friends;

[tokugawa]

[He's the most considerate hasubando ever.

Or at least that's what he's going for when he realized that he had some free time in his day - a very rare occasion indeed - and decided that it would be best spent going to visit Mitsunari at work! Yes, mentally patting himself on the back for that one.

He's mentally high-fiving himself for remembering to bring coffee too, if only because it's getting just a little bit later on the day and the post-afternoon tiredness is probably sinking in.

So it's with that thought that he's knocking on Mitsunari's door - for some reason, the secretary desk in front of his office is empty? - and letting himself in a moment later with a very chipper-]

Mitsunari, guess who-

['decided to bring you coffee' dies on his lips because there's already someone there setting a coffee cup on Mitsunari's desk.

Well then.]

... Hm?

Comments

[tokugawa]

[Sakon merely salutes then, turning on his heel to see himself out without another word or obstructive noise. He's got a few more calls to make and paperwork to sort through himself anyway.

But Ieyasu merely hums as his gaze follows Sakon, just before he seats himself across from Mitsunari and kind of changes the subject entirely-]

When did you get a new secretary? I was just getting to know your last one.

[unbending]

[And Mitsunari arches his eyebrow at the sudden interest; he wasn't expecting it. After all, secretaries are just secretaries (though admittedly Sakon is a bit more than that, and certainly something special).]

I could not afford to have a slacker or a dullard as a secretary. Thankfully, Sakon is neither and performs his duties admirably.

[Thanks and praise all in one conversation look at him go]

[tokugawa]

[wow, what's going on. Ieyasu just blinks and scratches the back of his head.]

I suppose he really does seem on top of his game. What am I to do with this extra coffee...?

[unbending]

[...hm.]

I can't say. I've certainly no use for it now.

[/BLUNT]

You shouldn't waste your time on such things.

[tokugawa]

[Ieyasu merely just laughs at that and takes a sip of the coffee himself. Yes, he would vastly prefer it sweetened but... well, he doesn't want to waste it.]

I shouldn't waste my time trying to improve your day?

[Though they are settled enough in their relationship that Ieyasu is hardly offended, more curious.]

[unbending]

[It's good that Ieyasu understands Mitsunari at this point.

Especially because Mitsunari follows that up with--]

I did not say that! Do not put words into my mouth.

[:V;;;]

[tokugawa]

I'm not trying to! [But he does scratch the back of his neck.] But I mean - that is what I was trying to do - improving your day, that is. And I don't think that's ever a waste.

[unbending]

[...Oh Ieyasu. You are such an eternal optimist.

Mitsunari just tilts his head, arching an eyebrow.]

...If that is your intent, it has not been unaccomplished. [oh okay thanks mitsunari]

[tokugawa]

[Ieyasu sighs gently at that, but at least it's obscured by his coffee cup. Kinda glad he ended up getting it after all.

So now he's just scratching his cheek as he sets hismelf up for this-]

Not happy to see me then?

[unbending]

[...wow stop putting him on the spot it's rude!!!

He just looks away.]

...I did not say that either. You know my feelings towards you. That has not changed today, as any day.

[tokugawa]

[Ieyasu kind of just. Laughs quietly at that and settles for sipping his coffee. He won't say anything more. Yes, he does know how Mitsunari feels and he won't push it any further.

For now.]

But Sakon - [yes he's getting back to that] - Is he new in town?

[unbending]

[And Mitsunari just arches and eyebrow but waves towards the other open chair. Might as well sit down, then, Ieyasu.]

He is. He has only been with the company for a short time, though he has proven his work ethic and loyalty to be sound.

[tokugawa]

[Ieyasu merely nods in response and settles himself in the seat. Yes, it looks like this will be how he spends his time on this fine day.

But at that summary, he can't help but hum in understanding and so bluntly-]

No wonder you're so fond of him.

[unbending]

[That gets a thoughtful look, but he doesn't deny it. Instead he looks considering before he responds.]

I suppose he is very tolerable company thus far.

[Sure he hasn't been around long, but Mitsunari can already see that much.]

Is there a point to this? [and, perhaps, with a hint of humor--] Do you wish to interrogate him after this?

[tokugawa]

[Ieyasu just laughs again at that.]

The point is that you've never been eager to admit that you're fond of anyone before this. I could almost be jealous.

[But he just shakes his head and relaxes in his seat, easy-going smile showing that despite his words, he really isn't jealous at all. At least, for the time being.]

But I see no need to interrogate a kind man.

[unbending]

[Oh Ieyasu... Mitsunari just blinks, looking honestly surprised at that.]

As ever, you've nothing to be jealous of. He does his work well, and I acknowledge this, but little more than that.

[SO FAR but it's okay, because they will be friends with Ieyasu's blessing.]

That is for the better, then. He has work to tend to as well. As you've already interrupted mine, there is no need to interrupt his.

[tokugawa]

[Ieyasu is about to respond to all of that, because there is definitely just so much that he wants to say, but wait-]

Ah.

[Interrupting, is he?]

Should I go?

[unbending]

[Insert incredulous look here.

If he really wanted Ieyasu to go, he would know it.]

It has never stopped you from staying before, Ieyasu.

There is currently no harm done, though I will be the first to tell you when it is otherwise.

[tokugawa]

[Ieyasu just chuckles and scratches his head. He knows it's not like Mitsunari to beat around the bush but maybe that was just a hint?

He didn't want to miss it just in case.

So he's just going to shrug lately.]

I'll take your word for it, then.

He seems quite friendly though! Perhaps we ought to invite him out sometime. Help him get adjusted to the city?

[unbending]

[And that's far past the border of Mitsunari's anti-social nature--his expression just becomes quite incredulous.]

There is no reason to pursue a relationship beyond the sphere of work.

[Well at least that hasn't changed (yet).

But seriously why would he take his secretary out to wander the city.]

[tokugawa]

But he's new in town!

[That's all the explanation Ieyasu really needs.]

[unbending]

[Mitsunari's look clearly states that that's hardly enough explanation at all to do anything.]

He is capable of fending for himself. I do not believe that to be necessary.

[HARRUMPH]

[tokugawa]

[Ieyasu merely shrugs in response before trying again earnestly-]

I doubt he has many other bonds since he's just recently arrived in town, Mitsunari. It'd be nice to introduce him properly and make sure that he becomes more acquainted with his surroundings.

[And now in Ieyasu's attempts to talk logic-]

Also less likely to get lost if he knows his way around so he won't take too long on errands for the company either.

[unbending]

[Ieyasu used Logic! It's super-effective against foe Mitsunari!

...Mitsunari just huffs, scowling, but ultimately ends up nodding once, shortly.]

If you insist upon this, then very well. He is at least tolerable company.

[but still, ehhhhhh]

[tokugawa]

[And that makes Ieyasu just so happy! So he's grinning quite a bit.]

Excellent! Dinner tomorrow then? Perhaps we can invite Magoichi as well just to even out the numbers?

[because Mitsunari doesn't like any of Ieyasu's friends so he'd rather avoid that level of chaos]

[unbending]

[this is not what he agreed to why--

but Ieyasu does look remarkably happy.

...]

Very well. Better her company than one of the others. I will leave such planning to you, since you so delight in meddling.

[he means that in the fondest way, really]

[tokugawa]

Meddling, helping a friend-to-be in need - same thing, really.

[Yeah, it's just basic Ieyasu logic don't question it.]

Or would you prefer Yoshitsugu over Magoichi? [Yoshitsugu kind of scares him what with all the apocalypse talk, but y'know. He'll at least try.]

[unbending]

[uh huh..... Mitsunari has already gone back to looking over his work, though, so he just waves a hand at that.]

It does not matter to me.

[He's only half paying attention anyway but yeah no Magoichi is tolerable so. So. So long as it's not Masamune they might survive.]

[tokugawa]

Well, alright. I'll catch Magoichi once I leave then.

[Don't mind Ieyasu though, he's just going to tilt his head and try to make sense of what Mitsunari is working on. He seems content with it until-]

What're you working on?

[Might as well just ask.]

[unbending]

[Oh Ieyasu. Such a patient hasubando.

Mitsunari just taps his pen along the margins as he calculates in his head.]

...Financial documents. There are expenditures to keep track of that must not be allowed to go amiss.

[tokugawa]

[The epitome of patience, this one. Except not really.

But he just hums in response, understanding a little bit after watching Mitsunari for so long.]

The Toyotomi's reach is so far....

[unbending]

[He does a pretty good job, all things considered.

Mitsunari just nods once, shortly.]

It is. That is why there is no time for dallying or delay. There is much that needs to be done for the sake of the Toyotomi's expansion.