Samurai Love Ballad Party: A Series of Short Stories

The Konpeitou Are Not In Alignment

MC x Oda Nobunaga

Rating: G

It was a bright starry night. I'd finished cleaning up the dinner service and was given the rest of the night off. The retainers invited the servants to drink with them and Lord Nobunaga, but I didn't really feel like drinking. So, since I didn't want to go too far in case I was needed, I walked around the garden. It was so peaceful compared to the boisterous celebrations of the main hall. The air was crisp and cool and renewed me with life as I walked towards the treeline.

As I approached them, I saw someone perched in one of the trees. "Lord Nobunaga?" When I got close enough, I could see his perfect profile lit by starlight. "Do you not wish to celebrate with your men?"

He scoffed lightly. "Let then be. They seem quite capable on their own." I could see his breath float into the night air and I shiver as if in response. I didn't realize I was staring until he jumped down from his perch and I stumbled back in surprise. I was ready to hit the ground when I felt strong arms wrap around my waist and draw me back up. "You're quite the troublesome little fool," said a low, close voice to my ear. I shivered and blushed as I looked to see Lord Nobunaga's handsome visage so close before me.

"I'm sorry," was all I could muster as I try to distance myself from the man.

"Trying to escape from me already?" His chuckle rumbled in his chest as I placed my hand there to try and distance myself. He didn't let go at first, helping me stand before releasing me. "Such a troublesome girl. Must I always be the one to catch you?"

I avoid his gaze by straightening out my clothes. "Would you rather someone else catch me?" I did not think about the words that came out of my mouth, but I regret doing so when a large hand took my chin and drew my face closer to his.

"Is that something you want because arrangements can be made." His tone was low, but Lord Nobunaga's voice was ice cold when he said that. I felt myself pale a little and shook my head as best I could. With a satisfied smirk, he let me go and stood up straight, hand on his hip as he stood before me. "And why aren't you celebrating with them?"

"I wanted to get some fresh air. I thought you were still inside when I took the dishes to be washed." His lordship is a master at being sneaky, having often times been asked by Lord Mitsuhide the whereabouts his lordship. I never know, but am always the first to be asked since I am the one Lord Nobunaga chose to keep close. Doesn't mean he'll tell me where he plans to hide from Lord Mitsuhide.

His face scowled slightly as he tilted his head slightly. "Come to report on me, then? Mitsuhide should know better." He sneered a bit, thinking over what he said to me before smirking. "Of course he wouldn't do such a think. He would know better." I sighed in relief and he chuckled in response.

Next thing I know, I'm taken by a strong arm and carried up the tree we stood by. This is not the first time Lord Nobunaga has done this, but I usually have at least a few seconds to prepare. Nope, I'm whisked up the tree and the blood rushes to my head. Gripping the sturdy branch, I try not to look dizzy and his lordship takes his seat next to me.

I didn't realize I had my eyes closed when till I opened them and saw his emasculate visage ever so close to my own suddenly. Startled, I lose my grip and start to slip. "[___]!" I squeeze my eyes tight, bracing myself for the impact of the ground when I felt something wrap around my waist and then cushion the fall.

Moments pass before I come to and open my eyes, seeing that Lord Nobunaga was whom I was lying on top of. "Foolish girl..." He grimaced as he slowly shifted under me.

"Oh no! I-I'm so sorry! Are you hurt? Am I too heavy?! Am I-" Panic and fear set in when I see he's hardly moving and even moaning quietly. I'm silenced when both arms hold me in place when I try to get off him.

"Be still unless you want to be punished even more than you already will be," were whispered from Lord Nobunaga's lips. I manage to lift myself and peer at his face to see him glaring slightly at me. "Idiot woman, what made you think you could faint when I've carried you off so many times before?"

I'm about to speak when we heard commotion in the distance. "I thought I heard someone fall," said one retainer.

"We better check it out," said another and footsteps made their way towards us.

The next few words are low growls as I'm moved off his lordship. "I don't need their twaddle right now." My wrist was then grabbed, but the retainers were the sober ones so they managed to find us in no time. Lord Nobunaga shoves me behind him and tugs at my sleeve. I look down to see my kimono had become slightly undone and I quickly try to fix it.

"Milord, is everything alright? We heard a noise and-"

Lord Nobunaga's glare turned icy and the retainers turned pale. "And you thought you'd be heros and investigate."

"W-Well, you see, milord, we're on guard duty so it's part of our job!" Wide eyed and nervous, they stood their ground. Peeking out from behind, the retainers see me and flush in embarrassment. They studded wildly and now profusely, cracking their skulls together by accident before scrambling off before they were caught in his wrath.

Looking at his lordship, I saw a smirk arise on his lips. "You have your uses after all." I blush at the gaze he gave me and looked away. But that was short lived as I felt myself being led deeper into the gardens. "Now that that's been tended to, I won't have myself be disturbed."

"M-Milord?" My voice came out as a squeak almost as I followed his lead.

"You're attending me or did you forget your place?" Oh, that wicked smile of his making my heart jump. I shook my head feeling the burn on my cheeks and he gave a satisfied look. We spoke no more, walking to a spot that seemed so far away. Only the stars above were our keepers, oddly colored like the ones milord loves so much.