[ when will hijikata learn... punishments are only encouraging? in response, his lips curve upwards into a disarming grin, head tilting to the side. ]
Surely, you should have learned by now... with a threat like that, you're practically inviting me to call you an exhibitionist.
[ ooh, mister hijikata, ooh. but he's right on that second aspect! not only is it rare for threats to ever scare tsurumaru in the first place, they're even less threatening when made by an injured old man... but tsurumaru did track his house down to see if he needs help with anything, so he's happy to do what hijikata asks. though, it's difficult when most of the bandages are hidden beneath his clothes, and is that a dark red mark that he sees— ]
Here, take off your robe. [ or, just the top part? unless he feels wild? ] That way, it'll be easier for me to redress everything.
[ and while hijikata is or isn't complying with that: ] I may not look like it, but I'm pretty good at this kind of thing. You have no idea how many times I've been to the repair room. Maybe every other day, or so? It's almost like I lived there. Because of that, treating wounds like this is almost second nature — they're usually mine, though...
[ Hijikata just gives Tsurumaru this look, but doesn't comment about the whole exhibitionist thing. Instead, he looks away and puts down his brush (not like he can WORK with a bag covering his papers!) with a tiny huff. How difficult... ]
Obviously. [ It's not like Hijikata would force Tsurumaru to even try to redress the wound with his kimono on! He's just going to slip off the top of it because the only wound that matters is right there. He listens to Tsurumaru's words quietly, nodding here and there.
Now he waits for Tsurumaru to actually get to work. ]
Fighting recklessly always will get you in there. Haven't you learned? [ well, this might be the pot calling the kettle black. Hijikata can't help but get too excited when he fights and has a habit of being a bit reckless too! Although, it never gets too bad. Usually the way he analyzes the battlefield and his opponent(s) saves his ass most of the time. ]
There should be a first aid kit somewhere... Was it in the main room or in here... [ His voice trails off as he thinks... ... A pause... ... A nod. ]
I think it's in the main room. [ and now he looks at Tsurumaru expectantly because there's no way Hijikata is going to get up right now. ]
[ geez, so much sass! but with a frown, he does lean forward to examine how one of the wounds has reopened, red seeping into white gauze, reaching forward to press the spot ever so carefully, to check how long it's been since it's reopened. managing to conclude that much time hasn't elapsed between then and now, he quickly disappears to go fetch the mentioned first-aid kit, but not before sticking his tongue out at hijikata, because wow, tsurumaru knows what that look is saying! that look is saying "do it for me"!!
after setting the box down on hijikata's desk again, he rifles through its contents, neatly pulling out a roll of bandages and some tape. he makes sure that it's a practically unused roll, though, seeing as he's going to be needing it often, later on. aaaand once all of that's set, he finally turns to get to work—
—but, you know, hijikata's sloppy ponytail just isn't cutting it. it trails down his back into one big mess, no matter how silky; so up it must go, into a temporary bun! tsurumaru's just as good with hair as he is with bandaging, and his fingers work gently, twisting certain strands of his hijikata's hair and pulling them up, making sure that no strands are being tugged more than they need to.
no matter how skillful he is, this is going to take a while, because hijikata has a lot of hair. ]
Unlike yours, this body can sustain more damage, so I can afford it, even if everyone else tells me not to. Plus, fighting recklessly is what makes fighting fun, don't you think? Fighting recklessly is better than working recklessly— which, you seem to have been doing instead of resting.
[ have fun with all that hair Tsuru... It's a lot! Although, on the bright side Hijikata is being very calm about Tsurumaru doing all this to him, isn't that nice? Well, of course, Hijikata is well aware he isn't in the position to protest against anything since he did ask Tsurumaru to do this. So, most what Hijikata does is watch Tsurumaru carefully, giving him a few glances here and there. ]
That's fools talk. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. You know that, right? [ ugh... this guy is almost like Harada? Fighting recklessly just because he can and it's 'fun'! Of course, Harada is human just like the rest so that's even more worrying.
it's not like Hijikata can look back at Tsurumaru and glare at him for that last comment, though. However, he does retort. ] I was moving just fine so I wanted to get my work out of the way. [ but there's a pause, as if he gets caught on a certain thought... ]
I get it though. Look, I'll rest later, alright?
[ then he falls silent for several moments, now that he's focusing on it; the motions of his hair being brushed then pulled and tied, he has to admit it feels really nice, almost relaxing too. Hijikata takes the liberty to lean forward on his desk on his elbow, and rest his chin on his palm. There's a relaxed hum that leaves his lips and he finally decides to add a comment: ] I'm surprised. You're pretty good at this.
[ once tsurumaru's gotten enough strands of hijikata's hair twirled, he wraps them over each other in a circular motion, forming a neat (but slightly loose, it's temporary!) bun — securing it in place with a hairtie and several golden clips that he keeps on hand. he's left a few strands fall out for aesthetics, but none of those make it past his chest, anyway.now that he's finished, he steps back a bit, acknowledging that rare compliment with a quiet smile, replying simply: ]
When you've stayed in as many imperial courts as I have, things like this become second nature. [ hijikata's hair had mostly reminded him of that of court ladies and noblewomen, and he's seen them fuss over enough pins and accessories to pick up on a few things himself.
with his hair finally out of the way, tsurumaru reaches for the bandages on hijikata's chest, slowly unraveling them, pressing a soft, warm washcloth against the spot where the wound had been reopened, to coax the bandaging away. it doesn't take too long for him to unwrap everything, and he takes this opportunity to examine the wound visually — how it's coming along, because although humans heal at the rate of a snail, most of their injuries work the same way.
he presses his hands against hijikata's chest, fingertips gently running across the injury. he's looking serious! his lips are pressed together, and he looks focused! almost way too professional for a guy like him! (though it's justified — when it comes to wounds, tsurumaru's knowledge is only second to medical swords.)
but, of course, his hands are going to linger a little longer than they need to, because waoooooouh...... bobos........... he'll even give them a small squeeze? ugh, hijikata probably felt that. ]
[ after that's over, Hijikata decides to shift his position to at least lean back now; just to make sure Tsurumaru can reach whatever he needs to without having to tell Hijikata to move here or there. Now, he doesn't really make an effort to talk, but of course when has Hijikata actually been one for small talk?Yep, basically never.
Though, he completely forgot how boring it is sitting around like this idly. It almost even makes him want to feel antsy because he'd rather just get back to work or something but-
squeeze.
Hijikata doesn't even take a second to whip out one of his hands and take a hold of Tsurumaru's wrist in a firm grasp. The most unamused expression in the world on his features as he just gives Tsurumaru a look. ]
Impressed, or something? Ogle all you want [ honestly, this isn't the first time? ] but if you want to be that forward then maybe do it next time when I'm not bleeding. [ Really... Dry sarcasm here. ]
[ UGH, THAT WAS FAST. he doesn't even get the chance to give them a second squeeze! yet, even as he's been caught, he'll try to yank his wrists out of hijikata's grasp, twisting them this way and that with a huff — but, to no avail. he won't wilt under that look, though! he's received far sterner looks in the past, and the death glare of a demon vice commander is nothing! see, he'll even smile back — a pure, innocent smile, the smile of someone who has done no wrong. ]
Like you'll let me ogle under regular circumstances. [ because really, would hijikata ever let him stare out of the sheer goodness of his heart!! ] Ah, but I'll take that as a definite invitation for next time — it's too late for takebacks, okay?
[ ugh.... his bobbies — and he himself — will never be free. once tsurumaru's been let go of, a small strand of bandages are unrolled, along with tearing off a tiny bit of tape. but before proceeding, he reaches over to the box of sweets, and with his back stealthily turned, he pulls out a small mochi bun! ]
Hey, hey — Hijikata, look this way.
[ AAAAND when hijikata turns towards him, tsurumaru immediately sticks the mochi into his open mouth. ] Here, eat this. No one's watching, so you don't have to worry about your weird, little concerns.
ugh the third cd i deserve... @ rejet where the f is my third cd
[ SIGH... oh, Tsuru... What did Hijikata get himself into? He does give Tsurumaru one extra glare for measure (even though it's not going to work) at his last comment. At least that gets him to shut up and back to actually redressing his bandages- even though Hijikata isn't too pleased at how he got the last words, but no matter because when is Hijikata ever in the mood to talk and talk and talk- you get the point.
Seriously though... This is taking longer than he thought. Maybe next time he'll really watch out during his spars to prevent this- that or pick a better opponent that knows when to stop (LOOKING AT YOU TSURUMARU)?
Really sucks being a bit impatient with these kind of things! He truly hates seeing work pile up and that feeling of slacking off! ]
What is it now-
[ !?!?
Hey? Hey now! The rest of his sentence was muffled by the mochi that was stuffed in his mouth, and Hijikata reaches up to take it out of his mouth whilst taking a bite of it. ]
Geez, didn't I say I wasn't going to eat it? [ but... another bite. maybe a third to finish it off... Chew then swallow. ]
Tsurumaru. [ he sounds SERIOUS here! hopefully it'll get Tsurumaru to respond and... he'll repay him by also shoving a mochi bun into his open mouth! ]
[ it's one thing for hijikata to say that he isn't going to eat the mochi bun — it's another for him to start biting into it immediately after saying that, and tsurumaru's expression turns into something between amusement and confusion as he watches hijikata finish it off, pointing out plainly: ]
Didn't you just say... you weren't going to eat it—?
[ who is the winner here... clearly, tsurumaru is, for a grand total of five seconds; until he also ends up with mochi in his mouth. there's a muffled syllable of surprise, and then — he reaches up to pry it out of his mouth and holds it in his hand, a wry smile across his expression not because of the mochi, but because of something else. ]
Oh, how flattering — so you do know how to say my name. And here I was, thinking I was going to be addressed as hey, you or dog forever.
[ he sticks the bun back in his own mouth (it slowly shrinks as he keeps biting off parts of it, but makes sure that it doesn't fall out), leaving his hands free, because you Kind Of need two hands to reapply bandages and because hijikata has such impatient brackets!! grabbing the unrolled end of the bandages with one hand, tsurumaru presses it down, securing it against his chest with the small piece of gauze tape that he'd ripped earlier.
aaand around and around and around the bandages goes, super neatly and super quickly. at this point, he's probably halfway through redressing the injury already! but, he'll ask something just to check— ] I'm not wrapping it too tightly, am I?
Shut up. It was pretty good, anyway. [ Huff. Look, he wasn't going to let it go to waste? Gosh, Tsurumaru. While he thought he succeeded in getting Tsurumaru to shut up- nope. Tsurumaru started to talk more, well, Hijikata tried? ]
If you would prefer that, then I don't mind.
[ but anyway, back to what they were originally doing. When Tsurumaru asks, Hijikata decide to make a few experimental movements to answer his question. Not bad! At least he wasn't lying about being good at this stuff. ]
Hmmm, yeah. It's not bad.
[ Well, they can't let them go to waste now... ... ... Hijikata picks up another mochi bun to eat it. Immediately popping it into his mouth. Yeah, these are... Pretty tasty. ] Hm, where did you get these?
I don't—! Just Tsurumaru is okay. My, my... this must be what they call improvement in a relationship. An entire step up!
[ there are many kinds of relationships! friendship! comradeship! acquaintanceship! so he uses that term loosely on purpose, because he can't live unless he's filled up his daily 'embarrass hijikata' quota, and he's the kind of five-year-old that delights in that embarrassing ambiguity.
but once hijikata's finished moving his limbs and checking the bandaging, tsurumaru takes that approval as a sign to continue, stopping to pick up another mochi and to eat it, working on it in the same way that he'd finished the previous one, using both of his hands to finish wrapping the bandages.
securing the final strand with a piece of gauze tape, tsurumaru will give hijikata's chest one more unnecessary, self-indulgent, lingering pat before stepping away. ]
I bought them from a nearby store. If you want, I can show you later. [ and then, a bit teasingly: ] Why, do you like them?
[ Geez, Tsurumaru. Don't get too ahead of yourself. Hijikata just gives Tsurumaru this look that just kind of reads 'seriously?'. But, whatever! Hijikata has learned (mostly) by now that Tsurumaru... Well, he's weird and practically is a five-year-old. Basically just the like the same people he had to deal with in the Shinsengumi! People that needed babysitting, basically.
Still, he's kind of unpredictable.
... Like that. He saw that Tsurumaru, well, felt it. He gives Tsurumaru yet another look. ]
Ah, well...
[ Ugh, listen here. Hijikata huffs then furrows his eyebrows. ] Are you making fun of me? Stop that, or I will punish you. Watch your mouth.
[ listen, he's too old to be babysat? rather than tsurumaru, maybe it's people who work while they're supposed to be resting that need to be babysat! hmm! but ugh, he sees that look, which is simply returned with an :3c expression, the purest and most innocent of faces, a face meant to hide all sin. there is no chest-touching sinner to be found here. ]
Oh, am I making fun of you? I didn't realize at all. [ he did... he did realize... he definitely realized. he sounds sarcastic.
but while any sensible person without a death wish would naturally heed hijikata's words, tsurumaru doesn't fall into that category; so instead of being intimidated, hearing that only interests him more, and with a smirk, he leans forward — seeing how far he can challenge hijikata. ]
You keep saying that you'll punish me, but is that supposed to scare me? Go ahead and punish me, I dare you.
[ just listen here, Hijikata doesn't need babysitting and also he can't afford to be resting sometimes when there's things to be done! but once again, it bit him in the ass practically since he accidentally re-opened the wound. but also? maybe if someone didn't STAB HIM there... .... ...
Ahem. Anyway.
but yep, unpredictable... too unpredictable. When will Tsurumaru just learn to give it up? Weren't the last few times a good enough warning?
However, realistically speaking Hijikata, in his current state, honestly can't do that much! Hijikata is well aware of what he can and cannot do when he's injured like this. Also, he really shouldn't anyway since Tsurumaru went out of his way to help him (despite Hijikata also saying it's his responsibility), so...
Why can't this sword just stand down at threats like normal people, damn. ]
Seriously... [ and with that, he grabs Tsurumaru's jaw and pulls him even closer. ]
Look, didn't I say to watch your mouth? [ annnd leans forward, close to his ear. His voice now a low, threatening whisper. ]
I'll be sure to break this jaw so you don't have a mouth to watch, you hear me? [ He tightens his grip just as a friendly reminder. ] It would make it easier, wouldn't it? But... Maybe if I trained you properly you would behave. Shall I actually make you my dog... Hm..?
[ A pause, a sigh. Then he finally lets go and leans away to put distance between them. ]
Got it? I'm not going to play around? [ He's also kind of cranky Tsurumaru pulled the 'I dare you' stunt when Hijikata just physically can't! How unfair. ]</small.
UGH STOP THAT i'm....... here to enable your r18 cds it seems
[ honestly! when will hijikata learn that tsuru has 100% threat resistance? if anything, threats only make him stronger?
being grabbed suddenly is what startles him, more so than the words that follow. suffice to say, it's enough to get his attention, though not for the purpose that hijikata was probably aiming for. with nowhere else to look, he meets hijikata's gaze, a defiant gleam in his eye — as if daring him again, nonverbally; and when he lets go, the corners of tsurumaru's lips twitch upwards. ]
I'd prefer it if you didn't play around, actually. You're far more interesting like this.
[ this time, hijikata is going to escape the kinkshaming, because all of those interests align with tsuru's interests? and he loves to die, so. ]
For you to think that you can train someone like me properly... then, do as you say: make me your dog and try, because trying is as far as you'll get.
[ ugh, he'll learn someday. USUALLY this works on other certain people, but it's like Tsuru is immune!?
Hijikata only imitates the smirk Tsurumaru gave him in reply. ]
Are you implying I'm not interesting, or something? [ not that it really bothers him.
but sadly, Tsurumaru keeps pushing Hijikata's buttons, huh! Hijikata can only frown, and he just simply pulls up his robe over his shoulders since it seems like Tsurumaru was done anyway. An exasperated sigh leaves his lips. ]
Seriously, I'm leaving you off with a warning. If you really want to be punished I'll tie you to a post or something- didn't you just say earlier you'd rather have me resting... Geez. My chest hurts from all this, and my back. [ COMPLAIN COMPLAIN-
but anyway... that playful smirk finally returns after his old-man-complaining(TM), he reaches out a hand towards Tsurumaru and lifts up his chin. ]
Hmm... Well, you're not that bad- for taking responsibility for earlier, I guess. Thanks. [ Because he's not as much as a brute as he makes himself to be and knows when to say thank you! But then he finally lets go, and he immediately reiterates in a stern voice. ]
[ how rude!! he pretends to think for a whole three seconds. ]
Well, you work all day, and when you come home, you just do paperwork. Oh! But there is something interesting about you. It's —
[ tsurumaru holds his hands up, palms facing forward, and bends the tips of his fingers inward, really similar to what shishiou does with his hands whenever he gives his trademark gao! and just in case that wasn't implicative enough: squish, squish, wriggle, jiggle, boink.... he's kidding, don't destroy him.
anyway, you'd hurt less if you hadn't gotten up in the first place is what tsurumaru wants to say, but he's sure that's something that hijikata already knows, so he gives him a disarming smile instead, a slight sarcastic lilt to his voice. ] Let's save that for when you feel better, Hijikata. I find no delight in being tied up by injured men.
[ and who's fault is that! gosh... it's tsurumaru's own fault. but he's going to make sure that hijikata doesn't put all of his efforts to waste. ]
Here — lie back down. [ assuming that everything's in the same room, he walks over a bit, to give the mattress a pat! ]
It's a waste of bandages if I have to change them again in the next twenty minutes, you know.
[ okay. he's not wrong. Hijikata practically works from morning to night almost everyday! does he complain? not at all. luckily one job allows him to fit in some training,. the other two... time consuming unless the day is slow. it's not too bad! though, maybe there has been times Hijikata found himself falling asleep where he stands if he has a late night shift!? oops.
anyway his eyes narrow at that comment and Hijikata only simply smacks Tsurumaru across the face. not too hard though, just enough for it to sting a bit. hey, if he can't train his dogs the usual way why not use a bit of force, huh! ]
Hmph. Maybe if you did the daily training I've done you'd get a bottom like mine. [ #trufax. there's a reason why he's called the pheromone man? look, he works hard, so he has a right to be proud of this. ]
Really... ... [ isn't it still the middle of the day? eyes glance to the mattress... back to the paperwork... ugh. he could be getting so much done right now? but he did say that he would get rest from now on. ]
I don't have a choice do I... [ Okay. fine. Tsurumaru you won this round. so, hey, Hijikata listens!!! isn't that great! he'll get up and walk over to his futon (because despite the technology Hijikata still tries to live preeetty traditionally because it's what he's use to) and lie down with a small sigh. ] Satisfied?
[ ow?!?! except to tsurumaru, that's kind of absolutely delightful. at first, he sways to the side that hijikata had smacked, the impact leaving a reddened mark across tsurumaru's cheek. of course, it hurts — it hurts in a stinging, prickly kind of way, but instead of getting upset, he looks back up at hijikata and smiles, holding up a pointed index finger. ]
Can you do that one more time?
[ a beat. ] Juuuust kidding.
Anyway, is there any reason for a sword to invest in a fine bottom? In the end, no matter how much we look like humans, we're just objects. [ though that may sound thoughtful, it's just his excuse to keep admiring hijikata's fine assets... he's not the most diligent nor the most hard-working sword, anyway!
but yes, hijikata has no choice in the matter, he must rest... on his futon. although, how will tsurumaru make his bunk bed like this? bunk bed futon? he'll make sure that hijikata is lying down with no hope of escape, before pulling out his own cerevice and opening up his cere-youtube app. ]
Do you want me to play something for you? Soothing jazz? Mozart for babies?
[ Hijikata can only stare at Tsurumaru wide-eyed for a split moment because did he just hear what he thought he just heard...? though, the expression soon fades when Hijikata replaces that with a glare, furrowing his eyebrows as soon as Tsurumaru said he was kidding.
wow. that was... something. ]
What the hell. [ SIGH. that slap wasn't a good thing Tsurumaru! He was trying to tell you To Stop. ] Look, any more gestures like that and you won't be happy.
[ Tsurumaru is surely a handful because what the heck. why isn't his usual methods of force not shutting him up, what is he doing wrong, what is happening. Tsurumaru, why.
but anyway, he raises an eyebrow at Tsurumaru's question. ]
Play what exactly? [ what is this soothing jazz. what is this mozart... huff. ] Well... ... ... I'm not a baby so not that.
[ and if that's what Tsurumaru is implying .................... :/// ] Also, if you think I'm going to fall asleep while you're here, then forget it.
Do you think you're capable of something like that? Making me unhappy?
[ in all actuality, this modern life may be dull, but it's a stable one; he's known worse. here, tsurumaru sees the same, friendly faces that will smile at him, that will yell at him, that will praise him, day after day; faces that will be there when he closes his eyes and faces that will definitely be there when he wakes up. (that is, if he ever sleeps; something that he doesn't exactly do.)
unless hijikata has plans on, say, slaughtering the entirety of swordhaus in front of him, it's theoretically not possible for him to do something great enough to upset tsurumaru. ]
You know, Mozart. Some famous composer from Europe. [ with a smile, tsurumaru decides to enter 'mozart for babies' into the cere-youtube search box anyway, because... fuck what Baby Hijikata says. unless he'd been asking about smooth jazz? or both? well, it's too late now, mozart for babies is here.
but the last bit has him curious, so he looks back up at hijikata after pressing play. ] Why not?
Maybe. [ shrugs. ] Usually when people look at me they have a frown or serious expression on their face. [ of course, this is because he's the ~demon vice commander~, and all. no one ever talks to him without a stern expression! well, maybe unless it was like... Souji or Kondo-san? Maybe... Well, nonetheless, Hijikata had always made it clear to never talk to him unless there was a really good reason. ]
I don't recall. [ He's not too savvy with European anything, really. What the heck.
annnd a glare at Tsurumaru when he presses play. hey, he didn't authorize this!!! though, the music does sound nice... Okay. ]
Well, I don't know what you'd do when I'm asleep. [ since he still doesn't know Tsurumaru that well... and Hijikata sits up with a sigh.]
I can't relax like this. [ A small pause... Hmm... Maybe he has nothing to lose to ask. ] Do you know how to make tea?
Mm, that's no good — that's how humans get wrinkles, after all. [ one of the grand benefits of being a sword is the entire lack of wrinkles — and the lack of a need for self-maintenance, really, aside from their vessels. but gosh, is this why hiji has so many wrinkles, too?
...just kidding! listen, tsuru knows what's best, even if the best is mozart for babies music. the music is going to stay on, though, because it's soothing and tsuru finds that he does like it a lot. ]
What do you think I'd do while you're asleep, anyway? [ at best, he'd probably just go through hijikata's drawers and steal anything shiny.
but at the mention of the tea, he pretends to pause, looking thoughtful for a few moments, before answering with the utmost confidence. ]
I can try.
[ he does know how, actually, more than he's letting on... he's seen uguisumaru make matcha tea about 24892424928 times! it shouldn't be that hard to emulate! ]
[ he stops scowling, almost immediately... then scoffs. ] Well.
That's ridiculous. [ UGH TSURU!!! STOP. ]
But let's see... [ he triiiies to think about it. honestly, Hijikata doesn't know what to guess actually because once again... He doesn't know Tsurumaru that well. thinking. thinking... ] I don't know, take some of my things? make a mess of the place? draw on my face?
[ honestly he just thought "what would Souji do"... ... ... ]
If you can't I can just do it myself. [ and he gets ready to stand up- ]
when it's winter i hope you go out in sandals and your feet freeze :/
Take some of your things is right, I'd probably make a mess of your room looking for those things to take, aaaand drawing on your face? I'm well-practiced in drawing on people's faces while they sleep, I'll have you know. [ aka. the #1 reason why mornings were filled with tsurumaru's name yelled angrily... marker is hard to wash off!
in this case, that thought process comes in handy, and hijikata should probably keep it in mind. wwsd? what would souji do? tsuru is a guilty bean.
BUT UGH HIJI STOP WHY. REST!! ]
Wait—! [ abruptly, tsurumaru puts his hands on hijikata's shoulders, trying to keep him from standing up. ] I was kidding, I know how. One of my uncles drinks tea as if it's some kind of addiction, and since he was always around while I was growing up...
[ before hijikata can do anything else, he'll scramble to his feet. ] Stay put, okay? I'll do my best not to burn down your kitchen. No promises, though!
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hijiwanwan) wrote2015-09-14 12:06 am
IT WAS!!! ugh he'll learn it's good for him one day
Surely, you should have learned by now... with a threat like that, you're practically inviting me to call you an exhibitionist.
[ ooh, mister hijikata, ooh. but he's right on that second aspect! not only is it rare for threats to ever scare tsurumaru in the first place, they're even less threatening when made by an injured old man... but tsurumaru did track his house down to see if he needs help with anything, so he's happy to do what hijikata asks. though, it's difficult when most of the bandages are hidden beneath his clothes, and is that a dark red mark that he sees— ]
Here, take off your robe. [ or, just the top part? unless he feels wild? ] That way, it'll be easier for me to redress everything.
[ and while hijikata is or isn't complying with that: ] I may not look like it, but I'm pretty good at this kind of thing. You have no idea how many times I've been to the repair room. Maybe every other day, or so? It's almost like I lived there. Because of that, treating wounds like this is almost second nature — they're usually mine, though...
what do u think i am.. a masochist
Obviously. [ It's not like Hijikata would force Tsurumaru to even try to redress the wound with his kimono on! He's just going to slip off the top of it because the only wound that matters is right there. He listens to Tsurumaru's words quietly, nodding here and there.
Now he waits for Tsurumaru to actually get to work. ]
Fighting recklessly always will get you in there. Haven't you learned? [ well, this might be the pot calling the kettle black. Hijikata can't help but get too excited when he fights and has a habit of being a bit reckless too! Although, it never gets too bad. Usually the way he analyzes the battlefield and his opponent(s) saves his ass most of the time. ]
There should be a first aid kit somewhere... Was it in the main room or in here... [ His voice trails off as he thinks... ... A pause... ... A nod. ]
I think it's in the main room. [ and now he looks at Tsurumaru expectantly because there's no way Hijikata is going to get up right now. ]
masochism is a slow learning process :9
after setting the box down on hijikata's desk again, he rifles through its contents, neatly pulling out a roll of bandages and some tape. he makes sure that it's a practically unused roll, though, seeing as he's going to be needing it often, later on. aaaand once all of that's set, he finally turns to get to work—
—but, you know, hijikata's sloppy ponytail just isn't cutting it. it trails down his back into one big mess, no matter how silky; so up it must go, into a temporary bun! tsurumaru's just as good with hair as he is with bandaging, and his fingers work gently, twisting certain strands of his hijikata's hair and pulling them up, making sure that no strands are being tugged more than they need to.
no matter how skillful he is, this is going to take a while, because hijikata has a lot of hair. ]
Unlike yours, this body can sustain more damage, so I can afford it, even if everyone else tells me not to. Plus, fighting recklessly is what makes fighting fun, don't you think? Fighting recklessly is better than working recklessly— which, you seem to have been doing instead of resting.
uggh not today [heavy breathing]
That's fools talk. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. You know that, right? [ ugh... this guy is almost like Harada? Fighting recklessly just because he can and it's 'fun'! Of course, Harada is human just like the rest so that's even more worrying.
it's not like Hijikata can look back at Tsurumaru and glare at him for that last comment, though. However, he does retort. ] I was moving just fine so I wanted to get my work out of the way. [ but there's a pause, as if he gets caught on a certain thought... ]
I get it though. Look, I'll rest later, alright?
[ then he falls silent for several moments, now that he's focusing on it; the motions of his hair being brushed then pulled and tied, he has to admit it feels really nice, almost relaxing too. Hijikata takes the liberty to lean forward on his desk on his elbow, and rest his chin on his palm. There's a relaxed hum that leaves his lips and he finally decides to add a comment: ] I'm surprised. You're pretty good at this.
you can't run away from what's in your heart!!
When you've stayed in as many imperial courts as I have, things like this become second nature. [ hijikata's hair had mostly reminded him of that of court ladies and noblewomen, and he's seen them fuss over enough pins and accessories to pick up on a few things himself.
with his hair finally out of the way, tsurumaru reaches for the bandages on hijikata's chest, slowly unraveling them, pressing a soft, warm washcloth against the spot where the wound had been reopened, to coax the bandaging away. it doesn't take too long for him to unwrap everything, and he takes this opportunity to examine the wound visually — how it's coming along, because although humans heal at the rate of a snail, most of their injuries work the same way.
he presses his hands against hijikata's chest, fingertips gently running across the injury. he's looking serious! his lips are pressed together, and he looks focused! almost way too professional for a guy like him! (though it's justified — when it comes to wounds, tsurumaru's knowledge is only second to medical swords.)
but, of course, his hands are going to linger a little longer than they need to, because waoooooouh...... bobos...........
he'll even give them a small squeeze? ugh, hijikata probably felt that. ]
aaaaaaaaaaa dats me runnin
Though, he completely forgot how boring it is sitting around like this idly. It almost even makes him want to feel antsy because he'd rather just get back to work or something but-
squeeze.
Hijikata doesn't even take a second to whip out one of his hands and take a hold of Tsurumaru's wrist in a firm grasp. The most unamused expression in the world on his features as he just gives Tsurumaru a look. ]
Impressed, or something? Ogle all you want [ honestly, this isn't the first time? ] but if you want to be that forward then maybe do it next time when I'm not bleeding. [ Really... Dry sarcasm here. ]
I gave you a job didn't I?
[ Gosh. ]
aaaaaaaaa dats us making the 3rd cd
Like you'll let me ogle under regular circumstances. [ because really, would hijikata ever let him stare out of the sheer goodness of his heart!! ] Ah, but I'll take that as a definite invitation for next time — it's too late for takebacks, okay?
[ ugh.... his bobbies — and he himself — will never be free. once tsurumaru's been let go of, a small strand of bandages are unrolled, along with tearing off a tiny bit of tape. but before proceeding, he reaches over to the box of sweets, and with his back stealthily turned, he pulls out a small mochi bun! ]
Hey, hey — Hijikata, look this way.
[ AAAAND when hijikata turns towards him, tsurumaru immediately sticks the mochi into his open mouth. ] Here, eat this. No one's watching, so you don't have to worry about your weird, little concerns.
ugh the third cd i deserve... @ rejet where the f is my third cd
Seriously though... This is taking longer than he thought. Maybe next time he'll really watch out during his spars to prevent this- that or pick a better opponent that knows when to stop (LOOKING AT YOU TSURUMARU)?
Really sucks being a bit impatient with these kind of things! He truly hates seeing work pile up and that feeling of slacking off! ]
What is it now-
[ !?!?
Hey? Hey now! The rest of his sentence was muffled by the mochi that was stuffed in his mouth, and Hijikata reaches up to take it out of his mouth whilst taking a bite of it. ]
Geez, didn't I say I wasn't going to eat it? [ but... another bite. maybe a third to finish it off... Chew then swallow. ]
Tsurumaru. [ he sounds SERIOUS here! hopefully it'll get Tsurumaru to respond and... he'll repay him by also shoving a mochi bun into his open mouth! ]
ugh dont @ rejet, @ history for your death
Didn't you just say... you weren't going to eat it—?
[ who is the winner here... clearly, tsurumaru is, for a grand total of five seconds; until he also ends up with mochi in his mouth. there's a muffled syllable of surprise, and then — he reaches up to pry it out of his mouth and holds it in his hand, a wry smile across his expression not because of the mochi, but because of something else. ]
Oh, how flattering — so you do know how to say my name. And here I was, thinking I was going to be addressed as hey, you or dog forever.
[ he sticks the bun back in his own mouth (it slowly shrinks as he keeps biting off parts of it, but makes sure that it doesn't fall out), leaving his hands free, because you Kind Of need two hands to reapply bandages and because hijikata has such impatient brackets!! grabbing the unrolled end of the bandages with one hand, tsurumaru presses it down, securing it against his chest with the small piece of gauze tape that he'd ripped earlier.
aaand around and around and around the bandages goes, super neatly and super quickly. at this point, he's probably halfway through redressing the injury already! but, he'll ask something just to check— ] I'm not wrapping it too tightly, am I?
ugh im going back to hakodate
Shut up. It was pretty good, anyway. [ Huff. Look, he wasn't going to let it go to waste? Gosh, Tsurumaru. While he thought he succeeded in getting Tsurumaru to shut up- nope. Tsurumaru started to talk more, well, Hijikata tried? ]
If you would prefer that, then I don't mind.
[ but anyway, back to what they were originally doing. When Tsurumaru asks, Hijikata decide to make a few experimental movements to answer his question. Not bad! At least he wasn't lying about being good at this stuff. ]
Hmmm, yeah. It's not bad.
[ Well, they can't let them go to waste now... ... ... Hijikata picks up another mochi bun to eat it. Immediately popping it into his mouth. Yeah, these are... Pretty tasty. ] Hm, where did you get these?
tfw le gf go 2 hakodate
[ there are many kinds of relationships! friendship! comradeship! acquaintanceship! so he uses that term loosely on purpose, because he can't live unless he's filled up his daily 'embarrass hijikata' quota, and he's the kind of five-year-old that delights in that embarrassing ambiguity.
but once hijikata's finished moving his limbs and checking the bandaging, tsurumaru takes that approval as a sign to continue, stopping to pick up another mochi and to eat it, working on it in the same way that he'd finished the previous one, using both of his hands to finish wrapping the bandages.
securing the final strand with a piece of gauze tape, tsurumaru will give hijikata's chest one more unnecessary, self-indulgent, lingering pat before stepping away. ]
I bought them from a nearby store. If you want, I can show you later. [ and then, a bit teasingly: ] Why, do you like them?
IM GOING
[ Geez, Tsurumaru. Don't get too ahead of yourself. Hijikata just gives Tsurumaru this look that just kind of reads 'seriously?'. But, whatever! Hijikata has learned (mostly) by now that Tsurumaru... Well, he's weird and practically is a five-year-old. Basically just the like the same people he had to deal with in the Shinsengumi! People that needed babysitting, basically.
Still, he's kind of unpredictable.
... Like that. He saw that Tsurumaru, well, felt it. He gives Tsurumaru yet another look. ]
Ah, well...
[ Ugh, listen here. Hijikata huffs then furrows his eyebrows. ] Are you making fun of me? Stop that, or I will punish you. Watch your mouth.
[ :|||| ]
STOP TFW FOREVER ALONE
Oh, am I making fun of you? I didn't realize at all. [ he did... he did realize... he definitely realized. he sounds sarcastic.
but while any sensible person without a death wish would naturally heed hijikata's words, tsurumaru doesn't fall into that category; so instead of being intimidated, hearing that only interests him more, and with a smirk, he leans forward — seeing how far he can challenge hijikata. ]
You keep saying that you'll punish me, but is that supposed to scare me? Go ahead and punish me, I dare you.
THESE MEMES MAKE ME LOSE MY MIIIIIIIIIND
Ahem. Anyway.
but yep, unpredictable... too unpredictable. When will Tsurumaru just learn to give it up? Weren't the last few times a good enough warning?
However, realistically speaking Hijikata, in his current state, honestly can't do that much! Hijikata is well aware of what he can and cannot do when he's injured like this. Also, he really shouldn't anyway since Tsurumaru went out of his way to help him (despite Hijikata also saying it's his responsibility), so...
Why can't this sword just stand down at threats like normal people, damn. ]
Seriously... [ and with that, he grabs Tsurumaru's jaw and pulls him even closer. ]
Look, didn't I say to watch your mouth? [ annnd leans forward, close to his ear. His voice now a low, threatening whisper. ]
I'll be sure to break this jaw so you don't have a mouth to watch, you hear me? [ He tightens his grip just as a friendly reminder. ] It would make it easier, wouldn't it? But... Maybe if I trained you properly you would behave. Shall I actually make you my dog... Hm..?
[ A pause, a sigh. Then he finally lets go and leans away to put distance between them. ]
Got it? I'm not going to play around? [ He's also kind of cranky Tsurumaru pulled the 'I dare you' stunt when Hijikata just physically can't! How unfair. ]</small.
UGH STOP THAT i'm....... here to enable your r18 cds it seems
being grabbed suddenly is what startles him, more so than the words that follow. suffice to say, it's enough to get his attention, though not for the purpose that hijikata was probably aiming for. with nowhere else to look, he meets hijikata's gaze, a defiant gleam in his eye — as if daring him again, nonverbally; and when he lets go, the corners of tsurumaru's lips twitch upwards. ]
I'd prefer it if you didn't play around, actually. You're far more interesting like this.
[ this time, hijikata is going to escape the kinkshaming, because all of those interests align with tsuru's interests? and he loves to die, so. ]
For you to think that you can train someone like me properly... then, do as you say: make me your dog and try, because trying is as far as you'll get.
filthy sinner
Hijikata only imitates the smirk Tsurumaru gave him in reply. ]
Are you implying I'm not interesting, or something? [ not that it really bothers him.
but sadly, Tsurumaru keeps pushing Hijikata's buttons, huh! Hijikata can only frown, and he just simply pulls up his robe over his shoulders since it seems like Tsurumaru was done anyway. An exasperated sigh leaves his lips. ]
Seriously, I'm leaving you off with a warning. If you really want to be punished I'll tie you to a post or something- didn't you just say earlier you'd rather have me resting... Geez. My chest hurts from all this, and my back. [ COMPLAIN COMPLAIN-
but anyway... that playful smirk finally returns after his old-man-complaining(TM), he reaches out a hand towards Tsurumaru and lifts up his chin. ]
Hmm... Well, you're not that bad- for taking responsibility for earlier, I guess. Thanks. [ Because he's not as much as a brute as he makes himself to be and knows when to say thank you! But then he finally lets go, and he immediately reiterates in a stern voice. ]
Once again. A warning.
haha why are you talking about yourself ;)
Well, you work all day, and when you come home, you just do paperwork. Oh! But there is something interesting about you. It's —
[ tsurumaru holds his hands up, palms facing forward, and bends the tips of his fingers inward, really similar to what shishiou does with his hands whenever he gives his trademark gao! and just in case that wasn't implicative enough: squish, squish, wriggle, jiggle, boink.... he's kidding, don't destroy him.
anyway, you'd hurt less if you hadn't gotten up in the first place is what tsurumaru wants to say, but he's sure that's something that hijikata already knows, so he gives him a disarming smile instead, a slight sarcastic lilt to his voice. ] Let's save that for when you feel better, Hijikata. I find no delight in being tied up by injured men.
[ and who's fault is that! gosh... it's tsurumaru's own fault. but he's going to make sure that hijikata doesn't put all of his efforts to waste. ]
Here — lie back down. [ assuming that everything's in the same room, he walks over a bit, to give the mattress a pat! ]
It's a waste of bandages if I have to change them again in the next twenty minutes, you know.
OKAY LISTEN HERE
anyway his eyes narrow at that comment and Hijikata only simply smacks Tsurumaru across the face. not too hard though, just enough for it to sting a bit. hey, if he can't train his dogs the usual way why not use a bit of force, huh! ]
Hmph. Maybe if you did the daily training I've done you'd get a bottom like mine. [ #trufax. there's a reason why he's called the pheromone man? look, he works hard, so he has a right to be proud of this. ]
Really... ... [ isn't it still the middle of the day? eyes glance to the mattress... back to the paperwork... ugh. he could be getting so much done right now? but he did say that he would get rest from now on. ]
I don't have a choice do I... [ Okay. fine. Tsurumaru you won this round. so, hey, Hijikata listens!!! isn't that great! he'll get up and walk over to his futon (because despite the technology Hijikata still tries to live preeetty traditionally because it's what he's use to) and lie down with a small sigh. ] Satisfied?
YOU LISTEN FIRST
Can you do that one more time?
[ a beat. ] Juuuust kidding.
Anyway, is there any reason for a sword to invest in a fine bottom? In the end, no matter how much we look like humans, we're just objects. [ though that may sound thoughtful, it's just his excuse to keep admiring hijikata's fine assets... he's not the most diligent nor the most hard-working sword, anyway!
but yes, hijikata has no choice in the matter, he must rest... on his futon. although, how will tsurumaru make his bunk bed like this? bunk bed futon? he'll make sure that hijikata is lying down with no hope of escape, before pulling out his own cerevice and opening up his cere-youtube app. ]
Do you want me to play something for you? Soothing jazz? Mozart for babies?
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA NEVER
wow. that was... something. ]
What the hell. [ SIGH. that slap wasn't a good thing Tsurumaru! He was trying to tell you To Stop. ] Look, any more gestures like that and you won't be happy.
[ Tsurumaru is surely a handful because what the heck. why isn't his usual methods of force not shutting him up, what is he doing wrong, what is happening. Tsurumaru, why.
but anyway, he raises an eyebrow at Tsurumaru's question. ]
Play what exactly? [ what is this soothing jazz. what is this mozart... huff. ] Well... ... ... I'm not a baby so not that.
[ and if that's what Tsurumaru is implying .................... :/// ] Also, if you think I'm going to fall asleep while you're here, then forget it.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA puts socks on ur feet
[ in all actuality, this modern life may be dull, but it's a stable one; he's known worse. here, tsurumaru sees the same, friendly faces that will smile at him, that will yell at him, that will praise him, day after day; faces that will be there when he closes his eyes and faces that will definitely be there when he wakes up. (that is, if he ever sleeps; something that he doesn't exactly do.)
unless hijikata has plans on, say, slaughtering the entirety of swordhaus in front of him, it's theoretically not possible for him to do something great enough to upset tsurumaru. ]
You know, Mozart. Some famous composer from Europe. [ with a smile, tsurumaru decides to enter 'mozart for babies' into the cere-youtube search box anyway, because... fuck what Baby Hijikata says. unless he'd been asking about smooth jazz? or both? well, it's too late now, mozart for babies is here.
but the last bit has him curious, so he looks back up at hijikata after pressing play. ] Why not?
what the fck my feet
I don't recall. [ He's not too savvy with European anything, really. What the heck.
annnd a glare at Tsurumaru when he presses play. hey, he didn't authorize this!!! though, the music does sound nice... Okay. ]
Well, I don't know what you'd do when I'm asleep. [ since he still doesn't know Tsurumaru that well... and Hijikata sits up with a sigh.]
I can't relax like this. [ A small pause... Hmm... Maybe he has nothing to lose to ask. ] Do you know how to make tea?
it's time.... to learn about socks
...just kidding! listen, tsuru knows what's best, even if the best is mozart for babies music. the music is going to stay on, though, because it's soothing and tsuru finds that he does like it a lot. ]
What do you think I'd do while you're asleep, anyway? [ at best, he'd probably just go through hijikata's drawers and steal anything shiny.
but at the mention of the tea, he pretends to pause, looking thoughtful for a few moments, before answering with the utmost confidence. ]
I can try.
[ he does know how, actually, more than he's letting on... he's seen uguisumaru make matcha tea about 24892424928 times! it shouldn't be that hard to emulate! ]
ugh i dont need em :/
That's ridiculous. [ UGH TSURU!!! STOP. ]
But let's see... [ he triiiies to think about it. honestly, Hijikata doesn't know what to guess actually because once again... He doesn't know Tsurumaru that well. thinking. thinking... ] I don't know, take some of my things? make a mess of the place? draw on my face?
[ honestly he just thought "what would Souji do"... ... ... ]
If you can't I can just do it myself. [ and he gets ready to stand up- ]
when it's winter i hope you go out in sandals and your feet freeze :/
in this case, that thought process comes in handy, and hijikata should probably keep it in mind. wwsd? what would souji do? tsuru is a guilty bean.
BUT UGH HIJI STOP WHY. REST!! ]
Wait—! [ abruptly, tsurumaru puts his hands on hijikata's shoulders, trying to keep him from standing up. ] I was kidding, I know how. One of my uncles drinks tea as if it's some kind of addiction, and since he was always around while I was growing up...
[ before hijikata can do anything else, he'll scramble to his feet. ] Stay put, okay? I'll do my best not to burn down your kitchen. No promises, though!
[ ugh, he won't burn it down, don't worry. ]
ugh :/ maybe one day :\ i'll wear shoes. wheres my canon update
you can't have your canon update what if you update into hakodate
ugh [kou voice] finally he can die *disappears*
STOP UGHHHH STOP DYING gives you an omamori
AAAAAAAAAA LET ME DIIIIIIIE
AAAAAAAA no dying squirtle????