[Relief- clear, physical, sudden relief- washes over him and smooths out the bunch of skin that pinched under his eyes as he witnessed his friend here. It comes with that first, determining word, that yes that nearly has Hideyoshi speaking right then and there, claiming that there is still hope so long as he and Hanbei strive towards it, as they had always done...]
!! [and his mouth is clamped shut when the gasps come. A sharper panic makes him still, and he worries his friend's condition has been roused again from the stress of their conversation.] Han-
[He...is apologizing.
Hideyoshi weighs his own patience, his worry and concern evident in the hard balling of his fist, but still he stays and listens. To think Hanbei ever thought of stepping into the dark alone...to embrace his secret on his own and truly believe, it would only be him for as long as this could be. Hideyoshi almost does not believe such a thing could ever happen. He would always be beside Hanbei, regardless of the obstacles, regardless of their fates...!
And Hanbei...small, vunerable Hanbei (here, in this world) would remain beside him. After listening to his words, Hideyoshi closes his eyes momentarily and briefly wonders what he'll do...when it comes.
Wonders, if his friend will smile when he has taken his last breath. Wonders, if he could ever possibly do the same...if he could ever look into that face again and manage any kind of smile to come to his lips.
Hideyoshi wonders, and feels genuine, quiet fear in his chest-
and promptly snuffs it out.
When the time comes...he will endure with Hanbei, together. For now, Hideyoshi wants to remain as close to him as possible. This is what he's decided. He knows, Hanbei would not appreciate the gesture, but Hideyoshi finds himself lowering and kneeling right next to the bed all the same.
From this angle, he's nearly eye-level with him, and it's all Hideyoshi needs to take those hands into one his own and the other under Hanbei's chin. He coaxes it up, and sees those eyes swimming in moisture and emotion. The dampness smears under his thumb as he drifts it against Hanbei's cheekbone.] Hanbei.
You...are right. No one in our world- this world, or any world- could hope to match your wit, your brilliance. Indeed, I feel this place has only more to offer us...and more to overcome. So long as you stand by my side, it is possible.
Nothing will end here, my friend. [Hideyoshi's gaze softens. His eyes search for Hanbei's under the mess of light locks he brushes away with his hand. His expression is not pleading, nor saddened...it is calm. Determined, yet calm.]
I could not have become the man I am now without you, Hanbei...and now I wish to do the same for you. Wherever we go...!
no subject
!! [and his mouth is clamped shut when the gasps come. A sharper panic makes him still, and he worries his friend's condition has been roused again from the stress of their conversation.] Han-
[He...is apologizing.
Hideyoshi weighs his own patience, his worry and concern evident in the hard balling of his fist, but still he stays and listens. To think Hanbei ever thought of stepping into the dark alone...to embrace his secret on his own and truly believe, it would only be him for as long as this could be. Hideyoshi almost does not believe such a thing could ever happen. He would always be beside Hanbei, regardless of the obstacles, regardless of their fates...!
And Hanbei...small, vunerable Hanbei (here, in this world) would remain beside him. After listening to his words, Hideyoshi closes his eyes momentarily and briefly wonders what he'll do...when it comes.
Wonders, if his friend will smile when he has taken his last breath. Wonders, if he could ever possibly do the same...if he could ever look into that face again and manage any kind of smile to come to his lips.
Hideyoshi wonders, and feels genuine, quiet fear in his chest-
and promptly snuffs it out.
When the time comes...he will endure with Hanbei, together. For now, Hideyoshi wants to remain as close to him as possible. This is what he's decided. He knows, Hanbei would not appreciate the gesture, but Hideyoshi finds himself lowering and kneeling right next to the bed all the same.
From this angle, he's nearly eye-level with him, and it's all Hideyoshi needs to take those hands into one his own and the other under Hanbei's chin. He coaxes it up, and sees those eyes swimming in moisture and emotion. The dampness smears under his thumb as he drifts it against Hanbei's cheekbone.] Hanbei.
You...are right. No one in our world- this world, or any world- could hope to match your wit, your brilliance. Indeed, I feel this place has only more to offer us...and more to overcome. So long as you stand by my side, it is possible.
Nothing will end here, my friend. [Hideyoshi's gaze softens. His eyes search for Hanbei's under the mess of light locks he brushes away with his hand. His expression is not pleading, nor saddened...it is calm. Determined, yet calm.]
I could not have become the man I am now without you, Hanbei...and now I wish to do the same for you. Wherever we go...!