I've wanted to do a Saitou/Misao story FOREVER! So, here it is. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm a die-hard A/M fan. But as far as alternate pairings go, it has to be Saitou/Misao. And the A/M relationship in here is actually a good one. Both parties are fine with it, so read on! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Not mine.

Warnings: There will be OOCness. I give you fair warning. And no flames due to the pairing. If you don't like alternate pairs, then don't read it. Simple as that.

Courting The Weasel

Chapter 1: Meeting The Mrs.

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I glanced again at the pretty woman sipping tea in a booth by herself. She had been in here once a week for a few months now, just for tea. I didn't know her at all. She never spoke to any of us except to order and I didn't feel it was right to pry. I quickly looked away when I noticed her glance up at me. Feeling my face flame up I turned to wipe down an empty booth.

As she left she turned to me and smiled slightly. I always felt awkward around her. She was just so pretty and I felt plain in comparison. I mean I know I'm not ugly, I actually think I'm rather attractive in a cute sort of way. And she wasn't a breathtaking beauty, but there was something about her. I think it's her eyes. They're this dark green color, almond shaped and they glitter with something akin to mischief. The rest of her was plain. Dark brown hair, slightly pink almost thin lips, average build. Nothing special. But she always wore high-quality kimono. I found her intriguing.

Two weeks later, she was here again. I busied myself with straightening the menus when I heard someone enter. I looked up with a bright smile and frowned immediately. "What do you want, Saitou?"

He smirked that infuriating, holier-than-thou smirk. "Weasel. I'm here to see my wife for lunch."

I grinned slightly. "So, I'll get to see the mysterious Tokio, huh?"

I tilted my head at the curious expression on Saitou's face. He was clearly amused. "You've seen her every week for months and you haven't realized it yet?"

It took me all of two seconds to make sense out of what he said. I glanced to the woman in the booth sipping her tea. "Her! She's your wife!" It was rude, I know. But for heaven's sake, I was in shock. Give me a break!

Saitou rolled his eyes. "Yes, she's my wife. Now will you take my order so I can go join her? I only get an hour for lunch, Itachi."

I narrowed my eyes at him and through clenched teeth, "What would you like, sir?" Oh I hope he heard the sarcasm. I mean I was laying it on pretty thick.

After bringing his lunch to the table, I was stopped by a soft hand on my arm. I turned in shock to, who I now knew as, Tokio. "Makimachi-san, have you told him how you feel yet?"

My eyes widened in shock. "What?"

Tokio held a soft smirk on her lips. "That man you adore. I see it in your eyes every time he is near. Have you told him how you feel?"

Saitou snorted and came to my rescue, sort of, in that insulting way of his. "Leave the weasel alone. She's too chicken to tell him how she feels and he's too busy sulking to do anything about it anyway."

Tokio giggled softly. "Hajime, be nice." She then smiled at me and dipped her head slightly. "Forgive my rudeness."

I nodded mutely and headed for the kitchen, needing to hide. That was rather embarrassing.

When I regained my composure and headed back out front, Saitou and Tokio were getting ready to leave. She stopped for a few seconds by the front door regarding me silently, and then she gave a soft smile and left.

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After that awkward incident, I didn't see her for three weeks. I was almost glad about it. I mean she was never a bother, but the fact that she could read me was unsettling. I didn't know a thing about her, except she was married to the Wolf. Yet, she was able to see into me so easily.

When I did see her again, I walked up with my smile and got ready to lead her to a booth. "Good afternoon, Saitou-san." God, that sounded weird. "How are you feeling today?"

Tokio giggled slightly behind her hand. "Please, Hajime and I are now Fujita Goro and Fujita Tokio. And there's no need to be so formal. Just call me Tokio."

I nodded at her, smile still in place. "Of course, Tokio."

"Actually Misao, I wanted to ask you something."

Again, a mute nod. "Would you accompany me in the marketplace, if you're free?"

The smile slipped and I just tilted my head questioningly. "Me? Can I ask why?"

Tokio smiled sweetly at me. "Hajime told me you were annoying during the Shishio incident."

I felt my blood boil. But she spoke before steam came out of my ears.

"However, I don't see it. You seem nice and from what I've heard, you're having relationship problems with that handsome man you gaze at."

Now I blushed. Apparently, Tokio's goal was to make me feel every emotion today. But a walk with Saitou's wife? I just couldn't resist. "I would love to accompany you. Let me just tell someone where I'm headed."

I bolted into the kitchen and almost knocked Okon over. "Sorry, Okon!"

Of course, a scolding was coming on. "Misao-chan! How many times have w-"

"I don't have time, Okon. Saitou's wife just asked me to go for a walk with her. So, I'll be out for the rest of the afternoon."

Okon gaped at me. "Saitou's wife!"

I smiled at her. "That was my reaction. But an opportunity like this is priceless. So, I'll see you later!"

I barely heard her response as I left.

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Tokio and I had been perusing various stalls and carts with little interest for some time now. It was apparent she wanted to discuss something with me, so I waited. Finally, she spoke while inspecting a piece of fabric. "Tell me, Misao. What do you feel exactly for that man?"

I giggled at her. "Right down to business, I see."

She giggled back. "Of course. When you're married to the Wolf of Mibu, you learn not to mince words."

"Well, with Aoshi-sama, things are complicated. I mean I do love him. I know I do. The problem is I don't know if I'm in love with him."

Tokio nodded. "Yes, I see. Do go on."

I couldn't help myself. Once I started, it felt too good to get it out in the open to an impartial party. As we sat on a bench near the river, I poured my heart out. I told her everything about Aoshi-sama and myself. And she patiently listened.

Once it was over, she smiled and patted my hand. "Misao, you must tell him. Nothing will happen if you keep silent."

She was right, of course. However, it wasn't anything new. I knew darn well I needed to tell Aoshi-sama, but the fear of rejection is a powerful thing.

She made me tell all about my love life, or lack thereof. Now it was my turn. "So, do I get some dirt on Saitou?"

Tokio laughed outright. "I don't even have dirt on Hajime! I could tell you he's a good father and husband. Most people don't know that."

I gaped at her. "Saitou Hajime! A good father and husband!"

She smiled and nodded.

I couldn't help but ask. "So, how did you meet?"

Tokio sighed and took on a wistful look. "We met during the Bakumatsu. Our marriage was actually arranged. A political union between Aizu, where I'm from, and the Shinsengumi. Someone like Hajime despises interference in his personal life. So, I'm sure you can imagine the fury he was in when he was chosen as the Shinsengumi representative for the union. But, Kondou-sama believed Hajime needed the stability of a marriage and an order is an order. There was no way Hajime would have refused Kondou-sama's order."

I frowned at her. "Didn't you want to marry for love?"

Tokio smiled. "Not everyone gets to marry for love. It's even less of an option when you come from a wealthy family like I did."

I needed to hear more of the story. I was being drawn in. "Please continue."

She nodded slightly. "The first few weeks of marriage, Hajime and I barely spoke. We were strangers who met just one week before our wedding. Over time, we became friends and learned to trust each other. Unfortunately, it never blossomed into love. It would have been wonderful if it had. He made a promise to me that we never had to consummate our marriage. That was a great relief to me, since I didn't really love him. We also have an agreement that should one of us truly fall in love one day, then our union will be ended. Neither one of us would stand in the way of the others happiness."

I had to ask. "But you have children. So, didn't you eventually fall in love?" I was slightly confused.

"Well, we both decided we wanted children. The only way to make that happen, was to go ahead and consummate the marriage. Hajime was very thoughtful and gentle though. So, it wasn't a bad experience. And I'm grateful everyday that we decided to have our boys. They are the lights of my life. And I consider myself incredibly lucky. I have a kind husband who has never raised his voice or his hand to me. He provides me and our children with everything we need. He buys us gifts, makes sure we have the best of certain things. He's involved with our children's schooling and is an active participant in their upbringing. He's wonderful. I just wish I loved him the way he deserves. He really should have a woman who cherishes him and who he adores in return."

Tokio frowned. I'm sure she was wishing things had been different between her and Saitou. I was beginning to see the Wolf of Mibu in a whole new light. Maybe he wasn't such a bad guy after all.

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Over the next few months, I saw plenty of Tokio. We never went on another walk together, or even became friends really. But, now that I knew who she was, I seemed to see her everyday at least once. We would wave at each other, exchange pleasantries and that was it. I didn't realize just how much our lives would intersect in the near future.

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A/N: Alright. Hoping this works well. Please review! Hugs & Kisses!