ERIA LOUIS
"Mitsuhide, it seems you've bedded my lucky charm?" Nobunaga questioned, a grin playing at his lips. While Hideyoshi seemed to be seething and shaking with anger, Nobunaga's smile only reinforced the idea that this was not necessarily a good thing. Eria felt herself physically cringe, just the implication that she was to sleep with Mitsuhide of all people left her feeling sick. "The truth is-" Mitsuhide started, "I did not invite Eria into my bed chamber with callous intentions." '"Invite into my bed chamber..." what the fuck-'
Mitsuhide smiled, "I wish to marry Eria." 'Wha- excuse me- WHAT?!' "Mitsuhide, you scurrilous son of a-!" Hideyoshi hissed as he stood, seemingly ready to fight with Mitsuhide. "I've had enough of your lies and trickery. Tell us what you're really planning! …Not that I've approved of any of your shady schemes up till now, but this one's gone too far! Furthermore, how dare you try and get Eria wrapped up in your dangerous nonsense?!" Mitsuhide didn't respond, he just remained quiet while Hideyoshi ranted.
'...At least one person can tell it's all faux... I have no idea what's going through Nobunaga's mind. And Lucille's just been smiling this whole time...' "Are you done now? You might wish to take a breath, if so. In through your nose, out through your-" "Stop trying to calm me down! And stop acting like you're calm!" Mitsuhide let out a fake gasp, "Acting? Why, that would never occur to me." "Maybe knocking you out will get you to quiet down!" Hideyoshi raised his fist. Eria was quick to place herself in-between the two men, though she wasn't the only one.
"That is enough." Nobunaga spoke, grabbing Hideyoshi's arm to hold him back. While Lucille came up, and pulled Mitsuhide aside, out of reach of Hideyoshi. Nobunaga's gaze fell to Eria, "Eria, does he speak the truth?" "Are you seriously asking me-?" Realization hit Eria. If she told them the truth now, she would be freed of Mitsuhide's constant watch. But that would mean bringing Mitsuhide's treachery into the light. '...he would die if I did that…' "...He's telling the truth." Eria muttered, acting as though her hesitance was due to embarrassment.
"Eria, don't let him force you into-" Hideyoshi began, but Eria cut him off with a wave of her hand. "He's not forcing me into anything." '...This is my decision.' "However, I'd like to make one thing clear," she said. "What is it?" Nobunaga questioned. Eria let out a small breath, "Even though Mitsuhide has… proposed, I have yet to agree. I'm still… thinking about my decision." '...This at least gives the story some truth.'
"This is news to me! When you agreed to come with me to share the news with Lord Nobunaga, I assumed that meant you had accepted," Mitsuhide said. Eria crossed her arms, glaring at him, "Agreed? I recall you dragging me here." "...Eria," Hideyoshi spoke up, "you think you might actually love him? Remember, this is Mitsuhide we're talking about! You still have time to reconsider! Whether you've agreed to anything or not."
"Hideyoshi, I've already said I'm going to think about it. There's no need to worry." Eria reiterated. "Don't feel you have to please anyone but yourself, my sweet pet." Mitsuhide smiled. Eria let out an exasperated noise as she shook her head, "Ah. No, no... That nickname- if you're serious about marrying me, that nickname isn't going to work..." She closed her eyes, covering her mouth with a hand. '...I feel so bad for Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Lucille... Well, at least they can see how much he drives me insane. But… I... I don't want to lose him.'
She didn't want to lose Mitsuhide to anything. But most definitely not that horrific fate that awaited a traitor. Had she forgiven him for even turning traitor or any other horrible act he'd committed? No, not at all. But perhaps she was finally sorting out what was most valuable to her here. And one of those just happened to be Mitsuhide's life. "Hah! How amusing." Eria found herself shaken from her thoughts by Nobunaga's uproarious laughter, "Mitsuhide, Eria, you two have served to entertain me on this day."
"My lord, you honor us." 'Does he, Mitsuhide? Does he REALLY?' Hideyoshi narrowed his gaze, still frowning, "Eria, as soon as you decide you're done with Mitsuhide, let me know. I'll see that he never sets foot near you again." Eria smiled, "Thanks, I appreciate it, Hideyoshi. But I believe I'm fully capable of that myself." "No sympathy for me, Eria?" Mitsuhide asked, then he sighed- "...Very well. Now that the matter of our relationship is settled, you had something else for me, my lord?"
They all resumed their seats once more. Nobunaga leaning against his armrest in a regal position, with Lucille at his side. "There is something urgent I need you to investigate, Mitsuhide." Nobunaga spoke. "I am yours to command, my liege." Mitsuhide answered. Hideyoshi spoke up, "We've received word of a rebellion brewing in a small territory to the west. What's worrisome is their proximity to the Mouri, with whom we just made peace." '...The Mouri in the west… That's the Mouri clan, right? Famously led by the now deceased Motonari Mouri?'
The names and places came to Eria with frightening clarity, all from Mitsuhide's lectures. '...He was a good teacher.' "Tell me more." Mitsuhide urged. The Oda's control ended at Chugoku, a place where the Mouri held power. The problem area was a small region bordering both territories. For a border province, it saw very little traffic, especially in the aftermath of the peace agreement. But now, the place was a sudden hotbed of activity. "Their leader is a man of no ability, nor has he the military or economic resources to pose a threat." Nobunaga explained.
"...But he is high ranking nobility, yes?" Mitsuhide added. Hideyoshi nodded, "That's right." Interlopers attempting to get in good with a well-connected Daimyo. If they happen to have everything he lacks, and that just spells trouble. And if it involves the Mouri's Chugoku, everything from Hyogo prefecture on over... That would give them the seaports. Even more trouble. Eria could recall feeling dazed in the first few war councils she'd had to attend, but now, thanks to Mitsuhide, she could follow everything.
"This change in activity is suspicious. Mitsuhide, confirm what they are up to with your own eyes and report back to me." Nobunaga commanded. He nodded, "I understand, my lord. I will return with the information you request. Why, I was looking forward to taking a brief excursion while Echigo cooled their heels," his pale golden gaze drifted to Eria, "Eria, ready yourself for a long trip." "...I have to go too?" she questioned. "Of course. I can't bear to be apart from you for even a moment." Eria rolled her eyes, '...Ew. But of course. How else will he watch me?'
A long journey with only Eria and Mitsuhide. It was hard to tell whether the emotion building up inside Eria was nervousness or excitement. "Hold it!" Hideyoshi interrupted, "This is an assignment, Mitsuhide! Furthermore, I just told you not to get Eria wrapped up in your dangerous nonsense!" "Did you? I must have forgotten." Mitsuhide answered. "You…you…you…you…!" Hideyoshi was visibly shaking with anger again. But Nobunaga was quick to stop him- "Hideyoshi, Mitsuhide will do as he will. So let him." "But in this case-!" Hideyoshi tried to argue. "Enough."
"...My apologies for speaking out of turn, my lord." Hideyoshi mumbled. "Mitsuhide, Hideyoshi. You are dismissed. Eria, I wish to have a word with you." Nobunaga commanded. "My lord," Mitsuhide spoke up, "as Eria's aspiring groom, I would like to request permission to sit in." "Mitsuhide. You are dismissed." Nobunaga repeated. "...As my lord commands." '...Mitsuhide backing down immediately? Interesting...' It was clear that to both men, Nobunaga was an authority not to be questioned nor argued with. 'Like I give a fuck about that, though.'
The door closed as the two men left, and suddenly, Eria felt a palpable quiet in the large tenshu. Lucille was kind enough, yet Eria hadn't a good grasp of Lucille's husband, leaving her uncomfortable in his presence. "Eria." Nobunaga spoke. "Yes...?" she responded. "How do you judge Mitsuhide?" Nobunaga asked. "...Are you asking… What do I think of him?" she asked. Nobunaga reclined back in that relaxed pose. Clearly calculated to leave anyone at unease. His gaze made it clear that neither lies nor deceit would go unnoticed.
Lucille, who sat beside him, gave the opposite feeling. While she, too, carried an air of intimidation in her sharp gaze. Her warm smile was the counter to her husband's cold command. "...I'm unsure of what I think of him." Eria answered, "He's a liar and a tease. He angers me so much I want to hit him, but also makes me want to cry in equal measure. I know it sounds bad, but-" "Continue." Eria let out a breath as her face flushed ever so slightly, "...I... I kind of like him, though." "I see."
Eria realized much too late that her words had sounded like a shy confession of love. But she was supposed to be telling him the truth. Not lying for the sake of the arrangement so… was it true? Eria had certainly found herself in the 'living hell' that was meant to accompany falling in love with Mitsuhide. Not that it would even matter. She was on her way back to the present within two months, something Mitsuhide knew as well. They couldn't form a real relationship, not with a set end date, at the very least. Fool around, perhaps, but not love.
"Aw... Come on, Eria. Lift your head." Lucille said, startling Eria as soft fingers touched beneath her chin, lifting it so she would be forced to meet the gazes of both Lucille and Nobunaga. Eria had never seen such intensity before. "Eria, I entrust Mitsuhide to you." Nobunaga spoke. "...You entrust him…to?" "That is all. You are dismissed." Eria said more, standing to leave, until she was stopped by Lucille.
"Eria," the woman spoke. Eria turned to look at her, "...Yes?" A fond smile formed on the rouge-tinted lips of Lucille as she reached a hand out, brushing a stray strand of Eria's hair behind her ear. "...I know this may sound weird but… I can see how much Mitsuhide cares about you, even if he has an odd way of showing it, he does seem to love you. I personally think you should try giving him a chance." she told the younger woman.
Eria said nothing, just staring impassively at the older woman, "...I need to get going. Goodbye, Lucille." And without waiting for a response, she stepped out into the hallway. Even though she gave no indication, she couldn't help but ponder on those words. '...Mitsuhide? In love with me? That's ridiculous.' Looking up, Eria noticed that Mitsuhide was waiting for her. As was Hideyoshi. Neither said anything, not to Eria, not to each other.
They stood on opposite sides of the hallway like two pillars would. Unmoving, yet somehow at odds. '...Were they here the whole time I was talking with Nobunaga?' A smile quickly formed on Mitsuhide's expression once he'd noticed her, "There you are, Eria. We should begin packing for our trip." He told her, moving from the wall, only to be interrupted by Hideyoshi- "Wait one moment, Mitsuhide." "You know what they say about pushy men, Hideyoshi," Mitsuhide said.
"Joke if you want, but I have to say this much- At this point, if you're planning something devious, I don't care. You don't need to explain yourself to me." Hideyoshi said. All the while, Mitsuhide remained expressionless. "And say, for the sake of argument, you do betray our lord. I don't care about that either. I'll kill you and that's that. …There's just one thing I can't allow." Hideyoshi said, glaring at Mitsuhide, "Don't you dare betray Eria." '...Hideyoshi?' Eria looked at Mitsuhide, curious about his response.
Mitsuhide said nothing, only gave a slight smile in response. Then he placed his arm around Eria and the two began to walk off. Eria noticed that as they left, Mitsuhide softly raised his hand, like he was giving Hideyoshi a quiet goodbye.
"This is what we have to wear on the trip?" Eria questioned. "Yes, that's right." Mitsuhide said, showing her their costumes. And costumes they were, indeed. Bright, flashy, loud, colorful. "...Isn't this an infiltration mission? Aren't these a little too… eye-catching?" she asked, then added- "It isn't going to matter if anyone sees me. But… you're a famous Oda warlord, you really shouldn't attract attention." "We attract attention to disguise ourselves." Mitsuhide told her, "We will be infiltrating under the guise of traveling performers. Those in positions of high power see only what they expect. Play along, and they will not even notice us."
"...Wow. I feel like I should be disturbed by how easily you get into the minds of our enemies." Eria muttered. "I would not mind a compliment once and awhile," he smiled, "You are my future wife. You could be kinder to me." Eria tensed up, blushing- "I thought I said I was 'considering' it! …And that was just for Nobunaga and Hideyoshi!" 'Is it really impossible for him to not turn a conversation around just for the sake of teasing me?!'
Mitsuhide said nothing further on the topic, only- "You will be disguised as a dancer. Try it on." Eria shrugged, "Sure. Get out." He smirked, "You don't need to ask me to leave on my account." Eria smiled another one of her signature 'kindness-lacking' smiles as she said- "I promise you; you will not be impressed with how much I lack should you stay. But I would much prefer you to not see either way. Now go!" Mitsuhide only chuckled as Eria shoved him from the room and into the hallway.
'Okay... what is this? Does this go around my waist or…? And what the hell is this-?' "What is taking you so long?" Eria startled, quickly grabbing onto the cloth to ensure her body was decently covered, "You know… Most people knock or ask before opening the door!" "...May I come in?" "You're already inside, dick!" He smiled, "Yes. Since I'm here, allow me to help." Mitsuhide then proceeded to strip Eria down to her dressing robe and began to help dress her properly, explaining everything as he did so.
But even so, Eria couldn't help but feel conscious of his cool fingers traveling over her body. '...This isn't weird. Not at all. He was your instructor, Eria. He's just instructing you.' Eria repeated his instructions in her head like a mantra, so that next time she would not need assistance. "Now, sit down and I'll do your hair." Mitsuhide told her as he pulled up a polished mirror and instructed her to sit before it. Then, Mitsuhide began to gently comb through Eria's hair.
'..Mm... That feels... No! Eria, stop. This is just like getting your haircut by a hairdresser or- something! It's just not intimate, not in any capacity.' Except at a hairdresser's, Eria didn't find herself holding back such happy noises whenever the teeth of the comb would lightly kis- …caress her neck. "How pleasant…" Mitsuhide whispered. "...What is it?" she asked. "Combing your hair. It feels wonderful." he answered. 'That's… unexpectedly soft of him. I was half expecting him to point out my… reactions.'
Eria looked up at Mitsuhide's expression in the mirror and was slightly startled by the simple look of joy he wore. '...On the topic of soft... His fingers… I mean, he's always using them to poke, or tickle me... But I can't help but wonder how they'd feel- no! Eria, keep it PG. No going there.' Even if she tried to deny it, Mitsuhide's fingers were the one part of him she was most intimate with. And that left her feeling curious. 'What the fuck am I thinking? They're just fingers, Eria. Keep your mind out of the gutter!'
Once Mitsuhide was done, he applied a hint of rouge to the corners of Eria's eyes and her lips. "Perfect. You look quite fetching." He complimented. "Do you actually…mean that?" she mumbled. Mitsuhide smiled, "Yes. Even better than I imagined." In the mirror, she could see that he was smiling. But suddenly, Mitsuhide lowered his head and pressed his lips to Eria's neck. "Wha... Wha…? Hey!" He smirked at her reaction, "With how much you enjoyed my combing your hair, I couldn't help but give you a little extra something."
'Fuck... He NOTICED. Of course he did!' Eria blushed, "Those weren't moans of- I mean… I... They were… groans, of pain. You pulled." "Be careful when withholding the truth." Mitsuhide said as he leaned forward; his arms slipping around Eria as he held her from behind. It troubled her how naturally she seemed to fit with him; how quickly her heart was beating. She couldn't bring herself to look in the mirror anymore, knowing well that her face would be bright red. But more than that, she feared she would see a smile.
"Eria." "Ahh...!" she let out a squeak as Mitsuhide decorated the line of her hair with multiple kisses. They felt like swords that had been lit aflame, both hot and beautiful. "You… You probably think I like this because… I don't complain… but... I... I-I hate it." she gasped out. "Don't lie," Mitsuhide said, smirking, "I know you like it when I tease you." Her heartbeat faster. '...I…I can't handle this.' Mitsuhide had made up the 'marriage proposal' lie to keep Eria under his watch. And he teased her just because he found her amusing.
And Eria put up with it, because… '...Because I like being with him, I enjoy his company, despite myself. And because it feels nice on occasion! Nothing wrong with that. But I can't let myself forget how fake this all is…' Lucille's words echoed repeatedly in Eria's mind. She panicked, gaining ahold of herself and pushed Mitsuhide away. "... Sensory condition, remember? So-so... No more games today." "Are you certain?" Mitsuhide questioned, "Perhaps we should test your limits, expand them even-"
"Are you forgetting that you taught me how to knock a man out? Don't make me use that against you!" Eria threatened. "Oh? Do you think I don't know a counter?" 'Mmhm? Prove it.' With more force and anger than she'd expected, Eria grabbed Mitsuhide. Only for him to deflect and catch her hands in his. "...I am sorry, Eria…" He muttered. 'Now you choose to apologize? …Looking at me like that?' The kiss he touched against her tightly balled fist held the same solemness and repentance that his eyes did.
"...You're unbelievable." Eria scoffed. Mitsuhide only smiled at her, "Now that we've had our first fight, does our engagement feel more real to you?" Eria blinked, "...Why would I- Do YOU want this to feel real, Mitsuhide?" she asked. He didn't answer, causing her to let out an annoyed sigh, "Whatever. Go get changed into your costume." "Very well."
Eria exited the room and sank to her knees. A hot ache resounded in her abdomen, a warm sting in her heart. Whatever this was, whatever it was changing into… it wasn't love. It would never be love. Eria clenched her hands into her robes, feeling like Mitsuhide's fingers lingered there. A phantom touch. She could no easier rid herself of his presence than she could even begin to slow her thundering heartbeat.
KENSHIN UESUGI
While Eria and Mitsuhide prepared to depart from Azuchi…
"Threat of rebellion?" Kenshin frowned. The vassal nodded, "Yes, my lord. In small territories to the east and the north. And there may be more." Shingen shook his head in disapproval, "We need solidarity for the fight against Nobunaga. We can't win if our allies are breaking apart like loose earth." "I've been waiting for this battle. How dare they spoil my fun?" The God of War complained.
Shingen's gaze fell to the blonde-haired man, "What do you think, Kenshin? Do we call Yuki and Sasuke back?" he asked. But Kenshin shook his head, "We won't need them. Besides, it was you who insisted on sending them west to find you-know-who first." A smile formed on Shingen's expression, "...Never thought I could come to you for calm advice, but you're right. Thanks. I hope they manage to find our favorite fop." "Hmph." Kenshin pouted.
ERIA LOUIS
After days of travel, Eria and Mitsuhide finally reached the Chugoku border. It appeared to be a quaint yet spiffy little town. "You held up remarkably well on our travels, Eria." Mitsuhide complimented. Eria didn't say anything, only smiled in gr, feeling slightly proud. The journey had been… memorable. Aside from the large swaths of it she didn't wish to remember. It was mostly Mitsuhide's teasing, considering the amount of mileage he'd gotten out of the fancy costume of his. It was no surprise though. He looked hauntingly good in it. …Aside from the night where he pretended to haunt Eria.
"Has something caught your eye?" Mitsuhide asked. "Not you, no worries." Eria quickly said, "...What do we do now that we're here?" she asked. "I had Kyubei make arrangements ahead of time. Our companions should be here soon," Mitsuhide answered. '...Companions?' "Well met, travelers! Might you be Mitsu and Eria? We've been waiting for you!" A jolly older man who appeared to be in his early 40s came striding towards them, dressed in clothing no less colorful than the ones Eria and Mitsuhide wore.
Eria blinked, then looked back at Mitsuhide, "Ahem… Mind explaining, 'Mitsu?'" she asked. "That is the leader of our troupe, Kamekichi." He answered. '..." Our troupe." So, we aren't solo.' "Hm… Smart. Less suspicious if we're in a crowd." Eria muttered. "Yes, that is correct. Now, neither the troupe members nor Kamekichi know our true identities. From this point on, we must keep in character." Mitsuhide told her. Eria nodded, smirking slightly as she said- "You got it, Mitsu."
"You two came to our attention at the perfect time! We'd just lost a couple of members, but now we don't have to stop the show!" Kamekichi smiled brightly. Eria smiled back at him, and gave a small polite bow, "We hope we can be of service, Master Kamekichi." "My dear, you bless our audience and our troupe with your presence!" He praised, then said- "...You're a lucky man, Mitsu, to have such a beautiful wife!" "I thank the stars every day for her." Mitsuhide responded. Eria felt her face heat up, 'W-W-Wife?! Oh... Oh no.'
"Two new performers are a lucky break, but a husband-and-wife duo? You two will be a hit at the festival." Kamekichi said. "That would be wonderful." Mitsuhide said. '...H-H-Husband... He just called Mitsuhide… my husband. A-And... Me... Mitsuhide's…wife.' "But I'm sure you need rest after all that travel! I'll show you to where the others are," the troupe leader said. Kamekichi, with his big and friendly smile, walked off. Eria grabbed Mitsuhide and yanked him back. "Is something the matter?" he asked. Eria smiled, angry, "...Might we have a talk, 'dear?'"
Mitsuhide leaned down, and in the most controlled tone Eria could manage, she whispered- "you told him we're married?! I haven't even agreed to being your faux fiancée!" "Oh, did I not mention that part? We're joining the troupe as a married couple. Now then, back to 'being in character.'" He answered. 'You did this on purpose, you ass!' First, he was Eria's instructor. Then her lover, which led to a sudden marriage proposal in front of his boss. And now, they were husband and wife.
'..At least it's somewhat in order... But we've known each other for a MONTH, Mitsuhide! And it's all FAKE!' Eria shot him a glare, but he only gave a smile more amused than any she'd seen before in response. "I hope to be a good husband to you, Eria." He told her. '...And I hope to not be one of those wives who murder their husbands in their sleep…'