aerialassault | Appointments

[Cliff sighed, knowing full well that such gentle, affectionate, and almost motherly gestures were as much a part of Souji's manner and person as his protectiveness and his blade.

It was beautiful.

Reaching out, he gently touched Souji's shoulder and hoped that he wasn't breaching any unspoken rules.]

Later, [he said,] we've got plenty of time for it.

If that is what you wish.

[Souji smiled back at him and reached up, touching his hand briefly. It was a gentle unfamiliar touch, but he liked it and he smiled to show it. He let it linger, then slid his hand away, trailing his fingers down Cliff's hand.

Which reminded him. He looked at his fingertips and made a face, holding the semi-wrinkled tips up for Cliff to see.]

I think this is how plums look after the pickling season, don't you?

[He studied Souji's fingers intently for a moment before he lifted his hand and studied his own.]

...huh. Can't say I've tried pickled plums, but we do look kinda like raisens right now.

Maybe it's time we retire to the bathhouse then? [He smiled and stood, grabbing his towel to wrap around his waist.] If you'd like I can work the tension out of your shoulders with a massage - I used to do it often at home.

Alright, [he said, joining Souji.] But only if you let me do you, too.

[The little displays of affection were always too one-sided for his tastes. He needed to fix that.]

[He'd never actually received a massage himself, so he had to stop for a moment to think. Would he enjoy having a massage? Hijikata certainly seemed to, so maybe it was pleasant and thus okay for him to partake in as well. He tilted his head to one side as he thought, then straightened and smiled, nodding.]

Alright. But let's get inside, hm? It's far too cold out here.

Uhm-- right

[In the summer they could have made themselves comfortable on the deck, but that was impossible in January. Suppressing a shudder from the sudden chill, Cliff hurried back toward the dressing rooms. Whatever supplies were available inside-- he wasn't sure, after all-- he knew that they would make the most of it.]

[Souji followed after him, not quite shivering as much as Cliff was, but then he was used to suppressing such things in favor of staying quiet on long, dark nights watching for enemy movements. Once they were back into the bath house, he reached for Cliff's hand and tugged lightly on it.]

Thank you. For bringing me here.

[Cliff looked down at Souji in surprise when their hands touched, and was taken aback by the bittersweet sincerity that he read in the warroir's smile.]

No, [he said, pulling Souji near.] Thank you.

[It was only a few steps before he was closer to Cliff, looking up at him with a half smile.]

It was my pleasure to spend time with you, Cliff-san. I hope you know that I will always be willing to spend time with you.

Yeah, I do, [Cliff murmured, smiling himself.] And I hope you realize the same.

I had an idea of the sort.

[He smiled back and then squeezed Cliff's fingers lightly before letting go.]

Now, we best get changed before we catch a cold or someone comes in and wonders why we're both standing in towels, hm? When we get back to the village, we can do massages - it'll be like one of those spa things people talk about.

Yeah, it will be, though I can't say I've ever been to one.

[He had ideas. The media and stories from friends are great ways to keep informed.]

So, [he said, his grin taking a mischeivous turn,] your place or mine?

That depends on whether you want Saizou to help or not.

I'm sure he wouldn't mind walking up and down your back.

Mine, then.

[He didn't want to risk the little guy actually trying to bite him. Though Cliff didn't mind Saizou, there wasn't much love that was lost between them.]

Besides, it'll give you a chance to meet Voomy. He's been very patient about waiting.

[Souji laughed, one hand held up to cover his mouth.]

I'll have to put a ribbon on him, then, for being such a good patient-- [Whatever he is. ...round thing.] --thing.

Shall we go?

'Machine'.

[Cliff chuckled when he offered Souji the correct word, idly wondering about how many other things he would need to explain while they had time.]

Yeah, let's get outta this cold, man.

[He made a curious humming sound at the word and nodded. Even after living here for so long, he still wasn't fully used to the "modern" conveniences. He preferred the old ways he knew better, the fresh foods rather than foods that sat in a cold box, sweeping the floors and wiping them with cloths than the loud whirring vacuum. As convenient as they were, sometimes they confused him.]

Pet.

[Much better name than machine. He smiled and headed out toward the changing area, towelling himself off as he went.]

Appointments

Jan. 10th | 3pm | Hot Springs

Jan. 10th | 3pm | Hot Springs

Jan. 10th | 3pm | Hot Springs

Jan. 10th | 3pm | Hot Springs

Jan. 10th | 3pm | Hot Springs

Jan. 10th | 3pm | Hot Springs

Jan. 10th | 3pm | Hot Springs

Jan. 10th | 3pm | Hot Springs

Jan. 10th | 3pm | Hot Springs

Jan. 10th | 3pm | Hot Springs

Jan. 10th | 3pm | Hot Springs

Jan. 10th | 3pm | Hot Springs

Jan. 10th | 3pm | Hot Springs

Jan. 10th | 3pm | Hot Springs

Jan. 10th | 3pm | Hot Springs

Jan. 10th | 3pm | Hot Springs

Jan. 10th | 3pm | Hot Springs

Jan. 10th | 3pm | Hot Springs