24: Silent Night
.
.
The wind is chilly tonight, and Hijikata cups his hand to protect the flame as he lights his cigarette. Snow falls as people rush home to their families, warm fires and food.
Hijikata exhales smoke into the cold air. "It's a good thing we don't have girlfriends or families, Sougo. I'd hate to have to leave then alone tonight." Hijikata doesn't mind being alone. Someone has to keep the streets of Edo safe, and tonight it's him and Sougo.
Sougo looks up from his cell phone. "Did you say something, Hijikata? Sorry, I wasn't paying attention."
"Tch. Kids theses days," Hijikata grumbles, even though he knows Sougo was probably listening the whole time, and just pretending not to pay attention.
"Kondo texted and said he needs some help, Hijikata. You won't mind continuing to work by yourself, will you?" Sougo asks, his eyes wide and innocent with an expression that screams I-am-of-course-not-messing-with-you-just-to-be-a-jerk-Hijikata.
Hijikata takes the cigarette out of his mouth to re-light it. "Do what you want, it's not like I care."
And through the night, he watches alone, as the city lights slowly turn off one by one.