Revelry and Fealty
By Saltwater Romance
Chapter Six
"Just do it," I croaked out.
I've lived a good life, at least one I could be proud of. I worked hard and tried my best everyday of my life. I worked two jobs and put myself through school. I graduated from college with honors. I made great friends. I did right by my parents. I even volunteered every spare moment I had. And not to mention, I got to meet some of the most influential warlords of Japan. Though my life was short, I could die without any regrets.
I saw those golden eyes narrow, "What?"
"Do it," I sighed and fluttered my eyes closed in resignation, "Let's get this over with. We both know why you're here. Just… Just do it quickly. Don't let me suffer for too long."
"What are you talkin―!"
I heard a sharp gasp and then an indignant shout, "Di-did you think I was here to kill you?!"
"Don't shout in my ear," I complained as I opened one eye cautiously, "Are you saying you're not?"
"Of course not," he huffed as he not so gently placed a cool wet cloth on my forehead. Without my consent, a sigh of relief escaped from my mouth.
It felt heavenly.
"I told you that you were working yourself to the bone," he growled as he took another moistened cloth and dabbed the sweat off from my face, "I told you not to overdo it. I kept trying to warn you and kept trying to do the brunt of your assignments. But no! Miss Independent over here had to refuse my help. And look at where it got you! You're in here, sick as a dog. You silly silly girl!"
Now both my eyes were open.
I've never heard him sound so... Casual. Or so mothering? Is this the true Kokoro Yome?
"What?" he scowled as he replaced the cloth on my forehead with a newer and cooler one, "What's with that smirk?"
"Nothing," my smirk growing wider, "I didn't know you cared so much about little ole me."
"Of course I do," his scowl deepened.
"Oh?" my eyebrow arched, "Wasn't it just yesterday that you accused me of being a spy or traitor or something?"
"I wasn't accusing you; I was just saying the possibility hadn't been ruled out yet," he sighed in exasperation before looking abashed, "But after yesterday, I know the truth. Thank you for saving Lord Natsume's life once again. I realize now that you're not the enemy."
His cheeks pinkened in embarrassment as he continued, "I see how hard you've worked for Azuchi and its people. And… I apologize for doubting you."
I stared at him in wonderment, and then turned my gaze to the ceiling.
"Huh. It's not raining gumdrops."
That could only mean one of two things. One: an alien has abducted Kokoro and has taken control of his body. Or two: he wanted me to lower my guard around him as part of his master plan to annihilate me somehow.
His eyebrows creased at the bridge of his nose, "You keep saying that weird expression. What are gumdrops? What do you even mean?"
"Nothing," I tried to dismiss him with a wave, but I couldn't find the strength to lift up my arm. Ugh. I hated being sick.
Seeing the frown on my face, Kokoro gave my head a soothing pat. Why does that feel so good? He had fixed my sleeves and taken heavy objects from me, but I didn't realize until just now how gentle his hands could feel.
I looked up at him, expecting that familiar glower of censure. Instead, I saw a smile. The first smile he'd ever given me. It was so unexpected, my heart was filled with a warmth that I didn't realize that I had been craving.
"Don't be so stubborn. When you're sick, you need to rest until you're better."
My eyes narrowed, not used to his charm being used on me. Are his niceties a ploy of some kind?
"But―"
"No 'buts.' Be good to yourself and get some sleep. I'll be right here if you need me. Once you're rested, I'll bring you something to eat," he urged me gently as he tucked me securely into my sheets. I didn't have the heart to tell him I was burning up and was milliseconds from throwing the blankets onto the ground.
Ooooh. But then, he replaced the cloth on my forehead with one that was freshly dipped in the bucket that he had by my bedside.
Licking my lips, still suspicious of his motives, "You don't need to."
"Consider it my apology for doubting you," he coaxed, his liquid golden eyes pleading with mine, "You haven't seen much of town, right? When you're feeling better, I'll show you around. The fresh air will speed up your recovery. We'll have fun. I promise."
I didn't expect to hear that at all. His voice was so soft and melodic, not the lecturing drone that I'd come to abhor. His eyes. I've never seen his eyes look so sweet and beguiling. My cheeks pinkened as my heart raced. It had to be due to the fever. It had to be. It was because my mind was addled by illness that I saw Kokoro… As… As attractive?
"I'm… I'm going to hold you to that," it was hard to get those words out before sleep overcame me.
The last image I saw was of Kokoro smiling with his eyes dancing in kindness.
As tension left my body, I slept more peacefully than I had since arriving.
I took the winding path down to the castle gates. Today, Kokoro was going to show me around town, and while I was apprehensive, I was excited―as excited as a dog being told that it can finally go outside for a walk! Maybe it was because I had taken quite some time to recover and was at stuck in bed, but I don't think I remember seeing the sky so bright and clear! And the smell of grass so earthy and welcoming!
Yeah, I must be going crazy; I'm a pavement city type of girl. I despise sweating outside―though, I prepared for the heat by not wearing concealer because who wants to see streaks of it dripping down my face when I got hot? Not me. I still put on mascara though―I'm not an animal!
Oh! There he is.
He waved to me, and I hurried over.
"Have you been waiting long?" I asked as I approached him.
"Not at all. And wow! You look so much better today!" with a warm, bright smile, he gently patted my head. I guess that's a habit of his? As weird as it is, it wasn't totally unpleasant.
"Listen, if you see any place you'd like to stop, just let me know," Kokoro peered into my eyes, his smile never faltering, "I want to make up for the way I treated you. So, today's your day. All right?"
I stared into his eyes, hard. I tried to see if I could see some alien lifeform directing him and his actions because the man before me was all bright smiles and cheer. Not at all the Kokoro that I was used to.
"Um," I squinted my eyes at him; I guess an alien is better than an angry warlord bent on skewering me, "Sure. After you, I guess?"
"Great. Let's go."
Children played in the streets, vendors hawked their wares, neighbors talked and laughed. There was a myriad of smells too: fresh fruit, brined fish grilling on pine charcoal, floral perfumes, and aromatic incense.
"Town's pretty crowded today. Stay close, Sumire."
"I'll be right behind you," my eyes widened as I continued to take in the animated sights, "I missed all of this when I first arrived. But it's pretty lively here, isn't it?"
"Of course it is," Kokoro had that 'duh' tone before changing it to one of eagerness, "This is where Lord Natsume makes his home. Azuchi is one of the biggest cities in Japan right now. Our Lord has abolished taxes and dismantled guilds, allowing the free market to flourish. He removed the checkpoints restricting travel so merchants, goods, and customers now flow into Azuchi freely."
You know, we covered Natsume's revolutionary policies in class. But here, I can see the effects with my own eyes. My dormant scholastic knowledge lurched awake thanks to time travel. I muttered, "If I knew this was going to happen, I would've brought a textbook and a notepad with me, not a freaking micro mini skirt!"
"Mirco what?"
"Never mind."
Distracted, I'd let my guard down. I hoped Kokoro would let it pass, but I didn't need to worry because―
"Koko!"
"Huh?" Kokoro and I both turned around and found a young woman hurrying towards us. Make that lots of women.
"Oh, Kiyo?"
The women quickly formed an adoring circle around Kokoro, and I stepped back before I could be trampled as they stampeded over. I completely forgot! Kokoro had a whole fan club dedicated to him!
The women tittered as excited voices called out.
"There you are, Koko! Finally let you out of the castle, did they?"
"We were thinking we'd have to start protesting at the gate!"
A chorus of agreements echoed this woman's sentiment.
I saw him rub the back of neck sheepishly as he flashed them each a winning smile, "I guess I have been a little busy, haven't I? Did you get my letters?"
Grudgingly, I could kind of see the appeal now. The day I got sick? He came and cared for me all throughout the day as well as the following ones. If Yuu's smile was like ice cream on a hot day, then Kokoro's was like the sun coming out in the harsh winter. I guess if I was a normal woman in this time period and saw a nontroll-like caring warlord with a skyrocketing career, I suppose I would flirt with him too. But I'm not. And I've seen what lies underneath all that charm and guile; it's nothing to write home about.
"Koko, are you busy? If not, we can catch up over tea?"
My eyebrow rose.
I wonder if my escort would ditch me right about now. I glanced over at the woman and then quickly at my own kimono, feeling my cheeks pinkened. She was clearly dressed to seduce while I adorned the only kimono that I had; it was the same one that Yuu had given me so long ago.
"Why don't we make it tea for three, Koko?"
"I can't. Not today, at least."
"It's totally time for a tea break! Let's all go!"
The other women nodded enthusiastically as they began to usher him away.
What do they put in the tea here that has everyone so desperate to have some with him? Lesson 2: women in the Sengoku period are not as meek and reserved as history would have you believe! I took another step back before starting to turn around. I mean, I wasn't about to stand in the way of a warlord and his harem of women. I am anything but a cockblock.
"Ladies, really. I'd love to, but I've got other plans," his voice cut through the pleading of the feminine voices before he suddenly called out, "Sumire! Wait!"
Before I knew it, Kokoro had caught up to me and placed a firm hand on my shoulder, stopping my movement. He dragged me back to the horde, "Thanks for the offers, but I've got a prior engagement today."
"Hello there. I haven't seen you here before."
"Hi," my eyebrow arched as I felt their eyes appraising me, "I'm Sumire."
The women were friendly, if curious.
I turned and craned my neck to look up at man holding me captive, "Hey, Kokoro. Why don't we part here? I'll be fine while you catch up with your friends."
"That defeats the whole purpose of me bringing you here," his eyes were fierce as they bore down at me, "This is our time to spend together."
A smirk, "Color me shocked, Kokoro. Are you saying you invited me out on a―"
Interrupting, "I'm saying this is my chance to finally make things up to you."
Right. He wanted to apologize. Probably doesn't even know what a date is. I tried to ignore the funny feeling in my stomach as I shrugged off his hand, "You've brought me here and that's more than enough. I accept your apology, so go get tea with your friends."
Ignoring me, Kokoro offered his friends a warm smile, "Sorry everyone. Today is Sumire's day."
Am I now part of the harem and part of the rotation of his mistresses? Oh hell no. How do I unsubscribe to this?
He continued on, "She is a favorite of Lord Natsume's, and she'll be staying in Azuchi Castle. I hope you all can be friends."
"Ohhhh," suddenly all of the women started to slink away, "Well. You two have a lovely day! We'll just be getting back to our work and out of your way―"
Another women tittered as she retreated, "Yes, as we all know, Lord Natsume has no rivals."
Whoa, whoa, whoa! Just as quickly as they swarmed Kokoro, they fled just at the mention of Natsume's name! I wonder why. Is his name like fan club repellent? Weird. I quickly forgot my earlier irritation.
"I hope to see you around town, Sumire!"
"Koko's a great guy, Sumire! Don't let his little issues discourage you!"
They were all sunny smiles as they waved goodbye and a few were even winking at me? I rose my eyebrow. What issues? Because I already know plenty of them, but I wonder what they're referring to.
"I have issues?" Kokoro scratched his head.
"Apparently, you have more than the ones I already know about," I muttered.
"What?"
"Nothing," I shot him a saccharine smile.
"I really want to know what Sodoko meant. I'll have to ask her later," he gazed in the direction of the retreating women before shaking his head and turning to me, "Sorry to keep you waiting, Sumire. Do you want to see the market?"
"Why not?" I shrugged. If he wasn't going to chase after his harem, then I guess I wouldn't mind his company.
The open-air market was packed. Stalls and mats lined the street. They have so many things! No modern goods, but in their place was fresh food, artisan tools, and beautifully handcrafted accessories. Some of these things you couldn't easily find in the future. Oh. I spotted some fabric! A shimmering silk caught my eye.
"Let's stop there!" I pointed at the stall and was already halfway there in my excitement.
"A clothier? Oh, right. Didn't you say that you sew?"
I nodded, not wanting to expand any further.
The beauty of natural dyes and distinct weaves made me feel like I was at home again, perusing fabrics for my next garment as a class assignment. I remember that despite Hotaru's gruff, she always came without much resistance; she also felt the pull of a beautifully crafted textile! All of my fears and frustrations since arriving here dissipated as I touched each fabric on display… Then… Something caught my eye! I gasped as I saw the fabric that stood out from all the others. Flowers blended with the color to create a powerful nostalgic mood.
"Okay, wow! I have to know how they dyed that pattern!" I gripped the material, afraid that I was imagining it.
"Do you see one you want? I'll buy you as many as you like."
His voice snapped me out of my daze, "What? Oh. I'm not here to buy anything. I'm just looking."
Just feeling the soft material, the weight, and seeing the way the fabric catch the light, filled me with appreciative wonder. I could learn while I'm here, and if I ever make it back, I could use that knowledge to replicate this beautiful fabric! I quickly got the attention of the shop owner and indicated the piece with the particularly stunning pattern.
"This is really a work of art! I've never seen shibori like this before! Do you know how it's done?" I excitedly inquired.
"Oh. That's dyed using the tsujigahana technique."
Tsujigahana?! The original technique that was lost to time?! I can't believe I'm seeing it in person! I wish I had a notebook―and a camera!
But I didn't. So instead, I pressed him for details, committing each one to memory. Once all of my questions had been answered, I suddenly remembered that Kokoro had accompanied me here! Certain that I was boring him, I glanced over my shoulder. I was surprised to see that he was listening intently.
"I didn't realize there were so many variations in technique," he smiled at me once he caught my gaze.
I could stay and talk all day, but for Kokoro's sake, we should move on.
"Thank you so much! I'll stop by again," I promised the shop owner before turning sheepishly to Kokoro, "Sorry."
"Are you sure you're ready to go? You don't need to worry about me."
"And you don't need to worry about me either."
I guess my words came out snarkier than I meant because I saw a look of hurt flash in his eyes. I amended myself, "Besides, I've got so much to remember."
"Then let's come back here another time," he smiled at me, "I've learned a lot of things myself."
I beat out a horde of women vying for his attention? And I got plans for a second date? Looks like I'm on fire today!
Kokoro and I continued to browse the various shops that lined the market. I found beautifully ornamented combs, extravagant kimonos, jewelry, weaponry, anything (within reason) you could name! Anytime I showed even the slightest interested in something, he stopped and tried to purchase it for me.
"Something smells good. Is it that fruit stand up ahead?"
"I'm not sure. Let's go see."
Kokoro made a path for me through the thick crowd. He had been intentionally moving slow so as to not leave me behind. If I were honest with myself, I would be exhausted navigating a crowd this populated after being sick, but he's made it easy for me. I stole a glance up at his face just then, more interested in him and his sharp bone structure than any item here in the market.
"What is it?" he frowned, "Is there something on my face?"
"No," I shook my head before turning my gaze downward, "And nothing."
He does have a nice voice. It was deep and rumbly, but still sweet and soothing. And that crooked smile―
After a week of perma-frowny face, I'd begun to think he wasn't capable of any other expressions. Then it was like cold water splashing down my back as I remembered what Kitsuneme had said; you know, about how most women fall for Kokoro at first sight. I grimaced, realizing that I had almost become another statistic! Never! He held me at the point of a sword and has threatened to kill me multiple times!
Who are you Sumire? Because you're not usually a sucker for this! I eat most guys for breakfast and spit them out! It's unusual for me to fall for smarmy charm!
His golden eyes danced as he offered sweetly, "They're apricots, I think. Do you want one? Or maybe a dozen to take back with you?"
Maybe… Maybe… It was just charm. Just sincere charm.
"A dozen?!" I had to fight back a grin, "No, I was just curious. I didn't come out here to buy anything. I don't have any money, anyway."
"Don't you worry about that," he admonished me, "If you see anything you want, I'll buy it for you! That's what I'm here for."
"Thanks for the offer, but I have to decline."
If I wasn't going to let Natsume buy me anything that I could possibly want, I sure as hell wouldn't let Kokoro either! I cannot stress this enough: the moment a man gives you monetary help, it's game over. Maybe it'll be clear right away or maybe it'll take time in the future. But as soon as you accept it, they'll think they have the right to control you.
But… The way he goes about encouraging me to accept a gift reminds me of a boy going on a date for the first time; he jumps at the slightest opportunity to please me. If I say jump, he'll probably ask me how high. It was refreshing. I haven't had a man this eager to be with me and this attentive to my needs since I was thirteen and on my first date. My heart throbbed at that thought. But I had to remind myself that he was only this caring because he felt indebted to me.
After he's done his duty, he'll back to his usual threatening, cold self. I'm sure.
I started to move before Kokoro could offer to buy the road we were standing on; I'm sure he makes enough under Natsume that he could too.
"Would you like to stop and rest? There's tea house ahead."
"Tea? Yeah. That sounds good," I answered back distractedly.
His timing was impeccable as usual.
That was the one trait that I hated most, but it came in handy today.
I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that the the same man who was obsessively checking my every movement and threatening to kill me just a couple days ago was treating me like a delicate princess! Crazy. I was finding this side of him hard to getting used to.
Kokoro bade me to sit as he ordered tea and the house special, dumplings drizzled in syrup and toasted soy flour.
"Here's your order. Enjoy!"
"These are yours, Sumire. Eat as much as you like. I've heard the soy flour adds a nice flavor."
I thanked him for the meal―I figured him buying me a small meal was alright, especially since I helped to cook his most nights―and took a bite, "These are really good. Sweet, but mellow. I love that doughy texture."
"Right? I don't care for sweets myself, but I've always heard good things about this shop," his eyes sparkled as he took another bite of the dumpling.
"Hey. Hold still, just a moment."
"Why? What are you―"
Kokoro gently brushed my cheek with the pad of his fingertip. I shied away as he touched the corner of my mouth. He let his finger linger there as his golden eyes smoldered, and he chuckled huskily, "You had some flour on your cheek."
I felt the loss of the warmth from his finger as he gently chided, "If you eat too fast, it'll get everywhere!"
"Right. Yeah," I tried to fight back my cheeks from flushing and tried to sound just as cavalier, "Soy flour sure does get everywhere."
Man, am I glad that this alien had taken over Kokoro because with his appearance and the alien's manners, it was a welcomed change―not to mention a devastating combination! But it was hard to take in. I pinched my thigh; was I still in my futon and fever dreaming this whole day?!
"Something's bothering you, isn't it? You're acting kind of distant," he leaned closer and frowned.
"You really want to know?" I answered enigmatically.
He nodded sharply, "I want to get to know you better."
"Why?"
"Humor me," he shrugged and smiled broadly.
Eh. What's the harm?
"Well… It's you."
"What do you mean?" his frown deepened.
I shrugged and told him the truth, "Look, you've cut me with your sword without hesitation. You've made constant threats on my life. Everywhere I turned, there you were, and I was sure that you were going to cut me down. I'm honestly surprised I've stayed alive for this long. And now you're smiling at me, wiping my cheek, and offering to buy me gifts."
I leaned in closer with my eyebrow raised, "If you were me, wouldn't you be cautious too?"
"You could have been a danger to Lord Natsume. What was I supposed to do?"
My eyebrow stayed raised as I leaned back to cross my arms at my chest.
"But I have to say, it really wasn't easy."
"You mean all the headaches from frowning?" I scoffed.
"I mean you! I had to fight every instinct to keep myself distant from you," his eyes softened as he continued, "You went right to work and worked really hard for the castle. You were up, scrubbing the corridors before I even had the chance to have the morning meal, and you were still working even after the sun had set. It was hard to treat you as an enemy when all I wanted to do was give you a hand!
"There is no one more suited to be Azuchi Castle's chatelaine than you," he reached to hold my hand as the sincerity in his eyes pleaded with me to understand, "Every time I saw you wrestling with a vase bigger than you, I felt myself softening to you. You looked so determined and earnest… But I had to keep reminding myself that you were a potential enemy; I wouldn't be able to live with myself if anything happened to Lord Natsume because I let my guard down around a pretty little thing like yourself."
I swallowed hard before offering him a smile as casual as I could muster, "No wonder why everyone on the kitchen staff call you a heartbreaker!"
"What do you mean?"
"If you don't know, then you're not as clever as I thought."
"Uh huh," Kokoro then tightened his hold on my hand before continuing seriously, "Lord Natsume cares deeply for you. So, I'll see to it that you have everything you need from now on, and I'm going to keep watching out for you. But this time, so you don't work yourself sick again."
He stared earnestly into my eyes, "... I'm really sorry about the way I treated you."
I blinked in surprise, not expecting him to apologize so directly, "Um… It's okay. You did what you had to do."
Natsume's important to everyone, but especially to him it seems. And being a witness to two of his attempted assassinations, his life is definitely constantly in danger. So, I guess, if the roles were reversed, I would be the same.
"Can we start over?" he just looked so sincere, "I know I can't take back everything I said or did, but I would like to start over on a clean slate. Please."
Like he said, he couldn't go back in time and change things. There's nothing but the future to look to, so there was no point in bringing up the past. I shrugged, "I'm game."
His eyes glittered in appreciation, "My name is Kokoro Yome, a vassal in service to Lord Natsume. I welcome you to Azuchi Castle. Come to me for anything you need and just follow my lead; I won't let anything bad happen to you."
His hands were so warm as they continued to hold mine, "I'm Sumire Shouda, the new chatelaine of Azuchi Castle, and it's good to be working with you, Kokoro."
"Everyone in the castle is sort of like a family, so you can think of me as family too. So please, call me Koko," a devastating crooked grin.
I'd gotten this weird mothering vibe from him; all today, he was making way for me in the streets, offering to buy me things. Koko was acting like a big ole mother hen.
"Koko then," I tested out before saying, "You're not at all what I expected."
If we were to start off on a clean slate, then I had to forgive him for the past―or at least put those memories away. Despite being weary, I couldn't help but laugh; he was so different from the man I first met.
"I was wondering if I'd ever get to hear it," he breathed out as he finally released the hold on my hand. With his eyes shining, he leaned in closer to twirl a lock of my hair.
He was so close, I could feel his sweet breath fan across my face as I asked, "Hmm? Get to hear what?"
There was a fire burning deep in his gaze, and my heart leapt.
"Your laugh. You've got a really beautiful laugh."
I glanced over at Kokoro, and I swallowed hard.
If he kept looking at me like that―with his eyes the color of liquid gold and dancing with mirth―and if he kept crooning to me in that husky voice, he'll be my biggest heartbreak because I already knew… Once I let him in, he would ruin all other men for me. And I don't think my heart could take it.
Author's Note: I wanted to thank everyone who has reviewed so far, and I want to apologize for how long it has taken me to respond. The reviews were all anonymous, so I will write my responses down below:
Guest: Thank you for being my first reviewer and for your comment on Sumire! Actually, I don't want to go into too much detail in answering your questions, but I will say that I plan on making this into a series. So Hotaru will definitely be coming into the past, and in her story, more explanation will be revealed since she is the scientific one! And Natsume and Mikan will definitely get a story, but most likely later down the road. As for Yuu, he will also get a story as well (: I'm not too sure about the order just yet, but once I finish this story, Hotaru's will be next.
X0LXY & EtZxj: Thank you both.
Ai Sakura: Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm not going to lie, before I saw your review, I was actually contemplating on leaving this story unfinished. But you have inspired me to continue on! I'm glad to know that someone is enjoying it :) So know that I posted the last chapter because of your review and this chapter actually was written because of you (I had pre-wrote the first five chapters before I started uploading it to FFN)! In regards to Natsume, the way I see it is that he's really only intrigued by Sumire because subconsciously, he knows that she's different on some level (coming from the future) and that she saved his life. He doesn't like her like her, and I really loathe love triangles. So have no fear, even without meeting Mikan, he's still loyal to her :)