[The tears don’t escape Kondou’s notice, though at first he’s not entirely sure what else to do aside from squeeze Hijikata’s hand in turn. Good thing he’s already incredibly reluctant to let go of him, because that expression causes a pang in his chest. He shouldn’t have to force a smile for Kondou’s sake – he shouldn’t be so miserable that it doesn’t come naturally.
(And even a man like Hijikata can smile sometimes. Kondou can vouch for that, even if most of the time it seems to be during moments that they’ve spent together.)
Though he’s still smiling, he can’t help but sigh at Hijikata’s words, shaking his head.]
The men will always follow you, Toshi. Just don’t forget that you don’t have to take on everything by yourself.
[Of course, that’s something that is never going to change, no matter how much he might have wished it. Hijikata had always tried to do everything himself, to ensure the Shinsengumi’s success – and in fact, Kondou’s own as well. If he was successful at that, then what was stopping him from leading the Shinsengumi successfully too?]
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(And even a man like Hijikata can smile sometimes. Kondou can vouch for that, even if most of the time it seems to be during moments that they’ve spent together.)
Though he’s still smiling, he can’t help but sigh at Hijikata’s words, shaking his head.]
The men will always follow you, Toshi. Just don’t forget that you don’t have to take on everything by yourself.
[Of course, that’s something that is never going to change, no matter how much he might have wished it. Hijikata had always tried to do everything himself, to ensure the Shinsengumi’s success – and in fact, Kondou’s own as well. If he was successful at that, then what was stopping him from leading the Shinsengumi successfully too?]
Are any of the others here, or are you alone?