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RYSLIG IC CONTACT,
WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, TOYOTOMI HIDEYOSHI. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 018.07.154.55 *** <1000gourds> has joined 018.07.154.55 <1000gourds> rtyuu, <1000gourds> 6;UYHSO <1000gourds> dfl,hgo shii <1000gourds> This is Toyotomi Hideyoshi's laptop. | ||||
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!! [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...!
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no castle. no army. away from attentive eyes. away from the notion that there was no time or space for moments like these.
everything that exists, it exists right here.
aside from the low rumble of hideyoshi’s voice, and the brief sniff from himself, it is silent. the bustling of the residency outside the window has died down along with the sun, the environment nothing but an orange haze now that perfectly outlines hideyoshi’s comforting figure.
it’s just them here. it really, truly is… they have nothing. nothing but each other. for a brief instant, he wonders if he’s dreaming.
a fleeting thought. all of it, a fleeting thought.
he doesn’t react until hideyoshi is done speaking, and once he is, hanbei eases his hands from underneath that single, encompassing grip. every word, every tone resonates in him as he closes his eyes, and leans into the touch of hideyoshi’s hand against his face… silent tears fall through his small smile. a summation of their time together. ] Hideyoshi.
Thank you. [ the slow, quiet way he emits the words… feels like his second confession of the day. it’s all he says to solidify his feelings, apologies no longer accompanying thoughts.
“thank you” for being in his life. “thank you” for giving him his life purpose. “thank you” for forgiving his weakness, and “thank you” for seeing his journey out to the end.
he lowers hideyoshi’s hand from his cheek and rests it atop his lap, hand encasing his thumb in a gentle hold. it’s all the strength he’ll ever need, he thinks before wiping his tears and beginning again. ] Then… please listen to my requests, Hideyoshi.
The likelihood of me returning home with you… is slim. [ it’s something he has to talk himself through, and only finds the will to continue with a brief squeeze of their hands. ] But my guidance doesn’t need to end after my death.
[ his expression delves into something more thoughtful, now entirely wanting to focus on moving forward. ] I only need to prepare adequately enough… [ he grips the cloth at his front, emotion threatening to rise again. ] I may not be able to see it through for myself… but I can’t leave you with nothing… All I have are my words, now, and I only hope it will be enough.
Hideyoshi, I entrust them to you. Please… ensure that they are followed through. [ he holds himself back from cursing the fact that it’s really all he can do; how cruel fate is. he has to believe in hideyoshi above all else… ] I mean to write a few letters.
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But he must continue on, with him. Their conversation, he realizes...is far from over. The dread that had filled him before is now only a flicker of it's previous self, but it still remains and it pulses with each breath Hanbei takes, each time looks away, or glances down-
Enough.
Hanbei will not wither under his touch.
Hideyoshi remains steadfast and tightens the seam of his mouth with rapt attention. His fingers curl under Hanbei's lap, but otherwise he remains immobile as he listens.] Requests...
[He only mouths the word, a quiet utterance as he allows Hanbei to continue...and slowly lets the cogs turn in his head. Yes, Hanbei...could not leave only his influence behind. If Hideyoshi was truly going to stay beside him until the end, he would do whatever it took to see his task done. Hanbei's last task...his last request.
His chest spasms. The pain of it shows on his face- his frown unhappily dropping, eyes squinting through his lids as if to envision how he'll go about his task. Hanbei...would mean to leave their subordinates a last piece of guidance. Yes, his friend truly knew everything.]
Yes. [A simple yes. No matter how this world barred them in, no matter how many new foes he would face...he would see it done. He would spend his entire life trying, if only to bring Hanbei that peace.] Hanbei...
You shall see it done, my friend. [He means that, too. Hanbei...will see it done. Hideyoshi must make it happen, somehow. Hideyoshi lifts Hanbei's hand and almost, almost brings it to his lips. That, somehow, would be too...final. Instead, he covers Hanbei's palm with his own and squeezes gently.] Your words, your tutelage and guidance...it has always been second to my own brute strength. The head which guides the Toyotomi...
[His tone softens...he nearly becomes wistful, and doesn't allow it as he grounds out:] It shall be done, my friend.
[...
Hanbei...]
Do not worry...Hanbei. [Do not fear. I'll be here, beside you.]
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… no, he knows hideyoshi is with him, still. it's a certainty.
he takes a breath. in the end, hanbei knows he can trust hideyoshi to move forward once he is gone, that steadfast, unrelenting attitude is what drew him to this man in the first place. he won't allow hanbei’s passing to affect his rule… he has ultimate faith in that. if not for the fact that hideyoshi’s determination is unbeatable, but also that they know each other far too well… and his final wishes will be sought out until the end.
hanbei is, essentially, asking hideyoshi to carry his spirit. ] Hideyoshi…
[ he resolved within himself not to hesitate anymore, but everything about this moment… is so stilling, he can hardly help it. it's the only way he feels he can acknowledge hideyoshi, hands gripping at the one in his lap and giving his friend a waiting, hopeful look, before continuing on.
he closes his eyes, and takes a deep breath before resuming, steady as can be. ] I want them to be given to our core members… [ he opens his eyes, looking at hideyoshi now ] And a select few outside the Toyotomi.
As I said… I can only hope that my words will make a difference, but I will detail my intentions to you, and the importance I feel each individual carries…
And Hideyoshi, I have… a few words to leave with you too. [ he says, an honest, admitting smile finding his expression. it was probably a given, but hideyoshi will be the center of his attention... as it always has been.
still, everything will come out in due time. he won't die just yet. not yet… ]
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There is something of a protest on his lips when he Hanbei mentions the last bit of information, the only thing he wishes of Hideyoshi. It never passes, of course not- he would never do his friend such an injustice. His shoulders grow taunt with tension, but the stillness of his posture can be misconstrued into many things.]
Is that your intention, then... [He murmurs, low and understanding. He does understand, but the significance of those words still remain.
Hideyoshi...doesn't want what is left of Hanbei. He doesn't want written words, brushed in ink.
He wants Hanbei's voice, his soft voice, his encouragement-
...he is being weak. How could he call himself a leader- or even a friend- if he could not see Hanbei's last request through? He forces himself to look into Hanbei's smile, and his voice comes again- lower than before, but still honest all the same.] ...Leave it to me, Hanbei.
When you have written all there is to pass along, I will see to it that they find their owners. [...] Yes...all of them.
[He ends, firmly. He'll be waiting for his, then. He lapses into silence, and brings Hanbei's hand to his lips. He presses his knuckles against his mouth, keeping the hard bone there in a vague semblance of a kiss.] ...This is a private affair, isn't it?
[Hanbei will want his privacy when writing these letters, won't he...?]
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hanbei only gives a silent, acknowledging nod to that, but peers into his friend’s expression. he understands better than anyone… he would never blame hideyoshi for faltering, but he’ll certainly push him when he needs to be pushed, encourage when he needs to be encouraged. the admiration hanbei feels for hideyoshi very much encompasses the idea that he’s still human.
and no matter what, hanbei remains utterly taken by him… how he presses on, how he’s able to see the importance of this. a gentle smile lifts hanbei’s lips, and he’s prepared to respond– when hideyoshi lifts his hand and kisses it. ] … !
[ —if there’s anything that would truly confirm how much better hanbei is feeling now, it would be the way he goes entirely red in the face, and the immediacy at which he tugs his hand away. ] Hideyoshi…!
[ he glances away, flustered and bringing it close to him as his voice drops. ] Please…
[ …
that's right, he asked a question. ]
I… [ a quick, steadying sigh. ] I want to make my words as efficient as possible… that’s all. [ basically, it definitely depends who he’s writing to.
he’ll be making sure to write hideyoshi’s when he has some time alone, at least.
for now, he keeps his gaze to the side, still recovering. ]
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Soon, Hideyoshi will make it known how much he appreciates Hanbei's honesty. He must not have done it enough, before he discovered the truth-
...but that did not matter anymore. He would let Hanbei know soon.] I see.
You have always seamlessly brought your point across, Hanbei. Efficiency comes naturally to you.
[And it comes as no surprise, to him. It was the two of them, he and Hanbei, that made the Toyotomi the super power it came to be. His smile grows smaller, and now he cannot think of anything else to say to his friend. If there was anything else that needed to be done, anything at all-]...It will be dark soon, my friend.
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… hanbei takes a deep breath. no, he can’t let this all be for nothing. the heartache of everything that has happened, and will happen is very real… but so is the hope they’ve built together.
he smiles a small smile. ] … Yes. We can discuss more tomorrow. [ he still has time, but he is diligent, and won’t waste a second from now on. ]
I will do my very best, Hideyoshi. [ any hesitation he had before is gone, and his words are laced with a bittersweet resolve. ] I promise I won’t leave you with anything less than a clear path to achieve our dream.
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It will not be for naught. He will bend truth and justice if he must. Hanbei, his permanent, faithful friend...deserves to see such a future, and more.
The sadness in him hangs like an unanswered question, and it only takes a second later for him to purse his lips, eyes focusing back on Hanbei once again.] Mmm.
...You have me, Hanbei. Do not forget that single truth.
[His ear, his eyes, his opinions, his criticisms...his hopes. Hanbei truly holds all of Hideyoshi at his call. He only need to ask. But now, Hideyoshi knows- it is time for him to rest.
Before anything else can transpire between them, he moves and stands over the bed once again.] ...I was considering bringing more books into this room. [He wonders, if Hanbei will truly be able to rest with him within eye shot.]
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[ he thinks that this conclusion does well enough for now. as long as they both can move forward and discuss what they should be doing freely from now on… it’s enough. that little bit of hope will do. ] You don’t need to worry either, Hideyoshi… Please believe in me. [ he says, as harmlessly as he can. he doesn’t mean to accuse hideyoshi of anything, but really, he does feel much better now, emotionally and physically. ]
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And even then, he will defy that too. Nothing has swayed his determination...to see his best friend through this. Hideyoshi nods briefly and turns to step into the other room. He's halfway through the doorway when he stops, and pauses to look over his shoulder.
Allow me to stay by your side.]
I will also bring something to sustain us until we may rest for the night. I'll return in a moment.
[He'll take care of Hanbei. This is his final thought on the matter, as he steps out of the room and into the dimly lit hallway.]
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he isn't leaving, not yet... in the bittersweet tension of everything, he finds comfort in the simplest things. in hideyoshi's presence. they'll spend the night together, then, and it's the same sort of overwhelming relief he felt earlier when he lets out a steadying breath, and gives hideyoshi a quiet, sincere smile. ] Okay...
[ he will finish what he needs to. they don't have to part from each other. not yet. ]
I'll be waiting.