Revelry and Fealty
By Saltwater Romance
Chapter Eight
… And I just need to take a left at this corner.
I peered both ways before scurrying off to my destination. Even with this important last errand that I have to run, I couldn't help but take in a deep breath of the fresh air and look around my surroundings, appreciating this time period. City girl I am, but the air is so clean and the liveliness of the denizens was so amazing. Definitely different from my everyday before.
Here it is!
I arrived to the area of Azuchi where the vassals were quartered.
Clutching the package, I greeted the maids as they led me to his room.
"Koko, it's me."
I haven't seen him since he gave me the kimono.
"Welcome, Sumire," a deep voice boomed cheerfully, "Make yourself at home."
At whose home? Because you're not Koko. From the lordly way Kitsuneme spoke, I wondered who was the one confused about whose residence this was. Over Kitsuneme's tall shoulder, I saw Koko come forward with an exasperated sigh, "Kitsu, just because you treat this like your place, it doesn't mean that it is."
"Welcome, Sumire. Lord Kokoro and I are happy to see you," Yuu peeked out and waved at me.
"... I'm here too," Youichi peered out before grumbling, "Although, I'm not happy to see anyone."
"Wow. I had no idea you'd all be here," moving past Kitsuneme and stepping forward into the study, I looked around the room. Youichi and Yuu were seated opposite each other at Koko's desk, writing implements beside them. I placed the package into Koko's hands, and he beamed at me.
"Oh! My package. Thanks. Have a seat and catch your breath," Koko ushered me to an empty spot near the desk. Koko and Kitsuneme sat back down on either side of me. As they returned to work, I took the opportunity to get a better look around Koko's room. It's tidy, but the flowers and curios made it warm and inviting. He'd make a good decorator. There was a hanging in the alcove bearing the characters for altruism.
"Is my room that interesting?" Koko cleared his throat and looked at me, quizzically.
Shrugging, "Yeah. It's real homey. Is that why everyone gathers here?"
He shook his head with a soft smile, "No; this is just the only way I can make sure everyone's actually working. We're preparing for the war, so I need to keep an eye on them."
"Hey," breaking away from what he was doing, Youichi narrowed his eyes, "I'm not one of the sheep that you need to herd. I'm perfectly able to work efficiently alone."
"Yeah, but you need to work with Yuu."
Youichi sighed in disgust, "Don't remind me."
He says… As he continues to discuss numbers with Yuu, which I suddenly realized referred to troops. Wow. I've never been privy to a war strategy session—for obvious reasons. I leaned forward to listen; maybe I'll be able to glean some information that would benefit me.
Koko finally opened the bamboo container that I gave him and pulled out a large scroll, catching everyone's attention. Kitsuneme looked up with an arched eyebrow, "What do you have there?"
"It's a record of the Battle at Tedorigawa, the last time Lord Natsume fought with the Ando clan," Koko frowned as he quickly scanned over the parchment, "Tsubasa is dead, but the Ando still control Echigo. I thought Youichi and Yuu would find these records useful."
"I'm grateful, Lord Kokoro. I'll gladly take a look at them," Yuu reached over to take it from Koko.
"That's why I got them for you."
Yuu cleared space on the desk before carefully unwinding the scroll to the opening section and placing a pair of glasses on his nose. Then he began reading; his expression became robotic. He looked like an android in a sci-fi movie. A very pretty android. His eyes traced the scroll line by line like a scanner.
"Guess the discussion is over," Youichi rolled his emerald eyes and pushed away from the desk.
"Looks like it," Koko nodded in agreement before standing up, "Let me make some tea."
"The discussion is over?" I couldn't help but inquire, "I don't think I follow."
Is it because of my presence? Because they were working just fine a second ago. Maybe I should leave.
"You've never seen this have you? Try pulling on that little side lock of Yuu's. You know, the one that's always standing up," Kitsuneme laughed.
"Why would I do that?"
"I'll do it," Youichi interrupted without a further explanation, "It helps to let off some steam."
Umm… Okay then.
Youichi roughly grabbed Yuu's errant lock and yanked. Hard. So much so that Yuu leaned in the direction that Youichi tugged, but was otherwise unfazed. I left my eyebrow rise. Seriously? No reaction?
"Do you need me to demonstrate again? Because I will," without waiting for my answer, Youichi repeated his action before sighing in relief, "Man. That felt good."
"See, little lady? Once Yuu gets started, he might as well not be here," Kitsuneme shrugged.
"That's an impressive skill."
"I think so too. But the problem is he forgets to come up for air," Koko smiled, talking about Yuu like he would a family member. He whisked up tea for all of us, resignedly placing Yuu's cup off to the side.
"If you're serving tea, let me get out those snacks I made," Kitsuneme quipped, reaching for a package somewhere from behind him. Wait. Kitsuneme made snacks? He doesn't strike me as the type, but nonetheless, he set out an array of professional looking sweets on the clear desk space.
"Thanks again for always bringing some," Koko went to find some plates and silverware.
"Does your family run a confectionary?" I peered up to look at the man of many talents.
"Nah. That's just me. But they're as good as what you'll find in any shop, I guarantee it," a cocky grin on Kitsuneme's face.
I took the nearest item to me and took a bite. I closed my eyes. Mmmmm. Wow. They tasted as good as they looked. The sweet bun that I had melted into my mouth and made me crave another. I felt Kitsuneme scooch closer to me, and before I knew it, his arrogant smirk was right in my face as he purred, "I love the way you eat. Have another. I want to see that pretty smile of yours up close."
"..." I narrowed my eyes, "You want to see me eat? That's weird. Like really weird. And you're way too close."
Just then, Koko walked into the study with the proper utensils and plates, not surprised with what he saw, "Kitsu. Knock. It. Off."
"I don't see a good reason to," without breaking eye contact with me, Kitsuneme propped his head up with an elbow on the table.
"I do," I retorted, "You're in my personal space!"
"Sounds to me like a good way to gauge how personal I want to get with you in the future," he waggled his eyebrows up and down. It was an expression that made me undecided on whether I should laugh at his stupid expression or shove him away.
"As the other party in that hypothetical situation, I'll make my own decision on the matter," I started primly, already knowing that these words wouldn't have the desired effect. Kitsuneme was already coming in closer with another sweet bun, and I finished off my feelings with a threat, "And we all know what I do when Lords get too friendly."
Kitsuneme let a loud laugh, not even pausing to absorb my words, "Try this and then decide."
Well, I am a woman who could be swayed by food. Kitsuneme definitely knew an important truth: the way to the heart is through the stomach isn't just a saying for men; it also applies to women. I cannot begin to tell you how many dates I've went on just because I was waiting for my next paycheck and was promised food. But I can tell you with certainty that I never saw any of them again.
Debating on whether or not to bite off Kitsuneme's encroaching fingers, Koko appeared behind us, "Cut it out. I mean it."
"Surely, you do—ACK!" Kitsuneme grabbed his injured head as Koko dragged him away from me.
Well, at least I won't get in trouble if Kitsuneme lost two fingers today. Shrugging, I continued to eat in peace.
It seemed like Mother Koko wasn't done scolding Kitsuneme, "Kitsu, learn some manners! You weren't raised by a pack of wolves! Stop giving our honored guest that impression! And Sumire, if Kitsu gives you trouble again, you've got my permission to shove him—whether it's with people or in battle, he always acts before he thinks."
"I consider that a compliment."
Truly, Kitsuneme didn't look offended. His eyes were gleaming like a cat challenged to a game of keep away.
Chewing the sweet in my hand, I quipped solemnly, "I promise that I won't hold back either."
"You are just the most interesting lady I've ever met," if possible, Kitsuneme's eyes glittered even more, "Alright. You've won me over! Let's become friends the old-fashion way."
Won him over? What? Old-fashion way? Huh?
"Old-fashion way?" I couldn't help but ask.
"Yeah," his smile turned wolfish, "You know. With personal and intimate conversations. Being around each other. Close. Physically and communicatively speaking of course."
"Um," I swallowed the last of the bun in my hand before reaching to try something new, "I don't think so. That really doesn't interest me."
Sorry not sorry.
"Boundaries, Kitsu," Koko hissed, his eyes glittering from anger.
"Sumire will warm up to me, won't you, Sweetheart?"
I shrugged, "Sure. Just know that if you get too close, I have much more in my arsenal than just a slap to the hand."
"Sounds good."
Good boy. He's just like a too friendly humping dog, but good thing I have experience handling those animals. Kitsuneme's unshakeable smile was making me smile in spite of myself
"Kitsu, remember to be courteous," Koko continued to warn, "Sumire is Lord Natsume's favorite."
I was getting sick of hearing Koko describe me that way. It's my decision what "Sumire is."
"You know the changing fortunes of the time. You have to be ready to take the things you want," Kitsuneme once again did that dumb thing where he waggled his eyebrows at me. I rolled my eyes.
"No one is taking me," I spoke vehemently.
Youichi cleared his throat, the disgust on his face was clear as day, "Some of us are trying to drink tea in peace."
Koko frowned at the young man, "We could put this matter to rest if you'd back me up against Kitsu."
"... Swwy my mouf if swuddenwy fwul of hweet bunws," Youichi suddenly shoved a sweet bun into his mouth.
"Speaking of, Yuu hasn't touched the food I made. Or the tea."
"He's still lost in his scroll. Once he starts reading, he'll miss whole meals if you let him," Koko sighed as he placed a sweet bun in Yuu's hand, "Yuu, here. Eat this. Now chew. Great. Now wash it down."
Yuu carried it to his mouth like an automaton. He chewed. Then he swallowed, eyes still glued to his text. When Koko handed him the tea cup, Yuu, again, quaffed it without reaction. Koko looks like he's used to caring for Yuu.
"You think he'd eat anything we put in his hand?" Kitsuneme slowly smiled his Cheshire the Cat smile and rubbed his hands together.
"Making extra work for everyone, aren't you? Koko's your lord. You could spare him," Youichi reprimanded Yuu, though it went unnoticed.
"I don't mind," Koko smiled gently, "Yuu's going to achieve greatness someday. I'll be happy to have been there for him."
"That's really supportive of you."
"Don't misunderstand, little lady," Kitsuneme rolled his eyes, "Taking care of people is Koko's hobby."
"I have hobbies," Koko protested, "I just don't get to do them because all of you take up so much of my time."
"No. Kitsu's right," Youichi nodded, "You should return Yuu to the cabbage patch where you found him. Maybe he could serve as fertilizer for the next crop."
"He came from a temple, not a cabbage patch! You could be a little friendlier with him, Youichi," Koko admonished.
Despite all the barbs, I found myself giggling. It takes real friends to joke around like this. Who knew Natsume's warlords got along so well? I mean… With the obvious exception of Mochiage. He must still be away on his "perfectly harmless vacation." Koko had gently scolded Kitsu and Youichi—but he's shown real anger at Mochiage during the last council. Anger that Mochiage did nothing to discourage. There's something going on with those two. Mochiage's absence was conspicuous at this lighthearted gathering. I wondered about that while I quietly finished my tea.
"Thank you, this was fun. I should get back," I glanced around the desk in appreciation before pushing away from my seat.
"Are you going back to the castle? Let me walk with you," Koko also started to push away from his seat.
"I'm fine on my own. You don't need to walk me back."
"Let me at least walk you to the gate," Koko stood up and walked over towards me to give my head one of those gentle pats, "Remember? I said I'd protect you."
"Protect me from what?" I squinted at him.
We stared at each other, Koko clearly not about to back down.
Kitsuneme let out a long low suggestive whistle, " Wow, Koko. That whole big speech to me about manners and Natsume when you wanted her for yourself? Tsk. Tsk."
Youichi had a sour look on his face, "I'm a little disturbed by your taste, Koko."
"Kitsu, don't compare me to you. And Youichi, don't be rude," Koko retorted, "Besides. Sumire is like a sister to me."
Sister. Right. I rolled my eyes.
"Uh huh," Kitsuneme shrugged, "You can keep denying yourself. But you know you don't have any honorable intentions."
"What did you say?" Koko growled.
Weary of another battle, I sighed loudly, "Okay. I decided that you can walk me back. But don't blame me if you get tired from having to walk back and forth."
Rubbing his chin, Youichi quipped, "I suppose you two look like you could be family."
How? I stared at Koko and then at Youichi, eyebrow arching. In what world? We contrasted in every way physically. While I had fair skin, Koko's was darkened from training outside. While my curling hair was a deep shade of green and my eyes were a couple shades darker than Youichi's, Koko had stiff light brown hair that stuck up haphazardly and had eyes the color of liquid gold. Was Youichi blind? Because even a colorblind person could see how different we looked.
"If you stood about two feet away with one eye closed. And covered the other with your hand," Youichi said deadpanned. Oh. Did he say the earlier comment to be sarcastic? Because he had awful delivery, "On a more honest note, Sumire looks like she came from the same cabbage patch as Yuu… But Koko likes that type."
Then he smirked, and Kitsuneme gave him a high-five.
Koko shook his head in disgust, "C'mon Sumire. Let's leave these idiots."
"Wait!" Kitsuneme held out a hand, "Before you go… I heard from a little Mother Hen that our chatelaine can sew?"
"Is that getting around?" I looked up at Koko.
"I told everyone! I was impressed with your skill," he grinned at me.
"I'd like to ask you for some work myself. I've been thinking of getting a new haori."
My eyebrow quirked up, "I mean if you can handle keeping your hands to yourself, then sure. I'll be happy to help."
I had an urge to tell him about personal bubbles. But that's a whole can of worms that I'm sure they wouldn't understand.
"If… Everyone else is asking," Youichi's eyes darted around, "I might request something too."
"Cool. I'd love the practice," which is the truth. Being a chatelaine is easy work, but I miss the challenge of sewing! Especially by hand!
"Look at all the eager customers you've earned yourself," dazzling me with a bright smile that I never seen before, Koko preened as if he was proud to have helped me.
"Thanks."
"Just don't overwork yourself again," those golden orbs twinkled down at me.
"It's that attitude that keeps you surrounded with all those helpless saps, huh Koko?" Youichi rolled his eyes.
"Speaking of helpless… Yuu still hasn't said anything," Kitsuneme waved over at the bespectacled man. As soon as Yuu had finished "eating" and "drinking," he returned to his motionless reading. Yup. He's still at it. The three of us—Youichi excluded—laughed good naturedly at Yuu's quirky behavior.
"Sorry for his bad manners. Sumire I'll give him a stern talking to later," Koko promised.
"It's fine. Just let him know I said goodbye. Will you?"
I let Koko walk me most of the way home.
Life was pleasant for the next several days. Koko, as always, played a big part in that.
Hmm? It got awfully quiet. It can't even be 8 o'clock yet. I put down my sewing before I remembered. Which is bedtime for people in a pre-electric society. I'm used to working all night when inspired.
Koko wasn't kidding when he said he told everyone; sewing commissions were pouring in. He even introduced me to the castle seamstresses where I picked up supplies, "new" techniques, and several friends. Putting my sewing aside for the night, I decided to get some water before bed. But I was met with a most unusual surprise as soon as I opened my door.
"Sumire?" Natsume questioned slowly.
"Natsume? Why are you wearing your haori like a hood?"
"Why are you up at this hour?"
"Why are you up at this hour?" I crossed my arms across my chest with my eyebrow raised.
He smirked, "I insist. Ladies first."
"I was just getting something to drink. Care to answer my questions now?"
In the dark, Natsume's carelian red eyes took on a fierce glimmer. Ignoring my questions for the third time in a row, "What perfect timing for my lucky charm to appear. You will come with me."
Where are we going? What are we going to do? And what are you hiding from?
"Not until you tell me what this is about," I stood my ground, but those ambitious eyes had other ideas. Natsume caught my wrist with a smirk and dragged me behind him.
"Hey—" I tried to plant my feet into the ground, but it was futile; Natsume was just too strong.
"There no time discussion. Come."
He just hauled me away with so much ease.
