Blood in Flame and Water

Flame Rain and Snow

Chopsticks clinked against the rims of rice bowls as two figures enjoyed their morning rations of breakfast. For the meal, Rengoku had prepared rice, some vegetables, and the leftover Yakitori from when, supposedly, Tomioka finished only half of the chicken one from his market trip. The beef, leftover chicken, and pork slices sizzle as they heat up over the fire and are kept warm by the flame. Tomioka and Rengoku, respectively, had their own tray covered in their bowls and napkins, while the grill was placed in between them so they could grab anything they wanted. Naturally, most of the meat would go to Rengoku due to his appetite, but Tomioka was casual enough to grab a few pieces of chicken and beef here and there.

"I believe another market trip is in order, " Rengoku stated after finishing his mouthful of rice and pork.

Tomioka glanced up at Rengoku before looking back down upon his tray, "Again? "

Kyojuro nodded, "Indeed! I plan to buy a basin and soap so we can wash our garments! I think we can both agree that they are in need of a much needed scrub." Tomioka hummed while prodding at his zucchini with his chopsticks, "We could use more fire wood too. "

Rengoku glanced at the pit and the still smoldering embers before nodding, "Good observation, Tomioka! "

Biting his lip, Tomioka lowered his face minutely to hide behind his hair. He picked up a slice of zucchini and rice and ate it delicately.

Kyojuro continued his verbal listing of materials he may need to buy, "I also believe we should purchase more wicks for the candles! They are almost burnt out by now. "

Tomioka nodded, "We need a new pen and inkwell…, and some paper. "

Rengoku paused before a specific memory came to the front of his mind, "Yes! We need to report to Oyakata-sama that we have arrived safely at our designated mission. "

Tomioka offered no response as he continued to eat his breakfast.

Rengoku savoured the meal until he was done with it and waited patiently for Tomioka to finish his own. He fiddled with the bowls in the meantime to seem preoccupied so Tomioka wouldn't feel rushed. Nevertheless, the man soon finished his own meal and they got up together to bring their bowls to the nagashi sink. Rinsing out their bowls and then setting them in the sink for washing later since they had yet to get the appropriate soap, Rengoku and Tomioka set themselves up to go back to the market for their much needed materials.

Standing on the engawa facing the main road, they were both adorned in their everyday yukatas and sandals. Rengoku held up his arm as his kasugai crow perched himself on Kyojuro's offered limb. The bird tilted his head as Rengoku relayed a message to him, "Tomioka and I will be heading to the market to buy what we need. Enjoy yourself and fly around! "

Nakame nodded and took off. Rengoku turned to Tomioka who was standing by, "Where is your bird, Kanzaburo, Tomioka?"

Tomioka shrugged and looked around in the sky, "He sometimes forgets where I am. He'll be okay. He finds me eventually."

Kyojuro made a noise before nodding and starting to walk towards the market with Tomioka close behind.

The walk was mostly silent beside the occasional crunch of gravel under their sandals and the flutter of Yoshida style Shide streamers. Soon enough, the chatter of the market reached both of the Hashira's ears. Idle conversation passed between couples or friends as they gathered around booths, children clung to their elder parents and pointed at trinkets some sellers were advertising, and the usual buzz of people going through their list of groceries.