Sapphire Ambassadors

Shosuro Hatsuki wrote: ↑

Wed Oct 05, 2022 4:54 am

I was actually thinking she should have one more kid - her husband deserves to have one, really, and even she feels that way at the end of this game, but I suspect it's too late to alter that.

On a teacher's salary?

He does not stir, save to gurgle softly from bubbles along the line as it swells and spreads and spills onto the floor.

And even that does not last long.

His arms close around her, one hand resting on the back of her head, the other arm wrapping around just above her obi. And the blade of a thin knife slides in there, striking for the kidney. "I'm sorry, Hatsuki. Truly." His voice is husky with it, but his grip is firm, and the blade is so very, very...

"Maybe in a bit," he says.

"Perhaps first I should like to embrace my wife."

His voice is warm, and he spreads his arms wide for her.

He enters, and, when the door is shut behind him, he takes off his mask.

Here, at least, he will not hide his face away.

For this, at least, he will show himself as he is.

"I'll have a lot more time to myself in the coming days, I think," he says. "How are the children?"

He sits, considering the letter he has written and is about to send off. ...I am moving to correct the matter, tending to my own house. The possibility of further contamination must be considered, however. He seals the letter, summons one of his senior students. Strange to think that he has them, no...

Uh huh.

...meddlesome kids?

Sure.

/scene

Kumaji kisses her hand.

"Lead the way," he says.

He chuckles.

"Rest would be nice," Kumaji agrees. "Though I'd not say no to other things, were my wife offering them to me."

"I have the morning," Kumaji replies. "I'll have to report in before midday."

As Hatsuki looks at him, she will note signs of fatigue. He lampshades as much by saying "It's been a long hitch."

"I've missed you too, Hatsuki-chan," Kumaji says, warmth in his voice. "I truly have."

He eats a bit more, considers.

"It gets lonely on...about the work."

"Given my work, Hatsuki-chan, you're not generally supposed to see me."

He grins just a bit.

"This isn't Painted City, after all."

"Oh?"

Kumaji has set aside his mask for the moment. The face is the one she knows.

He eats.

"Only so much can be said on that score," he replies. "Progression up the ranks requires certain actions be taken at intervals."

A slight shrug.

"Nothing of value is awarded without trial."

"You look well, Hatsuki," he says. "Do you feel well?"

"Good morning, wife," comes a familiar voice, and the smell of tea and a simple breakfast of porridge, soup, fish, and pickled vegetable surrounds her.