[He considers you a brat because you took away everything he loved! Sougo crosses his arms and glares at you while you're looking at your device. Throughout walking, he'll whine about wanting more food. Once he gets on the train though, he's amazed at just how high-tech this train is. The trains close to Bushuu certainly didn't look like this.
Sougo wants to sit next to the window, so he'll rush in ahead of you. He won't even look at you because he does want to look out of the window. He's still a kid, of course.]
[If only Hijikata knew. From where he's standing all he did was get the crap beaten out of him and happen to be found by some of the only nice people in the area.]
[He lets Sougo have the window seat alright, though he is actually mildly curious about this train journey as well. Both of them can enjoy some quiet time to take in the changing architecture along the way. As the air rail slopes downwards into Level 3 the daylight gradually gets dimmer, blocked by too many buildings and landmarks. Once Hijikata recognises the telltale signs of a lively downtown area he gets up from his seat.]
[No, you waddled into his life and stole everything!
The silence suits Sougo just fine. He desperately wants to go home, back to Aneue and Kondou-san, but he's so curious. He's never seen a city like this before. Even as the Amanto were starting to change Japan, the advances were slower to arrive to the countryside of Bushuu.
However, it's also been a very long day for the little brat. When you speak to him, he doesn't move. He's asleep, gently snoring, his head leaning against the window. He's even drooling a little bit.]
[Oh, he fell asleep. Hjikata kind of doesn't want to wake him up; he's far more pleasant company like this. He lifts him up as gently as possible, hoping he won't awaken and make a big scene, and steps out of the train with him. Where to go now... he spots a snack bar with outdoor seating and asks the owner if he can make his purchase later when the kid wakes up, and since that's fine with the man he sits down under one of the large umbrellas, carefully laying Sougo down on his coat next to him. He looks like such a nice child when his face is relaxed... well, Hijikata knows better.]
Tsk tsk, I can't believe you weren't paying attention.
[Even though he's the one who slept through the instructions.
Sougo knows it must mean something, but what exactly is something he can only guess at. Hijikata is the worst, therefore it must be the hate of a thousand suns. But then why does it look almost take on a reddish tone in some places? The lantern color even veers somewhat orange-yellow towards its center. A strong friendship.]
Why's it kinda red? Do you love me or something Hijikata-san? Gross.
Eh, I can't believe you'd deny your feelings like this. I thought we had a hate that was something special. You really think so little of me, that I'd actually like an anal-retentive like you. I'm so hurt.
[Not really, he's saying this in his trademark sarcasm.]
[This is not the sound of Mitsuba's voice rousing him, so he won't wake up. Sougo seems to be in a pretty deep sleep; he didn't wake up through the entire time you were transferring him. But now, on the seats, he stirs a little bit in his sleep. Even though he's still off in dreamland, he reaches out with his hands, as if wanting to hug something.]
[Sougo really is much cuter when he's asleep. If he can't find something to hold he may just wake up, and Hijikata wants to prolong his brief moment of peace, so he puts his hand down within Sougo's reach. He'll withdraw it if he drools on it, though.]
[Caihong feels a lot more familiar than the Moonblessed residency area on Level 2. Maybe he'll come down here often from now on.]
[Oh no you don't. This time he's actually a little more on guard. He catches Sougo's hand, letting go of the lantern. The brightness stops increasing further, though it's already giving off a lot of light right now.]
[If only Sougo's sister were here to play with him when he wakes up. Hijikata gazes around at the hustle and bustle as he smokes, imagining her walking among the people, maybe wandering from shop to stand to buy food or something else for the household, and some candy or a small surprise present for her baby brother if her finances allow it. If they don't Kondou would help her out. But he isn't here, and neither is she.]
Sorry, Sougo. It's just me.
[He mutters that quietly under his breath; the last thing he wants is to wake him up. Sougo's hands holding on to his are so small... despite everything he's still a child, and Hijikata can't really feel resentful or annoyed when he looks at his sleeping face. Calling it fondness would probably be too much said, but he vaguely feels something positive. Protectiveness? That's probably it. As long as Sougo is like this he won't leave him alone.]
[Tch. Damn. At least your reflexes are back to normal this time. The light definitely helped, though.
Speaking of the lantern, as Sougo only has a loose grip on it now with one hand, it starts to float up and away to light up the starless sky. Sougo turns his head so his eyes can follow its trajectory.]
Now look what you did. We don't have our lantern anymore.
[If only his sister was here indeed...Sougo would treasure her presence no matter, but it would be the most important when he's at this age, so dependent on her. His small hands are still holding on to yours and for once, Sougo is truly peaceful. He wouldn't be if he knew you were the only one here.
He continues to talk in his sleep a bit more. However, it's mostly just babble from him and it's not very understandable. After a bit of this, he starts to roll over, almost off the chair, still holding onto your hand...]
It's got enough chroma 'cause of you being lovey-dovey and shit. I don't think it goes up to the real stars. Just enough so that you don't see a terrorist coming to get you.
[Sougo doesn't know how this logically plays out, and he doesn't really care. However, you're still gripping onto his hands and that's unacceptable. So now his next tactic is to try and knee you in the gut and then follow it up with a headbutt if it hits. It will be all the more painful for you since he just punched your stomach earlier.]
[Well, you're old enough to know that it would just be rude and unfair to let a little kid mess himself up. Even if that little kid is an utter brat like Sougo.
The quick movements of almost falling and being shoved onto your lap is enough to make him stir--]
[He just... holds his breath, stays very quiet, and hopes for the best. Please fall back asleep, Sougo. Otherwise Hijikata knows he'll be on the receiving end of a tantrum in 3, 2, 1...]
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