[036] - [Voice]

[wavesoakedlegs]

[Mitsuhide is making an attempt at sounding calm, but it's not working very well. He is grieving over a loss, fearing another loss will happen soon, and is confused as well.]

Those who befriended her should know that Gracia has returned home, as is right.

[A pause.]Every time one of us who wishes to return home does so, it's a good thing. But I

Comments

action;

[behisstrength]

[Motochika doesn't bother to knock on the door to Mitsuhide's room before he enters -- he simply strides straight in. Motochika knows that the last thing Mitsuhide will do is rest under these circumstances.]

[behisstrength]

It is not beyond you to find a way. I would hope for no less.

[A vain hope, perhaps. But that is not the point.]

Mitsuhide. You believe there will be a second time. I do not.

[Neither of them will relent their positions, either, Motochika knows. Still, there are things he will say.]

I cannot convince you, so time must in my place. Yet know that I shall resist fate itself to stay by your side.

[wavesoakedlegs]

[There is another period of silence from Mitsuhide, but eventually he rolls onto his back again and stares up at Motochika. There is a shine to his eyes which suggests he has been holding back tears.]

You are stubborn beyond compare, my Lord.

[He smiles, just slightly.]

[behisstrength]

[Motochika smiles softly in return, down at Mitsuhide, and draws his fingers through a lock of Mitsuhide's hair.]

My spirit is indomitable; I have no intention of changing.

Let me be your strength whilst you waver.

[wavesoakedlegs]

That, I know well.

[He doesn't reply to the second comment. It's not like he needs to; refusing such a request is something he simply could not do. Mitsuhide holds out an arm instead, making a silent request.]

[behisstrength]

[Motochika shifts his weight and leans in, removing his hand from Mitsuhide's hair to slide it round Mitsuhide's far shoulder, drawing Mitsuhide into the desired hug.]

[wavesoakedlegs]

[The embrace is the best kind of comfort. Mitsuhide slides both arms around Motochika and closes his eyes. He says, in a quiet voice:]

I love you.

[Though he believes he will and should, one day, he does not want to let go.]

[behisstrength]

[Though tinged with sadness, those words stir a triumphant feeling within Motochika. The feeling is tempered by the atmosphere of loss, but too poweful to be suppressed.]

I love you too, Mitsuhide.

[He says in return, as he basks in the embrace. While it cannot heal Mitsuhide's emotional wounds, love can soothe the immediate pain, a potent balm in its own right.

A short while later, Motochika strokes his hand around Mitsuhide's back and moves so that he can lie on his side, pulling Mitsuhide with him -- Mitsuhide's own hold makes it easy. After a moment, he decides to speak.]

I am thankful that we had the opportunity to know Gracia. She was your daughter, yet we both gained a household and many precious memories. Now...

[He holds Mitsuhide a little tighter, before he closes his eyes.]

We are a family of two.

[wavesoakedlegs]

[Mitsuhide hums in reply. For the moment, he does not want to move, or talk, or do anything else but remain where he is. The warmth and security that this embrace brings is all he needs, for the moment.]

[He won't forget. No matter what happens in the future, he will never forget Gracia, or the feeling of being held like this.]

[A short while later, as is inevitable, he finally finds proper rest and falls asleep.]

[behisstrength]

[Motochika is content to lie there in peace; when he feels Mitsuhide's breathing grow deep and even, he knows that Mitsuhide has found sleep after all. He smiles to himself as he carefully moves a hand to gently cup the base of Mitsuhide's skull. Leaving is a bad idea, given Mitsuhide's fears, so he remains, soaking in the heat and comfort before drifting off himself.

He will be there when Mitsuhide awakens.]