Samurai Love Ballad Party: A Series of Short Stories

The Awkward Date

Uesugi Kenshin (SLBP) x Dori (self pairing/ ship).
Rating: G

Prompt: http://writingforthefeels.tumblr.com/post/141135514156/person-a-is-always-flirting-with-person-b-and

The only reason I'm doing a self paring/ ship is because Person B in the prompt doesn't sound like the MC in SLBP and I admit to be seemingly oblivious when it comes to the opposite sex so where we go. Also, I only know how Kenshin is like from the Echoes of True Love event in Mitsuhide's route (at the time this was written) so this is somewhat of a generalization of the character.

Since my arrival in Echigo, I've been living with the Uesugi Clan. At first, I was to be Lord Kenshins poison taster since I was posing as Yahiko, but when he learned that I came from my family restaurant in Kyoto, he insisted I try my hand at making those European sweets that Francisco had told him about. By then, it was found out I was really a woman but somehow Kenshin placed his trust in me and I was the only one allowed to make the confections. I was also given other kitchen duties as well, to the point that I'm assisting in a lot of things food related.

One Spring day, I'm going over a message I receive from his lordship about a special dinner he planned for Lord Nobunaga's visit in the coming days. I'm walking to my room when Kenshin comes up to me.

"Why, Dori, you look deep in thought," he said as I glance up from the note. "That serious look on your face makes you look so sophisticated." I can see him smile at me as he always does whenever we're together. I think he smiles at all the women here like that, but i'm always busy so I never really noticed.

"Good day, Lord Kenshin," I say as I bow slightly. "I was just reviewing the list you sent me and I thi-"

Kenshin clicked his tongue and frowned, looking worried at me. "Dori, you're working way too hard these days. I'm worried you'll lose your beautiful smile."

I sighed and shook my head. "You were the one that put me in charge of the big feast for Lord Nobunaga's arrival so I have to make sure we get everything and it goes well." I was sure my tone was serious, but all he did was tilt his head and smile again.

"Be ready in an hour." His lordship smiled at me with a knowing look.

"What?! But, I -" I stammer, feeling flustered and stressed at the sudden request. "I-I have to see what we has in the store house and see that we get what we can as soon as poss-" I'm shushed by a single finger.

"Dori, are you telling me you're refusing your Lord? Would you like me to make it an order instead?" That smile of his teases me as much as his finger on my lips and I tear away the moment I start to feel my face flush.

"N-no, milord. I'll go see to the necessary orders and be ready as soon as possible."

"Just what I like to hear from my page." Lord Kenshin sounded quite pleased, although, if all he wanted to do was make me flustered a bit, he succeeded. "I'll see you at the gate in an hour then," he said as he walked away, leaving me in a flurried mess as I hurried to the kitchen to talk to the staff.

I make my way to the gates and see Lord Kenshin is already there. "I'm sorry to make you wait," I said as I hurried over.

Kenshin waved his hand flippantly. "I merely wanted to make sure my plan goes well," he said as he turned and started heading out to town.

Exasperated by the sudden change, I hurried after him, groaning to myself as I worried about leaving my duties behind. Since we were just going to town, we didn't have far to go and since I wasn't told of any particular plans, I was still in my basic yukata. I'm looking around at all the shops until I bump into someone. "I'm sorry."

I look and see it's Lord Kenshin wearing a smirk. "If I were anyone else, I'd kidnap you for being so cute, Dori. Good thing you're already my page."

"Please, milord, be serious." I looked at him with furrowed brows.

"Oh, but I am," he grinned and winked as he took my hand and started walking. "So you don't go wandering off with that adorable lost look and get snatched up."

I sighed and shook my head as we walked, knowing full well how this looked, but my mind wandered back to the tasks I left behind. I had almost managed to calm my mind when I bump into his lordship again after a sudden stop. I rub my smashed nose as I turn to see a fancy restaurant.

"Here we are," Lord Kenshin said smiling proudly. "The best udon house in the village." I looked at him incredulously. "You, my dear, have been working way too hard. I have to treat my most trusted page for all her hard work." The way he said that could have meant so many things if we weren't standing outside a restaurant.

Inside, the decor was simple yet you can tell it was befitting of a place that's said to have the best dishes in town. A server sees is and immediately her smile brightens as she leads us to a table that looked to be his regular seat. Once there, tea is served and Lord Kenshin tells the server for the usual. The meal was nonchalant, his lordship complementing me on everything from what I did to what I wear and how I am overall. Is he really hitting on me? I inwardly debate this as I remain silent. I don't want to cause a scene here.

After our meal, we walk around and look at the various shops. I had to remind he lordship that he didn't have to buy me things, but he insisted on a beautiful hair pin that was the one thing I allowed him to get.

As day turned to twilight, we make our way back to the Uesugi estate when I'm stopped by a gentle hand on my arm. Turning, I see Lord Kenshin wearing a serious look on his face. "Milord?" I start to grow concerned and took a step closer.

"Dori, I have something I need to tell you." He looked at me with a passion I never saw before. "I really and truly like you. I want you by my side as more than my page."

I blink at him unsure how to respond at first, but then I laugh lightly. "I know, Lord Kenshin." I start to giggle seeing his surprise.

"Wait, so you just let-" Before he could respond anymore, I stand on tip toe to kiss his cheek, causing him to blush and sputter.

I start walking again and all Lord Kenshin could seemingly do was follow and try to figure out how I could be so stone faced to him after all that flirting.