Side By Side
He had had this woman by his side for a very long time. He had known her from before she had become a woman. Hijikata thought he knew everything about her. He thought he had seen each expression that fair face makes. He knew how to make her laugh; he knew how to make her happy; he knew what makes her sad and angry. He had always known everything. He thought he did.
A small distance was created in between the limitless close proximity, which once more, caused connected lips to part as Hijikata loosened his hold around the slender form he had drawn close to his own. He watched Chizuru's long lashes tremble and her eyelids slowly open. He paid close attention to the moistened gaze that shyly looked up at him, as if to dare him but at the same time to run from him. Hijikata placed his palm against the slightly flushed cheek, and just as he had expected, Chizuru bashfully began to avert her eyes. He chuckled under his breath.
"…Since when did you learn to make a face like that," he whispered, voice low and deep.
Chizuru, clearly confused with those words, looked up questioningly. Hijikata did not bother to reply—it was not as if he planned to do so, anyway. After giving her just little time to breathe, he pulled her to him and this time, kissed her harder and deeper.
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Chizuru's mornings had always been very early. After making sure herself was neatly prepared and the weather was fine, she would open every door and window for the sunlight to freely come through. She would feed the chickens outside, water the garden and the fields, and if there were ripened fruits, she would guard them. Then she would prepare breakfast. Usually just as she was halfway with the preparation, Hijikata would wake up; if he did not, she would wait until she finished preparing the food. If he still hadn't woken by that time, she would wake him up herself. Unrolling the sleeves of her kimono, Chizuru headed towards the bedroom.
She silently slid the fusuma open. With legs folded under her, she drew herself into the room. Kneeling by Hijikata's figure, she released a quiet sigh of relief as she saw his chest move in rhythm with his breathing. "Good morning, Hijikata-san," she said in a small voice. Receiving no response, Chizuru reached out a hand to gently brush away the bangs on his face. She smiled. She had thought of this man a lot when she knew she couldn't reach him; at that time it was admiration Chizuru felt. This time, now that she was free to reach out for him—to hold him, she felt devotion—and love for him. Just being by his side and to continue to live with him—that was all Chizuru needed.
Carefully, not to make a sound, she drew closer, with just the right closeness she could get, and slowly leaned down to place a small kiss on Hijikata's forehead.
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It was a severe slope of stone steps. Perhaps climbing up was not as hard, but descending was definitely a problem. Wounds were easy to get with just a little slip of the foot. Hijikata, who was walking ahead of Chizuru stopped and looked back. Not far from behind him Chizuru was carefully climbing down, checking every step, so as not to lose her footing. However noticing his gaze, she, too, paused.
"Come here."
Hijikata reached a hand out towards her. A hand that was once calloused and rough. Blinking, Chizuru stared alternatively at that palm and Hijikata's face.
Hijikata smiled, eyes dancing in amusement. "Because someone tends to fall down too often," he said.
Hearing those words, Chizuru scowled, lips arching to a small pout. But she gave up all too soon and gently smiled back as she placed her hand on the one Hijikata held out.