an indie chousokabe motochika.
Oh, Motochika had that look again. Ieyasu always felt awful whenever Motochika looked like he was being shut out; he never did it intentionally, and he would never wish his friend feel depressed on his behalf.
“Sorry about that,” Ieyasu replied, flustered. “But I…I don’t really understand it myself, to be honest. It’s…as if there’s something in the dark, watching me from the shadows—and when I try to look for the answer, I can’t see it clearly…”
It was an odd answer, that was for sure, and it took Motochika aback. However… he believed him. Ieyasu wasn’t one to lie. “There’s somethin’ in the shadows, y'say…? That can’t be good.” For a brief moment, Motochika contemplated the possibilities, but… “Ain’t we in ‘paradise’, though? If anything, you should be safe. There’s no need to worry.”
Lifting a hand, he brought it to his friend’s shoulder, and gave him a comforting pat. “And if this bugger in the shadows happens to bother ya’, I’ll be here to kick their ass.”
As much as I appreciate yer’ support…
I ain’t always available to respond to your messages.
I gotta make sure my men ain’t slackin’ off. They’re a handful, I love the bastards, but they think it’s all fine and dandy t'take unnecessary breaks.
Then there’s Mitsunari. That kid doesn’t eat like he’s suppose to, so I gotta make sure he’s eatin’ properly.
Can’t forget about my little buddy Ieyasu. He kind of eats a little too much. Y'think he’s packin’ all muscle? If you saw all the tempura he’s been eatin’, you’d think otherwise.
I kind of find myself responsible for that prick Motonari, too. I’m sure if I didn’t bug him, he’d be killin’ off bumpkins left and right.
So… I’m kind of a busy man, savvy?
Ieyasu bit the inside of his mouth. It was true; despite the chance they had been provided in this new world, the two of them managed to drift apart like ships on different courses? Whatever happened, he didn’t want them to become strangers in this land.
“You’re right—and I apologize for not trying to speak with you more. I was just…”
Just what? He couldn’t even finish the thought.
“Hm…?”
“You were just…? Just what, Ieyasu?"
His friend may have had a knack at reading other’s thoughts, let alone their emotions, but when it came to Ieyasu’s, his closest friend, he could read them quite clearly. Something was definitely bothering Ieyasu–there was no doubt about that, and it compelled him to worry. Was this ‘thing’ which bothered his friend the reason why they grew so far a part?
"Y'know you can tell me anything.” He mentioned, giving a sincere look up to him. “I should kick yer’ butt, though. What did I tell ya’ about keepin’ stuff from me?"
“YOU’RE STILL BEING LOUD WITH ME.”
“AND WHY ARE YOU CALLING PEOPLE PUMPKINS? WE’RE NOT PUMPKINS.”
“SHUDDAP. I AIN’T BEIN’ THAT LOUD.”
“AND I’M CALLIN’ YOU BUMPKINS, NOT PUMPKINS. GET YER’ EARS CHECKED, KID.”
“But… You like boys, Motochika!”
“DON’T TELL ME TO SHUT UP.”
“JUST KEEP IT DOWN, THEN.”
“THESE BUMPKINS DON’T NEED T'KNOW ABOUT IT.”
“Ah…well…”
Of course—Ieyasu should have known that Motochika would be able to read him; they had known each other for long enough. Still—Ieyasu hoped that the nature of the other dare would not come to light, else there might be even more awkward silences between the two.
“I am happy to see you”, he clarified, and adjusted himself so he sat back, more comfortably settled on his friend. Despite his recent strangeness around his friend, he didn’t want Motochika to be misunderstood that he was valued still; Ieyasu swore not to let the awkward feelings budge their kinship. “I’m glad that we have opportunity to talk more.”
“Y'do got a point there…”
“But we’ve hardly had the chance to speak since we arrived here.”
They may have exchanged words on a few occasions, but it was nothing major; others had a knack at interfering. War, nor land, had been separating them now, and they were still distant as ever, perhaps more. This fact saddened Motochika greatly, though these “dares” did shed some light upon their situation; he was grateful for that.
“Hm… I wonder who Mr. Pirate likes~!!”
“I’ll give him a bunch of support! Yay~! Yay~!” Cue a cheering Lily, pumping her fists into the air,
“Moto~Chika! Moto~Chika! He likes boys! He likes boys!”
She doesn’t even know who he is but she’ll join in!
“Someone likes shota kisses~!”
“… … … … …”
“SHUT THE HELL UP, YOU BRATS.”
