estoria | ( OPEN )

[At least the way Souji acts isn't exactly special treatment. When it comes to just about anyone he respects or cares about, he will shower them in affection and spoil them in any way he can. It's true that he will be a bit more familial with some, and more deferential with others, depending on how he views his own position in relation to them, but the behavior in itself comes as natural to him as breathing.

Slim fingers move quickly, performing his task neatly, tightening sashes and gently righting the fall of fabric. It's strange, because he's never really cared that much about outward appearances, aware that he is beautiful like he's aware of the sky above him, taking no personal pride in the matter. But nonetheless he finds tasks like this very enjoyable; it's fun to help people at the tea house with their clothes, to learn how to paint Kashuu's nails, to comb Hijikata's hair at home. There is an element of care and attention in it which he thrives on.]

Honestly, I don't really understand the difference between the two myself. [He laughs, shaking his head.] But then again... I don't quite understand this sort of thing in general. I mean, I used to go along to Shimabara with the other men at times, but- [He shrugs, going slightly pink.] -well, I've never seen the point, that's all.

[He'd found it pleasant to sit around and drink tea with the working women and men, to join in some of the games, but it was hardly something he'd go out of his way to do. And the more physical aspects that the establishments offered didn't interest him at all - what was the point, with people you didn't know at all?

He does light up a bit at the thought of working together with someone from home. As someone who is used to living very closely to all those he works with, that is something he has missed rather sorely.] I shall look forward to it, and try to get more healthy as soon as possible. I think this is something I'm a lot better at teaching than I am when it comes to fighting - where you, of course, are my respected senior by far. [He laughs lightly, taking a step back to admire his handiwork so far.]

[Strangely, it's not so hard for him to accept. Of course, darker spirits have to accept as well as lighter ones, that only makes sense. It's just how the world works. As someone who has been called the child of an oni, and who has prided himself on doing very bad things so that other people don't have to, it's what he has always believed.

He gasps a bit at the trick with the shadow, but honestly seems more delighted than intimidated - certainly impressed.]

That's something even adults have - but I suppose it's easier to make a child believe a dream. When we grow up, we tend to dismiss them as soon as we wake up.

Still, everyone has something they're afraid of, is that what you're saying?

[Technology and ancient sword spirits mix as well as mentos and diet coke in general.

Explosive but interesting to watch, just like the TV at times. It happens to switch on, showing a documentary of CYbuddies. The mirror coming alive startles him.]

What the...

What did you do to activate the mirror?

Edited 2015-10-01 17:45 (UTC)

[Ishikirimaru sees the plate of mochi and smiles. It was incredibly thoughtful of his fellow Sanjou to take an initiative in helping out with divine matters, so he is more than happy to explain patiently.]

It can be complicated to explain, but the flow of spiritual energy needs to be monitored so that it would not attract misfortune or evil. Every direction has different properties, furniture needs to be arranged properly so that the house can have a positive aura.

[As he explains, he relaxes and brings himself a little lower out of courtesy..]

So that the gods have a place within the house as well. It would be nice to have them look over us as well.

[Ishikirimaru explains in his normal friendly manner, not suspecting a thing. Blame the poor scouting stats.

It's not huge that it would take up half a room, but it can be easily seen in its place by the wall. Would Tsurumaru's room be a good place? He ponders.]

Edited 2015-10-01 17:56 (UTC)

[Some part spiritual because who knows if a cabinet is stopping good vibes from coming in, plus its also part spring cleaning.

A negative aura would attract misfortune, no one wants the kebiishi to come a knocking.]

This will be a start. When the house is pure, evil forces would not approach that easily.

[Excuse him while Ishikirimaru rotates the couch along with Naki.]

[ Imano giggles at the comment. That's a fun way to think of it. At least Kogitsune didn't mind, seeing as he wears them so loosely. Easy targets! ]

It's fiiine~ A change of pace is nice once in a while.

[ He stretches a little, like a cat would. Not so much that it would bother his Saniwa's swift braiding, though. He's a big brother too, like Ichi-kun and Sousetsu-kun. All responsible people. ] Our new home is quite different, huh? Not like the citadel. A bit smaller, but comfier too~

[The idea of kebiishi door-to-door salesmen......

Naki's robofox jumps off the couch when it starts rotating, deciding instead to trail along right behind Ishikirimaru as he moves. The other two stay for the ride. \o/]

That is a very good idea! Ah, was the positioning of our furniture not acceptable before, though? Will fixing it bring us better luck?

[ Kogitsunemaru just wants to watch some television. It's a simple desire, fueled by the urge to watch a cooking show... he just wants to learn how to make tasty food for his housemates.

So seeing Ishikirimaru perform rites in front of it... ]

... are you okay?

[ That's all he's got. He's a little confused. ]

Ah yes, I've become quite accustomed to them and can't really see myself wearing anything else. [ Though he will admit that some of the modern clothes he has seen around are beautiful and to his tastes...perhaps he'll try and modernize himself at some point. For now however, he's perfectly content to wear his kimono and as luck would have it, his formal kimono suits his job's atmosphere very well. So he has more than his share of excuses to continue to dress like this but maybe someday he'll realistically consider something more practical. ]

So far you're doing well it looks like. [ Mikazuki is occasionally looking over the parts that Vietnam finishes dressing as she moves along and doesn't see anything wrong with them thus far. The most that Mikazuki is actually doing is smoothing out his sleeves since he has always adored the way the silk feels. ] I may just have to ask you to come and help me again in the future. Usually I ask Haru or sometimes Kogi but I could't find them today!

Aha, I'm glad you came along and saved me. [ Despite the fact that he kind of surprised her in the first place. ]

[Mirror? Well that explains a lot, actually, why his behaviour was odd. That's what he thought it was the whole time.]

With this! [She holds up the remote control. Seeing as he wasn't going crazy over it, she could go ahead and admit she did it.] It is a remote control. This "mirror" isn't really a mirror, it's a television set.

I see...

[This thing called a remote control is unusually small, and with many strange ridges.

It's nothing like the goheis and shimenawas he is used to, maybe it makes up for its size with its ornateness.]

Do you use this to make prayers to this 'television'?

[Ḩ͝è̶҉̢l̸͟͞l̛̕͜ơ̡̨ ͠d̛͟o̸̧͢͢ ͟ỳ̴̢̕͝o̶̸̢͢͠u̡͢ ͏͘h̡̀͢ą̷̴͘v̶̧̡è̷͡ ͘͘͡á̸ ̴͢m̷̷͡i҉́͢͠͞n̵̢u͠͏t̨̛͜͠e҉̀͠͏ ̶̴̧̛҉t͏͟ò̕͝ ̸̶̕t͏̶̛̛͡à͠l̸͜͟͠k̀̀͠ ̕a̢҉͢b͏͏҉̷o̧͟͝ų̷͜҉t̷̀ ̶̡̢͞h̨͢o͝r͏̡̛r̵̡̨͢í͝͠͠b̴͡l̶̴̶̨͝è͘̕͠ ̛̕҉̨̛d҉̕͜͏è̢̡͡͞á̶͟t̴̸̢͢͡h̸̵́s̶̵̡͞ ̶̨̕͟b̴̢͠͝ý͢͠ ̷̢͜͠y͘҉̕a͟͠͞r҉̨̛i̶͜͜͝s҉̷?̸̨͢͝͝

Prevention is better than cure after all, since the cure involves possible injury.]

It would allow positive spiritual energy to flow in and circulate better. As tsukumogami, we are more sensitive to the spiritual realm after all.

I'm in the middle of a ritual right now.

[His voice carries a harsher tone than usual. Ishikirimaru is patient, except towards anyone who might interrupt his rituals.

The television god needs its offerings or it will bring misfortune. Still, he doesn't know that waving a gohei will not turn it on.]

[She's handing it to him now, just so he can investigate it himself!] Be careful with some of the buttons, they might be a little complicated at first.

[She then shakes her head.] A television is...hmm, how to say. It is like a box that shows moving pictures.

[Also on closer inspection, this man looks really familiar.]

[ Why is Hijikata at Swordhaus? Maybe because he dropped off a certain sword who he broke the leg of... Or maybe he's visiting Horikawa, who knows! It's a mystery.

Anyway... He didn't expect to see Souji here, of all people. Maybe it can be called a pleasant surprise because he completely remembers what happened earlier and how they never actually spoke due to the tetris shenanigans (never again he wants to do that).

So, when Souji waves to Hijikata, he decides to walk over to him. Though, before he actually answers Souji he leans over and flicks Souji right on the forehead with his fingers (honestly, it's not as if he's going to actually hurt a sick man). ]

All that stuff from earlier wasn't real, you know! [ Sorry, he's not going to pretend that stuff never happened! ] Seriously... What were you thinking, saying stuff like that?

[ Listen... Hijikata was actually kind of worried, but he's not actually going to say that. He pinches the bridge of his nose for a moment. Hijikata had it rough ever since coming here, okay? Finally, with a sigh he crosses his arms and looks back at Souji. ]

Anyway... I don't mind, but I think you should explain yourself first.

[ He nods gently in thanks, but he mostly busies himself with dipping his own bowl first. Kasen takes just as much care with his own bowl as he did for a guest's, and once it's done, he puts the lid back on the pot and turns back to her. ]

Ah, and you came by at a good time, since we actually have room to sit! It was quite crowded earlier...

[ Kasen nods to the table, then starts to walk to it. ]

We usually have quite a bit more room at the Citadel, but we make do with this.

Oh? It sounds that you're doing quite a good job at making allies, Kashuu-kun!

[ Most people would probably use the word "friends" there, but it's not really a word Kasen uses much in general. It's a bit odd, but he never means it maliciously. It's more a remnant of his military-minded master than being a jerk intentionally.

It's shown by how he doesn't really linger on that at all, but Kasen just laughs gently as he thinks about how he might make a bento for Kashuu. ]

Ah, good! Not that I should encourage inspiring jealousy, I suppose... But still, I'd take quite a bit of pride in it all the same.

I won't take the risk!

[ He wags his ladle at Namazuo, but it's playfully rather than genuinely scolding. His expression carries the same sentiment, since teasing swords about how fat they are is always a good hobby. ]

It reflects badly on me as a cook if you get sick, I'll have you know! An hour's patience for a better meal is a small sacrifice to make.

[Souji just laughs lightly and bats Hijikata's hand away at first, disconcerted by how the gesture is more like what Yamazaki-san would do, maybe, and yet there is definitely something undefinably Hijikata-esque by being scolded in such a manner. It's still strange and not very pleasant to him, to try to think about that name and attach it to a stranger, but he'll try his best not to let that show.]

We~ell, I figured it would take some time to explain to you about the games and how you don't really die and all. [He keeps his tone light, and doesn't mention how he's been in a glitched game where the injuries were absolutely real before, so he hadn't actually been certain.] We didn't have much time, and talking took energy that I didn't really have. So I thought it was just better to get it over with.

[A small, bright smile.] But I thought maybe you're the kind of person who would blame yourself for something like that, so I just thought I should explain it.

[And he had been in quite a shaken state from meeting another Hijikata, not to mention not entirely lucid due to his disease. Let's just say he hadn't been in the right frame of mind to make rational decisions, okay? But he speaks about it so casually, as if all of it nonetheless makes sense to him.]

Now, is there something else I need to explain?

Edited 2015-10-02 22:42 (UTC)

[At least by now, Kashuu knows that's just Kasen's way of talking, so he doesn't even bother correcting him. Pretty much the same thing!!]

Mmhm! [He's had a lot of time to make friends, after all...]

A-ny-way! A little jealousy isn't gonna hurt 'em. Maybe they'll actually try making their own stuff, even! Ah, but then I'd have competition.

[And that's NO BUENO... Actually, he still sounds like he's joking, but Kasen probably knows that he isn't really. He wants to be the best like no one ever was, even if it's just by bringing cuteass lunches to work when everyone else is eating out of takeout containers.]

[ Souji does have a point. It was practically impossible to actually explain all of that at the time... But still! Hijikata does fall silent at the comment: 'the kind of person who would blame yourself', because it's awfully true; Hijikata felt completely horrible, as if he let Souji down, until he learned that it just wasn't real after falling out of the sky and talking to other people he so happened to meet. It didn't change the fact that he felt bad for maybe letting Souji down, but at least there was that reassurance that he was alive.

Well, Hijikata obviously learned a lot of things that day. He just finally huffs and shakes his head. ]

Ah... Whatever. Don't you dare pull a stunt like that ever again, alright? Geez. [ A pause. ] First of all... You're not feeling any worse, are you? [ Actually rather curious about this! Mostly considering he continuously worried about Souji pushing himself too far during the game. Hijikata finally decides to kneel down and rest on his own knees because it seems like he might be here for a bit longer. ]

Also I never got your name, so who are you anyway? [ Here we go. ]

[ Well, it shows that he cares, and he does! He wouldn't be sure if the gods can reach them here, but the effort of Ishikiri-san is meaningful. Imano wants it to be meaningful, at least. ]

That might mean a lot of rearranging... Do evil spirits really care about where stuff goes? We could beat them up ourselves, or use one of Haru-sama's exorcisms~

[ He's actually imagining something like enemy tantous bouncing off the front door with magic. ]

I see.

[ Actually, he doesn't really see but Kogitsunemaru doesn't mind. Eh? The remote is on the table in front of the couch... ]

... I see.

[ Deep breath, inhaling and exhaling, before flopping on the comfy piece of furniture and taking the control into his hand. When there's a perfect moment, he'll turn it on. No one will stop him from learning how to bake a proper loaf of bread! ]

... I'm staying here for a while and Kashuu lives with me.

[If anyone's infiltrating, it'd be Sayo? He just... tilts his head when Yamato mentioned "proof".]

What kind of proof?

( OPEN )

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KFC(rane) for dinner

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B

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:/// souji

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what a boob

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you're the boob... tbh .. to be honest.. tbh

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NO WAY MAN, HE WOULDN'T DO THAT