6 ❀ Summer Citadel

[konnosuke]

Beach. Everyone has been working so hard lately so why not take a break and enjoy the beach? You can make sand castles, play in the water, and there are even umbrellas for those who'd rather just relax in the shade. There's a nice row of water melons ready to be smashed later in the day and when the sun goes down, that's when the sparklers come out. Suffering. It's the hottest time of the year and the citadel doesn't have central air conditioning. The few air conditions that were installed have given up on life after being used so much and now, we really have to make do with what we can while the Konnosuke try to fix it. There's a limited number of fans, plenty of ice cream to go around, and the citadel should be built to circulate air, right? ... Right?! Spooks. In Japan, summer is a time for horror. Gather around the camp fire and hear some spooky ghost stories or maybe head out into the woods just outside the citadel for a good ol' fashioned test of courage. It's all good, harmless fun! Of course, with so many spirits gathered in one place, what's to say a stray or curious outsider spirit won't join the mix... Rain. Summer is also known for sudden and torrential downpours of rain. The clouds always seem to grown and darken suddenly and the next thing you know, it's raining sheets and the ground is shaking from thunder. Once it starts, it never seems to stop. Maybe you were caught out in the rain or maybe this is day 7 stuck inside. Other! It's summer and there are tons of things to do. Go to the general store and stock up on ice cream, wake up in the middle of the night uncomfortable with heat, or run around screaming because cicadas are dying and flying at your face.

 

Comments

[youwillbeunequaled]

It would have to be a deep pit indeed to thwart you! It could not possibly be worth the time and effort to dig that much.

Far better to ask you politely to take a rest?

[candlestickslayer]

[ That gets another laugh out of him as he slowly shifts a little more up. ]

I'd like to think that I'm not so stubborn I wouldn't listen to a companion wanting to help me out.

[youwillbeunequaled]

I'm pleased to hear that.

[Says the guy who is pretty stubborn himself when it comes to getting repairs.

He watches carefully as Shokudaikiri shifts. At least he's going slowly. Tonbokiri moves so that he can get another towel to roll into a cushion for him. Shokudaikiri came well-equipped, although he'd probably not had this purpose in mind for the towels.]

Only time will tell how your face comes away from this, but how are you feeling? Not dizzy at all?

[candlestickslayer]

I think the dizziness has finally worn off... Thanks to your patience with me.

[youwillbeunequaled]

[He waves a hand dismissively with a grin.]

No, not at all. I doubt my patience had anything to do with your recovery. [A little levity.]

Were you planning on trying any of the activities, though? I must admit, if you were to simply stay in the shade here, it's not a bad place to be.

[candlestickslayer]

I was thinking of giving volleyball a try, but... I'm thinking now that it might be best to hold off for today.

[ He snorts softly. ]

[youwillbeunequaled]

[Tonbokiri huffs out a laugh in return.]

Well, perhaps so. But on the other hand, the worst that could happen has already happened, so you might very well have an excellent game.

[candlestickslayer]

You make a rather fine point there.

[ And his snort turns into a full laughter. ]

I don't suppose you would like to be my teammate later?

[youwillbeunequaled]

[It is always a pleasure to hear a comrade laugh fully. (And not to cover up a sad moment.)]

Ah! Of course! It would be my honour.
But then, would anyone dare to be our opponents?

[candlestickslayer]

I'm sure we could rile someone up enough to try.

[youwillbeunequaled]

[Tonbokiri laughs into his hand at that wording.]

That would not be difficult, although I hope we would not have to go that far.

[candlestickslayer]

No, I'm sure we wouldn't have to. There are plenty here who would like to test their might I am certain.

[youwillbeunequaled]

Even though volleyball isn't supposed to be a game of might.

[candlestickslayer]

I wonder if that means we'll have to go easy on whoever comes to us...

[youwillbeunequaled]

Hahaha, it would depend on the situation!
I do not mind curbing my strength for those who need training, but I shall not hold back against those who can take it.

[candlestickslayer]

Those were my thoughts exactly, Tonbokiri-san.

[youwillbeunequaled]

Good! We shall be well-matched as partners, then.

But, before taking to the court, perhaps you should rest a bit longer. We have all day here, after all. There is no rush.

[candlestickslayer]

I wonder if the others know how kind Tonbokiri's caretaking is.

[youwillbeunequaled]

[--!
Tonbokiri opens his mouth, then closes it slowly, his face warming.]

Ahh... Surely this much is not worthy of comment.
... Perhaps, a handful of people may know... Although, not because they themselves were damaged.

[candlestickslayer]

I think your kindness should always be praised. You do so much... and I appreciate it myself.

[youwillbeunequaled]

[Wh-what? How did the conversation turn to this? He is glad to have earned Shokudaikiri's appreciation, but he is hardly so praiseworthy.]

Not at all... Thank you for your kind words, but this one has done little.

[candlestickslayer]

Little? I don't know if I could agree with that. Even if it's something you see as "little" it could make the world to someone else.

[youwillbeunequaled]

[He smiles shyly.]

The way that your care of us through making meals means the world to us?

[candlestickslayer]

I'm glad for that... It always touches my heart when I see the smiles on all of your faces after you've had something I made...

[youwillbeunequaled]

You are very thoughtful, Shokudaikiri-dono.

Mm, I look forward to sharing that kind of experience once you teach me how to make daifuku.

[But now it occurs to him,]

Thinking of new experiences-- Do you happen to know how to play volleyball? [He rubs at his cheek thoughtfully.] I have some impression of being able to pass to your teammates, and not letting the ball fall on your side of the net, but I'm afraid I don't really know the rules.