The beef gyudon is slowly simmering itself done as I get out a stool for Makoto. I had to buy the cake at a bakery, but it’s a special occasion. “Here, I already put some of this sweet paste – it’s called frosting – on it to cover it up, but you can help me make it look nice”. I guide her hands across the cake with the little bag to help her write Tsutomu-kun’s name on there.
“Very nice!” I tell my daughter, kissing her on the top of her head. It’s a bit wobbly but she’s proud of it.
Now just to wait – hopefully Shindou-san will bring him soon?
(OOC – open for anyone to come home, lol)
Birthday Dinner
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“Well Eiji come in!” I smile at him, I know he’s been avoiding coming here and when I went to him last it seemed like he wanted to say something. I’m sure once he and Kinosuke talk everything will fall in place. If only he’ll give Kinosuke a chance.
“Yagi-san and Makoto-chan is in the kitchen. They’re preparing cake!” I’ve had cake before but it’s always a treat.
He nods and follows me to the kitchen.
It’s his birthday. I need to go visit. That’s the thought in my head when I stopped by and let myself in only to be greeted by Yuki.
It’s not too dark yet but I do hold in my hand a gift, wrapped up in a box for Tsutomu.
I wasn’t able to tell Yukiko anything. Well I really couldn’t after all her main concern and my concern as well was my little brother. I sigh. I made true on my promise at least, but did it do anything?
I look around and don’t see Tsutomu here. I guess not then.
Hearing a familliar voice, we leave the kitchen. “Hello, Eiji-san!” I’m delighted to see him – when we last talked about today, he thought that he would be busy. Makoto runs up to him, hopping up and down. “It’s his birthday! It’s Tsutomu-niisan’s birthday!” I know that she’s been wokring hard on a present that’s a secret.
I see him looking around, “ah, he had late practice today, but it shouldn’t be too much longer.” This is about as late as he’s been out, but I trust Shindou-san to do as he said he would. Still, I can’t help but look at the clock.
Makoto jumps up and down. “Hey Makoto.” I smile at her, “He’ll be thirteen this year.” I tell everyone but don’t tell them that I wasn’t sure if they’ve celebrated his birthday ever since I left which was 3 years ago.
“ah, he had late practice today, but it shouldn’t be too much longer.”
I would ask Yagi-san if he had been more troublesome the past few days but I don’t even as I see her watch the clock. If we can get started without incident then maybe this birthday dinner will end ok. The best i can hope for today is quiet if nothing else.
I leave that odd policeman back at the gates. Going inside I can smell the gyu-don. I’m a little hungry from practice.
I put my things away first by the door and carefully remove my shoes, changing into socks. It seems like everyone is in the kitchen and I consider just going straight up to my room. Try to enjoy…
Oh well. How difficult can it be just having dinner? But that woman is there…
he didn’t go after her and stayed with you and your mother… It was not her fault
I can hear Makoto-chan being excited and I think Eiji-nii-san is there. He’ll probably tell on me to father and Makoto-chan will likely just keep badgering me to come join them. Try to enjoy…
Going inside the kitchen, I say, “Tadaima.”
Thirteen! Wow… Then Tsutomu-niisan comes in and I’m still very excited. “Happy Birthday!” I call out, running over, “did you work hard today at practice?” I can’t wait to give him his presents but I have to -wait-.
I’m so relieved to see him home – Shindou-san must have done as he said he would. “Welcome home, Tsutomu-kun, and happy birthday. I have dinner just about ready,” I say with a smile. “Makoto-chan, please help me get everything to the table?”
My, we have a full house tonight, but I like this. Suddenly I miss Hajime -so-… but there will be other dinners. I close my eyes for a minute to maintain my composure before I start portioning out dinner. Thank goodness I made a lot.
Happy Birthday!”“did you work hard today at practice?”
“Uhuh. I practiced my thrust.” I sit down. She’s seen that before I think.
Yagi-san asks Makoto to set the table and greets me. I mutter a “thank you.”
Eiji-nii-san sits down next to me and puts a medium box on the table.
“It’s for you.” He smiles, “When you get bored.”
I grin just a little. “I don’t get bored. I’m always productive.”
Yukiko-san sits down and Kinosuke-san enters the room. I see Eiji-nii turn his attention to them quietly.
“I’m sorry we didn’t get you anything for your birthday.” Kinosuke-san starts, “I’ll make it up to you on another day. We’ll make your birthday stretch out a little longer.”
I’d tell him, I really don’t need presents. “It’s fine. I haven’t had a birthday in a while.” I shrug.
I sit down next to my brother. Who is sitting next to another brother. I’m really glad to have brothers.
It’s fine. I haven’t had a birthday in a while
“Oh no, Tsutomo-kun, you get one every year.” I think and add, “but sometimes it feels like a long time, waiting to get bigger.”
I pull on his sleeve. “What’s in the box?” I like presents, even when they’re not mine. It’s always a surprise. I whisper, ” I have a present for you too.”
I get a muttered thank you, but it’s something. I smile back.
I see how Eiji-san can draw out Tsutomu-kun. Maybe he did have a good conversation the other day, or at least made some progress? Of course, trying to reach Tsutomu-kun should not entirely rest on this young man, even if he is very patient and compassionate.
“Ah well I guess I forgot.” I lie, I didn’t forget. -They- forgot.
“but sometimes it feels like a long time, waiting to get bigger.”
“Drinking milk will help you get bigger faster.” I look down at Makoto, “you are kind of small.”
“What’s in the box?”
“Hmm. It’s probably some childish thing.” I look at Eiji-nii-san, “he usually gets me a toy. Here you can open it yourself.”
” I have a present for you too.”
“What kind of present?”
(OOC: It’s a Kendama (i guess kind of like a yoyo but not).
(Makoto)
Drinking milk will help you get bigger faster. You are kind of small.
“I’m the tallest girl in my class!” Just a little bit biggest, but I don’t think I’m going to be tiny like Hahaue. But I finish my milk in one *gulp* to show him.
He then gives me his toy, and I look at him, “but it’s your birthday, Tsutomu-niisan.” But I look inside the box – oh! A Kendama! “Are you good at this” I ask him.
What kind of present.
“One is for later,” I whisper, but I do pull out a small bag. “I’m sorry it’s not a lot, since I’ve eaten so many of yours.” I only had a few coins and Kinosuke-san was nice enough to take me to the sweets shop one day after school. And I wouldn’t let him spend any of his money – it’s from me! He was going to buy one hundred sweets but that’s not good for us children.
(OOC – it’s yams, like only 5 or 6)
Seeing the change in my stepson-to-be’s face, I get up and bring over the cake, along with fresh plates and a knife. Makoto hops up to help, and we place it front of Tsutomo-ken. “Happy Birthday!” she cries again. “I put your name on there, because it’s your birthday.”
“I’m the tallest girl in my class!”
She disagrees but she’s still small. “See you drank your milk.” I say and grin only slightly.
“Are you good at this”
“He’s not. That’s why I got it for him.” Eiji-nii-san finally takes his eyes away from Yukiko-san. Why is he always staring at her.
“Oh I remember playing that a long time ago as a girl.” Yukiko reaches for it and starts to demonstrate and I try not to roll my eyes. So it seems Eiji-nii got me a -girl’s- toy. Wonderful Eiji-nii. Touché.”
“Now Yukiko, that’s not yours. Better give it back to Tsutomu.” Kinosuke-san interjects.
I sigh. I’m hungry… Finally Yagi-san brings food over. Thank god. I’m about to fall over here.
“Happy Birthday!” “I put your name on there, because it’s your birthday.
“Oh” I look down at the cake and my name, well what could likely pass as my name. I take a slice and pop a cake making sure there’s that frosting. I smile. It’s good and sweet and I haven’t had cake in a long while. I forgot how much I liked it. Yum!
(Makoto)
The grownups are silly about the toy, and I giggle. “Well someone needs to show me!” I tell them, but I tell Tsutomu-niisan, “but only when you -let- me.” I’m not supposed to be grabby with other people’s toys.
CAKE. The gyudon with the eggs was very very good but all I really wanted to eat tonight is cake.
(Hide)
I’ve never seen his expression like that, and I smile softly and my eyes glow as I take it in. I cut the rest of the cake and pass slices, all while watching – well, some people really do love sweets. Then I remember the candy wrappers, and the diafuku that goes -very- fast these days. Well, he’s an active boy, so he can handle the sugar.
“I have coffee, if anyone would like some?” I can get more before Hajime comes home – and coffee helps cut all that sweet. Makoto’s hand pops up for some, and I laugh. “No, not yet for you, but Tsutomu-kun may, if he wishes.” I fill Makoto’s milk cup, leaving the rest of the container for any of the adults for the coffee. Of course, I normally only serve black coffee…
Tsutomu:
“but only when you -let- me.”
“Let the -children- go play with it for now.” Really Yukiko-nee-chan seems to be enjoying it more, she keeps bouncing the ball around. I hope it doesn’t hit… She almost took Kinosuke’s head off. I let out a sigh.
I eat some of the cake still and take another slice.
“I’ll eat the yams later Makoto-chan. I want a midnight snack.” I swirl the cake in my mouth, I wonder if I can take some of this too upstairs. For -later- of course.
Makoto reaches out for coffee but I agree with Yagi-san,, “Your mother said no, you’re too young anyway.” And short I take the coffee and add some milk. It goes well together. I don’t mind this.
Try to enjoy myself huh? I stuff myself with cake and munch some more. I look at Eiji-nii who’s only drinking the coffee and not touching the cake. I take his cake and ask “Do you want that?” If he doesn’t….
Eiji:
I can’t help it. It’s hard to be around her after all. Tsutomu reaches for the cake and slide it over to him. How many did he have? He’ll have a stomach ache later. Well not too long now and maybe those two lovers will retire soon. Wait Yagi-san said they weren’t lovey. I guess they’re more childish than lovey with Kinosuke trying to take that Kendama from her. I probably should’ve brought something else as a gift. I sigh and drink my coffee.
So he really loves cake.
Yukiko-san keeps playing with the kendama and the ball pops over onto the table, knocking over a (thankfully) empty cup. I take it from her hand. “Maa… now I have to be the mama and tell you not to play with toys at the table.” I laugh and shake my head, and place the toy next to Tsutomu-kun. I’ve never seen Yukiko-san be this silly, she’s normally very level-headed, but she is still -young-.
Eiji-san, however, is not really joining in the festivities and nurses a single cup of coffee. His glance keeps going over to… ah. I feel so bad for him, and I’ve yet to understand that relationship. I can understand reserved…
I pick up the rest of the cake. “This will taste very good tommorrow as well, and Tsutomu-kun gets to decide if he wants to share the leftovers,” I smile, also taking Eiji-san’s uneaten plate. Makoto-chan, can you help Yukiko-san and Kinosuke-san with cleanup and then get ready for bed? And since you had practice today, it’s best to go ahead and have a bath, Tsutomu-kun. Eiji-san, will you help me get the bath ready while Tsutomu-kun gets his things?” Ah, I am having to be the mama.
(OOC – Hide will head out to the bath. The rest can follow her directions or not, lol)
“This will taste very good tommorrow as well, and Tsutomu-kun gets to decide if he wants to share the leftovers,
“Oh he’ll have them.” I grin slightly at Tsutomu who’s still trying to down the mouthful he had and the coffee. “You might not even see them tomorrow Yagi-san.”
It seems Yagi-san has had a full day with all of us and so when she said to help her with the bath, I go ahead. Let the other “kids” decide what they want to do downstairs. I follow Yagi-san. I’m glad for Tsutomu, he didn’t say much but it seems he let himself had a good time today. I should remind him to thank Yagi-san later.
(OOC: The 2 adults left the room, the kids will just do as they please)
“I’m glad you were able to come tonight – Tsutomu-kun seemed to enjoy himself.” I need to try to remember to take some tea to his room – all of that sugar could upset his stomach. “I didn’t know he liked sweets that much,” I laugh a little – he was like a child feasting on a rare treat.
In a quiet voice, as he comes closer with the water, I say, “however, now I see why you may have planned been occupied tonight.” I sigh. “I wish I could offer you some words of advice, or comfort. But I truly don’t understand the relationship.” And today I’m reminded that despite the way she carries herself, and the role of confidante she took on the other night, she’s still quite young, which is why she’s here instead of back home, living -alone- with Kinosuke-san.
““I’m glad you were able to come tonight – Tsutomu-kun seemed to enjoy himself.” “I didn’t know he liked sweets that much,”
“He did, actually both of Fujita-san’s boys do. Tsutomu goes straight for the desserts while Yoshi likes sweet and savory. If you’ve ever had that really dark sweet soy sauce ramen.” I shake my head, I almost threw that one up when I had it the first time. “Fujita-san didn’t cater to his boys much except he’d from time to time buy the boys yam, daifuku and taiyaki but that was -rare-. I do remember him having yams all the time because Tomu used to steal them. I’m sure Fujita-san knew though.” I laugh slightly, wondering if both father and son knew the games they played quietly.
“however, now I see why you may have planned been occupied tonight.” I sigh. “I wish I could offer you some words of advice, or comfort. But I truly don’t understand the relationship.
Yagi-san starts to talk about Yuki. I’m quiet for a long moment just adding the water to the bath. “Ah I couldn’t stay away, not knowing what that stubborn younger brother of mine would do.” I’m sure Yagi-san had wondered why I took him away from here for a few days.
“She seems happy with him.” I add quietly. Why wasn’t it after all these years I wasn’t able to say anything?
I suppose I kept absent-mindedly speaking my mind as I keep pouring water into the tub… “I had thought after 3 years of being deployed, I would come back and finally -say- something but I see time has moved on. I wanted to ask Otou-san, ask a man who’s been through such things but he’s not here.” I stand up finished with the water, “So I thought I’d ask Kenshin-san, an old mentor but I think it may not go over well with Fujita-san. After all that’s one of the people who caused a rift between him and his wife.”
I flinch a little realizing the woman I’m speaking to probably didn’t want to hear of such things. “Ah sorry Yagi-san. Waters finished.” I smile awkwardly.
Tsutomu goes straight for the desserts while Yoshi likes sweet and savory. If you’ve ever had that really dark sweet soy sauce ramen
Ah yes I remember. “I had promised Tsuyoshi-kun to make pears in a sauce for him.” We had talked of him coming down in the summer, at some point. Makoto would love it. “I remember him buying yams for Tsuyoshi-kun when we saw him, and I know they’re a favorite of Tsutomu-kun, and it looks like he has Makoto into them as well,” I smile.
Ah I couldn’t stay away, not knowing what that stubborn younger brother of mine would do
I smile. “Well thank you – and I obviously needed another adult here tonight!”
He’s quiet, then he speaks of Yukiko-san. “One of the reasons Hajime brought her here was to give her time – she’s so young – and exposure. Since her mother died young and she was raised by her father, she didn’t get the training she should have. I even offered to let her spend some time with my family in Kyoto, so she could see more of the world and then make her choices.” I look up at Eiji-kun, “but you know that Hajime won’t allow anything rash. I can’t speak to her feelings, though – she’s been able to get me to confide in her but she’s yet to disclose much to me.” I feel so bad for him – unlike his brother, he discloses his feelings more readily and I hurt for what he’s going through.
“As for you and her – yes, speak to your father. He has been through such things, and it’s the role of a father. As for the other man…” I’m quiet. “It probably wouldn’t, you’re correct. And I do know of that particular rift.” I sigh. “It would be complicated, though, even if not for that.” He is grown and can get advice where needed, though. I see the flinch, and I softly say, “you can mention her. She’s a part of your life, after all.”
Speaking very quietly, I lean in to tell him, “also I wanted to let you know – Hajime has assigned someone from the police to look after me and this place while he is gone. I’m sure it’s to do with his work, but I also encountered someone who… who has a connection to mine and my family’s past, and it’s doubted that he’s a friendly presence.” I place the bath supplies out, ready to use. “His name is Shindou-san and if Hajime assigned him, he must be very good and someone he can trust.”
“but you know that Hajime won’t allow anything rash. I can’t speak to her feelings, though – she’s been able to get me to confide in her but she’s yet to disclose much to me.”
And i wonder what kind of talk Yagi-san and Yukiko-san shared. Would they really have anything in common? “I know he won’t. But that doesn’t mean he would allow me either.” He’s never really told me what to do over the years, never insisted only suggested in so little words but somehow I always ended up doing what he wanted.
“As for you and her – yes, speak to your father. He has been through such things, and it’s the role of a father.
“I would but he’s not here.” It’s the first time I think that I’ve wished he was. “But his answer would probably be no.” I look down. Just knowing how he was, strict without saying anything unless of course he needed to say something, which made it much worst. I wonder if he would’ve changed over the past year after getting back with her? Would he actually tell me to -try- and see where the cards fall? Or would he be like he always was, which is to give up on a lost cause?
“It probably wouldn’t, you’re correct. And I do know of that particular rift.” I sigh. “It would be complicated, though, even if not for that.”
I look back at Yagi-san, how much does she really know? “Yagi-san, so you know of Kenshin Himura and the what happened back then with the diary?” How much has father really told her? Does she know -everything-? Does she know it was I who told father? It was probably the last straw that made him leave his family at least in spirit. Even if he didn’t go to Yagi-san immediately I know of the man sat with me on the engawa for many nights staring far away in the shadows for many years.
But then she has another revelation “Also I wanted to let you know – Hajime has assigned someone from the police to look after me and this place while he is gone. I’m sure it’s to do with his work, but I also encountered someone who… who has a connection to mine and my family’s past, and it’s doubted that he’s a friendly presence.””
“Who might this be Yagi-san? If he has a connection to you and your family?” Why was it that during the time of his stay with Tokio-san we hardly had threats, but now here with her alone, I alarmed.
I know he won’t. But that doesn’t mean he would allow me either
“You don’t know that, Eiji-san. You’ve grown into a man that he’s proud of, and you’re being a protector to your brother. Keep on that path.” He speaks of Hajime not being here, and I nod. “But you and her share something – you both care for Tsutomu-kun, and I know she likes to keep family business within the family.” I look over at him, “she told me about her visit to you, and request to talk to Tsutomu-kun.” I smile softly, “Keep your hope, Eiji-san, it’s a very powerful thing.”
Yagi-san, so you know of Kenshin Himura and the what happened back then with the diary?
I glance back at the house – everyone is still inside. “What I know is that Himura involved himself in their situation at the worst time.” I remember those early days… “he really tried,” I say, almost to myself, looking up at the stars. And now, years later, the dissolution of that relationship still hangs over us all.
“Who might this be Yagi-san? If he has a connection to you and your family?
“He’s former member of the Shinsengumi.” I look over to him, maybe he knows a little more of history and I won’t get some of the blank looks I’ve been getting lately? “They stayed at my family’s house in the early days of the war, in Kyoto. This man was very… persistent when we ran into each other a several days ago – aggressive but done with smiles.” I shiver – I’ve seen flashes of that smile in the corners of my mind the past few days. But Hajime is making steps to keep us protected.
“You don’t know that, Eiji-san. You’ve grown into a man that he’s proud of, and you’re being a protector to your brother.“But you and her share something – you both care for Tsutomu-kun, and I know she likes to keep family business within the family.” I look over at him, “she told me about her visit to you, and request to talk to Tsutomu-kun.” I smile softly, “Keep your hope, Eiji-san, it’s a very powerful thing.”
“I don’t know Yagi-san. When I got back here, the first thing Otou-san wanted to do was ship me back out.” I rub the back of my neck, “As for Yukiko, yes she did ask me to speak to him. But he’s stubborn, he probably won’t get it.”
She speaks about hope and I nod slightly. If it was Otou-san here, he’d probably tell me “A Fool’s Hope”. But we’ll see, once he comes back for now, “I’ll try to perservere.” I say quietly.
“What I know is that Himura involved himself in their situation at the worst time.” “he really tried,”
It’s then that I wonder, had father been going to her all along? But his words echo, that she didn’t seek him out. But that must’ve put Yagi-san at a precarious situation, if she knows he really tried with Tokio-san. I’m not sure what to say to that except, “I’m just glad it’s over Yagi-san.” Of course his son would not agree but I saw what it was like, what he was like, how -they- were like.
“He’s former member of the Shinsengumi.” ? “They stayed at my family’s house in the early days of the war, in Kyoto. This man was very… persistent when we ran into each other a several days ago – aggressive but done with smiles.
I place a hand on Yagi-san’s shoulder, “I don’t know much of the Shinsengumi but I have heard snippets from Hiroaki-san. I think if Otou-san thought you were in real danger he’d be here. I think for now, he’s probably handling it himself if he’s using a surrogate.” I say this confidently, the alarm from earlier gone. If there’s one thing I know about the man who I now call my father, that he’d risk his own first before his children and the person he wants to be his wife. If he did that for me in Shingetsu, no way he’d not do the same today.
I smile at Yagi-san and look back out, “Better call them in before the water gets cold.”
(OOC: Eiji to exit)
He keeps coming up with roadblocks, and seems almost defeated already. As with his brother, I wish I could just -mother- him, but I’ll see how he wants to proceed. He also speaks of being glad that it’s over – of course, he was in that house and must have seen it all happen.
However, he does seem confident that Shindou-san has the situation handled, which makes me glad – I wouldn’t want him worrying about us.
He leaves, and I go into the house. “Tsutomu-kun, your bath is ready.” I spy Makoto-chan curled up, nearly asleep. “Come on sleepyhead, upstairs,” as I tug at her arm – I was at my limit for picking her up and now with the baby, I just can’t. She murmurs “okay” and we go up.
I lay out her futon as she slowly dresses. After giving her a kiss and settling her in, I go to my room to get a book that I’ve wrapped in fabric. Going into the boys room, I lay out Tsutomu-kun’s futon and place the book down on it, along with a note, written, like the book, in English:
Happy Birthday, Tsutomu-kun – I hope you enjoy this book – Yagi Hide
Leaving, I go back downstairs to see what else is left to do.
(OOC – Hide is downstairs, and unless there are any more interactions, she’s done)
(OOC 2 – Yes the book wouldn’t been published yet (maybe?) for another year or so but oh well lol)
There’s a book and a note. Oh it’s from -her-. Eiji-nii told me before he left today that I should thank her for today.
I don’t know Eiji-nii. -Maybe-.
I should read the book. It looks -interesting-. Pulling a small lantern, I start reading. Oh… It’s a detective story.
(OOC: Close)