Watchers

Chapter 1

Here comes the first chapter of Oyasumi Nasai's sequel! I hope you guys like it, please review!

Hijikata and Souji sat together on the rising deck at the Shinsengumi Headquarters. Souji was recovering from his illness and he'd finally gotten his appetite back, so he was happily munching away on some candies. In total, he'd received 247 gifts of these same candies from people around the barracks and village and he was over the moon - though he had enlisted some people to help him get through them all as well as giving some away to local kids.

"How's Tetsu's training coming, Mr Hijikata? I haven't seen him anywhere since I got back."

"Oh, he's doing very well actually; he's grown quite a bit too." Souji grinned excitedly, clapping his hands together

"Really? I'd like to see him all grown up!" Hijikata smiled and nodded. Just then, Shinpachi and Heisuke turned the corner and the Demon Vice-Commander called them over

"Yes sir?" they asked, worry all over their faces

"Can you get Tetsunosuke over here, please? Souji would like to see him."

"Oh, yeah, sure! I think he's in the training hall right now actually." Shinpachi said, smiling with obvious relief.

"Let's go see him!" Souji cried, getting up. They were all glad to see him stronger and putting on at least a little weight - though he remained very thin.

Together, Hijikata and Souji went over to the training hall, where they could hear the stamping of feet and a deep voice hard at work. Souji was very excited to see his little friend again, his jaw dropped when he saw him in the flesh.

Ichimura Tetsunosuke stood there in full training uniform, his legs shoulder-width apart and firmly holding a katana as he manipulated the blade to cut and slice at the air. It was a similar technique to Hijikata's but a little more graceful, Souji mentally noted with a giggle.

The once 4'6" boy was now at least 6 foot, his muscles sculpted and toned all over his body - visible through his slightly sweaty clothing. He was a vision of manly beauty. His hair was in its usual style, though it had darkened slightly and his eyes remained big and blue with the same child-like determination and excitement, surrounded by matured features

"Tetsu!" Souji cried, grinning. The boy- the man turned at the voice, lowering his weapon, and grinned

"Mr Okita!" he cried, his voice deepened considerably since the last time they'd spoken in Edo hospital. He went over to the other men, sheathing his sword.

"You're looking good! Puberty has been kind to you, huh?" Tetsu laughed

"Yeah, it took long enough to get here!" he said. Souji giggled "It's great to see you looking so well, I was gonna buy you some of your favorite candies but I didn't have time.." Souji burst into laughter, somewhat confusing Tetsu. He calmed himself down, short of breath but still grinning

"Oh, that's ok! That's all I've been getting since I got back." He said, wiping his eyes as tears of laughter threatened to leak out. Tetsu laughed too, so happy to have Souji back and healthy - well, healthier. He suddenly found himself thinking about Ayu and how happily hard she'd have worked to get Souji back to his old self. This then led him to Susumu, whom he hadn't seen since before Souji got really sick as he was off on a big mission. He missed his friend terribly and couldn't wait for him to come home and see him again. He looked forward to the aloof raven's expression when he saw how altered Tetsu was in appearance and, hopefully, maturity.

Short but I hope you liked it. Please review and I'll catch you on the flip-flop

PMKnut xx