[D4 EA] Serving Tea [Expecting]

[Matsu Nintoku]

"Round the year except when the snows of winter forbid it." he nodded "I've never really left the Lion lands till now though... my postings required me to..." his mood darkened "act on Lion land."

[Ide Amaya]

"I was named for a storm, but it is you that I can see the thunder in. You grow darker than today's skies," because she wishes to reach out with a reassuring touch, she instead puts the water on to heat once more. "A burden shared is a burden halved," she offers.

[Matsu Nintoku]

He eyed the woman for a few moments before taking his tea and taking a sip from it.

"Ide-san," he replied calmly "a burden is a burden. Sharing it only means two people would suffer. I would not impose that weight on you."

[Ide Amaya]

She blinks languidly and wets her lips with her tongue. "I will not press you, Matsu-Sama, if you do not wish it so. But the thunder is out there, and it is safe in here. There is nothing you can say that would turn me away from you." She takes the water and tops up the teapot.

[Matsu Nintoku]

He afforded her a small smile, something he did not do lightly. "Do not worry Ide-san." his tone was reassuring "A Matsu never slumps down before adversity. I might die but I will die on my two feet."

[Ide Amaya]

His smile may be small, but from the Matsu she knows she has been conferred something special, and she blushes sweetly, dropping her eyes. "Pray the Fortunes see that the day is long off yet," she whispered. "But, just as you do not stand alone on the field of battle, you do not have to stand alone in this. No matter what should transpire over these next days, I implore you remember this."

[Matsu Nintoku]

He blushed lightly at the Ide's words, his eyes also dropping. "You really are a gem Ide-san." his voice had a sweet undertone "I will not forget this." he paused "Will you meet with me tomorrow?"

[Ide Amaya]

"Yes, Matsu-Sama, I would be honoured to meet with you again."

[Matsu Nintoku]

"I wish to speak more candidly with you but..." he eyed around "this place seems to be a bit too communal."

He dropped his eyes, his cheeks flaring slightly "I had in mind a more private scenario." he gulped hard "Perhaps we could speak in my yorutu? We could also converse later today if that is more comfortable for Ide-san."

[Ide Amaya]

She tilts her head to look into the eyes that won't meet hers. "I am free the remainder of this afternoon, if it pleases you. If you feel you need more time, the tomorrow will suit."

[Matsu Nintoku]

He raised his eyes to met hers, he hadn't thought this trough enough "What about the early hours of the night? I..." he frowned "I do not sleep too much." from his tone she could tell this was probably connected with his burden "We could go now if you wish."

"Or perhaps you have idea of different scenario?"

[Ide Amaya]

"Matsu-San, this is your road, I am here to walk aside you, but only you can lead the way. I will come to you this night, when Lord Moon is high," if these clouds ever break, "or tomorrow. You have my word you need only ask."

[Matsu Nintoku]

He pondered his next words with care "Could you come tonight?" he asked "I will be awake."

[Ide Amaya]

Softly, "yes, Matsu-San. I will."