Malachi's POV

Mitsuhide had escaped from his cell within the dark dungeons. The whole castle had rallied together to search for him, leaving the inside deathly quiet. I had just found myself desperately wishing that he wouldn't get himself caught, while also wondering what he was thinking and why he would do this. While also acknowledging that it was such a silly question that no matter, I would receive no answer to.

But then, I heard a rattling at the window. But no matter how far out I threw my senses, I couldn't sense anyone close by. My senses told me that nobody was at the window, but my ears told me someone was. The window had opened from the outside, and moonlight spilled into the room. A figure taking form. And that's when I heard it.. "You're still awake, little one? It's not good to spend so much time in the dark, you know." "..Mitsuhide?"

It was him. He was actually standing before me. And somehow, he'd learned to evade my senses. I was relieved that he was here and found myself praying this wasn't a dream. But I also secretly hoped that this was a dream and I hadn't failed to sense him so near.. "You haven't fallen asleep and you aren't dreaming this. I'm real." Mitsuhide smiled. "..You're right. It really is you. Only you could do such a perfect job at unsettling me." I let out a small laugh.

The moonlight at his back kept me from seeing him clearly as he sat at the edge of my window. "..Come closer, so that I might see your face better." "Ha.. You should allow me to see you too, Mitsu." The moment I was close enough, Mitsuhide caught me in his arms and held me desperately tight. Almost like he was afraid he'd lose me if he let go.. His white hair was wet; his skin cold and clammy like he'd had to wash hastily; his arms had been bandaged down to his fingers. He had more wounds, not less. And he felt thinner than before.. Damn them, they starved him as well?!

I hugged him back, resting my hands gently on his back. Even though I wanted to hug him just as tightly as he held me. "Now this is a much warmer welcome than I expected. Have you missed me that much?" I could practically hear the smirk in his words, but I didn't allow it to get to me. "..I'll get to that in just a moment. We have more important things to discuss. Like your dumbass escaping from prison." "Information travels fast." "'Information?'.. Maybe you hadn't heard the loud ass alarm bells they had ringing for you, but I certainly did!" I had to stifle a laugh.

I wanted to banter with him like normal. I wanted to be able to smile at him like normal. I really wanted to but.. My stupid tears got in the way, like always. "You mustn't scrub them like that." Mitsuhide gently guided my hands away from my eyes, carrying my tears away with bandaged fingertips. God.. But he always made me cry so much. Yet he was always the one to wipe my tears away..

"Are you not going to call for help? I am a traitor and an escaped prisoner, you know." Mitsuhide asked, his tone teasing. "Yeah, and I happen to be trained in self-defense. But.. I know I have no need for it with you." I looked into his beautiful eyes. Those gorgeous pale golden eyes, lined with long silvery eyelashes.. "..I know what you're doing." I muttered, "There's some ideal you're fighting for. Something so important you'll pretend to be a villain to see it through." Mitsuhide didn't say anything, he only listened quietly.

"I don't know what it is.. But I believe in it, in you." I told him. Why was I telling him this? I have no idea.. "Goodness, it is almost admirable how simple a soul you are to say such silly things." Mitsuhide smiled. 'Ah, say what you like- you always do..' "Hm. Just know I'll always believe in you. Until I find out what this ideal of yours is. You don't need to tell me any time soon. I'm patient. But when that day comes.." I trailed off, trying to think of the proper words.

"..Share your burden with me. Stop carrying everything alone. I.. I love you, Mitsuhide, and I'm here for you." I wanted to avert my gaze, I didn't want him to see just how red my face was. But.. I didn't. Instead, I got to see just how deep his blush had become. "..Malachi." my name came from his lips on a whisper. I've made my request.. It's up to him now. I took a short breath and gave him as gentle a smile I could manage. All while gritting my teeth to avoid further tears.

Tears for my beloved who smiled with his busted lip. Who smiled despite the pain and horrid wounds he'd been forced to bear. And.. Who I loved, beyond reason necessary. "It's hard to imagine relying on someone who cries quite as much as you do. ..But I will think about it." I gazed at that strangely pleased expression, feeling as if this moment could stretch on infinitely.

Until the noise resumed in the castle walls. Shouting. Tromping feet. The guards had circled back around. ..He has to leave. "..This is for you, Malachi." What? Where did he.. Mitsuhide pulled out a long hair pin, neatly decorated with a pale blue bellflower. He carefully brushed open the five delicate petals before tucking it in my hair, successfully pulling my long dark bangs from covering half my face with bandaged hands. "..What is this about?"

Mitsuhide smiled solemnly at me, "A farewell gift. It suits you. Just like I imagined it would." I stared at the man in front of me, slightly taken aback. "You didn't come all this way, risking the dangers and your life, just to give this to me.. Did you?" Mitsuhide shook his head, "No, not at all. The gift is an afterthought. I'm here to tease you.. One last time."

His moon-limned shadow fell over me, but I was not consumed by darkness. I felt as if I was consumed by light. The light burst. Mitsuhide gently pressing his lips to mine. It was not the same as the chaste kiss we'd shared as a married couple. Lips pressed together tightly and deeply; parted as we opened our hearts. ..I never thought I'd open my heart up to a mortal like this but.. He sought me, and I responded.. Giving him all of me in that kiss, and feeling his desire in turn.

"Mitsuhide.." I muttered his name weakly as he pulled away from me. "Plead with me all you want; it will do no good. That is all I have for you this time." Mitsuhide smiled, a genuine and kind smile. One which I returned, "Fine.. But next time, I'll be sure to have something for you as well. I'm not one for giving gifts but.. Surely, you'd like an explanation as to why my blood wasn't crimson..?" I whispered, I knew that I had to tell him at some point.. When the time was right. And it wasn't now.. But soon. He smiled wordlessly and let me go. Everything I had wanted right now.. Left my grasp. He touched a gentle kiss to my head, as if saying goodbye.

"..Be good for me, my little one. As intriguing as your promise may be, this may well be the last time we see each other." "Mitsuhide!" It was the first time I'd shouted his name in such a panicked tone. It was the first time I had felt so scared to lose someone. I hadn't even reacted the same way when she left me.. But he left me too, with a smile before disappearing out the open window.

I looked for him in the darkness; I listened; I spread out my senses as far as I could. But I found nothing. He was already gone. Only the racing of my heartbeat and the bellflower in my hair told me that he was ever here. But I knew I had to be strong. He didn't say goodbye. Not yet, at least. 'You've got a lot more teasing to do, Mitsuhide, I know you do. That kiss wasn't the end. I refuse to let it be.' I made a vow to myself that night.

The next time I saw him, I would refuse to let him leave my grasp again. Not until he properly listens when I tell him that I love him. Not until I find out how he truly feels about me. I had to find out the truth behind his kindness, his teasing.. Why he'd been there for me all along, mocking me, teaching me, guiding me. ..Why he kissed me tonight. It was all right though.. Tonight, this is all right. Because I promised myself that I'd see him again.

But it hurt.. Never had such a sweet kiss turned so bittersweet. The sensation only lingered on. My heart aching more and more as it did. But it was enough to push me on. I had to find Mitsuhide, and I had to find out the truth.

No matter what it would cost me.