Mikoto sat alone in the room she had been given, polishing her sword. It was something she hadn't had the chance to do in a long time, and the blade had become quite foggy. With every stroke down the blade, she cringed. Though she hadn't sustained any serious injuries during her bout with Souji, it had left her with nasty bruises on her sides, complete with swelling and unpleasant discoloration. She sighed, resting her arm.

"Mikoto chan!" She looked over to her door upon hearing her name.

"Heisuke kun! Come in," she invited. He slid open the door, and gave her a smile.

"How are the bruises?"

"They're fine, I can hardly feel them," she lied. She didn't want anybody worrying over her, nor did she want anybody holding her injuries over Souji's head.

"Good to hear! Kondou san was looking to speak with you," he explained. She nodded.

"Thank you, I'll go talk to him now." Heisuke gave a cheery good bye, and was on his way. Mikoto got to her feet and sheathed her sword, then left her room to find Kondou. As she made her way towards Kondou's room, she could hear the distant sounds of wood hitting wood, indicating that some of the men were training. Each hit made her flinch a little. She mentally kicked herself for letting the incident get to her. The door to Kondou's room was already open while he was waiting for her. She gave a small bow. She noticed vice commander Hijikata was sitting beside him. "You wanted to see me Kondou sama?"

"Ah, Mikoto! Come on in, have a seat!" he welcomed warmly. She did as she was told, and greeted Hijikata with a small bow. He responded with a nod. "We hear you had quite the match with Souji a couple days ago," he started. Mikoto laughed nervously.

"I did," she admitted.

"That's impressive," Hijikata stated. "How are your injuries?"

"Oh, they're just fine. Like I told Heisuke kun, I can't even feel them anymore."

"Can you explain what happened?" Mikoto was taken aback by Kondou's request.

"Well, it was just a normal practice match. Sanosuke san suggested it. I lost and that's that," she stated simply. Hijikata sighed.

"Nagakura told us something a little different," Hijikata stated. Mikoto bit back her scowl. Even after only being there a week, she already knew that Shinpachi could be a hot head. She would have to talk to him later. "He said he got rather aggressive with you." She shook her head.

"No, no, we were just training. It's a captain's job to push his mens' limits, is it not?" Kondou and Hijikata exchanged skeptical looks.

"If you're more comfortable, we can put you in another division."

"No!" she said, a little more forcefully than she had intended. "No, I'm happy in the 1st division, really." Kondou let out a sigh, then smiled.

"Very well then. He's been acting strange lately, but Souji is a good kid." His words were said with the adoration a father would have for his son. "I'm glad you're giving him a chance." Mikoto smiled.

"I know he is. He's the one that's given me a chance…" she said softly. With their discussion at an end, Mikoto gave a respectful bow, and left to return to her room. She sighed, wondering if she had made the right choice. Even though she wanted to stay on Souji's division, she had no idea if he wanted her there.

"Why the long face, Mikoto chan?" She looked up, startled. She had been lost in her thoughts, and failed to pay attention. Waiting in front of her room was the subject of her thoughts himself.

"Okita sama! What is it?" For the first time that week, his eyes weren't cold. They held the playfulness she was used to from him.

"I came by for two reasons. First, I wanted to give you these." He held out two folded articles of clothing. On top was the blue Shinsengumi coat. She hadn't yet received her own. "That may be a little big," he stated. "But it'll work." Underneath the coat was a purple kimono. Without even thinking about it, a smile came to her face. It was the kimono he had bought for her when they had first met. When he had brought her to the Shinsengumi, she had had no time to grab it from the inn. She was thrilled to have it back.

"Okita sama...thank you so much…" A small smile came to his lips.

"I figured you'd like it back. I went and grabbed it after...after our match," he explained, somewhat hesitantly. He rested a hand on her head. On impulse, she withdrew slightly from his touch, but immediately relaxed again. "I also came here to ask you to join me on patrol tomorrow night." Her eyes widened. "I know you didn't want to go on the last one, but-"

"I'll go," she said, nodding eagerly. He looked surprised for a moment, then smiled. Though his expression was kind, Mikoto noticed melancholy as well.

"Good. We'll leave tomorrow when Heisuke's patrol returns." With that, he began to walk away. "Oh, and none of that formal stuff, makes me sound like an old man," he called over his shoulder. Mikoto couldn't suppress the grin that tugged at the corners of her lips upon hearing those words.