I leave Hajime’s room, and find Saya speaking with Muriyama-san and I see the doctor enter the precinct. “Time to check on Fujita-san before I go home for the night,” I hear him tell the desk clerk. I glance out the window… the day has indeed passed by
I bid him to come over and join us.
“Shinmoku-sensei, we’d like to be able to move Hajime to a quieter location where he’ll have an easier time recovering,” I don’t mention anything about us hiding out. “He’s doing better, he’s been awake and speaking this afternoon.” The doctor looks surprised, but he doesn’t know the depths of Hajime’s strength, and what he’s been through. The doctor nods and goes to the infirmary
“And Muriyama-san, we’ll need escort to where we’ll be staying. Can you take us or make arrangements?” I’ve never noticed Ito’s police department before except in passing, taking the peace of this place for granted, but I’m grateful to him for how he’s treated this situation. It’s good to know that such a man is here at this time.
Late Afternoon
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“And Muriyama-san, we’ll need escort to where we’ll be staying. Can you take us or make arrangements?”
I look around, there’s a lot to be done. I myself have not had any sleep, however that is not the real concern here, soon the locals will ask questions and I have to be ready. My eyes roam around wondering which amongst my men is capable and keep his mouth shut.
“Musashi-kun!” I motion him to come to us. We’re standing off to a corner so no one should hear our conversation.
“Hai Buchou?”
He comes and I look him over, a big and strong man whose morals have never been in question.
“I want you to escort Yagi-san to the Hanafubuki.” I say my voice taking on a hushed tone. “You might as well take some change of clothes, you have some correct?”
“I’ll be staying the night?”
“Maybe more.”
He nods. It is not a problem for him of course, unlike most of us Musashi is still single.
“Wakaramashita!”
“Not too loud Musashi. Practice discretion.”
“HAI!” He answers even louder and I can’t help but chuckle as he leaves.
“So Yagi-san… I’ll leave you in his hands.” I look at corridor leading to the infirmary. “Will you be moving Fujita-san tonight?”
I watch as Muriyama-san makes arrangements, and for the large young officer to come with us. Musashi-san may be a bit loud but Muriyama’s approval speaks louder than he does.
Will you be moving Fujita-san tonight?
“Hopefully, if the doctor agrees. It would be best all around to do that as soon as it’s possible for him.”
I look at Muriyama-san. “Thank you for your service today, and for letting my brother know where to find us. Is there anything else I need to take care of?” Of course we won’t be returning to that house… but I worry for the Mochizukis, that they’re wondering what happened.
“Thank you for your service today, and for letting my brother know where to find us. Is there anything else I need to take care of?”
“At this point nothing yet. I cannot allow you back to your home unfortunately.”
Just as I finish the doctor comes out shaking his head.
He seems out of breath as he motions me to come just outside the door. I bow to Yagi-san and proceed to the doctor.
“Anything wrong Sensei?”
“That man is impossible. I told him he should not be moved but is threatening to arrest me instead.” He whispers.
I sigh a bit, “Well he is talking isn’t he?”
“Yes I’m surprised he’s moving, that man is a monster but if that wound opens I cannot be held liable.”
“He knows?”
“Of course. I need you to go in there and convince him to stay -put-.”
“Well maybe he’s really feeling better.”
“I doubt it. We gave him a lot of anaesthesia earlier when he was squirming. Remember my assistant went back for that and the blood tubing.”
“Sou ka…”
“Those broken ribs will soon make itself apparent.”
He moves away from the door and nudges me to enter. I’m not sure how much I can do, considering Fujita-san doesn’t seem to be the type to take suggestions. I hesitate and look back at Shinmyou-san.
I cannot allow you back to your home unfortunately.
I expected this and nod. He seems conscientious enough that I doubt the bodies are still laying in my garden… I had fears of Hiroku-san, or worse, Isuzu-chan going through the gates as usual to find that site…
The doctor comes and calls for Muriyama-san. They talk for a few minutes, and sensei seems to be growing increasingly agitated. Muriyama-san looks to one of his men as he hesitates at the entry of the door.
I go over, bowing at the doctor. “I wish to thank you as I did not last night for your care of Fujita-san and Asuka-san, and of course Makoto-chan and myself earlier.” I look at the door to the infirmary. “How is his condition?”
“I wish to thank you as I did not last night for your care of Fujita-san and Asuka-san, and of course Makoto-chan and myself earlier.”
“You’re welcome.” I look at her, it was how many years ago that I was called to be the doctor for this woman… There were many rumors back then. I really do wonder what type of woman she is. Didn’t she say she was his fiance? Curious that a single mother would suddenly find such a man.
“How is his condition?”
“He wants to go with you. I told him to stay put.”
I hear Muriyama’s voice inside the room. The bakamono is asking for what?
Muriyama fetch that gun -now-.
How disrespectful talking to the Buchou like that. He keeps this up and he will burn himself out.
“Maa… I give up. You do what you want.”
I give her a card so she knows where to find me.
I hear Hajime in the other room, ordering a gun.
Maa… I give up. You do what you want.
“Sensei,” I ask as I take his card, “what do I need to be aware of with his condition? And for Asuka-san?” I place the card in my sleeve. “Could you come by the Hanafubuki tomorrow morning as well to check up? We may have to move him now but I think he’ll recover easier there.”
I look at the door. I should get in there, his yelling and getting agitated will -not- help.
what do I need to be aware of with his condition? And for Asuka-san?”
“His side will start to hurt soon. Perhaps not tonight but the effects of the drug we gave him will wear off. If he starts to act feverish, make sure you call me it might be the effects of the transfusion.”
I think a moment for Asuka-san. “Hmmm as for Asuka, make sure she eats well. Lots of protein to help her recover and get back the blood she donated. She has some bruises but no internal damage so a few days rest and she should be fine.”
“Could you come by the Hanafubuki tomorrow morning as well to check up? We may have to move him now but I think he’ll recover easier there.”
I shrug. “Well with how he’s acting now, maybe it -is- better.”
Although I still don’t understand why another night here in the precinct would be such a big bother, considering this is probably the safest place.
“Dewa… I shall leave you alone then.”
(OOC: Doctor exits)
blood she donated
I take note of his directions and thank him again as he exits. With that I look over to Asuka-san, standing to the side. Is that why she’s still so pale? And of course… she -would-. She is that devoted to him, and I am grateful for her care.
I step into the infirmary where Hajime and Muriyama-san are speaking. “You won’t need a gun… we can go,” I tell him as I go to his side. To Muriyama, I ask, “it’s almost dark, could arrangements be made to transport us as soon as possible?”
“You won’t need a gun… we can go,
“No!” I say vehemently. “Muriyama! You bring that to me before I go.”
All this manhandling is getting annoying. I turn to Hide. “I’m a cop Hide. I -know- what I’m doing.”
Glaring at Muriyama I decide to get off the bed, but suddenly I’m out of breath and I stop. Chikuso… If these people would only do as I say.
Muriyama-san goes to leave, and I add, “and could you also bring him a shirt?” The one he wore last night is long gone and tattered.
I’m a cop Hide. I -know- what I’m doing.
I look at him, “Ah… I thought the gun was to get your way the the doctor,” I glance around, there is still blood… and at a time when he cannot use his sword, “I know you know what you’re doing. I’m sorry if it sounded like I questioned you. We still need to be defended, no matter how remote the ryoken is.” Location is no guarantee of safety, after all, and it shouldn’t lull us into thinking otherwise.
He’s out of breath as he tries to get up, and I put a hand on his chest, “Hajime… you can be moved but you’re going to have to take it easy. There’s a large man that Muriyama-san has assigned to us that can help you out and up so you can leave this place.”
“Ah… I thought the gun was to get your way the the doctor,”
Tch… Is she trying to be -funny-?
“I know you know what you’re doing.
It’s about time.
I move her hand away and then swung my legs of the bed. I take the package that was left earlier. My stinking uniform that day. I’ll have to inspect it later.
Muriyama comes right back in and gives me a black shirt. -Good-. He announces the carriage is ready outside and I stand up. Stupid legs.
“Let’s go.”
He’s angry and I step back. Why do I have such a wonderful talent of saying the wrong thing to him at the worst time? Of course he is also hurting and frustrated… that is more pressing.
The carriage is waiting for us outside, along with Musashi-san, and Saya comes out as well. Hajime is moving on his own and I have to hope that he’s not aggravating his injury.
I see Hajime-han walking past them alone, so I run up to him.
“Mou Hajime-han. Still such an idiot.” I mutter and take the small box he’s carrying. Taking his arm I sling it over my shoulder.
“What are you doing?” He asks annoyed.
“Nothing. Just hurry up so you can get on that carriage.”
I don’t know why I’m the one doing this. It shouldn’t be but I’m not about to let… Whatever that woman annoys me even more. It’s just like her to not do anything. Stand off to the side and feel sorry for herself.
I let go of him when we get to the carriage. He gets on and I sit opposite of him, waiting for that big man and her to get on.
Saya doesn’t say anything to me as she rushes to Hajime’s side, taking the box he carries and his arm.
I want so much do take care of him at a time like this… I know he needs it, even when he’s being stubborn.
And how sometimes, the harder he pushes me away, that’s when he needs me most to push back. It’s his way… and I know enough to be cowed by his dark moods. I sit next to him.
Musashi-san pokes his head in the door. “I’m going to sit up front with the driver so I can keep a better watch than I can closed up in this box.”
To Hajime and Saya I explain, “that’s Musashi-san, Muriyama-san arranged for him to keep watch for us for a few days.”
The carriage starts with a lurch and I go to hold onto Hajime… he can’t be jolted around much so I keep an arm around him, mindful of his injury.
“that’s Musashi-san, Muriyama-san arranged for him to keep watch for us for a few days.”
I nod. It is much better with someone aside from Saya and I.
“Hmmm…” I close my eyes, finally got out of that bed. One feels like a piece of meet with the way people kept going in and out of that room just looking. Why can’t people mind their own business? “We’ll probably get there later than we anticipated.”
That’s probably the best thing. I don’t want Makoto asking questions and I have to inspect a few things.
“We’ll all have to decide how to share rooms.” It’s a good thing I didn’t scrimp. I wasn’t expecting so many guests… So much for spending time together. I shouldn’t really think of that… I’m on a case now.
We’ll probably get there later than we anticipated.
I nod, looking out at the evening sky as we go down the road to the ryoken.
We’ll all have to decide how to share rooms.
“It’s a beautiful place…” I tell him in a low voice, “thank you.” It would have been a beautiful, private place… but there’s no use lamenting that now when there are more important things. In my normal tone I say, “it’s a small house at the back of the property. It’s one of the better ryoken in Ito and its staff is known for being discreet, so they’ll stay away unless we call for them.” Had he not made these plans… I don’t know where we could have gone. Probably roughing it at Sugiyama’s country house, that’s the only other place I could have thought of.
As the carriage jolts I do what I can to buffer Hajime against it, letting him lean against me. I can handle his weight on me after all… “I’m not sure how long Yuunosuke will be staying, but I think we can have one room for Yuunosuke and Musashi-san, and the Makoto, Saya and I can be in another.” I think of how to work this, my mind clicking in logistics… thinking of how to take care of Hajime. I look up at him, and brush back his bangs with my free hand, discreetly checking his temperature. “I can screen off a corner of the men’s room for Hajime, so he can have his privacy.”
“thank you.”
“Mmm…”
“I’m not sure how long Yuunosuke will be staying, but I think we can have one room for Yuunosuke and Musashi-san, and the Makoto, Saya and I can be in another.”
Girls and boys segregated huh? Old school but good enough.
“I can screen off a corner of the men’s room for Hajime, so he can have his privacy.”
I grin and lean towards her ear slightly and ask…
“Should I expect someone?”
Neither Hajime or Saya object to the proposed room arrangement. It’s certainly the simplest, and we’ll just have to see with how long Yuunosuke stays.
Should I expect someone?
I feel his breath on my ear and I smile and whisper, “mmm… it’s an -excellent- possibility.” Feeling his skin is still normal temperature, I let my hand drop from his face and find his hand. Nights I’ll stay up with him until the worst of his injuries have passed.
The carriage lurches to a stop and I want to fuss at them that we have injured people in here but at least the ride is over… I keep an arm around Hajime after he steps down from the carriage, letting Saya out first, and a staff member comes out to greet us. “Pretend we’re an amorous couple who can’t keep their hands off of each other,” I tell him in a quiet voice, grinning softly at him as I put his arm on my shoulder to steady his walk. Waving aside the staff, I lead him and the others back to the rooms, it’s quiet here but I still try to be aware of what hides beyond that quiet.
“mmm… it’s an -excellent- possibility.”
Indeed and she keeps discreetly touching my forehead. I let her touch me since I do like it, even if she’s so obvious in what she’s trying to do.
“Pretend we’re an amorous couple who can’t keep their hands off of each other,”
“That won’t be so hard.” I whisper and wrap my other hand around her waist. I look at the staff, mostly older men and women, looking for someone out of place. So far no one suspicious but you can never know. We finally arrive at the small house and I stand off to the side as Hide shows the entrance to the other room.
I wonder if Makoto is already asleep.
“Aren’t you sleepy yet?”
I shake my head. He really tried. The story he’s reading me is -boring-, I guess even speaking in English that can happen. But I slept mostly all day and I want to see Okaasan back…
It’s really quiet here and I can’t hear the ocean. Then I hear voices outside and hop up. “Yuunosuke-san!” I go to the door, and remember what he told me today. To be -careful-. I open it an inch and see…
Okaasan and Yamaguchi-san -and- Asuka-san! To see them -all- again… and a big man behind them. Who is he?
I slide the door all the way open and run to them. I was so scared but now that they’re back it’s better, I think.
Reading from an English dictionary always puts Kikyo-chan and Hiroshi-kun -right- to sleep when I have to babysit them but my sister’s child seems to be different.
Makoto hops up and I follow behind her. It is them and I’m releaved…
I see Saya-san walking behind my sister and Saitou-san (and they are, I note, all wrapped around each other but Saitou-san’s normal pace seems slowed), and a large man following after. My sister only looks tired but no worse than earlier, really.
As Saya-san comes closer to the light I’m surprised to see her face bruised and battered… and that large man is doing nothing to help her. She’s been injured as well…
As Makoto runs to her parents I go outside as well, taking Saya-san’s arm to help her inside.
Makoto comes running out, and I try to stop her before she does a running hug at us. “Makoto… Yamaguchi-san was hurt earlier, let’s get him inside first.” With Yuunosuke out here as well it’s a crowd at the door and I don’t want Hajime to tire out on just getting inside.
Her eyes look at us expectantly, not anxiously. Glancing inside the open door I see a stack of books and empty plates, perhaps my brother has kept her distracted and her mind off of things today.
Yuunosuke-kun takes my arm, I’m -surprised-. I look at him for a moment, he’s looking at me and for the first time today I’m a bit embarassed at how I look. Sure I’ve gone from meticulously preparing my looks as required being a courtesan to completely being -plain- as not to attract attention at the Precinct, but my face must be a sight to see.
“Thanks” I mutter as we go inside. It’s a small house where you can turn around and see almost every inch of it, from the small kitchen to the small living area with a table and of course the two rooms. I stop and lower my arm so he’ll let me go.
No one has thought of food yet ever since we were at the Precinct. “Do you have any leftovers left? None of us has had food since well… Yesterday.”
Makoto looks much better than the last time I saw her. That’s good. Everyone finally goes inside and Hide and I enter as well. Letting go of Hide, I lean by the door and take note of the exits.
Suddenly I feel really tired again and I head for a counter where I see a teapot. Tea will have to do I suppose.
She turns her face away and I hate to see her lively face looking beaten like that and my eyes soften. “It’s good to see you again,” I tell her, I had been worried for both her and Saitou-san. My sister gave few details as to -why- this all happened…
Do you have any leftovers left? None of us has had food since well… Yesterday.
I nod, pulling out some boxes, “I can’t cook well but I’m very good at ordering out, there’s a lot left from earlier,” I open a few of the containers, and from a cabinet pull out a little packet. I set the kettle of water onto boil, “tea… or I have coffee as well, if you like that,” I hold up the packet, they had much better types in Tokyo so I laid in a supply. I’ve grew absolutely addicted to the stuff in the past few years, it’s helped me make many a deadline.
“Sir, I’m going to have a look around the outside of this building,” Musashi-san tells Hajime, and exits.
I take Hajime’s arm again and lead him back to one of the bedrooms, where a futon is already out. “I’ll bring you something, go ahead and rest.” Makoto follows.
“Help me get the futons out, and blankets? We need two more in this room and three in the other,” I ask her. I hear noise from the kitchen… food… none of us have eaten in a while. Makoto goes to doing as I ask. I don’t think anyone will be staying up too late tonight, save for Musashi-san.
I drag over a screen, creating at little alcove for him along the side, by an open window. “There…”
“tea… or I have coffee as well, if you like that,”
“Coffee please.” Curious, someone else likes coffee aside from Hajime and I. But I really shouldn’t be surprised he was interested in western literature, so…
I feel a lot better so I sit down on the tatami by the table and look to where Hajime and Yagi-san disappeared to. I’ll let her take care of him tonight. I’ll check in the morning.
“There…”
I utter a thanks and turn to sleep on my left side. What an inconvenience. Trying to think of what I need to do is virtually impossible as my eyes close in on themselves.
(OOC:Saitou fell asleep)
I fix her and myself each a cup of coffee, leaving hot water for my sister and Saitou-san. I can hear voices in the other room.
I look over at Asuka-san. “I’ve only heard bits and pieces about what happened, could you tell me?” I know from what Hideneesan and Saitou-san have told me that she’s not just a woman who works in a sweets shop.
Hideneesan comes in. “How is Saitou-san?” I ask.
(see thread, below)
Leaving Hajime for a moment, I get Makoto put to bed.
“We’ll be alright here?”
I smooth her hair down. “We have a nice police officer watching us, you saw him earlier.”
“And Yamaguchi-san and Asuka-san are alright?”
“They both need to rest. And you? You don’t hurt, do you?” She shakes her head, making her hair swing. “What about you, Okaasan?” Her eyes go to my head. I smile. “It looked worse than it was.”
I kiss her and tuck her in. “We’ll have to talk tomorrow… for now sleep.” All I can tell her now is that her life will change. As I leave the room, I leave the door slightly open.
In the main room, Yuunosuke and Saya are eating, and I’m suddenly hungry. On a tray I collect a cup of tea, a pitcher of water and some riceballs and inari. Yuunosuke asks after Hajime.
“Hajime and Makoto are both asleep. I’ll stay up with Hajime tonight. Saya, this building has a nice private bath and there’s fresh yukata in a cabinet in there.” Glancing out the window to see Musashi-san standing off to the side. Just one man… I sigh.
I nod at the both of them. “I need to get back,” and turn to go back to Hajime’s room.
(OOC: Hide will return to Hajime’s room unless stopped)
I’ll stay up with Hajime tonight.
My hands curl up and dig into my kimono. She’s staying there? I should be… But I keep my mouth firmly shut because I did say to myself to let them be for tonight.
She talks about a nice hot bath and I guess I should. Once Yagi-san left, I stood up leaving the coffee Yuunosuke prepared untouched and headed out, to the direction of the bath.
I may not know everything in this situation, but I can see how upset she became at my sisters words. As if she’s trying not to say something.
“Asuka-san,” I walk after her. “Here… take the coffee with you, some say it makes them jittery but I find it relaxing.” Just as my sister does with her tea… but I like this coffee which has more taste. I hold out the cup, after all she had seemed somewhat pleased about it earlier.
I look out the door. The bathhouse is not connected to this small house, it’s a free-standing little building with a covered walkway. I’m tired of being just a babysitter, and after what apparently happened last night, we should all be on guard, even if going to do something as mundane as bathe.
“I’ll keep watch outside while you bathe,” I push my glasses back up. That way she can relax and we won’t have to stretch Musashi-san’s attentions.
Yuunosuke catches up to me on the engawa. I’m surprised of course doesn’t he know I’m going to take a bath?
“Here… take the coffee with you, some say it makes them jittery but I find it relaxing.”
“Eto… Arigatou.” I bow and head on my way. He still follows offering to watch. Did I -hear- that right watch while I bathe? I turn around with a click on my geta a bit embarassed and probably all red.
“You can’t watch me!” I shriek a bit and Musashi-san looks towards us. So I continue in a lower voice. “Really now Yuunosuke-san, your sister will get angry at your behavior.”
My face must go so bright red that I light up the night. She thought I wanted to -watch- her?
Now really… I spend all day -with- words that I say something -very- inappropriate. She’s right. Hideneesan would have my -head- for saying something like that to a lady, inadvertent or not.
“I’m sorry, Asuka-san. I mis-spoke… I meant that I would keep watch -outside- while you were, ah, inside.” She’s very lovely but – ah – I’m stammering like my students when the girls come from the other school to join us for math lessons.
I grin, awkwardly, nodding at Musashi-san so that he won’t look at me with such -alarm-. “It’s a wonder they let me translate, if I can’t even express myself well to a lady.”
“I’m sorry, Asuka-san. I mis-spoke… I meant that I would keep watch -outside- while you were, ah, inside.”
Ohh… I start giggling a little and wave my hand. “Wari wari… My mistake.” I don’t eve know why I’m so alarmed. Yuunosuke-san looks like he can’t hurt a fly. It’s too bad though, he looks like he can’t keep up with one either.
We get to the bath house and I look to the side, there is already a glowing ember to heat up the bath. At least the keepers of this ryokan is on top of things.
“I guess you can sit there.” I point at one large decorative rock, just in front of the wall. “I’ll only be a few minutes.”
I sit out on the rock while Asuka-san goes inside to bathe.
From my inside jacket pocket, I pull out a small book, but it’s too dark to read, and as a guard I have no reason to be indugling in such distractions, even if my comments earlier made me wonder what she –
I cough, shaking my head.
Instead I put the book out and reach for something else I keep inside my jacket pocket, a smallish revolver. Ever since a good friend of mine was robbed and beaten one night after we all went out drinking… Kyoto is different from my childhood, but there’s still danger.
And even in a place like this… it’s still needed. I wonder if Oneesan had -anything- last night, or if Asuka-san did…
I’ll need to somehow get work to Tamesaburou tomorrow, perhaps the police can arrange a -secure- communication.
“You alright in there, Asuka-san?” I call back to her, quietly.
“You alright in there, Asuka-san?”
“Mmmm… Nothing like a nice hot bath Yuunosuke-san.” I close my eyes and sink further in. The further I sink the more I think and wonder. The best person to ask I guess is Yuunosuke.
“Tell me Yuunosuke-san, how long have you know Hajime?”
What I’d really like to ask is why on earth did Hajime chose her but I can’t ask that.
“I thought maybe you and your sister were old friends of his.” Aside from that one dinner, I really know next to nothing about that household.
Tell me Yuunosuke-san, how long have you know Hajime?
She is younger, she probably wouldn’t remember those days… and even in Kyoto those who were there are even forgetting.
I look up at the night sky. “It was a long time ago, during the Bakumatsu… the men who were the beginnings of the Shinsengumi came to stay at our home. Thirteen men… it was quite a change. A month or two turned into about two years.”
I thought maybe you and your sister were old friends of his.
“Me, no, I was a child…” I glance at the wall – does she think I’m -that- old? “Okita-san liked to play with us and I liked Yamanami-san.” Then he died. I remember that took me a long time to understand that I couldn’t sneak over to his room and have him read to me, or curl up in the closet and read while he and Hijikata-san talked. How I was happy when I head he was coming back and didn’t get the sad looks that the adults gave me.
“But for Hideneesan…” I think of what they told me, separately, the other night, “she was involved with his best friend, Okita Souji, so they must have spend time together.” Okita-san and Oneesan sitting in the garden, talking… but then I think of what my mother said years ago, “I think Saitou-san had his eye on her, even then.”
“Yes I know he was a Shinsengumi.”
I think back to that day I found out. It started out a whim, trying to get to know Yamaguchi Hajime, then Fujita Goro until one of the older women in the brothel told me of the rumor. They visited Shimabara frequently, especially the one called Hijikata. I was not yet tied to that place when they came.
I stay quiet listening to Yuunosuke-san speak. So she was in love with someone else?
“So why isn’t Okita-san with her now?” I ask a bit hopeful. Something tells me that if this person came back… All my worries would be put to rest.
So why isn’t Okita-san with her now?
“We didn’t know for a long time… but he was ill, in his lungs – tuberculosis. Towards the end, he was sent off for care in Edo.”
I pause a moment before continuing. I had no idea he was sick… he always smiled when he was around us children, treating us with sweets and playing games.
“Then in the spring of 1868 we got word… he had died of his disease.” Hideneesan crying in secret in that corner of the garden, how she had looked and tried to keep everything together, but how her eyes always looked sad, even as a child I saw that.
“It wasn’t until she came home after moving off to Tokyo six years ago that I really saw her smile again.” Like she was yesterday afternoon, as Saitou-san gave her that comb and kissed her. “Now I know that it was because of Saitou-san.”
“Then in the spring of 1868 we got word… he had died of his disease.”
I frown. “That’s unfortunate.” For all of us…
“It wasn’t until she came home after moving off to Tokyo six years ago that I really saw her smile again.”. “Now I know that it was because of Saitou-san.”
The minutes passed by slowly. I uttered no reply. I wonder if he’s doing a -favor- for his sister, but that’s just unreasonable. I doubt that woman would go through all that trouble and connive her brother just to keep me away. Closing my eyes, I breathe in the warm moist. If I soak here any longer… I might never want to come out. There’s nothing out there for me…
I sigh. Isn’t that what I said a long time ago back in Kyoto…
In a low voice, I ask, “Tell me Yuunosuke-san, if you saw something, rather someone you have wanted and circumstances weren’t as favorable but -not- impossible… Would you go after it?” I ask him because he seems honest and really there’s no one to talk to.
Her silences… clues start to come together.
How she hung onto him the time they were at my family’s house.
The way Oneesan’s voice changed when she called Asuka-san an “old friend” of Saitou-san during our conversation yesterday.
Asuka-san’s reaction when Hideneesan said she would be watching Saitou-san tonight.
Tell me Yuunosuke-san, if you saw something, rather someone you have wanted and circumstances weren’t as favorable but -not- impossible… Would you go after it?
She means of course… I should dissuade her, to protect my sister’s fragile happiness. But Asuka-san asks me in such a voice that I cannot help but be honest. “I would, Asuka-san… but first, I would ask myself – why hasn’t it happened yet? What makes it so unfavorable, and how could it be overcome?” I look across from me, to where there’s a sakura tree. Green now but in the spring… “Nothing is ever impossible as long as we’re alive, but that also means that there’s more than one path for you.” There’s such sadness in that quiet voice… of someone long denied and I hurt for her… for all of them, if my thoughts are correct.
After I eat and finish my tea… it’s quiet. Low voices somewhere… Makoto’s even breathing in the room beside me. Musashi-san’s quiet footsteps outside.
Hajime looks so uncomfortable on his side. I gently touch his forehead. No fever, thank goodness.
This day… I lay down beside him, and shift close, and let him lean slightly against me. This way he won’t roll over on his bandages… and I can keep him close, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. I think of the last time I slept by his side, as he slept in that chair, only to awake on our old futon, in the place only we knew.
I said I would “sit” up but I’d rather be by his side… even in these night hours when he’s unaware of me. And what’s important is that I stay awake. Staring at the ceiling, I drink in his scent, off but -he- is still under the smell of blood and doctors.
Awake… at least I made the tea strong enough that I can stay awake.
“I would, Asuka-san… but first, I would ask myself – why hasn’t it happened yet? What makes it so unfavorable, and how could it be overcome?”
I know why not of course. I get out from the bath and put on a fresh yukata.
“Nothing is ever impossible as long as we’re alive, but that also means that there’s more than one path for you.”
At first I thought there was, but staying here in Ito has told me how wrong I was. I still want the same thing after all.
Gathering up my soiled clothes, I go out. I smile a little for Yuunosuke-san. Perhaps I’ve depressed him.
“Hmmm… This is -so- much better.” I stretch out my arms, “Thanks for “watching”. I’m going to bed and you too Yuunosuke-san…”
I pause for a moment, just out of curiosity… “Are you leaving soon?”
She’s quiet again as I speak, but then I hear her getting out and in a moment she’s back outside, with a bit of a smile.
“You do look better, very refreshed,” I look over at her, and that smile, and smile back. Perhaps I had hoped… but I have a weakness for -bright- women, being as I meet too few of them, only shy women afraid to open their mouths or those who are at the other extreme to the point that I find obnoxious. She was a breath of fresh air after some of the women I met in Tokyo. It’s her eyes… but they’re thinking of someone else now.
I’m going to bed and you too Yuunosuke-san…
“Hmmm… but we just met, Asuka-san.” I feint surprised for a moment before grinning at her, thinking of how she took what I said earlier, and how I almost took this…. “Yes, you do need you rest, though.” I reach for her arms to help her up the steps. She’s certainly no invalid but head injuries can sometimes play with balance. Tamesaburou fell out of enough trees for me to see that.
Are you leaving soon?
“I’d like to stay a little longer, but I’ll have to get word to my brother. This was just supposed to be a stop,” I look at the little house. “But if I can help here, I want to stay.”
“Hmmm… but we just met, Asuka-san.”
I raise my eyebrows at him. If I’m not mistaken… I make no mention of it, it’s worse enough earlier but I can’t help but simper a little.
“I’d like to stay a little longer, but I’ll have to get word to my brother. This was just supposed to be a stop,”
“I see. It would be better if you stayed.” I tell him simply.
Musashi-san is probably around our age but he’s here for a job and I doubt he’ll talk about interesting things. And those two… I’ll just think of them more. I take Yuunosuke-san’s hand and lead us back.
“I’m going to sleep so you might as well read to me.”
I rummage through my clothes and hand him the book he gave to me the other day, then slid under the covers. I look at him expectantly.
(OOC: You may close)
I see. It would be better if you stayed.
I nod. Good to see she agrees. Surprised that she takes my hand but I don’t mind it as I escort her to her room.
I’m going to sleep so you might as well read to me.
“Hopefully I’ll have better luck with you than Makoto-chan,” I chuckle quietly, mindful of her sleeping nearby.
I had wanted to read to Asuka-san today, after all. I take the book, flipping through the familiar pages. Yesterday she mentioned one of these poems in particular to me, so in a quiet voice I begin,
Still dwelling in my Highland cave,
Or roaming through the dusky wild,
Or bounding o’er the dark blue wave;
The cumbrous pomp of Saxon pride
Accords not with the freeborn soul,
Which loves the mountain’s craggy side,
And seeks the rocks where billows roll…
As I continue her eyes close before I can finish. There’s something in her sleeping face… something wistful. I can’t help it and brush her hair back before standing and going off to the other room to sleep after checking with Musashi-san.
(OOC – Close)