estoria | ( OPEN )

Ah? Oh no. It was all a bit of an ordeal, but I'be got medicines from the hospital here. So I'm actually gretting better!

[It's just that it's slow going, and it won't actually make him healthy, but it will keep him from getting worse, from dying. That is the important part.

He straightens up a bit as Hijikata sits down in front of him, folding his legs neatly to the side. This promises to be a confusing conversation, so he wants to be more alert but also comfortable. He offers Hijikata another one of those sunshine smiles which seem to light up the entire room, and then sips his tea as he considers how to answer the question. Should he explain about the other Shinsengumi that had been here first? Perhaps not. He still has no actual way of knowing that this Hijikata isn't from the same group, and it would only serve to distress him - that wouldn't be the best way of making the point.

So perhaps it's just better to actually tell the man his name? He sighs a bit in exasperation, preparing himself for the plunge.]

That is actually what I wanted to tell you about. You see, in the world I come from, I'm known as Okita Souji. [He holds up a hand to momentarily halt interjections.] I'm guessing I look nothing like the one you know, right? Well, you both look and act different than the Hijikata-san I'm used to, too. But we are both of the Shinsengumi, just... different ones, from different worlds. [He wrinkles his nose a bit, frowning.] I still don't understand it, but... that's why it was so easy for me to guess who you are after a while.

I see, we can go find one to replace, if it worries you as well.

[Well, it really shouldn't have taken over their lives, but who doesn't like entertainment that's right in your home? Very accessible? With many ways to utilise it?!

Taking his hand, she now uses a clean wipe to dab at the blood tracks left on his hands. That and she also tries to see if any glass was embedded into his skin.]

I watch with them, occasionally. It's very entertaining, and they still do their work, but it's convenient. [Basically...yes that is their daily lives.

Just wait till she brings him the tv dramas.]

[At least Katshuu doesn't get any honorifics like Kashuu does. But would anyone else even notice that tiny detail...]

I'd hope so. I'd feel... bad if he didn't like it there. [It's his responsibility as the owner to make sure his pets live comfortably.]

[Ah, those kind of things. Sayo took a moment to think. Things he do because he wants to?]

I guess it's... learning? Or playing with Kashuu. [The cat, not the sword.] I get bored if I'm not working or fighting.

[He's a very simple sword, okay.]

But...

[LOOK AT THESE BIG, SAD EYES, KASEN. How can you resist this pouty face?]

Shouldn't you have someone try a little? Just to make sure it tastes alright?

[He's being logical and helpful!]

[Yeah, ten of them.]

Yes... [It's kind of a low number to Sayo. But at least they can form, like, two small squads?] How many of us did you meet?

Hmm, I see. It suits you and make you look so regal? I only have everything to gain. [Aside from not being able to dress himself, but as she tries to put secure and put these together, it would be difficult for one person to put this on themselves anyway. She really doesn't mind. Thinking about it though, if he can't see himself wearing anything else...] What do you think of modern clothing?

A-and ah...I am relieved. [She exhales lightly in relief, quick and short before she continues to dress him. She does pause from time to time, giving him a moment to touch the soft fabric of his clothes. She can tell their quality from just touch alone, since she worked with fabrics a lot, his clothes are of the highest calibre. The stitching is tiny and near impossible to see. It's magnificent.

Picking up his hakama, she now needs him to step in so that she can tie it up as well before adding on Even More Layers. So she holds it down low, she doesn't mind if he needs to take his time.] If you need me to come, then I will do so. I live just above you, after all. It won't take me long, should Haru and Kogitsunemaru be busy.

[She looks up and smiles.] I think I learned something today while helping you.

[She watches, carefully taking in his actions. He's very careful, and it makes her remember his long winded introduction. He truly is an elegant sword.]

How fortunate! Though I wouldn't mind sitting or standing anywhere, as I am intruding, in a way. [And she's used to it, but then again she can't be uncouth around him. Following!!!]

Haru managed to get many apartments, but even so there are so many of you, is it uncomfortable like this? What is the Citadel like?

[Click click click.

From a Western flick to a cooking show to soap drama to a documentary on mini golf.]

So it is like a scrying mirror that grants you vision of the future?

[Ishikirimaru is slightly confused on why Vietnam seemed a little inquisitive.]

Ah, do I have something on my face?

[He looks like he's enjoying himself, somewhat!]

I wouldn't say a vision of the future. All of these are something made in the past. Unless you are checking the news for weather forecasts.

[She looks at him more carefully. That haircut, calming expression...Dotanuki said he was just bulkier and taller, right? What was his name again...ah!]

I-Ishikirimaru?

[The screen comes to life, and a woman looking like an Italian mother is passionately talking about how to make a margarita pizza.

The basil green oodachi is startled. What does it mean?]

What the...? Kogitsunemaru, did you do anything?

[Is this what the future looks like?]

[WHO WOULD. Not even Kashuu does, probably... Good work, Kashuu.]

Well! I'm sure you don't have to worry about something like that. That guy'd leave if he wasn't liking it there, y'know?

True, true! Ah, would we need to rearrange all the furniture in the household, then?

[In other words: is he gonna be invading the foxroom...]

[ The future is beautiful, isn't it? When one can turn on the television and see a great program on one of the best foods ever? ]

Ah, yes. The remote is over here, Ishikirimaru-san. You didn't need to go full ritual on the available technology. [ The little fox can't help but crack a grin at the oodachi. ] A simple question would have sufficed.

[ But about the food! ] Doesn't it look good?

Please, it is no worry. So far as I am concerned, you are quite welcome here!

[ Friendship forged in tetris is an intense one, apparently... He nods as they take a seat, but while he lets his own bowl cool a bit more, he hums thoughtfully. ]

Ah, well... It is different, really. [ He laughs, and it's a warm, fond laugh. ] I do not mind the separate apartments for the most part! It is quite nice to be able to have a bit more privacy, since at the Citadel, we do all live quite together. It is a very lively place, and it is lively at every hour of the day, almost. It makes composing poems quite difficult, for I must do it in the dead of night!

[ priorities... ]

But there is definitely something nice in living all together that way, I suppose. We are all comrades at arms, so living this way, I suppose we do come to trust and rely on each other more. [ He nods to affirm it, but it's followed with another laugh. ] It makes us feel a bit like a family, I suppose? How sentimental a thought, though...

[ Kasen definitely knows that he's not joking at all, but rather than discourage petty rivalries and competition, Kasen is all for it. He's a part of it, after all... So instead, he just laughs gently. ]

Dear me, and we could not have that! Though don't brag about your lunches and make me work too hard, Kashuu-kun! Creating lunches at the peak of elegance and cuteness can be time-consuming... I imagine Haru-dono might be upset if I spent hours working on your lunches.

[ But Kasen doesn't seem to mind. He'd definitely enjoy that. ]

Mm, I must set an hour's limit for the arrangement.

[ Normally, he has an iron-clad will against big sad eyes!! But considering what Namazuo had told him about his arm, he's feeling a little more generous, which is why he rhythmically taps the ladle, then ends up sighing and shaking his head. ]

...Fine. But you can only have a bit of broth and vegetables! The meat definitely isn't done yet, so I won't risk it.

[Kasen no... Kasen you're supposed to be the vaguely responsible babysitter!!

But Kashuu doesn't seem any problem with this either, nor does he say something like "gee Kasen even an hour is kind of a long time to be working on one bento." OF COURSE HE DOESN'T. The more time Kasen spends on it, the prettier it'll look, after all... He can't just give that up??]

An hour is o-kay! You work real fast so I bet you can make something way adorable even if you only had like, half that time, y'know?

[SO PLEASE MAKE THE CUTEST BENTOS Kashuu has plenty of compliments that he's read and willing to give out. He's prepared for this moment...

Anyway, after popping another carrot into his mouth, he leans a little closer to the stove.]

Has it been a couple hours yet? [It's been like five minutes?!]

Even if you think so, please do allow me to continue calling you "Senpai". [ He enjoys it far too much to stop now. ] The thought of having a superior is not something I ever believed I would encounter so it's all quite...exciting.

[ Leave it to an old man to enjoy the little things life has to offer. In general he just enjoys having Souji around actually, even if they had just barely met. Mikazuki finds himself utterly charmed by the other and likewise thankful for his help in dressing him. He seems to be pretty good at it judging by how Mikazuki is looking himself over with a content smile. There's nothing quite like being dressed from head to toe in beautiful garments, he thinks. ]

Ah but, as much as I would like to work with you as soon as possible... [ He delicately sets a hand on Souji's cheek once again, smiling pleasantly and beautifully like he usually does. ] your health is more important. Humans can be so fragile sometimes, [ Though Mikazuki quickly adds thatfrom what he's heard of Souji Okita, he can more than take care of himself but even so. The tachi laughs quietly and removes his hand from the other, pressing it against his own chest instead. ] haha..it makes a sword like me want to protect them.

[ He'll quickly move the topic along after as he doesn't want to keep things somber. ] After we're done here, perhaps if you feel well enough...would you care to take a little walk with me?

[ Hijikata's eyes widen at the name, opening his mouth to ask yet another question is immediately halted as Souji continues to speak. Hijikata closes his mouth, and blink a couple of times trying to wrap his mind around it all. He observes Souji, looking at his features in disbelief now. It's hard to believe, honestly. However, it's quite obvious, while he doesn't look and act like the Souji he knows... His condition is strikingly familiar.

A sigh leaves his lips finally and he runs a hand through his bangs. ]

So that's why you recognized me, huh... [ What else could he even say? For once, Hijikata is sort of at a loss for words. ]

Seriously? I'm really suppose to believe there's more than one Shinsengumi out there? It sounds like I'm dreaming almost. [ Still, there's a Souji right in front of him that's also in the Shinsengumi despite Hijikata not actually knowing him. ]

The more I stay here the more things I don't understand. Geez... It sounds like you're use to it though.

[That gets a genuine peal of laughter, followed rather immediately by a laborious fit of coughing. It takes him a while to get it under control, struggling for rasping breaths in between, a cloth pressed hard to his mouth. He is shaking faintly once it passes, weak from dyspnea, but there is a tired smile on his blood-stained lips as he leans heavily against the wall for a while.]

Not used to it, exactly. But there used to be other members of the Shinsengumi here for a while, before they disappeared. One of the first I met was the other Okita Souji - and he seemed like he was used to it, at least a bit. Guessed pretty quickly who I was. [There's a touch of resignation in his voice, because of course it was the condition that had clued the man in. It seemed like that was an inevitable fact of their collective existence.]

We were quite different. He was taller than me, reddish brown hair, green eyes - and he seemed a bit sharper somehow, maybe more... ah, perhaps cynical is the right word. [He sighs, absently smoothing down his own blankets.] I'm used to Shinpachi-san being tiny and sly, but that one was big and muscular, and pretty loud and straightforward. Sano-san is supposed to be loud, however, but he was quieter. Heisuke-san was more childish, less flirtatious. Hajime-san didn't have any spiritual powers at all.

But it was still all them, see? Some little things still overlapped, they knew more or less the same history, and they were unmistakeably Shinsengumi - even if they kept staring at me weirdly and being confused about any Okita Souji looking like a girl.

[His lips quirk in amusement. It's not like he hasn't had that reaction back in his own world sometimes. Then he tilts his head thoughtfully.] They're not the Shinsengumi from your place either, then? [The lack of immediate recognition is pretty notable.]

Thank you again, Kasen! I am glad, for that means I can visit you.

[It's true, NOTHING LIKE suffering through near death experiences (in ViViD) to help forge bonds. She sits herself down comfortable, placing the bowl in front of her. It's still a little hot, but also she's listening to his story and giving him her full attention.

She's trying to imagine this Citadel. So many swords in one place, a bit like the army. But it sounds warm, like a large house for many individuals to be in, and they call themselves family. She's only seen but a small part of this.]

Everyone has been good to me, so I can imagine that it would be a warm place to live. I hope you have been able to write poems, lately! Catching up for lost time. [Then again, she knows some of the swords here are already a handful.] It sounds nice already, to have so many you can call family. It is not just sentimental, it is the truth, no?

[OH BOY OH BOY SNACKS!! Namazuo's face immediately lights up, and he nods eagerly.]

Right! Yes, of course! That's fine!

[If he had a tail, it would be wagging right now. But he's not Mutsu, and his ahoge is not sentient, so he does the next best thing--opens his mouth expectantly, rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet. HE'S READY.]

[ he'll give a nervous laugh, going along with what he can... bless ishipapa's poor scouting stats. ]

You're right! It sounds like something you'd do, after all.

[ aside from how menacing the altar's presence is to him, its decorations are intricate enough for tsurumaru to admire, and naturally drawn to shinier things, he stares at it for a moment. ]

Especially since you're the one that set it up — that has to make it even stronger, don't you think? This one shrine is practically enough for this entire building!

I am indeed Ishikirimaru.

[For one she knows how to work the television, and now his name. The oodachi raises his eyebrow.]

You seem to be quite knowledgeable about this, I see.

( OPEN )

BOOBS ALL AROUND

SHE WILL he'll be wrapped up in scarves and look too adorable?

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puts you in a box, enough boob

excuse you, never enough boob

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NO that's not allowed? ishipapa why i trusted you

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