Malachi's POV

"..I've been hearing the talk about you two." Masamune spoke flatly. 'Are we moving onto pleasantries, then?' We'd just finished discussing work with Masamune. Malachi gave him a confused look, "We've got a talk?" Masamune smiled, "It's all over town. They say someone finally managed to hook Mitsuhide." I should not be surprised it reached Masamune's ears. Relationship-based rumors spread like wildfire. "..'Hooked?' Could you uh- be more specific?"

Masamune's grin widened, "'Mitsuhide Akechi's so hopelessly in love with Malachi, he can't bear to leave her side for a minute.' Got any comments?" My smile seemed to match his, "Do they really say that? I had no idea." At my show of mock-surprise, Malachi glared at me with a delightful frown. "Yes, I have a comment. EW. Mitsuhide, could you PLEASE correct him?" Then Malachi's voice quieted, "..Otherwise that crying girl at the tea house will probably never forgive me.."

"Malachi, you can't tell me you forgot that memorable night we spent together?" Malachi's green eyes widened and her mouth dropped agape. "..The highly memorable night where you kept me awake and I passed out due to exhaustion?" She grasped the edge of her glasses, pulling them slightly down as she spoke. "There's no need to flatter my abilities so." "FUCK- THAT MAKES IT SOUND WORSE." She pulled her glasses back up and leaned back, covering her face.

Though it is adorable how well she and I fall into these little word games. She makes them so much fun. Masamune's eyes widened, "Huh. So there's something to the rumor after all?" He caught sight of Malachi's flustered expression and whistled. "Didn't think Mitsuhide stood a shot with you, lass. Could be fun to challenge him for you though." "He doesn't. I'd rather die than let him put his dick in between my legs. And it's no contest because you'd both lose." Masamune, seemingly ignoring what she'd just said, reached to ruffle her hair. My reaction was..if not instinctual, then most definitely immediate. Before I knew it, I had Malachi in my arms, kept out of Masamune's reach. "I would ask you keep your hands off her. If only because I'd prefer not to face the One-Eyed Dragon in a swordfight." "Doesn't have to be swords. I'd be happy for any opportunity to go head to head with you."

What is most frightening about Masamune, is that he says those things, and he means them. Speaking of the truth.. The rumor of me being so hopelessly in love with Malachi was true. My words of admonishment to Masamune were also true. I was somewhat in a fortunate position of being a consummate liar and a traitor in Malachi's mind. This allows me to be completely open about my feelings for her without putting her in any risk. While at the same time, I do not have to suffer being eaten up inside by a secret love that has overpowered all my better judgment.

As my love for her grew with each passing day, I found it impossible to even imagine concealing my affection for her. "That said, lass-" Masamune began to laugh. "The way you had Mitsuhide panicking over you just then? You must be one hell of a catch!" "No! This is NOT happening!" Malachi spoke, her voice not hiding anything. "Yes, my feelings for her go beyond description." The words came spilling out, but neither they nor my smile was fake. After so long.. It felt so refreshing to be this honest.

"Why did you not only NOT correct Masamune, you also made everything sound so much worse?!" Malachi growled at me. "Do not be mad. Have some of these sweet dumplings." I pushed a stick of sweet dumplings toward my frowning beloved, who appeared ready to kill me. She was gritting her teeth as we left Masamune's manor, and the best cure for that was our favorite tea house.

"This rumor will be useful for us. Now, no one will suspect our unusual closeness has anything to do with any sort of foul play." Should now be the time I tell her I was the one who allowed it to spread? I had met with that messenger a few more times. His only word on Malachi being that I was to keep watching her closely. The quick propagation of the rumor was for his sake as well, as he too believed I faked my infatuation for her. Since then, I'd seen no suspicious attempts to get close to Malachi. To my own relief. I was happy as long as she remained safe. Even with her current mood.

"..I hate you. You know that?" "That is sad to hear. ..For I love you dearly." I rested upon the table so I could gaze at Malachi. Her beautiful eyes widened at me. "I thought I knew some assholes in my day. But you take the fucking cake." "And you are the cutest." Malachi pulled at the hair that covered a portion of her face in frustration, "Stop lyin- Never mind. That's like telling the goddamn sun to stop shining." Malachi turned away from me and propped her elbow on the table, effectively hiding her face from view. But I could tell she was still angry with me.

What would she say if I could convince her that everything I said right now was the truth? That, I don't think I could ever do. But for a mental exercise, it was incredibly entertaining. And strangely.. It warmed my heart. "The way you eat by filling your pouting cheeks with sweets is adorable as well. It makes me want to poke them." Malachi glared at me, "Aww. Don't poke the animal, it bites." she threatened with a fake smile. 'You threaten that as if it could dissuade me from loving you. I'm afraid.. nothing can do that.' I was indeed thankful for our fake relationship. As it allowed me to tell her that I love her as many times as I'd like.

I thought back to the night Malachi arrived in this time, and I realized.. That I had loved her from the moment I laid eyes on her. She was brave, full of life, good at heart. No matter what happened, she persevered. I wanted nothing more than to tease her, see and then embrace the spark that formed, then whisper softly to her and shower her with love and affection. Even though she might spurn my 'mock-affection,' that much I could not give up on.

"My lord! Here you are!" Kyubei spoke as he approached. He burst into the restaurant. The fact he'd been searching for me was evident based on his breathing. "What is it?" "You have an urgent summons from Lord Nobunaga and Lord Hideyoshi." "About?" "M-my lord.." Kyubei glanced at Malachi, his worry evident. I took one glance at Malachi and quickly saw that she wasn't paying much notice. "You may speak freely in her presence. Not that she's paying attention." "..It concerns the rumors of you and Lady Malachi. And one other matter, they said." Just as I had expected. I knew that Hideyoshi would call for me the second the rumor reached his ears. But what is this other matter? Work, perhaps?

"Thank you, Kyubei. Let us go, Malachi." "Eh? To your super private meeting or whatever?" I smiled at her, "It is about us, is it not? Besides, we must tell them the truth of our relationship." Malachi stared flatly at me as she stood, "The truth or The Truth?" "Are you nervous they won't bless our union? Fear not. I will explain everything to them." Once I have Lord Nobunaga's acknowledgement, our 'lie' will be complete. I winked at Malachi, though it earned me no smile in return.