Chapter Two

This chapter is dedicated to my friend Samanntha! Happy Birthday!

Disclaimer: Characters and original story from Peacemaker Kurogane by Nanae Chrono.

One would have been shocked had they seen the lovelorn look on the man commonly known as the demonic Vice-Commander. The previous night had been sensational. The feel of Okita's skin, the warmth of his body, the scent he loves so much. All these lingered as though he was still beside him.

Okita never failed to raise his spirits and lighten his burdens. Though he had never admitted this. Maybe now that things had gotten to this, he should make an effort to do the same for the now bed-bound Okita. Being a child prodigy and a renown swordsman of excellent skills, not being out there in the battlefields must be torturous. At least, Hijikata knew he would be devastated and frustrated. He sighed at how depressing that must be and looked up at the skies, putting the last of his reports aside.

"Well, I suppose it has been a longtime since I took a walk down the streets." Hijikata thought aloud, but not mentioning his true intention.

Walking through the hustle and bustle of the streets, Hijikata felt a strong sense of nostalgia. There were children running along, playing tag, laughing at each other as they played childish games. Juxtaposed with that liveliness was a sense of virtuousness as the housewives lined the streets; the look of kindness and peace clearly reflected on their faces. Even after going through the warring periods, these people had not given up hope in life and pursued happiness by the mere strength of having their loved ones. Such were the innocence and hope that they, the Shinsengumi, had long lost. Hijikata gave a reminiscent smile at that. Long before they had risen up to their current positions, Kondo, Okita and himself had taken such strolls - mostly due to Okita's persistent requests. It was a common sight for Okita to be running from stall to stall, eyes lighting up in excitement from the variety of candies and toys. Hijikata remembered mentally slapping himself when he found himself wondering how a prodigy swordsman could be as cute and child-like as him.

Hijikata soon found himself next to the stall which Okita used to frequent when he was well. Though the younger man used to say that he was buying the candies for the neighbourhood kids, Hijikata knew very well that he hadn't grown out of those candies even at that age. Whenever he caught sight of Okita playing with the kids, going takai, takai~, he would feel a strange sense of split emotions. In that, he was glad that Okita could have fun and relax, unleashing the child in him, but he strongly suspected an underlying reason for Okita's interaction with those children.

Being born into a samurai family, Okita Souji trained at the Tennen Rishin Ryu school at the age of nine and mastered all the techniques thereby attaining the Menkyo Kaiden scroll at the age of eighteen. With that kind of social status and training, it was only natural that his childhood was deprived of the fun and laughter most children at that age would have. Social expectations, restrictions, obligations. Those were the chains which bound that young child to his fate. Upon joining the Shinsengumi, Okita was further exposed to the slashing and killing of countless others, stripping him of his innocence and naivety. It was about a few years after that Hijikata noticed that Okita would give a pained smile when looking at children play, though he would skillfully hide it when he was chasing the kids around or giving them little treats. It was almost as though he found his lost childhood and innocence in those children. Whenever Hijikata thought about this, he would always feel somewhat guilty for getting Okita involved with the Shinsengumi. If he hadn't instigated Kondo to leave their town for the capital, Okita wouldn't have followed them and wouldn't be entwined in these bloody mess. Of course, he knew that one way or another the inevitable fate would find its way, but that didn't stop him from feeling responsible.

Well, maybe that's why I let him have his way with me sometimes... make that all the time (=.=) Hiikata just couldn't refuse the younger captain. Even if he had to, for the sake of pride in front of the other Shinsengumi members, his conscience wouldn't let him be at peace. It may take a few minutes, or as long as years, but Hijikata always let Okita have it his way. At first, it may have been just his guilty consciousness at work but over the years, he had came to be aware of the change in his feelings. It was by no means a linear process. He found that he no longer saw Okita as the cute younger swordsman who tagged along Kondo and himself. Okita had become the page whom he could trust and rely on, the outstanding Shinsengumi captain whom he never had to worry about on the battlefield, the friend whom he could confide in, the lover...

Hijikata shook his head. He wondered if he could really call themselves that. No doubt they have done it but Hijikata felt that he had never done enough for Okita. He had depended on the younger man's initiative and passion to get the flow going. Depended on his passion and open declaration of love for him. So much so, he had grown to take Okita for granted.

"Hmm, let's get him some of his favourite candies to cheer him up!" Hijikata announced to himself and picked up a packet of assorted colourful candies. "He should be honoured! This Hijikata-sama is out here getting him candies... well, it's not like I came out here with the purpose of cheering him up in mind... No! Of course not, it's just on the way..." The usually stoic Vice-Commander was displaying an interesting series of emotions and expressions; excitement, embarrassment and self-satisfaction.

Upon paying for his purchase, Hijikata proceeded back to their quarters with a wide grin on his face, anxious to see the reaction of the one the candies were for. Little did he know that behind a corner, he was under the watchful eye of another.

There! Chapter 2's done! I wonder if anyone will even read it.. D: