Revelry and Fealty
By Saltwater Romance


Chapter Nine


"Hurry," his grip around my wrist tightened as he quickened his pace, "There's no time for discussion."

I had to bite my tongue from responding to him. Look, if he's looking for me to say 'Yes, my lord, have it your way!' he's going to have to wait an eternity because I don't work at or plan to work at Burger King. So suck it.

So instead of saying what I really wanted, I just let myself get dragged off to God knows where…

And when we arrived…

I blinked. And stared.

The kitchen?

You mean to tell me that you dragged me all the way to the place that I was going to go regardless of being dragged around like a ragdoll?

I guess.

He rubbed his hands together sinisterly.

You're going to conduct your evil misdeeds in the most mundane of places? The kitchen?

I guess.

Without electricity or refrigerators, the kitchen would be the worst place to hide a body. Especially in Natsume's estate—hundreds of people come trampling in once a day. No really. I've counted. And so I can guarantee that there is absolutely no way Natsume can stash a body in here without someone stumbling upon it.

Without me asking, he spoke up off-handedly, "We are stealing something of great value."

So you're telling me that the Lord of this castle is burglaring it? Isn't that… Stupid? Wouldn't it just be you taking something that you already own? Blinking, I can already tell you that I'm 100 percent sure that I can drop dead in this very spot, having seen l-i-t-e-r-a-l-l-y everything.

"Um. What?"

Ignoring me, Natsume searched in the shelves relentlessly, stopping only when he came across a tiny little jar hidden in the very back of the top shelf in the furthest corner of the room. Wearing a grin that I've never seen before, he triumphantly raised the jar in the air, "I found it!"

"…"

"I'll split it with you. You should be honored."

Natsume showed me his treasure—it was candy. The kind you could find at any neighborhood corner store. He counted the colorful sugar in his hand, gave me two, and threw the rest in his mouth with a huge crunch. I can't believe Natsume came here to sneak sweets.

Oh, geez. And look at him too! This is the first time I've seen him happy—and he's not even smiling!

He's bossy, but I guess I can't hate a fellow lover of sweets.

"Why were you hiding though? Come to think of it, why was the candy hidden all the way back there anyway?" my eyebrow quirked, "You're Natsume, the literal owner of the castle. Wouldn't they just give you the candy if you just asked?"

Like a normal person? But I left that part unsaid.

"I've tried, but I only get lectured on my health and other boring things. Stealing allows me to avoid that trouble."

Huh. I wonder who had the stones to lecture Natsume Hyuuga; I mean everyone in the kitchen are members of his fan club—he can do no wrong. So… Huh.

"You haven't eaten yours. Don't you want them?"

"I know that look, and you're not getting any of mine! I earned this fair and square!" I moved my body so that I could guard my candy pieces better just as a bright light illuminated the room from the doorway.

"Who's in there?!" that familiar deep voice bellowed.

Ugh. Now I know who had the stones. But it did come as a surprise for me.

Natsume silently pressed himself against the wall, seeking to hide in the shadows.

"Lord Natsume is that you—" then those golden eyes narrowed as his frown deepened, "And… Sumire?!"

Koko lowered his candlestick, giving me a good view of his shocked expression, "… And what are you two doing in here?"

Holding up both of my hands in front of me, "This wasn't my idea."

Natsume's lips formed a slow smirk as his eyes glittered at me, "It seems our daring scheme ends here, Sumire."

He swiped one last handful of candies and spun, his swirling haori making him look a little like the Phantom of the Opera.

"You're not going anywhere, Lord Natsume!" Koko scolded, "I've warned you countless times about stealing food!"

Countless times?

"Sumire, it is time we made our escape. Koko, I'll hear your complaints in the morning," with a cold smile, Natsume strode out of the room.

"I'm glad I made one last sweep of the place after work," Koko's eyes remained narrowed, "Stealing food is bad enough, but eating at night? That's just awful for your digestion!"

The first thing that popped into my mind was, "I didn't think it was possible for you to get upset with him."

"Upset? That's unthinkable! I'm merely expressing a concerned opinion," Koko huffed, "That's my duty as a vassal. As is doing anything he commands, up to—and including—taking my own life."

Well, that took a sudden turn!

I rubbed my eyes blearily. I was not equipped for this abrupt and intense conversation. All I wanted was a glass of water and to shut my eyes. Walking over to retrieve a cup, "You're loyal. But it runs deeper than that—you really really care for him."

"He means everything to me," Koko's eyes lit up and I saw the fire that burned so deeply for Natsume, "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him. I'd gladly die to see his vision come true.

You'd… Gladly die? Huh.

That was some fatalistic thinking delivered with the utmost calm.

Huh.

I blinked up at him.

He meant it. He meant every word.

Huh.

Feeling an oncoming headache, I could tell that it was past my bedtime. I should not be dealing with this.

Cutting into my open gawking, Koko scowled, "But what were you thinking, Sumire, stealing food!"

"I wasn't," I gritted my teeth, glaring at him, "I got up to get a drink of water. Natsume dragged me here—"

"Then what's that in your hand?"

Natsume, you trickster! You used me as a decoy?!

I stared at him like a deer caught in headlights.

He rolled his eyes, "But you had no problem keeping your 'fair share,' huh?"

I blinked, "Oh. So you were eavesdropping?"

He grinned shamelessly and teased, "I'll let you keep one; don't forget to brush your teeth though."

He grabbed both of the candies from my hand and held it high over my head.

Really?

First of all, brush my teeth? What? Am I five years old, running away from bath time all of a sudden?

And secondly, those were mine! I earned them!

I opened my mouth to tell him off, but before I could, he slipped one into my mouth. As I crunched down on it, the sweetness coating my tongue, I remembered the conversation we had over tea—


Kitsuneme let a loud laugh, not even pausing to absorb my words, "Try this and then decide."

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."

"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."

"Kitsu, remember to be courteous," Koko continued to warn, "Sumire is Lord Natsume's favorite."


"I can't believe you did that!" I cried out after I swallowed the last of the candy, "Didn't you just tell Kitsuneme to not invade my space and respect me?!"

Shrugging, he grinned boyishly, "I think it's fine to feed someone as long as you don't have impure thoughts about it."

That smile made him look so youthful and mischievous.

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

I could feel my heart racing.

This was too much stimulation for this time of night…

I think to myself at 9 at night… Knowing full well that when I partied, I partied until 7 in the morning. My personal MO: study hard, work harder, party hardest.

"Soo, if that's how you're thinking…" I arched an eyebrow and smirked. I quickly snatched the last piece out of Koko's hand and ran it softly against his lips.

I watched as his eyes widened and as he began to open his mouth…

I plopped it into my own with a very satisfying crunch, "Sorry. I earned both of them. But maybe next time I'll feed you as a repayment."

I patted his cheek in consolation, both of them flushing.

He cleared his throat as he accused me without much heat, "You're sneaky."

Then he ruffled my hair like I was his troublesome little sister.

I tried not to grimace from his lukewarm display of affection. For the last time, I am not your sister, and we look nothing alike!

"I'll walk you back to your room. Try not to stay up too late."

I don't think that's possible; this time period has turned me into a granny who'd rather be asleep before the sunset, "Yeah."

I walked alongside him through the dark hallway. In this starless evening, Koko's candle provided the only light. He broke the silence, "I don't like people going out at night because it's easy to trip. If you feel nervous, you can hold my hand."

"I'm fine. Really."

My eyes flickered down to Koko's offered hand. I let it be; I'm not going to let him continue to work under the impression that I'm his baby sister.


The next morning, I hit the market early to talk to Kazutaka, the knowledgeable clothier from before.

"Thanks for getting this in! This was exactly what I wanted!"

"Thank you for always being my best customer, Sumire!"

Kazutaka and I said our goodbyes as I left with my latest purchase.

Fabric, thread, that new pair of scissors that I'd been admiring—I'm all set! And I'm going to be SO busy this week.

I clutched the rolls of fabric under my arm while tucking my smaller purchases in my kimono. Coming to the market always reminded me of Koko. I'd run into him this morning on my way out of the castle. He offered to come shopping with me, and I'd turned him down. I don't have a need for some protective older brother. He could accompany me as a friend or something more, but I knew that glint in his eyes and had to turn him down.

Shaking my head to clear my mind of Koko, a vendor caught my eye. Displayed on a blanket were the most beautiful trinkets and combs—all items that women would die for. I fingered the perfect one for Hotaru—that is, if I ever saw her again. My stomach churned, but I tried not to think of my dearest friend. I hope she's okay.

The comb was a pale shade of wisteria with intricate floral designs that would highlight her eyes magnificently.

"Do you see something that you like?" a rumbling voice called to me.

I turned to the direction of the voice and came face to face with the most heartbreakingly beautiful man I've ever seen. His features were so delicate; it was like an angel created him from a dream. He had the clearest blue eyes and the silkiest blonde hair. Despite his porcelain doll appearance, he was wholly and undoubtedly a man with sinewy muscles.

But… He was no Koko.

Ugh.

I could just picture those golden eyes in my mind.

Get out of my head, you freak that thinks of me as only a sister!

Trying to dispel my thoughts of Natsume's right-hand man, I smiled at the vendor, "Yes, actually. I really like this comb."

I gestured to the one that I wanted to get just in case I ever see Hotaru again.

He frowned, "Is it for you? Because it wouldn't compliment you at all."

Um. What?

"Excuse me?" I spat out, temper already flaring, "Aren't you a merchant? Shouldn't you be a better salesman?"

"Look, I'm just calling it how I see it," he shrugged, "And with your complexion, it would be a terrible choice for you."

"Rude. You are so rude."

"There might be better options for you elsewhere. I don't think I have anything for you today."

"Wait," I hissed, "Are you really kicking me out from even looking at the items you have?"

"I don't want you to waste your time."

With that, I stomped away because who needs verbal abuse like that?!

But as I was walking away, I didn't notice a man with long flowing hair approach the blonde. He was towering and had brutally sensuous eyes. He tutted at the man hovering over the wares, "That is no way to talk to a lady, Ruka."

The blonde huffed, "That's your fault, Tono. I'm supposed to be disguised as a merchant, and the only wares you could get me are women's products? You are kidding me?"

Tono shrugged with an easygoing smile, "If you sold all of this off, I could perhaps find you items that you'd find more suitable."

"If it was that easy, then why did you stick me with this stuff in the first place?!" Ruka exclaimed, furious.

Tono's eyes hardened, "None of the people who could potentially recognize you would ever set foot to look at your women's items. That's why. We're here for reconnaissance. Not to be exposed, Ruka."

Abashed, "I apologize."

Not one to stay mad for long, Akira Tonouchi changed the subject, "Who was that lovely woman that you angered, Ruka?"

"Hell if I know," a shrug.

"She looked familiar," the dark haired one frowned, "Wait… Did she have curly green hair and deep viridian eyes?"

Ruka rolled his eyes in disgust, "Do you really have to make it a point to know every single woman you see? But yes, yes she did."

Without warning, Tono smacked the pretty blonde man, "You imbecile! That was the Chatelaine of Azuchi Castle! It's said that she has the ear of Natsume! That she sits in war council gatherings! AND YOU ALIENATED HER INSTEAD OF USING HER TO GET INFORMATION?!"

"OW!"

Tono growled, "The next time you see her, I don't care what you have to do. You befriend her, Ruka. You gain her trust if it's the last thing you do. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, my liege."


All men were the same! Arrogant! Rude! Stupid! Pigs!

I huffed as I stormed away from that irritating merchant.

He was like a Natsume 2.0, except ruder! If that was possible!

Taking a calming deep breath, I looked at a sky with no planes, no skyscrapers, and no cell phone towers, and wondered idly if I would miss it. I felt a little nostalgic here and there, but I've been kept so busy that I didn't have much time to think back on my old life. Then I turned my attention to the street. A crowd was gathering; something was going on.

A tight group of several dozen men dressed in light armor were marching this way.

"You'd best move because they're not going to move for you."

"Thanks."

A woman tugged me to the side of the road. The men paraded past, their heavy footsteps stirring up dust in their wake. Those are our troops. The castle's, I mean. Not mine.

"They're training foot soldiers. Looks like that rumor about the war was true."

I recognized this woman who helped me. She was one of Koko's friends.

"They really take them right through town?" I questioned her before offering my gratitude, "By the way, thanks. We met before, right? I didn't catch your name—"

"I'm Sodoko, and it's no problem! Koko said you might need a little help settling in," she gave me a big, friendly smile, "Sumire, right? So, how are thing's going with him?"

"We're not seeing each other, if that's what you mean," my eyes narrowed, hoping not to get into a scuffle over Koko with this woman because of some stupid misinterpretations.

"Oh that's right. He told us you were like a little sister to him! Well, you might be better off that way."

My eyebrow rose. C-a-t-t-y.

"He's a good guy, but as I told you, he does have his issues."

"How many does he have?" I wondered out loud because I could list a few myself.

"Don't get me wrong; you'll never find a sweeter, more caring man. And you'll be left saying the same thing about him—" Sodoko sighed, "I like him, but I can't be with him."

"Sodoko, what exactly are his issues?" I interrupted her praises, interested in only protecting myself from some unknown threat.

"Has he told you about how he'll gladly give up his life in battle yet?" I nodded and she continued, "Most guys will tell you they'll come back alive for you, even if they're lying. But not Koko."

Her lonesome smile said everything. Then she laughed and patted me on the shoulder, "Stay his sister if you can. So he doesn't break your heart."

"Thanks, but I think you've got the wrong idea about us."

"Well, if it happens, just know that me and the other girls will be there for you!" Sodoko winked at me before walking off.

I shuddered; these people knew the pain of waiting as their loved one goes off to war… Without the technology to check up on them or hear about them. It could take weeks or even months to find out that their beloved was dead. I wonder what would happen if—no—when Koko goes off to battle… What would I do? How would I feel? My heart dropped at that thought. No. What made me freeze was the thought of Natsume not coming back. Where would I go or do then? I'm only alive and well because he wanted to keep me around. What would happen if all of the warlords suddenly died one by one?

No.

They're all strong. One of them would come back. I'm sure of it.

I gulped back my anxiety of being stuck here without a secure job or home and made my way back to the castle.

But there was another crowd blocking the road. Ugh. A mass of people stood between me and the castle. And I heard some shouting. Rolling my eyes at how many obstacles I've faced today, I pushed and pardoned my way to the front of the line of onlookers, and I saw some armored men circling someone.

They were circling Kazutaka.

What do they think they're doing?!

"Please, I haven't done anything wrong," Kazutaka pleaded, already a crumpled figure on the ground.

"You mean, we haven't caught you doing anything yet! There's a war brewing. Your kind can't be trusted," one of them snarled.

"I'm no different from anyone else here, I only want—"

"You're a vagabond. You don't have status, and you don't get to choose what you want!"

Kazutaka rolled into himself as the men began to kick and beat him!

Furious, I ran over to my favorite vendor and shoved anyone who was in my way. As soon as I reached him, I threw all of the materials that I had just purchased on the ground near him and stood in front of my friend.

"What do you think you're doing?!"

Coughing, Kazutaka warned me, "No, Miss! Don't! They'll just hurt you too!"

"Get out of the way, little girl," the closest one snarled, "This low-born outcast is getting what he deserves!"

"Excuse me?" I placed one hand on my hip, and the other was discreetly reaching into a pocket inside of my kimono, groping for the pepper spray that I carry at all times. The pocket knife was there too. But all of these men had armor and swords; the more effective strategy would be to blind and stun them momentarily. I could drag Kazutaka away until he was able to run.

Yes.

That's what I'm going to do.

"Those who are beating up innocent people are the ones who are low class," I scoffed with a nonchalance that I didn't feel.

"Watch what you're saying little girl," one of them sneered, "We don't want to have to damage that pretty little face of yours."

I held back a shiver.

"Watch what you're saying," I snapped haughtily, "You are employed by Lord" a gag, "Natsume, correct? As Chatelaine of Azuchi Castle, I demand you cease and desist."

Whelp. That didn't have the intended effect that I was hoping for.

The group of soldiers stalked even closer, forming a semi-circle around us, and someone from the back pushed his way to me.

"We," he gestured to the men around him, "are soldiers of his prestigious army, and you think to boss us around? You, who is some nobody lowly maid?"

That urged the soldiers to come together in a tighter semicircle around us.

I sniffed, "I'd rather be some lowly maid than a soldier like you."

The one who was closest to me, his face twisted with a dark expression. His hand raised swiftly in the air.

Show no fear.

As his hand made its descent, I buried my face into the crook of my arm, and sprayed the tiny canister. The aroma of cayenne and other spices peppered the air and stung my nose. I was grateful that I didn't get a direct hit of this stuff. As I heard a strangled growl, I quickly arced my aim and sprayed all of the soldiers in that semi-circle.

But I missed one.

Removing my face from the crook of my elbow, the last one standing was inches from my face.

"You'll pay for that," that was his only warning.

He was too close for me to dodge.

I squared my shoulders, steeling my nerves to this attack. At the last moment, I closed my eyes; please no eye gouge. Pretty please to whoever is listening, please no eye gouge.

But the hit never connected.

I cautiously opened one eye, and I saw a familiar sight looming behind the man. His face was darker than I had ever seen. Even darker than when he struck me with the point of his sword. And he had that man's arm in his grip, his knuckles turning white from how hard he was squeezing that appendage.

"Stand. Down. Now," Koko hissed, his voice clear through the murmurs behind him.

"L-Lord Kokoro! We were only trying to ensure the city's safety—"

"You made your intentions quite clear," those eyes were freezing, "I could hear you all the way from the gate. Once you enter Lord Natsume's domain, your status and origin no longer matter. Everyone here is free to go about their business. You know that."

"This is a state of emergency," one of the other soldiers protested, "Echigo's raising an army! They could be recruiting from—"

"Enough," Koko's voice could turn the ocean into a glacier right now, "Do you doubt Lord Natsume and his policies? Do you really think he wouldn't take that into consideration?"

Koko gets so worked up when it comes to Natsume; I got frostbite after he said that!

"There is no excuse for this. You should be ashamed," he thundered at the gathered soldiers.

"… Forgive my men. This was my fault," the last one to try to strike me apologized. The lead soldier fell to his knees in apology, the sting of Koko's rebuke visible in his shaken expression. As the rest of the squad followed suit, Koko knelt in front of Kazutaka.

"Were you hurt? I can only hope you'll forgive this indignity."

Then Koko bowed low, hands and head touching the dirt.

Koko! You're bowing like you did this yourself!

I wasn't the only one caught off guard. The soldiers looked on in utter shock.

"Please, there's no need to bow to me! I'm uninjured."

"I'm glad. I hope this incident doesn't dissuade you from doing business in Azuchi. I, for one, am happy you're here."

"Of course, I plan to stay. Thank you, Lord Kokoro, and you, Lady Sumire for protecting me," he bowed graciously to us both as Koko helped him up. Brushing himself off, Kazutaka returned to the market. He really does seem to be okay. Thank goodness.

I turned to Koko to thank him for stepping in, but his taut expression and the shaking of his hands stopped me. Why do I get the feeling that this was personal for you, somehow?

"Lord Kokoro, I beg your forgiveness!"

"We acted without thinking! We humbly ask for your lenience—"

"It's all right. You don't need to beg for my mercy," Koko gave them each a pointed glare, "You need to beg for her mercy. Every member of Azuchi Castle has value, and you dare demean and try to strike a defenseless woman?"

"Miss, please, we beg for your forgiveness," all the groveling men turned in my direction, still bowing low to the ground. It was insane seeing how just one reprimand from Koko turned each of these guys into a sniveling pile of mess. This was a complete 180 from how they originally treated me; I did my best to contain my shock.

"Please there was no excuse for how we acted."

"Please forgive us!"

I could see some of the men still struggling from recovering from the pepper spray. Well, I mean I did get them pretty good. Wanting to finish this ordeal and get back to my room, I sniffed coldly, "Thank you, but I hope I'll be the last woman you try to attack."

Koko tilted his head as if to ask me, 'Are you sure?'

I nodded.

All of the coldness left his face, and he was his usual friendly self sans smile as he gently chided, "I know it's a tough situation right now, and everyone's tense. You're doing exemplary work—for the most part. Just don't make these mistakes again, all right? Or else we will do more than just talk if I ever see you attempt to injure another civilian again."

"Yes, my Lord."

"Good to hear," Koko clapped one of the soldiers on the shoulder, with his warm smile returning.

With nothing more than words, Koko ensured everyone's safety and expertly defused the situation. After addressing the leader of the soldiers once more, they were dismissed and the crowd disbursed. All that was left was just me and Koko.

His good mood disappeared as he fixed me with a stern frown, "Sumire."

"Wait," I stared in disbelief, "Are you about to scold me?!"

But that question felt redundant because experience told me, yes, that look in his eyes meant I was going to get a good dressing down too.

He growled, "I knew you were trouble from day one, but I can't believe that you'd throw yourself into the middle of that."

"I wasn't going to be a bystander," I protested, leaning down towards the objects that I threw in my haste to protect my friend, "I know how to defend myself, and I was prepared for whatever was going to happen!"

Okay. Maybe not. I do have a fear of getting beheaded, but I wasn't thinking about that at the time.

Those golden eyes narrowed in suspicion, "And what was that object that you used anyway? I've never seen such a contraption before."

Crap. How does one explain how common pepper spray is to carry 500 years in the future? That most women carry it automatically even though it's not as practical (example: just now when I had to cover my own eyes just in case the wind decided to work against me and almost got the smackdown of my life because I couldn't see)? After a quick staring contest, I waved my hand with a breeziness that I didn't feel, trying to keep it from shaking, "Oh you know. My close friend gave it to me; she's an inventor."

… Which was true enough. But I was about to credit Hotaru Imai as the inventor of pepper spray. I wonder if she'd be flattered or annoyed.

"And what does it do, exactly?" Koko put out his hand palm up to me, wordlessly asking me to show him.

I placed it into his palm, and he inspected it, "She gathered a bunch of the spiciest peppers and brewed it together. It's very potent and designed to momentarily blind the target."

He arched an eyebrow, still fiddling with it, "And what is this black material? I've never felt such a thing."

Quick, Sumire, quick! How does one explain how to make plastic?! It's not something that you wake up wondering about—it was something that just was. I shrugged, "I'm not too sure. I'm not the inventor. She is."

"Well, I would like to meet this friend of yours. She sounds like a great addition to our war council," Koko handed it back to me with a twinkle in his eye.

I had to bite back a smile. Hotaru probably would. She probably would stage a coup d'etat and become dictator in a matter of days, especially with her scientific knowledge. She would kick ass and take names. Natsume better pray that she didn't journey here like me because he'd have a run for his money!

I thought I was safe once he took on that teasing tone, but then his face took on one of censure. Defending myself from the upcoming lecture, "Look, you carry that sword around. I should at least have some form of protection too! I was only acting in self-defense! You saw them! They were going to give me a royal smackdown if I hadn't acted first!"

"Look," he sighed, but the frown didn't leave his face, "I'm not mad at you."

Those liquid eyes bored into mine, and suddenly, I saw his youthful face age with weariness. Just as quickly, it disappeared as he patted my head soothingly, a gesture unique to him, "I was just worried about you. Kazutaka is a grown man. Shielding him with your own body? You could've been really hurt!"

Oh.

Ooooooooooooh.

I wasn't about to be put into the dungeon for acting in self-defense.

Koko was worried. About me.

I felt my cheeks flush, "Oh."

He continued on his little tirade of concern, "You were centimeters from getting physically assaulted! What you have done if they reached for their swords? How in the world would you have been able to defend against that? Huh? Then you would've been a victim as well as Kazutaka! You mad woman!"

"Well," I quipped, "At least you were here."

"But what if I wasn't?!" he began to pace around; I guess this whole incident shook him up.

"Well, I guess I'm just lucky," I shrugged, "Natsume always says so."

His head snapped up, eyes glittering with annoyance, "It wasn't luck, Sumire. You mentioned going shopping today, so I figured by now you'd already have your arms full."

"Koko…You're not saying you came out here just to help me carry things?"

"I'm glad I did," he snapped, "I don't know what I would have done if something happened to you."

Oh.

Oh.

I blinked at him, unable to talk because my heart was melting. I felt like a puddle of goo when he said that. It didn't matter to my stupid heart that he probably meant it in a familial way. All it knew was that this virile handsome man cared about me—he cared so much so that he was putting a hole in the ground due to his frantic pacing and was yelling at me because he was scared… For me.

He let out another growl of displeasure before coming over and pulling me by the back of my neck and holding me close to him. His other hand tenderly ran down my hair. I felt so safe—so cherished.

His words replayed in my head; he was right, I had to grudgingly admit. Even if I could somehow haul Kazutaka up, and we both sprinted… Those soldiers seemed dogged in what they were doing; they probably would've chased us to the end of the Earth. Then what would have happened? I shivered, and he took it as a sign to pull me in closer.

It was then that I realized that I enjoyed seeing him. I enjoyed seeing him each morning as I was completing my tasks and each night after supper. He was a constant in my life that helped center me and keep me from losing my mind in this completely foreign time period. Heck, he even came to the market to carry my things for me.

Koko—it just occurred to me—was a rare stability that I was fortunate to have in this chaotic world.

As if hearing my Earth-shattering conclusion about him, he nuzzled me with his cheek before pulling away. Every cell in my body screamed for the heat that it lost. He coughed and said gruffly, "Let's get your things and go home."

Bending down, he picked up the spindle of thread that I hadn't gotten yet.

He then plucked the items from my arms and spun on his heel and left.

I had to chase after him, "Hey. You know that I can carry my own stuff, right?"

The second I reached to reclaim my things, Koko lifted them above his head.

Ooooh, don't you dare play keep away with me!

"Koko, I'm more than capable of carrying my own purchases," he already saved me today. He didn't need to do any more nice deeds for me; he already filled his quota… For a month.

"So can I."

I rolled my eyes and bounced onto my tippy toes. My fingers grazed the goods, but Koko held them aloft with one hand, using the other to keep me down. What is this, medieval basketball?! This is so not cool.

My mind was racing for ways to defeat him and get my items back. Suddenly, it clicked to me. Stifling a giggle, I gasped in horror, "Koko, look!"

He quirked an eyebrow.

I gestured wildly in the direction behind him, "Look! A crooked obi! You must drop everything and help that poor woman!"

He stared at me in disbelief and then snorted, "What was that?"

"A good attempt," I grinned wryly, "After all of our encounters, it seems to me that you're a little OCD."

"OCD? What does that mean?"

I frowned and thought for the best explanation, "It means that you need everything to be perfect; if it's not, you feel a compulsion to fix it."

"That's the furthest thing from the truth!" he protested.

It was my turn to raise an eyebrow, "Yeah, okay. You do know why they call you Mother Hen at the castle, right? It's because you're always fixing things and people."

"Not true."

"Oh yeah?" I challenged, "Then give me my things so that I can carry them."

"You're a seamstress," he tried to persuade with me, "Give those hardworking hands of yours a rest and let me do this part."

He refused to meet my gaze because I was wearing my 'I told you so' face, and I let him be. If he wanted to carry my stuff because he was worried about my hands, then so be it. After trudging together in silence, he finally spoke up, "I think I understand why Natsume likes you so much."

What?

Oh, this I had to hear.

"Oh yeah?" I couldn't hide the smile on my face. This was going to be good.