CHAPTER VIII
"Saitou-san...", Toki cleared her throat. "Are you feeling better?"
Saitou was still trying to get the katana out of Toki's hands.
"Oh sorry, here." she gave the katana back to him.
Surprised Saitou took the katana. His head was still swimming and the headache he was feeling earlier threatened to drop him back to bed. Steadying himself he decided to sit. He was annoyed with himself, with his weakness. He glanced at Toki. He noticed the cut he gave her last night.
"How's your..", motioning to Toki's neck.
Toki was glad. Saitou was back to himself. "It's OK.", she looked at him. He was staring at the floor. A moment of silence passed...
"You must be hungry. I've made some soba.", was all she could think of to say to break the silence.
"Iee. No need for that. Stay there.", Saitou commanded and he left to the room.
Minutes later he was clad back into his police uniform and was opening a new pack of cigarettes. As he smoked one, he said, "I won't asks questions for now Toki. There are lots of arrangements I have to make before the day is over."
Hearing no reply Saitou continued, "I don't think you'll get far if you do decide to leave. But the way things have turned out, I suggest you become my shadow for now."
"I don't have any intentions of leaving Saitou-san." she meet his eyes this time. She needed for him to realize she was not running away, not after what happened. Not after what she CAUSED to happen.
"Good because if you did then you would be implicating yourself.", Saitou replied back coldly.
Sadness swept over Toki. "He's not back after all..."
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Toki was brought to the precint. Saitou assigned one of his men to watch her, while he make arrangements for the funeral that afternoon. No one dared to ask for anymore details from Saitou. The boss was much colder than usual.
Everything was in order and Saitou prepared to leave for the funeral.
"Saitou-san... I'd like to pay my respects too. Can I?", she was cut off, the eyes narrowing and scowling back at her was the answer.
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Dusk came. A man stood alone, his eyes focused on the four fresh graves in the ground. He stares at them for another hour. It was getting chilly. He lit up a cigarette.
"Tokio. What did you want to tell me?", the man kept muttering. "Do you hate me now?"
After another hour the man left.
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Saitou took Toki in a dark secluded room. He lighted another cigarette and noticed that he only had two left. He'll have to get some soon he thought to himself. Turning his attention to Toki...
"Do you know why you are here?", Saitou said leaning against the cold wall and not meeting Toki's inquiring eyes.
Toki decided it was better to grab the bulls by the horn. "You think I had something to do with the murder."
"Of course you do.", Saitou interrupted.
"I suppose." Toki's gaze fell to the one lantern in the room. "One lantern for my company. Saitou blames me for everything, at least I have this to stare at. " Toki pathetically thought to herself.
"What do you know about that failed rebellion? I suggest you answer quickly and honestly." Saitou now was keeping his eyes on her.
Toki shook her head. "Of course he won't believe me." she thought again.
Taking a long drag on his cigarette. "Being protected all your life, of course you will be ignorant and naive."
"He's insulting me again." Toki thought sadly.
"Tokio....", he paused his wife's name was obviously hard for him to articulate right now. "She started to say something about you."
"Tokio-san?" the young lady now met his eyes, questions all over her face.
"She never got to finish.", Saitou again filled the room with white smoke. Of course Saitou knew it would turn out like this. He knew Toki was without a doubt innocent. But it was this innocence that made him complacent. The price for which he paid for was very costly.
"Let me brief you on what situation you are in." Saitou continued, "That list was no personal momento or of anyone's wishes for Gentatsu."
Toki gasped, "How did you know... I thought..."
"Because I know you're very simple minded." stated Saitou sarcastically. "I also don't think you know, that your life will be in danger from now on."
Toki looked at Saitou, searching his face for traces of concern. Nothing.
"That is fine with me as it will make my job easier.", he continued flatly.
"What do you mean Hajime-san?"
The eyes narrowed at her again. "Very fitting. His eyes really do resemble that of a wolf.", she sadly thought not noticing the fact that she has called him by his given name. Saitou of course noticed this and was very annoyed.
"Baka!" Saitou muttered and continued, "I'll use you as bait."
Normally Toki would have fought with him at the incredulous idea, but she didn't. She did not like the idea one bit, but not because she was concerned about her safety.. She was concerned for HIM. Nodding slowly she dropped her eyes again. She has been searching the wolf's eyes for some other emotion than hate but finally gave up on the idea.
"Good. Let's go." Saitou turned and waited for Toki to leave the room
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The walk home was longer than usual Toki thought to herself. Saitou has not said one word to her and continued to walk behind her. She felt like she was a prisoner, a prey that Saitou was guarding thinking it will run away any moment. To cope with the feeling Toki started thinking of what she'll prepare for dinner. Lately she has been day-dreaming of preparing dinner for Hajime, but not under these circumstances.
Hajime.. Why do I call him that now? She shook her head, shame surging within her for wanting a moment of peace with Hajime just after Tokio and their sons died... "Of all the things I can think of... Baka Toki! You are one Baka woman!"
"What?", Saitou asked coldly.
Toki turned around and saw a displeased Saitou staring back at her.
"Betsuni.." Toki walked again.
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Almost a week has passed. Morning and night they were all the same to Saitou. Morning came again, Saitou sat smoking a cigarette in front of the house. Saitou had no intention of going anywhere for a few days. He will wait for them. Those killers. Of course to him, they have to pay first. Then next will be those people on the list. The first will be his personal vengeance. The next for the safety of Japan and again for vengeance. "Up until now, even in the Meiji government, there are still too many dogs." His thoughts were interrupted when Toki came out from the outhouse.
Saitou eyed her garment. A purple kimono embroidered with pink lilies. She had nice taste he thought, that purple kimono matches her eyes. It even accentuates her light brown skin. Saitou kept eyeing her, noticing how graceful she walked, her posture never dragging, her movements, as smooth as silk.
"Ohayo Hajime-san..", Toki greeted him.
Saitou looked away. There was no need to respond to her. Why was he observing her anyway? Annoyed at himself again, he reached for a cigarette in his breast pocket.
"Would you like something for breakfast?", Toki prodded hoping he would accept the offer.
Saitou let out a sigh, every morning this was the same question he encountered. Doesn't she get it yet? He does not want anything from her. Not anything to do with her. The only reason he kept her around was for his plan. "Go eat if you must." was his curt reply.
Toki determined that things cannot go on the way it's been for the past two days, made another attempt. "I can make some sushi for you or would you like Inagi?", she managed a small smile.
"Ahou!" Saitou threw his cigarette to the ground. "If my reply wasn't clear enough, let me spell it out for you, I don't want anything." He stood up and took his Katana and started his daily routine.
Toki gave Saitou more space. She knew he needed this, but it has been several days. She wanted to console Saitou, but there was no way to reach him. He was always either aloof or indifferent. Indifferent to her existence. "That's even worse.", she thought to herself. If only Saitou was not reserved. She wanted him to be angry, it didn't matter if he was angry at her. She needed to see something stirring in him. She needed him to mock her. To grin. To show he was still feeling something...
"I can't stand this...", Toki muttered her grip tigthening on the plates. Her eyes were starting to water. It was her fault that he hated her. "Tokio- san...help me... Onegai..."
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It was mid-day, Saitou had just finished his routine, when he noticed a young man approaching. "What the?" Saitou muttered to himself. "Really this everyday just gets worse and worse."
"Hoi Saitou!", the young man said.
"You know you have no business here.", Saitou said dryly.
"I'm not here for you." replied the young man and jerked his head over Toki's direction.
"Hmph! Toki, Sanosuke is here for you." Saitou said not moving.
"Sanosuke-kun! How are you doing?" greeted the young lady forcing a smile.
Sano flinched... "Now she's adding kun... Dame... My chances are getting slim." he thought.
Sano glanced at Saitou. It was obvious he wanted to be alone with Toki, but Saitou showed not signs of leaving.
Heaving a sigh Sanosuke replied, "I'm fine Toki." Again he stared at Saitou. Saitou's reply to Sano was a blow of white smoke directed to his face.
"I'm going to need to punch this Yarou's lights out again... Soon!", Sanosuke thought. He forced a smile at Toki.
"I'm fine. I'm more concerned about you though." Sano replied, immediately noting Toki's puffy eyes. "Damn you Saitou... What did you do?", he thought to himself again.
"Dai jo bu. I'm fine here." Toki said.
"Well you don't look fine!" Sano replied back angrily.
Saitou eyed Sano vehemently. It was apparent that the two will start fighting again if Toki did not do anything. To Saitou's surprise, Toki took Sano by the hand and guided him inside the house.
Saitou was getting annoyed again. Stupid Sano just had to show up right? Just when I was getting some sort of peace. That Ahou! He decided to follow them.
"Hoi Saitou! Can't we have some privacy here?" Sano twitched....
"Your forgetting this is my house.", Saitou smirked.
Toki noticed this. Somehow she felt relieved. She saw that if there was anyone who could bring back Hajime-san, it would be partly Sanosuke. She was so thankful.
"Here I had some leftover soba that Hajime-san didn't want." handing Sano the hot bowl.
"Shimatta! I'm eating leftovers now... And she's calling him (Saitou) Hajime-san??!! While I'm Sano-KUN?"
"Ahou!", Saitou for a moment forgot his annoyance and was slightly amused... "Heh... The Ahou thought he had a chance with Toki. You're not her taste Sano, she's too refined for that." Saitou stopped. What did he thought just now? When did he have time to think about HOW Toki is. Kuso! I must be tired, Saitou thought. With this he decided to sit at the corner and watch.
The day went into evening. Sanosuke was eagerly conversing with Toki. He was actually asking her out if she'd like to go again to the Akabeko. But Toki was only half-listening. Her mind occupied by the upright sleeping man in the futon.
"Shhh Sano... Saitou is sleeping." she smiled pointing to Saitou.
It was like an insect bite.... Sano's face started twitching just like Kaoru's... Ever since he met her.
"Here Sanosuke-kun. I've made some rice cakes for you. I hope you enjoy it." Toki said lovingly as she tried to usher Sano out of the house.
"Ojo-chan? I'll see you again.. Ja ne.." Sano left. "Well at least I've got some rice cakes.. I'm sure they taste good." He smiled again... "She sure is pretty.. I'll be back for her FOR SURE."
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Toki carefully shifted Saitou to a sleeping position. She took a blanket from her room and covered him with it. He really should stop sleeping like that, recalling the times she saw Saitou sleep by the door upright. Come to think of it, he never slept for more than a few hours. "I guess he's just burned out by now." As she looked at Saitou's face, again she was left dumbfounded, he looked so handsome while he sleeps she thought.
END OF CHAPTER VIII
Preview of CHAPTER IX - A break in. A kiss between two men.
Imalefty: Thanks again... Guess I'll be having internet access after all. So yeah I'll continue writing. Oh about Sano beating up Saitou like that, well, I thought it would be fun if Sanosuke won once in a while. But seriously though, I guess I wanted to show that Saitou really is (and is still) not himself. Don't worry he'll recover soon.
"Saitou-san...", Toki cleared her throat. "Are you feeling better?"
Saitou was still trying to get the katana out of Toki's hands.
"Oh sorry, here." she gave the katana back to him.
Surprised Saitou took the katana. His head was still swimming and the headache he was feeling earlier threatened to drop him back to bed. Steadying himself he decided to sit. He was annoyed with himself, with his weakness. He glanced at Toki. He noticed the cut he gave her last night.
"How's your..", motioning to Toki's neck.
Toki was glad. Saitou was back to himself. "It's OK.", she looked at him. He was staring at the floor. A moment of silence passed...
"You must be hungry. I've made some soba.", was all she could think of to say to break the silence.
"Iee. No need for that. Stay there.", Saitou commanded and he left to the room.
Minutes later he was clad back into his police uniform and was opening a new pack of cigarettes. As he smoked one, he said, "I won't asks questions for now Toki. There are lots of arrangements I have to make before the day is over."
Hearing no reply Saitou continued, "I don't think you'll get far if you do decide to leave. But the way things have turned out, I suggest you become my shadow for now."
"I don't have any intentions of leaving Saitou-san." she meet his eyes this time. She needed for him to realize she was not running away, not after what happened. Not after what she CAUSED to happen.
"Good because if you did then you would be implicating yourself.", Saitou replied back coldly.
Sadness swept over Toki. "He's not back after all..."
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Toki was brought to the precint. Saitou assigned one of his men to watch her, while he make arrangements for the funeral that afternoon. No one dared to ask for anymore details from Saitou. The boss was much colder than usual.
Everything was in order and Saitou prepared to leave for the funeral.
"Saitou-san... I'd like to pay my respects too. Can I?", she was cut off, the eyes narrowing and scowling back at her was the answer.
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Dusk came. A man stood alone, his eyes focused on the four fresh graves in the ground. He stares at them for another hour. It was getting chilly. He lit up a cigarette.
"Tokio. What did you want to tell me?", the man kept muttering. "Do you hate me now?"
After another hour the man left.
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Saitou took Toki in a dark secluded room. He lighted another cigarette and noticed that he only had two left. He'll have to get some soon he thought to himself. Turning his attention to Toki...
"Do you know why you are here?", Saitou said leaning against the cold wall and not meeting Toki's inquiring eyes.
Toki decided it was better to grab the bulls by the horn. "You think I had something to do with the murder."
"Of course you do.", Saitou interrupted.
"I suppose." Toki's gaze fell to the one lantern in the room. "One lantern for my company. Saitou blames me for everything, at least I have this to stare at. " Toki pathetically thought to herself.
"What do you know about that failed rebellion? I suggest you answer quickly and honestly." Saitou now was keeping his eyes on her.
Toki shook her head. "Of course he won't believe me." she thought again.
Taking a long drag on his cigarette. "Being protected all your life, of course you will be ignorant and naive."
"He's insulting me again." Toki thought sadly.
"Tokio....", he paused his wife's name was obviously hard for him to articulate right now. "She started to say something about you."
"Tokio-san?" the young lady now met his eyes, questions all over her face.
"She never got to finish.", Saitou again filled the room with white smoke. Of course Saitou knew it would turn out like this. He knew Toki was without a doubt innocent. But it was this innocence that made him complacent. The price for which he paid for was very costly.
"Let me brief you on what situation you are in." Saitou continued, "That list was no personal momento or of anyone's wishes for Gentatsu."
Toki gasped, "How did you know... I thought..."
"Because I know you're very simple minded." stated Saitou sarcastically. "I also don't think you know, that your life will be in danger from now on."
Toki looked at Saitou, searching his face for traces of concern. Nothing.
"That is fine with me as it will make my job easier.", he continued flatly.
"What do you mean Hajime-san?"
The eyes narrowed at her again. "Very fitting. His eyes really do resemble that of a wolf.", she sadly thought not noticing the fact that she has called him by his given name. Saitou of course noticed this and was very annoyed.
"Baka!" Saitou muttered and continued, "I'll use you as bait."
Normally Toki would have fought with him at the incredulous idea, but she didn't. She did not like the idea one bit, but not because she was concerned about her safety.. She was concerned for HIM. Nodding slowly she dropped her eyes again. She has been searching the wolf's eyes for some other emotion than hate but finally gave up on the idea.
"Good. Let's go." Saitou turned and waited for Toki to leave the room
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The walk home was longer than usual Toki thought to herself. Saitou has not said one word to her and continued to walk behind her. She felt like she was a prisoner, a prey that Saitou was guarding thinking it will run away any moment. To cope with the feeling Toki started thinking of what she'll prepare for dinner. Lately she has been day-dreaming of preparing dinner for Hajime, but not under these circumstances.
Hajime.. Why do I call him that now? She shook her head, shame surging within her for wanting a moment of peace with Hajime just after Tokio and their sons died... "Of all the things I can think of... Baka Toki! You are one Baka woman!"
"What?", Saitou asked coldly.
Toki turned around and saw a displeased Saitou staring back at her.
"Betsuni.." Toki walked again.
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Almost a week has passed. Morning and night they were all the same to Saitou. Morning came again, Saitou sat smoking a cigarette in front of the house. Saitou had no intention of going anywhere for a few days. He will wait for them. Those killers. Of course to him, they have to pay first. Then next will be those people on the list. The first will be his personal vengeance. The next for the safety of Japan and again for vengeance. "Up until now, even in the Meiji government, there are still too many dogs." His thoughts were interrupted when Toki came out from the outhouse.
Saitou eyed her garment. A purple kimono embroidered with pink lilies. She had nice taste he thought, that purple kimono matches her eyes. It even accentuates her light brown skin. Saitou kept eyeing her, noticing how graceful she walked, her posture never dragging, her movements, as smooth as silk.
"Ohayo Hajime-san..", Toki greeted him.
Saitou looked away. There was no need to respond to her. Why was he observing her anyway? Annoyed at himself again, he reached for a cigarette in his breast pocket.
"Would you like something for breakfast?", Toki prodded hoping he would accept the offer.
Saitou let out a sigh, every morning this was the same question he encountered. Doesn't she get it yet? He does not want anything from her. Not anything to do with her. The only reason he kept her around was for his plan. "Go eat if you must." was his curt reply.
Toki determined that things cannot go on the way it's been for the past two days, made another attempt. "I can make some sushi for you or would you like Inagi?", she managed a small smile.
"Ahou!" Saitou threw his cigarette to the ground. "If my reply wasn't clear enough, let me spell it out for you, I don't want anything." He stood up and took his Katana and started his daily routine.
Toki gave Saitou more space. She knew he needed this, but it has been several days. She wanted to console Saitou, but there was no way to reach him. He was always either aloof or indifferent. Indifferent to her existence. "That's even worse.", she thought to herself. If only Saitou was not reserved. She wanted him to be angry, it didn't matter if he was angry at her. She needed to see something stirring in him. She needed him to mock her. To grin. To show he was still feeling something...
"I can't stand this...", Toki muttered her grip tigthening on the plates. Her eyes were starting to water. It was her fault that he hated her. "Tokio- san...help me... Onegai..."
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It was mid-day, Saitou had just finished his routine, when he noticed a young man approaching. "What the?" Saitou muttered to himself. "Really this everyday just gets worse and worse."
"Hoi Saitou!", the young man said.
"You know you have no business here.", Saitou said dryly.
"I'm not here for you." replied the young man and jerked his head over Toki's direction.
"Hmph! Toki, Sanosuke is here for you." Saitou said not moving.
"Sanosuke-kun! How are you doing?" greeted the young lady forcing a smile.
Sano flinched... "Now she's adding kun... Dame... My chances are getting slim." he thought.
Sano glanced at Saitou. It was obvious he wanted to be alone with Toki, but Saitou showed not signs of leaving.
Heaving a sigh Sanosuke replied, "I'm fine Toki." Again he stared at Saitou. Saitou's reply to Sano was a blow of white smoke directed to his face.
"I'm going to need to punch this Yarou's lights out again... Soon!", Sanosuke thought. He forced a smile at Toki.
"I'm fine. I'm more concerned about you though." Sano replied, immediately noting Toki's puffy eyes. "Damn you Saitou... What did you do?", he thought to himself again.
"Dai jo bu. I'm fine here." Toki said.
"Well you don't look fine!" Sano replied back angrily.
Saitou eyed Sano vehemently. It was apparent that the two will start fighting again if Toki did not do anything. To Saitou's surprise, Toki took Sano by the hand and guided him inside the house.
Saitou was getting annoyed again. Stupid Sano just had to show up right? Just when I was getting some sort of peace. That Ahou! He decided to follow them.
"Hoi Saitou! Can't we have some privacy here?" Sano twitched....
"Your forgetting this is my house.", Saitou smirked.
Toki noticed this. Somehow she felt relieved. She saw that if there was anyone who could bring back Hajime-san, it would be partly Sanosuke. She was so thankful.
"Here I had some leftover soba that Hajime-san didn't want." handing Sano the hot bowl.
"Shimatta! I'm eating leftovers now... And she's calling him (Saitou) Hajime-san??!! While I'm Sano-KUN?"
"Ahou!", Saitou for a moment forgot his annoyance and was slightly amused... "Heh... The Ahou thought he had a chance with Toki. You're not her taste Sano, she's too refined for that." Saitou stopped. What did he thought just now? When did he have time to think about HOW Toki is. Kuso! I must be tired, Saitou thought. With this he decided to sit at the corner and watch.
The day went into evening. Sanosuke was eagerly conversing with Toki. He was actually asking her out if she'd like to go again to the Akabeko. But Toki was only half-listening. Her mind occupied by the upright sleeping man in the futon.
"Shhh Sano... Saitou is sleeping." she smiled pointing to Saitou.
It was like an insect bite.... Sano's face started twitching just like Kaoru's... Ever since he met her.
"Here Sanosuke-kun. I've made some rice cakes for you. I hope you enjoy it." Toki said lovingly as she tried to usher Sano out of the house.
"Ojo-chan? I'll see you again.. Ja ne.." Sano left. "Well at least I've got some rice cakes.. I'm sure they taste good." He smiled again... "She sure is pretty.. I'll be back for her FOR SURE."
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Toki carefully shifted Saitou to a sleeping position. She took a blanket from her room and covered him with it. He really should stop sleeping like that, recalling the times she saw Saitou sleep by the door upright. Come to think of it, he never slept for more than a few hours. "I guess he's just burned out by now." As she looked at Saitou's face, again she was left dumbfounded, he looked so handsome while he sleeps she thought.
END OF CHAPTER VIII
Preview of CHAPTER IX - A break in. A kiss between two men.
Imalefty: Thanks again... Guess I'll be having internet access after all. So yeah I'll continue writing. Oh about Sano beating up Saitou like that, well, I thought it would be fun if Sanosuke won once in a while. But seriously though, I guess I wanted to show that Saitou really is (and is still) not himself. Don't worry he'll recover soon.