Sharing dinner together
.*Commingled Thoughts*.
Sannan had once said, "Meals taste better when everyone eats together," and certainly, he'd been right. Some of Kondo's most treasured memories blossomed from when dusk painted the sky in pink and gold over the Shieikan, when his beloved comrades sat side-by-side to indulge in a hard-earned repast. …But there was also just something about those quiet evenings here in Kyoto, when communal dinnertime had been foregone for other responsibilities and he found himself in only Hijikata's company.
There were several advantages to working a little harder and a bit later, after all…and perhaps the biggest of all was in Kondo's zabuton cushion being placed much nearer to Hijikata's than when they ate with everyone else. The trays had been set down in adjacent configuration, in such close proximity that their knees touched upon sitting before them.
Steamed white fish, local vegetables, rice, and of course miso soup… Kondo found the Yagi residence's culinary abilities second to none in the west, and as he enjoyed tonight's medley of flavors, he found them even more palatable than usual. In the corner of his eye, he saw Hijikata sipping his soup and wondered if it was because of him, because of the intimacy this occasion granted them.
One mutual look had conveyed their agreement to waive use of the common room, in favor to settle in Hijikata's. And that's how they wound up here, both contentedly reveling in the peace that could be found only when it was just the two of them.
No arguments, no bickering. No mischief or antics. Just savory fare and pleasant companionship.
"You're smiling, Kondo-san," Hijikata breathed suddenly, and it was in that moment when Kondo realized how openly he'd been wearing his emotions.
"Ah…" He felt heat rise to his cheeks and looked to his tray.
"Thinking about something good?"
Kondo slightly pursed his lips and placed his rice down. "I wonder, hm."
A soft snort left Hijikata and his soup bowl was set aside. Letting his gaze wander to the empty dishware, Kondo reached for his own and took a sip, before offering the rest with a smile. "Here, take mine."
"Huh?" Hijikata blinked. "You don't want any more?"
Kondo balanced his chopsticks across a dish and then took Hijikata's hand, steadily placing the bowl in it. "You love miso soup, Hijikata-san," he declared, perpetuating the flirtatious use of formal address. "And dare I say I enjoy watching you indulge in what you love."
"Kat-chan," Hijikata admonished and tossed his face to the opposite side, before righting it; however, he didn't meet Kondo's gaze upon the return.
"Now who's thinking about something good?" Kondo's tone was laden with cheer as he took up his chopsticks again with a wide grin.
"Cht…" Hijikata's complexion had taken a soft shade of rose and he closed his eyes while drinking the remainder. When finished, he stacked the empty bowl inside the other and finally turned back. "You really want to know what I'm thinking?"
"Hm?" Kondo hummed, bringing a bite to his lips.
"We should work late more often."
Exhaling through his nose, Kondo chuckled. "It looks like our thoughts are once again very much in tune, Toshi-san."