Samurai Love Ballad Party: A Series of Short Stories

A Lesson in Love: Masamune

Date Masamune X MC
Rating: G
Inspired by the Echos of True Love event

It's a beautiful Spring day and the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Lord Masamune had been tired of late and I was worried he wasn't getting enough rest. I've see the lights still burning from his room at times when I pass by to go to my room. I don't want to disturb him, but I also want to make sure that his health doesn't get affected because of his late nights working.

One night, as I was cooking his dinner, I asked his lordship if I could plan an outing for just the two of us. Despite our admissions of the heart, we sort of just went back to our routines and things just got awkward at times. Not that I was complaining because at least I know he feels the same way that I do for him and only made me more worried when we barely get the time to sit together outside of dinner. Since there was nothing planned for the weekend, he reluctantly agreed. Lord Kojuro wasn't pleased about this little getaway, but I suggested being not too far from his lordship's house which was located by a wooded area near Yonezawa castle. He was still wary of the idea but eventually agreed.

Today was the day of our little outing and I had made Lord Masamune's favorites in bento style. I used the kitchen at the cabin since we didn't want anyone to know we were going out besides lords Kojuro and Shigezane. While packing, I felt so nervous. It'll be the first time we'll be really alone on a date. Lost on my thoughts, I jumped when I heard my name called.

"[___]." Lord Masamune was standing behind me, his tone the usual whenever I cooked him dinner at the house. When I turn, a hint of a smile on his lips.

"Lord Masamune," I bowed slightly in greeting, a smile growing on my lips. It was nice to see him this way. He looked tired but relieved that we were going to visit the cherry blossoms. Well, I was happy to see those with him alone. I'm sure he was just happy to get away for a bit and not be disturbed. "I have everything so..."

"Then let's be off before those two follow us." I had to chuckle as I took his offered hand. It wasn't the first time it was suggested we go out and then either Lord Kojuro, Lord Shigezane or both follow us to make sure Lord Masamune didn't get into trouble. And even though it's the woods not far from the cabin, we couldn't put it past them to check in on us anyway. Our lunching tow, I followed Lord Masamune to find our spot.

The woods were dappled in soft sunlight as we walked silently hand in hand. It was nice and peaceful... And awkward. The warmth of his large hand holding mine suddenly made me blush for some reason and I hoped he wouldn't turn around to see.

Of course, I thought too loud as he turned and saw. "Are you alright? Did you push yourself too much to make this date happen?" Concern hinted on that ever stone visage of his.

I blushed even more at the word "date" and slowed my pace. "N-No, milord. It's just... being able to be with you like this is really nice and we haven't had the chance to do something like this... you're holding my hand..." I avoided his gaze in the hopes what I said wasn't so embarrassing to his ears.

A low chuckle brought my gaze back up to see Lord Masamune standing closer to me and brushing hair from my face. He truly is handsome and kind, it's no wonder I fell in love with this man. "Nervous?" I nod at the single word. Who wouldn't be? "Me too..." His gaze turned wistful as he gripped my hand tighter. "Come on. I know a place you will like."

Following his lead, it turned out to be further than expected for me and I wondered if Lords Shigezane and Kojuro were still planning to follow us. If they were, they'd be out of luck because I certainly don't know where we're going. Time passes at what felt like forever until I heard babbling water and looked to him as if I would get any answers from gazing at the back of his head. Soon, it was revealed that we were at a large pond with a bright red bridge arching crossing the middle. It was too amazing not to be in awe of its beauty. I didn't realize we stopped walking and bumped into his broad back.

"Are you alright?" Lord Masamune turned to see me rubbing my nose and a few tears in my eyes. Boy, is his body hard. That really hurt! But, I nod reassuringly and wipe at my eyes. He looked at me a little longer before turning back to our destination. "I found this place while on a walk one day. I could never forget it because it made me think of you."

Looking around, it was like something out of a painting. The pond surrounded by trees and other plants looked so surreal. I looked to him and saw that small smile of his that made my heart race so I turned away to hide the burn on my cheeks. "It's amazing. And... You thought of me?"

"Surprised?" Those words whispered. That soft smile relaxing me still.

"Yes and no..." I took a few steps to be by his side and lean against him, hands still held. "Yes, because this place is just so magnificent. No, you're always thinking of me even when I tell you you need to think of yourself."

Lord Masamune's tone changed slightly as he moved to face me. "There's no point in thinking of myself when you're not with me."

My heart swelled with love as he said this and I didn't know what to say. A smile grew but I didn't remember much else as I was embraced into those welcoming gentle arms. I wrapped my own around him and took in the moment. Our love feels everlasting and time standing still for us. This day couldn't be more perfect as we have no worries about the lecture we may likely get later for losing our chaperones.