Well that was kind of annoying! For what every reason my Chapter 20 wouldn't upload! I tried it in multiple kind of ways but it just wouldn't! So I decided to post ch. 20 & 21 together! Which is also weird because it had no problem uploading 21! I put in a line break where the first chapter is supposed to end! Well anyways enjoy!

Kaiya let out a sigh of contentment as she laid her head on Hajime's chest as Hajime rubbed a slow circle on her back while he stared down at her with a gentle smile on his lips. After a long time of utter silence Hajime was the first one to break it.

"You know, the others are getting suspicious of us. We're going to have to tell them eventually." Hajime yawned lazily and covered his mouth with his other hand while doing so.

"Mm, yah. Souji's made several comments about me never being in my room in the morning. I think he's guessed why but is trying to get me to say it." Kaiya reluctantly sat up and looked for her clothes. It had been a couple days later since they had all gone out to celebrate Sanosuke's success.

Today everyone was to meet early. Hijikata didn't say why but Kaiya got the impression that it was a top secret meeting. By the time she was done getting ready Hajime had been standing by the door for several minutes waiting for her to finish. He had even rolled up the futon and put it away.

They walked to the meeting together and sat down in their normal places. Everyone but Souji and Hijikata were already gathered waiting, even Yamazaki was there which was rare. As always, Sano and Shinpachi were teasing poor Heisuke and being loud and rambunctious. After about five minutes of waiting the two arrived together, Souji took his seat by Kaiya while Hijikata took his seat at the front with Kondou and Sannan.

"Good morning everyone." Started Hijikata "We have gathered here to inform you of some recent events. While on his patrol, Souji came into some important information. Apparently Roshi have been spilling their guts to some Geiko's about planning an attack on the Shinsengumi."

"Roshi, huh." Said Sanosuke as he rubbed his chin deep in thought. "Where?" He asked.

"Shimabara." Souji responded.

"So what's the plan, Hijikata-san?" Asked Heisuke.

Hijikata glanced at Chizuru who had been looking at the ground fidgeting nervously since Kaiya had arrived. "We have discussed it extensively. We have decided that Chizuru should go undercover. She has agreed to it."

"Wait what? You can't make Chizuru do that? It's dangerous!" Kaiya looked across to Chizuru.

"It's okay, Kaiya-chan. I want to be useful." She looked up at Kaiya and gave her a pleading look.

"I don't like it either!" Heisuke said jumping to his feet.

Hijikata gave a sigh like he knew they were going to object. "We aren't making Chizuru do anything. She volunteered to do it. She'll be protected."

"Or are you volunteering too?" Asked Souji with a smile and a wink to Kaiya and Kaiya gave him a glare in return.

Shinpachi slapped his thigh. "That's actually a good idea! Two spies are better than one, right!"

Hijikata and Kondou looked at each but it was Hijikata who responded again. "No. Kaiya-chan is too well known. Even if she was done up in a fancy kimono and make-up, I fear she may still be recognized."

"Yeah Kaiya-chan is so beautiful all the village men are probably always staring at her. If one of them saw her, they'd know who she was!" Sanosuke said as he winked in her direction.

"Behaving like a Geiko and eavesdropping, even Chizuru-chan can do that." Souji gave a sly smile.

"Well if she doesn't make any serious mistakes, I don't think she'll get busted. Chizuru looked like a real Geiko back then." Said Sanosuke.

"True!" said Shinpachi.

"It'd be my pleasure to see Shimabara's most beautiful woman again." Sanosuke gave a winning smile while Chizuru's cheeks turned red.

"Anyways," Hijikata gave everyone a glare, clearly telling them all to shut up and let him finish. "I'm not entirely for it myself but Sannan-san is right we don't have time to do find out the information any other way. She'll be protected. I've already asked Yamazaki-kun" he nodded in Yamazaki's direction "…and Saitou I assume that you'll be up to doing this as well." He looked over at Hajime.

Hajime nodded his head. "Yes."

"I've already talked to the owner, they've agreed to let Chizuru go under cover. Souji, since this was all your idea, you can escort Chizuru. You'd better get going." The two got up and left. Hijikata looked in Kaiya's direction with a pained expression. "I know you've already got a lot on the table but if you could pick up some of Chizuru's chores, that'd be appreciated. I'm sure you remember the state of this place the very first time you came here. We're not the best at cleaning but we'll all do our best to help out." He looked around the room for emphasis. "But if you could find the time to handle the cooking…we're even worse at that. Souji said you're really quite good at it."

From the corner of her eye, Kaiya saw Hajime nod in agreement. "I'll do the best."

Kaiya left everyone to finish their plans so she could quickly make breakfast. When she was done, Inoue helped her pass out the trays. Kaiya never stuck around to see if they liked what she had made but instead she headed straight to the med clinic. Two hours later Hajime showed up in her clinic. She hadn't heard him come in while she took stock of what supplies she had, she was planning on going to market with Hijikata a little bit later.

When he touched her back, she nearly dropped a very expensive vial of medication. "Hajime!" She said trying settle her heart.

"I'm sorry, Kaiya-chan. I didn't mean to scare you." He said with a slight smile.

"Where did you come from? I didn't hear anything!" Kaiya put the medication down she had barely managed to hold on to.

"The door." He gave her a kiss on the forehead.

"Haha funny guy. What are you doing here?" She loved the fact he was starting to kiss her outside the bedroom more.

"I thought I should come see you before I leave. I may not see you for several days. I think you will probably be a busy woman though, you probably won't even notice I'm gone." He smiled down at her.

"Yes, I probably will be busy. I have to do both, Chizuru-chan's and Yamazaki-kun's chores…or at least his medical obligations but at night I'll still miss you." Kaiya wrapped her arms around him and went up on her tip toes to kiss him.

He sighed and pulled her arms from around his waist. "Kaiya-chan, I'm sorry but if someone was to step in…"

Kaiya frowned but let him pull away. "I understand. How long will you be gone?"

Hajime shook his head. "It's hard to say. It could be a couple days, it could be a couple of weeks or it could even be a couple months." He looked behind his shoulder towards the door. "I should go."

"It's a little early isn't it?" Kaiya asked.

He grabbed her chin. "I need to get the lay of the building. It will help me protect Chizuru more efficiently." He planted a quick kiss on her lips then turned and headed for the door. "I'll see you when I can. Don't push yourself to hard."

"You be careful too. I'd rather not have to sew your innards back into place again." He smiled at her then left.

Kaiya sat in the med clinic, late, a few nights later. She'd been busy the last couple of nights as several of the men had become ill with food poisoning. With Yamazaki unavailable, Kaiya had been going for almost twenty four hours straight. Even last night she had decided to just sleep in the clinic to make her life a little simpler.

Just an hour ago another man came looking for her with the same problem. Kaiya had begun to wonder if someone was poisoning the men intentionally, she'd have to mention it to Kondou and Hijikata. Kaiya reached for her water jug, to pour herself a drink but it was empty. With a sigh she got to her feet, taking her jug with her as she exited the clinic and headed off towards the well.

Kaiya dropped the bucket into the well and as she was pulling it back up, she heard a familiar laugh far off behind her. From the well she had a good view of the front gate and when she looked over her shoulder, she saw Souji walking away from Hijikata and a beautifully dressed woman. She could hear Hijikata shout something at Souji but could not decipher what he said. When Souji was out of sight, Hijikata pointed to a room and the woman stepped up inside, collected her shoes then closed the door.

Kaiya was now very curious at what was going on, so she dumped the bucket of water into her jug and walked over to where Hijikata tried to look casual as three of the men walked past; bowing respectfully as they passed. He hadn't yet seen Kaiya as he turned and knocked on the door. He stood there waiting for the woman to step out with his back to Kaiya as she came up to them.

"Good evening Hijikata-kun!" Kaiya said.

Hijikata practically jumped out of his skin when he heard her. He put a hand on his chest and when he looked at her, he was scowling. "Where the hell did you come from?" He asked, sounding irritated…probably not liking being snuck up on.

Kaiya pointed over her shoulder towards the well. "I ran out of water and I was thirsty so I went to fill up my jug."

"Why are you even awake? You're usually a sleep by now." He sounded less annoyed but he continued to frown.

"I've had a rash of food poisonings. I actually wanted to talk to you and Kondou-san about it."

Hijikata looked over his shoulder as the woman came into view. It took Kaiya a second to realize that it was Chizuru. "Sure but could you do me a favour first?" Kaiya just nodded. "Could you give Chizuru a hand getting out of this getup? I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that her mission is done."

"Of course." Kaiya said as happily as she could.

She grabbed Chizuru's hand and they walked off towards Chizuru's room. They had to walk slowly as Chizuru had trouble walking in her extra tall shoes. When they finally got to Chizuru's room, Kaiya helped her out of her layers of clothes and sacrificed some of the water from her jug so that Chizuru could wash off the make-up on her face. She then helped take out her hairdo. When all was said and done, Chizuru let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you Kaiya-chan! It's so nice to be in normal clothing again!" Chizuru rubbed her eyes and yawned.

"You must be exhausted. You should get some rest! I'll talk to you in the morning, I'm sure you have a bunch of interesting stories to tell."

Chizuru laughed slightly uncomfortably. "…yeah. Good night Kaiya-chan."

Kaiya picked up her jug and left. She went back to the med clinic to drop off her jug, took a drink, and then headed off to Kondou's room. Kaiya could see the light was still on so she knocked.

"Come in." Was the response

Kaiya slid the door open and saw Hajime seated in front of Kondou and Hijikata. Kaiya frowned, "I can come back tomorrow if I'm interrupting anything."

"No Kaiya-chan, take a seat." Said Kondou with a smile. "Toshi said you wanted to talk to us about something. That will be all Saitou-kun." Hajime nodded his head and left. "Kaiya-chan, what is it you wanted to talk to us about."

"Over the last couple of days, there has been several cases of food poisoning." Started Kaiya.

"So the men aren't cooking their food properly, that hardly seems like something you should bring to us." Said Kondou.

Kaiya shook her head. "I don't think that's it. It's not all at once. The first group was yesterday morning, and only two. Then late in the afternoon three more came forward and then late last night and so on. None of them ate the same food and they are some of the most loyal members…as far as I know. I just find it strange."

Kondou and Hijikata looked at each other. "That does sound unusual. Toshi what do you think?" Asked Kondou.

"Are you saying that someone is intentionally poisoning men loyal to us, Kaiya-chan?" Hijikata asked her

"I only suspect that might be so but I have no proof."

"Unfortunately it's a strong possibility. There has been…movement lately. Be careful, Kaiya-chan." Hijikata gave her a concerned look.

"Is it Itou-san? I've seen him talking a lot to some of our more competent warriors." Kaiya watched them closely.

Kondou laughed out loud and Hijikata just shook his head. "We need to remember to watch what we say around Kaiya-chan, she much too smart and perceptive for us." Kondou said.

"Like I said, Kaiya-chan. Watch yourself. He may approach you as well. Your services would be invaluable, even to him." Hijikata stared at her.

"Tch. Unlikely. I get a feeling he's trying to undermine me. Make me look incompetent. He's made it clear that I should be sitting on some man's mantle, being a good house wife not doctoring soldiers. And if he did approach me, I'd laugh in his face."

Hijikata laughed and smiled at her. "That certainly sounds like you. In many ways you and Souji are very much alike. You look exhausted, when was the last time you slept?"

Kaiya had to think about that real hard, "…uh…about the time the first poisoning came to my attention. I've caught a couple minutes of sleep here and there but it generally gets interrupted by someone needing medical attention."

"Then go to your room and get some sleep. Yamazaki-kun, can take over now that he is no longer watching Chizuru." Hijikata got to his feet and motioned her to get to hers as well.

"I'm sure Yamazaki-kun needs to sleep as well." Kaiya said as she walked to the door.

"I think he's slept more recently then you, now go." Hijikata practically shoved her out the door and gave her a stern look before shutting the door. Kaiya stood there a moment longer contemplating whether she wanted to obey.

"Go Kaiya-chan." Kaiya flinched, she hadn't noticed both Yamazaki and Hajime both standing not far away. "I can take care of things."

"I didn't see either of you standing there." She said as she walked up.

"We were just waiting for you." Said Yamazaki with a slight smile.

Kaiya frowned. "Why?"

"Nagakura-san said that you'd been very busy these last couple days. Said that you showed up long enough to cook then disappeared back into the clinic. I thought I should check to see if you needed any help and from what we heard, you just need some rest. My sleep cycle is reversed anyways. Just tell me what I need to know and you can go and get some rest." The three of them slowly started wandering off towards the med clinic as she told them about the food poisoning.

The two men frowned at each other. "It would seem that my job is not over." Said Hajime.

"No, it would seem not. I'll go to the clinic and talk to the men, see what I can find out. You, Kaiya-chan need to get some rest." Yamazaki put a hand on her shoulder.

"You'll be more helpful with some sleep, Kaiya-chan." Hajime stared right at her with a serious look. It was not a suggestion.

Kaiya sighed, "Alright, alright I get what you're saying. I'm leaving. Good night you two."

She turned and headed off towards her room. As she stepped into the court yard that lead to her and the captains' sleeping quarters, she was stopped by a man standing in the corridor in front of her. Kaiya frowned as she didn't immediately recognize the silhouette.

"Good evening Ishikawa-sensei!" Greeted Itou when he turned around and saw her standing there.

Dammit! She thought. It was unlikely anyone would be coming to her rescue this time.

"I went looking for you at the clinic, but you weren't there! I've been standing here the last several minutes considering knocking on your door, looks like that would have been unsuccessful too." He gave her one of those creepy smiles that was supposed to be friendly.

"Have you been injured or perhaps feeling unwell, Itou-sensei?" Kaiya responded, trying to keep her tone as kind as possible.

"Oh dear, no! I just wanted to talk with you!" He said enthusiastically.

"At this time of the night, that's a little unusual." Kaiya was feeling extremely uncomfortable now.

"Yes, you're right but you're a very hard woman to have a private discussion with! Can we speak somewhere else? There's no need to wake anyone." He waved to a door.

"No thank you, Itou-sensei here is fine." Kaiya tried to keep her tone kind but she suspected that some of her mistrust crept into her voice.

"I'm afraid I may have given you the wrong impression. You must think that I don't believe that you belong here, that maybe I think you are unqualified." He left room for Kaiya to respond but she said nothing so he continued. "Well it's quite the opposite actually. I think you are over qualified! You deserve much better than the Shinsengumi. And for this grave error, I'd like to make it up to you!"

"I don't…" Kaiya started to respond.

"Just a quick lunch, in the middle of the day in a busy shop. I don't want you feeling uncomfortable." Too late, she thought. "Well just think about it. It is quite late, Ishikawa-sensei. I'll let you get some rest and sleep on it. Good night." He gave her a polite bow and left.

As early as Kaiya's body would allow, she got up and went straight to Kondou's rooms. When she was invited inside, she opened the door to Sannan, Kondou and Souji sitting around a small table drinking tea. They all looked surprise when she entered, probably expecting Hijikata.

"Good morning, Kaiya-chan we didn't expect to see here! Especially this early in the morning! So what brings you here, this fine morning?" Said Kondou happily as he indicated her to take a seat.

Kaiya sat down by Souji as was her habit, while they all watched her with intense curiosity. It was very rare that she visited any one so early in the morning. "I had an interesting conversation after I left here last night."

Souji stiffened, he probably didn't like her tone and more than likely thought the worse. "With whom." He asked with some hostility.

"Itou-san." Souji started clenching his fists. Sannan and Kondou just looked slightly concerned but mostly just interested.

Kaiya huffed and looked at Souji. "Calm down Souji, you're getting yourself worked up about something that probably didn't happen." She looked back to Kondou and Sannan. "He told me that I had the wrong impression about him and how he views me and that he thinks that I am over qualified to be here. He wishes to have a private conversation with me over lunch."

"He wishes to recruit you." Replied Kondou.

Sannan looked at him surprised. "She knows?"

"She figured it out herself." He said with a bit of a laugh. "Did you laugh in his face?"

"No I was civil." Kaiya said with smirk. "He didn't really give me a chance to respond. He said to sleep on it and left."

"Well obviously you aren't going with him so just tell him you don't want to talk to him." Souji said a little irritated.

Kondou sighed. "Souji, I'm sorry but could you leave us to talk this over with Kaiya-chan."

Souji stiffen and looked at them suspiciously. "Why? You are not letting her go with him!"

Kondou's face became deadly serious. "Souji that wasn't a request. Leave."

Souji stood up obviously furious and stormed out of the room nearly bowling over Hijikata as he came up to the door. "Hey! Watch where you're going!" He yelled as Souji stormed off. He turned to those remaining in the room. "What's up with him?"

"Come inside Toshi, you should be a part of this conversation." Kondou said with a sigh.

Hijikata seemed to suddenly take note of Kaiya's presence and gave her a questioning look as he took his seat. Kaiya had to work hard to keep her face neutral, fearing that they were planning on following through with what Souji was fearing they were planning. It was the side effect of being a full member of the Shinsengumi, she had to do what she was told; whether she agreed with it or not. She had been fortunate so far with being able to generally do what she wanted. She had quite a bit more freedom than most of the other members.

"Kaiya-chan was just telling us that she has been approached by Itou-sensei." Said Sannan when Hijikata had been seated.

"He asked you to leave with him?" Hijikata frowned.

"Well not precisely." Kaiya responded. "He felt the need to clarify his opinion of me and then invited me to have lunch with him in a public place so that I wouldn't feel uncomfortable."

"I see, so Souji isn't too happy with the fact that you are actually considering letting her go." Hijikata said to Kondou.

"I think it may be a wise idea to send her. Most of the men probably won't watch what they say around her." Said Sannan.

Hijikata shook his head. "I'm not as certain. She has shown quite a bit of loyalty to us in the past and if Souji remains behind they'll always suspect her."

"We could stage a falling out with them. Make it look like Kaiya-chan has no more love for him." Said Sannan clearly going through scenario's in his head.

It was Kaiya who shook her head. "Souji's already having a fit with just the prospect that I might have to do this, he won't go a long with anything that will help send me there."

"I agree with Kaiya-chan. He loves her too much to put her in a dangerous situation where he can't protect her. I believe this would be something Souji would be willing to commit Seppuku over." Hijikata said gravely.

Kondou nodded his head. "Toshi is right. Souji is loyal to a fault and he'd do absolutely everything he could to keep Kaiya-chan from going with Itou-san. I'm also inclined to think that Itou-san would be more suspicious if Souji didn't become upset with her going with him, if we decide to do that."

"Also, can we afford to let Kaiya-chan leave? Her services here are invaluable, would we suffer more from the loss of her? Especially when she'll be mending Itou's men while ours get injured and sick." Said Hijikata.

"I am happy that you hold me in such high regards but Yamazaki-kun has learned a lot and is quite competent." Kaiya didn't want to go but she didn't want them to sell Yamazaki short.

Hijikata smiled at her. "Yes he has done quite well but he isn't nearly as talented as you. And I suspect we are going to need him for his other talents soon, you may lose your helper for a time."

"Hijikata-kun, you make it sound like the decision has been made." Sannan said as he crossed his arms over his chest. "You shouldn't let your affection for Kaiya-chan get in the way of your better judgement."

Obviously Hijikata did not like the last remark as he lunged to his feet with hands clutched like he planned to pummel Sannan. Kondou half stood up and put a hand on Hijikata's chest, giving him a look. After a moment he sat down again, crossing his arms over his chest with a peeved look on his face.

"I think we've come to the point to cast your decisions." Kondou looked between the two of them and they nodded. "Toshi, I assume you are against sending Kaiya-chan into enemy territory."

"Like this, yes. I think it's a bad idea and her skills are irreplaceable." Hijikata said firmly.

"And Sannan-san, am I to assume that you are for sending her into enemy territory."

"Yes." Was all he said as he gave Kaiya a bit of a guilty look.

Kondou just nodded and sat quietly in thought for a moment. When he finally made up his mind he slapped his thigh. "I have made my made decision." He looked Kaiya straight in the eye with a serious face. "Kaiya-chan, I'm afraid I have to agree with…Toshi." Finally a smile cracked across his face again. "I also don't feel comfortable sending you into such an environment, despite your recent showcase of skills in self defense. Maybe I'm too soft but I don't feel comfortable sending a woman into a den of wolves with only minimal protection."

Kaiya gave him a confused look. "Protection?"

Kondou shook his head "I'm sorry but I can't say anymore. Kaiya-chan, meet with Itou-san to see what he wants and if he does wish to recruit you, tell him no."

"I understand." Kaiya bowed

"You are dismissed, Kaiya-chan. You might want to go calm Souji down." Said Kondou with a smile.

Kaiya bowed again. Then got up and left the three of them alone. When she was outside, Kaiya let out a sigh of relief. She had been terrified that they would make her go and Sannan truly believed she should go but thankfully Hijikata used logic to keep her here. As she walked along she wondered what they had meant by protection. Were they planning on sending someone to spy on Itou? Of course they were. You would think they would want to keep an eye on Itou's activities.

When Kaiya got to Souji's door, she put her ear to his door and listened a moment. She could hear a constant *shing* with the occasional pause. After listening for a few minutes she finally knocked and then opened the door without waiting for permission. When she opened the door she saw Souji sitting on the ground, shirt off with sword and sharpening stone in his lap. He scowled at first, then saw it was her and his face settled into a neutral mask.

Kaiya came and sat down beside him and gave him a big hug. When she pulled a way she gave him a peck on the cheek. He patted her a bit on the back and continued sharpening sword. After a moment of silence she finally decided to put him out of his misery.

"They aren't sending me." She said.

Souji stopped mid-swipe and looked her in the face. After he determined that she wasn't lying to him, he put his sword aside, smiled and wrapped her in a big tight hug. "Oh thank goodness! I thought for sure they would send you! I thought that was why Kondou-san sent me away!" He scratched his head hard with both hands when he sat back again.

"I think they didn't think they could have a civil conversation with you in the room, they knew you would resist. You should thank Hijikata-kun, he made a strong case for me not going you know." She put a bit of distance between the two of them as Souji started to calm down.

Souji let out a bit of a grunt. "Maybe. So are you still going to meet with Itou-san?"

"Yes. They want to get as much information out of him as possible."

"Yeah I doubt he'll even approach me with my close connection to Kondou-san." Souji continued to tend to his blade.

Kaiya shrugged. "You never know. Who better to get on your side than the one closest to your competition? Maybe even as a spy!"

"If he asked, I'd go…then I'd kill him." Souji's face was deadly serious when he said it but when he looked up at her, he smiled. "I think he suspects that Chizuru is a girl and who knows what else he knows." His face became serious once again. "I think he intends to eventually assassinate Kondou-san, despite his friendliness." Souji made a sour face.

"Do you think he'll approach Hajime-kun and the others?" Kaiya got up and went to a small set of drawers and opened the top drawer.

"Probably. We're all skilled warriors and the more he takes, the more harm he does to Kondou-san." Souji wiped his blade off and returned it to its sheath as Kaiya brought a jar she'd retrieved from the drawer and sat down behind him. "We shouldn't talk about this further. The less you know about what's going on the better."

Kaiya opened the jar and started slathering ointment on his back and messaged it in. "Fine I'll stop asking questions about it but I am going to ask about your health. How have you been feeling lately?"

Souji sighed as he tilted his head forward. "Fine. I'm still coughing a bit at night and the cold air is a little irritating for my lungs but nothing big. Just a small cough here and there." He was trying to sound irritated with her mothering but Kaiya could tell he enjoyed the daily back and chest rubs.

"Maybe I should make you start drinking a warm tonic before you go out for your rounds. It might help ease the stress on your lungs. It would also help if you dressed a little warmer." She patted him on the back and he turned and laid on his back.

"Tch." He responded as he rolled his eyes.

She smacked him on the chest. "You're supposed to be helping me help you!"

He laughed. "I am! I let you do this every day!"

"Tch, because this is so hard on you!" Kaiya continued spreading the ointment on his chest.

"Hey I drink your damn teas and eat whatever crap you put in front of me. It would look suspicious if I started bundling up while everyone else is dressing normal!"

"I still think you should at least being telling Kondou-san, he deserves to know." Kaiya finally sat back and wiped her hands off on a towel.

"It's not affecting my performance and I don't want to make him worry needlessly." Souji sat up and reached for his shirt and put it on.

"Too late, Souji. He's come to me several times asking me if you were alright. I think he knows I'm covering for you. You really should tell him what's going on with you, or at least let me." Kaiya put the ointment away and walked towards his door.

"Wait, he's been asking about me?" Souji winced like he'd been hit.

"Not just him either, so has Hijikata-kun. He said he's heard you coughing during the night and Chizuru had told him that you had a couple of coughing fits during patrol. You really need to tell me when things like that happen, Souji!" She put her fists on her hips.

He crossed his arms and glared at her. "Hey I'm not the only one keeping secrets. Do you think I'm too stupid to figure out what's going on between you and Hajime-kun!"

Kaiya paused for a moment, shocked that he had suddenly brought Hajime into the conversation. "My relationships have nothing to do with you not telling me about your attacks or keeping the state of your health from your commanders and forcing me to do the same!"

He stood up and walked up to her. "Look, Kai. Things are really dicey right now and I don't want to add to Kondou-san's worries. I can do my job still!"

"You weren't listening, Souji! He's already worrying!" Kaiya made a frustrated sound.

He looked down with a sigh then looked up again. "Alright fine. I'll talk to him after lunch…and I'm sorry I didn't tell you about that attack. It was just once and I hate making people worry about me, especially you and Kondou-san."

"Souji, you're our family! It's our job to worry about you!" Souji sighed and looked away. "Besides, you worry about me all the time." She kissed him on the cheek then patted it. "Tell Kondou-san to come talk to me if he has questions. I'll answer them the best I can."

He nodded and she turned and left.

Later that morning while Kaiya was working in the clinic, Itou made an appearance. He smiled as he entered and sat down beside the desk that she was sitting at.

"Good morning, Ishikawa-sensei! Did you think about what I said last night?"

Kaiya forced a smile on to her face. "Yes I did and I'm willing to at least hear you out. I don't know if I'll agree with whatever you have to say but I'll listen."

Itou's smile broadened, it almost seemed genuine. "That is all I ask! Thank you for giving me that chance! How about now? You don't seem to busy and it's nearly lunch!"

"A-alright. Just give me a moment to clean up." Kaiya was a little floored by his bluntness.

"Great!" He stood up. "I'll wait for you by the gate!" Then he turned and left.

Kaiya cleaned her desk off and made sure there wasn't anything laying around, picked up her sword and then turned and walked out. As promised Itou stood waiting by the gate. As he greeted her the guards gave her a bit of a strange look but said nothing as they left together.

As they walked down the street, Itou chatted politely about the things they passed and other random things. Kaiya responded to his idle chatter but to her he seemed like he was trying really hard to butter her up, to make her like him. When they arrived at the establishment that they were to eat at, he let her enter first then guided her to a table.

He continued to chat pleasantly while they waited for their food and while eating. It seemed like he was going continue with his idle chatter but after he took a sip from his tea he finally got down to the reason why they were there.

"Ishikawa-sensei, are you happy amongst the Shinsengumi?" He asked.

Kaiya shrugged. "I admit it's not an ideal place for me but it's better than where I was before this."

"What if I could offer you something better? Would you be interested?" He stared her straight in the eye.

"That depends on what you mean; what exactly are you offering?" Kaiya was careful to keep her face neutral and not give her intentions away.

"I cannot tell you exactly without you committing but I can say that you would be better treated than you are by the Shinsengumi. You would have all you need as a doctor and we wouldn't expect you to put yourself in harm's way…unless that's what you wanted. From what I've heard from the other men, you handle yourself quite well with a sword. Your pay would be better too, if that's what your interest is in. Our goals are generally the same as the Shinsengumi also." He tried to make it sound like he was giving her the world but it only made Kaiya feel creeped out.

She remained silent for a moment, trying to make it look like she was actually thinking about it. Finally she shook her head. "I'm sorry Itou-sensei but I don't think I can. My cousin Souji is here, he's the only family I have left and it'd break his heart if I left. He's done so much for me."

"Not enough from what I hear." Itou gave he a knowing look.

Kaiya frowned, "What are you talking about?"

"A little birdy told me that you were assaulted by an elite member of what was then the Roshigumi on a number of occasions and they did nothing about it." He put his elbows on the table and stared at her with a victorious look on his face that probably meant she was betraying more emotion than she should be.

Kaiya forced all emotion from her face. "Where did you hear that?"

"I told you, a little birdy told me. I can guarantee that such things would never with me. Maybe Okita-san would be willing to go with you…if you decided to come with me that is." He gave her an encouraging look.

"Well you've been miss informed, I'm as safe amongst the Shinsengumi as I am anywhere else. I doubt I'd be any safer with you than I am with them. I'm sorry Itou-sensei but I don't think I can. Thank you for the lunch, now if you would excuse me I have duties I must attend to." She stood up as did he.

"It was my pleasure, Ishikawa-sensei. Let me know if you change your mind." He gave her a polite bow and watched as she left.

When Kaiya arrived back at the compound she headed straight for the clinic, in case there was somebody watching her, then walked down the interior halls to the meeting room. As she entered she noticed that almost everyone was still in the room, eating their lunches.

"Kaiya-chan! Where you been?" Heisuke greeted happily. "I'll get your lunch!"

Kaiya put up her hands as Heisuke jumped to his feet. "No that's alright Heisuke-kun, I've already eaten. Where's Chizuru and Sano-kun?" Kaiya was about to sit down where she normally sat when she realized that Souji was sitting with Heisuke and Shinpachi.

"Oh, I can move over Kaiya-chan if you want to sit by Souji-kun!" Shinpachi said as he started trying to move over.

"No, no I don't need to babysit him all the time." She said as she took a seat by Hajime. They chuckled at her response then resumed eating. Kaiya glance over at Hajime's food and scrunched her nose. "Maybe it's a good thing I ate out today."

"Oi, I made it! There's nothing wrong with my food!" Shinpachi gave her a pouty face.

"I stand by my statement." They all laughed again.

"Hey did you hear?" Shinpachi suddenly piped up with a sly grin on his face. "Saitou's got a love interest!" Kaiya was thankful that they all focused on Hajime who remained ever unperturbed by what Shinpachi said. If they'd looked at her, they'd have seen her face turn beat red and guilt written across it.

"There was this beautiful girl this morning when Saitou, Sano and I went out this morning! She thanked him for saving her! Saitou was totally embarrassed!" Shinpachi laughed. Kaiya was momentarily relieved that they hadn't talking about her but then she was suddenly jealous.

"I was embarrassed, by your and Sano's behaviour!" Saitou replied while he continued to eat. "She wasn't really interested in me but instead she was interested in Chizuru, since she had been the one who had initially stood up for her. Besides she isn't really my type."

"What is your type, Hajime-kun?" Asked Heisuke with a smile.

"Not that." Was all he said, indicating that he was not going to continue participating in their discussion.

"Oi, you're no fun." Heisuke griped

After a bit more complaining from Shinpachi and Heisuke they all continued on with their conversations they'd been having before she had entered. Slowly one by one they drifted off to do whatever it is they had to do until it was just Kondou, Souji, Hijikata and herself.

Souji gave her a bit of a look then got to his feet. "Kondou-san can I talk to you privately." He looked surprised but Kondou stood up and followed Souji out of the door.

Hijikata quirked an eyebrow obviously noticing their exchange. "What's that about?"

"I can't say but I think you and I should have our own private discussion."

Hijikata nodded and got to his feet. "Let's talk about this in my room."

Kaiya got up and followed him out the door. She was grateful that he stuck to the interior hallways both because she was paranoid about being watched and the fact that it was getting quite cool outside. She hoped Hajime wouldn't be busy tonight, it'd be nice to have the extra bit of warmth.

Hijikata entered his room and sat down by a table and indicated for her to sit on the other side. "I imagine you wish to discuss your conversation with Itou-san. That's where you were during lunch, meeting with him."

"Yes it was." Kaiya confirmed

"Well? Tell me what he said."

Kaiya told him every detail of the conversation then ended with. "Hijikata-kun, he knew about Serizawa somehow. He didn't give any detail but he knew that Serizawa had attacked me! How could he know that?"

"He gave very vague information. He might've been fishing, assuming that since you are a woman in a compound of men that something would have happened and then there's your disappearance. He's a smart man, he may have put the pieces together. There is a very select few who know what happened to you, none of which would willingly betray such information about you. He's just grasping at straws."

Kaiya just nodded her head. "Thank you for informing me, Kaiya-chan. I'll let Kondou-san know what occurred. Return to your duties." Kaiya nodded and left the room.

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoy two chapters at once!

-Shockra