[It'd be really hard to miss, but it's obvious from Horikawa's expression that once the initial confusion passes, (because the thought of being an active assistant to someone aside from Kane-san is still strange, even if it's Hijikata who calls him such,) his face absolutely lights up. Really, with a smile that wide it wouldn't be hard for somebody to think that they're looking at the sun itself! Those kinds of words give Horikawa just the kind of energy he needs, and he's eager to nod along with everything that Hijikata has to say, offering a "Right, right!" as he excuses himself, and Horikawa returns to the kitchen.
As far as he's concerned this is as good a plan as any, and so he makes sure to move one plate into the stove for the time being to keep the food on it warm. It would be no good to serve a cold meal, after all! Except, he doesn't actually get much further than that, because... with an abruptness that nearly causes him to drop the second plate in hand, he hears a terrible sound... A truly terrible sound.
The plate is dropped to the counter with a clatter, and Horikawa makes a break for the bathroom. What is going on here? WHAT IS GOING ON HERE? WHAT IS HAPPENING TO HIS PREVIOUS MASTER, UNDER HIS WATCH!! Nothing! Because Horikawa's about to put an end to it right here and now, as he BURSTS onto the scene with his sword DRAWN.]
Hijikata-san! What happened! Are you alright?!
[All of this is shouted before he has the chance to look over the premises. When his eyes rest on Hijikata he is... well, his grip on his vessel is certainly less urgent, and he blinks at least three times before he actually manages to process the scene in front of him. Hijikata Toshizou... with his hair half-way flushed down a toilet. Oh no... You can't be serious... @God why? Brows drawn together, now his voice is just flat out concerned.]
I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M RELIVING THIS EXPERIENCE HIJIKATASAN WHY
As far as he's concerned this is as good a plan as any, and so he makes sure to move one plate into the stove for the time being to keep the food on it warm. It would be no good to serve a cold meal, after all! Except, he doesn't actually get much further than that, because... with an abruptness that nearly causes him to drop the second plate in hand, he hears a terrible sound... A truly terrible sound.
The plate is dropped to the counter with a clatter, and Horikawa makes a break for the bathroom. What is going on here? WHAT IS GOING ON HERE? WHAT IS HAPPENING TO HIS PREVIOUS MASTER, UNDER HIS WATCH!! Nothing! Because Horikawa's about to put an end to it right here and now, as he BURSTS onto the scene with his sword DRAWN.]
Hijikata-san! What happened! Are you alright?!
[All of this is shouted before he has the chance to look over the premises. When his eyes rest on Hijikata he is... well, his grip on his vessel is certainly less urgent, and he blinks at least three times before he actually manages to process the scene in front of him. Hijikata Toshizou... with his hair half-way flushed down a toilet. Oh no... You can't be serious... @God why? Brows drawn together, now his voice is just flat out concerned.]
Hijikata... san...?