His smile twisted softly at her near-slip, simultaneously amused and disquieted with the recovery. Saitou’s thoughts fortunately didn’t dwell on it too long, his attention immediately cast out to his physical surroundings as he dropped his hand from hers and began to proceed forward. He was careful as he moved, steps adjusted for Chizuru’s smaller gait, seemingly leisurely at the surface--but surface alone.
Every step brought another visual sweep of their surroundings, another glance at the woman at his side, then to the empty space at his hip. It was such a naked sensation to be without his uniform, and without his katana on his right side, he felt immeasurably vulnerable, left without his weapon and in part, his purpose.
But then he would look at Chizuru again, and though she wasn’t mountain striped, her presence blanketed the rawness of his nerves, reminding him that he hadn’t ceased to be Shinsengumi in his heart.
He spoke briefly with the first mate, pointing out the nondescript satchels and sash-wrapped cargo they needed. Saitou was apprehensive to trust the man would have their luggage delivered to the inn where they were staying, but with his need to protect Chizuru, he settled for what he could carry and accepted his concealed blades under one arm, a slight frown pulling at his otherwise stoic lips.
“Is there anywhere you wish to see tonight?” he asked, almost distractedly, as he led her off the ship and to solid ground, “There should be many attractions here...”
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2013-03-01 08:07 am (UTC)Every step brought another visual sweep of their surroundings, another glance at the woman at his side, then to the empty space at his hip. It was such a naked sensation to be without his uniform, and without his katana on his right side, he felt immeasurably vulnerable, left without his weapon and in part, his purpose.
But then he would look at Chizuru again, and though she wasn’t mountain striped, her presence blanketed the rawness of his nerves, reminding him that he hadn’t ceased to be Shinsengumi in his heart.
He spoke briefly with the first mate, pointing out the nondescript satchels and sash-wrapped cargo they needed. Saitou was apprehensive to trust the man would have their luggage delivered to the inn where they were staying, but with his need to protect Chizuru, he settled for what he could carry and accepted his concealed blades under one arm, a slight frown pulling at his otherwise stoic lips.
“Is there anywhere you wish to see tonight?” he asked, almost distractedly, as he led her off the ship and to solid ground, “There should be many attractions here...”
Oh, word choice.