estoria | ( OPEN )

[It's really strange to be back, because it feels so very different. The first time, he'd felt as if he's been torn away from his purpose, suddenly rudderless among strangers. Even the second time, coming from Osaka castle and knowing he had friends here, he'd still been taken against his will, and in his mind he'd still been desperately clinging to his place among the Shinsengumi.

This time, he's already made a decision of his own to leave them, for the sake of surviving another day, another second; another heartbeat, another breath. And more so, for the sake of arms around his frail body, for hot tears, for the voice that called him "little brother" and the one that brokenly pleaded, "don't leave me behind"... He'd left the Shinsengumi.

And here he is. Surviving. Breathing. Far away and outside of time, it's true, but it's something. He's at peace. And he'll be getting used to being back in a number of ways:

a. Dragging a futon back into Kashuu's and Yamato's room. He sounds like he might bust a lung. Help this nerd.

b. Raiding the kitchen for supplies and starting to make castella cake. At least he has a chair standing there so he can sit down and have a rest at regular intervals.

c. Taking it easy! For real. Drinking tea, curled up under a lot of blankets in the sofa, and either playing video games or watching movies. Sorry about the near-constant sound of coughing, even in the middle of the night. He has troubles sleeping whenever his lungs are acting up.

Bother him!]

[ ... there's a coughing pile of blankets and he's a little confused, so naturally it's time to do some real hardcore investigative work. Then again, it's Kogitsunemaru--- the foxiest of grandpas, so this is really comprised of him approaching and prodding at Souji through the stacks. ]

... hello? Anyone in there?

[The bundle stirs slightly, and a thin white hand is extended. Some sort of spirit??? No, it's just an ordinary hand flailing about in an attempt to shove the mound of blankets aside enough so Souji can actually see Kogi. Once he does, he offers him a slightly tired smile, attempting to sit up a bit more properly. In the background, some obscure tv series plays on.]

Just me. [A small frown, and he adds:] I hope I didn't disturb you?

There are not many who could disturb me, and you are far from one. [ He says this with the faintest smirk, watching Souji's push blankets aside. There are so many, it's amazing that he's able to get so deep into them... even though they do look warm and comfy.

Slinking onto the couch, he leans on his left side as to face the Sooj-pile. ]

It is good to see you again. I'm sure Kashuu and Yamato have been happy to see you as well?

[ Because when his comrades are happy, he is too! Kogi's a very empathetic little fox. ]

[That gets a small grin, as Souji inclines his head a bit.]

I suppose if patience develops over time, you'd have plenty to spare for the rest of us, huh?

[Joking gently about other people being - or acting - Old As Balls is pretty much Souji's aesthetic, okay?

He makes a soft little sound and nods in response to the question, even if the reply isn't uncomplicated.]

I'm certainly happy to see them in turn, though I imagine it will take a bit of time for them to get used to me being here. [For Yamato to calm down a bit around him, and for Kashuu to let him back in after absence.]

Of course! Don't you know that foxes are known for their patience?

[ Is Kogitsunemaru the embodiment of fox facts? Probably not, but for Souji, he'd be happy to be as patient as they come. ]

I suppose we've all been on edge. For us to leave, return, leave again, return again... though we are spirits, our feelings are as human as they come!

[ And he gently tugs on a blanket. Seeing how securely they're wrapped, it'd be hard for him to get one for himself. Then again, there are plenty but none would come pre-warmed like Souji's would. ]

Know that you are a stabilizing presence for us. Though we may not all have been yours, it does bring us all a bit of relief when one of our is safe and sound.

[ My, my! Now this is a face he hasn't seen in awhile, Mikazuki is happy to see it though less happy to see him attempting to drag a futon by himself. Especially so when he sounds like he might die if he's left alone to do it -- so the other will find a pair of gloved elegant hands supporting the other end of the futon. ]

It's been some time, ah...I called you "Senpai" before, didn't I? [ He's still quite fond of that. ] If you don't mind an old man's help, let's quickly set this down in your usual room?

[Souji looks up, and promptly has the grace to blush with gentle embarrassment. It's not a feeling he's often bothered by, but... well, maybe he's still a bit in awe of Mikazuki, okay? He's just so elegant and graceful, not to mention an actual national treasure, so it's hard not to be. To have forced someone like that to lug a futon around together with him seems ill-mannered somehow.

Still, he doesn't actually protest at the help, because he knows all too well that this will only inconvenience him in another way instead. Admitting how helpless he is isn't easy, but it's better to let people help than have them worry about him, or have to pick him up when he collapses.]

It's very kind of you. I... mm, didn't want to bother anyone who's busy, or going somewhere. [He makes an amused little sound, looking down at himself.] It's going to take a while before I can work again.

Aha, I have nothing but free time for awhile. [ There are some things that need planning later but for now, he's completely free and happy to help. He's one of the stronger tachis too so it'll be smooth and seamless to lug the futon into the bedroom. Mikazuki won't go as far as to do it all himself, he doesn't want to insult the other possibly so it'll be a team effort for a little while. ]

That's a shame but you can assure that I'll keep a spot open for you if you come to visit. There's nothing quite as healing as a good cup of tea if you ask me. [ Considering how much tea he really drinks, he's the one to ask! ]

So, Senpai. How does it feel to be back here after some time?

[He'll accept that assurance as it is, smiling gratefully in turn - and it's not as if he doesn't notice the kindness in still allowing Souji to do some small part of the chore. He finds, to his surprise, that the gesture doesn't sting as much as it once would, as if every kindness offered to him only underlined how little he could do in turn. Gratitude feels a lot better.]

I'd very much like that. It's not that I have to stay confined here as such- [Not completely, anyway. Though he'll probably get fussed at.] -but... well, I can't be relied on to do a proper job like this. And honestly, I don't really look my best either.

[There's a hint of humor there. Loss of his good looks has never really smarted all that much, because he's never truly based his own usefulness on them. They were just a thing that he knew some people appreciated, but not a very important factor as such.]

But it feels rather nice to be back. At home, I was going to be pretty lonely rather soon... and I've had a nice welcome so far - Kouhai. [At least he'll play along with that.]

[ If it wasn't obvious by the way he smiles after that, Mikazuki is obviously very pleased that Souji is playing along! Now just a little further to the room... ]

Fufu, I beg to differ but I won't embarrass you with such things. Regardless! I'd very much enjoy your company if you choose to stop by.

[ Something about Souji makes it easy for him to talk to? Mikazuki is usually a talkative sword as it is, but there's something calming about the other's presence. He doesn't quite know what it is, but he probably won't go off questioning it too much.

He's pleased to have him back and that's all that matters. ] There's a sense of "home" in my opinion. The place might not be that familiar but the people -- or swords -- are what make it feel homely I suppose?

[Ah, there's somebody in the kitchen...a familiar somebody! A potentially dying somebody?

Naki doesn't move from where he's peeking in at the doorway, but.]

....Can I help? [He sees that sugar on the counter.]

[Souji is honestly having a bit of trouble with the whisking of the egg and sugar, since he's having trouble keeping his hand steady enough. So after a moment's hesitation, he smiles and inclines his head in answer.]

I'd be grateful. Could you hold this thing- [He wiggles the mixer slightly.] -for me for a couple of minutes? [Yeah, his hand is visibly shaking already. He looks down at it, making an amused little sound.]

I'm afraid if I drop it, I'll make a bit of a mess.

[Now that he's got permission, Naki steps into the kitchen proper! And carefully takes the mixer.

Hopefully he doesn't actually need to do anything besides hold it, because honestly the object is like ten times more mysterious than the microwave. Just...holding it in the bowl...that's what Souji was doing, right?]

Don't you worry! Nakigitsune can do anything you ask, without any problems!

[Somebody's confident, at least.]

( OPEN )

After intro log and onwards, OTA

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

a!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

b

no subject

no subject