“Like the pottery scattered about in pieces” — an excerpt of “1863, December”

Full fic here. 1864, December pt 2 “There’s nothing in my books about it,” Susumu says in report. The lights are low, and Harada’s eyes dance beneath their lids as Yukimura pats his hand fretfully. Hijikata sits seiza across from the medic with Kondou to his left. Nagakura and Todo--just returned from Edo--huddle at his right.  …

“Just a little more, Sano. It’s gonna be okay.” – an excerpt of “1863, December”

Full fic here. 1864, November In the end, they don’t do anything. Further integration of Itou’s forces into the Shinsengumi ranks continues to challenge, and Sannan’s change has necessitated the move to Nishi Hongan-Ji. The troops as a collective are rowdier than ever---a group grown too large for its current outfit, members flitting between one faction-inspired pissing …

“Chizuru, too, has been very, very busy.” – An Excerpt from “1863, December”

Full fic here. 1864, November In the end, they don’t do anything. Further integration of Itou’s forces into the Shinsengumi ranks continues to challenge, and Sannan’s change has necessitated the move to Nishi Hongan-Ji. The troops as a collective are rowdier than ever---a group grown too large for its current outfit, members flitting between one …

“I’m not good when a woman cries.” — an excerpt of “1863, December”

1864, October (pt 3) Sanosuke has never seen her cry. Chizuru’s spirit is indomitable, something as hard and unwavering as it is gentle. When he stumbles across her sitting under the early evening stars, he has to take a breath. He blinks twice--isn’t sure what to think--because yes, that is Chizuru, but how? Why? he thinks. Her …

“What… what did he do? Is Chizuru alright?”— an excerpt of “1863, December”

1864, October (pt 1) Incidents at the Ikedaya and Kinmon Rebellion left the Shinsengumi on high alert. Interference from the unique group of… whoever they were… was unwelcome at best and an outright danger at worst. The larger man had seriously injured Heisuke, and Souji--laughing in pursuit of his revenge--would often speak to the bastardry …

With prayers for long life and happiness — an excerpt of “1863, December”

1864, September pt 1 “I was born today,” he says, his eyes locked on his task. On the fourth and seventh days of every ten, Sanosuke helps Chizuru in the kitchen after dinner. On nights like these, with the changing of the seasons, sunset paints their surroundings in a gentle twilight wash. Chizuru’s dainty hands …