[Souji's version of the Shinsengumi wouldn't even be surprised. Souji being obsessed with Hijikata to ridiculous extremes? Must be a day ending with a y. How nice to see that he's got a friend now.

How could Souji possibly mind finding that someone else understands the way he feels about this? Some people are simply meant to be weapons, to be wielded by those with clearer vision and stronger will than they could ever manage themselves. There is no shame in that, no flaw - hadn't Hijikata shown him as much, that day so many years ago. As long as he stays true to what he is, he will always be needed. All he has to do is wait.]

No, you don't have to apologize. You're right! [He beams at the other man with the full strength of his conviction, which is quite possibly strong enough to level mountainst.] It's easy to feel lost so far away from home, and it makes you think all kind of terrible things, but... we are what we are, right? And until we are wielded again, we can still stay true to what they would have wanted from us.

[His expression softens somewhat in melancholy.] I suppose it's just that I miss him- that is to say, I miss all of them.