warriorslash Challenge; Prompt#06 Crush
Fandom: Samurai Warriors
Title: Getting A Grip
Author(s): fightingoutside
Pairing(s): Sakon/Mitsunari
Prompt: #06 Crush
Rating: G // FRC
Word Count: 2059
Warnings: None~
Author's Notes: My first shot at my favourite pairing (actually I lie; I've done other much smaller things, but those are never seeing the light of day). Also features lots of Lady Nene, because she is awesome.
~
Ishida Mitsunari was easily irritated. Certain things annoyed him more than others, though... or rather, certain people did. Kiyomasa and Masanori, out of personal dislike for the fox-like man, often went out of their way to give him reason to snarl. Masamune's dishonourable attitude made his temper soar. Kobayakawa's cowardly attitude made him want to yell frequently, and Ieyasu... Ieyasu's mere presence often left him fuming.
But there was one person who seemed to make him angrier than any other. The odd thing was, this person was not one that disliked him. Indeed, this was a person who adored him and loved him in the manner of a mother.
Lady Nene.
Hideyoshi's ninja wife had fussed over Mitsunari since the day he had first come under the monkey-like conqueror's command at the tender age of sixteen. Nene had considered him to be 'just a baby' and had taken it upon herself to take extra special care of him (almost everyone was mothered by her in some way or form). Mitsunari, of course, had considered this completely unnecessary and told her time and time again that he was perfectly fine and would prefer to be left alone. She'd completely ignored this, of course, and over time began to call him her 'son.'
Getting older and wise, Mitsunari had realised that her mothering attitude was linked to an inability to bear children of her own, and he did feel sympathy for her. He really did. But he would have preferred that she focused on others who were much more prepared to deal with her over-attentiveness. The constant interruptions, nagging and smothering were too much for the man to handle and the fact that his insults and anger did nothing to drive her away infuriated him no end. Nothing would convince her to leave him alone.
To top that off, she also had an uncanny way of knowing what he was up to at any time and had discovered certain things about him that he would rather have kept private... leaving him to constantly worry that she'd just blurt them out one day without the slightest hesitation.
Frowning, Mitsunari cast Nene a brief, irritated glance before shifting all focus to the teacup in his hands. The Toyotomi were assembled for the evening meal and today the woman had insisted on sitting opposite him, splitting attention between fussing over her husband and scolding Mitsunari for a wide range of things he didn't even bother keeping track of. The fox-like man could not afford to completely ignore her, though, and was listening out for key words that might indicate she was about to spill the latest secret she'd discovered about him. He just knew she was dying to. That moment when he'd seen her eyes light up and that delighted smile spread across her face when she'd found out about it was proof enough of that... along with the fact that since then she'd constantly been harassing him with demands that he 'confess his love' and had offered countless times to do so for him 'if he was feeling shy.'
Feeling shy. Ha. It was nothing like that at all. Mitsunari just knew better than to let his feelings get in the way of the productive working relationship between himself and his loyal retainer. If he was rejected, as he felt was more than likely the case considering Sakon's adoration of women (he thought just a bit bitterly), then it would make things extremely awkward. There was simply no way he could let that happen.
"Everything alright, my Lord?"
Mitsunari blinked and looked up at the focus of his crush, who was regarding him with his usual friendly grin.
"It's just that you're looking a little grouchy," continued Sakon. "Well... more grouchy than usual. Something bothering you?"
Sakon had picked up on his current mood, as always. Others probably wouldn't have noticed the difference between him now and him usually. His retainer really did know him very well; this fact often made Mitsunari suspect that the man must have picked up on the attraction he had for him. Thinking as such caused a faint blush to spread across his cheeks, but Sakon didn't appear to notice; he didn't react, at least. Snorting slightly, Mitsunari looked away and took a sip of his tea before speaking again.
"It's nothing of any concern," he replied. "Don't worry about it."
"Now now... it's my job to worry about you. You want me to do my job well, don't you?"
"Yes, but this really isn't anything you should bother with, Sakon."
Sakon regarded him for a few more moments, before shaking his head. There was a faint glitter of amusement in his eyes.
"If you say so, my Lord."
That phrase was one Mitsunari happened to know translated to 'I don't believe that for a second' whenever Sakon said it. Sighing inaudibly, he glanced over at Lady Nene, hoping she hadn't been listening in. Luckily her attention was focused entirely on Hideyoshi right now; his Lord was looking rather harassed and Nene looked cross, which suggested that their current conversation involved women (or rather, women that Lord Hideyoshi had most definitely not been staring at, oh no, he'd never do a thing like that when he had a beautiful and fascinating wife at his side).
Mitsunari looked at Sakon again.
"...Lady Nene has just been particularly irritating as of late," he muttured, so nobody but he and his retainer could hear. "It's getting to be rather trying."
Sakon smiled, and placed a hand on his shoulder. He didn't look surprised at all at this.
"I have noticed she's been following you around quite a bit for this past week," he said cheerfully. "She must have a reason for it. Trying to marry you off or something?"
This response was far too close to the truth, and Mitsunari was unable to stop a look of shock and horror from flashing over his face. He quickly reverted back to the scowl he'd been bearing beforehand, but Sakon had not missed the expression. Raising a eyebrow, the loyal retainer chuckled lightly.
"Mitsunari? Does this mean I'm right?"
"...not quite," said Mitsunari quietly.
Sakon paused for a moment, watching his Lord carefully and apparently thinking. The younger man stared down at his tea once more, feeling a little uncomfortable and strange under the intense gaze. Like his retainer was staring right into him. Stupid thought, of course, because that was impossible, but...
Why, then, did he feel so bare to the man right now?
"Quit staring and speak your thoughts," he muttured, closing his eyes. "Unless you think you'll embarass yourself."
"Oh, I wouldn't be embarassed, my Lord," replied Sakon, voice low as he smiled handsomely at him. "My main concern is that you would be, and I wouldn't want you to feel any discomfort at all, especially considering the nature of what it is I wish to ask you."
Mitsunari's eyes were open and directed towards Sakon again in an instant.
"...you have a question that would be embarassing to me?"
Sakon chuckled lightly.
"Yes."
Mitsunari swallowed, the pace of his heart increasing. So, it would embarassing enough that he'd react in a way that would draw people's attention to him in a public setting? Thus causing the discomfort? There were plenty of things this question could be related to, but it almost certainly covered something very personal and perhaps... intimate, considering what they'd been talking about.
Did this mean that Sakon wanted to ask him about his feelings? If he had feelings for anyone? Maybe if Mitsunari specifically had feelings for him?
It was a big leap to make, perhaps, but that look he'd been given earlier...
He realised he was trembling and inwardly cursed himself, hoping it wasn't visible. If Sakon did ask him that question when they were alone, what could he say? He'd sworn never to go and confess his feelings, but being asked about them? Could he hide it well enough?
"Mitsunari! What's the matter?"
Lady Nene's concerned cry shoved that question to the side for a moment, and he turned his head to scowl at her. She'd stood up, hand on hips, and was regarding him with a ridiculous amount of concern in her features.
"Nothing," he said. "As I've told you every other time you've asked this question. Leave me be."
"Don't be silly!" said the ninja woman. "You're shaking, and your cheeks are red! There's clearly something wrong!"
Mitsunari froze. Of all people, it would be her that would notice the shaking. Clearly the heavens were not on his side today, he thought angrily.
"As I said, I'm fine!" he snapped, going a little redder in the face.
"Oh, sweetie, you shouldn't lie to Mommy like that!"
Then Nene paused, and her eyes moved over to Sakon for a brief moment.
"Unless you're not sick and... oh, darling, have you gone and told- "
"FINE! ALRIGHT, FINE. I admit it, I don't feel well! Happy now?" yelled Mitsunari, interrupting her before she could finish the sentence and tell just about everyone of his affections. "But I don't need fussing over!"
Nene sighed, and shook her head. Mitsunari could hear Sakon laughing quietly to his side.
"Perhaps you ought to go to bed, my Lord," said the dark-haired retainer, amusement glittering in his eyes. "Then I am sure Lady Nene will feel reassured about you, hmm? Besides, I expect you need a good long sleep."
"...I suppose..." muttured Mitsunari; he couldn't deny this, really. Sakon often tried to persuade him to get more sleep and he had to admit that he'd been overdoing the late nights recently.
"There's a good boy!" chirped Nene. "Now you make sure you go and do that right away. I'll be sure to check up on you soon, I promise! I don't want my son making his illness worse."
Mitsunari opened his mouth to complain about this but was stopped by Sakon. Stopped by Sakon squeezing his hand under the table. The shock of this sudden contact was easily enough to stop the red-haired young man from launching into one of his angry speeches.
"No need for that, my Lady," said Sakon, looking directly at Nene. "It's my job to watch over him, right? Just like you always tell me. I'm sure he'll be fine by tomorrow, anyway. Doesn't seem to be anything serious."
"...well, if you're sure, Sakon," replied Nene, looking towards Mitsunari with motherly concern. "But I want to know if he gets worse, no matter what time of night it is!"
"I shall be sure to do so, my Lady. With my Lord's permission, of course."
Mitsunari managed to pull himself together enough to nod.
"Yes, whatever."
He pulled his hand away from Sakon's before standing up.
"But I think I can make my own way to my room. Stay here and finish your meal, Sakon. You may check up on me later, though I am certain it will unnecessary."
Both of them knew it was, but nobody else needed to know that. It was just a cover story, after all. He rather suspected that Sakon wouldn't come near his room all night and would just want him to sleep the whole time. Unless, of course, he still wanted to ask his question...
He looked at his retainer briefly, but there was now only that usual expression of his settled in, that same smile he always wore. Mitsunari could not forget that hand, though. Sakon's grip had been strong and reassuring. Let me make this easier for you. If Mitsunari had launched into an angry argument with Nene it would have ensured that the woman did check up on him throughout the night, thus irritating him further.
"As you wish, my Lord," said Sakon, bowing his head slightly.
Mitsunari turned and walked out of the hall, ignoring the things Nene called after him. If Sakon did come in and check on him, he'd pretend he was asleep. Right now he felt completely unable to face any questions regarding his feelings about his retainer, the thought of rejection making his stomach churn. Things could not be ruined, and he needed to be in the right state of mind to deny his affections.
Lady Nene. Why did she always have to make things more difficult for him?
Title: Getting A Grip
Author(s): fightingoutside
Pairing(s): Sakon/Mitsunari
Prompt: #06 Crush
Rating: G // FRC
Word Count: 2059
Warnings: None~
Author's Notes: My first shot at my favourite pairing (actually I lie; I've done other much smaller things, but those are never seeing the light of day). Also features lots of Lady Nene, because she is awesome.
~
Ishida Mitsunari was easily irritated. Certain things annoyed him more than others, though... or rather, certain people did. Kiyomasa and Masanori, out of personal dislike for the fox-like man, often went out of their way to give him reason to snarl. Masamune's dishonourable attitude made his temper soar. Kobayakawa's cowardly attitude made him want to yell frequently, and Ieyasu... Ieyasu's mere presence often left him fuming.
But there was one person who seemed to make him angrier than any other. The odd thing was, this person was not one that disliked him. Indeed, this was a person who adored him and loved him in the manner of a mother.
Lady Nene.
Hideyoshi's ninja wife had fussed over Mitsunari since the day he had first come under the monkey-like conqueror's command at the tender age of sixteen. Nene had considered him to be 'just a baby' and had taken it upon herself to take extra special care of him (almost everyone was mothered by her in some way or form). Mitsunari, of course, had considered this completely unnecessary and told her time and time again that he was perfectly fine and would prefer to be left alone. She'd completely ignored this, of course, and over time began to call him her 'son.'
Getting older and wise, Mitsunari had realised that her mothering attitude was linked to an inability to bear children of her own, and he did feel sympathy for her. He really did. But he would have preferred that she focused on others who were much more prepared to deal with her over-attentiveness. The constant interruptions, nagging and smothering were too much for the man to handle and the fact that his insults and anger did nothing to drive her away infuriated him no end. Nothing would convince her to leave him alone.
To top that off, she also had an uncanny way of knowing what he was up to at any time and had discovered certain things about him that he would rather have kept private... leaving him to constantly worry that she'd just blurt them out one day without the slightest hesitation.
Frowning, Mitsunari cast Nene a brief, irritated glance before shifting all focus to the teacup in his hands. The Toyotomi were assembled for the evening meal and today the woman had insisted on sitting opposite him, splitting attention between fussing over her husband and scolding Mitsunari for a wide range of things he didn't even bother keeping track of. The fox-like man could not afford to completely ignore her, though, and was listening out for key words that might indicate she was about to spill the latest secret she'd discovered about him. He just knew she was dying to. That moment when he'd seen her eyes light up and that delighted smile spread across her face when she'd found out about it was proof enough of that... along with the fact that since then she'd constantly been harassing him with demands that he 'confess his love' and had offered countless times to do so for him 'if he was feeling shy.'
Feeling shy. Ha. It was nothing like that at all. Mitsunari just knew better than to let his feelings get in the way of the productive working relationship between himself and his loyal retainer. If he was rejected, as he felt was more than likely the case considering Sakon's adoration of women (he thought just a bit bitterly), then it would make things extremely awkward. There was simply no way he could let that happen.
"Everything alright, my Lord?"
Mitsunari blinked and looked up at the focus of his crush, who was regarding him with his usual friendly grin.
"It's just that you're looking a little grouchy," continued Sakon. "Well... more grouchy than usual. Something bothering you?"
Sakon had picked up on his current mood, as always. Others probably wouldn't have noticed the difference between him now and him usually. His retainer really did know him very well; this fact often made Mitsunari suspect that the man must have picked up on the attraction he had for him. Thinking as such caused a faint blush to spread across his cheeks, but Sakon didn't appear to notice; he didn't react, at least. Snorting slightly, Mitsunari looked away and took a sip of his tea before speaking again.
"It's nothing of any concern," he replied. "Don't worry about it."
"Now now... it's my job to worry about you. You want me to do my job well, don't you?"
"Yes, but this really isn't anything you should bother with, Sakon."
Sakon regarded him for a few more moments, before shaking his head. There was a faint glitter of amusement in his eyes.
"If you say so, my Lord."
That phrase was one Mitsunari happened to know translated to 'I don't believe that for a second' whenever Sakon said it. Sighing inaudibly, he glanced over at Lady Nene, hoping she hadn't been listening in. Luckily her attention was focused entirely on Hideyoshi right now; his Lord was looking rather harassed and Nene looked cross, which suggested that their current conversation involved women (or rather, women that Lord Hideyoshi had most definitely not been staring at, oh no, he'd never do a thing like that when he had a beautiful and fascinating wife at his side).
Mitsunari looked at Sakon again.
"...Lady Nene has just been particularly irritating as of late," he muttured, so nobody but he and his retainer could hear. "It's getting to be rather trying."
Sakon smiled, and placed a hand on his shoulder. He didn't look surprised at all at this.
"I have noticed she's been following you around quite a bit for this past week," he said cheerfully. "She must have a reason for it. Trying to marry you off or something?"
This response was far too close to the truth, and Mitsunari was unable to stop a look of shock and horror from flashing over his face. He quickly reverted back to the scowl he'd been bearing beforehand, but Sakon had not missed the expression. Raising a eyebrow, the loyal retainer chuckled lightly.
"Mitsunari? Does this mean I'm right?"
"...not quite," said Mitsunari quietly.
Sakon paused for a moment, watching his Lord carefully and apparently thinking. The younger man stared down at his tea once more, feeling a little uncomfortable and strange under the intense gaze. Like his retainer was staring right into him. Stupid thought, of course, because that was impossible, but...
Why, then, did he feel so bare to the man right now?
"Quit staring and speak your thoughts," he muttured, closing his eyes. "Unless you think you'll embarass yourself."
"Oh, I wouldn't be embarassed, my Lord," replied Sakon, voice low as he smiled handsomely at him. "My main concern is that you would be, and I wouldn't want you to feel any discomfort at all, especially considering the nature of what it is I wish to ask you."
Mitsunari's eyes were open and directed towards Sakon again in an instant.
"...you have a question that would be embarassing to me?"
Sakon chuckled lightly.
"Yes."
Mitsunari swallowed, the pace of his heart increasing. So, it would embarassing enough that he'd react in a way that would draw people's attention to him in a public setting? Thus causing the discomfort? There were plenty of things this question could be related to, but it almost certainly covered something very personal and perhaps... intimate, considering what they'd been talking about.
Did this mean that Sakon wanted to ask him about his feelings? If he had feelings for anyone? Maybe if Mitsunari specifically had feelings for him?
It was a big leap to make, perhaps, but that look he'd been given earlier...
He realised he was trembling and inwardly cursed himself, hoping it wasn't visible. If Sakon did ask him that question when they were alone, what could he say? He'd sworn never to go and confess his feelings, but being asked about them? Could he hide it well enough?
"Mitsunari! What's the matter?"
Lady Nene's concerned cry shoved that question to the side for a moment, and he turned his head to scowl at her. She'd stood up, hand on hips, and was regarding him with a ridiculous amount of concern in her features.
"Nothing," he said. "As I've told you every other time you've asked this question. Leave me be."
"Don't be silly!" said the ninja woman. "You're shaking, and your cheeks are red! There's clearly something wrong!"
Mitsunari froze. Of all people, it would be her that would notice the shaking. Clearly the heavens were not on his side today, he thought angrily.
"As I said, I'm fine!" he snapped, going a little redder in the face.
"Oh, sweetie, you shouldn't lie to Mommy like that!"
Then Nene paused, and her eyes moved over to Sakon for a brief moment.
"Unless you're not sick and... oh, darling, have you gone and told- "
"FINE! ALRIGHT, FINE. I admit it, I don't feel well! Happy now?" yelled Mitsunari, interrupting her before she could finish the sentence and tell just about everyone of his affections. "But I don't need fussing over!"
Nene sighed, and shook her head. Mitsunari could hear Sakon laughing quietly to his side.
"Perhaps you ought to go to bed, my Lord," said the dark-haired retainer, amusement glittering in his eyes. "Then I am sure Lady Nene will feel reassured about you, hmm? Besides, I expect you need a good long sleep."
"...I suppose..." muttured Mitsunari; he couldn't deny this, really. Sakon often tried to persuade him to get more sleep and he had to admit that he'd been overdoing the late nights recently.
"There's a good boy!" chirped Nene. "Now you make sure you go and do that right away. I'll be sure to check up on you soon, I promise! I don't want my son making his illness worse."
Mitsunari opened his mouth to complain about this but was stopped by Sakon. Stopped by Sakon squeezing his hand under the table. The shock of this sudden contact was easily enough to stop the red-haired young man from launching into one of his angry speeches.
"No need for that, my Lady," said Sakon, looking directly at Nene. "It's my job to watch over him, right? Just like you always tell me. I'm sure he'll be fine by tomorrow, anyway. Doesn't seem to be anything serious."
"...well, if you're sure, Sakon," replied Nene, looking towards Mitsunari with motherly concern. "But I want to know if he gets worse, no matter what time of night it is!"
"I shall be sure to do so, my Lady. With my Lord's permission, of course."
Mitsunari managed to pull himself together enough to nod.
"Yes, whatever."
He pulled his hand away from Sakon's before standing up.
"But I think I can make my own way to my room. Stay here and finish your meal, Sakon. You may check up on me later, though I am certain it will unnecessary."
Both of them knew it was, but nobody else needed to know that. It was just a cover story, after all. He rather suspected that Sakon wouldn't come near his room all night and would just want him to sleep the whole time. Unless, of course, he still wanted to ask his question...
He looked at his retainer briefly, but there was now only that usual expression of his settled in, that same smile he always wore. Mitsunari could not forget that hand, though. Sakon's grip had been strong and reassuring. Let me make this easier for you. If Mitsunari had launched into an angry argument with Nene it would have ensured that the woman did check up on him throughout the night, thus irritating him further.
"As you wish, my Lord," said Sakon, bowing his head slightly.
Mitsunari turned and walked out of the hall, ignoring the things Nene called after him. If Sakon did come in and check on him, he'd pretend he was asleep. Right now he felt completely unable to face any questions regarding his feelings about his retainer, the thought of rejection making his stomach churn. Things could not be ruined, and he needed to be in the right state of mind to deny his affections.
Lady Nene. Why did she always have to make things more difficult for him?