"We risk it all when it matters". [Just as All Might would.] Even it'd turned on me, we'd have finished our jobs here. [And this mattered! But Shoto softens now, eases a little with the other's confirmation, his slow relief washing over him when he speaks again.] But I'm so glad you're alright, sensei.
[I'm fine, what he takes from this. ...All he's cared to.
But they're alright, aren't they? Even the boy, who sighs his cloud-frost, touch to shoulder bringing him back to all his half-frozen senses, still strengthens automatically once the man's voiced concerns for him. For all their moments together, here the small realization that they've rarely made contact, don't try, boy's life of detachments knotting its hard sort of coldness in him. Heart close, but stance distanced. And, though he blinks at first—barely feels beneath this lingering numbness—he still straightens as though it's his next proudest moment, smiling sweetly at him.
It'd been worth it.]
But I don't need to see the spirits. [Then, gently,] Can we really go to the Springs?
[All sudden wonder, his asking him bright-eyed as if it's the moon he's suggesting; not quite believing yet. (A real resort with real rest there!) Though he'd go anywhere, really. And here, only one—just one of the little creatures peeking out from its distance; though the boy doesn't mention this, barely motions with hand raised slightly, leaving it signal with somehow warm-still expression; letting his eyes stray over.
It's alright now.
Separate worlds here. He's trading his youth for more weapons, wonder for swords when childish wants don't exist for him; can't. He's still in his war back at home. But Hijikata understands; he must; this squire would not leave his shadow. If you can't, then I can't, he thinks. All his choice; I choose YOU clear as wording, boldly obvious with smiling eyes turning back again, then, quiet-made request this time:]
I think I want a bath there. [Up to his chin, then.] We should get going now.
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"We risk it all when it matters". [Just as All Might would.] Even it'd turned on me, we'd have finished our jobs here. [And this mattered! But Shoto softens now, eases a little with the other's confirmation, his slow relief washing over him when he speaks again.] But I'm so glad you're alright, sensei.
[I'm fine, what he takes from this. ...All he's cared to.
But they're alright, aren't they? Even the boy, who sighs his cloud-frost, touch to shoulder bringing him back to all his half-frozen senses, still strengthens automatically once the man's voiced concerns for him. For all their moments together, here the small realization that they've rarely made contact, don't try, boy's life of detachments knotting its hard sort of coldness in him. Heart close, but stance distanced. And, though he blinks at first—barely feels beneath this lingering numbness—he still straightens as though it's his next proudest moment, smiling sweetly at him.
It'd been worth it.]
But I don't need to see the spirits. [Then, gently,] Can we really go to the Springs?
[All sudden wonder, his asking him bright-eyed as if it's the moon he's suggesting; not quite believing yet. (A real resort with real rest there!) Though he'd go anywhere, really. And here, only one—just one of the little creatures peeking out from its distance; though the boy doesn't mention this, barely motions with hand raised slightly, leaving it signal with somehow warm-still expression; letting his eyes stray over.
It's alright now.
Separate worlds here. He's trading his youth for more weapons, wonder for swords when childish wants don't exist for him; can't. He's still in his war back at home. But Hijikata understands; he must; this squire would not leave his shadow. If you can't, then I can't, he thinks. All his choice; I choose YOU clear as wording, boldly obvious with smiling eyes turning back again, then, quiet-made request this time:]
I think I want a bath there. [Up to his chin, then.] We should get going now.
[Together!]