Hakuouki. OkitaXChizuru

a/n: Ack, sorry for the delay. Thanks for sticking with me. :) Kind of a long one with frustrating mixed up emotions. Enjoy.


Fateful

Chapter 4


Ever since Chizuru was a child, her father had just about every step of her future life planned. Just as he had her twin brother Kaoru planned as well. She had every little to say in it, not that she ever thought of going into anything else. From the moment she told him that she wanted to save people when she was five, Kodo took that as a good ahead.

From then on, he talked of nothing else but her and medicine. Chizuru had no other passion, or choice.

From the moment Chizuru and Kaoru started school she had no friends—and consequently, no boyfriends either. She'd been close to not even a handful of guys growing up, before Kaoru had his way and put a stop before anything happened. "You need to watch your studies." He would more often tell her. "You're too young for guys." Or, as she got older it was more, "He's not good enough."

And any friends she made didn't bother with her much longer than a week when she continuously ignored their invites to go out or sleep over. Both her brother and father were stern about her studying in her free time, because if she was ever going to make it big young she had to take every moment she had. No matter how young she was.

Chizuru never questioned them. All she wanted was to make both her father and brother proud of her, because they had given her so much and believed in her more than anyone else. And when she graduated high school, she realized how much friends and boyfriends would have set her back. Not that it made her feel better…but she couldn't deny all the opportunities given to her that any medical student would kill for.

But somehow, Chizuru couldn't find herself thankful at all for it. Right at the moment, Chizuru was cursing her lack of social and love life. She suppose she could try to change it, go out Friday nights with Sen…try to meet some guys and make friends, but unfortunately she was even more busy now than ever. Her teenage years should have been the time to balance it all—not now, not when she was interning and still studying. She didn't think it'd get easier once she got her MD either…

Maybe she could talk to Sen about how to handle him better. How to act and how to talk without getting so embarrassed, flirt better…she would definitely know what to do. But the whole situation was too embarrassing to admit aloud, because then she'd have to admit that she had zero experience—the ultimate virgin.

Chizuru grimaced. No way. Being extremely shy and quiet was bad enough without having to tack on virgin. Besides, for the last two weeks she had been able to take everything he had in stride—and surprisingly on occasion give it back. She wasn't sure who was more surprised when that happened, Okita or her.

But that was close to flirting, right…? Chizuru gave a weary sigh, it was just his nature to be flirty and fun and she really shouldn't read too much into it or even take it to heart. His friendship was more than enough for her…not to mention he was way out of her league and it wasn't smart to start to feel the way she was. He was just the first to ever really pay attention to her as a girl and be friendly, so naturally she would feel a strong pull towards him.

Chizuru shook her head to clear her wandering thoughts—it seemed to happen more often now, but she expected it to stop soon. Okita was to be discharged from the hospital today and she wouldn't be seeing him anymore. She wouldn't have to succumb to his constant teasing and inappropriate jokes at her expense that she'd been exposed to…that is unless his TB acted up again, which would always be a possibility for him.

The thought gave Chizuru comfort and hope that she'd at least see him someday, and she instantly balked at her thoughts. Did she really find the thought comforting? Really hoped that one day his illness would come back just so she could see him again? Couldn't she just be normal and ask to be friends? Add him to her email list or something?

No, she had to have odd and mixed feelings about him…was she relieved that he was leaving today, or was she sad? If she had asked herself that very question a week or so ago, she would have easily said relieved, but now she was pretty sure she would be sad.

On the plus side, she could actually have a normal lunch with Sen—rather dividing her lunch and time for when she joined Okita and then afterwards Sen. Her appetite was always gone by then, and Sen was beginning to worry that she wasn't eating properly and she usually went into over-time with Okita and she had to rush her lunch with Sen. But she didn't mind, she knew that as an intern, she was constantly busy.

Chizuru didn't want to tell her the truth that she was spending so much time with Okita, mostly because she didn't want to make something out of it. She was having a hard time concentrating without someone else putting their two cents in on the whole situation. All she had mentioned to Sen was that Sanan—who seemed to know what was going on, but hadn't said anything to her about it—had assigned her a permanent patient whom she had to routinely check on every day. End of story.

The good thing was, Sen never liked to chat about medicine and thankfully, she did all the talking for Chizuru. She had much more going on than she did.

Chizuru quickened her pace, taking a quick detour to the mini kitchen and swiping a chocolate pudding cup and mini Pepsi—they were Okita's favorite, and she found that he would generally be in an overall better mood with his favorite snacks.

Tucking the snacks into her pockets, she sanitized, knocked and then entered. "Okita." Balancing the treats and her lunch in her arms she shifted around the door and bumped it closed. With a suddenly shy smile, Chizuru lifted her arms showing Okita the treats. "Brought you something."

Not even a second later, Okita bounced into view and nearly charged her when his eyes spotted the snacks. The lopsided grin immediately appeared on his face. "Great!" he took the snacks and winked at her, "You spoil me, Chizuru!"

Chizuru blushed and shook her head, "Oh, be quiet…" Okita only laughed in response, already heading to the spot on his bed. Chizuru followed, trying hard to keep her mood from slipping into the sudden sadness that weighted down on her. She didn't want to ruin their last lunch. "So, check-up first or lunch?"

Okita glanced over his shoulder, "Really, Chizuru?" he smirked and lifted his pudding cup, "I'm not waiting on this pudding cup so lunch first!"

The sinking feeling she felt a moment before immediately disappeared and Chizuru laughed. She should have known that the feeling wouldn't last long the moment Okita started cracking jokes. Even if only for a moment, when he joked around, Chizuru would forget about everything else.

She sighed softly, she really was going to miss him.


Okita smirked at Chizuru, she seemed slightly more depressed today than any other day—and if he had to guess, it was probably because it was his last day. Although, to give her credit, she was trying very hard to hide it—but having spent so much time with her, he could easily see through the act.

It was bittersweet definitely and he felt slightly weird that he wasn't already rearing to go and making demands or calling his friends. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he was shouting the reason behind that. But like normal, he ignored the voice of reason. Instead he chose the typical Okita route, second to seducing of course, which was to tease the truth out. "Eeh, Chizuru…you're awfully quiet today, is everything okay?" he commented, watching her closely and of course she didn't fail.

Her eyebrows shot up instantly, her doe eyes widening. She gave him a small smile and shook her head, "Uh? Really?" Chizuru shrugged, trying to play it off. "I'm okay." She poked at her lunch, macaroni and cheese today, purposely stalling.

Okita gave her a knowing look and Chizuru tried hard not to grin and blush. "Really!" she urged, giving a slight giggle. She quickly stuffed a forkful of macaroni into her mouth to stop the giggling, faint pink coloring the tips of her cheekbones.

Okita tilted his head, "You're gonna miss me, aren't you Chizuru." He stated it rather than asked, already knowing the answer because if he was really honest with himself, he was going to miss her too. The voice of reason at the back of his head was shouting again.

This time Chizuru got real quiet, her eyes filled with an emotion that didn't suit the normally smiling and shy Chizuru. Finally, she shrugged again her bottom lip caught by her front teeth as she nervously bit into it. It was a habit he noticed she did when she was really pensive—and it was cute as hell. He often found that he had to look away from that expression, because his thoughts weren't exactly pure and she wasn't a girl he could just make a move on and call it quits after the passion.

No, she was the long term kind and, unfortunately, she was innocence. He didn't do innocent. "I'll be okay." She mumbled.

He narrowed his eyes at her, giving her a slightly stern look. It was the look he often reserved for her when she was beating around the bush. "That didn't answer my question."

Chizuru shifted her weight on the bed, the stiff mattress beneath her small body squeaked slightly. "It'll be quiet now…" She pursed her lips nervously and looked down at her food again.

Okita sighed, "Chizuru…" They sat in silence, her plastic fork making the only noise as she wordlessly pushed it around her container. With amazing patience, he reached out and placed his hand over hers and she instantly stilled. "Aren't we friends now?" he asked quietly. The words were out of his mouth before he could actually think about them clearly, but once said, he didn't regret them and instead just rolled with it.

Chizuru slowly lifted her eyes to meet his and the sadness in them made him almost flinch. How was it that she could make him feel so guilty? He barely knew her and yet she made him feel like this? Hijikata couldn't even make him feel guilty as easily. Okita kept his eyes locked with Chizuru and gave her a soft smile.

Chizuru nodded slowly, her lips trembled for a moment before she composed herself and gave him a small smile back. "Yes, we are, Okita." She relaxed and shifted her gaze from his, blushing for staring so long. "And yes, I'll miss you."

Okita grinned at her, spotting a stray hair he reached across to put it back into place, but at the last second veered off and ruffled her hair. Sure it wasn't his first choice, but it seemed more appropriate. Chizuru laughed softly and, in a rare moment of honesty, she whispered. "I'm glad we are, Okita."

He froze, staring at the downcast blushing Chizuru before she smiled, making him blush uncharacteristically. Without another word, she began to pack up her lunch and Okita continued to watch her, wondering what it would be like to constantly be on the receiving end of her smiles after today.

Oh, shit.


Chizuru was glad she didn't break down.

She had absolutely no clue where that came from, but she was very close to tears and she was able to reign them in. It was just when she thought of never sharing idle moments with him anymore, and topped with the fact that he called her a friend, was too much.

She was both incredibly happy and touched when he said that. It had been a long time since she'd been able to build a bond with someone and create good times. Not that Sen wasn't a friend, but the only times they spoke or hung out was during lunch…since she didn't have time after work. But that was on Chizuru.

And somehow, this was different. Although, she was trying hard not to look too much into it because really, what would happen after today? She really hoped there would be more time together, even if it's only ever as friends.

Chizuru blushed at the embarrassing thought. A friend was more than she could hope for, but her heart was shamefully telling her more. She pushed the thought aside and lowered her stethoscope, "So what time are you leaving?" she asked.

Okita shifted and shrugged, "Ehh, probably later today." He smirked, "Honestly, I haven't contacted anyone yet…"

Chizuru stared at him, eyes wide. "What?" she tried hard not to laugh, but a giggle escaped. "I figured you'd be racing to leave, being cooped up here for so long."

He sighed, letting his head drop back. "Yeah, yeah. That was the plan…" he grinned and winked at her, "But I'm a procrastinator. It's a curse, really."

"You'll be okay, though, right?" Chizuru shifted, "You have a ride home and your friends will come for you?" Okita smiled at her, making her blush and she quickly jumped in to explain herself. "I'm only worried 'cause you are technically my patient…very first one at that and I want to make sure you get home alright."

Okita laughed again, shaking his head. "Right, well, no worries Chizuru. The guys usually have nothing better to do then to pick me up, and I'm sure my sisters have mentioned to them that I'm released today." He sighed, "I'm sure they have something planned for my homecoming tonight too…"

Chizuru nodded, feeling relieved. "Well, I hope you have fun and, you know, thanks." Gathering her things, Chizuru mentally tried to think of something final to say. Would asking for his number or email be weird? Would a hug be acceptable? Or maybe a handshake would be better? Would she see him soon, and most importantly, would he want to?

She turned and smiled at him, he was standing now, the lopsided smile fixed on his face. "Uh—I…" Chizuru felt her bottom lip get tugged into her mouth as she trapped it under her teeth. What could she say? How should she say it without sounding desperate or clingy?

"You want to meet them, Chizuru?"

Chizuru stared at Okita, quite shocked. She wasn't even quite sure if she really heard him—or thought she did. "Uh, meet them?" she asked, "Really?"

Okita shifted, running his hand through his unruly hair. Often times Chizuru thought of doing the very same. "Aha, yeah. I am." He shrugged, "You'll like them. They'll like you and I'm sure they'd love to meet the girl who managed to gain my trust and befriend me!" He leaned forward and wiggled his eyebrows, "and I'm sure you're beyond curious about them, right?"

Chizuru had to admit that she was curious. More than just curious ever since he told her about them. He didn't go into much detail about them, other than they were a pretty great bunch of guys and more like brothers than anything. And although she hadn't seen anyone come visit him, judging by the balloons and cards, she was sure they visited once or twice, after all, she wasn't by Okita's side 24-7.

"Um, today?" she asked. Okita only nodded, his green eyes watching her closely. When he watched her like that, she felt vulnerable—like he could easily tell what she was thinking, which, he probably easily could. She should have said no immediately. After all, what was the use in prolonging what was enevitable?

A no was obvious. The correct answer, but Chizuru didn't want to say no. She wanted more time with him, more moments. Before she could chicken out, Chizuru nodded and gave a small smile. "O-okay, yeah. That would be…cool."

Okita grinned broadly now and crossed his arms, "Great! We leave at 6."


Chizuru glanced at her watch for what seemed like the hundredth time, but the time remained the same. 6:01 blinked back at her and she resisted the urge to roll her eyes for being so antsy. It wasn't a date, just meeting some friends—friends that she could only hope would in turn be hers.

Or at least be accepted by them. She wanted so desperately to be accepted by Okita's friends, maybe then—

Chizuru shook her head and glanced at her reflection. Her cheeks were bright pink at the direction her thoughts were taking her. Baby steps. She reminded herself sternly, Baby steps. She was content, and luckily, already decent friends with Okita. She didn't want to push her luck by wishing, or god forbid, hoping for something more…

And for Chizuru, merely agreeing to take even a minute out of her busy studious and anti-social life was a big step for her. But then again, so was befriending a patient and develop a major crush on him. She watched as her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink, bordering red. Was she crushing on him?

His green eyes snuck into her mind before she could help herself, along with the image of his trademark smile and that smoldering stare. Closing her eyes, she immediately imagined that look he had only given her once the first day she met him.

She imagined the muscles she'd involuntarily memorized from doing his daily check-ups. From his flat stomach, up to his toned upper arms and broad shoulders, down to the dips and curves of his abs, and then the smooth faint scars. Okita's body was without a doubt in tip-top form, obvious signs of training and hard work, but at the same time, not overly exaggerated and most definitely drool worthy.

Chizuru gasped and shook her head fiercely, trying to clear and calm her mind. Gripping the edge of the sink she sighed loudly, so the answer to her question was obvious. Yes, she had a crush on him, that she could easily admit to herself and she blamed her lack of social/love life for developing so fast.

Now she had to make sure she didn't make it obvious that she did. The last thing she wanted was to ruin their friendship over what she felt was very high school-like. He made her feel normal, not like the daughter of the ever prestigious Doctor Yukimura, and it was nice.

She looked up at her reflection again and patted her face to calm down her now bright red cheeks. Would she ever stop blushing so easily? She really hoped so. Chizuru gently tugged her hair from her ponytail and dragged her fingers through her few knots before adjusting her long locks into a down and side swept ponytail.

Once again she cursed under her breath for not having better hair before settling. With what could only be described as a nervous habit, Chizuru tugged at the hem of her peach colored shirt a few times so it settled just right before pressing her hands down on her dark wash skinny jeans. She looked…normal and casual. Maybe she should have talked to Sen first…not that talking to her would have magically given Chizuru a new, cuter outfit, but Sen was always full of positive ego boosters.

Chizuru stared at her reflection closer and tried not to grimace at her plain face. She didn't have any make up on, not that she ever carried any with her, and even what she did own was barely anything. Chizuru pursed her lips and sighed. It's not a date, Chizuru. It's just…hanging out time. With the guy you like. And his very good friends. It's fine. You're fine. Just. Chill. The mental pep talk worked, like it normally did, for about fraction of a second before she glanced back at her watch.

6:03 pm.

Chizuru rolled her eyes, but knew it couldn't be helped. She just hoped she didn't look desperate if she was waiting before him. Checking her bag, she made sure she had all her scrubs and items before glancing at the mirror one last time and heading out to the lobby.

Each step she took made her heart beat faster and her pep talks increased. This as a big step for her and she was more than proud of herself for still going through with it. It was all she could think about as she worked that day, the scenario had played in her mind a thousand and one times with multiple outcomes—both positive and negative.

Luckily, Chizuru was the suffering in silence type when busy; otherwise she was sure she would have made a mess of things. But while her hands routinely went through the usual, her mind was spinning. She was very surprised she hadn't chickened out because most of the outcomes that her mind created ended rather negatively.

The lobby and receptionist desk appeared quicker than before, and her pep talk stopped along with her feet. Okita was there first, naturally. He seemed taller and much more, real than before. She figured it was because he wasn't dressed in comfy sweats and trapped in a hospital room. No now he was in distressed jeans that hung low on his hips with a simple tight forest green eyes that she was sure made his eyes pop.

Just as she was about to call out to him, she heard Sen laugh. Chizuru froze and she stared with wide eyes at Okita, noticing now how he was chatting rather animatedly with Sen. Her heart was doing that fast beating and her stomach was flip-flopping all over again. But she wasn't sure if it was from being excited and nervous, or the fact of seeing them get along so well.

She knew Okita was a flirt and she knew Sen was naturally social so it made perfect sense for the two to easily hit it off. Chizuru suddenly felt very jealous of Sen's ability to chat with anyone so easily. How would she have turned out if she was raised differently? Or had been more social in her younger years?

Okita, who was leaning half of his tall frame against the receptionist desk, laughed and Sen's own chiming laughter echoed with his in the otherwise empty lobby. Chizuru suddenly felt sick to her stomach and she wanted to hide back in the bathroom. Did she maybe have an alter motive when she didn't want to tell Sen about Okita? Somewhere in the back of her mind, a negative and nasty voice was telling her she knew this would happen. It was inevitable.

Just as she was about to turn away and go through the other exit, Okita lifted his head and his green eyes landed on her. With his lopsided grin, he pushed off the receptionist desk and waved at her. "Hey! Come on, Chizuru! Let's get going!"

Chizuru shifted awkwardly, she suppose she could still run away from them. They probably wouldn't care too much and continue on with their merry conversations. But then what about her? Would she just ignore Sen after today? Would she just live the rest of her life living with a huge What If? No, she couldn't do that. She was done with that.

Hopefully.

She forced a smile and waved back meekly. "Hey."

Without another look in Sen's direction, Okita met Chizuru half way and he eyed her similar to the way he did the first time they met but not quite the same. Chizuru could feel the blush rise again and all her earlier negative thoughts and jealously vanished. How was it he could do that with a simple smile, or stare, or corny joke?

"You're late."

Chizuru rolled her eyes, feeling suddenly brave. "By a few minutes..."

Okita shook his head and sighed, "Ahh, well, if you're late because you were changing then I suppose I can forgive you. After all, this is the first time I've seen you not in scrubs." He grinned mischievously, "And this look is cuter on you."

Chizuru glanced away, shaking her head. "Come on, Casanova." Hiking her bag on her shoulder she continued walking.

Okita laughed, "Right, right."


Okita wasn't sure why he had asked Chizuru to meet his friends or where the hell the very thought came from. He was pretty positive that he was going to ask her for her cell number—for the occasional text or maybe drunk phone call. Hopefully not the latter because he didn't think she'd appreciate that.

But when he saw her struggling just to say goodbye to him; it spilled from him faster than he could help it. But like all his word slips, he meant them. He wasn't sure if being so honest with Chizuru was a good thing or not…he even made a mental note not to get drunk around her. He was sure he would be even more unfiltered then.

"You sure you don't need one of us to get you, Souji?"

Okita chuckled, "Would I joke about this?" he asked. "I said I got a ride, Kondou. And those douches better behave themselves! Also, nothing lame, 'kay?"

This time Kondou laughed, "You know the guys, if I warn them, they'll do it on purpose. It's best for it to be a surprise and just say you're bringing a guest." Kondou sighed, "So, what's her name?"

Okita rolled his eyes, "What makes you so sure she's a girl?" he asked, practically envisioning Kondou's confused expression.

"Would it be otherwise?"

Okita laughed again, "You're right. But how often do I bring them home?"

The line was silent for a moment and once again he could picture Kondou shaking his head, "Just, get home, ok? The guys will be here…and yeah, nothing lame. But we'll see."

Okita shook his head and murmured a good bye before he hung up. He wasn't too worried about Chizuru coming home and meeting his friends. They would like her, just as he did. Probably take her under their wing and grow fond of her too, they were all oddly similar like that. He wasn't worried about them, but he was worried about something. He just wasn't sure what.

Okita felt better once he was dressed in his own clothes rather than the sweats he had been bumming around in. His regular attire made him feel refreshed and actually like his normal self for the first time in weeks. He was sure it was also due to the fact that he was finally allowed out of his room and actually in the front lobby.

He dropped his bag on the ground and glanced around for Chizuru, but found no one else around but him and the rather cute receptionist. Okita looked at the clock and found he was a few minutes early despite taking his time to check out on the third floor, contact Sanan and Kondou, and then proceeding down to the first floor.

The receptionist glanced up at him and gave him a bright and cheerful smile. "Hello there!"

Okita glanced over at her and gave a solid nod, "Hey." She continued to stare at him with expectant eyes, probably waiting for him to say something else but he didn't. Did she not recognize him when he had checked in? And did she not notice he didn't walk through the front doors but from the elevator?

"Can I help you, sir?" she asked, bobbing her head to the side in what he was sure she thought was a cute and innocent gesture. He just about scrunched up his nose with distaste at her; Chizuru would pull that off better.

He shook his head, hadn't he said she was cute before? Where the hell did that thought go? "Nah, I'm good. Just, ya know, waiting on someone." He glanced away from her, hoping Chizuru didn't take too long.

"Your girlfriend?"

Okita snapped his head back towards the receptionist, suddenly finding her annoying. Her eyes, for one, where much too large and her make up seemed to take away the beauty from her otherwise cute face. And her voice, much too high pitched for it to be natural. She was probably faking it to seem more girly, and if she faked that, he was sure she faked a hell of a lot more stuff.

He quirked an eyebrow at her, "Uh, no." She gave him a skeptical look, telling him with that simple look that she didn't believe him one bit. Feeling annoyed now, he walked over and leaned against the counter, flashing her his seductive grin that he knew sent girls swooning. Girls except for Chizuru, who would only blush and then fidget.

In the back of his mind, he was deterred by the fact that Chizuru popped back up in his mind when his intention was to flirt with another. Sure, he wasn't really attracted to the receptionist…she wasn't his type, but he was trying to prove a point. That and he needed to brush up before going out the following day. He followed his earlier statement with one of his famous lines, "Why? You interested?"

In a matter of a few seconds he had the receptionist, who had introduced herself as Sen, laughing and flirting right back and immediately he lost interest. Not because he succeeded so easily, but rather because he just wasn't feeling it. Her laugh was similar to her voice, it was too high and forced—not at all like Chizuru's contagious one.

At the thought of Chizuru, he glanced at the clock and then back towards the elevator. Maybe she mistook where they would meet and she was back up on the third floor—

Okita's eyes landed on Chizuru. She stood at the end of the hall, frozen with eyes wide and filled with…panic? He couldn't really tell from all the way down the hall, but he did recognize her body language and it told him she wanted to run away. And fast. Maybe she was nervous about leaving, it did seem surreal to him as well but either way, he wasn't going to let her get away so easily.

Easily ignoring Sen, he turned and waved at Chizuru. "Hey! Come on, Chizuru! Let's get going!" He smirked when she jumped a bit, startled that he practically shouted in a hospital. Was she really so surprised?

"You know Chizuru?" asked Sen, her tone surprised but not at all jealous like he half expected.

He didn't glance at her, "Yeah, dude. We go way back." With that, he walked away to meet Chizuru half way. He grinned down at her, letting his eyes unabashedly take her in. He knew his type was definitely the kind who dressed up, or rather, dressed down, but Chizuru was definitely making him reconsider his type.

Her face looked fresh and slightly flushed—probably due to his outburst. She was all about rules when in a hospital and he made a mental note again to apologize later for it. If he remembered, that is. The simple peach colored shirt brought out the color of her skin and the brown in her eyes and her shirt although not skin tight, did give him a good idea about her bust and curves.

The skinny jeans she wore accented her petite lower body fantastically, something that her scrubs would normally and shamefully hide from deprived guys like him. And her hair, which was normally up, was pulled down and swept in a loose ponytail that hung over her right shoulder. It was very simple, but very Chizuru. The whole damn look was simple and casual and downright cute as hell.

He wanted to hold her. Just wanted to pull her to him, kiss her parted pouty lips just to taste her, and then really just rock her world. Repeatedly…and for hours. Okita shifted, throwing the idea away as soon as it entered his mind. He opened his mouth, thinking to himself that he should probably uninvited her because if he kept this up, he wasn't sure how much longer he could go without his curiosity taking hold of him, because like he told himself before, Chizuru wasn't a hump and dump. She was a long term deal.

He didn't do those.

And he wasn't about to change that. No matter how curious and how interested he suddenly found himself being.

"You're late." He heard himself say, thanking himself for not saying something unplanned.

He watched as Chizuru rolled her perfect sized doe eyes, surprising him like she often did. "By a few minutes..."

Okita tried hard not to laugh and covered it up by shaking his head and sighing, "Ahh, well, if you're late because you were changing then I suppose I can forgive you. After all, this is the first time I've seen you not in scrubs." He couldn't help nor stop himself as he grinned mischievously at her, making her blush easily as he did when he was checking her out before. Okita praised himself again for being able to reign in his stray thoughts and keep himself filtered. "And this look is cuter on you." And there went his streak. Not even a minute before the word vomit came pouring out. He seriously needed help.

"Come on, Casanova." Chizuru called over her shoulder as she started to walk towards the front doors and he found himself laughing. It was nice to have her able to bounce off him like that, but it was always a fifty-fifty chance that she'd either blush and stay quiet or bite back with some witty comment.

It kept him on his toes. "Right, right." He followed her and watched as she greeted the receptionist with a friendly smile and they chatted for a bit. Sen occasionally giving Chizuru and him a look that made her fidget nervously and it annoyed him that she caused that reaction out of her too.

"Alright well, have a great evening you two, and have fun, Chizuru." She winked at her, "Call me afterwards, ok?" She whispered the last bit to her, but she might as well have shouted it. The lobby was quiet and empty other than the three of them and it wasn't hard to overhear them. He kept up the charade that he wasn't paying attention though, it seemed respectful.

"Um, yeah. Okay." Chizuru smiled, "Have a good evening as well, Sen. I'll see you tomorrow."

With the goodbyes over with, Okita picked up his bag and slung it over his shoulder, easily sidling next to her. He grinned at Chizuru, "Alrighty then. You ready?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow.

Chizuru bit her bottom lip nervously but nodded, "Uh-huh." He smirked and draped his arm over her shoulder, bring her close and secretly enjoying every moment that her body was touching his.

"Good, 'cause it's too late to change your mind now!" He laughed loudly when she gave him a horrified expression. Would he ever get tired of her facial expressions and quirks?

Nope, never.

There was that voice of reason. And fuck if it didn't just about ruin the carefree moment.


a/n: Aah, the gangs all here in the next chapter. Along with some good ol' swoon worthy moments from our dearest mixed up Okita. And so, next chap. will be out soon. Very. 'Cause I'm sort of really obsessed with finishing it...so please, R&R! It let's me know you're reading and enjoying. :) Til next time!