Mitsuhide's POV

"Tell me, before my offers stop being kind." I kept my fingers loosely at the border of Malachi's collar, and purposely lowered my voice. 'Please, I beg of you. Do what I say.' How could I have ever been so clumsy as to allow her to discover that meeting? All my preparations.. my protection..

If Malachi had discovered the betrayal on her own terms and chose to leave me, I would've been able to live with that. But that messenger saw what she looked like.. And he will most definitely stop at nothing in order to eliminate her. I gently brushed my fingertips over Malachi's soft skin. 'I don't wish to touch you in this false manner, for pleasure or for pain. But I was trained in these methods, grim as they are. And if they'll keep you safe, I will sink to them.'

Malachi reached up, and to my own surprise, it was not to push me away as I'd expected. Instead, she gently pressed her hand against my cheek. 'Malachi?' "Why do you look so miserable right now, Mitsuhide?" she asked. I had tried to school my expression, as it was one of my tools. And now, it was meant to be cold, impassive, threatening- 'When had I.. When did I lose control of myself?'

Malachi's hand seemed to pass right through me. She reached into my transparent shell and grasped my heart, giving it a form. To be in silence now was to risk losing her to death, or worse, much worse. Yet I had been rendered speechless. Malachi sighed and dropped her hand away, "You can let me go. I'll tell you everything, without intimidation or reward necessary." My eyes widened slightly, I hadn't expected immediate compliance from her. "Are you..sure?" Every single one of the negative emotions I'd teased out of her washed away like a wave. Yet, she remained. 'Why would you..do this? ..If only I knew what you were thinking..'

"What, you're not surprised, are you? I thought getting information was your specialty?" A light smile graced her features. "..Yes, it is." I carefully smoothed her collar back into place. Glancing into Malachi's eyes, I found myself unable to look away again. Determination was there, burning amidst the soft green of a forest. "Just understand that what I'm about to say is no lie. It's the full truth." "I've not seen you so yielding before. You always manage to surprise me." "..I'm actually a little pleased to hear that." "You take your pleasure in strange ways, little one." I didn't laugh, fully aware of how dry it would sound. And nothing she had said was strange or funny in any way.

Malachi seemed much more relaxed now. 'I thought I needed the role of your instructor to gain your trust and hold your attention.. But you would put your faith in me, even while you see me as the 'traitor to the Oda forces'? Me..? Just as I am..?' My hands twitched. I wanted to reach out and grab Malachi and hold her tight. And once I'd have her, I wished to never let her go. 'It seems- ..I am more taken by you than is sensible or safe.'

I'd been all too aware of my growing affection for her. But when had my love for her consume me? When had it taken all that I was and remade me anew? '..I love you, Malachi. Dearly..' And yet, I was in no place where I could openly say that or express it. Perhaps I would never be in that place. '..With these revelations in mind, I will need to rethink things, from the beginning.'

"Before you start, I will put on some tea." I smiled. "..Tea?" "I expect it will be a long night."

Malachi had finished her third cup of tea by the time her long story came to an end, yet she didn't seem happy about it. 'Hmm. I'd anticipated she was from some place unknown to me. But that place was the future..?' I frowned, "That would be unbelievable but for the fact that you have evidence in this..bag of yours." "You better believe me! I don't care for a second interrogation-" she trailed off and frowned, "Unless I'm gonna be forced to drink more tea, then fuck off."

"Fear not. I do not doubt what you've told me." 'It explains things that were otherwise inexplicable. Except for one thing..' "I've tested you, remember? While your answers were imaginative, such an elaborate tale seems beyond you." Malachi glared at me, "Okay wow, thanks. Fuck you, too. But.. No kidding." "My, I didn't think that would go unchallenged." I spoke, slightly surprised. Malachi let out another sigh, "Normally, it wouldn't. But I've also been chased and threatened and there's only so much one person can take before their bedtime. I'm honestly so tired that you could probably say anything to me and I wouldn't give a fuck." Malachi blinked. Once, then twice. Her lashes slower to rise as exhaustion took hold of her.

"Really? Where has your fighting spirit gone?" Malachi rolled her eyes at me, something she'd done often, "A kitsune stole it. Let me know if you see him." She managed a slight grin, one I was used to seeing. She was relaxed now. 'Yes, that is good.' Let sleep be the only antagonist she faces now. Allow me to craft this illusion for her, even if it was just that. An illusion. 'For accepting me as I am, Malachi, this 'kitsune' will give you a kitsune's promise.. Never again will I threaten you or allow you to come to harm. I will not control you or mold you. ..Nor will I tell you the reason why. I will keep that truth, and my feelings, a mystery until the end.'

'For that is the best way I know to love and protect you. To give you the happiness you deserve.' A yawn escaped Malachi's lips, indicating just how tired she was. I smiled, "You look as if you're going to pass out. Come here." I gave her no time to argue as I gently lowered down until she rested in my lap. "Um.. What is this..?" "You're liable to pass out on the floor in the time it would take me to make you a proper bed. So sleep." "Is this really.. The most natural arrangement?" "Perfectly natural." I lay my hand against her brow. Then, I gently ran my fingers through her hair until it fell smooth along her face.

'Though tonight's peace is but an illusion, it is a powerful one. I cannot remember the last time I spent such a peaceful night.' "We have exchanged vital secrets, you and I. As such, I will have to keep an even closer eye on you from now on." "..Why did I expect that'd be the case..?"

"In order to ensure you tell no one, you must remain in sight of me at all times. Do so, and I will see you return to your original time safe and unharmed." One lies to children to get them to sleep. Tonight, I told my beloved falsehoods to aid in her rest. With few threads of truth woven in. "I don't trust you..not anymore.." "You have no choice but to trust me, whatever you may think. There is no one else." Malachi let out an annoyed sound, but a small smile graced her lips, "..To think I'd be stuck with a tease like you." I smiled in return, "Yes, indeed."

'Whatever will put you at ease. I will lie and deceive to protect you. For that is my talent. My only talent. Let me use it for good this once, in the time we have remaining.'

"Mitsu..hide?" "Yes?" "As much as I hate tea.. Yours was okay.." "I'm honored by your appreciation." "..Ha.. For someone who can't taste shit.. You can make tea not taste like watery grass..." "Tea is a matter of skilled preparation. Know the steps and anyone can make it." "Sure isn't a skill Americans have.. And no need to be modest. Just take the damn compliment.." "I know."

Brewing 'tasty' tea was necessary for negotiations. But if it pleased Malachi, someone who claims to hate tea, then I consider the time well invested. "Enough talking now.." I told her. "B-But.." "Shh.. Pleasant dreams, Malachi." I brushed her eyes closed. Her soft lashes fluttered a bit beneath my hand, until they stayed in that peaceful state. ..If a thing could be called right or wrong, then we were most definitely wrong.

Malachi should not have opened her heart to me, one who threatens, harms, and betrays. I should not have sworn both my heart and all my love to one I knew I would not see anymore soon. Malachi herself said we could never be. But right and wrong are meaningless to me. Forgive me for my selfishness, Malachi..

..I ask that you allow me to keep loving you for the little time left we have together.