[ despite the way he waits quietly for hideyoshi to speak, he’s completely unaware of their surroundings, or anyone who might be watching this particularly emotional reunion.

“wait”– it’s the tone, above all else, that relaxes him, and allows him to settle his elbows on hideyoshi’s shoulders instead, meeting the sudden embrace halfway through. hideyoshi… certainly feels real. he takes it in, but just as he considers burying into the hug, hideyoshi is looking at him. ]

Hideyoshi... you... [ he trails off, suspended there a moment before he suddenly feels relieved enough that he could laugh, somehow, even as his mouth forms a tight line. conflict flashes across his face before he speaks up. ] Yes, Hideyoshi... I believe so. [ he knows, that if hideyoshi is wondering about the same thing he is, that this uncharacteristic show of doubt isn’t going to assure him. but he can’t seem to help it right now. ]

... [ he gives a slow pause as he glances down. ] We’re struggling with the same issue, it seems... I’m afraid I don’t have any answers for you, Hideyoshi. [ he bundles the cloth under his fingers again, this time idly so, before he looks up again at hideyoshi. ] But I know that I am here.