[D8 LE] Alcohol Is the Best Disinfectant

[Doji Hikaru]

"Not us. Not yet. Maybe soon though" Hikaru raises his cup. "I hear word of round 2 between the Clans. Maybe it will be is this time."

"To new beginnings"

[Ikoma Honoka]

"You know, I was speaking with someone yesterday who thinks I would be a suitable bride for one of the heirs. Maybe that's where I'll end up instead, and Hikaru-san could say he was having a friendly competition with the future Empress" Honoka grinned "who knows how the future will be told?"

She sipped her sake.

"Not that I'm looking to marry yet, I have much more story to tell before marriage. My uncle would say the same too."

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru chokes on the mouthful of sake, letting out a hacking cough. "Really?" He croaks "I know you are in high regard and I count myself among them who believe so but I hadn't realized the extent."

He eyes her for a moment. "Is the idea of us being matched seem that far out? I'm not ignorant to the realities of our duties, but I may need to feel vaguely insulted if there's such a gap"

[Ikoma Honoka]

Honoka laughed.

"Are you truly so surprised? I've already stood opposite one of the highest of the lands and even been summoned by the now departed empress on a special mission."

There was a pause, before she added "the person that said it however meant it more due to my nature, you don't have to worry yet there's still time to find a way to win the hand of your biggest friendly rival."

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru coughs to compose himself. "Good. I mean..." He looks down at his cup. "You're not a prize to be won Honoka-san. I'm not going to try to club you over the head and drag you away. It's..."

He pauses "You are an exemplary samurai. You have a sharp wit and charisma. You are beautiful. But only a fool would think they own you, or that you would be so magnificent if you were forced where you did not want. So, it will be a honor to be whatever the Heavens allow: rival, friend...partner. And I shall enjoy whatever comes of that."

[Ikoma Honoka]

Honoka smiled.

"I know I'm not a prize in the sense of capturing, and if the one I end up marrying believes I would be some tame housewife that could be pushed into a lower place they will find themselves very quickly surprised. What I will say though is Hikaru-san should view himself higher too. Don't settle for just being something, reach for the best you can be. Only you can push yourself to reach your heights. Or you will find that your moment passes you by."

She finished her sake before saying "I think perhaps we should stop at this amount of sake. It would not do to be drunk and hungover when doing a court presentation, ne?"

[Doji Hikaru]

Honoka smiled.

"I know I'm not a prize in the sense of capturing, and if the one I end up marrying believes I would be some tame housewife that could be pushed into a lower place they will find themselves very quickly surprised. What I will say though is Hikaru-san should view himself higher too. Don't settle for just being something, reach for the best you can be. Only you can push yourself to reach your heights. Or you will find that your moment passes you by."

She finished her sake before saying "I think perhaps we should stop at this amount of sake. It would not do to be drunk and hungover when doing a court presentation, ne?"

Hikaru raises his cup. "Honoka, please be sure one thing: when I look to accomplish things, it's not because I think it would win your heart or hand. It's because I want them for myself." He sips the final cup. "That I think you would be bored with anyone who would not do likewise is a separate matter." He begins to stand, swaying a bit. "We will have to see your strength at holding your drink another time Ikoma-san. You better keep up"

[Ikoma Honoka]

"Good" Honoka nodded, taking a moment to stand also "I'm glad to hear it! Never forget it either."

There was a small laugh as he wobbled.

"Sounds like Hikaru-san just wants to get me drunk! Maybe when court is over we can do that, but for now there are performances still to go."