Done. Standing up I place the envelopes in my pocket and a cigarette to my lips.? It’s almost sunset? and I promptly leave my office, making sure to lock it behind me. As usual the idiots just stared as I leave. Guess some things never change. I grin at the young ones by the door and head out.
?
It feels like it’s been so long since I’ve been in Tokyo. In fact the past few years has been a blur and the past months, Ito has occupied most of my attention. Once again I tip my cap at the ladies passing by, like a perfect “gentleman” as the British would call it. I’d much rather be a cop thank you… I smirk thinking of an old man.
?
The post office isn’t very far from the Precinct, in fact you just make a right turn and go straight passing the local telegraph office and you’re there. I suppose I could’ve sent a telegraph but they are expensive and I had many things to say. Taking a drag on my cigarette, I look up and see a very cloudy sky, it reminds me of London just a little with the snow on the pavement. Our winters aren’t as bad however…
?
Finally I reach my destination, an relatively mid-sized stone and wood building that almost looked like a train station, less the tracks and trains of course. They probably hired the same architects and contractors to build the place, after all this was a relatively new establishment.
?
“I need to send this to Aizu.” I tell the clerk behind the glass. “This one needs to go to Hokkaido…” I throw in the second letter, “And this one to Ito.”
?
“Just give me a minute…” He tells me seemingly trying to figure out how to use the weighing scale beside him. I watch unamused at the sight. Taking a long drag, I let the smoke out of the corner of my mouth and sighed.
?
“Aching!!!”? A sneeze comes from behind followed by some shouting…? “Hey you! Stop that!”
?
Oh kami… I turn and smirked at the old nuisance.
?
“You!” Immediately he raises his fist and started shaking it in front fo my face, “Where the hell have you been all this time??? Answer me Saitou!”
?
“It’s Fujita out here, moron.” I tell him and smirk. “Finally learned how to write?”
?
“Damn you Saitou!”
?
I could feel it, that same old annoyance that plasters little tick marks on the side of my forehead, so I grabbed his collar, “Moron. I said… -FUJITA-“
?
He grins at me and holds up his middle finger. I wonder where’d he learn that considering, he’s never been outside Japan. “I’ll? call you whatever I want asshole!”
?
With a sigh I let him go, “Whatever you want -moron-.”
?
“Sir! Sir! Excuse me!” I turn to look back at the clerk, apparently he’s been tapping the glass to get my attention.
?
“Sorry about that, the moron over there distracted me.” I say. “How much will that be?”
?
“Wait Saitou….” The roosterhead comes up from behind and starts involving himself into -my- business, casually throwing his letter to the clerk, “Hey bro, can you add that too?”
?
Quickly I take the envelope before the clerk did, “I’m not paying for you moron!”
?
“Come on give me a break! It’s not that expensive!”
?
“I said I’m not paying.”
?
“You’re not hard up on cash aren’t you?”
?
Again just like the many times I’ve done before I grab his collar, “I’m not a freeloader like you idiot.”
?
He grins, “Don’t tell me the government isn’t paying enough old man. Here I’ll make you a deal…”
?
“What is it?” I sneer.
?
“If you pay to send that letter, I’ll stop calling you Saitou. Ne?” He smiles and I almost rolled my eyes, thank kami I caught myself. “I might be a free loader and a fledgling in your eyes but I’m a man of my word.”
?
Suddenly I found myself chuckling at the ahou. Definitely he was an annoyance but at least he was -amusing-. It’s a shame Chou had transferred to Hokkaido. I did like the bickering between the two. Releasing his collar, I push him back and inspected the envelope. I’m not about to send something that I had no idea about so I decided to open it myself.
?
“Bastard! What are you doing?” He shouts and tries to grab it but I turn away from him.
?
“Shut up.” Quickly I look the letter over and frowned. “Does the battousai know about this?” I ask while putting it back and handing it to the clerk.
?
“Well he doesn’t need to know everything does he? We’re not married you know!”
?
Shaking my head I throw a few coins to the clerk, “I guess if? it does happen, you’ll be? one less -headache- for me to deal with.”
?
He only grins and shrugs his shoulder, “Old man, I told myself I was going to surpass you in every way I can.”
?
“You’re still a century too early.” I smirk and blew some more smoke.
?
? “Whatever you say -old- man.” He walks away, not looking back. I watch as he removes the shirt off his back, that “bad” symbol no longer showing.?
?
I couldn’t help but mutter “Those are my lines… you moron.”
?
(OOC: Saitou stops by the machiya to check some things and proceeds to Hide’s house. He gets there right before dinner. You may choose to reply here or not. You may choose to skip dinner and start after dinner)
(Makoto)
The snow melted! Now everything is just cold. I want more snow to play in! I never got to make my fort. There wasn’t nearly enough.
Okaasan made me wear a lot of clothes before I came out. She said I can play while she makes dinner but I had to get all of the tabi from the clothesline. She made it low, just for me so I can help with small clothes.
I sit in the engawa. I smell nice things from inside but now that the birds can’t see me, they come back out. I watch a really cute one hop up and down the path.
I try the tooth again – it’s getting where I can move it a lot now! Wiggle, wiggle!
Wiggle, wiggle!
Wiggle –
Then I feel something strange, and there’s something hard in my mouth. I get it out, it’s my tooth! Where it was is a gap, and it tastes… eww.
Opening the gates, I beat some of the slush off my boots. Closing it behind me I see Makoto on the engawa.
Playing by herself? How long?
“It’s getting colder out Makoto.” I say as I walk across the garden. “Smells like your mother’s about done with dinner.”
Turning my nose up in the air, I sniff slightly and grin down at Makoto. She smiles and I had to take a double look. Picking her up, I motion her to open her mouth. “Hmmm… Looks like you can’t eat the apples I brought.”
In a way, I’m glad it came off now rather than if I were to force it off with a thread. I’d imagine that would hurt more.
(Makoto)
Chichi! I jump up as he picks me up, and I hug him. “Hello Chichi.”
>> Smells like your mother?EUR(TM)s about done with dinner
I nod. “It smells great!” I laugh.
>> Hmmm?EUR? Looks like you can?EUR(TM)t eat the apples I brought
He notices the missing tooth. “It still feels funny. Another one will come in, right?’ Okaasan said so but Chichi knows a lot too. I think for a minute. Will it be funny eating soba with a hole in my smile?
I think. Apples are nice. “Okaasan can cut them up and I’ll eat them that way?”
It still feels funny. Another one will come in, right??EUR(TM)
I hand the small bags of apple to her as I slide the door into the house open. “If it’s hurting you’ve got to tell me.” I say in a serious tone, “But yes, you’ll get a new one.”
Pausing, I close the door and lock it. “Only one more though, so you need to take good care of it when it grows back.” I grin and tussle her hair a little as we go to the kitchen where Hide is preparing dinner.
?EURoeOkaasan can cut them up and I?EUR(TM)ll eat them that way??EUR?
“Hmm… She could.” Placing her down I motion her to put the apples on the table, “You’ll have to eat slowly however.”
I turn to Hide and kiss her cheek, “Tadaima.”
(Makoto)
“It’s not hurting. I just wiggled it a lot and it went -pop-!” I tell him. “It bled a tiny little bit but now it just feels funny, but not bad.”
I put the apples down. “I’ll be very, very careful.” Mmmm… nice apples! But the kitchen smells really nice too… Okaasan is all pink-cheek from cooking.
(Hide)
I hear voices outside, Makoto’s cheerful one and Hajime’s deep one, and her delightful laugh.
I turn from the stove and kiss Hajime back, smiling up at him. “Welcome home,” I look over to my daughter, who has scooted over to our side and is grinning up at me. “Oh my! That stubborn tooth finally came out!” I lean down to grin at her, she seems happy and not upset, and I kiss her cheek.
“You did save it, right?” I’m glad nothing on the menu tonight is very hard or crunchy… I stand and touch Hajime’s cheek before turning back to tend to the broiled hamachi and stirring the miso soup. The rice is about ready as are the vegetables. Now just to finish the tsuyu…
?EURoeYou did save it, right??EUR?
I see… It’s typically not Japanese to save a tooth, however she and I have seen beyond Tokyo before. Makoto nods and I start handing her the plates while I took some glasses from the cupboard and utensils from the drawer. I take a glance at what’s cooking and I’m delighted it’s fish. It feels like it’s been a long time since I’ve had a decent meal.
“Go upstairs and clean up Makoto.” I tell my child, “We’ll be eating soon.”
She leaves the room promptly, walking first but then I see her run up the stairs. I sigh a little and retreat to where the window is open and start smoking.
“I stopped by Futaba the other day.” I tell Hide, “They want her to take an assesment test so she can be admitted for half of the school year and not fall behind.” That was one thing I was concerned about with our move… The timing was not right but it’s not like we could’ve stayed in Ito given the circumstances.
(Hide)
>>Go upstairs and clean up Makoto
She nods and runs upstairs. I keep reminding her not to run inside but she can’t seem to help wanting to rush back when Hajime is in the house.
I start setting food on the table as Hajime smokes and with only the water to boil and the rice to bring over, I go over to the window to join him, welcoming the cool air from outside and being close to him… I rest against him, sitting against the window.
>>They want her to take an assesment test so she can be admitted for half of the school year and not fall behind.
I nod. “I’ve kept her reading, and doing figures… ” Is it enough? It’s said to be a very good school, and I hope the other children are nice. It should be easier, not being in such a small town. “It will be so quiet around here… but she needs to get out among other children.” I think of something else and smile up at him. “And I can bring your lunch…” I kiss the underside of his chin as the kettle whistles – hot water is ready to make tea and coffee, dinner can now be served.
She joins me by the window as I smoke. I -knew- she would, not that I mind.
?EURoeI?EUR(TM)ve kept her reading, and doing figures?EUR? ?EUR?
“Good.” I say simply and drag on my cigarette. Then I ask, “You did make her practice her kana?”
She tells me of changes, how it’ll be quiet in this house. I have forgotten that school here in Tokyo doesn’t end until 3:30 in the afternoon. It’s not a “long” schoolday since Makoto would go to school later in the morning than she did in Ito. Puffing the smoke up to the air, I start to wonder if Hide will be fine with that being just a housewife.. She used to live alone here but that was a long time ago and she was working for a few years with Sugiyama. Perhaps she’ll need something else to do, well once everything is in place and everyone develops a routine. Perhaps then…
?EURoeAnd I can bring your lunch?EUR??EUR?
“Mmm…” I say as she kisses my chin, I chuckle a little wondering if it will be a “daily” thing or just once every few weeks. For a moment I’m concerned at how that will look at the Precinct but we’ve done it before… As long as she and I behave ourselves, it should be safe. “I wouldn’t mind that. It’ll help you get out more, at least for now.”
I pause looking at the kettle, “We can even go out for lunch if you’d like.”
>>You did make her practice her kana?
I nod. “When will we need to go for her test?” I should get her something new to wear…
I smile as he agrees with me bringing his lunch. “And I’ll know that you’re getting something good to eat… and see you mid-day.” I kiss his cheek as I move to the stove. “Going out would be fun as well… an excellent cook is always looking for influences.” Really, I should know more about Tokyo-style cuisine.
Coffee and tea done, I pour Makoto’s milk as she comes back into the kitchen, and I bring the cooled zaru soba to the table, along with the rice.
(Makoto)
It took me longer to wash my hands. I had to look at my smile in the mirror.
“Itadakimasu!” I say my thanks for the food. It’s still very cold outside so I need to eat a lot!
“Chichi said that I’ll get another tooth,” I tell Okaasan.
As Hide goes and makes the final preparation for the table, I take a few more puffs and throw my half-finished cigarette out the window. Makoto comes back and sits down promptly, with an enthusiastic “thanks” for the food. I take my seat at the round table taking a small helping of the soba since I did want to have a good helping of fish later.
?EURoeChichi said that I?EUR(TM)ll get another tooth,?EUR?
I nod as I take a loud slurp of the soba. Placing it down I turn to my daughter, “Makoto, I was just talking to your mother about school. Since the holidays are over, the classes have already started. I’d like you to start immediately as well.” I look at Hide before continuing, “They will be testing you next week on the 11th. If you pass you can credit for half of the year you were in Ito. You’ll be meeting with Takami-san, the Principal. He and I know each other in the past since I used to visit on occasion…”
I speak as though, I’m not talking to a child of six. My boys grew up too fast while I was away and I’ve lost the capacity to talk simply I suppose. I’m worried I may not be getting my point across at how important it is that she passes and something else… Again I look at Hide. I would think that it’s fairly obvious to her that since Takami was an old acquaintance he would know me as somebody else. I am at a lost at how to explain my alter-ego, Fujita to my child. “Your legal guardian would be your mother.”
(Hide)
The fish smells wonderful, and I go back to the stove to bring it off at the moment of perfection, along with the vegetables that will serve to compliment it. At the table, I divide the hamachi, making sure to Hajime a big portion, since he seems to be looking at it expectantly. I grin.
He explains about school to Makoto, and she looks a little puzzled. “You’ll do wonderful on the test,” I assure her. “We’ve been learning every day.”
>>Your legal guardian would be your mother
I try to smile, and explain to her. “Makoto-chan, it’s like in Ito, where you called Chichi uncle unless you were around just us… there will be times when you’ll need to call him Fujita-san.”
“Perhaps… we should look at other schools as well,” I say in a low voice to Hajime. While this may be a very good school, it can’t be the only school in Tokyo that’s good enough to send Makoto to, and where we won’t be under such restrictions…
(Makoto)
>>Your legal guardian would be your mother
>>Makoto-chan, it’s like in Ito, where you called Chichi uncle unless you were around just us… there will be times when you’ll need to call him Fujita-san.
Oh. School would be fun, if the other girls are nice… but why can’t he be my Chichi at school? I frown. Is it because of bad men?
Okaasan said something I didn’t hear…
I put down my chopsticks. I think for a minute. “So I can’t hug you when you come to see me at school?”
Okaasan said, “that means you’ll have to hug him twice as much at home. He’ll miss it just like you…” I’m so happy he’s my Chichi… but this has to make him sad, too! Okaasan said one time, it’s our job to make him smile.
I get up and run over to him, and give him a -big- hug. “Is that a good idea, Chichi?” Of course it would make him sad too.
I’d be digging into the fish had we not have been speaking about this… I watch as Hide tries to explain to Makoto how things will be at school. I’ve never been able to visit Makoto at school before in Ito, since during that time I simply did not know who she was. To say it was unfortunate is an understatement.
?EURoePerhaps?EUR? we should look at other schools as well,?EUR?
“No Hide.” I say not trying to hide my voice from Makoto like she did. “It -is- a fine school and it’s doubtful we can find her a new school without having her to lose an entire year.” I look at my daughter for a minute and I wonder if it’s the right thing to do. There will be things that will be harder to explain. If we shun this now trying to keep Makoto “safe”… My thoughts are lost for a moment and I take a bite of the fish.
The rest of the conversation is lost to me as I chew on the fish slowly. Trying to sort my thoughts. It’s then that Makoto gives me a hug, unexpectedly. I put the fish down on the plate and pick her up to sit on my lap.
“Remember Makoto our talk back in the garden of that ryokan?” I ask and touch her hair, looking into the eyes that look like her mother, “Your father is a very good policeman who has made some enemies, because of that he carries many names. Sometimes you will hear others call me Saitou Hajime, that’s the name your mother knew of when I was younger. But most of the time you will hear others call me Fujita Goro. That is my name here in Tokyo as a police officer.”
I stop and consider for a moment. It’s not that even Tokio and the children ever had to go through this, however now is not a time to be lax about these things. Not until I settle that old grudge. It is odd, before I hid my identity from her because of my fear of rejection, but now the reasons are different. Still however, the feeling it elicits in me is the same, heavy… “Call me Uncle at school… Fujita-san everywhere else.” I kiss her cheek, “Only you and your mother knows who I really am and what my real name is.” A name that someday I’d like for her to have.
(Makoto)
He tells me about his names, while I sit in his lap, even though we’re in the middle of dinner! He tells me why and I nod. “You’re the best policeman, Chichi!” He works very hard, Okaasan said.
I think for a minute, though, about names. “I remember.” That was one of the best days ever. “Fujita-san…” I try it out. It’s not a funny name or anything. I hug him again. “When I’m saying uncle or Fujita-san around other people, I’m -thinking- Chichi, it’s our very own secret code.” Isuzu-chan and I used to have code words like that. “Uncle!” I smile, and kiss him back. He will know!
>>Only you and your mother knows who I really am and what my real name is
Oooh… like a secret. “We’ll take care of your name, Chichi!”
(Hide)
>>No Hide
It’s one of those hard things to do as a parent – what protects your child versus what is right; sheltering them from the cruel world or making them aware of what is out there. It’s a good school, and Makoto needs a good education. And I can’t hide her forever, even when it calls for a path that will cross Tokio’s. Because the things we can’t tell her about now, one day she’ll need to know.
I watch them as he explains to her, simply, in words with so much care and love… I blink for a moment, -moved-, seeing their dark, straight hair shining, her eyes, while my color, they’re his shape, and make the same little movements, narrowing as she tries to understand, a little wider when she does, and then her acceptance, and her assurance back him, in a way that’s very, very Makoto.
His words, her response… make me feel better, and I smile this time, a happy smile, one that makes my eyes glow softly.
I scoot over and lean to kiss Hajime, and smile at Makoto. “Look at us! We’re all too busy kissing Chichi that he can’t get to eat, nor are we! And I know this is a very good fish, and this very good policeman needs his dinner!” She scoots out of his lap and back to her seat, giggling.
“A secret code huh?” I look at her and a smile creeps up my face where a very serious one had been.
>> ?EURoeUncle!?EUR?
And I get a kiss… With a chuckle I say, “-No-. It’s -Chi chi ue- at home.” I’m not about to give up that name so easily. I like hearing it.
?EURoeWe?EUR(TM)ll take care of your name, Chichi!?EUR?
I nod and her mother comes over “fussing” again. Suddenly I reach out and turn her back to me. She’s not getting away with just a kiss on the cheek… I claim my kiss on her lips, mostly because I had wanted to, partly because I needed to be sure of she’s not upset. Which it seemed she’s not.
With Makoto gone from my lap, I turn my full attention to dinner. Since it went better than I expected and -quickly-, my dinner was still warm. I just nod as I take a bite of the fish. Very good…
(Makoto)
Oh, he likes my idea about the code. Good!
>>-No-. It?EUR(TM)s -Chi chi ue- at home
“That was -practice. It will always be Chichi ue at home. And I will be ‘Princess’ at home.” I nod.
Dinner! I’m not as cold as when I first came in from outside. I try to eat some soba and the missing tooth makes slurping the noodles fun. The fish is harder but I eat it in the side. “I think I can eat the apples Chichi brought, if Okaasan slices them for me.”
(Hide)
My kiss on the cheek turns into a real kiss… ah, sometimes, this man and I don’t need words. I touch his face before sitting down, sharing my smile with him.
And then we go back to eating, as Makoto experiments with how to eat now that she’s missing a tooth.
“Oh apples today?” I look over to the counter. “I think slicing them would be a good idea… maybe there’s something else I can do to make it easier for you.” I smile, leaning over to ruffle her hair. “You need a trim, so your hair isn’t in your eyes while you’re trying to test.”
Makoto seems to not be bothered about that tooth. That’s good.
?EURoeI think slicing them would be a good idea?EUR? maybe there?EUR(TM)s something else I can do to make it easier for you.?EUR?
“Peel them?” I get up from the table, just having finished my dinner. Normally I heard that one should eat the skin, but I guess it can’t be helped for now. I take a couple from the bag and wash them anyway, taking a small knife I hand both to her mother and bite into the other one myself.
“Any plans for tomorrow?” It’s only Tuesday but I won’t be here during the day, I might as well know what my wife and child will be up to. Perhaps, I should take this Friday off so I can make good on my promise to bring Makoto to Akashi, of course we’ll have to drop by Hiroaki first. “If you’re going to the market, can you get some incense sticks Hide and some sake as well?”
I frown trying to think what else to bring… “And perhaps some rice cakes.” Do women like those? I know an idiot who was like a woman and liked them. Taking another bite of the apple, I go by the window again just looking out on the street.
“Peel them yes… or I can bake them…” I laugh. “An excellent cook will always have ways.” But since it’s already after dinner, I take the knife Hajime brings me and I carefully slice and peel, making the “rabbits” a little thinner than usual.
(Image: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2289/2110107616_e3d5e11e0b_o.jpg )
>>Any plans for tomorrow?
I think… “Hmmm… aside from the haircut, I think this is an occassion which calls for a new kimono for Makoto, ne?” I smile over at her. If we find the right place, we shouldn’t take too long. “If she does well on the tests, how soon will she be starting?” I wonder if there will be uniforms to buy and have altered, like in Ito… but she should at least have a kimono that’s nicer than everyday for occasions like this.
I nod at his requests, “I’ll take care of those. And do tell me if you have any special requests for dinner.” I get up, clearing the plates, stopping to drop a kiss on the top of his head. It’s only when he’s sitting that I get a chance for that! I look at his hair. “I can trim yours whenever you wish it as well…”
(Makoto)
The apples look like bunnies! I nibble, they’re little so it doesn’t hurt to eat them, but I leave the skins anyway, they’re a little tough sometimes.
Then she talks about shopping… I keep eating my bunnies. “This is a good way to eat apples.” I tell her. I try my tongue through the hole again, it’s still funny! The one next to it is loose as well! “Do all the teeth fall out?” I ask.
“Bake them?” I look at her. I’ve never had baked apples… “You’re going to have to deliver on that.”
Watching as she peels the apples in a rather “artistic” way, I grin slightly, glad that someone in this family is creative. Looking around, since we’ve moved the place is still quite “plain”. Not quite the home she used to have. Perhaps soon, when Makoto leaves for school and she gets all that free time to herself, I might see some Ikebana. Perhaps…
?EURoeHmmm?EUR? aside from the haircut, I think this is an occassion which calls for a new kimono for Makoto, ne??EUR?
“I suggest buying a white blouse first and a black pleated skirt at the same time as the kimono. Futaba is one of the few elementary schools that does require a uniform.” I say remembering that Tsuyoshi did in fact had a seifuku.
I look over at my daughter, trying to see if she shares the same “excitement” on shopping for a new kimono. It seems like she’s not as eager as her mother. Maa… No one can compare to Hide’s excitement over new clothes. Which is not a bad thing, however perhaps my daughter’s taste is much more simpler? We shall have to see…
?EURoeIf she does well on the tests, how soon will she be starting??EUR?
“Takami-san didn’t inform me on a start date. I would think however, -immediately-.” At least that’s what -I- want. As I finish with dessert and reach for my cigarette, Hide takes a moment to kiss my head as if I was a child. I shake my head at that. And like a child she offers to cut my hair…
“Not anytime soon.” I need a bit of a rough look for the next few weeks to come. “but thank you.”
As I turn to the window again to smoke.
>>You?EUR(TM)re going to have to deliver on that
I nod, looking at the three apples left. “These will be perfect,” I tell him. “it’s a very warming dish, good for cold winters night. We can have them tomorrow.”
“They wear uniforms like that? I’ll need to add some warm tights and socks to my list then…” It will still be cold for some time. I grin suddenly. “Makoto-chan, you’re going to look adorable.”
I go back to clearing off the table. “I’ll do it later, then,” I tell him, not satisfied with the kiss on the top of the head, no matter how affectionate it is, and I kiss his cheek this time as I lean over to remove some of the plates. I remember my mother trimming my father’s hair, in between visits from the hairdresser… men don’t have hair like that anymore, where do they go? But it’s one of the things that I think of, when I think of the way a wife takes care of her husband… that still makes me smile so much, and feel so happy…
“Makoto, it’s bedtime. Go wash up and change and we’ll be upstairs shortly to tuck you in.” She’ll need rest, if we are go to shopping tomorrow.
(Makoto)
“Already?” I ask, and stop playing with the little apple peels left over.. Nights seem to go by woosh! fast when Chichi is here. I carry my plate and cup over to the sink to be a good helper. “Will Chichi read me a story?”
?EURoeMakoto-chan, you?EUR(TM)re going to look adorable.?EUR?
I watch Makoto and again there is no reaction nor answer from her. A small smirk settles on my lips at that. Perhaps my hunch is true after all.
?EURoeI?EUR(TM)ll do it later, then,?EUR?
Hide gives me another kiss, this time on the cheek. I look up at her and cock my head but don’t say anything. Finallly finished with my smoke I go by Makoto’s side… “I’ll read you a story. Something about oceans…” She must miss Ito a little and since there are no big oceans nor beaches around here…
“Come.” I take her hand and we walk upstairs, remembering what that man told me, to not overwork my shoulders. In her room, I light the lamp and motion Makoto to get under the covers. I look around, it seems we’ve left a lot of the books Yuunosuke sent to her back in Ito.
“Now I’ll tell you a secret of how the ocean became salty…”
(Hide)
I watch the two go upstairs, and he’s not carrying her? Hmmm…
I finish cleaning the kitchen, and retire to the living room, leaving a kettle of water on the stove in case we want more to drink later.
Sitting there, I undo my hair, letting it fall free across my shoulders.
(Makoto)
Upstairs, I change into my sleeping yukata and run into the washroom and wash my hands and face again. Then I get Momo-chan, and I show my bear to Chichi.
“Chichi, I’ve decided to name him Ringo-chan, even if he’s not a bunny like the apples tonight.” I laugh, and give him a hug before I get on my futon.
>>Now I?EUR(TM)ll tell you a secret of how the ocean became salty?EUR?
My animals in bed, I reach over at pat at Chichi’s knee. “Tell me, please.” Maybe this story will have turtles!
?EURoeChichi, I?EUR(TM)ve decided to name him Ringo-chan, even if he?EUR(TM)s not a bunny like the apples tonight.?EUR?
“Ringo-chan?” Returning her hug, I take the bear. “Sumana Makoto, your mother and I couldn’t quite come up with a name.” I return the bear back to her side as I tuck her in.
“Let’s see here…” I think for a moment and chuckle as she pats my knee, “It’s been such a long time since I heard this story so it might be a little short.”
Many years ago, the sea tasted like ordinary rainwater. It was bland and tasteless. Fortunately, the people living in the islands knew about a friendly giant who kept mounds of salt in his cave.
The people would cross the ocean on their boats to reach the gentle giant’s island, and that is how they were able to bring salt back to their villages, in order to prepare tastier meals.
One time, however, the ocean was quite rough and they could not sail out to gather salt. They eventually ran out of salt and the villagers no longer enjoyed their tasteless meals. They wondered how they could get salt again, when a child suggested they ask the giant to stretch out his legs over the ocean so that they could walk to his island instead.
The kind giant agreed, and villagers with empty salt sacks walked along the giant’s leg. Unfortunately, the giant’s foot landed on an anthill, and the ferocious red ants started biting the enormous leg.
“Hurry!” pleaded the giant, who strained to keep his itchy legs still.
As soon as the people reached the giant’s island, he immediately withdrew his foot and scratched the itchy bites. The villages just smiled at how a giant could be bothered by tiny ants.
Anyway, the people got their salt and the giant again stretched his leg over the ocean. Immediately, the ants began biting his swollen foot. Once again, the giant asked the people to hurry up, but the heavy salt sacks slowed them down.
Besides, the people didn’t believe that the tiny ants could really affect the giant, so they idly chatted away, and walked rather slowly.
Before the villagers could cross the ocean, the giant cried out and thrust his ant-bitten foot into the ocean. All the packed salt fell into the plain-water sea and melted.
The giant saved the people from drowning, but no one was able to recover the spilled salt. From that day onwards, the sea became salty.
I scratch my head a little. I hope that was good enough. “I’m not sure if they ever made sea salt in Ito, but they look like this.” Taking a piece of paper and pencil that I always carry, I draw a crystal salt. It’s a little big but I suppose that’s okay.
>>Sumana Makoto, your mother and I couldn?EUR(TM)t quite come up with a name.
I laugh. “I like to name them for my favorite things.” Like things to eat! “Okaasan would probably name it for pears.” I like them, but not the same way she does.
He tells the story and I listen, thinking of the nice giant and then the ants. “Oh, poor giant!”
“I’m glad he helped the people.” I yawn. “Did the turtles and fishies like it with the salty water?” I look at his drawing. “I saw that at the market, but I didn’t see them -make- it.” But the lady at the stall always told everyone it was Ito salt…
“The ocean was nice. But Tokyo is fun too.” I think. Chichi is here… and I like this house better. “But there needs to be some water in Tokyo.” Are there any turtles? All I’ve seen are koi ponds.
?EURoeI like to name them for my favorite things.?EUR?
“So you actually like apples?” I’m surprised… I wonder -when-.
?EURoeOkaasan would probably name it for pears.?EUR?
“Or -flowers-.” With a chuckle I ruffle her hair.
?EURoeDid the turtles and fishies like it with the salty water??EUR?
“Well the turtles and the fishes that liked the salt, -stayed- in the ocean.” I think for a moment, “Remember that -big- turtle that had “flat” feet? He liked salt-water that’s why he grew so big.”
?EURoeBut there needs to be some water in Tokyo.?EUR?
“Well there -is-. Everyday when I go to work, I pass by a large river that it almost looks like a lake.” I kiss her forehead, “Goodnight little one.”
I leave the room not turning off the light due to an old habit. Going downstairs I see Hide in the living room with her hair on her shoulders. I sit by her. “Thank you for dinner.” I say.
>>So you actually like apples?
I nod. “It was very good tonight. I thought apples were fall food.” I yawn. Oh no… I don’t want to sleep. I like talking to Chichi.
“Or flowers!” I agree. I’m also happy that the turtles and fishies were okay with the salt. Then he tells me about a river…
“Chichi, take me there to the river one day? And any place that has turtles. Okaasan will make lunch…” I yawn, and hold my animals tight.
“Goodnight, Chichi.” I fall asleep.
(Hide)
I hear them upstairs, and his voice for a while… I smile… he must be telling her a story.
Hajime comes downstairs, and I look up at him, scooting closer as he sits down. “I was glad to make it for you.” I am. I lean over to kiss him, a real kiss, after cheeks and such earlier… its a delight to indulge in my need for my husband-to-be.
?EURoeIt was very good tonight. I thought apples were fall food.?EUR?
One of these days perhaps I’ll tell Makoto about my fruit sources. A very resources acquaintance back in the old days…
As I sit beside Hide I contemplate on smoking but after getting -another- kiss, I have to start wondering if something is wrong. Leaning back into the sofa, I reach out my hand and pull her to lean on me as I put an arm around her shoulder.
“So is this what you expected?” I ask and finally light a cigarette with one hand, blowing the smoke upwards. “I mean how our life would be?”
He pulls me close, and I’m snuggled up against him, with my arms going around him.
>>So is this what you expected? I mean how our life would be?
I think for a moment. “What I wished for… for a life with you… it came to me, very early on. Remember that old story, the one in Hokkaido? Where I’m waiting at home for you, every night, with dinner ready and my hair down?” I smile at the old memory. “Tokyo instead of Hokkaido, a small warm house is still wonderful, no matter where it is..” I laugh softly, and grin. “And we were, as we are now, unable to keep our hands off each other.” I nuzzle my cheek against his.
“I never dreamed then, however, of our Makoto.. or that one day, I would be your wife soon…” I smile up at him. “Even my -dreams- couldn’t come close to the happiness I have with you.”
Perhaps in the time of the city of glass and steel, a woman should want for something beyond being a good wife and mother, but this makes me so happy… to love and take care of those who mean the most to me.
I look up at him. “What about you? Is this what you expected our life to be?” Sometimes… I think my ordinariness is a refuge away from a crazy world for him. Other times… it must seem quiet.
“Hokkaido? Ah yes for a time I did think we were moving there.” Taking a drag I look up towards the ceiling and lazily play with the locks of her hair, “I had figured since the most notorious criminals are imprisoned there, I could manage the damn place once Cho decides to return to Tokyo.”
What was it that he said again? Prison management isn’t his style and the harsh winters chase the good women away? Well he -is- still single and getting a bit older.
?EURoeI never dreamed then, however, of our Makoto.. or that one day, I would be your wife soon?EUR??EUR?
I look at her, contemplative. Then I sigh, “It will always escape me why you wouldn’t think of such things.” Reaching over to the table I ash my cigarette, then lean back into the sofa. “I wouldn’t say I ‘dreamt’ our life… I don’t really dream or daydream for that matter, however it had always been a ‘plan’.” If I try to think back when that “plan” started to form, perhaps it was during that time in the garden. I can feel my eyes narrowing for a moment, it seems things became much more clearer after that time.
?EURoeWhat about you? Is this what you expected our life to be??EUR?
Something in the way she said that sits odd with me. So I decide to answer her truthfully, “Hmmm?” Slowly I take a drag and let it fill my lungs then out the corner of my mouth. “I wanted a place to go home to when I can. My wife would be there to have dinner or a -very- early breakfast ready at a moments notice. If I happen to get injured, she can take care of the minor injuries and not make too much fuss about the “rest”. When I do come home early, I like sitting on the engawa and watching my children do what it is they do.” I chuckle a little. “I’d actually like to have a bigger yard than what we have now.” Suddenly I shrug, “Maa… It looks like I’ll be holding a regular day job from now on so those things shouldn’t be a problem.”
I can be here when it’s time for dinner. I can come home early sometimes and forget about stake out or any work related injuries… Suddenly I feel like sighing but I don’t. Instead I pull her closer to me.
>>It will always escape me why you wouldn?EUR(TM)t think of such things
I smile softly, looking down at my hands. “It took me a long time to come to terms with the idea that I deserve you.” I turn, my gaze settling on his eyes, those golden depths into which I feel like I could stare forever… “But now I fully have, and oh… how I look forward to kissing you for the first time as my husband.
He speaks of plans, not dreams… I follow him as he leans back against the sofa, moving now to his lap.
I get my answer. “I will be a good wife, then, to that man.” I smile, leaning up so I can kiss him, a full kiss this time, but slow, slow, and tender… kissing him my future, my promise. “I would like a bigger yard, for a bit more garden, and so Makoto can have a little more space to run, and maybe for a small pond…” She could keep some fish, then.
I move, loosening my obi so my kimono will shift to allow me to straddle him, and I begin to rub his shoulders. “I will get to fuss over you, even if I don’t make much fuss over the rest…” I smile. “And I know you will fuss, in your own way, just as much over me.” I laugh softly, and knead in, scooting closer so I can reach behind him. His shoulders are so -broad-.
>>Maa?EUR? It looks like I?EUR(TM)ll be holding a regular day job from now on so those things shouldn?EUR(TM)t be a problem
Softly, I ask, “are you not on special ‘projects’ these days?” I continue to work my hands over his tight shoulders. I was worried he was working too hard… but could still shoulders be more to do with sitting behind a desk than being out? I don’t want to meddle in his work but I hope… he can talk to me about it, as he once did. I smile. “I think I’ve found a new way of massage, so we can remain face-to-face.”
?EURoeIt took me a long time to come to terms with the idea that I deserve you.?EUR?
She stares back at me and I cock my head. “You told me a long time ago, people don’t deserve one another.” I put my cigarette down on the ashtray. “The ones that matter -should-.”
She moves on to my lap and we share a kiss, a much tender one that we don’t often share. I nod at the mention of a pond. I suppose eventually we will have to find a place that has that. She starts to rub my shoulder and I savor the feeling of having my muscles relax there a little.
“Hmm… You might have to that more often.” I say.
?EURoeare you not on special ?EUR~projects?EUR(TM) these days??EUR?
I think for a moment considering her question. Do I want to tell her? I shake my head, “Not -yet-, but I hope -soon-. I’ve told you before haven’t I? I’ve been stuck doing very -menial- tasks, looking over budgets, deciding on work schedules.” I point closer to my neck so she can knead harder there. “Ever since my promotion last year, I was officially taken off a case I was working on.” I do not tell her how closely it’s tied with the events in Ito. “At first I was not bothered by it… They even replaced me with a novice but cocky young man named Shindou.” My eyes suddenly narrow. If I left everything to him, nothing will get done.
“Ah don’t worry about my work.” I grin and look up, “I’ve got it all figured out.”
>>Hmm?EUR? You might have to that more often.
“Then I’ll need to practice more so I can do this well,” I laugh, following his clues as he shows me just where he needs… although I can feel the areas of stiffness and tightness as my fingers move over and across his shoulder. He tells me about work. Shindou… the problem with young men with that attitude, they’ll drag others into trouble with them.
>>Ah don?EUR(TM)t worry about my work. I?EUR(TM)ve got it all figured out.
I grin at him, proudly. “I -know- you do. But your wife-to-be is a good listener, with very skilled hands to help you relax after a long day.” I lean in closer, setting my chin on his shoulder, as I reach under his arms to move my hands behind, so I can reach lower down to the area around his shoulder blades. I nuzzle his cheek with mine and inhale the scent of his skin at his neck… well, this is good for me as well. I grin.
I sit back up. “Do you think that you’ll be able to get a couple of days free? We should to go to Kyoto, you’ll need to talk to Tamesaburo-kun.” I reach around his waist to touch his lower back, feeling tightness there. “Turn around, and I’ll get your full back. My arms aren’t very long.”
A chuckle escapes me as she leans in further and settles her chin on my shoulder. My nose do not miss her scent and I close my eyes relishing her smell. Did a woman ever smelled so good to me? I wrap my arms around her waist and the weight hang on there, feeling more relaxed. It seems my neko-chan is feeling rather playful tonight as she brushes her cheek against mine so I let her.
?EURoeDo you think that you?EUR(TM)ll be able to get a couple of days free? We should to go to Kyoto, you?EUR(TM)ll need to talk to Tamesaburo-kun.
I’m surprised at her question since we just got to Tokyo after all. “Already wanting to show me off hime?” I look at her as she pulls away from me. “I’m not sure we can. Makoto will be going to school next week.” Or at least I hope she will -if- she passes, “We can’t just pull her whenever we please. It’s not like there’s anyone else to take care of her here.”
I turn at her request, as much as I can in this position anyway. “Was there something you wanted to do in Kyoto? And what do I need to speak to Tamesaburou about?” -Him-. He’s not as easy going as Yuunosuke. I remember I took his money in the guise of searching for Hide in Ito… However, I truly did not know the circumstances that time. Either way it will probably be a -long- talk.
>>Already wanting to show me off hime?
I laugh. “Mmmm… and what I have to show off! I could kiss you again on the ground between the stones at the old temple…”
I nod, I understand about school, how important it is – after all, I had such little formal education myself… “But they do get breaks and short weeks at times, if it’s anything like the school in Ito. And I wouldn’t want to leave her behind. She needs to meet her other uncle, and her aunt and cousins.”
I scoot off his lap, to the sofa behind him, and I take off his jacket, bidding him to lean down a little, and I start kneading the broad expanse of his back. “Tell me where to go if I don’t find it,” I say, kissing the back of his neck.
>>Was there something you wanted to do in Kyoto? And what do I need to speak to Tamesaburou about?
“We need to tell him that we’re getting married. He’s my -little- brother but the head of my family.” I smile as I continue to work on my ookami-sama’s back. We’re doing this properly, and family is a part of it. And I want them to know, just why I am so happy… “He’ll probably offer a dowry, I doubt it will be very much but it could be enough to put towards a new place for us.” After all, he has the children, and how much it must cost to keep the house going… but I know him, and the pride he has in being the head of the the family, and trying to take care of me and Yuunosuke as well as his own family.
I move back so I can sit on his lap again, and kiss him. “Your back and shoulders feel better?”
She talks about the old temple we went to in Kyoto and I remember a little bit of that day. At least I remember why we ended up going there. I didn’t really know she herself was so superstitious but I suppose it couldn’t hurt.
And I wouldn?EUR(TM)t want to leave her behind. She needs to meet her other uncle, and her aunt and cousins.?EUR?
“Of course. We’ll have to time it.” I say but know that school break just ended so it will be for some time. I wonder how Makoto will take to her cousins, they’re almost strangers really. She’s never seen them and she’s already six. It’s not too late I suppose.
?EURoeWe need to tell him that we?EUR(TM)re getting married. He?EUR(TM)s my -little- brother but the head of my family.?EUR? ?EURoeHe?EUR(TM)ll probably offer a dowry, I doubt it will be very much but it could be enough to put towards a new place for us.?EUR?
“Wait Hide…” I stop her for a moment and turn, “Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves.” I pause trying to find the right words to say that would go over well and not sound like an excuse. “There are things to be done. I do not want to face your brother and talk about marriage when…” I breathe slowly and continue, “we can’t actually do it. There are laws to be followed. It’s not that I don’t want to…”
Suddenly I’m feeling a bit uneasy, even a bit panicked but all I could do was narrow my eyes at an object behind her. With all the time we spent together, I’ve not spent enough time fixing what’s in Aizu and also what’s still -here- in Tokyo. “I sent a letter to Tokio today.” I tell her, “Mostly due to Tsutomu being pulled out from school. I also asked about Tsuyoshi.”
Of course I didn’t tell Tokio that I’ve found -her-, “your other woman” as she liked to call Hide… And that we’re now living together. If I did that, convincing Tokio to let Tsutomu continue his last year here would be close to impossible. I look away from Hide and start smoking again, I’ve not really given much thought to my two boys lately. I’m not even sure what needs to be done with Tsuyoshi. I wanted to see for myself which is why I’ve been toying with the idea of going to Aizu but everytime I thought about it, I end up not going. I sigh and take a drag.
“I also don’t want your brother’s money. Dowry or not.” I say.
>>It?EUR(TM)s not that I don?EUR(TM)t want to?EUR?
He struggles with his words, pausing, with deliberate breaths, in the way I know… I touch his face. “We will when we can.” He said it will happen. “But I do tend to think ahead of myself.” I play with his bangs, and then let my fingertips glide across his forehead, down his cheeks, across his lips. “We’ll see my brother, when it’s time. Until then…” I look into his eyes, and nod.
A letter? He speaks of his sons. I’ve always wondered… how they would fit in our lives. If Makoto and I would ever be able to know them. I reach over, taking his hand, lacing my smaller fingers with his large ones. “Perhaps… a trip to Aizu must happen?” I ask, awkwardly.
“I… will go with you, if you wish. I know I couldn’t go all the way. Even if it’s like that time in Kyoto, where I have to wait for you…” I squeeze his hand, waiting for his reaction. Holding tight to counterbalance the response that will come. I’m responsible for a share of the pain he’s in now, a part of the issue that’s forcing this long-festering issue into the open. And I’m with him for all of it. I can’t have my happiness until then.
I lean my head against his arm. “I’m sorry… but I want to be able to do something, and my power is… my love and support.” I’m quiet for a moment. “But, one more thing… your sons are a part of my life, as a part of loving you. I love them for being yours.” Their mother… no, that they are his is what matters to me. Perhaps that’s naive as well.
I’d rather see it as hopeful. I slowly, softly, kiss his cheek.
?EURoeWe?EUR(TM)ll see my brother, when it?EUR(TM)s time. Until then?EUR??EUR?
Something in the way she says this… I wonder if she’s just pushing herself. “We can visit Kyoto anytime. I won’t hide. I’ll speak to Tamesaburou and explain the situation.” I tell her. “If you’d like Makoto to become more acquainted with her kin, we should.”
She asks about Aizu and it’s slight but I feel her hand tremble. I close it in mine. “I don’t know yet.” That’s the truth. I don’t know what I’ll do there or what I’ll see. “I don’t see it anytime soon until we can find someone to take care of Makoto for a few days without her missing school.” Truth is, it’s one thing if Hide does go with me, she can handle herself when faced with my old acquaintances, friends even. But Makoto is just a child and wouldn’t understand.
?EURoeI?EUR? will go with you, if you wish. I know I couldn?EUR(TM)t go all the way. Even if it?EUR(TM)s like that time in Kyoto, where I have to wait for you?EUR??EUR?
“Ah… It might be something like that.” I grin a little, “But you don’t have to lock yourself up in an inn. You’ve never been to Aizu right? You might as well see what it was like when we moved up North.”
I talk of course of the Shinsengumi. My memories in Aizu are long and convoluted but it can’t be denied that experiences there run deep, even if I’ve removed myself from it.
?EURoeBut, one more thing?EUR? your sons are a part of my life, as a part of loving you. I love them for being yours.?EUR?
She leans on me and tells me things I want to hear. Her voice is low but sincere. I’m glad for that and place an arm around her. I had often wondered how it would be like if she was the mother of my sons, how different things might’ve turned out even in that wilderness. She kisses my cheek and I mutter, “Thank you.”
Leaning back on the sofa, I breathe a sigh of relief, knowing if I did disappoint her at least it seems like she can handle it for now. I take a long drag on my cigarette. “It’s getting late, you probably should go to sleep.” I tell her since sleep seems elusive tonight.
He relaxes, and I’m gifted with a small bit of a grin, and I relax, next to him. My family will be nothing compared to what is there in Aizu. Tamesaburo may be the head of the family, but he is still my -little- brother who slathers and inch of wasabi paste onto anything he eats. And who understood enough to let me move to Tokyo alone, all those years ago…
“We can wait, my older niece and my nephew will be in school as well. We need not rush.” Don’t they get a break at the end of the term, before the new one starts in April? “Besides… I would like her first view of Kyoto to be in its springtime glory. It doesn’t show its best face in winter.” I laugh a little, it’s mostly -soggy-. But it’s always a special place to me. “But let’s get her settled in there first, and -in- school.” Though I don’t doubt she’ll pass… she’s so bright!
“Yuunosuke could stay with Makoto, he won’t be teaching again until at least spring term. If Saya-san’s schedule permits, her as well – Makoto really likes her.” Those are two people who my child knows that I would trust with her – even if I will need to provide a list of local take-out places… that and Yuunosuke knows of our situation.
“I’ve never been north of…” I think for a minute. “Here.” I grin up at him, softly. “At least, in this world.” I laugh a little, the city of glass and steel is very north and -cold-, and what about Rome? But I would like to see, the places he knew, in those years between the times we knew each other, and our friends who were there as well. And perhaps something else. -Perhaps-.
I snuggle against him at his word of thanks… I said what needed to be said, something I’ve felt for a long time but because the topic never comes up. Ah, and Eiji-kun as well, although, he is a grown-up young man now… he is also a part my Hajime.
He speaks of sleep, and it is late, another night of talk but a night together. “Mmm… I can stay up a little later. Will you stay tonight?” I ask, feeling like Makoto as a yawn escapes, even as I protest bed. I grin a little…
?EURoeWe can wait, my older niece and my nephew will be in school as well. We need not rush.?EUR? ?EURoeBesides?EUR? I would like her first view of Kyoto to be in its springtime glory. It doesn?EUR(TM)t show its best face in winter.?EUR?
“Was Kyoto that beautiful?” I try to think back. The last time I went sightseeing was with her but I’m sure she’s speaking about the hanami. “Did Kondou-san ever took you sakura watching?” I ask, remembering that time when I thought the commander had simply lost his mind.
She talks about Yuunosuke and Saya, how we can leave Makoto with them. I cup my chin. “I’ve not heard from Saya lately. I did hear that she was able to testify succesfully.” But as to what happened after that, whether she stayed in Kyoto or not. If she had stayed in Kyoto I wondered if she and Yuunosuke ever met again.
?EURoeI?EUR(TM)ve never been north of?EUR??EUR? I think for a minute. ?EURoeHere.?EUR? I grin up at him, softly. ?EURoeAt least, in this world.?EUR?
She laughs and I’m certain her mind is elsewhere. I wonder where? The city of steel and glass? The one with dreary skies? Or the one with all the lights and not enough seats? Or the one with all the flowers… Wait that wasn’t north of here…
I nod and pull her closer to me. “Aizu is not that far up north. In fact it’s about half way between here and Gonohe.” I smirk at that, to be quite blunt I’d rather take her to Gonohe than to Aizu. Perhaps have her taste Basashi. The pot boiled snakes however, I doubt she would like.
We snuggle together for a moment. I watch as my cigarette fizzles and finally burns itself out. She yawns but pretends not to be sleepy. I sigh. “I’m not going anywhere tonight.” Which is true… Gone are the days of being a nocturnal creature or a man with no sleep. In fact perhaps I have too much free time now. I -must- make myself useful again. “If you’re waiting for me to carry you upstairs… It’s -not- going to happen.” I jest of course. If she really wanted it, I wouldn’t decline after all it won’t even take me a minute to go back to our room.
>>Was Kyoto that beautiful?
I nod. “Very much so, but I’m biased.” I laugh. “Although this Tokyo… I must say, is very nice too, and without such heavy summers.” I smile at an old memory of a man we both knew, and who, at times, had the most wonderful ideas. “Yes, and my father.” My father came to admire Kondou-san so very much…
>>I?EUR(TM)ve not heard from Saya lately. I did hear that she was able to testify successfully.
That’s good, she’s a very dedicated police officer as well. “I’ll ask Yuunosuke if he’s seen her again.” I know he wanted to… my littlest brother was charmingly transparent about that.
“Aizu isn’t as north as it always sounded.” I smile. The railways have changed things. Gonhoe… I wonder if he’ll ever take me there. He’s seen the places in my life, the corner of Kyoto that was my entire universe, and I want to know all of his.
He tells me he’s staying home tonight and I’m happy, I do sleep best surrounded by him, his head on my chest or me wrapped around him.
>>If you?EUR(TM)re waiting for me to carry you upstairs?EUR? It?EUR(TM)s -not- going to happen
I grin up at him, and steal a kiss. “If you do… I’ll give you a -full- backrub. The kind with warm oil…” I pat his shoulders lightly. “To make up for carrying such a small but -heavy- woman,” I tease, my mind wandering to other things that we’ve used that oil for…
The night passed and…
I couldn’t resist after all…
I look to my right where Hide is sleeping. It’s still very early and I need to get going if I’m going to personally find a present for her. It’s one of those instances where our spaces intertwine with -here-. I don’t mind it. It’s the best type of arrangement for myself and I hope for her as well.
Quietly I get ready, taking my uniform and heading straight for the washroom. I stare for a moment at the mirror and muse to myself. Is this the person that she sees? My hair is a mess so I fix it. It’s then that I notice a few scratches on my arms. Nothing significant. She really does deserve the names I’ve given her. With a chuckle I put on some after shave I’ve gotten -elsewhere-. I didn’t take long to dress, it was a bit cold so…
Stopping by the kitchen I look for something to eat. There’s some leftover fish and a small bowl of soba. I’d turn on the kettle and make some coffee and -maybe- tea but it will probably be cold by the time she wakes up. So instead I write her a note…
Hide,
Sumanai. I couldn’t wait for you as I have an errand to run this morning. I’ll leave half of my pay for you to handle as you see fit. Today you and Makoto were going to find clothes correct? Be careful.
I’ll see you later this afternoon. I plan to be home early.
Hajime
I leave the note and the money on the counter right beside the kettle. She should see it there when she makes tea. It would be the first time I’m doing this and I wonder if it’s the right thing, only giving her half. I used to let Tokio handle all our monetary affairs while I kept a small allowance. The money I make now is better than the past year but it was -nothing- compared to when I was still undercover (the keishikan of course provided hazard allowances due to the extra risks), plus I’m only leaving her half which is quite lean compared to what I left to Tokio. I stand there wondering if I should reach into my pocket and leave the rest. Money was one of the things Tokio and I argued about, I do not want it to be an issue again. No matter how much I left to Tokio it wasn’t enough, but Hide is different. We can live simply.
?EURoeHe?EUR(TM)ll probably offer a dowry, I doubt it will be very much but it could be enough to put towards a new place for us.?EUR?
I frown thinking of what Hide said last night. It wouldn’t be the first time she’s thought about either her kin or herself “helping”… No. I refuse anyone’s help. Money is a different matter even if it’s offered. Someone will end up resenting the other like Morinosuke or will expect to be granted a favor like Namuzawa. With a sigh, I take out the rest after securing my “allowance” for the next week and leave it on the counter. Besides it’s not that time of the month yet…
Taking my sword, I proceed to leave and it’s then that I remembered I haven’t checked up on Makoto. So I go upstairs to her room.
(OOC: Hide may catch him in Makoto’s room or not. If not he will exit to start his day)
Noises… slight… I turn and see the space next to me is empty, but not too cold – he was just here… I grin slightly, looking around the room, with evidence of our night last night. I stretch out… how nice that I still feel relaxed, from what happened in that other space. I’m glad we could enjoy ourselves here, and wake here. It’s still early, with the first bits of light beginning to glow on the eastern horizon.
Going in the washroom, it smells like him and something else delightfully masculine that I can’t quite place… certainly not here. I wash my face and fill the tub to warm, for baths after breakfast.
I open the door to Makoto’s room, to see if she’s still sleeping… and Hajime is already in here. I kiss his cheek. “Good morning… she’ll like waking up to you.” Just like her mother. “It won’t take me long to make breakfast.” There’s rice left from last night, and soup, and the rest only takes moments…
?EURoeGood morning?EUR? she?EUR(TM)ll like waking up to you.?EUR?
“You think so?” I wonder if it’s too early. My kids are not morning people and nor is Hide, at least six years ago. I look down and Makoto and smile. “I was just about to leave…”
?EURoeIt won?EUR(TM)t take me long to make breakfast.?EUR?
“I already had some of the fish and soba from last night.” I turn and decide not to wake Makoto up. I might be tempted to stay longer if I do. “I’ll go downstairs with you.”
>>You think so? I was just about to leave?EUR?
I smile and nod, kneeling down. I shake her shoulder a little. “Makoto-chan, your Chichi is going to work now.”
She opens a sleepy eye. “Okaasan its still dark…”
“Chichi works hard,” I remind her, and she smiles and nods against her pillow up to Hajime. “He’s the best.”
She looks up at him and opens her eyes. “Good morning, Chichi and Okaasan.” She yawns, and I pull up the covers around her. “We will play later.” She’s back asleep even as she speaks…
I smile and leave the room with Hajime, and down to the kitchen. “She’ll pop right out of bed if it’s light. But before then… ” I laugh softly, and hug him. “So in the winter, mornings come later for him.”
“Soba and fish, is that enough? I have rice and soup, and can make eggs in an instant…” I offer. “Perhaps some onigiri for later?”
The kitchen doesn’t smell like coffee, so I set the kettle on, and see the note. I read its contents, quickly, and look at the money. Coming back over I smile, I steal a quick kiss as I embrace him. “Thank you…” I know how to live carefully, Ito taught me that, as did our years hosting the Shinsengumi. Though we won’t be feeding a houseful of hungry, hungry samurai – just my cop and our little one. “You’ll be home early? Then her and I will do our errands after breakfast and baths.”
Ah Makoto is back to sleep before I know it. “Perhaps in the weekends…” I tell Hide as we go down the stairs.
?EURoeSoba and fish, is that enough? I have rice and soup, and can make eggs in an instant?EUR??EUR? I offer. ?EURoePerhaps some onigiri for later??EUR?
“Don’t worry about it Hide, however I would like some onigiri just in case for lunch.” I say as I follow her into the kitchen. Leaning by the window I start to smoke. Suddenly she comes over gives me a hug and steals a kiss. Ah I was hoping she’d see that -after- I left but her affections are welcome even if they sit strangely with me. It’s only money and not much at that.
?EURoeYou?EUR(TM)ll be home early? Then her and I will do our errands after breakfast and baths.?EUR?
I nod simply. “It’s been a while since you’ve been here. You’ll find Tokyo much busier than last time.” In a way I’m kind of hoping she’ll enjoy living here. I still worry over what was lost in Ito. With the water done, I take out some cups from the cupboard and hand it to her.
I set to making the onigiri, patting the rice into shape, making three with leftover fish filling and rolling it in furikake, and another with an assortment of pickles, and then wrap them all in nori, and then neatly in paper together. I also set some rice and soup to warm, for breakfast later with Makoto.
The water ready, I take the cups and make our tea and coffee, as light starts to sneak into the windows. He seems strange about the money – was it an issue with Tokio? He should know me better than that… how could I turn down, or be unhappy with him trying to take care of his family?
>>It?EUR(TM)s been a while since you?EUR(TM)ve been here. You?EUR(TM)ll find Tokyo much busier than last time.
“It seems so… I see a lot more rooftops from the upstairs windows.” I love my Kyoto, stately and ancient and whose streets I know by heart, but Tokyo has a sense of life, and a touch of the west that brings interesting new things while still being so very Japanese… “Busy means more things to see and do.” I grin, and come closer, to sip my tea while I lean against his arm.
I take my coffee. It seems, I actually wanted a cup but was trying to slip out earlier than usual. I blow a smoke towards the window.
?EURoeBusy means more things to see and do.?EUR?
“You won’t be too carefree out there will you?” I ask. This is Tokyo after all at one point I was so paranoid enough that I’d escort Tokio around town. But if those days had taught me anything, that I need to let her be and just trust her otherwise she’d feel like a prisoner here. Flicking the cigarette away and finishing my coffee I turn and kiss her on the cheek. “You know where to find me if anything happens.”
It’s then that I wonder if I should try again with her. Teach her how to defend herself. I stare at her for a moment, she’s a small woman. I don’t want to give her any false ideas. Placing the cup down, I kiss her cheek and take the onigiri.
“I should be going.”
>>You won?EUR(TM)t be too carefree out there will you?
I shake my head, and take a sip of tea. “I will be careful.” The last thing I want, is for him to worry.
>>You know where to find me if anything happens.
“Yes, Hajime.” I look up at him. I know he takes this very seriously… as he should. This is our family, after all, and these are not the safest of times. “And I shall keep my eyes -open-.” I smile softly as he stares at me. I know he worries. And I love him for it.
I walk with him out to the gate. “Take care today, and we’ll see you soon.” I kiss him before he leaves.
(OOC: you may close)
She makes assurances and I can leave to start the day. I’d have leaned in again to kiss her but it seems this morning we’ve overdone it a little.
I tilt my cap for her before putting it on.
“Ja matta…”
(OOC: close)