Long Time No See {Hiroyoshi/Okata}

[Nomi no Ōkata]

There was someone from another faction within Chugoku. Someone of high standing. It was peculiar that he was there and, upon Lord Mori hearing the news, he had ordered Okata to investigate. It could be nothing, but... it could very well be something. If there was a meeting between someone of Mori and this commanding officer and secrets were shared, that would be unacceptable. They would not go unpunished.

Her intricately designed and colourful kimono stood out amongst others, with Okata's ruby lips and white face. And how her kimono hung from her body... it was daring, and she was so nonchalant about it. It was no surprise people stared and gawked, and hungered.

The elegant woman entered a bar, the one that this man was rumoured to frequent over the last few days. Her light blue eyes scanned the area, searching for the one who fit the general description she had.

'Where are you~?' thought she.

[Takeda Shingen]

The moment Okata entered into the bar, all the patrons would turn to look at her, some giving her a nod of respect, others gawking at her, and still others just outright staring at her... ass(ets). Except for one. Seated at the bar, right at the end, somewhat hidden in the shadows, clad in a black kimono and hakama, a katana resting against the counter beside him, the man drank a cup of warm sake, lowering the empty cup back onto the counter and filling it up from the bottle in front of him. His face would be somewhat visible to Okata, but not a whole lot of help it would be, not until she came closer.

[Nomi no Ōkata]

Okata walked forward, a hand rising up and brushing back a loose strand of black hair. Her sensuously drooped eyes gazed for her target, searching. As she walked towards the back, she caught sight of someone upon nearing him. At first Okata continued looking, but after a few moments, she stopped. Her brows furrowed in the slightest, and she glanced back at the man.

That face... it seemed... almost... familiar. But... she couldn't quite place her finger on it. Her light blue hues gazed at him, the woman wracking at her mind, trying to place him in her memory.

[Takeda Shingen]

Upon hearing footsteps come up from beside him, the man would pause in mid-drink and lowering the cup, would turn his head slightly to look to the side, only for his one visible eye to widen in surprise, his face fully visible to Okata now... or what part of his face that wasn't hidden by his hair anyways. His eye color, though unusual for a Japanese, would be very familiar to Okata, and so would his voice, as he spoke up.

"... Okata-san?"

[Nomi no Ōkata]

And then he turned towards her, light blue eyes catching his unusual hues, and she heard her name, one she had not heard from anyone but Lord Mori in years. Her eyes widened.

"Hiro...yoshi...san," she whispered.

Okata paled a little, but it was not from fear for him. He never hurt her. Not ever. In fact, he had been a regular customer of hers, and one of the few she found to be tolerable, likable even. It was because after so many years, her past finally found her, and that unnerved the woman.

She licked her lips, trying to bring down her tension. Her gaze searched around her and the woman quickly moved towards him. Okata couldn't just have her name tossed around. While people wouldn't know who she was, it could blow her cover. She had an identity in Chugoku, and that was not Nomi of Okata.

When Okata drew close to him, her eyes looked away once more to search for her target, before going back to the man. The woman would say in a hushed voice, "It has been... many years, Hiroyoshi-san. Perhaps... if we wish to catch up, it could be someplace a little more... private? A booth perhaps?"

She smiled pleasantly, but Okata was nervous. The woman couldn't afford for her cover to be blown now. Lord Mori would be immensely displeased with her, and she could not fail him.

[Takeda Shingen]

His eye initially wide with surprise, his expression would soon soften into an easygoing, light-hearted look, his eye soft... and filled with fondness for her. Even though the last time they met was nearly 8 years ago, back when he was still in the Takeda faction. Seeing her pale a little, he would continue to smile away, though inside he knew he had said something that he shouldn't have said. Nodding his head very slightly, barely even perceptible to the other patrons in the bar, he would smile up at her, almost sheepishly.

"My apologies m'lady, you looked very familiar to someone I knew long ago, and I just said her name without thinking. To make up for my mistake, a booth has been prepared for me in the back at all times, and if you will allow me to, I shall treat you to some food. ... Ah, forgive my rudeness, but what is your name?"

[Nomi no Ōkata]

Okata almost sighed in relief. She recalled Hiroyoshi being particularly perceptive, and the woman hoped it would remain to be a godsend. That she wouldn't be manipulated. Such a thing would be quite unfortunate, but it wouldn't be a first.

She smiled at him. Her light blue hues shimmered with appreciation, and then Okata spoke in a louder voice, one that seemed quite natural, "It is quite alright, sir. I am Masaki Amaya."

Closing her eyes, Okata continued to smile softly at the man. Her hand rested over his arm and she moved closer to him. It made it harder to hear what they said and would likely result in people leaving them alone. That and it was often her way. She was an intimate person. There was a reason why she was popular.

"And that would be quite lovely, sir. I most appreciate it. May I ask for your name~?"

[Takeda Shingen]

"It's a pleasure and an honor to meet you Masaki-san."

Giving her a respectful bow of his head, Hiroyoshi's eyes would glance down feeling something rest over his arm, seeing it was Okata's hand as she moved closer to him, before returning back up to her face, still filled with that same fondness for her. She had not changed, not even after 8 long years apart. She was still intimate as always, but he never took advantage of that, not even once.

"You honor me with your company Masaki-san. This unworthy fool is named Shiji Hiroyoshi, one of the Eighteen Generals of Lord Motonari."

Rising up off his stool and grabbing his katana with his free hand after placing down some yen to pay for his drink, Hiroyoshi would lead the way into the back area of the bar, an area reserved only for the most important of men, and Hiroyoshi happened to be one. Once well out of earshot of the other patrons, Hiroyoshi would look over and down at Okata, his ever-present and familiar smile still upon his face, as he would speak in a hushed tone regardless.

"It's been a long while... You're looking well."

[Nomi no Ōkata]

"Same," replied the woman with a nod.

She smiled softly at his words. Ever the pleasant man, he was. But as Hiroyoshi went on, Okata blinked, and, when she looked up at him, her light blue hues widened. The Hiroyoshi from her past... was the Shiji Hiroyoshi serving Lord Mori?!?!? She had absolutely no idea how that they served the same man, so close and yet so far, never seeing one another. A hand rose to her face.

Oh boy.

What the hell was she supposed to do? Only a small, select few knew who she was to Lord Mori. It was crucial to keep her identity a secret, but... Hiroyoshi also knew who she was, at least to an extent.

"Wow. I am quite honoured~" she replied, closing her eyes and smiling as Okata followed him to the booth. When they situated themselves, Okata leaned against him, hand resting on his chest. She was a courtesan; everyone there knew that. It would be no real shock and no suspicion would arise from them being so close. Just another customer, right? Her eyes looked at at Hiroyoshi and she replied in a similarly quiet tone, head tilting and looking as though she were whispering sweet nothings, "It has been. Thank you, Hiroyoshi-san. You look good, as well. And you have accomplished so much. I never would have guessed that the Hiroyoshi from way back in my past would come to serve Mori-sama. If I recall correctly, back then... you were Takeda, were you not? What was the change of heart? Takeda territory is no small distance from Chugoku."

[Takeda Shingen]

Grinning sheepishly back at Okata as he rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand, his katana slung on his back, as strange as it was, Hiroyoshi never once encountered or ran into Okata previously because he had always been busy training his men, doing his own training, or fighting to repel opposing men of rival Daimyo's trying to invade Chugoku. He usually returned to Chugoku at odd hours, and never by the same route.

"No no, the honor is all mine. It truly has been too long."

After they had settled down in the booth, when Okata looked up at Hiroyoshi, she would see the pleasant smile always on his face fade a little, as a hint of sadness was visible in his eye, though he would continue to look down at her, to avoid arousing any suspicion on either of them.

"Yes, I was... But I left the Takeda faction the same time I disappeared from your life eight years ago. My entire unit had been slaughtered by an Uesugi unit, leaving me the only survivor. I couldn't stay, not when the memory of watching my fellow soldiers get cut down haunted me, so I left and wandered for two years, before returning to Nippon. I then joined the Mori faction and, well, here I am now, a General after six long years of hard work."

The pleasant smile returning to his face, he would lean in close to Okata, appearing as if he was moving in closer while she whispered sweet nothings to him, but in actuality, it was to ensure he could see if anyone was coming towards them and he could be ready to protect Okata if necessary.

"And yourself? How has the past eight years treated you?"

[Nomi no Ōkata]

A sadness shimmered within his unusual eyes, and her brows furrowed in the slightest. That was unlike Hiro. He always had a smile, both across lips and in his eyes. Something bad had happened, and the woman listened intently. She was an excellent listener and was fantastic at pretending to care, even when she didn't. Normally Okata didn't care in the slightest about people. But back in the day, Hiro had been quite different from the other men. He was protective and kind, and far more genuine. It wasn't just her who listened, but him as well. If there was anyone she supposed she cared about in her past, it was this one customer. She would never wish ill-harm of him.

A hand rose to his cheek when he finished explaining what had happened and speaking, and she leaned in close. Her lips brushed against his cheek, moving to his ear. The sign that this was more than simply a move to trick others, Okata's thumb stroked his flesh hiding beneath his hair.

"I am sorry, Hiroyoshi-san," the woman whispered to him. "Positions of great power often seem to come with terrible prices."

Her hand slid down his chest and she sighed against him. "I... ran away. Finally got out of there. I have no qualms with what I do, but what they did was wrong. Afterwards, I wandered, making money where I could with whoever could pay the price. And as it went up and my value rose, going with wealthier and more powerful men, I finally built an establishment here and have been running it. And... well... among other things. Life has been... interesting, to say the least."

She didn't go into exactly what she did, as Okata couldn't just betray Lord Mori like that. Not without approval that revealing who she was to him was alright. He was a general, but most of even them did not know. But it probably wouldn't be all too hard to figure out at least about her making more money than simply through sleeping with men. Women with her skills and status were quite capable, and Okata was a perfect example of such.

[Takeda Shingen]

His eyes softening feeling Okata's hand rest against his cheek while her thumb stroked his skin beneath his hair after her lips brushed against his cheek and to his ear, Hiroyoshi would give her an appreciative look, knowing this was more than just a trick to fool others that happened to come walking past them.

"That is how war is. Lives will be lost and blood will be spilled... But it is never easy to watch men I trained and fought alongside die right in front of me. To this day, I still do not know why I, a lowly soldier, was spared, while the others died. It seems you were busy during those years, I am glad to hear you have made a name for yourself, even running your own establishment. But most importantly, I am glad to see you are safe and sound. Every day I wondered and hoped you were alright, and that I would see you again somewhere not in that place."

The pleasant smile on his face, his eyes genuinely shimmering with happiness for her success, it was not hard to for Hiroyoshi to figure out that Okata made more money than just simply through sleeping with men, but unless Lord Mori himself told Hiroyoshi, he, and the other Generals, would never know about Okata's other role in the Mori faction.

"It's quite interesting running into each other after so long, despite both of us living in Chugoku and never running into one another even once. I'm happy to see you again Okata-san..."

[Nomi no Ōkata]

She lost people in war too. In these war-torn lands, chaos was abundant, from both soldiers and bandits, and her family had been killed. It was why she was where she was today. Was that a bad thing? Okata was quite happy with her position, despite what some may think. There were many hardships in the past, but she was far richer and more educated than she ever would have been even growing up normally with her family. She had been taken in by Lord Mori and had been living quite nicely as a result. And despite his ruthlessness and cold, calculating persona, she had discovered a whole other side to him, and found she genuinely loved him.

So from prostitution, she had made far more money than most would dream of, and with spying she had come into contact with Motonari, and now she was quite satisfied with her life. It was not traditional by any sense, but it was her life nevertheless. It was a good fit for Nomi no Okata.

Her fingers stroked through her hair, lightly brushing it, and she smiled. "I think there may be something to Fate, Hiroyoshi-san. You were meant to live, as I was meant to live the life I lead. We both beat the odds, in numerous ways, and have prospered greatly from such."

Even with her logical mindset, it was hard not to believe in Fate, considering her life and even how Hiro and Okata had come across one another now, that they were both working for Lord Mori, and so closely.

What interested her was that Hiro thought so often of her. Was this really true? Did he frequently think of her over the years, or was it simply something said in the heat of the moment? She used to think of him frequently after he disappeared and it was back to the customers she couldn't have cared less for, but after a while, Okata became completely buried within her own life and trying to make it. With playing games with people and committing multiple sins, that of lust and deception.

"I too am pleased to see you doing so well," remarked the woman honestly. Her leg brushed against his and Okata stroked his cheek once more, tilting her head. The spy's blue hues looked at him curiously, and she smiled. "Did you really think of me often, Hiroyoshi-san? It has been many years."

She bat the lashes of her eyes, peering up at him, lips curling into a larger smile, revealing her pearly whites. Her hand rubbed his chest, going around in circles. "I see you still know how to charm a girl."

There was a glimmer within her hues, the woman internally giggling. They both knew how to play this game, and she wondered if Motonari had been able to see that in him. It was both a valuable trait, or one that could be quite dangerous, if not careful.

Pulling away from Hiro, her hand lifted to her ruby lips and Okata's eyelids drooped. It was a teasing tactic. Quite common with those women skilled like Okata, so it would seem completely normal.... and it was also a little amusing in this situation as well, if she were to be completely honest.

Okata crossed her legs, the kimono slipping and revealing her thigh, far more than it probably should have. And there was no shame in her. She smiled at Hiro, nodding her head and resting her hand on his chest again. Playing the game for others, all the while being honest with this man.

"It truly is quite fascinating. I am quite surprised, and a little disappointed it took this long," she spoke the truth. It was even more surprising because of their close ties to Lord Motonari. There was even more reason for them to stumble upon one another, and yet they hadn't... until now. She wondered what Fate had in store for them. Despite being a minx of a women, Okata smiled softly and sighed, warmth within her blue hues. "So am I, Hiroshi-san. You are the only individual from my past I would ever desire to see. The rest can remain in the dust to be forgotten, and to rot."

[Takeda Shingen]

"... Perhaps you are right. We were fated to live, to prosper from our hardships, and to find each other again. There is no coincidence in this world. What is there is "hitsuzen." And what brought us together was also "hitsuzen.""

Hitsuzen. A naturally foreordained event. A state in which other outcomes are impossible. A result which can only be obtained by a single causality, and other causalities would necessarily create different results. Fate and hitsuzen both had the same idea for Okata and Hiroyoshi, reuniting them after all these years. Continuing to genuinely smile at her as he felt her legs brush against his and his cheek was stroked, he spoke the truth. Throughout his long journey of wandering, his thoughts frequently jumped to her, and it brought him some comfort during the long, lonely nights at sea. That had not changed, even until now.

"You know I would never lie to you. I could never lie to you."

That ever present relaxed smile upon his face, it was obvious he had mastered the Japanese art of charming girls, and knew how to play the game just as well as Okata did. He wasn't exactly academically gifted, but he knew how to read and write, something that very few could say they knew to do, and surprisingly, he was skilled in the art of calligraphy. A bemused smile on his face at her teasing tactic, he was certain he just heard the sound of a million guys hearts crushed. Just as Okata had no shame, neither did Hiroyoshi, as he would stretch his arms above his head, his kimono opening even more to expose even more of his muscular chest.

"It truly is a little disappointing, but better late than never. Defending Chugoku keeps me very busy, so I end up returning home at odd hours, so perhaps it is not too surprising we have did not run into each. And you honor me Lady Okata. You truly are magnificent."

If she allowed him to, he would wrap one arm around her, holding her closer to him, but that would be the extent of his fondness for her. He had no doubt in his mind she had found someone she loved, and it made him happy to see her happy. That was all he wanted, to see her happy.

"But knowing you are in Chugoku, makes me even more determined to defend the land from rival Daimyo's, for Lord Motonari. I will make sure no one brings harm upon our land... and upon you, ever again."

[Nomi no Ōkata]

(Hahahaha! I love these two. Playas. xDDD)

Okata would remain quiet and nod, agreeing with the man. They held very similar mindsets, and it was nice to fine someone she held so much in common with. Oddly enough, it made her feel more relaxed, but that was likely because it was this particular man, and not some stranger.

It was an interesting prospect. For Okata to have someone to trust. She supposed it wasn't too far of a stretch. There was the girl running Okata's establishment in her stead and Lord Mori. She truly did trust them, although there were still things she held from both, although Motonari could always see through her. It had been so many years since she had been around Hiroyoshi and she pondered whether over this was true. As she looked up into his eyes, Okata felt that it was.

After forcefully numbing herself from what she had to do and then accepting it to excel, the only person she ever told her feelings to after her sister committed suicide was Hiroyoshi, and he never once betrayed her. He could have easily told the people who ruled her life, and she would have been severely punished for it, and yet he did not. The woman supposed she would consider Hiro to be a long-time friend. A close one. Perhaps, really, her only one, genuinely speaking. Friends with benefits, obviously. xD

Okata smiled at him and cupped his cheek again, thumb stroking his lips, looking as though she was enticing and toying with him yet again. And yet her eyes revealed otherwise to him. "I am glad to have you back in my life, my friend."

He was just as carefree as she was, further exposing his chest purposefully, and Okata released a charming chuckle. The lids of her eyes drooped and she commented amusedly, "I am uncertain as to who is more devilish, you or I."

An arm wrapped around her shoulders and he pulled her close, and yet it was different from when others did so. There was no strong carnal desire, that all too familiar lust in his eyes, instead something far deeper and something she appreciated all the more. Loyalty and friendship. Certainly they had had their intimacies, considering her career, but back in the day, there came a point where the two would mostly lay on the futon and talk, for hours at a time. It was her one real, healthy form of escape in those days, and having Hiro here now made Okata realize just how much she missed having him there and what all he did for her.

The woman's head rested against the crook of his neck, her fingers and palm laying against his exposed chest. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, feeling his heart beat beneath her hand. Not only did his words mean a lot to her because of his loyalty to her, but he was also loyal to the woman's Lord and love. He was determined to serve Motonari, for both him and Okata, and that made her exceedingly happy.

As his name for her changed, growing more formal, hers would grow more endearing, and Okata whispered, "Yoshi-kun... thank you."

There was nothing else she could possibly add to that, except perhaps a kiss, but... Okata enjoyed how they were now. The woman was truly comfortable, and that was something she often didn't even feel around her Lord, as she always desired to serve and please him to the utmost perfection. With Hiroyoshi, it was more relaxed, and it was nice.

Her hand rose up and toyed with the sleeve of his kimono so that one side began to slip over his shoulder. There was no doubt that any potential onlookers would think that they were getting intimate and, maybe with a few staring for a few moments, all would eventually glace away. In an odd way, it made this moment all the more private in this public place. They had drifted away from reality while still right in the middle of it.

"Have you found a special girl, Yoshi-kun?" inquired the woman curiously. Her lids fluttered open and she peered up at him, still resting her cheek against the crook of her neck. "I would be shocked if a powerful, handsome, and charming man such as yourself was not married. With children, perhaps?"

[Takeda Shingen]

Returning the smile Okata gave him with his ever-present relaxed smile, though her actions made it appear like she was enticing and toying with him again, her eyes told the truth, and it was clear as day to him. He too truly considered her a long-time friend, one that he trusted, cared deeply for, and would sacrifice his own life to save hers. Friends with benefits indeed.

"Hey, it's good to be back. I've been away from you for far too long Okata-san. I would say we are pretty even when it comes to devilish charm. Though I see you have mastered the Japanese art of stone cold seduction, Masaki-san."

His arm wrapping around her, it brought him back to the days of past, when the two of them would just lie on the futon and talk for hours on end, Hiroyoshi wrapping his arms around Okata to comfort her, especially when she told him her feelings after her sister had committed suicide. He never once dreamed of betraying her, and he certainly did not wish to do so now. Resting his chin lightly on top of her head, his right hand was never far from the hilt of his katana, continuing to hold Okata comfortingly against him while remaining alert as always.

"You need not thank me Kata-san... But you are welcome..."

Just as perfectly content as Okata was, as one side of his kimono began to slip off after she had toyed with his sleeve, he would not bother fixing it, instead, he would lift his arm up and out of the sleeve, leaving only half of his kimono on and fully exposing half of his muscular upper body and arm. If there was even more staring because of how intimate they appeared to be, this certainly did the job of keeping people away soon after.

"... I did, and I was married... until about three years ago. My wife had died giving birth to our baby son, and four days later, he too died from an illness. I haven't married or looked for anyone since. I just could not love anyone ever again."

Though there was a sad smile upon his face, there was also other emotions mixed in. Relief, some kind of resentment... and happiness. Relief that both his wife and son were in a better place, free from pain. Resentment, for the Gods taking his wife and son away from him. And happiness, that they could be together forever now, and watch over him.

"And yourself Kata-san? Surely there is someone that has caught your eye and you love whole-heartedly. I would be most surprised if that was not the case."

Hiroyoshi would ask back, his relaxed smile slowly returning to his face, as he form something in his hand, before opening it after a while, revealing an ice sculpture of a phoenix in the palm of his hand, offering it to Okata, using his Musou to keep the temperature of the ice low and prevent the sculpture from melting.

"He is lucky to have captured the heart of someone as graceful and beautiful as you are."

[Nomi no Ōkata]

It was her turn to smile and laugh. Why, yes. It was entirely true. Okata was arguably the best at what she did. Her eyes told him that he was quite correct, and the woman continued to chuckle. She simply nodded and winked playfully.

Hiroyoshi's chin rested against the top of her head, and he stated she did not need to thank him. Okata simply stayed quiet, enjoying this moment with him to the fullest. Even with being the concubine of Motonari and them have a connection, she was still second to his wife. It was not something she was angry about or jealous over; Okata had been second or third most of her life, and she knew how very happy Motonari's wife made him. The concubine held no ill-will towards the woman and sought not to take her place. She was perfectly content with where she was, once again accepting her fate with flying colours. Lord Mori and her shared intimacies, but it was rarely like this. There were moments, certainly, but they both struggled to open up and it was taking time, for him and her. Because of her past history with Hiroyoshi and their not being the complicated Lord-servant relationship, it felt more equal and, again, comfortable. There was no need for nervousness here.

He slipped his arm out of his kimono, and Okata could only image the expression on a few onlookers faces. It must have been priceless, but her gaze lingered on him. It was both an act and the result of a rekindled spark that had the woman continue to rub his exposed flesh, fingers softly trailing along his smooth, strong muscles. The lids of her eyes drooped a little lower and Okata shifted, pressing a bit closer to him.

But his words resulted in the woman stopped, and she blinked, looking up at him. Sadness filled her heart as she sympathized with him. Closing her eyes, Okata took one of his hands and brought it to her lips, kissing his palm.

"I am so terribly sorry, Yoshi-kun."

What else was she to say? She knew not, and stayed quiet, turning his hand and kissing the back of it. Her lips lingered and she breathed in deeply before exhaling slowly. What happened to him was horrible. Of all people, he deserved it least. Hiroyoshi was a good man, genuinely so. If anyone deserved happiness and love, it was him.

At his question, her eyes fluttered open and Okata released a sigh, lids drooping as she thought of Motonari.

She admitted, "I would be lying if I said I did not, but our feelings were not even realized until last year. And..." Okata paused, pursing her lips. The woman could not tell who she was with, and would rather die than betray her lord, but there was nothing holding her back from admitting her feelings. With another sigh, she continued, "well, a woman of my standing and a man of his standing... why, we are worlds apart. There will be no marriage and legitimate children for me."

The concubine closed her eyes and merely shrugged, nonchalance within her tone, although there was the tiniest hint of sadness there, albeit quite small. "But I suppose that does not particularly bother me. It is to be expected, and I accepted and embraced my fate many years ago."

Okata actually felt herself blush slightly as the phoenix made of ice formed within him hand. Her fingers brushed against the sculpture and she smiled with warmth. The woman had a job to do, but she had no interest in leaving Hiroyoshi right now. The potential enemy soldier would be in town a few more days, right? She could always come back tomorrow...

Sitting up, she lifted her head from its place on his shoulder. Okata was still close to him, however, and her free hand rested over his chest. There was a seriousness within her eyes, and longing, "Yoshi-kun, I do not want to leave your side tonight..."

[Takeda Shingen]

A bemused smile on his face seeing her wink playfully, the look in her eyes told Hiroyoshi he was correct, and it amused him to no end. She had always been the best at what she did, even back when he was in the Takeda faction, as she had been the most favorable whore, and was requested frequently by many men. Of course Hiroyoshi had been one of them, but more often than not, their time together did not involve sex, simply spending time with her was enough for him, and that separated him from the rest. He loved and treated Okata like a real person, and cared for her well-being immensely, giving her extra money out of his own pocket for her to keep. Smiling appreciatively at Okata as she took one of his hands and kissed the palm, then the back of his hand, he would reach over and gently brush his hand against her cheek, his hand lingering lightly against it as he heard her sigh.

"It sounds like he is a very high-ranked man. Be as that may, the simple fact that he has your love, makes him the luckiest man in the world, that's what I think. Although it breaks my heart to hear you will not have a marriage or legitimate children. It truly is a tragedy..."

Though it would sound snide coming from someone else, from Hiroyoshi, it was genuine. It truly broke his heart to see Okata go through such a situation, but as he knew very little on it, he could not do much to help, except listen and be someone she could talk to. Tipping the phoenix sculpture onto her hand, she would find it would not melt, as Hiroyoshi focused on it to keep it frozen and intact at all times. Looking down at her after feeling her head lift off his shoulder, his eyes would soften, filled with tenderness... and just as much longing.

"Then stay with me... if only for the night..."

Reaching up with one hand, he would gently brush a few stray strands of hair away from her face, before resting his hand against her cheek.

"I missed those nights we spent together... Just spending time with you brought me great joy and happiness."

[Nomi no Ōkata]

His hand brushed against her cheek, and Okata leaned into it. She adored that touch, craved it, and Hiroyoshi was truly as sweet as can be. If the woman had heard those words from anyone else, she would have called bullshit and it would have meant nothing, but it meant so much coming from Hiro. He meant every word, and it warmed her heart.

At his comment, she internally thought, 'You have no idea, Yoshi-kun.'

As much as she wanted to tell him and could trust him, Okata knew she could not, and would never dream of doing so. For Hiro to voice the sad circumstances, it caused those small feelings of regret and sorrow over it to stir. They were feelings she did not linger on because they would lead to other emotions, and they were quite dangerous. And because it hurt.

And so Okata closed her eyes and smiled, lightly swatting his arm in a playful manner, laughing lightly, changing the subject, "Honestly, Yoshi-kun, the girls must flock you with that attitude. You truly are too sweet for your own good."

Despite her excellent acting, around Hiroyoshi, she was more honest. She let down that guard more. Okata's laugh was half-hearted and, upon opening her eyes, they cast down to her lap. God, did she hate thinking about it. Maybe Okata accepted her fate, but there was that little part inside of her gnawing at her, making her hate being second. The vicious, little jealous side wanted to come tearing out of her, but Okata knew it was wrong. She was the other woman, and from everything that Okata had heard, Motonari's wife was quite the opposite of him. Okata wasn't sure as to what she was like, but she knew that his wife brought Motonari joy, despite how he hid it, and that in and of itself made Okata happy. She loved him, and his happiness brought her joy. If anything ever happened to Lord Mori's wife or children, Okata knew that he would be devastated. Maybe the rest of Japan didn't know, but she did, and that was all that mattered.

In a way, Okata and Hiroyoshi were in quite the same predicament in that regard. Despite themselves, they wanted those that they loved to be happy, regardless of where it left them. Maybe now that was part of why she felt especially drawn to him, despite her love for Lord Mori.

Okata snapped out of her thoughts and feelings and blinked at feeling Hiroyoshi tip the ice phoenix into her hand. The woman held it, turning the sculpture to look at it from different angles. It really was beautiful, and she smiled up at him.

And then there was that shared longing within their hues as they looked at one another. She was just as frozen as the icy phoenix, wanted to be. Just in that moment.

Okata had a job to do, but she would abandon it. At least for the night. She had to. When Hiroyoshi offered for her to stay with him as she wanted, there was no way she could fight back her desire. It was more than want right then. It was need. She needed to be with her dear friend, for both a physical and an emotional intimacy.

Her free hand rose up and rested over his that cupped her cheek. Okata closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, nuzzling his hand.

"So do I, Yoshi-kun. I miss it and... it did the same for me," replied the female. The sculpture of the phoenix was set on her lap, and her hand moved to his thigh, the lids of her eyes fluttering open to gaze into his eyes. With the tilt of her head, leaning more into his touch, Okata inquired softly, "May we go? I... would love to stay with you as long as I am able... alone."

{Yeah, fuck these people in this bar. GTFO! -flips tables- xDDD}

[Takeda Shingen]

"Ah my dear Kata-san, you are too kind. But I am simply too old for girls to flock to. They don't want a thirty-one year old General, they want a young, twenty-something year old soldier boy."

Hiroyoshi chuckled after Okata swatted his arm in a playful manner, he would gently stroke her cheek with his thumb, a small sad smile forming on his face hearing her laugh half-heartedly and seeing her eyes cast down to her lap. It really did kill him to see her like this, but it killed him even more that he was powerless to do anything to help her. All he could do was provide comfort, and he would lean in closer to Okata, his arm continuing to stay wrapped around her protectively. Although he would see her smile up at him after he gave the ice phoenix to her, that small sad smile would still stay present upon his face, but it would slowly disappear, replaced with a deep longing that he had not felt in many, many years. The years of missing her, missing time spent with her, came welling up deep within him, and he wanted nothing more than to be with her, hold her again, have her as his own just for the night.

"Of course... Shall we go to my home then? I recently moved to a smaller home in Chugoku, but there is plenty of room should you ever need a place to stay and you need to talk to someone."

Slowly rising up from the booth, Hiroyoshi would gently take hold of Okata's hand, and pulling his kimono back on, though his chest was still exposed, with his katana in hand, would lead the way out of the bar and out into the main street, heading towards his home.

"... I think the last time I spent time with you... Was on this day, eight years ago... It truly feels so long ago, and something I had longed for again..."

[Nomi no Ōkata]

She laughed back, "Only the dumb ones. The smart girls would try to snag you in a heartbeat."

There was sorrow there, but soon she would suppress it and pretend it wasn't there in the first place. It was part of accepting her fate, and a necessity for her to continue onward in life. Okata never would have gotten to where she was without compartmentalizing her feelings, and even changing such and her thoughts; the woman had to adapt. One must do so to survive in the world, or they will die.

And to continue to keep herself together in the public setting, Okata avoided his sorrowful smile when she could.

"Yes," said she with a nod. When Hiro went on and gave her the open-ended invitation, her light blue eyes looked up into his and the shimmered in warmth, conveying a thank you.

She would stick close to his side, smiling pleasantly, with lids drooped. The act was back on, and no one suspected a thing. Just an ordinary night for Okata, it seemed. But while she may engage in activities expected of her, it would be a whole lot more than that. They would leave the building, mission pushed aside for another day, another night.

"Was it?" whispered the woman as she walked by his side, leaning against him, his arm over her shoulders. She thought back to the last time she recalled seeing him, and a heavy sigh fell from her ruby lips. "It has been far too long, Yoshi-kun."

[Takeda Shingen]

"It was. Every year, on this day, I always thought back on the memories and time we shared even more. Days went by, and I still thought of you, your face, your smile, everything about you."

The two of them making their way along the main streets of Chugoku, Hiroyoshi leading the way to his home, his arm wrapped around her shoulders, holding her close to him. Hearing her sigh heavily, his eyes would cast over and down to her, a comforting look in his eye as he would give her a kind and gentle smile. After walking a little bit more, about a few minutes from the bar, and turning down into a side street, they would reach Hiroyoshi's home, located away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets of Chugoku. Stepping up to the main door, Hiroyoshi would pull the sliding door open, letting Okata go in first, before following in after her, closing the door behind him and remove his waraji at the entrance, setting them off to the side neatly, before stepping onto the cool wooden platforms.

"Welcome to my humble home, Okata-san. It's not much to look at, but it serves me well. Feel free to make yourself at home. Would you like anything, perhaps some tea?"

[Nomi no Ōkata]

Okata chuckled, making a small jest, "I knew I left an impression, but who would have guessed...~"

But her joke ended there, not wishing to further play. It meant a lot and it was quite sweet. He had meant a lot to her back then, and it was nice to know she had done the same for him, although Okata had no real idea how big of a print she left on him until tonight. While part of it was sad and she had wished that his marriage had been able to last and that his baby had survived, another part caused her to smile softly, and she tilted her head so that her cheek pressed more firmly against his arm, nuzzling him.

Upon reaching his home, she saw that it was simple but nice. When inside it lacked the decorative sense one would expect from a general, but with his wife deceased and Hiro always being gone, it wasn't too surprising. And it didn't bother Okata in the least. She was here to be with Hiroyoshi. It could have been just about anywhere as long as it was in private, for all she cared.

As the door closed and Hiro removed his waraji, she removed her shoes as well. Turning towards the man, Okata closed her eyes and smiled warmly, replying with a nod and a bow at the very end, "No, it is quite nice. Sometimes extravagance really does grow dull when flaunted like so many try to do. And yes. I would love some. Thank you, Yoshi-kun."

[Takeda Shingen]

More than you'll ever know Okata-san...

Hiroyoshi pulling Okata closer as she nuzzled his arm, he would only let go of her when they reached his home, as he would step up onto the wooden platforms after removing his waraji. Heading into the kitchen to start the tea after giving Okata a nod and appreciative smile, he would leave Okata to freely explore his home, no room was off-limits to her, not even his bedroom. If she did happen to go into his bedroom, she would find it was just as plainly decorated as his home, aside from the scroll hanging above his futon.

Roughly ten minutes later, Hiroyoshi would emerge from the kitchen and head into the living room, which was located directly beside the kitchen, holding a tray of two teacups with a kettle of his favorite green tea. The flavor was smooth and not bitter, and would place the tray down on the table. Directly behind Hiroyoshi, in a small alcove, a shrine dedicated to his wife and baby son could be found, with a painting scroll of her hanging up on the wall.

"I never was one for decorating, I always had the tendency to place calligraphy scrolls up, and that was all. If you would allow me to, I would be honored to compose a scroll of anything you'd like, for you."

[Nomi no Ōkata]

As Hiroyoshi left the room and ventured into the kitchen, Okata glanced about. While his home was not richly decorated, it was not necessarily plain or boring. It was clean and orderly, having only what was necessary, and Okata smiled softly. It did not surprise her that he lived so simply, even if it may have been to others.

Hands slipping into the sleeves of her kimono, the woman walked around, peering into the various room. She stayed at near the bedroom for a few minutes, thinking of her past encounters with Hiro, before venturing off into the living room. Her eyes gravitated towards the shrine, and a sorrow filled her heart upon seeing such. Okata moved towards it, kneeling on the ground before the shrine. She stared at the face of his painted wife, who had appeared to have been quite pretty. Her eyes fluttered closed as Okata paid her respects to his wife and baby.

Upon hearing Hiroyoshi enter the room with the prepared tea, Okata opened her eyes and stood up, moving over to where he set the tray. She knelt down beside him, hands resting on her lap. "Your home... it is relaxing and orderly. I find it to be quite soothing. You have only what you need, and that is respectable and rare, I find."

At his offer, Okata smiled at him and bowed her head in appreciation. She said with a soft chuckle at the very end of her words, "Thank you, Yoshi-kun. I would very much appreciate that. I will have to come up with something, or trust you to think of something fitting for a woman like me. Haha~"