[Fic] Cat’s Cradle - Chapter Four

Cross-post from my archive.

Fandom/Arc: GetBackers, Ivory Bridges
Characters/Pairings: Fuuchouin Kazuki, Kakei Sakura, Kokuchouin Yohan, Toshi/Yohan, Toufuuin Saizou, Toufuuin Toshi
Summary: When Toshi makes her choice known, Saizou has to deal with everything that's still between he and Yohan.
Meta: Drama, Fluff, Angst, I-4
Wordcount: 5018

The thought that Saizou had been trying not to look at ever since Toshi first spoke to him darted up again. He could choose another. Or he could... not. He could return to Yohan's side himself, to this smiling gentle-eyed Yohan who he was trusting with his little sister.

To Yohan, who had trapped him in service and torment for eight long years.

To Yohan, who had all the deadly grace of the Fuuchouin line and had held him with more than force alone.

( Cat's Cradle: Chapter Four )

The Historical Fulcrum

The goal of most of my steampunk worldbuilding has been to get everyone to meet at the 17th and 18th centuries. Up to that point, my concept of technological development has been very standard and historical; some things get noticed earlier, like movable type or the steam turbine, some social catalysts are moved around to keep cultures from locking into decline, like a small revolution for the Maya or Dara winning in India or Wu being defeated before he can ally with the Manchu or Selim II picking a different war and not losing his fleet. Overall, though, technology develops in mundane ways.

( Then we get to the fun part )