After a few days, middle of the week
I know what I’m doing is wrong. I -know- this. He will find out eventually. But maybe if he finds out later rather than sooner, things would’ve changed so I decided to only send his letter to Tsuyoshi. I take the letter intended for Tokio-san and leave it on the counter. Nothing good could come out of that letter sent or not sent. I sigh.
“Here you go sir.” The clerk hands me the money for this month.
The house is quiet – the children are at school, and Yukiko-san and Kinosuke-san are out on an errand that the addition workers sent him on – Kinosuke-san means well but he *hovers*.
I’m in the front garden tidying up, where it’s quieter, and I see Eiji-kun. I smile and greet him. “Good morning!”
“Good morning Yagi-san.” The house seems quiet, perhaps I should’ve gone here a bit later? Yagi-san is working her garden so I let myself in.
“Thank you for your understanding the other day.” I bow, she of course knows I’m referring to Tsutomu’s leaving without permission.
I wonder if I should give her the money but I have no one else to give it to. I could give it to Tsutomu directly but he’s still as otou-san said, a child and I don’t want to keep having him steal to the machiya. Taking a breath, I don’t have much choice do I?
Taking the envelope out of my hakama I hold out my hand, “Could you please keep this stipend for Tsutomu. Our Uncle Morinosuke, sends him a stipend every few weeks for his studies and other things he may need.”
I know it must reflect poorly on our family, after all I can’t really say it’s from Otou-san or Tokio-san can I, because it’s not? I wait for her to take it.
Thank you for your understanding the other day.
I nod. “I understand that this must be rough on him – leaving for Aizu, coming back here, and being left with a stranger. At least he has the same school but he must miss his brother and mother.” I smile at the young man, “I’m so very glad he has you.”
He offers me an envelope of money. An uncle – Tokio’s brother? I’m glad that she has some support there.
The stipend also explains the sweets wrappers I’ve found…
I take the envelope and hand it back to Eiji-kun. “Tsutomo-kun would prefer to accept this from you. If you’re busy I’m happy to do it, but school lets out shortly – you could either wait here, or meet him and Mokoto at the school. If you want to spend some time together, please just walk Makoto in here and please come back by dinner.” That would help me get dinner started before Yukiko-san does…
“I’ll do anything I can to help him feel welcome here, because he is.” I smile ruefully, “but I can only imagine his feelings, and I can’t -push- him. He’s kind to Makoto. The rest can wait.”
“I’m not so busy Yagi-san however, I don’t think it would be wise to just leave Tsutomu with the money.” It is a sizable stipend, quite overboard really for a child, why would Uncle do that? “So it’s preferable that someone administers it. I hate to be a burden but I’d rather not be the one to do that.”
I don’t add because I’d rather not stop by here anymore. “If you could.” I take her hand and place the envelope. “If it’s a bother maybe Yukiko can do it. Ah and his birthday is soon, I’m sure some of the money can be spent there.”
He’s kind to Makoto. The rest can wait.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” I had wondered. I’m -surprised- and wonder why. I was so certain it would not fare well.
“Well thank you Yagi-san.” I should leave. before anybody comes back. Maybe I should go to Himura-san after all.
(OOC: Eiji will leave unless stopped)
I also took the letter he left on the counter at the telegraph office. A letter addressed to a Takagi Tokio from Tsutomu Fujita. No doubt this “Tsutomu” is related to Fujita-san, but he called Tokio, “Mother” and who is “he” in reference to. Can it be Fujita-san? I had been looking at the records of this house and it seems that Kawaji-sama provided for it not too long ago. Fujita-san and Kawaji-sama must go way back. But who is the woman in the garden? It can’t be this “Tokio” right? That would not make sense. I’ll wait around here and watch some more. I don’t know much about the Superintendent but if I’m going to work with him, I need to know more about him. Besides it’s been dangerous in the ranks of the Police lately, he could be untrustworthy for all I know.
He seems… distracted? He’s no doubt worried about Tsutomo-kun, or perhaps he has other issues? “I don’t know you well, Eiji-kun, so perhaps this is not my place, but is all well? If you’re concerned about Tsutomo-kun, you can come with me to pick him up – but I can still handle the money, if that is what you wish.” Even if he has his own place to stay, he’s part of Hajime’s family, and the child that he took in and raised as his own, so I feel the same need to look after this young man, but I know that like Tsutomo, I cannot -push-. I can only leave a door open.
Even though Yukiko-san and Kinosuke-san offer to do the school pickup, I am wary about Kinosuke-san. He is kind, but he also seems to be the sort who would tell a stranger his life story, and some of the other waiting parents are -nosy-.
I tick the packet into my obi, noting that it was sealed by Eiji-kun.
“Ah it’s not that. I’m sure you’re doing all you can Yagi-san for Tsutomu.”
And then she mentions that Yukiko and Kinosuke were not picking up the children at school. I’m -surprised- and not relieved.
“Umm. Yagi-san so where did Yukiko and Kinosuke-san go and how long ago?” I can’t quite hide my concern. I suppose since Otou-san allowed him to stay here, he is just fine but should they be allowed to just leave like that?
you can come with me to pick him up – but I can still handle the money, if that is what you wish.
I nod. “If you could please. I would arrange things for his birthday in a couple of weeks but… I’ll be occupied.” I can’t quite come up with an excuse of -what- will pre-occupy me but that’s the best I could come up with. She mentions walking with her. I don’t particularly have anything to do and I’m sure Otou-san would prefer that I do accompany her. “If you’d like me to accompany you Yagi-san, then yes.”
But is Yukiko with Kinosuke alone? Don’t be stupid Eiji, they’ve been alone for some time now in Akashi.
Umm. Yagi-san so where did Yukiko and Kinosuke-san go and how long ago?
“About an hour ago, the builders sent Kinosuke-san out for a bracket from the iron-worker. Yukiko-san went as well since last time he got lost and didn’t find the place at all. It’s in the opposite direction of the school.” I open the front gate. I know Tsutomo-kun prefers Yukiko-san to meet him, as he usually walks two blocks ahead of us when I go.
But I prefer to go. It’s best I go. I can handle the other parents, and keep an eye on a certain one.
I would arrange things for his birthday in a couple of weeks but… I’ll be occupied
I close the gate behind us. “I’ll handle it, if you would let me know anything he would like in particular?” I smile. “And please know you’re always welcome should your plans change.”
Oh… Fujita-san allowed him to take care of the house addition. Interesting… But Otou-san probably was just pressed for time.
We walk in the direction of the school.
“Yagi-san, what do you think of Suzuki-san?” I want to know what he’s like. I’ve seen him a few times in the past but never at length, much less him spending time with Yukiko. He was a friend of Hiroaki-san, younger and they would drink sake together. I was too young to have sake.
I realize I’ve been walking silently the whole time. “Suzuki-san is an old family friend of the Yamaguchi’s. I had heard his family is how the Yamaguchi’s went from being a Sotsu (lowly foot soldier) to an actual Shizoku. Why do you think Yukiko is spending so much time with him?”
I ask mostly for myself. Perhaps Yukiko is just being greatful for the stature that was afforded to them? But I heard while they were drinking sake that Yuusuke Yamaguchi bought the title from them at a sizable sum. Yukiko probably doesn’t know that. I wonder if I should tell her.
“I’ll handle it, if you would let me know anything he would like in particular?”
“Tomu likes crunchy things. And out of all of us, he loves yams but those can easily bought in the store.” My mind drifts off to Tomu, it’s been 3 years that I’ve been away. I wonder how they celebrated his birthday then, Otou-san left the house a year before and the previous year he was in London, which leaves only that year. That was a really bad year for him, actually for all of us. It was almost a blessing he was forced to leave to tend to his injuries.
I’m not sure which subject displeases me more. I sigh.
I pause. “He’s kind, he’s been very willing to be helpful around the house and with the addition project,” I weigh my words carefully. “However, he seems… naive? But he’s from a small town and from a well-to-do family, so he’s probably not used to being as cautious as one should be in Tokyo.”
There’s something in his tone and I resist glancing over. “They seem to have some sort of arrangement but they… don’t seem to be… lovey?” I struggle for the wording. They talk a lot. But I’ve ran across them in the house when they’re alone and they’re always sitting across the room, quietly talking.
But perhaps other couples aren’t as amorous as others? Yukiko-san seems reserved.
We approach the school. The younger children are playing by the gates as always, and I see Makoto playing with… Kenji-kun.
I nod. “He’s definitely well to do.” I look down the road as we walk. “But I don’t think Yukiko would be blinded by such…” Wealth or Stature?
“They seem to have some sort of arrangement but they… don’t seem to be… lovey?”
It confirms what I’ve been thinking. But if they’re not as “lovey” as Yagi-san said, then maybe she’s just being forced in this arrangement or perhaps not forced but doesn’t realize it herself. After all the Yamaguchi family is bound to the Suzuki’s as their Shizoku sponsor.
Thinking these thoughts do not help. I need to be able to ask. “Do you think Yagi-san, that Yukiko is just being kind to Kinosuke? After all her family is -indebted- to the Suzuki’s since the beginning.”
We get to the school and I’m surprised to see Kenji. “Ah Yagi-san. I shall leave you here.” I don’t get too far from the gate. Himura-san might see me. I wouldn’t want to deny not knowing who Yagi-san is but certainly Otou-san would be distraught if Himura found out she and Makoto was important to him. But truth be told, I don’t see a problem. Himura-san and Kaoru-san are very good people. It’s just Otou-san is stubborn.
“But I don’t think Yukiko would be blinded by such… Do you think Yagi-san, that Yukiko is just being kind to Kinosuke? After all her family is -indebted- to the Suzuki’s since the beginning.
I grin a little. “I think being unreadable is a Yamaguchi family skill, and Yukiko-san does not confide in me. However, Hajime would not allow her to be forced into anything.” I know he wanted Yukiko-san here to help me, but perhaps there were other reasons?
Makoto looks up and spots me, and then Eiji-kun. She stands up and tells Kenji-kun, “my mom is here, and so is Eiji-kun – he’s very cool too!” She comes running over, full of excitement and energy. It looks like my little girl is settling in and enjoying school.
“Of course.” I consider her words carefully. Otou-san would never let that happen. But, then that means…
“Excuse me Yagi-san.” I bow to her and wave to Makoto just slightly, “It seems, I’ll be dropping by next week to help prepare for Tsutomu’s birthday.”
Maybe there’s still time. It’s not too late. Quickly I turn to leave before anyone else sees me.
(OOC: Eiji exits)
“my mom is here, and so is Eiji-kun – he’s very cool too!”
I look across and I don’t see anyone. Eiji-kun? Oh I know him! I stand up and follow behind Makoto-chan.
I look around, “Where’s Eiji-kun?”
That’s weird. I look up. Oh is she Makoto-chan’s mother? She seems tall. I smile at her and try to reach up. I want to pull her hair.
Where’s Eiji-kun?
“Do you know him? He had to go, he was busy.” I smile at the little boy, who is looking at me -strangely.”
“Are your parents here yet?” The crowd is starting to thin, and I’ve not seen Tsutomu-kun yet. To Makoto, I ask if she’s seen him. She shakes her head. School just let out, where could he be? Perhaps we should go ask in the office…
“Where could he be? Where could he be?” I look at the playground but Kenji isn’t there.
Sessha is going to be in BIG trouble!
I run to the other side of the playground, then to the grade school building. I run to the older classmen building.
Nowhere. Nowhere.
I go back to the playground and start searching again. Could he have left without me? Kaoru is going to get mad…
(OOC: Kenshin is frantically looking for Kenji in the wrong places.)
There’s this weird red-headed man going around the schoolyard. I watch from the 2nd floor of the building as he zips around. My eyes settle at the school gate entrance and I see -her-. It’s that time of the day huh? I’ll wait around a little longer. Maybe they’ll leave without me. I can get home by myself.
(OOC: You can decide to see Tsutomu or not. He’s still debating whether to go downstairs)
“Come, we’re all looking for someone,” I tell the children. I can’t leave the boy here – no matter who his father is.
We walk through the gates into the school grounds. The playgrounds have emptied, along with the sports field.
Then veering around the corner of the administration building, so fast I didn’t see him until he came up upon his, is Kenji’s father.
But where is Tsutomu-kun?
I look over the buildings again and I see him in a 2nd floor window. I wave at him, and I’m not sure if Makoto knows who I’m waving at but she joins in as well.
I bow to the lady in front of me. “Thank you so much for taking care of him. I wasn’t sure where he’d run off to.” Kenji pulls my hair again and I smile and grimace at the same time.
“Chichi-ue! I was looking for Eiji!” He pulls on my cheek.
“Now now Kenji. Behave we’re in front of people.” I bow again to the lady. “Where is Eiji?” I ask to no one in particular. Was he here to see us? ” Ah it’s too bad I missed him.”
“I’m forgetting my manners ma’am, My name is Kenshin Himura. I’m Kenji’s father.”
She waves to someone upstairs. I see a boy with wavy hair and a rather stern looking face. For a moment I read his “ki” and I’m surprised.
(Makoto)
Where is Eiji?
“Oh, Okaasan said he had to go.” I like the red haired man, Kenji-kun’s dad, he’s friendly.
Okaasan introduces herself, and says that we have to go home. “Tsutomo-kun will come home later, I’m sure he has something to attend to,” she tells me. But if it’s Kendo I want to stay and help! I’m sure he saw us but then I think that kendo isn’t upstairs.
I hope he didn’t get in trouble today! I try not to giggle.
OOC: Hide and Makoto will exit unless stopped
As soon as that man called Eiji left, I went into the schoolyard pretending to be a crossing guard for the kids as they go home. I watch discreetly as the event before me unfolds. I’m familiar with the red haired man, he used to frequent the precinct with Police Chief Uramura in the past but it’s the woman who holds my attention. Who is she? She can’t be the one called Tokio. They wave to a tall boy upstairs who obviously is ignoring them. I smile at a child who suddenly tugs at my sleeve.
“Carry me Mister Policeman.” He says and I say, “Now you know I can’t. If I carry you then others would want me to do the same to them. ”
He sticks his tongue out and runs away. The next thing I know the red haired man and the woman is leaving the gates. I consider whether to follow them but instead I think… I look up and smile.
Thank God they both left. That red haired man gave me the creeps! I put my things in my bag and close my eyes for a moment.
Can you feel it child?
No I can’t.
Try harder. Close your eyes.
I close them like he said and slowly I feel something. What is this?
What do you feel Tomu?
I’m not sure Chichi-ue. It’s like… I’m getting goosebumps. I’m not sure.
Concentrate..
It’s like a low buzzing, like energy? I open my eyes suddenly tired.
He grins. “One day you’ll be able to tell. Ki is like energy but it’s manifestation and quality is different with everyone you meet.”
I open my eyes. Was that “Ki” it felt like earlier from that red haired man, the snapping of leaves? Whatever. I need to go back now. They didn’t wait for me. -Good-. I knew they wouldn’t. I go down quickly and walk heading for the gates.
I pass by the crossing guard and quicken my pace but slow down. I’m not really wanting to go back there.
“Yo boy! You can’t be loitering around by yourself. ”
I turn and see the police crossing guard. “I’m not loitering, I’m just taking my time.”
“Either way. It’s unsafe you know, it will be dark soon. What’s your name? ”
I don’t want to give him my name but oh well. I shrug and continue walking.
“Hey! I’m going to give you a citation if you keep ignoring me. ”
He keeps following me. Stupid police!
“Fine. I’m Tsutomu Fujita!” I say and now really pick up my pace. This cop is annoying as my fath… no -him-.
“Well Tsutomu-kun I have no choice but to accompany you home. ” he smiles.
“Fine!”
We keep walking until we got to -her- house.
“I will have to speak to your parents. Can you please call them? ”
Suddenly I wanted to -hit- him with my shinai but I don’t. “They’re not here.” I say in a low voice and look down.
“Oh so you’re a latch key kid?” He kneels down to my level and tries to meet my eyes. “What’s the name of your parents or your guardian boy?”
I might as well have no parents is what I wanted to answer with. I grit my teeth and look away and blink. “I’m the son of Fujita Goro and Takagi Tokio.” I ball my hands into a fist. “He left me here with a woman named Yagi Hide.” The woman who ruins lives! I look up at him and blink and blink and blink and stare at him back!
Suddenly he ruffles my hair. “Go inside kid. I just wanted to see you home -safe-.”
I look at him. What? I nod and run inside, wiping my eyes on the sleeve of my shirt. Who was he?
(OOC: hide can choose to see Shindou or not but she likely can’t catch up to him. Tsutomu is gong straight to his room unless stopped. )
Yukiko-san had started dinner by the time we came home. Apparently the iron-gathering trip was successful. I’m glad, because the sooner the addition is finished it will be quiet here again.
I stay out of the kitchen to avoid hovering over Yukiko-san, and Makoto-chan is helping to set the table.
I see Tsutomo-kun come in the gate, and immediately I’m alarmed. His normally impassive face looks like stormclouds.
When his father has that look, I -worry-.
I should let him go, I’m the -last- person he wants to see, but I made a promise.
“Tsutomo-kun, good afternoon.” I get up and walk towards him. “I have something for you.”
Tsutomu: “Tsutomo-kun, good afternoon.” “I have something for you.””
You can’t possibly have anything I would want.
“What?” I turn and put on a straight face. She told me I’m to be strong around -her-. Strong.
Yagi-san leaves suddenly to the main part of the house. I tell Makoto to please keep setting the table.
“Stay here Makoto. I”ll be right back.” I smile at the young girl.
I step back a little, not quite entering the room. It seems Tsutomu is angry again… At Yagi-san?
I’m not surprised but something must’ve happened since he came home by himself. I probably should not have gone with Kinosuke.
And suddenly his face changes and I’m struck by the mannerisms he copies – probably without knowing it.
“Eiji-kun stopped by today,” I tell him. “He was unable to stay but he asked me to give this to you right away.” I give him the sealed envelope. “He said he’ll be by soon.”
The look on his face haunts me, and I ask quietly. “Is everything alright? Did… did the red-haired man say something to you?” He’ll probably brush me aside but I must always keep offering.
(OOC – she doesn’t notice Yukiko approaching – her focus is on Tsutomu)
I take the envelope. I’m sure it’s from Uncle Morinosuke. He sends me money all the time without fail. Now he is someone to rely on, unlike my own “father”. She tells me Eiji will be by. I don’t really care. I’m still mad at him for taking me back here.
“Is everything alright? Did… did the red-haired man say something to you?”
“You left at the same time that he did.” A stupid question. Say something to me? Not much say but -feel-. Before with -him- I thought it was electricity, the red haired man is like the snapping of the leaves but I know what that “ki” is now. It’s the feeling of murder. I look at -her-. Should I tell her? “It’s probably best not to speak to that person.”
I don’t need to speak to her anymore. “I need to start homework.” I turn and go upstairs before she can say anything else.
A red haired man could only mean Himura-san but why would Tsutomu tell Yagi-san to avoid him. And just like that he leaves. I can’t blame Yagi-san for trying. He’s such a different boy from when I saw him last but I saw him last 3 years ago when Eiji came to say goodbye. I step back into the kitchen and finish up with Makoto.
I place aside another plate of a simple rice and fried tofu dish. I’ll bring it to Tsutomu upstairs later.
Kinosuke comes inside and I motion him to sit and be quiet. He just smiles at me and complies.
It’s probably best not to speak to that person.
“I know.” I look at him. “And thank you.” How did he know? The Battosai looks so harmless. And despite his stone face, he looks… bothered?
An old memory…
We were coming back from his favorite wagashi store when Souji suddenly pulled me into an alley. “Quiet!” he orders, the smile gone from his face, as he dropped the package and put his hand on his sword.” The minutes lasted for what felt like forever, and I’m worried that he might be having a spell of his illness.
Then suddenly it’s over, and he is picking up his package and making silly complaints about this being squished, that being broken –
“What happened? Was that someone you knew?”
He’s quiet for a moment, and answers, “No, Yagi-san. I’ve never seen him before. But I could feel -” then he stops, and looks over at me. “A woman can’t understand.”
I sigh and roll my eyes, so he tells me, haltingly. “It’s said that a warrior – a good one,” he suddenly looks grim, “has a spirit. A fighting spirit. And that among some, they can feel it – their own, and that of others. It’s like… when the wind suddenly starts sucking up all of the air before a sudden summer storm.” He’s quiet. “I can’t describe it any better to you.”
“And in that man – I just felt it. And I’m sure he could feel it from me.” He shrugs. “He could have been a spy for Choshuu, or a recruit on his way to see Kondo-san, who knows?
But when out and about in Mibu, during the day, best to be safe.”
“Hijikata-san tells me I’m thinking too much, and Kondo-san says if it helps me with my skills, then use it. Most of think it’s all just a tall tale.”
“That’s why I like Saitou-san so much. He feels it too, even if he doesn’t like to talk about it. But he’s always -right-.” Then a grin spreads across his face. “So maybe he’ll understand and give me more money to replace all of these broken sweets?”
But Tsutomo-kun is just a child. But he’s also his child.
And then he’s gone, with the muttered excuse of homework.
I stand there for a moment, wishing I could properly -mother- him.
I return to the kitchen to see dinner ready. The rice is much better today! I sit down next to Makoto.
I spy a plate set to the side, and smile a little. At least there are others in the house to reach out to him.
Yukiko:
I’m glad Yagi-san comes back and let him be. Tsutomu can be difficult. My father used to tell me that the eldest is always very similar to it’s parents.
“So you see Yukiko-chan,” He smiles, “I’m the closest to your grandfather. Wisest. Smartest. Disciplined. The -best-.”
I can’t help but think of him. How I’ve missed him. I find myself smiling slightly and I catch Kinosuke watching me. I wonder what he’s thinking?
“Yagi-san, thank you for giving me tips on the rice.” It is much better.
“Yes Yagi-san. Much much better.” Kinosuke chimes in. Now what did he mean by that? I purse my lips a little.
“If you ladies don’t mind, I can clean up here.”
(OOC: You may close. I likely will start a new thread with one of the Misc_ppl)
Yagi-san, thank you for giving me tips on the rice
I nod. “Women should always help each other and share what they know of our skills. And you’ve promised me help on Kanto-stule food.” I smile at her, but suddenly her smile drops.
Kinosuke-san offers to clean, and I let him. I’m tired, sometimes, at the end of the day. “Come on Makoto-chan, let’s get ready for bed and perhaps we’ll have some time to watch the fireflies before you sleep?”
OOC: End