Disclaimer: Because I am a law-abiding person the usual disclaimer applies. I do not own the rights to Rurouni Kenshin or any of its characters or their likeness.
So I was told that this story felt unfinished and while I wasn't actually planning on adding more this somehow came about. You never know how or when inspiration will hit but when it does, run with it. I will add on to this story as inspiration comes and most likely as a series of one-shots.
This is part 1 of a 2 parter and takes place some time after the last chapter. I hope you enjoy this latest installment of my favourite couple.
As always, thank you Anreg for your help. :)
Saitou answered the phone before its second ring, answering curtly, "Saitou Hajime."
"Let's elope." The voice on the other end sounded desperate, and Saitou smirked, leaning back in his chair and turning away from his computer giving the voice his full attention.
"Alright. Should I tell my fiancée?"
Despite herself and all her frustrations, Tokio let out a strangled laugh. "Oh please! Hajime, this is your one and only. As in the one and only person who can put up with you."
Saitou chuckled, "Be nice. So what's wrong?"
Tokio let out a long and frustrated sound, "Our wedding! I want to elope."
"I don't mind, but you're explaining to your grandfather why he was cheated out of a wedding." Saitou didn't need to see her to know that Tokio was gnawing on her lip and weighing how upset her grandfather would be.
" . . . He might not actually mind. He's been telling me to hurry up and get married before you . . ." And before Saitou could prompt her, Tokio let out an annoyed huff and said, "change your mind."
Saitou laughed, he laughed his sharp laugh. "That old fool."
"Hajime! This isn't funny. They're driving me crazy. Mother wants a western wedding, YOUR Mother says traditional, and Grandfather wants the wedding yesterday."
"Ah." Saitou knew Tokio was under a lot of pressure and he was also well aware he could be very difficult – a trait he got from his loving mother. He tried to switch gears. "And what do you want? I don't believe you actually want to elope."
" . . . No. You're right" Tokio's voice had gone soft and quiet, then suddenly became a tad sharper with annoyance, "Stop smirking."
Saitou's response was to chuckle at his irate fiancée.
Tokio snapped, "Maybe I should change my mind."
"And what would you tell the meddling old coot?"
"That I finally came to my senses. Then again he'd be impossible to live with." Letting out an exaggerated sigh Tokio said, "I guess I am stuck with you."
"It seems you have plenty of sense left," Saitou grinned.
"Hm, I don't know about that, I did get myself into this situation by agreeing to marry you."
At that moment Saitou's office door opened and his secretary poked her head in, mouthing that he had a visitor waiting for him outside. Nodding his head in acknowledgment, Saitou waved her out.
Deciding that the conversation needed to move forward Saitou asked, "Tokio what do you want?"
". . . I want to marry you and I know you hate the idea of a big wedding."
Saitou was quiet for a moment, thrown by her frankness and consideration, and while he did not really see the need for a wedding, he knew she would regret it. "Whatever you want Tokio, just tell me what to do."
"Thank you." But instead of giving him a chance to reply, Tokio rushed through her farewell.
"Since you're being so nice, we'll do both! Traditional and Western. Deal? Ok. Call me later! Bye."
"Tokio? Tokio!" Saitou put the phone back in its cradle, shaking his head. "Women." He then called his secretary to let his visitor in.
"S-sirs, Can I get you anything?"
Saitou looked at his gossipy secretary as she practically melted on the spot. Sparing his friend a look he asked, "Coffee?" Seeing his friend nod, he added, "Black coffee for me."
"Of course sir." Turning to the other man in the room, "Sir?"
Okita gave the secretary his best and most dazzling smile, "Coffee would be perfect. Would you be a dear and make it half coffee, half milk, and bring me a peppermint and chocolate?"
The secretary let out sigh. "Yes," she said breathily. She almost tripped on her way out at the wink Okita sent her.
"I would appreciate it if you didn't turn my staff into mindless drones." Despite Saitou's amusement his tone belied it.
Okita laughed, "Oh loosen up a bit. All I did was smile, besides it's 4 o'clock. How much more work are you going to get out of her?"
Saitou leaned back, placing his arm on his armrest, "Regardless, she's the distracted sort. I don't need you messing with her already poor attention span."
"Still having trouble finding a good secretary, huh" Okita couldn't help but tease his friend. It was rare to find anything worth teasing about.
With one eyebrow raised, Saitou said, "Says the man who can't keep a secretary for more than a month."
Before Okita could respond the secretary walked in carrying only one cup of coffee, which she proceeded to place in front of Okita. Okita wanted to laugh; the secretary had applied a fresh coat of lipstick and perfume. All of which was making Saitou massage the bridge of his nose.
"Here you go sir." The secretary all but purred.
Once the coffee had been set out and she made no indication of retrieving a second cup or of leaving, Saitou snapped out, "You may leave now."
The secretary turned so fast and was honestly surprised to see him there, "E-eh, excuse me?"
"Go home."
"B-b-but . . ."
"You can go home for today. I won't be needing your services for the remainder of the day."
Okita and Saitou watched as she sped out of the room. "What about your coffee?" Okita asked.
"Forget it. She would have just brought you a second cup."
Okita laughed, "Sorry about that. We can share if you want." He winked.
Saitou just gave his friend a flat look, "I would hardly call what you drink coffee."
"You're right, it's better." Okita dumped his chocolate and peppermint into his coffee and began to stir it slowly. Okita's smile turned wicked, "Is that bouquet for Tokio? How very old school romantic of you."
Okita was not at all put off by Saitou's glare and bad temper as he snapped, "You'd do well to mind your own business."
"But Hajime!" Okita whined. "We're friends! I am only surprised that you haven't introduced me to your lady friend. Me, Okita Souji your best friend, who is like a brother to you."
Saitou gave a sharp bark of laughter, "Friend? Hardly. You'd only scare her."
"Now come now, any woman who goes out with you has to be made of stronger stuff. Yep. She has to be able to handle your bad temper and she can't be overly sensitive." Okita nodded as he talked. "Not to mention smart and – "
"Are you done?" Saitou interrupted his friend, not liking the backhanded attack on his character.
Okita laughed and held up his hands in surrender. "Okay, I get it. I am jealous though I always thought I'd be the first to get their happily ever after."
Saitou watched as a melancholy look briefly came into his friend's eyes, "Shut up and drink your sugar cup."
Okita grinned, "I bet she'd prefer me I mean look at us! No contest. I am better looking, sweeter, and - "
"Okita. SHUT UP", growled Saitou.
TBC
I couldn't help but bring Okita into the story, he's too just too much fun to write! Fun fact, I have a friend who reads my story, she's never read RK nor does she know anything about the historical Saitou or Tokio, and she's turned it into a fanfic about some of her favourite K-Pop stars.
Anyways! Did you know that reviews feed hungry authors? It's true. So you know, review and feed a hungry author. :D
