[ She's such a weird girl. Here he is, practically a monster, someone who might just lose control whenever for all god knows (although he's not going to let it happen as long as he has anything to say about it, he'll fight for his humanity until the very last moment since he doesn't want to exist as something that only acts upon instinct, that stick to the ideals and choices he's already made for himself) especially showed by how he just started sucking on her finger without really realising it and didn't stop - and despite all those things, she's still here, and when he holds her close to talk to her without everyone else noticing (much more a practical thing in his mind than something else, although he can sure feel the warmth of her body being so close to his, prompting a weird feeling to emerge in the pits of his stomach) she wraps her arms around him in return despite it not being necessary.
He couldn't be mad at her for practically forcing him to drink her blood. Shinpachi is not thick enough to not realise that she's doing it for his sake, that she just doesn't want to see him in pain even when he's just trying to press on through it. Besides, if anyone is to blame for this situation it's him, he chose to become a rasetsu, he chose to deal with all of this even if he hates it. ]
Yeah. It doesn't hurt.
[ And he's being genuine about it. Although it's true that he would be inclined to hide his pain - a trait many of the men of the Shinsengumi share - in this case the pain really did disappear completely when he had enough of her blood. He isn't planning on letting this be a thing that repeats though. He's not going to drink her blood again, next time he'll just make sure she's not around or-- well, or something. He'll deal with this situation somehow.
And he figures he really should be moving now and get out of his room and on with things so no one is going to think strangely of him being gone for a little bit too long (although he thinks they could figure he's just napping or being lazy or something), but somehow he doesn't feel like moving just yet. The blood made him feel less tired, so it's not that he can't get up, but..
.. there's something about holding her small frame in his arms and her warmth against his body and the soft but sweet smell that comes from her that he doesn't want to give up only to go endure the sun's burning rays again.
He doesn't understand the feeling and wouldn't even know what kind of name to put to it, but even so, he doesn't let go of her for another few moments without saying anything else. ]
The words are like music to Chizuru's ears and in spite of how strange this entire situation is, she can't help but smile. There was finally something she was able to do to be useful to him. It meant relying on her demonic abilities again - but... maybe that's okay. Shinpachi embraced something he wasn't born into, something he was opposed to, in order to protect her. Isn't it only fair if she embraces her bloodline in order to help him? She, at least, has always been a demon.]
I'm glad...
[...that he doesn't hurt, anyway. It breaks her heart to know that drinking blood was what he had to do in order to lessen the pain. She wonders if there's something else - anything else - that can be done for him. Not because she's afraid to give him her blood (she isn't, she trusts him implicitly even in this), but because it clearly bothers him to have to drink it. If only her father had brought her into his confidence about his research with the rasetsu.
...his research...
Her eyes go wide as it occurs to her. That's it. They're in Edo! His clinic isn't too far away - he had to have been working on it for awhile, before he went to Kyoto, for the rasetsu situation to have progressed as far as it had; it's possible that some of his notes are there. Maybe they can find something useful. Maybe if she reads up on it enough, she'll understand it more...
...and if she doesn't, Sannan is here. It wouldn't be too strange for her to find it, and bring it to him, and--... no. Can she trust Sannan with her father's research? He knows more about the rasetsu than any of the others in the Shinsengumi, but... he's so far entrenched into it, and he seems to embrace it more than anything. She wants help that will make it possible for Shinpachi to resist it.
Still, the possibility that they might find something at her house is exciting, and that excitement bubbles up within her as she looks up at him.]
Nagakura-san, I just thought of something wonderful..!
[...oh, that was loud. Her cheeks flush and she realizes that she hasn't pulled away yet, and neither has he, and there are people right on the other side of the door so she better step back before someone realizes they're in here and comes to check on them. Still, she's strangely reluctant as she pulls away from his embrace, though the reluctance isn't enough to quell her excitement. She's practically bouncing on her heels as she glances at the door as if to wonder if it's okay to say what she thought of in hushed tones, or if she should wait until they're really alone.]
[ For a moment he blinks at her sudden enthusiasm - and even when he gets over the initial surprise he still doesn't quite know where it just came from, really - but then he settles back into a smile, and it slowly grows wider. It's good to see her being this happy despite.. well, everything. The fact that the Shinsengumi are being driven into a corner more, even being forced to leave Kyoto, and then his condition, but.. apparently there's still something great she can think of, and he's more than willing to indulge her by listening to it.
It's why he doesn't really mind when she pulls away and he gives her a small nod and a hand gesture as if he's wordlessly saying he'll listen to her in a moment. Just in case it has to do with the secret they're both keeping together, he wants to make sure absolutely no one is listening in on this, on purpose or not.
So he walks away from her for a moment, sauntering over to the door. ]
Oi, Sano! Go chat somewhere else, won't ya, some of us are trying to nap after being at sea for so long! [ The excuse is probably convincing enough, he figures, especially since it's not like's known for not liking to sleep..
And surely enough it works. There's an answer from the other side of the door asking him if he's going to rest his old man bones, and as Shinpachi peeks his head out of the room there's a few words back and forth between the two men before the redhead tells him good night and saunters off, apparently not having noticed that Chizuru's still there in the room with him as well (which Shinpachi was trying to accomplish, anyway, since he doesn't really feel like making up an excuse and lying to Sano of all people - it's already hard enough to not let his best friend in on his little problem here) and that's when Shinpachi closes the door again.
Now he's sure they're really alone, he gives her a soft pat on the shoulder. ]
There, now no one's gonna listen. [ And he sure doesn't want to keep her waiting even a moment longer when she's so excited that it's visible even in her body language. ] Tell me, I'm all ears.
[ At least he's a lot more like his usual self by now, although it's maybe a tiny bit forced around the edges. But most of it is just Shinpachi pushing that whole blood drinking experience to the back of his mind to deal with it later - it's not like he can vent about it to anyone, so he'll just have to find some other way to go about it later on. But not in front of Chizuru, and especially not when he doesn't want to ruin her good mood. Even if the irony taste still lingers in the back of his throat. ]
[She waits impatiently (as impatiently as Chizuru can really manage, which mostly consists of some excited wriggling as she shifts her weight from one foot to another in an attempt to keep herself quiet while Shinpachi sends Sano away. It's not really a lie - at least, she hopes it's not, Shinpachi certainly could use a nap and if she has her way he'll be getting one soon enough. She'll share her idea, make him some tea, and then send him to bed.
But she's too excited by the possibility of being able to help to chide him for the little white lie, so basically as soon as he's finished speaking she bursts out,]
We're in Edo.
[...which doesn't really explain much, and her cheeks color a little when she realizes.] I mean, that is... my father's clinic is here, too. He may have left some of his notes there... In fact, he probably did. If Hijikata-san lets me go, I might be able to find something to help you, Nagakura-san!
[He might not have to drink blood, if he didn't want to. He might not have to drink blood. Maybe he could even be cured entirely.]
I never thought about it before, because we were in Kyoto, not Edo, and I never would have known what to tell someone to look for if they were to come here... and of course I couldn't go alone before. But now...!
[ It's not exactly the reason he expected she was being all excited over. After all, she's so excited since.. she can help him out, that's what she's saying, right? And although he also feels fairly excited at the idea that there might be anything at all left around there that details how to make the condition less worse, he's just excited since it's about his life, his humanity.
For Chizuru it shouldn't have anything to do with her whether he's a rasetsu or not, yet she's this excited just over the idea of being able to help him live a little bit more normally again..
.. he isn't entirely sure how to deal with it. It's a good thing, of course, but maybe a little too flattering, or.. well, not many people in his life have openly cared this much, so he just figures it's something he'll get used to eventually and then feel a little less embarrassed about it.
After he blinks the surprise away, he pats her on the shoulder. ]
Then let's go take a look. Hijikata-san can't complain if I'm with you. [ You thought you were going to go by yourself and let Shinpachi nap? Wrong idea, Chizuru, since he's already crossing the room to grab his haori and put it on. Usually he wouldn't have done so just in case it'd draw too much attention, but he's not stupid enough to go outside into the sun while exposing as much skin as his clothes always do. ] Is it far away from here?
[ Apparen't he's not going to take a "no stay here" for an answer.. ]
[She almost expects the pat on the shoulder. What she doesn't expect is for him to cross his room and go for his haori, and she blinks dumbly at him for a few seconds as his words register on her -
Hijikata-san can't complain if I'm with you -
And she blushes. She supposes it's true, because it's fairly obvious that Shinpachi won't get up to too much mischief if he's acting as Chizuru's escort; it's not quite the same thing as letting him wander the streets of Edo with Sano and Heisuke by his side. And she supposes it makes sense that he would want to go, since it's very much got to do with him, but he should be resting and...
Well. It's a little strange. Even if her father won't be there, the thought of bringing a man to her house...]
It's, um. It's... not too far. [It is a little far, but it's manageable - for her. For Shinpachi in the daytime, though...] But, you need to get your rest, Nagakura-san...! After such a long trip...
[It's the excuse he gave to Sano and she knows it's a flimsy one to try and use on him. In fact, she can already tell he's not really going to let her convince him to rest, so she starts crossing the room even as she tries halfheartedly to convince him.]
...well, you'll just have to promise to rest when we get back, all right?
[ At least she seems to give on the argument soon enough. Shinpachi's too busy throwing on his haori to immediately respond when she says he should be getting some rest, but apparently she already seems to have anticipated his response - because of course he's not going to rest, there's no way a human would have had to rest after that trip unless they were being lazy, so there's no need for him to go take a nap now.
.. although he probably can't argue with the last part. As much as he just wants to act and live like a normal person as much as possible, he knows it's impossible with his body. He just wants to sleep at night, but then he ends up lying awake for hours at a time or waking up after just a little bit of sleep since his biology just works that way now. So he probably should rest a little when they get back or he won't even be fit for battle anymore, and both for the sake of his own pride and his promise to take care of Chizuru he has to make sure to be in good shape. ]
I promise. [ He finally says when he has his haori on, smiling at her. It's a lot easier to distract himself from his condition when he's focusing on what he has to do, anyway. He really doesn't want to mope in front of Chizuru, even if that means building up all his frustrations inside.
The man walks over to her, his hand seeking out hers just to hook their pinkies together again, just like they did before all this shit went down. He moves them up so she can look at them too. ]
And I don't break promises. Remember?
[ He lingers like that for a moment, hoping it's enough to reassure her - he might be the king of bravado, but it's a lot harder to determine if he's doing a good job or not when he does feel pretty exhausted - before letting go again and turning towards the door. ]
[And, truthfully, that's why she'd phrased it the way she did, why she'd insisted on a promise rather than a "Sure, sure" or something along those lines. As long as he promises, she can rest easy knowing he'll be trying to get some rest, too.
She smiles at him over their hooked pinkies, and then, when he turns for the door, nods and follows him out. Luckily, there isn't anyone lingering in the immediate area to see her come out of his room - such a sight would surely set tongues wagging, especially after Shinpachi had sent Sano away because he "needed a nap" not too long before.
It doesn't take long at all for them to exit the inn, once they've gotten started; what takes longer is navigating the streets to find their way back to Chizuru's home. She has a general idea of where to go, because she knows where her house is located and approximately where the Kama Inn is in comparison to the things her house is close to, but never having made the trip before she can't help the slight expression of concern on her face as she scans their surroundings for familiar sights.
Finally she sees one, and the expression gives way to a careful relief because she knows it isn't much further at all, now.]
Nagakura-san, we're almost there...
[And that will be good, because with the sun beating down on them the way it is, he has to be tired. She's so thankful he thought to grab his haori before they left.
It's just another few turns around corners and then a quick walk down the street before she comes to a stop in front of her home, and it's not without some trepidation that she puts her hand on the door.] ...it's so strange to be back. [Her voice is a little quiet, and she knows she should just open it so they can get in out of the sun and get started, but she also knows that chances are it's dusty and quiet because neither she nor her father will have been here in years. It probably looks exactly the way she remembers it.
[ He has to hold back from letting out an actual sigh of relief when she says they're almost there. He's trying to pretend even in front of Chizuru that the sun isn't getting to him too much, after all - not because she can't know about his secret since she obviously already knows, but mostly just that he doesn't only want to give her more to worry about. He can deal with it, even if he can feel his steps threatening to get more sluggish, he just grits his teeth and walks on. It's all he can do.
And then they arrive at her house and Shinpachi can't help but stare for a moment. So this is the place Chizuru grew up, huh.. the place she must've spent so many days by herself after her father left to come to Kyoto, to them. He's lost in thought about it for a moment or two though, so he doesn't even notice the way she hesitates and lingers until he hears her speak up again. That's when he blinks and looks at her. Truthfully, part of him wishes she would just open the door so he could get somewhere out of the sun just for a little bit, but Shinpachi sure isn't going to push her for his own selfish needs, no way.
Besides.. he thinks he understands this, just a little bit. His own reasons for leaving his family's place were really different from her own, but it's been so many years at this point since he's even seen them or the house - traveling around, then Shieikan, then the Roshigumi, then the Shinsengumi - that he'd probably feel weird too, returning to it. He'd probably linger the exact same way she does.
Shinpachi tries to gather his energy to at least attempt to make her feel a little better. He already got some weird looks on the streets for walking around in his haori, so what will one dumbass moment more or less make worse for him now anyway, huh? ]
Oh, Chizuru-chan's so lucky..! [ He whistles. ] Ya got a whole place just waitin' for you like that, I'd probably have to go back to my parents on my hands and knees and rub my face against the floor for them to take me back. Maybe I should knock on your door instead if I'd ever need a place to stay in the future! [ Shinpachi makes sure to stupidly grin - which isn't hard, considering his usual smile is already a lot like it, he's just throwing a little more energy into it, hoping he can afford it. ]
i'm so mad i swear to god last time i checked i had posted a reply
[Shinpachi rubbing his face on the floor to get his family to take him back... it's an amusing mental image, but it comes to mind so suddenly that she's almost thrown for a loop. Is she allowed to laugh at it? It sounds like he's trying to cheer her up, and a smile does tug at her lips - a moment later, she giggles, because she just can't help herself. Shinpachi really does have a way of cheering her up, doesn't he...
She's not sure whether she should be embarrassed about what he says at the end of that or not. Her cheeks flush - just bringing him to her home to look around feels like a big step, and it makes her want to clam up when he even jokes about staying here, but there's something she wants to say that overshadows her embarrassment.]
If you did that... of course I would let you in. [Going further with that line of thought is daunting, though, and so she rolls open the door to usher him inside.] Um... for now, come in out of the sun...!
[The house is, as she expected, more than a little dusty. No one has lived here for years, after all, and she lets out a small sigh when she rolls the door shut after Shinpachi enters.]
...I'm sorry it's a bit of a mess. It could probably stand to be cleaned and aired out a little.
[ Of course Shinpachi is so oblivious that the implications of his joke there - even with the way she reacts to it which should make it obvious to anyone else, but alas.. - completely go over his head. Instead he makes sure to not stop grinning no matter how tired he feels, and he heads after her into the house.
Truthfully, he's not even paying attention to the dust or anything. All he can feel is blessed shadow and he doesn't think he's ever been so grateful for it before. He still tries to not let his exhaustion show too much, but he does take a seat on the floor instead of standing as he looks around, letting out a short breath. See, this is going to be fine. He'll just sit here and if Chizuru finds some papers he'll help her read through them and this way he can regain some of his energy as well instead of being threatened with the risk of passing out at any moment.
Although it's just tempting fate when a Shinsengumi member wonders what could possibly go wrong, huh. ]
Don't worry 'bout it. [ At least it sounds like he's being genuine about it - as he is with most things. ] It's not like I'm expecting you to take care of a house when you're in a different city entirely, huh? Guess no one's been able to take care of it ever since then.
[ Since they never did find Kodo, let alone that he just simply returned home as if nothing was up. ]
.. Well, don't mind me getting all comfortable at your place. [ Because he's already sitting and all.. at least he's not making an excuse to cover up the fact he's doing it since he feels tired, but he's not exactly mentioning it out loud either. He has his pride. ]
You got an idea of where he could've kept his stuff?
[It's probably for the best that none of the neighbors stopped by to clean; if they had, and if they'd found anything incriminating from her father's research - though she's sure he wouldn't have left anything important just lying around where anyone could find it, surely he'd have hidden it away somewhere - it could have been truly bad. But the dust makes it clear enough that no one has been here for a long time.
(Is this really almost four years' worth of dust? She's not sure, but she doesn't want to get her hopes up.)
She bites her lip and looks down the hall.]
He had a room where he would store some of his references... perhaps there. Or in his own bedroom.
[She can't make him search with her, so she smiles a little.] Please, keep making yourself comfortable. I'll be right back.
[And she vanishes down the hall... only to return with an armful of dusty texts a couple of minutes later. She kneels on the ground across from him and immediately gets to work, scanning through the pages and setting them aside whenever she doesn't find anything useful.
...it might be faster, to do the looking in that room, but she would much rather be out here, where Shinpachi is nearby and she doesn't feel so alone in the house that was once her home.
Funny, how the Shinsengumi's headquarters feels more like home, even now that she's back among these familiar walls.]
Ah...!
[It's some time later that she comes across something that looks promising - an intense look comes over her face as she reads through it, and then she leaps to her feet and runs back for her father's clinic with the notes in tow.
[ For once he doesn't think there's anything really boring about waiting by himself. Mostly since he really does need to just sit down for a few moments to feel like he's recovering his strength a little bit - or at least some energy to make it through the rest of today until he can find another moment to rest. And the moment she's walking back into the room with the texts, he does his best to look a lot more energetic and sit upright rather than half slumped.
He even tries to help along by picking up some of the texts. He might not exactly be specialised when it comes to medicine or anything, but he is smarter than he gets credit for, so he figures he should be able to find anything if it's in any of these texts..
.. except then apparently she finds it before him. Apparently, considering she doesn't actually say anything about her discovery, she just seems surprised and runs off. ]
O-- Oi, Chizuru-chan!
[ At first he calls out after her, but before he can muster the energy to get up she's already gone back.
Well, at least if anything or anyone wants to go there, they should at least pass by him, right? So it's not like she'll be in danger there, but.. really, he can't help but mentally fret a little after that encounter with Kazama.
For now he just lets out a small sigh and a whine though. ] Why does everyone always leave me behind..
[Chizuru would feel bad for just abandoning him, but the truth is she doesn't even hear him call out after her - the excitement of having possibly found some kind of a solution to his problem is so exciting that she's all but blocked everything out. It's fortunate, then, that she's with someone she can trust, because if she were alone it would sure as hell be easy to sneak up on her.
It's also fortunate that her father's supplies are well-labeled. She reads, she mixes, and after some time she emerges somewhat triumphantly with a handful of packets of medicinal powder and a folded-up piece of parchment that she's condensed her father's notes onto. Only somewhat triumphantly, though, because continuing to read after finding that first promising bit of information had taught her something more than a little discouraging.
But they're better off than where they were, and that's something to smile about, at least. Chizuru comes to Shinpachi's side and crouches down next to him with a smile.]
Nagakura-san. [She wishes she could say she's solved all his problems. She can't, but - ] I've found something that will give us more time to figure out an alternative to the blood.
[She turns out her hand so he can see the packets.] My father had notes about a medicine that can suppress the bloodlust... It's, um, it's not perfect. The more you take it, the less effective it becomes... [She wilts a little at that, but forges ahead, because they're still better off than they were before.] But I followed the directions exactly, and if you take it... it's supposed to help. It will give us more time for me to keep researching it. Maybe if I keep following his ideas, I can even make a medicine that will stop it entirely..!
[It's a long shot, she knows, and she has a lot to learn. But she's willing to learn it if it means saving him.
(...there's another option, too; Sannan has been studying the rasetsu longer than anyone. Maybe, if she cooperates with him... he'll cooperate with her, and will help her look into this. But that's something she keeps quiet about, because she has the distinct feeling Shinpachi wouldn't want to hear her making that kind of a bargain.)]
[ In the end Shinpachi has decided to just keep sitting and wait for her the whole time. As tempting as it is to go look and see what exactly she's up to, sitting here is just more beneficial to both of them. It means he can regain some energy and at the same time make sure that she's safe back there without someone suddenly entering the house.
Not that it doesn't mean he feels a lot better when she walks back in. Being left by himself just makes him think about everything even more - it's not been too long since he threw away his humanity, after all, and even if it would have been a long time then he probably still wouldn't have gotten over it. He did the one thing he swore he'd never do. He can't even say he had no choie since he had plenty of choices, but in the end, he chose her. Over his humanity, over his ideals, over everything important to him.
Why? Because of their promise, sure, but would he have done the same thing if he made a promise with just any random person? Isn't it also just that Chizuru is-- she's important, and to him, she's like..
.. well, he can't put a word to it to himself either, really.
He doesn't have time to think about it any deeper than that anyway, since the girl returns just as he's thinking about her, all smiles. And when she shows the packets, he takes one of them, lifting it with a hand and staring at it like he's scrutinizing it.
Her words, though-- ] It really surpresses it?
[ Sure, they might become less effective over time, but.. whatever, he'll take anything that'll stop him from drinking blood or turning into more of a monster, turning him into everything he never wanted to be. So his smile is entirely genuine as he puts the packet back and looks at her. ]
That's great, Chizuru-chan. I'm indebted to you. [ Because he doesn't see her as indebted to him for what happened, anyway - he doesn't blame anyone but himself.
He's not as optimistic as to fully believe in her words though. It's possible, sure. The ochimizu was also developed to a point where it didn't just make a person lose their mind entirely, he and the other current rasetsu are proof of that, but.. on the other hand, how long did it even take Koudou and Nimii and Sannan to get it to that point? Years and years on end - surely no amount of that medicine is going to make him last all that time.
Not wanting to shoot down her optimism though, his smile doesn't lower - especially since he doesn't figure a thing about her thoughts, instead thinking she must already be pretty satisfied by having done this much. ]
You can keep them with ya for me. After all, I promised I'd take care of you, right? That means you gotta stick by my side anyway. [ It's half meant as a joke (he wouldn't force her to stick with him no matter what, after all) but on the other hand, he doesn't seem to feel even a tiny bit of shame about saying something as embarassing as that, and slowly he gets up and pats the dust off his pants and haori. ]
budget cut tag because i lost this tag like three times augh i'm sorry
[Chizuru nods eagerly. If the medicine really does what it's meant to do, it could very well solve a lot of their problems-- Shinpachi's problem, but she thinks of it as hers, too, because she's already decided she's going to be there for him every step of the way. She can't think of it as just his problem... really, she couldn't think of it as just his problem in the first place.]
That's what my father's notes said.
[There wasn't a rasetsu that was conveniently around for her to test the medicine on, unfortunately. Well, there was Shinpachi, but he wasn't consumed by bloodlust.]
No, no...! You're not indebted to me at all...
[She shakes her head, a little flustered.] That is... you've done so much for me. If I can do anything for you, I want to.
[Then she smiles.] ...I'll be by your side for as long as you want me there, Nagakura-san. So, don't worry. Whether it's with this medicine or something else... we'll figure this out.
sshh it's okay also that font color is teal so you don't have to look it up..
[ It's hard to not get dragged along in her optimism. Even though he doesn't think things will be that easily, it's hard to not have a glimmer of hope when she says they'll figure it out, because he knows what Chizuru is like. She'll sink her teeth into the problem and not let go until she's solved it, so even if it might not be easy or even impossible, he knows she'll give her all. Which means he's just got to do the same.
But just as he opens his mouth to reply to what she's saying, there's a voice seperate from the two of them suddenly speaking up. ]
Ah, Nagakura-kun, Yukimura-kun.. what is this medicine you are speaking of?
[ Shinpachi can feel his blood freeze in his veins for a moment when he hears that voice, recognizing it before the man even fully steps into the house as well. Sannan-- how much of their conversation did he hear? Does he know about him being a rasetsu now? His mind is panicked, but he tries to surpress it. Maybe he should just act natural, then it'll seem like nothing is up if Sannan didn't hear their full conversation..
So he lets out a laugh - only bordering on slightly awkward - and trusts Chizuru to be able to go along with it. ]
Sannan-san, hey..! I was just helpin' Chizuru-chan here with something, I figured I could step out for a moment anyway.. that inn is seriously cramped, huh? [ TOTALLY SUBTLE.. well, you're trying, Shinpachi. Although he figures it can't hurt to tell Sannan about the medicine at least as long as it's outside of the context of "hey I'm a bloodsucker too now".. ] We were just looking into her dad's research.
[That trust isn't really misplaced - Chizuru will, of course, do her best to go along with Shinpachi's cover story. Still, she's very obviously flustered, and that's something a man like Sannan will be able to pick up on easily. She remembers being before him once before, trying to get something past him and Hijikata, only that time it had been Heisuke at her side and maybe this will work out better, because Shinpachi is a little better at hiding how he feels than Heisuke had been.
Maybe Shinpachi will be able to make up for Chizuru's failings, here.]
Y-yes, um... I, I thought that since we were in Edo, and since I'd lived here before, I might be able to find something to... to help, um... [She's just going to have to give up a few of the medicine packets, isn't she?] Heisuke-kun... and you, too. [She manages a shaky smile and holds up one of the packets.]
According to my father's notes, it might help to suppress the bloodlust, so you and Heisuke-kun don't need to worry...! Nagakura-san was free so he came with me, since I'm still not supposed to go places alone... [She thinks that makes sense - Shinpachi is Heisuke's friend, he values him being human, of course he would be interested in seeing something that might help the third member of the idiot trio.
Sannan is quiet for a few long moments, and Chizuru can't help but fidget under his gaze. It's more than a little unsettling. Finally, he smiles, but it's hard for her to tell if it's altogether sincere or not.]
You're always so eager to help, aren't you, Yukimura-kun..?
[...She's also not sure if that's a good thing, the way he says it. But he makes no effort to take any of the packets, though he does glance at them briefly, and she slowly draws her hand back as she nods.]
U-um... yes, that's right. I'd like to be able to do something, if I can... [Then something occurs to her, and her brows furrow.] ...Sannan-san? What did you come here for?
[ It's obvious Chizuru isn't doing too great here, but Shinpachi figures it might just end up okay - surely even Sannan has enough self-knowledge that he's gotten increasingly more uncomfortable to be around the past while. Not that there always wasn't something about him that just made you want to make sure to not do anything stupid around him lest he never let you live it down, it's really taken a turn for the worse. And Sannan is so involved in what Shinpachi has been-- no, despite the circumstances, still is against, that he can't help but be an uncomfortable symbol of everything that Shinpachi feels is going wrong right now.
But that's not important right now. He knows that Sannan is never going to admit whether he heard about Shinpachi's condition or not - not until the worst moment possible, anyway. And it's not like he could ask, and even if he could, he wouldn't get a straight answer, he knows it.
So all he can do on that front is just hope for the best and help Chizuru cover up as well as possible. But before he can speak up, the other man answers the girl's question first. ]
Actually, I wanted to speak to you. [ There's something about what he's saying that draws Shinpachi's attention, his head snapping in Sannan's direction. Talk to Chizuru.. why her? ] Some of the soldiers mentioned they saw Nagakura-kun here walk off with you, but they only gave me a direction to work off, so it took me a while.
[ Somehow there's something in his tone that's almost like he's blaming them for no being easy to stalk or something..
Though there's something about this that vaguely already doesn't feel like it sits right with Shinpachi, and he frowns. ]
Oi, Sannan-san, are you sure you should be out like this? [ Might as well play the rasetsu card straight to him if he's going to be all vague. Maybe he's a little on edge or something because he's been out in the sun, but some part of him tells him to keep Sannan away from Chizuru, if not just because of how unstable he is. ] It's pretty hot out there today.
How thoughtful of you to worry about me..
[ Sannan seems.. pretty unfazed though, on the other hand. There's definitely something there in his smile that says he doesn't mean all his words straightforward when he replies. It's enough to make Shinpachi look almost pouty as he kicks the dust near his feet. ]
That is exactly the reason I was seeking Yukimura-kun out though. [ And with that, he glances to Chizuru once more, that same small smile on his face. ] With her cooperation, it should no longer have to be a problem for me to be out like this.
[Chizuru's blood runs cold, because she has the distinct feeling she knows what he's getting at. There are many times when things go over her head, but this isn't the first time Sannan has approached her for help with quelling the rasetsu madness.
That time, Hijikata had interfered -
Ah, but Yukimura-kun isn't technically part of the Shinsengumi.
She's been here long enough, she might as well be.
- but Hijikata isn't here now and Shinpachi is a rasetsu, but a rasetsu who hasn't come to terms with drinking blood, a rasetsu who is trying to retain his humanity and while Sannan has been one for longer, that means he knows how to cope with the pain more easily. It means he's had chances to learn to make use of his otherworldly strength, and that means if push comes to shove Shinpachi is going to have to match him but that would give him away entirely, if Sannan doesn't already know.]
My... cooperation, Sannan-san?
[She isn't at all good at hiding her unease, and subconsciously she shifts herself to be a little closer to Shinpachi, though she doesn't do anything rash like reach for his arm for comfort. Being beside him is comfort enough, for the moment.]
If it's about my father's notes, I'd be glad to share them... and the medicine, as well.
[Her hopes that Sannan will leave it at that are dashed almost immediately. He smiles and shakes his head, just once, but a single time is all Chizuru needs for her heart to fill with dread.]
No, what I require from you is assistance of a different kind.
[She bites her lip. He either doesn't notice her discomfort, or notices it and decides that forging on ahead with what he has to say is more important.]
You have had time to think about the question I posed to you when we last spoke of the rasetsu, have you not?
[She drops her gaze to the side, deliberately looking anywhere but at Shinpachi. This truly isn't a discussion she wants to have in front of him (though she's glad he's here, at the same time) and it makes her feel almost guilty, because she had refused to let Sannan use her blood for the sake of so many rasetsu but she had given it up so easily for Shinpachi just earlier that day, but it feels different and she's not sure why. That isn't something she knows how to articulate, though.]
...I have.
[Sannan studies her a moment or two.]
And...? If I am to begin making use of your blood, Yukimura-kun, there is no better time to do so than now. [She doesn't look entirely convinced, and so perhaps that is the reason why he changes tactics.] For the good of the Shinsengumi... think how many lives could be saved. With the might of the rasetsu, we could end this war quickly. And with your blood, they would not go mad.
[Her stomach churns and she looks down, conflict and tension visible all over her face and in the way she hunches her shoulders and wraps her arms around herself. To say no feels selfish, but... but...]
[ He can hardly believe what he's seeing. Since Hijikata handled this situation the last time, he didn't exactly know that Sannan has been harassing Chizuru like this before - although his words make it clear. And while there is logic in what he's saying, there's no way Shinpachi can find this the right thing to do. He doesn't want to rely on the rasetsu to win anyway, it'd be better if they didn't need the Corps at all, let alone trying to make them stronger and using poor Chizuru for it.
He knows the war is pretty hopeless at this point, that there's a big chance they won't make it with just their usual strength alone, but.. dammit, that doesn't matter, if this is the only way they can win then he doesn't even want to win.
He grits his teeth the more uncomfortable Chizuru is looking, and the moment she wraps her arms around herself he realises this is going way too far if it's making her that uncomfortable. He knows Chizuru, Shinpachi knows that she'd do anything for others - she's proven that back at Toba-Fushimi, if nothing else - and that she must be blaming herself for not wanting to agree with something like this.
Which means he'll just make the choice for her - once again. Maybe he's a selfish guy for making the choice in her place, but he doesn't care, he just wants to see her happy again instead of like this. ]
Sannan-san, that's going too far! [ The other man might be his superior, but it's not like that has ever stopped Shinpachi before from letting people ranked above him know just what exactly is on his mind. ]
You see she doesn't want to do it, right? You can't just force her to do something like that by badgering her about it.
[ Sannan doesn't seem very fazed though by Shinpachi's outburst - or even if he is, it doesn't show in his expression, he just still has that same smile, like he's one step ahead of the other. ] I feel like you might be forgetting about something though. Back at the magistrate's office, Hijikata-kun sure did not hesitate in ordering her to be your shield.. who is to say he won't do the same thing again in the future if we end up in another difficult situation? It is exactly at those times that the strengthened Corps could take care of the enemy.
[ For a moment Shinpachi looks genuinely taken aback at the words, as if he didn't think of that. Hijikata probably did have a lot more trouble with his order back there than Sannan makes it out to be, but Shinpachi also knows Hijikata is practical. And that Chizuru would just - out of the good of her heart - offer to do the same thing all over again.
And he thinks of back then, how the bullets kept hitting her, the blood on her clothes, the way she slumped against him and almost cried--
No. No, no, no-- his stomach turns, and he realises that above all, he never wants to see that sight again. Not when she's protecting him, not when she's protecting anyone else.. but then again, he can't exactly let Sannan do god knows whatever with her as well, right? He'll just suck her dry if no one keeps an eye on him, he's been getting carried enough with the whole rasetsu business enough lately. ]
You're kiddin' me..
[ Shinpachi steps forward as if he's trying to stand protectively inbetween Chizuru and Sannan - not blocking the view of her entirely, but moving just a slight step ahead so he's at least shielding her with his shoulder. Maybe he doesn't even consciousloy realise he's doing it, really, he seems too caught up in his emotions - his expression practically snarling by now. ]
You're trying to tell me that she's gonna be hurt either way?! Isn't the Shinsengumi there to protect innocent people instead of just using them for their own fucked up reasons? We're not much better than those Choshu dogs if we're gonna start with that..! [ Maybe his reaction is a little over the top. A voice in the back of his mind tells him that, some part of him knows it, but.. dammit, he just can't get the sight of how hurt she was back then out of his mind, surely if anyone else had seen that, they would have understood. ]
[The man who said Gender is irrelevant, killing in general is wrong... What happened to him, Chizuru wonders? Has the ochimizu warped him so terribly, or was that kindness always a front?
...if that kindness was true, and his insistence now is born from madness, what does that mean for Shinpachi? Sannan has lasted longer than any other rasetsu. Years from now, will Shinpachi be like this - cruel, twisted into an unrecognizable shell of the man he once was? She doesn't think he could ever change that much, but then, she never thought that Sannan would be like this, either, no matter how bitter and caustic he had grown after receiving his wound.
If that kindness was false, and this is truly the man Sannan always was, how badly did she misjudge the others? Is it possible that she's even misjudged the man at her side?
No - no, it isn't. The thought slips away from her as easily as it comes to mind and when he steps forward to put himself between her and his superior, it's then that she reaches for his arm, not to cling but to rest her hand very lightly against it.]
Nagakura-san... it's alright.
[It's not alright. It's not alright at all. The words ring hollow, and she knows it - Sannan knows it - she's sure Shinpachi knows it, too. But Chizuru wants to pretend, if only so Sannan will leave and Shinpachi will calm down, if only so they can regain some semblance of peace before they have to go back and Shinpachi has to put on his usual brave face in front of the rest of the Shinsengumi.]
I'll... think about it, Sannan-san. But, for now, I'd like to pursue this part of my father's research. [She means the medicine, and Sannan presses his lips into a thin line.]
You would suppress the strength we have such a dire need of?
[She swallows hard, her fingers tightening in the fabric of Shinpachi's haori.]
I would... respect the wishes of the men who don't want to go mad. [She averts her eyes, then, clearly still a little uncomfortable.] ...if that's all you had to say, you ought to be getting back. You need your rest before the next time you have rounds. Nagakura-san and I will stay here for a little while longer.
[ He's nearly bristling with anger. What Sannan is suggesting, the problem he's shoving in their faces - it's everything Shinpachi hates, and there's no way he can just easily calm down from it by himself.
But then he feels her touch lightly against his arm, through the fabric covering it. And it's that touch that pulls him back to reality, or at least, the reality that she's not hurt yet, that's she's still behind him alive and well and that shouting at Sannan really isn't going to solve anything - it'll probably just make stuff more difficult for her.
But there's still no way he can allow this to happen, right? Even if she's technically turning Sannan down, she's not downright rejecting the offer entirely, and that just will give the man more chances to harass her about it in the future. He wants to shout about how unfair it is and scream and threaten and everything else he usually does when he's having a temper tantrum, but this time he's not the only one at stake. He's not even the main one at stake here. And he promised he'd protect her, he'd take care of her.. so he steps down for now, instead letting her reply be the final one.
Even though it already seems to displease Sannan to hear that in general, even if his expression doesn't darken by a whole lot. But it's audible in his voice as he turns to leave the house. ]
If that's your answer, Yukimura-kun. [ But there's more than a slight hint in his tone that does show this isn't the last he'll have to say about it, one way or another. And just before he fully leaves, just before his form disappears into the crowds on the streets again, there's some last words-- ] Although you might want to reconsider your answer.. surely you would like to help Nagakura-kun as well.
[ Shinpachi feels like he's shot through the stomach. He's pretty sure this is what it feels like, anyway, because he's fully well aware what the other man implied by that. He knows. He lets out a grunt that sounds more like a curse he's trying to keep down lest they attract attention to the house, and one of his feet kicks the ground hard. God, he should've been more careful that no one was trailing them, because the last person who he'd wanted to find out about all this is Sannan of all people.
But before he can do really more than kick the floor - and that's already sending a brief jolt of pain through him before it's gone again anyway - he's very well aware of that grip on his haori. His new one, not the one shattered to pieces by Kazama, although he remembers feeling the same hold on that before it was destroyed. Right, Chizuru is here, she's the one who needs his help, he can go ahead and flip his shit later when she's not there to have to see it.
Forcing annoyance down is harder than you'd think though, and he still frowns a little as he looks at her. ]
.. You really shouldn't let him harass you like that, y'know. [ Especially not since every day it seems more painfully obvious that Sannan is slowly starting to go off the deep end. ] Good job on telling him off though. You're alright, ain't ya?
[ Not a word about Sannan implying he knows about Shinpachi's secret too now. Maybe he just doesn't want to discuss it. ]
It-- [She's about to say It is, but Sannan keeps speaking before she can get the second word out, and she falls silent with an expression that looks like she's been slapped when his words register on her.
Surely you would like to help Nagakura-kun as well.
It's definitely her fault Shinpachi is a rasetsu, and it's definitely her fault that Sannan knows about it now. Shinpachi had managed to keep it a secret the entire time they were on the ship - no one knew about it when they were getting their rooms at the inn - they've only discussed it here, and Sannan had followed them, and if she hadn't insisted on going right away, he wouldn't have followed and then he wouldn't have known and...
He's gone, and she is only broken out of her thoughts when she hears Shinpachi's grunt and the sound of his foot kicking out onto the ground. She bites her lip when he looks at her, because while she knows logically that the frown isn't directed at her, it still feels like it is.
(If their situations were reversed, she isn't sure she could keep from frowning...)
She takes a breath and nods carefully.]
I'm okay. Sannan-san is... He's just very persistent. That's all. [She can handle his... requests. A more pressing matter is what he knows about Shinpachi, but the man seems so dead-set on keeping quiet about it that she isn't sure she should even bring that up.
She'll try to reassure him, instead.]
Sannan-san won't do anything. [He won't spill his secrets - that's what she means. Though it could be taken to mean she won't let him have her blood...] That's my promise to you, Nagakura-san. I won't let him.
[She tries for a smile and holds up her hand, then extends her pinkie.]
[ Maybe it's that Shinpachi doesn't want to talk about Sannan having found out, but he doesn't take it to mean that way - when she says Sannan won't do anything, he figures she's talking about herself, that she won't let him take her blood. Not that he was planning on letting anything like that happen anyway, but he's realistic enough to realise that the other guy is probably going to find some time to harass Chizuru when he's not around since Hijikata or someone else sent him out for an errant. So hearing her promise to make sure of it herself too is slightly a relief, although it changes nothing about his own problem. But then again, he's already decided that her problems are his problems as well. If not just because the thought of her being used as a shield or some sort of test subject by anyone in the Shinsengumi at all makes his blood boil.
His chest feels tight, and smiling doesn't come as easily as he'd like it to (to reassure her, if nothing else), so he still looks a little lifeless in a sense as he hooks his own pinkie around hers. ]
Well, I guess you do always live up to your promises. [ She tried to help their last promise stay true as well, after all. ]
It's not just something you have to reassure me about though. I'm gonna be there help ya, you know that. Even if Sannan-san puts it like that, no one's gonna force you to do anything as long as I'm around.
[ Or so help him god he'll throw the biggest shitfit. ]
But.. yeah. [ His own pinkie's hold tightens a little on her own. ] .. It's a promise.
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He couldn't be mad at her for practically forcing him to drink her blood. Shinpachi is not thick enough to not realise that she's doing it for his sake, that she just doesn't want to see him in pain even when he's just trying to press on through it. Besides, if anyone is to blame for this situation it's him, he chose to become a rasetsu, he chose to deal with all of this even if he hates it. ]
Yeah. It doesn't hurt.
[ And he's being genuine about it. Although it's true that he would be inclined to hide his pain - a trait many of the men of the Shinsengumi share - in this case the pain really did disappear completely when he had enough of her blood. He isn't planning on letting this be a thing that repeats though. He's not going to drink her blood again, next time he'll just make sure she's not around or-- well, or something. He'll deal with this situation somehow.
And he figures he really should be moving now and get out of his room and on with things so no one is going to think strangely of him being gone for a little bit too long (although he thinks they could figure he's just napping or being lazy or something), but somehow he doesn't feel like moving just yet. The blood made him feel less tired, so it's not that he can't get up, but..
.. there's something about holding her small frame in his arms and her warmth against his body and the soft but sweet smell that comes from her that he doesn't want to give up only to go endure the sun's burning rays again.
He doesn't understand the feeling and wouldn't even know what kind of name to put to it, but even so, he doesn't let go of her for another few moments without saying anything else. ]
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The words are like music to Chizuru's ears and in spite of how strange this entire situation is, she can't help but smile. There was finally something she was able to do to be useful to him. It meant relying on her demonic abilities again - but... maybe that's okay. Shinpachi embraced something he wasn't born into, something he was opposed to, in order to protect her. Isn't it only fair if she embraces her bloodline in order to help him? She, at least, has always been a demon.]
I'm glad...
[...that he doesn't hurt, anyway. It breaks her heart to know that drinking blood was what he had to do in order to lessen the pain. She wonders if there's something else - anything else - that can be done for him. Not because she's afraid to give him her blood (she isn't, she trusts him implicitly even in this), but because it clearly bothers him to have to drink it. If only her father had brought her into his confidence about his research with the rasetsu.
...his research...
Her eyes go wide as it occurs to her. That's it. They're in Edo! His clinic isn't too far away - he had to have been working on it for awhile, before he went to Kyoto, for the rasetsu situation to have progressed as far as it had; it's possible that some of his notes are there. Maybe they can find something useful. Maybe if she reads up on it enough, she'll understand it more...
...and if she doesn't, Sannan is here. It wouldn't be too strange for her to find it, and bring it to him, and--... no. Can she trust Sannan with her father's research? He knows more about the rasetsu than any of the others in the Shinsengumi, but... he's so far entrenched into it, and he seems to embrace it more than anything. She wants help that will make it possible for Shinpachi to resist it.
Still, the possibility that they might find something at her house is exciting, and that excitement bubbles up within her as she looks up at him.]
Nagakura-san, I just thought of something wonderful..!
[...oh, that was loud. Her cheeks flush and she realizes that she hasn't pulled away yet, and neither has he, and there are people right on the other side of the door so she better step back before someone realizes they're in here and comes to check on them. Still, she's strangely reluctant as she pulls away from his embrace, though the reluctance isn't enough to quell her excitement. She's practically bouncing on her heels as she glances at the door as if to wonder if it's okay to say what she thought of in hushed tones, or if she should wait until they're really alone.]
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It's why he doesn't really mind when she pulls away and he gives her a small nod and a hand gesture as if he's wordlessly saying he'll listen to her in a moment. Just in case it has to do with the secret they're both keeping together, he wants to make sure absolutely no one is listening in on this, on purpose or not.
So he walks away from her for a moment, sauntering over to the door. ]
Oi, Sano! Go chat somewhere else, won't ya, some of us are trying to nap after being at sea for so long! [ The excuse is probably convincing enough, he figures, especially since it's not like's known for not liking to sleep..
And surely enough it works. There's an answer from the other side of the door asking him if he's going to rest his old man bones, and as Shinpachi peeks his head out of the room there's a few words back and forth between the two men before the redhead tells him good night and saunters off, apparently not having noticed that Chizuru's still there in the room with him as well (which Shinpachi was trying to accomplish, anyway, since he doesn't really feel like making up an excuse and lying to Sano of all people - it's already hard enough to not let his best friend in on his little problem here) and that's when Shinpachi closes the door again.
Now he's sure they're really alone, he gives her a soft pat on the shoulder. ]
There, now no one's gonna listen. [ And he sure doesn't want to keep her waiting even a moment longer when she's so excited that it's visible even in her body language. ] Tell me, I'm all ears.
[ At least he's a lot more like his usual self by now, although it's maybe a tiny bit forced around the edges. But most of it is just Shinpachi pushing that whole blood drinking experience to the back of his mind to deal with it later - it's not like he can vent about it to anyone, so he'll just have to find some other way to go about it later on. But not in front of Chizuru, and especially not when he doesn't want to ruin her good mood. Even if the irony taste still lingers in the back of his throat. ]
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But she's too excited by the possibility of being able to help to chide him for the little white lie, so basically as soon as he's finished speaking she bursts out,]
We're in Edo.
[...which doesn't really explain much, and her cheeks color a little when she realizes.] I mean, that is... my father's clinic is here, too. He may have left some of his notes there... In fact, he probably did. If Hijikata-san lets me go, I might be able to find something to help you, Nagakura-san!
[He might not have to drink blood, if he didn't want to. He might not have to drink blood. Maybe he could even be cured entirely.]
I never thought about it before, because we were in Kyoto, not Edo, and I never would have known what to tell someone to look for if they were to come here... and of course I couldn't go alone before. But now...!
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For Chizuru it shouldn't have anything to do with her whether he's a rasetsu or not, yet she's this excited just over the idea of being able to help him live a little bit more normally again..
.. he isn't entirely sure how to deal with it. It's a good thing, of course, but maybe a little too flattering, or.. well, not many people in his life have openly cared this much, so he just figures it's something he'll get used to eventually and then feel a little less embarrassed about it.
After he blinks the surprise away, he pats her on the shoulder. ]
Then let's go take a look. Hijikata-san can't complain if I'm with you. [ You thought you were going to go by yourself and let Shinpachi nap? Wrong idea, Chizuru, since he's already crossing the room to grab his haori and put it on. Usually he wouldn't have done so just in case it'd draw too much attention, but he's not stupid enough to go outside into the sun while exposing as much skin as his clothes always do. ] Is it far away from here?
[ Apparen't he's not going to take a "no stay here" for an answer.. ]
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[She almost expects the pat on the shoulder. What she doesn't expect is for him to cross his room and go for his haori, and she blinks dumbly at him for a few seconds as his words register on her -
Hijikata-san can't complain if I'm with you -
And she blushes. She supposes it's true, because it's fairly obvious that Shinpachi won't get up to too much mischief if he's acting as Chizuru's escort; it's not quite the same thing as letting him wander the streets of Edo with Sano and Heisuke by his side. And she supposes it makes sense that he would want to go, since it's very much got to do with him, but he should be resting and...
Well. It's a little strange. Even if her father won't be there, the thought of bringing a man to her house...]
It's, um. It's... not too far. [It is a little far, but it's manageable - for her. For Shinpachi in the daytime, though...] But, you need to get your rest, Nagakura-san...! After such a long trip...
[It's the excuse he gave to Sano and she knows it's a flimsy one to try and use on him. In fact, she can already tell he's not really going to let her convince him to rest, so she starts crossing the room even as she tries halfheartedly to convince him.]
...well, you'll just have to promise to rest when we get back, all right?
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.. although he probably can't argue with the last part. As much as he just wants to act and live like a normal person as much as possible, he knows it's impossible with his body. He just wants to sleep at night, but then he ends up lying awake for hours at a time or waking up after just a little bit of sleep since his biology just works that way now. So he probably should rest a little when they get back or he won't even be fit for battle anymore, and both for the sake of his own pride and his promise to take care of Chizuru he has to make sure to be in good shape. ]
I promise. [ He finally says when he has his haori on, smiling at her. It's a lot easier to distract himself from his condition when he's focusing on what he has to do, anyway. He really doesn't want to mope in front of Chizuru, even if that means building up all his frustrations inside.
The man walks over to her, his hand seeking out hers just to hook their pinkies together again, just like they did before all this shit went down. He moves them up so she can look at them too. ]
And I don't break promises. Remember?
[ He lingers like that for a moment, hoping it's enough to reassure her - he might be the king of bravado, but it's a lot harder to determine if he's doing a good job or not when he does feel pretty exhausted - before letting go again and turning towards the door. ]
C'mon, let's go!
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[And, truthfully, that's why she'd phrased it the way she did, why she'd insisted on a promise rather than a "Sure, sure" or something along those lines. As long as he promises, she can rest easy knowing he'll be trying to get some rest, too.
She smiles at him over their hooked pinkies, and then, when he turns for the door, nods and follows him out. Luckily, there isn't anyone lingering in the immediate area to see her come out of his room - such a sight would surely set tongues wagging, especially after Shinpachi had sent Sano away because he "needed a nap" not too long before.
It doesn't take long at all for them to exit the inn, once they've gotten started; what takes longer is navigating the streets to find their way back to Chizuru's home. She has a general idea of where to go, because she knows where her house is located and approximately where the Kama Inn is in comparison to the things her house is close to, but never having made the trip before she can't help the slight expression of concern on her face as she scans their surroundings for familiar sights.
Finally she sees one, and the expression gives way to a careful relief because she knows it isn't much further at all, now.]
Nagakura-san, we're almost there...
[And that will be good, because with the sun beating down on them the way it is, he has to be tired. She's so thankful he thought to grab his haori before they left.
It's just another few turns around corners and then a quick walk down the street before she comes to a stop in front of her home, and it's not without some trepidation that she puts her hand on the door.] ...it's so strange to be back. [Her voice is a little quiet, and she knows she should just open it so they can get in out of the sun and get started, but she also knows that chances are it's dusty and quiet because neither she nor her father will have been here in years. It probably looks exactly the way she remembers it.
...that sort of frightens her.]
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And then they arrive at her house and Shinpachi can't help but stare for a moment. So this is the place Chizuru grew up, huh.. the place she must've spent so many days by herself after her father left to come to Kyoto, to them. He's lost in thought about it for a moment or two though, so he doesn't even notice the way she hesitates and lingers until he hears her speak up again. That's when he blinks and looks at her. Truthfully, part of him wishes she would just open the door so he could get somewhere out of the sun just for a little bit, but Shinpachi sure isn't going to push her for his own selfish needs, no way.
Besides.. he thinks he understands this, just a little bit. His own reasons for leaving his family's place were really different from her own, but it's been so many years at this point since he's even seen them or the house - traveling around, then Shieikan, then the Roshigumi, then the Shinsengumi - that he'd probably feel weird too, returning to it. He'd probably linger the exact same way she does.
Shinpachi tries to gather his energy to at least attempt to make her feel a little better. He already got some weird looks on the streets for walking around in his haori, so what will one dumbass moment more or less make worse for him now anyway, huh? ]
Oh, Chizuru-chan's so lucky..! [ He whistles. ] Ya got a whole place just waitin' for you like that, I'd probably have to go back to my parents on my hands and knees and rub my face against the floor for them to take me back. Maybe I should knock on your door instead if I'd ever need a place to stay in the future! [ Shinpachi makes sure to stupidly grin - which isn't hard, considering his usual smile is already a lot like it, he's just throwing a little more energy into it, hoping he can afford it. ]
i'm so mad i swear to god last time i checked i had posted a reply
[Shinpachi rubbing his face on the floor to get his family to take him back... it's an amusing mental image, but it comes to mind so suddenly that she's almost thrown for a loop. Is she allowed to laugh at it? It sounds like he's trying to cheer her up, and a smile does tug at her lips - a moment later, she giggles, because she just can't help herself. Shinpachi really does have a way of cheering her up, doesn't he...
She's not sure whether she should be embarrassed about what he says at the end of that or not. Her cheeks flush - just bringing him to her home to look around feels like a big step, and it makes her want to clam up when he even jokes about staying here, but there's something she wants to say that overshadows her embarrassment.]
If you did that... of course I would let you in. [Going further with that line of thought is daunting, though, and so she rolls open the door to usher him inside.] Um... for now, come in out of the sun...!
[The house is, as she expected, more than a little dusty. No one has lived here for years, after all, and she lets out a small sigh when she rolls the door shut after Shinpachi enters.]
...I'm sorry it's a bit of a mess. It could probably stand to be cleaned and aired out a little.
dw is trying to stop the route from happening...
Truthfully, he's not even paying attention to the dust or anything. All he can feel is blessed shadow and he doesn't think he's ever been so grateful for it before. He still tries to not let his exhaustion show too much, but he does take a seat on the floor instead of standing as he looks around, letting out a short breath. See, this is going to be fine. He'll just sit here and if Chizuru finds some papers he'll help her read through them and this way he can regain some of his energy as well instead of being threatened with the risk of passing out at any moment.
Although it's just tempting fate when a Shinsengumi member wonders what could possibly go wrong, huh. ]
Don't worry 'bout it. [ At least it sounds like he's being genuine about it - as he is with most things. ] It's not like I'm expecting you to take care of a house when you're in a different city entirely, huh? Guess no one's been able to take care of it ever since then.
[ Since they never did find Kodo, let alone that he just simply returned home as if nothing was up. ]
.. Well, don't mind me getting all comfortable at your place. [ Because he's already sitting and all.. at least he's not making an excuse to cover up the fact he's doing it since he feels tired, but he's not exactly mentioning it out loud either. He has his pride. ]
You got an idea of where he could've kept his stuff?
dw can't handle the heartbreak
(Is this really almost four years' worth of dust? She's not sure, but she doesn't want to get her hopes up.)
She bites her lip and looks down the hall.]
He had a room where he would store some of his references... perhaps there. Or in his own bedroom.
[She can't make him search with her, so she smiles a little.] Please, keep making yourself comfortable. I'll be right back.
[And she vanishes down the hall... only to return with an armful of dusty texts a couple of minutes later. She kneels on the ground across from him and immediately gets to work, scanning through the pages and setting them aside whenever she doesn't find anything useful.
...it might be faster, to do the looking in that room, but she would much rather be out here, where Shinpachi is nearby and she doesn't feel so alone in the house that was once her home.
Funny, how the Shinsengumi's headquarters feels more like home, even now that she's back among these familiar walls.]
Ah...!
[It's some time later that she comes across something that looks promising - an intense look comes over her face as she reads through it, and then she leaps to her feet and runs back for her father's clinic with the notes in tow.
...you got ditched, Shinpachi.]
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He even tries to help along by picking up some of the texts. He might not exactly be specialised when it comes to medicine or anything, but he is smarter than he gets credit for, so he figures he should be able to find anything if it's in any of these texts..
.. except then apparently she finds it before him. Apparently, considering she doesn't actually say anything about her discovery, she just seems surprised and runs off. ]
O-- Oi, Chizuru-chan!
[ At first he calls out after her, but before he can muster the energy to get up she's already gone back.
Well, at least if anything or anyone wants to go there, they should at least pass by him, right? So it's not like she'll be in danger there, but.. really, he can't help but mentally fret a little after that encounter with Kazama.
For now he just lets out a small sigh and a whine though. ] Why does everyone always leave me behind..
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It's also fortunate that her father's supplies are well-labeled. She reads, she mixes, and after some time she emerges somewhat triumphantly with a handful of packets of medicinal powder and a folded-up piece of parchment that she's condensed her father's notes onto. Only somewhat triumphantly, though, because continuing to read after finding that first promising bit of information had taught her something more than a little discouraging.
But they're better off than where they were, and that's something to smile about, at least. Chizuru comes to Shinpachi's side and crouches down next to him with a smile.]
Nagakura-san. [She wishes she could say she's solved all his problems. She can't, but - ] I've found something that will give us more time to figure out an alternative to the blood.
[She turns out her hand so he can see the packets.] My father had notes about a medicine that can suppress the bloodlust... It's, um, it's not perfect. The more you take it, the less effective it becomes... [She wilts a little at that, but forges ahead, because they're still better off than they were before.] But I followed the directions exactly, and if you take it... it's supposed to help. It will give us more time for me to keep researching it. Maybe if I keep following his ideas, I can even make a medicine that will stop it entirely..!
[It's a long shot, she knows, and she has a lot to learn. But she's willing to learn it if it means saving him.
(...there's another option, too; Sannan has been studying the rasetsu longer than anyone. Maybe, if she cooperates with him... he'll cooperate with her, and will help her look into this. But that's something she keeps quiet about, because she has the distinct feeling Shinpachi wouldn't want to hear her making that kind of a bargain.)]
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Not that it doesn't mean he feels a lot better when she walks back in. Being left by himself just makes him think about everything even more - it's not been too long since he threw away his humanity, after all, and even if it would have been a long time then he probably still wouldn't have gotten over it. He did the one thing he swore he'd never do. He can't even say he had no choie since he had plenty of choices, but in the end, he chose her. Over his humanity, over his ideals, over everything important to him.
Why? Because of their promise, sure, but would he have done the same thing if he made a promise with just any random person? Isn't it also just that Chizuru is-- she's important, and to him, she's like..
.. well, he can't put a word to it to himself either, really.
He doesn't have time to think about it any deeper than that anyway, since the girl returns just as he's thinking about her, all smiles. And when she shows the packets, he takes one of them, lifting it with a hand and staring at it like he's scrutinizing it.
Her words, though-- ] It really surpresses it?
[ Sure, they might become less effective over time, but.. whatever, he'll take anything that'll stop him from drinking blood or turning into more of a monster, turning him into everything he never wanted to be. So his smile is entirely genuine as he puts the packet back and looks at her. ]
That's great, Chizuru-chan. I'm indebted to you. [ Because he doesn't see her as indebted to him for what happened, anyway - he doesn't blame anyone but himself.
He's not as optimistic as to fully believe in her words though. It's possible, sure. The ochimizu was also developed to a point where it didn't just make a person lose their mind entirely, he and the other current rasetsu are proof of that, but.. on the other hand, how long did it even take Koudou and Nimii and Sannan to get it to that point? Years and years on end - surely no amount of that medicine is going to make him last all that time.
Not wanting to shoot down her optimism though, his smile doesn't lower - especially since he doesn't figure a thing about her thoughts, instead thinking she must already be pretty satisfied by having done this much. ]
You can keep them with ya for me. After all, I promised I'd take care of you, right? That means you gotta stick by my side anyway. [ It's half meant as a joke (he wouldn't force her to stick with him no matter what, after all) but on the other hand, he doesn't seem to feel even a tiny bit of shame about saying something as embarassing as that, and slowly he gets up and pats the dust off his pants and haori. ]
budget cut tag because i lost this tag like three times augh i'm sorry
That's what my father's notes said.
[There wasn't a rasetsu that was conveniently around for her to test the medicine on, unfortunately. Well, there was Shinpachi, but he wasn't consumed by bloodlust.]
No, no...! You're not indebted to me at all...
[She shakes her head, a little flustered.] That is... you've done so much for me. If I can do anything for you, I want to.
[Then she smiles.] ...I'll be by your side for as long as you want me there, Nagakura-san. So, don't worry. Whether it's with this medicine or something else... we'll figure this out.
sshh it's okay also that font color is teal so you don't have to look it up..
But just as he opens his mouth to reply to what she's saying, there's a voice seperate from the two of them suddenly speaking up. ]
Ah, Nagakura-kun, Yukimura-kun.. what is this medicine you are speaking of?
[ Shinpachi can feel his blood freeze in his veins for a moment when he hears that voice, recognizing it before the man even fully steps into the house as well. Sannan-- how much of their conversation did he hear? Does he know about him being a rasetsu now? His mind is panicked, but he tries to surpress it. Maybe he should just act natural, then it'll seem like nothing is up if Sannan didn't hear their full conversation..
So he lets out a laugh - only bordering on slightly awkward - and trusts Chizuru to be able to go along with it. ]
Sannan-san, hey..! I was just helpin' Chizuru-chan here with something, I figured I could step out for a moment anyway.. that inn is seriously cramped, huh? [ TOTALLY SUBTLE.. well, you're trying, Shinpachi. Although he figures it can't hurt to tell Sannan about the medicine at least as long as it's outside of the context of "hey I'm a bloodsucker too now".. ] We were just looking into her dad's research.
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[That trust isn't really misplaced - Chizuru will, of course, do her best to go along with Shinpachi's cover story. Still, she's very obviously flustered, and that's something a man like Sannan will be able to pick up on easily. She remembers being before him once before, trying to get something past him and Hijikata, only that time it had been Heisuke at her side and maybe this will work out better, because Shinpachi is a little better at hiding how he feels than Heisuke had been.
Maybe Shinpachi will be able to make up for Chizuru's failings, here.]
Y-yes, um... I, I thought that since we were in Edo, and since I'd lived here before, I might be able to find something to... to help, um... [She's just going to have to give up a few of the medicine packets, isn't she?] Heisuke-kun... and you, too. [She manages a shaky smile and holds up one of the packets.]
According to my father's notes, it might help to suppress the bloodlust, so you and Heisuke-kun don't need to worry...! Nagakura-san was free so he came with me, since I'm still not supposed to go places alone... [She thinks that makes sense - Shinpachi is Heisuke's friend, he values him being human, of course he would be interested in seeing something that might help the third member of the idiot trio.
Sannan is quiet for a few long moments, and Chizuru can't help but fidget under his gaze. It's more than a little unsettling. Finally, he smiles, but it's hard for her to tell if it's altogether sincere or not.]
You're always so eager to help, aren't you, Yukimura-kun..?
[...She's also not sure if that's a good thing, the way he says it. But he makes no effort to take any of the packets, though he does glance at them briefly, and she slowly draws her hand back as she nods.]
U-um... yes, that's right. I'd like to be able to do something, if I can... [Then something occurs to her, and her brows furrow.] ...Sannan-san? What did you come here for?
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But that's not important right now. He knows that Sannan is never going to admit whether he heard about Shinpachi's condition or not - not until the worst moment possible, anyway. And it's not like he could ask, and even if he could, he wouldn't get a straight answer, he knows it.
So all he can do on that front is just hope for the best and help Chizuru cover up as well as possible. But before he can speak up, the other man answers the girl's question first. ]
Actually, I wanted to speak to you. [ There's something about what he's saying that draws Shinpachi's attention, his head snapping in Sannan's direction. Talk to Chizuru.. why her? ] Some of the soldiers mentioned they saw Nagakura-kun here walk off with you, but they only gave me a direction to work off, so it took me a while.
[ Somehow there's something in his tone that's almost like he's blaming them for no being easy to stalk or something..
Though there's something about this that vaguely already doesn't feel like it sits right with Shinpachi, and he frowns. ]
Oi, Sannan-san, are you sure you should be out like this? [ Might as well play the rasetsu card straight to him if he's going to be all vague. Maybe he's a little on edge or something because he's been out in the sun, but some part of him tells him to keep Sannan away from Chizuru, if not just because of how unstable he is. ] It's pretty hot out there today.
How thoughtful of you to worry about me..
[ Sannan seems.. pretty unfazed though, on the other hand. There's definitely something there in his smile that says he doesn't mean all his words straightforward when he replies. It's enough to make Shinpachi look almost pouty as he kicks the dust near his feet. ]
That is exactly the reason I was seeking Yukimura-kun out though. [ And with that, he glances to Chizuru once more, that same small smile on his face. ] With her cooperation, it should no longer have to be a problem for me to be out like this.
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That time, Hijikata had interfered -
Ah, but Yukimura-kun isn't technically part of the Shinsengumi.
She's been here long enough, she might as well be.
- but Hijikata isn't here now and Shinpachi is a rasetsu, but a rasetsu who hasn't come to terms with drinking blood, a rasetsu who is trying to retain his humanity and while Sannan has been one for longer, that means he knows how to cope with the pain more easily. It means he's had chances to learn to make use of his otherworldly strength, and that means if push comes to shove Shinpachi is going to have to match him but that would give him away entirely, if Sannan doesn't already know.]
My... cooperation, Sannan-san?
[She isn't at all good at hiding her unease, and subconsciously she shifts herself to be a little closer to Shinpachi, though she doesn't do anything rash like reach for his arm for comfort. Being beside him is comfort enough, for the moment.]
If it's about my father's notes, I'd be glad to share them... and the medicine, as well.
[Her hopes that Sannan will leave it at that are dashed almost immediately. He smiles and shakes his head, just once, but a single time is all Chizuru needs for her heart to fill with dread.]
No, what I require from you is assistance of a different kind.
[She bites her lip. He either doesn't notice her discomfort, or notices it and decides that forging on ahead with what he has to say is more important.]
You have had time to think about the question I posed to you when we last spoke of the rasetsu, have you not?
[She drops her gaze to the side, deliberately looking anywhere but at Shinpachi. This truly isn't a discussion she wants to have in front of him (though she's glad he's here, at the same time) and it makes her feel almost guilty, because she had refused to let Sannan use her blood for the sake of so many rasetsu but she had given it up so easily for Shinpachi just earlier that day, but it feels different and she's not sure why. That isn't something she knows how to articulate, though.]
...I have.
[Sannan studies her a moment or two.]
And...? If I am to begin making use of your blood, Yukimura-kun, there is no better time to do so than now. [She doesn't look entirely convinced, and so perhaps that is the reason why he changes tactics.] For the good of the Shinsengumi... think how many lives could be saved. With the might of the rasetsu, we could end this war quickly. And with your blood, they would not go mad.
[Her stomach churns and she looks down, conflict and tension visible all over her face and in the way she hunches her shoulders and wraps her arms around herself. To say no feels selfish, but... but...]
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He knows the war is pretty hopeless at this point, that there's a big chance they won't make it with just their usual strength alone, but.. dammit, that doesn't matter, if this is the only way they can win then he doesn't even want to win.
He grits his teeth the more uncomfortable Chizuru is looking, and the moment she wraps her arms around herself he realises this is going way too far if it's making her that uncomfortable. He knows Chizuru, Shinpachi knows that she'd do anything for others - she's proven that back at Toba-Fushimi, if nothing else - and that she must be blaming herself for not wanting to agree with something like this.
Which means he'll just make the choice for her - once again. Maybe he's a selfish guy for making the choice in her place, but he doesn't care, he just wants to see her happy again instead of like this. ]
Sannan-san, that's going too far! [ The other man might be his superior, but it's not like that has ever stopped Shinpachi before from letting people ranked above him know just what exactly is on his mind. ]
You see she doesn't want to do it, right? You can't just force her to do something like that by badgering her about it.
[ Sannan doesn't seem very fazed though by Shinpachi's outburst - or even if he is, it doesn't show in his expression, he just still has that same smile, like he's one step ahead of the other. ] I feel like you might be forgetting about something though. Back at the magistrate's office, Hijikata-kun sure did not hesitate in ordering her to be your shield.. who is to say he won't do the same thing again in the future if we end up in another difficult situation? It is exactly at those times that the strengthened Corps could take care of the enemy.
[ For a moment Shinpachi looks genuinely taken aback at the words, as if he didn't think of that. Hijikata probably did have a lot more trouble with his order back there than Sannan makes it out to be, but Shinpachi also knows Hijikata is practical. And that Chizuru would just - out of the good of her heart - offer to do the same thing all over again.
And he thinks of back then, how the bullets kept hitting her, the blood on her clothes, the way she slumped against him and almost cried--
No. No, no, no-- his stomach turns, and he realises that above all, he never wants to see that sight again. Not when she's protecting him, not when she's protecting anyone else.. but then again, he can't exactly let Sannan do god knows whatever with her as well, right? He'll just suck her dry if no one keeps an eye on him, he's been getting carried enough with the whole rasetsu business enough lately. ]
You're kiddin' me..
[ Shinpachi steps forward as if he's trying to stand protectively inbetween Chizuru and Sannan - not blocking the view of her entirely, but moving just a slight step ahead so he's at least shielding her with his shoulder. Maybe he doesn't even consciousloy realise he's doing it, really, he seems too caught up in his emotions - his expression practically snarling by now. ]
You're trying to tell me that she's gonna be hurt either way?! Isn't the Shinsengumi there to protect innocent people instead of just using them for their own fucked up reasons? We're not much better than those Choshu dogs if we're gonna start with that..! [ Maybe his reaction is a little over the top. A voice in the back of his mind tells him that, some part of him knows it, but.. dammit, he just can't get the sight of how hurt she was back then out of his mind, surely if anyone else had seen that, they would have understood. ]
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...if that kindness was true, and his insistence now is born from madness, what does that mean for Shinpachi? Sannan has lasted longer than any other rasetsu. Years from now, will Shinpachi be like this - cruel, twisted into an unrecognizable shell of the man he once was? She doesn't think he could ever change that much, but then, she never thought that Sannan would be like this, either, no matter how bitter and caustic he had grown after receiving his wound.
If that kindness was false, and this is truly the man Sannan always was, how badly did she misjudge the others? Is it possible that she's even misjudged the man at her side?
No - no, it isn't. The thought slips away from her as easily as it comes to mind and when he steps forward to put himself between her and his superior, it's then that she reaches for his arm, not to cling but to rest her hand very lightly against it.]
Nagakura-san... it's alright.
[It's not alright. It's not alright at all. The words ring hollow, and she knows it - Sannan knows it - she's sure Shinpachi knows it, too. But Chizuru wants to pretend, if only so Sannan will leave and Shinpachi will calm down, if only so they can regain some semblance of peace before they have to go back and Shinpachi has to put on his usual brave face in front of the rest of the Shinsengumi.]
I'll... think about it, Sannan-san. But, for now, I'd like to pursue this part of my father's research. [She means the medicine, and Sannan presses his lips into a thin line.]
You would suppress the strength we have such a dire need of?
[She swallows hard, her fingers tightening in the fabric of Shinpachi's haori.]
I would... respect the wishes of the men who don't want to go mad. [She averts her eyes, then, clearly still a little uncomfortable.] ...if that's all you had to say, you ought to be getting back. You need your rest before the next time you have rounds. Nagakura-san and I will stay here for a little while longer.
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But then he feels her touch lightly against his arm, through the fabric covering it. And it's that touch that pulls him back to reality, or at least, the reality that she's not hurt yet, that's she's still behind him alive and well and that shouting at Sannan really isn't going to solve anything - it'll probably just make stuff more difficult for her.
But there's still no way he can allow this to happen, right? Even if she's technically turning Sannan down, she's not downright rejecting the offer entirely, and that just will give the man more chances to harass her about it in the future. He wants to shout about how unfair it is and scream and threaten and everything else he usually does when he's having a temper tantrum, but this time he's not the only one at stake. He's not even the main one at stake here. And he promised he'd protect her, he'd take care of her.. so he steps down for now, instead letting her reply be the final one.
Even though it already seems to displease Sannan to hear that in general, even if his expression doesn't darken by a whole lot. But it's audible in his voice as he turns to leave the house. ]
If that's your answer, Yukimura-kun. [ But there's more than a slight hint in his tone that does show this isn't the last he'll have to say about it, one way or another. And just before he fully leaves, just before his form disappears into the crowds on the streets again, there's some last words-- ] Although you might want to reconsider your answer.. surely you would like to help Nagakura-kun as well.
[ Shinpachi feels like he's shot through the stomach. He's pretty sure this is what it feels like, anyway, because he's fully well aware what the other man implied by that. He knows. He lets out a grunt that sounds more like a curse he's trying to keep down lest they attract attention to the house, and one of his feet kicks the ground hard. God, he should've been more careful that no one was trailing them, because the last person who he'd wanted to find out about all this is Sannan of all people.
But before he can do really more than kick the floor - and that's already sending a brief jolt of pain through him before it's gone again anyway - he's very well aware of that grip on his haori. His new one, not the one shattered to pieces by Kazama, although he remembers feeling the same hold on that before it was destroyed. Right, Chizuru is here, she's the one who needs his help, he can go ahead and flip his shit later when she's not there to have to see it.
Forcing annoyance down is harder than you'd think though, and he still frowns a little as he looks at her. ]
.. You really shouldn't let him harass you like that, y'know. [ Especially not since every day it seems more painfully obvious that Sannan is slowly starting to go off the deep end. ] Good job on telling him off though. You're alright, ain't ya?
[ Not a word about Sannan implying he knows about Shinpachi's secret too now. Maybe he just doesn't want to discuss it. ]
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Surely you would like to help Nagakura-kun as well.
It's definitely her fault Shinpachi is a rasetsu, and it's definitely her fault that Sannan knows about it now. Shinpachi had managed to keep it a secret the entire time they were on the ship - no one knew about it when they were getting their rooms at the inn - they've only discussed it here, and Sannan had followed them, and if she hadn't insisted on going right away, he wouldn't have followed and then he wouldn't have known and...
He's gone, and she is only broken out of her thoughts when she hears Shinpachi's grunt and the sound of his foot kicking out onto the ground. She bites her lip when he looks at her, because while she knows logically that the frown isn't directed at her, it still feels like it is.
(If their situations were reversed, she isn't sure she could keep from frowning...)
She takes a breath and nods carefully.]
I'm okay. Sannan-san is... He's just very persistent. That's all. [She can handle his... requests. A more pressing matter is what he knows about Shinpachi, but the man seems so dead-set on keeping quiet about it that she isn't sure she should even bring that up.
She'll try to reassure him, instead.]
Sannan-san won't do anything. [He won't spill his secrets - that's what she means. Though it could be taken to mean she won't let him have her blood...] That's my promise to you, Nagakura-san. I won't let him.
[She tries for a smile and holds up her hand, then extends her pinkie.]
I promise...
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His chest feels tight, and smiling doesn't come as easily as he'd like it to (to reassure her, if nothing else), so he still looks a little lifeless in a sense as he hooks his own pinkie around hers. ]
Well, I guess you do always live up to your promises. [ She tried to help their last promise stay true as well, after all. ]
It's not just something you have to reassure me about though. I'm gonna be there help ya, you know that. Even if Sannan-san puts it like that, no one's gonna force you to do anything as long as I'm around.
[ Or so help him god he'll throw the biggest shitfit. ]
But.. yeah. [ His own pinkie's hold tightens a little on her own. ] .. It's a promise.
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