Free Gloria Oliver by In Service Of Samurai

face.
    “Toshi-kun, please forgive me,” she said. “I hadn’t meant to mislead you so. You are such a dear, worrying over me. Who would have thought it? You’re so thoroughly delightful.”
    He stood with his mouth open as it dawned on him he’d made another mistake.
    “There is nothing to worry about,” she added. “Lord Asaka knows I’m here, Toshi-kun. I asked for his permission earlier. I have been in and out of this room a number of times. I guess you never noticed.”
    Miko gently pulled on his arm trying to get him to sit back down.
    He looked away, red-faced, knowing he’d made a fool of himself.
    “Please don’t misunderstand me, Toshi-san. I’m quite flattered by your concern. There’s just no reason for it.”
    He sat down with a thump. “Yes, no reason.” From the corner of his eye, he saw the geisha’s hand rise to cover her mask’s mouth again. Her renewed amusement made his cheeks burn that much hotter than before.
    “I do have to be going, though, and you need your rest for this evening,” she said. “From what I understand, you’ll be staying above longer tonight than you have before.”
    A slight chill coursed through him. He heard Miko move as she stood up, but didn’t look after her. She set out the food he had missed seeing her bring in earlier to the small table. She then poured him a cup of hot tea.
    “I’ll come wake you when the time is near,” she said.
    He barely nodded; still too embarrassed to say much of anything. He was almost afraid to wonder what kind of idiot she must think him to be.
    “Toshi-san, I’m grateful for the honor you’ve shown me by your actions today,” she said softly. “I’m not worthy of them.”
    He yearned to look at her, but forced himself not to. He wasn’t sure the sincerity he thought he heard in her voice wouldn’t be dispelled if he looked at her and found her hand lightly covering her mouth. He’d rather not do more injury to his already ruined pride.
    He almost jumped as a soft, warm hand caressed his cheek. He looked up, but Miko’s back was to him as she started back to the door.
    “Might I take the copy of the map you made?” she asked. “I’d like to attempt to finish mine while you sleep. I thought I would also show Asaka-sama the excellent job you’d done.”
    He stared at Miko’s back when she didn’t turn around for his answer. “Yes, if you like. I’ll get it for you.” He scrambled to his feet, trying not to trip over his blankets.
    Gathering his new copy of the map and her unfinished one, he clumsily handed them to her with a bow.
    He felt her staring at him, but he wouldn’t meet her gaze.
    “Toshiro, please try not to misunderstand what I am about to say.” She hesitated for a moment. “I realize being here isn’t what you want, and that it’s been quite difficult for you to accept. But, I am still very glad it was you our Lord chose to come with us on this journey.”
    Leaving his startled countenance behind, Miko left the room.
    Toshi shook his head as he turned away from the door. Not sure what to make of all that had been said, he carefully rolled up the main map and placed it in the basket with his other tools.
    Pondering her words, he drank the tea Miko had poured for him and ate.

Chapter 7
    Toshi-kun! You must wake up. You’re going to be late.”
    “Huh?” The word had barely left his mouth before his eyes were closing again. He hardly felt his body shift as Miko grabbed him on the side and shook him hard. Her urgent words meant nothing to him as his mind lay enshrouded in a deep, cold fog.
    “Toshi!”
    The sound of bells filled the room as Miko leaned down to look into his face and found it wrapped in sleep. Roughly, she pulled away his covers, exposing him to the eerily cold air. Pulling up one of the sleeves of her green-and-gold kimono, she slapped him on the shoulder. His eyes never opened, he just pulled up his legs and made himself into a ball.
    “All right, Chizuson Toshiro, you