o44 [Action | Video]

[ahappylie]

[It's such a nice day out that Okita has decided to take the House 50 pets for a walk. Around mid-morning after he finishes his training, Okita can be found wandering around the village with the yellow chocobo Tammy in tow. And on her back? A disgruntled Saizou, wishing he could be down from the heathen bird. Tammy doesn't seem to care since

Comments

[video]

[smokingdemon]

What are you doing with that bird, Souji?

[It's a giant chicken. Chickens don't go on walks. Not even talking ones.

...long-suffering sigh.]

[video]

[smokingdemon]

[Good enough to make a sword Souji would use? Hijikata's eyebrows go up, impressed despite himself, but not enough to miss that slight darkening of Souji's expression.

Unpleasant memories? He glances away, not sure if he wants to press the subject and ruin the mood. If it was important, Souji would tell him.]

I suppose. [At least he won't be getting rusty.

A small shrug; he lets the subject drop, trying to think of another.]

[video]

[ahappylie]

[He notices Hijikata's expression and laughs a bit.]

Oh, come now! No need to be so tense! You're going to get worry lines if you're not careful.

[video]

[smokingdemon]

[As a subject change, he'll take "worry lines." Hijikata snorts.]

I'll risk it. [A twitch of his eyebrow at Souji.] Smiles make lines too, you know.

[video]

[ahappylie]

[Oho, well played, Hijikata. Well played.]

But smile lines are more attractive than worry lines.

[video]

[smokingdemon]

Some people say that.

[CLINGING TO HIS BRIEF ADVANTAGE]

[video]

[ahappylie]

Most people do.

[ADVANTAGE YOU SAY?]

Worry lines make you look old.

[video]

[smokingdemon]

'Distinguished.'

[It is too an advantage.]

[video]

[ahappylie]

Distinguished is just a nice way of saying old.

[Perhaps it is, but Souji is being extra troll today.]

[video]

[smokingdemon]

Any lines make you look old.

[Hijikata doesn't entirely mind the banter; he's probably going to lose eventually, but by the time he does the last subject will be entirely forgotten.

Plus, it's easier than talking about everything else.]

[video]

[ahappylie]

No, smile lines make you look happy. There's a difference.

[Not really, but just like Hijikata, Souji is more than willing to let the serious conversation go and turn toward silly banter. Serious conversations can come later, when it isn't so light outside and he isn't trying to keep his mind off the yelling he heard before.]

A very big difference.

[video]

[smokingdemon]

Not that much of one. [He shrugs, one-shouldered, eloquently, and attempts to pet the bird's neck.

Did giant chickens like being petted? It could probably say something if it didn't.

Chickens, smile lines, anything to keep from bringing up the other subjects hanging over their head. Souji remembered the same things he did. Hijikata didn't want to burden him with ...things that might or might not be prevented.]

They're both wrinkles.

[video]

[ahappylie]

[Petting! Tammy warks and turns away from Souji, instead focusing attention on Hijikata who is petting her. Yay for being pet!]

One just doesn't make you look as old.

[He looks over when Tammy turns away and hides a laugh behind his hand.]

Looks like you've made a friend.

[video]

[smokingdemon]

[This is going nowhere but embarrassment. Hijikata says hmph, shaking his head to dismiss the topic. Lines are lines. And looking old isn't that bad.]

Apparently. [Hijikata is dubious about this friendship, but the bird seems to like it; he continues.]

[video]

[ahappylie]

[Saizou is huffing at Hijikata from the bird's back, but is otherwise unable to do anything.]

Maybe you can take her out on walks sometime, too, then.

[video]

[smokingdemon]

How often does she need to be walked?