Ueda: ?
Leaving Eiji-kun to sleep, I go downstairs. It’s almost? 6:30? and Akane should be coming over soon. She still has to go to work after all. I make my way to the kitchen and open the back door to let the air in. There is a long wooden log right beside the door and so I sit there to welcome the sunrise.
?
Akane:
?
Coming from the wet market I always go to the back area. I wouldn’t want the dirt from the market entering the house. I also carry some root crops in case Ueda-sama would like a snack. It must be hard living alone with no one to talk too. Once in a while I feel guilty that I married but he was the one who kept insisting I should consider the future.
?
As I turn the corner to enter the house, I see him sitting at the same place each morning. I wonder why is that?
?
“Ohayo Ojii-san.” I say as I take off my dirty tabi and change into a spare indoor slipper.
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“Thank you for coming Akane.” He turns towards the door as if he sees me there. I go near him.
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“How are you feeling today?” I ask.
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“Better than usual.” He smiles up at me and holds out his hand. Reaching out I hold it. It’s probably the only human touch he gets these days. “Did you bring lots of food today?”
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“I just stopped by the market. I bought yellow fin tuna, sweet potatoes, carrots, bananas? and some leeks in case you want some soup.”
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“Good good.”
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He smiles. He seems to be in a very good mood today. “Don’t eat it all though…”
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“I won’t. The reason I ask is because we have guests? in the house.”
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“Really? Well that’s good. Who is it?”
?
“Goro is here along with two others, Eiji and Yagi-san.”
?
I frown slightly. I suppose it can’t be helped that he visits here but it’s been several years since that last visit… I figured he’s forgotten all about Ueda-sama, much like he decided to forget about everyone else.
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“Ah good I bought enough then.” I say, keeping the same happy tone. “Will they be staying here long?”
?
“I don’t know, but I’d like you to have breakfast with us today.”
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I start to decline but I don’t like to disappoint him. I still don’t understand why Ueda-sama always acts like nothing happened these past few years. I suppose when you get to be that age, you learn to forgive even the most atrocious of men.
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“Well I better get the table set then before everyone wakes up.” I bow to him. “Stay there for a minute? I’ll call you when everything is ready.”
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He nods. “Akane… Please make us some tea.”
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“I will.”
?
(OOC: Akane has boiled some sweet potato, fried bananas? and fried a portion of the tuna.? It is a simple breakfast not typical in Aizu)
I wake early, I don’t think I realized how quiet the countryside was, and the room we shared lit up early with sunlight. Getting up, I look out the window, where I can see Ueda-sama downstairs, sitting outside.
I get back onto the futon, and lean over to softly kiss my beloved. “Good morning, Hajime. It looks like Ueda-sama is already up and about, I’ll get dressed and see if I can help getting breakfast made.” I grab the packet of coffee and put it in my sleeve.
I dress quickly and fix my hair, and I can hear another voice downstairs – one that sounds nothing like Eiji-kun. Akane-san? “I smell bananas,” I say to Hajime as I slide open the door.
Saitou:
?EURoeGood morning, Hajime.
“It’s morning already?” I groan slightly and consider pulling Hide back into the futon but she’s already fixing her hair rushing to go downstairs. Sitting up I try to clear my head. I’d ask what’s the rush for but I already know she wants to make a good first impression.
?EURoeI smell bananas,?EUR?
“Hmm… I’ll be down in a few.” I say standing up and rolling the futon away. I smell fried bananas, I’ve not had that for a long time. It was quite a staple back in the day when rice was hard to come by. I wonder if there are sweet potatoes too?
Akane:
I’m still waiting for the bananas to brown but the sweet smell is already permeating through the house. Maybe this isn’t the most appropriate breakfast for our guests but it’s what we’re used to. I remove the boiling water from the flame and start to get some cups when I see a woman enter the kitchen.
“Ohayo.” I say to her and smile. “You must be Yagi-san? Ueda-sama told me he had guests.”
I bow. “Please wait a few minutes? Breakfast is almost ready.”
>>It?EUR(TM)s morning already?
I grin down at him, isn’t he usually the morning person? For a moment I wish I could lie back down with him and… but -later-. Elsewhere.
I claim one quick kiss before going downstairs, though.
>>You must be Yagi-san? Ueda-sama told me he had guests.
I bow. “Yes, I am. And you are Akane-san? I am pleased to meet you.” I see breakfast already started. “Please let me know if there’s anything I can help with, I wish to repay Ueda-sama for his kind hospitality.” I don’t see EIji-kun, is he still sleeping in as well?
Through the open door I see Ueda-sama, and I step outside to greet him, bowing. “Good morning, Ueda-sama.” I turn my face to the morning sun, and smile down at Ueda-sama, who is doing the same. Perhaps remembering other sunrises? I wonder if there was once someone who made them better for him? I think of the one who does for me, spotting a glimmer of perfect gold on the horizon that recalls those eyes…
“This is a wonderful place to greet the morning,” I say after a quiet moment of taking in the view. “Thank you very much for your hospitality, we slept very well.”
Akane:
Yes, I am. And you are Akane-san? I am pleased to meet you.”
“Yes that’s me. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I could ask more questions I suppose. I’m not sure who she really is, but maybe Ueda-sama will make the proper introductions.
Please let me know if there’s anything I can help with,
“It is almost done. I’ll fetch you Yagi-san once I finish cooking.”
She goes outside and I can’t help but keep my ears open just in case something comes out of their conversation. I know it’s rude but I suppose my curiosity is peaked. Something must be happening… But there is always something happening when that man is around.
Ueda:
I hear another pair of footsteps and I turn my head in that direction.
“This is a wonderful place to greet the morning,”
“Mmm… I think so too.” During this time in winter it’s very rare that the sun would shine brightly but it did today. It is refreshing…
Thank you very much for your hospitality, we slept very well.”
“Well I didn’t do much.” I chuckle slightly. Turning to her, I ask an obvious question, “So you’ve met Akane? She is an adopted daughter of mine.”
For a moment I wonder if she already knows about Goro’s ex-wife Yaso. If she knows Yaso was also my adopted daughter… And if Goro told her that Yaso was almost like an older sister to Akane. There is a good chance he will not speak of them and although that saddens me somewhat, I suppose it can’t be helped. However I try not to worry about all these things, I know Akane will conduct herself well.
Akane-san seems agreeable enough and I relax somewhat.
>>Well I didn?EUR(TM)t do much.
“We did come in the middle of the night,” I smile over at him. “I’m sorry we didn’t make the earlier train.” I look around, at the landscape that is now lighting up around us. Surrounded by mountains…
>>So you?EUR(TM)ve met Akane? She is an adopted daughter of mine
“Yes, I have, she’s working on breakfast. Hajime – ah, Goro – will be down in a moment.” I laugh softly, it’s hard to remember that he has other names than the one I use.
“He told me about Akane-san.” I look over to Ueda-sama, “he also told me of Yaso-san’s connection to your family.” I want him to know that I’m not -entirely- unknowing about Hajime’s past.
Ueda:
?EURoeI?EUR(TM)m sorry we didn?EUR(TM)t make the earlier train.?EUR?
“Ah enough with the apologies.” Breathing deeply, I savor the morning air. “Goro and those important to him are always welcome in my house.”
?EURoeYes, I have, she?EUR(TM)s working on breakfast.
Slowly I nod my head. She is like a real daughter to me. I can’t imagine spending the last of my days without her, ever since Mizuko passed away.
“I smell fried bananas and I think some sweet potato is boiling. It’s not a staple breakfast in Aizu and unfortunately not of Tokyo either. I hope it will suffice.”
?EURoeHe told me about Akane-san.?EUR? ?EURoehe also told me of Yaso-san?EUR(TM)s connection to your family.?EUR?
He told her? I smile slightly. That Goro said something to her must mean they are deeply involved. He trusts her enough. “So have you visited Gonohe then?” I know it’s very unlikely, but maybe… Just maybe he’s decided to settle that too.
Saitou:
Coming down the stairs, I see Akane standing by the stove. I enter the kitchen.
“Good morning Akane.” -chan In my mind I suppose she will always be that, but looking at her now she’s grown up. I think Yaso would’ve been glad at how she turned out. Taking the boiling pot, I pour the hot water into the cups.
“Good morning.” She says but doesn’t really look at me.
“I hear you’re married now. Congratulations.” I turn to her and force a smile.
“Thank you.” She starts putting plates on the table, “I am hoping it will turn out well.”
“I’m sure it will. Most marriages do…”
She smiles and doesn’t answer. I know the meaning behind that smile. She’s smiling so she doesn’t have to say anything bad to me. I suppose I deserve it. She quickly finishes setting out the plates while I finish placing the tea into the teapot and making coffee for myself.
>>Goro and those important to him are always welcome in my house.
I bow. “I appreciate that, Ueda-sama.”
He tells me about breakfast and I nod. “I’ve enjoyed sweet potatoes many a time but bananas have been a rare treat. I’ve been looking forward to them since I smelled them while I was dressing.” I must have been grown by the time trade opened up enough for them to start showing up in the markets…
>>So have you visited Gonohe then?
“Not yet,” I tell him. “He’s taken me to his family home, and now here.” Maybe in time? It would be a good time to cross over to see to some places in Hokkaido as well…
Back in the kitchen I hear Hajime speaking to Akane, and peeking back I see the food being set out. “Ueda-sama, I believe breakfast is ready, shall we go in?” I stand up, allowing him to go in first, since this is his home.
Saitou:
Ojii-san enters and I quickly go and assist him to sit. He moves my hand away, laughing and saying that it’s his house and he can take care of himself. Letting go I shake my head.
“Now where is Eiji? I should call him.”
“Leave him be Goro.”
“Oojii-san it would be rude for him to sleep through breakfast.”
“It’s alright. I kept him awake all night.” He laughs, “with my snoring.”
I can’t help but laugh at that. “I suppose it’s alright. Hide and I need to leave early and it’s better if he didn’t tag along.”
“Ah…”
I motion Hide to sit down at the rectangular table, Ueda and Akane are across from us.
“I’ve not had this kind of breakfast in a long while. Thank you Akane.” I say smiling. I try to keep my eyes open since I know Hide’s noticed that bad habit of mine.
“It’s a humble meal.” She bows slightly.
“Now let’s all eat. Thank you for the food kami-sama.” Ojii-san starts with the fish and takes a few pieces of the fried bananas. He passes it to me and I to Hide.
Akane pours some tea for Oojii-san and he turns to me asking a question, “So Yagi-san, tell us a little about yourself.”
Hajime raises concerns about Eiji-kun but Ueda-sama laughs them off as we sit. I did wonder where he had gotten too… he seems to be an early riser.
>>It?EUR(TM)s a humble meal
I issue my thanks for the meal, and take a bite of the banana. “Akane-san, it’s delightful to have bananas.” She did very well with the fish and potatoes, someone must have taught her well…
I wonder if that was Yaso-san?
>>So Yagi-san, tell us a little about yourself
I take a sip of the tea, it’s a good blend that’s very suitable for cold weather. “I am from Kyoto, Ueda-sama. During the Bakumatsu, my family hosted the Shinsengumi for a time, and that’s how I met Hajime.” I touch his hand under the table, and then resume, “My father died at the end of the war; my mother a few years after. When my brother and his wife were established in running the house, I moved to Tokyo, where I met Hajime again. We have a six year old daughter.”
I show them the picture I brought to show her brothers, and suddenly, I miss my little girl and hope that she’s doing alright way back in Tokyo with Yukiko-san…
Akane:
Ueda-sama seems to be enjoying Yagi-san’s company. He seemed especially pleased when she mentioned Kyoto and the Shinsengumi. He apologizes about bringing up the death of her father and mother however.
I moved to Tokyo, where I met Hajime again.
I hide my surprise. I know that, his wife recently moved back here to Aizu. There was no talk about their separation. I nod and try to be agreeable but I can’t help but feel pity for her. I stare at Fujita-san. I suppose he will never change.
We have a six year old daughter.?EUR?
I dropped the chopsticks and I quickly pick it up. A daughter already? What SIX years??? How long has this been going on? Taking a drink of water, I get up to look at the picture. She shows it to Ueda-sama but she forgets he’s just about blind.
“She has very straight hair and seems lean.” I say, hoping to describe the girl to Ueda-sama. “What’s her name?”
Yes I ask harmless questions when really all I want to ask is what travesty has he caused now?
“Her name is Makoto.” Came Fujita-san’s low reply. He doesn’t move from his seat however.
“She’s a pretty girl.” I say to compliment Yagi-san… But to Fujita-san, I turn slightly and can’t help but give him a disapproving look.
(OOC: Hide can see the look or not. Akane has dropped her guard somewhat. Also feel free to move the meal along)
Ueda-sama apologizes for his question bringing up the death of my parents, and I reply, “Ueda-sama, I am always honored to speak of them, they were good people, so please, do not worry.”
I can’t help to catch Akane-san’s expression while I speak, and while I am thankful that she describes Makoto to Ueda-sama.
“Hai, Makoto-chan is pretty, and she’s very bright, and full of energy,” I add. I know I sound like a bragging mother…
But then I do catch the look she shoots Hajime. I got that look a lot, back in Ito, so I don’t miss it. And she’s probably still carrying feeling for whatever exactly happened between Hajime and Yaso-san. Also… she is young, and doesn’t understand, how complicated life can be. Hajime says nothing, and I reach over to touch his arm.
“It’s a long story, Akane-san, and nobody is entirely good or bad in this situation. So until you know more…” I smile gently, but my eyes are firm. “Ueda-sama, I’m sorry for causing a disturbance, please forgive my manners.” I stand and take my dishes over to the sink. I should have let it pass, I swallowed it up enough during those years in Ito… but this is why I’m here, to stand by Hajime’s side.
“Akane-san, please allow me to help clean up before we leave? The breakfast was wonderful.”
Ueda:
?EURoeUeda-sama, I?EUR(TM)m sorry for causing a disturbance, please forgive my manners.?EUR?
I hear Yagi-san stand up and immediately the sound of running water can be heard. I’m surprised at her sudden change of disposition as I’ve not heard Akane say anything offensive. But perhaps, it was something I couldn’t see….
Maa… There’s nothing that can be done here except…
“Goro, will you be visiting your sons today?”
Saitou:
I’m a little disappointed at what happened. There’s a confused look on the old man’s face and Akane has become rather quiet. I will need to speak with Hide later. Turning I answer the old man’s question.
“Yes. I hope to see Tsuyoshi today actually.” Taking my plates to the sink so that Hide can wash them.
“Oojii-san, I’ll leave Eiji to you for now.” The truth is I don’t want to take Eiji along and so I am quite glad that he’s not risen yet. Hopefully I can get a few moments alone with my son to talk to him… Convince him to come with me back to Tokyo.
“That won’t be a problem. You two should probably get going so you can catch them in case they have plans.”
“It is Saturday…” Honestly I don’t even know how I’ll get Tsuyoshi alone without Namuzawa being a nuisance.
“Akane, please finish cleaning up. Yagi-san and Goro should get going.”
“Thank you Oojii-san.” Turning to Hide, I hand her a towel. We shouldn’t stay here any longer than necessary. Hopefully things will have died down by the time we get back. Turning to Akane I thank her for breakfast and for taking care of the old man.
(OOC: Saitou will insist on dragging Hide out of the house unless she decides to stop him. You can close and I will open new thread (unless he is stopped by Hide)).
I seem to have upset Ueda-sama, as well as Hajime.
I dry my hands and pat my hair into place. I bow again to Akane-san. “Thank you again for breakfast, and your kindness.”
I bow again to Ueda-san, thanking him again and wishing him a good day.
Putting on my zori, I follow Hajime outside. I chose a bad time to make him cross, but… I had to say something, which… leads to trouble. I’m sure now Ueda-sama thinks that I am a terrible sort of woman, being rude to his daughter, and that will reflect poorly on Hajime.
(OOC: close)