It’s been a week since I’ve been back, Saturday, when I came through those gets again. I’m glad to be home. I can’t help but grin through the smoking, thinking about how I spent it the past week with Hide. There was a time that we doubted what did to each other, as if it was something to be ashamed of or that it was just two people using each other but now, even with all the time apart, we realized it was something we needed from each other and there was no shame in that.
I try to shake the image of her from my mind but I can’t. Even when I was rather cross with Kinosuke, she had me in such a state that instead of being angry at him for the litany of things he did – I was too pleased and -centered- that when he told me he needed help I just brushed him to the side. Telling him to file a civil case for the money owed, and to keep the money that I actually left for him to use in the house addition. It didn’t make sense after all for him to be so generous to us when his recent business “ventures” have been running into trouble. Though I should be careful that his troubles don’t spill over to this house.
“Uncle, you’re up early.” Yukiko comes up and starts heating the water. “Good morning.”
“Good morning.” I tell her and keep smoking. My niece has become a little reserved lately and I do wonder what Hide and her have spoken about. It’s a little unnerving when I try to imagine their conversations. How detailed does Hide get that leaves my niece disatisfied with Kinosuke? Save for the first night in Akashi, I’m rather glad for Kinosuke’s lack of initiative. It meant little trouble.
“Yukiko, I don’t think your Aunt will be up anytime soon.” She turns and gives me a look and I almost groan at my poor choice of words. It wasn’t -that-. “She’s never been a morning person.”
She nods but doesn’t change her expression. “Yes uncle how can I help?”
“I’m taking the kids out for a walk later…” Ignoring her expression I continue, “Just let her know. We’ll be back around lunch time.”
“Of ccourse.” She bows and I thank her and walk out to the garden. That look I keep getting from her left me uncomfortable. I hope it’s something temporary!
Morning Activities
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Taking the ladder the workers left at the side of the house, I place it against the tree. Now time to get to my -duties-!
“Oi…” I turn around and there he is. When did he get there? I sigh. If he were smoking I’d smell it and be able to get away.
“What?” I tilt my head and look at him. I have nothing to say to him I haven’t already.
“I’ll hold the ladder if you’re going up there.” He comes over, “You were planning on checking it out yes? Make sure it’s -safe-?”
“Hmph.” I get on the ladder. I don’t care if he holds it but he does.
“Tell me what you think up there.” He grins slightly at me and I look back at him expressionless. He seems to be in a good mood unlike the other day. It doesn’t matter…
He spends a while up there and I light a cigarette. I know he’s half doing it on purpose but also that he can be meticulous. He’s probably looking for nails that stuck out or broken planks that may hurt Makoto. For a moment I remember something Hide told me a long time ago, that she wished she was the mother of my sons. Though others may find it deplorable that I would wish that Hide instead of Tokio was the mother of my children, there is a part of me that wished Hide was because I believe she would have the ability to teach him how to be kind even to those who wronged him. But that’s not Tsutomu today, he is as hard as I was back then, as stubborn as I when he thinks his justice was compromised and Tokio was never one to forgive slights. It’s still a miracle that my youngest seemed to have been shielded from this and I can only thank providence for that.
Tsutomu finally gets down from the tree. “So what did you think?”
“It’s fine but going down is a bit of trouble.”
I see. It’s good that I held it for him then. “We can probably use this same ladder and secure it to the tree.” I tell him.
“The workers were supposed to do that.” He stomps his foot, “That’s what I was paying them for.”
“Oh?” Looking down at him, I can’t help but feel glad, “Well then, I suppose it’ll have to be completed. I’ll speak to Kinosuke.”
But Tsutomu still looks disappointed, “I’ll speak to him, after all you haven’t paid anyone yet.” I can probably secure this ladder myself.
He shrugs, “I’m going inside.”
“Hold on…” Taking a drag I look at him, I wanted to speak to him about his studies but perhaps today that can wait. “Your Kendo Tournament is coming up this Tuesday isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“How are you feeling about it?”
He looks to the side unsure, “I don’t know.”
“You haven’t practiced as much haven’t you?” I prod him. I haven’t seen him lift that shinai ever since I got back.
“I’ve tried practicing in school.” He looks down at the ground and places his hand in his pockets.
Getting down on one knee I go to his level, “I heard from Hide that you told her about the red haired man.”
“So?”
I smile at him, “You can still feel it don’t you. The “Kei-ki”?
He lets out a breath, “Yeah but…”
“His Ki is like the snapping of the leaves.” Looking into Tsutomu’s eyes, “Ki is not something that distinguishes a good person from a bad person, but to know whether a person is -strong-. Son, close your eyes.”
He rolls his eyes at me but does close them.
“Now what do you feel?”
“A hum… like a buzzing…”
“And?” I increase the intensity of my ki just slightly.
“It’s making my skin crawl a bit…” He tightens his eyes, “It’s… Ugh… It’s giving me goosebumps!” He finally opens his eyes and shakes his head.
I can’t help but smile at him. After all these years he still remembers.
“There’s no time for me to help you prepare for your Kendo tournament. But try to remember that feeling when you stare down your opponent, it’s the way to project your own Kei-ki and make them loose their concentration.” I stand up as he takes deep breaths, “Though try to not to use up all of your energy on staring down your opponent… You still have to -move-, after all Hide and Makoto really want you to win.”
“Hmph. It’s not like I want to lose.” He somewhat glares at me, insulted.
I grin. I suppose there is one more thing I can show him before his big day but that will have to wait until later.
“Go inside and get Makoto. The three of us need to go to the market.”
“Why?” He sighs.
“There’s something I want you two to buy.” I leave it at that. He gives me an exasperated look but goes inside to fetch Makoto. Soon it will be mid-morning and we need to get back by lunch. But for now I want to spend time with the children. Our first attempt earlier this week wasn’t exactly what I’d hope for. Let’s see if the second time is a charm.
(OOC: Waiting on Makoto)
Yukiko-san told hahaue who told me that I was going out with chichiue and niisan today! She helped me get dressed and she bought me an outfit like my school uniform – hakama and a kimono top! She says that it’s good that I like to move. Although she doesn’t let me wear my very nice new boots that I have to wear for school. “I don’t see how your feet aren’t hot all day, and we need to keep them in good condition for school days,” she says, so I’ll wear my zori. She brushes my hair until it’s shining. “Your father’s hair…” she says with a smile. Really? I don’t have bangs like his! She gives me a kiss on my forehead and tells me to be a good girl.
Of course!
Tsutomu-niisan is waiting for me and I jump down the last two stairs. “Good morning!”
He doesn’t seem too grumpy. Maybe everything is good again. I don’t like it when people are upset with each other in our family. I’ve not a lot of family until a little while ago. And I don’t get to see him too much since he went to work with Eiji-san. They’re -always- getting to spend time together!
“That’s a new outfit.” He grins at her, “You can run better in that but hold your brother’s hand? I don’t want you getting lost.”
I try not to roll my eyes at that. “She’s not like Tsuyoshi. She won’t run.” But I do take her hand. “where are we going and why?”
It’s Saturday and I was thinking of catching up on my studies, but here I am with -them-.
“Don’t worry we’ll be back by lunch time.” He takes a look at us and smiles again as he smokes. He’s done that a lot lately. It feels like years since I’ve seen without a serious look, scowl or frown on his face.
“On Tuesday is Hide’s birthday. Last year, Makoto and I went shopping for a present and we had a good time celebrating her birthday with the Mochizukis in Ito.” He keeps walking, almost like he’s wanting to go to the market? He doesn’t do market chores nor does he buy presents. The last time I remember him buying a present for mother was 7 years ago, Tsuyoshi was only 3 then. Come to think of it, they never celebrated each other’s birthday. So why is he celebrating hers?
“Why do we need to celebrate? She’s no longer a child.” Only children gets to celebrate birthdays and if he had at least celebrated mother’s then maybe they’d still be together. I hold on to Makoto’s hand tightly.
He tells me to hold hands with Tsutomu-niisan and I do. Us kids stick together.
We’re going to the market? Oooh I wonder what we can find there? I have a coin in my pocket, maybe I can get some yams for us while we look for something for hahaue.
Why do we need to celebrate? She’s no longer a child.
“Because even grown-ups are special!” I smile up at him.
“And oh, maybe we can get another cake.” We both really like cake – I don’t think hahaue likes to eat lots of sweets, though. She likes -fruit-. “Remember your birthday? You ate so much!” I giggle. He ate half the cake!!
Then I tug on Tsutomu-niisan’s arm. “Is the treehouse ready?” I say it in a whisper, because it’s out -secret- base. I brought home the present yesterday from school because we finally finished!
She does as I request and we go off. Tsutomu of course is not very happy on this trip but that’s just how he is.
“Because even grown-ups are special!”
Hearing this, I can’t help but chuckle. On one hand I’m glad Makoto is somewhat oblivious to Tsutomu’s reasons.
“And oh, maybe we can get another cake.” “Remember your birthday? You ate so much!”
“No I didn’t!” He disagrees and he probably means it too. Half a cake was probably not enough for him.
“He once ate an entire cake.” I tell Makoto. “By himself when he was 5. I had to buy another one.” He probably doesn’t remember -that- birthday anymore. “Tokio bought Tsuyoshi a cake and left it on the table to get Tsuyoshi and while I wasn’t looking he took the entire cake and ate it under the kitchen table.”
Tsutomu gives me a proper scowl. I guess he -does- remember.
Why does he even remember? I look at his back, he’s still walking ahead of us.
“Is the treehouse ready?”
I shake my head, “The ladder needs to be installed but the inside was good.” I tell her. I hope by the time the tournament is over those men take care of that ladder. I should get my first paycheck this Friday but I’m not giving them any money until that ladder is there!
Then he stops at a sweets shop. What is that? Oh… I think I remember that. Why is he buying sweets in the morning?
“Here have some breakfast.” He tells both of us. “It’s a soybean curd dessert with caramel. Very few shops sell these now.” He tells us.
Then he turns to Makoto, “When Tsutomu was younger, in our old neighborhood, not too far from here, men carrying soy bean curd buckets would make rounds and he’d always come running asking for money to buy.” He smokes and grins at her, “No one peddles desserts like these anymore but a few shops still sell these and they’ve made it better with tapioca pearls. It’s too sweet for me though.”
I look at both of them. Why is he telling her all these things? Our old neighborhood. That’s our old life, that he -abandoned-. He’s not supposed to remember these things anymore.
Taking the cup, I start sipping the smooth soya and twirl it in my mouth. It’s so silky and taste great. I wish they sold these closer to the school.
OOC: Breakfast Dessert
“Oh nii-san,” I laugh at that, “did you get sick? And did you eat the other cake too?” Chichiue talks about Tokio I guess that’s the mom to my brothers? Hahaue says that we’re half-brother and sister since we have different moms. It’s okay, I don’t only half love him.
The ladder needs to be installed but the inside was good.
“So I can’t go up yet?” I siiiiiigh. I just want to see what it’s like to be in a tree, like a bird. I wonder how it looks on the inside.
Then we go to a sweet shop – for breakfast. Chichiue tells me about how Tsutomu-niisan liked this dessert. Dessert for breakfast! I could almost giggle. But – “oh wow, this is really good!” It’s sweet, which is good for kids, and fun to eat!
Tsutomu-niisan is a little frowny today but not like the other day. And he’s -always- happier when eating sweets. I finish mine and remember – and I go to the counter. I give the man my coin and I for that I get four yams. I put them in my pocket for later. This is also why I like hakama – pockets! Putting candy in your obi makes it melt!
“Oh nii-san,” “did you get sick? And did you eat the other cake too?”
“Why would I get sick?” He looks at her while finishing his cup. “And Tsuyoshi was just a baby and -him-,” He looks at me, “and my mother didn’t like sweets that much.” He grins slightly at her, “So yes I ate the 2nd cake too.” He always liked sweets but ever since we had Souji as a visitor… I narrow my eyes, he’s dead right? To my son who met him, I suppose not, but Tomu seems to have inherited that love for sweets from somewhere…
Makoto goes up to the counter and I see buy some yams? Ah so she likes them too now? Good. That will be convenient. Maybe I’ll start keeping yams in my pockets again. Though I’m still not sure about that Hakama. I should speak to Hide about it.
“Well let’s go.” I tell them both and move on.
We pass by a few kimono shops but I wasn’t thinking of a silk kimono. It’s summer after all. Finally I find one of those stores that seem to specialize in light clothing . Putting out my cigarette, I open the shoji door and wait till the children get in.
“Now I need you two to find Hide a present. We need a yukata and a matching geta.”
I never was very good at picking presents, especially women’s clothing but I’m sure the children will be able to figure it out. “It will be a present from all of us.”
Tsutomu has a very confused look on his face but I usher him in anyway. “Just pick a colorful one?” He rolls his eyes at me. What?
(OOC: Yukata shop)
So yes I ate the 2nd cake too
I laugh and clap my hands – niisan is so funny! “But now remember you have to save cake for me too!” Maybe we’ll just need to get bigger cakes? “Even if I can’t have coffee yet like you.” When -will- I be big enough?
We go to a clothes store.
Now I need you two to find Hide a present. We need a yukata and a matching geta
Ooooh. I look around. I find one that’s very colorful with big red and orange goldfish on them! But then I remember that it’s for hahaue and not me. Oh! I’d also want to find one for me with turtles! Do they make those?
No no chichiue said it’s for hahaue!
“Chichiue, she likes blue. And flowers!” I know a lot about her, since it was just the two of us for so long. “Oh, look, this one has birds on it!” I point to some others. “Oh, look, these are nice flowers. Hahaue told me they were morning glories, she likes them a lot, and they only bloom in the morning! You have to get up early to see them!” We have some that go up the back fence.
I go to my brother and pull on his hand. “So flowers, or birds?” I don’t think boys like clothes and I only do -some-. Like when hahaue let me pick out my new outfit, the hakama is plain but the top has flowers and rabbits. But I’d like turtles or fish next time.
“But now remember you have to save cake for me too!” ? “Even if I can’t have coffee yet like you.”
“Oh? But you don’t like sweets.” I jest of course. Everyone loves sweets right? “Yeah you can’t have coffee. Only grown-ups like me and Eiji-nii-san can have coffee.”
I see -him- glance at me and he grins. I wonder why but I turn away and instead pay attention to Makoto who seems to be shopping more for herself. Only kids would like those really bright red colors with fish on it.
She goes up to him and shows him a blue yukata. “Chichiue, she likes blue. And flowers!”
He nods as she mentions “morning glories” and was about to say someting but Makoto’s like a little kid going around a candy store and points to another yukata. I spy the store owner is smiling but is keeping her distance I guess until we’ve made up our minds it’s better she stay away.
“So flowers, or birds?” , she asks me.
Looking at both, I like the light blue one with birds. “Haha-ue likes birds.” I put the yukata back, it’s not for my mother after all. “So you should probably get the one with the flowers.”
I kneel down and look at the geta, “here’s a nice matching geta for it.” I show it to her.
But then I remember, can he even pay for this? He’s always so broke but maybe he has money since she said they don’t get any of his money.
(OOC: Geta)
Oh? But you don’t like sweets
“Yes I do and I’ll eat all of yours!” I giggle. And he tells me again that I’m not old enough for coffee. I will be soon!
“Haha-ue likes birds
Niisan puts that one back. I like birds too, but turtles are better.
So you should probably get the one with the flowers
He also finds geta, the straps are very pretty. “Chichiue I think we found the right one!” I tell him.
The lady in the shop comes over. “Ah, and will you want an obi with that? The fashion now with yukata is to wear plain ones of a bright color.”
I nod and look at the cloth she pulls out. “red, like the flowers,” I tell the lady. “Oh! And she’s having a baby, so make sure it’s a really long obi!”
I hope it’s a boy. We have enough girls already – me!
The owner comes over and I hand her the Yukata and the geta that the children picked.
The fashion now with yukata is to wear plain ones of a bright color.”
Immediately Makoto answers “red”. “Well since you children already picked yours, I think leave the obi to me.” I tell Makoto. I remember Hide had a yellow obi before but I chose a deeper yellow with a small red pattern of flowers. I liked the material after all.
I’m quite sure she already has bought a hara obi but… she may not have a spare?
“Obaa-san, do you have a hara obi, just like as the child said, my wife is expecting. Something to support her back would be good.”
The storekeeper claps her hand together and looks at Makoto and Tsutomu, “Isn’t that great you two? Another baby brother or sister is on the way!”
Tsutomu rolls his eyes and seems to want to say something while Makoto nods vigorously.
“Here’s the payment.” Tsutomu offers up his money immediately and I reach out and gently closed his hand, lowering it down. “I’ll pay for this. Don’t worry.”
“Well let me get this all wrapped up and I’ll be right back. Children, I’ll put them in nice boxes so you can give them to your mother.”
Tsutomu crosses his arms, “Lady. She’s -not- my mother.” He narrows his eyes at her, “I just stay at her house.”
The lady looks a little shocked and utters her apologies. I simply nod at the woman. I suppose it can’t be helped.
(OOC: OBI)
Yellow is nice, but -I- liked the red better. But she’ll like the little red flowers.
“Isn’t that great you two? Another baby brother or sister is on the way!”
“Yes, it’s going to be a boy. Brothers are the -best- to have!” I give Tsutomu-niisan a hug! Why would we need another girl?
Lady. She’s -not- my mother. I just stay at her house
I look over at niisan. Does he not like hahaue? She takes care of him like a mother, even though he has a real mother somewhere else. But hahaue said it was all “complicated” which is grown-up talk for not telling kids everything.
The lady comes out with everything in boxes. “Thank you very much for your patronage.” She bows to us. Then she holds out her hand. “Candy for the children?” I look. It’s red and white stripes – I had a peppermint once and it was the best. There’s two for each of us!
“Thank you!” Yams and now peppermint I am -rich- in candy!
I can’t help but grin as my daughter seems absolutely sure she will have a baby brother, which I myself would be very glad to have. I want at -least- one boy and one girl with Hide. But something tells me we may end up with another girl and simply I would be happy with either besides we could always try again. I shake the thought from my head.
The look that Makoto gives her brother doesn’t escape me. He probably deserves it but I know whatever he’s feeling is difficult to ignore and he has a right to them so I leave him alone for now.
The storekeeper gives us our goods and gives the children more sweets. I hope they’re not going to bounce off the walls with all that candy.
“Well it’s time to go home.” I tell them as we leave the shop. We could go around the market some more but it’s almost lunch time and we shouldn’t eat out. I’m sure Hide is preparing lunch…
Besides it’s almost that time of the month to send money to Tokio. I need to find time to speak to Hide about what’s due to her.
(OOC: The trio is leaving for home. You can reply with a simple END or you can close the thread if there is something else.)
END