shirakawa-san

[shirakawa-san]

He knew the gift was technically optional, but Sullivan took the time to come and help him. It only felt right to do something in return even if that something happened to be as simple as buying a few pastries.

“I end up traveling sometimes for work. Not always somewhere trains or buses will take you. The house is a bit out of the way, too. Even if I am going somewhere trains are always going to, like Tokyo, I might get called home at a moment’s notice,” he explained, though there were other reasons the car was convenient that he perhaps should avoid trying to point out.

Like storing his weapons, spare clothes, or those times he forgot spares and had to drive home with blood on his clothes. The last thing he wanted was Sullivan thinking he was some sort of serial killer or yakuza.

He got the car quickly, tucked away anything that could be suspicious (bye bye sword), and pulled up right where Sullivan stood waiting. He began helping Sullivan load up the car, pausing for a moment when asked about air conditioning.

“AC? Yeah. I have it. Sometimes I wish I could stay in the car and not go outside with how hot it gets. The map is open on my phone, you can type in your address when you’re ready or just give me directions yourself, whatever works.”

Not knowing how comfortable Sullivan was with the idea of people being inside his home, or knowing his address, he didn’t care if Sullivan wanted to avoid leaving any written record of his address in Seigo’s phone. After all, the Shirakawa family preferred to limit their visitors to trusted guests and or important members of other wealthy families. 

He never got to have friends stay over as a child. While he was well within his rights to deem Sullivan trustworthy enough to visit his own residence, it still felt strange to him. He couldn’t remember if anyone outside of the family had ever visited him... pretty sure not.

“Ah–t-that was all for a house gift?” Or. He assumed a house gift. Gouma safe in the aquarium tank, he was accepting the gift. He peeked in the bag and, not being picky whatsoever, he knew he liked it (any sort of sweet was fine by his palate). He accepted the bag, a small smile after he got over the shock. “You would have been perfectly fine not to bring a gift, b-but thank you.”

Sullivan was terrible at eye contact too, so Seigo’s lack of it went unnoticed. His eyes were already back on little Gouma…which was long gone in the stuffing. He wanted to drop the rest of the toys in there, but they would need to be hand-washed first. Thus, he looked up to the other as they were offering.

“Oh, you drive? That makes getting there quicker.” Here he’d thought that they were going to walk. It was the way that Sullivan transported. Either that or a bus. He used to have a bike, but it was stolen. Twice. The only time he rode in a car was the rare occasion he got a taxi. They were expensive so it’d been months since that. To summarize that thought: it was indeed have to be Seigo to grab the vehicle.

In the meantime, Sullivan left the hamster cage on the ground, grabbing up the groceries. He’d drop them off and then seatbelt Gouma in so he didn’t tussle around everywhere. Seigo pulling around, he remembered to ask.

“Do you have AC in your car? Otherwise, it might get a little too hot for the hamster, it being Summer and all…”

[shirakawa-san]

Seigo hoped Sullivan would not notice him trying to catch his breath as he returned to the pet store (doubtful). He timed it... acceptably. It seemed Sullivan finished checking out which Seigo had expected but... how long ago?

"I'm fine. Sorry for worrying you... and making you wait. I had to grab something," he failed to elaborate, instead merely holding out the bag with assorted treats from the bakery to Sullivan. "I didn't know what you like, so I got the staff recommendations."

The next struggle on Seigo's list of problems to overcome... eye contact. Now that the gift had been purchased and presented to Sullivan, the fact such a thing was entirely unnecessary and a little over the top began to sink in. He did it again, didn't he? He always wanted to put forth nothing but his best efforts but sometimes that meant he went further than he should.

Now Sullivan might be uncomfortable or think of him as a strange person.

Trying to ignore his heart pounding from both the running and the shame, Seigo pinched the bridge of his nose with a sigh. A sigh so long and heavy, he felt like he was deflating an air mattress not lungs.

"If you are okay to wait for me again, for a minute or so, I'll bring my car around and start loading everything. I parked over there," he stated, pointing at a black car a little ways from the store entrance.

No point making Sullivan help drag everything over to the car. As long as someone was watching Gouma, the other could get the car. But that was another thing Seigo didn't know about Sullivan, whether or not he could drive, and since it was his car anyway... probably better to just go get it himself.

He’d offered innocently without a single expectation on Seigo’s part. Since it was so last-minute, he assumed that it was mutually understood that a gift wasn’t necessary. In fact, it wasn’t even on his mind as the two of them were heading towards the checkout.

But it was on Seigo’s. It possessed him until he went into action and was throwing everything into Sullivan’s hands. He squeaked at the sudden weight of the items in his arms, keeping them as far away from the hamster pocket as possible, half wanting to scold Seigo for acting so abruptly. He didn’t say a word though…mostly because he was gone before he could.

He checked out as quickly as he could, immediately checking on the poor hamster in his pocket after he set everything down on the belt. Gouma was fine. Thank goodness…but where did Seigo run off to? He wasn’t even outside!

Preoccupied with the hamster, Sullivan could be found at the outside wall of the pet store with the glass aquarium, already opening up the stuffing and pouring a considerable amount into the thing. He dropped Gouma in, allowing him to get comfy and burrow for the long trip home, not wanting him to stay in his pocket the whole time. Some kibble was dropped in there as well, Sullivan peeking up as Seigo came back…with a bag?

“Y-you scared me when you ran off like that. Are you alright?”

[shirakawa-san]

If an abnormal name existed for a hamster, Seigo felt confident he would be the one to pick it. He did not want his hamster to be judged by others for having an abnormal name, just as he himself had been judged throughout his life for one thing or another.

Sullivan's words, however, did prove to be some comfort. Hamsters were such small, fragile, and innocent creatures in his eyes. How could he not love the little one he was now tasked with protecting?

"Goma, then," he spoke with certainty, though he still doubted his selection in silence.

He watched Sullivan select toys for the newly named Goma, content to let the more experience pet owner run wild. He did not spend money on many of his hobbies. They were well-established at this point, or happened to be day to day things he enjoyed. But the mention of stopping by Sullivan's apartment, his body stiffened.

It would be rude to go to someone else's home without bringing a gift. But this was short notice, impromptu based on the circumstances, an invitation out of kindness and convenience. Not having a gift for Sullivan would be forgivable on this occasion, wouldn't it?

Looking over all of the items they intended to purchase, Seigo took a deep breath in, his facial expression suddenly quite serious.

"Walsh-san, please take this and head to the checkout. There is something I need to do. It won't take long."

He took his wallet from his pocket and held out some money for Sullivan, an amount that he felt confident would cover the items in question based on the tags and a highball estimate of sales tax, glancing toward the door.

“I don’t think there is a ‘normal’ name for a hamster.” Sullivan chuckled, reaching for a couple of toys and the wheel to add to the collection. He hoped he wasn’t being too forward and that Seigo meant it when he said the money wasn’t an issue. He had to buy Maru’s toys very slowly when she first was with him because of funds. Got her essentials and built up from there. Now she was the spoiled girl with a forest-themed cage.

“As long as they’re named with love, they’ll respond to it.”

Admittedly, he was getting pretty excited at the idea of designing another. Even if it was more simple to get the little hamster started. His mind was running a mile a minute as he gathered up supplies.

“If we, um–if we stop at my apartment first I can get you some of Maru’s retired supplies. I have a really cute hamster-sized sandbox. They don’t necessarily need to, but they like having sand or dust to wash themselves with. Otherwise, I think that we have everything that we need for their cage.”

[shirakawa-san]

tximidity​:

“Um, I can help you build his cage and get him settled if you want.” Sullivan decided to offer, wanting to help relieve some of their obvious uncertainty. It helped to have someone with a bit more knowledge, no? And while he’d usually shy away from offering himself for assistance–or even more so, doubt that he’d be helpful, there was a little animal on the line too. He at least wanted to make sure that they had a good start.

“I think you’ll be a fine hamster dad. If you’re already this worried about his well-being.” Looking back down at the furry little friend, he was sticking him in a pocket on his cardigan, knowing it was deep enough that he couldn’t climb out on his own. He did raise it though, suspending that area of the fabric in front of him to protect him.

“Ah, I-I don’t recommend toys that have a lot of colors. Just because you don’t know what they used to color it and if it is really safe for the hamster. Natural is better, in my opinion.” Sullivan pointed to a couple as an offered suggestion. “The wheel should be big enough that he doesn’t have to bend his back to run on it, i-if you plan on getting him a wheel.”

“Do you have names in mind already?”

“If you are alright with that, it might be a good idea,” he knew he was out of his depth as a first time pet owner surprised with a hamster he had not been prepared for and though unlikely to explicitly admit to being overwhelmed, Seigo more or less thought it was obvious by now.

His brother’s always told him he was terrible at hiding his feelings, much less lying. 

“Ah... thanks.”

Terrible at taking any type of compliment as well, he watched Sullivan gently put the hamster in his pocket with a tense smile. The next bit of very welcome advice refocusing him on the matter at hand, he glanced over at the suggested toys and wheel. 

“Those are fine then. Money is no issue right now, so, whatever will make him happier is what I’ll buy. As for names, maybe Goma. Because of his spots. Or Shio.”

They did resemble sesame seeds in Seigo’s mind, hence Goma. Shio would work because he was white, like salt, but for some reason all he could think of were food themed names.

“I don’t know what sort of name is normal for a hamster.”

[shirakawa-san]

tximidity​:

A smile broke out. Then a soft laugh, a gentle little giggle as he was looking at Seigo. He knew that it was perhaps rude–at the first least inappropriate, but…it was just really cute.

“That’s very noble.” He eventually offered as the reason for his giggle fit. “It’s really cute. To already love him s-so much. I know that you’ll be a good parent to him, just because of that. I’m happy to help. Thank you for calling me.”

As asked, Sullivan accepted the little hurry guy. His baggy sweater made a nice cradle as he pulled the fabric up over his hands, quietly informing the hamster that he needed to stay put. Of course, he couldn’t expect him to completely listen, habitually making little staircases out of his hands to let him scamper here and there as they stood in the small pet aisle.

“But both of those beddings work well, yes. I think that paper bedding is the best way to start. Aspen doesn’t really control scent well. You can also order some moss-looking bedding and hemp bedding if you are going for a theme. Maru’s house looks like a little forest. Since he’s new though, I would recommend white bedding so you can make sure that he’s healthy. No signs of wet tail or other issues.” With the hamster behaving in a single palm, Sullivan pointed to a large bag of stuffing with the other. “That is a good size. Lots of burrowing room. Then we need to look at toys since they’re teeth are constantly growing.”

The laughter did get Seigo’s attention, solely because he had no idea what he did to earn it, but he took no offense to it. This laughter was nothing like the laughter of his brothers when they did something to mess with him or were amused by something he’d managed to embarrass himself by doing, so he chose to take it as a good thing. 

The explanation proved him right, this time.

“I will try my best. I like the idea of being a father, but this is sooner than I thought,” Seigo admitted, trying not to get distracted by the fact he rarely did anything that would be called cute. “I will start with paper, until I have a better idea of how hamsters work.”

He loaded the empty fish tank with paper bedding, picking it back up with a soft sigh. He needed to toys, as Sullivan said, then hamster food... it seemed he would probably want some sort of structure the hamster could go inside of or something. 

“Once he’s settled in, you can visit him, if you want. Plus, I want to thank you for helping me. Is there anything you like to eat? I can take you somewhere or make something. Especially since I think... I might need your help again. With naming him... I’ve been told I’m not good at that sort of thing. I have some ideas but...”

He didn’t want to name the hamster something that everyone would laugh at. Maru seemed like a good hamster name. It suited them, and it was cute. His one brother had a dog named Maru. The others were Donguri and Yuzuki. He doubted Maru the dog and Maru the hamster were very similar though.

[shirakawa-san]

tximidity​:

“Ah–I-I don’t disagree that it’s irresponsible.” Sullivan felt the need to assure Seigo as he was raising his voice, shoulders scrunching as a natural reaction to anyone yelling. Even if he knew that it was just their compassion pulling it out of them. “I’m sorry they threw all that responsibility on you, b-but I know that you’ll treat the little creature well.”

They wanted what was best for their new–unexpected–little companion. Relaxing to a more neutral posture, Sullivan was eventually letting his face smooth into a soft smile as he started to look around the pet store. He had studied up on hamsters for ages before finally caving and buying Maru, so he had plenty of advice that he could give.

“I have had Maru for about a year now, s-so hopefully I’ll be able to give you some good pointers. The first step would be a cage. Um, please don’t get those advertised cages for the hamster. They are much too small for them.” He ushered Seigo to the fish area instead. “I think the easiest is a plastic bin or one of these tanks. You want a deep one so they have plenty of room to burrow and hide, but still room for toys to exercise on. I’d go with at least a 20 gallon. I had a 50 for Maru, b-but she’s a little spoiled. Once you decide on that we’ll move onto bedding and food.”

Having done his silent apology to the hamster for making too much noise, Seigo did notice Sullivan’s body language and offered an apologetic look. He did not know Sullivan that well, but he likely should have known better than to let himself get so riled up considering Sullivan always struck him as someone who perhaps was not the best with sudden loud noises.

Sudden loud noises, Seigo could handle. He had to be able to handle them. Crowds were a different story. But he quickly refocused on the matter at hand, thanks to Sullivan immediately moving forward to the advising stage after expressing his agreement.

“I can do 50, if it would be more comfortable for them. I don’t have that much in my house, so, it won’t be hard to find a spot for it.”

“A little spoiled is better than it not being good enough. Since I have a hamster now, I am going to do everything I can to make sure I don’t screw this up. Failure is not acceptable, not when there is someone relying on me like this. Bedding wise, I read Aspen Shavings are okay but paper is more popular, and to avoid scented or super fluffy things. Is that right?”

He had no problem just sort of picking up an empty tank, thinking he may as well use it to carry the rest of his things but... to secure it well, he may need to hold it against his chest. The hamster was in his breast pocket. Sighing softly, he set the tank back down and took the hamster from his pocket, holding the little thing out for Sullivan.

“I can carry all the supplies, but will you keep this one safe?”

He would certainly have to come up with a good way to thank Sullivan once this was done, that much he knew for sure. Calling someone out to help him with this so suddenly, no notice or time to prepare, and having someone as well informed as Sullivan be the one to help him was quite the luck. What course of action he would have taken if Sullivan did not answer the phone or come to assist, Seigo really didn’t know. 

[shirakawa-san]

seakiumi​:

Sea paused for a moment, considering her question. “Yes, I do have experience in emergency medicine and working with limited supplies. In fact, in my earlier years as a doctor, I served in the military where resources were often limited. It taught me to be resourceful and creative in finding ways to provide medical care with what we had available.”

He smiled at her, “But don’t worry, we have all the necessary supplies and equipment we need here. Our job is to provide the best care possible to our patients with the resources we have.”

Sea then proceeded to show Shinobu around the clinic and explain their routine for the day. As they worked together, he was impressed by her attention to detail and her willingness to learn. It was clear to him that Shinobu was competent and passionate about her work, despite her initial reservations.

Military. Well, then he really did have experience with the sort of thing Shinobu was referencing. Granted, her concerns were a bit more... personal, than whether or not they had the necessary supplies to provide care at the hospital. Maybe at some point she could learn a bit more about emergency medicine and improvised treatments from him at a later time, so that she might apply that to her relatives.

For now, she did focus on her work, doing her best to be attentive to both Sea and the patients. She needed to learn all she could from him, in order to ensure she did not cause trouble for anyone. But as she packed up and got ready to leave, a little bit later than anticipated due to needing to help with one thing or another, as tended to be the case, she froze up. Standing near the door, waiting for her, was a very familiar face.

“Hey, ‘nobu. You hungry?” he asked, Shinobu practically tap dancing from surprise and confusion. “Sei wanted to check out a new restaurant in the city for business reasons, I came to get free food out of it. We figured you could come too, since you’re here.”

“U-um,” she paused, glancing down at her phone. She had messaged Seigo earlier to see what her cousin planned to do for dinner, and he simply said he was busy until much later and would have to stop at the convenience store, so she supposed she could go, a small sigh of relief escaping her as she began to melt back into her usual self. “Sure, I’ll go with you to take advantage of Seiya’s generosity. Doesn’t he feed you enough, Shin? You practically eat dinner at his place daily, or order enough food from him to last you all week.”

Though Shinra was still scanning the room lazily, as he usually did.

“So, Nobu, make any friends Day One?” he asked, though she didn’t answer.

The thought never really crossed her mind, of making friends here. She wanted to get along with everyone, certainly, but a genuine friendship... well, maybe eventually.

[shirakawa-san]

seakiumi​:

Sea thought for a moment, trying to come up with a good recommendation for Shinobu. “Well, there’s a really nice park not too far from here, Yamashita Park. It has a great view of the harbor and there are often street performers and food vendors there on the weekends. And if you’re interested in history, there’s the Yokohama History Museum not too far from here as well. It’s a bit small, but it’s well-curated and has some interesting exhibits.”

He paused, thinking of another place he enjoyed. “Oh, and there’s a really good ramen place not too far from here, Ichiran. It’s a chain, but it’s one of the best ramen places I’ve been to. They have a system where you sit in individual booths and order through a machine, so it’s pretty private and convenient if you’re by yourself.”

Sea realized he was starting to sound like a tour guide, but he didn’t mind. It was nice to talk about something other than work for once. He glanced at Shinobu, wondering if she had any other questions or if she was ready to start the day.

“It sounds like there is a lot to explore. Thank you.”

She was ready to start the day, more than happy to follow his lead and try to get used to whatever system he typically used for his work. Her distaste of blood was not debilitating for the job, rather, as uncomfortable as she seemed the first few times she saw it again, she would be mostly fine as long as nothing reminded her of why she hated blood so much in the first place. 

Learning from him, she felt an increasing sense of relief on account of his kind behavior. Her expectations for the day were much much worse than how the day seemed to be going. Nonetheless, she still thought the family dictating she had to work in public health to have been a terrible idea. Lucky first day, sure, but how long until that luck ran out? 

“Oh. Doctor Kiumi, out of curiosity, do you have much experience with emergency medicine or treatment scenarios with limited supplies?”

[shirakawa-san]

tximidity​:

–he was surprised to get a phone call, from Seigo nonetheless. The two of them had met a few times. They were familiar. However, with how obviously independent the other was, he didn’t anticipate being asked for help.

…nor being asked to PetLand of all places.

Still, Sullivan wasn’t someone that could say no, or turn down someone that sounded constipated with uncertainty. Easily enough, he was assuring them he could get himself there, donning his coat and grabbing his keys.

Finding Seigo, he was about to ask what he needed help with when a little furry head popped out of his breast pocket. It took Sullivan by surprise, but of course he was easily gushing. Finger wiggling before petting the critter until it slinked back down into the pocket.

“I-I take it they’re the situtation? How did you get a hamster? By choice, or?”

Nodding, he glanced back down at the tiny hamster sitting in his pocket. White fur speckled slightly by black, he grumbled under his breath when asked if this newfound companion was one he procured on his own. It was not.

“... A gift. They said we match,” Seigo commented, though he personally didn’t understand in what way they were supposed to match. He was a human, and the hamster a hamster. It never crossed his mind that the speckled fur might have reminded someone of the freckles across his own face. “Giving a live animal as a gift without ever talking about it, so stupid and irresponsible! I have no idea how to take care of a hamster! Who thinks that is a good idea!?”

His frustration regarding how he acquired the hamster made clear in every possible way from the rise in his voice to the fact his face betrayed every shred of emotion in his body, Seigo promptly paused to pet the hamster delicately with one finger, as if to apologize for making so much noise. 

“I want to do this right. I can’t let this little thing down, not like the hamster asked to be given away so carelessly. You mentioned having a hamster before. I, uh, think I need your help.”

[shirakawa-san]

aesthetiquement​:

ㅤ ㅤ *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ  As prompted, the sat on the bench, with Meilan taking the spot that was further away from Sougo, between her and her daughter. She felt like a third wheel as is, and had no intentions acting like one any further than this. She had no plans to leave either, though. At least not yet. She wants to have a good idea on what sort of man he’ll present himself to be, on the spot. She blinked a few times, as if noticing that faint smell of gunpowder on him. Hardly surprising, given how he is on uniform, so he really must have been on duty a while ago.

“Why, thank you.” That comment did fluster her a little, but it made her happy. He could thank her father for giving her her name, but that would probably make the flow of the current conversation just a little awkward. Best they reserve that a little later. Especially since he did follow the compliment up with a question. 

“And no, not at all. This isn’t about an apology, really. I just wanted to talk to you about um, well… I don’t know if you’re aware about it, but were set to come visit today for the omiai, and…” Now, how does one go about asking him about this, actually? Were there better ways than what angle she’s going for? Wouldn’t he just think she’s strange if she goes ahead and tell him that there was this fluttering feeling that came to her when he entered the room? Her mother didn’t seem like she would help her out on this one, and from how gentle he is, he didn’t seem like the sort who would make fun of her, so out goes whatever.

“… I was wondering if we can talk about it?” she tried. Bold as she may be in most cases, this conversation was practically a proposal with a lot of extra steps.

The smile on Meisha’s face carried a warmth he did not often see from strangers. It gave him a degree of hope that perhaps this time, this time he could see a genuine conversation. Certainly, neither were truly free to say whatever they wished, but he fully intended to be sincere in all that he could say. Alongside this, the fact she brought up the omiai in a straightforward fashion...

His face could not settle between relief and reluctance, glancing down with a brief sigh. The fact she and her mother sat before him now meant they wished to know more about him, to see if he could be what Meisha needed and wanted in a partner, and managed to get the elder in charge of the omiai to permit a meeting. No one needed to tell him that his file was not presented among the candidates, he already knew that much, given family politics was a large part of what he dealt with every day. 

“Please do not take my hesitation for disinterest. I am glad I have the opportunity to speak with you, but knowing this family as I do, I presume they mentioned my prior engagement to you both. If they did not, they should have, as it is important you make an informed decision,” his voice carried warmth and kindness, but beneath it lingered a shred of pain. Clearly, Sougo wished to speak with her. He wanted to get to know her, to see if perhaps this conversation could lead to further discussions. The issue lay in the fact he did not know where to begin, or how to have a conversation like this with someone he had only just met. His prior engagement, well, he knew her beforehand. Or so he thought. “You are welcome to ask me anything you wish. I will do my best to give a clear and honest answer, but regarding that particular topic... I have not spoken of it much. Only with my brothers. I know my feelings on the matter but I ask that you be patient with me if perhaps... it takes a moment for me to find the words.”

The sorrow and anger that came from the situation initially, he had moved beyond that. He could not yet move on, however, from the elders treating the situation as if he left a permanent stain upon himself. They treated him as they always did to his face, but he knew that they remained much more concerned over his prior engagement than he did. He moved on. He decided to forgive, both his ex-fiancée and himself, even if he could not forget. The elders seemed unable to do either. 

“That said, yes, we can talk for as long as you would like. Barring any emergencies, my schedule is supposed to be open for the rest of the day. My attention is entirely yours.”

[shirakawa-san]

seakiumi​:

As Sea led Shinobu to the first task he had lined up for her, he listened as she spoke about her family background and the training she received during her studies. He was glad to see that she seemed eager to learn and put her training to use, even though she had limited experience.

When she asked him what he would like her to do first, Sea thought for a moment before responding. “Well, I think it would be best if we started by going over the patient charts together. That way, you can get familiar with the cases we’re working on and see how we’re approaching them.”

As they made their way to the nurse’s station, Sea continued the conversation. “And to answer your question, I haven’t been to Gifu Prefecture yet, but I’ve heard it’s beautiful. I’ve been meaning to take a trip there, actually. Do you have any recommendations for places to visit?”

As they began to go through the patient charts together, Sea was impressed with Shinobu’s attention to detail and the questions she asked. He could tell that she was genuinely interested in learning and doing her best.

As they worked, Sea couldn’t help but feel grateful that Shinobu was here to help. He knew that nursing was a challenging and under-appreciated job, and he appreciated the dedication that Shinobu was showing. He made a mental note to make sure to support her as much as he could during her time here.

“A-ah, recommendations?” she paused, trying to think. Shirakawa-go, the village her family had always been part of, was a popular tourist destination due to the traditional architecture but she didn’t want to suggest it and risk sounding like she just wanted more business in that town. “Um. A lot of people like Takayama City and Magome... Gifu Castle is pretty. We have some good hot springs and a variety of places to walk outside. I really like the river, Enakyo.”

 Considering she knew nothing of where they were now, perhaps she could get some suggestions from Sea in return. It would be nice to find somewhere enjoyable to spend her time outside of work, since she didn’t particularly feel like spending all of her free time in the hotel suite she shared with her cousin. It just didn’t feel like she was able to relax as well there. 

“What about here, Doctor Kiumi? Is there a particular place you like?” she did want to try and understand him better, if they were supposed to work together, plus knowing her way around the city she is living in would make a lot of sense, even if she would only be there temporarily. 

She didn’t even know what they would possibly do for dinner at the hotel. They arrived so recently, neither she nor her cousin had time to stop get groceries. Complimentary breakfast saved her this morning, and the lunch she brought was prepackaged from the convenience store on the way. She would have to call him, make sure one of them but not both of them grabbed something on their way back after work...

[shirakawa-san]

seakiumi​:

Sea was a little surprised to see a nurse who seemed to be so nervous, but he had heard about her background and her family. He wasn’t the type to judge based on family background, but rather on the person’s abilities. He noticed her nervousness and felt a little more relaxed. He always felt comfortable around people who were nervous, as it made him feel more confident in his own abilities.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Shirakawa. Don’t worry about your limited experience, we all have to start somewhere. The city is wonderful, it’s a bustling metropolis with a lot of opportunities for growth. I think you’ll like it here.”

Sea noticed the nurse’s discomfort with blood and wondered if she was going to be able to handle working in a hospital, but he didn’t want to come across as rude. Instead, he decided to take a friendly approach and help her feel more comfortable.

“If you have any questions or if you need help with anything, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here to help and make your transition into the hospital as smooth as possible.”

Sea was eager to start working with the nurse and see how she would perform. He was always up for a challenge, and he felt that working with a nurse who was new to the field would be an exciting challenge. He couldn’t wait to see what they could accomplish together.

If Sea had chosen to judge based on her family background, to assume she was working there because of her family connections rather than merit, he would have been correct. She would not have been able to refute him. She did not want to be there, but... since she was, and there were people relying on her? She would give it everything she had. 

“O-of course. When I volunteered during my studies, I mostly assisted in the emergency room but it will be interesting to put to use other aspects of my training and education,” Shinobu confessed, doing her utmost to remain optimistic about her temporary job here. “My family is from the Gifu Prefecture. We live somewhat close to Takayama City. Have you ever been?”

She did want to try and strike up conversation as she followed Sea to the first thing he wished to show her or the first task he had lined up for her. As she was still learning and would be working in the space largely under Sea’s supervision, the head nurse of this section had suggested she speak directly to him. It seemed, interestingly enough, that most of the nurses were quite happy to work with Sea and he didn’t cause them many problems, which Shinobu found  quite a relief. She had heard horror stories of doctors who questioned and undermined nurses or of doctors who did not respect their nurses. Granted, she had also heard stories where the nurses were the problem, but she had no idea how it generally worked in hospitals.

“So, um, Doctor Kiumi, what would you like me to do first? The head nurse, she did says she was leaving me to you for today. She seemed so excited, I thought perhaps it was supposed to be a trial by fire but... I no longer believe she meant it to come across that way.”

If anything, the head nurse was probably just excited for her first day. She did seem like a nice woman, after all, but Shinobu had always struggled to tell what people were really thinking and feeling. Everyone except her brothers. She could read them like a book.

[shirakawa-san]

aesthetiquement​:

“That’s alright. Please, take your time.”

During this time, by presumption, the two remained seated and waited patiently while the old woman made the call. The latter didn’t exit the room, and so the pair could listen to how the conversation goes without having to make a not-so-subtle effort of eavesdropping, though they did probably wonder about ‘acting naturally, like they didn’t hear anything’ at one point; the distance between them wasn’t too far off, so while they can’t hear the conversation in its entirety, they can still make out a context on the host’s end of the line.

Meilan already expected the phone call to not go so well, despite the elderly woman’s attempt to reassure otherwise, but she didn’t expect for it to turn out the way it did, having their conversation cut off mid-sentence. The teacup she kept drawing to her lips was meant to keep her composure, as well as to conceal any other unnecessary reactions she could make, but in this case it failed. As if she was on the tipping point of laughing, Meilan dipped her head, enough to cause tiny waves of tea inside her cup, but not enough let some spill out. 

Seeing this, Meisha could only shake her head. Hardly a stranger to her own mom’s behavior, she knows that the latter could only keep up her calmer personality for so long. Part of the reason why she thinks having her mom accompany her to meet Sougo was so she could have a breather.

Time passed and the two made their own way to meet to Sougo, wondering what kind of first impression to make with the lad, or how to initiate the interaction with him. How fortunate it must be for the boys accompanying Sougo to do them that favor. From how casual the interaction is, and how similarly they are all dressed, it’s pretty easy to tell that they must all be related in some capacity. So if not Sougo, it could have been one of these three… perhaps.

Meisha and Meilan were more focused on how the group were practically surrounding Sougo like a bunch of bodyguards, though. Bodyguards, who left so swiftly before either one could address it and assure them it’s no bother. This was the it for Meilan, though. Finding it amusing, she did her best to hold back her laugh, but gave in eventually. First impressions, she likes these kids already.

At her mother’s reaction, Meisha laughed softly before she shook her head, and then glancing back at Sougo. “No, the pleasure is mine, Sougo-san. My name is Shirogane Meisha.” She thought she would lose the ability to introduce herself, once they meet face to face again, but seeing him with the boys earlier really did help with the awkwardness.

Motioning to the bench where Shinra had previously sprawled out to complain about wanting to sleep, Sougo offered Meilan and Meisha the opportunity to sit. Trying to start the conversation, well, he really didn’t know where to start. An omiai meeting had not been something he expected. There he stood, in uniform, smelling vaguely of gun smoke, suddenly all too worried that he might have some blood on him.

Perks of being a ranged combatant... at least he didn’t get up close and personal with the enemy like the others sometimes did.

“Meisha is a beautiful name. Regarding the interruption earlier, I am sorry about that. However, I admit, it doesn’t seem like you called me here for an apology. What can I do for you both?”

Better to ask than to assume. After all, when people took notice of him it tended to be on account of his scars and the eye covering. He heard people whisper about it in public, wondering if he was just odd, if it was some very realistic cosplay, or if legitimate... how it happened. Rarely did anyone dare to ask him about it directly. Standing out was not a good thing. It was only in Shirakawa-go that the locals were mostly used to him and even then... some people still stared. 

He could be certain though, that the elders did not include his file when presenting options to them. He could be certain that this meeting was against the wishes of the elder in charge of the meeting with the Shirogane family. And he could be certain that Meisha’s smile and Meilan’s laughter had him feeling significantly more relaxed about the situation.

Regardless of how this conversation between them went, he would have to answer questions from both a curious elder and his brothers afterward. Always a bit difficult with the elders, the way they wanted to know everything, but at least his brothers had some respect for privacy.

[shirakawa-san]

Happy Valentine’s Day!

To: Sullivan

From: Seigo

“Thank you for helping me with hamster supplies. I needed it. The store had a much greater variety of items than I expected and I got overwhelmed.

You can come visit him if you want. I think he liked you.”

valentine for @tximidity​

Picrew HERE.

[shirakawa-san]

Happy Valentine’s Day!

To: Sea

From: Shinobu

“I know we only just met, but I wanted to thank you for welcoming me so kindly and for patiently helping me get used to the environment here. I am fortunate to have been assigned a mentor like you and look forward to working with you.

I am still learning my way around the city. Is there anywhere you would recommend visiting?”

valentine for @seakiumi​

Picrew for Chocolate HERE.

[shirakawa-san]

Happy Valentine’s Day!

To: Meisha

From: Shiryu

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Meisha! I never thought I would thank the elders of this family for anything but they proved me wrong when they decided to get in touch with your family. To think that a marriage from an arranged meeting would result in me being the luckiest, happiest man alive seemed even more unlikely. You truly are a miracle and I wouldn’t trade you for the world. How could I? The dogs love you. 

But I’m willing to wager I love you more than they do. Every morning I wake up and get to see you right there next to me is a morning to be excited about. When we come home to each other, you have a special way of putting me right at ease. It hardly matters what the day held when I get to see you smiling. And I would give the world just to see your smile. Everything is enjoyable with you, even if that just means sitting around and not doing anything in particular. 

You are just as sweet as this parfait, and trust me, it turned out pretty sweet! Tonight is our night, and I am at your beck and call. We can do anything and everything you want. Except one thing. Please don’t go in the kitchen tonight.”

valentine for @aesthetiquement​

Parfait Picrew HERE.

[shirakawa-san]

Happy Valentine’s Day!

To: Meisha

From: Sougo

“I used to think that I did not deserve to be happy, that my duty to the family should take precedence over all else including my own feelings and wishes for the future. Through service to the family, and that way only, I could showcase my love and loyalty to my brothers. I could protect them. To protect them, I did many things that have haunted me since. While I still am not proud of those things, I am at least able to move beyond them. 

I had recently begun to accept that I am allowed to be selfish sometimes and desire happiness for myself when I met you. Since that day, I wish I could say I never looked back or never doubted the man I have become, but I believe what I can say is something more important than that. I have never regretted the changes that I have made, or my decision to stand by your side for as long as you wish to have me. I love you, and that will not change no matter how many years pass.

The journey to this stage in our lives was long and painful for me, but I would do it again to be where we are today. When I gained hope for the future, being so fortunate as to love and be loved by a woman as amazing as you is not something I would have imagined for myself. I will give to you all that I have, for I know you will cherish each moment. As will I. Thank you, Meisha, for taking a chance on me. I look forward to each day with you and hope to ensure our life together is the best it can be.”

valentine for @aesthetiquement​

Picrew for Chocolate Box HERE.