[ It's less noticable, but he straightens himself just a little more when he sees that sight. Chizuru being happy means that he's still capable of some things despite everything that's happened - he can still pretend he's human, he can still make someone happy who really deserves to be. It might not be a whole lot, but he'll keep gathering the little things together as fuel for the fire that is his spirit, his will to keep going despite the odds.
(It's a little strange, the thought, but somehow there's a part of him that almost feels like it could keep on going forever as long as she would still put that smile on her face, even in their silences.)
If some people whisper about them going into a room together (isn't the boy supposed to be Hijikata's page, or the captains who are actually in on Chizuru's secret joking at him like Sano, who would have earned an elbow nudge if Shinpachi's arms weren't currently occupied by the boxes) then the man sure didn't seem to care and just ignores it for the most part until they're in there together.
He looks at Chizuru for a moment, as if he's judging whether she'd be able to handle one, but he wants to at least let her try rather than disappoint her, so he lowers the boxes a little bit so she can grab the top one. ]
Careful, they're heavy. [ So one at a time, okay, only he's allowed to carry more than that..!
By the time she grabs it off the pile, he moves to put down the other ones, letting out a loud sigh. It's only now that he realises just how exhausted he feels, having carried those boxes all the way through the sun. Shinpachi sinks to the floor - not completely out of his own control, but one he initiates the movement, it sure goes faster than he imagines - only to sit with his back leaning against one of the boxes.
He grabs one of the ends of his headband, tugging on it until it comes undone, and then he uses it to try and wipe some of the excessive sweat that's formed on his forehead off. Damn, he sure is pathetic, having this much trouble with just bringing a few boxes here, something that would have been easy for him otherwise.
At least he doesn't feel too bad about looking like this in front of her. He still has his pride, so of course he's not 100% okay with looking pathetic in front of anyone, let alone a girl, but at least she knows his secret. He has to keep up the act in front of everyone else, after all.
He wants to reassure her though, so he shoots her a tiny smile. ]
Sure is hot out there, huh. [ As if that's the only cause. ]
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(It's a little strange, the thought, but somehow there's a part of him that almost feels like it could keep on going forever as long as she would still put that smile on her face, even in their silences.)
If some people whisper about them going into a room together (isn't the boy supposed to be Hijikata's page, or the captains who are actually in on Chizuru's secret joking at him like Sano, who would have earned an elbow nudge if Shinpachi's arms weren't currently occupied by the boxes) then the man sure didn't seem to care and just ignores it for the most part until they're in there together.
He looks at Chizuru for a moment, as if he's judging whether she'd be able to handle one, but he wants to at least let her try rather than disappoint her, so he lowers the boxes a little bit so she can grab the top one. ]
Careful, they're heavy. [ So one at a time, okay, only he's allowed to carry more than that..!
By the time she grabs it off the pile, he moves to put down the other ones, letting out a loud sigh. It's only now that he realises just how exhausted he feels, having carried those boxes all the way through the sun. Shinpachi sinks to the floor - not completely out of his own control, but one he initiates the movement, it sure goes faster than he imagines - only to sit with his back leaning against one of the boxes.
He grabs one of the ends of his headband, tugging on it until it comes undone, and then he uses it to try and wipe some of the excessive sweat that's formed on his forehead off. Damn, he sure is pathetic, having this much trouble with just bringing a few boxes here, something that would have been easy for him otherwise.
At least he doesn't feel too bad about looking like this in front of her. He still has his pride, so of course he's not 100% okay with looking pathetic in front of anyone, let alone a girl, but at least she knows his secret. He has to keep up the act in front of everyone else, after all.
He wants to reassure her though, so he shoots her a tiny smile. ]
Sure is hot out there, huh. [ As if that's the only cause. ]