[He makes no comment about the supportive hands, the clumsy yet sincere concern, even though it makes his heart ache with longing for a moment. This is Hijikata, sure enough, but not enough. Not nearly close enough. And he wants to ask, Is it the same for you? Did your mother and sister die in this awful disease too? Do you have nightmares haunted by the sound of coughing? When you see me, do you relive that childish as a grown man? The words burn on his tongue, but he swallows them down. It's invasive, and the sort of thing you talk about only to those who are close to you - and there is, quite literally, a world between the two of them.
He does smile a bit though, shifting against the wall to get more comfortable.]
Well, I'm not sure the Hijikata-san I know would use the same words, but... he does call me a nuisance and a brat a lot. [And there is such endless fondness in his voice as he speaks, such gentleness tempered with more than a bit of longing. His guide, his mentor, the man whose attention and affection he strives so hard to be worthy of. The center of his universe, the man who gave him a purpose, and who he loves to distraction for it.
The moment fades, but Souji sits a bit straighter, eyes lighting up happily, and there is just a hint of mischief in his smile.] He's taller than you. His hair is a little bit lighter, too. And I guess I could say that you are more 'pretty' while he is more 'handsome'? [...Yeeeeeeah, he's a brat. But he does look more serious a moment after.] You talk a bit differently, and while you're a bit ruder and more impatient, you're not as harsh and distant as he often comes off, I think. But I think that the two of you are alike in that you are very dedicated, and you carry many responsibilities alone because you feel you have to - although I'm guessing a bit.
[He looks down.] I think some things will always be similar. Like Shinpachi-san trying to look after everyone. And Heisuke-san... [He clenches his hands a bit. It had been easier, thinking about the one he never knew that well, but the grief after the friend his lost is still fresh.] ...Heisuke-san being very idealistic. That kind of thing.
is that like a jockstrap for boobs
He does smile a bit though, shifting against the wall to get more comfortable.]
Well, I'm not sure the Hijikata-san I know would use the same words, but... he does call me a nuisance and a brat a lot. [And there is such endless fondness in his voice as he speaks, such gentleness tempered with more than a bit of longing. His guide, his mentor, the man whose attention and affection he strives so hard to be worthy of. The center of his universe, the man who gave him a purpose, and who he loves to distraction for it.
The moment fades, but Souji sits a bit straighter, eyes lighting up happily, and there is just a hint of mischief in his smile.] He's taller than you. His hair is a little bit lighter, too. And I guess I could say that you are more 'pretty' while he is more 'handsome'? [...Yeeeeeeah, he's a brat. But he does look more serious a moment after.] You talk a bit differently, and while you're a bit ruder and more impatient, you're not as harsh and distant as he often comes off, I think. But I think that the two of you are alike in that you are very dedicated, and you carry many responsibilities alone because you feel you have to - although I'm guessing a bit.
[He looks down.] I think some things will always be similar. Like Shinpachi-san trying to look after everyone. And Heisuke-san... [He clenches his hands a bit. It had been easier, thinking about the one he never knew that well, but the grief after the friend his lost is still fresh.] ...Heisuke-san being very idealistic. That kind of thing.