Samurai Love Ballad Party: A Series of Short Stories

All In The Past

Tokugawa Ieyasu X Senri
Rating: G

"Ah, the monkey is here away from his sand castle," I sneered a little as I saw Hideyoshi come with that stuck up bookworm of a retainer.

"Watch your tongue." That bookworm always defending that monkey like a good little lap dog.

"Hey, Ieyasu." Hideyoshi is smiling like we're friends but we're anything but. "Did Lord Nobunaga invite you to another outing?" He glances to my side and smiles brighter. "Hi, Senri."

I turn to see her flush a little. Is she sick or... I frown at this exchange. "Don't talk to my retainer unless I give you permission to, farmer's boy."

He merely shrugs and chuckles. So care free this one.

"You dare to speak to Lord Hideyoshi that way?" Mitsunari is so loyal, I bet he says the same to flies that hover around that monkey's head.

"It's alright," the monkey said dismissively. "I'm just saying hello, Ieyasu. That protective of her?" He tilts his head with that stupid smirk of his.

I scoff to play it off, sure he's messing with me. "Af if I care that much. Just don't talk to what isn't yours." I start walking off to get away from them. The Lord of Fool sure knows how to pick them. I can hear Senri apologize to Hideyoshi before hurrying after me. I sigh and shake my head as scenarios play in my mind and I don't like any of them.

"S-sorry, Lord Ieyasu. I didn't-"

I cut her off with a gesture of my hand. "What am I going to do with you, Senri? Do you blush at any comment that comes your way or do you like the monkey that much?" My expression is plain, but inside I feel hurt by such a simple thing. Her mouth gaped like a fish, concern on her face evident as she couldn't look at me for some reason. I sighed but remained standing, not showing the pain I felt.

"Please forgive me, Lord Ieyuasu." Her eyes were cast to the floor in obvious shame. "I... Before I became your page, I was to become Lord Hideyoshi's page and... I had a bit of a crush on him..." She fidgeted with her sleeve, still avoiding eye contact with me. "It was just a little crush, I swear..." Leaning over, I could see tears welling up in her eyes. Such a simple girl, thinking she got into trouble with me. Had it been when we just met, definitely. Now...

Reaching out, I lifted her head with a finger. My expression soft but serious. "You don't ever show that face to anyone but me, Senri. What did I just tell Hideyoshi?"

Blinking, the tears escaped. "D-Don't talk to what isn't yours..." Her cheeks flushed crimson at the words and realization set in.

I brushed the tears from her cheeks with a nod of approval. "Good girl. Never forget that. You belong to me." Turning on my heels, I release her as I start walking, the sound of her sandals following shortly behind. I glance back to see her in a brighter mood. Sighing, I held my hand to her and she took it without hesitation. I pull her to my side as we head towards the gates and town. The Lord of Fools can be very boring and town seemed a much better place. I'm in better company anyway.