#Tae was trained since she was a child in the dojo

[suchine-toki]

Thoughts about Otae

I agree with the assessment that Tae was an underdeveloped character. This frustrates me a lot because I feel she’d a lot of potential. As for the hate, I think it's because there’s a dissonance between fan expectations, given her importance to the Yorozuya, and the relevance she actually had in the series. I also think part of the problem is that Sorachi relied on an archetype to create her character that was already getting old.

Like Shinpachi, Tae is the normal girl in the main cast. We’re initially introduced to her as an orphan in charge of raising her younger brother, burdened by her father's debts, who works hard and wants to save her family's dojo at all costs. This is a good start, and her willpower is admirable. However, these plot elements are almost immediately relegated in favor of something else: her love life.

Initially, I'd say she was going to be Gintoki's main love interest, which changed with the introduction of Kondou and Kyuubei. It's not that I don't like romance (quite the opposite), but it's noticeable that a good portion of Tae's appearances revolved around that love triangle. While people know it's comedy and that she's justified in beating up Kondou, it doesn't help her character to constantly be in that situation (I talked more about kontae here).

When it wasn't about her love life, Tae's role usually fell to being the heart of the Yorozuya, the emotional support, representing the place they can return to. This is evidently very important to Gintoki, Shinpachi and Kagura, but offers very little development for Tae. Her goal of saving the dojo is forgotten until it returns in Beam Saber arc, arc which not only puts her on the back burner, but isn't even relevant in the long run.

I think Sorachi didn't know what to do with her. He tried to give Tae important roles but failed spectacularly. An example of this is when he decided to make her one of the 4 Devas, only to do nothing with her again. Even her title of Queen of Kabukicho isn’t unique to her but shared with Kagura. However, I would say the worst offender was definitely Farewell Shinsengumi arc, in which Tae went with the rest to do absolutely nothing.

Going back to the dissonance between expectations and reality, I would first like to mention that a character's combat ability isn't everything, just because they’re strong doesn't automatically make them good or vice versa. However, it’s frustrating when we’re told that a character is strong and logically should be, but in the end isn’t. I also don't want to say that it's wrong that she needs help (everyone does at some point), but her self-sufficiency comes into question if she needs help so often.

Silver Soul arc is another example of this situation. She’d no role in that arc and had to be saved twice, first by Kyuubei and then by a net after a Shinra guy had captured her. Imagine if she’d used her hairpin to stab the alien instead. It would’ve been a great way to reestablish her character themes that she’s a strong, brave, feminine woman.

In short, I wish Sorachi had tried harder with Tae. I think it would’ve been fitting to make her older at the beginning of the series, so that she’d her own life and dreams she’d to sacrifice to raise Shinpachi and save the dojo that she'll pursue later. Also show her role as a leader, both with the Snack Smile girls and as a Deva of Kabukicho (as well as having her own title) and demonstrate that she’s skilled with the naginata. Basically, focus less on her love life and her role with the Yorozuya, and give more importance to her character's attributes. She’d a lot of potential and it feels like it was never reached.

[ukaiknowsbest]

PART 2. THE SHIMURA FAMILY OF GINTAMA IN HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Before I start let me warn you that everything below is my own opinion and come from some research that I have done. My main references are Wikipedia and the youtube channels Linfamy and Let's Ask Shogo. I am but an armchair historian who's just started dipping their toes in the fascinating and chaotic history of Japan. Take everything I say with a grain of salt. To be honest I'm just repeating information I find on the internet and creating an argument which will hopefully make sense.

This is PART 2 of a 3-part essay series

PART 1: GINTAMA IN HISTORICAL CONTEXT

PART 3: MARTIAL SKILLS OF TAE SHIMURA

In this essay I will delve into how the Shimura family fit into the social fabric of the Tokugawa Era and Gintama's Edo.

Text Heavy. Read at your own risk.

Reminder: Tokugawa Shogunate (1603 and 1867) = Edo Period = 265 years of relative peace in Japan

We'll begin this by looking at a real life Shinsengumi Captain from the Bakumatsu period.

NAGAKURA SHINPACHI NORIYUKI,

Son of a retainer of the Matsumae clan. Basically they were a samurai family that resided in Edo for the Matsumae daimyo (Hokkaido).

Eventually became affiliated with Kondo Isami's dojo.

Became assistant vice commander of the Shinsengumi in 1863

Became captain of 2nd unit in 1865.

Together with rest of Shinsengumi, he achieved Hatamoto status.

Also one of the Kenjutsu instructors for the Shinsengumi.

Got involved in Boshin War were his Shinsengumi comrades Kondou and Hijikata died

Served as military instructor throughout Meiji Period for different organizations.

Lived up to 1915 and helped erect monuments for the other famous Shinensgumi officials. He also published memoirs of his life and is the source of many information regarding Shinsengumi history.

SHIMURA SHINPACHI Sorachi based Shimura Shinpachi from this Shinsengumi captain. He then gave Shinpachi's family their own Dojo and made his father a samurai and a Kenjutsu Instructor.

They have a large estate and their own training school, which means the Shimuras' had a large koku stipend from their daimyo (take this with a grain of salt coz i cant find any information on edo period real estate).

By Tokugawa Era standards, Shinpachi was the legitimate heir to his father. When the old man died, Shinpachi, though still a child, became the head of their Shimura branch, not Otae.

Therefore it was realistic that Shinpachi demanded the Yagyuu to ask permission from him for his sister's hand in marriage. That's just how things worked in that era. Even though Gintama has this modern tone where Otae can choose who she wants, realistically suitors all have to go thru Shinpachi since he is the head of the Shimura family. If I'm not mistaken he could also have his sister be married off if he really exercised his right.

My guess is that Shinpachi's dad was a samurai but when he died the samurai rank wasn't passed to Shinpachi. Normally, this would mean the family does not receive stipend anymore and their property be taken away. However they still have the large estate despite losing their father. Maybe they could still keep that estate from their large savings(?). Maybe their dojo became the primary source of income for a while until the government banned all non officials from bearing swords(?) Maybe Sorachi does not want us to stress on this details and hope that we treat the Shimuras like a samurai family regardless of the economics of their situation(?) I'm shooting in the dark here, we will never know.

From here on out I'm gonna assume that the Shimura had downgraded to "merchant class" since they do not serve the shogunate anymore and were working in non-samurai jobs.

What's important is that both Otae and Shinpachi were brought up in the same standards as samurai children.

TAE SHIMURA AND TOKUGAWA ERA WOMEN.

In the Edo Period, Women legally did not exist. They could not own property and couldn't become head of the family. They were often married off to families of the same social class (or higher) for political and social mobility reasons.

Samurai women especially had it tough because they were bound to the rules of the shogunate themselves. Samurai in the Edo period were required to only rely on their salary/stipend from the shogunate and were not allowed to start businesses. Most of low ranking samurai lived in poverty especially in the later half of the Edo Period.

In comparison, peasant and merchant families enjoyed more freedom because they can dabble in all sorts of jobs and trading. Women from these classes were often trained rigorously to be knowledgable in running businesses effectively. Men and Women of this social class grew wealthy and powerful in the late Edo Period.

Samurai Women of the Edo Period had at least 3 major roles as suggested by Buddhist and Confucian teachings that the Samurai Class strictkt adhered to: (1) being a "good wife, wise mother", (2) governing the household while the men are serving the daimyo and (3) defending the home/household/family name. Samurai women became "subservient but not weak" to their men.

Otae was brought up as a samurai woman so I'm gonna assume that she grew up with these rules and followed them to an extent.

1. "GOOD WIFE, WISE MOTHER"

In the Edo period, women of samurai class were held in high regard. From a young age they were taught skills needed to govern the household, including reading, writing, and how to play the koto. They were in charge of the education and upbringing of their children.

From Taka-chin Gang Arc we learned that Shinpachi stopped attending temple school after their father died. This means that Otae educated her brother from childhood. How they both did that, we will never know. By the age of 18 Otae seemed to have successfully parented her younger brother, Shinpachi into being a decent person who'll be ready to take on the responsibility of being the head of the Shimura household.

2. "GOVERN THE HOUSEHOLD WHILE THE MEN SERVE THE DAIMYO"

While she and Shinpachi both worked in order to pay off their father's loans, it seems that Otae cared more about their estate compared to her brother. As such we could see her go to extreme lengths in order to keep the dojo in their family name. This can also be seen how Otae is usually the only one managing their house since Shinpachi is often away on business with Gintoki. Gintoki may not be Shinpachi's feudal lord but Shinpachi is still the head of the household who does not spend a lot of time in his house but is always at his employer. Edo Period gender roles somehow still applied to the Shimuras.

3. "DEFENDING THE HOME FROM INTRUSION OR ATTACK"

Samurai women were trained in different martial arts such as knife wielding and naginatajutsu. Like their pre-tokugawa era counterparts, they were also counted on to defend the home. Moreover naginatas were also part of dowries for samurai women marrying into another samurai family. As we can see, Otae's main weapon of choice is a naginata, which we have seen her use multiple times. She's also skilled in the wooden sword.

Otae even took this duty to another level by fortifying their estate with additional defenses and traps using her own money.

SHIMURA FAMILY DYNAMICS BASED ON IRL TOKUGAWA SHOGUNATE STANDARDS AND GINTAMA'S MODERN WORLD

Otae working in cabaret club used to be beneath her social status but as I said before, the former samurais were all living in poverty and it was not surprising that they'd find work in jobs for other social classes. To me Otae is cool because she was willing to step down and work an unsavory job like hostess/cabaret girl in order to keep their family estate. For this essay, I will consider "hostess" as a kind of "entertainer," which is a profession that highly frowned upon by the samurai class even though it earns a lot of money. Otae being in this profession kind of lowered her "value" for marriage even more (in the eyes of samurai and top merchant families). Otae marrying Kondou or Kyuubei would've been considered moving up the social ladder. This is why the Yagyuu were very much against the arrangement. It was illogical for a samurai of daimyo status to be married to a former samurai retainer family of much lower rank. Edit: btw the shogun chooses the wives for the daimyo. Disobeying that order is against the law. It’s one of the way the Tokugawa shogunate controlled their top officials. In our modern sensibilities, It was nice that Otae and Shinpachi's father didn't make arrangements to marry her off to another family though. She and Kyuubei may have promised each other as kids but at least that wasn't really serious/set in stone. That gave Otae more freedom than most because she wasn't tied to another family right away. This was rare in the actual time period though.

GINTOKI SAKATA AND THE SHIMURAS AS MERCHANT CLASS CITIZENS

Something interesting is going to happen now that I have classified Gintoki (who was regarded as a ronin who never had a lord) and the Shimuras (formerly samurai retainers) as "MERCHANTS". This releases them from the strict frugal life and moral code that samurai ruling class had to adhere to in the Edo period.

As merchant class they have more freedom in choosing jobs and starting businesses. They may be poor but they have less restrictions to do what they want.

..This also reflects in their own personal moral codes. The Yorozuya motto of "the clients' wishes are more important to us" is more a merchant/ninja idealogy than the traditional samurai bushido.

Otae's core personality of doing what she wants and finding her own methods also reflect this freedom.

In my opinion Otae's business sense was reflected in the

Ice Sculpture of the Cabaret Girls,

her suggestion to create a town mascot and bring down Jirocho's yakuza thugs,

using macadamia nuts to entice homeless people to learn their kendo style

how she manage her own weight loss/appreciation business.

Her upbringing as samurai woman and shift to "merchant" status developed her into the strong and cunning leader she had become in the cabaret club and now as the Empress of the Kabukichou district.

I love it.

I hope ya'll enjoyed reading this short essay on how I think the Shimuras would have fit in the real Tokugawa Period.

NOTES

More readings are needed for edo period and post ww2 real estate and debts. I honestly don't understand how inheritance works in japan in edo period and modern times.

Gintama period dynamics is confusing af. It heavily leans towards Edo period rules but also have a lot of meiji restoration and modern day undertones. Applying standards on the characters based on real history is probably a fruitless endeavor but I will do it because it is fascinating.

Internet Article: Gender Expectations of Edo Period Japan https://www.japanpowered.com/japan-culture/gender-expectations-of-edo-period-japan

Internet Article: Tokugawa Shogunate Women's Role http://world-history-education-resources.com/tokugawa-shogunate/role-women's-tokugawa-shogunate.html

really i made many of these arguments up as I went along. Thanks for reading. I hope you also read Part 3 where we talk more about Otae's Awesomeness.

[tact-and-impulse]

Eating Together, Drinking Alone Omake 3

And this is it. I went back and forth over how to execute it, until finally putting it together last night. I only wish I could have written it earlier, but I’m glad that I can at least give the story this epilogue. Thank you to the readers around the world, for loving this story just as much as I have. I truly appreciate all the support I’ve received over the past two years. And for one last time, here are the links to this story on FF.net and AO3.

Omake: Kasutera

Sunlight warmed the porch, as Hiko removed the lid from the box in his lap. Six teacups were nestled within, each in its own compartment. There wasn’t a single flaw in the off-white ceramic. The underglaze had turned out well: a painted maple leaf in the bottom of each cup, as if it had fallen straight from the branch, and below the rim, delicate red lines crossing each other. Like the so-called strings of fate, like the vessels that carried the blood of life.

Carefully, he examined every cup, to ensure no breaks had occurred during the journey. Indeed, they remained pristine. As expected of his own handiwork. It had been sixteen years since a set of matching cups was given to his apprentice’s family, and this time, he would be the one to personally gift it.

Satisfied, he closed the box and tucked it under the porch. There, it would be concealed until he presented it tomorrow. They were going out tonight, so it was best to keep it safe.

Hiko rose, and entered the house. It was completely silent, and he had to enjoy it while he could. He had arrived in Tokyo with the morning sun, and naturally, the Himura family had been eager to see him. Then, his idiot apprentice and the tanuki woman had gone to the train station, to pick up their friends. The older brats had left for the fish market, to purchase tonight’s dinner. Well, he deserved a break from their attention anyway.

Something stirred in the hallway, and Hiko quietly moved to the front door. Then, he stood on the first step, directing his full attention to listening. The footsteps were light, the ki practically bursting with intent.

The door opened.

“Stop.” He warned, and the presence did pause. “Where are you going?”

“…out.”

“Is that so?” He had to bend his head downwards, to glare at the child. Long red hair was tousled from sleep, and little hands gripped the edge of the door. No matter how much Tae cooed over Himura Sumire had grown so big, the girl brat would always be small to him. She was as small as her brothers had been at four years old. “Well, at least you were honest, representative of the flower you were named after. And you know why you were left behind.”

“I can be good!” She protested and stamped her foot in indignation. It only disproved her point. “And I don’t want to nap anymore.”

“In life, it doesn’t matter what you want. Go back to bed.” Otherwise, she’d be even more annoying in the evening, during the cherry blossom viewing. The taste of sake would be ruined.

“No!”

Of course, his apprentice’s only daughter had to inherit his stubbornness, along with his coloring. “I’ll tell you an embarrassing story about your father, if you do.”

“Which one?”

“The story in which he fell into a patch of poison ivy and then ran to the nearest stream, only to be swept along with the current.”

“Keita-nii told me that. You were watching the whole time, but you brought Tou-chan out of the water.”

To him, the stream had been shallow enough to walk in. “Ah, brat three has a good memory. I told him that one when he was your age, and to brats one and two before him. If you’ve heard it, then I give up.” He opened the door wider to let himself in and pushed Sumire’s shoulder with two fingers. She took a few steps before stopping again.

“Wait!”

“What is it now?”

“I want to hear the one where he saw Kaa-chan in your pottery house.” She meant his place in Kyoto, and when his idiot apprentice came to him, to learn the final techniques of Hiten Mitsurugi.

He laughed. “It sounds like your mother already told you.”

“But I want to hear what you saw.”

“What I saw?” He propped his chin on his hand. “Hmph. Your father looked like a fish, his mouth was open like one. He just stared at her, he was making her nervous with how speechless he was. In short, he was an idiot. An idiot, who was loved. And he’s still a loved idiot, which is why we’re having this unnecessary amount of celebration with too many people.”

“Oh.” She pouted. “I don’t like the way you tell it. Kaa-chan tells it much better.”

“You were the one who asked for it, girl brat. Now, before I get annoyed. Go. To. Bed.”

“Aww.”

***

Tae hummed to herself, as she carried the kasutera.

She had been in Tokyo for the last two weeks, managing the Akabeko. Tsubame’s little daughter was teething and her impatience was reminiscent of a young Yahiko. He was guest teaching at another dojo with their son, Tsubame hurriedly explained as she struggled with the flailing toddler, but the four of them would arrive on time for tonight’s outdoor picnic.

“Hello?” She stepped into the Himura household, and realized she had to raise her voice above the noise. When she entered the dining room, they greeted her. “Oh, all four of you are here.”

With his copper hair in a high ponytail and a wooden sword in his belt, Kenji was sixteen and would have made for a young samurai in the old era. He was trying to steer Sumire away from his cup of black coffee.

“Add sugar.” She insisted.

“I won’t, so shut it.” He was forcing down sips, trying to toughen up.

“You should, it’ll help with your terrible temper.” Eight-year-old Keita didn’t even look up from his book, as he gave the sharp remark. Of the children, his hair was the darkest, and his demeanor the calmest.

“Okay, let’s behave. Tae-san’s here.” Shinpei was wearing the Kamiya dojo’s uniform, and it was likely he would inherit his mother’s teaching position someday. He gave his characteristic, cheerful smile. “Is that kasutera?”

“Kasutera! I love that, it’s fluffy and delicious.” Sumire looked as if she was going to drool.

Tae set the cake on the kitchen counter. “I brought it from the Akabeko. We can share some of it, for a snack.” It seemed that a sweet tooth came with red-tinted hair. When the plate of cubed kasutera was served, they instantly quieted, savoring the treat.

While she poured herself some coffee, Hiko appeared, nonchalantly sitting next to her as if he had seen her an hour ago, and not half a month. “Well, I had to find a new hiding place.”

“That’s alright. I’m sure they’ll like it.” She thought the cups were beautiful and symbolic. Fitting, for this family they both held dear.

“How have things been here?”

“Better than I expected, I think two more weeks will be enough. Then, I’ll return to the Kobeko.”

“Good. Let’s go back together.”

Tae smiled. Despite their own places in Tokyo and Kyoto, she was also fond of the house on the Tokaido road. It was an art-loving home, with her favorite paintings displayed on the walls and some of his works arranged in the rooms. Natsuko’s last letter was framed on the altar for her family, so “it wouldn’t be lost again”, as he said. Sometimes, he stayed there by himself if he needed to sell his pottery. When she had to assist the Kobeko’s staff, she was there alone. They had their own lives to lead, but when they could, they always came back to each other.

“Of course. I missed you too.” She said, and at that, he smirked.

In the distance, there was the sound of faint chatter.

“Oh, it sounds like Tou-chan and Kaa-chan are home.” Keita set down his chopsticks. “I can definitely hear Misao-san and the girls…poor Aoshi-san. It must have been endless on the train.”

“Then, they must be tired. Megumi-san and Sano-san are probably here too, so let’s properly greet everyone.” Shinpei suggested and took the hand of his younger sister.

“Guess so.” Kenji shrugged, but he followed his siblings, catching up to them with his longer strides. Tae looked at Hiko, who only stared back at her.

“Why don’t we join them?”

“It’s a pain to get up.”

“You don’t mean that.” She paused. “Dear.”

She continued referring to him as Hiko-san in public, but at the start of their relationship, she was unsure of how to address him in private. He had given her an incredulous look at Seijuro-san, snorted derisively at Sei-san, and didn’t respond to just Seijuro. Giving up, she had tried ‘dear’. And always, he told her not to repeat it. But he never rejected it, his face turning red without fail. After all this time, it was still satisfying to get a reaction out of him.

“Fine,” He grumbled, and Tae beamed at the growing color in his face. “But I’ll stay here if you say that again.”

“It’s a deal.” She stood, feeling very happy.

Their group crowded onto the front steps, watching as the gate slowly opened. And in one voice, they called out. “Welcome back!”

[allprosolar]

If You Adore Gymnastics, It’s Possible You’ll Love Power Tumbling, Also

Yoga and meditation also assist with depression. As soon as you’ve established that it’s safe that you learn Zumba without risk, you need to find out where it’s taught near you.

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Just bear in mind which you want to chose the club length dependent on the youngster’s height and ability instead of on their age. It is possible to expect to shed weight, gain greater energy, and create a much healthier, stronger, and better-toned body. Actually your body is beginning to breathe internally. Their general posture will improve.

A family may have to try several schools so as to find one which is fantastic for their kid. Ultimately, be certain your family realizes the significance of permitting you to find some time for yourself. Nourish your soul so that you may nourish your family members and your business.

Not to worry since your child doesn’t need any prior experience and they’d be training in an enjoyable but secure atmosphere. With a firm sense of self-assurance, he or she will know when he or she doesn’t want to be part of a bad crowd or a bad environment and will not become a victim of peer pressure. Physically, he or she will develop coordination and improve their overall strength through basic Bushidokan movements. The parents are in the driver’s seat in regards to how their kids’ time is spent away from the classroom. Many parents think that art and music are frills” and don’t understand that the arts may have a big effect on other regions of learning.

from Blog05 All-Prosolar http://all-prosolar.com/if-you-adore-gymnastics-its-possible-youll-love-power-tumbling-also/

[tact-and-impulse]

Eating Together Drinking Alone Chapter 29

It’s the climax of this entire work. And yes, I do reference an anime scene, because...parallelism. Also, Fujita Maiko’s song Hotaru pretty much defined the mood of this chapter. It’s also good for the actual scene too... Here is it on FF.net and AO3. 

Chapter 29: Unagi

It would have been a warm day, if it hadn’t rained in the morning. Wind blew through the streets, too cool to be refreshing, yet the air smelled wonderfully clean. Tae held the door open for Yahiko and Tsubame, who had arrived with fresh vegetables from the market.

“Thank you, you two. I hope it wasn’t that cold out there.”

Tsubame shook her head. “We didn’t take very long, so we were fine.”

“It’s nothing compared to training in the winter.” Yahiko set a bag of potatoes down, and then drew an envelope from within his shirt. “Oh, and here’s a letter from Kenshin’s master. He said he changed his mind about going to the post office, so I’m giving it to you.”

“Thank you, Yahiko-kun.” She resisted the urge to open it immediately and instead tucked it into her apron pocket. “How is he doing? Did he receive the wakame?” She had sent the dried seaweed through the mail, but she hadn’t received a reply until now.

“He said it wasn’t bad, and he could go home any day.”

She had expected as much, she had noticed how much better he was doing. But still, hearing Yahiko made it more final, more real. “I see. Well, it was nice to see him here in Tokyo.”

“But, you haven’t visited in a week, Tae-san…” Tsubame’s gaze was full of concern, but she smiled in return.

“It’s good that his leg has fully healed. That’s what matters.” Then, she urged them to prepare for the day while she continued to train the staff in advertising. Late last night, she had come up with a charming slogan, and practiced it out loud with them. Machi and Jun were in the front of the group; she made sure not to let her hand linger on her apron, any longer than necessary.

It wasn’t until after the lunch hour had ended, that she had a moment to herself. She had finished sweeping behind the restaurant and the quiet atmosphere was tempting. After glancing around, she drew the envelope from her pocket and opened it. One sentence was written in brisk brush strokes.

After you close for the day, come to that shrine.

She thought for a moment. Which shrine? Oh! The one where we took shelter, when we were caught in the rain. It’s not too far, but why not here or the dojo? Unless…it’s for privacy.

Tae abruptly refolded the paper, mentally berating herself.

Now I’m just being ridiculous! There isn’t any way he thinks of me like that, not at all!

Her cheeks burned, and she desperately wanted a fresh breeze. “Oh, dear.” She sighed. It was terribly bittersweet to like someone, and especially for her. She didn’t have the best luck in relationships, and she had thought she was content in encouraging others. But she couldn’t see how she could confess to Hiko-san, before he left. Or if she would. Right now, her feelings were like clouds that had just shifted, and she was only happy to be around him. She was sure it showed, she knew she had been more aware and attentive. However…

However, she doubted Hiko-san thought of her as more than a friend. Trusting her with his past or telling her to be strong in her situation, those weren’t the same as romantic love.

She reminded herself of that, for the rest of the day. When night fell and the last customer left, she told Tsubame she was heading out. “Don’t wait up for me.”

“Yes, Tae-san.” She smiled. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

The walk was short, most likely because she was hurrying. In the dark distance, fireflies stirred, blinking in and out. Then, as she approached, a lantern’s glow caught her eye. Hiko-san was sitting on the steps of the shrine, his eyes closed.

“Hiko-san, good evening.” She greeted and joined him on the steps. They weren’t close enough to touch, but hyperawareness buzzed through her. “Have you been waiting very long?”

“No.” He cleared his throat, his eyelids snapping open. She expected him to continue, but he didn’t. He kept looking straight ahead, and she drew her own gaze away from his profile. The silence was apprehensive, before at last, he said. “The wakame was good.”

“Thank you, I’m glad you liked it.” She tried to keep her tone light. “How have Kenshin and Kaoru been?”

“They’re the same, day in and day out. Ridiculously happy, with the brat. I grew tired of it.”

“But you’ll still visit.” She gave a knowing smile. “And I’ll let you know how they are, when I visit Kyoto in a couple of months.”

He didn’t reply for a long while. Then, he turned to look directly at her for the first time that night. “No, you shouldn’t.”

She was taken aback. “I shouldn’t? I think I can-”

“How’s the Akabeko?”

She swallowed hard. “We’re hanging in there. The situation hasn’t changed, from what I could tell.”

“I found out otherwise. Did you know about the rumor, that you’re getting married and selling the restaurant?”

Tae felt cold. “No. But…that would explain some of the looks I’ve been getting.” She had thought her acquaintances were being encouraging, not congratulatory. “Who on earth could I marry-oh.” Now, she blushed and hastily said. “It’s a misunderstanding.”

“And yet, that misunderstanding was exploited by the real estate hunter. He’s even gotten into your mail, he’s friends with a postal worker. So, it’s best that we shouldn’t have any contact, to have a clean break.” He stood, and his expression was surprisingly gentle. “I have no desire to take your livelihood from you. You’ve worked hard, to be established and respected. If my presence threatens that, then I can’t stay around you.”

She couldn’t bring herself to respond immediately. Because he was right. “I understand, the best thing is to let this relationship cool. If there’s nothing between us, there’s nothing to exploit to hurt me. This is goodbye.”

“Do you resent me?”

“I…” She stopped herself and carefully phrased her response. “When we first met at the Shirobeko, I didn’t think very highly of you. However, we happened to see each other more often since then, and I learned to see you as a friend. And now…” I think I’m in love with you, just when we have to cut off all contact. So, please-

“I’m not happy about it either. But I care for you, so for your sake, I’ll leave you.”

Care for me? How vague…could he really mean…?

She moved to stand. He didn’t touch her, but they were close enough that she could recognize the scent of his coat. When he handed her the lantern, their fingers didn’t brush. His face was perfectly calm. “Goodbye, Sekihara.” Almost in slow motion, he turned around and began to walk.

“Hiko-san!” He did look back, and she straightened. She couldn’t confess, but she would see him off with a smile. “Travel safely.”

He only gave that smirk, maddening and endearing and bitter all at once. Then he left, his shadow melding into the night.

Slowly, Tae went back the way she came. Her eyes began to burn halfway through, and she didn’t stop blinking, until she had returned to the empty Akabeko.

***

“How was the eel, Tae?” Her father asked.

“Delicious.” She did her best to smile. The unagi had been cooked nicely, the skin sweet and soft from the steamed rice. “You were right, that was the best stall.”

Obon would begin in a few days, and yesterday, she had stayed at her parents’ little farm. It was flourishing, the colorful array of vegetables ripening. Today, they ventured into the city, despite the heat, and eating eel was for strength and stamina.

“Okaa-san, are you alright?”

Her mother had been quiet, and she sheepishly shrugged. “I want to see Sae and the baby, that’s all. We look forward to meeting your friends too.”

“Yes, they’ll be here later in the week, Tsubame-chan first.” Kenshin, Kaoru, and Kenji would join them later, for they had to pay respects to a grave here in Kyoto. She set down her chopsticks. “Then, let’s go to the Shirobeko.”

The restaurant was busy, yet Toru met them at the door. “Hello, everyone. Sae’s upstairs, Makoto’s just woken up from his nap.”

“Thank you, Toru. You look well.”

His smile was wry. “We’ve had less sleep, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Sae practically lit up, as she patted her son’s back. Makoto’s face was red from crying, but he was adorably plump. Otou-san was pleased, and Okaa-san fussed over her grandson. Tae held him for a while, laughing at his confused expression.

“I do look like your mother, don’t I? Well, you’ll be able to tell us apart when you’re older. Be on your best behavior in the meantime.”

Sae beamed. “Don’t worry, he’s a good child.” Motherhood suited her sister, and Tae was happy for her.

Dinner was rowdy, most of it friendly teasing over Masa and Hotaka’s wedding plans. Yasu kept calling for toasts in their favor, and the laughter grew each time. The reverie lasted until evening, when they had to return to the farm. It was only for the day, they would back for Obon, but per usual, it was reluctant to leave. Amidst the drawn-out goodbyes, Sae approached her, quietly saying. “Are you alright? You seemed a little melancholy. Is it because of that friend you can no longer meet?”

She nodded. “I’m fine, it was for the best.”

Her sister took her hand, squeezing gently. “If you ever need anything, let me know. I’m always here for you.”

Tae squeezed back. “Of course, and the same goes for you.”

The next morning, she excused herself, explaining she would be returning to the city. “I’ll be back later, I want to buy some souvenirs for my employees in Tokyo.”

“Be safe.” Her father reminded, and her mother waved her off.

It didn’t take her very long, to buy enough sweets that would satisfy the girls, so she headed for Natsuko’s grave. It had been tended to, the flowers were starting to brown and wilt. Tae lit an incense stick for her and her family, the pungent smoke lingering in the heavy air. Cicada song rose and fell, and her gaze was pulled towards the nearby mountains.

She should have returned to her parents’ home. Instead, she changed direction, walking on the road leading out of Kyoto.

I want to see you. I want to tell you that the Akabeko is recovering. We still don’t have as many customers as we used to, but it’s slow progress. No one’s been offering to buy the restaurant, so it seems we’re in the clear. Perhaps, we don’t need to cut each other off completely.

But it didn’t turn out that way.

When she reached the clearing, he wasn’t there. She called out, and was met with silence. The house was empty, and so was his pottery workshop. Hiko-san was not at home.

Tae laughed, she couldn’t help it. She supposed he was selling his wares elsewhere, and it was just as well. It was foolish to be here, the current state of things was still so fragile. “Alright. Then, whenever fate decides it, we’ll meet again.” She murmured, before turning back towards Kyoto.

And hopefully, her feelings would not fade.