Ieyasu

A puff of air left his lips as he shuffled through Azuchi proper snow crunching under his feet. There was a comforting feeling in the twilight night as the stars began to twinkle above; Ieyasu found himself slowing to a stop, enjoying the fresh night air. Winter was his favorite season, and he couldn't help pausing a moment to enjoy the stillness.

A giggle from behind, and something cold and hard slamming into his head interrupted his reverie. Rubbing his head, he turned to face the culprit.

"Don't you have something better to do than throw snowballs at me," he grumbled, glaring at the woman standing a few yards away from him.

"Nope," she grinned, eyes glittering with mischief. With the swing of her arm she launched another snowball.

Sidestepping the projectile, Ieyasu took a step towards Mai. Noticing his advance, she hastily scooped a handful of snow. Nimble fingers forming the perfect sphere before launching it at him. He dodged, and continued his approach. With a squeak she tossed another snowball before turning on her heel, and scurrying away.

"Oh no you don't," he growled before giving chase.

Ieyasu was almost on top of Mai, hand reaching out to catch her when she tripped. "Watch out!" He yelled as the two of them tumbled to the ground.

Sitting up, he glanced at where she lay beside him. "Are you alright?" Concern laced his voice as eyes scanned her body for injury. A frown formed on his face as he observed her shaking shoulders. Mai was...laughing? "Stop laughing. You could have been hurt. What were you even thinking?" he groused.

"Don't be such a grouch. I'm fine," Mai rolled onto her back, eyes sparkling with amusement. Dark hair fanned out around her a stark contrast to the pale snow as the soft moonlight bathed her in its silver light.

For a brief moment Ieyasu was transfixed by how beautiful she look surrounded by the snow. Shaking himself, he reached down grabbing her hand, and pulling her up towards him. He was shocked to find her fingers cold as ice, brushing long fingers along her cheek he found that her face was also cold.

"Geez," he muttered, taking off his haori and wrapping it around Mai's shoulders. "How long have you been waiting for me? You're freezing." Enfolding her in his arms, he pulled her close.

"I'm fine," Mai assured, snuggling close as she enjoyed the warmth of his arms. "I was only waiting for a little while."

"Sure."

"You're such a worrier."

"I have to be when it comes to you," came the admonished reply. "If you get sick I'm the one who has to take care of you."

"Well," she giggled, "I'll just have to make sure I don't get sick."

Several days passed, and Ieyasu made his way down the long hallways of Azuchi castle. His quick strides taking him to his destination as he thought back to the conversation that he had just had with Mitsunari.

"Are you on your way to see Lady Mai, Ieyasu-sama?"

"No."

"Oh, I thought you would since she's been…"

"She's been what?"

"Well, Lady Mai has been under the weather the past two days. I thought that you knew."

He had not known that Mai had been ill, and immediately stormed towards her room before poor Mitsunari could say another word. No doubt she was sick because of the other night when she had waited -who knows how long - for him in the cold. Reaching her room, he slide the door open and marched in.

"Ieyasu," Mai squeaked as he entered. She lay half sitting in her futon a mountain of pillows and blankets surrounding her. From where he stood he could see the flushed look on her cheeks, as he approached she began to cough.

"I knew you would get sick," he grumbled, placing a hand against her forehead with a frown. "You have a slight fever. Tell me, aside from the cough and fever what else is wrong?"

Mai pushed his hand aside in protest, "I'm fine. You're making a bigger deal out of this."

Giving her a pointed glare, Ieyasu turned to call a maid. He listed off some items that he needed before turning back to his patient. "How long have you been sick?" He knew Mitsunari had said two days, however he wanted to hear it from her.

"About two days...maybe three," was the meek reply.

Emerald eyes met her nutmeg ones as he sighed, "And you didn't think to call for me?"

"I didn't want to worry you. It's not like I'm that sick!" she tried to sit up as she continued to protest, "I just needed a little..." A coughing fit took her before she could finish.

The maid returned with the requested items, and Ieyasu began to brew a tea. Handing her a cup, he scolded "The next time you get sick I want you to call for me right away. You wait forever, and then my job becomes twice as hard."

Mai took the cup, glancing at it her nose scrunched in disgust, "Do I really have to drink this?"

"Yes, this is what happens when you don't take care of yourself and wait outside in the cold," he frowned.

"But…"

"Oh, for goodness sake!" Taking the cup out of Mai's hands, Ieyasu wrapped an arm around her shoulders and brought the cup to her lips, "Drink."

Obediently, Mai drank the tea without further protest. Once, she was done Ieyasu made her lay down with strict instructions to sleep, and a promise to check on her later. He also instructed the maids to bring up some soup when she woke.

Content that everything was finished Ieyasu packed his things. Glancing back at Mai's sleeping form, he paused. Leaning over her, he brushed a lock of hair from her face, and lips leave a tender kiss as he murmured, "Next time don't hesitate to call me. I really don't mind looking after you."

Standing, he move silently out of the room, missing the knowing smile that graced Mai's lips as she glanced over her shoulder, watching him leave.