Searching for Paradise
Act Three
"It's true, Hijikata, sir!"
Her bows and formal speech pattern did not impress him. She had only come to this house forty-eight hours ago and she's making such great claims? No way, there was no way an idiot like this woman could make these accusations. So she over heard some man at the bakery talking trash about the Shinsengumi, it gave her no right to come to the three captains, demanding they send out a scout to verify her allegation.
Hijikata looked down at Katsuke with little pity. No matter how much she batted her eyes or poked out her lips, she wouldn't persuade him. She was just one girl, how the hell could she come storming into their captain's meeting, throwing around her accusation like she was in charge? She was far from a Shinsengumi member; she was a nobody, below a maid and far below a Page. She was a bottomfeeder.
Undercover Choshu at a small time shop in town? It was too obvious and stupid to be true.
"We have to send out a Watcher or something!" Katsuke lifted her head from the floor, making eye contact with him.
"Toshi," Kondo looked up at his old friend, "What do you want to do?"
"Ignore the wench." He growled, "She could very well be lying to us. For all we know she's a spy trying to help the Choshu."
"No!" She shouted shaking her head back and forth, "Please listen to me! Let me PROVE myself!" She threw herself on the ground as she bowed once again.
"Hijikata, it's worth checking out." Yamanami looked at his friend with concerned eyes, "I don't think she has a reason to lie."
"Toshi, we cannot risk it." Kondo added, "Besides, I don't believe that Susumu is really doing anything lately. He needs work of his own to do."
Hijikata looked away from the three. It was laughable, the thought of a woman telling him what to do. Katsuke was no Watcher; she had no business listing in on another man's conversation. The situation was unavoidable; it was not Hijikata's call on the matter.
"Fine, but if this turns out to be more of your crap, then I will have you out of here, and in a grave." Hijikata growled as he glared down at the girl; whose eyes light up with excitement.
"Oh, thank you Hijikata!" She bowed down at his feet once again.
"No," Yamanami shook his head and smiled at Katsuke, "Thank you for informing us right away."
Katsuke nodded. Hm, so the slightest praise had lifted her spirit, had it? Typical woman. Hijikata felt his eyes roll and a sigh fall from his lips. She had better be right or else she was going to be in for a world of hurt.
"Now, there is some laundry that needs hanging." Yamanami moved his hand, "Would you?"
"Yes sir!" Katsuke lifted her hand to her forehead and saluted to her master. She wasted no time in trying to impress her superior and raced out the door she had come in from, disappearing from sight.
"This better not be one of her games." Hijikata spoke in a low tone, his eyes landing on Yamanami.
"I don't think she'd lie to us." The four-eyed male hummed, his eyes moving to the floor.
The demon vice-commander narrowed his stare at the man to his right. "She better not."
XoXoX
She could do this; she could do this for sure! There wasn't anything to it, was there? Sure she couldn't do laundry for her father when he was around, but things were different now, right? In the two months she had spent on her own she had fended for herself, fixing her own meals and cleaning the small home she once called hers. Was it perfect by her standards? Absolutely! But did that mean the Shinsengumi would feel the same way about her work? They better.
She approached the clothesline with her chest swelling with pride. She had this in the bag, it was gonna be easy! She glanced down to the ground to see a small basket full of clothes, wet clothes by the look of it. So someone had set up the basket for her? Ha! They must have known she was coming around!
I'm going to make this perfect.
"Dammit, I always get the crappy choirs."
Katsuke's ears perked up to the sound of another voice coming from behind another line of wet clothing and blankets. She tilted her head to one side, what the heck? Someone else was working the same lame job she was? Great! That meant her job would be done twice as fast! She might as well see the face of the guy she was going to work with, so with one swoop she pulled the wet garments to one side.
Her eyes widened when she saw no one standing before her. Oh God, did she just hear a ghost or something? Before she could have her panic attack, she happened to glance downward, only to see a small redheaded boy staring back up at her.
"Hey…" The boy was quick to verbally confront Katsuke, "You're that new Page! I've heard about you from Hijikata!"
"Yeah…who are you?" Katsuke responded in a dull voice.
"My name is Tetsunosuke Ichimura, Hijikata's Page." The small boy then pointed to himself with great pride.
"Really? You?" Katsuke threw her head back and laughed at the smaller male. "You can't be more than what? Ten?"
"Hey!" He barked like a small pup, "I'm fifteen!" He shouted and shook his fist in anger.
Really? There wasn't much of a difference in age between them. "I'm sixteen," She said, feeling somewhat superior.
"They have you doing laundry work too, huh?"
"Yeah, but I'm used to it." She nodded, going back about her work.
"So," Tetsunosuke placed his hands on his hips, "What are you here for?"
"I have my reasons."
"Me too." Tetsunosuke replied in a depressed tone that surprised Katsuke.
"Well," The cross dresser turned to the boy, "I guess this means we'll be working together from now on."
So this was it, huh? She could deal with this. At least this kid wasn't as obnoxious as those three jokers she came into contact with a day ago. She'd much rather deal with a mature younger person than a group of immature older men. Either way it wasn't like she was doing this to make friends, she had something she needed to accomplish!
"Hey," The boy's voice caused her to flinch and look his way, "There's more wet clothes in the dojo could you get them for me?"
Ugh, more work? "Sure."
XoXoX
Things were quiet, quieter than usual anyway. Was that something to worry about or show he be pleased with the fact that nothing bad was happening? Then again in this place, things had a habit of shifting rapidly. Things would be serene and calm then hectic and out of order. Did he enjoy the change in pace? Of course but it became quite tiring after awhile. Maybe he needed a vacation.
Saitou turned a corner, entering the dojo area of the large structured home. He lifted his arm into the air and proceeded to run his fingers through his hair. It had been awhile since that 'pup' had come to the headquarters and things seemed normal since his adjusting period ended. But there was something different in the air now. For the past forty-eight hours a new aura in the house had changed his mood. It had to be that new Page that belonged to Yamanami.
As he entered the dojo he saw a strange figure standing just outside. He was bent over and plucking the dirty laundry from the floor, no doubt getting ready to wash them. He had never seen this young man before; perhaps it was Yamanami's new Page? It had to be, he knew every other man in the Shinsengumi but this face was fresh.
Hm, perhaps it was time to make an impression.
Saitou stepped silently toward the occupied male. With the Page's back turned toward him, he approached and stood just behind the new young male. He bent forward just slightly until they were at equal heights. The Page flinched for a moment and turned his chin over his slender shoulder. The two came face to face, eyes connecting to one another.
"And who are you?" He asked, even if he all ready knew the answer. Hearing the reply from this young man would leave the very important first impression.
The brown-haired young man stiffened at the sound of his voice. The color drained from his young features and he took a single step backward. Was he shocked, surprised? His thick brown brows arched to the top of his forehead while his jaw dropped open. Ah, so he was caught off guard.
"Ahh…" The boy gasped for air, refusing to respond.
"Are you not going to introduce yourself to a superior?"
The boy choked on his words while his eyes darted all around the room. Was he searching for some kind of answer? Or just delaying time? Either way it was still amusing, seeing the small child scan the room in hopes of finding something to say.
"You're…" He cleared his throat, "…You're old!" The boy exclaimed, shutting his eyes tight.
The new Page spun as quick as he could and made a mad dash out of the area, his hands full of wet laundry. The boy stepped out of sight within seconds, leaving Saitou standing alone in the dojo. What was that about? It certainly seemed as if this young man had some spunk, not to mention a disrespectful mouth. There was the option of informing the captains of his smart remark. Eh, but why get the boy in trouble? He hadn't made any horrid mistakes…yet.
"Hey, Haijime!"
The sound of Sanosuke's voice caused the older male to stand up straight. The pale man turned about to see the usual trio standing together in the dojo entrance. Well, he might as well ask about the newcomer, see what the three pranksters had to say about him.
"Who is that boy doing laundry work with Tetsunosuke?" Saitou was quick to cut to his question.
"Oh, Katsuke?" Heisuke asked with a smirk.
"Yes."
"He's Yamanami's new Page." Shinpachi finished for his friend. "I'm sure you heard about him."
The older man nodded once. "Tell me more about him."
XoXoX
"Finally! We're done!"
Two tiny set of arms few into the air as Tetsunosuke's chubby face lit up with relief. He had finally finished his day's load of laundry. Ah, there wasn't anything sweeter than a whole day's worth of laundry done! In record time too, perhaps he beat his personal best today?
"Yeah, I know, it felt like forever, huh?" Katsuke turned to him with a wide smile.
Forever? This? Psh, this was nothing! Katsuke just started, it was just a matter of time until the newcomer felt a real day of work! When it came time for an important meeting or battle, he would see how much work had to be done. Tetsunosuke looked up to his older companion with a single brow lifted. Eh, the newbie would get used to it, eventually. Tetsu would never admit it aloud, but it took him awhile to fall into the work pattern.
"Whatever, it's done." He shrugged his small shoulders.
"Maybe if you had folded faster the job would have been done sooner." Katsuke said in a calm and subdued tone.
Wait, what? Did he just say what he thought he said? No way! They had just worked together for a good forty-five minutes without one bump and now he had shit to say? He thought they had worked well together! Not to mention Katsuke said his backhanded comment in the most smooth and composed voice. What was up with that?
"HEY!" Tetsunosuke twitched and looked up to his fellow Page. It was time for a comeback, "Maybe it was because you CAN'T throw! And every time you missed, I had to FOLD them again!"
"Oh really?" Katsuke bent down to Tetsunosuke's level and continued his glare.
"Yeah!" Tetsunosuke barked, "You throw like…like a girl."
The backyard fell into a deep, awkward silence. The older male stood above him with his eyes shut and his thick brown brows hovering just above his eyelids. Was he mad? Tetsunosuke cocked one of his red brows and poked out his bottom lip, what the hell? It wasn't like he said something that offensive, right?
"W-what?" The younger boy asked after a moment or two of silence.
Just then he watched as Katsuke's arm lifted into the air. His eyes followed the brown-haired boy's arm until it stopped just above his head. With a sudden and unexpected swing, his arm shot downward. Tetsunosuke's eyes snapped open, the image of an open palm coming his way faster than predicted, leaving him open to any on-coming action.
BAM!
"Ow, what the hell?" Tetsu's hand flung upward and rubbed the spot where he had been struck.
With a quick whirl on his heel, Katsuke turned about and faced the backdoor. "If it's revenge you want, come get it!" With that the newbie fled on foot inside the large structure.
A game of chase, huh? It had been sometime since had a real playmate to roughhouse with. With the HQ being full of older men, none of which cared much, Tetsunosuke found himself with an excess energy. But things were different now! Finally someone his own age to play pranks on and mess with! He clapped both small hands together and allowed his smirk to form into a full-blown grin.
"Get back here!"
The redhead gave chase without a second hesitation. Katsuke had disappeared out of sight but it wouldn't take long to catch him. He knew this place like the back of his hand! He knew every nook and cranny of the Shinsengumi headquarters, so it couldn't be hard to find him! Ha! Then he'd show Katsuke who was boss around here! Maybe when he caught Yamanami's new Page, he would force him to do his extra chores as punishment.
As his tiny legs stepped fast and faster, breaking into a sprint, the image of Katsuke came into view. The brown-headed Page zipped around the corner, leaving Tetsunosuke to smile to himself. This wouldn't take long! Just around this last corner and he would have that cocky boy! His legs barely touched the floor as he moved around the angled wall. Just as his eyes adjusted to the new light from the different room, he felt a soft surface press against his cheek. A white flash caught his eyes and caused him to jerk backward. His arms extended out, touching the soft texture of fabric. Had he run into someone?
He backed away just enough to see a large group of Shinsengumi warriors that had gathered in the hallway. Gah, damn! He lost him! Tetsu let out a loud groan before pushing his arm out, shoving the older men to one side. Grunts and complains filled the air but fell on the redhead's deaf ears. There was no way he was going to let some old men stand in his way of catching that newbie! After bulldogging his way through the dense crowd of men, the iron Page found himself standing alone.
"Where did he go?" He whispered to himself, his eyes still scanning the area.
"Don't you have some duties to be carrying out?"
Tetsunosuke flinched as dark, familiar voice had crept into his ears. Oh great, he knew exactly who was standing behind him. With a grunt and sigh he reopened his large eyes and turned slowly. Hijikata stood straight with his arms crossed over his broad chest, all the while his dark eyes narrowing.
"Oh, no."
"Well?" The demon captain growled.
"Yes…but I was just-" Tetsunosuke began.
"You weren't playing around with the new Page, were you?" His demeanor darkened as Tetsunosuke nodded as a reply, "Keep away from Katsuke, do you hear me?" Hijikata turned from the boy. "It's nothing but trouble."
Tetsunosuke nodded once more. Seemingly pleased with his response, Hijikata stepped away from his Page, leaving him to himself. Tetsunosuke looked to the ground for a moment, the feeling of confusion washing over his being. He reached back and scratched the back of his head.
"Katsuke is trouble?"
XoXoX
"Haha! It'll take him hours to find me now!"
She placed her hand on chest as she snorted a giggled. What a kid! It only took one second for that stupid redhead to give chase after she challenged him, typical! How could anyone think they could out race her? She was the best after all, no doubt better than that half-sized squirt!
Her laughter softened after a moment and she stopped to glance about her surroundings. Eh, it was the back of the headquarters, where the pigsty was located. Nothing much but pigs, plants and dirt, the most clever hiding spot! Thee most perfect spot to jump out and scare Ichimura when he came blasting around the corner. Ha! Sounded perfect!
God, how many minutes had it been? It was starting to feel like hours! Where was that strange kid? She knew she was good, but she wasn't that good, right? Ugh! He must have ditched her! That was it; he got tired of looking and left her to fend for herself! Geez, what the hell? It wasn't like she didn't help him with the laundry, no one could ask for better help! What was there to do now?
She leaned her back against the wall and rolled her brown eyes. Katsuke then felt her weight drop down to her knees and her back slide downward. Her bottom hit the dirt floor within seconds and her knees touched her flattened chest. She then crossed her arms over her knees and placed her chin atop of her arms. Gah, what now, what now? Doing chores wasn't exactly a great substitute for fun. There had to be more to do around this place!
Her eyes wandered forward until they landed on a small herd of pigs. The small mammals hopped about in the mud, free as a bird. Together they gathered and it looked for a moment as if they were communicating. So pigs were social animals? Eh, she wouldn't have guessed. Even pigs had to have friends, then? So where did that leave her? She didn't have many people to call her own. Hm.
Living at home with her dad didn't give her much time to 'make friends'. He always left her to do the housework when he went out and worked two or three jobs. Damn, why did gambling have to revolve his world so much? If he had just been a normal father and worked a regular job to make decent money, they wouldn't have the debt they had. But no, he had to spend whatever money they had gambling! And when he came home? All he did was eat and sleep; then again he was working his ass off. But why did he have to leave her alone all the time? There was more for a girl then just housework!
Gr, she was thinking too much.
A small pink smudge at the corner of the pen caused her eyes to flicker. She lifted her brows and focused her attention in that small area. A small piglet sat, separated from its herd, near a small batch of hay that it had no doubly moved for itself. As her eyes stayed glued to the pig, it moved into a standing position and began to kick its back legs, one at a time, in the air. Ha! How cute! She couldn't help but letting a small giggle escape her lips.
The sound of her chuckle must have caught the small pink animal off guard. It spun around, making instant eye contact with her. She felt her back slam against the wall in shock, what the hell? The pig's stare narrowed and it lowered it's head and ears. Oh no, it wasn't going to charge at her, was it? It's left back lifted and kicked backward, forcing dirt and dust to explode in the air. Oh shit, it was going to charge.
"No piggy!" Katsuke's arms shot upward.
She felt her eyes shut tight. Oh, here it comes. All of her muscles tensed and waited for impact. A slight thump to her knee caused her to flinch and stiffen. Was he going to bite? Geez, that's all she needed, her tolerance for pain was all ready low enough! A nice scar from a pig bite would be so attractive…
She waited for a second thump or bite but nothing came. Her left eye fluttered open and glanced downward. The small piglet and driven its snot into her ankle and was rubbings nose against her bare skin. Her right eye followed soon after and she felt her limps relax. Her arms dropped from her chest and she bent forward, getting a better view of the small farm animal. It continued to snort and making strange noises as it rubbed its wet face against her leg. It wasn't a bite but it was just as gross, there was no need for her to be anyone's handkerchief.
"Excuse me?"
Her body froze all over again. She lifted and straightened out her back, slowly moving her chin over her right shoulder. Before her stood a very tall, slender man. His long purple locks danced in the warm wind while the hairs around his face framed his round cheeks perfectly. His large, wondrous, curious eyes stared at her in question. He was beautiful…no, he was gorgeous! Where the hell was this guy when she first joined? He was too stunning to forget!
"Y-yes?"
"I don't believe I've ever seen you around here before, are you a new recruit?" The man asked as he sat down close to Katsuke. "Oh wait!" He snapped his fingers, "I know who you are! You're that new trouble-maker Hijikata-sama keeps complaining about!"
"Ah, so you've heard of me." Her brow twitched.
"Yeah, and if you didn't all ready know, my name is Souji Okita!" He replied in a rather cheerful tone.
She couldn't hold it back any longer. She had to reach out and touch his hair, it was just too soft looking to resist! "You're so beautiful…" She moved her fingers outward his long strands and stroked his purple locks.
Ah, it was softer than it looked, if it were possible! Since when did hair come this soft? It should be against the law to have hair as beautiful and wonderful as this! She was a girl, why didn't she have hair like this? It was only right, as a woman, to be jealous. And if she said it was just his purple strands that were perfect, she'd be lying. No, everything about this man was perfect, he had to be some kind of god!
"Uh…thank you?"
The sound of his smooth voice broke her concentration and forced her to retract her arm. She shook her head, trying to get a grip on her sanity and looked back to him with a smile. He returned the soft features, god he looked good when he smiled just ever so softly. That was thinking a lot, since she'd just met him! It wasn't everyday she was taken back by such a pretty face! He had to be popular.
She watched as his large eyes moved down to her legs. She felt her back stiffen and her face begin to grow warm. Oh no, he was looking at her legs? What the hell? Sure he was a beautiful guy but did that make him any less piggish? Did she just run into a lady's man? Ah no, he was too sweet looking to be a perv!
"There you are Saizo!"
Saizo? With the blush fading from her cheeks and her thick brow lifted, she followed his eyes and glanced downward to see that he was addressing the small piglet that continued to nudge against her ankles. Ah…so that's what he was looking at? An instant frown appeared on her lips.
"Oh, so he's yours?" She asked in a saddened tone.
"Yeah. He's a loner so he likes his space from time to time." Souji reached out and plucked the small mammal from the ground. He then lifted the piglet to his face and began to nuzzle his face against Saizo's. "You know he's the runt of his litter so the other pigs don't like him much. Hijikata wanted him for breakfast one day after he was born, but then I saved him!"
"Is that right?" She tilted her head to one side; she wouldn't put it past the demon vice commander.
"As you can tell," Souji continued to speak, despite Katsuke's awkward stares, "He has social problems." He looked at Katsuke, surely catching on to the fact that she was gawking at him like an idiot. "I didn't get your name."
A second round of heated blush appeared on her face, "Oh! Katsuke Nakamura." She cleared her throat and glanced away from him, breaking their eye contact.
"Ah, nice to meet you then!" Souji moved his head downward. "Hey, I'm hungry, what to get something to eat with me?"
"Sure." Katsuke cocked an eyebrow at Souji's unusual statement but nodded and stood nonetheless.
Souji stood up beside Katsuke and gave 'him' a quick wink, "So what shall we have for brunch?"
"Dunno…" Katsuke drew a blank, "What do you normally have?"
"Well, Hijikata usually doesn't want anyone eating before they're told but I like to break that rule." Souji lifted his index finger, "Ayu, our chef, doesn't let Hijikata know though. So she's a good partner in crime."
"What if he finds out and has us commit Seppuku…?" She gulped.
"He wouldn't do that!" Souji chuckled, "We would just get beatings and a day without dinner."
"That's worse than Seppuku…"
"Oh come on Katsuke!" The taller male wasted no time in grabbing her hand and dragging her along to the kitchen. The as the couple entered the kitchen a single, Katsuke's eyes landed on a lone woman standing beside the counter, "This is my bestest girl friend, Ayumu!"
"Souji?"
She whirled at the call of her name, turning to face the two 'boys' with a smile. Her silky hair wafted in the wind and her smooth, deep eyes landed on her. Just when she thought Souji was the most beautiful person she'd ever seen, here came Ayumu. Stunning in everyway, she took time to place the small towel she was holding down and come to greet her.
"Hello boys." A soft smile curved the end of her full lips.
A small elbow to the side made Katsuke flinch. She glanced toward Souji to see the young man had poked at her, possibly to get her to stop staring like a mad man. With a quick shake of her head Katsuke was brought back to reality and bowed before the older woman. "It's nice to meet you Ayumu. I'm Katsuke Nakamura."
"Likewise." She smiled as she too took a bow. "Now," She stood up, "Souji, what is it you want now? Not another brunch!" Souji just replied nodding his head cutely, causing Ayumu to let out a loud sigh. "Okay just for your new friend, I'll make you one more brunch! After this, I'll have to refuse. If Hijikata finds out, he'll have my head."
XoXoX
When was the last time she had food this amazing? It wasn't like in all the time she was alone she had food this good! She couldn't cook without burning anything! But this? She had forgotten how good food could taste when it was chard. It like an explosion of flavors on her tongue! Was she going to eat like this every night? Shit, she'd join the Shinsengumi just to get a taste of the food!
"Wow!" Katsuke gasped for air between bites, "This is amazing."
"I know isn't it?" Souji smiled as he placed a small piece of food in his mouth.
"I've never had food this good," She turned to the slender male with a wide smile on her face.
"Never?" He tilted his head to one side.
"No!" She shook her head. "When I was living with my dad, he relied on me to cook but I could never make anything this incredible."
"Good for you then." The ends of his lips curled into a small smirk. "We'll just have to make this brunch a reg-"
The irrupt pause caught her by surprise. She watched as Souji's eyes opened wide and his head turned to the left. Was he looking for someone or did he hear something? Catching on to his alerted state, she moved forward in her seated position, on the dojo floor, and looked around Souji for any sign of life.
Without any warning, the purple-haired male's arm shot upward and he shouted out, "Sanosuke, Shinpachi, Heisuke! Come over here, sit with us!"
Katsuke flinched. Those guys? Oh no, not them! Her features instantly dropped into a frown while whatever taste on her tongue soured. Wonderful, just what she needed, three jokers around begging for food! This was her hard earned food and she wasn't about to give it up without a fight!
"Hey there Okita!" Sanosuke smiled as he patted Souji on the back, all the while staring into his box of food.
"Hiya!" Souji squeaked, "What are you all doing here, off patrol so soon?"
"There was nothing to patrol so we came back early." Shinpachi explained.
"Yeah and since we did such a good job…" Heisuke began speaking in an evil tone, "We should get a reward, like some of Ayu's home-cookin'."
She threw them her best glare in an attempt to scare the three away from her meal. They continued to stand above her, eyes wide and smirks spreading. Ugh, they thought they could get to her food that easily? Psh, no way! Who the hell did they think they were, coming around demanding food like some kind of pack of alpha dogs! Not to mention they were cutting into her bonding time with Souji. After all, he had to be the closest thing to a future friend in this place!
It was time to assert her dominance! "Back off!"
"Hey!" Heisuke was quick to pout. "What's up with that?"
"Yeah," Sanosuke nodded to agree. "We came down here to pay you a visit and that's how we're treated?"
"No need to be rude." Shinpachi linked his hands to his hips.
Souji extended his slender, pale arm toward her. His gentle hand landed on her head and he proceeded to pat her. "Relax, they aren't going to take your food."
Katsuke turned away from Souji and returned glaring at the trio but this time with her secret pride swelling inside. Ha! So he was going to stand up for her, was he? Showed those three idiots! Maybe she wouldn't have to be a loner forever, she had Souji now! The urge to stick her tongue out at the boys came and left her mind, no need to look too attached to the legendary swordsmen.
"Even though you should give us at least a bite." Sanosuke moved his muscular arms over his chest.
Huh? Why? She lifted a brow.
"Being a girl after all," A smirk spread over Heisuke's cheeks.
Shinpachi was quick to finish for the brown-haired middle man. "Men should always eat first."
What did they just say? Did they just say she was a girl? No, they couldn't know, they didn't know! There was no way anyone figured out her secret, especially not three jokers like them! This was wrong, terrible! Not to mention the fact that even if she was to admit she was really a woman, that they would treat her in such a way. She wasn't going to stand for this, she wouldn't stand for this. If she was going to be the man her father wanted her to be then she was going to fight back! She was going to show this stupid trio who was a real man! A Nakamura wouldn't go down without a fight!
She was only going to take so much for so long. Without any words or obvious signs, she stood on her two feet with her bento box in hand. The men watched as she stood up straight and lifted her head. She was going to give them the worst stare she could produce. There was no way she was going to let them get away with calling her a girl. She was so much more than that, she wasn't a girl, and she was a Nakamura! Being called a girl was more than an insult, it was disrespectful; no woman, no girl could measure up to the wonders she could do. So she lifted her arm upward, the box following along. With one swift and instant movement, she flung what was left of her meal at the three men.
The sound of a loud bang rumbled through the dojo and shook her to her core. Did she do the right thing, the mature thing? Of course not, but they deserved it! …Right? How dare they disrespect her in her own 'home'! They would learn not to mess with her! She was a man, and they were going to treat her as one! Even if she forced it on them!
She looked to see the three taller, stronger men covered in rice and small bits of fish, Ayumu's home cooked meal dripping from their clothes and hair. Good, now they would look foolish. It served them right. They would learn that next time they wouldn't mess around with her!
"Hey! What was that for?" Shinpachi barked as he wiped the rice off his face.
"That was uncalled for!" Heisuke added.
"You just wasted all that food!" Sanosuke replied as he licked the food off his hand.
She forced her body passed the three men. "Don't ever call me a girl, got that?" She then shot her second best glare over her shoulder. "Next time I won't be my food!" Next time it would be her fist, for sure.
Act End.
