy to argue, and his hand in her hair felt so good. Closing her eyes, she leaned into his touch, letting the little caresses loll her to sleep. She'd figure out how to get out of his scolding later. Right now - as sleep claimed her - she would enjoy his gentle touch.
This is an AU idea that I had with Mai getting sick, and having Hideyoshi care for her. Obviously, it happens at the beginning of their relationship. I hope you all enjoyed!