Malachi's POV
"..This is what we're wearing on the trip?" I asked, slightly disgusted at the sight of the brightly colored clothing laid out before me. "Yes, that's right." The costumes were loud, flashy, and colorful. "..Is it truly a good idea to wear something this brightly colored? I already know nobody would notice me no matter what I wore. But you're a well-known warlord. Is something bright and flashy really a good idea?" "We attract attention to disguise ourselves." Still sounds strange to me.
"We will be infiltrating under the guise of traveling performers. Those in positions of high power see only what they expect. Play along, and they will not even notice us." Mitsuhide explained. I closed my eyes and sighed, figuring it be best to not argue. "..If you say so." "My, but it seems marriage has tamed you." Mitsuhide smiled. "Calm down there, Prince Charming. We are NOT married. I simply went along with your story for the others' sake. You couldn't tame me even if you tried." Mitsuhide truly knew how to infuriate me by easily turning every single conversation into an opportunity to tease me.
"You will be disguised as a dancer. Try it on." Mitsuhide prompted, handing the clothing to me. "Can't fucking dance but alright. Get out." "You don't need to ask me to leave on my account." Mitsuhide smirked. "I'm not. I'm telling you to get the fuck out for my own sake. GO!" Mitsuhide simply chuckled as I shoved him out of the room and into the hallway.
Sometimes I forget just how American I am until I try to wear traditional Japanese clothing. Because then I realize just how much I don't have a single clue on how to wear it. "What is taking you so long?" Mitsuhide spoke from the open doorway. I glared at him, ensuring my entire body was covered before turning to face him. "You know.. Most people ask before entering a room where someone is changing." "..May I come in?" "Too fuckin' late for that, Akechi!"
Mitsuhide smiled, "Yes. Since I'm already here, allow me to help." I glared at him, "I really want to decline.. But I have no fucking idea what I'm doing. Being American is a fucking nightmare when you're in Japan." "You've mentioned that before.. What is 'American?'" "Oh.. right. Um. It's a country that forms sometime in the future. Around the 1700s I believe?" "Ah."
Mitsuhide stripped me back down to the dressing robe and began to help me dress properly, explaining everything along the way. I couldn't help but be completely aware of his cold fingers traveling over my body as he did. Nothing weird about this, Malachi. He's just instructing you. He was your instructor. I repeated his tips and instructions in my heart so that the next time, I wouldn't need any assistance. "Now sit down and I'll do your hair." "There's literally no need-? My hair is probably shorter than yours." "Doesn't mean we can't make it look presentable."
Mitsuhide pushed up a polished mirror and with an annoyed sigh, I sat before it. He began to gently comb through my hair. Strangely, it felt.. No! Malachi, this is NOT anything weird! This is just like getting your hair done at a hairdresser. Nothing. Else. Except at the hairdresser, I didn't have to force myself to hold back any sort of noises whenever the comb would lightly kis- caress my neck. "How pleasant.." Mitsuhide suddenly spoke. "What?" "Combing your hair. Short as it may be, it feels wonderful." Oh thank goodness. I thought he was going to comment on my reactions for a second there.
But.. Is he actually talking about how nice it is to comb my hair? That.. That is strangely soft of him. I glanced at Mitsuhide's expression in the mirror and what I saw took me by surprise. It was a look of simple joy on his face. Speaking of soft.. I found myself quite enjoying the way his fingers combed through my hair. He was already poking me or something but.. It was a nice change.
Once he was done, he applied a small touch of rouge to the corners of my eyes and my lips. Mitsuhide smiled, clearly admiring his work, "Perfect. You look quite fetching." I felt myself blush and turn away, averting my gaze, "Do you..actually mean that?" "Yes. Even better than I imagined." In the mirror, I could see he was smiling. Suddenly, he lowered his head down and pressed his lips to my neck.
"I.. Wha.. HEY!" "With how much you enjoyed my combing your hair, I couldn't help but give you a little extra something." Mitsuhide smirked. Fuck- He noticed. Of course, he noticed! "Those weren't moans- I mean.. I was moaning because- ah.. Pain! You pulled!" "Be careful when withholding the truth." Mitsuhide leaned forward, gently slipping his arms around me as he held me from behind.
It troubled me how it seemed like I was meant to fit perfectly in his arms. It troubled me just how fast my heart was beating all because of him. I couldn't bear to look in the mirror for any longer. I knew damn well just how bright red my face must've been. But more than that.. I was worried about what smile I may see.
"Malachi." I felt myself arch up and gasp when Mitsuhide started to lightly decorate the line of my hair with a ring of soft kisses. It felt like swords lit aflame, hot and strangely, beautiful. "You.. You might think I.. I like this because.. mhmm.. I don't complain.. But I don't." I gasped out. But Mitsuhide simply smirked, "Don't lie. I know you like it when I tease you." My heart suddenly set ablaze again. I.. I can't handle this.
Mitsuhide had made up this 'marriage proposal' lie in order to keep me close under his watch. And he enjoyed teasing me just because I was amusing to him. And I put up with it all because.. because.. Because I genuinely liked being with him. Despite myself. And because it felt good on occasion. Nothing entirely wrong with that. But I can't let myself forget that this is fake to him- And I can't let myself forget the promises I've made..
Finally getting ahold of myself, I pushed him away. "Sorry. But no more games today." "Are you certain?" I narrowed my eyes at him and lowered my voice, "Let's not forget that you taught me how to knock a man out. Don't make me use that against you." "Oh? Do you think I don't know a counter?" Mitsuhide replied, easily matching my tone. With a little more force and a little more anger than I had expected, I grabbed Mitsuhide. Mitsuhide instantly deflected and caught my hands in his. "..I am sorry, Malachi.." He spoke, as if he really was sorry. So.. Now he apologizes? All while looking like that? The kiss he gently touched to my tightly held fist was as solemn and repentant as his pale golden eyes had been.
"You're unbelievable.." I muttered. Mitsuhide smiled, "Now that we've had our first fight, does our engagement feel more real to you?" I stared at Mitsuhide in surprise, "Why? Do you WANT it to feel real? Is there something you're not telling me, Mitsuhide?" No response came. "..Whatever. Go get changed into your own costume." "Very well."
I exited Mitsuhide's room and leaned against the wall, exasperated. I felt a hot ache building up inside. A warm sting had nestled its way into my heart. ..Whatever this is. Whatever it's changing into. It's not love. It can't be, and it never will be. I clenched my hands against my robes, feeling as if Mitsuhide's fingers lingered there like a phantom. I could no easier rid myself of his presence than I could slow my racing heart.
Third POV
While Malachi and Mitsuhide were preparing to depart Azuchi.. "Threat of rebellion?" Kenshin narrowed his eyes. "Yes, my lord. In small territories to the east and the north. And there may be more." The vassal calmly explained. Shingen's expression hardened, "We need solidarity for the fight against Nobunaga. We can't win if our allies are breaking apart like loose Earth." "I've been waiting for this battle. How dare they spoil my fun?" Kenshin pouted, his disappointment immeasurable.
Ignoring Kenshin's complaints, Shingen spoke- "What do you think, Kenshin? Do we call Yuki and Sasuke back?" "We won't need them. Besides, it was you who insisted on sending them west to find you-know-who first." Kenshin replied. Shingen suddenly smiled, "..Never thought I could come to you for calm advice, but you're right. Thanks. I hope they manage to find our favorite fop." "Hmph.."
