From this vantage point I see him, as he turns the corner to go up the hill. Leave it up to Otou-san to choose such a good vantage point to see anyone’s coming and going. Though didn’t he say this house was originally the place Yagi-san rented from a former samurai family? And their bedroom is downstairs these days…
I hurry on down. I want some time alone with him and it seemed that he hardly was in the office this week. I try not to think about what’s been going on. It’s sad that he’s decided to leave this house but he must have his reasons.
Should I ask?
Our eyes lock and I realize, I wouldn’t be able to. He has that same look as when we used to sit on the engawa. But it vanishes quickly, Otou-san able to hide it much expertly than before.
“Came to welcome me home?” He grins and cocks his head. Blowing a smoke out the corner of his lips.
“Yes and I wanted to give you some news sir.”
He raises an eyebrow, I’m sure by my use of the word sir. It’s difficult when things have so progressed that I don’t feel like…
“I suppose it’s fine you call me that now.” He shrugs, “After all my niece never did agree for us to be a real family.”
I lower my eyes a little and bow my head. “I’m sorry that I was unsuitable… Sir.”
I hear a sigh and the puffing of his cigarette. “Lift your head Eiji. You did -nothing- wrong.”
Doing as he says I lift my head up.
“You’ve been a good son, more than I could deserve. You would’ve made a fine head of the household but we both were cursed to loving stubborn women who wants to demonstrate their independence and is concerned with ensuring they are equals or -more- than, rather than doing their part of being supportive and obedient. Women who would -never- be content with handling only the internal affairs of their household.”
I look at him. Did he truly mean that? But he’s right, Yukiko was stubborn. I’m not really sure if she actually considered carefully Otou-san’s proposal nor -mine-. And I’m sure Yagi-san advised Yuki to not be coerced by Uncle since he was being very aggressive back then. Still I do wonder what did she say to Yuki? “Otou-san, what do you think Yagi-san would’ve advised Yukiko?”
“I told you, they are both stubborn women who wants to demonstrate their independence, -not- their dependence. Hide probably told Yukiko to not do anything she didn’t feel completely fine with.”
He shrugs and I nod. “Well at least Yagi-san seems intent for me to go back to the army when she gave me the letter from Okura-sama.” I don’t tell him about the conversation Yagi-san and I just had, about spending more time with Yuki. What good would it do now but only confuse matters? Besides I doubt Yagi-san endorsed me in anyway, Otou-san is right she would first ensure Yuki’s independence.
“And I as well want you to go back to your post.” He takes a long drag on his cigarette, “You have proven yourself useful there and no doubt will go far.” He looks me straight in the eyes, “But don’t become the tool of wicked men boy.”
“Of course not!” I can’t help but respond back with some zeal. Ever since I was young, this is what he told me after I decided to turn away from Himura-san’s teaching of do not kill. How can one truly protect people without the possibility of killing? It is a possibility and though Otou-san has always cautioned me… But I understand Otou-san’s concern, after all I can only kill from afar. Unlike him who shows his face at the moment he cuts someone’s life short, I hide from afar where no one can see. I don’t see the face of the men I kill and so it is -easier-.
“Good boy.” He grins but I can see the sadness through it. “I’m not going to tell you go and make a name for yourself and come back. If you choose to never come back, I’ll -understand-.”
I can’t help but to look up at him. “I’m not sure I’ll be coming back. At least not -here-.”
“You mean, not where Yukiko is.”
Slowly I nod. He puts a hand on my shoulder.
“Well as I said, we’re cursed in this regard.” Then he finishes his cigarette, “I envy you Eiji. I wish I could have the same resolve as you – to simply disappear.”
I bow to him again, “I’m sorry sir.”
“Just make sure you say your goodbyes to the others. Not just for them but also for -yourself-.” He looks me over as if watching me carefully or is he memorizing how I look? “When are you leaving?”
“Monday.”
“Well we better go inside, otherwise they’ll think we’re up to something.”
“Yes sir.” I glance back at him as I hold the gate open for Otou-san to enter. I can see he’s putting on another of his faces, a light one, appropriate for a happy occasion.
He goes to the children who are playing with the turtle.
“Oh! I see he’s survived an entire week!” He grins and I go behind him saying. “Indeed! It’s a mircle Otou-sama.”
(OOC: Saitou and Eiji are outside. This is well into lunch time around 1PM)
(Hide)
It’s funny how life can change in 100 days.
100 days ago I brought a child into the world. I went through the pain that connects mother to mother across the generation, but I was strong and healthy and held and supported the entire time by the man who made that child, whispering words of love and encouragement. The man I was then calling my husband, even though we were not so blessed. But we were blessed with a child. No doubt he thought he meant those words then, but at least she’s real, and here.
100 days later this child thrives. The other child we made thrives, but unlike her sister, is able to understand her family has been torn apart.
And who is to blame, for the changes over 100 days?
I’ll be working that one out for the rest of my life. Listening to songs on a secret device, after the nightmares wake me up. Songs about winners taking it all, or how there’s no need to argue anymore.
I see him now, he did come, -alone-. He talks to the children and is the sadness that sometimes flashes in his eyes true? I saw Eiji-san scoot out the front a while ago, after keeping watch on the street to intercept him first. Eiji-san is leaving, and he didn’t end up with Yukiko-san. I was supposed to encourage that, but how? She doesn’t know what she wants and after her uncle ordered her to marry a man she -liked- but didn’t feel more for… was I supposed to force her? Convince her? That love would grow out of companionship and friendship? Another failure…
I can’t hide in here all day. I wipe my hands on a towel and go out to the yard, where Makoto-chan is marking out a circle in the yard. “Right here, chichiue! We’re going to put a pond in for my turtle so this summer he can stay cool and comfy!” She’s leading him around by the hand, talking about her plans. “And since we get to keep this house, I think we can dig up whatever we want!”
“Hajime,” I say, quietly, nodding at him. I had debated what to call him. Hajime, after all, being the name I once whispered endearments to, screamed out at climaxed, and begged to. But old habits die hard, and formality in addressing each other fell away -quickly- and it’s hard to put back on.
I wonder what she calls him? The name he makes her scream, and then, murmurs in the quiet moments after. I take a deep breath. This day isn’t for me, or about me. I have to move beyond my own self-centeredness, all of this foolish -whining- and lamentations. After all, I have a favor to ask to secure blessings for this child.
“Eiji-san, Yukiko-san, I wanted to ask you a favor. If you don’t know, during the ceremony with feeding Ai-chan her first food… normally that’s handled by the grandparents while the baby is held by her parents. My parents are long passed, as are Hajime’s. Would you two, as the oldest members of the family, do the honor for Ai-chan?” I smile a bit at Yukiko-san, “and you already feed Ai-chan a lot anyway. But there’s an order to how she’s fed, then the people who actually have teeth can start on the food and enjoy it before we go to the temple.”
“Right here, chichiue! We’re going to put a pond in for my turtle so this summer he can stay cool and comfy!”“And since we get to keep this house, I think we can dig up whatever we want!”
My girl leads me around the yard, pulling me along as if I’ve never seen this yard before. It’s like the old days in Ito when I was just an Uncle to her and yet I can feel her love for me even back then. “That’s a good idea. Kame-sama would like a place to cool off. But what do you plan to do with him this winter?” I ask. “Are you going to let him sleep in the house?”
I see Hide come out from her hiding place acknowledging my presence. She nods and I do the same. “Hello. Makoto was just showing me where she plans to dig.”
I look at Tomu and the girl, “I suppose Makoto will need some help and you two can provide that?”
“I guess we don’t have a choice do we?” Tomu answers and crosses his arms. “Otherwise we’ll be as irresponsible as some other “people” we know.”
I look at my child, “Sounds like you’re going to get help. And yes it’s your house now, you can do anything you like to it.” I grin and wipe a strand of hair away from her forehead.
We’re joined by the rest, Yukiko carrying Ai. Just out here in the yard, we’re complete. Almost.
Would you two, as the oldest members of the family, do the honor for Ai-chan?” , “and you already feed Ai-chan a lot anyway. But there’s an order to how she’s fed,
“Of course Yagi-san.” Eiji answers quickly and it takes a moment for Yuki to answer as well.
“As long as you tell me the order Auntie.” She smiles meekly. In a way I’ve always liked that Yukiko has become close to Hide. Even if at some point she would need to leave from here, for now I’m still greatful that she’s staying and helping with the children. I know how much of a burden caring for children can be especially from just watching Tokio. How Tokio decided she had better things to do than caring for our sons.
Letting go of Makoto’s hand, I retrieve something from my pocket. A pair of black stones wrapped in white paper. “Here are some teething stones that I got at the nearby shrine. Just be careful when you touch her gums with it. Just a little will do.” I look at Ai, I’d like for her to have strong teeth which I hear will also give her a long life.
(OOC:
)
(Makoto)
That’s a good idea. Kame-sama would like a place to cool off. But what do you plan to do with him this winter? Are you going to let him sleep in the house?”
“Yes, but he can’t be in a room with tatami because..” I giggle. “He’s still in trouble for chewing on the back of the red sofa!” It’s been patched, though, and Midori-san did it so -neatly- and even let me help! “So we’re thinking the kitchen.”
Chichiue talks about our pond and needing help. “Oh yes! We found a book in the school library about making a koi pond, but we just have to make the sides slopey,” I say, making a scoop moving with my hand, “so he can get in and out! And we have to make a little fence around hahaue’s vegetables so he doesn’t eat them all up!” He’s a -very- hungry turtle guy! Oniisan says something about irresponsible. Maybe it’s because hahaue has a job now and can’t be at home all day to take care of things. She should stay home, that’s what mamas are supposed to do.
Hahaue asks Eiji-san and Yukiko-san something about feeding the baby and I’m glad they’re here, even if they’re too young to be -the oldest-. Sometimes I forget that all of my grandparents have died.
Then chichiue hands me the -best- rocks, black and shiny and I wonder if they’re for my collection, but then he tells me they’re for Ai-chan’s teeth. I can see Tsutomu-niisan giving me a -look-. “I won’t drop it in her mouth!” I tell him. He’s so careful with her and I can never hold he if he’s around! But he takes care of me, too.
(Hide)
Thankfully, Eiji-san readily agrees, even if it takes Yukiko-san a moment. Hajime also brought stones, very fine ones, perfectly dark and smooth. “Then, the food is ready, let’s get started?”
I lead everyone inside and on the table is a single place setting with the fish on one plate and the other foods on a small tray. “Don’t worry, the rest of the food is waiting in the kitchen,” I assure everyone.
IMAGE
“Ai-chan, your father brought these dishes from Aizu just for you, they make the best lacquerware in Japan,” I tell the baby as I sit down with her, aware that for this, I’m going to have to sit close with my ex-lover… “Hajime, you and I hold her while Yukiko-san and Eiji-san feed her. Now, it’s unlikely that she can actually -eat- this, but let her have a taste. And as we go through it, I’ll explain what each part is for – after all, I doubt any of you remember your own Okuizome,” I say. After all, only Tsutomu-kun had a younger sibling, and he was small when Tsuyoshi-kun was born…
“First, it’s a lot of food, to symbolize the wish that she always has plenty to eat. We start with rice, because we are Japanese and rice is our most important food, but today she eats red rice – the rice of celebrations. The adzuki beans are meant to dispel bad luck.” I hand Yukiko-san and Eiji-san each a pair of chopsticks. “Then some of the soup with clam – the clam representing a wish that she finds a good husband some day.” Again, I’m -aware- of Hajime sitting next to me, the warmth of him… who will probably be someone else’s husband soon, if he’s not -already-, I try to tell myself. “Then you go back to the rice, then onto the the simmered vegetable and seafood, for a long life and for her to be someone who looks to the future. Then rice again,” I grin a bit, “and then some of the fish, more rice, and then the pickles, with the plums being the most important, as a wish that she lives long enough for her skin to become as wrinkly as the plum! And then I made something less traditional… I cooked some of my soba noodles well and cut them fine, and I have the tsuyu…” After all, I promised him that, long ago, that one of her first foods would be his favorite dish.
I indicate an empty bowl for Makoto to put the stones. “And last, the stones for her teeth, to wish her to have a beautiful smile with good teeth and good health!”
Ai-chan, knowing she’s the center of attention somehow, waves her hands and burbles. “Go ahead,” I tell Yukiko-san and Eiji-san, shifting my arm a bit – she’s heavy, after all.
“Oh he chewed up the sofa?” I shake my head, “You’re going to have to keep an eye on him.” I ruffle her hair.
“I won’t drop it in her mouth!”
I wince a little. Now what gave her the idea of dropping the stones in her mouth? But seeing Tomu’s look i feel confident Ai-chan will be just fine. Besides Makoto wouldn’t really do such a thing would she?
We’re led inside to the formal room where Ai’s “first food” is already ready. We sit around the low tables.
Ai-chan, your father brought these dishes from Aizu just for you, they make the best lacquerware in Japan,”
“Actually it was your also Ueda-sama and Akane’s gift to you as well Ai.”
Hide tells me to help in holding Ai and instructs Yukiko and Eiji as to the order of feeding Ai.
But then something unexpected comes out of this very traditional affair, the soba comes out with the tsuyu. I haven’t seen that dish in a long time but it’s for Ai. Hopefully she ends up liking it.
I watch Makoto put the stones in the bowl. And then it starts, the young adults carefully start feeding Ai as Hide describes what each dish is for. She really is good with these rituals just like a proper Kyoto woman would be. The order of the food eventually gets complicated even for me, that Yukiko stops unsure. But it seems Eiji is able to support Yukiko as he points to the dishes that comes next.
Hajime winces at Makoto’s comment. “I don’t have sweaty hands!” she insists. “And I’m always super-careful with Ai-chan! I’ll be a good big sister too!”
Actually it was your also Ueda-sama and Akane’s gift to you as well Ai.
She turns those golden eyes at him and just stares for a moment, in that way of hers. She won’t remember, the man whose beard she patted, who was so upset at the… situation that he couldn’t be diverted by her affection.
I get the feeling that Yukiko-san is overwhelmed at the ceremony of it all, but Eiji-san seems to have picked up well. “The main thing to remember is rice inbetween -everything-,” I tell her. But Ai-chan reacts like most babies – confused and curious, not quite sure what to do with all of this stuff coming at her face when all she knows is a bottle or breast. Ah, how I already miss nursing, had I known she was to be my last I would have kept it going a little longer…
Eiji-san, though, knew she was the last child. He saw things… well.
Ai-chan eventually starts protesting, pursing her lips. “It’s alright, she’s very young for food, but this is the way,” I laugh softly, assuring Yukiko-san who looks worried, and Tsutomu-kun, who is leaning in and watching very, very carefully. Eiji-san offers the soba, dipping it in the tsuyu. “Don’t worry, I made another tray that’s -not- overcooked for you,” I tell Hajime in a low voice, but his new woman probably has it down now.
With all of the food tried, I smile at both Yukiko-san and Eiji-san. “Thank you,” I tell them both. “Now, Makoto-chan and Tsutomu-kun, come take the stones – one at a time, how about Makoto-chan takes the bottom teeth and Tsutomu-kun the top?” I tickle her a little so she laughs, giving us all one of her gummy smiles.
Saitou:
“And I’m always super-careful with Ai-chan! I’ll be a good big sister too!”
I look down at her and she’s serious. “Alright. I -believe- you.”
Turning back my attention to her little sister, I see that Ai’s been staring at me as I explain the source of the tableware. Not that she’d ever really know those people. But I do wonder would my daughter remember my holding her today? She’s so young but maybe that’s a good thing.
I lose track of the ceremony but Hide is keeping everyone in line as they keep bringing food up to my daughter’s lips. She initally was curious and would take a small bite or lick but then becomes a bit impatient after the fifth and sixth try. I smile a little at that pursed lips of hers and how she’s now pouting. I can see that Tomu wants to start swatting everyone away from the baby but I shake my head at him.
“Don’t worry, I made another tray that’s -not- overcooked for you,”
I almost answered back, “I’m not worried”, but I just ended up nodding. I don’t even understand why there’s even soba here anymore. But I suppose it’s her being a good hostess, but there’s no need to go through that length for me.
She thanks Yukiko and Eiji and turns to Makoto and Tsutomu. It’s their turn.
Tomu:
Yagi-san makes the baby smile by tickling her. That’s rather -unfair- of her! But I guess now we have access to Ai-chan’s mouth.
“Go first Makoto and make sure you don’t go over her gums. Just do it lightly.” I ready myself just in case… But she does it very very carefully and as she finished, I’m able to let out the breath I’ve been holding.
“Now it’s my turn.” I say and carefully bring the stone to Ai-chan’s upper lip and just very lightly touch her gums. As soon as that was done, I pull away and put the stone back.
I give -him- a look. Did we really have to do that? What if Makoto dropped that into her mouth. He probably wouldn’t even know how to get it out.
“We’re done Yagi-san.”
(Hide)
He takes my comment about the soba. I doubt that he would think that I’d leave him hungry. I may not have always made time to talk to him, but I did cook. Mostly.
But Ai-chan’s reaction to being fed is -funny-, but she keeps in a good mood even as she sticks her lips out. “Now don’t start out being picky,” I tease her, but she’s just a baby and won’t be like that useless writer. For all of the meanings behind the foods… this is also meant for a family to celebrate a child.
I don’t realize that I’m holding my breath as Makoto and Tsutomu-kun touch her gums with the stones until it’s over. But with the way he was hovering, I know she’s safe, and Hajime’s here. I hand her over to him, and nod at Makoto to come help me in the kitchen. It’s time to bring out the rest of the food, so we can eat and perhaps Ai-chan take a nap in her basket before we go to the temple.
(Yuunosuke)
It was a good train ride – even with Saya-san fell asleep, she eventually ended up with her head lolling on my shoulder. I didn’t mind. Her hair smells wonderful – clean and something vaguely grassy, not the flower-smelling stuff Hanako-san leaves in the bath. Her face relaxed and I wondered how soft her skin was… I was almost disappointed when the train came into Tokyo… but we’re here for a reason.
I nudged her, teasing about her drool on my jacket, and we made our way to Hide-neesan’s house.
At the gate, I thump on the knocker (does the lock look even more formidable than the last time I was here?) and call out. “Hello? Anyone home?”
Saitou:
“Now don’t start out being picky,”
“I don’t think she’ll have that problem.” I say offhandedly. “look at all the folds…”
The stone ritual is done and I admit I was a little apprehensive with the entire thing being left to the kids. But they get through it and Hide hands Ai-chan to Tomu and leaves.
Yukiko comes over and places Ai’s rocking basket near Tomu and tells him, to place her there once she gets sleepy. Then she too excuses herself for the kitchen. And now only the three men are in the room with the baby.
Saya:
Yikes! I’m still so sleepy even with Yuunosuke serving as my pillow. I didn’t get much sleep last night being all excited to get back to Tokyo. And did I really drool on Yuunosuke?
I try to look over his shoulder as he knocks on the gate but interestingly enough he’s taller than I realize!
“Hello? Anyone home?”
We wait and the gates slowly opens with a creak.
“Interesting. We weren’t expecting anyone else, unless Hide forgot or maybe one of Tomu’s schoolmates…”
I smell the smoke and immediately know who it is. His eyes immediately narrows at us.
“Hide didn’t say you were coming.” He says flatly, “Come in, you’re just in time for a very late lunch.”
”
(Yuunosuke)
A minute passes, and I hear Saitou-san talking, to himself?
Hide didn’t say you were coming. Come in, you’re just in time for a very late lunch.
He’s rather cold towards us… you think he’d be happy to see Saya-san, at least. “Well there wasn’t so much an invitation… but I wanted to come celebrate my little niece,” I tell him. I pick up our satchels and go inside. I hear the voices of children, talking about rocks? “Did everything go okay? Hide-neesan was so nervous at my Okuizome that she dropped the stone on the floor, but my teeth came out fine.” I look over my shoulder and throw a quick grin at Saya-san.
Saya:
Fujita-san goes inside hardly waiting for us. Perhaps he’s trying to avoid the inevitable? We weren’t going to gang up on him… But I suppose I was expecting Yuunosuke to lunge at him or -something-. But there’s not much there except some explanation of why we’re here… Quite the anti-climax.
Saitou:
We get inside and I lead them to the formal receiving room. “Make yourselves comfortable.”
“Did everything go okay? Hide-neesan was so nervous at my Okuizome that she dropped the stone on the floor, but my teeth came out fine.”
I nod over to Tomu who’s still holding Ai. “She’s about ready to go to sleep. If you want to see her.”
Tomu gives me the look, obviously quite weary of the new people and I tell him, “Let them see Ai. Saya is an old family friend and that one is Yuunosuke, Hide’s brother.”
I can hear an audible sigh of exasperation for my boy but he does let them see.
(Yuunosuke)
I glance back at Saya-san. I wasn’t going to sucker-punch the man at the door, not until I understand things. He has another woman, but oneesan takes blame too? Plus, I could hear the children, and… my own youth leaves me -wary- of bringing violence into a home of children. I sigh. She probably wants a man of -action-, who hits first and thinks later.
I didn’t expect warm greetings and embraces from my former future brother in law, but he just seems… tired.
Inside, everyone is there – Saitou-san’s boy, the one he adopted, and the niece… and my little nieces! “Oh ho what a big baby you are, Ai-chan,” I say, looking at her pretty face. But Saitou-san’s son just gives me a look that is both withering and says, ‘don’t touch her!’ A protective brother, that’s good. And he’s staying?
The baby turns and -stares- at Saya-san, those bright amber colored eyes. I nudge her a bit. “I think she’s interested in you,” I tell her with a bit of a grin.
(Hide)
We’re coming out with the food and I almost drop it when I see my younger brother and Saya-san. Of -course-, Yagis can’t stay out of things. But at least it’s him and not Tamebo…
“Brother, welcome, and to you, too, Asuka-san.”
I hear a squeal beside me. “Oh Auntie Saya-san!” Makoto -adores- her, after all. I step to intercept her tray.
“Makoto-chan, please bring the food carefully,” I remind her. She did want to help more with things like this. I smile at the visitors. “You’re just in time for the food, but you missed us feeding Ai-chan.” I glance over at Hajime. I’m still flustered having to sit next to him, which is foolish. He’s probably there noticing the grey in my hair and missing the flat stomach of his new woman.
But I also know that my brother is here because of my letter, and not to celebrate Ai-chan. And bringing Saya-san with him? She’s an old friend of Hajime, but he’s stubborn and the way he’s been lately… I shouldn’t have mentioned Hajime having a new woman in my letter, but I wanted to make it clear that there was no point in my brothers running down here to interfere. But here one is… I hope he’s not here to do something stupid like duel him or whatever.
Saya:
Yuunosuke looks back at me and I look back at him expectantly. But -nothing- except a sigh? I end up sighing myself thinking I’ll just have to do it myself but now we’re in a room with children. And a very cute baby! I’m struck however as I look back at her, she has eyes that seem to look through you and the color!
“I think she’s interested in you,”
“She is!” I move forward to take the baby from the young man but he promptly moves away. An obvious sign from him as “Look but don’t touch”.
And it’s then more people come and Yagi-san looks like she’s seen a ghost and I grin. Yes we came to give him a piece of our mind, well I guess later I’ll do it for the both of us.
Oh Auntie Saya-san!
Makoto comes rushing in. “Yes it’s me!”
She rushes and I wrap an arm around my other baby. “Oh how are you little girl? I’ve missed you.” I hold her cheeks in between my hand and smile. She looks good! So really what is going on here? Everyone’s here just like one big happy family.
“Oh Makoto-chan. I”m sorry I didn’t bring anything. Your Uncle Yuunosuke and I were in a hurry to get here.”
(Yuunosuke)
Inside the home, there’s children and excitement…. much like the home I live in in Kyoto. Saitou-san seems… removed from it all, somehow? And then oneesan looks surprised to see us, but perhaps relieved that it’s me instead? Sometimes Tamebo gets too much into his “patriarch” role…
I try not to laugh at Saitou-san’s son, who seems very protective and will -not- let us near the baby, who is now rubbing her eyes with her hands. “Oh, poor thing, she much have eaten a lot, like oneesan was supposed to and now she’s tired!” I laugh. But then I look at the baby’s father and I’m reminded why we’re here. Oneesan looks nervous… and if I know her, it’s not because there isn’t enough food (she always has enough food).
(Makoto)
I get a great hug from Auntie Saya-san! I still want to be her when I grow up. Hahaue may have a police job now but it’s with -papers-, not exciting things! I’m going to be cool and catch crooks!
Oh Makoto-chan. I”m sorry I didn’t bring anything. Your Uncle Yuunosuke and I were in a hurry to get here
Awwww…. but I know my manners! “I’m so happy to see you, it’s okay! Besides, we have a -lot- of yummy food to eat, hahaue and Yukiko-san have worked so hard and guess what? I helped to make sure Ai-chan will have a beautiful smile, just like me!” I grin at her to show her!
“Are you here to celebrate the baby? Last weekend was my birthday so we’ve been having a lot of fun!” Well… during the -week- it wasn’t fun, and I look down. Sometimes chichiue is away for work but he’s now really gone. None of his stuff here anymore… and hahaue looks like she did in Ito. And I’m still… not sure if I’m mad at her or not.
Saitou:
“Oh, poor thing, she much have eaten a lot, like oneesan was supposed to and now she’s tired!”
“She’s had a lot of attention.” I take Ai-chan from Tomu and take her closer to her Uncle and Saya. But my baby instead of trying to wake for the guest, turns into my arms and yawns. I look down at her in my arms.
“She still has to be taken to the temple.” I tell the rest, “It’s probably best she get a little nap.”
I look back at them and everyone’s hands is full. Hide and the girls ushering food in and Hide just seems stunned that her brother is here. I suppose he wasn’t invited, which means she probably already told them that I abandoned the house.
“Excuse us.” I tell the guest and leave the formal room. I can take Ai myself to the room.
(OOC: Saitou brings Ai to the bedroom.)
Saya:
“I’m so happy to see you, it’s okay! Besides, we have a -lot- of yummy food to eat, hahaue and Yukiko-san have worked so hard and guess what? I helped to make sure Ai-chan will have a beautiful smile, just like me!”
“It’s been a while hasn’t it?” I pull her in for a bigger hug and laugh as she shows me her perfectly aligned teeth. “You should go to Kyoto one day when Ai-chan has all of her teeth and we can eat a lot of wagashi and there’s a nice cake place there.”
Fujita-san’s boy looks at us at the mention of cake which is -odd-. But I turn my attention back to Makoto-chan.
“Are you here to celebrate the baby? Last weekend was my birthday so we’ve been having a lot of fun!”
“Oh now I’m sad I missed all the fun.” I fake pout a little. “I could’ve helped all the ladies. I can make a mean blackened fish! Remember that Makoto?”
It’s then that I noticed there’s at least two young ladies here that I never met. Winking at Makoto I stand up and then bow appropriately.
“Hello, I’m Asuka Saya. I’m an old acquaintance of Hajime, errr Fujita-san. I now live in Kyoto.”
The older girl who kept saying “Auntie” returns my bow, “I’m Yamaguchi Yukiko. I’m the niece of Fujita-san.” She says awkwardly as she looks around but realizes Hajime has gone. Of course he’d run away, he knows he’s done wrong!
(Hide)
Hajime seems unhappy to see my brother and Saya-san. I didn’t think one of my brothers would move -this- quickly. So my brother can just abandon his job, and Saya-san too? To come and what, fuss at me for not keeping Hajime?
Being in just the first week of the rest of my life which I will spend the rest of castigating myself, I don’t look forward to this. This is Ai-chan’s day, and he actually showed up, and without -her-.
Yuunosuke sees Hajime leave the room and moves to follow. I stop him, grabbing his arm. “Little brother, just -why- are you here?” I ask, in a quiet tone, as the others start to eat in the formal room. “There’s nothing to be done here. You can’t hope to fight him, and he doesn’t listen to anyone,” I tell him. Aside from some lingering affection to my late father, I doubt Hajime has any use for any of the Yagis anymore.
“I came to see what happened. Your letter was like it usually was, but you seemed to dismiss your life falling apart as rather… uninteresting.” He looks down at me, and it’s still strange that he’s taller than me, nearly as tall as Hajime. “Oneesan, why don’t you just come home?”
I smile at him, a bit more bitter than I had intended, “I’ve been told that I have too much pride,” I say. “I have this house in my name now, and a job, and why should I uproot the children because I failed in my relationship? Much less cause upheaval at the Yagi house – this isn’t an ideal time for Hanako-san to welcome more family.” I hang my head and take a deep breath, the bitterness still there but just… -sad-. “Brother… I’m not doing this out of pride. I’m doing what I must. This isn’t how I wanted my life to go, but I have to keep this house for what’s left of my family. I’m scared that I can’t do it but… this is what it is.”
Too often I overlooked the others in my single-minded quest for Hajime and in trying to get to a point where life was less about our problems… to where I could do something outside of this house, maybe, like he spoke of once. I’m not ambitious or have a very high opinion of my capabilities but I’m also not -stupid-.
“So are you set on your big confrontation?” I sigh, and step aside. “Go ahead, then, yell at him or punch him, just don’t wake the baby.” I caught the looks Saya-san was giving him. She -wants- him to do something. Is he as useless as I am, with a person who is all action and strength?
(Midori)
I’ve been quiet today, this is a special day for the baby. Some of the details were new to me, but it’s been a while since I saw one of these -and- those of us in the North have our own customs! But the food smells good and I was excited to start (even though there’s no cake in this very, very traditional meal) and then some other people arrived.
I could tell that the man was related to Yagi-san, his eyes are the same color and his hair has the same flippy, curly texture like Ai-chan’s and Yagi-san’s (now that it’s getting a little longer and she pins it down, you can’t tell as much). Tsutomu-kun was of course very protective of Ai-chan – he was worried today would be too much for her!
So I mostly observed. How Fujita-san and Yagi-san seemed ill at ease next to each other. And while Fujita-san was never -effusive-… he’s even quieter. Tsutomu-kun has, after his fight with Kai-kun, not wanted to talk about anything. I mostly get shrugs. And it seems the guests were not expected…
The pretty lady with the slight limp is the famous Asuka Saya! I bow. “I am Nishino Midori, a boarder who attends school with Makoto-chan and Tsutomu-kun.” She seems so small to be the woman of Makoto-chan’s stories! I smile at her. “Your little friend has told me about you – I think you’re her hero,” I laugh. Makoto-chan laughs, seeming -really- happy for the first time in a week. Like her brother, she gives me a lot of -shrugs- these days.
Saya:
“I am Nishino Midori, a boarder who attends school with Makoto-chan and Tsutomu-kun.”
“Nice to meet you Nishino-san.” I say. And she’s a boarder? Are they hard up on money that they had to take a boarder in this already full house? But I smile at her, she seems like a nice girl.
Your little friend has told me about you – I think you’re her hero,”
I blush a little bit at that. I am? Then I turn to Makoto-chan and pull her against me again. “She’s a very -brave- girl. We met in Ito Shizuoka.” I say looking down at Makoto-chan, remembering suddenly the incident that happened there and how they ended up here in Tokyo. “Makoto’s the best.” I hold my little darling by the shoulder and then I notice Yuunosuke and Yagi-san, in a corner seemingly having a quiet argument. I turn me and Makoto-chan away, so she wouldn’t see. So he’s finally going to do -something-. Good.
(OOC: Saitou is in a different thread if someone wants to catch him)
She’s a very -brave- girl. We met in Ito Shizuoka. Makoto’s the best.
I giggle. “You’re very brave, too, Auntie Saya-san!” I look at my brother and Midori-san. “She’s the only lady in the police force in all of Japan! Well, there’s some who do office work, but she can do things just like chichiue! Chase the bad guys and get ’em!” I want to be -just- like her when I grow up.
“Oh, and she loves sweets, too.” I tug on her hand. “Do you have time? Midori-san and Oniisan love cake to and there’s the best little shop…” I sigh. The wagashi are pretty that hahaue got but nothing compares to biting into a fluffy cakey!
I get another hug but I look back over my shoulder. Where are my parents and that uncle of mine? It’s too bad he has to come, too. He’s silly but maybe if he marries Auntie Saya-san… no, she’s way too cool for him!
But soon hahaue comes back, her cheeks pinkened, “please, eat,” she says, sitting down. All of the food is here, and I can’t help but to look at the place set for chichiue, with soba.
It was nice seeing them sitting together… but they looked like they didn’t even like each other. I guess it’s real. They used to be all kissy and touchy. I look down at my food as I sit down. It could be all cake but I’m not really that hungry.
Saya:
“She’s the only lady in the police force in all of Japan! Well, there’s some who do office work, but she can do things just like chichiue! Chase the bad guys and get ’em!”
I laugh. “I’m not the only lady in the entire police silly.” I touch the tip of her nose with my forefinger, “But yes I do chase bad guys but I -do- office work too Makoto-chan… Your Chichi and I always have to write these long detailed reports to keep the bad guys in jail.”
“Do you have time? Midori-san and Oniisan love cake to and there’s the best little shop…
“Umm not today unfortunately. I still have to go back into town to get an inn. But maybe in the next day or two.”
We’re interrupted by Yagi-san, who came back alone. So I guess she’s letting Yuunosuke handle Fujita-san? Way to go Yuunosuke! -Show- him. I try to listen and at the same time and eat but I hear nothing from the other hallway. Maybe they’ve taken it outside?
Then I look to the side and notice Makoto just playing with her food and looking over to where there’s soba. That must be for Hajime. “So Makoto-chan, did you guys go to the temple yet? That’s the first thing you guys did right?”
(Makoto)
I’m not the only lady in the entire police silly. But yes I do chase bad guys but I -do- office work too Makoto-chan… Your Chichi and I always have to write these long detailed reports to keep the bad guys in jail.
“Oh…” I say, so it’s not all running around. But at least she tells me about her work! She told me the best stories back in Ito when we were waiting for everyone to get better.
I nod happily at her agreeing to go get cake, and smile over at Midori-san and Tsutomu-kun. It’s a People Who LOVE Cake club!
Hahaue comes back and things just seem gloomy again. It’s just all gloomy and cake won’t fix it, and… I sit very still. I’m not some baby, who cries. My chichiue is leaving and hahaue won’t stop it and no matter what they say it’s just all going to be like this forever. Even cake can’t help it.
So Makoto-chan, did you guys go to the temple yet? That’s the first thing you guys did right?
I look up. “Umm… we’re going after we eat, hahaue likes to make sure Ai-chan takes her naps.” I poke at my food, someone put too many pickles on my tray.
Saitou:
So we get back to the room full of people without incident. I’m glad he didn’t press the issue or I’d have… done what?
I sit seiza in front of the tray that was prepared for me. The good thing about zaru soba is that, it doesn’t matter if it’s been sitting there a while. I take the noodles and start eating. It’s good soba as always but… I take some of the tea and drink some of it.
“Makoto, stop playing with your pickles.” I say to my daughter. “Eat them or leave them alone.”
I’m not sure what made me say that sternly in front of all these people here. With a sigh I go back to the soba and continue eating. Everyone’s gone quiet it seems and I can’t help but look at Saya. She now knows too doesn’t she?
Word gets around quickly especially when the aggrieved party announces it. But that was her -right- to do. And what’s this about a job? Where? Hopefully at that Austrian dress shop.
Hide
Hajime returns to the group, and, shortly after, Yuunosuke does as well. He sits next to Saya-san, at the tray I had prepared for him but keeps his eyes away from her. As I don’t see any signs of anything… phyical on either him or Hajime, I imagine my brother just wasted his breath on that stubborn man.
There’s some conversation, mostly recapping of Ai-chan’s first tastes of food, and what she will and won’t like.
Makoto, stop playing with your pickles. Eat them or leave them alone
Makoto looks up from where she was playing with her food and drops her chopsticks. Scrambling, she tries to pick them back up, and then when she reclaims them, shoves the pickles in her mouth in two big bites, and I can see her holding back a face as she swallows them.
But Hajime’s directive left the room quiet, as everyone finishes eating. Hajime looks more annoyed than he did before, probably because of my brother’s meddling. He -means- well, but… I can see him looking at Saya-san. I’m glad to see her and I know Makoto is delighted, but my brother probably blabbed about it all to her as well. She kindly once got out of the way for us, once. Now she probably regrets doing that.
Eiji:
It’s become stuffy once Otou-san and Yagi-san’s brother came back. They must’ve had words but Otou-san wasn’t gone too long so he must’ve cut it short. Makoto drops her chopsticks seemingly nervous now that Otou-san is letting his annoyance be felt. She’s not used to it but I having been with him on other not so welcome occasions have seen more of him. Otou-san must be tired of putting on a face or is it that he’s just become more miserable?
“Thank you for the food Hide. It was good.” He formally bows to Yagi-san and moves the tray to his left indicating he’s done. “Excuse me. I’m going to smoke outside. Ai probably needs another 10 minutes or so of sleep then we can wake her. I’ll leave it up to you as to who will go to the temple.”
He leaves and I almost want to follow him. But I’m leaving on Monday and just like back then there’s very little if anything, that I can do.
Saya:
I smile as Yuunosuke came back and discretely nudge him. “So is it straightened out now?” I whisper. He took a long time in there! Just the two of them and he came out unscathed. So it must’ve been a quiet battle of words! And Yuunosuke-san is an expert on that. The truth was that I was worried it would end up in a brawl and most certainly Yuunosuke is no match for Hajime. He must’ve won, I mean Hajime is making himself scarce!
“Hey Makoto and Midori, let’s go upstairs and get cleaned up.” The boy tells the other two. He’s not so bad, he seems very responsible but he has Hajime’s disposition.
“Well I’ll bow out of going to the temple. It should probably be family only and to be honest I’m exhausted from the long travel.” I’ll make it easier for Yagi-san rather than her having to uninvite me. Besides if all of them are going that’s quite a large troop already.
(Hide)
He thanks me as he would someone he barely knows, yet speaks of experience as to how much sleep Ai-chan needs. Hajime… oh Hajime, so many contradictions, and I watch him leave to smoke. Of course he won’t smoke in this house anymore,
And then there’s the way he spoke to Makoto. I didn’t intercede as parents shouldn’t contradict the other, but Makoto remains glum, sitting quietly until Tsutomu-kun tells them they should get cleaned up. She leaves like she can’t wait to be out of here… just like her father did. A sigh escapes… practically, I can take care of the people left to me, but what about the hurt that’s left as the family disintegrates?
I know some of what happened the last time he left a family. One child lost, another who thinks of -persevering-, and the wife gone mad. The one before? Both dead, mother and child. Yet he hops to another woman… for what? And after her, there will be another. -There’s always another-.
“Yukiko-san can you help me clean up, please?” The children took their own trays in, but, like a -guest-, Hajime left his.
(Yuunosuke)
She nudges me but I just shake my head quickly. I’m not going to announce to the room that this is a man who is giving up. To death, probably -not-. But to anything else? What is that other woman, after all? Why is she not lifting him up? I remember the man I saw just weeks ago, back in Osaka and then Kyoto. Even injured, the spark of him was still there. They held hands, and he so -carefully- took care of her.
Then I realize, as I watch her move around – what the -hell-? She moves as she always did, in her walk and as she carries the trays, full of plates and bowls. I glance at Saya-san. With her own injuries, she can’t miss this either. I’m no doctor but I know enough that what she had is not something one just gets over.
Well I’ll bow out of going to the temple. It should probably be family only and to be honest I’m exhausted from the long travel.
“I’ll escort you to the inn, Saya-san,” I tell her. I have to tell her what -actually- happened and disappoint her… and also warn her, should she make some attempt to help her old friend. But maybe she’s seen this before, with the wife? “I’ll come back by and visit with the family again later, but I think that Ai-chan has enough of an escort for a -very- good blessing,” I chuckle.
Oneesan looks at both of us, and she looks -tired-. “Please, come back for dinner – you barely got to see Ai-chan and I know Makoto-chan will want to entirely dominate your time, Asuka-san,” she says, and it’s the fond smile at the mention of her daughter that I see some of the light come back in her eyes.
Of course. She’ll run this house and the children and live for them. I’ve seen that, once, in my own younger days. She’ll run and work and… then what? Tamesaburou will probably start trying to marry her off, but… I saw how she looked at Saitou-san. Getting over Okita-san took ten years. This one?
I bow. “Thank you for the meal, oneesan, we’ll see you later,” I tell her.
(OOC – Yuunosuke will leave with Saya, you may close)
Saya:
It’s become like a funeral in here. Yagi-san’s eyes follows Hajime as he vacates the room saying he needed to smoke. An excuse? Probably not, I can see how uncomfortable he’s been even slightly snapping at Makoto-chan, though Makoto was picking at her food. She knows I think the troubles her parents are facing.
And yet there was something I couldn’t place about Yagi-san. Like she’s changed… Oh! She’s fully recovered? How?
“I’ll escort you to the inn, Saya-san,”“I’ll come back by and visit with the family again later, but I think that Ai-chan has enough of an escort for a -very- good blessing,”
“Umm sure.” I say still surprised at the excellent condition Yagi-san is in. I’m not sure where Yuunosuke is staying but I do need to get to the inn close to the precinct. “I’ll probably not come for dinner Yagi-san, my trip here isn’t exactly just a friendly visit.” And besides I think she needs to be alone with -family- and I have to figure out what’s going on with him. There’s another woman?
Yuunosuke thanks his sister and I bow and thank her too. I’d have asked her more questions but would she even answer? I doubt it. Maybe to her brother she’ll tell things but not to me. I may have more luck with Hajime but not today.
(OOC: End Saya is left at the Inn by Yuunosuke. She’ll stay there for the rest of the night until she needs to move again)