Chapter 35: Tangled Web of Fate
Two months later, Hokkaido
"Congratulations, Saitou-san."
Saitou took a sip of the sake glass he was holding. "Thank you."
"Really, to be promoted to such a position as the head of the Department of Internal Affairs at such a young age is impressive indeed."
"It's nothing special," Saitou replied silkily to the man in front of him. Saitou couldn't even remember his name…he was the head of Foreign Affairs or something similar.
Saitou hated social gatherings, but after being placed as the head of Internal Affairs, they were hardly avoidable. Such a hassle. His golden eyes scanned the crowd. Now where was she?
"Are you looking for someone, Saitou-san? I can introduce you to the other heads of departments."
So officious. "No, thank you."
"Ah, here we go," the Foreign Affairs head said, ignoring Saitou's reply. "This is Takarai Satoshi. He's in my department, and very well acquainted with the few foreign officials that matter to us."
A young man, dressed in western clothing, approached him, accompanied by three relatively attractive women.
"Takarai, this is Saitou Hajime."
The young man looked impressed. "You mean, the legendary captain of the Shinsengumi?"
Saitou nodded curtly. The government had finally gotten tired of addressing him by a fake name, and had "pardoned" all his "crimes" as Shinsengumi captain. Really, where would they be without him? As if they couldn't pardon him at all…
"Wow, that's amazing," Takarai said. "Alongside with Okita Soushi, right? So young, and so ready to dedicate to political beliefs! Wrong as they were…" he added softly.
Saitou frowned imperceptibly. Such arrogance.
One of the women by Takarai came to his side and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Impressive, indeed," she smiled.
Saitou attempted to move indiscernibly away, only to find his way blocked by another woman.
"I like well-built men like you," the other said simply.
"Please excuse me, ladies, but I'm married."
"There's not a ring on your left hand."
That was because for some particular reason, the marriage documents hadn't been approved. And his would-be wife was adamant that nothing physical happened between them until they were. Besides, where exactly was she? She was angry about him being promoted, true, but to really not come? That was harsh.
"You can have a little fun with them, Saitou-dono," Takarai said encouragingly. "Besides, your wife can't be as beautiful as these women are."
"Actually…"
"Saitou-san, beautiful women aren't meant to be married. Then all they become are haughty and arrogant beings who simply clamor for materialistic things that you need to buy them. Women like these," Takarai gestured to the women surrounding Saitou, "are more pleasing. Fool around with the beautiful, and get married to the homely. They'll serve your domestic needs better. That's a fantastic solution to life."
"So what do you think, Saitou-san?" one of the women simpered. "Care to play?"
"Excuse me," a voice as smooth and cold as ice said behind Saitou. "I'd like to speak with my husband."
Saitou and his companions turned around. Relief washed over him. Finally, some sanity.
Kikome looked splendid. What else was new? Over the last two months they had spent together, he had noticed that she had become, if possible, even more beautiful than before. Saitou had perceived a grace in her step, a subtle lilt in her every motion. She had adapted to wearing feminine apparel, and the cumbersome kimonos that most women walked with drudgery in seemed to melt into Kikome's figure like a part of her skin.
She was dressed in her favorite shade of crimson red, lips painted the same color and hair woven in the same elegant bun that Miyuki enjoyed weaving. A black obi, trailing down behind her in ribbons, was secured tightly around her waist, accentuating her slender silhouette and perfection. Her skin color was slightly paler than the other females, but it was easy to determine who was the winner when it came to looks. So stunning.
Though a faint smile was plastered to her face, Kikome's eyes gave the women around Saitou a hard look as she made her way to him.
"About time, Kikome, I thought you weren't—"
She stepped on his foot with brutal strength, the fake smile still prevalent on her lips. He flinched.
"Damn, woman—"
"I took a little longer to prepare today," she said in her euphonious voice, "because I assumed it would be a rather important event and that I should be here to support you, only to find you flirting with other women and not bothering to tell me where you were, or when to come."
She was…angry. He could sense that much from her well hidden ki.
"This is a misunderstanding, Kikome."
The smile grew wider and her eyes winked reciprocally.
"Is. That. So." She pressed her foot down harder with every syllable. Saitou pushed her light body off his foot before she broke it, requiring some effort as her foot seemed to be rooted firmly in place.
"So, Saitou-san…this is your wife?" the Foreign Affairs head asked hesitatingly.
Takarai was goggling at Kikome, who scarcely looked in his direction. She was still glaring daggers at the women, who backed off considerably in the face of greater loveliness.
"Yeah," Saitou said, nonchalantly drawing a arm around Kikome's shoulder. She didn't back away, thankfully, meaning that she was on the way to dissipating her irritation.
Kikome finally drew her attention to the men, asserting her professional duties. She gave an elegant bow, several strands of hair draping over her shoulders.
"I'm Nato Kikome. Please take care of me."
"Takarai Satoshi, at your service," the young man said eagerly, bowing hastily. Just when Saitou thought their heads were about to collide, Kikome moved her head to the left slightly, letting Takarai's pass by her. She straightened up and pretended nothing happened.
"Eh?" Saitou heard Takarai say in confusion.
So the collision was intended, functioning as an ice breaker, giving Takarai a reason to apologize profusely and perhaps offer her a drink. Saitou smirked. A stupid way to pick up women, and futile attempt to lead Kikome away from his side.
Her perception of others' movement had returned back to its apex of ability as Sokusai. In essence, she had recreated her persona of the fearsome assassin of the night, simply clad in ladylike clothing, which made her all the more dangerous. The only injury that had not healed completely since the Shishio affair was her shoulder, which was recovering slowly. Kikome herself was perturbed by the state of her injury, but refused to complain about it, even if it pained. Saitou never pressed the subject.
"Nato Kikome," the director of Foreign Affairs said thoughtfully. "Perhaps I have heard of that name…somewhere…maybe Okubo-kyo mentioned it? But that seems out of place."
Kikome gave a poisonous smile. "I think you're mistaken."
The elderly man looked taken back at her bluntness, but agreed. "Y-yes, I think I must be."
The poison melted to innocence, and she turned to Saitou.
"Well, then, why don't we go get some drinks? Please excuse us, sirs, madams." She gave a refined wave and steered Saitou away from them. Her high societal mask dropped immediately.
"Honestly," she snapped, "what the hell were you thinking, hanging out with big shot heads like them?"
"Because, as of today, I'm something along those lines," Saitou said dryly, leading her over to the drinks and pouring her some sake.
She grimaced and took the glass from him with a nod.
"I know," Saitou said airily. "You hate that I'm getting even more involved with the Meiji government."
"Why shouldn't I be? Ten years ago, they were my enemies. Yours too, you idiot, but you seem to forget things easily."
The two of them slipped away from the crowded ballroom before anymore people attempted to approach them, which seemed quite likely. The couple seemed to draw many eyes.
They arrived in a deserted hallway on the second floor of the building. Kikome sat on the counter of a windowsill, glancing at the scenes unfolding before. Light snow fell to the ground slowly, eventually accumulating to a thin sheet over the roads.
"Damn, it's cold," she said, rubbing her hands together. "We should just go back home."
"Soon…but it'd be rude to my future colleagues if I left without a word."
"Who cares?"
"Kikome," he leaned forward, trapping her against the window, "do stop being bitter."
"No," she said, drinking her glass. Her eyes lit up. "Mm. This is good."
"Is it really?"
"Do you want to try?"
"Sure," Saitou said, kissing her and tasting the sweet apple taste on her soft lips.
Kikome placed her glass on the surface beside her and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
"Oh," she said, in between kisses.
"What?" he asked, trailing his hand behind her neck and pushing her head up, giving him room to nuzzle her neck.
"The marriage documents…"
Saitou snapped his head up. "What about them?"
"They weren't approved."
"What?!"
"It seems they did a background check on us…considering how much of a big shot you are now. They found out who I am."
"You mean…as Sokusai?" he said dumbly.
She gave him an appraising look, as if questioning his intelligence. "What else, Saitou?"
Kikome seemed unnaturally calm about the entire scenario, which began to aggravate him.
"Does the news not disturb you?" he asked, controlling his tone.
"Of course it does," she replied serenely, picking up her drink and taking another sip. "After all, I was delayed coming out because a government official came by just when I was about to leave."
"What did he say?"
"I don't know," she answered vaguely.
"What do you mean, you don't know?" he demanded, a tint of annoyance creeping into his voice.
She noticed it, and raised an eyebrow. "Don't get all edgy, Saitou. It'll work out. I meant that I didn't know what he wanted because, as I said, I presumed I was already late, and he kept clamoring for attention. So I ended up locking him in the storage house and coming here after that."
Kikome gave a small laugh. "I wonder how Miyuki-chan will handle that."
Saitou swept her off her feet and headed down the stairs. "We're going home."
Kikome let out a sigh. "Let me down, Saitou, I can walk by myself."
"Knowing you, you'll probably loiter around and find an excuse to not go home. At this rate, I'm going to start thinking that you don't want to marry me at all."
"It's not like that," she insisted as Saitou let her down. "I just—"
"Don't want to do anything extremely intimate yet, right?" Saitou said impatiently, shuffling through the snow. "Kikome, you're what, twenty-six? It's a bit late for you to still be so…iffy."
She gave a snarl but fell silent, matching Saitou's long stride on the way to their residence. It was a stately house, in traditional Japanese style, not particularly large but well-furnished. Saitou pushed open the gate doors and the two of them entered the courtyard.
"Saitou-san, Kikome-san," Miyuki called, coming out into the open.
"Go back inside," Kikome said, taking off her geta at the front steps. "It's chilly out here."
Miyuki nodded and held the door open as the couple entered the living room. A frazzled man sat formally by the kotatsu, shivering slightly. He nodded as he noticed them enter.
"Pardon me for this, Saitou-dono," he said professionally, "but I'd rather not stand up right now, as I'm freezing."
He shot a nasty look at Kikome, who simply returned it with an indifferent smile.
"I'll go get some tea," Miyuki said, disappearing into the kitchen.
"I assume you were sent to discuss the marriage documents?" Saitou said, sitting across from him.
Kikome walked over to a nearby room, leaving Saitou to converse with the official. She was bad when it came to business negotiations; her sharp tongue normally guaranteed failure.
"Yes," he replied. "As you know, the Meiji government respects you very much for your services to this country. However, it can't be ignored that you were once part of the Shinsengumi, and were thus opposing the Ishin Shinshi. Committing to a union with Nato Kikome, better known as Sokusai, would be a radical choice and alarms many of the officials of the government. They're worried that you two combined would lead to something…drastic."
Saitou scoffed. "What a foolish fear. Nato Kikome cares nothing for the government, and I think it's been made pretty clear that I hold Japan's well-being in high regards. Though I don't necessarily approve of all the undertakings of the government, I'm not about to go out of my way and disturb the peace that we already have."
"Besides," Kikome's voice said melodiously, "since when did marriage matter in the eyes of the Meiji government? All I wanted to do was have it down legally; if you're not going to let us be legally bonded, it's not going to change the fact that we're going to be together."
She emerged from the adjacent bedroom, having changed into a simpler kimono and washed off her make-up. The smooth black sheath of her katana was gripped in her hand. She looked gorgeous regardless of the simplicity.
"My apologies for locking you in the storehouse," Kikome said sincerely, "but you must understand that I was angry for such a belated response to our humble request. I'd appreciate it if you'd just approve of it and get out of our lives."
Saitou, who had been pleased with her modest approach to the situation, cringed at her last sentence.
The man turned to her, outraged. "You'd think I'd actually approve of these," he slammed the papers on the table, "after such conceitedness?!"
"Did you bring the stamp for approval or whatever?" Kikome asked evenly.
"Of course, but it's not like I'm going to—"
Kikome unsheathed the katana and brought it to his neck.
"I expected some resistance," she said wryly. "As always, Sokusai works best through force."
"Kikome," Saitou said in a warning tone.
"Oh, shut up. It's not like sitting down and talking is going to help you very much when it comes to a bastard like him. Just sign the papers and I'll let you on your way."
"And if I don't?" the man said defiantly, though his hands trembled as he felt Kikome's murderous ki envelop him.
She gave a venomous smile. "Well, then, I'm sure cutting off a few fingers would change your mind."
Miyuki returned in the room with the tea tray. She stared at the scenario, startled.
"Oh, hello, Miyuki-chan. Just leave the tray on the kotatsu; we'll be finished momentarily."
Saitou let out a sigh and motioned for Miyuki to do as Kikome asked, as well as to leave the room.
"Now, then, Official-san, please be sure to stamp it neatly and clearly for everyone to see, all right?"
"I won't—"
"It's just a shitty marriage report," Kikome snapped, her dark eyes flashing and her hostess-like charm disappearing. "Sign the thing and leave us alone. Splendid plan, no? You'll never see me again, I'll never see you, we're all satisfied. Oh, and by the way, if you decide to send additional officials or an army to our home, please be reminded that I'm quite an experienced assassin and will be more than happy to sneak into your house and persuade you to do so otherwise."
The official man shook in terror, withdrew a seal from his breast pocket and stamped the documents, and without another word, left the room.
Kikome examined the documents with a sigh. "All that effort for a shitty piece of paper. We could've just eloped or something."
"Your language has taken a turn for the worse lately," Saitou said, standing up and leading her to the bedroom. "Well, we're married now. You know what we do next, right?"
Kikome eyed him warily, backing into the room. "You're starving, aren't you?"
"Yes, in the metaphorical sense."
"Eh…but…Miyuki might be coming back…"
"She'll understand once she sees the papers." Saitou shut the door behind him, welcoming the cool darkness.
"Hah," she laughed weakly. "I guess I really can't get out of this one."
"I'm afraid not," Saitou said smoothly, slipping his hands under her robes. "I'm really famished. I patiently waited for you to come to your senses, and then waited out your condition, so it's only natural that you reciprocate."
He kissed her fervently and pushed her on the bed, delighted that she made no effort to resist. She seemed to understand his needs, wrapping her arms around him and expressing the warmth that they shared.
The night past as no words were exchanged; only raw emotions and intensified passion were conveyed. The moonlight shone through the bright sheets of snow as the wolf satiated his hunger at last.
*************
The morning arrived dully with the gray overcast skies and the constant snow. Kikome stirred in her half-asleep state and snapped her eyes open. It took a few seconds to register what she was doing.
"You're finally awake?" Saitou smirked.
She remembered that she was unclad and hastily pulled the blankets over her.
He raised an eyebrow. "You don't need to hide, you know. I mean, I've seen everything already."
"Asshole," she said, flaring.
He kissed her gently on the forehead.
"I'm feeling…extremely satisfied," he commented. His eyes shimmered like golden ingots. He was pleased.
"Good. Then let's not do it again." She sat up and leaned for her clothes.
"Are you kidding me?" Saitou pulled her back beside him. "It would be problematic if you're still so disinclined. Besides, you didn't seem so reluctant last night…"
"Shut up," she said, blushing crimson and struggling away.
"You don't need to be so embarrassed," he said softly, stroking her skin. "I don't know how many times people have told you, but you're one of the loveliest women in Japan, guaranteed."
"That's not stopping me from being embarrassed, Saitou."
"Hm…" Saitou mused aloud. "Isn't about time you stopped calling me by my surname? After all, it's technically yours as well."
"No offense, but I'll pass."
"I thought you'd say that. All the same, it'd be odd if you kept calling me Saitou."
"It'd be even odder if I called you by your first name," Kikome said feverishly, finally getting out of bed and dressing herself. "The habit of calling you Saitou isn't going to change, considering I've been calling you that for the last eleven years."
She heard him let out a breath and also stand up.
"When do you start your job as the awesome head of Internal Affairs?" Kikome asked with dripping sarcasm.
"It's not very important," Saitou said. "I can probably wait for a few weeks. In the meantime, what will you do? You're not the domestic type, after all."
"I don't know. Work with you, maybe? Though I'd hate it…"
"That'd probably be best. Tying you to me would keep other men's eyes off of you."
She scoffed. "As if I'd care either way. I was thinking, if you have a few days for break, let's go to Kyoto to pay our respects to Shishou. I should let him know that I'm well-recovered."
"Just to see Hiko? Or would you want to go see Shinomori Aoshi as well?"
"Give me a break, Saitou."
He chuckled behind her and led the way out.
"Regarding Kyoto, we'll leave today?"
"That's fine."
Decisions were made so spontaneously when it came to being with Saitou. Life could never be boring with him around.
Their fingers intertwined as they walked out for breakfast, fitting perfectly together like pieces of a puzzle, as if their hands were made simply for the other to hold.
*************
Four years later, Kyoto
"All right, men," Chou said loudly over the bustling office. Activity stopped momentarily as the others paused to listen to him.
"The name's Chou, and I'm working as Saitou's representative. He's going to be your boss. He's coming in a few hours, since the transfer from Hokkaido's going to take a while, and so he sent me ahead to oversee the changes. So I'm just going to set a few rules for standards."
"First, Saitou's a strict guy and a demanding boss. Prepared to be overworked. And don't you dare complain, because he'll kill you if you do. And it's not like he doesn't work or anything," Chou added hastily, emphasizing that he wasn't badmouthing his boss, "it's just that he works so much, he expects everyone else to do the same."
"Second, and this is a definite, unarguable rule. Do. Not. Hit. On. His. Wife."
Snickers and coughs filled the room. Chou rolled his eyes. This happened every single time he introduced the Saitou couple somewhere.
"I'm not kidding, guys."
"Who'd want to hit on the boss's wife?!" someone jeered from the group. "She's probably just some old woman who stays at home at cooks all day. Nothin' worth lookin' at."
Chou just shrugged. "It's your own skin."
The morning and early afternoon passed without much incident. The subordinates were loud and boisterous, but Saitou would set them straight once he arrived. As the sun began to set, Chou heard raised voices outside the building.
"Takarai, if you keep following me, I swear I'll end up killing you!" a female voice said, more than annoyed.
"Ah, but dear Kikome-san—"
"Don't talk to me as if you're so familiar!"
The door banged open as Nato Kikome strode into the room, a young man straggling behind her.
"Chou!" she called out angrily.
"Then, Nato-san, I don't understand!" Takarai said pleadingly. "You've been in Kyoto by yourself for three months already, and you haven't seen Saitou-san! Surely there are problems between you two right now? If so, I'm more than welcome to—"
"We're not having problems!" she snapped, whipping her head around. "Now please leave me alone, or I'll seriously arrest you for incessant annoying behavior and stalking!"
"But—"
Chou decided it was appropriate to intervene.
"Hey, you, please leave the room. Nato Kikome has every right to arrest you, and if she does, there'll be a lengthy prosecution and case. So for your own sake, go away."
"But—"
Kikome whirled around and kicked him in the stomach, the force somewhat diminished because her yukata, but effective nevertheless. Taking advantage of his sudden surprise, she grabbed Takarai by the collar and shoved him out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
Kikome let out a string of curses and finally turned to Chou, ignoring the stares of the onlookers.
"Is he here yet?" she asked, forcing herself to calm down.
Chou understood who she meant.
"No…he called in and said that the move's going to take a little while…it's going to be another hour or so."
Chou caught sight of a flicker of pain in her eyes, disappearing as soon as it came.
"I see," she said slowly.
"Why'd you come so early ahead of him anyway? Three months?"
"I came here with Rin to go ahead and establish living here, and to introduce her to my Shishou if she wants to learn Hiten."
"Three's a little young to be playing with a sword…"
Kikome shrugged. "It's just to get her used to Shishou. With a profile like his, it's hard to get accustomed to his presence unless you're really used to him being around."
"All the same, three months is still really early. You and Saitou aren't really having any problems, right?"
"…I got tired of him working so much. Rin's still so young, so it's just awkward to not have him around," Kikome heaved a sigh. "We're just not really cut out to be fantastic parents, honestly. Our personalities are both too prideful."
"Nah, I'm sure you take care of Rin-chan just fine. And after you guys move here, Saitou's going to have more people work under him, so he can spend more time with you. No need to get all stressed out, y'know?"
Kikome gave a wry smile. "Yeah, once he gets here, maybe I can just get those suitors off my back. They don't seem to believe me when I say I'm married."
"Well," Chou jerked his hand back to the ogling bystanders, "they probably won't either. Honestly though, you don't look like you've aged at all over the last four years."
Chou wasn't lying. Nato Kikome still looking like she was in the prime of her youth, her structure and figure willowy and fit. She was tall for a woman, having the characteristics of a model, and the pulchritude of the most beautiful woman. It wasn't hard to believe that everyone thought she was single. Nato Kikome had begun wearing a silver band on her ring finger just to symbolize that she was, but no one really seemed against the prospect of an affair.
"I heard you've been helping out the police here. Can't sit still, can you?"
"If I did, my skills would rust."
"I doubt that. You've always been on par with Saitou."
She laughed slightly, then turned to glance at the clock. Her crimson lips parted in a sad smile.
"It's been a while since we've seen each other. I think I'll just wait until he arrives then."
*************
Kikome sat at what would soon be Saitou's desk and waited. The clock ticked by incessantly as she disregarded the gazes of the other men in the room. She remained as still as a statue for Saitou to return.
The last three months had been lonely, no doubt. Rin was a blessing, but not being with Saitou was like not having the ending piece to a puzzle. Given, Saitou was busy, and didn't really come home except late at night, and left quite early in the morning; days went by when Saitou never got to see Rin except when she was sleeping. Kikome had left for Kyoto earlier because Rin was starting to question whether Saitou really cared for her. Using Shishou as a distraction was a good idea; it was an excuse to give her and Saitou a break from each other.
Saitou's relatively distant attitude with Rin was understandable. He wasn't a man rich in emotions, and having a daughter was nothing short of awkward. Nevertheless, Kikome felt disappointed. She hadn't expected to be able to love her daughter so much, but her motherly instinct must have prevailed against her otherwise firm grasp over her emotions. Seeing Saitou not do the same was disturbing, since Kikome wanted to give her daughter the family ties that she herself had lived without.
Aside from that, however, Kikome had been, in essence, happy. The four years, minus the last three months, had been ones of serenity and peace. Kikome spent her time taking care of Rin, but was hardly the housewife. Oftentimes, she left Rin with Miyuki and spent her evenings looking at the wanted list of criminals, purging the ones she deemed problematic. Sokusai never disappeared, and Kikome, and Saitou, never minded. Saitou was pleased with her involvement in he thought was "Aku, Soku, Zan," but Kikome viewed her ventures as nothing less than a way to alleviate her boredom.
Saitou had really made her whole and satisfied. Kikome stroked the smooth, silver band around her finger. It was an extremely plain ring, no jewels, no intricacy, but it fit her just fine. Simply a way to declare that she was taken, to shake off the irritating suitors who seemed adamant that she could be promiscuous.
The door creaked open, interrupting Kikome's thoughts, and a small figure peered over the edge of the door.
"Rin," Kikome said in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
Rin waddled up to Kikome. She had inherited most of Kikome's looks, with her ebony hair and rather attractive looks. It was easy to see that she was a comely child who would grow up to be a beauty. Saitou's eyes became his daughter's, though. The liquid gold that never ceased to send chills down Kikome's spine seemed out of place against the rest of her daughter's cute features.
"Okaa-san," Rin said, her diction becoming clearer every time Kikome heard it. She was frowning, and it seemed her eyes were red from crying.
"Rin-chan," Kikome said, worried, picking Rin up. She was getting heavy. "Were you crying? Isn't Shishou with you?"
"We got separated."
"Eh?" Kikome looked up at the door. "Then who—"
A familiar figure appeared in the doorway. Innocent smile, winking eyes.
"Soujirou-nii-san helped me," Rin said, wiping her eyes.
"Soujirou-san!" Kikome exclaimed.
"Hey, Kikome-nee-san."
Kikome broke into a smile. "It's been so long! How come you're back in Kyoto?"
"It was about time that I got tired of wandering. I don't know how Himura-san did it for ten years, but four was enough for me. I came back to Kyoto a few days ago, and found Rin-chan crying when I was strolling around. To think that she's your kid! Such a coincidence."
"Coincidence, indeed," Kikome agreed, laughing. "Rin, did you say thank you?"
Rin hiccupped. "Thank you, Nii-san."
"So you're back for good then, Soujirou?" Kikome asked.
"I think so. I don't know what I'll be doing though."
"Stay with us," Kikome said encouragingly. "You can just settle at our house and decide from there."
"But I wouldn't want to impose on you…"
"Stop kidding around. We're family." Kikome scanned the room outside, noticing that it had basically been emptied.
"Speaking of family," Soujirou said in conjured indifference, "who's your husband?"
"He's—"
The door flew open as two figures came barging into the room. Shishou, followed by Miyuki, skidded to a halt in front of Kikome.
"Rin, you were here?!" Shishou said, half annoyed, half relieved.
"Rin-chan, don't run away from Hiko-san," Miyuki said reprovingly.
"Eh?" Soujirou said, pointing a finger at Shishou. "He's your husband?!"
Kikome stared at him in incredulity. "He's my teacher."
"Oh. Really?!"
"Deceived by my wonderful looks, no doubt," Hiko said arrogantly, flipping his hair. "Now, for this little girl…"
He approached Kikome and hit Rin lightly on the head. Kikome lurched away protectively.
"Shishou!" she said in disapproval as tears started welling up in Rin's golden eyes.
"It didn't hurt!" he said indignantly. "That's how you were raised, and you grew up fine! Rin is a bit spoiled, if you ask me. She's three, and you're still carrying her around?"
Kikome rolled her eyes. "Hey, she's my kid. Let me raise her."
"I don't teach Hiten to spoiled brats."
"Then I'll teach her."
"Then she'll be a terrible swordswoman."
"Then I'll get her father to." Kikome looked anxiously at the clock. Where was he? Chou had left ages ago, saying that he would be here in an hour. It was already six.
"Speaking of her father," Soujirou said with unfeigned curiosity, "who is it—"
There was the sound of the carriage stopping and the door creaking open. Kikome caught the sound of a low bass timbre, a soothing voice that she hadn't heard in so long. Saitou entered the room, looking as handsome as ever, and smoking, like always. His shimmering eyes lit up in surprise at the group.
"Ah," Soujirou said in understanding after a moment's silence. "So that's where Rin-chan got her eyes."
"Otou-san!" Rin said happily, slipping out of Kikome's arms and running to Saitou.
"Rin," Kikome said hesitatingly, not knowing how Saitou would react.
He bent down and patted Rin gently on the head. "I hope you didn't cause your mother any trouble."
Rin shook her head fervently. "No! I've been good!"
Saitou gave a smirk. "Good girl."
He straightened up, nodded to Hiko in greeting, and turned to address Soujirou. "To think that Japan's number one wanted man would actually come willingly into a police station."
Soujirou laughed nervously. "Eh…you're not going to arrest me, are you?"
"…I should."
"Kikome-san, it might not be a good idea to stay at your home after all…"
"No, it's fine," Kikome said firmly, avoiding Saitou's probing eyes. "We'll just go back together, since it's about time for dinner…Miyuki, I'll help you prepare some extra since we'll be having guests…"
"Oh, no, Kikome-san, it's fine. I was anticipating for Hiko-san to have an enormous appetite, so I made some extra."
Hiko snorted. "Well, let's head back already. I'm starving."
"You guys go on ahead. I've got to finish a few things here first." Saitou's golden orbs never left Kikome's face. She shifted nervously on her feet, still refusing to meet his gaze.
"Otou-san!" Rin wailed. "Don't go to work again!"
"I'll be back in a few moments, Rin."
"Promise?"
Saitou rolled his eyes. "Yes."
Rin scrutinized her idolized father, and seemed satisfied with his promise. Kikome wasn't. His deepening stare agitated her, and her heartbeat quickened just knowing he was there.
She attempted to walk past him. "Then, we'll just leave first—"
Saitou grabbed her by the shoulder and held her back. "No, you're staying with me."
"I—"
"We'll leave you two alone, then," Hiko interrupted, hoisting Rin over his shoulder and beckoning for Miyuki and Soujirou to follow him. "Hurry up."
"Wait, Shishou, don't drop her—"
The door slammed shut before the sentence left her lips.
"He's going to drop her," she said in foreboding.
"He's not that rash," Saitou said, dousing his cigarette.
Kikome became increasingly conscious of his presence. They were facing opposite walls, neither of them knowing what to say as the impending silence lingered on.
"Kikome…" Saitou finally said.
"What is it?" she asked brusquely and immediately regretting her tone.
"Why did you leave so suddenly?"
"The move was already decided by then. I…was just getting a head start, so Rin could meet Shishou and…"
Saitou grabbed her from behind and embraced her tightly. Kikome inhaled the nostalgic smoky scent, and the longing to hold him burned fiercer in her chest. She resisted, her pride refusing to let her give in after faking nonchalance.
Saitou's hold on her tightened with one arm as he used the other to push back her hair, exposing the back of her neck to him. He kissed it softly, slowly trailing his lips down her spine. Her resolution immediately weakened.
"Saitou, don't—"
He picked her up and sat her down on the desk, kissing her passionately, gripping her nape tightly to ensure that she couldn't break away. Kikome reacted instinctively, reaching out for him and drawing him closer, yearning for his touch and warmth. It was his extremely fervent, seductive way of kissing, the way he kissed her when he needed to convince her of something, or when he simply needed to communicate the unspeakable.
She was gasping for air when he finished. Saitou touched her flushed cheek, stroking her skin.
"I know why you left," he breathed, his golden eyes drawing her in.
"Is…that so?" she said quietly.
"I…have my reasons for my reservation towards Rin. It's not that I don't care for her. I do."
"I know."
"It's just…I can't love her the same way I love you. The impassioned, ardent love that I hold for you…it can't be the same."
"It's not supposed to be, you idiot," Kikome said chidingly. "I just want you to be there for her. She adores you, Hajime."
He gave a wolfish smirk as he heard her say his name. "It's been a while since I've heard you say that."
Saitou kissed her again, gently. "I'll be home more often now."
"Good."
"Is that Seta kid seriously living with us?"
"Why not? He's family. Don't arrest him."
"Fine, fine. How'd he find you?"
"He found Rin, who was lost, in the middle of a Kyoto crowd. Coincidental, no?"
"Indeed."
Saitou held her tightly to him, not caring about the pointless conversation they made.
"You have me wrapped around your little finger," he murmured in her ear. "Japan, my life…I'd throw everything away to follow you."
Kikome gripped his back securely, resting her head against his chest.
"To the depths of hell?"
"To wherever fate leads us."
Kikome smiled as she lost herself in his arms. With him, she was complete. With him, nothing mattered. Her family, Rin, Miyuki, Shishou, Soujirou, they were waiting back home. But for the moment, she needed nothing. Nothing but Saitou.
As his lips touched hers again, her thoughts halted in spiral of her fate.
Let the web unwind. Let fate stop. She was there, should've been there, in the beginning, and now was, in the end. Her story was told, her destiny found.
The tangled web of fate was unraveled.
*************
"There is no such thing as coincidence. There is only hitsuzen."
--Yuuko, xxxHolic
Tangled Web of Fate: End.