An Imperfect Science | Ikemen Sengoku

Chapter 51

Ieyasu's words were entirely innocent. He was even smiling. There was no reason for that to cause any alarm. But... Ness' hand lingered an inch from the cup of water as he looked at her and the look in those bright green eyes had a flinty edge.

... you know you can't win against me, Ness.

As she hesitated, the doctor tilted his head, and the expression on his face was a challenge. She took the cup from his hands and took a gentle breath. It looked like water. It smelled like water. Which is exactly why you used this on Mitsuhide. She wasn't sure if Ieyasu really knew what she had done or if it was just paranoia, brought on by the anxiety of all she was planning to do. She considered her options quickly, her mind racing as she tried to determine what to do next. This is the cup that Mitsuhide used. There might be traces but... it shouldn't knock you out. Unless Ieyasu put something else in it. Would he... would he do that? I... don't think so?

Ness looked up, her eyes drifting past Ieyasu's face to look out towards the sky. There was just a suggestion of light, a hint of grey and purple that tinted the dark clouds, the promise of the dawn's arrival. There's no time. She drained the cup of water in one go and placed the cup silently on the floor by her side.

This choice could ruin everything if you're wrong, Ness.

Ieyasu let out a sigh and kneeled on the mat in front of her. She slipped one hand into the pocket of her robe, fingers slowly untwisting the square of fabric she had left there, carefully prodding with one fingertip until she felt the cool, slim metal beneath her skin. Careful. Easy does it, Ness.

「Will you try to get some sleep?」Ieyasu asked softly.

Ness didn't meet his eyes. She simply shook her head with a sigh, sliding the sewing needle onto her palm and cupping it carefully. Just take a deep breath and do it. Don't think about it. Just do it.

「Would it help if I held you, Ness?」

Ieyasu. His sweet, generous offer twisted painfully in her chest. Don't think about it. She tilted her head up to look at him. His expression was conflicted. He reached out both hands to her then, palms upward, and she looked down at them. She hesitated, despite herself, despite all her efforts to just not think about what she was doing. She couldn't see the circular scar that remained on his left hand, but she could see all the faded lines on the palm and fingers of his right hand.

I'm so sorry, Ieyasu.

She slipped both her hands into his. There was a slight delay, between her feeling the needle in her palm sliding into his and his mouth opening in silent surprise. He pulled his hand back. Those bright green eyes studied the slender sewing needle protruding from his palm, confused, as if he had no idea what he was looking at. His gaze went to the cup at her side, eyes narrowing, fury sparking within them that she had to force herself to face. So he did suspect something.

「You knew?」she asked quietly, 「Did you expect me to do the same to you? That trick's a bit easier on a blind man.」

「What the hell are you doing, Ness?」

His voice held that eerie calm, the one that signalled he was utterly furious, and when he raised his eyes to look at her she almost shrunk. Tough it out, Ness. It's done now. She sat up straight, folded her hands on her lap, and met his gaze as calmly as she could.

「I'm doing whatever it takes. Just like I did for you.」

「When did he contact you?」

「That doesn't matter.」