Mr. Pet Play and Tears (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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headshoulderbeesandtoes2015-09-05 03:18 am
hijiwanwan) wrote in headshoulderbeesandtoes2015-09-05 03:18 am
勿忘草 Scenario Meme
✿新撰組勿忘草MEME✿
So you managed to slink your way into the Shinsengumi HQ, huh? How did you do that: Talk to Kondo who's incredibly nice, open-minded, and welcoming is the usual way to go about it, unless you're feeling brave you could attempt to try to convince the Demon Vice-Captain, Hijikata that you can pull your own weight and be useful... Well, kudos! Now though, there's quite a lot of things to do around here- where shall you start?
SCENARIOS:
⓵ Explore! Might as well learn where everything is, right? This place can be overwhelming with all the rooms and troops running about doing their duties... Oh, oops. Did you just get lost?
⓶ The Garden: There's quite a lot of laundry to take care of, are you going to help or not? Maybe you just want to take a gander at all the beautiful plants (they look thirsty- should you water them?), or feed some stray cats that happen to drop by. It's a nice day, especially to relax but don't slack off for too long.
⓷ いただきまーす！The kitchen! If you're going to cook something you better be cooking for everyone else too! Hey- hey wait, you're not here to grab a snack, right?
⓸ The Stash: Looks like you need to talk to Kondo about something (or he needs to talk to you)... Wait, why is he not in his room? You peek at his desk out of curiosity. Looks like someone left their sweets on the desk, is this the infamous sweet-tooth that Hijikata complains about when concerning Kondo? If you take the extra mile to even open the desk you might find some more--...
⓹ If you do this you die: Or maybe Hijikata requires your presence? Maybe you just like to bother him? Wow, how nice of you. He's not in his room either... What a cluttered desk: papers everywhere, mostly work that's Shinsengumi related but what's this book with "Hogyoku" on it? If you open it up be prepared for an onslaught of awful Haikus if that's the case.
⓺ 町に行きたい: Of course, you don't have to be trapped in the headquarters all day, the town is pretty lovely anyway. It's crowded sometimes, so be careful. There's so many shops though, where do you want to go first? A sweet shop called Banrakuya opened recently, and there's always a long line at it (their bean paste wafers are quite good). There's always the sword shop, however inspect them carefully: you never know if you're being sold a fake or not! Maybe you want to shop for a gift? There's plenty of places to buy trinkets, and clothes.
⓻ まーまー祭りだ！Festival time! Are you going to slide down to town to join in the fun? Will you take someone with you and play festival games with them or eat some delicious candy apples? Dress in your favourite festival attire and go before you miss all the fun! Maybe later that night you can watch the fireworks as well.
⓼ Meet me in the HQ in 20 minutes for an ass kicking: Remember you're not here to have that much fun. Looks like you've been caught and was lectured about how your swordsmanship is lacking. Time to grab a shinai and practice! Perhaps you can find a good partner to help you while you're at it.
⓽ Any fin is possible if you put your mind to it: After finally getting use to your surroundings, it's time to explore a bit more outward. There's a lovely creek nearby. Do you sit down and just listen to the water flow, or maybe try to test your fishing skills? If anything, it could probably be a tasty dinner for later.
⓾ Wildcard! TBH... To be honest... tbh... Just do anything.
no subject
What the hell, no!?
[ No, no, no! He's not doing this at all! How dare they make The Great Izuminokami Kanesada do laundry? Not only that, he's pretty sure he's allergic to something around here — like the FLOWERS of all things! Staring at the dirty clothes next to a small pond that's surrounded by round rocks, he shakes his head as he looks away from his chores. ]
Disgusting. No way. I'm not having any of this!
[ He's not! Finally, he gets up from where he's sitting with a great idea that comes to mind. Have someone else do this!
He's walking to the HQ.. there's no one around.. and Kanesada has no phone. Out of the corner of his eyes, he hears it.
B..
It's following him, about thirty feet back, it flaps it's wings and zooms towards Kanesada's way — it's gaining on him!
B.. uzz
He's looking for the entrance of the HQ but the knob has disappeared, Kanesada turns around and there's BLACK ON IT'S FACE! IT'S BLACK AND YELLOW EVERYWHERE!
buzzeouf. ]
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! LET ME IN, SOMEONE LET ME IN! IT'S AFTER ME!!! [ WHAT IF IT STINGS HIM! ]
⓷ いただきまーす！
[ Food! This is what he's about in all honesty! But who would Kanesada be if he was the one to make his own food so what he does next is what he does best. Noticing someone sitting a table not too far away, Kanesada takes this opportunity to cross his arms as he sits down at the table. He's silent at first but it's that type of silence that's warranted a "What's wrong with you?"
Another pause, he stares at the other and his stomach growls just a bit. For being the pissbaby that he is, he blinks once and then twice. ]
Why can't you read my mind! I'm hungry! This is a kitchen right, will you fix me something?
⓶ I'M SO FUCKING TIRED my naps
Hey, what's a matter! [ It's a sliding door, you idiot- however, he opens it in a hurry. ] What's after you-?!
[ He sees nothing? What the fuck, what the fuck what the f ]
UGH I'M LAUGHING we gotta protect the baby of our fam
Kanesan, you shouldn't worry our master like that!
[Yes, just look at that totally displeased and kind of rattled look on Hijikata's face. That's full on concern for his favourite sword. He's such a worried dad. Horikawa gets that, so he'll be the naggy one today (as always).]
You aren't doing this to get out of our chores, are you?
no subject
Anyway, finally inside is when Kanesada quickly slams the door in hopes that he left the bee outside. It's head? It was abnormal for a bee of it's day and age. There's nothing that HIJIKATA HAS TO SEE THERE'S NOTHING BECAUSE KANESADA WON'T LET ANYTHING GET HIM! ]
It was an ENEMY! It was big and it flies so fast! You don't understand, it was after me? What if it attacked me!?
[ He almost DIED! Hear him out? It was so scary!? When will Horikawa and Hijikata understa—
Buzz.
It's that sound again. IT'S THAT SOUND AGAIN and out the corner of his eye.. INSIDE THE HQ.. he sees it. ]
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
[ And he's off, down the hall and turning a left. ]
imma ground ur ass kanesan
He's at a lost for words. He hears the buzzing and when the bee attempts to buzz around Hijikata's face he just kind of steps back- swatting his hand around rather carelessly since it didn't bother him that much unlike SOMEONE... ]
Hey now! Calm down- it's just a bee it's practically harmless? [ He scoffs. Ugh. He's tired? His nap? ] Besides without them our garden wouldn't look so nice--
I...
[ There he go... There KaneGo... ... Hijikata looks over at Horikawa, with a very tired look in his eyes. He's going to get grey hairs at this rate? He sighs. ]
Do the laundry later, help me get him. [ He puts a hand on his face... And drags it down. The stress is real... ] Maybe... We can get a jar or something. I don't know, I'm going to go get him. [ AAAAND he's off to chase Kanesada? ]
please he's a delicate flower master
[He's... Okay, even if it's Kanesan, and Horikawa doesn't have high expectations for Kanesan in domestic chores, but even if it's Kanesan he can hardly believe this much fuss is being made over a bee! It's not like it's even near him, since it seems to be buzzing around to mind it's own business? He winds up with his mouth open looking like he doesn't quite know what to say, but at least he's calm enough to listen to Hijikata's orders.
Well, he usually expects to be doing his partner's chores for him anyway, so he nods. Not to mention his master looks like he could use his nap-san right about now, so Horikawa wants to ease his stress some.]
Right. A jar? I'll get it right away!
[AND HE'S OFF! Not entirely sure where he can get a jar but he has a few ideas, he'll be sure to be back in time to watch Kane and Hiji making fools of themselves over a bee and the fact that people say this mess of a sword resembles his master.]
no subject
For now, he'll sit in here with the doors shut and no one can find him NO ONE!! He knows that this is best. Arms wrapping around his legs as he looks in the dark space that he sits, it'll never be able to find him here as long as he's quiet.
This is exhausting, lonely and sad! Why did that bee come for him, he doesn't even remember that he left his master and partner in the dust. This happens when you have that newfound UCHIGATANA speed honestly! Haha, goodbye tachi lyfe, no more slo life. Call him daddy long legs he guesses! Anyway, no one will find him here and he'll try his best to stop SHIVVERING because possibly the closet he's hiding in is probably doing the same.
Okay. He's fine, it'll be okay. NO MONSTER OR BEE WILL OPEN THE DOOR! ]
listen i didnt raise him to be like.. this!
That's not... That useful... But okay, he'll keep searching! ] Seriously... It's just a bee...
Where's Horikawa with that jar- [ SIGH! Hijikata decides to then peek his head in every door calling out for Kanesada: ] Hey! Kanesada?! Just come out already!
[ Oh my god! He's so getting a lecture after this! ]
these titles feel like hori and hiji discussing parenting techniques while kane just ._. why
I got it, Master! Huh? Is Kanesan missing?
[Though his concerns are more along the lines of: where is the bee? He didn't go get that jar for nothing, did he? With the absence of Kanesans panicked yelling it seems to be the case so far, so things aren't looking too good for him. He looks left, and then right.]
Ah. Do you think he left back outside because of the bee? It seemed to disappear when he ran off.
[A small buzz near the closet his left may suggest otherwise, though?]
._. why
NO, MY SACRED SANCTUARY. ANYWHERE BUT HERE NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
[ There's a lot of sound coming from the closet as he tries to get out, pushing at the doors as the buzz causes him to jump out and to the floor. Falling face first which hurts, he can't help but raise his head as embarrassment reddens upon his features and tears swell from his eyes from the fact that Hijikata and Horikawa saw. ]
That damned bee, making me look like a fool!
[ There it is again, buzzing towards Kanesada as apparently it wants to land on his hair, maybe those few flower petals that had fallen in his hair from when he was to go laundry is the cause. As it buzzes a little closer, the uchigatana quickly gets to his feet and makes a run past both his master and partner. He's tired, so he bends down and tries to hide behind Hijikata and use him as a shield against the bee. ]
MASTER GET IT!! KUNIHIRO GET IT!! IT'S COMING FOR ME!!!!!!!!
[ Sniffle and a huff, he sees it and lord, why does it follow him!? WHY! There he goes, running straight and then into a wall before he crawls into another room. ]
-__-_-------- kanesada
There he is. Right in the closet in front of him!? Hijikata really needs to work on closet hunting skills... Damn! At the loud thump Hijikata immediately turns towards Kanesada, eyes widen in surprise but then his face relaxes when he sighs in disappointment.
At Kanesada's words, all Hijikata could thing was: maybe you shouldn't be making a big fuss about it in the first place- of course that thought stops in mid-sentence when Kanesada makes a rush to use Hijikata as a human meat shield. Hey, why! ]
Why can't you just calm down for a moment!? [ The Real Qs! Of course, the bee for some reason just Really Loves Kanesada so it tries to make a beeline towards his fabulous hair. To Hijikata's own surprise, he responds by stepping back out of instinct but since Kanesada is an obstacle in his life Hijikata loses his footing and slips. Thus, falling backwards onto the Uchigatana. Smooth move!
Nonetheless, he makes one final attempt to call out to Horikawa. ] Ugh... I...
Horikawa, just jar it already! [ HE'S TIRED!!! ]
v_v kanesan
Leave it to me, Master! [Here he goes! Opening the lid of the jar as he follows after the insect, it definitely does seem to be set on following Kanesan, doesn't it? Curious... But he's pretty quick, and pretty lucky too, so it doesn't take Horikawa more than a moment's chase to catch it.
The nearest person to him is Kanesan, so to make a point of the safety, he crouches down to hold the jar up to his partner's face.]
It's fine now, Kanesan. See? It can't hurt you from in here. I wonder if we should name it..?[Pushes it closer to his face.... Kanesan needs to see Just How Safe he is? Though he's heard bees are useful, too! Horikawa makes sure he's made his point before calling a little bit louder:] I caught it! You should come help me get Kanesan, Master!
[Lying on the floor is not elegant at all.]
⓻ i'm here and tired and ready to kick hijikata's ass post-shiptrap for remembering
EITHER WAY!! with the festival going on tonight, the saniwa has allowed the swords to roam as freely as they want, with no other mission than to have fun. this is more difficult for some swords than for others, but for tsurumaru, it's not hard at all, with things such as goldfish scooping, booths, prizes, and whatnot.
he's on his way back to a few of the other swords, having decided to take the long way back with not too many people on this particular path, half-bitten candy apple in hand, when he feels someone collide into him. for a moment, the sensation feels a little familiar (where the person's head comes up to, and how he wants to rest his chin on it),
but when the person looks up, his eyes widen, recognizing the face that he sees. ]
Hij—
[ and he shuts his mouth immediately. no, no. of course not, don't do that, what good is it now, when he won't remember you? so tsurumaru resigns to giving him a polite smile, the kind that he gives to people whom he's never met before. ]
Aha, sorry about that! I didn't see you there. You're kind of short, you know?
UGGGHHH TSURU IM SORRY BUT MOM WAS JSUT REALLY GOOD AT CONVINCING? im weak im soryy
I'm not being sour. [ Huff. Why can't this guy let up... ... Another sigh. ] Fine. Fine. Go get it. [ So he watches him leave. Hijikata just shakes his head in disbelief. Honestly! Well, maybe he can check out the other booths while he's at it so he turns around to continue in his steps and-
Oops. The place is indeed crowded, but Hijikata didn't expect to carelessly bump into someone. ]
Tch... Can't you watch where you're going- [ Hijikata rubs the back of his head for a moment then he looks up... ]
How the hell- [ ...Did he even get here? Of course, he finishes the last of that question in his thoughts because... Obvious reasons. Well. Damn? This is actually really awkward. He closes his mouth that was currently agape mid-question and crosses his arms. After a short pause his lips turn up into a playful smirk. ]
Excuse me, that's not how you're suppose to talk to your master. I thought I trained you better. [ But of course after that the smirk quickly fades. Ah... Yes. He has a lot of explaining to do, huh? ]
1/2
but he swallows the feeling, letting out a nervous laugh, because it's probably just him, just from the situation stirring up past feelings, and it probably doesn't mean anything. ]
What are you talking about...? If you're looking for Horikawa or Kanesada, they're over there—
UGHHHHH HIJI HOW DARE YOU BE WEAK i'm dying ugh my heart it can't go on im seppukuing
oh no.
ohhhhhhhhhhh no.
oh no, hijikata didn't.................
before anything else happens, there's a loud shriek, and he's grabbed a fistful of hijikata's robe, smacking him across the cheek with the bitten end of his candy apple. (as much as tsurumaru wants to use the apple as a blunt object, he kind of wants it back after he's done, not stuck somewhere in hijikata's hair.) ]
How could you go back and ask to remember, after I said all of that? After I did all of that? You promised that you were going to forget, so I—
[ and he might be tearing up, just a bit, because as embarrassed as he is... at the bottom of his heart, he's a little relieved. still, that doesn't change how tricked he feels now!!! ]
Ugh!! You're horrible. You're the worst, the absolute worst, did you know that?! What about everything you said, about your honor, about your duty to the Shinsengumi, or something?! Why did you change your mind?
UGH DONT FUCKIGN SEPPUKU IM SUPPOSE TO BE SAYING THAT UGHHH!!!
Hijikata immediately places the hand to his smacked cheek (eww... It's sticky. Why?) and stares at Tsurumaru. His expression isn't wide-eyed, the most common reaction to being slapped across the face mostly because he definitely knew it was coming. It's fine! He deserves it!
Although, Hijikata didn't really know what to say to Tsurumaru, his previous comment was definitely out of line- but hey. What can you do? ]
Hey! Calm down already! What was that for anyway?! [ Of course, he couldn't really help but raise his voice- Tsurumaru, please chill. He furrows his eyebrows, and with a 'tch' he removes his hand from his cheek. Sticky... Sticky... Ugh. Why did he have to hit him with the apple of all things?!
However, Hijikata's expressions softens. While he may be a bit guilty at what Tsurumaru pointed out all he does is let out a sigh. ]
I said calm down. I guess... I changed my mind when I realized that maybe it's better to remember... Learn from the mistakes and prove that I'm... I am stronger, because if I forget I would just be running away, wouldn't I? [ A pause. ]
Hm... Also out of all things why did you have to hit me with that?! [ He wiggles his fingers a bit, uncomfortable feeling the stickiness when his fingers touch together. He lifts his hand to his face and licks one of them, then blinks. ] Ah, I was right. It is sweet.
UGH YOU EMBARRASSED ME I HAVE TO SEPPUKU BEFORE YOU **TAKES YOUR LINE**
[ his next words are muttered quietly. ] It doesn't change how you remember everything, though, and I mean everything. [ and, even more softly: ] I could die of embarrassment, knowing that you remember all of that.
[ really!! he could die........
the way that hijikata's expression lights up in surprise, at the sweet flavor, causes the corners of his lips to tug; it's like watching a child try something for the first time. but his voice is indignant and raised, as he huffs, and his cheeks are only red because he's angry, he swears. ] It was just what I had in my hand, okay? You should be thankful that I didn't hit you with my sword! I want to, until you can't remember anymore.
[ even with that said... it's not as if he would have in the first place, anyway. it's hijikata, after all. ]
Here. I don't want any of it going to waste, so...
[ he steps closer, gently placing his free hand on hijikata's shoulder, as if to keep him still. a moment is taken to tilt his head to the side, before running his tongue over his cheek, lapping at its surface delicately, until all of the candy residue is gone. he'll back away then, idly patting his sleeve against hijikata's face to dry it off. ]
You did say that you trained me better than that, didn't you?
UGH I CANT BELIEVE YA GUNNA DIE... OF EMBARRASSMENT!
The more you threaten me like that, the more I'd just want to tease you more. I'm surprised this is coming from someone who doesn't mind kissing then blurting out 'I love you' at the breakfast table. You're almost like a child.
[ Of course, he could say more but silenced by Tsurumaru's next actions he decides to hold back other teasing words. Hijikata agrees to his last statement with a small nod...
Then it also sinks in. Fuck. They're right in the middle of a festival with people walking back and forth and- thankfully this particular area isn't too crowded, but still!
Damn, Hijikata can actually feel his own embarrassment sinking in, and it's beginning to show on his own cheeks. He covers his mouth with his own sleeve, and looks around. There are definitely some stares- so in response he grabs Tsurumaru's arm and begins to drag him off to the side, off the road and behind most of the booths. A sigh leaves his lips. ]
Geez... Whatever. I'll find Kondo-san later. [ Who knows. Maybe that man got distracted. ]
Anyway... [ Reaches up... Flicks Tsurumaru on the forehead with his finger. ] That's for earlier. [ The candle apple deal. ]
So, answer me. What are you doing here of all places? Don't you live in that... What was it called- citadel? [ While he's curious, he also decides to ask: ] Are you enjoying the festivals? The ones around here are nice... ... I use to go to them as a kid so it's kind of nostalgic.
UGH STOP THIS IS NOT NEWS!!!!! HOW DARE YOU
[ and maybe his actions after that were his form of revenge, but after attracting enough stares from passerbys, he's dragged off somewhere quieter, behind the booths, with only the dim reflections of lit lanterns as their sources of light. ]
Ow!! [ with a whine, he reaches up, shielding his forehead from even more flicks. not everyone can have a forehead protector like the shinsengumis!! ] But you can't tell me that you didn't deserve it, you big, lying jerk. [ he sticks his tongue out, blowing a spiteful raspberry... ]
Ah, we do live at the Citadel. But we're in the middle of a super cool event that lets us hang out here for a few days. [ jazz hands! ] It's kind of like a vacation for our hard work. We even got some pocket money, see? As long as we aren't buying anything terribly expensive, our Saniwa doesn't care what we spend it on.
[ and, about the festival, and whether he's enjoying it; his answer is spoken a bit hesitantly. ] I... think so. I mean, these kinds of things are pretty popular, but I'm not the kind of sword that people usually take to festivals, right? A bad luck charm like me has no place at a celebratory event like a festival, and that's always how it's been.
[ with that said, he smiles again. ]
So, all of this is a little strange... And coming from me, this is odd, but I don't know how to exactly enjoy it in the first place. I'd like to! But I don't really know how.
Still, I wanted to see if I could find you again, if I could see you again— and I succeeded, didn't I?
JUST CHILL!!!!!!!! *SLAPS U* CHILL!!!!!!!!
Huh... Interesting... [ He crosses his arms and leans against the back of the booth they're standing by. ]
If your Saniwa brought you here then you probably aren't considered a 'bad luck charm' to them. Come on, you should enjoy it while you can.
Hm... Ha. [ A small shrug, and there's a tiny smile on his features. ] You found me. You're lucky in that case; I usually don't come to these things but there's not a lot of people around here, and Kondo-san kept pestering me. That man... What a handful-
Ah, but either way... Well... [ He runs his hand through some of his hair, he's not really the best at ... Asking this kind of stuff, the awkwardness in his wording is definitely obvious but hey... Hey? It wouldn't hurt, right? ] Yeah. If you don't know how to enjoy it maybe ... I could show you I guess. Just because I've been to there before, you know.
If you're interested, that is. There's a lot of games, and even fireworks so... It's pretty fun.
WHY WON'T YOU LEARN THAT SLAPPING DOESNT WORK ON ME!!!
[ there's a faint sparkle in his eye towards the end, smirking in hijikata's direction, but he glances down. ] It's not as if I knew what I was going to do once I found you, though. Under any other circumstances, there's no other reason for a sword like me to talk to you.
In a way, I'm really glad that you remembered.
[ when hijikata pauses, awkwardness radiating off of him in waves, tsurumaru leans forward curiously, listening the offer that comes together in a mumbled mishmash of words. and once he realizes what it is, he's grinning so widely that he feels stupid, everything feels stupid, but blissfully so. ]
Aah, Hiji... Are you, perhaps, asking me on a— [ and he raises his voice here, in the very slightest, rephrasing his word choices. ] —asking me to go to the festival with you?
[ but he quickly relents, feeling that he's embarrassed hijikata just enough; with his hands clasped together, his bright expression is already indicative of his response. ] If you have the time, that is... I wouldn't want anyone else but you to show me.
GOD DAMNIT!!! I'm so tired of ur ass tsuru ugh im tying you to a post bye
[ Hijikata shoots Tsurumaru a glare- oh don't you DARE say that. When he doesn't, there's an inward sigh of relief, so his expression softens into a much more peaceful one. He stops leaning against the booth and looks around. Once again, he runs his hand through his bangs trying to think what to do next. ]
Ah, let's see... There's a lot of candy... Takoyaki and Taiyaki... It's pretty good. If you're interested in more games we could try to catch those goldfish.
Though that's really difficult, I never liked that game. [ Like seriously? Only little kids love it the most. Well, Tsurumaru is like what? Five years old? Honestly, he might actually love it. ] It's not as if they stay alive for long after anyway.
Hm... As for the fireworks later, I know a good place to watch them. On top of a hill, no one really goes there so we would be alone. Well, not bothered. [ Oops. There's a careless shrug afterwards, however. ] I'd prefer not to be surrounded by a bunch of people anyway.
[ He kind of realized he's not really making any of this sound fun. It's not like fun is his middle name or anything. Hijikata is the one that's usually pulled around when it comes to these events, so having to do the pulling is... Not his forte, definitely. ] What do you feel like doing?
UGH STOP DONT LEAVE ME ALONE i'll whine???????
Is it difficult for you because the fish keep swimming away, and you can't tie them to one place...? [ it's things like this that he should probably leave unspoken and get him into trouble, but he states it innocently enough, followed with a shrug. ]
Uwaaah, that's— actually pretty thoughtful, coming from you...! [ he's surprised!! the thought of getting to watch fireworks with hijikata is... well... it makes him experience that weird feeling that he felt back on that final morning all over again, and he takes a breath before continuing. ] I don't think I'd want to watch them in a crowded place, either.
Really, Hiji... [ he laughs a bit, moving his sleeve to cover his mouth. even as he appreciates this, it still sounds as if hijikata is awkwardly listing things off; it's cute, and somewhat endearing. ] I may not know my way around festivals, but it looks like you're not too good at this, either.
[ he'll reach for hijikata's hand then, grasping it gently in his, even if he's not the one that knows where that particular booth is. ] Since you're so bad at it, I'll catch you some goldfish— that is, if you show me where it is.
ugh then.. wot the fock do i do.. im tired ugh my nap?
[ Ugh. Just! Tsurumaru!!! Listen, Hijikata is trying his best? What the fuck. ]
... Shut up already. [ Huffs. ] Just be an obedient dog and try to behave.
[ Ah, yes. Casually ruining the moment with dog comments. Of course, that comment was more under his breath, so unless Tsurumaru was really listening he wouldn't have heard. ]
Fine, fine. It's down here. [ With a tug on Tsurumaru's hand he steers him in the other direction. When they get to the booth, Hijikata does take the liberty to pay for the net, and hands it to Tsurumaru. ]
The net is made out of paper, so make sure you're not too rough when dipping it into the water... Or if you take your sweet time it's going to dissolve. That's why it's so hard... So if anything, good luck.
nap next to me??? hello?? that way i won't be alone and u can nap
[ but admist the din of the festival, tsurumaru doesn't catch the last half of what hijikata says, and once they find the booth, he waits for hijikata to do whatever it is that he needs to do to make catching goldfish happen; but tsurumaru sees money being exchanged, so when he accepts the poi and the accompanying bowl, he does so with a bright 'thank you'.
except that once hijikata mentions that it's paper, he tilts his head to the side, looking at the little catching device curiously. ]
Paper? Well, whatever. I'm a sword, so it can't be too hard. This game is like you, I think — it's not patient at all. [ and then there's a wide grin, and a wink afterwards.
but he turns back to the task at hand; taking a moment to examine the large container of goldfish and the best place to strike, he scarcely dares to breathe as he hovers, keeping himself still.
he dips into the enhanced senses that come with being a sword here, seeing why this game would be hard for most humans — his eyes watch the fish like prey, and when he finds the perfect moment—
there's not one, but two light, quick scoops into the water — scoop, bowl, scoop again, bowl — and he's beaming: two goldfish, and minimal usage of the net. (of course, it'll dissolve eventually, but at this rate, it's going to last for a while.) ]
See? Easy!
I'm not napping on the ground tho... thats uncomfortable? :9 my back
Not patient- Hey, what's that suppose to mean?
[ Honestly! There's a dissatisfied huff at that comment, but there is more curiosity to see if Tsurumaru is really capable at this dumb game... So rather than watching from afar Hijikata decides to get closer to the tank as well (but there's still enough room for Tsurumaru to move and concentrate) and watches carefully.
He really didn't expect Tsurumaru to actually be good at this-
Woah, hey now. He also didn't even see the sword scoop for a moment, it was that fast! Hijikata only blinks. The surprise is evident on his features and he only stays silent for a few moments. ]
Geez... You can't be real. [ He shakes his head, not trying to actually look impressed or anything! ] That should be enough for now, leave the rest of the fish for the kids.
I'll show you a different game instead. [ So after getting the goldfish squared away into bags, Hijikata will lead Tsurumaru to another booth: a shooting one! He points at the ball, then the prizes (mostly silly toys, and stuffed animals) as he explains. ] You throw that... At whatever you want. If it falls over you keep it. Simple?
[ He also pays the man in charge of the booth for a few chances to throw. ] Give it a shot.
this is why you tie me to the bedpost and you sleep on the bed???
Since I caught two, they'll have each other for company, and they won't be lonely anymore. [ he waits for the person at the booth to put the fish into little plastic bags with some water.
and then, hijikata drags him off to another game. tsurumaru observes as hijikata holds up the ball and points to the prizes — listening, it sounds simple enough: another game that wouldn't be too difficult for him.
except that when he sees the stuffed animals, his eyes light up like a child on christmas day. he wants all of them, and he's trying to figure out if making the ball bounce off of the sides of the booth is a plausible plan or not...
but for once, he doesn't want to think about himself first; instead, he holds the ball in his hand, turning towards hijikata. ]
Before I do — is there any stuffed animal that you see, that you particularly want? I could get it for you, you know.
uggggggggh??? fine :| why do you gotta be so needy tsuru!!
Huh? That's childish?
[ There's a small huff of protest at Tsurumaru's question. Hijikata doesn't need any stuffed animals and begins to explain further- ] Honestly, wouldn't that look weird anyway? I'm their Vice-captain and-
[ Demon vice captains don't win plushies... You see... Though, he stops mid-sentence, and looks over at the shelves. With a defeated a sigh he shakes his head, waving his hand dismissively. ] No, whatever. Fine... Fine, let me see...
[ Finally, after some thought he points to this one. ] I don't really want it though. You should be the one that ends up keeping it since you're the one attempting to win it. [ Shrug. ] Good luck getting it off though.
ughhhhhh because i get lonely??? and i'm a five year old??? dont abandon me >:9
but in the end, hijikata does pick one — and as tsurumaru follows the direction of his finger with his eyes... even among all of the plushies available, that has to be one of the cutest ones there. ]
You wouldn't pick it if you didn't want it at least a little, right? [ there's a curious, thoughtful lilt in his voice, because he wonders if it's true; either way, there's no takebacks (maybe)!! none, this is his cat bean city now.
returning to the task at hand, though, he pulls his hand back, taking careful aim. and his aim is as spot-on as always, easily knocking the cat plushie down; though, a bird plushie manages to fall down with it. ]
Look! [ when he receives the two that he knocked down, he holds them in his arms, showing them off. ] I'd ask you to hold the cat one for me, but what would people say if they saw the kindest demon vice captain in the world with something as cute as this, right?
You know, Hijikata... I like games, and everything, but you should try one too. I mean, it doesn't have to be a game, if you don't like those, but—
[ what's he's trying to say, in a long-winded way, is that he wants to see hijikata enjoying this as much as he is — it can't be too much fun just watching, can it? ]
ur lucky that i kno that feel and wouldnt actually do it. maybe >:( !! ugh!
[ There, he finally admits it. However, it takes a lot out of him to admit such things, Hijikata likes being a man of truth after all! ]
Oh, please. If you are having trouble carrying stuff I don't mind. Though, you should be the one taking all this home by the end of this thing. Share it with your friends. [ He has friends right? At the citadel thing? Ah, well... He shakes his head. ]
I'm just waiting for the fireworks. Those are my favourite, especially where I usually sit... It's pretty. [ He prefers the solitude of the hill where it's best to watch such fireworks rather than near the actual festival where everyone crowds around. ] You shouldn't worry about me, besides...
[ He picks up a ball, then tosses it while he finishes his sentence. ] I'm not good at this stuff- [ ... But he manages to knock down a pin wheel, and the man at the booth hands it to him once it drops. ]
Ah, I guess I stand corrected.
ugh!!! tfw same feel... sits next to you >:) now we won't be lonely
I could, but it's a little odd. If I ask them where I got it, I can't say I totally spent the rest of my day with the demon vice commander of the Shinsengumi — Horikawa would have a heart attack, you know. [ yes, hijikata, he still has friends, even if things are a little awkward right now at the citadel........... ]
You can't tell me what to doooo— I'm going to worry about you all I want, because you're old— [ he cuts off when he sees the ball that hijikata throws collide into a pinwheel prize, and if he could clap his hands together, he would have. ] See? You won't know until you try. Now you've won something, too!
[ tsurumaru catches the sound of firecrackers, but not enough for them to officially begin; rather, it's the trial firecrackers, testing the skies to see if they'll light, etc, which basically tells them that the fireworks will start in a few minutes — enough for them to look around for a bit more before heading up. ]
Ooh! Did you want to grab something to eat, before they start?
ugh tsuru sitting next to me like: :) >:) >:D enogugh of these games
Is he doing okay? [ Hijikata has been wondering that a lot, if Horikawa has been alright ever since going home. Hijikata's busy as ever but when he has the free time he couldn't help but think about the murder island a lot. It's almost really distracting actually... Yet he was convinced to keep these memories... Well, Gi-ne knew best, right? It's not as if he's regretting it or anything-
Hey! He's not old! Hijikata glares at Tsurumaru, a sour, offended look on his features. ] Oh, because someone like me really needs someone to look over them.
[ He's a big scary Demon captain okay... Okay? He doesn't need a babysitter! Well, *pans back to first kill log, hello orion*
ANYWAY. ]
Hmm...? [ Actually, food did seem like a pretty nice idea right now... He accidentally passed up on the free candy apple since he sort of, oops, left Kondo-san when Tsurumaru bumped into him. If anything, Kondo-san should be fine. He probably found the other captains to spend time with... ... ... Sorry Kondo-san. With a thoughtful hand placed to his chin he takes a gander at the nearby booths to see if anything can possibly interest him. Finally, pointing at a (general) mochi stand selling things such as dango and rice cakes, he looks back at Tsurumaru. ]
Seems good?
UGH please he's feeling very >:D always??? >:D hijikun
Ah, but what about your— [ tsurumaru almost says FRIENDS, but would the big scary Demon Captain who clearly doesn't need a babysitter appreciate acknowledging that he has friends!!!!! ] —er, those other Shinsengumi people? Like the one you were with earlier?
[ but it's not as if he's going to let hijikata bring anyone else with t hem? if he does, they'll just be drop-kicked off of the hill? goodbye? tsurumaru looks over at what hijikata's pointing at, and, well....
he's certainly not opposed to it — dango is sweet, and he does like sweets, after all, but to him, dango only has one purpose. ]
Sounds good! But, Hiji... [ and he gives him a confused look. oh, tkrb dango.... ] I'm not fatigued, why dango?
slaps the smile off ur face now ur just >:
Yeah. Yeah. ]
Huh? [ COME ON TSURUMARU... HE HAS... FRIENDS... WOW... ] Well... Everyone is okay. Heisuke, Harada, and Nagakura are gone... But I'm sure they're doing fine. They're good people, so... Though, Souji... We had to send him off, he's recovering right now, but who knows if he'll make it. We'll probably need a miracle.
[ He wasn't really thrilled to say all that. Sometimes he still wonders if he could prevent all that somehow... Them leaving. He shakes his head. ]
...Wait what? What are you talking about?
that >: will soon become a >:9 as i hold ur hand to my face and lick ur palm to disgust u
at the mention of souji, tsurumaru tenses, just a little — with how frequently yamato speaks of okita and runs around begging the saniwa to give him TB, how okita died is common knowledge in the citadel. but on the island, none of the shinsengumi swords had said anything, so even now, he chooses to keep it a secret, instead reaching to give hijikata's arm a quiet squeeze. ] I'm sure Okita will be fine. Things like medicine, and whatnot, are better now than they were, say... two hundred years ago?
[ it still kind of sucks, though, but he doesn't say that part out loud.
but, onto explaining dango: ]
Don't you usually eat dango to restore fatigue? Like, for instance... When we go out on too many sorties, we get tired, and being in that tired state makes our troops, our attacks, and our defenses weaker. We also get this little frowny symbol over our heads — orange or red, depending on how tired we are.
But then, our Saniwa gives us dango, and bam! Just like that, we're not fatigued anymore, and we can go out on sorties again at full strength.
Isn't that what dango is for?
i... slaps ur face with the hand you licked :/ nasty?
I worry for him. He isn't too keen on bed rest when he really needs it. [ Which worries Hijikata. Souji keeps going on and on about how he wants to help, he wants to be a sword for the Shinsengumi and fight for them till the death. Hijikata understands that feeling all too well, but... Souji just can't fight in his condition.
Honestly, if there's anything Hijikata doesn't want to see again is Souji's corpse. That image still haunts him, more than ever too because of his current condition. It took him awhile to get over it but sometimes it just keeps returning and he really really hates it. After returning home from the island even Hijikata needed a few weeks to recover- the one time Kondo-san actually put down his foot and didn't allow Hijikata to do any work... The thought of his own death too continues to weigh down on his own thoughts.
Just like right now. He blinks and shakes his own head to snap out of those thoughts- he spaced out for a few moments, almost missing Tsurumaru's very weird explanation. Oops. Though, he couldn't help but give Tsurumaru a glance that just says: Are you crazy??? ]
... No. You eat it and that's it. The hell are sorties? Frowny symbols? [ A sigh. ] No, never mind, just come with me.
[ So, of course, Hijikata grabs onto Tsurumaru's sleeve and drags him to the stand. He buys a stick of dango for both of them, also a few rice cakes (for the fireworks!). He pops the dango into Tsurumaru's mouth. ]
It's just food. I don't know where you get all this weird stuff from. Seriously.
oh.... thats disgusting............. do it again >:9
What do you mean, "that's it"? Dango does so much more than that.
[ but before he can explain, he's taken to the sweets stand, where something is promptly stuck into his mouth, mid-gasp. did he just—? immediately, there's a muffled sound as he reaches for the end of the stick, pulling it back out of his mouth. yeesh, hiji!! this is not the kind of surprise he's into... ]
Don't just— [ and he'd complain, except he's taken a bite into the dango, and 1. he recognizes it, but 2. it's not the dango that he knows... where are its magical healing qualities??? however, 3. as much as he wants to stab hijikata with the dango stick, too, the dango is actually.... pretty sweet.... and he likes it...... a lot... so he holds onto it instead, chewing loudly. ]
I mean, as swords, we're not used to eating unless we have to, so food's pretty strange to us.
[ a huff. ] We get it from the Citadel! Our Saniwa, and everything. We go out to our sorties — battles, we fight these monster-ish things, instead of other people or other swords, and then we become stronger. At first, the whole system's kind of hard to get used to, but you get used to it in a few days.
Is that weird?
......... sTOP? ugh im tired!!!!! WyHY!!
Hijikata pops his own dango into his mouth and then gives Tsurumaru a tug on his sleeve, signaling him to follow- he wants to make it to the top of the hill past the festival street in time! Also he has been walking around all day... He just wants to relax right now, honestly! ]
Monsters? [ Kind of... Talking with his mouth half full oops. ] Yeah, it's weird.
[ Swallow. Then a shrug. ] Sometimes I forgot you're from a completely... Different place. I guess.
[ And another bite. ] Mm... This stuff is pretty good. It's been awhile since I've had this. [ Since Hijikata is a PARTY POOPER and doesn't let his troops have anything sweet most of the time!!! But soon the lit up street slowly begins to dim since they're reaching the end of all the festival booths. Hijikata points at the path ahead of them. ]
This leads to a shrine, but we're going to take a left and... We'll be there. Sometimes you can see the lake, too. It's a nice view.
BECAUSE!!! IM DO-M please learn
But before the Saniwa summoned us to the Citadel, I was from your world. I mean, not really your world, since I was never a Shinsengumi sword, but you know. During the era of the Shinsengumi, I was... let's see... I was owned by the Date family? Or something.
When we think about it like that... you and I probably looked at the same set of stars every night.
[ almost instantly, he lets out a quiet laugh, more to hide his embarrassment, than anything else, because wow, that came out far more embarrassing than he thought it'd be. ] Sorry, sorry! That's a little too cheesy for your tastes, isn't it?
You should treat yourself more often. Maybe, if you eat enough sweet things, it'll make you sweeter than you already are, too!! [ how quickly hijikata finishes the stick, talking around the dango in his mouth like a child, makes him smile. and here he was, thinking he was the five year old... once they follow the path, they find the shrine that hijikata mentioned. seeing it brings back nostalgic thoughts, of days spent at a shrine that he once knew, and tsurumaru pauses in front of it, just for a bit. ]
You humans are fond of those, aren't you? I used to live at a shrine, too, so at the start of every new year, there would be a lot of people that gathered to visit and make wishes, and it was really nice. I was meant to live there forever, but you know...
Most humans are terrible creatures. I don't think you're terrible — I think the opposite of it, actually, but most of them are just... [ abruptly, he skips ahead a little, as if to run from the weight of the words that he'd suddenly dropped. ]
Hurry, hurry!! I want to see the lake.
UGH... ill learn.. someday.. but today is not the day..i would say im sorry but i guess u like that
[ Though, he couldn't help but chuckle at it, amused mostly. It's... Something he would probably write in a letter or a poem so... Haha...
... It's cheesy? Really? ... Uhm... HAHA ANYWAY-
Well, he almost chokes on the dango he's eating when Tsurumaru says his next comment. He covers his mouth with his sleeve, coughing a couple of times. ]
Didn't I say already? I'm not a nice person. [ Huff... Don't stare at him. Tsurumaru is probably giving him a weird face right now, huh? ] Stop that.
[ WHATEVER!
However, Hijikata does listen to Tsurumaru's next words with much curiosity. He especially wonders what's it like to live at a shrine mostly since he honestly didn't visit them that much. He nods, most people do visit them especially on New Years, and just whenever they pass by the temple; it's nice to always pay respects and wish for good fortune or anything on the lines of that.
Terrible creatures, though... Hm, it's not as if he could really protest to that (well, he could protest about himself perhaps... It's definitely really odd actually hearing the words 'you're not bad!' after being called a demon by your own family repeatedly, actually). Hijikata can understand, but not much. He remembers how the majority of the people treated the sword spirits back on the island: murderers, just because they looked at death and shrugged it off. Still, the Shinsengumi was exactly the same: Being dubbed the Wolves of Mibu, and heartless murderers just because they were ruthless. Ah... Well.
Hijikata blinks almost surprised by the sudden shift in the mood of the conversation, a bit concerned, actually. Tsurumaru drops the subject pretty quickly though. ]
Hm... Ah... It's over here, you can't miss it. [ So he decides to lead the way, taking a left like he said earlier by the temple. The path soon fades and it leads to the hill that overlooks the lake. Hijikata already takes the liberty to sit down with a sigh of relief. ]
Ugh... All that walking makes me tired, my legs are going to hurt from all this I swear- ah, yeah. Here it is, by the way. Looks like the fireworks are going to start soon.
UGH.... you'll never learn.... and i love that :9
why does hijikata keep trying to deny this!! his cheeks puff as he sighs, reaching with a finger to poke at what of hijikata's face that he can reach, behind that sleeve. ] Nooo, no, I won't have any of that. You're lucky my arms are full — if you stuff your face with too much dango, I'll want to squish your cheeks, you know. Squish, squish, squish— until you accept what I say!
[ he's never been the kind of person to elaborate on his past (it's longwinded, a mouthful to say, and immensely demoralizing, but from that, tsurumaru leaves hijikata with one thing. ] Hijikata... I know that you're a man of his word, but if you ever decide that you need more blades than Izuminokami and Horikawa, well— to put it vaguely... Promise me that you won't ever steal swords, okay? Can you do that much for me? In a way, we're like humans: being kidnapped is pretty traumatizing to us.
[ technically, tsurumaru only steps ahead by a few feet before stopping, because it's hijikata that knows the rest of the way there, not him. he's all too willing to allow him to take the lead once more, trailing behind him, watching how the wind catches hijikata's haori by its threads and lifts it behind him like some cape.
in a way, it's more than just a little breathtaking. (but it's not as if he's going to say any of that out loud.)
once they reach the hill, tsurumaru sets what he's been carrying in his arms down on the grass, in a dry patch next to them, before looking out towards the lake; and it's clear from the way that his eyes brighten, and from the way that his jaw drops, and how he very much looks like a child at a candy store, that he's impressed with what he sees.
when he finally tears his gaze away, he finds hijikata sighing and complaining about his legs? hello? hello!! ] Aah, if you're complaining about your legs, then I'll carry you back. [ please don't take him up on this. he can't. he's going to die. rip, tsuru.
but he sits down quickly enough to catch the first fireworks, and once he does, he idly... very casually... pushes his weight towards the side, towards hijikata, leaning against his shoulder. ]
<___< maybe ill learn some day >___>
At his request though, there's a nod to affirm. ]
Steal? I would never. We're already called murderers just because we do our duty, I would never go out of my way to steal. Besides... I don't need any more blades, since the ones crafted for me do their jobs well enough.
[ Hijikata sets down the rice cakes he bought earlier, just in case if either of them get hungry again. Hijikata's going to try not to touch them because seriously... He's actually been spoiling himself more than usual during these festivals. It's kind of embarrassing actually, but he had fun? It probably was never evident on his face, but it was definitely enjoyable he has to admit. He scoffs at Tsurumaru's offer. ] Can you ever carry me? There's no way I'd allow you anyway.
[ Listen... As the strong vice captain he can't have other people carrying him around because his legs feel sore? He's just getting old. It's fine, he's use to it. There's a small 'oh' that leaves him from under his breath and he looks up when the first firework is finally set off into the sky. Hijikata finally begins to feel relaxed, allowing his shoulders to slack as he continues to watch fireworks light up the sky. ]
It's beautiful isn't it? Especially watching the lights reflect across the lake... Hm... Almost like watching flowers bloom in spring, but it's also like watching the cherry blossoms fall afterwards, huh. [ A peaceful smile is on his features, and he nods once as he says this. That's a good one... Mental note for poetry writing later... There's a small pause and he speaks again. ]
Hey, look up. No, you idiot, this way. [ Hijikata shifts towards Tsurumaru, taking his chin in his own hand and lifting it to angle it slightly. First a kiss, lips touching then separating immediately. There's a beat before Hijikata angles his own head and deepens that kiss, with the noises of the fireworks setting off in a steady beat it feels as if it lasted longer than intended almost. Then he finally pulls away in silence. ]
UGH I TURNED INTO A CHEESE how dare you
[ but the first sparks of the firecrackers catch his attention then, as they light up the dark; there's amazement reflected in his eyes, and he's slowly reaching for a small piece of rice cake set down on the plate, squishing it between his fingers before he takes a bite, then two, then five, until the cake in his hand is gone in under thirty seconds, leaving his fingertips faintly powdered. ]
You know, Hiji... [ a pause. ] Humans love that, don't they? Everything that happens in springtime: flowers blooming, the cherry blossom viewings. I think that... when humans love something so much, we grow to love it too, just as much. [ although he gives a gentle, irrepressible laugh afterwards, covering his mouth with the back of his hand, and it's clear that he's found this amusing, and a bit heartwarming, as well. his gaze will still rest on the water's surface, trying to see what hijikata sees: a splendidly saturated landscape of the colors that light up the night sky; in a sense, it's truly something.
and naturally, when hijikata asks him to look up, tsurumaru looks towards the sky, because that's what any normal person would do. where else is up??? still, even he surprises himself with how he doesn't flinch at his touch, allowing his chin to be lifted, though he voices some initial confusion: ]
What are y—
[ he doesn't have time to finish his sentence, as he's cut off— it takes him a second or two for his mind to catch up; but once it does, he finds that he's far from being opposed to it, tilting his head to the side, fingers slowly reaching to grasp handfuls of black cloth and to pull him closer. (and maybe, just maybe, it's because of the dango, or something else altogether, but hijikata tastes sweet, dizzyingly sweet— it fills his lungs and his mind like fire, and he wouldn't mind breathing this in and out for the rest of his life—)
he's almost a bit disappointed when they break away, eyes slowly lifting, resting somewhere beneath hijikata's gaze, because even with the light of the fireworks, he's grateful that the night hides the way that his cheeks have probably turned ten shades darker. still, he rebounds quickly — and there's soon a playful smirk that rests across his expression, pressing two of his fingertips against his lips, because even as he asks, he already knows the answer, and it's not down the path that he's purposely leading hijikata. ]
My, my— do most masters kiss their swords like this?
mission accomplished >:) ur weak tsuru….. time to be tsu(ru)yoi
[ So, good luck later Tsurumaru!
Though, after the kiss silence falls for a few moments, allowing the firecrackers to pop in a soothing rhythm. Hijikata doesn't tear his gaze away from Tsurumaru's face but he just observes the other's reaction (as much as the night allows). At Tsurumaru's words, Hijikata only matches his smirk and shifts his weight to inch closer to the sword. ]
Of course not, don't be silly. [ Playful words match the teasing smirk on his features. ] Besides, your master is that Saniwa person, am I correct? Though, it has a nice ring to it. You're my dog anyway. [ A light chuckle leaves his lips- wow, way to ruin the moment! ]
Ah, but… [ Hijikata leans close to the other's cheek with his hand holding his chin like before to hold him close. Lips hover over Tsurumaru's skin for a moment. His voice falls into a low whisper, almost predatory as if his next move would be an attack- yet it contradicts his actual minimal and gentle movements: ] You enjoy this, don't you? I know every time I do this your skin warms up. [ Lips finally meet with Tsurumaru's skin, feeling the warmth of his cheek with his brief pause and then there's a gentle kiss. With that, he lets go, the amused expression not failing to leave from his face. ]
You're easy to read, but don't get me wrong. It's not bad, I like it but you'll have to get use to it sooner or later.
UGH my stats are bad for a tachi i can't be tsuyoi... unless you train me :^)
his gaze flickers up, meeting hijikata's eyes as he asks: ] If 'master' won't do, then what should I call you? What should I refer to you as? [ he pauses, waiting expectantly — because he's genuinely curious! it's something he's wanted to know for a long, long time.
either way, it's odd — how used to hijikata's touch that he's become, watching him idly as his hand rests on his chin once more, pulling him closer; and tsurumaru obliges, leaning forward. and when he feels lips press a kiss against his cheek, he shuts his eyes, almost instinctively, feeling something in his chest tighten — is this what they call excitement? (he'll open them again, once the warmth leaves that side of his face, to check that this isn't a dream, to check that when he looks at the world again, it's the same blur of lights and darkness and forest and hills and hijikata.) ]
Look, when it's you, it's not as if I can help liking it—
[ almost immediately, there's an indignant scoff that leaves him, which doesn't help him out, exactly — when hijikata lets go, the embarrassment written plainly across his face far worse than before, because he's no stranger to harsh treatment (you can always be repaired, a family had told him, a century prior to this one); gentle gestures, on the other hand, are more out of his domain.
to calm himself, he takes a deep breath; and while tsurumaru can still hear his heartbeat in his ears, quickening ever so slowly, he's adaptable, if anything. grasping the situation one more, he tilts his head to the side, his expression somewhere between a grin and a leer. ]
Then, if you want me to get used to it... you'll have to do this to me more often — kiss me more often, until it's all I think about.
ugh... well i guess ill train you.. its my forte anywey
Oh, how the sudden shift of his expression almost catches Hijikata completely off-guard. Yet, he doesn't show it, only matches the expression slightly feeling rather superior from Tsurumaru's previous comment. Still, he feels a sense of ambition and perhaps eagerness begin to boil deep down as that leer in Tsurumaru's gaze and the daring words almost challenge Hijikata.
And if there's one thing he usually does is never back down. At the feeling of his own heart speeding up just a bit he exhales, and finally says something- meanwhile his arm finds it way, slinking around Tsurumaru's back to close whatever distance is left. ]
Hmm... I'm called a lot of things, honestly. [ To a point where he might not care so much. He has his fair share of nicknames given to him... Though, mostly he's referred to with respect or something that goes along with his reputation of a demon- teasing or with fear struck into the heart of whoever dares to say it. ]
Come closer. [ He has to press a thumb against Tsurumaru's chin to tilt it down to reach now. Angling his head a bit, allowing his lips to glide across the other's and locking into another gentle kiss but Hijikata finds himself closing his eyes. The thumb travels down Tsurumaru's neck, a finger wrapping gingerly around the golden accessory and giving it a single tug. Pressing forward to deepen the kiss, it almost feels like time stops; the firing off of the fireworks, while disruptive maybe, actually calms him more than anything but it contradicts the faster pumps of his heart in his chest. He feels the oxygen leave his lungs almost too quickly as he holds the kiss for longer than he imagined, with that he finally pulls back but only a bit to where his lips only hover beneath Tsurumaru's. Between small breaths he speaks in a low whisper again: ]
So... Tell me, [ Starting from his lips, down his chin he leaves a trail of small kisses. On his neck he nibbles against the soft skin, occasionally even scraping his teeth against it too. ] how do you feel when I do this, what do you want... What do you want to call me?
Don't think about it too long. First thing that comes to your mind.
ugh... it's what you're best at... hangs up Collaring Ph. D on your wall
he lets out a gasp when the golden accessory at his neck is yanked, voicing some kind of muffled involuntary protest, inhaling air from hijikata's lungs directly, to compensate how his breath cuts. (and there's a part of him that wishes hijikata would do it again, until he can't breathe anymore— but that'd be asking for too much, he thinks, so tsurumaru resigns for merely grabbing small bunches of black fabric and tugging insistently, because while swords don't need oxygen, really — humans do.)
when hijikata pulls away, tsurumaru's chest feels as if it's on fire, and he doesn't doubt that it's the same way for hijikata. with him hovering less than a centimeter from his face, tsurumaru opens his eyes then, seeing his own gaze reflected in hijikata's; and he comes to the startling realization that he's close — close, in the way that tsurumaru's spent almost his entire life fearing, but maybe it's because of the unique circumstances that had preceded this — maybe it's because of more things than he can think about at this moment, his head spinning with more thoughts than he can comprehend—
but for the first time in eight hundred years, tsurumaru allows himself to ask for what he truly wants, and when he speaks up again, it's full of determination, and even through the sound of the fireworks, his voice is audible. ]
I want you to want me. I want you to look at me, and tell me that I belong to you— and I want you to mean it. I want to belong to you more than I want to belong to the Saniwa.
[ naturally, it comes out a little stifled, with quiet gasps and whines sprinkled in between, as he tilts his neck towards the side, fingers curling into the edges of hijikata's robe; because while he isn't going to admit it as clear as day, he likes this attention — it makes him feel spoiled, it makes him feel valued, and he revels in it, until he's absolutely certain that no amount of adjusting the chains at his neck will hide the darker marks left behind. tsurumaru moves afterwards, separating until he can gently cup hijikata's cheeks with his hands, then leans in, bumping his forehead against his.
he doesn't take too long to think, because truthfully, it's already been something on his mind for a while — while tsurumaru can come up with variations of the name hijikata until the world ends, chopping off letters here and there to piece together tinier nicknames, that's only half. so, tsurumaru finally says it — slowly, deliberately, like a child pronouncing a word for the very first time. ]
Toshizou.
[ and, beaming proudly like the child who's pronounced it correctly on its first try, yellow eyes glowing with delight: ] That's your first name, isn't it?
TOCUHES HELL I GOT EXCITED AND I DOKI'D A LOT puts u in a box good byei m gone how dare u
So when Tsurumaru gently cups his cheeks, it was almost embarrassing- the fact that the other could feel how much he warmed up in the last few moments. Hijikata has to take a moment to gather a few breaths to calm himself and take a grasp of the situation before putting a smirk on his features. ] Haah... I got too carried away, didn't I? [ Well, he's only human.
However, he's actually genuinely surprised at how Tsurumaru addresses him. It isn't a nickname but it felt comforting almost; familiar too. Hijikata responds with a few blinks, and that smirk fades into a gentle smile. ]
You're right. That's not bad either... But you're seriously like a child. Say it again.
[ Should he really listen to Tsurumaru's pleads earlier, is what he begins to wonder. There's a twinge in his heart, an uncertainty he began to feel: "You are mine. My dog. Don't leave my side. Don't go." is what he desperately wishes to say. His grip tightens around the white fabric, like a desperate lock to make sure Tsurumaru can't move away. He's silent, and he finally sighs. ]
Hey... Let's stay like this for a little bit longer. Just don't leave, alright?