MITSUHIDE AKECHI
"Tell me, before my offers stop being kind." Mitsuhide demanded. He kept his fingers just at the border of Eria's collar, purposely lowering his voice. 'Please, I beg of you. Do what I say.' his thoughts screamed. How could he have been so clumsy to allow her to discover that meeting? All his preparation, his protection… If Eria had discovered his betrayal on her own and chose to leave him, Mitsuhide would've been able to live with that. But that messenger had seen her face. He knew who she was, and he would stop at nothing to get rid of her. Mitsuhide couldn't allow that.
Mitsuhide's fingertips brushed over Eria's soft skin. Though, he hated it. He did not want to touch her in this false manner, for neither pleasure nor pain. Yet as grim as they were, he was trained in these methods. And he would sink to them if that meant keeping her safe. Eria reached her hand out, and to Mitsuhide's surprise, it was not to shove him away. Rather, she cradled the side of his face. 'Eria?' "...Why do you seem so miserable right now, Mitsuhide?" she asked, a frown on her lips with concern in her hazel eyes.
Mitsuhide had tried to school his expression. It was one of his tools, after all. And at this moment, it was meant to be cold, impassive, threatening even- but instead… he was flustered, blushing. When had he lost control of himself? Eria's hand had seemed to pass right through him, reaching inside his transparent shell and grasping onto his heart, giving it form. To be silent now was to risk losing her, whether it be death or a fate much worse. Yet Mitsuhide had no words. Eria sighed, dropping her hand away, "You can let me go. I'll tell you all you want to know. No intimidation or reward necessary."
"Are you…sure?" he muttered, almost in disbelief at her compliance. Every single one of the negative emotions he'd teased out of her was swept away on a wave. Yet she remained. 'Why would you…do this? …If only I knew what you were thinking…' Eria glanced back at him, and smirked, "What, is the Mitsuhide Akechi surprised? I thought acquiring information was one of your specialties?" "...Yes, it is." he spoke, smoothing her collar back into its place. Glancing at Eria's face, Mitsuhide found himself unable to look away.
In those beautiful, softened hazel eyes, determination burned like a fire blazing through an evergreen forest. "Just know that… What I'm about to say is true," she said. It was now Mitsuhide's turn to smirk, "I've not seen you so yielding before. You always manage to surprise me." She smiled, "...I'm a little pleased to hear that." "You take your pleasure in strange ways, little one." He didn't laugh, fully aware of how dry it would sound. Besides, nothing she had said was strange nor funny. She only scoffed in response, "As if you're one to talk about strange ways of 'pleasure.'"
Despite her tone, she seemed more relaxed now. Mitsuhide thought he needed the role of her instructor to gain both her trust and attention. Yet it was strange. She would still place her faith in him, even while she viewed him as a traitor to the Oda forces. Him… Just as he was… Mitsuhide felt his hand twitch. He wanted to grab Eria and hold her tightly, wishing to never let her go. 'It seems- …I am more taken by you than is sensible or safe.' He'd been all too aware of how his affection for her grew.
Yet when had his love for her consumed him? When had it taken all he was and remade him anew? He felt the heat rush to his face, '...I love you, Eria. Dearly…' And yet, he was in no place to say that. Perhaps, he would never be in that place where he could freely express his love for her. '...With these revelations in mind, I will need to rethink things, from the beginning.' Mitsuhide took a breath, gathering what little composure he had left, "Before you start, I will put on some tea." He told her.
"Tea?" Eria questioned, not bothering to hide her blatant dislike of the idea. "I expect it will be a long night." He explained.
By the time Eria's story concluded, she had finished sipping at her third cup of tea. Mitsuhide had anticipated that she was from some place unknown to him. Yet that place had been the future…? "That would be unbelievable but for the fact that you have evidence in this… bag of yours." Mitsuhide commented. Eria crossed her arms, "You better believe me! I have no qualms with a second interrogation." "Fear not," Mitsuhide smiled, "I do not doubt what you've told me." 'It explains things that were otherwise inexplicable.'
"I've tested you, remember? While your answers were imaginative, such an elaborate tale seems beyond you." Mitsuhide informed her. "Wow. As an artistic mind, I take offense to that," she laughed, then sighed, "But… you're right. Even a tale about being from the future is not something I'd come up with." "My, I expected more of a fight." Eria leaned back, closing her eyes, "Normally, there would be. But I've been chased, threatened, and there's only so much one person can take in a single day."
A yawn escaped her lips that broke into a soft laughter, "I'm so tired, you could probably say anything to me, and I wouldn't even react." Each time Eria blinked, her eyelashes were slower to rise as exhaustion took a harsh grasp on her. "Really? Where has your fighting spirit gone?" A tired smile fell on her expression, "A kitsune stole it from me. Inform me if you see him." The slight grin she'd managed was one Mitsuhide was used to seeing. Confirming that she was more relaxed now. 'Yes, that is good.'
Allow sleep to be her only antagonist now. Allow Mitsuhide to craft this illusion for her, even if it just was a simple illusion. 'For accepting me as I am, Eria, this "kitsune" will give you a kitsune's promise… Never again will I threaten you or allow you to come to harm. I will not control you or mold you. …Nor shall I tell you the reason why. I will keep that truth, and my feelings, a mystery until the end.' It was the best way he knew to love and protect her. To give her the happiness she deserved.
"I... I believe I am… about to pass out." Eria announced. Mitsuhide smiled, a soft, almost unheard chuckle escaping him, "You look like it. Come here." Not giving her the time to argue, Mitsuhide gently lowered her down until she rested in his lap. "Um-? What is this...?" she questioned. "You're liable to pass out on the floor in the time it would take me to make you a proper bed. So, sleep." He answered. "...Is this really… the most natural arrangement?" "Perfectly natural." Mitsuhide laid a hand against her brow.
His hand gently combed through her hair, removing its tie and allowing it to fall in smooth pools. Though this night's peace was but an illusion, it was a powerful one. Mitsuhide couldn't even remember the last time he spent such a peaceful night. "We have exchanged vital secrets, you and I. As such, I will have to keep an even closer eye on you from now on." Mitsuhide informed her. Eria let out a sigh, "...I expected as such…" "In order to ensure you tell no one, you must remain in sight of me at all times. Do so, and I will see you return to your original time safe and unharmed." He promised.
One lies to children to get them to sleep. Tonight, Mitsuhide told his beloved falsehoods to aid in her rest. Yet a few threads of truth fell woven in. "...I don't trust you… Not anymore." Eria muttered. "You have no choice but to trust me, whatever you may think. There is no one else." Eria scoffed, though there was a smile at play upon her lips, "...To think I'd end up stuck with a tease such as you…" Mitsuhide, too, smiled, "Yes, indeed." Whatever would place her at ease… Mitsuhide would lie and deceive to protect her. For that was his talent. His only talent.
Just this once, he wished to use it for good, in the time they had remaining. "...Mitsu…hide?" she mumbled. "Yes?" "...Your tea was good…" she muttered, exhaustion lacing her voice. "I'm honored by your appreciation." "Ha... For someone who lacks taste… you manage to make tea not even I can hate…" Mitsuhide shook his head, "Tea is a matter of skilled preparation. Know the steps and anyone can make it." "...Just take the compliment." "Very well." Brewing 'tasty' tea was necessary for negotiations. Yet if it pleased Eria, someone who seemed to hold a dislike for tea, then Mitsuhide considered the time well invested.
"Enough talking now," he told her. "...B-But..." "Shh… Pleasant dreams, Eria." He whispered, brushing her eyes closed. Her light, soft lashes fluttered slightly beneath his hand until they stayed in that peace-filled state. If a thing could be called right or wrong, then Mitsuhide and Eria were most definitely wrong. Eria shouldn't have opened her heart to one who threatens, one who harms, …one who dares to betray. Mitsuhide should not have sworn his heart, his love all to one he knew he would soon never see again. But right and wrong were meaningless to him.
'Forgive me for my selfishness, Eria. …I ask that you allow me to keep loving you for the little time we have together…'
"Lady Eria, this just isn't fair!" Ranmaru pouted. Eria looked at him with sympathy in her gaze as she shrugged, "I don't really know what to tell you…" "You mustn't let it worry you, Ranmaru." Mitsuhide interjected. Ranmaru was quick to glare at the white-haired man, "Are you going to say that to everyone in the castle? We all feel the same way!" Ranmaru's hostility towards Mitsuhide's recent closeness with Eria was much more than apparent. The boy frowned, "...You two don't look like you're joined at the hip. So why don't you get away from her, Lord Mitsuhide!"
Was it jealousy, or was Ranmaru just eager to keep as many potential allies in his court as possible? Regardless, he was not liable to allow Eria to go easily. Neither was Mitsuhide, under any circumstances. It had been several days since the night a kitsune and mouse shared secrets. Mitsuhide had requested and received permission for Eria to go from his student to his assistant. Busy as he was, this provided the perfect opportunity to always have her nearby without any question. All while Eria simply believed that he was tightening his watch on her.
But, it was in fact, to keep her safe from an enemy who could and would use whatever nefarious means at their disposal to be rid of her. Permanently. 'I expect she finds my constant presence grating. My apologies to Eria for thinking this, however- …I can think of nothing finer than to spend every moment at her side.' "Lord Mitsuhide, you need to learn how to share!" Ranmaru pouted once more, like a child would. Then, he looked to Eria, and wore a childlike smile, "Lady
Eria, come play with me, pleeease?" He begged.
Eria sighed, "I would, however I have a problem-" "...Wherever she goes, I follow." Mitsuhide spoke. Eria pointed at him with a deadpan look, "That's my problem." "Ooh, that's too bad! Because I didn't invite you! Let's ditch him, my lady!" As Ranmaru grabbed Eria's sleeve, Mitsuhide felt no guilt in swatting him away. "...Oww, oww, ouchies! I think you broke me! Meanie! Don't you know I'm fragile?" Ranmaru cried. Mitsuhide smiled, a sinister look in his eyes as he said- "My apologies. Shall I glue you back together? I could fix that gaping hole in your mouth while I'm at it."
"You're super scary, you know that?!" Ranmaru frowned, darting away with such agility beyond that suggested of his age or position. "Lady Eria, you need to quit working for Lord Mitsuhide! He's clearly evil!" "Well, I know that but- mmp!" Eria stuttered as Mitsuhide drew a finger across the small of her back. Her shoulders trembling with such an exquisite shiver. "But?" Mitsuhide prompted. "But…ton. That's... That's what I meant. I think I dropped one." She laughed. Even with her even voice, her ears betrayed her; burning a bright red.
'...My dear little one. You permit me too much.' Eria gave no sign that she disliked what Mitsuhide had done, nor that she wished him to stop. He had received similar signals from her over the past few days. And hence, he'd developed a rather distasteful habit of teasing her in such a manner. Ranmaru pouted, casting his gaze aside as he spoke- "There's something wrong here, and it's not just Lord Mitsuhide's existence. I bet something's going on…"
"Be careful your comments do not escalate to charges, Ranmaru. Remember your position." Mitsuhide said. Ranmaru's stormy-gray gaze narrowed on the older man as he glared at him, "I'm already doing that. In case you didn't notice." His glare was one that went from childishly petulant, to a flaming ferocity. Did he really care to challenge Mitsuhide? How amusing. Mitsuhide's gaze drifted to the blonde-haired woman beside him, "...Eria, we are meeting with Masamune next. You may go ahead to inform him."
"What about you?" She questioned. "I will be right after you. Go on." Eria shrugged, and with little argument, began to walk away. Not without casting a glance back at Mitsuhide, as if she were worried for him. Once out of earshot, Ranmaru began to speak- "...I don't know what you mean to do with Lady Eria, but if you hurt her, you'll regret it. She saved my life- it belongs to her." Ranmaru threatened through grit teeth. Mitsuhide smirked at him, "Alas, you're too late." The young boy's gaze widened, "You… You didn't-!" "I tease."
Although Mitsuhide's words had been a half truth, through baiting him in this method, he could manipulate the conversation to better learn of Ranmaru's true aims. It seemed that, rather than being interested in Mitsuhide's plans, Ranmaru was honestly worried for Eria. "If you truly wish for her continued safety, you will be very cautious about what you say." Mitsuhide threatened. Though Ranmaru only rolled his eyes in response, "Wow, gee, a threat. I'm sooo scared." "More like a warning," Mitsuhide corrected, "But you may safely ignore it- as long as you are certain you have nothing to hide."
Ranmaru cast his gaze aside, mumbling- "...Like you're one to talk." He spun around and left. …Did Ranmaru's 'handler' truly realize the dangers of sending him into such a complicated web? Though the boy was an incredibly talented agent, he was far too kind to bear the burden that had been placed upon him.
"...I've been hearing the talk about you two." Masamune commented. 'Are we moving onto pleasantries, then?' Mitsuhide wondered. They'd just finished discussing work with Masamune. "...There's talk about us?" Eria mumbled. The one-eyed man smiled, "It's all over town. They say someone finally managed to hook Mitsuhide." Mitsuhide himself was hardly surprised, especially coming from Masamune. Relationship-based rumors always spread like wildfire. Though Eria's gaze was quick to widen, "I'm sorry… 'Hooked'?" she questioned.
Masamune smirked, "'Mitsuhide Akechi's so hopelessly in love with Eria he can't bear to leave her side for a minute.' Got any comments?" "Do they really say that? I had no idea." At the show of Mitsuhide's mock-surprise, Eria shot him a delightful frown. "I have a comment, EW. Mitsuhide, could you please correct him?" Eria said, then muttered- "...Otherwise that crying woman at the teahouse will never forgive me…" "Eria, you can't tell me you forgot that memorable night we spent together?" He questioned.
Her hazel eyes widened as her mouth fell open, "That- memorable night?! The one where I passed out in your room, because of exhaustion?" she questioned. "There's no need to flatter my abilities so." He smiled. Eria closed her eyes, slapping a hand against her mouth, "I made it sound worse... Oh fuck." 'Though it is adorable how well you and I fall into these little word games. You make them so much fun.' Masamune showed a look of surprise, "Huh. So, there's something to the rumor after all?"
Masamune was quick to catch sight of the blush on Eria's face, and let out a whistle, "Didn't think Mitsuhide stood a shot with you, lass. Could be fun to challenge him for you though." He grinned and reached out to ruffle her hair. Mitsuhide's reaction was… if not instinctual, then most certainly immediate. Before he knew it, Mitsuhide had Eria in his arms and kept firmly out of Masamune's reach. "I would ask you to keep your hands off her. If only because I'd prefer not to face the One-Eyed Dragon in a swordfight." Mitsuhide said.
"Doesn't have to be swords," Masamune started, "I'd be happy for any opportunity to go head-to-head with you." What was most frightening about Masamune, is that he'd say such things and actually mean them. 'Speaking of the truth…' The rumors of Mitsuhide being so hopelessly in love with Eria were true. His words of admonishment to Masamune, also true. He was in a somewhat fortunate position of being a consummate liar and traitor in Eria's mind. It freed him to be completely open about his feelings for her without her being at any risk.
While at the same time, Mitsuhide needed not to suffer being eaten up from within by a secretive love that had overpowered his better judgment. As his love for her grew- growing with each passing day- He found it impossible to imagine concealing his affection for her. "That said, lass-" Laughter fell from Masamune's lips. "The way you had Mitsuhide panicking over you just then? You must be one hell of a catch!" "No! Nope! Absolutely not. No one is hooking, catching, or challenging anything!" Eria shouted.
"Yes, my feelings for her go beyond description." The words spilt out of Mitsuhide, but neither they nor his smile was feigned in the slightest. After so long, it felt so refreshing to be this honest.
"Why... Why did you only NOT bother correcting Masamune, you also made everything sound so much worse?!" Eria questioned, anger clear in her voice. Though Mitsuhide only smiled at her, "Do not be mad. Have some of these sweet dumplings." He pushed a stick of sweet dumplings towards his frowning beloved. Eria had been pouting since they'd left Masamune's manor, and Mitsuhide figured the best cure would be their favorite tea house. "This rumor will be useful for us. Now, no one will suspect our unusual closeness has anything to do with any sort of foul play." 'Should I tell her I was the one who let it spread?'
Mitsuhide had met with that messenger a couple more times. His only word about Eria were that Mitsuhide was to continue to watch her closely. The quick propagation of the rumor was for his sake as well. For he, too, believed Mitsuhide was faking his infatuation. Since then, to his own relief, he'd seen no suspicious attempts in getting close to Eria. Mitsuhide was happy so long as she was safe, even with her present mood. She let out a breath, "I hope you're aware I hate you." "That is sad to hear," Mitsuhide said, "...For I love you dearly." He rested upon the table, gazing at Eria.
Her beautiful eyes opened wide as her face flushed, "You… are the worst person I've ever known." "And you are the cutest." Eria let out an annoyed noise, though she said no more. She grabbed the plate and turned away from Mitsuhide, seemingly deciding to stress eat to calm her anger. Mitsuhide found the act quite adorable though. What would she say, if he could convince her that everything, he'd said right then was the truth? That, he could never do. But as a mental exercise, it was incredibly entertaining. And strangely… heartwarming.
"The way you eat by filling your pouting cheeks with sweets is adorable as well." Mitsuhide commented, "It makes me want to poke them." Eria glared at him, "...Do that and you'll quickly learn that I bite." 'You threaten that as if it could dissuade me from loving you. I'm afraid… nothing can do that.' Mitsuhide was thankful for this false relationship. For with this arrangement, he could tell Eria that he loved her as many times as he pleased. He thought back to her arrival in this time period, and came to the realization that he'd loved her since the moment he laid his eyes on her…
Brave, so full of life, good within her heart… No matter what happened, Eria carried through. Mitsuhide wanted to tease her, see and then embrace that spark, only to whisper softly to her and shower with such tender love. Even though she might spurn his 'mock-affection,' that much he could not give up on. "My lord! Here you are!" Kyubei interrupted as he burst into the restaurant. The fact that he had been searching for Mitsuhide was evident from his breathing. "What is it?" Mitsuhide asked.
"You have an urgent summons from Lord Nobunaga and Lord Hideyoshi." Kyubei informed him. "About?" Mitsuhide questioned. "M-My lord…" Kyubei muttered, worry in his gaze as he glanced at Eria. "You may speak freely in her presence." Mitsuhide told him. "...It concerns the rumors of you and Lady Eria. And one other matter, they said." Kyubei answered. 'Just as I expected.' Mitsuhide had known that Hideyoshi would call for him the moment the rumor reached him. 'But what is this other matter? Work?'
Mitsuhide smiled, "Thank you, Kyubei. Let us go, Eria." Eria glanced at him, "To your super private meeting, or whatever?" she questioned, no longer bothering to hide her sarcasm. "It's about us, is it not? Besides, we must tell them the truth of our relationship." She gave him a deadpan look, "The truth, or The Truth?" Mitsuhide smirked, "Are you nervous they won't bless our union? Fear not. I will explain everything to them." 'Once I have Lord Nobunaga's acknowledgement, our "lie" will be complete.'
Mitsuhide winked at her, though it earned him no smile in return.
"We're sorry to keep you, my lord. Why, Hideyoshi! What a terrible frown you're wearing." Mitsuhide said as he and Eria entered the tenshu. Hideyoshi glared at him, "Shut up and wipe that smile off your face before I punch every last one of your teeth in." 'My goodness. I'm quite afraid he'll follow through.' Concerned was etched across Eria's expression, she had clearly taken note of the moods of everyone in the room. "Some very unfortunate gossip has reached our ears. It's that you've taken Eria as a lover." Hideyoshi said, "You're going to explain yourself, right now. And if I don't like your explanation-"
Hideyoshi's expression seemed to only blaze harder with anger, "-You won't be walking out of here. Or walking anywhere. Period." "I had no idea you had such a violent streak." Mitsuhide commented. "Mitsuhide, it seems you've bedded my lucky charm?" Nobunaga questioned, a grin playing at his lips. Mitsuhide met his lord's gaze, his smile cool and composed. 'My apologies for giving you more cause for concern, Eria. But I must ask you to see this "lie" of mine through to the end.'
"The truth is… I wish to marry Eria."