[closed] every path is nothing but pain and suffering

[ohspearme]

Who: Harada Sanosuke ohspearme & various other people (starters below)
When: Up to about a week after the event? So ICly end of October, beginning of November
Where: All over the place
What: Sano gets to play damage control after the disaster that was his body-snatching. And also go drinking. A lot.
Rating/Warning: ANGST, booze, probably language, possibly violence???

Comments

[ohspearme]

It's a waste of my time when we end up talking in circles like this, getting nothing done.

[His frown deepens more and more as he speaks and he has to keep himself under control or else his voice will rise, too. And considering they're outside - still in front of the shop - where people can see them, that wouldn't look good on him for losing his temper at a supposed lady.]

But fine, I get it, you're upset. But what do you want from me? And why should I listen to you after everything you've done?

[souredsweet]

[VICTORY. Except not because Kaoru's stuck in the exact same sandpit of needing to exert an awful lot of self-control and restraint while in the eye of the public. Pretending to be a good person is so time-consuming...]

I want to ensure that Chizuru isn't left dealing with this on her own, that's all. [Which is maybe like 10% true... In reality, Kaoru just wanted to come prod at Sano's temper and, most importantly, gauge how angry to be. Who cares if it was just his possessed body okay no forgiveness for people who bang his sister. Looking at you, KAZAMA.

That said, playing dumb here is likely a poor choice, so instead Kaoru will pause for a second before shifting conversational gears a little. There's still nothing overtly antagonistic present, but there's an imperious, vaguely insulted air.]

Harada-san is close to Nagakura-san, correct? [Which Kaoru totally knows because of Chizuru and not by stalking...!!] Then I'll repeat what was said to him. Since I've done nothing here, I assume you must be speaking of something that was told to you, correct? So once more; I don't understand those unkind accusations. Nothing that was described to me has ever happened in my life, and I don't appreciate a stranger questioning whether or not my concern for my own sister should be listened to because of it.

[ohspearme]

She won't be, unless that's the choice she makes.

[Because she's an adult, Kaoru! Sano believes she can make her own decisions and that she knows her emotions better than anyone else could. But still, she lives with six Shinsengumi captains and Sano is sure that all of them would be willing to listen and help. She's not alone.

But, naturally, Kaoru has to keep talking and trying to keep his hind out of hot water, which gets on Sano's nerves. He doesn't like Kaoru for various reasons and the way he's distancing himself from this and trying to make Sano look like the bad guy is one of them.

He barks out a laugh, though there's no humor in it.]

Don't tell me you've forgotten the noticeboard incident so easily.

[Yeah he's...still kind of butthurt about that one.]

I don't know how much you know or even if you're telling the truth, but the fact is, I don't easily trust people who have wronged me or my friends. I question your concern because based on your past action and what I've heard from those I do trust, you're nothing but trouble.

[He takes a step forward, leaning down toward Kaoru, and lowers his voice so only the other man can hear.]

And so help me, if we were not out here in the open, you would have already met my fists very personally.

[souredsweet]

[It takes Kaoru maybe a second or two to mentally review all conversations with the Shinsengumi captains to date - not many, since a lot of care is taken to avoid people who may RUIN PLANS - and none of those conversations ever made mention of the noticeboard. So:]

What noticeboard incident? [Which UNLIKE THE REST is a big fat lie, but Kaoru sure delivers it as smoothly as any truth; confused and somewhat snappish like there's mild offense present at what is presumably yet another accusation that rings no bells... This is his AU backstory and he can put anything into it that he wants! If he doesn't want to be in Kyoto at that time, he doesn't have to be!!

There's also absolutely no move to back up or budge when Sano moves closer, though the look of mild agitation seems to grow. It's two parts embellished for the sake of painting Sano in a less savory light, one part genuine because Kaoru's easily irritated...]

Coming here with valid concerns only to be met with non-answers, doubts about their legitimacy and threats... I hardly feel pleased to leave my sister in the care of such brutes if this is what could be considered normal. [Because NATURALLY it's all about Chizuru!!]

[ohspearme]

[Oh, now this is just a steaming load of bullshit. Sano's hands clench tightly, one on his sword and one on his spear, because he really wants to launch Kaoru clear across the street right about now. But he has to behave. He's already caused enough trouble - or, well, his body did - and he can't afford to get noticed again.

But damn, he's pissed.]

Sanjo Ohashi, or did you seriously forget? I saw you there, unless you've got another twin no one knows about because it sure as hell wasn't Chizuru that night.

[She wouldn't betray them like that.]

And Chizuru? Chizuru chose to stay with us. She chose to. So don't you get all upset when things don't go your way, 'cause she's capable of making her own decisions. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm finished here.

[He turns on his heel and starts to walk away.]

[souredsweet]

[If Kaoru is enjoying Sano's attempts at containing his explosive rage (HE IS), it doesn't show. He's definitely playing his part as solidly as possible, standing his ground and looking offended.]

I can't forget something that never happened.

[Like wow, Sano! Maybe he's Hijikata-route Kaoru!! Maybe he just meandered back off to Tosa directly after appearing to be cryptic for five seconds! That's his story and he's sticking to it. He knows he doesn't have to say much more than that, either way, since there are only so many possibilities to laser-guided amnesia. LYING SURE IS ONE OF THEM but hey, it's not like anyone has proof that Kaoru's AU claims aren't true...

And it's because he feels secure with that that he doesn't feel the need to follow after Sano or continue needling him. A fine line needs to be upheld here, after all; reputation is all in the presentation, and Chizuru will always be a tipping point. So, to his departing back:]

Please try not to misunderstand again. I'm only making sure that she won't regret the decisions she's made.

[They're all bad decisions though, gosh Chizuru. BUT since Kaoru doesn't want to risk his temper flaring up, he'll be taking his leave after that, too.]