hidetheremote reblogged
a birthday commission for @hidetheremote from @kondo-hijikata ! happy birthday! hope it was a great one!
If you’d like a commission, please click here!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, Shell!
hidetheremote reblogged
All the things made to be given (NSFW)
Continuation of this. Set in Our Place in the Stars.
He doesn’t know how he got here.
But he knows that it is perfect.
#nsfw#akagami no shirayukihime#obiyuki#this was a rollercoaster of feels#WITH BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN PORN#I love how she’s asking to touch him too#😭😭😭#i love the part how he knows every way to please a woman#and he thinks about which method he’ll use on Shirayuki#ugh#this was so sweet and smexy and pulls my heartstrings#bubbleswrites
hidetheremote reblogged
Pairings: Shin is in love…but with whom? That’s the question! Rating: T Summary: Shinpachi knew it was only a matter of time before Sano and Heisuke figured out why he’d been avoiding their drinking excursions recently…but he wasn’t exactly ready for them to find out like this. Featuring baka trio shenanigans and one flustered bandana boy
Written for the lovely @eheartangel. Happy Birthday!!!! :D
Thank you so much to @hakuyamazakisensei for betaing!
.*Keeping Good Company*.
…He’d been followed.
But that was the least of his worries.
Shinpachi had always been insufficient at concealing whatever blend of emotions that cascaded across the colorful landscape of his mind, and from the expressions his friends wore, it was clear that now was no anomaly. Unlike theirs of conspicuous amusement however, he suspected his own was comprised of two parts shock to one part dread.
But what, specifically, it was that caused such feeling had evaded him, while he attempted to keep up a front and grasped frenzied for mental straws. Certainly, it was mortifying to have been trailed without even noticing it. But that Sano and Heisuke had done said trailing, and that they both were standing before him here was…simply unthinkable. Because she…
…Well, she…
One lower eyelid twitched before he got carried away. Okay. Indeed, maybe it was a combination of all those things creating this perfect storm of exactly what Shinpachi had not wanted to happen. Still reeling with indecision on how to handle a now very uncomfortable–very precarious–situation, his spine remained perfectly straight and without blinking, he kept his mouth drawn in a taut line.
Time was ticking and options were running out. Shinpachi reckoned he had less than half a minute to do something to ameliorate this trouble and avoid an imminent disaster…because it would be a disaster. Perhaps he could put a chummy arm around each man’s shoulder and lead them outside with a friendly laugh? Maybe…add a promise that he’d catch up with them soon after? He could devise some rational excuse for it, surely, and just deal with the consequences later.
It was a half-baked plan but good enough for the moment. Alas, however, those seconds spent in frantic plotting were several too long and just as Shinpachi was about to put it all into play, the chance was missed.
Sano remained unyielding, standing with weight distributed evenly on both feet and heavy hands clasped to his hips. His posture radiated an ominous aura, but the makings of a smirk betrayed the aggression in his stance. The sing-song tone that sentenced Shinpachi’s plot to its end didn’t much help ease the mood. “So? Let’s have it.”
hidetheremote reblogged
I know I don’t say this enough but thanks for following me. it means a lot.
hidetheremote reblogged
Title: Soothe Me, Save Me Rating: M (for the last chapter/day) Pairing: Saito Hajime/Yukimura Chizuru Summary: When the Shinsengumi discovers the existence of one Yukimura Chizuru, they send Saito to investigate the missing Doctor’s daughter. However, when he gets unexpectedly injured, Chizuru takes it upon herself to nurse this stranger back to health.
Author’s Note: Written for @saichifest ! Thank you, @impracticaldemon and @nalufever for hosting this event! This is essentially going to be a four chapter story, with each chapter corresponding to the given prompts for those days. However, I will be going out of the country tomorrow and will be unable to post on the actual days of the event. I will do my best to get tomorrow’s chapter up and running before my flight!
There’s a small nod to May the Fourth be With You in here. Bonus points to whoever spots it ;)
Cross-posted on ao3.
Saito’s never been one to stray from the less-than-glamorous side of his duty.
Hijikata once expressed his regret - that he inevitably hoists the dirty work on the young Captain. They’re tough jobs, the ones he throws to his subordinate - the kind that needs to be done with a measure of finesse, but could only be left to those with whom he felt an immeasurable amount of trust.
Saito understands this, and as has become characteristic of the stoic captain, accepts his appointments with somber dedication. It’s the least he can do for what he has received in return - a home in the form of a ragtag group of people that would support his path of the warrior and give him a place to feel content.
He’s back in Edo, the first time since he rejoined his peers in Kyoto. They’ve waited for too long without word for the mysterious doctor and his medicinal curse, and with an air of reluctance, Hijikata had finally resigned himself to the idea that perhaps something has occurred beyond their control.
Not that the water of life could truly be controlled, if the previous experiments were any indication.
After a discussion with a local doctor - Matsumoto, if he remembered correctly - they had managed to uncover not only the location of his clinic, but the existence of a daughter he’s both carefully raised and deliberately concealed there.
It leaves a sour taste in his mouth, dragging innocents into this twisted world; but, perhaps she’s not. Saito has always felt there was something off about Kodo, and he had little expectations for the daughter of such a man. Despite wanting to maintain a measure of respect for the fairer sex, he is more than aware of his duty.
hidetheremote reblogged
Haunt Me, Obiyuki (please!) 😘
My first foray into the AnS fandom! Here we go!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He was always watching her.
But she knew that. Zen knew that. Everyone knew that. It was his duty to be sure Shirayuki was safe at all times, and Obi took his orders very seriously. He told himself over and over that he was applying himself to this task with more fervor than any other because the opportunity to serve royalty seldom came and shouldn’t be squandered.
Obi was lying to himself.
Shirayuki bent over a plant, inspecting it for damage. Every time his eyes wandered to the pleasing curve of her waist or the delicate extension of her fingers, he told himself it was to be sure she didn’t wander too far out of his line of sight. He tried to ignore the way his mouth went dry when he watched her every graceful move. Instead, he blamed it on the warmer weather and his penchant for not drinking enough water.
As much as he tried to deny it, he loved to hear her say his name with that brightness, coupled with a smile that lit up her entire face and made her green eyes sparkle. It made his heart beat with such force against his chest that he was grateful he had ribs to keep it inside. He was sure he would’ve lost it some time ago.
Obi knew he couldn’t have these feelings for Shirayuki–shouldn’t. It was clear that she loved Zen. And yet…
She would grace him with the same fond smiles she gave Zen. She spoke freely with him and was unabashedly honest. She would always inquire after his health and was far more concerned about him than he thought he deserved.
Most importantly, she wore the hair ornament he had gifted her, and it was this simple gesture that made his thoughts go wild with the possibility that she felt something much deeper for him than she let on. There could be no other explanation for it.
Obi was certain he didn’t deserve such regard. How could anyone care for someone like him, even love him? He was an assassin. He had taken lives before as if it was nothing, and at one time, he had sought to end hers. That thought always made his stomach twist.
“Obi?”
He was shaken out of his thoughts by her gentle voice, and his eyes snapped to hers. When had she approached him? He cursed himself for getting so caught up in his internal strife that he had failed to notice his surroundings. Dangerous. He couldn’t allow himself to dwell while he was on duty. It would be the perfect time for someone to take advantage of his inattentiveness.
“Miss?”
“Are you all right? You looked…lost.”
His return smile was gentle. “Yeah. I’m fine.”
Her eyebrow arched, and Obi immediately felt a twinge of guilt for making her worry. About him. “Really?”
“Yeah. Just…overthinking things is all.”
“Like what?”
Obi chuckled as he shook his head. “Oh, nothing important. Just…silly things.”
Shirayuki’s eyes searched his, and he felt a cold sweat break out across his back as he fervently hoped his eyes didn’t give him away. The last thing he wanted was to be sent away because his feelings were getting in the way of his duty.
“I’m sure whatever it is can’t be all that silly.”
Obi started. “Why do you say that?”
Shirayuki’s answering smile was bright. “Because your thoughts are always worthwhile.”
Obi’s mouth opened a little as he processed what she had said. Shirayuki returned to her plant, and Obi continued to stare at her. When she said things like that…it made him question his deeply-held belief that she loved Zen.
Perhaps…perhaps Shirayuki returned the deep affections he harbored for her.
hidetheremote reblogged
A Heavy Price
“Shit it’s dark.” Obi groused, the grime already seeping through his pants, leaching itself to his skin. He would need two showers when this ordeal was over.
“Well it’s a cave.” The voice that replied sounded too far away He tilted his head and used his shoulder to push the wandering earpiece back into his ear. “Hope you wore waterproof pants. That’s bat guano.”
Three showers, he mentally amended.
This job, while dirty in the literal sense, was far from the worst he had been tasked with , so he counted himself lucky. Go in, find the diadem, go home, give it to the rich folks. Definitely a cushy project. While he did not relish the filth, he’d take guano over blood any day.
“You should be comin up on the entrance. Tunnel looks tight. Might need to crawl.”
Obi cursed. He liked this shirt.
“Fine.” He adjusted his headlamp and looked for the tunnel.
A chorus of profanity trailed behind him as he inched his way through the tunnel. Roberts’ laughter informed him he was far too pleased with the situation, and Obi made a mental note to get back at him at the earliest possible convenience
Upon reaching a larger opening, it was just enough to squeeze his upper body into, allowing him freedom to get up onto his knees. He saw a soft blue glow from a hollow a few feet above.
If he were to reach enough he might be able to–
“Roberts. Any thoughts on a glow in here? Maybe bioluminescent fungus or something?” Obi vaguely recalled that something like that existed in the world, although if pressed he wouldn’t have known the location.
“Nanaki, you need a vacation.”
Drawn to the glow by some unspeakable force, his fingers twitched against his will.
“You’re right. The Alps maybe. I hear there’s nice spas.” He scarcely heard his own absent reply, his heart thrumming in his ears.
He stretched, feeling wary but curious. Wasn’t the diadem blue? Maybe some pocket of light was casting a reflection?
Maybe it would be better if he took a look? Carefully he slid to his feet, body crumpling inwards to make himself fit, chin digging into his own chest.
Obi let out a low whistle. It was worth it. Somehow the ancient jewelry that sat before him was totally pristine. It shone with an ethereal light and without a second thought, one glove was already off his hand.
“Roberts I think we struck Diadem.” He said, knowing somewhere in his mind that he needed to report the status.
“Oooo, put it on princess I want to see how pretty you’ll be.” Came the mocking reply.
“Don’t be jealous that you don’t have the figure for heels.” He quipped back playfully, eyes locked in a hypnotic trance on the gem. He wanted to touch it, the draw was stronger than he had felt before. He wasn’t really the type to be drawn to intense luxury.
As soon as his fingers brushed the stone the whole area began to light up. Too bright. It burned his eyes and he squinted to get a look to no avail.
The light overtook him, enveloping him. It was warm. Soothing. Obi felt calm and at home. When was the last time he felt calm and at home?
—
“The diadem has a price, and the price is your soul?”
Lashes fluttered over green eyes, a little red stained her cheeks as she looked away.
“Yes.”
“You’ve been trapped in that thing, alone, for centuries?” A nod in reply. “And the only way to get you out is to split your soul or bond it to another.” Another nod, this one more hesitant.
There could be worse things than being bonded to a supernatural being
On the list of positives, he would probably get to quit that awful job.
“There’s no undoing it. It won’t lengthen your life or shorten mine.” Her voice was soft when she finally spoke. He would have guessed regret, but he didn’t have to, he felt it.
Her loneliness, the darkness, the boredom. An inquisitive mind like hers, trapped away in a crystal in pretty jewelry. Like a prize. It disgusted him. She didn’t deserve it.
Seeing a need for levity, Obi smirked at her.
“Fair enough. So how do we earn your freedom? Do I get three wishes if I rub you, and then I can wish you free?”
“Don’t tease me, I have been in there a long time.” Her pout was even cuter. The light that hit her horns cast a shadow over one side of her face, doing nothing to disguise her ever reddening cheeks.
“I’m not, well okay, a little, but not about freeing you. Look. I’ve got no family, no goals, no home. This job is all I have and sooner or later it’ll kill me. So let’s be teammates. After my lifespan ends you get sucked back in.” He couldn’t resist leaning in, taking in her scent, so foreign to him, so exciting. “Far be it from me to leave a lady in distress.”
Who would have thought that a creature from the underworld would be so damn cute and shy?
He extended a hand to her. “Partners?”
—
“For the record, I think this is a poor decision.”
Obi turned to Shirayuki with a smile. “Come on. When do I make poor decisions.”
Her pointed tail flicked out irritably, lip pursing in distaste. Obi wondered for the thousandth time how they would taste if he–Nope.
“Do you want me to itemize the list, or alphabetize it? And how much time do we have to waste because this might take a while.”
He loved it when she was cheeky. He flashed her his most dazzling smile before extending his hand to her. The same way he did the day they met. Five years and dozens of missions exactly like this ago.
She turned away from his hand, but her tail still wrapped around his waist, allowing him to descend into the pit safely.
Her small stature didn’t betray her raw power. Likely because she was a daemon and her power wasn’t exactly mortal.
“The temple of Azrael. The temple of Baachut. The shrine of Caedus.”
“I get it, you don’t need to keep going.” He called back.
“Already? There‘s still 23 letters to go, and some have duplicates!”
He sighed. Finding the Diadem’s twin would not only prove tricky, but as the years went on, he wanted it less and less.
He hadn’t lost his drive to rescue her from her loneliness. It just began to dawn on him that the intimacy they shared was something he treasured.
He treasured her.
The differing flicks of her tail indicating different emotions. Her kindness. Her smile. The way her fingertips brushed his own.
A foreboding feeling took up residency in his gut. Something told him that today would be the day…
—
Her fingers grasped the necklace, the other piece of the set. It was as lovely as the diadem. “If we do this-” Obi began. He was watching her, he was always watching her. She knew some of his thoughts when they were especially loud. Could feel the comfort in touching each other that came from the threads of their souls being entwined. Was she ready to lose that?
She tucked the necklace into a separate box than the diadem. Placing both back in the lock box they owned.
“Let’s go home.” She said.
Obi looked like he might choke on his own tongue.
“But your freedom.” For once there wasn’t a single joke to hide behind, something he tried regardless of her ability to see through it.
“I’m free enough, for now. When the time comes, I’ll be able to break the spell.”
Obi sputtered. “What are we going to do now?”
“I hear the Alps are nice.” Shirayuki smiled. He didn’t move, so she wondered if he caught her intention.
She didn’t have to wonder long, as she was dipped backwards, lips pressed against his, brand new fireworks exploding behind her eyes.
They had never… This was…
Home. This was home. Obi’s lips, his smile, his skin.
Chance had bonded them. Choice had kept them together, a fact neither of them took for granted.
hidetheremote reblogged
Hijikata’s Aftermath
Toshizō slammed open the door to the rooftop, running a hand through his black locks. It felt like a dream. A nightmare.
He wished it was, but he was painfully aware of the situation he was in. That they were all in.
hidetheremote reblogged
30. Out of necessity-Chinatsu and Souji
I don’t have much to say about this one, except that I hope everyone enjoys it. The word count is 1,239.
@eheartangel, @kondo-hijikata, @sabinasanfanfic, @lescahiersdesable, @shinsengumiscenarios, @hakuouki-or-hakuoki, @hidetheremote, @impracticaldemon, @annahakuouki, @hakuyamazakisensei, @flower-dragon, @eliz1369, @meredith-stannards, @silkysilk, @trashmonster06, @hakuouki-matchups, @codenamesenpai [If you guys would like to be added to this list, contact me.]
Okita remained infront of Chinatsu with Kaga Kiyomitsu drawn until long after he was certainSannan had returned to normal. Only when the tension began to dissipate and theothers moved to start cleaning up, did he slowly slide the weapon back into itsscabbard. He folded his arm across his chest, his green eyes warily flicking toHijikata when he heard the Vice Commander speak to Chizuru.
“You’re hurt. Whatyou need to do now is rest. Since you obviously can’t use your room, you canstay in mine tonight. Same with Ariyoshi.”
hidetheremote reblogged
The Last Princess of Tanbarun, Ch. 1
Sequel to The Snowdrop and Royal Wedding.
Obi gritted his teeth and smiled until the door latched closed behind Zen, then let his face lapse into the snarl he kept for when he was alone. He’d earned all Zen’s teasing, many times over if he were honest, but he just couldn’t shrug it off the way he wished he could. A log snapped in the fireplace, and Obi pictured clearing his desk, shoveling armfuls of regulations, requisitions, and reports into the fire. The flame would be fast and bright, and all it would do is make more work. He might feel better, but everyone would be so disappointed.
It would be as much as they deserved, putting an opportunist like him in a position like this. He knew nothing about leading, nothing about rules or supply lines or anything useful. He could read, write, sneak into anywhere, and kill a person in more ways than he cared to count. None of that made him qualified to be a Captain. Shikito and Shirayuki were the only things standing between Fort Laxdo and a complete breakdown. His only success so far was keeping the pay on time.
He eyed the fireplace again, wishful, then papers ruffled as he sank into his chair with a sigh. Zen trusted him. Zen was counting on him. The pen weighed far more than any feather should.
Maybe three pieces of paper later, the noise level in the courtyard started to rise. Surely someone would come get him if he was needed. He read another line. On the other hand, disputes among the men tended to resolve themselves when he showed up. He leaned back in his chair, reaching to unlatch the window and letting it swing open.
The voices were all too familiar. When his boots hit the cobbles a few paces from the fracas, idiot Tanbarunian nobles and guards alike were too occupied in arguing to even notice. “-You have no right!” Shikito’s voice rose above the melee.
hidetheremote reblogged
A little something something for @kondo-hijikata, who has been searching for more konkata content. I hope you enjoy this!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Have you read The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Toshi?”
“No.”
Kondo’s eyes widened, and he looked as if he had been struck. “Why not?”
Hijikata shrugged. “I haven’t had the time between peddling medicine and training.”
He wasn’t about to admit that any free moment spent not doing any of the above mentioned activities were spent attempting to put into words the depth of his feelings for the man sitting across from him. He had tried multiple times to create the perfect haiku, but nothing he wrote ever seemed adequate or captured the true effervescent essence of Kondo Isami.
“You have no idea what you’re missing!” Kondo exclaimed with a hint of excitement in his tone.
Hijikata couldn’t help the fond snort that escaped him as he closed his eyes. “I think…I’d rather you tell the stories to me.”
“Oh?”
Hijikata opened his eyes and nodded. He supposed he could give a reason why, but he just couldn’t form the words. He hoped Kondo would understand. It seemed the man did, for his smile brightened and was warm like a summer day before the humidity set in.
“Well then, do you have time for me to start telling you the first part of the story?”
Hijikata adjusted his position on the cushion until he was sitting informal seiza. “I suppose.”
Kondo’s smile dropped slightly. “If it’s a waste of your time…”
“Tch…you would never waste my time.”
His smile widened, and the storytelling began. Hijikata slid his arms deep into his wide kimono sleeves and watched intently. Kondo remained sitting across from him, his eyes alight and dancing as he began his tale. Hijikata felt his heart skip a beat at seeing Kondo so happy.
But as the story continued, it became clear that Kondo was passionate about the story he was sharing. He could barely remain seated as he leaned forward to draw Hijikata in. And Hijikata was powerless to resist. Their surroundings melted away until it was just the two of them and the tale Kondo was weaving. His words wrapped around Hijikata like a warm embrace, and Hijikata’s body hummed with excitement watching Kondo as he stood and began to act out pieces of the battle he was describing.
Kondo was breathtaking with cheeks flushed and movements fluid as he portrayed an epic duel. It took every ounce of control Hijikata possessed to remain seated. If anything, he wanted to give Kondo the courtesy of finishing his tale.
“I think…that’s enough excitement for tonight, don’t you think?” Kondo finally said at the conclusion of the battle.
Hijikata shook his head to clear his thoughts, and his lips upturned. “Whatever you say.”
Kondo resumed his previous position across from Hijikata. “Well? What did you think?”
The corner of his mouth twitched upward. “I think…I’d much prefer you telling me the stories.”
Kondo’s blush increased as Hijikata leaned forward, his hands snaking out of his sleeves. He slid his slender fingers into Kondo’s soft brown hair. He didn’t care if he loosened the tie holding his hair back. All he could think about was that he had finally found a way to tell Kondo how he felt.
Their lips brushed, and Hijikata peered into Kondo’s widened eyes. He thought for a moment that maybe he had made a mistake, but when Kondo met his lips again with a little more force, he knew he hadn’t been wrong. Kondo reached up and pulled on the tie holding Hijikata’s hair back, and he felt his locks fall freely around his shoulders to be pushed back by Kondo’s hands.
Their tongues danced, Hijikata’s heart raced, and they lapped up each other’s little whispered moans between kisses. When they finally pulled away for a little break, their chests heaving, Hijikata felt his heart swell in his chest as the man he long admired and loved looked upon him with such adoration.
“Tomorrow night then?”
“Hm?”
“I’ll come to tell you the next part tomorrow night?” Kondo clarified.
Hijikata’s smile was soft. “Yes.”
~~~~~~~
Tagging: @eheartangel, @resshiiram, @hidetheremote, @shell-senji, @hakuouki-or-hakuoki, @hakuyamazakisensei, @lescahiersdesable, @flower-dragon, @enby-peep, @jellyfish-wish, @emmalanna If you wish to be added or removed from my tagging list, please message me!
hidetheremote reblogged
52 Weeks of Sentence Prompts: Week Six; OkiSai Romance
This prompt was sent in anonymously. Word count is 2138. It is a continuation from Week 2. A big thanks goes out to @eheartangel for the beta read!! :)
To read it a AO3 (and to get a sneak peek at next week’s prompt) click HERE.
hidetheremote reblogged
“I don’t trust a couple that don’t fight.”
Shirayuki’s eyes are hurt when she turns them toward him. “But Zen and I don’t fight!”
And they would be example number one of why it’s a problem, right there. He didn’t mean to bring them up, he was talking about how Kirito and his girlfriend’s honeymoon period seemed to be going on way too long, it was creepy. He could say just that, leave it there.
He can’t leave it there. “Of course not, you have to be in the same place to fight.”
Her eyes tighten. “I saw him just yesterday.”
Obi lifts a hand, ticking off the second finger. “You have to talk to each other to fight.”
“We talk. He sends me notes, too!”
Third finger. “You have to know what the other is doing to fight.”
“Zen’s been in negotiations with the Tanbarunian trade envoy over tariffs for the last two weeks.”
“And who’s winning?” At her blank look, he ticks off the fourth finger. “Most of all, you have to want something from the other person.” She looks sad, and there’s nothing he can say to that because she wants Master’s time and attention so badly. He ticks off the last finger instead. “And you have to be willing to fight for what you want.”
She rears back. “But I can’t do that! I can’t get between him and-”
“Exactly.” He holds his tongue on further explanation, letting the moment stretch, watching her frown and bite her lip. This is something she should think about long and hard. He doesn’t regret saying it. Much.
He’s already crouched in the window when she moves again, ready to drop to the ground outside. “Is it time for your shift?” At her conversational tone, the last knot of fear that he’d upset her unravels in his chest, and he nods. The sunshine from the window lights up her face and hair. “Obi, are we fighting?”
He can’t help but smirk. “Not quite, miss. I don’t fight with you. Four out of five is close, though!” She smiles back, echoing his flippant tone of voice, and he jumps out the window.
He stops smiling when he realizes he should have said three. She’s too much of an overthinker to miss that, and she’s relentless in the pursuit of mysteries, so it looks like he has one watch to convince himself to lie. He has to tell her what he wants from her, and if she’ll believe it’s the home-cooked dinners when the truth is everything, well, that makes everything easier, doesn’t it?
hidetheremote reblogged
“You look amazing tonight.” OkiChi
“You look amazing tonight, Chizuru-chan.” Souji nuzzled into her neck as he wrapped his arms around her.
“You’re lying, Okita Souji.” Chizuru pouted, rubbing her large middle.
“I am not. Chizuru-chan, you’ve never looked more beautiful than tonight.” He kissed her cheek, placing one hand on top of hers. “You’re carrying our child, why would you think I was lying about that?” Souji smiled genuinely, his heart feeling almost full. He was still here with his loved one. His body felt like it had actually recovered with the fresh air and the water from the Yukimura village. He thought that his body would continue to be eaten away, but even his coughing fits had stopped. He even felt a bit stronger, almost like before his illness. He wondered if he had been cured.
hidetheremote reblogged
Saito, Hijikata and pet goldfish: Let’s see some cute fanfics of this trio. @hidetheremote @sabinasanfanfic @hakuyamazakisensei @eheartangel And anyone else who wants! Permission granted by @hakufever the dilletant artist
They were well past Hijikata’s four-cup limit on the sake when the conversation circled back to her…and commitment. Or, as Saito pointed out, the lack thereof.
“How can I commit to a woman? In our line of work it just doesn’t calculate. Come on, Saito! You should know this better than anyone.”
“Sir?”
“The fish, Saito. Remember the fish?”
Saito looked up from his cup in confusion. Fish? What was Hijikata talking about? It was definitely time to cut him off.
“The…fish, sir?”
Hijikata growled in frustration, aggravated that Saito didn’t understand immediately.
“That damned fish Souji gave me as a Christmas present last year. It didn’t even make it to dinner-time.”
Oh…that fish. How could Saito have forgotten? Perhaps it was time to cut himself off as well. But he still couldn’t connect the dots. How was a the fish related to….Yukimura? Saito looked at Hijikata with questioning eyes and set his sake down, pushing it away. Hijikata did the same.
“Remember the note that came with the fish?” Hijikata asked.
Saito shook his head.
“You crumpled the note immediately. None of us knew what it said. Well, with the exception of Souji, of course.”
Hijikata snorted, his brow furrowing as he tried to recall the exact wording.
“I can’t remember exactly…but it was something along the lines of… ‘I wanted to get you a cat, but feared for its life. Here’s a fish instead. Even YOU can keep a fish alive. Too bad the same can’t be said for your love-life.’ Or something along those lines. You know what really pisses me off? He’s right! I couldn’t even stay attentive enough to keep a fish alive for a day.”
“The fish was probably ill, sir. I’m sure it had nothing…”
“That isn’t the point!” Hijikata said loudly, grabbing his cup of sake back and downing the remainder of the liquid. “The point is, I don’t have the ability to give her the attention she deserves.”
Saito was silent. He thought of several ways he might be able to correct Hijikata’s incorrect view of himself, but he knew that his boss was in no mood to listen at the moment. He would wait until the alcohol wasn’t a factor. Until then, why not enjoy the drink? He pulled his sake cup back as well, filled both cups with more liquor and downed his. Tomorrow….tomorrow he would let Hijikata know that Yukimura wasn’t a fish…or something like that. What were they talking about again?