I don't own these characters ... there disclaimer ... as for some of the vocabulary here you should be able to figure it out. If not the any iaido glossary should help you. If enough people complain then ill add a short description for some of the vocab. But research into iaido is suggested and encouraged.

"The air is humid tonight" muttered Shinpachi in a breathy tone. His arms sagged gently in his pose as he watched the dew condensing on his Wakizashi. The clammy sweat on his hands was making him constantly adjust his grip. Sighing, he continued in hushed monologue.

"It must be past midnight; everyone is asleep; dreaming. I wonder if he's still angry with us for tricking him with a wooden iaito. Still, I don't know what to say after he declined our offer of my short blade. I feel so shitty now. It's like I crossed some point of no return in our friendship. Doesn't he wonder though why I always try to cook for him? Or why I really tease him. I know I can't cook. But I'd do anything for his approval; his attention his ... I've gotten weaker. Maybe I am preying on him because he's the only one less respected here then me but still I ... I ... have grown to love him in his innocent pacifism. His purity held in that small frame; that small frame that matches mine only in size but not in content. Tetsu-kun ... tetsu...koi. I want to hold you firmly as I do in my fantasies"

Realizing his gaining tone, he halts peering deep into the recesses of the back field that was part of the Shinsengumi's grounds, surrounded by a three meter stone wall that separated them from the rest of the town. The wall afforded no real protection in the sense that a fortress would. There are few that would dare walk up to the wall, much less scale or mar it. He stood on the wooden deck boards that made the walk way closest to where Tetsunosuke slept. Due to the moisture that had condensed on the well polished floors, keeping afoot was a particularly tenuous feat. Shinpachi's stood there still; barely touching the paper/wooden door that he intended to set ajar, just ajar enough to view the object of his ponderings. He stealthily tucked his old companion sword into his obi and assumed a lower pose. A shaking hand slid open the door that obscured the room that Tetsu was sleeping in. With careful attention to his footing, he peers back into Tetsunosuke's room, over his frame outlined only by silken covers. Peering at the slight curve of his absent belly and how his thighs clung to the sheets. Tetsunosuke turned in apparent slumber and Shinpachi gasped. His eyes cling as his hands desperately would. Tetsu's body showed the purity of youth and the slightest hint of manhood as the peachy fur on his chest turned a darker orange near where the blanket still covered. The clouds moved to divulge the moon; and at this astral winking so did Tetsu blink. A dumbfounded Shinpachi stared now intently at Tetsu. Both looked at each other for a minute until Shinpachi realized ...

"SHIT" Shinpachi's mind went racing as he searched for a valid reason for him to be ogling Tetsunosuke; let alone at this hour. The answer eluded him

"What is this, another joke?" said Tetsu as he raised holding up his blanket. Tetsunosuke had heard his whispered speech, the silent desperation and angst. He was staggered by the concept of it. Tetsunosuke had noticed his stalker quite by accident as he laid awake thinking of just the event that bothered his now discombobulated friend. Tetsu never did have much of an accusing face and when he tried to be serious most people brought his expressions to mockery, especially Shinpachi. He thought it better not to try to assume some unnatural expression. Why was he out there slinking? Tetsunosuke then looked at the Wakizashi held loosely in his obi. Better yet why is he armed?

Shinpachi followed Tetsunosuke's eyes to his side-arm resting under his left thumb. He panicked. He quickly moved his hand away from the short-blade and to a less threatening position. This gave him the excuse that he needed.

"I came to see if you wanted to spar" interjected Shinpachi in a hurried speech

Tetsu looked at him strangely; examining his face slight tremble of voice. Shinpachi could kill 13 men in there sleep without waking up the dog and dance on the blood slick floor without a whimper. But still a whimper in his voice now caused Tetsunosuke to marvel. Shinpachi! Like this! Tetsu knew Shinpachi had secrets. But THIS?! Upon mentally collecting himself he slowly abandoned his surprised face and pondered. Maybe it's better if I play stupid like usual, he thought.

"Is something wrong?" Tetsu's face softened

Shinpachi took the bait and then set his.

"I was just wondering around and I saw you sleeping and I wanted to make yesterday up to you." His voice was apologetic and weak. His words barely audible over the sudden but hushed rushing of the wind against the trees. Taking security in the muted din of the rustle, he let his words plow onwards into each other.

"SoIdecidedIdsparwithyoutomakeitupbutIjustrelisedthatitstoolatenowso........."

Tetsu was staring right back into Shinpachi's glazed over eyes; into his corona and past the pupils. He had never seen Shinpachi this transparent or vulnerable.

"It's really all ok now I've forgotten about the whole thing" a lie

Shinpachi straightened himself up and resumed his covering grin "well yeah ... so still since were up are you up for some action" the agenda still seeps through

"Well I guess..."

"Good then lets go" Grabing Tetsu's wrist.

"Wait" Tetsu recoiled

"What is this all about? You didn't wake me up to spar. You were watching me." he paused "I could hear you breathing."

Shinpachi let go of Tetsu's wrist. Slowly he came to the realization that Tetsu had heard him. Both parties knew that the other knew. Both choose to let it remain unmentioned. He continued in silent thought. Maybe ill just practice with him and nothing will come of this...right? Shinpachi disconcerted himself with the puzzle of unspoken words.

"I don't know I was just awake and thinking about what happened and what I did and I was really sorry. I don't know I was just thinking about you that's all" looking now to the floor boards, he staggered over his words up.

He knows well enough now that I heard him. Tetsu thought. Thinking about me... He was thinking about me. Is he gawking at me still? He's still looking at me through those desperate eyes... still. I'd feel so bad if I didn't at least give him some attention. Plus it's not like I'm going to bed soon anyway.

Shinpachi continued his pretext. "So umm anyway.... If you want to spar why don't you meet me at to dojo in a minute or so?" said Shinpachi in a more solid tone.

"Sure" I have no love for lying awake anyway thought Tetsu in parallel deliberation to his answer.

The tension had just subsided and shinpachi made a false start to step out.

"Ayu-nee has my hakama and gi though" commented Tetsu in recollection. Another lie fueled by both languor and curiosity.

"Just tie that blanket creatively" retorted Shinpachi as casually as possible.

"I guess" said Tetsu staring at the blanket that he held wondering. What now?