Update: omattasei! Sorry for the wait! I hope this chapter is good. I decided to put a slight spin on Date's history myself as not much information is known about his early life so much. Also no Aki this chapter, but next chapter will focus more on her. I thought it was important to take time to develop the relationships between Masamune and Mego.
Thankyou~

~~~~ Mego ~~~~

Masamune woke to the sounds of birds waking up to start the new day. He squinted his eye open as he allowed it to adjust to the light of room. What's this weight on my chest? The earlier hours of the morning came rushing back to his memory as he remembered feeling the body of a woman. He looked down his chest to find the soft and serene face of Mego still deep in sleep. He watched the rise and fall of her chest and memorized her sleeping face. Why is she in bed with me? He wondered as he rested his head back on the pillow. He started to recall the battle scenes in his head and suddenly remembered he'd saved her life but taken a direct hit from ice. It all made sense now, she was lying with him to keep him warm. Brave little dove he thought. This kind of action would be considered on par with losing her virginity, sleeping with a man to whom she wasn't married to. He smirked, but she is probably the most loyal woman you'll ever meet in a lifetime. Masamune had had his fair share of women, but he knew what they could be like. Even his own mother tried to poison him so his younger brother could be heir to the Date clan. But the woman laying on his chest wasn't that sort of woman. She would sacrifice herself for him like he did for her. Loyalty like that was hard to find, but if found it shouldn't be lost. He started to think about how it felt to have her curled up around him. Warm and soft, with delectable curves that only a woman could have, her hand on his chest as if protecting him whist also keeping him close to her, the distinct feeling of two plump but firm breasts on his side and the tickling of her breath on his chest. He couldn't help the growth that occurred from all the thoughts flooding his mind with her being right next to him. It was natural for a man to react in such a way when he liked what he saw/felt. He gave out a sigh to relieve the growing tension. He'd only known her a short while and already she was starting to grow on him more than just a sparring partner. If I stay like this my mind is going to get more clouded. With that he decided it would be best to get up and leave her to sleep. He sat up slowly, attempting to not wake her to which she reacted by stirring and nuzzling her face into his chest some more before settling down. Masamune's face became red at the sight, she was adorable beyond means and he knew if he stayed here much longer he'd be unable to tear himself away from her. He gently moved her off his body to lay on the futon and got out of the bed. He then gently covered back over with the blanket and stared at her sleeping face. Beautiful. He brushed a strand of hair from her face lingering his hand there for a while as he took in one more deep gaze at her face and then left to find Kojuro.

Stepping outside the room and closing the door quietly behind him Masamune came face to face with Kojuro who had guarded the room from the outside so no one would make an attempt on Masamune's life which was actually a cover up to keep Mego from being discovered.

"Good morning Kojuro" Masamune chirped in high spirits. Kojuro grinned a little. It would appear Mego did more than save Masamune's life by sharing his bed.

"Boss Masamune, how are you feeling?" It might have been a silly question to ask, Kojuro could tell already how he was feeling, but he had to ask none the less to feign ignorance.

Masamune's gaze went out to the open sky. "I feel better than I have in a while Kojuro." Kojuro gave a knowing nod. Words were not needed for the situation, by body language alone and years of friendship he knew what Masamune felt.
"Whats the status on the field?" Masamune had returned to his war aura.

"We defeated the enemy swiftly after Mego killed their leader. With their leader gone, they fled like flies. They were no match for the Date army." Reported Kojuro. He then sat up a little.

"But there is something more interesting about the battle. When you were hit, something clicked in Mego and she unleashed an attack of wind and lightning."

Masamune shot around to look at Kojuro. "Lightening you say? How is that possible, two elements at once..." He crossed his hands as he contemplated the idea. Kojuro of course had his own theory but he wasn't going to be sharing it with Masamune. He would have to find the answer on his own. Needless to say though, Mego was starting to grow on not just Masamune and Kojuro himself, but on the Date army as well. Her efforts in battle had given her a high approval among the army and to those who knew of her night with Masamune, they knew her loyalty knew no bounds.

Mego woke up to the feeling of space and softness. Quickly realizing it was too spacey she opened her eyes and sat up only to find herself completely alone in the room. She could still feel the lingering warmth of another though. She flopped back down onto the bed and gave a big sigh, she'd had wonderful dreams of Masamune being romantic and various versions of him asking her hand in marriage that she didn't want to have woken up from. She slapped her hands on her red face and thrashed it about trying to shake the dreams out her head. What am I thinking? How stupid is that! She stopped suddenly and looked back at the situation more seriously. She couldn't deny how much she'd enjoyed it, the feeling was there in her heart. The warmth of his body, his wonderfully muscular body, and the closeness of them. She'd been wanting to feel it for such a long time, though it was a bit out of the initial context in her mind. There was no turning back now though and the rapid beating of her heart could no longer be ignored, she'd started falling for him and now all she could think about was him, Masamune. She grabbed the pillow and screamed into it. I am insane! What am I thinking, me and Masamune? No way. A leader like him needs a wife of status, I have nothing to offer. She kept her head buried in the pillow as she let out a few small tears. She didn't know what to do or what to feel. She needed help and there was only one person she could rely on to do so, Aki. Aki, I need to see Aki. Having found new determination she got up and dressed for the day. She could make plans to visit Aki after they got everyone back to the main province. She should also report in with Kojuro to see if Masamune is ok and to see how the rest of the battle went. But priority number one was to find a time to talk to Masamune and explain her actions.

Mego found Kojuro by the horses after a searching for ten minuted but to her dismay he wasn't alone. Clad in his deep blue armour, Masamune stood with him giving orders to soldiers and presumably going over the battlefield condition. She walked up to them making sure to stand on Kojuro's side, her face already going crimson remembering what she had last night and knowing Masamune had known she was there since he woke up and left before her.

"Good morning Lord Masamune. Good Morning Kojuro." She chirped giving them both a startle as they hadn't realized she was there. Masamune immediately started to show signs of redness in the cheeks, which was already a clear crimson on Mego's. Kojuro greeted her as he normally would whilst Masamune, also adopting the sudden need for politeness addressed her as Megohime. They both couldn't look directly at each other, but they were both feeling the same things. Hearts ponding in their chests and the inability to directly look at the other. Kojuro felt a little squeamish at the obvious tension in the air. He audibly cleared his throat causing the two to snap out of their trance.

"Good morning Mego, I assume you slept well. Everything has gone smoothly and we are preparing to leave. Gather your things and ready your horse, we leave within the hour. She nodded and ran off to do as commanded whilst Masamune let out a sigh.

"I need to thank her but I don't now how." He looked at his trusty advisor who shook his head at him.

"When you find a quiet time alone you should approach the subject in question. For now we have too much to do." With that the subject was dropped and they went about their preparations.

The ride home was a quiet one which didn't go unnoticed by the troops, it was apparent their usually fiery boss had other things on his mind like a certain blond woman among their mist. Secretly some of the men closer to Masamune had started making bets on when he would ask her to marry him. If he knew they were up to it though, the punishment would be harsh.

When they arrived home everyone was quick to go about their own business and to get settled back in their homes. It had been a good ride and a chance to stretch their feet and get some exercise. Regardless, all the men rejoiced when they were able to return home to their loved ones and beloved home. Having spent the whole trip home not talking much Mego made quick haste to finish cleaning up Kinfu before making it to her room. She was nervous around Masamune at the moment, but more than anything she was worried that talking about anything might cause an audience to form in the open here. She would have to wait to properly talk to him. She made her way to her room followed by a tired Tsukiyo. Masamune watched her walk off, watching her body sway as she did and noticing the grace and confidence she showed in her steps. He smiled warmly at the sight, it was already too late to really brush off his growing affection of her. He'd already decided he would take an interest into learning more about who she is and was. He made note to find her later tonight before returning to the main hall to attend various matters.

~ Later that night ~

Mego sat outside on the patio outside the guest entertainment room. She had gathered it was the place she would likely find Masamune later, or he would find her. She sat up looking at the stars whilst stroking Tsukiyo's head which was rested on her lap keeping her company. In her anxious state throughout the afternoon she had bathed and dressed into a plain deep blue kimono and had her hair down, free to float about as it pleased. That was the first thing Masamune noticed when he came around the corner and saw her. Her beautiful golden hair looked stunning on her when she let it down. Why doesn't she wear it like that more often? He approached her with a rapidly beating heart. Mego turned her head at the sound of footsteps and looked up to Masamune. Their gazes locked and they drank in the image of the other whilst their thoughts were flying around everywhere in their brain. They both began to feel the gorwing tension of their locked gazes and had to look away.

"I'm sorry, please excuse my embarrassment. Would you care to join me Masamune?" She patted the spot next to her gesturing for him to have a seat. He took her offer and sat down next to her with a clear gap between them. Mego giggled.

"What?" Chimed Masamune looking at her with a raised eyebrow. She giggled again.

"Well, we have a lot to talk about and well I can't find the words at the moment. I was wondering if you would approve of this to help." She produced two sake drinking cups in one hand and a bottle of sake in the other.

"I know it is not customary of women to drink but well after last night I think you'll forgive my lack of customs." He gave her a toothy grin. She was a cunning woman, in a good way.

"I'd never say no to drinking sake with anyone." He eagerly took a cup from her and allowed her to pour him a cup of the sake. He drank deeply enjoying the taste and enjoying Mego's smart thinking. A couple of drinks would definitely help ease the mind. When he finished drinking he looked at Mego who was smiling warmly and already had her hands poised to pour him another.

"Don't worry, I've got another bottle if we need it." She said giving him a wink. He laughed and received another drink. Mego in turn poured herself one and drank deeply.

" I want to apologize to you for my rash actions. I hope I didn't offend you by sharing your bed last night. It's just..." she looked directly at him in his eyes.

"I couldn't let you suffer after you threw yourself in harms way for me. I owed you my life, the least I could do was repay that debt. Besides, I know any man would prefer a woman to warm his bed than a soldier." She looked away from him in embarrassment of her bold statement. He looked back at her unwavering.

"You'd be right about that." He gave a hearty laugh and then gestured for a refill of sake. He took another deep drink before continuing.

"You know, you are the bravest girl I know. You're a woman yet you fight for your clan like any soldier. You're of noble status yet you willingly mingle with the townsfolk and play with the children. You help in training the soldiers and taking on duties that are more than required of you and finally you're not married but you slept in the same bed as me to keep me warm and alive. You've left me thinking how does a girl become like that? How do you do all that when any other woman of you're stature would do less than half of that." It was Mego's turn to burst out laughing. She held her sides until she finally settled down from her laughing fit.

"So One eyed dragon, what you're asking me is who am I and how did I become this way yes? Well you're going to have to pour me a drink or too for that story." She teased him, which he welcomed with a grin. He took the bottle from Mego and poured her a drink. She drank it whole and looked at him.

"You see this." She grabbed a lock of hair.

"Hair. What of it?" He raised his eyebrow in confusion

" No, not just hair. It is golden hair, it is the symbol of my foreign birth. You see when I was young, the ship I was on was destroyed in a terrible storm, but by some miracle I was washed ashore. By coincidence or fate I was found by Otani and taken in as his adoptive daughter. He said that he had received a vision of my coming and that my golden hair was a sign that I was destined to help bring peace to the land. When I was young I was often teased by other woman for my differences which only nobles do nowdays. That all changed when Aki became Otani's adopted daughter as well. As you can tell from us before we are closer than a lot of blood siblings are. Though the major part of making me into the woman I am today is thanks to lady Hikari. She's been known for her prowess in battle and for her kind and caring heart. I learned that you're loved ones and friends are the most important people in this world. That no life isn't worth more than the other, but are equally as important as the other. Lady Hikari taught us that whilst we are ladies, we must also be strong and wise to help our future husbands do the same. Our job isn't merely to sit there all pretty like some mans trinket. Such treatment is a waste of potential. But of course, we were taught not to be venomous woman. They are the worst." They both cracked up at Mego's joke.

"If there are any women you should avoid, they are the ones." Added Masamune. They exchanged a few more drinks before continuing their conversation.

"To be honest I was a bit surprised when I woke up and you weren't there." Masamune flinched a little.

"What do you mean?" She had her eyes closed but a calm smile was present on her face.

"Before Aki and I were split we had had a few proposals by men, for Aki it was lords wanting alliance with her family heritage because she was the heir to her family fortune. For me however, the men were all after one thing. An exotic beauty to call their own or in one case a trinket to add to his collection of rare items." Masamune gritted his teeth in anger at the thought.

"Scum" He said fighting the urge to punch something.

"Please don't think I mean to put you in that category, In fact I am grateful for you not doing anything to me. I now know I can trust you completely. And that makes me happy." She had grabbed his hand and was looking deep into his eyes. So deep... Masamune was charmed by her and there wasn't anything he could do about it. He sat staring at her as well as she never wavered her gaze nor let go of his hand. His heart began to pound in his chest and he started to break out in sweat. He couldn't deny his urge, he wanted to embrace her in his arms and kiss her deeply. He shook his head, how could he be thinking that right now! He sat up right and retrieved his hand from Mego's. She didn't take it as a rejection but rather was overcome with embarrassment from what she had just done.

"AH... Um.. I'm sorry.." She stumbled over her words.

Without looking at her Masamune spoke. "I trust you too. You'd do something so rash to save my life. You're a crazy woman." The conversation was starting to go nowhere as the two were unable to really speak their feelings. Masamune gestured for a refill of sake. Obliging Mego poured him a cup.

"You told me you're story so I'll tell you mine." He drank the cup whole and gestured for more as he began to speak.

"When I was young I lost my right eye to small pox. As a result my mother believed I was not fit to lead the clan insisting my younger brother was a better choice. My father wouldn't hear it. She then tried to poison me and in turn poisoned my younger brothers mind with ideas of usurping me. He become consumed by those thoughts and attempted to throw the clan into chaos. I was left with no choice but to kill my brothe..." Masamune was caught off guard as Mego had grabbed him into an embrace, burying his head in her chest. He heard her faint sobs as she cried for him.

"Mego" he whispered softly before closing his eye and succumbing to her loving embrace.

"I'm sorry. I know this isn't appropriate but I can't help but feel the need to comfort you. Such a terrible childhood you must have had. I..." She hugged him tighter.

"It's ok Mego, I have come to terms with it many years ago. A strong leader must make decisions like that sometimes though." She let go of him slowly and resumed back to her initial seating spot. You're too kind to me Mego. Crying for me and comforting me. Masamune thought. They sat there for a while enjoying the silence as the pondered over everything.

"Ne, Masamune I was wondering if you might allow me to visit Aki. I have a few things to ask her."

"Huh?" He looked at her curiously.

"It's nothing important, but I have a feeling she might be engaged to Yukimura by now and I think we might benefit from seeing each other. "

"Yukimura's going to get married?..." He looked up to the sky.

"Hey! I only said I have a hunch I never said their engaged yet. No need to get down about it." She teased giving him a light punch on the shoulder.

Getting married. Mego. Suddenly a picture of Mego in a wedding Uchikake* came to Masamune's mind. Mego standing there with her beautiful golden hair and blue and green eyes staring at him with such a loving smile on her face. He decided to keep that image this time rather than dismissing it.

"In any case I will leave tomorrow for the Takeda province. Thankyou for talking with me, I was worried you might be upset with me but it seems I was mistaken one eyed dragon."

He snapped out of his day dream and focused on Mego who was starting to get up to leave.

"You're leaving early." He teased as he took the bottle of sake but was disappointed to find it empty. Mego laughed at him and produced the second bottle of sake from the sleeve of her kimono. She handed it to him.

"Drink till you're content, but don't be out too late or you'll catch a cold. Warming you up was a one time deal." She winked at him flirtatiously before starting to head back to her room.

"Mego." Masamune called causing her to pause and look back.

"Yes Masamune?" He looked directly at her.

"You know your hair looks good down. And all those differences you mentioned. I really like them." Mego blushed crimson but still on a high from her successful flirt decided to dish out a truth of her own.

"Well then, I guess I should tell you that I love your eyepatch." He smiled at her and she at him and then Mego departed for bed. Masamune raised his sake cup to his mouth. I'm helplessly in love. Haha. Wait till I tell Kojuro.

Author notes:

Uchikake - A style of kimono only worn as a bride or a special stage performances.