Tokyo is very big!? A lot bigger than Ito, and people push and shove and walk fast.? Okaasan said it?EUR(TM)s because Ito was a vacation place, so people didn?EUR(TM)t hurry.? There?EUR(TM)s a lot of food stalls, all sorts of foods. ? ? We had to go a long long way.? I don?EUR(TM)t know about this uniform.? Okaasan said it was a sailor uniform.? But I?EUR(TM)ve worn a ?EURoeskirt?EUR? before, when we visited the fishies.?
?
Taiyaki is YUMMY.?
?
Okaasan also said we would need to go out again and find me a ?EURnice- kimono to wear.? Nice means I can?EUR(TM)t run or play in it.? But I did get a present, for standing really still while the lady at the store made my uniform fit.?
?
?
I like making pictures!? I will make one for her and Chichi when we get back home.? Also!? We got to take a carriage home.? I want to ride a horse again someday?EUR? like the pony at the farm?EUR?
?
We get home and I see something on the engawa.? It?EUR(TM)s a box, almost as big as me.? ?EURoeWhat?EUR(TM)s that, Okaasan??EUR??
Shopping went well, even if Makoto was a little impatient ?EUR but she?EUR(TM)s not a clothes person, but at least we got out. Bundled up well against the dry, chilly weather, we made our way all the way across Tokyo. Seifuku are slowly becoming popular, along with Western educational models. But our little girl is still Japanese, and she will learn all of the arts and traditions that I learned, even if I will be teaching her?EUR?
At home, there?EUR(TM)s a large wooden crate. As Makoto peeks at it, I look at the label on the top. Sender: Yugi Yuunosuke.
?EURoeBooks?EUR???EUR? I wonder. My littlest brother must have lost his mind, this box is ?EURmassive-?EUR?
?EURoeMakoto-chan, first lets get our packages inside. Then we?EUR(TM)ll come back to look at the box.?EUR? She sighs and I grin?EUR? my curious little girl.
The cold breeze makes the paper label flutter, there?EUR(TM)s another under label underneath. I stop and look. Sender: Mochizuki; Recipient: Yagi Tamesaburo. This is only stranger?EUR?
We go in and eat lunch ?EURtaiyaki alone isn?EUR(TM)t enough ?EUR before going back to the crate. I pry off the lid, there?EUR(TM)s two letters on the top. The first one is from Yuunosuke-kun.
Dear onee-san,
This box came, and you were very lucky that I was the only one home to intercept it! Our brother, Hanako-san and the little ones were off to Hanako?EUR(TM)s mother for New Years. I told him that you were returning to Tokyo, but certainly not of the circumstances. Your stories remain yours to tell, onee-san, and I am very trustworthy!
Since I?EUR(TM)m writing this at the train depot, this won?EUR(TM)t be a long letter, but I do hope to come visit soon, but first?EUR? there are things here that I wish to give my attention to.
Your favorite brother,
Yuunosuke
I smile and wonder what these “things” are. I mention to Makoto that her uncle Yuunosuke will visit again soon, and I’m told that I have to help her protect her shrimp? Oh, the things little ones remember… I open the other letter, and sit on the edge of the engawa to read it. Makoto pokes at the box but I ask her to wait for a minute while I read.
Dear Yagi-san
I ?EURhope- this letter finds you well. We were all so worried about you and Makoto-chan, and your friends disappeared too. The police will not tell me or my Isamu anything?EUR?
So please forgive me for taking the liberty of finding you through your brother, whose name you had given me once before.
Not three days after you were gone, Sugiyama-san was up at the house in an agitated whirlwind ?EUR she was complaining about the damage (a few broken shoji screens is nothing to repair, the rest was just disarray), of the cost, the trouble of replacing you at the onsen (even though she had fired you? She took to rambling after a while) ?EUR? well, Sugiyama-san is?EUR? Sugiyama-san. She can be kind but expects much in return. Perhaps this is why her onsen is struggling…
We were able to convince her to take your furniture to pay for her troubles and damage, but that I could forward on your personal effects. You are lucky, Yagi-san, that Sugiyama-san does not know fabrics like my husband does?EUR? You had so many lovely things, I do not know why you wore those dull kimono while you were here!
I am afraid that I couldn?EUR(TM)t pack all of Makoto-chan?EUR(TM)s books, nor all your kitchenware in this crate, for fear of breaking other things.
We all hope to see you one day soon, you and Makoto-chan are missed. I wish the girls had had a proper chance to say good-bye, but Isuzu-chan has been adapting well. I will always be thankful to your little one, for Isuzu-chan is no longer the shy child she once was before. She can even stand up to her brother ?EUR who is troublesome, in the way of brothers. She has sent something for Makoto-chan; I am told it is something not for mothers to see?EUR?!
Come back some day, or write? We?EUR(TM)d like to know that you and Makoto-chan and that man you looked at with such a look in your eyes are doing well.
– Mochizuki Hiroku
I stand, blinking a little. They were good to us?EUR? ?EURoeMochizuki-san wishes us well, and was able to save some of what we left behind in Ito,?EUR? I tell Makoto.
She peers at the letter. ?EURoeWhat did Isuzu-chan say??EUR? She looks at me with anxious eyes. She?EUR(TM)s adapted so well to the changes, but I know her friend is still someone she thinks about. At the top of the box is a small bundle, with Makoto?EUR(TM)s name written on it, in hiragana. I smile. ?EURoeThis is for you, and the message I was told, that it?EUR(TM)s a secret to you.?EUR? Her eyes open wide, and then she smiles. ?EURoeOoooh?EUR? I like secrets.?EUR?
?EURoeWell let?EUR(TM)s get the crate unpacked, and ?EURthen- you can see what it is.?EUR? She nods and ?EURreluctantly- places her bundle aside. It smells oddly fragrant.
In it, we find our clothing?EUR? I make a face at the plain kimono I wore in Ito. ?EURoeThose aren?EUR(TM)t pretty, Okaasan,?EUR? Makoto tells me, with a child?EUR(TM)s lack of tact. ?EURoeYou need to wear pretty colors, those are for grandmas.?EUR? I laugh, and set them aside. I?EUR(TM)ll keep one for heavy work days but the rest I can sell?EUR?
The little treasures we left behind, and I set to work while Makoto takes a rare afternoon nap, setting out wall hangings, some of which I had never unpacked in Ito?EUR? Mochizuki-san did a good job, she carefully wrapped and sent my best breakables and left my everyday dishes and whatnot behind, which is fine?EUR? Picking out my favorite vase, I go outside and pick some of the winter foliage, to make a simple arrangement and place that in an alcove, below a wall hanging.
Our old house?EUR? is starting to look like home again. And to my brother and my friend?EUR? I must find some way to repay their kindness. And Hajime… he said he would be early? Ah, but it’s the nature of his work, and I turn my thoughts to what I can make for him, to relive him after a long day… I think I have enough time to make a good winter dish.
(Hide and Makoto are at home. Hide will begin making dinner shortly)
The walk over to Hide’s house is -anything- but dull. In fact it seemed like the longest walk of my life as I try to explain to Eiji about Makoto. At least as we neared the house, Eiji is smiling again. If anything… At least -that-.
“Well here we are.” I say and open the gates. It’s dark out and there’s a small light on the engawa. It’s nothing like the old house I shared with Eiji. He looks around and nods coming in. I close the gate behind him.
“So do you think Makoto-chan likes sweets?” He asks and raises the bag.
“Those aren’t entirely sweet.” I remember getting those for Hide and I after the faux pas from last night. “Come.”
We enter the house and he follows behind me, carefully leaving his geta on the gekkan. As I enter I’m surprised by what I see, a lot of -stuff-, obviously coming from the big box in the middle of the living room. Makoto is there still inspecting the things, some books which look very familiar.
“Well I’ll be…” I mutter to myself forgetting momentarily that I had Eiji with me. “I only sent the letter the other day… That’s quite the feat.”
Although I am following otou-san, I do look around closely. It seems they’ve not really been here to long since the place is quite bare, even beside the gekkan there’s no ornaments. Normally there would be something just to greet the guests. Fujita-san goes on ahead and I scramble a bit to catch up with him, finding myself right in the middle, between the living room and what seems to be the kitchen. The place is quite in disarray but perhaps it’s because of the large box in the middle.
I don’t say anything and watch the little girl who’s not noticed us yet. She’s right about that age… Surprisingly enough, the little girl hardly resembles him at all. I cough slightly to remind otou-san I’m -here-.
I put away Isuzu-chan’s present for later… She said it was a secret! I come back down and while Okaasan made me take a nap, she made the house smell all nice and warm.
Then I see… Chichi! I run over and hug him!
“Mochizuki-san sent our things from Ito! Look at all my books!” Maybe he will help me carry them up… “And I got a paint box!” I show him my prize.
Then I notice, there’s a man behind him. Oh… maybe just a really big boy. Who is he? I remember what Okaasan talks about manners, which she says I must mind with going back to school. I bow. “Hello, I am Makoto.” I look up at him, and I smile. He has a nice face! He looks at me funny…
I’m glad I had enough time to make oden… even if we are eating late since Makoto took a longer nap today…
I hear Hajime’s voice in the living room and smile, hearing Makoto’s voice answering back.
Then, oddly, I hear… Makoto introducing herself?
I turn around, and there’s a young man standing inbetween the living room and kitchen. He’s too old to be… but oh! Could this be Eiji-kun? He seems too young to be a cop, and I couldn’t imagine Hajime bringing someone from work home for dinner. I wipe off my hands, set everything so it can wait for a moment, and walk across the room.
For a moment I’m nervous, after all, Tokio was his foster mother, certainly they have a bond – what does he think of me? What does he know? But he doesn’t have hostility in his eyes… something more like curiosity, and I feel relief…
“Welcome, I am Yagi Hide.” I bow, and look up at the young man with a smile. “Please forgive my home, we have recently moved.” It does look a bit like a whirlwind, since dinner preparation came before unpacking.
I look over to my beloved as I step into the living room. “Good evening, Hajime.” I meet his eyes and smile. What’s the package he’s carrying?
?EURoeMochizuki-san sent our things from Ito! Look at all my books!?EUR? ?EURoeAnd I got a paint box!?EUR?
So it -was- from the Mochizuki’s. “That’s really nice of them Makoto. Perhaps you should try painting your mother’s garden to show to the Mochizuki’s. I can send your letters.” I smile slightly and turn to Eiji. I did hear him earlier…
Makoto introduces herself without any prodding. I’m glad. “Makoto this is Eiji-kun.”
I look at Eiji and take Makoto’s hand, “And here is the little girl I was telling you about, whom you’ve already met of course.” I can’t help but smile proudly at my daughter.
“Hello Makoto-chan. Do you like chocolates?” I hold out the bag for her and muster a smile, “They’re not really sweet.” I look at otou-san and decide it’s probably better if I introduce myself more accurately. “I’m Mishima Eiji. Your father took care of me when I was younger.”
As we were doing our introductions, a short woman comes over from the kitchen. I didn’t notice her when I came in, probably because I was distracted by the little girl.
?EURoeWelcome, I am Yagi Hide.?EUR? ?EURoePlease forgive my home, we have recently moved.?EUR?
I bow lower to the hostess of this house. “Nice to meet you. I’m Eiji.” I say and straighten up. “It’s alright. I’m sorry to have imposed on you tonight.” In these situations, I try to be as polite as possible. I steal a good look at her face, she’s not overly attractive nor is she tall. While Fujita-san was talking about her, I had imagined her to be one of those immaculate beauties or rather much more beautiful than Tokio-san. Maybe it is true what Fujita-san says that she was -very- kind to him.
I watch as introductions are made. Eiji’s eyes doesn’t escape me however. Well comparisons can’t be helped.
?EURoeGood evening, Hajime.?EUR?
I nod at Hide, “Were you able to go out today?” I ask. Normally I would be walking right away to her side and perhaps get my customary kiss, but not right now. “Is the table ready?”
“Eiji, Hide is a -very- good cook. Although you ate earlier, perhaps you should eat again.” He nods and I grin slightly. I never thought it would be this hard and Eiji is a very nice young man.
(OOC: Saitou is not carrying a package only Eiji)
>>That?EUR(TM)s really nice of them Makoto. Perhaps you should try painting your mother?EUR(TM)s garden to show to the Mochizuki?EUR(TM)s
I nod. “That’s a good idea!” Mochizuki-san always liked Okaasan’s garden. Then he tells me bt big boy’s name, and smiles at me. He seems happy tonight. Since I can’t reach him, I kiss his hand. Maybe he’ll pick me up later?
>>Hello Makoto-chan. Do you like chocolates?
I nod. “A lot!” I smile back at him, and then look in the bag. Oh it’s in a pretty box too! “Thank you.!” Then he tells me his name, and I look at him. Oh! So he knows that Chichi is -my- Chichi too. “Does that make you like a brother?” I ask, a little puzzled. I’d like an older brother, as long as he’s nicer than Isuzu-chan’s. And not a shrimp stealer like Okaasan’s!
“Are you a policeman like Chichi?” Okaasan says something about how she’s going to finish dinner. I hold up my fishie doll. “This is Momo-chan.” I should paint a picture of her for Isuzu-chan.
Hajime introduces Makoto to Eiji and that look of pride in his smile… I grin softly.
As I’m introduced to Eiji, I can feel his eyes on me… I wonder if he’s thinking of Tokio? I had been told that she is tall, and very beautiful… how did my sister describe it? Like a painting of a noble lady. Ah well… I am beautiful in the eyes of Hajime, and that brings light into my eyes. “It is no imposition, I am so glad to meet you. You will join us for dinner? We’re having oden.”
I enjoy Hajime’s compliment, noticing that Eiji-kun is very polite. It’s only natural, especially since Tokio raised him as well. I wonder what all Hajime told him? But he knows that Makoko is Hajime’s, so… perhaps he knows it all.
I then answer Hajime’s questions. “Yes, we went out today, Makoto has a uniform ready.” I smile over at him. “The table and dinner is almost ready – Hajime, could you help me get some of the plates down from the high shelf?” My stepping-up crate has gone missing…
?EURoeDoes that make you like a brother??EUR?
Well it looks like the little girl isn’t shy, that’s one thing she shares with Fujita-san. “I guess so?” I grin slightly.
?EURoeAre you a policeman like Chichi??EUR?
“Not really. My older brother was however…” I stop right there. I don’t usually think of him anymore nor mention it in front of otou-san.
I watch as she lets go of his hand and shows me “Momo-chan”. “I’ve never seen one like that.” I tell her.
Turning my attention to Yagi-san I nod. “I’ve not had home cooked meals in a while.” I smile, “It would be a welcome -change-.”
We go to the kitchen, all of us in rank and file. Yagi-san starts to prepare the table and I watch as otou-san seems to be uneasy, his eyes keep shifting from corner to corner.
?EURoeThe table and dinner is almost ready – Hajime, could you help me get some of the plates down from the high shelf??EUR?
“Let me do that for you Yagi-san.” I go to the place she indicated and reach for the plates quite easily. I’m not as tall yet as otou-san but I -am- tall.
Setting the plates on the table was a breeze. It’s not too long before all the food is on the table. I wait for the rest to be seated first. I wouldn’t want to sit on Makoto’s nor Fujita-san’s chair.
It’s odd to see Eiji doing what he does back in the old house. It’s almost surreal for me that I didn’t notice Hide was asking me to set the table. Oh well…
Taking Makoto, I place her on a chair beside me and indicate to Eiji where he can sit, right between Hide and I. “Eiji just came back from the military. He’s taking a break Hide…” I reach for some of the udon and pour it on Makoto’s bowl. “He’ll be staying at the machiya.” I do not tell Hide of any plans simply because he never indicated any plans at all… For a moment, I want to scold him again and send him packing to Hokkaido.
>>Let me do that for you Yagi-san
I’m surprised as Eiji steps in to help me in the kitchen… and turns to set the table. I make the finishing touches on the oden, including finishing the spicy mustard sauce. I’m glad oden is the sort of dish that by its very nature can serve more than it seems…
>>Eiji just came back from the military. He?EUR(TM)s taking a break Hide… He?EUR(TM)ll be staying at the machiya
“Eiji-kun, you are welcome to stay here, or, if you prefer the machiya, please join us for meals.” I smile.
I stand while everyone is helping themselves from the pot, and I’m glad that Hajime sees to Makoto, I wouldn’t want her to spill the hot liquid on herself… she does reach for some of the items I have in there specifically for her, which I skewered as they like to do back in Shizouka.
I bring over coffee and tea after bringing fresh rice over. “Do you like tea, Eiji-kun? Or we have coffee, or milk.” While I move around the table and set Hajime’s cup in front of him, I take a moment to rest my hand on his shoulder… too bad he missed my message about coming in to help earlier. I do so need my greeting kiss… I smile at him as I sit back down.
But I do wonder why, Eiji is taking a break from the military… and why Hajime has that look like he’s about to frown as he says it.
>>I guess so?
I tilt my head and at him and grin. “Good!” I smile. “Momo-chan is a fish, and she’s very big, and lives in the ocean. But see, it’s a fish that smiles!” I show him Momo-chan’s smile.
Eiji-kun is very nice and helps Okaasan. Then Chichi helps me get some of the oden. Mmmm… and Okaasan has some on sticks, just like back in Ito, with tiny atsutage balls just for me, and pink kamaboko.
I eat and listen to everyone talk. I am hungry, and the tayaki seems very tiny and long ago! Eiji is in the military… oh, that’s like the police, but for all of Japan. Chichi must like that.
The little girl is still showing me her fish and all I could do is smile and nod. I’ve not been around little girls so I’m not entirely sure what I should be saying. “I’ve only seen the ocean once.” I tell her as we set the table. “But maybe next year I’ll get on a boat.”
I help myself to some of the oden. There’s some kamaboko! I haven’t had those since… Well at least a year! That’s the first thing I take from the pot followed by some daikon and finally some eggs. That’s healthy enough!
Looking across the table I can feel Fujita-san’s eyes on me. I smile back at him. There’s really nothing he can do since I’m already here. I wonder however how fast he’ll make me leave, it seems it doesn’t matter whether to Aizu or back to the camp…
?EURoeEiji-kun, you are welcome to stay here, or, if you prefer the machiya, please join us for meals.?EUR?
“Fujita-san told me that he stays here now.” I smile slightly and take a bite of the daikon. “It’s probably best I stay at his place.” I consider her other request, to join them for meals. The food does taste good around here but a part of me is hesitant, after all what would Tokio-san and Tsutomu think if I spent too much time here? I almost sigh at that. Well… They’re not here and I did come for all of our sakes.
“I’ll probably drop in once in a while. The food is good Yagi-san.” I say and look at otou-san, wondering if he’s okay with that. I see him sigh but he doesn’t say anything so I’m going to take that as a yes.
“So Yagi-san, Fujita-san told me you were from Kyoto? So did you just recently move from there?” I take some more of the kamaboko. “I have a few friends there at the akabeko.” I smile thinking about Misao-chan, I wonder if Yagi-san knows her or if she even knows about the Oniwabanshu.
Eiji-kun seems to enjoy the dinner, going after the kamaboko. I’m glad I put a good amount of it in the pot…
Hajime is quiet… I stand up, and bring him fresh coffee, again, my hand on his shoulder. I wish I could tell him… this isn’t so bad. Eiji-kun is polite. He doesn’t know me enough to like me, but he didn’t dislike me on sight just because of who I am to Hajime. My hand tightens on his shoulder before letting him go.
Sitting back down, I answer the young man. “You are welcome at any time, and thank you.” Hajime sighs. I’m also glad that Eiji-kun knows that Hajime’s home is here now, even with the machiya still kept.
“Yes, I am from Kyoto, but I’ve lived here, and in a seaside town in Shizouka called Ito until recently.” I smile, and eat some of my dinner, before answering the next question. “I know of the Akebeko, it’s very well-known in Kyoto, but I’ve never been there.” Well, I know Misao-chan, but it’s been a long time… then I remember that he knows her as well. “Have you been there?”
>>I?EUR(TM)ve only seen the ocean once. But maybe next year I?EUR(TM)ll get on a boat.
“I used to live by the ocean. But all the boats there were for fishing.” I leave Momo-chan in the living room, since toys don’t come to the dinner table. “I like all sorts of fish,” I tell him.
Chichi is very quiet. I wonder if he is hungry too? Eiji-kun and Okaasan are talking about who is staying where, so I tell Chichi about my day. “Chichi, today I got new clothes for school. The skirt is twirly.”
She comes over bringing my coffee, it might as well be since I’ve finished my meal. She squeezes my shoulder… Why? Do I look that tense? I utter a thanks as she goes back to sit.
?EURoeChichi, today I got new clothes for school. The skirt is twirly.?EUR?
“Oh is that so?” I place some rolled cabbage on her plate. “I’ve seen those uniform before I think they would look well on you.”
“Remember Makoto, next week you have to go with your mother to Futuba.” I ruffle her hair as I get up, “Make sure you study well for the exam.”
Going by the window I start to smoke, just watching the scene before me.
At least he’s not looking as scary now that Yagi-san came over. That was something none of us could do, well except for Tsuyoshi who never noticed even when otou-san was in a bad mood. So I see he drinks more coffee now as well. Odd… We always had tea in the house and in the mornings all I could see was tea on the table. If he liked coffee why wasn’t there any? Odd…
?EURoeYes, I am from Kyoto, but I?EUR(TM)ve lived here, and in a seaside town in Shizouka called Ito until recently.?EUR?
I see so she’s moved from Ito and I suppose that’s the place by the ocean the little girl is speaking of. I don’t know much about that area unfortunately.
?EURoeI know of the Akebeko, it?EUR(TM)s very well-known in Kyoto, but I?EUR(TM)ve never been there.?EUR? ?EURoeHave you been there??EUR?
“Yes just recently on my way back here. Their beef hot pot is quite famous.” Unfortunately the person I was hoping to see again was not there. At least I got to meet the rest of them including the old man Okina. Misao once told me to grow up to be a “great guy” but sheesh, she’s wasn’t even there to see what a “great guy” I’ve become. Somehow with that thought, I find myself laughing a little. Oh… I’m being rude to Yagi-san. “You should really stop by there some time. I’m sure Saitou-san can take you.”
Ah… Here I am again with names. I really do wonder sometimes what I should call my keeper who’s smoking by the window.
I eat the cabbage. I don’t like it most but it’s better than other things. I also take the very last kamaboko.
I’m done eating, so I put my plate up, and thank Okaasan for dinner, and go to stand by Chichi. Now I can give him another hug. “I will study!” I wonder if that means that school is hard. “Chichi, what does ‘prestegious’ mean? That’s what the lady said today when we got my uniform.”
Then I remember something and go back into the living room. “Oh oh! Okaasan! Eiji brought us dessert! We have chocolates.” I’ve not had good sweets in so long!
We wrap up eating and I start to clean up the table, and pour more tea for Eiji-kun and myself. I had wondered if Hajime had spread his coffee habits to others…
“Makoto-chan, finish your milk,” I remind her as she leaves the table. “You want to be taller than Okaasan, yes?” I smile over at Hajime. “But not quite as tall as Chichi.”
Eiji starts laughing as he talks about the Akebeko. “That must be quite a beef hot pot.” And then he calls Hajime Satiou-san. Ah… it must be difficult, navigating as an adopted child, which Eiji would be. “I do hope to go back to Kyoto to visit my family in the springtime.”
Makoto comes back with chocolates, in a red box… and I think that this is not from Eiji-kun but something in response to something that happened elsewhere. “Oh, these are wonderful!” I also cut up and set out my last two pears from the other night. Taking a few slices of the pear and a piece of chocolate, I leave the sweets to the young ones and go to stand by Hajime, resting my head lightly against his arm, as I look up at him with a smile. “Pear?”
“Prestigious?” I look down at Makoto who’s now by my side. “It means having ‘honors’, an excellent reputation.”
As soon as I answered Makoto runs out and shouts back to us about the chocolates. Yes -those-. It seems that they’ll be for the children tonight, not that I think they will like them. I take a piece of pear that Hide offers.
I do not move from my spot. It’s an odd thing as Hide lays her head on my arm but I do not move away from her. Smoking quietly I find that words has left me for the entire evening. Normally I would be happy to see him and I -am-. Maybe things will be better tomorrow. I still haven’t talked to him about what he can be doing here in Tokyo, aside from wasting his time.
“Eiji it’s getting quite late.” I say and he looks back at me. “You can stay here for the night if you wish. There’s an extra room upstairs.”
He shakes his head, “I think I shall go back to the machiya Fujita-san.” He smiles and hands the box of chocolates back to Makoto. He’s eating more of his supposed present, than he realizes.
Flicking the cigarette out the window, I move towards him, “I’ll walk with you back then.”
This chocolate is quite good. I’ve never been a big fan of chocolate, my preference is the milky taste of yam but this one that otou-san got is quite good. Not overly sweet. I’ve eaten my fifth piece already when he reminds me of the time. I try not to grin at that. He still thinks I’m that little boy on the engawa…
I decline his offer. Although I don’t think there is anything that will go wrong if I stay, a small part of me is saying I should respect the boundaries.
“I’ll walk with you back then.”
I shake my head again and he has that -look- as if I’m disobeying him. I bow to him and Yagi-san. “You look tired Fujita-san. I can find my way back.” I look at Yagi-san, she seems nice enough, perhaps it is true what otou-san said that none of this was her doing nor of Tokio-san. Even his actions are proving it, he’s more likely to turn anyone away who cares about him and I do think Tokio-san was a good wife… “Thank you for the meal but I should be going Yagi-san.”
I know I’ve outlasted my welcome. I can feel it coming from him. It’s a very odd thing since the last time I saw him,he seemed sad that I was leaving.
(OOC: you may move eiji out)
>It means having ?EUR~honors?EUR(TM), an excellent reputation.
I think about it for a minute. “Oh. That doesn’t sound scary, then.”
Oh, Eiji-kun has to leave? “Its okay, Eiji-kun. You can come back and play another day. Did Chichi teach you night and day?” I bet he runs fast. “I can’t play now anyway. It’s bed time soon.” I make a face.
“It was very nice to meet you.” I am glad though, that Chichi isn’t walking him back. Then he can put me to bed!
I think of a book I used to have… I wonder if it’s in the box, so I turn to look in that. I look over my shoulder, they’re being silly, but I think that’s alright. It always makes Okaasan smile after they kiss! “I’m finding a story for Chichi to read to me!”
Eiji speaks of leaving, while Makoto asks him to play. I’m glad Hajime will be staying in with us, tonight. There’s something very important that needs to be seen to… and I still wonder why Hajime is slightly stern with Eiji? But this must be tense for him as well, but Eiji doesn’t seem like the sort of young man to come here to insult me.
“Eiji-kun, wait!” I run into the kitchen… there’s so much oden left, I must have been mentally cooking for the old days… laughing to myself, I fill a bento with rice, and some of the oden. Going back out, I catch Eiji at the door. “Here… should you get hungry.” With two brothers who I had to feed through that age, and at one time, a houseful of young men… I know they could eat an entire storeroom out in a night.
Quietly, I add. “Hajime… he doesn’t tell me all his stories, but I know you’re important to him.” I smile. “And I’m -very- glad to have met you. Please come back… you are always welcome here.” My smile widens. “And you’ll need to bring back my bento.” I bow, and close the door behind him.
(OOC: exit Eiji)
Returning to my future husband and our daughter, I go to Hajime, and put my arms around him. Makoto is back to poking in the crate. I look up at him. “I forgot to welcome you home, earlier.” I lean up for a long, soft kiss. Breaking it, I lean my head against his chest. “He’s a fine young man.” Not that I thought he wouldn’t be…
Suddenly the kitchen is empty. Makoto’s run off somewhere and Hide’s run off after Eiji with her cooking. I crank my neck left and right. Much better…
Quietly I take the plates off the table and place them on the kitchen counter. Our house is not that big that there’s an actual dining area, it’s a combo much like most apartments here in Tokyo. I can hear Hide speaking with Eiji, something about bringing back the bento. I was watching him closely earlier and it doesn’t look like he’ll be a problem to Hide and Makoto. It’s only natural I suppose that he was not as talkative as he used to be, after all my future wife and my child are basically strangers to him. He does take a while to warm up to people.
She comes back and we share a kiss, a much delayed one. There’s a certain relief in that kiss. Earlier if we had kissed it would’ve probably been a trite one.
?EURoeHe?EUR(TM)s a fine young man.?EUR?
“He’s always been the more disciplined in all of them.” I do not say kind of course, that one belongs to my youngest. “He’s grown up, I was surprised to see him so tall.” I smile at her and lead her to go to the living room where Makoto is still poking through the boxes.
Opening a window, I head straight for the sofa and -sit-. I watch Makoto, she took him well. I would dare say Eiji did well himself, but Eiji is my adopted child… I get a cigarette and light it up. “He really did appreciate your cooking.” I say, “He didn’t say it just to be polite.”
It’s one of those things I can tell from him. I know when he’s being polite and when he’s being truthful. Looking at hide I pull her to sit beside me. “I hope it wasn’t too much trouble for you tonight. He wanted to come after our talk. I couldn’t say no.”
I sit next to Hajime, watching Makoto pull more things from out of the crate. What could she be looking for?
>>He?EUR(TM)s grown up, I was surprised to see him so tall
Ah… now he smiles when talking about Eiji. “How old is he now? Eighteen?” I smile. “I’m glad he liked my cooking, and that’s not just my cook’s ego.” I laugh softly. It would have been a -simple- way for him to reject me, to not like my food. “But did you like dinner? I don’t know when I’ve made oden for you, but it seemed perfect for a cold day…”
I snuggle closer, and kiss his cheek. “It was no trouble at all. I’d always wanted to meet him…” I tilt my head to look up at him. “Ah, so you told him about us? He took Makoto in stride.” I smile over at her. “I think she liked him, too.” I take his free hand and lace my fingers through his.
Makoto pokes her head up and comes over. “Can he come back and play sometime? Did you teach him to play Night and Day too?” She climbs up into Hajime’s lap. “Chichi, I couldn’t find the book I wanted you to read me tonight.”
?EURoeHow old is he now? Eighteen??EUR?
I nod. “He’s getting to be a little hard headed.” Or was that in him all along? Perhaps the time spent away from us has this effect.
?EURoeBut did you like dinner? I don?EUR(TM)t know when I?EUR(TM)ve made oden for you, but it seemed perfect for a cold day?EUR??EUR?
“It looks like you’ll be broadening my menu of choice.” I place an arm around her.
?EURoeAh, so you told him about us? He took Makoto in stride.?EUR? ?EURoeI think she liked him, too.?EUR?
“He already had an idea a long time ago.” I frown a bit at that. He wouldn’t have known so early if I had been more careful. “There was no use trying to hide it from him.”
I look at Makoto. “Eiji’s always been nice to the boys. It helped him I think as well.” I say no more and just hold on to Hide’s hand. What was there to say after all? Makoto however climbs into my lap. I’m still surprised by it when it happens but she is her mother’s child.
?EURoeCan he come back and play sometime? Did you teach him to play Night and Day too??EUR?
“He already knew the game.” I brush her hair with the back of my hand, “I’m sure if you ask, he will play with you.”
She complains about the book and I tilt my head. “I’ll help you look for it tomorrow.” I tell her, “Chichi is a bit tired tonight.” I can’t seem to even grin at the moment. “Shouldn’t you be going to bed soon?” I kiss her cheek. “That way you can start the day early tomorrow.”
>>It looks like you?EUR(TM)ll be broadening my menu of choice
“Well…” I laugh. “I’ll try to keep dinner interesting, but there will almost always be soba on our table.” I let my other hand rest on his stomach. “After all, I will always be working on perfecting your favorite.”
He tells me more about Eiji, but I guess what I feel now is … relief. I nod and squeeze his hand. “As I told him, I’m very glad to know him.” His other sons won’t be as easy… but I will try.
Makoto joins us and asks about games, and books. “Yes, Makoto-chan. Why don’t you and Chichi go upstairs and get ready for bed? I’ll be there in a moment, but I need to finish cleaning up the kitchen and set things for ready in the morning.” I don’t think there will be enough rice leftover from dinner, for one…
She nods. “I have to practice school more. And you need to cut my hair.” I laugh and nod, giving her and her father a kiss as I stand and go to the kitchen.
?EURoeAs I told him, I?EUR(TM)m very glad to know him.?EUR?
I nod and start to get up. “Come Makoto. Time for bed. Brush your teeth first however.”
Walking to the stairs, I wait for my daughter to catch up, go up the stairs before me. I crank my neck a little as we go up the stairs.
I go in the washroom, and wash my face and brush my teeth. Okaasan got me a secret toothbrush, she said it’s like the glass fish house… its a lot softer than the regular kind!
Back in my room, Chichi is waiting and I change into my sleeping yukata, warm and padded for winter, and get under the covers. Today was very exciting. “Tokyo is big, Chichi… ” I yawn.
Okaasan joins us and hands me Momo-chan (oh, I forgot her downstairs!), and stands behind Chichi after kissing me, and has her hands on his shoulders. I pat Chichi on the knee and take my bear to bed too. “I liked Eiji-kun. He smiles nice!” I yawn again. Why do I have to get tired? I wanted to paint…
I watch as Makoto gets ready for bed. I don’t have to prod her so I just stand there until she got into the futon. Hide comes in as I tuck in Makoto. I get a “pat” on the knee. I wonder where she got that from?
She talks about Eiji and I merely nod and kiss her forehead. “Goodnight little one. I’ll see you in the morning.”
I nod at Hide, hopefully she’ll take care of Makoto for now. Going straight for our room I start to get out of my work clothes and into something more comfortable. That’s better… Opening a window I start to smoke.
I turn off the light in Makoto’s room, and I watch her turn over onto her side, whispering goodnight to her animals. “Sleep well, my little one.”
Entering our room, I see he’s changing for the night. I light the lamp, then undress, putting up my kimono as well as his uniform, and I change into my sleeping yukata.
I come behind him as he smokes by the window. “Shoulders tonight?” I kiss the back of his neck. This must have been a tense night for him, I can feel it as I kneed his muscles. “Mmmm… this better?” I keep my hands moving… if this becomes a nightly routine, I think we have a good one.
“Ah… Thank you.” I say and relax a little. “It felt like a long day today. I’m glad for it to end.”
I take on of her hand and put it on my cheek as I smoke.
“I was quite surprised he came.” Not that I didn’t think he wouldn’t. I just didn’t expect him to come rushing here. For some odd reason, seeing Eiji reminded me of so many things long forgotten or was it long neglected?
“Maybe I should send him to Aizu? He was looking for them.” I look up at her.
I come around to face him, and touch his cheek as before, letting my other hand work on the back of his neck. “I could feel it.” I smile.
>>Maybe I should send him to Aizu? He was looking for them
I nod. “You could.” I think for a minute. “Or we could go with him, but it wouldn’t be for a couple more weeks, I’d like Makoto settled into her new school.” I don’t know if that would help or hurt things, but the younger boys are probably fond of him. Their mother, on the other hand… I pull myself close to Hajime and rest my head on his chest. “Is that why he’s on leave – to check on everyone?”
She doesn’t think it’s a -bad- idea but I’m surprised she suggest that he come with us. “I’ll have to think about it.”
?EURoeIs that why he?EUR(TM)s on leave – to check on everyone??EUR?
“The idiot…” I take her hand, “was asked by my son Tsutomu.” I shake my head… Of all the dumb things he could do. He should know better than to listen to a -child-.
“Ah we should probably get to bed. You’re tired too aren’t you?” I knew she had a long day as well.
(OOC: you may close)
I lead him towards the futon.
>>The idiot?EUR?was asked by my son Tsutomu
“That says something about how kind your EIji-kun is.” That he would place his life on help to help his younger brother…
“I am tired, it was a long day of shopping, unpacking…” I laugh softly as I lay down. “And then tonight. But I find that the longest days are best spent by a night of offering my “fine pillow” to the one I love when he needs a good night’s sleep as well.” I smile, holding out my arms for him.