Disclaimer: Peacemaker belongs to Nanae Chrono.
Chapter Three: Very Important News
Kyoto, March 12th, 1863.
Yamoya Silk Shop.
"...package three goes to Akane-han, Package four goes to Masa-han, and Package five goes to Omura-han." The little boy paused, waving around the piece of paper in his hands. "This is boring," he complained, scrunching up his nose. "Can I go now please?"
His sister shook her head.
"Souta, I think you made a mistake. Package four can't go out to Masa-han, she doesn't buy silk. It must be someone else. Would you have another look?"
The boy squinted at the list. "You're right," he declared, jumping down from the boxes he had been standing on. "It says Maka-han. Package four goes to Maka-han." When she nodded in affirmation, he quickly and hopefully added, "Can I go now?"
"Souta, be gone already," grumbled a voice from upstairs. "Your whining is quite insufferable."
"Thanks Gramps!" Souta exclaimed happily, scrambling towards the exit. "See you later, Meko-nee!"
"You know, I was hoping you'd help me with the deliveries today, Sou--" But before the young woman could finish her sentence, he had already zipped past her and out the door. She sighed. "Boys," she muttered. "I don't understand them at all."
"Souta's just a nine year old brat," remarked Yamoya Tsuyoshi as he came down the stairs, his pipe dangling from between his mouth. "What's to understand?" He paused, exhaling smoke, and his face creased into a smirk. "Or could you be referring to grown up boys maybe?"
When Kameko didn't reply, he stroked his beard and with a glint in his eyes, added, "So what was the verdict on Okita Souji?"
She stared at him, incredulous.
Yamoya laughed out loud, only to have it turn into a coughing bout. Kameko shook her head, muttering about smoking and bad habits, but when her grandfather regained his breath, he continued on, unfazed. "Midori-han tells me everything, you know. Actually, she tells anyone who'll listen. She and Masa-han are plotting again. Ever since the failure of Yanoto Ukeha, they're twice as determined as before."
"It doesn't bother me at all," Kameko answered curtly, promptly walking outside to begin loading the packages onto the cart. The servant boy who had been waiting outside looked up immediately. "Ma'am," he bowed, rushing to assist her.
"Oh please," wheezed Yamoya, his voice carrying outside. "Just tell me how he proposed. I always enjoy the speeches."
"Well, you'll be disappointed then. You see, there was no proposal." Kameko stepped inside, brushing back her bangs with a triumphant gleam in her eyes. "Okita Souji is not the least bit interested in marrying me."
Her grandfather was not pleased with this information. "We're one of the wealthiest merchant families around!" he exclaimed, indignant.
Kameko picked up another package and exited the room. When she came back inside she asked, "Don't you think it is possible that there are men who are not interested in marrying for wealth?"
Yamoya grunted. "Absolutely not."
"So when you married my lovely grandmother, you married her for wealth?"
Her grandfather's eyes clouded at the mention of his late wife, and Kameko suddenly wished she hadn't spoken. But then the look disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, and Yamoya retorted, "Well no, because obviously, I was already rich."
Kameko shook her head. "You married her because you loved her."
Did he think she didn't know? Kameko had never forgotten the stories her mother used to tell her before she fell ill. How her grandparents had been deeply in love with each other, despite the consequences. How her grandmother had inspired Yamoya to pursue what he loved most, the art of making sweets, amongst the other aspects of his inherited business.
How, when Kameko's own mother had fallen in love with a poor samurai who had visited a shop of theirs oneday, her grandfather had not objected to their unconventional marriage. Even though the young and cheerful grandfather of her mother's stories seemed very different to the sarcastic and moody one that he was now, Kameko had always sensed that he was still the same man.
Sometimes, when she'd stay up all night, trying out different recipes, coming up with a new blend of flavours, and he would smile and test them, or when he'd tell a rare joke about the days when he had been as obsessed as her, she felt closer to him.
But other days she felt like she didn't know him at all, and these days were the hardest.
"Love!" snorted Yamoya, taking another drag on his pipe. He blew out smoke, and his lip curled. "People don't marry out of love, how many times do I have to tell you? People marry because they are supposed to. And if that Okita Souji knows what's good for him, he'd marry into a wealthy family like ours. I'm going to die, sooner or later, and Souta's still an ignorant child. The business has to go to someone. Don't you care about that?"
"I do care." Kameko looked away, her face shuttered. "But..."
Sometimes Mother, sometimes I think you didn't tell me those stories at all. That I simply made them up to comfort myself about my future, to comfort myself because I knew you were going to pass...and that I would be alone with him, my scary and irritable Oji-san.
"...I'm just not interested in marrying right now." She paused, her face uncharacteristically blank. Not now, not ever. "And especially not someone who is only thinking of money."
"Well, beauty plays an important role too. Does that make you feel better? It should. I can't understand why that insolent boy didn't propose to you. You're a handful, but you're definitely a good looking girl." He nodded, and smirked. "You take after me, of course."
I do take after you...It's obvious to you isn't it, Grandfather? You don't know that I know about you, about your past, but I know why you feel frustrated sometimes when you look at me...Inwardly, she sighed, out of the irony of it all. You see parts of yourself in me that you wish you didn't.
On the outside, she forced an amused expression as she replied, "Is that so?" She busied herself by picking up the list Souta had discarded, and putting it away. Then she started to clear the room of the few cartons scattered in the front. "I think perhaps you hold too high an opinion of me."
Her grandfather scratched his nose as he gave her a critical look. "Perhaps you're right. If you looked like this when Okita saw you, no wonder he was scared away. You dress like a maid, for God's sake. And that untidy hair! Why, no proper young lady would have her hair so peasant looking." He was warming up, apparently there were more faults with her then he first thought. "And the worst part is that you insist on doing the work of a man, and if you don't change that, then--"
"Grandpa."
Kameko sighed as she glanced at him, reclining against the counter like he was in his twenties and not his sixties. "Please don't scare away the customers while I'm gone."
IIIIIIII
Evening.
Gion District.
"Did I ever tell you the story of when I faced up to a bear and won?" Serizawa asked after enthusiastically downing a cup of sake. His neat ponytail and refined samurai dress made him look like the respectable man he was not, Hijikata thought as he stared at him.
"I'm not interested," he said sourly, looking into his cup to further prove his point. Of course, staring at the clear liquid was more interesting than having to listen to another of Serizawa's grand tales. Of how he had defeated this. How he had saved this. Oh please.
If Hijikata had to listen to one more story, he would scream. Yet today, it seemed it was all he was hearing, and understandably, he was feeling bad-tempered.
This morning, when they had found out that Aizu were taking charge of the Roushigumi that had stayed behind, and that they now officially had their purpose back, Hijikata had been in high spirits along with everyone else. It seemed things were finally looking up, and the news had sparked a real air of comraderie between his and Serizawa's men. Personally however, Hijikata disliked the Mito samurai more than ever.
Serizawa had been boasting all day that it was thanks to his connections in Aizu that they had the good news, and not the efforts of Kondou and Hijikata. It was true that his brother was an official within Aizu, but still, the man could have a little more modesty, Hijikata thought as he scowled to himself. If it hadn't been for the fact that Aizu was paying for their party in Gion and it would be rude for him not come, he would have stayed behind at the Yagi compound rather than be in Serizawa's presence.
Kondo gave him a knowing look as his geisha companion poured him another drink, leant in close and whispered, "Toshi, maybe the reason you despise him so much is because you are alike." He laughed merrily as he slapped his knee. The geisha sitting prettily beside him, laughed daintly behind her hand. Kondou's broad laugh was the most amusing she'd ever heard. Perhaps all men from the country laugh this way, Katsuno thought to herself in amusement. Perhaps she would voice this later.
Hijikata choked as Kondo's comment hit home. "Don't compare him to me," he hissed, eyes narrowed.
"I wasn't comparing," said Kondou, and he winked.
The geisha pouring sake for Serizawa laughed softly covering her mouth with a silken sleeve. "Why, Serizawa-han, even if these men don't, I would love to hear the story," she said sweetly, ever so slightly pressing her leg against his.
Serizawa puffed his chest out. "Well it all began when I was trekking in the mountains in Edo..."
"Running from the authorities, I imagine," commented Hijikata, and Katsuno giggled. She was becoming used to being ignored by Hijikata all evening, yet his comments truly made her laugh. There was just something unconventional about the man. He uttered his words as though he didn't care who they offended. And she suspected he didn't.
"Won't you tell us that tale Seriza-han?" Katsuno asked slyly. "It sounds much more exciting."
Hijikata snickered.
IIIIIII
Evening.
Yamoya residence.
"I don't believe you!"
Kameko stared in disbelief at the plump woman in front of her. "How could you arrange this without my knowledge? Midori-han, this is unacceptable. I won't go!"
"I do apologise for not asking you," said Midori, not apologetic at all. In fact, the very air around her seemed to bubble with excitement.
It is obvious Midori thinks herself very clever at this moment, thought Kameko, frustrated and tired. It was a late hour, and she thought the night would be uneventful. Midori didn't usually talk about the suitors and she and Masa-han arranged for her when they were in the middle of cleaning.
Midori had been hired by the Yamoya family initially to look after Kameko and her younger brother after their mother passed, but soon Yamoya had given her more control, she was in charge of the sweet and silk shops, and the cleaning and general management of the Yamoya household. Kameko had never been the type of person to allow others to do things for her which she was capable of doing herself. This was a mentality that Midori assured her was not a good one, but Kameko knew it would not change.
The only problem was that this meant she and Midori spent a lot of time cleaning and managing things together. Which meant ample time for Midori to discuss all of the things that Kameko needed to change about herself, but thankfully during these times she never brought up marriage and suitors. A clever thing, because they both knew the cleaning and managing would never be done if they spent all the time arguing, which was what usually happened when Midori brought up marriage and suitors.
And it doesn't help that we live in such a large compound, thought Kameko in sudden irritation, as she looked beyond the open shoji screen and towards the beautifully kept gardens. The full moon twinkled on the koi pond's surface, and finding herself distracted, she quickly slid the screen shut and turned back to Midori, who seemed ready to argue her cause for bringing up the topics which were not to be brought up during their cleaning and managing times.
It is really my own fault for not intervening before these meddlesome ladies went too far, thought Kameko as Midori came closer towards her in determination. No, courtesy had done her no good at all. "I meant it when I said I won't be going," she insisted, trying to appear firmer than usual. "You'll just have to let him know."
"But he's so sweet and charming!" cried Midori, alarmed that the girl might actually refuse.
Kameko could hear the cicadas outside and wished they were loud enough to drown out Midori's voice. "Those were your exact words regarding Okita-han," she replied with an exasperated sigh. "Those are your exact words regarding every man, my dear Midori-han. If it hasn't worked before, why do you think this time will be any different?"
"And Okita-han was such a lovely boy," sniffed Midori. "It would have been so nice having him around. You don't think of your future at all!"
Tired, from both the cleaning and conversation, Kameko sank down on the floor, staring glumly at the worn rag in her hand. "Midori-han, how am I supposed to finish cleaning this room if you keep bringing this up?"
"You don't even have to clean," pointed out Midori.
"Yes, but I like to help you."
"Meko-chan, your grandfather pays me."
Kameko sighed again, inwardly. It seemed there was no way out of it. Midori was remarkably talented when it came to being a hassle, so it seemed she would just have to go along, or the woman might convince her grandfather to finally ban her from all activities except cooking, sewing and tea ceremony she thought grumpily. She remembered what Midori had said earlier about their latest catch being the youngest of all the suitors, about the same age as her.
She made a quick decision.
"Meko-chan?"
With a bright deceptive smile, Kameko looked up. "Midori-han, I've decided I will go. But on one--"
"Wonderful!" Midori interrupted, beaming as she clapped her hands together.
'"--condition."
"Condition?" The woman looked suspicious. "What sort of condition?"
"I agree to meet this Todou Heisuke you so fondly speak of. I will dress and behave like a proper young lady according to your wishes. But if it so turns out that he is not interested in courting me, then you will promise to stop finding suitors for me, period." She paused, then added rather petulantly, "Masa-han too, because I know you're in it together."
Midori grinned, then stepped forward and pinched her cheek. "My dear, it's a deal!" she exclaimed happily. She hummed as she turned back to her cleaning, dipping the rag into the bucket of water and wiping the floorboards with much more enthusiasm.
Kameko stared at her as she also went back to cleaning, with less enthusiasm than before. I hope I didn't just plan my own funeral, she thought dismally as Midori began loudly singing a love song
IIIIIII
Gion district.
Yamanami stifled his laughter as Heisuke whispered his Very Important News in his ear. "Todou-kun, " He pushed his glasses up his nose and tried not to laugh. "You musn't get your hopes so high." He lowered his cup and added, "Women are not that easy to win over."
Heisuke grinned, and raised his eyebrows. "Why Yamanami-san, I'd have never imagined you to be the jealous type!" He placed his hand against his heart, and dramatically added, "But you're mistaken! I don't have to win her over. I just know we're made for each other, that fate is bringing us together for a reason."
He sighed, his eyes suddenly soft and shining with tears. "It's all so beautiful I don't think I can bear it," he sniffed to the geisha next to him, who was looking at him with a bemused expression. "I think I need more sake, my heart is fluttering like a bird..." He held out his cup with a trembling hand.
"I think you've had enough," commented Nagakura, shaking his head in amusement. He placed his hands over his head and muttered, "He's such a hopeless romantic fool."
"I'm actually quite worried," Yamanami whispered as he leaned forward. "If he is rejected, he may not live through it."
Nagakura snorted. Heisuke harrumphed loudly, having heard him. "You may laugh at me now," he declared, running a hand through his hair, "But once I have that divinely beautiful girl as my wife, you'll all be very envious!" He hiccouphed, eyes glassy, face flushed. "Gosh, I'm starting to feel faint..."
"Haha, divinely beautiful!" chortled Harada. "You haven't even seen her yet! For all you know, she could be ugly as a mule!"
"Don't be mistaking his luck with yours," said Nagakura slyly.
Across from the now bickering trio, Okita smiled happily as the geisha beside him played her shamisen. The gentle music made him forget he was even sitting there in the room, it seemed to make the laughter and the voices fade. He found himself thinking of the long journey to Kyoto, and how it seemed their next one had finally begun.
Trouble is brewing in Kyoto, the Capital is going to become very violent. More ronin are pouring in and becoming more outspoken against the Shogunate...taking advantage of the peoples' fear.
There is no doubt that many people will ally with such rebels, falsely believing they can expel the foreigners. And then those loyal to the Shogun will have to act...
Now Aizu has accepted us...and soon it will all become official with the coming ceremony of Lord Matsudaira...and our loyalty will be official. When the time comes to defend Kyoto, will I be able to act? I have only ever killed one person before and that...and that...
Okita shuddered and massaged his suddenly throbbing temples.
Stop thinking ahead, he instructed himself firmly. Thinking ahead did not seem clever like Hijikata believed, it was depressing, because obviously a war was going to break out sooner or later. Souji knew Hijikata was preparing himself for his role in such a war, he could see the steely determination in his face ever since they first submitted petition.
But personally, Okita preferred to take each day as it came and not dwell on the future.
He thought of the previous morning, when he had gone to the sweet shop with the Yagi boys. That had been fun. He laughed quietly as he thought of Yamoya Kameko, the rich girl who had been dressed as a maid, and the shop owner Midori's expression when she came outside to find her gone. He wondered what happened with them after that. He hadn't had any chance to go into the Capital since then, he'd been too busy with his swordsmanship.
"Did you like it, Okita-han?" the geisha asked softly as she gracefully lowered her shamisen.
Okita blinked, and smiled. "That was very beautiful," he said truthfully. "...You wouldn't mind playing it again, would you?"
"Of course not," replied the geisha, amused. "But first, you should drink. I've only poured you one all evening, and you still haven't touched it." She offered him the cup and Okita was about to decline, but seeing the smirk on Harada's face, he smiled graciously.
"Thank you Ichiume." Okita tilted his head back as he drank.
In trying to get the better of Harada, who was watching him with great interest, Okita threw his head back a little too far.
Ichiume gasped in alarm as his eyes widened and he choked.
Harada slapped his knee and roared with laughter, startling the timid maiko next to him.
"Ha ha, Souji you idiot!"
Okita's loud coughing began to fill the room. All the geisha and the men were staring at him now, some in amusement, some in concern. Even Harada quietened down, watching him nervously. Hijikata was scowling, which meant he was worried as well.
"Souji!" exclaimed Kondo, leaning forward. "Are you alright?"
"Ke ke!" said poor Okita, face turning red.
"Oh dear..." Kondo paused, looking apprehensive. "Perhaps someone ought to take him outside..."
"No need."
Kondou glanced at the one sitting next to Okita with a bored expression. The man placed a cup of water in Okita's hands, and both surprised and grateful, his friend drank. "He'll be fine," said Saito Hajime calmly. "It seems the spirits were right when they said I would need water this evening."
There was an uncomfortable silence at these words, in which all eyes were on him and Saitou, so Okita put down his cup and weakly asked, "Ichiume, won't you dance for us?"
The men cheered, eager to be treated to another of the geisha dances, and instantly forgetting what had happened.
Okita sighed good naturedly, it would be revisited later, he was sure. He smiled as he watched Ichiume's slow unwinding movements with her fan. For now, he could just relax and enjoy the moment, without any interruption. For now.