#we're going to ignore how rusty my writing for her is shhh

[deathfavor]

@yeonban said: "thanks for believing in me." It's rare for Naotora to be this open to someone that isn't Tatsuomi or Naoe, but the Uesugi have become more of a second home than a simple allied clan to him & it's Kuroko who's repeatedly put her trust in him for the plans she's drawn up - or even centered them around his help entirely, at times. That alone requires more trust than half of his own nobles have ever put in him, and he's grateful for it.

It isn't terribly often she finds it to be just her and Naotora outside of a brief moment here or there. This is more extended, although she doesn't put too much attention towards it. Not until he speaks up first, earning her entire attention not simply by speaking, but by the words that were given to her.

Kuroko knew her clan and its allies relied on her and were thankful for her work. But in some ways, it became expectation. They expected success after success from her, which she was happy to deliver. Yet such blatantly thankful words were seldom heard by her. More often than not it was That's our strategist! or similar phrases, or agreements to do as she instructed. Nothing like thank you for believing in me.

It's a sad phrase.

It's also one she's said in the past. It is one she still holds close to her heart, always thankful for the trust people give her. They rest their lives in her hand and entrust her to guide them.

Kuroko bows her head slightly in both acknowledgement and respect. " And I to you. It is only thanks to you that some of the plans have been a success. " All true words she thinks he deserving to know ( albeit of course she had alternative plans ) , but she also accepts his own words rather than brush them off. It is not always so easy to say words of thanks. " You're welcome. You're a good man, and dependable. I know it cannot always be easy, that which you carry. But you have people who do believe in you. " She tilts her head slightly, a small smile resting on her lips. " Myself included, of course. And I will continue to do so. "