Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 7

treated you well?"
    Jonathon glanced to his side at his escorts, silent with their attention on their lord. Though, Kita shifted slightly as he stood, his gaze darting to Jonathon and back to Kazuhiro as if he wanted to say something. Jonathon looked to Kazuhiro again, also deciding to speak in Japanese. "Yes, Lord Takezaki. Your men have been most gracious and fought with great courage to protect me."
    "I'm happy to hear that."
    Kita took a quick step forward, blurting out, "He saved me." He dropped to a deep bow before Kazuhiro. "Forgive my rudeness, my lord, but I had to tell you. I was on the ground, about to be run through by the enemy's spear, and Addison-san charged him and pulled him from his horse. It was my duty to protect him, and I failed."
    Kazuhiro looked to Jonathon. "Is this true?"
    Jonathan glanced from Kazuhiro to Kita, and back to Kazuhiro again. "It's true that I aided him, but I certainly wouldn't say he failed in his duty. Once he gained his feet, he took over the fight again, and he fought well and brave."
    Kazuhiro contemplated Jonathon for a long moment before turning back to Kita. "Rise, Kita-san. You haven't failed me. If the one you were meant to protect says you've done your duty well, then you have."
    "Thank you, my lord." Kita straightened and turned to Jonathon, bowing to him as well. "Thank you, Addison-san."
    Jonathon returned the bow. "No, thank you , Kita-san."
    Another samurai rushed up to Kazuhiro, informing him all had been done. Kazuhiro scanned the area, nodded his approval, and ordered everyone to mount up.
    The samurai all went to their horses. Kita led the little bay Jonathon had been riding to him.
    Jonathon ran his hand down the mare's face. She lowered her head at his gentle touch, and he whispered words of thanks to her for being brave during the battle. Sensing eyes on him, he glanced over his shoulder and met Kazuhiro's gaze. A soft smile curved Kazuhiro's lips, then he turned and mounted his warhorse.
    ****
    Jonathon rode a few strides behind Kazuhiro, gazing at the samurai lord. They'd stopped twice to rest and water the horses, but it seemed Kazuhiro was determined to reach Kyoto as fast as possible. Still clad in his armor, minus the helmet and mask, Kazuhiro was like a shadow darker than the night. Nakano had ridden at Kazuhiro's side since they departed, and though they spoke in muted tones, Jonathon caught enough of their conversation to know Nakano had told Kazuhiro all that'd happened from the time they met him at the beach.
    He couldn't help but feel a sting of disappointment that since they'd left the battle, Kazuhiro hadn't said anything more to him, hadn't even glanced in his direction. He worked to convince himself the disappointed stemmed from needing Kazuhiro's attention if he were to carry out his mission, all the while knowing he was lying to himself.
    Kita kept him company, however. The young samurai rode at his side and had officially introduced himself with his given name, Masanari. His defending Kita in battle and also speaking for him to Kazuhiro seemed to have earned Kita's respect. Now, Kita no longer cared if others disapproved of interacting with him, he was open in his curiosity, asking him many questions.
    Jonathon was glad for Kita's company. It was nice having someone be friendly with him. As he'd found out, they were close in age, with Kita being nineteen and himself only four years older. He could see himself becoming friends with the young samurai, but he felt he was starting out a poor friend as his attention kept drifting to Kazuhiro.
    As if sensing his thoughts, Kazuhiro glanced back to him. "Addison-san, ride beside me."
    Jonathon's heart did a nervous stutter. He nudged his mare to catch up to Kazuhiro, seeing at the same time Nakano rein his horse back. It struck Jonathon that Kazuhiro must want to speak alone with him. Or as alone as they could get surrounded by thirteen other samurai.
    As his mare fell into stride beside Kazuhiro's warhorse, Jonathon smiled at the lord. Kazuhiro gazed at him in silence, his only motion being that from his horse. Kazuhiro's gaze lowered, traveling slowly over Jonathon.
    Jonathon was used to being appraised by men, but there was a greater intensity to Kazuhiro's gaze than he'd ever seen. And yet the gaze wasn't harsh. It wasn't critical. If Jonathon could name it as anything, it would be appreciative. As though Kazuhiro liked what he saw of him.
    He hadn't prayed in years, but he was now that