It was a quiet morning around the Shinsengumi headquarters. Souji was kneeled in front of a wooden water basin, working to wash the dried blood from the clothes he had stained the afternoon prior. He wore a grim expression, which faded into something more melancholic as his thoughts consumed him. He worried for Mikoto's safety every moment he wasn't with her. He knew the vile men he had cut down the day before were exactly the kind of company the women in her inn were expected to entertain. Then of course there was the nagging jealousy at the thought of her with other men, but he tried his best to force those ugly feelings down. He wished he had more time to discuss things with her the day before, but he had no such luck. Her response, or lack thereof, left him concerned that maybe she wasn't open to leaving or perhaps, he feared, not open to leaving for him specifically. He let out a heavy sigh, his thoughts continuing to weigh him down further and further.

"Perhaps things will change," he muttered to himself, holding up his clothing to examine his handiwork.

"What will change?" Surprised, Souji turned to be met with a warm brown gaze.

"Oh, Kondou-san." Souji couldn't help but smile at Isami Kondou. Simply the presence of the man he regarded so highly was enough to lift his spirits, if only slightly. "I was just thinking about…" he paused, giving his next words some thought. "The Shinsengumi's luck," he finished, giving a forced chuckle. He cringed inwardly. Lying to Kondou made him feel sick to his stomach. "We haven't managed to make much change, other than stopping the occasional rowdy ronin. The most excitement we've had is that petty thief, which we haven't even been able to catch." Kondou threw his head back, letting out a hearty laugh. He then rested a hand on the younger man's head endearingly, as he had so many times when Souji was a child.

"Don't let it get you down, Souji. Our time to shine will come, but for now, the quiet is a good thing," he assured. "It means that the city is experiencing some peace." Kondou's grin was radiant and contagious, as always. Even that couldn't completely penetrate Souji's gloom.

"Not everyone…" Souji mumbled quietly. Kondou let out another genuine laugh.

"Then we'll have to work even harder, won't we?" Souji nodded, giving him a small smile. He admired the man's optimism and tenacity as he worked towards his dream.

"Right," he agreed. Kondou gave him a light pat on the shoulder and walked away with a wave. Souji let out another sigh, relieved that he hadn't been questioned further by his commander. He got to his feet, his mood now somewhat improved thanks to Kondou's words.

The streets of Kyoto were bustling, as they always were, but something about the day felt wrong. Mikoto padded silently alongside Souji, her head down. She had scolded him for walking around in damp clothing, as he had been too impatient to let them dry before leaving the compound, but then quieted down, hardly speaking at all since. Her decision to help Ayumi and the others, even once more, weighed heavily on her. Of course, it wouldn't be the first time helping them since she'd met Souji, but the closer she grew to him the more it ate away at her.

"Mikoto." Startled, she looked up just in time to walk smack into Souji's chest. She had been so lost in her thoughts that she had failed to notice him stepping in front of her and coming to a stop. He grinned playfully, but it faded quickly when her gaze returned to the ground. "Mikoto-chan?"

"I'm sorry, I should have been paying more attention," she mumbled. He leaned over so he was eye level with her, softly taking her chin and forcing her to look up at him. Her golden eyes widened ever so slightly and her cheeks flushed a pale pink, barely visible through her makeup.

"What's wrong? Are you upset about yesterday?" He questioned, his gaze showing clear concern. She shook her head. He thought for a moment before a smirk appeared on his face. "You're blushing. Could my good looks have finally won you over, and you're afraid to tell me? Or…" His eyes darkened. "Are you hiding something perhaps?" At his words, Mikoto shook her head vigorously, tearing her face from his gentle grasp.

"N-no, of course not!" He straightened up, folding his arms across his chest.

"You don't have to be so adamantly against the idea," he said with a pout.

"What? No, I-" As Mikoto struggled to backpedal on her words, Souji chuckled, quickly returned to her side, and threw an arm over her shoulder.

"Relax, Mikoto, you should know by now when I'm not being serious." After a moment she looked up at him with an attempted smile.

"You're right." She then looked away again. "If we're not being serious, I do think you're quite handsome, Souji," she said, a hint of sarcasm blended with the truth in her words. He snickered, glad to see her give him at least a bit of banter. As they continued on their walk, he cast a glance down at her. She was looking to the ground again, her eyes uncharacteristically dull. He suppressed a sigh. As he had feared, the smile and the teasing were just for show. He didn't want to pry, but he couldn't help but be worried. He wondered if perhaps something had happened with the innkeeper. The thought sickened him, but he swallowed his anger before it could boil over, and simply decided that he would pay the man a visit later that night.

"Are you hungry?" She shook her head. Souji frowned. Now he knew without a doubt that something was wrong. Mikoto always had a voracious appetite, one that rivaled the large men of the Shinsengumi, which he found rather endearing. She never turned down the offer of food, at least not since they had met. He stopped and gently grabbed her arm to bring her to a halt as well. She turned and looked at him expectantly. "What do you say we find somewhere quiet to talk. Maybe continue our discussion from yesterday?" She silently agreed, and Souji led her away from the busy marketplace. They found themselves some peace and quiet on one of the bridges that crossed over the river. The sound of the crowds in the street were distant and were washed out further by the steady flow of the current. Souji leaned against the wooden railing and looked out over the water. "As I said yesterday, I want you to get out of there. I want you away from Shimabara entirely," he started. "People there can be cruel, and I can't be worried about you all the time. It's distracting." His words wrenched her heart.

"Souji…" He looked back at her over his shoulder.

"If you were to distract me so much that I let Kondou down, I think I would have to kill you." A deviant smirk played on his lips and his eyes danced with mischief. She tried her best to force an amused smile, but Souji saw right through her. He let out a sigh and turned to face her. "I don't really understand what's going on with you today, but it's clear something is wrong. I'm sure it has something to do with that place, and it's all the more reason for me to want you out of there." She chewed on her lip, biting back some frustrated tears. She wasn't about to let him see her cry. She didn't feel she deserved the comfort he would no doubt try to give.

"This is the only life I know. Even if I were to leave, which of course I want to, I would be lost…" she explained sadly.

"You know I wouldn't let that happen. I'll help you. We'll find you someplace to go, where you can live a comfortable life," he insisted, taking a step closer to her.

"I can't rely on you Souji, I won't do that to you. Not after...everything you've already done for me." She took a step back, shaking her head. Souji wouldn't allow her to create that distance between them, taking another step forward and grabbing her wrist. With his free hand he cupped her face, forcing her golden eyes to lock with his.

"I want you to be able to rely on me, please, Mikoto." She had never heard him speak with such tenderness and desperation. She never even realized the man had a vulnerable bone in his body, yet there it was. He waited for her response, searching her eyes, which were currently swimming with sorrow. Her red painted lips parted, but she hadn't a clue what to say. She couldn't confess, but she couldn't allow things to continue as they were. Before she could figure it out, without any warning, Souji rested his forehead against hers. She closed her eyes. The feeling was, surprisingly, a comfort. He could feel her relax in his grasp. "Just think about it," he requested softly. She nodded, releasing a slow, steady breath. Souji backed away, and for the first time that day, a genuine smile appeared on Mikoto's lips.

"Makeup looks good on you," she stated with an amused chuckle. He blinked confused, then realized what she must have meant. He wiped his forehead with his sleeve, then looked to see it covered with a faint dusting of white powder. He looked back at her and she let out a laugh. His face split in a grin and he joined her in her laughter. He was glad to see he had been able to lighten her mood, even if only a little, but he had no idea of the way her stomach continued to churn and the negative thoughts that continued to chip away at her mind.

Night had fallen, bringing with it cool air and the chirping of crickets. After being sure that his sword was securely on his hip, Souji strode towards the gates of the compound, but shortly before reaching them, he was stopped by a voice behind him.

"Good, you're already up, you can make yourself useful." He turned to be met with the stern violet gaze of a raven haired man.

"Oh, Toshi, you're up late," he acknowledged, his voice lilting. Toshizo Hijikata's seemingly permanent scowl deepened. It was rare that Souji's antics amused the demon vice commander. "Were you looking for me?"

"No, but as I said, since you're up I can use you. Unless your trip to Shimabara is more important?" It was clear by the tone of his voice that Souji's answer in that case wouldn't matter either way. When he didn't get a response, he proceeded. "Shinpachi is out on patrol. He sent one of his men back to deliver a report, but he and the rest of his unit are still out searching the streets." Souji raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "They spotted our thief leaving a shop in the market, but things are different this time," he paused, his expression grim. "The shopkeeper was killed. He's escalating his crimes, and we need to stop him before they escalate further. Can I count on you to help track him down?" A savage grin tugged at the corners of his mouth, his pulse picking up with an eager anticipation.

"Of course, who do you think I am?" After donning his head guard and the telltale blue haori of the Shinsengumi, Souji took off into the streets. He started his search along the roads that branched out directly from the main market. Souji was by no means a patient man, and that was no different now. He couldn't wait to be rid of this nuisance who had wasted so much of their time, but as he searched he was growing increasingly frustrated. He checked down every ally, scanned every rooftop and peeked in every window. The more time that passed, the more likely it was becoming that his target was lost to him. He continued to stalk the streets, but his efforts were beginning to feel more and more futile. He was on the verge of giving up as he neared Shimabara, deciding that he would instead pursue his previous plans to visit Mikoto's inn, when something caught his eye. He turned to focus on the movement he had glimpsed at the edge of his vision to see a figure garbed in black. A long, dark ponytail trailed down the figure's back, and over their shoulder was slung a sack. "Gotcha." With a brief, excited laugh escaping him, he kicked off, charging at the thief as he drew his weapon. The man heard Souji's fast approach and, after throwing a quick glance behind him, he also broke into a run. He made a sharp turn in the hopes of throwing Souji off, but to the Shinsengumi captain, that was child's play. He apparently underestimated Souji's speed, or overestimated his own, as no matter what maneuver he made, Souji remained right on his heels. Finally realizing it was useless to continue running, he stopped. In one smooth motion, he dropped the bag, drew his blade and spun to face Souji. His whole face was obscured by a dark, meshed face mask, but it was still clear in the way his arms trembled that he was frightened. He was small, smaller than Heisuke even, explaining how he was able to be so quick on his feet. His size and fear, however, meant nothing to Souji. Without even the slightest hesitation, he swung, aiming to kill. The man was able to block the blow, but was still pushed back by the force of their blades clashing. Souji tried to strike once more, but was blocked yet again. He couldn't help but be slightly impressed. "Not bad, are you?" The man remained silent. "Doesn't mean I'm not going to kill you!" Souji moved in on him with a flurry of blows, all of which he was able to either block or dodge with an unexpected level of skill. The man's behavior was putting Souji on high alert. Not once had he sent an attack Souji's way, he was only defending. This led him to believe that his enemy must be planning something. After their blades had clashed countless times, Souji finally broke the man's defense, though only a hiss, his blade slid through the air, catching the side of the thief's mask, tearing it. A soft gasp left the enemy, who quickly turned on his heels and began to run once more. "Fuck…" he cursed through gritted teeth, giving chase, Now he was just getting pissed off. After leading him on another cat and mouse chase through the streets of Kyoto, he took a sharp turn, and this would be his downfall. The road was a dead end, much to Souji's delight. The man skidded to stop and looked around frantically for a way out, but there was nothing. He was trapped. Souji walked towards him slowly, as if he were a predator approaching his cornered prey. When he was right on top of him, his enemy turned to face him, head down in defeat. He allowed his sword to drop from his hand, and as it clattered to the ground, he lifted his head. Souji's eyes widened in surprise and his sword arm fell to his side. The tear he had created had grown to reveal one eye. A golden eye that he knew all too well. He'd spent countless minutes staring into them after all. "Mi…" He couldn't bring himself to finish her name. It couldn't be her. She slowly reached up with shaking hands and removed her mask, destroying any chance he had at maintaining his denial. Her sorrowful golden pools locked with his own baffled stare.

"Souji...I can-"

"Shut up!" he growled. He shook off his initial shock enough to raise his weapon once more, pointing it directly at her. The blade gleamed coldly in the moonlight. Now it was his arms that were trembling as his mind swam with confused and muddled thoughts. How could she do this? How could he not know? Had up to that point everything been a lie? Had any of their time together mattered to her? Through all of the confusion, one sharp emotion stood out: rage. He took that rage and clung to it as it was all that could keep him stable and focused in that moment where nothing else made sense. His lips curled up in a snarl as his anger set his emerald eyes ablaze. His shocked stare intensified into a soul piercing glare. Mikoto could no longer bite back her tears as her eyes began to water.

"Souji, please!" she begged, her voice cracking in desperation. She could never have imagined that incurring the wrath of the man she cared for so greatly would be this painful. Even worse for her to imagine was the pain she was now inflicting on him.

"I said shut the fuck up!" he snapped, his voice raised this time. "I warned you, Mikoto," he said, his voice now dangerously low, his fierce glare remaining steady.

"Souji…" Large tears were now streaming freely down her pretty face, her cheeks becoming blotchy. His anger wavered for the briefest of moments. He wanted to hold her, tell her everything would be alright. He realized though, that that would simply open him up to being stabbed in the back once again. He closed his eyes for a moment to refocus, taking a breath. When his eyes snapped back open, he lunged.