It's finally here! Though why the hell can't I finish one of these chapters at a proper time and not late at night when I should be sleeping for work in the morning? Oi…

Chapter Seven

Halloween

It took every bit of Sanan Keisuke's considerable willpower not to laugh.

One would hardly imagine, when thinking about Hijikata Toshizo that he could have petulant fits on par with the equally childish-at-points Okita Souji, but only Sanan ever got to see the once lauded "Oni Fukucho" essentially lose his cool. It was, despite popular belief, a fairly common occurrence and usually largely triggered by his family. Unsurprising, when one took into account he was the youngest of six children.

The only one of six not happily married or at least committed to someone.

It wasn't unusual by any means; as far as Sanan could remember, Hijikata had never shown much inclination towards the fairer sex - almost to the point of apathy. He was so consumed with seeing Kondo's ambitions succeed that he'd never really thought of anything else. While his duties as colonel had been just as laborious, even he had taken the time to unwind every so often.

It was for that reason he'd often taken to prodding young Okita in his pestering of Hijikata - he'd been uniquely suited to breaking through that dutiful shell of armor and making the hot-headed young man who was his dear friend break out for just a few moments of distraction.

Thankfully, Hijikata didn't seem to suffer from such an intense focus now. "You know, Hijikata-kun, were it not for that spectacular bruising, you'd look just like you stepped through time." His costume was that of a European nobleman; a very dignified choice for what was clearly a work affair as far as they were concerned. Granted, the ugly purple-yellow bruise now healing on his face did ruin that dignity somewhat.

"Urusai." There was no heat in the word that was uttered rather petulantly from the corner of his mouth.

"You ever going to mention what the fight was even over?" He glanced across the room to where Okita Mitsu stood, looking lethally dangerous as a pirate woman, of all things. Privately, Sanan was convinced there was simply something in the Okita bloodline that made them all have a certain air of wildness to them - the air of the untamable.

"No." He didn't even pause to think before answering him.

Sanan wasn't about to let him wallow, however. "Have you considered talking with Mitsu-san?"

"…Yes." He looked away, the faintest hints of color on his face.

And we always thought Okita-kun was bad. Sanan sighed mentally, a small smile on his face. At least Okita and the rest had the excuse of being young teenagers at the moment - 16 and terminally stupid for the most part. At 25, Hijikata was damn near as bad as they were about things like this.

You're no better at 27, his own voice reminded him pointedly and was almost immediately disregarded, of course. Now's not the time. "Surely humoring them with one or two omiai meetings wouldn't hurt? It would pacify their persistence, if nothing else."

"Whose side are you on?" Again, that petulant tone and irritable violet gaze. With an explosive sigh, he added, "Besides, it wasn't that part that pissed me off." Silently, Sanan waited for him to continue; it didn't take much prompting for him to do so. "Annoying as it is, I was actually going to humor them for one or two just to get them off my back, like you said. I've still got five years until I'm thirty, after all. It was when Tamejiro said that 'I should stop sniffing around that Okita woman like a dog in heat and just bed her to get it over with' and that it was 'unseemly to hang out with despot little children all the time' when things…devolved."

Sanan grimaced. Devolved, he imagined, was an understatement. And unfortunately, the eldest son of the family wasn't known for his ability to respect anyone he deemed…below him. Lesser. Apparently, like Sanan himself always had, the Okita's and the other Shinsengumi captains fell into that category.

And Hijikata was nothing if not protective of them all.

"I trust you made him bleed?"

Hijikata gave him a wolfish grin that had once made many ronin on the streets of Kyoto run in fear. "His nose will never look the same."

"Oh ho, Hijikata-san, you might scare the people here with the demon commander's smile," Okita laughingly said as he popped up. A quick glance confirmed he'd just arrived alongside the Baka Trio who were, perhaps appropriately, dressed up in leather and obviously meant to be the Three Musketeers. His grin widened when he turned towards him, however. "Embracing reality I see, Dr. Frankenstein."

Sanan smiled at him placidly. "It seemed suitable to the occasion." In reality, he'd been unable to think of anything else and had simply given up trying to think of alternatives once he'd thought of it. Eyes narrowing, he murmured, "Getting a little too close to the past there, aren't you?"

Okita laughed, false fangs gleaming almost as brightly as his blood red eyes that reminded Sanan a little too much of their…past history. "Go with what you know." It was also something of a glaring 'Fuck You' to their history with the ochimizu, he thought. Lessen the poignancy of the memories and the grip they had on the mind by making light of them; turning them into a joke. A sentiment I can rather understand. Sanan actively ignored thoughts about that time in his past at all when they tried to rise up. Thinking about it proved…unhealthy for him to ponder over.

Okita eventually wandered off laughing after trading a few verbal punches with Hijikata, no doubt looking for Yukimura who was fluttering about somewhere tending to guests. He'd been...surprisingly saddened to realize that she, like Yamazaki, Kondo, and Shimada, held no memories of their Shinsengumi days at all. His feelings towards Yukimura Chizuru had always been sympathetic and something akin to how one might feel for a baby sister who was always perilously close to drowning in the trouble that seemed to just...gravitate her way. Sanan didn't have such familial bonds to accurately say that, though. He, unlike most of the others, was always an only child.

"Keisuke!" It actually took a moment for him to look up, finding an exasperated looking Kin staring down at him pointedly. He was so used to just being 'Sanan' that it didn't always register he was being called when she said his little-used given name. Even Hijikata, his oldest and closest friend, only ever called him 'Sanan'. "Are you going to hide here all night?"

"Did I miss anyone on my rounds?" He'd circled around all the guests once the bulk of them had arrived, chatting amicably with all the major players he knew were here tonight. He didn't think he'd missed anyone...though it was always a possibility...

Okita Kin looked about ready to punch him for a second, but she gave an explosive sigh before plucking the glass of wine he'd been sipping out of his hand and downing it in a decidedly unladylike gulp. "You really do have no idea sometimes, do you?" It didn't seem like she was addressing him, per se, setting the now empty glass down before turning around on her ridiculously high heels and making her way towards the Yukimura's courtyard that, for tonight, was a makeshift dance floor.

"Sanan-san..." Hijikata was smiling, almost looking torn between laughter and exasperation. "I'm hardly an expert, but I think she wanted you to ask her to dance."

"What?" He glanced towards the dance floor, baffled. Though there were a lot of people and costumes there, it wasn't hard to pick out the lone 'gothic rock princess' among them. "She would've..." He trailed off, replaying the last few minutes in his mind, and sighed with a small sweat-drop running down his head. "Oh."

"Better go before Aramis over there gets too friendly." That was definitely a smile on his face.

"So it would seem." Sanan took several strides before pausing, looking back to say with a mild smile, "Perhaps you should take your own advice, Toshizo?"

Hijikata blinked for several moments at the use of his own first name; Sanan had always used it in the beginning of their acquaintance being as close in age as they were, but as the Roshigumi/Shinsengumi had formed, he'd reverted to the more formal 'Hijikata-san' or 'Hijikata-kun' if they were among the others to reinforce his respect. It was both a poke and a...test of the waters, perhaps. They never did have that talk, after all. Hijikata had been just so relieved he wasn't the only one to awaken in this odd era that they'd never discussed any of the...things Sanan had done or the choices he'd made back in Kyoto.

His friend stared at him blankly for several moments before his gaze trailed off to where he knew Mitsu was currently speaking with one of the hospital board members. "Maybe I will...Keisuke." He grinned, clapping a hand briefly on his shoulder before he got up and strode rather purposefully towards her with all the dignity the former commander could muster.

Though he knew it'd been ridiculous to be worried, a weight lifted off Sanan's chest that he hadn't been able to shake. All is right again. He moved off himself, his smile slowly gaining something of an impish edge.

Perhaps it was high time he gave Nagakura a good old fashioned scare and killed two birds with one stone.

Fate was fucking with him.

It had to be, he reasoned, since he seemed to always be a few steps shy of Chizuru every time he tried to catch her. He'd seen everyone else - Heisuke chatting up girls from school that had parents who worked at the hospital; Sano flirting with a nurse he recognized; Hajime, dressed as a police officer, awkwardly dancing with Isa who was all but dragging the poor guy out there dressed in her very tight leather Catwoman suit. Souji had no idea why Sanan seemed to be stalking Shinpachi at every turn with that creepy smile on his face the whole time, half hidden in the shadows, but he figured he'd hear that story later if Shinpachi didn't die of terror first.

It must've been an hour before he did actually catch up with her where she was actually chatting with Mitsu and Hijikata who were both sitting back in the Yukimura living room enjoying drinks and some of the deserts.

"Are you sure you don't need ice?" She was fretting, as she always did, at Hijikata and staring in slight distress at the truly ugly bruise that was barely trying to heal.

He waved a hand loftily. "Nah. I've had worse."

Souji felt the need to chime in at that point, grinning as he said, "A sword to the gut would probably merely bend on impact." It made her spin around, surprised, and Hijikata gave a derisive snort into his drink. Tilting his head, he couldn't have kept his gaze from giving Chizuru an appreciative look even if he'd wanted to. She looked good enough to eat in her French maid outfit that had a skirt that was bordering on indecent. While Souji could care less if Hijikata got uncomfortable (in fact, he preferred it), he tried to keep his comment mild for Mitsu's sake. "Nice costume."

Of course, some of what he was really thinking must've been on his face or in his voice because Chizuru's face flushed a brilliant scarlet and she positively squirmed as she tried helplessly to look anywhere but at his eyes. "I...thank you. You look suitably terrifying yourself." The last was said with what little dignity she could muster, making him laugh.

"Shouldn't you be off enjoying your own party instead of catering to everyone?" His face lost some of his good humor as he stared at her seriously. "I'm pretty sure your dad is paying Kin-neesan quite a bit to do this part and even she is off having fun between working.",

Chizuru fidgeted slightly. Gotcha. "Well, yes, but I should help...it's a lot to do alone."

He jerked his head off to where he could see his sister weaving through guests, offering drinks while Heisuke actually followed not far behind, bearing a dessert tray. Souji didn't know what quite was going on in his mind lately, but he wasn't going to argue about it. Kin was far more likely to overwork herself and make herself sick than Mitsu, who was usually good about stopping before she hit her breaking point. "She's got Heisuke helping her. Sanan too, when he's not stalking Shinpachi."

Hijikata snorted off to the side; from the expression on his face, he absolutely knew why the man was acting so odd. Souji mentally reminded himself to ask him about it before moving on. "She'll be fine."

She floundered visibly for several moments before she surprised him. Head raising, Chizuru fixed him with that big, innocent stare of hers and said simply, "What do you think I should do then?" Her tone was innocent...but it had vague undercurrents to it that had Souji regarding her carefully.

Did Chizuru...just flirt with me?

The idea was so absurd it actually silenced him. But that was definitely a small smile and a twinkle in her eyes, flustered as she clearly was by her own impetus. "Hnn...I don't know..." His responding grin was nothing short of wolfish. "I suppose you could dance."

"I could." Her smile was absolutely guileless. "Who should I dance with, I wonder..." Chizuru made a show of pondering over that before asking coyly, "You think Heisuke-kun would oblige me?"

His grin dropped. "Oi, oi..."

She sauntered off without another word, and while the laugh that Hijikata let loose at that point rankled, Souji spun on his heels and went after her, smiling despite himself. It didn't take long to catch up to her - Chizuru was pretty much waiting for him just a few steps away and holding her hand out to him beckoningly. Just feeling her fingers tangle with his brought a surge of near-instantaneous peace that made him sigh under his breath. They're still so small...

The music at the moment was fast paced and upbeat; there was actually a bit of a circle that had formed and it didn't surprise him at all to realize Heisuke and Shinpachi were at the middle of it. Heisuke's fluidity from his fighting style translated exceptionally well, his feet always moving as he hopped to the beat and grinned so widely his face might've split in two. "Chizuru-chan!" he yelled over the music when he saw her and waved at them both. "Oi, Souji! Get out here!"

He paused, glancing down to see Chizuru smiling up at him. "Go on. Show me your moves."

Souji paused briefly, considering, before he let go of her and gave a mock bow. "What my lady wants, she gets." His grin never left his face before he turned and pushed his way to the center, pausing only briefly to detour and grab one other. "Come on, Hajime-kun! Can't let them have all the fun!"

She had no idea what possessed her to say it. What do you think I should do then? It sounded so…forward. Flirty, even.

I'm…flirting with Souji-san… Her face, she feared, was going to turn permanently red from the blood she could feel that was in her face the whole time. He was handsome – there was no denying that. Saitou and Heisuke too. Chizuru wasn't blind and saw how he cared very deeply for the people in his life despite coming off at school rather callous – bordering on cruel, really. More than one girl had been reduced to tears after being rather coldly rejected by him. It was obvious he could go after whomever he pleased, so why would he be interested in someone as plain as…well…her?

"Finally having fun, huh?"

Chizuru gave a startled jump, looking to her right as Fujiwara Shiori slid in next to her, watching as the five – since Harada did indeed join the fun once he saw the rest of them had – men danced for the crowd and drew in many admiring stares. Her green eyed gaze was as appreciative as the rest. "You gave me a scare! Seiji-san isn't here?" She'd seen no sign of her classmate, though she'd invited both of them.

"He's not feeling quite himself, so he stayed home and wanted me to pass along his regards." Shiori didn't seem particularly worried, so Chizuru put it out of her mind. Probably a cold, what with the weather changing from hot to cold lately.

Her thoughts, drifting as they were, couldn't help taking in the older girl's appearance. She was taller and had a stunning face with feline green eyes that were always aware and stood out – more so in her witch costume that she'd chosen for the night that showed off the enviable curves, long legs, and a confident beauty that Chizuru only wished she possessed. All her reddish brown hair was left wild and free, falling clear down her back and to the waist easily. This is someone he should like. It wasn't the first time she'd thought it, nor would it be the last. I know many girls who are just as beautiful who've confessed to him, only to get turned down flat.

"Something on your mind?" She hadn't realized Shiori had taken her eyes off the men before them until she spoke up, her attention completely focused her way now. "For someone who has Okita-san staring at her like he is, you seem…not happy."

Just the mention of him made her eyes look up to find him, catching his green eyed gaze even from where he was. It didn't surprise her that Souji was a good dancer – the way he moved reminded her of a hunter; each move was precise and purposeful. When they locked gazes he grinned and winked at her, as if to prove Shiori's entire point. "I'm not! Unhappy, I mean." Glancing at her, she debated briefly if she should even tell her. She barely knew her really, unlike Isa, but at the same time…she wasn't close to the guys the way Isa was. And she did seem genuinely concerned about her apparent discomfort. "I just…I don't get it. He could have anyone…and I barely knew him when he started just…looking at me like that."

Chizuru was half expecting the 'are-you-crazy?' look everyone else would give her. It was relieving that she gave her no such expression. Instead, she seemed to seriously consider it. "Well, they do say love at first sight exists." She glanced towards the man in question with a frown. "I can't say Okita-san struck me as such a fanciful person, however."

She was already shaking her head. The concept would probably make him snort.

Shiori scratched her cheek thoughtfully. "That being said though, there is no accounting for what your heart tells you. It'll give you a feeling, deep down in a place you have no idea existed, and spark something inside you. They say when you meet that person tied to the end of your red string of fate, it tugs at you." Noticing her blush, she chuckled. "Soul mates, if you prefer the term. It isn't necessarily a lover – it just means that they're someone who understands you completely. Maybe that's you?" Shiori laughed then, mostly to herself. "Maybe I'm the one being fanciful."

"No." Chizuru shook her head vehemently. "I…think I understand a little." She did, too. She felt a little bit of it whenever they spoke at lunch, conversing over random things. It was very easy to talk to him, she'd always noticed, and she always lost track of time whenever they spoke of anything.

The older girl blinked, staring at her for a brief moment before smiling a real smile – an expression so rarely seen and that lightened her face noticeably. There was always something indescribably aged in her face, but the real smile that went all the way to her eyes made her look her age. "Sou ka."

Chizuru was so distracted by her shift, it was the only reason she could think of for why she didn't realize what Shiori was doing until it was too late. With a firm tug, she stumbled into the middle of the ring that had grown larger, tripping slightly as she more or less fell into Souji who caught her easily, that same grin on his face that always made her insides twitch and warmth rise over her face.

"Ehh? Joining the fun?"

Chizuru spared a narrowed look towards the older girl, but she merely laughed again and turned back to dancing herself, her movements easily matching with Heisuke's who slid up to her with his usual wide and fun-loving smile that had a bit of a flirty edge to it once he saw her. Oh, what the heck? With her own smile, Chizuru grinned up at him and said simply, "You still owe me that dance."

His laugh was free and easy as he twirled her around once before reeling her in so close to him she could smell the scent of his skin. She closed her eyes, relegating it to memory…

If you really want to give up on that dream…then I'll kill you.

Her eyes snapped open, looking up at him in confusion. It'd sounded like he'd spoken, the timber of his voice so gentle and kind despite the words being spoken…but he obviously hadn't from the frown he was giving her, obviously confused by her sudden reaction. Chizuru shook her head and continued dancing with him, but in the back of her mind the thought remained.

Where in the world did that come from?

Oh, we know what that means! *insert devious laughter*. I've got a couple of grenades to lob at the feet of the whole Okita family still, but this had to be the first one for many reasons. Toshi and Sanan have finally cleared the air too, in their own way. And poor Nagakura! I will admit, watching all the Hakuoki musicals (Okita-hen and Heisuke-hen, even if the latter was unsubbed) have really made Shin and Sano at least become clearer in my mind – especially Shin. XD Even if you've never seen it, look up "Kinniku Love" on youtube. You'll swoon probably like I did. Haha.

Next Chapter: Thanksgiving is a time for food and family, which means it's another mass gathering at the Okita household. It should be a time for fun and games, but Chizuru is avoiding him and Souji wants to know why. Now.

Stay tuned! As always, feedback is incredibly appreciated.

~ Runa Rose