The late morning sun shone brightly, its rays of light breaking into Mikoto's room, softened by her paper walls and casting a warm glow on her stirring figure. A soft groan left her as she stretched, blinking her eyes open. She was a bit disoriented for a moment before she remembered the events of the previous night. She sat up, rubbing her face.

"Souji must've brought me to bed…" she muttered to herself, putting pieces together in her still groggy mind. After giving herself a moment to wake up fully, realization crashed over her bringing with it waves of embarrassment. The normally lackadaisical man had been trying to open up and be genuinely vulnerable in the intimate moment they had been sharing, and she couldn't even stay awake. "I can't believe I fell asleep on him…" She let out a sigh. She knew she had to apologize, so she got to her feet, quickly got dressed, and made her way outside. She thought for a moment, trying to decide where it would be best to start looking for her captain, but that quickly became an unnecessary endeavor.

"Ah, Mikoto-chan, good morning! You slept well I hope?" She turned at the sound of her name to see the man in question walking towards her, a tray of food in his hands. She quickly bowed.

"Souji! I'm so sorry!" He looked at her, confused for a moment, then let out a laugh. "What's so funny?" His lips curved into an amused smirk.

"You're just weird, that's all." She opened her mouth, indignant, but wasn't entirely sure how to respond. "I brought you your breakfast, since someone decided they weren't going to wake up on time today," he explained, motioning to the tray in his hands. She smiled and gratefully took the tray from him. "If you don't mind, I'd like to sit with you while you eat." She nodded.

"Of course, I'd like that." They both took a seat on the edge of the walkway. Mikoto wasted no time digging in, while he watched her, his head resting in his hand. She spared him a few side glances, and began to feel self conscious. She put her chopsticks down, her face growing warm as she swallowed her bite. "You could have woken me up last night, I really didn't mean to fall asleep on you…"

"I'll forgive you this time. Next time you drool on my shoulder, I won't be so kind." Her eyes widened, and she did her best to cover her face as it turned beet red.

"I-I didn't, I-" He could only watch her fumble over words for a few seconds before he began to snicker. Once she realized what he was doing, she shot him a scowl, though that did nothing to diminish the redness in her face.

"I'm only kidding. You're actually quite lovely when you sleep." Mikoto relaxed, though not much. Now she was on edge for other reasons.

"So…" she started, unable to meet his eyes. "About last night, what was it you were trying to say?" He looked thoughtful, as though he were about to respond, but then thought better of it.

"I think it's something best left for later," he stated with a shrug. Her shoulders slouched in disappointment, earning herself a chuckle from Souji. She knew he was toying with her, but with much reluctance, she decided she wouldn't push the issue for now. "Don't worry, you'll understand before long," he assured, as if reading her buzzing mind and deciding to show her a minimal amount of mercy. To hide her annoyance, she returned her attention back to her food, finishing it quickly. She took her tray and got to her feet.

"Thank you for bringing me breakfast, Souji," she said curtly, before turning to get started on the cleaning for the day. He cocked his head.

"Hey, where are you going in such a hurry, hm?" he questioned as though she had offended her.

"I slept late, so I have to get a start on the cleaning that I should have done earlier." He gave an exasperated sigh and also stood.

"How many times do I have to tell you, you aren't a page? How about instead of doing that, you do something that's actually a part of your duties?" He suggested, crossing his arms and not holding back on the sarcasm one bit. She raised a brow, urging him to elaborate. "I'd like you to come stand guard at the checkpoint with me today, but I suppose if cleaning is really what you'd prefer to do, I won't stop you." She looked him over for a moment.

"Only if you're done giving me so much attitude for the day," she said flatly. His face twisted with a crooked grin. She swore this man could outdo the most devious of imps some days.

"No promises." She couldn't maintain her straight face, and she cracked with a grin of her own.

"I'll go with you," she decided. "As long as we finish that discussion tonight." He looked a little surprised by her bargaining, but that passed quickly and he rested a hand on her head to tussle her hair.

"No promises," he repeated "Our shift is in a couple hours, be ready to go."

Mikoto and Souji watch the day go by before them, the hours passing with little excitement. The sun was low in the sky and would soon be setting. Souji stood across from Mikoto, leaning lazily against one of the nearby fence posts. She stood alert but her eyes were trained on the ground. Souji eyed her, looking somewhat defeated.

"You seem miserable to be here," he pointed out. Her head snapped up to look at him, and he realized that she must have just been zoned out.

"No, that's not it. I just didn't expect it to be this slow," she corrected quickly. "I am glad I came with you." Souji looked as though he were about to say something, but changed as he heard footsteps approaching.

"Saito-san! You took too long," he greeted with a childish pout.

"I'm right on time," Hajime stated, either not catching on to, or more likely choosing to disregard, Souji's playful teasing. Souji waved his hand dismissively.

"Right, right. Well, whatever the case, we'll be going now." After receiving a nod from Hajime, he walked over and grabbed Mikoto's hand. "Hurry up Mikoto-chan, we have to do some shopping before we head back to headquarters." He began to pull her along without even giving her the opportunity to respond.

"Shopping for what?" She asked, jogging a little to catch up to him. Though she was now walking side by side with him, he still kept a loose hold on her hand.

"What have I told you about stupid questions," he warned, earning himself an elbow to the ribs. "We have to get ingredients for dinner, obviously. Damn Hijikata told me I had to cook dinner tonight, so you'll be helping me, naturally." He rubbed his now sore side with his free hand as he explained. "We're going to make okayu." She raised an eyebrow, a soft smile playing her lips.

"I didn't know you could cook, Souji," she stated, attempting an uninterested shrug. He frowned.

"What, you think I'm not capable? No need to be so rude, Mikoto-chan."

"You're one to talk about being rude," she bit back with a grin. He let out a bark of laughter, which, to Mikoto, was an admission of guilt. Before long, they reached the market, and began their small shopping spree. Most of what they needed consisted of fresh vegetables, which fit perfectly in a basket that Souji had taken the responsibility of carrying. He looked through the basket.

"I think we have everything, ready to go?" When he looked up, he saw that she wasn't actually listening to him. She was actually looking past him. He glanced over his shoulder to see a dango vendor. "Mikoto!" he snapped to get her attention. Her gaze slid to him and she gave a cheeky grin.

"One for the road?" His shoulder's fell, and in response, her expression became pleading. He couldn't deny that face, as little as he'd like to admit it. Besides, he'd always found her unyielding love of food rather cute and endearing.

"Fine, but this is the last time I'm paying for your endless appetite," he teased. They turned around to approach the vendor and place their orders. Mikoto held the basket while he spoke with the man. As Souji was handing over their payment, Mikoto noticed something out of the corner of her eye. She turned to look to see that a little ways down the road there was a bit of a commotion. Her eyes widened and her hand moved instinctively to the hilt of her sword. It seemed that a ronin was robbing a young girl selling hair pins.

"Souji, hold this!" she ordered urgently. Without giving him a chance to react, she thrust the basket back into Souji's arms, catching him off guard as he was grabbing their orders. He looked around, baffled for a moment, then realized what it was she was trying to do.

"Damnit, Mikoto, wait!" he demanded, but was ignored. She ran after the man, despite Souji's protest. With an exasperated groan he did his best to follow her without dropping any of their purchased groceries.

"Stop!" she barked. The man realized that he was being pursued, and instantly kicked off running and making a sharp turn around the corner. She disappeared seconds after him.

"Mikoto," he called, quickening his pace so as not to lose her. He turned the corner after them and was relieved to see that the chase had been short lived. The man was on the ground and she stood over him, the tip of her blade pointed at his chest. It seems that she had had an easy time subduing him. "Mikoto," he repeated, now with more of a bit to his tone. She turned to look at him with a smile, keeping her sword against him.

"Souji, I-"

"You idiot!" he snapped, storming towards her. He shoved the basket into her free arm. She opened her mouth to say something, but was interrupted by him sticking her order of dango into her mouth. "What the hell were you thinking?"

"I'm sorry," she replied timidly, unsure of what she had done wrong. "I just thought this is what I'm meant to do as a member of the Shinsengumi." She jabbed the man slightly as she spoke, eliciting a whimper. His expression softened. He knew he was overreacting. Had it been any of the men, he wouldn't have given it a second thought. He would just have to get used to her handling things on her own in the streets, as a true member of the Shinsengumi.

"You're right…" he admitted. "You did well." He sighed. "Let's arrest him and return what he took. She nodded, looking a bit dispirited. She had hoped to impress him, but had only succeeded in being scolded.

A savory aroma wafted through the main building of the Shinsengumi headquarters as Mikoto dropped her last handful of radish into the simmering porridge. She cast a glance over to Souji, who was nearly done chopping the pickled vegetables. Feeling her eyes on him, he looked up.

"What's wrong Mikoto? You've been quiet since we got back, is something bothering you?" he asked, setting down his knife and taking a few steps towards her. She looked away from him.

"I'm sorry Souji." His brow furrowed.

"What could you possibly be sorry for now?"

"The trouble I caused today. I just...I just want to earn my place here, and really show my worth as a member of the Shinsengumi. As a member of your division," she explained. Souji kicked himself mentally, letting out a sigh. He laid a hand on her shoulder.

"You idiot…" His tone was much more affectionate this time. "That's nothing to be sorry for. You did what any of us would have done, and you took care of it efficiently. Your actions were praiseworthy. I just...overreacted," he muttered sheepishly. "I have my reasons for it though," he quickly justified himself. He gently took Mikoto's chin, bringing her to look up at him. He wore his usual mischievous smile, but there was something different about it this time. Perhaps it was the way he was looking at her, his emerald eyes somewhat hooded and brimming with fondness. "Do you know those reasons, Mi-ko-to-chan?" He emphasized each syllable of her name, his face coming closer as he spoke. Slowly, she shook her head. His arms wrapped around her hips, pulling her to him, much like he had done last night. He rested his forehead on hers. "You slow woman," he teased in a near whisper.

"So-" Before the words could leave her mouth, they were halted by Souji's lips. For a moment, Mikoto was stunned, but that melted very quickly into pure pleasure, and she closed her eyes, relaxing into the kiss. He let go of her face, and instead tangled his fingers into her hair to pull her even closer and deepen the kiss. As they were both losing themselves to the excitement, they heard the door slide open. Their eyes snapped open immediately. Mikoto quickly jumped back just in time to see Shinpachi poke his head in. Unfortunately, she had moved much too forcefully. She hit the table behind her, sending the pot of okayu to the floor, running dinner.

"Hey, is the food...almost…" Shinpachi's words trailed off as he processed the scene before him. His eyes flicked back and forth between Mikoto, who was staring at him, wide eyed and nervous, and Souji, who stood with his arms crossed, wearing a frown as he looked away from both of them. Both of their faces were clearly flushed. A grin slowly crept to his lips as the pieces fell into place. "Well damn, Souji-"

"Speak another word, and I'll kill you," Souji warned, cutting the man off. Mikoto clasped her hands together.

"Please Shin, don't tell anyone," she pleaded. He let out a hearty laugh. By now more footsteps could be heard coming from down the hall, no doubt the other hungry captains drawn by the racket in the kitchen. "Shinpachi…"

"You're secret's safe with me," he promised with a wink. Just moments later, the others appeared peeking around the doorway.

"What was that, is everything alright?" Hijikata questioned, shoving his way into the kitchen. He fixed his gaze on Mikoto. She realized that he must have thought Souji did something to her, which wasn't entirely wrong.

"Everything is fine Hijikata-san," Souji assured. "Our clumsy friend here just knocked all of our food to the floor," he explained, feigning hostility. She gave a quick bow after shooting him a half hearted glare.

"I'm so sorry, sir!" Hijikata let out a drawn out sigh.

"It's fine, but…"

"Dinner on Souji!" Shinpachi exclaimed, earning an irritated look from the man in question.. Souji, however, didn't dare to protest.

"It'll be my pleasure," he agreed through gritted teeth. With that decision made, everyone filed out, leaving Mikoto and Souji alone once more. His fake smile fell as soon as they were gone, and he looked over at the woman who held his affections. She shrugged, giving an abashed smile. "You owe me," he stated flatly.

"But-" He gave her a quick kiss to keep her from continuing. He grinned devilishly against her lips.

"We can discuss your payment later."