A/N: Okay, those of you who know me are well aware of my penchant for writing romance stories, whether it be comedy, drama, or action. I needed a break from writing my romantic novel, so I thought I'd try writing romantic fanfiction.
As much as I think Kenshin/Kaoru are a perfect match, Sano/Megumi got the sparks, I decided to try something a little more challenging: Saitou/Tokio! They're slowly becoming one of my favorite couples, but I told myself that I wouldn't write until I've gotten some basic background on the Tokugawa period, Meiji period, Shinsengumi, and Saitou Hajime. =P
This story is actually pretty 'normal'; there won't be much of Saitou skewering people in this fic. (Not to say that he won't be showing his confident, cunning side...) I've taken a lot of the historical information that I found about Saitou and kinda merged some facts and some fiction together. Hope you readers enjoy!
He casually watched a trail of smoke drift into the air. The sound of footsteps walking from room to room filtered to his ears as he inhaled briefly before blowing out a long stream of smoke. Firewood crackled from the backyard. She had been awake an hour or so before him, preparing breakfast.
Saitou Hajime glanced in the direction of his home, briefly wondering if he'd ever adjust to the idea of being married. Hm.
Not that he had any complaints. He really had not done much, everything had been arranged by the daimyo of Aizu. The man had given his lands to the emperor, yet he retained his nobility. Which meant he had plenty of connections. Saitou could hardly protest when the daimyo had served as the go-between. The daughter of a government official married to a former Shinsengumi captain. Of course, it made complete sense. The idea was that the two families were to keep their assets together. Saitou knew that love marriages were very common, but those types of marriages usually were between farmers and merchants.
Love. He smiled slightly. He had seen the foolish things people would do while in love. When he started working as a policeman for the government not too long ago, how often had he been called to assist the inspector because of two young, reckless people who could not be together because their parents forbade it?
It wasn't as if he believed love should be absent from marriage. What people wanted to do with their lives were their options. He glanced in the direction of the house. His marriage was based on two people who shared similar backgrounds and were civil to each other. Love wasn't part of the equation. He knew that, she knew that.
When the daimyo first brought Takagi Tokio to his attention, he had given Saitou a packet of her personal information and family history. Everything from how much wealth her family posessed, to her favorite color was listed. A small photograph of her dressed in a kimono, her hair pinned up and away from her face, was also included with the information. The daimyo had spent well over an hour going over the material with him until Saitou finally agreed to meet her. He had left the Shinsengumi several years before, and with his new job as a policeman, what better way to move on than with a wife. The daimyo and his family had been supporters of the Shinsengumi for years until they were destroyed during the early years of the Meiji Era, and the last of the Tokugawa.
He smiled briefly, remembering his first meeting with Tokio. After Saitou agreed to meet with her, he provided all of his information for the daimyo to give to her. It had taken Tokio three weeks to decide to meet with him. When they did, the daimyo had made the formal introductions at his home, joined in light conversation before letting them become acquainted. Tokio had been polite, ladylike, with quiet elegance and grace. Due to his experiences as a swordsman, he had developed a great sense of intuition. Which told him that the marriage would be beneficial. After their initial meeting, Saitou had given it a few days before telling the daimyo that he would agree to marry her if she agreed as well. It had taken her five days after to agree. Saitou assumed that she was meeting with other potential suitors as well. With her family background, she had much to offer others.
Now some might protest at such a way marriages were formed. But compatibility and feelings were not a priority. The Westerners viewed marriage differently. And perhaps their values would slowly trickle into Japan. But not anytime soon.
***
Inside the house, Tokio glanced outside the window to see her husband smoke a cigarette in the yard. They had only been married for a month, but she was already starting to pick up the idiosyncrasies in his behavior and his habits.
Sighing, she smoothed back a strand of hair that had fallen loose. All her life, she had been the perfect daughter. Tokio was practical by nature, sensible, and patient...much to the delight of her parents who shuddered at the headstrong young women their acquaintances raised. And yet...she knew that a part of her had so much spirit that she longed to free herself of her own restrictions. Which was why she agreed to marry Saitou Hajime. She knew that he would not be around often to scrutinize her every move...and she didn't have to worry about 'appearances' because he was a policeman. Politicians had to worry about their families putting on masks...policemen didn't. She had asked him during their initial meeting if he intended to enter politics, to which he answered no. Although he had respect for politicians, he felt that corruption was better dealt with at the ground level.
A quick glance at the boiling pot told her that soup was ready. Turning away, she began placing servings of soup, rice and fish on their plates. Tokio did the task mindlessly, as if her eyes were closed yet she was aware of her actions. She filled her bowl of soup when the door to the dining area opened.
The sound was so abrupt in the silence it startled her, causing her to spill the soup and burn her skin. Always a lady, she blew out a breath of irritation.
"Are you all right?" his baritone voice filled the room.
Tokio picked up a towel and began to wipe up the mess. She responded quietly, "Yes. It was just a simple spill."
"Clean it up later," he responded, noticing how she held up her left hand. Already the skin was starting to turn red in response to the sudden change in temperature.
Tokio looked up to find him gone. He wasn't angry, was he? A delicate crease formed between her brows. He showed up with a bucket of water and a clean cloth. She watched as he dropped the cloth in the water, his lean fingers wringing out the moisture before passing the cloth to her.
"Thank you," she murmured, her fingers brushing against his lightly. The small action caused warmth to shoot up her arm, a contradiction to the coolness of his fingertips.
When he mopped up the spill and placed that cloth in the laundry, he joined her at the table. Tokio had her left hand propped in her lap with the cloth on top of it.
Saitou glanced at her hand, amusement in his golden eyes. "You look tense..."
Her eyes widened before her lips turned up in a brief smile. "I suppose so. You're meal is getting cold."
Ignoring her comment, he reached over to remove the cloth, examining her forearm. She swallowed, unfamiliar with the sensation of his touch on her skin. He had only touched her arm, which was bare thanks to her rolled-up sleeve, but it was a unique feeling. Today was the most physical contact she had with him in a long time. Surprisingly, after their wedding ceremony, he had given her the option of having a wedding night or not. The experience was pleasant, but it hadn't been spectacular. She didn't know what to expect. And ever since then, he treated her with politeness and civilty.
"Hajime-san," Tokio spoke up as she gently pulled her hand away. "Will you be working late today?"
"Depends on how busy I'll be," he answered before eating.
"I see..." Tokio gave him a smile. "Then I hope everything goes well for you today, regardless of how occupied you will be."
"Thank you..."
They ate in silence for a while longer. Before she could blink, Saitou rose to his feet.
"Thank you for breakfast. I'll see you later tonight," he spoke up as he picked up his cap.
He was already out the door when she realized that he had dropped his gloves on the way out. She snatched them up and dusted them off, hurrying to the door.
"Hajime-san!" she called out, holding them out. "Your gloves."
He turned back to retrieve them, his fingers brushing over hers, causing that warmth to spread through her again. "Thank you..."
"You're welcome," she responded.
Leaning against the doorway, she watched him until he disappeared from sight.
Add'l note: By the way...anybody know how old Saitou Hajime (the RK character) is? I've seen anywhere from 30-35...Thanks, appreciate the info!
As much as I think Kenshin/Kaoru are a perfect match, Sano/Megumi got the sparks, I decided to try something a little more challenging: Saitou/Tokio! They're slowly becoming one of my favorite couples, but I told myself that I wouldn't write until I've gotten some basic background on the Tokugawa period, Meiji period, Shinsengumi, and Saitou Hajime. =P
This story is actually pretty 'normal'; there won't be much of Saitou skewering people in this fic. (Not to say that he won't be showing his confident, cunning side...) I've taken a lot of the historical information that I found about Saitou and kinda merged some facts and some fiction together. Hope you readers enjoy!
He casually watched a trail of smoke drift into the air. The sound of footsteps walking from room to room filtered to his ears as he inhaled briefly before blowing out a long stream of smoke. Firewood crackled from the backyard. She had been awake an hour or so before him, preparing breakfast.
Saitou Hajime glanced in the direction of his home, briefly wondering if he'd ever adjust to the idea of being married. Hm.
Not that he had any complaints. He really had not done much, everything had been arranged by the daimyo of Aizu. The man had given his lands to the emperor, yet he retained his nobility. Which meant he had plenty of connections. Saitou could hardly protest when the daimyo had served as the go-between. The daughter of a government official married to a former Shinsengumi captain. Of course, it made complete sense. The idea was that the two families were to keep their assets together. Saitou knew that love marriages were very common, but those types of marriages usually were between farmers and merchants.
Love. He smiled slightly. He had seen the foolish things people would do while in love. When he started working as a policeman for the government not too long ago, how often had he been called to assist the inspector because of two young, reckless people who could not be together because their parents forbade it?
It wasn't as if he believed love should be absent from marriage. What people wanted to do with their lives were their options. He glanced in the direction of the house. His marriage was based on two people who shared similar backgrounds and were civil to each other. Love wasn't part of the equation. He knew that, she knew that.
When the daimyo first brought Takagi Tokio to his attention, he had given Saitou a packet of her personal information and family history. Everything from how much wealth her family posessed, to her favorite color was listed. A small photograph of her dressed in a kimono, her hair pinned up and away from her face, was also included with the information. The daimyo had spent well over an hour going over the material with him until Saitou finally agreed to meet her. He had left the Shinsengumi several years before, and with his new job as a policeman, what better way to move on than with a wife. The daimyo and his family had been supporters of the Shinsengumi for years until they were destroyed during the early years of the Meiji Era, and the last of the Tokugawa.
He smiled briefly, remembering his first meeting with Tokio. After Saitou agreed to meet with her, he provided all of his information for the daimyo to give to her. It had taken Tokio three weeks to decide to meet with him. When they did, the daimyo had made the formal introductions at his home, joined in light conversation before letting them become acquainted. Tokio had been polite, ladylike, with quiet elegance and grace. Due to his experiences as a swordsman, he had developed a great sense of intuition. Which told him that the marriage would be beneficial. After their initial meeting, Saitou had given it a few days before telling the daimyo that he would agree to marry her if she agreed as well. It had taken her five days after to agree. Saitou assumed that she was meeting with other potential suitors as well. With her family background, she had much to offer others.
Now some might protest at such a way marriages were formed. But compatibility and feelings were not a priority. The Westerners viewed marriage differently. And perhaps their values would slowly trickle into Japan. But not anytime soon.
***
Inside the house, Tokio glanced outside the window to see her husband smoke a cigarette in the yard. They had only been married for a month, but she was already starting to pick up the idiosyncrasies in his behavior and his habits.
Sighing, she smoothed back a strand of hair that had fallen loose. All her life, she had been the perfect daughter. Tokio was practical by nature, sensible, and patient...much to the delight of her parents who shuddered at the headstrong young women their acquaintances raised. And yet...she knew that a part of her had so much spirit that she longed to free herself of her own restrictions. Which was why she agreed to marry Saitou Hajime. She knew that he would not be around often to scrutinize her every move...and she didn't have to worry about 'appearances' because he was a policeman. Politicians had to worry about their families putting on masks...policemen didn't. She had asked him during their initial meeting if he intended to enter politics, to which he answered no. Although he had respect for politicians, he felt that corruption was better dealt with at the ground level.
A quick glance at the boiling pot told her that soup was ready. Turning away, she began placing servings of soup, rice and fish on their plates. Tokio did the task mindlessly, as if her eyes were closed yet she was aware of her actions. She filled her bowl of soup when the door to the dining area opened.
The sound was so abrupt in the silence it startled her, causing her to spill the soup and burn her skin. Always a lady, she blew out a breath of irritation.
"Are you all right?" his baritone voice filled the room.
Tokio picked up a towel and began to wipe up the mess. She responded quietly, "Yes. It was just a simple spill."
"Clean it up later," he responded, noticing how she held up her left hand. Already the skin was starting to turn red in response to the sudden change in temperature.
Tokio looked up to find him gone. He wasn't angry, was he? A delicate crease formed between her brows. He showed up with a bucket of water and a clean cloth. She watched as he dropped the cloth in the water, his lean fingers wringing out the moisture before passing the cloth to her.
"Thank you," she murmured, her fingers brushing against his lightly. The small action caused warmth to shoot up her arm, a contradiction to the coolness of his fingertips.
When he mopped up the spill and placed that cloth in the laundry, he joined her at the table. Tokio had her left hand propped in her lap with the cloth on top of it.
Saitou glanced at her hand, amusement in his golden eyes. "You look tense..."
Her eyes widened before her lips turned up in a brief smile. "I suppose so. You're meal is getting cold."
Ignoring her comment, he reached over to remove the cloth, examining her forearm. She swallowed, unfamiliar with the sensation of his touch on her skin. He had only touched her arm, which was bare thanks to her rolled-up sleeve, but it was a unique feeling. Today was the most physical contact she had with him in a long time. Surprisingly, after their wedding ceremony, he had given her the option of having a wedding night or not. The experience was pleasant, but it hadn't been spectacular. She didn't know what to expect. And ever since then, he treated her with politeness and civilty.
"Hajime-san," Tokio spoke up as she gently pulled her hand away. "Will you be working late today?"
"Depends on how busy I'll be," he answered before eating.
"I see..." Tokio gave him a smile. "Then I hope everything goes well for you today, regardless of how occupied you will be."
"Thank you..."
They ate in silence for a while longer. Before she could blink, Saitou rose to his feet.
"Thank you for breakfast. I'll see you later tonight," he spoke up as he picked up his cap.
He was already out the door when she realized that he had dropped his gloves on the way out. She snatched them up and dusted them off, hurrying to the door.
"Hajime-san!" she called out, holding them out. "Your gloves."
He turned back to retrieve them, his fingers brushing over hers, causing that warmth to spread through her again. "Thank you..."
"You're welcome," she responded.
Leaning against the doorway, she watched him until he disappeared from sight.
Add'l note: By the way...anybody know how old Saitou Hajime (the RK character) is? I've seen anywhere from 30-35...Thanks, appreciate the info!