He had always tried to be strong, even while facing the silver-haired man. No matter how much it pained him. And now, it was over. It was all over. Mitsunari shut his eyes tightly, fighting off tears. Why couldn't things have been more simple, he wondered. Why couldn't he… no. Why couldn't I… stay with him…? Kiyomasa's face refused to leave his mind, and as Ieyasu led Mitsunari to his execution, he could swear he caught a glimpse of Kiyomasa near him.

He glanced over, swallowing his pride, whatever dignity he had not already sacrificed. In the man's eyes he saw not hatred, not bloodlust, but sorrow. Despair.

The Toyotomi was in danger, and they both knew it.

Ieyasu forced Mitsunari to his knees, his head to the block. The red-haired man, even still, couldn't take his eyes off of Kiyomasa.

This was his house. He knew Kiyomasa would protect it.

The silver-haired man's lips pursed before he took a tentative, ever so slight step forward. Mitsunari's attention rested entirely on him. Enough that he blocked out entirely the vision of the executioner in front of him, raising the sword. There was no escape. It was over. And Kiyomasa knew it. His eyes said it all.

This was their house.

"I'm sorry," Mitsunari choked out in a hoarse whisper. "Kiyomasa…" he breathed, before shutting his eyes tightly, bracing himself.

His friend couldn't bear to watch the skin of his neck split, the blood pooling around him as the sword sliced through effortlessly, as if it were cutting through thin air.

He gritted his teeth. There was no denying all that he and Mitsunari had braved together. Through all the "fools" and the bickering and the name calling, they were still together. Even in spirit up to the end, Kiyomasa knew they were together, a team. One Toyotomi fighting for the good of the land.

Mitsunari, he said to himself, silently. Mitsunari, this is our house. I will protect it whatever the cost. For Lord Hideyoshi, and now… for you.