dotonborii

[dotonborii]

「I-I’m not Hika-kun’s favorite?」

[dotonborii]

ukiiyoe​:

@dotonborii​

Masaru was the one who’d chosen the restaurant, to Hikaru’s chagrin. Not that there was anything wrong with it. The food was as good as Masaru had insisted it would be, which he seemed to take great pride in, and it was the sort of small, local place Hikaru usually preferred anyways. Nothing seemed to be amiss.

Then again, everything was feeling amiss to Hikaru lately. Even now, between the smell of fried meat and the warm conversation of the owners, there was an unsettling feeling that had lodged its way into their mind. They’d never been here before. That never used to bother them, but now the knowledge that each person in the vicinity was a stranger was inescapable. Was that the cost of modernization?

A server passed by with a plate of food, and Hikaru immediately glanced down at their menu, pretending to mull over the options.

“Ah, this might be a strange question…”

Even their voice felt restrained, uncomfortable. They paused.

“Do you have any interest in the supernatural?”

☆ Masaru seemed completely oblivious to Hikaru’s pensive demeanor as he impatiently waited for their food to be delivered. The aroma within the restaurant was absolutely intoxicating to him; he could smell the batter of the 天ぷら sizzling on the grill in the back, and the fragrance of the umami broth from the batches of udon being delivered to the seats around them. As far as he was concerned, this was true bliss. 

Snapping from his gluttony induced trance at the sound of Hikaru’s voice, he peers over at the other with a curious, yet still carefree expression. He raises an eyebrow at the sudden question and pauses, then rolls his eyes with a sigh as he leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed behind his head. 

「へー、supernatural, huh?」He takes a moment to think over his answer, not wanting to send Hikaru into another one of his existential tirades. 「。。。I think I believe in the supernatural. I haven’t thought about it in a long time, but I would say I believe in ghosts, and all that.」 He frowns for a moment and leans in slowly, eyeing Hikaru.

「You’re not planning on messing with any spirits now, are you?」

[dotonborii]

BAILA 2020 November

[dotonborii]

Hey! Say! JUMP Calendar 2021-2022 Photobook

山田涼介

[dotonborii]

「ヒカくんは素晴らしすぎやで！」

[dotonborii]

ukiiyoe​:

“I’m starting to long for the times I could exile people. Go live in the United States, if you’ve found yourself such a fan of their cuisine. I’m sure we can trade your city over for something worthwhile.”

At least they’re not wasting food, like someone here.

「Exile me and you get ride of half your commerce. You’re afloat because I exist. 

Though, if you want to trade me, go for it. I’m sure ひかくんと菊さま would love to hear that suggestion from you. Trade me for... New York City, probably? Maybe even Hong Kong?」

[dotonborii]

ukiiyoe​:

“If my food was up to the standards of royalty 300 years ago, I’m certain it’s good enough for you now. You’ve just had your standards corrupted. Should I simply start ordering you McDonald’s anytime you come around? Would that be the appropriate level of culture you can handle?”

Fine, be that way. They’re going to take a bite of his food, somehow managing to chew on it indignantly.

「は？When did I ever say it was up to the standards of royalty? To insinuate this is delicious by modern day standards is one thing, but royalty? That’s too much. 

McDonalds would at least have more flavor than whatever this is you’re making me eat. I’d sooner lick some takoyaki off of the ground, actually.」

You’re disgusting, Hikaru. 

[dotonborii]

ukiiyoe​:

“It’s delicate! It’s the perfect balance of subtle flavours! It’s how food was meant to be enjoyed!” And if Masaru didn’t want it, Kyo would take it for themselves, thank you very much.

「It’s how food was made 300 years ago. It’s like you’re rationing spices like we’re feudal again. Things that are supposed to be sweet taste like cardboard. The fried food tastes like grease and charcoal. 

Open a cookbook for once.」 Oh, he’s not going to eat it. Instead, he’s going to begrudgingly poke at it like its a live experiment. 

[dotonborii]

@ukiiyoe​

「ヒちゃん、どうして食べ物は味の薄いか？」

“Hi-chan, why is your food so bland?”

[dotonborii]

kyokkou​:

With as many skewers as he could possibly hold, Kiku followed Masaru to the table. He radiated excitement at just the spread of food, and though he surely received a few stares for his gluttonous behavior, he was quick to mumble his own thanks for the meal and begin eating as soon as he sat down. Much the same as his companion, Kiku was elated at the flavor of the freshly-cooked meats and vegetables.

Kiku’s expression dropped with his bliss, though, when the subject from before was once again raised. Clearly, he was stalling now; he took his time finishing the half-empty skewer in his hand, and put it down as if to surrender. He had to stop being so stubborn at some point, didn’t he?

「本当にしつこいな．．．」He groaned, sitting back as he took hold of the next skewer and bit into the meat on it. The latter comment was at least easy enough to counter without getting into the impossibilities of the spirit world existing. 「この服って．．．３ヵ月前に海上自衛隊に入隊し��。公用で来ましたけど、道に迷ってしまった。あの時から、大阪は変わりましたね．．．」

Kiku quickly busied himself eating more; the subject matter did nothing to take away from the flavor of the food, thankfully. Each bite was just as good as the last, and it was truly one of the few things keeping him from becoming too insufferably angst-ridden about it all. Even though he just bought himself more time for an explanation about where he was to begin with, Kiku’s brain cared little for excuses and only about eating more.

☆  「へー。。。そうか？すごいな。」There was perhaps an air of suspicion in Masaru’s voice, and he stared unblinking at Kiku as he chewed on his food. That twinkle of curiosity was still shining bright, although he now was sitting back in his seat normally. No matter how happy he was, there was still no shaking that it felt like he was seeing a ghost. In all ways but physical, he was one-- a ghost of the very past their country now tried to hide or dance around. 

Masaru was no fool, it was clear to him like their country, Kiku too was dancing around the pressing questions. Still, he could at least be happy he was back, and he allowed himself to drop the subject for now to simply enjoy his presence. There was always time for questions in the future... at least he hoped there was. 

Masaru looked on in amusement as Kiku devoured the food, with even the vendor being confused, and perhaps even irritated that they were taking his entire inventory. Masaru had long since stopped eating as he felt he had reached his fill, and was not rustling about his bag for a pack of cigarettes. He slipped one from the box and popped it in his mouth in one movement with his left hand, and his light was ready in his right. He savored the taste of the smoke as he drew in his first drag, and breathed out from his nose. 

「そろそろ終わった？」 He asked with a bemused grin, the plastic boxes and sticks piling up on the table as Kiku engorged himself. 

[dotonborii]

kyokkou​:

Kiku mentally chided himself for his behavior; it was rude, and even if it didn’t put a damper on Masaru’s day (outwardly, at least) he should have been a bit more grateful to have run into someone who was willing to go through the trouble of feeding him. There weren’t many people in the world who, once they knew how much he could eat, offered to take him anywhere. 

Being pulled along like this reminded him of the first time he had gone out to tour Tokyo with Hikaru– back when it was still called Edo, of course. The only difference was that he was doing the tugging, toward whatever scents were particularly delicious-smelling. Long before they even reached the food stand, Kiku caught the aroma of freshly fried meat and vegetables. It was killing him! The closer they got, the more intoxicating the aroma became, until finally, there they were. As if he hadn’t seen food in centuries, Kiku’s eyes widened in awe at the spread. He was going to eat all of that. And then some!

「もちろん。すごく美味しそう！」

Once his gaze fell upon the enticing offerings of the stand they had stopped in front of, any thoughts about politely rejecting and offering to pay for his own food had gone right out the window.

「本当？」 Kiku was finally looking like his usual impish self now, and he was sure he didn’t need to remind his old friend just how much he could eat– so before too long, he followed up his playful questioning with an affirmative.  He really did not want to pass up the chance to be spoiled with all the delectable food Osaka had to offer.

｢お任せします!」

☆ Masaru knew exactly what burden he was putting upon himself as he opened his wallet to Kiku’s desires. He was no stranger to the empire’s notorious appetite, and who was he to judge? Being the connoisseur he was, or rather claimed to be, he took it all as a compliment to his city’s wonderful cuisine. He passed an indiscriminate handful of bills to the street vendor, telling him he’ll take however much that covered. He grabbed himself wo sticks of yakitori and found a table not too far from the vendor for them to sit at. 

「じゃ、いただきま～す！」 Masaru exclaimed loudly and clapped his hands together, once again ignoring the startled looks he received from passerbys. He took a bite of the meet, and felt his body melt in ecstasy at that wonderful, familiar flavor that never grew old to him. There was nothing that could replace the distinctive flavor of love put into this food, and it made Masaru’s heart sing in pure joy. 

Smiling as he ate, he looked to Kiku. 

「前にも言ったように。。。どこに行った？長い時に見えなかった。。。」He leaned in closely again, a face of pure curiosity now expressed on him. 「そして。。。その服。。。」His eyes looked him up and down, and a cock of an eyebrow further demonstrated his interest. 

[dotonborii]

山田涼介 - ナイモノネダリ～Acoustic Version～

[dotonborii]

kyokkou​:

It was near impossible to stay so damn gloomy before Masaru, just as full of energy as ever. Kiku’s salute was much more formal; he was, after all, in uniform and representing the JMSDF in a public setting. He’d always been known for his strict adherence to protocol, anyway. 44 years in isolation did nothing to take that out of him, and that small gesture was enough to broaden Kiku’s smile just enough to chase that dreary atmosphere further from him.

Kiku’s expression twitched ever so slightly as Masaru drew so close to him, though. He saw through him that quickly? Served him right for letting his irritation flow so freely just moments before. It always left its mark on him long after the moment passed, as he’d often found out during the war. His expression finally faltered when he heard the dreaded question.

「あの．．．」 Kiku hesitated, casting his gaze aside as he found himself at a loss for an excuse. 「そのこと．．．」

Another attempt, another loss for words– but just like that, the subject had changed again, and on cue, his stomach did the responding for him with a particularly long grumble. Kiku shook his head and heaved a sigh.

「いつも通り。」 He spoke with resignation, but that faint smile from before lingered on his face. A walk around to find a good place to eat might buy him some more time to find his excuses for the long absence; there was just no way Kiku could possibly admit what had actually happened to him. 「食事に行こうよ。」

☆  Kiku’s melancholy expression and formalities clearly had no effect on Masaru, and he grabbed Kiku’s hand like an excited child leading his parent to some flashy treat. 

「はい、はい～！」He exclaimed with another beaming smile, as if pushing aside the previous hint of somberness that had riddled his face and shined in his eyes just moments ago. He pulled on Kiku’s arm as he led him through seas of people closer to Dotonbori street, and they stopped in front of a food stand serving various platters of fried foods special to the city. 

「じゃじゃーん！串カツもいい？」 He asked, pulling out his own wallet. Although he had just ate, Masaru would be lying if he said he could resist the savory smell of freshly fried meat and vegetables straight from the streets of his beloved city. He licked his lips as his mouth watered, and he pulled out a handful of bills. 

「おれを払えるやん！」He fanned the bills in his hand with a devilish grin, knowing how much Kiku loved to eat; it was the least he could do in this moment after being reunited with him-- he could pry those questions out of him later. 

[dotonborii]

kyokkou​:

For a second, Kiku wondered if someone had mistaken him for an acquaintance of theirs. The very distinct sound of footsteps drawing closer– running, even– pricked his ears up, just in time for the excited shouting to ring loud and clear thanks to his ridiculously sensitive hearing. No; this was for him, and he was quick to lift his tired gaze from the ground. There was only one person who called him that. Immediately, his annoyance ceased to weigh on his mind, nostalgia taking its place.

The last thing he expected was to actually end up running into someone who had not yet forgotten him– on purpose or not– but the delight of being remembered was quickly washed away by a wave of apprehension. How would he even explain where he was for the past 44 years? Would it even come up in conversation? Now that Masaru was right before him, it was a bit too late to think of an excuse. Without thinking, Kiku stood up to greet him, the corners of his mouth ever so slightly turned up.  He couldn’t help being at least a little grateful for this encounter, in spite of the lingering anxiety about the rest.

Finally, some familiarity. I’ll figure out the rest as I go.

「久しぶりですね。」 Kiku’s voice was much less enthusiastic; it had more to do with his situation than it did with seeing an old friend, but he was trying not to seem so damn melancholic. 「元気ですか。」

There was little doubt in his mind that Masaru had been doing well all these decades, but it was a matter of politeness to ask. Obviously, there was much to catch up on; the city looked incredible, in spite of Kiku’s disdain for how drastically it had changed since the last time he’d been here. The underlying hope, however,  was that it would be enough of a distraction from himself, his return to service, and even his appearance. Kiku himself had agreed to the terms, as much as he hated to, just to be allowed to have a purpose again.

☆  「元気だや～ん！」Masaru exclaimed excitedly and gave an informal salute in greeting to the other, his face beaming as brightly as the sun that shown in the cloudless sky. Seeing Kiku again, after all this time was enough to brighten his whole week, and he could barely contain the excitement that pounded in his chest.

Through his smiling, he finally got a good look at the former empire, and observes his appearance. He seemed more... tired? And of course there was one dauting question on Masaru’s mind: where was he all this time?! He leaned forward into Kiku’s face with no care for his personal space, an expression of confusion and worry now present. 

「ねぇ。。。どこにいた？」Masaru asked now with a pout. 「長い時を見えないやで！その時から。。。」His voice trailed for a moment with a frown before he shook the thought away. 「会いたっかたやん。。。」

He had looked down for a moment, his eyes solemn yet nostalgic, but he quickly bounced back as he looked up a the other with a grin on his face. 

「おなかすいた？」

[dotonborii]

 ☆ Lazy feet dragged across the sidewalk of Namba as Masaru looked forward with tired eyes. It wasn’t as if he was actually tired, he was just bored, and for once was at a loss as to how he would even spend the rest of his day. With one hand, he picked at his teeth with the stick from the recent batch of takoyaki he had consumed on a whim, and he held a can of juice with his other hand. 

「もう、つまんないやん！」 He declared aloud followed by an even louder yawn, not caring who turned and looked his way. His eyes scanned the city, as if looking for the answer to his woes. 

And to his surprise, he saw it.

Masaru stopped in his tracks and blinked multiple times, even taking his time to rub his eyes to make sure he wasn’t hallucinating. Kiku?! No, it couldn’t be. He hadn’t seen him since--  He stepped forward, and immediately recognized that feeling in his chest he got when he was in the presence of someone like him. His eyes lit up, sparkling in the sun as if he had just found his long lost dog, and he immediately sprinted towards his former commander. 

「菊様～！」He shouted despite coming closer to the other man. He could hardly contain his excitement and he skidded to a stop in front of the other man. 「ほんまに久しぶりな～！」He exclaimed cheerfully, his voice echoing off of the surrounding buildings that towered above them. 

◂ ❚ ⊱✺⊰ ❚ ▸ @dotonborii​​​ || 平成元年

Barely a few months back into his re-enlistment, and they were already sticking him with the work they didn’t want to do. Kiku had been mistaken in thinking that he would be welcomed back with nothing but warmth, and while his ships were appreciative of his being reinstated into naval service, the human staff did not feel quite the same. There was a very subtle hostility towards him, as if he had some sort of privileges that they lacked when the opposite was true. Kiku didn’t want any special treatment, and he would have been perfectly fine having to go through the same trouble to regain his rank the proper way. It was probably Hikaru’s doing; perhaps he thought it would make Kiku happier to go back to something close to what he had before. 

A kind gesture, for sure, but with unintended consequences.

That was how Kiku found himself in Osaka on business– and also helplessly lost. The city had changed so much in the 44 years he was gone, and he was far too proud to ask for directions. He should not need to do such a thing– and to further his frustration, Hikaru had confiscated his kiseru. Apparently, some time in his absence, smoking was banned in government buildings? 

It had been one week and no amount of snacks could satisfy that urge, which he’d become all too dependent on during his heyday, when it mattered little what his manners were like and what the rules were. Kiku dragged his hands down his face and found somewhere to sit, weighing his options: wander around like a fool until he found the local JSDF correspondence office, or swallow his pride and ask for directions, equally as foolish for someone so full of himself as a former empire.

And as if that wasn’t enough, he was starving.

[dotonborii]

「菊様はほんまに大胆な。。。」 “Kiku-sama is very bold..”

[dotonborii]

kyokkou​:

“Not caring about money is just another way of saying pretending to have the moral high ground.” At least, that was Kiku’s  impression of it. At the end of the day, anyone would take the ease and comfort of a wealthy life over the struggle of a daily grind for a pittance. 

「へー、さすが、本田さま。いつも正しいやで！」”That’s just like you, Mr. Honda. You're always on point!” He exclaims. 

「でも、君はお金をどう思う？お金は大切なと思うか？」”But what do you actually think of money? Do you really think it’s important?”