![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
Entry tags:
(semi-closed?) dinner with the griswolds.
CHARACTERS: merry band of vampire samurai the Shinsengumi, possibly also anyone who knows them well enough to drop in unannounced during dinner? ping us if you want, we're probably down for it.
DATE: mid-week 21
RATING: PG? Nothing bad expected, but allusions to violence pretty inevitable in this crowd. Also Hijikata's pottymouth.
SUMMARY: Family dinner for the Dysfunctional Meiji Bunch.
[Go through unspeakable violence, act as though it didn't happen, rinse and repeat: business as usual for the Shinsengumi.
Of course, violence demands some accommodations be made - and since Sano's injuries are keeping him from getting around much, the obvious solution is to bring the "party," such as it is, to him - and so rather than their usual routine of dragging dinner back to their classroom or temporarily invading one of the common rooms, the evening finds Saitou and Chizuru (and possibly whoever else they've pressed into service as a pack mule) waiting on Shinpachi's doorstep with whatever they've managed to scrape together for tonight's dinner.
It's probably better than whatever Saitou was putting together by himself, before Chizuru returned and brought her kitchen magic back with her.
It's definitely better than creamed corn with a side of snake, now that the kitchens are running normally again.]
DATE: mid-week 21
RATING: PG? Nothing bad expected, but allusions to violence pretty inevitable in this crowd. Also Hijikata's pottymouth.
SUMMARY: Family dinner for the Dysfunctional Meiji Bunch.
[Go through unspeakable violence, act as though it didn't happen, rinse and repeat: business as usual for the Shinsengumi.
Of course, violence demands some accommodations be made - and since Sano's injuries are keeping him from getting around much, the obvious solution is to bring the "party," such as it is, to him - and so rather than their usual routine of dragging dinner back to their classroom or temporarily invading one of the common rooms, the evening finds Saitou and Chizuru (and possibly whoever else they've pressed into service as a pack mule) waiting on Shinpachi's doorstep with whatever they've managed to scrape together for tonight's dinner.
It's probably better than whatever Saitou was putting together by himself, before Chizuru returned and brought her kitchen magic back with her.
It's definitely better than creamed corn with a side of snake, now that the kitchens are running normally again.]
no subject
Umm. [And, of course, even when they've been settled and there isn't much else for her to rearrange, she tries to keep busy.] ...if anyone needs anything... please let me know.
[She'll gladly pour tea, nip back into the kitchen to see if she can get extras, help load up plates... The list goes on and on. The food may not be as good as their favorites from home, but it's definitely a marked improvement from their more recent fare, so she hopes they enjoy it.]
no subject
...Saitou's not so good at dealing with elephants, no matter how much success he and Shinpachi have had with crocodiles and snakes.
But Saitou's also not one to assume the battle is lost before even attempting to fight it.]
...I believe that we would all like to see you relax long enough to enjoy your own cooking, Yukimura.
no subject
[She blinks, and then looks down at her hands with flushed cheeks. ...oh... had she really seemed that on edge? It's a little embarrassing to be called out like that.]
That's, um... I'm fine. Everyone else should help themselves first.
no subject
So after the others have had a moment to load up their own plates, he goes ahead and starts putting food on his own - she did say everyone else ought to help themselves first, and that doesn't need to turn into an argument - but instead of passing it on to her, he just starts piling it onto her own plate, too.
And making sure the amount there is more than adequate, because there's no way she's going to nag them all about eating right and get out of doing that much herself.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
no subject
I've got it.
[ No need for Chizuru to go around and exhaust herself trying to make them all as comfortable as possible. Maybe for Sano, stuck in the bed and all as the guy is, but especially not for Shinpachi specifically as far as he's concerned. ]
no subject
...Nagakura-san?
[The course of action she settles on is... distraction! Which means she has to get him thinking about something new.]
I was wondering if I could ask you something...
no subject
[ He lets out a tiny noise as he hears her say that, like he didn't really expect to be spoken to with the way he just curtly grabbed the tea. But it's Chizuru speaking to him (Chizuru, who is kinder than almost anyone but whose skin he watched being stripped right off her, he can't help but remember as his stomach turns) so he can't exactly brush her off. The last thing she deserves is having to deal with that stuff just because she's too stubborn to not be involved with all of them and try her best for them. ]
.. Sure. [ So he lets out an airy breath. He feels like shit, really, and guilty as hell on top of it especially with the constant reminder that he turned Sano bedridden, but there's no need to dump that on Chizuru as well. He tries to make his shoulders a little less tense. ] What's up?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
no subject
The first day after getting wounded, Sano was okay, since he spent most of the time trying to rest up and not pay attention to the pain he was in, but after that, the seemingly endless bedrest that lies in store for the foreseeable future begins to agitate him. He doesn't like being idle, even though he knows he can't do much about the current state of affairs.
But it still sucks.
So when a distraction comes in the form of his friends, he's thrilled, and if he could, he would envelop everyone in a hug. Maybe all at the same time. But as it is, the best he can do is carefully push himself up in Shinpachi's bed. He'd try to lower himself to the floor if he actually thought he could do it without causing more undue pain - or suffer some glares from his comrades - but this will have to do. Besides, how long has it been since they've had a family dinner? Even if the whole family isn't here. Sano won't ruin it by tearing his side open anew.]
I don't know what you all made, but it smells so good.
[At least the smile he gives everyone proves that despite everything, Sano is still in a good state of mind.]
no subject
[It's nice to be able to see him smile - Zelien is still awful, but at least they're still able to have moments like this, where those of them that remain can gather together and take some time to just... eat. Even better that they're able to do this for Harada while he's resting, too; good friends and good food are some of the best medicine, she thinks.
She kneels at the side of Shinpachi's bed and offers him a cup of tea. It's probably not as good as what they have at home - Zelien's options are somewhat... lacking, at times, but it's tea nonetheless.] Here. I didn't have much to work with, but I brewed it myself... I hope you like it.
no subject
[He takes the tea and then sips it, not exactly sure what he's supposed to expect. And it isn't the same as what she's made back at home, but it's not bad, just different. He sips it again, getting more used to the taste.]
I do like it, thank you.
[Resting the cup on his lap, he reaches out to pat her on the head.]
no subject
[She giggles faintly at the familiar sensation of him patting her head. She's very grateful for the way he's always so kind... even when he's been hurt the way he has. His injury can't be at all pleasant and she fervently hopes that he'll recover soon.]
If there's anything else you need... let me know, okay? Um, not just during this meal, either. Any time.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
no subject
It's why he's mostly decided on staying quiet and munching his food, but then when the other guy speaks up, Shinpachi slowly glances in his direction. There's a moment of hesitation, as if he's deciding on something, but then-- ]
What do you want? I'll grab it for you. [ It's the least he owes him, after all. Don't mind him momming you over here, this is probably just what it's been like the past few days.. ]
no subject
But he does give Shinpachi's shoulder a little squeeze before answering the question. It's just a reassurance that he's still there and he doesn't hate Shinpachi.]
Whatever you can fit. I'm starving.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
no subject
As for the question of what they made, though, there's really only one answer that needs to be given.]
It isn't creamed corn.
[Hallelujah.]
no subject
But ah, yes. Saitou's deadpan humor. (Or maybe it's not deadpan, but just a straight up answer - sometimes it's hard to tell with Saitou.) Sano can't help but start to laugh, which ends up being a mistake because ow his side is not ready for that treatment. But there's no need to make a big deal out of it. Everyone already knows he got himself sliced open and everyone knows it was Shinpachi and there is no reason to rub salt into that wound. So Sano just holds his side and takes a second to get his composure back.]
Sign me up for second helpings, in that case!
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
no subject
Maybe it's the fact that with a lack of Heisuke around there isn't someone to fool around as much with and mostly whose food to steal just to mess around, but it's probably mostly more the fact Shinpachi hasn't shaken off the guilt from a few days ago just yet. And it's enough to actually make him quiet for once, very obviously so, as he just works on scarfing down his food instead without saying a word. ]
no subject
But even the Judging Look hasn't made an appearance since the incident.
Saitou's barely making eye contact with anyone, really.
But when Shinpachi reaches the end of whatever he's eating, Saitou does slide over the plate to give him the chance to load up again without comment. (And usually, Saitou would be the first to point out whether they should all give it a rest and not do too much damage to their food stockpiles.)]
no subject
(It's why he might actually have felt the full impact of the judging for once instead of glancing over it - since he knows he deserves it this time.)
But instead the plate suddenly enters his field of vision when he just shoves the last few bites into his mouth, and his eyebrows raise a little in muted (for once) surprise. Saitou would be the last to do that sort of thing in general, let alone in this situation..
But then again, Shinpachi isn't quite feeling typical too, so he also does the one thing no one'd expect from him. ]
.. nah, thanks. I don't feel like having more. [ He glances down at the plate he just finished, idly poking at it. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
1 / 2
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
no subject
Well, actually, Stiles has been wandering by, following the smell. The smell of food, because hey, he really likes the stuff, and he hasn't had a really good meal since his meat-stash ran out.
So when he knocks on the door, then peaks his head in (without waiting), he gives an awkward wave at the strangers.]
hey so I smelled--
[Oh his eyes brighten when he sees Shinpachi, giving a wide grin.]
Oh hey, buddy, pal!
[Stiles moves into the room because hey, he is totally going to risk it, because he knows someone here.]
no subject
Shinpachi hadn't exactly been expecting company - not even from his friends from back home, really, let alone for people he's only met in this place to poke their heads in. It's not exactly like he's in the best of moods, but he'd feel even worse turning away the guy who had shared his food with him before as well.
So he doesn't stop the other from moving into the room as all, nudging to the spot next to him (so it's clear Stiles is someone he knows before the others start wondering) and shoves another bite into his mouth. Something clearly seems less energetic about the man, but he does bother to talk to Stiles, at least. ]
So do you usually just hop in wherever there's food or is this a special case?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
no subject
Hijikata sits down in silence next to Shinpachi, a small sigh escaping him but not one of judgement or reprimand. If anything, Hijikata can relate the easiest to him, knowing very well the type of guilt that rips at the other. There's a distinct lack of appropriate words to say here and the demon vice-commander has never been one to pretend they exist as a good way to deal with a situation when they do nothing of the sort. For now, just sitting in silence near Shinpachi is the best he can think of and so that's what he'll do until something else comes comes to mind. ]
no subject
But as the silence drags on for a while and Shinpachi's run out of food his stomach can bear while it's still constantly turning and twisting itself, he wants to keep it from becoming awkward. Because he knows that'll just straight throw him back into his thoughts, into regretting his stupid actions and not knowing how to even start making all of this up to his best friend.
So instead he just says the first thing that comes up in his mind-- ]
.. Looks like we're seriously S-O-L, huh, Hijikata-san. [ It's the way all the hip modern kids say shit out of luck... I never said the first thing that came up in his mind would necessarily be anything intelligent, okay. ]
closed to saitou ( better late than never cries im sorry )
When he sees an opportunity in the quiet mingling to steal Saitou away he walks on by and gently taps him on the shoulder in silent signal for the captain to follow him. It's only once they are out off the way and secluded at the other end of the hall from the common room that Hijikata turns, immediately taking an initial once over. He'd left Saitou in his room once he'd been sure he would be all right and simply needed to gain consciousness, but that didn't mean it wasn't eating away at him. Guilt, somewhat, is the perpetrator, but the real one responsible is fear. Because it was only once he had left Saitou that everything really came crashing down in realization. The sinking into reality was only able to settle when the relief of it all being past truly came.
A hand comes up to fiddle with the scarf in silence—for once he's not going to be respectful and ask or be respectful and stay feigning a certain type of concern along with the rest, so he works to loosen enough to lift it up just enough to get a look at his neck and see if any bruising had manifested. Which, shouldn't happen because Saitou isn't human anymore and his scarf was not of the same material that Kazama's sword was; the thing is, Hijikata can't bring himself to trust this place and he needs to make sure. ]
no subject
It'll become clear soon enough, and Saitou is patient enough to wait for that and trust in Hijikata's judgment in the meantime.
His guesses are proven right quickly enough, though, as they finally stop and Hijikata reaches up to Saitou's scarf - inspecting something he'd surely never think to look for unless it was indeed him who found Saitou - interrupted, he has to assume, because he woke up in his room and Saitou knows Kazama's capacity for cruelty quite intimately. If they weren't interrupted, he'd have awakened elsewhere.
That scarf is worn a little more loosely than usual today. Saitou won't stop wearing it - he can't; to change that because of Kazama would be to concede how much Kazama has put him through, to admit to being afraid.
He is afraid.
But he'll be damned if he's ever going to make it so obvious.]
no subject
But, he's not going to ask or try to decipher if the other is afraid or not, and he brings his chin to rest on top of Saitou's head, finally saying the first words he's spoken to Saitou since before Kazama found him. ]
I'm sorry.
[ It's a heavy apology, the words carrying immeasurable weight even with them spoken at a whisper. He gets it, he gets this was his fault for making Saitou have to get involved in his affairs concerning Kazama because he was being too goddamn immature to make the right choices. And Hijikata knows Saitou's situation and that makes this all the worse. Because being unable to hold one's own in a fight despite everything given is one shame and broken-spirit creator.
The same opponent coming about a second time around to render him helpless again but this time in such a crude and basic manner that has absolutely nothing to do with crossing blades is a different beast entirely. It's sobering and shattering to be hit with vulnerabilities never expected or thought to be used against oneself; it's even worse when the lesson of experiencing them almost costs someone their life.
Briefly he wonders if he's dealing with it like this because it's so far estranged from code and living life by a sword or even the results of experiments. And that's all the effort he's willing to give to try and justify his actions to himself ( because walking into that classroom for hijikata was liking reliving that night—all the helplessness, sure, but also the terrifying twist of his intestines as the situation he'd managed to spare himself from back then suddenly came crashing down on him as he saw that grip struggling to get free go lax:
him being too late but just in time to witness how too late he truly was. ) ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)