Disclaimer: The usual.
Chapter 9: Diary of Secrets
Early winter in the mountains is colder than in Kyoto. Saya learnt that when she awoke with her feet half-frozen late one night. She couldn't sleep and decided to warm herself by the hearth. Suzu slept at the other end of the room behind a screen. She caught a glimpse of him sleeping curled up like a cat. The blankets were pulled so high, only the top of his head was visible.
In Kyoto, she had shared a room with Hana. In cold weather, they had snuggled together for warmth. Thinking of Kyoto. Thinking of him...She had dreamt they were walking together that summer day when they shared their first kiss.
She stepped out into the front room. Both futons were empty. Kenshin sat dozing cross-legged by the door. His sword was cradled in his hands as if he feared a sneak nighttime attack. Tomoe's blue scarf was wrapped about his shoulders. Tomoe sat at the desk writing in a worn diary. She was crying silently.
Saya went to her. You love him, don't you? Tomoe nodded. They were both young women in love. Both uncertain of the path they had chosen to take. They chatted until the lamp burnt out, through hushed words, gestures and words traced out onto a palm.
Saya told Tomoe about Tetsu. Tomoe understood. Tomoe expressed her fears on the dangerous life Kenshin led and how he's just an innocent child despite it. Both girls wound up sleeping snuggled together for warmth.
In Kyoto Shinsengumi HQ, Tetsu dreamt of Saya. They were chasing each other through a field of wildflowers. Then Saya turned into a bird and flew into the sky. He tried reach out to grab her...and fell out of his closet. He landed on top of Tatsu who always slept in front of the closet. Rubbing his very sore behind, Tetsu made a mental note to switch from the closet to the floor. He was outgrowing it fast.
Cold. He went out to the privy and saw Okita standing on the veranda, coughing badly. The pale moonlight showed up the dark splotches that stained the first captain's hand. Hijitaka emerged from his room with a very worried look on his face. He wrapped a blanket about the still coughing Okita and bundled him in.
Tetsu had not realized. Okita's cough was worsening. He was growing weaker with each passing day. Already he had stopped patrolling. Passing by Okita's room, he could hear the muffled coughs and Hijitaka's voice. Then he noticed Hotaru observing everything from the far end of the yard near the pigsty. With her was Susumu in his black working clothes.
Okita-san hadn't wanted anyone to worry for his sake. That is how he is. To his friends, he'll always have his sunny smile. No one will know how bad his illness really is. That was his front, his armor. The only person who can see through this armor is Hijitaka Toshizou. Tetsu realized how little he knew of his mentor and best friend. He promised himself to buy some of Okita's favorite sweets tomorrow.
Nagakura Shinpachi got kicked awake by his friend Harada Sanosuke, who slept next to him. Looking out onto the veranda, he saw his other roommate, Toudou Heisuke. Lost in thought, Heisuke gazed up into the night sky. It may snow soon. He hoped Hana will not be too cold sleeping in her room in Shimabara alone.
Pulling on his coat, Shinpachi joined him on the veranda. Harada snored in his sleep and kicked again. He dreamt of strolling among the blooming cherry trees with Ayu-nee.
Kondo stretched his limbs painfully. Cold weather made his joints ache. He can't figure out why. He isn't that old, is he? With a sigh, he decided to retire for the night. Tomorrow, he'll go see a doctor, or maybe Toshi may have some remedy for premature joint aches.
In Shimabara, Akesato gently caressed the head on the man sleeping beside her on the futon. She did not want to wake him yet. Outside the stars twinkled, as did the street lamps. She kissed him lightly on his cheek. He stirred in his sleep. She must leave now, or they'll come looking for her.
She got up and glided to the door. There, she paused and looked back at the sleeping man. For years she had lived in this floating world. Lies, deceit and false smiles. How many men had she charmed with her beauty? She had long forgotten their names and faces. Yamanami Keisuke. That one name alone will remain in her heart.
She shut the door silently and glided down the corridor to that dreaded meeting. She was helpless, caught up in a whirlwind she knew little of. What orders awaited her tonight? Inside the room, Yamanami reached out for his beloved, and found only air.
Author's notes:
Why is it senbi can't write romance without it being tragic? (hint, hint) Blame it on the classics: Butterfly Lovers, Dream of the Red Mansion, Romeo&Juliet blah blah...that I grew up on.
TB at that time's a terminal illness. Dying of it takes a painfully long time. Hijitaka cares for Okita in big-brotherly manner.(PLEASE! This is not a pairing)
Subtle hints on Akesato's real profession...