Chapter 5

It had been a couple of weeks since Asuna's arrival. The winter weather was getting colder. The seamstresses and I were getting more orders in for haori's and cloaks, and other winter clothing items. We also sewed extra blankets. While we sold many items, we also gave many away to those in need of them.

I was sitting in our room sewing when Shingen came in from a meeting. He was carrying a tray with warm tea and soup on it. "Are you ready for a break my love?" He asked.

The armoa wafted to me. Before I could answer, my stomach let out a growl. I giggled and blushed. "I think that is a yes." I was then placing a loose stitch in the piece I was working on to save my place.

Shingen sat down beside me with the tray. We began to eat and drink the hot tea. It warmed me nicely, keeping away the chill of winter.

"You have been working very hard lately." He said.

"Lots of people need warm clothes for these cold nights." I replied.

Shingen smiled at me. "You care so much for others." He said. He was then wrapping an arm around me and pulling me close, kissing me gently on the lips.

I smiled up at him. "What was that for?"

"Because I love you and you were being impossibly cute." He answered. "What do you say we take a little trip tomorrow?" He asked.

"A trip?'

"Not a very far one." Shingen answered. "It would only be a few hours ride. Asuna said it should be no problem for you and the baby so long as you don't fall from the horse and I keep you warm."

"Where would we be going?" I asked.

"There's a village." Shingen began to explain. "It's...part of a neutral territory."

"What do you mean?" I asked, feeling suspicious.

"It is neither part of Kai nor is it Oda territory." Shingen explained. "It's not too far and the road there isn't a particularly dangerous one."

"Shingen...are you saying what I think you're saying?" I asked.

"I wrote to the Oda, asking them to meet with us there so you could see them and share our news in person." Shingen answered. "I know you miss them."

I felt tears welling up in my eyes. "Shingen..." I was then throwing my arms around him and hugging him. "I can't believe you did that for me."

Shingen wrapped his arms around me, his hands rubbing my back. "As I have already told you my love, I can deny you nothing."

"You're the best." I told him. "How did I ever get lucky enough to have as wonderful a husband as you?"

"I'm the lucky one to have you as my wife." Shingen replied, turning his head to gently kiss my neck.

I shivered slightly at the touch of his lips. I pulled back to look at him. There was a different hunger in his eyes as he looked at me, one I know was reflected in my own. We drew together in a kiss that quickly deepened. Shingen broke the kiss only to trail kisses along my jaw and to my ear, where his teeth nips at the sensitive shell.

"Shin...gen." I moaned.

"Ava..." He said my name as if it were a prayer.

Just as his hands were going to the obi around my waist there was a knock at the door and a vassal calling from the other side. "Pardon me Lord Shingen, but Lord Kan has arrived to meet with you."

"Have him wait in the audience chamber...I'll be there in a moment." Shingen called, holding back a sigh.

"Yes, my lord."

As the vassal left, Shingen and I both sighed. He rested is brow against mine. "It is good to know you feel as bereft as I do at being interrupted." He said, smiling at me.

I returned the smile. "I'm always disappointed when that happens." I agreed. "You'd think I'd be used to this happening at this point."

Shingen laughed. "How about we continue tonight? We shouldn't be interrupted then."

"I like the sound of that." I agreed.

We shared a kiss before parting. "I'll see you tonight, my angel."

The next morning...

After having spent our evening making love, I woke up early, wrapped in Shingen's embrace. As usual he was already awake and gazing at me lovingly. "Good morning, my angel." He greeted me, kissing my forehead.

I smiled. "Good morning, my love." I replied stretching to kiss his lips.

"Nothing compares to the site of waking up to your beautiful face every morning." He told me.

"I enjoy waking up to your handsome face as well." I replied.

We stayed in bed for a bit longer, talking, sharing good morning kisses before Shingen let out a sigh. "We have a busy day today, we should get up and start getting ready."

I had almost forgotten that we had our trip today. Shingen had written to the Oda forces to arrange a meeting in a neutral territory so I could see my friends. "I know this isn't easy for you." I told him. "And I really appreciate you arranging this for me."

"I would do anything to make you happy." Shingen replied, kissing my forehead. "Seeing your smile is thanks enough."

We were getting out of bed and getting dressed. Breakfast was brought in for us and then we were getting ready for our trip. We exited the palace where I was surprised to see Yukimura waiting for us with Sasuke and three horses.

"I didn't expect to see you, Sasuke." I greeted him. "I'm surprised Kenshin et you go."

"I was just finished up a scouting mission and decided to stop by for a visit." Sasuke answered. "And when I heard what was happening today, I decided to tag along. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all." Shingen and I both said.

"What, are you two starting to share a brain now?" Yukimura teased.

"There you are!"

We all turned just then to see Asuna coming out of the palace, carrying a small parcel with her. "I knew you would try to leave without me." She said.

"I didn't even know you were coming." I replied.

"Well, I am here to look out for your health my la...I mean Ava." She said, catching herself about to be formal once again. I think I had finally gotten through to her on that front.

"You said that a short ride would be fine." Shingen replied.

"Yes, but I also have to make sure you guys take enough breaks and that she eats the proper amount and eats the proper foods." Asuna replied. "I can't have you plying her with nothing but sweets. That's bad for her and the baby."

"We've already got enough people going on this trip." Yukimura said. "And besides there aren't anymore horses ready."

"She can always ride with you, Yuki." Shingen spoke up. "Besides, she's right. It's best if she comes for Ava."

Yukimura groaned. "Women are such a pain."

We were all soon mounting up. I sat side saddle in front of Shingen, his arms around me. Asuna sat behind Yukimura, almost reluctantly wrapping her arms around him to help hold on. "Really?" He asked her.

"What do you expect? I have to hold on to something. I don't like this either you know."

"Then why are you even coming?"

"I already told you, to look out for Ava's health." She replied.

I looked up at Shingen. "You're doing it again aren't you?" I whispered, a smile on my face.

"I don't know what you're talking about." He said with a smile.

We were all soon taking off, heading out of Kai and into the forest. We were an hour and a half outside of Kai when Asuna announced we needed to take a break. Though I hadn't been feeling it, the moment I was down from the horse, i could feel how much I actually needed to stretch my legs. It was also then that my stomach let out a growl.

"It is a good thing I came along and brought this." Asuna said, reaching into the saddle bags and pulling out the bundle she had packed. She was then handing me some snacks. "Here you go Ava."

"Thank you." I said, taking the snack and eating it. It was simple rice balls, but they were the best I had tasted in a long time. "Oh my...these are delicious."

"I'd say that it's safe to say you're over the sickness if those taste that good to you." Asuna said, smiling.

"Yeah, you've no idea how happy I am to be over that part." I agreed.

Shingen smiled as he looked at me. "Now that you're eating well again, perhaps it won't be much longer before we finally see a little bump starting." He was then patting my belly in a loving way.

I smiled at him, my cheeks turning red. "You really are looking forward to seeing me super pregnant, aren't you?" I teased.

"I just think you're going to be so adorable." He replied, leaning over and kissing my cheek. "Well, even more so than you already are, though that seems impossible." He then leaned down and kissed my belly. "You just don't cause your mother any problems and keep being good from now on, okay."

I heard myself squea once again at Shingen talking to our baby.

"What the hell kind of sound was that?" Yukimura asked, looking at Shingen and me with almost disgust, but still a happy smile on his face.

Instantly my cheeks reddened. Before I could speak, Shingen was speaking. "Only one of the most adorable sounds." He said, smiling at me.

"I believe that was a she thought you were being adorable sound, Lord Shingen." Sasuke spoke up.

There was some more chatting and teasing to go around before we were mounting back up and continuing our journey. We took just one more break before continuing to the village. We arrived at a cozy inn. I went with Shingen to our room to freshen up a bit.

The inn keeper informed us that my friends were waiting for me in a small dining area with a feast. "Go enjoy yourself. I'll be here when you get back." He said, smiling at me, though I could see the slightly pained look in his eyes.

I wrapped my arms around him and rested my head against his chest. I felt his arms encircle me. I looked up at him. "I love you and I really appreciate you doing this for me." I stretched up and he met me part way for the kiss.

We shared a few more kisses before finally pulling apart. I then headed for the dining area. I took a breath before sliding the door open and walking inside. I was surprised and yet happy to see all of them there.

"Hey guys!" I greeted them, smiling brightly.

"There's our lass!" Masamune greeted in reply.

"It's really good to see you, Ava." Mitsunari greeted me.

"Yeah, even if all of this was a pain." Ieyasu agreed.

"I'm just glad to see you look well." Hideyoshi greeted, walking over to me and pulling me into a hug.

I was surprised for a moment and then hugged him back. "Thanks Hideyoshi."

"You better not be keeping the lass to yourself." Masamune said, coming over to hug me from behind.

"Oh are we doing a group hug?" Mitsunari asked, getting up to join in as well.

"No." Ieyasu said in his usual prickly tone.

"Oh yes we are." Masamune said, reaching over and pulling Ieyasu into the hug.

"It looks like you've pulled everyone to you, Ava." Mitsuhide said, his tone teasing, as he sat beside Nobunaga who had yet to say anything.

"Not everyone." I replied.

"Enough of this." Nobunaga said. "Let her breath."

The guys were then backing off, Hideyoshi had an almost sheepish look on his face. I smiled at all of them. "It's nice to know I was missed." I said.

"Come on have a seat." Masamune said. "I've made all this food. We can't let it go to waste."

I looked at the delicious spread, my mouth watering in anticipation. "Yes, Masamune's cooking!" I exclaimed, before digging in.

"The two Mitsus take note, this is how you enjoy a proper meal." Masamune said, gesturing to me enthusiastically eating his food.

"It's delicious as always, Masamune." I complimented him. "Thank you...and thank you all for coming to see me."

"We were surprised to get a letter from the tiger requesting this meeting." Nobunaga said, eyeing me.

"We debated heavily for a while if it could be a trap." Mitsuhide added.

"Something seems different about you, Ava." Nobunaga said, looking at me.

"I agree." Mitsuhide said.

I was sitting between Nobunaga and Hideyoshi. Mitsuhide was across from me. I felt slight unease at having their gazes on me.

"She's still Ava." Hideyoshi said.

"Here, let me pour for you." Nobunaga said, holding up a bottle of sake and looking at me.

"While I would be honored, I have to say no thank you to the sake." I replied.

"You are turning down my offer?" Nobunaga said. "Very brave of you."

"Indeed." Mitsuhide replied. "Have you sworn off sake?"

"Only for a time." I answered.

The guys were all eyeing me suspiciously now. "The Tiger's letter said you had news you wanted to share with us." Nobunaga said. "Something he said he knew you would rather share in person instead of through your letters."

I nodded. "Yes, I have something very big and important."

"Please tell us it is that you're finally in your right mind and are leaving that playboy to come back home with us to Azuchi?" Hideyoshi asked, looking at me.

"I am in my right mind and have always been." I countered. "But no I am not leaving Shingen."

"Then what is the news?"

"Well, I know it might be something you guys aren't particularly thrilled about." I said. "Because it's good news not just for me but for Shingen...but I hope you can be happy because it's me."

"Out with it lass."

"Yes, don't keep us in suspense." Mitsuhide added.

"I'm...pregnant." I announced, smiling.

I heard jaws and chop sticks hitting the floor. Hideyoshi was next to me choking on his sake. The only ones who seemed un-phased were Nobunaga and Mitsuhide.

"That's wonderful news for you, Ava." Mitsunari was the first one to recover and was smiling angelically at me.

"Thank you, Mitsunari." I replied.

"No, it is not." Hideyoshi said. "That...that bastard."

I looked at him. "Hideyoshi?"

"First he takes you and now he impregnates you..."

"Hideyoshi, I can assure you I was a willing participant in the activities that led to this...very willing." I said. "And remember I did marry him, all my choice."

Hideyoshi sputtered for a moment and then sighed. "Well, you will be a good mother." He said, patting my head.

"Thank you."

"That explains why you were even more enthusiastic than normal about my food." Masamune said. "I hope he's feeding you well in Kai."

I laughed. "Of course, he is taking excellent care of me. Everyone is."

"I hope you have a good midwife." Ieyasu said.

"I do." I replied. I was then looking at Nobunaga and Mitsuhide. "You two seem like you're not surprised at all."

"You appear to have gained some weight." Mitsuhide said, his tone teasing. "It wasn't that hard to guess."

I glared at him. "You know, it's rude to comment on a woman's weight, right?"

"I figured it was only the next logical thing we would hear from you." Nobunaga said. "Besides, what else would make it dangerous to your health to travel far?"

"Is that what Shingen said in his letter?" I asked.

Nobunaga nodded and as he looked at me for a moment. "He did not tell you about writing to us?"

"He didn't tell me anything until last night." I answered. "He wanted to surprise me."

"I see." Nobunaga said.

There was something in his eyes as he looked at me. I couldn't quite tell what it was, but I also wasn't sure I wanted to know.

"Well, I think it's time we have a toast." Masamune said. "To Ava and congratulations, even if the baby is half Shingen, he's half you too. So we can celebrate that."

Everyone toasted and drank. The party continued on for a while. We all spent the time talking, laughing, joking, and catching up. It really warmed my heart to see them and made me happy that they could be happy for me despite me marrying their enemy.

Shingen...

Shortly after Ava left to see the Oda forces, Sasuke, Yukimura, and Asuna were joining him in the room. They had brought some food with them from a food stall in the village. "Here, I think given the circumstances you can have more than your allotment of sweets today." Yukimura said, setting a plate piled high with sweets in front of Shingen.

Shingen smiled at him. "Well, this is unexpected."

"I really don't get it." Asuna said, sitting down with her own tray. "You arranged for her to see the Oda forces? I mean I get that she's originally from there, being their princess and all, but..."

"She still cares for them." Shingen replied. "And I am the one who stole her away in the first place."

"I would have thought she knew that being with you would mean not seeing them again?" Asuna asked.

"You just don't understand Ava yet." Yukimura said. "I don't really either, but she doesn't see the world that way."

"It's true." Shingen replied. "She can't easily separate enemies and friends. She only sees everyone as people and cares openly for all of them." He was smiling as he spoke of his love. "One of the reasons I love her."

"It is because of where she and I are from." Sasuke said. "Our...hometown is different than here."

"Very different indeed." Shingen said, remembering his time in the modern world. "The Oda were the first ones to find Ava when she arrived here. They sheltered her and cared for her and she came to care for them in return. She can't just throw her feelings aside...nor can I deny her anything."

"You never worry that she's spying for them?" Asuna asked.

Yukimura laughed. "Ava...a spy? That's hilarious."

Shingen shook his head. "No. She is too pure for that. Too honest and open."

"She would make a terrible spy." Sasuke agreed.

"I have seen that." Asuna said, thinking of how open Ava had been with her whenever they talked. Her face gave everything away.

"She hopes for peace." Shingen said. "Something I fear we won't see in this time, but I can't help but to hope for it with her."

The group sat and chatted for a while longer, moving onto lighter subjects. Some of it was an effort on everyone's part to distract Shingen. They all knew that even though he had arranged this meeting for Ava, that he still didn't like it. Not just because it was the Oda, but because there was a part of him that didn't like how much these other men cared for Ava. Though Shingen could be a grown up about the situation, he still had the jealous feelings.

The others stayed quite a while, but left the room before Ava returned. "Trust me, none of want to be here when she gets back." Yukimura said.

"I can agree with that." Sasuke replied.

"I've seen the way they look at each other, I have to agree." Asuna added.

"One of these days you three will be in love with someone and you'll understand." Shingen replied, smiling teasingly at the three younger people.

"Have a good night." Asuna said before she left with Sasuke and Yukimura.

Ava...

After spending quite a while with my friends, I returned to the room in the inn Shingen and I were sharing for the evening. He was of course in the room waiting for me. He greeted me with a sexy smile. "There's my goddess."

I smiled as I walked over to him. "And I brought gifts." I said, holding up a tray of sweets I had taken from the feast Masamune had prepared.

Shingen smiled. "Those look delicious." He said.

I picked one up and offered it to him. "Then you should have one...they are really good."

Shingen opened his lips and allowed me to feed him. "That is quite delicious...however when I spoke earlier, I was referring to your lips." He said lifting his hand and hooking his fingers beneath my chin, tracing his thump over my lower lip.

"Oh?" I asked, giving him a coy smile. "Well, you're welcome to taste those as well."

Shingen took the invitation and drew my lips to his. He teased my lips open with his tongue before pushing past them and tangling his tongue with mine.

"Mnh..." I moaned into the kiss.

Shingen broke it. He then pulled me into his lap. I sat facing him, my legs wrapping around his waist. We were kissing again, our bodies pressing close. I wrapped my arms around him, feeling as though I couldn't get close enough.

Shingen pulled his lips from mine, only to trail kisses along my neck. "Shingen..." I gasped, as I felt him begin to suck and lick my neck.

"I know our deal was that I would mark you after...not during." He murmured into my neck."But..."

It was then I recalled the deal we had made when I returned home from my first visit with the Oda in Azuchi. "It's alright." I said, pulling back to look into his eyes. "Go ahead...mark me. I am yours."

"You're too good to me." Shingen said returning to my neck to leave his mark.

"Make as many as...you want." I said, enjoying the feel of his lips and tongue on me. "Wherever you...want."

Shingen pulled back to look at me. There was a heat in his gaze that sparked an answering fire in me. "What a troublesome princess I have...you keep saying things like that...and I won't be able to hold back my passion for you."

"Then...don't."

Shingen was capturing my lips in a passionate kiss. As we continued to kiss, he slid his hand up my thigh, his fingers going to caress where I was hottest for him. I pulled from the kiss, my back arching in pleasure as I cried out his name.

He kissed down my throat and over the exposed part of my chest. My kimono had become quite disheveled and was falling off of one shoulder. Shingen continued to kiss over my neck and my shoulder, as his fingers stimulated me.

I rode out the wave of ecstasy that washed over me, writhing in his arms and under his skillful touch. He withdrew his fingers from me only to finish disrobing me before lying me back on the futon. He was then kissing down my body, using his lips and tongue to bring me more heat.

He reached my thighs and ravished them in kisses before going back up to that most sensitive spot. I felt his tongue as he lapped at my inner most heat and hit all of those sensitive nerves. That was it, I was completely undone, lost in the pleasure my husband brought me. My hands reached down and tangled in his hair as I cried out his name again and again.

"Ah...Shin...gen!"

After sometime Shingen withdrew from me, looking at me, his own gaze as heated as mine. He was then kissing back up my body. "Ava...I love you." He whispered over my skin.

"I love...you...Shingen." I replied, breathlessly.

He was then slipping his hips between my legs. I lifted my own to meet him, wanting him in me as soon as possible. I met each of his thrusts with my own bucking hips. He held me close and I could hear every gasp and moan that came from him, his pleasure only adding to mine as it washed over me. We crashed over that final wave of ecstasy together before he fell in the futon beside me, gathering me up in his arms and holding me close.

We were both breathing heavy. I snuggled closer to him, breathing in his masculine scent. "How is it always so...amazing every time?" I asked.

I felt Shingen's chest rumble as he chuckled warmly. He then took my hand and brought it to his lips, placing a gentle kiss there. "Because I love you and I only want to please my beautiful angel." He answered.

I smiled up at him. "Well, you do an excellent job at it." I said. "And not just in bed either, but in our every day life together. You always do so much for me."

"Says the woman who has saved me and made every single one of my dreams come true." He replied. "I got so tangled up in you, I forgot to ask, how did they take the news?"

"What? You didn't hear their jaws dropping in here?" I teased.

"I thought I heard something, but I wasn't sure." Shingen replied.

"Most of them were shocked at first, but once they recovered they congratulated me. Told me they thought I would be a good mother." I replied.

"So they were happy for you then?"

"Well, Hideyoshi wasn't at least at first."

"Really?"

"He called you a bastard."

Shingen laughed. "Still bitter about me taking you in the first place, I see?"

"Something like that." I agreed. "Though I did assure him that I was very willing in conceiving this baby. I also reminded him that I married you and everything has been my choice."

"I would have liked to have seen the look on his face." Shingen said, his tone amused.

"I wish you could have been there." I said. "I know why you couldn't be, but I still wish it."

Shingen lifted a hand and stroked my hair. "I wish I could have been with you as well." He said. "I am glad you were able to have a good time, though."

"Not nearly as good a time as coming back to you is." I replied.

Shingen chuckled again. "You keep saying things like that and I'll have to do it all over again."

"You will get no protests from me." I replied, cheekily.

"Well, if that's the case." Shingen said, rolling us over so that he was once again over me.

I giggled as I looked up at him. Before I could say anything, his lips were on mine and we were melting together once more.

Later...

Ava had fallen asleep in Shingen's arms. Silver moonlight came in through the screen door, limning her sleeping face. He couldn't help but to think of how beautiful she looked. He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, careful not to wake her.

It was then that he noticed a shadow come over them. He looked up and saw a figure standing on the other side of the screen. The figure turned and sat down on the porch just outside of their room. Shingen had a feeling he knew who it was.

Shingen untangled himself from Ava, but made sure that the heavy futon cover was pulled over her to keep her warm. Shingen slipped on his robes and walked outside. He found Nobunaga sitting on the porch, looking up at the night sky.

"Were we a little too loud?" Shingen asked, unable to help himself from goading Nobunaga a bit.

"Be careful with your words. You're already on my bad side." Nobunaga replied.

"I am always careful with my words." Shingen replied. "You're the one who came to the room I am sharing with my wife."

"She was my chatelaine first." Nobunaga countered. "Until you stole her from me."

"I would apologize, but then I would be lying." Shingen replied. "What are you doing here? What is it you want Devil King?"

"Just to say you had better take care of her." Nobunaga replied.

Shingen lifted a brow at Nobunaga. "That was not what I expected."

"I was not finished." Nobunaga replied. "You had better take care of her. If you do not, I will have to steal her back...I'd even care for the child."

"Just as I thought." Shingen said. "A line to take my place if I ever slip up."

Nobunaga stood up. "That is all I came to say." He was then walking back to his room, which happened to be next door. When he reached the door, he turned to Shingen once again. "Also, I hope it's a girl."

Shingen smiled. "That is exactly what I am hoping for."

Nobunaga let out an unintelligible noise before opening the door and walking into his room. Shingen stood there for a moment, turning his gaze to the sky. He then turned and headed back in the room, slipping back under the heavy futon cover and pulling Ava into his arms.

"Shin...gen..." She muttered in her sleep, snuggling closer, almost nuzzling his chest.

Shingen smiled. "My sweet angel." He whispered. "Dreaming of me? If only I knew exactly what was happening in those dreams." He stroked her hair softly and kissed the top of her head. He snuggled her closer before joining her in the land of dreams.