mights | RYSLIG IC CONTACT,

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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[ ah… hideyoshi. the air immediately seems to weigh down, and hanbei pretends he doesn’t see the concern in hideyoshi’s very presence. ] Yes… [ his tone is already a bit regretful. the cool light from the window tells him the hour, but, of course, he’d much rather see the sky in person. ]

I’m sorry I can’t search the streets myself, Hideyoshi. [ with a joyless smile. he apologizes, but doesn’t actually want to talk about why he has to to begin with. it’s probably telling in and of itself that he fails to offer any sort of assurance about his recovering– he hates to be so helplessly transparent.

but he continues on. ]

It’s strange… these books aren’t written in Japanese, yet I am able to read them. [ he closes one, contemplative ] We shouldn’t underestimate the influence of whatever force is at work here… if it is capable of this as well.

[Hideyoshi lingers near the door, only for a moment as he rests his hand against the frame. Even the wood here feels and smells different, as does the air outside which is half parts fresh and half polluted. He thinks, perhaps it is better that Hanbei remain inside for now. Vandare is not as murky as Bavan, but the difference would perhaps worsen his condition all the same.

..."condition", yes.] It is the same, then.

[His reply is a murmur when he finally steps inside.] Outside, I understand the merchants, the common folk. I can understand them, and yet they are not speaking our tongue. [He situates himself at the foot to of the bed, dropping his gaze down to the books.]

...have you rested since I last left? [A shaggy brow lifts. He doesn't anticipate Hanbei lying, but if so...]

[ the light curiosity of the discussion betrays the mood for what he knows it’ll come down to– why he’s avoiding it so avidly… he doesn’t remember now, when the time to face his reality is already here, and already weighing down his heart– but ultimately he knows, it’s because it isn’t the version of this conversation he expected to have. these weren’t the circumstances he’d be in when he finally had to reveal he was dying.

considering the anxiousness he feels, he might just lie about that, as inconsequential as it is, but for now, he just speaks the truth. he smiles. ] I’m afraid not. I’ve been going through the literature that was left here, you see. [ his voice grows just a bit quiet. ] It’s important to try to understand this place as best as we can...

[If Hideyoshi weren't wary of the strength of the flimsy bed frame, he might've sat down and taken a look at the texts Hanbei had been leafing through. He can see them well enough from his place, but the knowledge of them isn't enough to shake the tension he accumulates- like a foreboding statue, he stands and waits.] ...

[With a silence that comes easily to him, he leans across and takes a book from Hanbei's grasp.] I have a feeling these will be here, for a time.

They can wait. [But this, can't. This inevitability...Hideyoshi will face it head on.] Hanbei...

Ah. [ he reluctantly lets the book go, and is left to folds his hands over his lap as he sits up in bed.

hanbei blinks long as the silence grows. he can’t expect anything less from hideyoshi… that’s just the man he is, right? no fear, showing no weakness… is he even half as noble? or half as strong? he can’t even keep the solemn mood from his figure. he glances down before looking at his friend, and out the window, finding a last reserve of frivolity for his tone, a short laugh escaping him before he speaks up. ]

It’s a waste for me to spend time resting. Please understand, Hideyoshi.

[A double-edged sword. Hideyoshi thinks no other kind of weapon can compare to the mannerisms of his strategist. A keen mind, an admirable sense of justice, unrelenting motivation...and yet, all of his over his own health.

Hideyoshi's neutral frown lessens into something of a scowl- in his own way.] It is a waste if I deem it as such. But nothing has convinced me otherwise, my friend.

[He turns away, and approaches the side of the bed.]

...What are you thinking?

[ he expected something like that, but he still feels reprimanded. unsure of how to postpone this conversation any further, he waits patiently for hideyoshi to continue.

—but the question takes him by surprise. what is he thinking…? suddenly, he forgets anything he could have possibly said, the different ways he could have assuaged hideyoshi’s worries. he has nothing left to tell but the truth, there’s no way out of it.

yes, he feels better, now. there’s no excuse… he won’t die immediately. that would be the only way he could keep the truth from hideyoshi any longer. it’s a funny sort of thought.

he still has time left in his life, but it’s time he was supposed to be spending moving the toyotomi, guiding hideyoshi– with their dream still a ways away, every moment had been precious.

had been. from what they’ve been told, there’s no way off the peninsula, even if he wanted to deny the very real possibility that they’re in another time altogether. with everything so unfamiliar, so forced onto him– it’s hard to see any shred of hope. through all of his genius strategies and cunning tactics… it’s impossible to want to move forward when his purpose in life is shredded right before him. after a heavy moment, what he thinks is that he hasn’t felt this way in a long time.

he remembers a time when he was just as jaded, just as struck down and unhappy with the world as he is now– until the miracle that hideyoshi is came into his life. hideyoshi, the ultimate light that allowed him to be the best that he could possibly be… the reason he was able to ignore this disease and progress as long as he did… but now, even with hideyoshi here, he can’t fight the creeping despair in his heart.

that’s what he’s thinking. ] That I would need another miracle… [ he says, quietly, matter-of-factly, even a little coldly as he continues to look out the window. this isn’t right. nothing about this is… hideyoshi never truly knew him as he was before, but perhaps he will now. his gaze drops to his sheets, and he wants to apologize. ]

[In that instant, Hideyoshi's eyes widen a fraction and he sees a shade of someone else that might have been Hanbei just before their dream became a movement. A man more honest with himself than anything, and perhaps less inclined to share that honesty with others. Hideyoshi wonders if that is, exactly, what he feels at the moment. A brutally honest tension, distancing them yet pulling them together just for this one conversation.

His hand touches the edge of the wooden bed frame (a frame for a bed...so odd,) and his gaze pins Hanbei where he sits.] Miracles...forgive me, my friend.

But I cannot believe in the word.

[His tone hardens immediately.] I cannot believe it was merely the saving grace of chance that brought us as far as we did. Through our own prowess alone was the reason behind our efforts. To think you ever relied on a miracle...it is a folly.

It is the excuse for those who know not their own strength! [And here Hideyoshi drops his voice to a hush, forceful but soft.] Hanbei!

Hideyoshi… [ almost a plea. it's painful now, to argue with him; he wants to believe him with every ounce that he has, and yet— ]

I… I have all the strength in the world, Hideyoshi… [ as if confidence was ever scarce with him… he glances at his open hands in his lap ] when I am with you…

[ suddenly his hands are clenched fists, pressing atop the blanket as a cover for his trembling. and if hideyoshi listens closely enough, he'll hear the stagger that starts off his sentence. ] But I'm not going to be with you for much longer. [ his tone smooths out, settles down as he holds his folded arms, as though speaking of a truth that has already passed.

after all… it’s decided, isn’t it? perhaps in another time, or another place, he would envision himself leaving this peninsula with hideyoshi, going home, reestablishing– having a second chance. he could have the strength enough for both of them; nothing like the lonely, fragile spirit he carries now.

he huffs a sad, breathless laugh. ] You understand, don’t you?

This… [ this place far from home, unfamiliar, without the influence they spent so long creating, without the soldiers they were meant to guide, without the many resources he would secure to insure their success. without mitsunari, without otani, without sakon. this, here, without any proper venue to make and watch their dream come true. ] This will be as far as I go.

[ his story ends here. ]

... [Nothing in this world, this world, could have prepared him for such a quiet confession. It echoes through him and makes him an immovable wall of stone- heavy, still. A feeling he is all too accustomed to, yet not when it is heavy with tension such as this. Those final words bear down on him with all their might...and he can only imagine how that weight feels, on Hanbei's slim shoulders.

Yes, it was so...wasn't it? Hanbei burdening his own vulnerable secret, all to himself. So terrible and inevitable, that he hid it even from him...

Hideyoshi pushes back the surge to feel betrayed. There was no dishonesty here...!] ...You have always hidden it, then.

And when we finally brought our dream to realization, you would have told me. [A statement, that he leaves open at the end. Perhaps something that might need reaffirming.]

Am I right in thinking this...Hanbei?

[ there’s a slow, heavy weight that falls on his heart as hideyoshi responds. does he have to talk about this further…? confessing… doesn’t make him feel any better– it does the opposite, actually– forcing him to wallow in the reality of his fate and exposing the emotional weakness he has, right to hideyoshi. ]

That’s right. [ this time, he can’t hide the sadness in his voice, he grips his arms just a little tighter. he’s got it exactly right, though… he hid it in order to keep this same darkness out of his heart… in order to focus, and in order to keep anyone from worrying about him. he knows, more than anyone, how unfair it was to keep from hideyoshi, because he knows, more than anyone, how their time together is never enough.

it was never enough.

a silence grows, and hanbei’s shoulders rise. even if he wanted to offer any more explanation, he couldn’t, with the way his voice dips into his emotions, an unmistakable ache lacing his tone and tearing at his throat… he feels… unhinged now, and still utterly ashamed. ]

Hideyoshi, I’m sorry… [ for everything. his gaze has still not reached hideyoshi, and it seems it’s all he can say. ]

[It seems as though the longer they discuss this, the smaller Hanbei becomes. From his spot, the bed seems to dwarf him now- his strategist, tightly coiled within himself. It is not like him. It is not like the man that Hideyoshi knows all to well. Not like the man who Hideyoshi decided would walk beside him until the end. It seems, the true purpose of this world was for them to lay out their burdens in the open...by making them weary, and weak.

...Weak?] ...

[He feels his face frozen in a default frown, too low and disheartened to be typical of him. It's when he hears Hanbei's apology, however, that his eyes widen once again.] Hanbei...

...

[His friend...is dying.]

..You must not misunderstand. Hanbei.

Nothing can be achieved until we somehow return to our time and bring our lands under one rule. Our dream of uniting the lands- to create a country that could compete with the world...that dream.

It cannot be completed without you!

[His voice doesn't raise, but again comes out in a strong, uttered sound that is emphasized only by the way he disdainfully looks out the window- and then turns his full bulk towards Hanbei.] You must know this, even if you have already accepted-

-..We would have continued forward. [If you had told him. Hideyoshi only has to step forward, so that he's next to Hanbei now- bent low, with his hand hovering just above the sheets.] Truths and all!

[ continued forward? hanbei seems to straighten out, but avoids hideyoshi’s gaze with a stronger, more desperate conviction, frustration seeping into his form and something pained crossing his expression.

he'd like to hear where hideyoshi thinks he can go… if they have crossed oceans, the chances of him making the voyage back are slim to none. if they have crossed space and time… he will never see home again. that is a certainty. he huffs an indignant sigh, and only spares hideyoshi's hand a brief glance.

perhaps the first and last time he would refuse the gesture.

it seems as though…. hideyoshi doesn't quite get it still. or perhaps he's pretending not to. it wouldn't be too far fetched, if he were. no… in fact, it makes perfect sense. the thought settles him down with a jaded sort of forgiveness. will he just have to assuage hideyoshi, despite his broken will…? for now, he decides he should stay as honest as he can, but he thinks, that this conversation is probably over. ]

There isn't anywhere to go, Hideyoshi. [ he says this slowly, quietly, like a final, somber farewell. ]

Not for me.

[There is a rising anxiety, a frantic hesitation of words in him when Hanbei speaks those words. Even now, during this pivotal moment, his face and expression does not betray him. There is only a tight wrinkle between his brow, a tense frown that makes up his lips, and his eyes light with emotion.

If he could...he'd say more to comfort his friend. But the weight of such knowledge is still coming at him in waves, with a force he isn't able to stand against. Hanbei has always been so open with him, true in his actions and words. Now, even with his strategist sitting just in front of him...Hideyoshi feels miles away from him.

There is nothing he can say. Nothing has prepared him for this- he has never considered...losing his friend like this. Perhaps in battle, where both their lives are often precariously placed along with their men. But yet. He feels something has been snatched away, and his reaction is far delayed. He remained stunned. He remains silent.]

...

[If this world is different, perhaps there might be a cure here for the illness...? Perhaps someone, somewhere knows of a way to return home? The thoughts and choices leave Hideyoshi a silent pillar, and after a moment he sucks in a breath and stands straight.] Forgive me, my friend...I must ask you this last favor, then.

If you would allow me to be the judge of your words. If there is truly nowhere for you to go...allow me to determine where you do. [Until, you-]

...

[He is strong enough. There must be something he can do.]

And...allow me to stay by your side.

[ as hideyoshi speaks, he feels as though a stake had pierced the center of his heart. and the first thing he thinks is that he's an idiot. a complete, and utter idiot–

hideyoshi’s final thoughts collapse every worry he had– any sinking bout of loneliness that weighed down his form. it is a sudden, staggering unveiling of the words he was searching to hear, and more. he feels present, grounded again where his misery made him blind to the world around him. it’s a somber sort of happiness that finally overtakes him– a sort of pure solace he can’t quite describe.

because maybe that’s all he really wanted after all. maybe that had been his wish, now and since forever, since they started their journey– to just remain by hideyoshi until the last moments of his life. he would let hideyoshi have them, gratefully– allow him to take him to the ends of the earth and beyond, so long as they were together. that was his wish. that was his peace.

his redemption.

hideyoshi had single-handedly given him this precious company, but truly, it couldn’t have been anyone except him. ]

Yes, Hideyoshi— [ hanbei drops his head suddenly, bangs obscuring his face as the words come out breathless and choked with emotion. with all of his unraveling here, he’s not sure what he’s afraid of when he dips his head lower. as he emits subtle, wet gasps, he reaches for his arms again, the sheer act plain in the way that many, many boundaries have been crossed this afternoon.

hideyoshi is the miracle of hanbei’s life– the single, shining catalyst that set the fire in his spirit. if he has finally accepted it– accepted his friend’s fate, then… then maybe things aren’t quite so hopeless after all. that’s what he has to believe.

above all else, he knows, remembers now– he isn’t alone in all of this. ]

Ah, I'm sorry– [ he says, in the midst of rubbing his eyes and the moisture there, but trails off soon afterward. no… he shouldn't be apologizing for tears. he has much more pertinent things to apologize for.

after lowering his hands, hanbei is resolute, taking the sheets in a softer gesture, and letting out a prepared, but shaky breath. what had he been doing, until now? he had left the burden of their future on hideyoshi’s shoulders alone, and to witness the plain weakness of his mind along with his body. he wasn't a right hand, a partner, or a friend… ] Hideyoshi, I’m sorry…

[ with a tone that is finally more solid than it is distant. he… that’s right. he’s by hideyoshi’s side for a reason. he doesn't have much time left to be there– he… he can’t just let it end this way. he can’t. for the future. for history… for sakon, for otani, for mitsunari.

for hideyoshi.

he needs to support him. if he could just do that, then… maybe... ]

Hideyoshi, I– I can't allow my influence to end here… [ and he finally sees the beginnings of a picture where everything turns out alright.

hanbei drops his head again. ] I apologize… for being so weak. I let it overtake me… [ he glances to the side, transitioning from shame to hopefulness as he speaks. ] But there are still things that I can do. Even here. [ he grips his own sleeve tight suddenly, simultaneously afraid to make the promise and yet courageous enough to try– simply because hideyoshi is here.

his tone drops. even if his loneliness is remedied, it is still a sad, painful thing to discuss, and right now all he can rely on is hope. ] Isn't that right? [ in the end, he may as well be asking hideyoshi to help him write his will.

but perhaps that's what needs to be done. the two of them have always pushed forward despite the odds, for the greater good of their people, for them, for each other–

it can be done one, last time. ]

[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...!

[ the world… this world and the one he’s longing to reach– everything he’s ever known seems to narrow down to this moment. in the gesture of hideyoshi kneeling to meet him in this quiet, modest home– impossibly strong, noble hideyoshi, breaking down the barriers for affection that they had so diligently upheld– the great conqueror king hideyoshi, breaking down status as though there was really, truly no other thing that mattered in their lives right now. in this heavy moment, hanbei doesn’t find himself protesting. not like he would if they were in their castle, with their army. he might think he were living in a different time, in a different place, one separate from home, one separate from here, where all they had was each other, and not a passing thought about life-long goals or ambitions. no waiting dream for him to imagine and never see.

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.

[The touch of Hanbei's skin resonates warm and thriving, a body still fresh with heat from a flu and cheeks still tinted a hint of color. It resonates life under his palm, and he would cup Hanbei's face in both his hands if not to preserve that liveliness in the time they have together. To encase the moment between them, and hold Hanbei's smile between his hands, as if nothing could ever get past his grip and alter it in any way...

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.]

[ “you shall see it done”— hanbei holds back from feeling confused, despite how easy he settles into the brief motion of their hands. the near kiss he saw then… and the words hideyoshi uttered– he keeps from hesitating about both.

… 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… ]

[Somehow, Hideyoshi knows the influence of his strength is comforting Hanbei now, in some way or another. He is determined to keep it as such, and remains steadfast in appearance and mind. It isn't difficult for him, to keep his solid frown and attentive eyes, as he takes in Hanbei's words and lets the true meaning of them sink into his bones.

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...?]

[ it’s a mix of things that keeps hanbei from finding his situation, his fate hopeless– all of them hideyoshi, certainly, but even if he should become doubtful, or even upset somewhere in their conversation, hanbei is confident he can ease his troubles. so long as they remain on the same page… so long as, above all else, hideyoshi is able to accept the idea that his friend is dying. that’s all he needs; it’s the most crucial first step. he can’t continue on in a false hope. not anymore… and accepting it will give him the strength he needs in itself.

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. ]

! [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.

[ 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.

[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.]

[ 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. ]

...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.]

[ 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.

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