[D6, LM, Expecting] Horsie Lessons

[Kaiu Hiroji]

Hiroji's expression is shocked for a moment. But he soon forces his expression back. He slowly dismounts the horse and turns to face Yue. He speaks, his voice is more neutral than ever. Maybe even cold. "You answer unanswered questions Yue-San." He is silent for a moment.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"I thought you wanted me to be honest." Yue let Hikazume go off and roam for the time being. "Gomennasai."

[Kaiu Hiroji]

He looks over the field again. And wipes something away from his face with his sleeve. His voice has lost the usual cadence it has, neutrality and strength replaced with blank, almost quivering sorrow. "I... I am sorry Yue-San. You will not love me. That I know. I have failed my own heart. But if the chance arises, I will choose you to be my wife. And I hope that when that day comes you will know that... You will be happy, at the least. I am sorry Yue-San." He bows deeply.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

The Shinjo scratched the back of her head. "I am not sure what to say. What did I do to earn such favor?"

[Kaiu Hiroji]

Hiroji's eyes gleam. "What did you do? You survived. You thrived even. You are stronger and fiercer than any other woman I know, despite your injuries. And yet you are still kind. I... I have never met anyone like you."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"Hai. I suppose I should not be too surprised." Yue kept her eyes lowered. "My sister said that men may appreciate those virtues of mine."

[Kaiu Hiroji]

Hiroji was silent for a moment, it's what get did best. Talking was what got him into this mess in the first place. "I love you Yue-San. And even though you do not feel the same... I will try my best to make you happy. And if fate allows, maybe you will one day love me too." He was quiet then. The blade of words had dulled in his throat.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"Hiroji-dono, you barely even know me."

How did this happen with two different men?

"I think I could be happy one day if we were to wed." She retrieved her fan and kept her over her face. It was mainly her good eye that was shown to him now.

[Kaiu Hiroji]

Hiroji's expression is pained. "It is a fleeting world Yue-San. We lead only short lives that can be cut down brurally in the blink of an eye. We must take every chance we get, no matter how small."
He exhales. "That is all I need to know Yue-San. All I need to know." His face returns to its normal expression, though still strained.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"Hai. I understand the sentiment," she replied, thinking back to her own confession to Mizuki. That orochi changed so much. What a strange twist of fate this is.

"Hiroji-dono, it would be unfair for me to not inform you on my situation. Tonight I am meeting with Soshi Taira-dono to discuss the possibility of," she trailed off and closed her eyes. She let the mentioning of his name carry the rest of the weight.

[Kaiu Hiroji]

Hiroji's face darkens. "Taira? The scorpion doctor?" He was silent for a moment. "I understand. I wish him tye best of luck. He will.need it."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Yue blinked. "What do you have planned, Hiroji-dono?"

[Kaiu Hiroji]

The silence stretches. "A victory." He finally answers.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"Do you intend on choosing me before him for your victory?"

[Kaiu Hiroji]

"There are many possibilities Yue-San." He nods.