Title: Simple Joy
Day/Theme: January 10, 2008 / The simple and loving heart of childhood.
Series: Peacemaker Kurogane
Character/Pairing: Hijikata Toshizo and Okita Souji - Based on Chrono Nanae's characterization of two real historic Shinsengumi warriors as presented in manga series Peacemaker Kurogane. I own nothing.
Rating: PG, 390
( Simple Joy )oOo
Hijikata could hear Souji’s laughter, crisp and full of innocence as he sat in his room perusing the reports from last night’s watch. Jovial screams of other children resonated as well from the campground’s entrance area, which only meant that Souji was in the company of the town’s kids. He found it relaxing to listen to happy children at play and Souji’s mirth. Despite the eerie trepidation of every Shinsengumi warrior about the rumors of an impending battle with the opposing factions, listening to the children’s happy voices, gave him hope.
Souji, despite his condition, still managed to smile and encouraged everyone’s fearful hearts. Hijikata smiled. “He will carry us through our fears. Forgetting his own fears and living each day happy like a child, innocent and pure.”
“Commander Hijikata are you busy?” Souji asked, claiming his attention from his own thoughts.
“What is it Souji?” Hijikata queried back.
“The children asked if we can get them candy,” Souji inquired, “I run out of supply, would you like to walk with us to town and get some more?”
“ Why do I have to accompany you to buy candy? You and the kids can walk to town and get the sweets,” he replied disapprovingly.
Souji showed him a childish pout as he focused his eyes on him. “But you enjoy walking to town with us. I thought it will be good for you to get away for awhile.”
Hijikata folded the reports and neatly set the logs back in the case. He pushed his table aside and stood to straighten his yukata. “I can never say no to you Souji,” Hijikata confessed.
Souji smiled, eyes gleamed as his cheeks slightly blushed. “Toshi,” he whispered.
“Souji!” Hijikata glared. “We are not alone,” he continued. He wondered how Souji could be this playful chibi one minute and suddenly transform into an alluring vision of beauty before him.
“Well, I can’t wait for the time when we will be because I like it when you can’t say no to me!” Souji winked at him as he reached to hook his arm on Hijikata’s. Souji led his Vice Commander to meet the children at the entrance area.
“Children, Vice Commander Hijikata will walk with us to town and treat us for candy!” Souji announced and the children jumped and yelp happily.
Toshi glanced at Souji momentarily and sighed. “I guess you want me to buy the candies too!”
Souji nudged his side. “It will be worth your while, I promise,” Souji replied as he kept his smile on his face.
“You are such a brat, you know that!” Hijikata replied quietly.
“I know, but you love me for it!” Souji declared in response.
Hijikata smiled in agreement. “Children let’s go and get candy,” he led the group out of the campground and into town, his heart joyful, sharing another happy moment with Souji.
oOo
for:
31_days