“Frankly, I’m surprised Fujita-kun. After I’ve finally agreed to let you back on the case, here you are asking for a temporary leave. But… I can’t say I’m disappointed.”
I sigh as I turn the corner of the street where Hide lives, the conversation with Kawaji had left me out of sorts in a way. That grin of his, as if he got his own way which is definitely -wrong-. Have I let my personal affairs get in the way of work? It wouldn’t be the first time… Ever since Tokio bartered with me and I didn’t give in, I had wondered if that ruined our marriage or if my actions afterwards is what doomed it. But that doesn’t matter anymore…. I look up from across the street to our house. The most important things that I wanted and needed are here now with me in Tokyo.
Most important???
Narrowing my eyes, I take a long drag on my cigarette. What was it that I told her? Japan came first and her -second-…
Suddenly I felt myself grinning. I didn’t say it that way exactly but things have a way of working themselves out. So why has everything that I’ve done and am doing centered around getting our life back together and moving forward? Aizu has no connection to work at all and Tanaka I’m after him for what happened in Ito and our eventual security. Everything has been personal lately hasn’t it? I open the gates quietly and proceed to the engawa to smoke some more.
Fourth rule of the Shinsengumi; there is to be no personal fights…
Nothing is personal but ever since that day the Battousai first came to my home and pitted Tokio and I against each other… Every battle I’ve had since then has been -personal-. Why am I thinking so much of the past, when my present and future is already with me?
Ahou ga…
Yukiko:
Uncle didn’t seem to notice me when he came in. He has that look of a man who has many things on his mind. He’s so different than my father, who’s never shown that kind of face. Father was always so sure no matter what it was, he was always grinning, smirking and a lot of time smiling. No wonder they hardly got along.
“Uncle would you like some tea?” I ask quietly hoping that I don’t startle him. On the very rare occasions that Uncle visited the house, my father would always offer him tea and Uncle would always decline in that irritated manner of his, to which father only laughed. I thought it was odd but it broke the ice and they’d have sake instead.
Saitou:
Looking up I growl. “How long have you been standing there?”
“Not very long.” She doesn’t fidget nor back away, she is his daughter after all.
“I don’t like tea.” I tell her. “You may bring me some coffee if it’s not a bother.”
“Oh…” She laughs a little, very softly. “I -see-.”
“What?”
“Nothing Uncle. I’ll get you some coffee.”
She leaves and I’m left wondering what amused her so much. Maa… Women are all the same. Hard to understand. When Makoto grows up I hope she’s not as troublesome, after all she’s not just her mother’s child. I chuckle inwardly. She is also -my- child. And soon another one… Yes this is why I should get my personal business in Aizu over with.
(OOC: Yukiko goes to the kitchen to prepare coffee. Someone can enter the thread or take Saitou some coffee.)
Evening before leaving for Aizu
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(Makoto)
Okaasan had been helping me with my schoolwork. I have to learn a LOT more kanji… but I’m going to do very well! Okaasan said I can.
I still wish she and Chichi weren’t going away, but its important for our -family-.
I have a big family now!
We come downstairs and Yukiko points towards the engawa. It’s Chichi! She says something to Okaasan about coffee but I running out to see him.
“Oomph!” I go when I run up and hug him. “Chichi!” I’m glad I got to see him tonight because Okaasan said that they were leaving -early- tomorrow.
—
(Hide)
It’s always fun to watch Makoto as she goes to greet Hajime. She’s such a ball of energy and -love-.
Yukiko mentions that Hajime asked for coffee. “I’ll show you how,” I tell her. Today we worked together on some dishes, but she knows a lot more than she gives herself credit for.
“So we’re leaving early… don’t let Makoto drag too much when you get her up. She’s a bit pokey in the morning.” I grin to myself as the water is ready and I prepare the coffee. “And I’ve left a map to the school and the market area…”
I stop myself and smile at her. “It’s hard to leave our little girl behind, but we can knowing that you’ll take good care of her.” I’m glad to have her here, even if it means less privacy. It must be hard to be on the edge of being a “lady” without a mother’s guidance… hopefully there’s something I’ll be able to do for her, between myself and Hanako.
I take the dinner I’d set aside for Hajime and set it to warm. It’s another cool night…
I go out on the engawa and find Makoto sitting on his lap, and I can’t help but laugh. “Like mother like daughter?” I sit down next to them, handing Hajime his coffee.
Yukiko:
Yagi-san shows me just how to make coffee. It seems rather -easy-.
?EURoeSo we?EUR(TM)re leaving early?EUR? don?EUR(TM)t let Makoto drag too much when you get her up. She?EUR(TM)s a bit pokey in the morning.?EUR?
Pokey? It’s hard to associate that word with Makoto-chan since she seems to be full of energy everytime I see her… But I simply listen as Yagi-san gives me instructions on what to do while they’re away. I nod paying careful attention.
?EURoeIt?EUR(TM)s hard to leave our little girl behind, but we can knowing that you?EUR(TM)ll take good care of her.?EUR?
I smile slightly and add, “Kinnosuke-san will be helping so please don’t worry.” I can -rely- on Kinnosuke like I’ve always done before. I offer to bring the coffee but Yagi-san declines so I go back in the kitchen to make Kinnosuke-san his coffee as well. I hope he likes it.
(OOC: Yukiko has gone upstairs to the “boys” room where Kinnosuke is.)
Saitou:
Yukiko leaves but no sooner had she left, I hear running footsteps behind me. I turn slightly and flick the cigarette away knowing what my child might do and I don’t want to burn her with a lit cigarette.
?EURoeChichi!?EUR?
She hugs me just like I thought she would and I take her to settle on my lap. “You’ve been good today little one?” I ask and fix the bangs that’s somewhat covering her eyes. I grin slightly and reach into my pocket pulling out something for her. I stopped by the import shop earlier to pick up some more of my cigarettes now that my supplier in Yokohama is gone and saw these and immediately bought them knowing children likes them a lot. Well at least one child does…
?EURoeLike mother like daughter??EUR?
“Hmmm… I’m not answering that -yet-.” I grin looking up at Hide and take the coffee. “She’s -my- child too.”
(Makoto)
“Hai, Chichi, I was good. Today at school we studied -a lot-, and oh, oh, Chichi, Yoshiko-chan asked me over to play next weekend.” She said we could play and also work on running “relay” for the girls side of the class.
Then he gives me a present. “Oh!” I smile up at him. “Thank you Chichi!” I tear at the wrapper and Okaasan sits down next to us. I just -smell- it first. It’s one of the nicest smells there is, Auntie Saya taught me all about that. I then give him a -BIG- hug. Okaasan’s right, it’s nice to have surprises!
“Not too much now before bed. Just a little piece so you’ll have some for later?” Okaasan says. I want to eat it all NOW! But then I remember they’re going on a trip. “Alright.” I sigh. Then I think. “Oh, I’ll have a little bite every night you’re gone.”
—
(Hide)
I sit down next to my dear Hajime and our little girl, watching Makoto’s face as she gets the treat from Hajime, and her -stubborn- look that flashes after I tell her to conserve her sweets… well, that is very much the image of my father’s “frog face” from when he didn’t get his way. Ah, Otousan, if you could only have met your grandchildren…
>>Hmmm?EUR? I?EUR(TM)m not answering that -yet-. She?EUR(TM)s -my- child too
I look at them, the same hair, dark as a raven’s wing, straight and glossy, and the shape of her eyes that mirrors his… “Very much so. A perfect mix, don’t you think?” I kiss her cheek, and then his.
Carefully, she wraps the chocolate back up. “Will I get a present from Aizu?” Ah, she’s a direct little girl…. I grin at her.
“Hmmm… Hajime, I think she’s going to have to be good and help out Yukiko-san and Kinosuke-san around the house, don’t you think?” She did well with Saya-san, after all, even if they did seem to eat nothing but take out.
?EURoeHai, Chichi, I was good. Today at school we studied -a lot-, and oh, oh, Chichi, Yoshiko-chan asked me over to play next weekend.?EUR?
Yoshiko-chan? Ah yes Makoto did mention her the other day. I look at Hide first and then back at Makoto. “As long as your mother is going…”
It’s hard to say yes but I know I can’t confine her -here- forever. I should learn from my mistakes. Clearing my throat I awkwardly add, “I hope you have fun.”
She tears through the wrapper much like any child would. I watch and smile at that. It’s been so long since I’ve seen such a face actually but then she gets that heated look when her mother reminds her not to eat it all. I tilt my head and watch my daughter wondering where she got that from.
?EURoeOh, I?EUR(TM)ll have a little bite every night you?EUR(TM)re gone.?EUR?
“Well we won’t be gone that long.” I doubt it will even be a week that we stay there, depending on how things go we might be back here as early as next Tuesday.
I nod at Hide’s comment. A long time ago I didn’t even recognize the subtle features that showed that she was my child. Slowly I think, I do see it a little.
?EURoeHmmm?EUR? Hajime, I think she?EUR(TM)s going to have to be good and help out Yukiko-san and Kinosuke-san around the house, don?EUR(TM)t you think??EUR?
I look at my daughter. “Hmmm… I think it’s time we actually assign chores to her.” I chuckle, “After all I’m not giving her presents to make her do her chores. She should know to do that on her own, but first she needs to learn -that- from her mother.”
>>As long as your mother is going?EUR?
Hajime looks uncomfortable, and I tell Makoto, “I’d like to meet her and her mother first, dear. That’s how it’s properly done.” I reach over for his hand and squeeze it. We will be careful but allow her to have fun… I’m glad though that she’s making another little friend like she had with Isuzu-chan.
He nods at my comments about Makoto’s resemblance. No doubt, he sees more of me, just I like I see more of him and then bits of my family… perhaps we do notice those things that remind us of people we love. I smile and ruffle her hair. Were they still setting even little girl’s hair into elaborate hairstyles, hers would be set perfect without all of the oil treatments I had to endure… “The most important thing though is that Makoto is Makoto.” I lean over and kiss her forehead and she giggles.
(Makoto)
>>Hmmm?EUR? I think it?EUR(TM)s time we actually assign chores to her.
Oh? Okaasan says, “that’s a good idea, Hajime, we’ll have to talk about that while we’re away. I think she’s big enough to take on responsibilities, and it’s going to be busy soon.” She gives Chichi a look that always means that the grown-ups are talking about -something- and smiles. “But you’re right, no presents, but maybe a bit of an allowance for a big girl who’s a good helper. Then you can treat your friends for snacks or save up for something special.”
I nod. “I’m a big girl that helps!” The bigger girls at school sometimes go to a cake shop after school together. That would be fun! But chores… they’re not all bad. Some can be fun, like running with the rag to wash the floor.
I unwrap the candy again and take another -little- bite. It tastes so good!
Saitou:
?EURoeI?EUR(TM)m a big girl that helps!?EUR?
With one last squeeze I place my little girl down beside her mother. “A big girl that will work hard to help.” I ruffle Makoto’s hair slightly then glance back to Hide, “That sounds like a good plan.”
Standing up I light a cigarette and head towards the gate.
“You don’t have to keep standing there.” I tell him and throw the gate open. “You’re a little late. Do you have everything?”
I told him yesterday to spend the night here so we can leave early. But not just that, I’d like him to have dinner with everyone just in case we don’t all come back together.
Eiji:
He seems displeased but I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I smile at him, some things never change… He hates being surprised.
“Good evening tou-san.” I look towards the engawa, “You too Makoto… Yagi-san.” I bow slightly.
I show him my small bag and he gives me another disapproving look. Well I have no itentions in staying in Aizu very long. I intend to go there and come back with them here. After all these are things that concern myself, even more so if Fujita-san is succesful…
I walk behind him as he goes back to mother and daughter. By the door I see Yukiko with Kinnosuke-san… -Wonderful-.
Kinnosuke:
“Hoi Eiji-kun!” I make sure to smile at him. I know he doesn’t like me. “Ready to be roommates again?”
“Maybe…” He answers cooly. Perhaps Fujita-san has rubbed off on him.
(Makoto)
Chichi says that it’s a good plan! Then Eiji-kun is here. “Hello Eiji-kun!” I say. Then I remember something. “Wait right there!”
“Excuse me!” I say as I almost run into Yukiko-san and Kinnosuke-san at the door. I run to the kitchen and the pantry and pull a bottle down from the shelf, and go back outside.
“Running in the house…” I hear Okaasan say.
“I’m sorry!” I bow at her. “But I have a present we made special for Eiji-kun.” I hold up the jar for him. “Umeboshi!”
—
(Hide)
I smile as I watch our little girl present the umeboshi to Eiji-kun. I am glad to see him, even if he seems… wary, especially of me. “We do hope you enjoy them,” I say with a smile.
“Dinner will be ready in a few minutes,” I tell the assembled group. I let Makoto stay out there, she’s already telling Eiji-kun all about her new school… I smile, we made the right choice there, she likes being out with people and learning so much.
I set out the plates, and start the hot water for drinks. I check the large, old-fashioned clay pot on the stove, it’s about ready… I thought a cold night would be a good one for Yosenabe, and the day before our trip deserves a special meal. I set out the ponzu sauce I made earlier. Salmon, clams, tofu with the mushrooms and vegetables and I don’t forget the kamabako. The rice finishes, and I set this all down onto the table, the hot pot last of all on a folded cloth.
I go out to the porch, “Come in from the cold, there’s a warm dinner waiting!”
Eiji:
I’m commanded by the little girl and I do as I’m told so I stay put. I laugh a little to myself as she scampers off. I give Fujita-san a look wondering what it is… But he just shrugs and finishes his cigarette going inside.
?EURoeBut I have a present we made special for Eiji-kun.?EUR? ?EURoeUmeboshi!?EUR?
A jar is thrust upwards so I can see, she’s so excited by it that it’s hard not to smile back.
“Now how did you know I like these Makoto-chan?” I laugh and take the jar from her, then hold her hand as we go inside. “And who helped you make them?”
Saitou:
?EURoeDinner will be ready in a few minutes,?EUR?
Always leave it up to my future wife to have something cooking in the pot… I can smell it from here so it must have just started boiling. I leave Makoto and Eiji alone deciding to make small talk with Kinosuke. I still don’t like the way my niece is around him… As if she’s lost her senses somewhat. So unlike the girl I just spoke to earlier who keeps her reserve and cool headedness. Is that what love does to a person? Make them act like fools? Maybe… I steal a glance at Hide. I’d hate to think we fell prey to that. We’re -not- fools.
?EURoeCome in from the cold, there?EUR(TM)s a warm dinner waiting!?EUR?
“You two better come along.” I interrupt their conversation and I stare just a little longer at Yukiko’s hand that’s clinging to his arm. The two separate making dinner the excuse. -Good-.
“Eiji! Makoto! Your mother is calling. Time to eat.” I call one last time before entering the kitchen.
(Makoto)
>>Now how did you know I like these Makoto-chan? And who helped you make them?
“Chichi told me,” I said. “I don’t like pickles a lot but these are the best kind. I helped Okaasan make them.” I smile back and we walk inside. Dinner smells great! “And Okaasan asked a man, and he said that we can send these to you when you go back on duty.” She told me about “care packages”. Doesn’t that sound fun? Now I know what I’ll spend my helping money on! He’s nice and he takes my hand.
Maybe he likes me? Maybe then… my other brothers will like me too?
I sit down next to Eiji-kun, and we all get big dishes of rice. I like nabe dishes a lot, even if Okaasan didn’t put shrimp in there…
—
(Hide)
I serve up the rice, and tea (and coffee and milk), sitting back down in my place next to Hajime, briefly letting my hand touch his under the table as I settle down. Just so he knows… even with all of these people around…
He seems annoyed by something, and I notice Kinosuke-san and Yukiko-san, both quiet together. I still can’t quite figure them out… but she’s not the kind of person who would quickly confide in a new person.
“Yukiko-san, Kinosuke-san, are you going to see some of Tokyo this weekend with Makoto-chan?” Hopefully to keep her mind off of us being gone… Saya-san did do an excellent job with that when we went to Kyoto that one time.
Eiji:
?EURoeAnd Okaasan asked a man, and he said that we can send these to you when you go back on duty.?EUR?
Back on duty… I nod and smile at Makoto. “That would be nice.” Reaching out I take some of the kamaboko and place them on my plate. Makoto-chan seems to be looking for something in the pot but she didn’t fish for anything.
“These are good too you know.” I indicate the kamaboko, “It’s usually made from fish but sometimes prawns, shrimps and even octopus.”
Kinosuke:
?EURoeYukiko-san, Kinosuke-san, are you going to see some of Tokyo this weekend with Makoto-chan??EUR?
“We probably will Yagi-san.” I pass Yukiko the rice. “I have some old friends and business associates here in Tokyo so perhaps we’ll go see them.”
“I’d prefer you do -not-.” came a low answer.
I look across the table where Fujita-san sits. He doesn’t seem to approve with what I’ve just said. “Ah Fujita-san… Nothing is set in stone but Yukiko and I already talked about it earlier.”
His eyes is narrowing into slits… Should I ignore him then? It’s not like I’m out to meet with old associates who owe my father money. We wouldn’t even be welcomed there I believe.
Yukiko:
“Uncle you worry too much.” I can already see where this conversation might end up and I wouldn’t want an argument to ensue. “Kinosuke has some business to take care of here but I’ll stay home with Makoto.”
Kinosuke tries to whisper something to me but I squeeze his knee from under the table. I know how stubborn uncle can be when it comes to his children. I’ve seen it first hand. Kinosuke and I can visit his associates once everyone comes back from Aizu.
Saitou:
I catch Hide’s hand under the table but immediately release it after hearing Kinosuke talk about meeting old friends. What kind of old friends is he talking about? I don’t like the way that sounds. His father’s estate is big, no doubt taken from many years of “interest” from loans… Not just that but repossessions. I’m not about to take chances with him although I doubt that he’d be stupid enough to get us involved in such matters, not Yukiko and especially not my daughter.
Kinosuke seems intent on arguing with me but Yukiko stops him. Maybe she’s not completely become a lovesick fool? I don’t know what it is that they spoken about but I trust Yukiko, at least in this…
“Yuki… I’ll leave Makoto to you then.”
“If you want tou-san… I can stay here.” Eiji interjects. “I’m not needed in Aizu.”
How many times must I tell him… I ignore his comment and Kinosuke chimes in, “No need Eiji-kun. I’ll be staying right here with the women. My business can wait until you all come back.”
I smile over at Makoto and Eiji-kun, having a nice conversation. I would be so happy for her to have some big brothers…
However, Hajime drops my hand as Kinosuke-san mentions seeing friends of his father. There’s something more to this and I realize how little I know of this man’s family, although of course Hajime knows the background… but from his narrowed eyes and tone, he doesn’t seem to happy about it? I make a note to ask him later.
It’s also interesting how Eiji-kun seems to insist on staying. I thought he would want to go to Aizu to see his brothers and Tokio-san? And I… would be glad at least of another person who at least seems to have some acceptance of my situation with Hajime.
“Makoto…” I look over at my daughter. “Make sure you eat more than just kamabako, have some tofu and vegetables too, you have another big day at school tomorrow.” I smile slightly at Yukiko-san. “Perhaps Ueno Park as an outing this weekend? The weather should be fair, if cool, so make sure she’s bundled up against it.”
I then put some more food on Hajime’s plate, and serve him more rice. He should eat well, too. Setting down the rice, I touch his hand again under the table. “I do have some soba for the broth at the end,” I tell him. It really does take on a nice flavor, after soaking in all of the other ingredients from the pot. Not as good as my tsuyu but still a nice flavor on a cold night.
Eiji:
I throw Kinosuke a look after he chimed in. I don’t like him at all. Why is Yuki so enamored with this man? Ignoring his comment I turn instead to Yagi-san.
“I’m sure Yukiko-san will do a fine job watching Makoto Yagi-san. There will be nothing to worry about.” I say and for tou-san’s benefit I add, “while -we- are in Aizu.
I force a smile and return to eating… I notice the umeboshi and decide I’m not waiting for later… I’d rather have it now.
“You want any Makoto-chan?” I shake the little container in front of her.
Saitou:
Yukiko agrees with Hide and I mention to them a large tree at Ueno park. I think Makoto might like that spot since it has a clear view of the river below. Of course for myself that place holds other memories, good ones and bad ones.
“The best time to go is in the afternoon as soon as Makoto-chan gets out and I hear the weather will cooperate next week.” After the winter storm that we’ve been having, it’s a nice change of pace the past few days to have milder weather.
Hide seems to have noticed I’ve not been eating as she’s placed food on my plate. I suppose I’ve been to busy keeping people in their places. I need to relax a little but something has put me on the edge. It must be the trip tomorrow… I squeeze her hand and assure her that I will eat.
“Go get the soba.” I say.
(Makoto)
>>You want any Makoto-chan?
Eiji-kun goes ahead and opens the umeboshi! “Hai!” I take two. They’re not bad at all! “I like the way Okaasan makes them.” They’re not squishy or weird. “I helped too!” I like doing something nice for Eiji-kun. He’s very nice to me.
I know I saw shrimp earlier when I was helping Okaasan and set the table and shook up the ponzu sauce. Where is it?
(Hide)
>>I?EUR(TM)m sure Yukiko-san will do a fine job watching Makoto Yagi-san. There will be nothing to worry about.
I smile at Yukiko-san. “I know she will.” She’s Hajime’s niece, after all, and if he didn’t trust her he would never leave Makoto to stay with her, no matter how short of a time we’ll be away.
Makoto bounces in her seat at the talk about the park, and -our- tree. “It’s a beautiful place, we’ll have to take you back all through the year to show you how the tree looks then.” It really is a spectacular tree, and one with great meaning for us.
I squeeze back his hand, brushing the pad of my thumb across his knuckles as I let him go to stand and get the soba that is sitting, ready and warm at the back of the stove. I serve it out into bowls, and pour the broth from the now-empty pot over the bowls, and top each with a tempura shrimp and shredded nori.
Makoto grins. “I thought you forgot the shrimp!” I laugh, she’s so single-minded about her favorite, much like her father is with her soba. I wonder what her little brother or sister will favor?
Everyone seems to have settled into eating. Even I am enjoying the soba. My daughter likes those large tiger shrimps and was very happy when they were served. I give her mine since I like my soba plain and tasteful. The dinner table becomes quiet as everyone finishes. I nod at Hide and thank her.
“Thank you for the food!” They all say and I’m glad. If anything at least everyone observed their manners towards Hide.
“Well we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. Why don’t we all turn in?” Standing up I light a cigarette.
“Yagi-san, please go on to bed. I can handle the dishes.” I smile at Yukiko, my brother raised a good daughter.
“Eiji, you can share the room upstairs with Kinosuke.” He nods and goes upstairs while Kinosuke stays to help Yukiko. It seems he’s rather domesticated himself but probably not as much as that blasted rurouni.
“Makoto get ready for bed.” I look at Hide, “I’ll follow shortly.”
(OOC: You may close. A new thread will start with Eiji very late at night)
(Makoto)
“Thank you, Chichi.” Men should eat a lot of dinner to stay strong, but Okaasan gave him a LOT of soba.
“Makoto-chan, go ahead and get our nightclothes together and start the bath.” I’m now big enough to help a lot! She tells Yukiko-san, “I’ll get Makoto bathed, and then leave it for you.”
—
(Hide)
I let Makoto go up first. “Thank you for washing up,” I grin at Hajime, as I set things aside so that I can finish making Makoto’s bento in the morning, along with those we’ll bring on the train. They say now that the long-distance trains, they sell food along the way but hmm… I’m not sure about it. I ready rice for the morning, and set the miso to slowly simmer on the back of the stove.
With a kiss to Hajime I go upstairs, telling him that I’ll see him later, and I wish goodnight to the others.
In the bath, I go ahead and wash my hair, and Makoto’s as well and we share the bath for a few moments… mmm, so nice and warm on a cold night. I keep the splashing and playing to a minimum since I don’t want it to be a disaster by the time Yukiko-san comes in…
I put Makoto to bed, she seems very happy about making umeboshi for EIki-kun. I hoped he liked it, he didn’t say anything…
I go to our room, rolling out the futon and the sheets, and sit by the lamp to dry my hair before sleeping and mentally go over my luggage to make sure I remembered everything as I wait on Hajime…
(OOC: Close)