RYSLIG IC CONTACT,

[mights]

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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[mights]

! [A bit of old liveliness returns to Hideyoshi when Hanbei pulls his hand back, flustered in the face...and honestly, the reaction relieves him more than anything else. He seems confused at first, but eventually his features smooth out into something more amused. He even manages a smile, although it does not completely reach his eyes. Hanbei...will always be honest with him. There has never been a single word or action that was later proven false against him. He confesses his all...and does it truthfully, for him.

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.

[advance]

[ that gets his attention well enough, because a strange apprehensiveness takes him briefly. he feels as though… he doesn’t want to separate from hideyoshi yet tonight. the strength he’s managed to conjure today suddenly seems only enough to tide him over for an instant. the bleakness of his situation is all too real.

… 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.

[mights]

[It feels less like a conclusion, and more like a strange cliff hanger to their fate. Hideyoshi is not weak enough that he will allow himself to count the days he has with Hanbei before they are whisked away forever. He does not resolve to wait until he faces the reality, or anguish when it will come. He will carry on, instead. He will act as though Hanbei will face the future with him, side by side- and when the end finally comes...

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.]

[advance]

[ there’s a tight pang of emotion in his chest when hideyoshi says that. hanbei knows it, he really does, but just hearing it from hideyoshi himself is such a significant thing, he can’t help but be overwhelmed. it isn’t until hideyoshi speaks up again that he’s able to respond, and after a moment of gathering himself he gives a light laugh. ] That would be helpful. There are many things I still need to learn about this place, after all…

[ 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. ]

[mights]

...Yes. Always, Hanbei. [The tension in is face begins to smooth out, gradually easing into a look of contentment- if not tinged with worry. He'll try his best not to make it a habit of hovering worriedly around his friend, he imagines Hanbei won't appreciate such a thing very much...but he will keep an eye on him, for as long as he's able. For as long as this world allows him to.

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.]

[advance]

[ a final, rising well of emotions threatens to take him again when hideyoshi says that.

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.