[Warmth and trepidation in equal measure wash over Wataru, and he rises from his place on a mat to stretch his arms wide before addressing Eichi. He must seem casual. Collected. Unafraid. He's walking to his death right now, he feels, but he won't let that be the end. Maybe, somehow, it will be a beautiful beginning instead.

Eichi's closer than he wants him to be, but Wataru doesn't step back, conscious of needing to hold his position to hold the last remnants of his power. Eichi won the war; Wataru has just finally won some pyrrhic victories in these last few meetings.

Still, the nervousness apparent in Eichi's tone bodes well. Maybe he wasn't bluffing when he said what he said about wanting to be by Wataru's side. But he's the Emperor, and Wataru the Fool, and he'll play his part until the end. He bows to Eichi at last, acknowledging his dominance without mockery he so easily could have drawn upon if he wanted to.]

So you came, after all~! You're not dressed for it... A shame! I'd thought to merge our hearts as one with warm bodies and high spirits.